Two families are on opposite sides of a kidnapping case. Walter Gretzler and his nephew Norman have abducted John Graham, youngest son of retired industrialist Marshall Graham. Walter, a long-time criminal, used a police car at Norman's garage to cause John Graham to stop along a rural road. Philip Graham, Marshall's estranged, oldest son, is forced to make decisions for the family when Marshall Graham suffers a stroke while returning to the United States from Europe. Philip doesn't want to pay a $300,000 ransom; he feels his brother will be killed the moment any money is paid. Philip, though is unsure and leans on Erskine. The FBI inspector tells Philip he can't make the decision for him. Meanwhile, Colby and other FBI men are tracking down who stripped John Graham's abandoned sports car, hoping for clues that will help track down the kidnappers. Walter Gretzler, at the same time, is ready to kill John Graham, ransom or no ransom.
—Bill Koenig