The investigation of a car wreck reveals two dead men (one killed by a bullet) and a survivor - a petulant, uncooperative young girl.

Ex-con panics when his own loan shark gets killed at his gas station. He tosses his own gun onto a passing truck, doubting the police will buy his story. Idealistic young Det. Adam Flint believes he's chasing justice for a reformed businessman, but everyone one else in the bureau feels he's chasing a phantom.