The Wyoming town of Colton has a problem. It's run by a notoriously corrupt entrepreneur named Oaklin, through his Mayoral cat's-paw Ben Trask.Trask's only challenger in an upcoming election, pledging to clean up Colton, is "accidentally" killed before Paladin can arrive and give him some requested assistance (paid for in advance). And Paladin, as we know, ALWAYS fulfils a contract.
The only man left capable of mounting a campaign against Trask, Clay Morrow, is much too afraid of Oaklin to tender his name. Paladin turns to the newly-widowed and deeply embittered Lucy Kellaway, persuading her to run for Mayor in her late husband's place. Her candidacy looks hopeless and her cause lost, but Paladin won't let her withdraw. He now has a score to settle with both Trask and his Boss, and some suspicions in need of confirmation. Most importantly, Paladin has a (perfectly legal) way to ensure Lucy wins.
There's some literally "explosive" action here, with Paladin once again getting seriously roughed up by guys who won't fight fair. And There's a bit of a twist just when everything seems finally settled, but then, that's just normal in "Politics"! .