Children of the Prophet

Gary Sterling has climbed the ladder to the rank of Lt. Commander. An Assistant Secretary of State leans on him to go under-cover to trap Russians involved in a drug smuggling ring.
Gary and his wife, Ingrid, move to Sedona, Arizona. Ingrid becomes a volunteer sheriff while Gary inserts himself into the drug ring.
The Sterlings are almost killed by a Sedona drug lord, and Gary is injured so badly the doctor feels it is almost impossible for him to live.