Admitted to the hospital's medical unit for overnight observation after experiencing minor cardiac irregularities, the patient suddenly and unexpectedly dies. The autopsy cannot determine the cause of death. During the hospital's death conference, the Director of the Department of Cardiology notes that blood taken at the autopsy showed an unexplained marked elevation in one of the blood electrolytes. This begins a search for the method, reason, and political considerations that lead to the patients murder. The plot weaves its way from the hospital wards, boardroom and executive offices, and hideaway and sex lair of the guilty parties, up to the Washington, D.C. office of the US Senator for New Jersey.