In The Shortage, Ranger Bill is thrust into a tense situation when he receives a late-night call from Janet Patterson, who is frantic over the disappearance of her husband, John. As the head of the Forest Service Accounting and Purchasing Office, John has always been a diligent worker, but recent changes in his behavior raise alarms. Janet describes how John has been unusually irritable and withdrawn, leading to a troubling family dynamic. Bill, knowing John’s good character, is determined to find him and understand what has gone wrong.