David Barringer is a defence barrister and is congratulating himself on a brilliant performance which has just seen Rick Spectre acquitted of murder. His ego is pricked by Margaret Spectre confessing to him that Spectre was guilty. The man himself boasts of it to Barringer a day or two later. Cue moral crisis and a vow never to defend anyone again unless he is sure of their innocence. Spectre himself then dies and Barringer believes he perjures himself in giving evidence at the inquest. He believes Margaret has killed her husband. Margaret is withdrawn and indifferent towards life, taking advantage of the things money can provide her, but not enjoying them. Barringer feels the stirring of an attraction. We then cross paths with Sir. Phillip Cross, who openly mocks David when he declares war on criminals...."I am not going to be content with a negative position as regards evildoers. I am going to set my heel on as many of the human vermin of this city as I can find." Cross it turns out is-Margaret Spectre's father. After crossing verbal swords (an argument of sorts), Cross prophesises that within a few yards of the bar they are in, later tonight a crime will be committed. As if by magic, a murder occurs and Barringer factoring in Cross's seedy reputation on some quarters.....he's murdered someone abroad, he holds lavish orgies at the walled mansion on the banks of the river.... gets it into his head that Cross is a criminal mastermind. Time: 1969 Place: London