Marek Jirí Holý formerly a driver of a longdistance lorry has served his term for smuggling art works abroad and is released from jail Years ago he sacrificed himself and confessed his guilt on behalf of his companions the drivers Krása Jelínek Hess and Novák from the Ministry of Culture who gave them tips Marek finds Hess and tells him that now he expects the gang to compensate him for the wasted years of his life