Twenty years before the American Civil War, a young woman begins a journey as the new teacher in town. Soon, she's in the middle of a dark mystery - should she reveal the Beale Cipher? What would the consequences be if she does - and who can she trust?

Now that Shadow Ridge Farm is part of the Underground Railroad will the Bohannons be able to keep their efforts secret? Charlotte and Anson have noble plans for the Beale gold and with Cyrus MacRae finally captured they hope that they can help rescue more slaves without further interference. But with the army being stationed in Rustburg how long will it be before they're labeled as abolitionists? Can they avoid being found out? And who is the Traitor?

Anson Bohannon has been taken by a man set to find the legendary Beale Gold. Long kept hidden, the gold is a means to an end. Will Charlotte Bohannon find her husband and protect her loved ones from further tragedy? Will her help with the Underground Railroad be exposed? Tensions between abolitionists and slave owners continue to grow throughout the country, will the residents of Shadow Ridge Farm avoid being touched by the politics of either side?