Xavier Quinn, the island's police chief, investigates the heinous murder of Donald Pater, one of the island's wealthiest citizens. He was discovered with his head severed in his Jacuzzi. While the local political class, particularly the corrupt Governor Chalk, maintains that small-time robber Maubee is responsible, Xavier has his doubts. The police chief's personal relationship with Maubee complicates this view: Since their youth, the two guys have been pals.