In a quiet St. Louis suburb, naturalized Italian Johnny Polo is found dead from an apparent overdose of his heart medication. Sergeant Jenkins soon uncovers evidence of murder linked to local political and economic power struggles. With his chief refusing the case, Jenkins works solo, interviewing former employer Donna Loyd and enlisting Sheriff McElliott’s help. Through patient detective work and dubious witnesses, he ultimately unmasks Polo’s killer and the motives behind the crime.