Cover Up

Sam Donovan arrives in the small Midwestern town west of Chicago to investigate a suspicious death. He steps off the train and runs into Anita Weatherby, who is juggling a mountain of Christmas gifts. Donovan helps her, and their brief encounter hints at an easy rapport that will pull him into town life.

Donovan and Anita share a ride as they take the same bus to Cleberg. A mutual attraction begins to form as the two get acquainted during the trip. The start of a personal connection complicates his professional mission.

The Weatherbys greet him warmly at their home, treating him as a guest during the Holidays. Stu Weatherby, bank president, is proud and protective, while Bessie approves of the new arrival. The family invites Donovan to drop by, setting up the central location of the investigation.

In the Marlowe County sheriff's office, Donovan is told that Phillips' death looks like suicide, but the case lacks key pieces. There are no powder burns, no pistol, no bullet, and no coroner's report yet. Donovan suspects murder and pushes for more inquiry.

As Donovan exits, a bullet shell and a Luger-like pistol are noticed, hinting at a firearm used in the crime. Sheriff Best explains that Lugers are common in town as war prizes from returning veterans. The clue deepens the mystery rather than solving it.

Donovan interviews the local jeweler but gets a stonewalled response. Everyone's attitude toward Phillips is negative, and there are no witnesses willing to speak up. The lack of cooperation reinforces the town's suspicion of foul play.

The double-indemnity policy's payout would be sizable, but it does not move the niece Margaret Baker or her husband Frank to cooperate. They quarrel with Phillips over their elopement plans, and Frank's alibi remains unconfirmed. Donovan keeps their reluctance in mind as a potential motive or cover.

With Christmas approaching, Donovan begins courting Anita more openly. The Weatherby household grows both fond and watchful as he becomes part of daily life. Cathie and Hilda add to the bustling, meddling atmosphere that surrounds the investigation.

At the annual town Christmas tree lighting, the community mourns the death of Dr. Gerrow from a heart attack. Later it’s revealed Stu had once owned a Luger and had given it to Gerrow for his collection, tying the gun to the town's hidden history. The festive mood is unsettled by this new clue.

Anita accidentally stumbles upon her father's Luger at the Weatherby home and immediately suspects Stu of murder. She hides the discovery, afraid of what it might reveal. Her actions push Donovan to press harder for answers.

Donovan plants a story in the local newspaper claiming a forensic chemist will uncover clues at the Phillips home. The town buzzes with anticipation as everyone wonders what will be found. The fake lead is designed to flush out the killer.

Hilda tries to burn Stu's heirloom beaver coat but is caught by Donovan in the act. The incident exposes the depth of townfolk's anger and superstition surrounding the Weatherbys and the case. The act increases tensions and reveals how far people will go to protect secrets.

Donovan and Sheriff Best race to the Phillips home to confront the staged scenario. Stu arrives with Anita close behind, complicating the dynamics. Donovan realizes the killer could not have used a right-handed blow, guiding him toward the true culprit.

Weatherby explains that Dr. Gerrow shot the man responsible for years of misery; he took the Luger away and persuaded Gerrow not to turn himself in until after the Holidays. The confession reframes the case and absolves the Weatherbys of guilt.

Swayed by Weatherby and Best, Donovan decides to preserve Gerrow's memory and bury the paperwork. He arranges for the $20,000 indemnity to be quietly paid to a charity as Margaret requested, planning to settle in town and marry Anita.