After returning from Vietnam a decorated hero, John Pavlak became a college athletic director rather than join his wealthy father's business. He is determined to be his own man. Although he and Judith separated and planned to divorce, John is stunned by Judith's death and devastated when it turns out their four-year-old daughter died with her. He's not the sort of man to wait for the police to bring him answers, especially since he is a suspect himself.