manservant Cato under a strict unplanned arrangement between them, Clouseau finds himself returned to the investigation after Dreyfus is ordered by his superiors to do so, through Ballon's political influence. In discussion with Hercule about the murder, Clouseau asserts that Maria is innocent despite the evidence against her, but believes she is protecting the real killer whom he suspects might be Ballon himself. To keep her under surveillance during the investigation he arranges for her release from prison. However, two more murders occur - George in the Ballon's greenhouse; and Dudu at a nudist camp - with the evidence pointing towards Maria in each case. Despite the facts, Clouseau continues to believe she is innocent, which leaves Dreyfus dismayed at his incompetence in the case and the scandals he causes. After the body of Henri is found in the closet of Maria's bedroom, Clouseau is once more removed from the case. Although Dreyfus begins to suspect Ballon is trying to cover up facts about the murder, assuming that he is shielding someone with Maria's help, Clouseau's theory about her innocence leaves him worried that he could be undone. When he is forced to put him back on the case, he eventually suffers a nervous breakdown upon hearing of him going out for the evening with Maria. That night, several attempts are made on Clouseau's life at various establishments, including his apartment, but all of these fail while resulting in the death of several innocent bystanders. The increased notoriety of the case as a result of the incidents, coupled with proving Clouseau's theory correct, slowly cause Dreyfus to become unhinged. Clouseau finally decides to confront the Ballon household over the murders, hoping to trick the murderer into unmasking themselves. However, his plan unexpectedly proves Maria innocent in all four murders. Dominique reveals she killed Miguel by mistake, believing he was her husband whom she thought was having an affair with Maria; Madame LaFarge murdered George because he was about to leave her for Dominique; Simone killed Dudu in order to maintain her affair with Pierre; and Ballon murdered Henri because he was having an affair with his wife. Pierre also reveals that Maurice and Dudu were blackmailing Dominique. In the chaos that ensues, Clouseau's plan comes to its climax when Hercule cuts the lights. The Ballons, Madame LaFarge, Pierre, Simone, and Maurice flee and attempt to escape in Clouseau's car, unaware