1973. A talented pianist Slava Zhukov fails the exams at the Moscow Conservatory and returns to his native Tomsk. At the same time, a bandit named Mute arrives in the city to establish contact with local criminal structures. The goal of Muscovites-to establish a" supply " of antique icons. Honest Colonel Zhukov interferes with the bandits, and the Mute kills him. Together with her husband, Slava's mother dies. In survivors remains the younger brother, hidden in the chamber. Slava does not sleep at home that night. Having learned about the tragedy, he gives his word to find the killers.