Defense barrister William Travers risks his family's quiet country life when he undertakes the defense of an old friend accused of murder. He faces trouble at home when a policeman investigates a local killing.

Travers keeps looking for proof of Martin Newall's innocence and questions a chambermaid whose testimony could exonerate Newall. DI Wendborn finds out that his murder victim is Philip Spaull, an animal-rights activist accused in a manslaughter case a few years back. However, Spaull was acquitted thanks to his barrister, William Travers.