Claire Ramey tries to help her ex-husband, Terry Witt, out of a jam. A decision that might cost her life. Witt borrowed a half million dollars from the mob and they want their money back. Before payment can be made, two hit men show up at Witt's place, torture and kill him, with Claire hiding in the bathroom. She escapes, but leaves behind her purse and drivers license. The hit men know where she lives. She can't go home. No money, no phone, no choice but to run. Greg Ramey comes home and finds his wife gone. He is arrested and grilled by the homicide detectives, who are certain that he, along with Claire, are responsible for Witt's murder. Robert Lippman never liked his son-in-law, but loves his daughter. The two team up to look for Claire. It is a cat and mouse game of hit men chasing Claire through the streets of San Francisco, while Ramey and Lippman do what they can to save her. Who will find Claire first?

Tony Chambers made the mistake of going home; a decision which cost him his life. Two days back in his home town and he ends up dead on the beach below the Super Saver Superette. Many of the residents of West Harbor had a problem with Chambers. From Louella, his ex-wife, whom he was going to kick out of her home; to Star, the hippie goatherder, with a past that Chambers would reveal unless paid not to; and Thomas Jones, the owner of the superette, who fought with Chambers on the day of his death. All had a reason to kill Chambers, but which one did the job? Rock Port Detective Ben Steele and Sergeant Kevin Walker go to West Harbor to search out the killer. Then Old Tom ends up bludgeoned, lying in a pool of blood in the old schoolhouse. Steele and Walker bring in the most likely suspects and grill them, but are stonewalled. The detectives must use ingenuity in capturing this killer before he, or she, can commit another murder.