The narrative follows a private investigator who becomes embroiled in a complex web of crime, deceit, and murder in a city rife with corruption. The protagonist, after testifying before a Grand Jury about a murder, is drawn into a case involving a prominent gambler, Lou Harger, and a mysterious woman named Miss Glenn. Harger seeks to win big at a rigged roulette game, believing he can outsmart the system. However, he is ultimately murdered, and the protagonist finds himself implicated in the crime. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Harger was killed to silence him, as he had knowledge of the rigged game and was a potential witness against a powerful political figure, Manny Tinnen. The protagonist navigates through a series of dangerous encounters, including a confrontation with the enigmatic crime boss, Frank Dorr, who orchestrates much of the corruption in the city. Miss Glenn, who initially appears to be a victim, is revealed to have her own agenda. She and Harger had planned to escape with a large sum of money, but their plans are thwarted by Dorr's machinations. The protagonist learns that Dorr had set up Harger to be killed, framing him as a pawn in a larger game of power and control. The investigation leads to a violent climax where the protagonist confronts Dorr and his henchmen. In a tense showdown, Dorr is shot, and the protagonist narrowly escapes the chaos. The story concludes with the protagonist reflecting on the futility of the events, the loss of Harger, and the elusive nature of justice in a corrupt system. The money that was central to the conflict ultimately ends up in the hands of the authorities, leaving the protagonist with a small fee for his troubles and a lingering sense of disillusionment.
By Raymond Chandler · First published 1944 · Genre: Noir, Crime Fiction, Mystery · 11 chapters