Not long ago Ivan Podushkin started running around like he was scalded, investigating clients’ cases. And all because businesswoman Nora, for whom Vanya serves as a secretary, decided to try her hand at detective work. This time Podushkin has to find out which member of the household regularly steals money from millionaire Kuzminsky’s desk. The businessman’s mansion is full of relatives, and, as in English detective stories, there is a family legend about a ghost of the late owner’s mother—the painter Glafira. Once upon a time she killed herself with scissors, and a red spot appeared on her self-portrait… And before Ivan even had time to show up in the house, the spot appeared on the painting again! The entire female part of the family is horrified. After all, the spot is a harbinger of death! Ivan treats women’s hysterics skeptically. And in vain! Soon a chain of crimes takes place in the house, and the first victim is the maid—right in front of Glafira’s portrait. With scissors!