Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Infiltration at the Summit
Steve Batchellor and Red Kelly arrive at the ski lodge under assumed identities to begin surveillance. They register with staff and start observing guests to identify potential targets within the resort environment.
Key Events
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Treasury Assignment — Steve receives official orders to track a tax evader. Location: Federal Office
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Journey to Resort — Agents travel to the ski lodge destination. Location: Mountain Highway
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Lodge Arrival — Agents check in under assumed identities. Location: Ski Lodge Entrance
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Initial Surveillance — Agents observe guests and gather preliminary intel. Location: Lodge Lounge
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Ski Lodge — Central hub where investigation and evasion converge. Location: Alta Ski Area
Uncovering the Ledger
Agents deepen their investigation by interacting with lodge guests and searching financial records. They successfully identify the tax evader and locate hidden documents that expose the full scope of the evasion scheme.
Key Events
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Initial Surveillance — Agents observe guests and gather preliminary intel. Location: Lodge Lounge
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Guest Interactions — Agents engage guests to uncover financial clues. Location: Lodge Hallway
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Suspect Identification — Target is spotted among the skiers, confirming identity. Location: Ski Slopes
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Financial Trail Search — Agents investigate financial records linked to evasion. Location: Lodge Office
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Tax Ledgers — Critical financial documents proving evasion. Location: Lodge Office
Storm on the Slopes
As confrontation preparations intensify, severe weather warnings trigger a massive avalanche. The pursuit turns into a desperate survival struggle as agents and the target navigate the collapsing mountain terrain.
Key Events
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Evader's Hideout — Target's secondary location and stash are discovered. Location: Remote Cabin
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Confrontation Prep — Agents coordinate final arrest strategy. Location: Lodge Basement
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Scheme Exposed — Full scope of tax evasion is uncovered. Location: Safe Room
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Storm Warning — Authorities alert lodge of incoming severe weather. Location: Watchtower
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Weather Reports — Official warnings that escalate environmental stakes. Location: Watchtower
Survival and Justice
Amidst the wreckage, the target is finally subdued and arrested. Agents coordinate rescue efforts, assess lodge damage, and conclude the investigation with a successful resolution back at federal headquarters.
Key Events
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Escape Attempt — Target attempts to flee before arrest. Location: Lodge Exit
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Avalanche Trigger — Massive snowslide engulfs the area during pursuit. Location: Mountain Slopes
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Survival Struggle — Agents and target navigate treacherous wreckage. Location: Avalanche Zone
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Rescue Coordination — Survivors signal for external assistance. Location: Lodge Entrance
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Evader Captured — Target is subdued amidst the snow debris. Location: Snowfield
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Aftermath Assessment — Agents evaluate structural damage and guest safety. Location: Lodge Ruins
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Case Closure — Investigation concludes with successful prosecution. Location: Federal Office
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Mountain Slopes — Dangerous terrain where pursuit and survival unfold. Location: Alta Ski Area
An ambitious and selfish lawyer confesses to the murder of his first wife. Some of the scenes were filmed in the last weeks of the war.