Candace Sloan, a young African-American woman lawyer, makes a claim against the estate of Horace Sloan Sr. At probate three decades earlier, the executor, Horace Jr., cheated Candace's family out of their promised heritage. The white heirs balk at reopening the will, although Horace Jr. is in favor of awarding the full amount. In a struggle with his son Lamar, Horace Jr. dies unintentionally. Lamar stages a break-in to cover his father's death and the theft of the will. In the investigation the heirs blame Candace for the break-in.