In this second book in the Backlash series, Jacqueline James, CEO of Axiom Oil Incorporated, waits expectantly for Congress to repeal the $2.00-per-gallon gasoline tax that has crippled the industry. The repeal is soon passed, but before it can be fully implemented a Federal judge issues an injunction keeping the tax in place. This forces Jackie to close three large refining installations and lay off several hundred people to keep the company solvent. One of the laid-off employees, after experiencing personal tragedy on top of losing his job, administers vigilante justice, killing the judge in a gasoline-fueled explosion.
Meanwhile, another oil company proposes a merger with Jackie’s company, but she is betrayed when someone close to her reveals the plan prematurely and the other company eventually fails partially as a result of the revelation. The betrayal is as much personal as professional.
The FBI continues investigating both the attack on Axiom’s facilities (in the first book) and the murder of the Federal judge, but discover that the plaintiff who petitioned for the injunction has been murdered also, adding a layer to the conspiracy. Jackie decides she must take action so, after being told who is behind the conspiracy to take down the company, she confronts him, only to be pursued by his security and is saved in the nick of time by the very person who betrayed her. After numerous court appearances and hearings, Axiom ultimately appeals the injunction to the Supreme Court as the only way to break the impasse caused by the gas tax.