The Society of Olive Oil Producers of Baetica is throwing a big dinner party in Rome, trying to drum up business for their product.

Falco is asked to investigate the attack on Anacrites and its possible connection to an attempt to corner the market on Spanish olive oil.

Falco travels to Hispania with his pregnant companion Helena Justina to track down some of the guests and the dancer from the dinner.

While concluding the interviews of the dinner guests, Falco finally catches up with the dancer, Selia, who promptly tries to kill him with the help of her band.

Before she strikes the final blow, she reveals that Laeta sent her too, not to find the killer, but to stop anyone following, a classic double cross.

With Helena ready to give birth, Falco sends her east by land while he rides to catch Quadratus before he kills someone else.