The police treat the murder as a domestic homicide, and it is discovered that the husband of the woman who was shot is a colleague of Arthur's. Arthur attempts to return the money, but Steward declines, stating that he can do nothing because 'the button has been pressed'.

Steward arrives and presents Arthur and Norma with the $1 million, assuring them that someone did indeed die as a result of their actions, and that the same offer will be presented to someone else they do not know. It is revealed that someone is shot, and the gunman ran from the scene with a briefcase. After further discussion, Norma impulsively pushes the button, whispering 'It's just a box'. They discuss the matter further in the morning, and after work, Arthur reveals that the hundred dollar bill is real. They open the box to discover it is 'just a bunch of wood', and Arthur chastises Norma for her fear, but no decision is made before they go to sleep. Norma and Arthur argue over Steward's offer, complicated by the news that their son Walter's private school, where Norma teaches, will no longer provide a discount for his tuition.

He gives her $100 for allowing him to enter the house and voice his deal, and leaves. Steward arrives to deliver the key to unlock the button, and tells Norma that if the button is pushed, she will receive $1 million in cash, but someone she does not know will die. In December 1976, financially desperate NASA engineer Arthur Lewis and his wife Norma find a package on their doorstep, containing a wooden box with a large red button.

Do not press the red button 2