Lonely widow Costanza Altavilla was strangled at home, after reporting hence-fired ex-con orderly Sergio Cuccetti's multiple malpractice in a poorly funded rest home which she frequently visited. When stolen drugs are found in his home, new state prosecutor Salvatore Patta, the vicequestore's cocky son, considers the case closed. Brunetti doubts and refuses to compromise the rest home future. He finds Costanza also cared for Orsoni's private domestic abuse victims asylum. Patta Senior semi-suspends Brunetti for a precipitous arrest without court-order, but he continuous unofficially, especially a breaking in Altavilla's home, probably seeking for something son Claudio already took home. Rafi duly questions his parents allowing naive sister inviting for a week an imp friend who proves a thief.