Death of Donald Pater

The tranquil atmosphere of the Caribbean is disrupted by the shocking death of Donald Pater, a wealthy resort hotel owner. His sudden demise sends shockwaves through the community, raising questions and setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

Blame on Maubee

In the aftermath of Pater's death, attention turns to Maubee, a small-time criminal and close friend of chief of police Xavier Quinn. Despite being trusted by Quinn, skepticism runs high as the police chief grapples with both the investigation and personal issues in his life.

Discovering the $10,000 Bill

While investigating, Quinn learns from a crucial witness that Maubee had in his possession a rare and valuable $10,000 bill. This discovery intensifies Quinn's determination to uncover the truth behind Pater's death and Maubee's possible involvement.

Consulting Ubu Pearl

Quinn seeks out Ubu Pearl, the island's respected witch and connected to Maubee through his girlfriend Isola. He hopes Ubu can provide insight into the case, as local mystical knowledge may hold the key to understanding the turmoil surrounding Pater's death.

Miller's Revelation

Fred Miller, an American claiming to represent Pater's company, reveals a grisly detail about the murder: Pater was discovered decapitated, a victim of a snake bite before his head was severed. This shocking news propels Quinn to push for an autopsy against orders.

Arrest of Jose Patina

During the investigation, the arrest of Jose Patina, who appears to be a tourist, raises suspicions about his true motives. As an undercover figure probing for information about Maubee, his release on bail foreshadows a tragic outcome in the unfolding drama.

Ubu Pearl's House Fire

Miller confronts Ubu Pearl for information about Maubee, but she refuses to cooperate. In retaliation, tragedy strikes when her home is set ablaze, leaving her trapped inside, adding urgency to Quinn's investigation and intensifying the plot's danger.

Disclosing Pater's Secret

As Quinn delves deeper, he uncovers Pater's clandestine connections to the President of the United States, involving a covert operation to fund anti-Communist movements in Latin America. This revelation escalates the stakes and intricacies of the investigation.

Isola's Revelation

Conversations reveal that Isola was once a maid at the hotel and became pregnant after an encounter with Pater. Ubu Pearl's request for financial help was rejected by Pater, leading to her orchestrating a revenge plot against him through Maubee.

Confrontation with Miller

In a tense finale, just as Maubee and Quinn enjoy their risky gain, Miller confronts them at gunpoint. Maubee's quick-thinking leads him to surrender the money, hoping to avoid violence and exit the situation with his life intact.

Tragic Chase

In a heart-wrenching turn, Maubee clings to the helicopter as Miller escapes with the money. When Miller opens fire, tragedy unfolds as Maubee loses his life, leaving Quinn devastated and powerless to alter the outcome of his friend's fate.

Quinn's Grief

Upon returning home, Quinn struggles with the loss of his friend and attempts to reconnect with his grieving wife. The emotional turmoil ignites as he reflects on the events that have transpired, driving him to reconcile with the pain of loss.

Footprints in the Sand

Walking on the beach with his son, Quinn has a poignant moment where he encounters a trail of footprints leading up from the ocean. The sight of a $10,000 bill left behind on a rock serves as a haunting reminder of the chaos and destruction that followed Pater's death.