Lawyer Stephanie Ann "Sam" McRae's stay in Ocean City for the annual convention of the Maryland State Bar Association becomes a busman's holiday when her best friend Jamila is arrested for murder. All signs point to a frame-up, but Jamila's local counsel advises her to plea bargain. This would permanently stain the ambitious attorney's spotless record, unless Sam and a private investigator can find evidence to clear her. Sam's work is cut out for her, since the victim is the stepson of a local wealthy entrepreneur and poultry producer. No one will talk to her, including the lawyer's investigator. Even Jamila seems to be withholding information. Meanwhile, Sam is running from mysterious pursuers and comes under police scrutiny when another murder takes place. With the clock ticking down to the convention and Jamila's preliminary hearing, Sam must uncover secrets, lies, and fraud to find the real killer. Are the stakes too high for Sam?