
After two gang-related killings in « Center City, » a suspect (who was framed) is arrested, released on bail…and murdered. Inspector Briggs of the FBI recruits a young agent, Gene Cordell, to go undercover in the shadowy Skid Row area (alias George Manly) as a potential victim of the same racket. Soon, Gene meets Alec Stiles, neurotic mastermind who’s « building an organization along scientific lines. » Stiles recruits Cordell, whose job becomes a lot more dangerous.