Dr. Charles Harper, a respected chiropractor, has built a successful practice where his patients trust him to alleviate their pain. One day, during a routine neck adjustment for his patient, Mr. William Greene, a mistake occurs that leads to Greene's sudden and unexpected death. Overcome with panic and guilt, Dr. Harper realizes that he has killed the man who came to him for help. In a desperate attempt to cover up the tragedy and save his career, he reaches out to an old college friend, Tom Matthews, who works at a morgue and has the connections to manipulate the cause of death. Tom agrees to help, and they stage Greene's death as a stroke.
As time passes, Charles tries to convince himself that he has gotten away with the crime, as the coroner's report supports their story. However, guilt and paranoia begin to consume him. He starts feeling haunted by the weight of his actions, convinced that someone or something is watching him. Despite his attempts to suppress his anxiety, the consequences of his decision slowly unravel his sanity.
Ultimately, Charles's past catches up with him, leading to his arrest and conviction for Greene's death. In the final moments of the story, he is found in a padded cell, tormented by the ghost of Mr. Greene, forever haunted by the decision he made to cover up the murder and the life he destroyed in the process.