Ralph Loften Esquire, a semi-retired attorney tells us how he befriends a black teenage boy, Tatum Wilston, and hires him to care for Ralph's lawn and gardens. Over time, their friendship grows. Ralph's Daughter, Amy, and her husband, Luke, welcome Tatum into their circle as Tatum matures.

After the death of his wife, Lisa, Ralph resigned from his post as a partner in the local law firm and became somewhat reclusive. His life changes when a beautiful, much younger woman, Tina Lawrence, seduces him. As their relationship blossoms, they try to keep it a secret when Ralph seeks to be elected Circuit County Judge of Columbia County.

Ralph's relationships with Tina, Tatum, his family, friends, and campaign donors become tested when Tatum and his daughter, Amy, are suspects in the murder of his son-in-law and his mistress, Sharon. However, Ralph is compelled to defend Tatum despite Tatum's dubious alibi. Several other persons of interest emerge as the investigation develops, but Tatum remains the main suspect until the truth about him and Amy emerges.

When Tina doesn't show up for work and her abandoned car is found, Ralph assumes she was kidnapped. Ralph promises Chief of Police Bill Pauly that he will not try to interfere in the search for Tina; Ralph decides to go somewhere to pray. When Amy asked where he was going, Ralph replied, "Tatum's Alibi." Little did he know he would find himself and Tina in grave danger. How could anyone possibly find them and come to their rescue?