Original subtitles

Betrayal

A STRONG CASE

You're late. - Sorry, it went on a bit.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something. What could it be?

Dress'?

Did you book a taxi? - Yes, just now.

Passports? - Didn't we already show them?

I'll double check. What did Joost say?

Hello? - The case will be heard next Friday.

Last chance? - Last chance.

And what about the other thing? - Joost will let me know.

I gather it was urgent. Very urgent.

Yes. - I can't wait.

He is getting married. - I already knew.

But whether Willem gets married or not... - Bj6rn.

What?

Impossible. I see him all the time. - He is afraid to tell you.

Who the hell with?

A whore?

It goes by the name of Wendy. A Dutch girl. I haven't seen her yet.

He has known her for three months and we can all guess what she's after.

This can't be happening. I won't have it.

It will absolutely destroy him unless we put a stop to it.

The wedding will take place next month. Just after your release, right?

Was this urgent enough?

Okay, open your eyes.

Well? - I'm not really sure.

I can't find my shoes. - I'll help you look for them.

Come on.

Yes, I'm leaving now. Yes.

Of course it will work.

From now on, this will be our focus, and nothing else.

Dear family and friends. Today, it is my honour to join in matrimony...

Mrs Iris Hoegaarde and Mr Willem Maria Steenhouwer.

They asked me to be brief, to which I agreed, but of course I won't.

I intend to talk for hours and hang out every bit of dirty laundry there is.

Yes, madam. I'm afraid your insurance policy doesn't cover that.

Yes, the legal department. Shall we try and keep our voices down?

We are trying to help you...

Iris Hoegaarde...

do you take Willem Maria Steenhouwer to be your lawfully wedded husband...

and do you promise to fulfil all duties as required by law?

What is your answer? - I do.

Willem Maria Steenhouwer...

do you take Iris Hoegaarde to be your lawfully wedded wife...

and do you promise to fulfil all duties as required by law?

What is your answer? - I do.

I now pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations. You may kiss the bride.

I am so relieved. - Scared I was going to say no?

I'm glad Elsie's not here.

Hey, Bjtorn.

In spite of everything that happened, I felt I had to...

Congratulations. - Thanks.

Congratulations. - Thank you.

I'm Wendy. Way to go.

Have fun. - Thanks.

Thanks for chatting with the governor. My visitation rights have greatly improved.

I need a lawyer. Not a criminal lawyer, just someone to take care of odd jobs.

From inside the prison?

Tricky.

How's your mum?

I tried, but she said it would be best if she didn't show.

She may have a point. How are your studies going?

It's tough.

At least your boyfriend can help you out. Funny guy.

Get your old man a glass of champagne and have one yourself. It's free.

Congratulations. - Thank you.

Have we met? - No.

Are you a friend of Iris? - No.

You have a problem with Mr Couwenberg, your former client.

You know that he abducted you and tried to have you killed.

But Mr Couwenberg's solicitors put the blame on Joachim Lampe...

who is now deceased.

The Public Prosecution Service couldn't prove that Couwenberg was behind it all.

Who are you? - My name is Anna. Anna Eckhardt.

Do you realise I just got married?

Mr Couwenberg has been sentenced for blackmailing a councillor. That's all.

Much to your frustration. - How do you know?

You want to be vindicated.

You hate the fact that he only serves a minor sentence and will be released soon.

Anna... - Eckhardt.

Who are you? - Weesperzijde.

My solicitor has his office there. - Tomorrow, 4 p.m., at the park bench.

Who was that? - I have no idea.

Why haven't we danced yet? - Because I don't like dancing.

Wrong answer.

I really appreciate you turning up. Can I call you by your first name?

You get to receive visitors outside. -Isn't that nice?

Certain things can be organised if you know which strings to pull.

I'll get straight to the point: I need a legal advisor, for several reasons.

And then I thought: Why not call my old buddy Pepijn van Erkel?

I really don't get... - I need someone to take care of things...

now that Willem and Joachim are no longer around.

Then I realised you already know my company inside out.

Back in the day I was consumed with your file, but surely you don't think...

The point is, I still have a phone somewhere containing text messages.

In a moment of clarity I stashed it somewhere where nobody could find it.

But I still have it.

I know nothing about texts. - Come on, you had a phone at home.

Illegally obtained evidence and therefore inadmissible.

They had nothing else on me. I was held on remand and that was it.

True, but I'm on the other end of the line, so to speak.

You'll never link it to me. - Maybe I won't, maybe I will.

I could breathe new life into the story and then if my phone resurfaces...

You'll end up with heaps of problems. - Possibly, but so will you.

You were fired as a public prosecutor and now you do shit work for a pittance.

I will pay you a decent wage. - I refuse to collude with you.

What's with the fancy words?

You are bad news. Very, very bad news, as you bloody well know.

I'll get tainted working for you. - Oh, please.

A lawyer works for anyone, that's what makes your job so interesting.

I'm working on it. - How? What are you doing?

I'm looking into legal options.

I'll try something too. Talk to you later.

You didn't just get out of bed, did you? - No, I got up at seven.

For a piss, and then I went back to bed. - I don't think that's very funny.

I had a party last night, what's your problem?

You sister is going to university. - To study Law. Exciting.

At least she has some ambition and a goal in life.

Like living with a nutcase? - You live with your mum.

I just don't know yet. Most of my friends are abroad or working stupid jobs.

I'm not thinking about the future.

The future is closer than you think. - That's deep. Very deep.

Marco, I just spoke to Granddad. - Granddad?

Why? - Because of that thing with Bj6rn.

That girl is going to make him unhappy.

Do you still play videos games together?

Get back into it and strengthen your ties again.

Every report, recording and statement has been completely ignored.

Joachim Lampe worked for Couwenberg. Everybody knew that.

We cannot prove that Couwenberg was behind it.

It's ridiculous that Public Prosecution Service refuses to prosecute.

Willem, we are going to win. We have to.

About the other thing...

I'd love to take you on, but I have four partners and they are not keen.

There's a reason you are struggling. The partners fear you may scare off clients.

They may have a point.

You are an excellent solicitor, but you testified against a former client...

and you've been reprimanded for stalking the Public Prosecution Service.

To tell you the truth...

You'll never work as a solicitor again.

Thanks for being so diplomatic.

You'll be fine. if it were up to me... - I know it's not.

Is Bj6rn in? - Who are you?

Marco. We met at Dad's wedding. - Of course, you're the nephew.

Hey, Marco. - Hi, you want to play video games?

Sure, but not right now. I have a guest.

Well? - Well what?

What have you found out about me? - How do you spell Eckhardt?

With a C-K and D-T.

Are you a solicitor? - Yes, and a business administrator.

I work for someone who hates Mr Couwenberg, just like you.

Actually, a bit more. A lot more.

Who? - I'm afraid I can't tell you.

Does your client know that he is dangerous?

I should know that more than anyone. - Yes, he does. Like no other.

How do you mean? - I'm Anna, can I call you Willem?

More than anything, you want to see Couwenberg jailed for life.

As does my client.

There are ways to make that happen, if we pull together.

How? - I can show you.

See you tomorrow. - Bye. Hey, Dad.

Hello, son. Good to see you.

I am suing the Public Prosecution Service next Friday.

Do you really think you have a chance? - Yes, I do.

If you lose, he gets out. - What does your client suggest?

Like I said, I can show you.

First, we need someone who knows Couwenberg inside and out.

Second, he needs to have some kind of access to him.

I have no access to that man, even if I wanted to.

I think you do. - How?

You're family. - I'm not.

You're the father of his grandchildren. - I'm not interested. Thanks anyway.

Willem...

I know that I can convince you.

I'll be back tomorrow, same time.

Hurry up, slow bum.

Granddad? Are you mad?

What else can we do? I've tried talking to Bj6rn, but he just won't listen.

You and Granddad together? - Yes.

Dinner is served.

My domestic goddess... She must take after you, madam.

Yes, she has my exquisite cooking skills. And please stop calling me madam.

I'm into rap music too. - No, you're not.

Fair enough, but my name is Elsie. - What a funny name.

Her real name is Els. - Els. That's a bit old-fashioned.

So what next? - What do you mean?

There's a problem with Bj6rn. - Can we change the subject, please?

He wants to marry a whore. - A what?

Aren't you clever.

That sister of yours, what's she like?

Is it true she once shot someone? - Yes, but that was a while ago.

And your dad? Why is he in the slammer? - He had a run-in with the council.

He's one of the wealthiest men in the country, right?

He used to be in the top one hundred, but not anymore.

Oh well, Ajax doesn't become champion each year, but it's still a great team.

Does he know about us?

He needs to know, Bj6rn. - Yes, I am going to tell him.

The chicken. - I prefer a drumstick to nibble on.

Bj6rn is not right in the head. He is disabled.

It's a long and boring story. - To a whore?

Is there anything you and Granddad can do?

I will not have my brother suffer on account of some...

I saw him at the wedding. Is he retarded? What's wrong with him?

What does she see in him?

You know how it works. - No, I don't.

The more you look at him like he's a piece of shit, the more she likes him.

Do I look at him like that? - Yes, you do.

How do I look?

Property developer Couwenberg acquitted

PPS not yet finished with Couwenberg

PPS not yet finished with Couwenberg

our legal department

Go on, tell me.

Just like I said, there is no vacancy at the firm.

So what now?

It will be alright. I'll think of something.

Hello? - Hello, I've got an appointment.

Who with? - Wendy.

There's a woman to see you. - Who is it?

What's your name? Couwenberg. Do you have an appointment?

Let her in.

Come on in.

Are you Wendy? - Yes. Hello.

Nice to finally meet you. - Yes.

We will be related soon. - Can we do this some other time?

No need. I just wanted to ask you something.

What's that? - What do you think you're doing?

How do you mean? - Bj6rn is not like other men.

He's a bit different, as you very well know.

If you intend to hurt my brother, you'll have me to deal with.

I love him and want to be with him. - Married, with community of property?

Why wouldn't I? - Why would you?

We are in love. - I don't believe a word you're saying.

Whatever, darling.

As far as I know, Bj6rn is an adult, so I'll wipe my twat with your opinion.

With all due respect. - Leave him alone.

You don't really want to marry him. He doesn't get that, so you have to tell him.

Oh, do I now? I don't think so. - I think you do.

Well, bully for you. By the way, you look a lot less pretty in real life.

I'm warning you: I will be back. You can count on that.

Okay, I'll see you tomorrow.

I just need a couple of minutes. Is that alright? Can we go to your office?

I don't think so. Tell me here and now and make it quick.

The Couwenberg-case. How is that going?

I'm sorry. I was stuck in traffic. Good to see you.

What's wrong? - Good to see me?

Yes.

I'm parked around the corner. - I believe in the justice system.

My client feels that the biggest criminals are at large.

Murderers, fraudsters, politicians... Offenders are better off than victims.

That's not true. -Isn't it? Then why are you here?

Out of curiosity. - That's only human.

Give me some faith. - I don't even know you.

You seem to know everything about me, yet I know nothing about you.

Like I said: That man is dangerous.

You said you wanted to know more. That can be arranged.

You are a great solicitor, but you can't predict the outcome of the trial.

I have a strong case. - Come with me. No strings attached.

I will tell you everything. If you win, great.

I'll congratulate you and you'll never hear from me again.

Are you here? - Yes.

Willem Steenhouwer. Please leave a message and I will call you back.

Hi, Mum. - Hey, honey.

Shall we go? -Iris?

There's a letter in his bag about a parent-teacher meeting. Are you going?

Yes, of course. - Okay. Wait...

Congratulations on your wedding.

Excuse me? - I know you don't believe me...

but I wish you every happiness.

Bye, Dad. - Bye, son.

Mr Steenhouwer.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Your sister had to be the one to tell me. What the hell are you doing?

I thought... I wasn't sure how you'd feel about it.

What do you think?

Our love is real, Dad. - She's a whore.

I don't care. She loves me and I love her.

Son, you're imagining things. - I don't have to listen to this.

Bjtorn, listen.

That girl doesn't love you. She's just pretending. All she wants, is my money.

She'll divorce you and bleed you dry. - You don't even know her.

Trust me, she's lovely.

I can feel it.

She's the first girl to love me without me having to pay her.

Would you like to meet her? - No.

Now listen to me: lam still your dad and you are not to marry that girl. End of.

Is that what you think? Well, actually I am.

They placed me in front of a pit.

A couple of metres deep. The size of your body.

It takes a while to dig.

The sound of the shovel hitting the dirt.

And then it's finished. They climb out and take a step back.

One of the guys puts a silencer on his gun. I can't even describe it.

Everything becomes heavy. Your bowels squeeze together. Your throat tightens.

Your knees feel like bubble gum.

And then the pistol is raised, until it is aimed at your forehead.

That's the bit I remember most, the raising of the gun.

I was looking into the barrel.

It's insane, but you actually start to imagine what it will feel like.

That moment in which the bullet pierces your forehead and your brain explodes.

Mr Steenhouwer, your experiences, however gruesome and moving...

are not the issue today.

I can see possibilities.

I'm glad. It just so happens I'm in a bit of a hurry.

That is to say, if we can agree upon my fee, among other things.

Such as?

I cannot be associated with any illegal dealings or activities.

Illegal? What do you take me for? I am constantly being scrutinised.

I have to be as clean as a whistle.

Jot a couple of things down and draw us up a nice little contract.

If you write down your fee, I'll see what I can do.

Oh, and another thing: Make sure you include a confidentiality clause.

This is a complicated case.

The PPS has concluded that this case cannot be won due to lack of evidence.

The evidence is compelling enough. Mr Couwenberg's son made a statement...

Which he withdrew. - His father forced him to.

Again, that hasn't been established.

The PPS has a right to only prosecute cases which it deems opportune.

The chance of a successful prosecution plays a large part.

In this case, we seriously doubt that.

Mr Steenhouwer, you get the last word.

Your Honour, I have been greatly wronged. This cannot go unpunished.

Mr Couwenberg stops at nothing, as all the evidence has highlighted.

I assume you will agree with me.

I have listened to you and read the file. I will pass judgement tomorrow.

Interesting study material?

I will give Criminal Law a miss. I'm sure of that.

Dad, is there anything I can do? - Not a lot, I'm afraid.

Are you going to win? - Yes. We are governed by the rule of law.

Mate. - How is that possible? You're eleven.

I was a champion at university. - In 1900 when they paid in guilders?

He takes after me in the brain department. Off to bed, mister.

Already? - It's late.

Goodnight. - Sleep tight.

What do you think? - Like I said to Marco:

lam going to win.

I have to.

Darling, I completely understand how frustrating and horrible this must be.

But if you lose...

I think it's time for closure.

After tomorrow, I never want to hear Couwenberg's name again.

I don't want to see him, think of him, let alone have something to do with him.

And I want you to do the same. Permanently. For always and forever.

I mean it.

Will you promise me that?

I promise. - Really?

Really. - Really really?

More than really.

The deal is as good as done.

You are looking at Couwenberg Investments' new corporate lawyer.

You're kidding me. That old swindler. Why you?

He could have had anyone, but he wants you.

He's still terrified of the law. The bleed-them-dry law.

He's scared they'll come and take all his money away.

He wants someone who knows everything about the Public Prosecution Service.

What do you reckon?

I don't want to make an arse of myself in court again.

Me neither, actually.

Are you sure you know what you're doing? - No.

I just want my old job back. - If you can pull it off.

And Iris. I want her to...

if this works, then I will have a leg to stand on.

Do we have a deal? Complete rehabilitation, nothing less.

Okay. Just a final warning:

Even though the judge decided differently, he doesn't shy away from murder.

You haven't seen me. If it all goes pear-shaped, you're on your own.

Welcome, all.

I will now pass judgment in the case Steenhouwer versus the the State.

Mr Steenhouwer demands the State to continue its prosecution...

of Mr Couwenberg who was suspected of abduction and murder.

The Court has heard all parties and has come to the following conclusion:

Mr Steenhouwer's application is rejected for the following reasons:

The Court would like to stress...

that the Public Prosecution Service is free to prosecute cases at its own discretion.

However, this doesn't alter the fact that the PPS is expected to prosecute...

in cases where there is sufficient evidence.

The Court has ruled and orders Mr Steenhouwer to pay all legal costs.

Thank you.

Where does she think you are?

Something to do with work.

Nothing is going to happen to that girl, right?

If Couwenberg finds out about this, he will retaliate.

Alex is the best hacker there is. Look what he found.