Original subtitles

The little murders of Agatha Christie

The Strange Kidnapping of Little Bruno

Based on Agatha Christie's The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly

Police Captain Laurence is no more with us.

Swan Laurence.

He will be missed by all.

A great cop,

a great man,

a great patriot.

Swan Laurence

will be missed by good and bad guys alike,

by the weak and the mighty.

But one day,

his name will figure in police academy textbooks.

Books will be written about him.

Novels.

What will be left of him

is the noble image of an upright man

who never gives up.

Let us pray

for a new Swan Laurence

to take over from the former.

8 days before...

Nothing ever goes on around here.

Not even a scooter theft.

I get excited about the farm fair. Some can turn lead into gold...

Avril.

It's for you.

Thanks.

Hello? Yes?

Yes, speaking.

Er... Yes.

Yes, yes.

You agree?

Yes, of course.

I don't know, at your convenience.

I'm on my way.

Yes. Goodbye.

Golly!

What's going on?

I've just arranged an interview

with Eloïse Zennefort.

- The crime writer? - Golly!

5 years since we heard of her.

At least.

Will my shimmering prose do the trick, chief?

Here I come.

Let us stroll

in the woods

While the wolf is away

If the wolf was there

He would eat us up

But since he's away

He cannot catch us

There you are!

I got you.

Hello.

Hello.

You're Bruno, Eloïse Zennefort's kid.

I see...

"Your son Bruno will be kidnapped

"if you don't pay the ransom of 500,000 new francs.

"Instructions will follow. You have 3 days, or else...

"Signed Greg Atlas."

Same picture,

same grammage.

Same ink.

But it's a shorter period. Three, and then two days.

You should have told us before.

We thought it was a joke.

As a rule, Mr. Debaer, you kidnap and then demand a ransom.

Demanding a ransom...

It's quite a lot of money.

500,000 francs

for a kid who still wets his bed!

My wife is joking, Captain.

Even if he didn't wet his bed,

500,000 francs is way too expensive.

And...

does the name Greg Atlas ring a bell?

It's the main character of my wife's novels.

I already told the press about it.

When Bruno was born,

I decided to put an end to it all.

Writer's block, the pressure of the public,

the publishers' greed...

or the opposite!

To be done with it all,

and to kill off my dear Greg Atlas.

Two birds with one stone.

- Is he seeking revenge? - I can't see any other solution.

The character of a novel

seeking revenge on his author.

That's a rather unusual lead, Captain.

Balinese masks.

Extraordinary work exploring facets of fear.

An admirer gave them to me

in honor of my novel The Mask of God.

In their own way, these masks celebrate

the eternal victory of good versus evil.

Or maybe it's the opposite.

Come in.

What is it?

A journalist is here.

She has an appointment for an interview.

An interview?

No, now is not the time.

I'll send her away.

Hi there.

We spoke on the phone.

My name is Alice Avril.

I'm a reporter.

Voix du Nord.

Avril.

Yes!

What a funny name.

You've come at a bad time.

Someone is threatening to kidnap my son if I don't pay 500,000 francs.

500,000?

Jeez.

What would you do?

Well...

it depends.

We won't pay a dime.

Right, darling?

Don't you agree with your little wife?

Your wife is right.

9 times out of 10, paying doesn't work.

And on the 10th, bingo!

Walk me to my office,

so we can have a chat.

A nice chat.

Avril.

Not one word about this in your paper.

- You think I'm a rookie? - No, a plague. The 11th one.

Next to the boils.

Your son has a nanny?

- Someone you trust? - Régine? Absolutely.

She's a gem.

She's been here for 2 years.

Who said a woman was meant to have children?

I believed it.

Three weeks for my oldest, Gaspard,

3 days for his brother Bruno.

I expect 3 hours for the next one.

Did you hear that?

What?

Like a moan.

They say the castle is haunted.

A baron who died in a fire.

On the second floor

is a small room with a mirror.

If you look into it

the shadow of a knight armed from head to toe appears.

His shadow?

My dear husband begged me not to buy this place.

But...

What can you do?

Money makes one stupid. And too much money...

Yes.

Daddy!

Did you have fun?

How was it?

- Did it go well? - Yes, sir.

I'll see you after lunch. We'll go for a walk.

Régine, you are to sleep with Bruno in his room

until I say so.

- Yes, sir, but... - I'll explain later.

I'm counting on you.

Yes.

I need to take a tour.

My wife's assistant will show you around.

Don't you agree?

It's all very strange. Greg Atlas, and all.

Rather uncommon, indeed.

With this kind of success, you make enemies.

Admirers, publishers, journalists,

fellow writers...

You always have to be on the lookout.

It's my role here,

to be on the lookout.

Here is my office. Do you want to have a look?

Mrs. Zennefort is a genius.

I don't know why she's with that man.

- Who? - Debaer, her husband.

An ex-fencing teacher.

He's the reason she stopped writing 5 years ago.

She didn't want a child. It was only to please him.

Love is madness!

That's what they say.

May I?

No, I can't speak up.

I have a scoop. I took the kidnapper's letter.

For the front page!

Right? Hello?

Hello... What's wrong with you?

- "Nothing leaves this place." - And freedom of the press?

I'll sit on it, one butt cheek after the other.

That's all that joker wants: publicity.

You're irresponsible.

- Give it back. - What?

Theft of evidence. It can cost you.

I have first-hand news.

We'll make it 50-50. We're family.

That Zennefort lady is crazy.

- Guess what she told me. - Get out.

- I'm... - No. Out.

Go on.

Captain Laurence speaking. I need backup.

Backup. Do you know what that is?

To patrol. "P, A, T, R, O, L."

Every hour.

And if the kid goes missing,

who'll pay the bill? The minister?

Asshole!

Now, now, losing our temper are we?

Or trying to make amends?

Do you still love me?

Let's get back to it, Professor.

There.

That's the way I like you.

Penetrating.

Gentlemen!

Your whistles?

Wonderful.

At the least suspicious sound, give a blow.

If you're in danger, 2.

Nobody is to come or go.

Yes, Captain.

I've come with backup.

- Hello, boys. - Hello, ma'am.

This tension before action reminds me of the Liberation of Paris.

Oh, you freed Paris?

Not by myself.

What are you doing here?

I felt sorry for you.

I cooked you a meal. A gratin.

A recipe from Elle.

Where's Alice?

Not here.

Where did he go?

Let us stroll in the woods

If the wolf is here...

He'll eat us up

Is the little lady looking for me?

You're the elder son, right?

Your dad knows of your nights on the town?

I'm setting traps.

Like you, right?

Debaer isn't my father.

- What? - My stepfather.

- You're a cop, right? - No, I'm a reporter.

- Like your name on the front page? - Maybe.

If it's to trash the fencing teacher, why not?

How old are you?

I'm too old for you.

I like oldies who smell nice.

All right, enough!

Why did you come in under the wall?

To show you the ways of God.

What about your real dad, where is he?

Gone.

A ghost.

Mom is crazy, and I set traps.

That gives you a lot to think about, doesn't it?

- Here, Captain. - Ah!

- Eat while it's hot. - Thank you, Marlène.

What would I do without you?

I meant to tell you...

I really like Eloïse Zennefort.

I've read all her books. And detective Greg Atlas...

extraordinary class, spotless shoes,

and clever like a fox.

Just like you.

Too bad she killed him off.

I meant to ask you, could you get me an autograph?

No?

What is it?

Looks like an MA.

A what?

A murder attempt.

QED, quod erat demonstratum.

MA, murder attempt.

Oh my God!

An...

MA.

The instrument of crime.

Marlène?

Sorry, Marlène.

- What was that scream? - How did you get in?

There.

What's going on?

A headless bird. Like in the letters.

Yes, like in the letters.

Why are you here?

I had a migraine. I needed a walk.

You were not to leave my son's bedroom.

Bruno was asleep.

You had formal instructions.

I was on my way up.

Gilles will give you notice, miss.

You have one hour.

But, sir...

Give this directly to Dr. Maillol, say it's from me.

- Miss Avril? - Yes?

Mrs. Zennefort wishes to speak with you.

The great comeback.

After 5 years of silence,

the great Eloïse Zennefort

publishes...

a new book.

- Can I write that? - If you're here

it's not to paint the ceiling.

I'm so excited.

In terms of scoop,

this a big one!

And your son?

You're not worried?

My husband worries for us both.

The sharing of tasks:

I'm all for it.

Yes, Tricard, the grounds are totally secure.

What I think?

Someone from here.

I'll call you back.

What?

Theft of evidence and concealing clues.

Are you starting a career as a felon?

Let me explain. Laurence!

No, but...

Last night, I came upon Eloïse's eldest, Gaspard.

What was he doing?

Setting traps!

- So? - Come on!

The bird, he put it there.

Plus he hates his stepfather.

Martin.

What? No, but...

Gaspard's father,

his biological father,

Roland, whom his mother left,

never showed up again.

He disappeared!

I don't want to see her again.

Let me go!

But...

Alice!

What is it?

I hand it all to him,

and he puts me behind bars.

No, Captain! Not behind bars again!

It's his thing!

He hates women roaming free.

As soon as he sees one, he locks her up.

He's a madman!

I'll cure you! You'll see the front page

is crazy!

Is this a bad time?

I examined your bird. It's a jay.

Head chopped off with a knife.

Opinel carbon 10.

- Have you found it? - Not yet.

What are you waiting for? No time to lose.

I found something else.

Knowing you, I'm not surprised.

Placing a headless bird in front of a home

is an ancient ritual

used by certain tribes in Bolivia, in the altiplano.

It can be an omen or a threat.

In any case, it announces an important event.

And in this case, is it a happy or unhappy event?

Let's go see a Bolivian tribe and ask them.

Let's go to dinner first.

I'm not one for intimate dinners. Especially with an armed agent.

I'm unarmed with you, doctor. Utterly unarmed.

Poor strategy.

I have no maternal feelings whatsoever.

Nice lighter. A gift from a woman?

From several.

They teamed up.

Hello?

Yes, he's here.

I'll put him on.

Your typist. I think she misses you.

Yes, Marlène.

Come again.

Just when things were getting fun.

Hey!

Anyone there?

Yes, yes! Quiet!

Get me out of here. I know who the kidnapper is.

But, Alice...

- I can't. - No, he can't!

It's a violation of the freedom of the press!

The freedom of the press,

I know, but...

There's nothing I can do.

Nothing.

Unless...

IHAI.

IH... What?

IHAI.

I have an idea!

Marlène... Marlène!

"You're not taking me seriously. It'll be more expensive.

"One million new francs.

"New ultimatum: not 2 days,

"but 4 hours. At 4 pm your son will be kidnapped.

"Signed Greg Atlas."

Where was it?

In my room,

pinned on my pillow.

One million new francs. They have expensive tastes.

It's someone from here.

- Your stepson? - Gaspard?

It looks like it.

He's actually an idiot,

who thinks he's very clever, making him harmless.

We'll lock ourselves up with your son. Where's a safe place?

Eloïse's office. It's high up.

Very well.

Three hours left.

Go fetch Bruno.

"At exactly 4 pm."

I'm telling you the Captain called.

He said:

"Let Avril go, I need her immediately."

Would I invent something so crazy?

Thanks a lot.

Anyone there?

Denis Carot.

Armande Ténier.

Solange Masurel.

Gabrielle Hénin.

Edmond Touchard.

You have 1 hour to leave.

We'll be in touch.

Thanks for understanding.

Where's Laurence hiding?

Let me go!

Forgotten your manners?

- Nice catch! - What did you think?

I was a boar?

No.

More like a piglet.

Who let you out of your cell?

Er... My...

My lawyer, Captain.

I offered his services to Miss Avril.

She's under my protection,

until I say so.

- Is this the highest room? - No.

The most unreachable.

And what a view.

That's why Eloïse wanted her office here.

Anyways, I'll stay with you.

My men are guarding the door.

Are you responsible for the bird?

What bird?

The beheaded bird.

No.

No, I don't do birds.

A wasp!

There! There!

Do something!

But I do bugs.

Captain!

- Captain! - What is it?

We caught him!

Who?

The kidnapper!

Daddy will be right back.

Stay here.

I didn't do anything.

I have a message.

I didn't do anything.

"It's 4 pm. As planned, your son will be kidnapped.

"Signed Greg Atlas."

3:58 pm.

Who gave you this? Answer!

Let him go.

Tell me! Tell me!

Calm down!

- Who gave you this? - A tall guy...

with a cap, and glasses.

- Tall with glasses? - Yes.

Atlas.

Yes, right, Atlas.

- Let's go. - No.

Take him away.

Bruno.

It's Bruno!

It's Bruno!

Put that away, Martin.

Bruno!

Bruno!

How can it be?

It's a mystery, Mr. Debaer.

For the 1st time in my career, I don't have the answer.

It's a total mystery.

I found this near the cars, Captain.

Opinel carbon number 10.

- To take the air out of the tires. - And behead the bird.

It looks like...

- That's my knife, Captain. - How's that?

I lost it over a week ago...

Where's my boy?

He was kidnapped.

Eloïse?

Set roadblocks there, there...

and there! Check all vehicles.

Report to me every hour. Find that car!

It can't have vanished!

I've never seen anything like this.

We suck! We totally suck!

And find that ex-husband too.

And the nanny?

She took the bus and then...

In a kidnapping, every minute counts.

It's been...

2 h 52 minutes since the boy disappeared and we have nothing!

Come on, gentlemen! Get on it.

And your witness, the vagabond?

- Why did you let him go? - He was useless.

If you want to interrogate him, go ahead.

- He's leaving the station. - Fine.

Check in every hour!

Marlène, bring in the elder son.

Yes, Captain.

The beheaded bird and the stolen knife,

that was me.

The empty tires, and the letters...

I confess.

My dad planned everything.

He got in touch 3 months ago.

He was desperate.

I saw him, he needed money.

My mom has too much money.

We thought it up together.

Mostly me.

I'm the brain. I'm not as stupid as you think.

What do you make of that?

It's like my mom's novels.

Greg Atlas...

what a ridiculous name.

Your mother thinks your father is behind this. Where is he?

In France?

I don't know.

Anyways,

mom will say anything. Get used to it.

Get out of here.

No jail time?

Your colleague said I'd be on the front page. I'm all dressed up.

Marlène, get rid of this young man for me please.

I love your perfume.

Your mother is waiting.

Your Captain has some lovely colleagues.

You can go home. It'll be a long night.

I know, Captain. I want you to know I'm here for you.

My auntie Gilberte, God rest her soul,

said that in a serious situation

the ewe can count on its young.

Thanks, Marlène.

What you tell me about your auntie... Gilberte

is deeply moving.

Go to bed and get some rest.

Tomorrow is a new day and I'll be needing you.

Yes, Captain.

Thank you.

The Mask of God

Zennefort Mansion For the attention of Eloïse Z.

I counted 14 of them.

Weird, huh?

Is Mrs. Zennefort better?

She has a message for you.

The lead on her ex-husband seems plausible to her.

She said "plausible"?

Well, yes.

And the motive?

He's taking revenge from the one who stole his family.

You can't find her? Has she vanished?

Bouchon.

Régine Bouchon.

Employers, family, friends, boyfriends...

Do I have to teach you how to do your job?

A headless bird.

A headless bird is a bird... who's lost its head.

- Did you sleep at all? - No.

A headless bird is a bird who's lost its head.

And?

And someone who's lost its head...

is someone who's gone crazy!

SWGC.

SWGC. Right, Marlène.

And...

someone who's gone crazy,

will do anything!

Time will tell, Marlène.

Show me.

"Mrs. Zennefort's ex-husband,

"police's main lead"?

"Two birds with one stone."

How's that?

The only real question is:

who comes out on top?

The kidnapping of her son is quite a publicity stunt.

- It's Laurence. - Laurence. What a lovely...

What's this bullshit? You have no evidence,

no witness, no clues.

Who's your news editor?

It's ridiculous!

Hello?

What did he want?

To marry me, I guess.

You...

I've seen you before.

Where's your beloved boss?

"Hello," to you too.

He's gone to see the chief of police.

If he comes back alive, tell him to come see me.

And...

What's it about?

I'll tell him myself, if you don't mind.

Nice dress.

The Captain is a lucky man.

Do you know the penalty for those who go through people's bags?

Wedlock?

Death, Captain. By quartering.

Five horses. One for each limb.

I did an autopsy on your bird.

- "My bird"? - Yes.

The jay.

I found this.

A wasp.

- Alive? - As alive as you.

Well, I don't know...

- Is it a bad omen? - Probably, yes.

What is certain is that it was placed in the bird

after it was beheaded.

- Can you have a look? - What is it?

Photos of mysterious inscriptions.

Like hieroglyphs.

Could be a clue. Can you manage it?

Indeed,

she's got you on a leash, Captain.

- What is it, Marlène? - Can I have a moment?

Do you want me to leave?

I'm all ears, Marlène.

SIU.

Something is up.

Police.

I can read.

Régine Bouchon, Mrs. Niolon's sister, lives here, right?

Since yesterday.

- Where is she? - At the park, with the boy.

What boy?

What are you doing here?

How did you know?

Nothing fancy. I followed you.

She's there!

- Where? - There!

Let me handle this, all right?

- Hello. - Hello.

Have you heard?

- What? - Bruno was kidnapped.

Oh my God!

I shouldn't have left. It's my fault.

If I had stayed... I should have insisted.

Have you read the paper?

The paper? No, why?

And the merry-go-round?

Yes, darling, we're going.

Is he your son?

No, my nephew.

Where were you yesterday, at 4 pm?

After what happened, I packed my bags,

and took the bus. At the village stop.

At 4 pm I was at my sister's. She'll confirm it.

Come by the police station with her to confirm everything.

This afternoon. Thank you.

- Avril! - Yes.

Did you see?

What?

When you asked her if she had read the paper.

She had read it, I'm positive.

She's lying.

Eloïse didn't like her.

Régine had a crush on her husband,

it was obvious.

Or so to say.

So? Fifty-fifty?

Make a decision!

Can we work together or what?

Unbelievable!

Marlène.

Come here, please.

What do you see here?

The O's are smudged.

Bravo, Marlène. Yes.

There and there.

Captain!

Alice found a new clue. The O's are smudged.

The O's what?

It means the "O" key

on the typewriter for the letters

had a problem, so the O's are smudged.

Do you get it?

Hold on.

Right!

Vanberten.

What about him?

Are you looking for something?

I'm looking for you, sir. Please sit down.

And...

- What do I do? - I'll dictate, you type.

Type what?

Patience.

"I, comma, the undersigned

"Gilles Vanberten,

"confess to being..."

You're pressing hard on the "O" key.

No.

The "O" is...

- It's bent. - Bent!

You don't say.

Type.

"... confess to being...

"the kidnapper

"of little Bruno."

But...

Pack a light bag, Mr. Vanberten.

Why is that?

- The nights are cool in prison. - Yes, Avril.

You're no stranger to it.

Hold on.

Ok, thanks.

- Can you drop me off? - You have legs.

- Is it that obvious? - Our collaboration stops here.

You with your big words.

War then?

Fine.

"My adored one, if I may call you so,

"there is no better term to describe how I feel.

"You are not a woman. You are the woman.

"Strong and gentle, free et rebellious,

"unreachable and maternal.

"You won me over at first sight.

"Your features are engraved in my eyes forever.

"Being your assistant was no ordinary job.

"It was meant for me, and I hope..."

- Should I go on? - Do go on...

- What's wrong? - Nothing.

Nothing.

We found these letters in Mrs. Zennefort's office.

Is this your prose?

Yes.

But...

what does that have to do with Bruno?

Anyone...

The knife used to behead the bird was yours.

The typewriter used for the letter was yours.

That's the evidence.

As for the motive,

off the top of my head, I would say

romantic disappointment.

Eloïse Zennefort,

the woman you adore,

despises you.

Icing on the cake, she married a dunce.

By harming their son, your got your revenge.

- I swear... - Tell us where your accomplices are

and where the child is held.

Unless you've killed him already?

Can't you knock?

We found the kidnapper's car.

This was in the glove compartment.

- There! - What?

A hair.

Give that to me, Marlène.

Good work, Marlène!

FAC.

FAC... FAC...

- Finally a clue? - Yes.

Marlène, ask Martin

to pick a strand of hair on each individual

and bring them to Dr. Maillol.

We'll compare them to this one.

5 strands of hair?

5 strands to curl your hair. A title for a novel!

Of course! That's it!

How could I be so stupid?

Characters in a novel.

The kidnapper goes by the name of Greg Atlas.

The solution is in Zennefort's novels.

Find someone who has read them.

- I know someone. - Bring him here.

She already is.

- Where? - Right here. It's me.

Marlène.

It's all right.

It's all right.

- So? - Not in this one.

Greg is accused of murder. I believed it.

I was relieved when...

And this one?

There's indeed the story of a vagabond but...

There.

Where does she get all of this?

It's in this one.

Greg Atlas is captured

by a gang of ivory traffickers.

Their chief is a woman.

- You think she's in love... - Yes, Marlène...

There.

A headless bird!

- Good work. - Hope I'm not disturbing.

Your report?

Thank you.

Are you sure?

Does it look like I'm joking?

I'm a family friend.

Do you know what that means?

Look.

What?

She's here! I see her. She's here.

She's coming.

Mrs. Zennefort!

Where is your son?

If I were to guess,

I would say

in his pants?

I'm charging you with the kidnapping of your son.

Tell us where he is so we can put an end to this farce.

- Do you know what I think? - Tell me.

I think you arranged this as a publicity stunt.

You've been away for 5 years. It's your comeback.

You have to make a splash.

You want to have Avril in your pocket to promote your novel.

Two birds with one stone.

This fake kidnapping is genius.

No one else could have planned it.

Except for me, I don't see who could.

And the details in your novels.

The headless bird placed in front of the victim's house,

before his murder.

It's in...

Punishment Must Fall. Chapter 3, to be precise.

Thank you, Marlène.

- Any explanation? - A very simple one.

I have emulators, and am proud of it.

Let us continue.

You pretend to be asleep.

Once you're alone, you put on a wig.

You go to your car where your son is waiting.

With an accomplice,

maybe Vanberten, he'll confess,

you come back discretely

and pretend to faint. Is that it?

Well done.

The only glitch,

is how do I take my son

from the policemen watching him?

I admit it's the only glitch,

but I'll make a point of clearing it.

And what about your ex-husband?

Leave my ex-husband out if it, Captain.

He's dead.

Mr. Debaer...

- Let me talk to her. - Get out.

- Where's Bruno? Tell me. - Mr. Debaer!

Let me talk to her.

My darling, my love.

Talk to me.

Be reasonable.

My darling, where is Bruno?

Tell me!

Adrien has always been very emotional.

It's what's so charming about him.

I love emotional husbands.

When did your ex-husband die?

He drowned.

Not a suicide, he just drowned.

In his vomit!

I'm sorry.

Sorry.

Don't be sorry, my dear Gilles.

We have to make the best of it.

This is good stuff, so far.

Pardon me.

Mrs. Zennefort,

may I...

I don't know if this is the time or the place...

May I...

ask for an autograph?

Of course. It's perfect.

I have nothing better to do.

- Love is a Common Illusion. - Yes.

- Did you like it? - I loved it!

Especially when Greg tells Daisy he's loved her since day 1,

but that he couldn't say it, because...

she's the killer with the pruners.

True.

It's a moving end.

Where do I get all this?

Can you tell me your name again?

Marlène.

Thank you.

Laurence has already proved misogyny was his favorite pastime.

It's great.

Yes?

So?

Eloïse Zennefort is innocent?

A mother kidnapping her child? It's totally stupid.

Who cares?

It'll be a big hit. We've doubled the print run.

Here, Avril. This came in for you.

What?

Alice Avril, reporter at La Voix du Nord.

You've come a long way.

Thanks.

"Congratulations. You got your scoop

"with Eloïse Zennefort's interview.

"Which prompted me to also grant you an interview.

"On the back is the place and time.

"I can't wait, and I'm sure neither can you.

"Greg Atlas."

Speaking of scoops...

What do I do? Do I go alone or in poor company?

No, Alice. I forbid you! Not alone.

You can't let her go by herself, like a heifer to the slaughterhouse.

Thanks for the heifer, Marlène.

No, I meant...

No, no. A heifer, it's fitting.

You want to put a bell around my neck?

What?

Are you coming?

Thanks, Marlène.

You're letting her go?

Before catching a fish, you have to let it swim.

Sure.

Rookie.

Freshwater fisherman.

At the least signal, blow. Once for a suspicious sound,

two in case of danger.

I'm watching you.

Is anyone there?

Is anyone there?

Is anyone there?

Greg Atlas?

It's Alice Avril.

Gently.

Front page of La Voix du Nord Not to be shown to the police...

So? Did you see him?

Well...

I don't understand.

- There was no one there. - No one?

No.

No one at all?

Well, no. No one.

Yes...

"If the ransom isn't paid, the child will die.

"Tell them to prepare 1 million new francs.

"I'll call to set the terms."

- How can it be? - She got me.

- How can it be? - She got me!

Bad news, Laurence. Mrs. Zennefort is messing with us.

Her ex-husband didn't drown.

- What? - We found his trace.

He left France 5 years ago.

Sub-Saharan Africa, Mozambique.

Turkey.

- Switzerland. - Switzerland?

Their consulate signaled that he came here two months ago.

He's in France. Either Mrs. Zennefort protects him,

or she's crazy.

Or both.

Either way,

no leaks to the press. All right?

Plus 50,000, 1 million.

Merry Christmas, Bruno.

Do I close it?

Close it, yes.

It shouldn't be long.

It's him.

Adrien Debaer speaking.

Yes.

What is he up to?

Captain.

The driver lost control of the car

and ended in the ditch.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Captain.

Come see.

- What's the verdict? - You're impatient!

Like my ex-husband. It never brought him any luck.

A cigarette, please.

I found this in his pants.

Do you know what my American husband said,

when I signed the divorce papers?

- No. - Fuck you.

Nice agenda.

And he stuck to it.

I looked at your hieroglyphs.

Letters from the Theban alphabet.

The oldest source is a book

by Cornelius Agrippa, Three Books of Occult Philosophy.

It was first published in Latin

in 1531.

It was an alphabet used by witches

to protect their charms.

There are 14 letters, some in pairs.

What is it in French?

Here is the translation.

We only have to make a Diamino.

A Diamino?

A Diamino, a letter game. Never heard of it?

Personally, I prefer other games.

Murder?

Vanberten was allergic to wasp bites.

It only affects 2 % of the population.

The murderer knew about it

and placed the bug in the car.

Murder by wasp?

Yes, ma'am.

Like in your novel

An Uncomfortable Position.

Exactly.

Chapter 12. Not my favorite.

It seems absurd.

Gilles drank, and everyone knows alcohol

and driving are incompatible.

- Why would he be killed? - To keep him from talking.

The money we found matches the bills for the ransom.

It proves that he was, if not the kidnapper,

at least an accomplice.

And our son,

where is he?

I'll find out.

Very quickly.

"Sugar." Five letters.

I have "embrace."

Seven letters.

We're so stupid!

Who?

We have to search in Latin.

A neo-gothic castle.

Writings in the Theban alphabet.

Cornelius Agrippa.

Cornelius Agrippa.

It's in Latin, not French.

Latin is a dead language.

You should go fetch your forensic doctor.

Because...

that's her thing, dead stuff?

That's very funny.

Occulta sacerdo.

- What does it mean? - Nothing, I bet.

Right. The "s" is missing.

- What? - Occulta sacerdos,

the priest's cage.

A hiding place.

A hiding place!

A priest's cage is a place to repent.

Neo-gothic castles have them.

The Zennefort's castle is neo-gothic.

We're getting close.

Except the "s" is missing.

But...

IKWTA.

I know where they are.

Nobody leave.

I must go, if you don't mind.

Thanks for everything.

Who does she think she is?

Thank you for everything.

- Excuse me. - Would you have an "s"?

An "s" like Swan.

- Alice! - What?

Look! Him, there!

It's the vagabond.

It is the vagabond.

You're right. The creep from the park.

I knew I'd seen him somewhere.

Gérard Kerner.

If he's an actor,

it means all this is just an act?

There you are!

You're Mrs. Zennefort's ex-husband, right?

How was Switzerland?

Not too green?

Stop.

- Can't you do the interview? - He's surely seen me.

Listen.

Battle plan in two parts. First part.

Flattery. You can get anything from a man through flattery.

Second part, sore points.

There. Go from gentleness to brutality.

Then...

probing.

When the time is right, put down this paper.

- Okay? - Okay.

- When is the right time? - When you've won his trust.

Like in...

The Fox and the Crow.

Like the crow, when he's about to drop the cheese.

The cheese.

If it is him, he'll lead us to the child.

What's my name?

I told his agent it was "Françoise Giroux."

He was impressed.

Françoise Giroux.

I'm worried.

We haven't heard from the Captain.

Don't be. He must be with some chick.

The forensic doctor.

He's flirting with her, right?

Marlène, that's not important.

Yes.

Hello.

Françoise Giroux from La Voix du Nord.

Nice to meet you.

Had I known, I would have brought flowers.

Likewise.

You have a wonderful job.

You know, this job is a lot of might-have-beens.

Your coffee, ma'am.

...they are below your talent.

I have great things to do.

I know it.

If only they'd let me have my chance just once.

And...

character study...

I love it.

- Do you dress up? - I love to.

That's why I do it.

The knight in armor, the deposed king,

the aviator lost in the desert.

And the vagabond?

The vagabond, sure.

And...

Oh yes...

This story,

wouldn't it make a great episode of Five Minutes Left?

Umm... Sure.

Well...

I have to go. Are we done?

Yes.

- Until next time. - Bye.

You were great.

Yes.

I'm looking for the Captain. He's not here?

I'm worried. He's gone missing.

I'm worried. It doesn't happen often...

You know, he's a big boy, Marlène.

You're sure he's not here?

Well... Yes.

Want to look under my skirt?

Captain, are you there? Open up. It's me.

Captain! It's me, Marlène.

What happened to you?

I think that...

I'm dead.

What?

Let's say alcohol saved my life.

Alcohol and cigarettes.

Nice combo.

What will you do now?

Arrange my funeral.

Your funeral?

I'm sure my murderer will be glad to attend.

And then...

"He will be missed by all. A great cop, a great man,

"a great patriot..."

Isn't it bragging too much, all these "greats"?

No, it's perfect. It rhymes.

If it rhymes, it's perfect then.

Go on.

"Swan Laurence will be missed by good and bad guys alike,

"the weak and the mighty."

Not a word to Avril. She can't hold her tongue.

Laurence, I know who...

the kidnappers are.

Marlène.

What's going on?

- Something happened... - The Captain...

Laurence?

Yes, Alice.

He's...

He's...?

Yes.

How did it happen?

You know, Alice,

he loved you

dearly.

Er... really?

But I...

I thought...

No, you're wrong.

You know what he said about you?

No.

"Avril is the best among us."

- You're teasing me. - No.

Beneath his rough exterior,

was a beating heart

that no longer beats.

Oh, it's awful!

Marlène, what's this about?

Swear you'll be quiet?

I mean...

like a tomb!

Swan Laurence will be missed

by good and bad guys alike,

by the weak and the mighty.

But one day,

his name will figure in police academy textbooks.

Books will be written about him.

Novels.

Let us pray

for a new Swan Laurence to take over from the former.

What's going on?

- You don't stand a chance. - Move back.

- You don't stand a chance. - Move back!

If I were you, I'd stop here.

Fine for the culprit, but we haven't seen the kid in 2 weeks.

There they are.

They're coming.

They're here.

- You found the million francs? - Lovers?

- No questions. - Bruno! Bruno!

Say something.

Look who's here.

Go on.

Give mommy a kiss. Is that too much to ask?

You knew your husband was bored.

Yes, I was aware.

When we were in bed...

When one is bored, one plays.

Black jack, roulette...

and poker, private games.

I thought Vanberten was the gambler, but I found out

that you used his name, Mr. Debaer.

You were losing large sums.

It could be revealed.

You imagined this kidnapping by drawing from her books.

You hired Miss Bouchon

and Mr. Kerner,

in lack of recognition,

whom you'd met when you taught fencing.

- Marlène and I confounded him. - I was getting to it.

Swell plan, swell team.

It almost worked.

Anyways, Captain, you owe me a husband.

And an explanation.

Occulta sacerdos,

the priest's cage. There's the key.

You were the only one to know,

along with your son who adores you,

and loves sharing secrets with his darling daddy.

Daddy will be right back, okay?

You came back through the tunnel.

Right, Miss Bouchon?

Let's go.

That was the clever trick,

worthy of Mrs. Zennefort.

There were 2 children.

The fake Bruno kidnapped under everyone's nose,

and the one in the priest's cage,

waiting for his daddy to come

after the police had gone.

Want to go on playing?

- Where are we going? - To Régine's.

2 children, and later, 2 suitcases.

The one with money in the vault,

and the empty one that I saw you drop off

inside the mausoleum.

It turned out to be empty

when we found out the ransom had disappeared.

Total success.

But Vanberten caught you red-handed robbing the money.

He hates you, he can't be bought

and is allergic to wasps.

Three reasons to crush him.

Last detail. How did you open the priest's cage?

I went into my wife's office to get a couple of bills

and saw the letter.

Ex-wife,

darling.

Ex.

Are you OK?

You weren't too bored?

- Hello, Captain. - So?

Marlène, what did you do on Sunday?

You never knock!

Eloïse Zennefort gave me this for you.

- What is it? - A book, maybe.

The Strange Kidnapping of Little Bruno.

She said you inspired her.

You're her first reader.

She didn't lose her time.

"To my character,

"Captain Laurence. May he have a long life."

What does that mean?

You're a character in a novel!

So are you, Marlène.

We both are.

What about me?

Oh, I don't know.

Ah, there you are.

It talks about April Fool's.

- That's it? - Maybe next time.

TACINT?

Things always...

come in threes? - Yes!