Now the Civil War was ending, and Anderson was at the Boca Chica in Texas. A confrontation makes an enemy of Corporal Jubal Thompson, who is a cowardly ruffian. They are destined to meet each other again, only this time Thompson is a rogue Sheriff carrying out his vow of vengeance against Free. Jubal and his cohorts frame Anderson for cattle theft, and Free is convicted of the trumped up charges, then thrown in jail to await hanging. Thompson hadn't counted on the young black woman, Clara, who was attracted to the prisoner, and brought him food. Then, along with Parks Scott, who is now a mustanger, Clara helps Free to escape. Jubal Thompson vows to re-capture Anderson and carry out his hanging sentence along with prosecution for anyone who helped him.

Kearby's research is evident in the accuracy of the historical detail in this exciting saga. Wild Bill Hickok, George Armstrong Custer, Charlie Goodnight and other real-life characters join the fictional Free Anderson and Parks Scott as they contribute their legends to western lore. Mike Kearby is a master at characterization and plotting and keeps the suspense sharp right up to the satisfying ending.

The Road to a Hanging is the first book in a trilogy that follows the last battle of the Civil War when ex-slaves realized that freedom was often an empty word, and a state that was hard to gain. Intended for a young adult audience, Kearby's saga of the winning of the west and the role that African-Americans played in that great adventure would be enjoyed by adults too.