Clive Donig is on trial for the murder of Stanley Fulmer, a senior partner in a very shady firm of solicitors. The prosecution contend that he is a professional killer, hired by one of Fulmer's clients whom Fulmer has cheated.

Detective Sergeant Nick Atwell is a key witness for the prosecution, as well as being the officer in charge of the case. And, behind the scenes Nick's clever young wife, Clare, is doing a bit of enquiring of her own ...