Escorting an incorrigible student downtown to be "scared straight" by a Federal judge, Ginger Barnes discovers her childhood babysitter, textile professor Charlie Finnemeyer, on trial for fraudulently aging an Oriental rug. After a second witness against the defendant dies a little too conveniently, the experienced amateur sleuth initiates a private investigation she hopes will prevent her elderly friend from spending his retirement years in prison. Alternate suspects include a TV craft show host; a college president; a trendy art dealer; and Charlie's suspiciously overprotective wife, whose skill at being in the wrong place at the wrong time isn't helping her husband's case one bit. As eager as Gin is to persuade the court that her beloved "Uncle Wunk" is innocent, she must first convince herself. Cameos by Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross.