 Collector Curtis Runyan owns a precious art object called "The Spanish Cross," which he refuses to sell to art dealer Felix Karr. The cross goes missing and may have been taken by Jimmy Morrow, on probation for grand theft auto, who works as a gardener for the Runyans. Wheelchair bound Grace Runyan and her husband are estranged, and she has taken a motherly interest in Jimmy. Felix Karr calls on Perry Mason to defend Jimmy, who has disappeared. Runyan is shot, and Jimmy is seen holding a gun.