THE SERPENT
These might be suitable.
Especially him.
Dior suit, Rolex watch, married, two kids...
His phone numbers are unlisted.
I searched a bit. From what I found, he’s creditworthy.
Here, a stock transfer statement. 60,000 euros credited to his account.
Very good. Let’s go with him. Call Sofia.
He’s a business attorney in a real estate agency.
The ad says you’re a student living in Paris.
Ready?
Ring him from this mobile.
Hello. I placed an ad and I received your letter.
What’s your name?
Sofia.
Now shut up... or I’ll kill you!
Look. Look what I’m going to give you.
Come here.
Wait.
There... Little friend.
Now, a little bit of colour.
There, you’re beautiful.
We won’t tell anyone.
Right.
- Morning. Did you sleep well? - Yes.
- Why isn’t it singing? - No idea why it’s not singing.
- Maybe it doesn’t want to. - It always does in the morning.
- What’s happening? - It’s not singing.
It’s not the same one, that’s why.
Sit down.
It’s been painted so it looks the same, but it’s not.
Can’t you tell? It’s ugly.
What are you saying. Aragorn’s right here.
- It’s a different one. - Where’s Aragorn?
- Right there. - How do you explain the paint, then?
I wanted to feed Aragorn last night but it flew away.
If you don’t like this one I’ll bring it back.
- Is Aragorn going to die? - No, it won’t.
It will live freely.
- You want me to take this one back? - No. I like it anyway.
I like it too.
Children, time to get ready.
Come on.
- Hurry up. - Come on, Mathieu.
Dad, why are you mean to Mum?
- Mean to Mum? - She cries, you know.
- Have you seen her cry? - No, not in front of me.
But when we’re alone together we talk.
Mathieu, children can’t solve adults’ problems.
Don’t worry about Mum and me.
We take care of you, not vice versa.
- Why are you here? - To check if you’re crying.
You’re confiding to a kid. You could try talking to me.
Aren’t you meeting my dad?
Did your lawyer or your father advise you to involve the kids?
They have the right to know about us.
Hélène, your son is five. That’s abuse of power.
- Is that why you’re here? - Leave Juliette and Mathieu out of this.
You have no right to order me! I’m no longer the goose you married.
I’ll never let you go.
What will you do? Tell me!
You drive me nuts. Nuts!
Get it into your head.
The children go with me to Munich.
- My lawyers guaranteed it. - Lawyers?
Have they thought what my kids will do
in a foreign country with no friends?
I won’t listen to you. At all!
Can you ever think of anyone other than yourself?
Thank you.
- Hello. - Seen the pictures?
- What do you want? - 60,000 euros.
I can show them to your wife
or organise a projection at your kids’ school.
Get up.
Open the window.
Throw the bag out.
Now.
Ten thousand’s missing.
Hello.
It’s the wrong amount.
Listen, I don’t have the sum you asked for.
I’ll get in touch with you.
I checked for you.
I photocopied his driver’s license.
He’s never had trouble with the law apart from parking tickets
and a late tax return.
That guy Vincent Mendel hit the jackpot.
He married Schäfer’s only child.
Karl Schäfer’s fortune is one of the biggest in Europe.
Thank you.
Ma’am, we ask that the children can live with their mother,
that is, in Munich in Germany.
She wants to move closer to her family
as she has no sentimental ties here now.
My client wants stability for her children.
Mr Mendel cannot properly care for them.
As noted by the investigating officer,
Mr Mendel comes home every night past the children’s bedtime.
Mr Mendel didn’t feel obliged to state
he takes the children to school every morning.
If you allow Juliette and Mathieu to follow their mother
Mr Mendel will be able to visit them if they matter enough to him.
Mr Koskas?
They were born and have always lived in France.
Mrs Mendel should understand there’s a great difference
between visiting and living in a foreign country.
My client doesn’t want to keep his children from their mother
but asks that they remain in France.
Forcing Mr Mendel to see his children in a hotel room on the motorway
undermines his authority at a moral level.
My role is to protect your children. They need a mother and a father.
Keep that in mind while I’m studying this case,
in spite of your personal issues.
I’ll give my verdict in three weeks time.
1st choice
OUT OF ORDER
- Is it working? - Yes, it is.
Her olive skin is better for beige, black and white items.
Beautiful black satin.
She’s interesting. Is she an option?
Yes, she’s free tomorrow for a shoot.
Hello. I’m looking for Vincent Mendel.
- That’s me. - I’m Sofia.
My agent said you need a girl for a lingerie ad.
- Is your agent Claire? - Yes.
Did she mention I expected someone else?
Carla’s sick.
She cancelled last night and Claire said you’re in a hurry.
If I’m not suitable the agency will get you another girl.
No, I’m short of time.
- Are you available right now? - Yes.
Come in.
Damn, Franck, what are you doing?
Raphaël’s mobile is switched off too.
We only have two days to do it. I can’t postpone.
I need you guys. Right now.
A problem?
The assistant and the make-up artist are late.
We could start without them.
Good.
Let’s break.
- What’s up? - Sorry...
Listen, we can stop now. I have what I want.
No, I’ll be all right.
- Hello. - It’s Franck.
- Franck, what’s up? - I couldn’t call.
- What’s going on? - I’m in hospital. We got mugged.
- Raphaël too? - Yes.
- Do you know who did it? - No.
Some guys pulled us out of the car.
- They beat us up and just left. - Where are you?
- Mondor hospital. - I’m on my way.
I have to get going. Don’t worry, the series is very good.
- Ouch, you’re hurting! - You’re very pretty.
You, come here and take your medicine.
Vincent...
Can you give it to him?
Vincent...
- Hi. - Mr Mendel?
Police. You’ll have to come with us.
- We need to ask him a few questions. - Why?
- What’s going on? - We’ll talk at the station.
It must be a mistake. Have you checked...
We’ve checked.
Juliette, stay with Mathieu.
Did you hear me?
I’ll grab a jacket.
- Do you know Sofia Kipiani? - Yes.
She came to my studio for a photo shoot.
- What kind of photos? - For lingerie.
An ad for my father-in-law, Karl Schäfer.
What’s going on?
She’s accusing you of rape.
We’ll test your DNA with the skin found under her nails.
If they match you’ll be arrested.
Let him in. Your lawyer’s arrived.
I just had time to read the report.
- Vincent, what happened? - Nothing.
- She was crying, I consoled her. - How?
I gave her a hug, she threw herself at me and scratched me.
Am I staying here?
- Your mobile, to ring the kids. - I can’t.
Sam, if I can’t go home I need to talk to the kids.
Here. Hurry.
- Yes? - It’s me.
They’re keeping me overnight. I want to talk to the kids.
They’re outside.
I want a quick word with them.
Seeing police take you away shocked them.
I don’t want them to talk to you now.
What have you done, Vincent?
A woman’s accusing me of rape.
Hélène, I did nothing.
I’m hanging up.
Your client’s in trouble.
There’s no proof against Vincent. Even if his wife sees this as a godsend.
- I suppose you’ll tell the judge. - There’s no hurry.
But I’ll have to ask that the file is sent to DOCS.
What’s happening?
The complaint was withdrawn. You’re free.
Daddy!
Did you think of me?
- Is it a witchcraft game? - Yes.
Yes?
Everything’s fine now.
Well... Okay. Probably a mistake.
Okay.
By the way, Claire,
do you have a girl called Sofia Kipiani?
No?
No reason.
Okay.
Someone beat up my assistants to stop them coming that day.
Claire got a call saying the chosen girl cancelled.
She says I rang but I never did.
Hélène...
I hope you’re not letting your lawyer use this shit.
Your problems are no longer mine.
Quick, put your hood on. Quick, quick.
Juliette, your hood.
Be careful when you cross the street.
- Hello. - It’s Sofia.
- How did you get this number? - It was given to me.
- What do you want? - I can explain.
You’re Schäfer’s son-in-law going through a divorce.
Someone wants to compromise you in front of the judge.
Thank you.
Can I have another?
It would be best to tell the police what you just told me.
Tell what?
That some guys paid me to simulate a rape?
That a bit of your skin under my nails was going to help?
- Yes. - I don’t know who they are.
I never dealt with them directly.
Do they know you withdrew your complaint?
I told them I didn’t want to carry on.
And?
They won’t give me the money.
You’d better tell the police
in case they threaten you.
Can I smoke?
Yes.
- Done. - Good.
Sam...
I need you.
Vincent, what’s going on?
She tricked me. She drugged me.
- When she fell I grabbed her... - Calm down. Who?
- The girl. - Kipiani came here?
Didn’t you see her?
- Where did she fall? - There, outside.
There’s nobody. Vincent, nobody fell here.
She was right there. There was blood.
Sam, listen to me.
She rang to say she could explain why she’d accused me.
I said meet me here.
She asked for a glass of water...
I lost consciousness.
A man took some pictures.
When he left I tried to stop the girl.
She was hanging there...
She fell.
Sam...
It’s all true!
Tell me...
Did you have something with that girl?
I’ll give you a lift home.
I’m sorry.
I was going a bit fast, true.
I’ll give you my insurance company’s number.
Fancy that...
Vincent Mendel.
You don’t recognise me?
Plender, Joseph Plender. From high school.
Joseph Plender.
- Is everything all right? - I bumped his car. No big deal.
Sir, do you have the car’s papers?
Rego, insurance, driver’s license...
- In the boot. - Can you get them?
You know what? It was my fault.
I was going too fast and didn’t see him.
That guy, I bump into his car,
and I recognise him...
We were 14, can you imagine?
I had to bump into his car to meet him again!
Okay.
Good night. Thank you.
Listen, for your car...
I know someone in the trade.
He owes me one. Let me take it and I’ll bring it back on Monday.
Are you all right, Vincent?
- Is it the accident? - I must go.
Stop it. There’s no rush.
You haven’t said anything. What are you doing these days?
I bet you work surrounded by women.
- I’m a photographer. - Photographer...
I bet you’re in fashion. Cute chicks and so on.
Lucky bastard.
I was in the Foreign Legion.
I travelled and came back after the Gulf War.
I became an officers’ instructor. Now I’m a cop.
Well, a private detective.
- My card. - I really must go.
I tell you what...
Dinner at your place, we’ll chat.
- I’ll get to meet your wife. - I don’t know... Ring me.
You don’t seem great.
I’ll follow to make sure you get home safely.
An idiot just drove past tooting. Mathieu woke up.
I had a car accident.
- Serious? - No.
The guy I had the collision with I knew 25 years ago.
In high school.
Congratulations, Dad, you quit!
Children, get in the car!
The car...
Where is it?
Dad, your car’s gone!
- What are you saying? - It’s true. See?
Look. It’s gone.
Where is it?
Did you move the car last night?
So...
It’s been stolen.
Dad, the car’s been stolen!
Gone!
Yes?
Who is it?
Hold on... For you.
Hello.
Vincent, it’s Joseph.
Listen... last night, I saw you were upset and I felt responsible.
I wanted to do something for you so I came back...
I took the car.
I drove it to my friend’s. He’s working on it right now.
- Did he open the boot? - Yes, Vincent, he had to.
To do the job.
But I dealt with everything else so he could focus on the job.
You can have it back tonight.
It will be spotless.
See you tonight.
- It was him. - Who?
That guy from high school.
He took the car to the panel beater.
Without a word? While we were asleep?
I’ll collect the car tonight.
I’m driving the children to school.
So, the car? Good job, isn’t it?
What did you do with it?
I should be the one asking you what you did.
It was an accident.
It doesn’t matter anymore. I dealt with it.
Relax now. Forget about it.
Come on, cheers.
To this high school reunion.
Remember our motto? “Never lose faith”...
On the edge of the river,
Far from the continent,
You’ll remember these words for the rest of your life.
Never lose faith in anything you do.
Never lose faith, today or tomorrow.
From now on, from now on,
Your steps will be guided wherever you go.
Remember?
Yes, I remember.
Good evening.
- Isn’t your wife home? - She had an appointment.
Oh, that’s a shame.
- Want a drink? - A whisky, straight.
Tell me...
This is great.
It’s already very impressive outside, but inside...
it’s stunning.
I always knew you’d do well.
Everyone did. Even our classmates.
Joseph, what have you done with the girl?
In this kind of matter, the less you know the safer it is.
She was in your car, you don’t know how...
Vincent, I checked.
A Russian illegal immigrant, no papers... no one will notice.
No need to panic because you shagged a stranger.
- I didn’t shag her. - Even better!
Sorry, I didn’t know Vincent had a guest.
This is Joseph Plender. My wife, Hélène.
- Delighted. - Delighted, Hélène.
Thank you.
- You could have asked my opinion. - I didn’t expect you so early.
Explain why that guy, no friend of yours,
comes here when we don’t want him.
He had the car repaired without using the insurance.
I had to thank him.
That’s not helping. It’s sneaking in, that’s all.
I didn’t ask you to host him.
We’re just having dinner. You needn’t stay.
- Did you tell him we’re separating? - No.
Remember Richard, the doctor’s son?
- We were good friends. - Very close friends.
- Remember when you stole my book? - Stole what?
No... I was asking Vincent if he remembers one of his pranks.
What prank?
Shall I tell?
No, in fact...
The history teacher didn’t like me.
I wasn’t as brilliant as Vincent, far from it.
Lebeck, that was his name.
Unless I did my homework, I’d be off to the principal.
But that day I wrote the best assignment in my life.
Everyone thought I’d be expelled the next day,
but no way, I’d done my homework!
We had recess before class...
Tell the rest.
Nothing...
But it’s very funny. Hélène will love it.
We rubbed it out.
Six pages erased, from the first letter to the last!
Unbelievable.
Lebeck...
He always asked a couple of kids to read their work
and that day it was my turn.
I took my exercise book, opened it...
All gone.
Everyone was waiting.
“Sir, I swear I did it. It was here, but now...
“it’s gone.”
They were laughing.
It was really funny.
Vincent? I want to thank you.
I had a great evening.
Your wife is a pearl.
- Tell her I appreciated it. - Okay.
Seriously.
Okay.
I’ll call you back.
Who was it?
Plender. He called to say thank you.
Good morning, Hélène. Is Vincent in?
No, he’s just left.
I really wanted to say thank you. I had a great evening.
Come in.
My question will seem silly, but...
didn’t you ring last night?
Sorry?
Didn’t you ring Vincent last night?
Hélène, I would never...
Vincent told me you rang.
I’ve got Vincent in trouble.
Vincent got himself in trouble. It’s not your fault.
We two aren’t close,
but you’re Vincent’s wife and I’m his friend.
If you need anything, I can help.
Vincent and I are separating.
He was accused of rape.
By a model he was using in a photo shoot.
She withdrew her complaint.
I’d like you to tell me what’s going on.
Hélène, let things calm down for a day or two.
I’ll deal with it.
- Hello, my friend. - Fuck!
- What are you doing here? - The door was open so I got in.
Can you do me a favour?
I have business to sort nearby.
It won’t take long.
Let’s go.
Go.
Turn the lights off.
My old friend Vincent.
That’s it.
Coming?
That’s all I can give now.
How will you pay?
I’ll pay, I swear I will.
Every month.
Help him.
Short reckonings make long friends.
Coming?
Hi. I’m here to see Joseph.
Ah, Vincent! Come in, come in.
- I’ll give myself up to the cops. - Thanks, Sentis...
- To say what? - To tell them what happened.
Listen...
Tell me where the body is. I won’t mention you.
I’ll tell the truth.
I’ll say I panicked. I’ll wear it all.
Vincent, calm down.
Take a seat.
It won’t be enough. The cops will investigate anyway.
They might believe it was an accident.
But they’ll ask why you concealed her disappearance for two weeks.
Suspicion will always hang over you.
Hélène told me her father gave you a start.
He helped me create my own company.
Of course.
With all his connections, he can help.
Like me and my friends, we help one another.
Mutual aid, if you like.
We all owe somebody something.
So I’m thinking about your problem and how I can help.
My mind is made up.
You’re mistaking the true nature of your problem.
Vincent...
I know you think you owe me.
The only way I think you can pay off your debt
is to grant me financial support.
This is for you. Take it.
Open it.
I think now you know where your problem lies.
I think it’s worth half a million euros.
You bastard!
Think about it, Vincent. Think about it.
All I told you is true. Plender set it all up.
Meeting the girl, her complaint, her withdrawal.
The only thing he didn’t plan was her death
so he provoked the collision,
took the car, hid the body.
As absurd as it seems, it’s the truth.
The truth is what the court decides.
Any prosecutor will prove you used a self-timer.
Then he’ll look for a motive and the rape complaint will do.
You killed Sofia Kipiani... because she was an inconvenience.
I need to get out of this nightmare.
The only way is to prove Plender and the girl knew each other
and that he used her.
What are you doing?
I’m almost finished.
- Come to bed. - I’m coming.
Come on.
Vincent, it’s me.
I found an address on Kipiani’s complaint.
It’s worth checking out.
What is it?
I’m Samuel Koskas, this is Vincent Mendel.
We’re after Sofia Kipiani.
Last time you saw her did she say anything?
Nothing at all.
She was very discreet.
She left without even saying goodbye.
Frankly that saddens me.
Do you mind if we take a look at her room?
Georgian student seeks caring mature man.
P.O. Box...
I’m going outside for a fag.
That’s him.
Do you believe me now?
Excuse me, can I use a phone?
- Booth 6. - Thank you.
You’ll have to give him some of the money.
Ask the bank for marked notes
that can prove blackmail in a police search.
Then tell the cops everything.
But if Plender produces the body, I’ll be accused of murder.
He can do anything he wants.
- Hold on... - I’m stuck, Sam.
They’ll wonder why you can’t produce the body
but that might work in your favour.
I’ll call an ex-cop friend of mine. He’ll help us.
42,000. That’s all I can give you for now.
May I see Inspectors Becker and Carbona?
I want to report on someone’s death.
When you found the corpse, why not call the police?
I was afraid, I panicked.
I’m in a divorce and I thought I’d never see my kids again.
I have no logical explanation to give you.
You thought it would go unnoticed?
Why would I make this up?
- Judicial Police. - Joseph Plender. Have a seat.
- Do you know Vincent Mendel? - An old schoolmate.
We met again recently.
- He mentioned a car accident. - Yes.
I didn’t see his indicator and hit the back of his car.
- And then? - Then we went for a drink.
I felt guilty. It’s no excuse, but...
I took his car to a mechanic who repaired it.
- Can we meet that mechanic? - Of course.
Mendel says he witnessed the accidental death of Sofia Kipiani,
a 24-year-old girl.
[--- MISSING BLOCK ---]
He came to us willingly. He doesn’t deny his involvement.
He’s blaming you.
He invited me for dinner to his house where I met his wife Hélène.
As I’m a private detective, she asked me to follow him. Maybe he found out.
Why did she hire you?
They’re divorcing so, you know, each one needs ammunition.
- So? - I searched and found some photos...
You know the kind.
- These photos? - Absolutely.
Do you know the girl?
No, not at all.
- Look at this. - What is it?
An invoice for Marie Plender’s funeral two months ago.
- 80,000 euros. - You’re kidding.
Far out...
Mr Cendras?
Judicial Police. We’d like a word.
About what?
- Do you know Joseph Plender? - No. Never heard of him.
A private detective. He contacted you recently.
We know you gave him money.
If he’s threatening you, you’re not his only victim.
- Leave me alone. - You’re a lawyer...
- Let’s bring him to justice. - You’re not a cop?
I’m a lawyer too and I know other victims.
Give me time to think about it.
- Hi. - Hi, Max.
Hello.
The death certificate. She died two months ago.
Why report it to the police, not the council?
Violent death. Suicide.
A nurse found her dead in her room and reported it.
Right.
The nurses’ room is the end of the corridor.
Thank you.
I told the police everything.
It’s hard to talk about it again.
Did you know her son?
He spent hours with her almost every day.
Often she’d just cry, asking for his forgiveness.
Heartbreaking.
When did she arrive here?
I brought her file. It must be written there.
18 August 1982.
Were you here when she committed suicide?
I was on duty, unfortunately.
Gilles Cendras, this is Samuel Koskas.
Samuel Koskas! We came to see you this afternoon.
Samuel Kos... Can you put in your hearing aid?
We’ll protect you.
- I won’t testify. - You can’t let him...
- Sorry. - Hello... Hello!
- What’s up? - Someone who won’t testify for Vincent.
And the idiot’s even a lawyer.
The prosecutor ordered your release.
No corpse, no complaint. We can’t charge you for any crime.
The divorce hearing is tomorrow.
Now I have things to tell you.
You said you met Plender in high school.
- Were you friends? - Not really.
He was always sidelined.
He tried everything to be accepted.
He was always there but no one liked him.
He hung out with us but we just laughed at him.
He was your scapegoat.
- How long did you know him? - Two years.
Then his mother moved.
After this?
Young Joseph Raped By Tramp
Yes.
He just disappeared.
We thought he’d been committed.
He was meant to be, but his mother opposed it.
She was afraid he’d be labelled as mad.
In the end she fell into depression.
She was in and out of psychiatric wards.
Plender started work at 15 and joined the Legion at 18.
His mother was committed to a private mental clinic.
She stayed there till she died.
Max found out he was arrested three times for fraud.
One was linked to an affair involving a notable.
- Did he blackmail him? - The money was for the clinic.
Being in the Legion, he never went to trial.
His mother killed herself two months ago.
Before killing herself she left him a... will.
It was written on her bedroom wall.
“Avenge our shame.”
There’s one thing I don’t get...
the link with you.
We were 13 years old.
One boy had organised a party. Some girls turned up.
Plender brought beer so we accepted him.
At one point...
someone dared us to go to the Institute.
An old sanatorium shut down after a fire.
We walked through the woods and arrived near the building.
Eventually everyone chickened out.
Only Richard and I stayed.
Before going inside Plender said he was coming too.
To impress us.
Did it?
It exasperated me.
I knew he was afraid of the dark so I wanted to give him the creeps.
We went in, all three of us.
A noise... Richard freaked out and ran away.
It was just Joseph and me.
A door opened on a big staircase leading down to the kitchen.
I challenged him to go down if he was brave enough.
If he didn’t, he was a coward.
He went down, but he was terrified.
He wouldn’t admit it, but I could see.
What did you do?
I shut the door behind him and left.
The others were hiding behind the trees. We were jubilant.
We all went home laughing, thinking of him alone in the dark.
Unfortunately there was a man in the kitchen.
He was a kind of hobo who was hanging around there.
He forced him to drink alcohol.
His ordeal lasted all night.
Plender didn’t come for your money
but to avenge his mother’s death.
- Max suggests we search his place. - I’m coming too.
No way. That could play against you.
She walks against the wind so the gazelles aren’t alarmed
with their fine sense of smell...
30 minutes.
Max...
Good morning, Hélène. I’m not ringing too early?
Mr Mendel, we’re about to start if you’d like to join us.
Family Arbitration
- Isn’t Mr Koskas here? - He shouldn’t be long.
You may begin.
The prosecution has presented new facts
which say a lot about Mr Mendel.
His name appears in a complaint for attempted rape.
May I directly address the adverse party?
Go ahead.
Did you pay anyone to prevent these photos getting to me?
Absolutely not.
But here are 42,000 euros you withdrew from your bank.
Marked notes of different values.
I have statements from the clerk and the director of the bank
who confirm these are the same notes.
You paid Joseph Plender not to reveal these photos
as your wife hired him to follow you.
He had the probity to give the money back.
That guy’s tricked you.
Mr Mendel, don’t interrupt Mrs Leroy.
You think this helps the children? You’re destroying them.
Did I take these pictures? Or bribe someone to conceal them?
- Mr Mendel... Mr Mendel... - Am I losing the children?
These facts aren’t in your favour.
I’m allowing your wife
to take the children and move to Germany.
You’ll have access two days a week.
But don’t approach your family
until the verdict regarding the attempted rape is returned.
He died last night in a car accident.
Police! Don’t move.
Vincent Mendel, I’m arresting you for the murder of Sofia Kipiani.
<was arrested and taken into custody.>
Mr Mendel, plead guilty. Trust me, don’t make the wrong choice.
You’re facing 20 years.
The court can impose jail terms
of life imprisonment or 15, 20 or 30 years.
Thirty years...
- Gentlemen... - Judge...
You may remove his handcuffs and you may go. Thank you.
Mr Mendel, do you want to change your statement?
No.
Let me tell you how it all happened.
You seduced Sofia Kipiani and then killed her
fearing she’d blackmail and compromise you in your divorce.
You accuse Plender because he helped your wife,
probably due to his grudge against you.
Mr Mendel...
Admit the facts. You’ll do yourself a favour.
Don’t be too proud. This is your last chance.
You’ll have the next 20 years to reflect on this absurdity.
Sit down!
You’ll see on the first floor...
Move!
Wait!
Children, run! Run, run!
<charged with Sofia Kipiani’s murder,>
What did I say?
Come to dinner. The food’s getting cold. Come on.
Mum, why did Dad jump out of the window?
I don’t know, sweetheart.
Hélène...
I don’t know if Vincent will act desperately
about Juliette and Mathieu.
If you need extra protection, don’t hesitate to call me.
I can move here until the police find him.
I can look after the children.
- Thank you, Joseph. - No, Hélène, no need to thank me.
Consider what’s best for you.
I’m at your disposal.
- Catherine... - Vincent.
I need cash and clothes.
The day Sam and Max died
they told me all they knew about Plender.
Max understood the only way to get him was to operate like him.
Sam may have some documents that could help.
Catherine, Sam was the victim of that guy’s obsession to destroy me.
- The cops say it was an accident. - And that I killed the girl!
They work from what they know. Did you see Sam’s body? Did you?
No.
- Don’t you wonder why? - Vincent, please...
Because it burned. Reduced to ashes, like Max’s. Both unrecognisable.
No trace, no possible identification!
The car caught fire when it fell.
When they gave me the body, the coffin was sealed.
You can go in. There’s no one at reception.
Room 9, ground floor.
One thing came back to me.
I heard Sam shouting on the phone.
His interlocutor was deaf.
The guy was refusing to testify for you.
- Did you hear his name? - No, but I’m sure he was a lawyer.
Catherine, I met him.
- The day after Plender came home. - What?
November 13th... Plender crushed his hearing aid.
He must have bought a new one, maybe a day or two later.
Police.
Follow us, please.
His escape can endanger others.
You’ll be charged with obstructing justice...
I don’t know where he is.
Hello, Miss.
I’m here to meet your director of acquisitions.
- You are? - Vincent Lebrun.
I can’t see any appointment.
And Mr Sermoni’s gone. Ring, or come tomorrow.
Sorry but we’re about to close.
I’ll ring him tomorrow morning to sort it out.
- Before I go, can I use your toilet? - To your left. I’ll open for you.
- Good night. - Bye.
- Central... - Yes?
Ibrahim, at Danalogic.
A computer’s on and there’s some personal gear.
- Are you sure everyone’s left? - They all left the building.
I’ll look around...
I was there when he said “Short reckonings make long friends.”
- What do you want? - My lawyer saw you.
- You said you wouldn’t testify. - Exactly.
Plender killed him.
I’ve been charged.
It’s not my problem. Get out.
Leave me alone.
I need your help.
- How are you? - Hi.
This is the list he was after.
Nobody will look for you here. Make yourself at home.
If you testify, you exonerate me. Do you understand?
And he gets a three-year suspended sentence.
That man robbed me of everything.
If I testify, you’ll have to wait in jail.
Plender will have free rein.
You’ll wait to read that your kids have been run over by a truck.
He has no family, no assets. He’s a vampire.
Everyone has a weak spot.
- Good evening. - Good evening.
- Soon everything will be all right. - I’m worried about the children.
<when she committed suicide?>
At 11 p.m. her roommate started screaming.
When I got inside
Mrs Plender had tied her wrists to a lamp’s electric cable.
She’d switched it on.
Her body was wedged against the bed
to prevent the lamp unplugging itself.
On the wall she’d written “Avenge our shame.”
Was she embalmed? Why?
He wanted her as beautiful as possible.
Was she embalmed? Why?
... as beautiful as possible.
He even put a sapphire necklace around her neck.
... a sapphire necklace around her neck.
Hélène, you’re going to be all right.
Forgive me.
If I recorded it, would his confession be admissible?
It would, especially if recorded by a Justice of the Peace.
That is?
A bailiff, a judge, a policeman... a lawyer.
Most people in judicial positions are regarded as JPs.
Like you.
He’ll never talk, whatever the situation.
We can make him lose control.
If I can get that recording I’ll need you to vouch for its veracity.
Understand?
I’ll have to be present.
You won’t be able to back out. I need your word on this.
You have it.
I’m going to make him lose the plot.
Hello?
I’m on my way.
- Joseph Plender? - Yes.
Please...
Mum...
... VENGEANCE AGAINST THEM...
Does anyone have an old grievance against you or your mother?
No.
- Any idea who could have done this? - No.
Hello. A parcel for Mr Plender.
A signature.
You must tell yourself the cops will catch me soon.
But I won’t say where your mother’s body is.
What do you want?
100,000 euros...
and you can make her look pretty again.
Hold on.
Hello?
- Mathieu? - Daddy!
- Where are you? - At home with Mummy.
- She asked Joseph to look after us. - Mathieu, listen to me...
Vincent? You’ll get nothing.
And you’ll tell me where she is.
Nice?
Don’t touch that necklace!
Juliette, take it off immediately.
Mum! Mum...
Don’t touch my children, Joseph.
Or you’ll never see your mother again.
And you’ll be responsible for what I do to her.
You little shit, not showing respect for the dead.
The place that links us...
that place where it all began...
that’s where your mother is.
Bring the money.
Midnight.
The officer in charge of the Mendel case, please.
Vincent, say something.
Vincent...
Don’t lose hope. He’ll talk.
Go downstairs, chicken...
One day we’ll remember,
And our claims will be proud.
Never lose faith in anything you do.
Never lose faith, today or tomorrow.
From now on, from now on,
Your steps will be guided wherever you go.
Don’t you deserve your punishment?
You’ve led me to revenge.
You’ve enabled me to start over again.
But my mother...
Because of you she fell into such deep despair
and chose death because life had become unbearable.
Your fate is nothing compared to what she endured.
You, always whining.
Ever seen children choking to death?
They struggle like little animals.
They scratch the plastic panels with their bleeding little nails.
Their pupils are dilated.
Just before dying, if they can still think,
they wonder why their father let them down.
Your family’s dying because of you.
Time’s running out, Vincent. Running out.
Even if they’re holding their breath. Yet your daughter wasn’t!
She was squealing...
Like a piglet. You get it now?
You can’t win against me.
And your mother, what can you do for her? Nothing.
You’ll let her be eaten by worms.
You tell me where her body is and I’ll tell you where your family is.
And Sam...
did you offer him a deal before you killed him?
You’ll tell me where she is.
I never wanted what happened to you that night!
You were all cowards.
You didn’t plan what happened.
But I provoked everything that’s ruining your life.
It’s not true. Kipiani’s fall was an accident.
Here’s a secret.
She wasn’t dead after she fell.
But you were too scared to notice.
- You killed her? - “You killed her...”
I did. I did.
I control events.
You do, Joseph. And you taught me everything.
Run!
Police! Don’t move!
Raise your hands!
Nothing inside the house.
- In the park? - Nothing.
- The garage? - No one.
Here!
Here! Here!
You’re wanted inside.
You can thank him.
He convinced us to give you free rein all the way.