Captain Hastings finally decides to buy an elegant Italian car from Mr. Vizzini's showroom and is completing the order form when a dubious character arrives at the showroom with the message that Vizzini's time is up. Time is also up for another of Vizzini's compatriots when Count Foscatini, a neighbor of one of Poirot's friends, is found murdered. The case seems to lack a motive, until Miss Lemon's love life throws up a clue.