A Force To Be Reckoned With, is the second book in the Tom Padgett Mystery Series. It begins where Delayed Reckoning left off. Tom Padgett has had his share of setbacks over the past several months, and he now finds himself without a home and forced to share a house with his new best friend, Nick. Bella is not happy with the new arrangements. Tom continues struggling in the dating department, but slowly he is making progress. Bill Wilson the sheriff of Nicholas County, is dead set on getting Padgett, it doesn't matter if it's legally or illegally. Wilson is the law in this part of Kentucky. New leads all point to Padgett, at least in Wilson's mind they do. Wilson still can't seem to keep his drinking under control, although at times he feels he nearly has alcoholism licked. How much can Padgett take, from Wilson? Will there ever be anything else for Wilson to focus on? Which one of the men is going to come out on top? Will it be Wilson or Padgett?

Tom Padgett is finished with law enforcement. He lost his job, lost his wife and most other possessions. Tom left the city and moved to a remote trailer in Nicholas County, Kentucky. Now, he and his dog Bella, a Golden/Labrador mix will live the simple life. Sheriff Wilson doesn't like the newest resident to his county. He has his sights on Tom Padgett. His instincts tell him not to trust the man. Wilson is extremely confident and always trusts his gut feelings. He knows Padgett isn't an angel. He's going to prove it. Since Padgett arrived in Nicholas County, crime has skyrocketed. More and more things continue to happen in the rural area where Padgett lives. Tom doesn't appear to be connected to any of the crimes, but strangely, many of the crime scenes are familiar to him. Tom keeps this to himself. He doesn't need to give the Sheriff any additional ammunition. Wilson can't shake the thought that Padgett is some sort of vigilante. He openly suggests that Padgett is involved in many of the recent crimes. Tom can see the writing on the wall. Retirement isn't going to be easy, especially with Bill Wilson's interference. Will Wilson's pressure on Padgett finally pay off or will Padgett's inner conflicts expose him? Could this be grounds for delayed reckoning?