When Blake is called to investigate the murder of a retired carpenter Vernon Armstrong, his first suspect is Ethan Young, a young Jehovah's Witness, who was discovered praying over the body and covered in blood by Vern's niece Florence and her husband Trent Bowman. The police interview Ethan, and despite his pleas of innocence, there is some secret he will not reveal. They learn that Vern has won a lot of cash at cards, in an illegal gambling game at a local cafe, generating enemies. Trent is in debt to Vern and under suspicion. Charlie and Blake find Ethan attacked at his work site, with the weapon still in his chest, and he is saved by surgery. Superintendent Lawson shuts down the gambling. Ethan's mother reveals that her son helped Vern with paperwork. Blake searches at Vern's workshop and finds plans for a portable electric drill, which Percy Walker, a plumber and Vern’s former partner, is also seeking, as it will be a valuable patented device. Vern had parted ways from Percy and was using Ethan to fill out the patent forms. Percy attacks Blake, penetrating his chest with a chisel and nearly killing him. Blake wakes up in the hospital with Jean at his bedside. Percy is charged with Vern's murder and two attempted murders.
