 Martin Ellis, a former employee of Jonathan Hyett, is serving time for embezzlement, a charge he strongly denies. New evidence curiously emerges that may cast doubt on Ellis  conviction, so his wife Caroline consults Perry Mason about the case. Meanwhile, there is tension within the firm because of the way Hyett s son-in-law, Richard Brewster, treats his alcoholic wife Valerie. Through Perry s efforts Ellis is released just hours before Brewster is found by Hyett shot to death. Ellis is quickly re-arrested and charged with murder. Perry must deal with California and Nevada laws in defending his client.