Renown Mystery writer Fred Finnegan has died and all his friends have gathered at his wake. His agent, Lenord Elmore, presides over the wake along with Fred's widow Joyce. Also in attendance are all of Fred's old friends: ex-police Chief Wambaugh. Danny Runyon, a reformed "wise guy" and Peaches Marie Crabtree. Agatha Fletcher, a news reporter from the Associated Wire. The 'Fredrick Finnegan Fan Club' at also present.