Sunday December 31st.
I'm not a murderer.
Not yet.
Or rather, it's just my intention.
And intention, according to the law, only constitutes a crime
when it's put into effect.
My motive is rational,
compatible with the magnificence of my purpose.
I've chosen almost all my victims from people for whom death
could only be a liberation.
I'm a man or a woman.
Why have I decided to keep a diary,
even though it's recorded in such a way that nobody can recognize my voice?
So I can study my moves,
so I don't make errors.
In the new year five people will die at my hand,
although I haven't yet decided how.
Helene.
- Helene! - Happy New Year.
- This is Isabel. - Congratulations. All the best.
- And to you. Happy New Year. - Thank you.
- Bye, then. Happy New Year. - Bye. Happy New Year.
- And to you, too. - Happy New Year.
Happy New Year, Helene.
I mean it.
You still like jokes in bad taste, don't you?
I just wanted to wish you happy New Year in person.
Unless I'm mistaken you're not keeping to our agreement.
Or have you forgotten it?
When I drink I forget a lot of things.
- Especially the unpleasant stuff. - I haven't been drinking.
Too bad.
You should do it sometimes.
Good night. Goodbye, Andrea.
Good night.
Are you going out?
See you tomorrow, Edouard. Bye.
Walter... please.
Walter...
Let's get out of here, Walter. Let's go.
Walter!
The phone's ringing.
I heard.
Why don't you answer it?
You told me I shouldn't ever answer, didn't you?
It's the third time they've called.
- You could have woken me up. - You were dead to the world.
- Have you been here long? - All night.
I waited for hours.
When you came in you couldn't stand up, let alone make love to me.
I even had to undress you.
Am I your maid or your part-time lover?
- One of these days I'm going to resign. - You come and go as you please.
I don't ask you anything, you don't tell me anything.
Where are you going to find a better position than this?
I'll find somewhere, you can be sure of that.
Maybe you've had enough of me, right?
Why don't you tell me? That way we can make an honest start to the new year.
Here we go again.
- Hello. - Where have you been hiding?
This is the fourth time I've called.
I unplugged the phone. What's up?
There's no time to lose, that's what's up.
Get over here, quick.
Hi.
Take care, love. It's a bad day.
CHIEF EDITOR
Just like that, last night, in the tunnel.
He's in the hospital now. I sent Vogel.
You might as well have sent the sheriff.
Did you say he was found by a young couple?
Yes, but we don't know their names, yet.
- I'll take care of that. - Yes?
All right.
- Well? - It's all here.
I scribbled a few lines.
"Early this morning John Lubbock,
a young English supply teacher at the Grove International School,
was brutally attacked as he..."
- It's not very accurate. - Why?
First of all, John Lubbock's not English, he's Australian.
And the Grove, like most of the international language schools,
doesn't have permanent staff or supply teachers.
They come and go from all different countries, just like in an airport.
Bye. See you at the office.
I already told you, visitors aren't allowed.
Not even reporters.
- Just a quick look. - It's not possible. I'm sorry.
It's true, Mr. Bild.
Good morning, Doctor.
Nobody can see John Lubbock for now.
The police gave us strict orders.
How is he?
His fourth cervical vertebra is fractured. But he's feeling much better now.
Any news, Inspector?
Assault with intent to rob for the moment.
Could I have a word with the couple who saved him?
They're important witnesses. I don't want...
I won't print a single word that could prejudice the investigation.
The girl doesn't live far from the tunnel.
Her name's Giulia Soavi.
What about him?
You should know him. He's called Walter Auer.
He's Lu Auer's brother. She's a friend of yours, I believe.
By the way,
I may need to have a chat with you.
I was one of the last people to see the victim, I know.
I'm at your disposal.
Miss Soavi?
I've already told the police what I know.
- Do you know me? - You're a reporter.
Can we have a friendly little chat?
I already told you I've got nothing to say.
If you don't leave I'll call my father.
- Giulia. - Coming, Dad.
Lu?
Lu.
"Dear Andrea, I'll be away until Tuesday.
"I was broke so I took some money from the usual place.
"Hugs and kisses, Lu.
"If you want to cheat on me, go ahead. You know I won't be angry. "
Elsa, look! Would you like to play with me?
Look how good I am!
- Who is it? - Andrea Bild, reporter.
- What do you want? - To say sorry.
- I was rude to you at the party. - All right, apology accepted. And?
Have you got a fire going? Coming to say sorry could give me pneumonia.
I'm working.
Just for a moment. I won't disturb you, I promise.
Andrea, catch it!
Tony's grown a lot.
The sofas are new. So are the curtains.
I never liked this table.
He's always had a nasty face.
I just want Tony to remember he's got a father.
And you, a very rich ex-husband.
We're not divorced yet, even if I haven't seen him for months.
- You wear glasses now? - For work.
So many changes in a year.
Not making love is bad for you, you know.
You're impossible when you drink.
Why don't you tell me why you're here?
Tony's asleep.
So what do you want to know about John Lubbock?
Everything you know.
Born in Sydney, 26 years old, been teaching at the Grove since October.
He only does it to pay his university fees.
He's a loner, shy, introverted.
He goes to concerts a lot and he's a very good tennis player.
Aren't you taking notes?
I've got the memory of an elephant. Are the two of you friends?
Kind of. It's not easy to be friends with John.
Poor John.
He really hasn't had a good start to the year.
First Isabel, then the attack.
- Isabel Lancia? - Yes.
I think, and I'm never wrong about these things,
that John had taken a bit of a shine to her.
One of those juvenile crushes that don't last long but still make you suffer.
Now it looks like Isabel's going to marry Edouard Vermont, his best friend.
- It was a terrible blow for him. - I didn't notice anything.
I'm not surprised. You were blind drunk.
You can say "as usual". I won't be offended.
And John never lets anything show. He's too shy.
- See you soon, Mr. Lubbock. - Goodbye. Thank you.
Yes?
Water.
The crutches.
Please.
- Will you sleep here? - Not tonight, I'm tired.
Riccardo, please.
- Please. - Tomorrow.
- Don't answer it. - Wait.
Yes?
Yes.
Where?
Alright, I'll come at once.
An urgent call. I won't be long.
Riccardo.
Come back.
Riccardo?
Is that you, Riccardo?
Riccardo!
Oh, God. Where is it?
Where is it?
The phone. Where is it?
Where's the phone?
Riccardo...
Riccardo!
- The motive, Inspector? - The murder weapon?
- How was she killed? - Excuse me, Inspector.
Strangled and thrown down the stairs.
- Good morning, Inspector. - Here already, Bild?
Dr. Bini received a phone call around 11:00pm.
An urgent call that turned out to be a hoax.
A hoax?
The caller gave an address that doesn't exist.
- Who found her? - Dr. Bini, when he came back.
The butler wasn't there, it was his night off.
Yes, yes, alright. But be quick.
Meanwhile, call Haller.
You're one of Dr. Bini's patients too, if I'm not mistaken.
Yes, that's right.
Is it true that he never closes that door at night?
He often leaves prescriptions for his patients on this table
when the surgery's closed.
- Did you know his wife too? - Not very well.
Doesn't look that way.
Do you know who the man sitting next to Dr. Bini is?
He's called Edouard Vermont. He teaches French at the Grove.
So according to your statement,
on New Year's Eve John Lubbock said he was going to walk home by himself.
Who beside you heard him or could have heard him?
I'd had quite a lot to drink that evening.
But if I'm not mistaken...
Sure you don't want me to drop you off?
No, thanks. I'm going to walk back. I feel like a stroll.
We're off, Helene.
- Bye. Happy New Year. - Good night.
- Bye, Andrea. - Happy New Year.
- Nobody else? - No, I don't think so.
Yes. Dr. Bini was there, too.
Please understand, it's just a formality.
- What did you do after the party? - I don't remember, to be honest.
I haven't got an alibi, if that's what you want to know.
I'd had a bit to drink, I told you.
I'm wondering if the doctor didn't make up that phone call.
That's quite a dangerous theory.
But Dr. Bini's got a sound alibi.
He was at a friend's house when the crime was committed.
What's his name?
Edouard Vermont.
- Does Miss Auer live with you? - Not all the time.
And what did you do last night, Mr. Bild?
I stayed home and was up writing till three in the morning.
- Miss Auer wasn't there? - No.
I've nothing else to add.
Sorry but I need to get back to work.
Don't you want to know anything else... for your article?
Like in the Lubbock case, if I'm not mistaken.
Exactly. It was found on Mrs. Bini's body.
- But there's a slight variation. - A finger has been cut off.
It could mean...
...that there are still four more crimes to go.
Hello.
Dr. Bini, please.
Don't bother with condolences.
Sofia had been a living corpse for two years.
It would be hypocritical of me to pretend I was grieving for her passing.
But I'm glad you wanted to see me.
That way I'll be able to check you've been properly informed.
I know the kind of lies you reporters print.
I was actually ordered not to interview you.
Let's get to the point. What do you want to know?
One simple detail.
That voice on the phone, was it a man or a woman?
It was a hoarse voice and sounded quite far away.
No doubt affected by laryngitis.
So you couldn't tell if it was a man or a woman.
The murderer clearly knew how to get into my house.
Only a patient of mine could know my habits.
- Do you suspect anyone? - No.
- Is anything missing from your house? - Nothing.
It could be a psychopath, of course.
- What do you think? - It could be, definitely.
If you'll excuse me, I've got an appointment.
One last question.
What address did the person who called give you?
Via Bruxelles.
- What number? - Eleven, but it doesn't exist.
- Why didn't you go straight back home? - I thought I'd got it wrong.
So you decided to visit your friend. Edouard Vermont.
He lives near Via Bruxelles, right?
I see you're well informed. Goodbye.
- Well, well. Look who's back. - Hi.
I thought you'd found somewhere else.
No. Here I am. Back to work.
Have you come back for your severance pay?
I was dying to see you. It happens sometimes.
Where have you been all this time?
Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies.
I was at home studying.
Didn't I tell you I've got a statistics exam on Thursday?
What's wrong?
I called you and your mother said she hasn't seen you for over a month.
You lying whore!
What kind of dump do you come from?
Your mother doesn't take care of you. Your father's rotting in a nursing home.
And you just jump from one car to the next.
- A red Triumph? - Exactly.
That's my brother Walter's car, you stupid idiot.
Since you've been playing detective you've got everything wrong.
You really make me laugh.
You're pathetic.
What does your brother do?
He races cars. Didn't you know?
Where are you going?
Lu...
Lu?
Lu!
You're such an idiot!
Oh, yes...
This...
This... you'll pay for this!
Get off!
No, get off!
Lu! Come here.
Stop. Come here.
- I'll show you! - No.
Take that!
You're not a sports reporter.
This is an interview about you, not a report about a race.
Well, then?
What do you do when you're not racing?
- Is that important? - Everything's important for a sportsman.
For example, what did you do on Tuesday?
There was an international race and I came second.
You should know that. Then there was a party.
Why do you ask?
Did you get back very late?
Three in the morning. With friends, if that's what you want to know.
Even though I don't understand why.
All right, that'll do. Thank you very much and good luck.
Hello. Dr. Bini, please.
Yes.
Riccardo. It's Walter.
Come in.
I knew you'd come looking for me sooner or later.
I read your latest article.
You reporters are sharper than the police sometimes.
There's just one point I don't agree with.
Excuse me.
This place makes me nervous. Do you mind if we go outside?
What did you want to tell me?
You too seem convinced it was assault with intent to rob.
But I think my attacker
intended me to meet the same end as Sofia Bini.
You knew her well, didn't you?
I always felt sorry for her, even though she wasn't a very nice woman.
I just hope my attacker's satisfied with having reduced me to this state.
He could always turn up again for the coup de grace.
My phone's become very busy.
It rings at the most unexpected times, often in the middle of the night.
- When I pick up there's nobody there. - Have you informed the police?
Do the police do anything in this country?
I should go to my embassy.
Here we are. This is where I live. Do you want to come up?
Hello?
- Is that you, Mr. Bild? - Yes. Who's speaking?
Let's just say it's a friend who wants to keep you out of trouble.
Listen carefully.
If I were you, I'd forget about this case once and for all.
Digging up dirt could get dangerous.
Listen to me or you'll be sorry.
Thursday March 13th.
Killing that poor unhappy woman lived up to all my expectations,
even though I have to admit I had hoped for greater appreciation.
There has been a conspiracy of silence on the part of the police and the press.
But that glove,
the essential link between my crimes,
has been noted.
The next victim has already been chosen. The method of their death is precise.
Beyond the celebration there is something profoundly divine
in being able to transform in one moment
a suffering being into inanimate matter
for eternity.
Hi.
Are you going to tell me what my horoscope says?
The boss has been waiting for you for an hour and he's in a bad mood.
Shall I ask the stars?
Too late.
I'm very sorry, Bild, but I'm going to have to take you off the story.
- I don't understand. - Haller called me and pointed out that...
- He told you I'm on the list of suspects? - Not exactly.
Yes?
- Everything's ready. They're waiting. - I'm on my way.
I don't see why you're taking me off a big story like this.
- If I'm not mistaken, I... - I'm not mistaken.
I'm the one who makes the decisions around here.
And I'm telling you that I've already replaced you.
You've managed it at last.
The boss warned you to stay away from the Bini story.
You make me puke. All of you. You, him and that bootlicker Vogel.
You think I don't know Bini's one of the paper's backers
and he inherited almost half a billion after his wife died?
Alright, keep your voice down. You really are an idiot.
Don't you realize that your stupid political views annoy people here?
You're not the man you used to be, Bild.
Get that into your head.
You're well and truly finished here, at this cesspool of an office.
Oh, yeah?
You listen to me.
I may have become a piece of shit but you're what you've always been,
a bastard who sold his soul.
And I swear you'll pay for this.
- Hi. You're home late. - I was at a concert.
What's the matter? Is something wrong?
I just wanted to talk to someone.
Bye.
Helene, I'm in a really bad way. Don't you care?
Let's go and sit in the car.
I bet it was another one of your arguments with Traversi.
I've realized I hate his guts.
Have you asked your self why?
Maybe because he reminds me of my father.
He's awkward, slimy and mean.
And you're afraid you're going to end up like him.
The alcohol doesn't help.
Deep down you despise me.
Why don't you leave the paper?
You said once you wanted to be a correspondent and travel.
And you said you wanted to come with me.
Tony must have woken up. I've got to go.
I'll call you.
Traversi.
"Deliver us, O Lord, from eternal death on that fearful day
"when the heavens and the earth will be shaken,
"when you will come and judge the world by fire.
"I am seized by fear and trembling for the terrible judgment
"when the heavens and the earth will be shaken.
"Day of wrath,
"day of calamity and misery, day of great bitterness,
"when you will come and judge the world by fire."
- I need to talk to you. I'll call you. - Isabel!
Just like that, in a seedy corner of the Parco Nord.
Fear-induced heart attack.
And just like in the tunnel and the Bini case,
a glove was found next to the body.
With two fingers missing.
What time did you go and see Mrs. Volta?
Around half past ten.
- How long were you together? - Maybe half an hour.
Then I went home to bed.
My friend, as you call her, wasn't there this time, either,
if that's what you want to know.
We've had an attempted murder and two murders
and in each case you're one of the few people who knew all the victims.
Too many coincidences, don't you think?
And you're the only one who's never been able to produce an alibi.
That's true.
But we haven't decided to formulate charges against you for now.
You're too kind.
Can I ask how you heard about my argument with Traversi?
- An anonymous phone call this morning. - From a man or a woman?
A man.
What are you thinking?
About your theory that somebody could take advantage of the situation
and kill someone they don't like,
leaving a glove on their body so people would suspect the tunnel killer.
That theory could also be applied to the Traversi case.
Why not?
Who do you think would have wanted to get rid of him?
You, for example.
Won't you take his place at the paper now?
Very funny.
Maybe the person who killed Traversi made that anonymous call to the police.
Somebody who knew about your argument with him
and hoped that if he killed him, you'd end up in jail.
- Do you have a definite suspect? - Maybe.
- Look who's here. Look. - Mommy! Andrea!
Tony!
I've been watching those two outside.
You can tell they're police from a mile away.
- They're my bodyguards. - I know.
The police kept me all morning.
They wanted to know when we met, how often I see you, if I knew Traversi.
They're a pain in the ass.
What did you say?
I had some fun winding them up. I've never liked busybodies.
- You're not asking me why I'm back? - It's nothing new, right?
- I've come for the last time. - Same as usual. OK.
I mean it, Andrea. I'm getting married in a few days' time.
Who's the lucky man?
You don't know him. He's called Franz Ray.
What would Franz say if he knew about us?
What's he supposed to say? Nothing.
He's always known.
Doesn't he care?
Why?
Why should he?
It'll be different when we're married. We want children.
We're both crazy about babies.
We won't see each other again, Andrea.
Are you angry with me?
Why should I be?
But I see you're not wasting time either.
A woman called just now. A certain Isabel Lancia.
- What did she say? - She needs to see you urgently.
She's expecting you at the Grand Hotel at nine.
I wrote down the room number by the phone.
- Where did you leave the car? - Opposite the park, in the usual place.
Give me the keys and leave the lights on.
I'll take you. I was leaving anyway.
Then we'll go through the basement.
Wait here, I'll be right back.
Miss Lancia?
Isabel?
What's happened, Andrea?
Stay with me tonight.
For the last time.
Just two weeks after the latest murder,
the tunnel killer has struck again, spreading panic across the city.
Late yesterday evening Isabel Lancia,
daughter of the shipping magnate Carl Lancia,
one of the richest women in Europe,
was brutally strangled in the bath at her suite in the Grand Hotel.
The first reports say
that her body was found by Edouard Vermont,
the Australian who, according to the society pages,
Isabel was due to marry.
What time did you get home last night?
Why don't you ask those two time-wasters you put outside my door?
Was Miss Auer with you?
Yes. From 7 o'clock yesterday evening, Inspector.
You did me a big favor. Why?
I just wanted to give you a farewell present.
Aren't you going to ask me if I killed her?
That's your business. Bye.
- What are you going to do? - Pack my bags.
This business is starting to make me nervous.
I've handed in my notice at the Grove. I'm going back to Sydney.
Whoever wrote it seems sure you know who he is.
He still goes to the trouble of sending me anonymous notes
instead of getting straight to the point like he did with all the other murders.
Strange, isn't it? Very strange.
You can keep it.
Print it, give it to the police, do whatever you want with it.
If you think it may help with your investigation,
I can tell you that there was no stamp on the envelope.
It was put directly into the school mailbox.
- When are you leaving? - This week.
Now Isabel's dead there's no reason for me to stay here.
I understand.
I don't care about anything anymore. Nothing at all.
Goodbye.
Is Giulia here?
It's too early for her but I can do the same thing.
- Another time. Bye. - Get lost!
Miss Soavi?
Is anyone there?
What do you want? I'll go to the police.
I'll take you to the police.
For exploitation of minors and anything else we can add on the way there.
You need to tell me what you didn't tell the police.
I don't know anything.
- I'll make you remember, you'll see. - And you'll pay for it.
Who was the man who attacked Lubbock in the tunnel?
- You saw him, I know you did. - I don't know.
I don't know!
I'll kill you, I swear. I'll kill you. Who was it? Who?
Giulia's father. Giulia Soavi.
Are you saying that because you know he's been arrested?
It's the truth. Giulia said she'd leave me if I told the police.
And you preferred to keep your girlfriend. Is that right?
It was like having money in the bank, right?
Does Dr. Bini just pay you for your performances?
- Answer me! - No. Not just for that.
Giulia's father, yes. It was Giulia's father.
- To blackmail Bini? - Yes. And Vermont.
But the old man's got nothing to do with the other murders.
Sure, he's a filthy pig, but he's not a murderer.
How can you be so sure?
Every Tuesday he'd drive a truck full of cargo up north for Hoffer,
and come back on the Wednesday evening.
What does that prove?
Dr. Bini's wife and Isabel Lancia were both murdered on a Tuesday.
Soavi's daughter was killed on a Tuesday, too.
How does that fit in with the whole truck driving business?
Last Tuesday there was a strike at Hoffer.
The porters didn't load up the goods.
Keep your voice down What do you want?
I'm going to publish everything I know and everything I've seen in another paper.
- How did you know Giulia Soavi? - Who's Giulia Soavi?
- The girl who was killed last night. - I didn't know her. I've never seen her.
Not even at your private parties?
What are you talking about? You're crazy.
Alright. Let's be frank with each other.
You want the case back in the paper, right?
Fine. You'll have it.
And I'll show you that I have nothing to fear from you or the police.
And now can you please go? I've got patients to see.
Mr. Vermont, please.
Is that you, Edouard?
I need to talk to you. There's no time to lose.
- Are you really going to publish it? - Yes, tomorrow.
Be careful. They're stronger than you.
It's their problem.
- Will your husband be there? - No, just the lawyer.
It's the same old argument.
- Over Tony? - Over the divorce case.
I'll never be able to start a new life until it's all sorted.
What is it?
There's something linking these murders but I can't put my finger on it.
If I were you I'd watch Vermont. I'm not sure about him.
Bye.
- What time do you get back? - Nine. Well, I hope so.
Tuesday's a bad day for me. Nothing ever goes well on Tuesdays.
I'd have preferred a cell phone. It would have felt more authentic.
Do you want another alibi? I haven't got one.
I know that a few hours before Giulia Soavi was killed yesterday evening
you went looking for her where she usually works.
Four fingers have been cut off that glove but there's still one left.
If you arrest me I won't be able to commit the final murder.
At least give me the chance to prevent it.
Do you think Miss Soavi's murderer would have gone looking for her so openly?
I'm just asking for 24 hours.
I assure you that this time tomorrow you'll know who the murderer is.
Why won't you work with us?
I want to deal with it myself.
Alright. Your scoop means a lot to you.
And yours means a lot to you.
You can even build a career in the police sometimes.
Mrs. Bini and Isabel Lancia were both murdered on a Tuesday.
Tuesday's a bad day for me. Nothing ever goes well on Tuesdays.
"Terrible attack in the tunnel.
"Monday January 1st, John Lubbock, born March 23rd 1945 in Sydney,
"was brutally attacked while...
"Tuesday February 13th.
"Sofia Bini, wife of the famous Professor Bini,
"was strangled last night in her home.
"The tunnel killer strikes again.
"Newspaper editor's body found in a seedy corner of the central park.
"Next to his body was an other leather glove with...
"Tuesday March 29th.
"Murder at the Grand Hotel.
"On Tuesday April 12th Isabel Lancia, daughter of the shipping magnate,
"was strangled in the bathroom of her suite.
"The tunnel killer strikes once more. Young prostitute savagely murdered.
"Tuesday May 7Th.
"Tuesday.
"The day of Mars, the planet of violence and war.
"The most favorable day for people born under the sign of Aries. "
Aries...
Hello?
- Tony. - Yes, Mommy.
Hello. What are you doing?
I was in bed. When are you coming home?
I got delayed. I'm coming on the next plane.
Have you eaten, darling?
Yes, and I watched television, too. Then I fell asleep.
Go back to bed now. Let me speak to Elsa.
Elsa's not here. She went to pick you up at the airport after the phone call.
Who called?
I don't know. Somebody.
Elsa said the dentist called too, about tomorrow.
- Tony. - Yes, Mommy.
Tony, listen to me.
Go and lock all the doors. The ones to the garden, too.
And don't open up for anyone. Not for anyone, right?
I'll wait here on the phone.
Why?
Please just do what I told you. Please, darling.
Hold on.
Mommy, remember you promised to bring me the book about the man in black.
Darling, the man in black isn't real. He never existed.
It's just a story.
Tony.
- Did you do what I told you? - Yes, Mommy.
Now go back to bed. I'll bring you a nice present.
What? Mommy!
- Tony! - The lights went out. I'm frightened.
I can't hear you, Mommy. Can you hear me?
Tony!
Elsa?
Is that you, Elsa?
Is that you?
Mommy!
No! Mommy!
Mommy!
Go and look after Tony. Quick.
Yes.
John Lubbock, as I suspected.
Isabel, who he hated, was his only true predestined victim.
The other murders, only committed to disguise his vendetta,
were linked through that glove found by chance in the tunnel
and made to look like the work of the same psychopath.
And that plaster cast,
which he wouldn't have needed for quite sometime,
helped avoid any suspicion.
A morbid passion bound him not to Isabel, as everybody thought,
but to Vermont, ever since they taught together in Sydney.
For a paranoid, sadistic, superstitious person like John,
born under the sign of Aries, the most favorable day is Tuesday.
Only his own attack took place on a different day.
This tape that I found at his house
helped me prevent the last murder...
... for eternity.
But I mustn't have any doubts.
This is the right speed to listen to it.
A child may be innocent, but he's the seed of an unhappy being.
What do I care about Helene?