Professional knowledge and natural insight once again come to the aid of Svetlana, a cultural studies expert who has unwillingly taken on the role of a private detective. Joining forces with police investigator Vadim, she tries to shed light on a mysterious crime: the body of a murdered man has been found at the gates of the Hermitage Garden. Sveta determines that he took part in a Masonic ritual. The police are skeptical of her theories, especially since the deceased was a wealthy man and did not inspire sympathy in everyone. The version involving the schemes of his opponents seems much simpler and more realistic than the intrigues of a semi-mythical Masonic organization. But the truth is not always simple or even plausible. To catch the criminals, Sveta must uncover a secret conspiracy.