[1] An architect named Frank is shot repeatedly by a middle-aged man in a parking garage.

Frank fails to maintain a career, living off a trust fund from his father's wealth invested in the family's brick manufacturing factory in Rome.

While the couple are with Frank's friend Roger and his wife Marie, they all meet an American traveling hippie named Eddie.

Additionally, Lucia sees Marie making passes at Frank, who doesn't reciprocate.

As Frank grows more impotent, Lucia takes more opportunities to stop his abuse.

Frank soon finds out Nora is in Rome, all his attention on her to the point he tires to call her and get her to let him in his apartment.

Fearing Nora killed him, Frank cleans up the scene and disappears Eddie's remains at the family factory incinerator.