Brunel Global Securities' senior partner, Victor Sandeman, He is experiencing significant financial difficulties, which can be resolved if the company's planned $100 million merger occurs. However, Raymond Brunel, the company's owner, is opposed to the merger. Victor murders the elderly Raymond (trying to pass it off as a natural death) in the belief that he can overpower the ineffective David Brunel, Raymond's grandson and the company's heir apparent), in order to proceed with the planned merger. Christine Sternwald, a potential witness, is the only flaw in the murder. Christine, a paralegal and aspiring lawyer, is only now putting her life back together after a sexual assault three years ago. When Victor and Christine meet shortly after the murder in a fender bender, with Victor driving the deceased Raymond's car, Victor is forced to identify himself to her as Raymond Brunel.