Sam Larkin is an enigma. A former Merchant Marine and environmental officer in Louisiana, Larkin was unjustly sent to prison by Judge Thornton Hunnycut, who has eyes on the United States Senate. Released under mysterious circumstances after serving four years in Angola State Prison in Louisiana, Larkin moved to Covington, SC, to begin a new life painting and teaching school. His isolation is shattered when he discovers a conspiracy involving Covington's most respected townspeople. Karen Chaney comes to Covington as an undercover federal agent. Together Sam and Karen battle an entrenched society.