A small Alabama town in the mid-50's. A lazy summer afternoon. No concerns for Fannie Lea besides her dreadful name. No concerns, that is, until she and her brother trespass on Boyd's property. Then, it's a grip around the waist, a knife to her throat and Boyd's breath. Soon the young preacher's daughter discovers secrets regarding other Sugar Hill residents. She learns the mystery behind Boyd's locked upstairs room, and eventually she places herself in danger to save a soul more helpless than herself.