Story Structure — 3 Plot Phases

The family butler is murdered, and private investigator Steve Martin is hired by millionaire Wexler to solve the case and protect his household.

Butler Murdered — Family butler found dead Characters: The butler, Wexler Location: Wexler's estate
PI Hired — Martin hired to investigate Characters: Steve Martin, Wexler Location: Wexler's estate
PI Arrives — Martin meets the household Characters: Steve Martin, Helga Swenson, Gina, Paul, Vanberger, Rawlings, Anderson, Hans Kramer Location: Wexler's estate
Investigation Begins — Martin starts questioning suspects Characters: Steve Martin, Inspector Dickie Lean Location: Wexler's estate

Martin discovers an old war photograph that may hold the key to identifying potential victims in a methodical killing spree.

Photo Discovery — Old photo with mysterious men Characters: Steve Martin, The butler's effects Location: Butler's quarters
Photo Analysis — Identifying men in the photo Characters: Steve Martin, Inspector Dickie Lean Location: Study room
First Target Identified — Recognizing one of the men Characters: Steve Martin, Helga Swenson Location: Wexler's estate

With the body count rising, Martin races against time to identify the remaining targets before they become victims two through five.

First Target Identified — Recognizing one of the men Characters: Steve Martin, Helga Swenson Location: Wexler's estate
Protection Attempt — Martin tries to save the target Characters: Steve Martin, First target, Unknown Killer Location: Wexler's estate
Second Victim — Another person is killed Characters: Second victim, Unknown Killer Location: Wexler's estate
Race Against Time — Frantic search for other targets Characters: Steve Martin, Inspector Dickie Lean, Wexler Location: Wexler's estate
Third Target Found — Martin identifies another man Characters: Steve Martin, Third target Location: Wexler's estate
Killer Confrontation — Final confrontation Characters: Steve Martin, Unknown Killer Location: Wexler's estate
Case Solved — Martin solves the case Characters: Steve Martin, Inspector Dickie Lean, Wexler Location: Wexler's estate

Story Breakdown

The Murder — The family butler is found dead
- Initial Investigation — Steve Martin begins questioning suspects
- The Household — Martin meets Wexler's family and associates
The Discovery — An old war photograph is discovered
- Photo Analysis — Martin and Inspector Lean examine the photograph
- Identifying Targets — Recognizing men from the photo as potential victims
The Countdown — Race against time to prevent more murders
- First Target — Martin identifies and tries to protect the first target
- Second Victim — Another person is killed despite Martin's efforts
- Final Confrontation — Martin confronts the killer and solves the case