In the early morning, Clay Robinette, a once-disgraced reporter turned tenured black professor, receives a call from Reggie Brogus, a well-known black militant who has transformed into a conservative professor after a seven-year exile. Reggie is in trouble; there's a dead body in his office, and he believes government agents are trying to frame him for his radical past. He seeks Clay's help, trusting his humor and calm demeanor. However, Clay recognizes the victim as Jennifer Wolfsheim, his former student and brief lover. Fearing his own implication in her death, Clay attempts to conceal his knowledge, driving Reggie out of town and returning to bed as if nothing happened. But when morning comes, his life unravels. Despite his efforts to stay out of the investigation, Clay finds himself drawn in, needing to uncover the killer before he becomes the prime suspect. Questions arise: Is Reggie guilty? Is the murder tied to the FBI and a past counterintelligence operation? Or is the true killer someone with a seemingly impeccable reputation but a hidden dark side? This narrative blends whodunit, conspiracy thriller, and social satire, delivering a fast-paced story rich with vibrant characters and thought-provoking themes on race and politics in America.
