Brad Schrader's world comes crashing down when his wife, Melissa, discovers the dead body of her boss, Chester Dorian, a murder victim, in a sleazy motel room. Since there is no reason for her being there, Brad is plagued by the idea that Melissa was having an affair with her boss.

Brad jumps at the chance to help the local sheriff investigate the case in order to learn more about Chester Dorian, and in turn, learn his own short comings for the reason his wife cheated on him.