Harrison Grenville Raines was born and raised on a Virginia plantation, but he does not share his family's sentiments on slavery - or war. Now, making his home in Washington City, Harrison earns his living as a gambler, horse trader, and investor - and avoids the politics that are dividing a nation." "British actress Caitlin Howard asks Harrison to escort her to the Manassas battlefield to witness the first clash between the Blue and the Gray, which ends in a Confederate victory... A Northern major, thought to have been killed fleeing the Rebels in cowardice, was in fact murdered - and Harrison was one of the last people to see him alive. To satisfy the major's widow, Harrison is pressed into service to solve the crime and clear the officer's name. And crossing the battle lines between North and South to gather clues will place Harrison's own life in jeopardy as he tries to catch a murderer while war rages around him...