A drama on stage: the actor Gelmi shoots his wife. The script calls for it, but the bullet is real. Ricciardi's latest investigation is permeated by feelings unknown to him.

A merchant is found dead. In the city, everyone already has a culprit in mind: Sannino. But Ricciardi isn't convinced. Meanwhile, at the Colombo house, Enrica's birthday is coming up.

Countess Palmieri asks the inspector for help: her husband is accused of murdering lawyer Piro. Ricciardi reopens the investigation.

The death of a man in a lottery office leads Ricciardi to investigate a count and his charming wife. But his heart is disturbed by the advances that Enrica receives from a German major.