In 1940 a black farmer named Dan Brandley was shot to death on Main Street, Conroe, Texas in broad daylight. Although his white killer was well known to the local citizens, no one was ever brought to trial. Forty years later, his grandson Clarence discovers the raped and murdered body of a white teenage girl, and is about to learn that the only evidence of guilt that a corrupt and racist legal system needs is the color of his skin. Despite his obvious innocence and a complete lack of evidence against him, Clarence is condemned to death after years of trial and appeal. And with only days left until his execution, Clarence's lawyers have only once chance left - to break the silent conspirancy of hate and expose the killer's true identity.