At his father Arnold’s funeral, Ryan’s dog Bella suddenly bursts into the church, barking fiercely at the closed casket. Sensing something was terribly wrong, Ryan insists the casket be opened — only to find it completely empty.
His mother faints, the funeral director is speechless, and Ryan immediately contacts the police.
The coroner’s office reveals the coroner recently quit, and Arnold’s file has mysteriously vanished. Ryan’s suspicions deepen.
Taking charge of his late father’s company, Ryan notices prized figurines missing from Arnold’s office. A conversation with the family lawyer uncovers Arnold’s secret affair with his new secretary, Miss Pearson.
Tracking her down, Ryan breaks into Miss Pearson’s home and discovers a $7 million life insurance policy naming her as the sole beneficiary. He turns this over to the police — but she disappears before they can act.
Convinced Arnold is still alive, Ryan sets a trap. He secretly buys a missing figurine and puts it up for auction, knowing it would lure Arnold out. When Arnold appears to bid, Ryan confronts him and the police arrest him immediately.
Arnold confesses he faked his death to escape his life, cash in on the insurance, and start anew with Miss Pearson — leaving his family devastated.
As police lead Arnold away, Ryan begins the painful journey of healing from the ultimate betrayal.
