Millhone’s investigation intensifies as she scrutinizes the lives of those connected to the late Laurence Fife. Her quest leads her first to Montebello Pharmacy, where she learns from pharmacist Carroll Sims that HistaDril, Laurence’s medication, had been taken off the market due to potential carcinogenic side effects. This discovery raises questions about the medication as a possible murder weapon. Millhone then shifts gears to stake out Marcia Threadgill, gathering photographic evidence that contradicts Marcia’s claim of being injured, which she hopes to use against her later.

Charlie Scorsoni, Laurence Fife’s former business partner and a person of interest, unexpectedly enters the scene. Charlie reveals that he had known about Laurence’s affair with Libby Glass but chose not to share this information during the initial investigation. Millhone learns that Laurence had a series of discreet affairs, mostly with older, wealthy women, and that he was a man who held his cards close to his chest, a trait that made him successful in his professional life.

In a tense atmosphere veiled with cordiality, Millhone meets Laurence’s first wife, Gwen, and his former mistress, Charlotte Mercer. Gwen, revealing vulnerability beneath her composed exterior, offers insight into her past struggles with alcohol, divorce, and an extramarital affair.