The major characters are Winnie Farlowe, an alcoholic policeman who retired early because of an injury sustained in chasing a burglar; Buster Wiles, a policeman who does not want to be killed; and Tess Binder, a rich woman who desires to be much richer.

Tess seduces Winnie and leads him to fall in love with her. She discourages him from giving up alcohol, the better to control him. Winnie tries to keep his wits about him, but until he hits bottom, he is totally in her control. Only when he sobers up can he realize what has been done to him.

Tess has no goals other than having a perfect body and the vast sums of money needed to clothe it perfectly.

She needs to be the envy of her friends, whose vocation is the acquisition of wealth, usually through marriage and generous divorce settlements. She comes close...