It is a tale worthy of an airport-kiosk thriller. The mother-in-law of a nationally known executive is found dead in her bathtub. She is fully clothed from an evening out at a martini bar, high heels still on her feet. The authorities rule she accidentally drowned.

Months later, her family learns that the last person to see the woman alive -- a local businessman half her age -- had a $15 million insurance policy on her life, payable to his company.