Original subtitles

Previously on Betrayal

What's wrong? Something's wrong.

Willem is gone. - What?

Don't worry. Everything will be fine. Dad.

So don't worry. - I don't believe it.

My lawyer says the Prosecution sees him as their chief witness.

You can assist in the Royackers case.

Quit you eternal gaming.

Damn it, Dad.

The Magnesium. Built by Couwenberg.

If they think he's useful, we're screwed. There'll be nothing left, for anyone.

You are temporarily unfit for detaining.

You'll serve your sentence at home, on special conditions.

My darling, something happened that I can't and won't deny.

All the best. Willem.

BETRAYAL

THIRTY DAYS

Iris? - Yes?

Are you in the shower? - Yes.

Who's taking Menno to school today? - Come here.

Come here and join me.

Daddy.

Daddy, daddy. Can't you hear the alarm? Hurry.

What, Dad? - One day this will all be yours.

And Elsie's. And then her children.

Why do you say that? - You never have to worry.

When I'm gone. You understand? - Sure.

Are you excited?

Mr Royackers, how are you feeling? - Confident.

Do you have a political future? - No questions just now.

Have you been bribed?

I hope this won't disappoint you, but no I wasn't bribed.

I'm expecting an acquittal.

So I'm not worried about my political future.

There's no smoke without fire. - I quit smoking years ago.

This is just my political opponents trying to hurt me.

It's not the first time either. Gentlemen. Thank you.

I have to get to class. - Look.

My darling, I'm so sorry to do this to you.

I'm afraid you'll have to forget me. I loved you, as God knows.

But I must admit it: It's over.

Something happened that I can't and won't deny.

All the best. Willem.

Is this his handwriting? - I think so.

Yes, I'm sure.

We were supposed to go to Paris. What on earth could have happened?

Listen, it's kind of hard for me to... - To what?

My mother came home. - What?

You know, I think we shouldn't see each other anymore.

I'm sorry. I have a class to go to.

Shouldn't you've been at school already? - First period off. You okay?

Don't forget to take your anti-depression thingies.

Your dad mentioned some problems. - What problems?

Problems at school.

No idea.

Mr Public Prosecutor.

Your Honour, I must start by saying that the Prosecution...

...will not be able to call the person we regard as a chief witness:

Mr Steenhouwer. We were unable to contact him.

Yesterday the police informed us he's gone missing.

Beg your pardon, Your Honour, but he is not.

He left home and simply has not been in touch.

That is not exactly true. His closest relatives are mystified.

The police report says the family calls every day to enquire.

It's not much of a report. It only says Mr Steenhouwer left a letter...

...saying he needs time to think.

Under the circumstances I'd say...

Alright, let's not discuss an absent person.

Mr Mourabit, the file includes a statement from a so-called whistleblower...

...which has now been withdrawn under oath.

Are you now telling me that you can't produce your chief witness?

Mr Steenhouwer is a lawyer. He's known to be utterly dependable.

He has disappeared under curious circumstances.

I request an adjournment and a renewed subpoena to summon the witness.

Your Honour, the word 'disappeared' is really absurd here.

We must conclude that he did not think his statement was important.

My client's image is being damaged in the media because of this case.

If the Prosecution can't produce their witness...

...it seems to me the foundation of their case is gone.

The consequences are clear.

I need some time to think. The importance of this case demands it.

I'll let you know my decision tomorrow.

Are you kidding me? You said...

Why is that?

Tomorrow? Why not today?

It's me. Bad news.

What a mess. - Couwenberg used to work with cash.

Where would he get it? The usual way?

Deals with subcontractors or money-changers.

We were never able to prove it. It's all untraceable.

That's the problem.

The file says nothing about Royackers spending strange amounts.

Boats, holiday homes, that kind of thing.

So your proof towards bribe...

If only that whistleblower had stuck to his statement.

Was he pressurized? - Can't prove anything.

So, is this a hopeless case without Steenhouwer?

Your involvement in the case is just about Couwenberg, not Steenhouwer.

But I don't give a shit about that.

I'm buried in files, so any useful information is welcome.

Unfit for detention?

Because of her attempted suicide she was given interruption of sentence.

So she can just go home? - No longer than one month.

And she has an ankle monitor with a GPS tracking device.

She can't go near your house and can't be outside after 10pm.

She can still shoot me in the street. - No chance of recidivism, they said.

There's an alarm system if she gets near you.

The judge did not take this decision lightly.

What a relief.

She's being strictly monitored. There's really no need to worry.

Right. Thanks.

May I help you? - Those daisies, please.

No, daisies. - Right.

No, sorry, the red ones.

See?

There you are. Six fifty, please.

Put them in nice hot water.

Hot?

Are you afraid of this Elsie? - Of course I am.

She's a total nutcase.

Seen the police? - The letter just confirmed their ideas.

And what do you think? - It was a blank envelope.

No name, no nothing. Who put it in my letterbox? Willem?

Is it his handwriting? - His daughter thinks so.

'Something happened.'

Like what?

The attempted suicide? - That was ages ago.

And what's it got to do with me?

Exciting stuff, eh? My best work so far. - It's a project.

I'll see if I can write about it. I mean... Can I help?

I don't get it. That lawyer was so sure. - There it is again.

Lawyers are so trustworthy. They'll never screw you over.

If the judge throws the case out tomorrow we'll be fine.

If. What if he doesn't?

Has he been unconscious all this time? - We can't go on forever.

One of these guys is a former doctor.

I told you, right?

Where did you get them? - Do you really want to know?

Maybe it'll all be over tomorrow.

I bloody well hope so.

Do you sleep?

Not too bad. Lots of dreams.

Do you feel like getting up in the morning?

No. Usually not.

But...? - The kids. That's something.

I help them get ready for school. They don't need it, but still.

And then? What do you do next?

Some shopping. Buy some decent food.

I used to run a restaurant. Good food is important.

I do a lot of thinking. - May I ask what about?

The old days.

A woman my age who mainly thinks of the old days... Cheery, isn't it?

It'll get better once your antidepressants kick in.

Do you ever think about your... - My what?

Your missing ex-husband? - He's not missing. He just cleared off.

How does that make you feel?

It doesn't cheer me up any.

How was it? - I'll wait in the car.

NO good?

They're all so much alike. - Right.

Off we go then.

Would you please help me?

Can I go back to gaming? - No.

It's a bit like a hospital, but ten times worse.

What?

Macaroni. Every bloody day it was macaroni.

Enough to last me a lifetime. With cheese that isn't cheese.

Darlings, if you want to talk about it, that's fine.

It's just that I can't find the strength.

I try, but I can't manage it.

Why is that?

He's still your dad, but he's no longer my husband.

It's very tough for you guys.

I get that, I really do, but...

If he never comes back I'll be celebrating.

Marit, come on.

I called him around 3.30 pm. - 3.30? Are you sure?

7 o'clock at the station, right? - 7 sharp.

See you soon. - See you.

Iris? You know I love you a lot, don't you?

What happened between 3.30 and 7 that made him stop loving me?

People don't always tell the truth.

Hey, you won't put this... - Don't worry, I won't write anything.

Maybe when it's all over, alright? With a happy end, I mean.

We talked about Couwenberg. Does he have any other enemies?

Gym class? - Fun.

Topography? - Stupid.

History? - Stupid. And word sums are stupidest.

Does Mummy help you with those? - Yes. Or Willem.

Oh? Is he any good at sums? - Very good.

Is it salami pizza? I love salami. - We don't serve pizza without salami.

Enjoy.

He was always saying he was doing calmer cases now.

Boring, but calm cases.

That was quick. What can I do for you?

Sweetheart.

I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that.

Never? - What?

You said never. If he never comes back. Why did you say that?

No, I said... - What made you say it? Why never?

Do you know something we don't? - No, honey.

Is he dead? - Dead? Sweetie, don't be crazy.

Stop talking to me. Especially about Dad. Bitch.

What did you call me?

You know who left us? You did. By taking all those pills.

Not Daddy, he'd never do that.

Go away. Just go back to prison, that's where you belong.

Goddammit.

Shouldn't the police do this? - Never mind that.

Do you have something to compare it with?

Exceflent

We're in a little bit of a hurry, Simon.

I'll make a call and get back to you in the morning.

Here, Dad. Shall I fry some eggs?

Now what? - What?

What will you do today? - Don't you have anything?

Can you show me how those job websites work?

Good morning. Van Erkel.

I thought I'd introduce myself. - Caya Middelburg.

I'm assisting in the case against councillor Royackers.

We received your report on our chief witness.

It's probably a relationship issue? - Yes.

The Prosecution needs him, I gather? - Absolutely.

I checked with forensics. The handwriting is a match.

And there's no proof of coercion.

Any other findings? - Not yet.

No signs of burglary, no mention of Mr Steenhouwer anywhere.

Alright. Thank you.

So that was him?

I just got the call. It's Willem's handwriting.

100% sure? - There's always an error margin.

But it's very probably his. - Okay, thanks. I'll call you later.

It's Iris. Can I come by to pick up that note?

Right now? Okay.

We used to check the papers. Much easier.

What am I supposed to choose? All English words.

To make it more serious, I suppose.

Here. Type in your details and they'll contact you.

Let's try that.

The case of Mr Royackers and his alleged corruption...

...as councillor of the City of Amsterdam.

The Prosecution requested an adjournment...

...and a renewed subpoena for their witness.

The Defence states that the case should continue without delay.

However, the Public Prosecutor argues...

...that the witness seems to be absent due to abnormal circumstances.

To complicate matters further the police report does not state he's gone missing.

Having said that, I can't dismiss the Prosecution's arguments altogether.

The police report leaves some room for speculation...

...as to Mr Steenhouwer's whereabouts.

Besides, his family in no way understands his absence.

With a view to the great importance of this case to society...

...I have decided to offer the Prosecution an opportunity...

...to produce its witness within 30 days.

Failure to do so will result...

...in the resumption of this case without the witness.

Thirty days?

Right, thanks.

What's going on? Why can't I drive you? - Not today.

I'll be a while. Get yourself a good dinner, with vegetables.

And please don't burn the place down. See you tonight.

See you tonight.

I'm sorry if the news was bad. - It's alright. Thank you.

But I must admit it: It's over.

Something happened that I can't and won't deny.

So? How are you?

Enjoying your freedom, are you? Wonderful country, this.

Did you plan not to take enough pills to kill you? Smart idea.

What do you want? - He sent you this, didn't he?

When he left you.

Am I right?

Well? It's bad enough... - You're not allowed here.

Wrong. You can't go near me, but I can go to you.

Piss off. - Where is Willem?

Where is he?

He doesn't want you. Got that? - Where is he?

Not a clue. Piss off.

I'm going to the police and you're going back to jail.

If I see you here again I'll rip your head off, you whore.

It's inconceivable. This judge is a loose cannon.

What do you mean? - He's an attention junkie.

This is bad, guys. Very bad. Another 30 days of media misery.

And Steenhouwer may have thought long enough and show his face.

You said it was easy. No witnesses, no proof, we're done.

They'll never touch us again, you said.

What can we do next? Appeal, or something?

No, not before those 30 days are over.

Any otherjudge would have pushed on. I'm sure of it.

So what do we do now? - That man has a family.

Wife, children. It's all too awful.

Whose interests are you talking about? - Theirs.

And ours.

Voters read papers. Steenhouwer becomes a sad, mysterious man.

His family gets more and more publicity and I...

...I'm the bad guy.

Information about fingerprints? - Yes, Willem's are on record.

Yes, and?

He wrote this note, but didn't send it to me.

His wife did.

What it says here is in line with... - Listen.

He once wrote this to her. She now sends it to me.

That explains the blank envelope. - But why would she do that?

You know what she tried to do to me. She hates me.

Is she involved in his disappearance? - She or her father.

But she was in prison when it happened. - They can still get in touch.

You must do something. - Ms Hoegaarde.

I understand your worries and fears.

But this is not the kind of problem the police can fix.

Bullshit. Arrest her, fingerprint her. - We have a protocol.

People run away every day because of relationship trouble.

It's got nothing... - We can't do it.

Fuck you and your damn protocols.

Royackers. Barouk, is it good or bad news?

That depends. - Now there's a useful reply.

We need Steenhouwer. Otherwise we won't make it.

Relationship trouble, say the police. He sent his lady friend something?

Ms Hoegaarde? - Stupid notes.

He says he needs time to think. - It's vague. He doesn't add up.

Do you know him? - Not very well.

Does he add up, Pepijn? What do you think?

Dunno.

We can count ourselves lucky with those 30 days.

But I don't understand why the police aren't doing anything.

I don't pull their strings. - You do.

There's no ground for investigation. - The case is on.

Fraud, bonuses, political scandals. This concerns the whole city.

The country even. People's faith in politics.

So? - Get them going.

The Prosecution is in charge here. Detectives do what we say. Simple.

Can they drug him for 30 days? - No. It's impossible even now.

We had the perfect plan. Nobody was going to get hurt, damn it, and now this?

There's more.

He woke up. They weren't sure what happened.

But he wriggled free and ran away.

Damn it. - Calm down. They caught him right away.

If it's up to them, we have to suck it up.

They have a point, actually. - So I misjudged it?

That's not what I'm saying.

But it stinks. - I don't smell anything.

You've got the hots for the ex-wife of a Public Prosecutor.

He's not really missing. - You don't know that.

Come on. We've got two teenage girls who never made it home.

Aged 14 and 16. Their parents are desperate.

This is a respectable lawyer who left a note: don't worry.

Everything's fine. They got him, no one saw him.

They gave him another injection.

I'd love a doctor like that. So he's okay?

What do we do now, Huub?

We must do something.

Hello, Mike van Loon. My colleague, Middelburg.

What's wrong? Is he dead? - May we come in for a moment?

Is he dead? - If you mean Mr Steenhouwer: no.

Please let us in.

Do I have to? - We would really appreciate it.

We'd like to talk about your husband. - He's not my husband.

We were told you're not divorced. - No, but we're separated.

We know that. We also know it's been hard on you.

But we need to find out what happened to him.

He was confused. I mean, there were so many problems.

Like what? - Between him and me...

...but trouble with the kids too. - Trouble?

A situation. A fight.

You were in prison when he disappeared?

Yes, that's right.

Were you in touch with your father then? - No.

We were on bad terms.

And how was your relationship with Mr Steenhouwer?

What do you mean? - Your break-up was rather nasty.

Hey, sweetie.

Bye, Daddy. - Bye, son.

Don't forget your list. See you soon.

How was school?

Good afternoon. - Hello.

May we come in?

Menno, you go watch TV.

So, how are the protocols these days?

We started an official investigation.

Well, well. Already? - So we're talking to everyone involved.

And you think I haven't told you enough?

Did you know he had problems with his children?

The night before he left, or disappeared...

...he had a huge fight with his son.

I didn't know that. Who told you? - Mrs Couwenberg.

Oh, her. Must be true then.

Did she tell you about her new job as mailman?

She has a deferred sentence and is monitored.

If she came near you, we'd know. She can't deliver letters here.

I see. But there are ways. Couriers. - Possible.

If you give us the letter and envelope, I'll have them tested for fingerprints.

Even if she sent it to you, it doesn't tell us anything about Mr Steenhouwer.

She and her father are very close.

He stood to benefit from Willem's disappearance.

Figured that out yet?

Thank you.

Councillor's political career soars

Royackers convinces council

Royackers: Whistleblower is wrong

Council... hornet's nest?

Councillor under fire for controversial project

Profile Bj6rn Couwenberg

Forensics say the first note was genuine, and written by a calm person.

Even forensics can be... - Graphologist.

Even a graphologist can be wrong.

The fact is, Royackers and Couwenberg were overjoyed...

...when Steenhouwer didn't appear at the hearing.

Could it be Couwenberg's work?

Maybe Mr Van Erkel can tell us more, seeing as he's the expert.

Couwenberg has been suspected of many things.

But we could never make a case for murder or kidnapping.

Come.

Coffee?

Marit? - What?

Honey. I've lost so much already.

I don't want to lose my daughter as well.

Please.

I'm sorry about what I said, and about hitting you.

I shouldn't have done it. - You hate him, don't you?

He could drop dead for all you care.

Is a simple 'no' too much to ask?

What do you think it's like for me? Forus?

How the hell can I live through this? - The police were here.

There's a sort of... They started an investigation.

Why were they here? - To ask lots of questions.

I've decided I'll do my best...

...to help them, for your sake and your brother's.

I'll try. Okay?

Tap everyone and request court permission...

...to search his office. - Will do.

How big is our team? - Not my call.

Why is the Prosecution so keen?

We take missing persons seriously. Especially witnesses.

You keep saying he's missing, but officially he's not.

You made that clear. But let me be clear too: the Prosecution disagrees.

I'm very uncomfortable about this.

You and me both. They're after me.

Tell me this isn't...

Tell me you're not involved.

I'll pretend you never said that. I could ask you the same damn thing.

Me? What do you take me for? - Talk to you later.

The murdered lawyer? - Murdered?

I read the papers. - I'm told you are an excellent driver.

What's wrong, honey?

I'm on my way.

Why do you say that? - To help you.