Francis arrives in Venice seeking peace and quiet to write his next novel. Looking to rent a small apartment, he meets Judith a real estate broker. For Francis, it's love at first sight. Judith insists that he should see a remote house on Sant' Erasmo island. Taking the plunge, Francis says: 'If we move in together, I'll sign right away.' So begins their life as a couple. Totally euphoric, Francis can't set his mind to writing. The following summer, his daughter Alice arrives in his retreat on vacation. Then she suddenly disappears. From that moment on, Francis's life is in danger.