The mystery begins at a theater, where the beautiful and talented Cassie Sterling, a local actress on her way to bigger and better things, is performing a stirring musical number. With a captivated audience watching, Patrick Felton, a fellow actor, brings the performance to a shocking
With Detective Page Williams assigned lead on the Sterling shooting, Captain Randall Aubrey tasks veteran detective Michael Levins to keep an eye on the new guy in the precinct. Meanwhile, Page interviews Patrick Felton, believing that there’s more to the story than what was shown on stage. The Captain begins to question his decision on lead detective when Page begins to take the case in a different direction.
Despite the Captain’s reservations, Page and Levins begin their interviews with the stage manager, Walter Rock, who gives them his impressions on the rest of the suspects, as well as some info regarding the handling of the murder weapon. At the same time, Captain Aubrey makes a move to bring the case to a swift conclusion.
Page struggles for control of the case while the Captain uses Levins’ upcoming promotion as motivation to close the case quickly. Page and Levins begin interviewing the prop master, Jennifer Johnson, but find she’s having a hard time recalling specifics of the nights events.
Page uses a memory technique to help Jennifer remember the nights events. Relationships between the suspects become more clear and Page discovers some information that brings a new suspect to the forefront.
Page prepares to interview Cassie's boyfriend, Matthew Proctor, while Levins grapples with problems on the homefront. At the same time, Matthew reflects on the backstage events leading up to the shooting.
Page begins his interview with Matthew in an unusual way and Aubrey receives a phone call that sets in motion a big change in the case.
Page deals with the Captain’s recent actions while Levins finishes the interview with Matthew. Tensions boil over and both detectives pursue different angles on the case, with an important discovery made in the process.
Levins interviews Billy Buchanan, who gives some insight into who Cassie Sterling was, and Page reads a report that promises huge ramifications for the case.
A lull in the investigation allows for three important phone calls to be made and Page tries to convince Levins to let him back on the case.
Mary Dunsworth is finally interviewed, shedding light on her relationship and knowledge of Cassie Sterling.
Levins tries to delay the arrest of Patrick while Page revisits Mary and Walter, yielding new information and suspicions.
Page continues revisiting the suspects, this time questioning Patrick and Jennifer, revealing details that start leading him towards a main suspect
Page and Matthew engage in a lively discussion while Aubrey moves to close the case.
The detectives are given a half hour to arrest a suspect and Page finally reveals his theory.
Page walks Levins through his theory, but encounters some strong resistance.
The case and the mystery come to a close…