Martin Barrett is shot dead through the window of his home and Hayley Redfern is upstairs at the time of shooting but makes a swift exit before the police turn up. Barrett is a man who is impeccably clean, his house is immaculate and his cultured ear listens to the opera. Martin Barrett also has a penchant for blackmail, something Barnaby and Jones discover as they search for his killer. A painting in an auction catalogue leads the police to pub landlord Jack Fothergill. Jack is unwilling to leak his hatred for Martin to the police; Ruby however, is more than willing to impart her feelings on Barrett. Without hesitation she tells Barnaby that she hates Martin and she’s glad he’s dead.