New South Wales detective sergeant Bob 'Snake' Inkster almost immediately suspects highly respected ethnic Croation businessman Andrew Kalajzich of the murder of his wife, shot in bed with him while he just rolled out of bed unharmed. Professional criminal George Cannellis makes a deal to prove his admission to have been hired anonymously for the job, but fled rather then kill adolescent son Butch too. The hit was carried out, after more failed attempts, by clumsy amateurs Kerry Orrock and/or Bill Vandenberg. Snake suspects Andrew's motive is an affair with younger secretary Marlene Watson.