In a small Sicilian town, the head of the Criminal Investigation Department, Marineo, is killed. It seems this crime is the work of the mafia. On the same day, another death is reported: the Marchesa Pecci Shaloya has committed suicide. Corrado Cattani, an experienced police officer, is appointed to replace the murdered commissioner and moves to Sicily with his wife and daughter. While investigating his predecessor's murder, Corrado meets the drug addict Titti Pecci Shaloya and gradually falls in love with her. Soon he uncovers a hidden link between Marineo's murder and the Marchesa's suicide…