When the Jarrett Creek Fire Department is called to douse a blaze on the
outskirts of town, they discover a grisly scene: five black young people
have been murdered. Newly elected Chief of Police Samuel Craddock, just
back from a stint in the Air Force, finds himself an outsider in the
investigation headed by the Texas Highway Patrol. He takes an immediate
dislike to John Sutherland, a racist trooper Craddock's fears are
realized when Sutherland arrests Truly Bennett, a young black man whom
Craddock knows and respects. Sutherland cites dubious evidence that
points to Bennett, and Craddock uncovers facts leading in another
direction. When Sutherland refuses to relent, Craddock is faced with a
choice that will define him as a lawman--either let the highway patrol
have its way, or take on a separate investigation himself. Although his
choice to investigate puts both Craddock and his family in danger, he
perseveres. In the process, he learns something about himself and the
limits of law enforcement in Jarrett Creek.