On vacation with Emmet's father. Inspector Blake, and Emmet's female companion Sally, detective Emmet Blake decides to stop with his fellow travelers in a seaside hotel of a sleepy town called Cliffside. They are greeted by Tom Bridges as the manager of the hotel. Bridges recognizes Emmet as a famous detective. Tom Bridges shows up, informing the investigators the ravens are of a testy breed. Tom knows as he used to assist Throckmorton in their handling. Tom lights a cigarette, and Emet asks if he will light Emmet's as well. He does so, Emmet detecting a strange smell on Tom's fingers.