A young slave girl risks everything to gather intelligence for her community.

In the oppressive atmosphere of late 1860, Ella May, a slave girl, works a second job with her friends Bobby and Sue: eavesdropping on her master's household. Their goal is to glean information that could aid their enslaved community. They must navigate the dangers of discovery, where any misstep could lead to severe punishment, while piecing together fragments of conversation to form a coherent picture of their enslavers' plans and the world outside their limited existence.

The premise sets up a narrative focused on the resilience and resourcefulness of enslaved individuals in the face of extreme adversity. The focus on eavesdropping suggests a plot driven by suspense and the strategic use of information. The historical setting implies an exploration of the social and political climate leading up to the Civil War, viewed through the eyes of those most directly affected by slavery. The story likely examines themes of courage, community, and the pursuit of freedom against overwhelming odds.