To succeed in life, three things are essential...
Talent.
Hard work.
And luck.
You might be very talented and work like a dog,
but unless luck smiles on you at the right moment...
your efforts are in vain.
IMMACULATE
Here are the documents.
These are the quasi-final audit results.
How's it look?
23 million euros in profits: Up 9% for three years running.
That should reassure our American friends.
Why "quasi-final"?
We haven't decided on the building costs.
If we carry them over to next year,
it's 28 million, up 11%.
Not bad.
Historic! We've never exceeded 10%.
If we do that, I'll retire in glory.
But the carried-over costs will be a strain on next year's results.
It'll be the new management's problem.
We could spread them out:
Half this year, the other half next year.
The new management can cope with this minor handicap.
- I propose we carry the costs over. - Perfect.
Send the report to Boston. That will be all, gentlemen.
Maurice...
I saw your speech for my inauguration.
- I thought it was very good. - Thank you.
Only one thing bothered me.
Oh yes? What's that?
It's almost not worth bringing up.
When you talk about the company's future...
you mention "continuity".
Whereas the speech I've prepared is based on "renewal",
on the need to reinvent ourselves.
You're not changing the world, Etienne.
Of course not. But I think consistency is important.
I'd like you to change the sentence.
Please.
As you like.
Thank you.
Mr. Meunier, should I book a room at the Greenpark Hotel?
Yes, perfect.
- I'm leaving the clinic. - Ok, I'm coming.
Hurry up.
Hang on.
Excuse me...
They say this helps.
Your doctor said that?
It's going to work.
Do you really believe it?
You have to believe it.
Beaumont? Etienne Meunier here.
When's the new Mr. Spot campaign scheduled?
Call the agency. I want them to find something new.
I don't know, something fresh. I'm sick of our ads.
I want an original idea.
I know what Maurice thinks. But he's leaving and I'm staying.
Are you about done? Jesus, hurry up.
I want an advertising campaign that's in the image of...
I want it to be me.
- You got a problem? - Etienne?
Patrick Chambon. Remember me from high school?
I'll call you back.
I'm so sorry.
- I must've looked like... - A jerk.
A big jerk. That's what I thought.
Don't make that face.
I'm glad to see you.
How long has it been?
Almost twenty years.
- Mangin's graduation party. - Mangin...
- What's he up to? - No idea.
And frankly, I don't care.
Yeah, he was an asshole.
You've learned to be mean?
I've made progress.
How strange to see you.
Yeah, I must've aged.
No. You haven't changed that much.
What've you been up to?
I'm no good at resumes.
I can't remember last week,
let alone the past twenty years.
But I'm straight now. No more funny stuff.
I'm too old for that anyway.
I've got projects.
I'm starting up my own company.
Sustainable energy.
What line are you in?
I run a corporation.
We make household products.
- A big company? - 15,000 employees.
And you're the boss?
Yes. Well almost.
In three weeks if all goes well.
Shit man, you've really made it!
It's good to see a guy like you at the top.
We have enough bastards out there running things.
You're a good guy.
You're pure.
It was good to see you.
Yeah, see you again one of these days.
Maybe in twenty years!
And without further ado, I give the floor to your new CEO,
Etienne Meunier.
Thank you, Maurice.
My speech may not be better, but it'll be shorter.
I wish to start
by saying how proud I am...
how honored I feel...
for the trust you've placed in me today.
You've judged me capable...
You've judged me capable,
and I promise you, I won't let you down...
Who are you?
I'm warning you, I went wild.
You'll have to pay Mom back, I forgot my credit cards.
Don't you want to see?
So we're best buddies again?
I never forgot, you know.
Forgot what?
Brunet's parents' country house...
You were the only one who knew.
I never forgot.
You're a straight guy, Etienne.
You always were.
That's the point, not really.
What do you mean?
Come on, spit it out.
Fifteen years ago, when I started as an engineer,
all I could hope to become was lab head.
Then one day, some guy sent us his invention.
A formula for a spot remover.
I immediately saw its potential.
The guy was nobody, just some obscure chemist.
His formula wasn't even patented.
So I wrote him back and said: "Sorry...
we're already working on similar products."
And I claimed the formula was mine.
It became our leading product,
a spot remover that's sold worldwide.
A big American group bought us out for a small fortune,
and I was promoted to management.
There.
That's the secret of my success.
You know what I think?
I think you're nuts.
No one gets where you are without a few skeletons in the closet.
I'm surprised that's all you have on your conscience.
It's nothing, Etienne.
Two more, please.
But it's eating away at me. I don't know what to do.
You never told anyone?
No.
Not even your wife?
- I call him every now and then. - Who?
The guy. François Michelet. I kept his number.
- What do you say? - Nothing.
When he answers, I hang up.
Stop beating yourself up.
Your career is at a turning point.
You're scared, under pressure.
Ok. Where's he live?
- Who? - Your guy, where's he live?
In the southern suburbs.
Let's go.
Tell him your story and ask him to forgive you.
That's what you want, right?
- But... - But what?
There comes a time to act.
What're you scared of? The consequences?
You know what'll happen?
The guy won't have a clue.
It's all your imagination.
You're going to wake some guy up at midnight for nothing.
You'll look like an idiot, that's all.
But you'll be relieved.
He's not here.
Mr. Michelet?
We'd like to talk to you.
- At this hour? - It's important.
Why are you telling me this?
I wanted you to know what your formula was worth.
It was good work.
I always knew.
I knew I'd been ripped off.
But you know what? This doesn't help.
It's making me crazy.
Because now I can put a name on my pain.
A name and a face.
The face of a faggot who can't stomach what he did.
- I'd like you to forgive me. - Forgive you?
How touching.
What do I get out of it?
I'll compensate you.
Compensate me how?
- Financially. - On what basis?
I calculated the price we should've paid for your patent,
and I adjusted it.
It's about 15,000 euros.
I'll give you double.
Double? Why not triple?
Ok. 45,000 euros.
- How much do you sell? - What?
How much of my spot remover do you sell every year?
Five to six hundred tons.
How much profit do you earn?
I don't know.
The big boss doesn't know?
About six million euros.
Six million times fifteen years... makes ninety million.
That's what I want.
Ninety million euros.
Just kidding.
What would I do with ninety million euros?
Or even...
45,000.
It won't get my life back.
It won't erase the fifteen years I spent decomposing in this dump.
The only thing that'll help me, is to see you grovel.
I want you to pay, I want to see you suffer.
I want your life to dissolve like mine until you're an immaterial precipitate.
I want the tables to turn.
- That's enough! - I'll sue you.
You remember your letter?
"Dear sir, your project doesn't interest us."
I kept that letter. I'll show it to the courts!
The letter proves nothing.
We develop 200 products a year, we could've found this.
Maybe.
The letter plus the check is a different story.
Let go of me!
Shit.
He's dead.
We gotta split. Etienne, let's go!
It was an accident. We can explain.
You want to explain why we're here too?
Here...
Come on, we're out of here.
It's me.
What do you want?
- We gotta get rid of the car. - What?
Someone might've seen your car parked outside his place.
It was 11:00 pm. The streets were deserted.
You want to take the risk?
What do you suggest?
Tell me where it is, I'll come steal it.
How will you do that?
Leave that to me.
Where is it?
In front of my place. 27 Avenue Molière.
What are you doing?
Who are you talking to?
It's nothing. Go back to bed.
What do you mean "it's nothing"?
The car was stolen. Ok?
Did you call the police?
That's what I just did.
How did it happen?
What?
The theft.
It was right outside.
Listen, I'm wiped out.
If you don't mind, I'd like to go to bed. We'll talk tomorrow.
- Hello, sir. - Hello, Laurence.
My car was stolen last night.
Please notify the police.
Ok, I'll take care of it.
I'll give you the details later.
The advertising men are waiting in your office.
Ok, good job.
We're thrilled to hear you want to revamp Mr. Spot's image.
We must strike hard.
This is a leading product...
I'm listening.
- Goodbye. - See you soon.
Well?
The car?
It's taken care of.
Did the police say anything?
To be honest, they were pretty blasé.
Yes, of course.
Oh, I forgot...
Maurice is at the worksite with the architect. He said to join them.
- Thank you. - Ritchie Brown is with them.
Ritchie Brown?
There he is...
- What the hell is he doing here? - No idea.
His mother didn't say?
Dorothy Brown doesn't tell me her son's plans.
The timing is rather suspect.
What do you mean?
We send them the best report ever,
and the boss's son shows up.
You don't find that odd?
What are you getting at?
Ritchie is here to steal my place.
Ritchie has never shown an interest in the company.
Maybe our latest results are starting to make us look attractive.
Just because we had to make you happy!
- Why'd you accept? - Why'd you ask?
If he takes over, we'll go under in three years.
He ruined Santoro and pharmaceuticals are a stronger sector.
I know. Everyone knows.
The Board would never let Ritchie take over.
The Board will do what Dorothy Brown says.
Come on, the woman's a pro.
No woman's a pro when it comes to her only son. Call her.
To say what?
That the figures are false: Parker & Butterfield screwed up.
- We've worked with them for 30 years. - Screw them!
I think you should try to keep a cool head.
That's what one expects of a president.
Call Dorothy Brown.
I can't.
Why not, Maurice?
Because it's 5:00 am in Boston.
Oh yeah, right.
A Mr. Patrick Chambon has been trying to reach you.
The top floor.
He'd say, "No, I have homework."
- Why, was he a slow learner? - Not at all.
He did every problem in the book.
That's him. A perfectionist.
Here he is.
Hi.
- You could've told me... - Sorry, it slipped my mind.
Can you get us some drinks?
Of course.
What would you like?
Anything will do.
Is wine Ok? We'll finish it with dinner. You are staying?
If you ask that sweetly.
What are you doing here?
You didn't return my calls.
I know, I had a busy day.
What's going on? Is it about...
What?
Oh, no. Not at all.
I'm here for this.
My sustainable energy project.
- You said it was a good idea. Remember? - Yeah.
I came to propose a partnership.
Excuse me?
Fifty-fifty, even if it was my idea.
We split everything. No rivalry.
I just grabbed any old bottle.
"Château Angelus 1995, Saint Emilion Grand Cru."
A business project is like anything else, it has to excite you.
What do you think?
Yes, yes...
I know, the financial side is dry.
What do you think?
About what?
The project. What do you think?
Yeah, maybe. I don't know.
What do you mean, you don't know?
- Patrick has explained it clearly. - Clearly?
He's worked hard. Make an effort.
Ok, fine. You want my opinion?
I'll tell you.
I think the sustainable energy sector is saturated
and it takes huge investments.
My wind turbines are different, they're made of recyclable material.
If you knew, why did you let him go on?
- You're so arrogant. - I'm not arrogant.
- Yes, you are. - Clemence, calm down.
Everyone else is shit. All that matters is you.
You're on edge. She's on edge.
- I am not. - Yes, you are.
To understand, you need to know we're trying to have a child.
And it's not happening.
This is highly sensitive for a woman's self esteem.
Clemence isn't exactly sterile, but she's not very fertile either.
Add a killer hormone treatment... She's on edge.
Asshole.
I think we should stop seeing each other.
You worried about the domestic spat?
I just don't want to see you anymore.
You've got to forget about last night.
Nothing happened. You understand?
Nothing happened. It's history.
Things don't work like that. You killed someone.
Hang on. There were two of us.
We went there for you! I hit him for you!
I know, I know.
Listen, I've been thinking.
Maybe you should leave the country.
Hang on, don't move.
Here. This'll help you get started somewhere.
So that's your thing?
- What? - Dishing out money to get rid of people.
It's 30,000 euros.
Guess what? I'll take your dough. You know why?
The last guy who refused is dead.
I'm sorry, honey. Please forgive me.
I screwed up.
I acted like an asshole.
Your fertility rate isn't very high either.
I know.
What I said was unfounded and dishonest.
And scientifically false.
If this doesn't work, I'm looking for a donor.
Pour me another drop of your Gevrey-Chambertin.
Not bad, is it?
Not bad at all.
How do get your hands on bottles like that?
I'll never tell. You wouldn't need me anymore.
What a horrible thing to say!
If even family means nothing to you...
- Where's your sense of humor, darling? - I like wit...
but I abhor rudeness.
Jamina, we're waiting for the cheese!
Children, the world is becoming a cynical place.
Our grandchildren won't have it easy.
Speaking of which, where are you at?
- That's none of our business! - I want grandchildren.
Patience, Daddy. The doctor says it'll work.
The details don't interest me.
- A grandson is a detail? - Don't be silly.
What's the matter? My hormone treatment?
Regardless of how it's done, I'll be the father.
Maurice, say something, please.
Here's the cheese.
- It's Francois Michelet's daughter. - One second.
Excuse me.
- I'm listening. - I'd like to meet with you.
Why?
You were the last person who spoke with my father.
Hello.
- What do you want? - I ordered a cup of coffee.
What do you want?
Nothing, thank you.
There was no emergency, we could've met another time.
I wasn't doing anything in particular.
What did you want to tell me?
My father died Wednesday night. Did you know?
Yes.
You phoned him, didn't you?
Excuse me?
Your call was the last one recorded on his phone.
- It wasn't you? - Yes, of course, it was me.
I was afraid I'd bothered you for nothing.
You see...
I wanted you to tell me about him.
- Tell you about your father? - Yes.
My parents div orced when I was five.
I grew up with my mother.
I only rarely saw my dad.
He wasn't an easy person.
- I hardly knew him at all. - But me either.
Really?
What about your call?
It was professional.
Professional?
Yes. Your father sent me his resume.
I thought it looked interesting.
So I called him to suggest that we meet.
My father sent you a resume?
He was looking for work?
Apparently.
I was prepared for anything but this.
Why?
He was so withdrawn.
I thought he cared about nothing.
I thought he'd given up hope.
I knew him even less than I realized.
I'm sorry if I disturbed you.
There's no harm.
No, please. It's on me. I insist.
Ok. Thank you.
What do you do?
I'm studying philosophy.
I know, job prospects aren't terrific. I'm going to stop.
Why?
No money.
Things were tight, but now with the funeral expenses...
- Did you get home alright? - Daddy drove me.
What was the big emergency?
What's wrong?
I need to talk to you about something.
What's going on?
Is it serious?
I should've told you sooner.
I thought I could deal with it alone.
What is it? You're starting to worry me.
Ritchie Brown is in town. I think he wants my job.
Have you told Daddy?
He thinks I'm being paranoid.
But I know Ritchie's hiding something.
What are you going to do?
I don't know yet.
Why do you hide everything from me?
I don't know.
Forgive me.
I'm sorry.
I'm wiped out.
Hello.
I didn't know you'd come.
I wanted to be here.
I organized a little something. Will you stay for a drink?
Alright.
One second. I have to pay them.
I already took care of it.
What do you mean?
You're all alone. I took the liberty of settling the bill.
Yes, please. I insist.
But why?
Because, I don't know...
Please, do me a fav or and accept.
Ok. Thank you.
- So where's this drink? - At my dad's place.
I haven't introduced you.
Detective Kazinski...
"Kazinski", right?
He's in charge of my father's investigation.
Etienne Meunier. Dad wanted to work for him.
- Pleased to meet you. - Likewise.
- Fleur... - Excuse me.
How's it coming along?
What's that?
The investigation.
Do you have any trails?
I don't know... a motive
or a suspect? Anything?
No. Nothing for the moment.
Well, yes. There is one thing.
Oh? What is it?
Follow me.
Come on.
Here.
This is where the victim was standing when he was hit.
The blow came from behind.
The guy must've been about right here.
Nothing strikes you?
I don't know.
You don't stand by a wall with your back to someone.
- And so? - So there were two of them.
Sit down here.
I think Michelet was talking to someone who was sitting right there.
At one point, they got up.
Maybe they were arguing, who knows.
Then the other guy hit him from behind.
What're your chances of finding them?
I don't know. It's a strange crime.
No apparent motive. Nothing was stolen.
The murder was either totally groundless,
or very inv olved.
I'd rather that.
Why?
Because when it's inv olved, people trip up.
I don't want to be rude, but I've got to go.
School's pretty far for you.
45 minutes by train. If there are no strikes.
You're going to drop out?
It's a shame.
What good is a philosophy degree?
- It's not the degree that counts. - Oh yeah? Then what does?
Learning to think.
In my line, those who've studied arts stand out.
It's a question of mental structure,
and general culture. It's very important.
Did you study arts?
No.
Goodbye. Thank you again.
Goodbye.
Why put the TV here, Mom?
This is where we watch it.
I have the manager of the Plaza Hotel on the line.
- The Plaza Hotel? - He says it's important.
He settled part of his bill in advance. But then this morning,
he said he couldn't pay the balance.
You stay here, you understand?
Let me go!
Me out!
Stop it!
Come in.
She swiped my money.
I had 10,000 euros in there and now it's gone.
Our security manager says the safe wasn't broken into.
They won't listen! She stole it!
She let someone in while I was taking a bath.
She's a liar.
He steal telephone!
No, no, no. Money first.
I believe the young lady wishes to leave.
To call her mafia pals? First she tells me where the cash is.
- Him mafia! Him mafia! - Shut up!
Shut your mouth!
- Are you holding her? - No!
Just stopping her from leaving. I'm not a sucker.
We'll have to call the police.
Go ahead, call the police.
I didn't do anything. She did.
- Wait a minute. - Go on, call.
- Call! I don't give a shit. - It's Ok.
It's Ok.
How much does he owe?
I gave you 30,000 euros to get lost!
And you blow it all on some whore in a fancy hotel!
You shouldn't have given in. I know those broads.
The cops my ass.
His hotel is full of whores!
Mr. Goodie Two Shoes probably gets a percentage.
They're all crooks.
The service wasn't even that good.
I mean, considering the price you pay.
They all make me sick.
- You were supposed to leave, Patrick. - I know.
But you said my project was crap.
You were right.
What's wrong? You're white as a ghost.
Ok, listen. I know what we'll do.
Come in.
Gauthier...
Patrick Chambon. Gauthier, our HR Director.
Hello.
- I'm hiring Mr. Chambon. - I see.
We're opening a branch in Singapore. Mr. Chambon will manage it.
What kind of branch?
Market development and integration.
With how many employees?
Only Mr. Chambon to start with.
We've agreed on 12,000 euros a month, plus benefits.
I want a contract drawn up immediately.
This isn't the usual procedure.
I know, Gauthier. But maybe, for once, we could simplify things.
- Drawing up a contract takes time. - Get help.
You have 48 hours. Not a minute more.
He wasn't too thrilled.
Fictive jobs aren't company policy.
But he'll do what I say. I'm the boss.
- Almost the boss. - Ok, Patrick.
This time you'd better get on that plane.
I promise.
Asia sounds good to me. 12,000 euros is enough to get by on.
You're being a real pal.
Can you tell me what's going on here?
Nothing.
Mr. Brown needed some information.
What kind of information?
This is the executive floor.
No information leaves here without my Ok.
- But Mr. Meunier... - Who do you work for?
Ritchie Brown or me? Show me that document.
It's a map. He was looking for a street.
I see. Well, in that case, it's different.
- Is he going shopping? - No.
He's going to look at an apartment. I think he wants to move here.
I'm sorry, Etienne, I can't do it.
I worked hard for what I earned!
Laurence? What do I have scheduled this morning?
A meeting with Pagès, then the ad agency for the new storyboard.
- Call them and make new appointments. - Ok.
Hello.
Are you free for lunch?
Yes.
Come in.
Hello.
I just dropped by. Don't let me disturb you.
No, it's Ok. You're not.
We were done anyhow, right?
You'll let me know if there's anything new?
Yes. Of course.
Goodbye.
Bye for now.
Goodbye.
- Ready to go? - Yes.
You should've warned me...
I would've changed clothes.
You know what you want?
- I can't make up my mind. - Have the lobster.
It's awfully expensive.
My banker will give me a credit line.
Well, in that case, lobster it is.
I've been thinking about you.
I don't want you to drop out.
I'm afraid you'll regret it.
You're worried about me?
I hate wasted talent.
Ok, but...
I have a proposal for you.
I own a studio apartment downtown.
It's vacant. You could live there until you finish college.
You'd have no rent, and it's only ten minutes from school.
What do you say?
It's so quiet here.
I'll put the keys here.
What are you doing?
- Do you know where the blender is? - No.
It's crazy, you never find what you need.
Why do you need the blender?
- To make soup. - Soup?
Yes, vegetable soup. I want to eat healthy now.
If you don't, I don't give a shit. I'm sick of junk food!
Have you lost your mind?
I'm pregnant.
Sweetheart...
Good girl. I knew you'd come through.
I did have some help.
Hello, Maurice.
Experience proves that the hardest is yet to come.
- Hello, Mother. - Hello, Micheline.
Come in, come in.
- Ritchie spent the night. - The boy is such a delight.
It's my baby bed!
I got it down from the attic. I thought you'd like it.
Thank you.
It needs a new coat of paint. Only this time, it won't be my job.
I even kept the sheets. Egyptian cotton. It lasts forever.
Etienne?
Is it true, did you hire Patrick?
Yes, I hired Patrick.
The Patrick I met?
- I don't understand. - This isn't the moment.
You didn't tell Daddy?
Gauthier called me in near hysterics about some office in Singapore.
Can we talk about it on Monday?
You can't make decisions like that alone, you know that.
Yes, of course, I know.
Who is this Patrick Chambon anyway? Can I meet him?
- And why not? - He's left for Singapore.
You're not president yet, Etienne. You seem to forget.
But you never forget to break my balls, do you?
- How dare you! Micheline... - Micheline should learn to shut up.
Are you crazy?
Excuse me.
Bardon here, your legal advisor. Patrick Chambon has been arrested.
- What'll happen? - It depends how much he had.
If they figure it was to sell, he risks prison.
- Does he have a record? - No.
One or two years. It depends on the judge.
We'll say it was for personal use. He might get off easy.
You don't think I'm that stupid?
I didn't know I had it.
It was a piece of hash I left in my pocket ages ago.
How big a piece?
I don't know. Not big.
- You got a lawyer? - Yes, our legal advisor.
This isn't about figures, I need a pro.
He's a pro. You don't have a record, right?
No, that's all over.
For the law too?
Look, I'm as pure as the driven snow.
Things are looking up.
He's not an overzealous cop. We should be out of here in an hour.
Is there anything else?
No. Let's go.
Ok,
here's the deal...
No record,
no intention of trafficking...
We'll let him off.
But he needs a good talking to.
Believe me, we'll have a very serious talk.
You won't fire him?
I'll have to think it over once I've calmed down.
There'll be a customs fine. Can he pay?
We'll take care of it.
Ok.
I'll still have to write up a report.
For our personal files...
you could say.
I understand.
Ok, in that case...
- Hey, Boss? - What?
Patrick Chambon's fingerprints...
They were found at the scene of a crime in the suburbs last week.
Clemence?
Listen...
I know I behaved badly with your parents.
I'm sorry.
You have a bachelor flat?
The neighbors are complaining. Your mistress is noisy.
We've struggled so hard to get here.
I finally get pregnant...
and you cheat on me.
I hate that word, it sounds so outdated.
Are you in love?
She's just some poor girl I'm trying to help.
You know what? The possibility crossed my mind.
I thought that maybe you just wanted to help her.
And then I thought, why didn't he tell me about it?
You could've said you wanted to let her stay there.
I would've told you, Etienne.
You're right, I should've.
It all happened so fast.
It was her father...
Her father?
He died last week. He worked for us.
She doesn't have a penny, I wanted to help her.
What was his name?
Michelet.
Where did he work?
At the lab.
Who are you calling?
My father. If he worked for you, Daddy will know him.
We have 15,000 employees. He can't know them all.
At the lab, he does.
Don't bother your dad with this.
Hello?
Ok, fine. He didn't work for us.
But the rest is true.
Give me my telephone.
I swear, nothing happened with the girl.
I saw her. I wanted to see what she looked like.
Do you realize she's just a kid?
I want her out of my apartment by tomorrow.
- Can I see her? - I don't think so.
I know I behaved badly with you and Micheline...
But that's not the issue.
Get back in your car and drive away
before I punch you in the face.
Hi, how are you?
Can I talk to you for a minute?
Sure.
What's going on here?
I invited some friends over.
- The neighbors are complaining. - Who?
The old lady next door? She's nuts.
I let you move in here to finish school, not to party.
Is that why you came?
To lecture me?
We had an agreement.
What agreement? I never asked for anything.
You came around with your money.
What do you want?
Go on, say it.
What do you want?
Are you Ok, Fleur?
Don't touch me!
- Leave her alone, Ok? - Listen, kid...
Mr. Meunier?
Detective Kazinski here.
Could you stop by the station for five minutes?
What for?
Why did you av oid me the other day?
- When was that? - At the airport.
I didn't av oid you.
You saw me, but you didn't say hello.
You didn't say hello either.
I didn't know you knew Patrick Chambon.
We could've talked at the airport.
It wasn't the moment.
What about now?
There's not much to say. Chambon is a childhood friend.
He was looking for work and I offered him a job.
Nothing strikes you as odd?
What do you mean?
A man you're on the verge of hiring, Michelet,
is killed by your pal, whom you hire a week later?
I didn't say I was on the verge of hiring Michelet,
I simply said his resume interested us.
You called him the day he died.
Did you keep it?
What?
His resume.
I don't know.
I'd have to ask my secretary, she might have thrown it out.
Chambon's job... Is it the one Michelet wanted?
No, not at all. I see what you're getting at.
What am I getting at?
- Look, it wasn't about a job. - What then?
I have no idea.
Your ties with the victim and the killer are curious.
Not to mention the girl.
The girl?
The Michelet girl.
I couldn't reach her when we found her father's murderer.
You're putting her up?
I'm letting her stay in an apartment.
Well I was until now.
Are you screwing her?
Excuse me?
Are you screwing her?
None of your business.
Oh yeah?
He says it's none of my business.
I think our talk is over.
Next time, it'll be with my lawyer.
Maybe we'll do that.
I'm not worried. Chambon will talk. It's only a matter of time.
You gotta get me out of here.
They know it's you.
You'll be sentenced.
Shit!
The cops are watching me.
We can't see each other again. Listen to me.
The victim was known to be violent, you'd both been drinking,
and there was no premeditation.
- You'll get off easy. - I heard something else.
What?
Your lawyer said I should turn the other guy in.
- You can't do that. - Why not? It's the truth.
- You can't do that. - Think.
You didn't kill him, you were just there.
It was an accident. What do you risk?
What do I risk? I risk everything.
If I admit I was there, I'll have to explain why I was there.
If I do that, I'm done for.
And me, I'm not done for?
This is your first sentence. My lawyer is 100% sure:
You'll get five years max and you'll be eligible for parole.
You'll spend two years inside.
Patrick, listen, I'll buy your time in prison.
Tell me your price.
If you turn me in,
you'll spend one year behind bars
and you'll come out poor.
If you accept my deal, it'll be two years but you'll come out rich.
Which do you prefer?
I want a million euros.
Per year.
Hang on...
Yes or no?
Alright.
- And I want it now. - That's impossible.
It's not that I don't trust you, Etienne,
but I want the money before I go to jail. You have three days.
I can't do that.
Find a way.
You wanted to see me?
I'd like to sell my shares.
How many?
All of them.
2,000 square feet on Avenue Molière...
I don't know, what's the market price?
What do you mean "when"? Right now!
It's about the Leroy I bought in September...
Yes, the nude. How much would you buy it back for?
A Le Corbusier lounge chair, with the certificate.
You said someone wanted to buy the boat last summer.
Who was it?
Could you find their name?
A young woman dropped this off.
Thank you.
ASSHOLE
I found a Russian buyer for the villa in Cannes.
Is he solvent?
Yes. I know him. But he's a tough businessman.
- Which means? - He's offering 500,000.
No way! It's worth four times as much!
He knows you're in financial difficulty. He's squeezing you dry.
What do you think?
We can get him up to 800,000. No more.
You're in a hurry, not him.
I'll think about it.
While we're at it, is the house in your name only?
No. My wife is co-owner.
In that case, I'll need her signature.
Yes, of course.
Ok, thanks. I'll get back to you.
It's me.
- I almost have the money. - Drop it.
- What? - I'm gonna die if I stay here.
At 50 euros a minute, let's make it short.
Listen carefully, I'm gonna break out.
What?
I see the judge tomorrow at 11:00 am. The office is on the 3rd floor.
Go rent a pick-up truck and fill it with cardboard bo xes.
- Park under the window. - This is insane.
Do what I say or I'll turn you in!
Tomorrow at 11:00 am. Under the judge's window.
- Thank you for seeing me so quickly. - Is it about Mr. Chambon?
Yes. Sort of.
I see him tomorrow with the judge.
I know.
Has he decided to name his accomplice?
That's what I wanted to see you about.
Go ahead.
His accomplice... I mean, the guy who was with him that night...
What does he risk?
It depends on his role.
Let's say he was present, but powerless to act.
In that case,
he'll mainly be reprimanded for his silence.
I'd say one year.
If he turns himself in of his own accord, will that help?
Yes. When the guilty party shows goodwill, judges usually go easier.
But my advice to him...
would be to do it fast. Before Patrick Chambon denounces him.
- I want to talk to Clemence. - Go away.
Remember the other day
when you asked why I hid things from you?
I've thought about it.
The problem is that you never really chose me.
- Excuse me? - You're still their little girl.
You were never really my wife.
You didn't choose me.
I chose you. I didn't have to marry the boss's daughter.
I didn't need that to succeed.
But when I saw you, I fell in love.
You were funny, elegant and refined...
You called me "sir".
I'd never known anyone like you. And I said:
"She's the woman I want to spend my life with."
You just went along with it all.
So I never felt I could really trust you.
Whereas if you'd actually chosen me...
maybe we could've been a couple.
A real couple.
I've heard enough.
Daddy, sit down.
Be quiet and sit down.
I'm not sure where I'm at.
What do you want?
Nothing. I don't want anything.
But we might not be seeing each other for a while.
Are you going away?
Yes... It's kind of complicated.
I'm glad we talked, Clemence.
Where are you going?
"Dear Fleur, this is surely the hardest letter I've ever had to write.
"But I think I owe you the truth.
"The whole truth..."
Detective Kazinski? Etienne Meunier.
We need to talk.
Can I see you in about forty-five minutes?
Perfect.
I'm on my way.
Are you alright, sir?
Mr. Kazinski's coming.
Mr. Meunier, am I disturbing you?
Sort of. I'm listening.
I have bad news for you.
- I'm listening. - Patrick Chambon is dead.
It happened five minutes ago.
In the judge's office...
He tried to escape by jumping out the window.
I'm very sorry.
There was nothing we could do.
Hello.
Come in.
I'm glad you came.
I'm not sure I'd have dared call you.
I'm not used to kindness.
- I acted like an idiot. - No, it was my fault.
I had this stupid desire to save you despite yourself.
- You're a good man, Etienne. - No, I don't think so.
You remind me of Dad.
Oh yeah?
Yes, sometimes.
When you're grumpy.
I have something to ask you.
Yes.
You can say no.
Ok.
I've decided to finish school.
I want to take out a student loan
and I need a co-signer.
Someone who's financially sound.
The answer is yes.
You don't have to.
The answer is yes.
- I swear I'll make my payments on time. - You'd better.
Sorry, but I have to study.
- I'll see you soon. - Bye.
In the end, I think it's all a question of luck.
You can analyze a problem from every angle,
make all the predictions you want...
At the end of the day,
every decision comes down to "heads or tails"
So the only real question is:
" Are you willing to let luck into your life?"