San Francisco ex-cop Vic Barron's family has died in a car bombing and he has been disfigured, framed and imprisoned when he crossed the wrong mobsters.

With the help of tavern owner Peggy Harding, Barron discovers that Morelli did not order the bombing and that the true murderer was a hitman named Roxey.

Harding also takes Barron on scenic tours of Alaska, hoping to calm his rage and make him realize that life is still worth living.

Barron intends to kidnap Morelli's young daughter Marie as "leverage", but the little girl is so friendly toward him and blind to his disfigurement that he cannot go through with it.

After saying farewell to Peggy and to Morelli's orphaned daughter, Barron travels back to San Francisco, but with a hint that he might return.