Freelance editor/writer Colin Gunderson is summoned to the family home in Pasadena by his uncle and former guardian, William Benton. When Colin arrives, he finds Bill on a couch, weakened by a stroke. Bill is transported to a local hospital where, before being taken to the intensive care ward he mumbles a few cryptic words to Colin and dies before the day is out. Colin is determined to learn the meaning of his final seemingly illogical words. He and his lady friend, Susan Rhoades set out to uncover the secrets held by the Pasadena home to which Colin has now fallen heir.