On September 12, 1993, Elisa Claps leaves home with her friend, Eliana, to go to mass at the Church of the Holy Trinity, where she meets Danilo Restivo. From that moment on, no one hears from her again.

Restivo is interrogated but declares his innocence. The police release him, but the investigation begins. Elisa's diary reveals details about Danilo.

The Claps receive a ransom demand from the kidnappers, who turn out to be looters; Gildo confronts the boyfriend of Danilo's sister, who tells him about the boy's strange behaviour on the day of Elisa's disappearance. Danilo is arrested and tried for false statements, but the absence of Elisa’s body does not allow to bringthe accusations forward. The case is ultimately closed.

After more than a year, the Claps case is transferred to the prosecutor's office in Salerno under Rosa Volpe; Gildo asks Irene to marry him, and the two establish a foundation that supports the families of missing persons.

After Elisa's disappearance, life seems to have resumed its course, but for the family, the wound remains open; Danilo is married to Fiamma and lives in England; in 2002, Danilo's neighbour Heather Barnett is found dead at home by her children.

On March 17, 2010, a body is found in the attic of the church of the Holy Trinity in Potenza: it is that of Elisa Claps, astonishingly left there for 17 years; the examination of the remains marks the turning point.