Maigret is not exactly pleased when Léon Florentin unexpectedly shows up in his office, a former classmate he has never liked. In school, Florentin was the class clown, but now he has nothing to laugh about: His lover Joséphine was shot in her apartment. How does he know this? Florentin was there too - hiding in a closet. Joséphine had four other lovers, all of whom supported her financially and are now equally suspicious. However, the main suspect is Florentin. Maigret's 69th case takes place in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.