The story opens with the arrival of an armed robbery suspect, Al, along with his arresting officer, Quinn, at the police station, where he is met by the chief inspector. The initial account of the robbery is given from the perspective of the grocery store owner, Eric Madison, through Quinn. According to him, the suspect held up the grocery store of Mr Madison, who pulled a gun out of the cash drawer, and slapped him with a citizen's arrest. However, their stories differ, so the inspector is interested to hear all sides of the tale...