 Jenny is devoted to Hilary; but her fiancé, Hilary's brother-in-law D. Vance Wimpole (a science fiction writer), wants money (to pay off blackmailers); and he's recently had unpleasant encounters with two other local science fiction authors, Matt Duncan and Joe Henderson.After two suspicious "accidents," Hilary suspects that his life is in danger, and asks for police help.Police Detective Inspector Terry Marshall arrives at the house just as a ticking "box of chocolates" is delivered.