Lawyer Stephanie Ann "Sam" McRae's stay in Ocean City for the annual Maryland bar association convention turns into a busman's holiday when her best friend Jamila is arrested for a murder she didn't commit. All signs point to a frame, but Jamila's local counsel must plea bargain, placing a permanent stain on the ambitious attorney's spotless record, unless Sam and the private investigator on the case find evidence to clear her.

Sam has her work cut out for her, since the victim is the stepson of a local wealthy entrepreneur and poultry producer and no one will talk to her, including their own investigator. Even Jamila appears to be withholding information. Meanwhile, Sam's running from mysterious pursuers and comes under police scrutiny when another murder takes place. With the clock ticking down to the convention and preliminary hearing, Sam must uncover secrets, lies, and fraud to find the real killer. At what cost will that knowledge come for Sam?