Original subtitles

This 4k restoration of The Designated Victim (Maurizio Lucidi, 1971)

Was made by the Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna, in collaboration with Surf Film,

using the original reversal negative and audio elements.

The work was carried out at L'|mmagine Ritrovata laboratory in Bologna in 2021

The Designated Victim

- Good morning, Mr. Augenti. - Are they already here?

They're just starting. Mr. Del Bosco's waiting.

Thanks. Come on.

- Good morning, Del Bosco. - Good morning, Augenti.

Our butterfly as well! How is Miss Béranger?

Hardly a butterfly

I was tied to a helicopter with a 300 metre steel cable.

It's all been done before, the poliziesco, the comedy, the musical.

You don't need ideas anymore, it's the style that counts.

Yes, it's true. You're quite right.

It's always the women who bring us back to reality.

I bought in to this company thinking I'm buying Augenti, and he's leaving.

Well? What do you think?

- I knew you were good. - Thanks.

I'll show you the costs.

They're higher than other estimates but the results speak for themselves.

Why do you want to leave?

- A clash of personalities. - But you started out together.

- I thought you two got on? - I'm talking about my wife.

If I had the money I'd buy your share but unfortunately I need a partner.

And how will we share Fabienne?

Sorry, but I've been with the Augenti group for three years.

Pity. Let's get some lunch.

But without me, I'm already late.

OK, I won't insist. He doesn't want to work for me.

He won't even have lunch with me and I'm giving him 200 million.

Now we're partners we can speak freely.

I've a great idea for an advert.

It's done.

When will I see you?

I'm going to talk to Luisa now.

I'll be at your place later.

I'm taking you to Venice for 2 days. We need it, right?

- Really? - I swear.

- Tell me why you don't want to sell? - It's a bad deal.

How can you say 250 million is a bad deal?

- Please lower your voice. - Luisa, no one can hear us.

I can hear you.

If you have no respect for me, at least respect my fragile nerves.

Listen, I'm sorry to insist, but if I may?

I know a bit after all these years in business.

And I think 250 million is an excellent deal.

For you or for me?

What do you mean? If it's good for me then it's good for you, right?

Imagine what I could do with 250 million.

You see? You say 'I could'.

Not 'we could'.

It's funny how you always exclude me from your plans.

No, even if it was a good deal, and it isn't,

I'd still say I'm not selling.

You could at least say 'we're not selling'.

As you wish, my love.

No thanks.

Well?

It would be rather hypocritical given that the shares are in my name.

I get it.

You're being sincere and you've decided not to sell.

Sorry?

Because I'm fine as I am.

Or better, we're fine as we are, so why change?

We change when we're unsatisfied, but I am...

We are, satisfied.

I have a husband, you have a wife.

We have a house, friends, a business.

Selling the business I'd end up losing you as well.

I, I... What about me then?

Please lower your voice.

You know something? You really will lose me if you keep treating me like...

- Like what? - Like an idiot!

Look, how pretty.

- Please, take it. - No, it's yours.

You touched it first.

It's yours.

How much?

- Too bad. - We haven't guessed one.

Try 7.

The maximum on 12.

100,000 on 12.

Great, great...

Let's go.

- How much did we lose? - Not much.

- I don't see anything. - The boat's over there, come on.

Listen. If you want I can give you a lift.

No, it doesn't matter. We can wait for another one.

No, please, it would be my pleasure.

- You want to? - Yes.

Sure, come on.

OK, thanks.

- It's my pleasure. - Come on.

- Please. - Thank you.

No, you stay here.

It's the third time we've met today.

Three times three, nine. Three times four, twelve.

The stars are telling me that our next meeting will be decisive.

- Decisive for what? - For us two as well.

I was waiting for someone. Three fours are twelve.

That number cost me 100,000 lira, you can have it.

Twelve, for me...

is a sacred number.

Give it to me when we become friends.

I believe in friendship, it's a masculine trait.

Love is always so depraved.

And her?

She's just a slave. Borrow her if you like.

She obeys my every command. She's a slave.

She won't give you any trouble.

Once, in London, I don't know why...

- I even sold her for sex. - Really?

It was disappointing.

I'm one of those who likes to try everything, for pleasure, for fun.

So the only thing you've not done is kill someone for fun?

You're right, it's all that's left, the greatest sensation.

Killing.

Tell me, isn't there anyone you want to kill?

Anyone?

Lots of people.

I, Matteo Tiepolo, will always be at your disposal.

Thanks, thanks.

Thanks then. Goodnight.

- Goodbye, Stefano. - Let's go.

Bye.

Fabienne.

Let me sleep, darling.

Are you tired?

- Yes. - Sleep, sleep.

I did all the talking yesterday.

I feel it's your turn to talk now.

I've nothing to say.

I've got no big problems.

And your wife?

That's a rather personal question.

There are no personal questions, only personal answers.

Go on, tell me about your wife.

- Yes, but you can do something. - Indeed, I tried selling the business.

But the shares are in my wife's name.

I'm sorry.

I really don't know why I'm telling you all this.

I don't know.

Listen, Stefano...

What would you do if you got a phone call saying your wife is dead?

You've a great way of simplifying things.

No, I asked a question and you've not given me an answer.

In some ways your situation is the same as mine.

- Are you married as well? - No, I'm talking about my brother.

His mission in life seems to be... to stop me from living.

He wants to destroy me, sadistically.

To convince me that I'm a maggot.

To make himself feel superior.

He wants to crush me

That's why I hate him and have decided he must die.

- Isn't that a bit melodramatic? - No, I adore melodrama.

- On stage? - No, in life.

You know, Stefano, I had a thought.

I'll kill your wife and you kill my brother.

A motiveless crime.

You remember what I said last night?

Yes.

You don't know my brother.

I don't know your wife.

And no one would ever know.

- Don't you like my idea? - No, not really.

But we're still friends.

Now this is a spontaneous gift.

Your wife called.

- And you answered? - I was asleep, I thought I was at home.

I tried to think of an excuse but she recognised me.

- What did you tell her? - Nothing.

But she was very kind, very understanding.

She also wished us well.

- Touch wood. - She was...

very confident, very calm.

Too calm.

I'm scared. Something isn't right.

- I can't explain it. - Enough, forget about that lunatic.

Come on, smile.

I suppose I should thank you for this unexpected holiday.

Venice with your mistress and the lake with your wife.

- Who are you taking to the mountains? - I brought you here to distract you.

- It's so boring. - You can be a real pain.

With a little more effort I could also be hateful.

I hope you're not doing this to persuade me to sell the business.

- I haven't said anything. - But you're thinking about it.

You know, I preferred it when you were just a designer

and not a businessman.

You're the one who pushed me into business.

So you're the one who changed me.

No one can change anyone, dear.

It was obviously your calling, all the rest was just misguided ambition.

What are you thinking right now?

I'll tell you what you're thinking.

If the boat capsized...

Luisa can't swim and I can.

Then I'll be free to do whatever I want.

To go wherever I want with whoever I want.

I know you.

You see? You weren't brave enough to stage an accident.

Now you'll never sell the business and you'll never get that money.

Even this attempt to kill me was just another misguided ambition of yours.

- Who was that? - No one.

This one's not bad.

That's no good. That's no good.

This one's no good either.

- They're no good. - It's not his fault.

He just photographed how I was feeling.

We'll discuss it when you're back from Paris.

Fabienne.

Why are you sending me away? What are you going to do?

I'm sending you away so we can be closer.

Don't worry.

Please, this isn't funny.

It'll all be sorted by the time you get back.

You ended up making a decision and it was the wrong one.

What are you doing here? Arriving or leaving?

Only a lunatic can lose a woman like that.

I'll never find another woman like her, like Fabienne.

Listen...

- Why are you here? - You must always know everything.

You're so logical, it's fate and luck that count.

You know, Stefano.

I get the impression this meeting is going to be the decisive one.

But I already made my decision.

Now Fabienne's left, what will you do?

Lots of things. I don't have time to explain now.

- Why won't you explain? - Sorry, I have to get back to the city.

Then I'll come visit you in your office, OK?

Yes, but don't take too long or you might find someone else there.

What are you hiding from me? Why won't you tell me the truth?

Don't you trust me?

Yes, but now you're the one asking pointless questions.

Believe me, I want to help you. Really.

- And I can, do you want me to? - Thanks.

OK, Stefano. See you soon.

If you change your mind, I'm happy to have you as partner

along with Balsamo.

Thanks.

Of course, the contract will be finalised

once we get the sale contract for the shares in Mrs. Augenti's name.

And then I'll make a deposit of 250 million covering the total costs.

— OK? — OK.

Thanks. Goodbye.

Good bye.

Here's the sale contract for Luisa's shares, you want to read it?

When can she come? Shall we fix a time?

It's difficult right now, she's not feeling well.

Weren't you at the lake?

She came back and went straight to bed.

I'm sorry.

Why don't you come to my place?

Or I could take it to her, if that's OK with you.

Yes, you take it. Have her sign here.

- Here? - Yes, there.

- What have you done? - It was my brother.

Why?

You see, I scratched him with words and he scratched me with nails.

I swear, he's crazy.

- He's crazy. - Wait...

I'll get some alcohol.

I couldn't find any alcohol but vodka will do.

- Your brother should be locked up. - We're like Cain and Abel.

We only want to hurt each other, to destroy ourselves.

Can't you just avoid him?

No, he's very strong.

It's a fatal attraction.

We can't live without each other. It's like we're one person.

Wait... Here

Yes?

How was the trip?

I'm fine.

Guess who's here? Matteo Tiepolo.

Speak up, I can't hear.

No, I don't think you'll have to come back.

I'd rather come there. I'd rather come to Paris.

I'll take care of it.

No, don't worry.

I'll call tomorrow or the day after.

OK? Yes, bye.

- Feeling better? - So you're leaving?

- Yes. - Where? Is it a secret?

- You want to know too much. - Tell me where?

To Venezuela.

I'm your friend, you can't leave me now.

I'm your friend too, and I'll prove my friendship.

Ask me something reasonable and I'll do it.

- Why don't you stay? - I said, something reasonable.

And that isn't.

The absolute, Stefano, is never reasonable.

Good morning, Mr. Augenti.

- Please, have a seat. - Thank you.

What can I do for you?

I've decided to sell the shares in my business.

I'll be receiving a cheque for 250 million very soon.

And I'd like to know how I can transfer this money to Caracas.

I see.

There are very precise regulations for exporting money.

You can only carry cash or traveller's cheques.

For the rest, the bank will take care of the various authorisations.

Obviously it will take some time.

How much time, more or less?

- Three or four weeks. - Very well.

- Alberto... - Mr. Augenti.

Send 24 white lilacs in a nice red wicker basket,

- to the usual address in Paris. - Will you write a message?

- What a strange coincidence. - A coincidence, indeed.

- Send the bill to my office. - Certainly, Mr. Augenti.

I assure you it really is a coincidence. My hotel's just over there.

Listen, it may well be true but right now it feels like you're following me.

Could it be you who's following me?

- What? - Will you come?

To the hotel?

- But I've got nothing to tell you. - I've lots to tell you.

And so do you, I know.

Will I see you tonight? So you'll come?

- I don't know yet. - I know you will.

Are we leaving?

- No, you're leaving. - I'm leaving?

- Sorry, where am I going? - To Venezuela.

If I'm going to Venezuela you can come too.

What's stopping you?

I had suggested it, in a way.

You suggested selling the business, two very different things.

True, but by selling the business I'd have suggested going to Venezuela.

Instead you suggested it to Miss Fabienne Béranger.

Who?

What are you talking about? Have you gone mad?

Please lower your voice.

Hold on a second, Luisa.

Please, don't be like this.

Take a look at that.

Beautiful.

Who sent them?

Matteo. He must be a friend of yours.

Either way, he knows you well.

There's also a letter with the flowers,

where he tells, in great detail, how you're about to run off

having sold the business with a forged signature...

My signature.

And that you've pocketed the money. My money.

Don't think that I wanted to rob you.

I'd left orders to have your fifty million paid into your account.

You disgust me.

You didn't even have the courage to rob me blind.

It's typical of you, that compromise.

You ditch me but you leave me enough to live on.

You rob me but in a reasonable way.

When we met, you were an unknown designer who worked for two cents.

Now you expect to earn 200 million designing a forged signature.

I could turn you in and watch you end your brilliant career in prison.

If I still loved you, I might even do that.

But the saddest part is that I don't love you anymore.

- Count Tiepolo, please. - He's gone out.

- You can wait in the bar. - Thanks.

- Who is it? - Matteo, a friend of your husband.

Please, come in.

- Mr. Augenti? - Yes?

Count Tiepolo called, he said he won't be back tonight.

He asks you to call him tomorrow morning at 11.

OK

Listen. Excuse me...

Could you take me to a taxi rank?

I'm desperate, I can't find one anywhere.

- Where are you going? - To the airport.

- OK, get in. - Thanks.

You Italians are very kind.

Thank you.

- Will I make my flight in time? - You'll be there in 15 minutes.

You Italians are so kind. I don't know how to thank you.

I'd nothing else to do.

- I've missed my flight. - Really?

How will I find a hotel open at this hour?

The next flight's tomorrow at 3. What will I do now?

- Want to come to my place? - Can I?

- I have to make a call first. - I'll wait here.

OK.

A phone token, please.

I'm done. Shall we go?

Good evening.

Listen...

- I've lost my ticket. - Sorry, you'll have to pay again.

- Thanks. - Good evening.

No-one here? No caretaker?

No one. Why? Are you scared?

No, I'm not scared.

So this is where you bring all the women you pick up.

I thought it was you who picked me up.

Nice.

This is your room.

- The bathroom's there. - Thanks.

- I'll sleep next door. - OK.

Listen, I'm trying to get through to 765-437 in Milan.

There should be someone home but they're not answering.

It's unplugged? I see.

Thanks.

- What do you want? - I need a laugh.

Hello?

Mario, will you get my wife, please.

Mr. Augenti? This is Inspector Finzi.

Listen, your wife is dead.

Dead? How?

Please come right away.

Was it suicide?

I want close-ups of this side too.

Santi, get them developed right away

Mr. Augenti? I'm Finzi.

Listen, why did you mention suicide?

- Because my wife was exhausted. - She was strangled.

With a silk stocking.

Was there any money here?

Very little. Some shopping money.

Jewellery?

Jewellery?

There was some jewellery in a box over there on the dresser.

They've been stolen. Were they very valuable?

30 million.

Do you have a list? A list of this jewellery?

- There's the insurance policy. - May I see it?

Yes, of course.

Was your wife home alone?

Yes, yesterday was the butler's day off.

Yes, his alibi checks out.

Listen, yesterday I argued with my wife.

- For what reason? - It was stupid, because...

She had this habit of telling me to lower my voice.

I lost control. My bad temper got the better of me,

- I slammed the door and left. - Taking your suitcases with you

and leaving the keys to the apartment on that sofa.

It was mostly just an act. It wasn't...

- And then? - Then...

Then I took the car and went for a drive around Milan.

And after that I went to a house we have by the lake.

Alone?

Inspector?

It's strange, forensics say there's no fingerprints.

- It's like nobody ever lived here. - What do you mean?

It's strange, they wiped all the prints, even the ones that weren't theirs.

But they must have had a reason for doing it.

This is a list of the jewellery, make it a priority.

I asked you... Alone?

- Alone, alone. - The porter didn't see you leave.

He's never at his post.

What floor do you live on?

The third.

That one there with the balcony.

And to get up there, the service entrance stairs or those vines.

Which reach up to your balcony.

It's strange, the killer doesn't use the service entrance.

They don't use the vines.

They don't force open the kitchen door but come straight up in the lift.

At this point I ask myself, why not ring the doorbell?

- Or did they have keys? - I don't know, Inspector..

No, the door has been forced open.

Come, come.

Come on.

They can get in anywhere nowadays. You need to reinforce the locks.

Inspector?

Listen, I called at 2 o'clock last night and no one answered.

I called the switchboard and they said it was unplugged.

And you weren't at all suspicious?

No, because my wife sometimes unplugs the phone to sleep better.

- Where are you going? - Mr. Augenti...?

- Sorry, you can't come in. - We're partners, we're friends.

I have precise orders, I'm sorry.

He's a close friend, can't he come in?

No, and I'd rather you left too while we finish up here.

Listen, either way, you should keep in Contact with us.

OK.

Good evening.

My dear Stefano...

Show some respect, damn it!

- It's crazy you don't have an alibi. - I've got one, I've got an alibi.

- Then we're OK. - I don't think so.

Where did you sleep last night?

- In Moltrasio. - With a woman?

Did you tell the Inspector?

I was confused, I thought it best not to tell him.

- Do you want me to take you back? - No, I'll tell him tomorrow.

- Stop here. - What's up?

Wait here for me.

Good morning. Count Tiepolo, please.

No, he's left. Your name, please?

- Augenti. - Yes, he left a letter for you.

I need your car.

- What's happened? - Here's my keys.

— OK. - Wait.

It's in the garage.

Cristina.

I could kill your wife, you could kill my brother.

Remember what I said last night?

You've never met my brother, I've never met your wife.

It'll be a motiveless crime.

No one...

No one will ever know.

Don't you like the idea?

Even if you can't see me, I'm here.

Soon your eyes will get used to the dark.

Then you won't be able to ignore me anymore.

What are you doing here?

I wanted to tell you I carried out your orders.

- Which orders? - Or your desires, if you prefer.

I did what you lacked the courage to do.

- And I did it for friendship. - You're criminally insane!

Like you.

We both wanted this death.

Actually, you more than me. I'm just your hitman.

If you'd loved your wife she'd be alive.

I killed something that was already dead inside you.

- It's not true! - Only you and I know the truth.

But the police will never find out.

I took the jewellery to make them think it's a robbery.

I threw them here in the lake.

- Do you want to hear the details? - No, I don't want to know anything!

But you should know.

She opened the door.

We talked about you, about the letter I'd sent her.

Women can be so lacking in imagination.

She wouldn't believe that you're my best friend.

- And that I care about you. - And then?

Good. Now you do want to know.

In that case I can tell you I was very meticulous.

And let me add with joy...

Obviously...

I burned the letter.

Removed any fingerprints, and left the keys on the sofa.

No one will ever suspect me.

Or you. At least for now.

Are you trying to scare me? Do you think I'm scared?

It would be ridiculous for the hitman to try and scare his handler!

I'm cold. Please take me home.

See, you do care about me.

You protect me. You heal me.

Now we'll tell the police everything.

But Why?

Because you must spend the rest of your days in prison or an asylum.

It's the least you deserve.

What about you then?

You know the law is tougher on the handler than the hitman.

No one will ever believe I killed your wife.

Why would I? I didn't even know her.

So why then? While you had reasons for doing it.

Have you forgotten the forged signature? Running off to Venezuela?

And Fabienne? Who you could only have if you got rid of your wife.

Any jury, even the most lenient...

wouldn't hesitate to give you a life sentence.

If you had a clear conscience you'd have told the police everything by now.

Why haven't you?

Deep down you don't understand me at all, and that makes me very sad.

It's the first time I killed someone and I confess it was very easy.

You just have to be calm and precise.

It will be very easy for you too.

- What will be easy? - Keeping your end of the bargain.

Your wife was a stranger to me.

And my brother's a stranger to you.

You don't become a killer just like that.

I'd say killing is a vocation, in my case.

Or a necessity, in your case.

Don't go back on your promise now I've solved all your problems.

Now you can marry Fabienne.

Stay in Milan working in advertising, without being forced to run.

I could have had all that, there was no need to kill her.

The compromise. Luisa told me about that.

How painful, Stefano, living a life of compromise...

while she preferred more radical solutions, like me.

- Go away! - Look!

Look, Stefano. You're my real brother.

That's why it must be you who kills the false one!

From now on, when you look in the mirror you'll see me as well.

Because I did what you dreamed of doing.

- I'm an extension of you... - You're crazy!

Go away!

- Is there a phone? - It's in there.

This is Augenti. ls Balsamo there?

One moment, Mr. Augenti.

-Yes'? - Mr. Augenti on the line.

Put him through.

Stefano...

Listen, I'll explain later but if the police call,

please don't mention the sale to Del Bosco.

Yes, I wanted to tell you that... the Inspector's here.

I've already told him what I know.

Mr. Augenti? Finzi.

Can you come to my office, please?

I need to talk to you. Right away.

I'll be with you in half an hour.

OK, I'll see you soon.

Listen, why didn't you want us to know about the sale?

It wasn't a sale, it was an option.

I really didn't think it was important to the investigation.

- Let us decide what's important. - Sorry.

- You were about to go to Venezuela. - Yes, indeed.

For what reason?

A large industrial complex has invested a lot of money,

and they wanted me to manage their publicity office.

I was born in Venezuela and my mother's still there, you know.

Mr. Augenti, was your wife OK with that?

With business she always agreed with me.

- And the sale? - Sure, the sale as well.

Look, if you have any doubts, the business was in my wife's name.

And she signed the sales contract herself with the notary.

We found no fingerprints in the bedroom or the lounge.

Not even the ones that should have been there, yours, your wife's.

It was all cleaned, and the body placed on the bed.

It looks quite straightforward at first... a robbery.

But the robbery was just a cover for the real crime.

In fact, the killer didn't force the door open to get in.

It was damaged, but later, from the inside, it was staged.

Yes, we're back to square one.

Mr. Augenti...

Did your wife have a lover?

No.

We can exclude that.

Husbands are always the last to know.

No, you're kidding. My wife wasn't the type.

Besides, how would they have known we'd argued?

Or that I'd left.

You could have called them straight after, out of spite.

- It's possible, isn't it? - No, not at all.

One more thing, was it a special day? An anniversary?

- No, no anniversary. - That would explain the flowers.

Twenty four lilacs stuffed in the bin.

Did you send them?

Look, Inspector...

that's the strange thing. I did send 24 lilacs.

But not to my wife.

I'd sent them to Paris, to a friend of mine.

We know. We went to the florist on Via Manzoni.

But it's strange...

You send twenty four lilacs to your mistress...

and your wife also receives them at the same time.

Miss Béranger is your mistress, right?

More than that.

That's also correct. We've been informed.

In any case, practically all of Milan knows.

I came in place of Stefano. I'm Matteo.

We met in Venice and Stefano and me are like brothers.

- It's so horrible. - We must stay close to him.

Why have you brought me here? What are we doing here?

Calm down.

Stefano told me to bring you here.

But I can't show myself, it would be absurd.

He needs us, you and I are his best friends.

I've come to express my deepest condolences.

I'm so sorry.

You could have waited a while before coming back.

If you didn't want me to come, why did you send that telegram?

What telegram?

It's on the table near my handbag.

I never sent you this.

It must have been Balsamo or another friend.

A friend I could happily do without.

What do you mean?

Nothing.

We'll let you know if we need you again.

Good bye.

Hello, Rico.

So, the notary, Lancia, gets a call from your wife at seven o'clock,

asking for information about a sales contract.

And the notary declares that he knows nothing about the sale.

And accuses you of having forged the signature.

My wife was hysterical. We'd argued...

No, this happened at 7, which was before you returned home.

So?

She never mentioned that call to me.

Why did you argue? Now you have to tell me.

I've told you, she kept telling me to lower my voice...

- Don't talk nonsense. - If you don't believe me...

Let's say your wife, I don't know how, comes to learn of this sale.

When you return home she lays into you.

Perhaps she threatens to go to the police.

Which would be your downfall.

You go crazy and strangle your wife.

Then you stage the robbery.

You remove any fingerprints, pretend to steal the jewellery.

Then you leave and go to your villa in Moltrasio.

- And calmly call in the morning. - It's not true.

Look, it's easy for me to check the contract.

A question of a few minutes, just one call.

Do I need to call a handwriting expert or will you tell me the truth?

OK, I forged my wife's signature

-...but I didn't kill her. - That forged signature nails you.

A judge wouldn't hesitate to issue an arrest warrant.

Look, that was my money. I earned it.

I'd left orders to transfer 50 million to her,

- ask the bank. - I'm not your wife, my nerves are fine.

I do the shouting here!

Sorry.

- Do you recognise it? - It's my wife's watch.

It broke during the struggle.

And a fragment of glass stopped the hands.

The time matches the coroner's estimated time of death.

Where were you at 11 :22?

At 11 :22 I don't know, but...

At around midnight I was at the toll booth in Moltrasio.

I paid.

No, sorry, I'd lost my ticket and I paid for it again.

Listen, if I could find that ticket, would it be enough?

- Enough for me. - Can we go check my car?

Believe me, I didn't lie to you. I kept quiet out of a sense of shame.

Inspector, I spent that night with another woman.

So you have an alibi. And you tell me now?

It's only now you're accusing me.

She's German, her name's Cristina Mueller.

Were you here three nights ago at 11 :30?

I was.

Don't you remember that I was here in this car?

I'd lost my ticket and I had to buy a new one.

Don't you remember this car?

One moment. Sorry.

I'm sorry, what can I say? Lots of people pass through here.

I can't remember everyone.

- I'm sorry. - Thanks.

Watch how you drive and calm down when I'm in the car.

Your apartment isn't a crime scene anymore.

Will you tell me where you're sleeping tonight?

Seeing it's not a crime scene, I'll go there.

OK.

If you happen to find this mysterious Cristina...

Trust me, I'll find her.

I'll put an announcement in the newspapers.

Even in the German ones.

By the way, tell Miss Béranger...

Look, Miss Béranger has got nothing to do with this.

Please ask her to stay in Milan. She may be asked to testify.

I was going to call you. Why are you here?

- Stefano... who's Cristina? - Who told you about Cristina?

Matteo.

And what did he tell you?

That you must see him in Venice if you want news about Cristina.

- Did he tell you anything else? - Just that.

He was waiting outside. He didn't want to call you.

He thinks the police tapped your phone.

What are you hiding from me?

Nothing, I'll explain later, I have to go.

- Where? - To Venice.

My dear Stefano, I'm devastated. It's true, I sent Cristina.

- Where is she? - I'll tell you, I'll tell you.

But first, complete your part of the deal.

You see this?

It's the motorway ticket.

Cristina stole it before you got to the toll booth.

But this is only half of it.

I'm keeping the other half with the time and date.

All you need is this piece of paper to prove your innocence.

The license plate number isn't on the ticket.

It's not enough.

- Where's Cristina? - I'll tell you.

I'll tell you. But first, look.

Go on.

My brother will be sitting by that table at 12:00 next Thursday.

Yes, that table and on that very chair.

I can't delay the invitation now.

There's a piece of paper on the table, take it.

It's a ticket for a high-precision rifle stored in a locker in a garage depot.

Look out the window.

Look through the circle.

Under the dome, between the two angels of the Annunciation.

There's a woman dressed in black.

You'll take the rifle, and from there you'll aim at the centre of the circle.

And when the clock strikes 12, you'll shoot.

Now pick up those binoculars and look.

No, stop! Don't be so impulsive.

You'd never get to her in time.

You'll never reach her.

Cristina's already coming down now. In 5 minutes she'll be far away.

It'll take at least 10 minutes to cross the canal.

That's if you're lucky enough to find a boat.

Don't be ridiculous.

Murder is a ritual, you can't kill me like this.

Take me to her or I'll kill you.

I adore melodrama but I detest comic opera.

You know, Stefano, it isn't me you have to kill.

It's my brother.

You have to kill for friendship and not for hate.

If you don't take me to her I'll kill you!

I assure you it isn't difficult. I did it all by myself.

Without anyone's help.

But I'll be close to you, I'll help you.

You'll see, it'll be a game.

Besides, your only alternative is a life sentence.

Or my friendship.

There's no evidence against me.

You've forgotten the jewellery.

Didn't you throw them in the lake?

They were too beautiful to throw away.

I've hidden them in your home.

A phone call to the police and they'll find them straightaway.

Somewhere only you could have put them.

There are lots of places in your home, lots of places.

Look if you want.

Look if you want.

Thank you.

Just a moment.

- It's 250 million. - OK, leave it to me.

Yes, hold the line, I'll put you through.

Good morning.

Listen, we received Mr. Del Bosco's cheque yesterday.

But the police have frozen your account.

I'm sure it's just an error but we must abide by their instructions.

Can I withdraw something from my personal account?

I'm sorry, no.

OK, thanks.

Mr. Augenti?

- Yes? - Please come with me.

Inspector Finzi wants to talk to you.

- Am I under arrest? - No, certainly not.

- Just a few questions. - I'll get my car.

No, please get in.

- Miss Fabienne Béranger? - Yes?

Inspector Finzi would like to speak to you, please come with me.

Take my luggage back inside.

Listen, we know you went to Venice.

And we also know where.

To the home of Count Tiepolo.

Why did you go there?

Matteo Tiepolo is my wife's killer.

Count Tiepolo sent your wife 24 lilacs.

He sounds more like your wife's lover and certainly not her killer.

Matteo Tiepolo murdered my wife.

Well, if you want to play games, I'll tell you why you went to Venice.

Why else would you visit a very rich friend?

To ask him for money. Either as a loan...

Or as an advance on a difficult sale.

I didn't kill my wife.

Then, as your trip to Venice didn't work out,

you had quite some nerve going to your bank this morning.

Hoping to get away with it.

To take that flight with Miss Béranger.

- He killed my wife. - Enough of this Count Tiepolo.

It's like the story about Cristine Mueller.

We've looked for her. We even called Munich.

She hasn't been anywhere, nobody knows her.

It wasn't me. Matteo Tiepolo murdered my wife.

That's what you're betting on, a scandal.

Involving high-profile people.

You've chosen badly, very badly.

Now we'll get your confession on the record.

And I'll try to highlight all the extenuating factors.

It wasn't me.

Bring her in.

Please.

Have a seat.

Young lady, I have to take your passports, yours and Mr. Augenti's.

If you give me 2 days, I promise I'll bring Cristine Mueller here.

Right now your promises aren't enough.

I'm sorry, I know you were about to leave.

There's two seats reserved for you and Mr. Augenti

on a flight tomorrow morning at 6:40 for Caracas.

Venezuela's a beautiful country.

And it doesn't grant extraditions.

It came this morning along with 24 lilacs.

- Was my name there? - No.

Who else could have known about our flowers?

I thought it was a leaving gift.

- If it wasn't you, then who was it? - How do I know?

No more lies. Tell me what you know.

All I know is this was my wife's ring.

And the killer sent it to you to frame us.

Had the Inspector seen it, I'd have been finished!

So you know who the killer is and you want to protect them?

I'm the one who needs protecting, not the killer.

Fabienne, please.

We'll go to the Inspector and tell him what you know.

- What have you done? - I haven't done anything, damn it!

Then you've nothing to be afraid of.

Let's go back to that Inspector and tell him the truth.

I already did, before you arrived.

- Well? - He didn't believe me.

All I can do now is give in to his blackmail and go to Venice.

And commit a murder to save myself from another one that I never committed.

Whatever you do, I'll be by your side.

Wait a second.

Wait...

The police!

- You're sure he hasn't gone out? - No, the light was still on.

The lift!

You wait here for me.

Stefano, let me come with you.