When mobster Stefan 'Big Steve' Jahnchek escapes from custody during a Congressional hearing, he heads straight to Los Angeles and commercial fisherman John Gregory. He wants false papers, transportation to Mexico, and money from Gregory. Before going into prison nearly 20 years before, Big Steve had entrusted his newborn daughter Helen and a large sum of money to his brother Gregory for safekeeping. Now he wants both of them back as the daughter must sign for the money which is his real interest. Gregory had adopted the daughter as Jahnchek has never seen her plus she is now engaged to a senator. Gregory also finds himself being blackmailed by Franz Moray, a retired Swiss bank official. Gregory has bad news for Big Steve about his daughter and his own money is in escrow pending the completion of a business deal. When Moray is found dead, Gregory is charged with murder and Perry Mason defends him.
—garykmcd