[grandiose music plays] [upbeat music] [waves crashing] [seagulls squawking] -[feet tapping] -[uplifting music] [wind bellowing] [ominous music] [anxious music] [ominous music] [anxious music] Bye then, see you later.

[engine humming] [ominous music] [metal clicking] [gun booming] [dramatic music] [engine revving] What happened?

What?

I said, what happened?

Who was that?

Nothing.

His engine backfired.

Some youngster.

[neighbor chuckling] [car door thudding] I said that after the bookshop, I went and had lunch at that new little restaurant -in the monstera.

-Did you?

Yes.

Well, lucky you.

My lunchtime was a working party.

Plastic food on plastic trays.

Plastic ideas to go with it as well.

Really.

Wim is not gonna be late again, is he?

[intercom buzzing] No.

Wim.

Yes, come on up.

[intercom buzzing] I'm sorry, what did you say, plastic what?

Ideas.

Oh come on, you know, all this stuff, don't you?

Is it hereditary?

Is it environment?

How can we know what is, or is not harmful in a seemingly normal upbringing?

Are murders born or bred?

[Van Der Valk] What?

The obvious next question.

Oh yes, but never any mention of actually meeting an individual face-to-face and having to make up your own mind.

[doorbell ringing] I bet you he'll ask for a beer.

[Wim] Look, I'm really sorry.

[Van Der Valk] That's okay.

It's been one of those bad news days.

I need a beer.

[Arlette] I told you.

Told me what?

You'd need a beer.

What is it this time?

Paperwork or no secretaries.

Tuts.

Another the heroin distribution war.

We think it's related to the arson attacks.

Really.

Come on, that's enough.

Let's eat.

What makes you think it relates to restaurant fires?

Information received.

Reliable?

Hmm, usually.

Look, you can either stand and discuss your work or you can sit down and eat my Sole Veronique.

Now what is it to be?

Your Sole Veronique.

[chuckles] There's no contest.

Good.

And amongst the topics of family conversation will be what we're going to buy baby Ester -for her birthday.

-Yeah.

[beeper beeping] It's not his beeper again, is it?

Yes.

It may be nothing that- It's the principal of the thing.

I know.

[Wim] Where?

Before it was beepers, it was telephones.

-I know.

-Right.

Yeah, yeah, I'm on my way.

[telephone receiver clicking] There's been another attack.

Sorry.

I'll just take my beer.

[fire crackling] [crowd chattering] [tires screeching] [car door thudding] What's happening?

There's someone still inside.

Who?

The upstairs tenant.

[Wim] What about the restaurant?

Empty.

Redecoration.

Full of paint cans.

Did she see anything?

Hey, over here.

Did she see anything?

I'll go speak to her.

-[building booming] -[men groaning] [fire crackling] You all right?

Yeah.

She saw it all.

She said she saw a man light the fire.

Let's have a word with her.

My god.

[sorrowful music] [anxious music] [ominous music] [Stevin] Why did you want to meet here?

I thought there'd be safety in numbers.

There's no true safety anywhere.

Have you told your wife?

Who else?

Nobody.

I don't think I can afford to help you.

What does that mean?

I can't afford it.

Nonsense.

Look the police and the security services are the first people that- I said, I can't.

Are the very first people you should contact.

No.

Unfortunately I have to live with them.

I'm part of a company.

We employ people.

We even have a pension fund.

My god.

Yeah, I know, it depresses me too.

So the answer's no?

[ominous music] [Mr. Van Loon] How many more days do you have in Amsterdam, Mr. Wallace?

Ur, two, I think.

I can't tell you how grateful we are, Mr. Van Loon that you took the time to show us the museum.

It's my pleasure, entirely, Mr. Wallace.

Where's our limo?

Oh, it's just over there, Mrs. Wallace.

[engine humming] Now next time you get to New York, I'm sure we can return the honors at the Metropolitan, so anytime.

-Thank you.

-[woman yelling] [Mr. Wallace] Are you all right, are you all right?

We better get some first aid around here.

[Mr. Van Loon] Oh, they can go to the ground floor of the museum.

[Mrs. Wallace] Shall we take her in the car?

[Mr. Van Loon] No, I don't think that'll be necessary, Mrs. Wallace, really.

[Mr. Wallace] Are you're sure you're all right?

Are you sure.

You'd be amazed at how many accidents we have here during the tourist season.

She was determined to keep going.

Oh, they walk around with broken ankles, you know, it's like a battlefield.

Oh, what's the matter?

My wallet.

Somebody's taken my wallet.

[Van Loon] Oh no.

[Mrs. Wallace] Oh.

[Mr. Wallace] Oh for gods sake.

Yes, I know.

I know what you're gonna say.

These things always the same.

They usually turn out to be blessings in disguise.

Blessings in disguise [chuckles].

Don't be so cynical about everything.

You got all the paperwork we need?

I think that's enough.

Politicians are impressed by Van Der Valk, statistics are their security.

[tram rattling] [engine humming] So that's about where we stand, I think.

For the rest, you've met the minister, you know what he's like.

I don't, you know.

-What?

-I've never met him.

Well he toured headquarters a month ago.

I was at the Interpol conference.

So you were.

I've seen him on television.

On television he's excellent.

What about real life?

You know what people say, Van Der Valk, they're surprised he hasn't gone further.

Are you?

I suppose I am.

Maybe.

[engine humming] [door creaking] Gentlemen.

Come in.

Good morning.

Good morning, Minister.

So this is the famous, Van Der Valk?

Yes, Minister.

Please.

Well, I won't prevaricate.

You've seen the television and the newspapers?

[Van Der Valk] Yes, Minister.

So are your faces as red as they should be?

I would say that was for you to judge, sir.

Van Der Valk, any comments?

Well, the fact is, sir that every tourist season there are gangs of Colombian and Brazilian and Italian pickpockets who descend upon Amsterdam.

But this year- The man who lost his wallet outside the Rijksmuseum was a special envoy to the European commission of the president of the United States.

He didn't even have a detective.

Well, we didn't know he was in Holland.

It's your business to know.

Well they never told us.

And they are our allies, we can't spy on them all the time.

Are you trying to be offensive?

Oh, Minister.

This year's figures are a disgrace.

Never the less, Minister, the arrest straight- Samson, where statistics are concerned you are a bamboozle and I won't listen to you.

Well I must say, Minister, I don't think... Oh, I know what you'll say, Hoofd Commissaris, it is what I'd say in your shoes, you're over-worked and under-manned.

And of course...

Thank you, we'll help ourselves.

Of course, there's some truth in it.

At the same time, I'm responsible for the millions of tourists who visit us every year.

Not to mention the millions of guilders they bring us.

And I want something done.

Milk and sugar?

[Van Der Valk] No, thank you.

What might help a great deal, Minister is if you spoke yourself to some of our people on the ground.

Oh, do you think so?

Yeah, I'll even ask you to make a media campaign of it, sir.

Van Der Valk?

-Ur.

-Good.

Let's see.

I'm in Amsterdam tonight as a matter of fact.

Yes, the Neptune Institute.

And tomorrow, hmm, I've got... No, no, no, there's a space at 11.

-[book thudding] -Good.

Well the media have made an issue of this so they'll all be there, won't they?

[tram bell jingling] [tram rattling] Is this meager campaign your blessing in disguise?

If we use more men it's gonna cost a fortune in overtime.

I can't stand administration.

You haven't said that for at least seven days.

Something about that man gave me a very bad feeling.

He's a politician.

No.

What do you mean, your detective street instinct?

Yeah.

Oh.

[engine humming] [ominous music] [tense music] [dramatic music] [anxious music] [suspenseful music] [car door thudding] [distant dog barking] [keys jingling] [door clicking] [door clicking] Were you followed?

No.

Have you got everything?

Everything.

What time's the plane?

Don't panic, you've got two hours.

You want a whisky?

[bell tolling] [zip whizzing] Have you got your other passport?

Yes.

Is that all your luggage?

I'll buy what I need when I get there.

Don't doubt me.

Trust me.

Sure.

[ice jingling] I'm exhausted.

I know.

What about the car?

Drive it away and park it somewhere.

Throw away the keys.

Better not use this place 'til the fuss dies down.

I told upstairs I'd be away.

When will I see you again?

You know when.

Be patient.

Come on.

[door clicking] [distant dog barking] [keys jingling] [distant dog barking] [ominous music] [gun booming] [glass shattering] [engine revving] [anxious music] [attendees quietly chattering] Ah.

Gentlemen, I'm sorry I'm so late.

We have a very complicated investigation into repeated fire bombings in Turkish restaurants.

Also there was a shooting last night in Inspector Boutsen's district.

Where's the minister?

Well just put your procedures in motion anyway.

Well, thank goodness you haven't been waiting for me.

[Van Der Valk laughing] [telephone receiver clicking] Sorry about, sir, what happened?

Minister's going to missing.

-Missing?

-Hmm.

Didn't keep his early appointments.

Um, do the camera crews know this?

No, no, of course not.

You ready to run out your campaign against pickpockets?

Oh, yeah.

[engine humming] [telephone ringing] Hmm, the luscious officer Helga.

You decrepit old chauvinist.

What is it?

This fax arrived for you, sir.

Urgent, sir.

Very good.

Who told you- I think it's crucial, sir.

[Boutsen] Well get moving.

You might've recognized him sooner.

I never watch television.

You watch the blue movies on cable.

I'm a widower.

That was the Prime Minister.

On my recommendation he wants you to take personal charge of the investigation.

Do you agree?

Agree.

What facilities do you want?

Well, the crime is committed in Inspector Boutsen's district, so if I can start off with him and his local team plus one team from headquarters.

This is the first time in the history of the Amsterdam Police that Piet Van Der Valk has asked for help on a job.

This isn't gonna turn into some old pals act, is it.

Old pals act?

Now listen.

At one point, the Prime Minister demanded my assurances.

He said, would you understand the implications of the case and so on and so forth.

I said, "Yes, you would."

Thank you.

Does that mean you do?

It means, I know I'm on a hiding to nothing.

[Van Der Valk whistling] [Boutsen] So this is the Neptune Institute.

Ah, Commissaris Van Der Valk?

Yes, good afternoon, you are kind.

Inspector Boutsen.

Do sit down.

Now, how can I help you?

I must tell you first of all, that Minister Van Hoorn has been murdered.

Murdered?

Good heavens.

I mean, I don't understand.

According to his diary, his last official appointment was here.

Here?

With you, sir.

With me?

Last night.

Good heavens, of course, I know...

I knew Van Hoorn.

When he was the Ministry of Marine, he commissioned numerous studies from the Institute but there is a mistake.

I'm sorry, he's not been here since you changed ministries 18 months ago.

This is code.

I thought so.

Put it in the number cruncher, priority.

These his pockets?

[Van Der Valk chuckling] [keys jingling] No car keys.

No.

We just found the car.

50 meters away, locked.

So somebody was with him who still has the keys.

I know.

House to house inquiries, every premise within 500 meters of the car.

And then the second ring, -the next 500 meters.

-500 meters.

Passport.

This has been used all over the place.

It says his name's Maartens?

U.S. Visa.

Hmm.

Miami International, one way.

Maartens.

Booked on the credit card number.

Credit card?

[Inspector Boutsen] Yeah, driving license.

Have you checked the address?

He moved six months ago.

Where to?

Bank the credit card companies?

Same original address.

Changed six months ago to a box number.

People are billed for box numbers, where did they bill them?

Still checking.

Got to play the rules, takes time.

Look at this.

-He's been a card member since- -I know.

He's had another life as Klaas Maartens since 1984.

[reporters quietly chattering] [cameras snapping] I'm sorry.

Was this what you're drinking?

I left my glass inside, thank you.

Oh.

Why don't you show me the pool.

With pleasure.

Here's the pool.

[water splashing] You got your notebook, I imagine?

-Always.

-May I?

Certainly.

[water splashing] A cry across the ocean?

[Mrs. Van Hoorn chuckling] Well, I've heard it.

Won't stop you asking questions.

No.

I don't know anyone called Klaas Maartens.

I don't know why my husband should have had credit cards and the bank account in that name.

I don't...

I have many more questions to ask you than you have to ask me.

I hope I can find the answers.

Am I wrong about everything?

Of course not.

I am.

I must be.

I must be wrong about every small, tiny, little bit of every single...

I am, of course I am, I am.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

It's just that I can't think what...

Nothing is the way I thought it was.

Not one even unimportant... What are you doing here?

Go way.

What do you want?

[Mrs. Van Hoorn laughing] Let's all go.

Come on.

You're in not state to go anywhere.

I'm in no state to do nothing.

[sorrowful music] [engine humming] I had to read today, I did some painting.

And some mathematics and I got my face painted.

-Really?

-Yeah.

Willem, come back.

Oh my god, Willem what are you doing.

Just hang onto her and don't move.

I protest most seriously.

I'm completely able to drive.

If that's true, why you nursing another whiskey?

No, no, don't let them see you.

He was disfigured, wasn't he?

What?

My husband.

No.

Why didn't they want me to see him?

They needed quick identification.

I did it.

You?

Me.

How did you know him?

I met him.

When?

Yesterday as it happens.

[Mrs. Van Hoorn] Why, what for?

[Van Der Valk] Er, not the departmental matter.

[engine humming] Did you like him?

No.

You always tell the truth?

I try to.

When I can.

[cameras snapping] [Anna] Come on, get in the car.

I don't want anymore nonsense.

Mommy, mommy.

Look at me, I'm a clown, mommy.

I saw Coco and for ever and ever, same as daddy.

Brigid.

Can you stop from taking pictures?

[Anna] What you been doing today?

Commissaris.

Oh, sorry.

[engine humming] [car horn hooting] What makes it difficult with the media is that sometimes we actually want them to run the picture.

I don't want to go to Grandmas.

I'm Coco the clown, circus friend.

Look, Brigid, it's only 'till daddy comes home.

I hate Grandma because- Shut up.

Look, Willey, sit down will you?

-Grandpa always shushes me.

-Shut up.

Willey, that's enough.

[engines humming] What have you seen in the mirror, Van Der Valk?

What?

The mirror.

Um, traffic.

Look, here we are.

[engines humming] I know it sounds paranoid, but I saw two of them, which means there are probably four.

We've done enough of this ourselves to know that.

Dirk, you've got the registration number just put it through the computer as fast as you... [throat clearing] I'm sorry, I've gotta go.

Hi.

Ur, I'm Jacqueline.

Commissaris Van Der Valk.

Yeah, I thought you must be.

Oh, yes, I'd love one.

[children playing] I think mom should tell them what's happened, don't you?

There, that's fine.

It's better to know things.

I decided that when mom and dad separated and now that he's...

I understand your mother though, in a way it's harder to tell bad news than to hear it.

You mean she needs my support.

There's quite a gap between you and the other two, isn't there?

Yes, yes, well it's the time that they didn't live together, isn't it.

Ah.

Actually I'm supposed to be doing homework.

I mustn't keep you.

Your father was going to give up politics, wasn't he?

How did... Oh, I don't know.

Honestly, you'd better ask mom.

Has Jacqueline introduced herself?

She offered me a drink.

Sorry, but homework.

You questioned her, didn't you?

What's this?

[Van Der Valk] Do you recognize any of them?

No.

You sure?

What are they?

It was what your husband was wearing when he was shot.

Where did he stay in Amsterdam?

In our apartment.

In the Apollolaan.

Anywhere else?

So where did he change clothes and become Klaas Maartens?

How did you keep up with his appointments?

He had duplicate diaries.

One was in the ministry and one was here.

Show me.

[Willem playing] Who else had access to this?

Secretaries?

[Mrs. Van Hoorn] Sometimes.

Research assistants?

They did work here, yes.

Well, I'm sorry, it's a cover.

He had no appointment at the Neptune Institute.

I mean, how much else was false?

Where did he'd spent last night?

Apollolaan.

[Van Der Valk chuckling] He did plan to retire from politics, didn't he?

Who said that?

Who told you?

Was it Jacqueline?

Who told you?

I guessed.

You what?

How far would he have got in the first place, do you think without your money and your family's contacts?

I won't answer impertinence.

How dare you.

-I'm just doing a job- -No.

[birds singing] I'm sorry.

It's just that I remember myself... Well, I remember myself in love or... [Mrs. Van Hoorn sighing] Particular days or feelings and I don't know what was true and what was false.

I don't know who I am anymore.

What did it say?

What?

The message.

Oh.

Isn't that for the finder to know on the distant island?

There's no tide in the pool.

Jetsam might never reach the shore.

How long must my life be like this?

Oh.

You'll lose the reporters in a day or two.

I'm told that at the beginning, you were very active in your husband's career.

And then, well you were with him for important functions but there weren't many.

I'm a home person.

That life never suited me.

And your husband?

He'd get enthusiastic, you know and then suddenly be bored by them.

My youngest daughter's the same, did you notice.

But if he did mean to retire, he would have discussed it.

Look, I'm exhausted.

You can come back tomorrow, can't you?

Yes, thank you.

I'll come back tomorrow.

Four, three, two, one, blast off.

[Willem imitating rocket] Cheerio, Willem.

Oh, what's that?

It's a cargo rocket.

Oh, very good.

Cop goes in this part, see?

Yeah.

[Van Der Valk chuckling] Wow.

You made it yourself, did you?

[Willem] Of course.

-Not that, of course.

-No, of course not.

I bet you did a swap for that, didn't you?

Found it outside the front gate.

[anxious music] See this?

Hmm, here.

Down here.

All along here.

See where they've dug them out.

And up there.

Did you know?

No.

Mrs. Van Hoorn, did you know?

Well, Mr. Van Hoorn said it was a backfire.

And was it?

Yes.

No.

How should I know?

Of course by then the young man had ridden off.

Is that all?

Yes.

No, his helmet was yellow.

[engine humming] Park it for me.

Ah, Dirk.

Congratulations on this.

And what about those car... What about those car numbers?

Yes, listen.

A bike man just brought me this- Who's cars were they?

What, oh, a car hire firm in Reiswieg.

-I knew it.

-Piet, listen.

That was a surveillance and it was me they were watching.

[Dirk] Don't be ridiculous.

We've gotta find out who they are.

And, Dirk, I don't make mistakes about... Ah, I've been off the street too long, is that what you're thinking?

Piet, will you please shut up.

Pathology's in.

[anxious music] Have all these men kept back on overtime.

[engine humming] You have no right to- I have every right to do anything- Destroy my life without regard- To investigate the murder of the member of the government.

I have influence, I know people.

-I won't allow this.

-You're being invasive.

No, I have not.

I could take you to Amsterdam, do you know that?

I could put you in an interview room with two-way mirrors and video cameras.

-[door knocking] -Who the hell's that?

[Anna] Mrs. Van Hoorn?

What are you doing here, Anna, go away.

I was frightened.

I heard the shouting.

Have we woken the children?

Jacqueline's here.

We were just having an argument, now we're fine.

[chair clanging] Are you?

Now then.

When you got married, your husband hadn't got very far, he was a paint salesman, wasn't he?

Did your family hate the idea?

Anyway, you were happy.

We had Jacqueline.

And then after a few years you discovered that there was another side to his life.

And you split up.

You didn't divorce?

No.

Why not?

And then later you got back together again.

Yes.

You had Willem and Brigid.

He adored them, you know.

In a way he lived through them.

You didn't believe that, of course.

Why should you?

But all that time, he was still living his other life.

Oh, we all have other lives of one sort or another.

We all don't have other passports.

I never knew about Klaas Maartens.

I swear it.

He did tell you about being HIV positive?

When?

A month ago.

What did you do?

I'll find out, you know, in the end.

Why bother, you've guessed haven't you I'm positive too.

What about the kids?

You don't know?

I'm a coward.

Klaas Maartens had a flat in the Jordaan.

He what?

We made house to house inquiries, the neighbors recognized a photo.

Now look.

We're pretty sure that he was not alone when he was shot and that whoever was with him ran away.

Now we're very anxious to eliminate that person from the inquiry.

Was it his lover or not?

The neighbors have told us a bit about him.

They'd been seeing it for years, after all.

It seems he's a young Surinamese.

Called Raoul.

I think, well, I do know their affair was over but not their love, if you... Raoul's a school teacher, he's a very...

In a way he works with the mentally handicapped.

I admire him.

We tried to be friends once, but it didn't... His other name's Milan.

He lives in one of those rundown areas in Amsterdam, west Amsterdam, is it?

Is it?

Why bother to remember it's in the phone book?

There isn't a photo of him by chance, is there?

When I did have a photo of him, I kept it in here.

With the lipstick cross on it.

Lipstick.

It was the hex, to make him lose his looks.

Oh.

Do you think that Raoul or another... Is it that kind of murder?

I don't know.

When we do know, is the theory that I'll feel at peace.

I'll feel at peace when I think you've told me everything.

[engine humming] [car doors thudding] [doorbell ringing] [dog barking] [doorbell ringing] [dog barking] Oh well.

Sorry, lads, it's gonna be one of those nights on surveillance.

Raoul not in then?

Probably gone dancing.

[upbeat muffled music] [anxious music] [door creaking] [telephone ringing] Hello.

Murder Room.

Yes.

Who is it?

Where?

Where's Van Der Valk, where's Dirk?

It's all right, sir, I've got it.

Yes.

Just stay there.

We'll have a car to pick you up in no time.

Yes, sir.

[telephone receiver clicking] [door creaking] [engine humming] [gun booming] [glass shattering] [tires screeching] [engine revving] [glass shattering] [anxious music] [bell tolling] Arlette.

You're still an angel.

Dirk Boutsen, you're still a disgraceful old man.

Hello.

Sorry about this.

Coffee's in the living room.

[door clicking] Well, our usual place is closed for repainting.

[Arlette chuckling] I could've told you that.

You could what?

[Arlette] Well, I passed it the other day.

There you are, what have I always said?

I know, Arlette -should've been a detective.

-Should've been a detective.

Hmm, wish you would've been with us last night.

I must say they're wrecked.

You look as if you thrive on it?

Oh.

That's because she's in love.

Really?

Who with?

[Helga] Oh, you'd like to know, wouldn't you?

Yes, as a matter of fact I would.

So would I.

-What did I tell you?

-What.

Really.

Men are more curious than cats.

Sit down.

Yeah.

I wish we had as many lives.

Is this your granddaughter?

Hmm, it's her birthday next week.

Yep, we're buying her crayons and paint books.

She's what?

Five weeks younger than our little Beatrix?

I didn't know you had a grandchild.

Of course I have a grandchild.

It doesn't mean he can't give satisfaction.

What?

What's he saying?

It's a compliment.

Listen.

When do you three start on your next shift?

Well, the overtime, um... Who cares.

Back is normal.

Happy zombies.

I'll make another pot.

I'm sorry, sir.

But it can't have been a real police, can it?

They were all accounted for.

So who's got the money and the nerve?

Drug barons.

Major armed robbers and security agencies, our own and other countries.

We'll find them.

You'll find them.

I'm just here to coordinate.

I can't believe it.

No murders in my district for 18 months.

Now two in 24 hours.

Would anybody like some cheese?

Actually, Mrs. Van Der Valk, we should be going.

Thank you.

Yes, thanks anyway.

[Arlette] It's a pleasure.

Oh, Dirk.

Describe your witness of the Raoul Milan murder.

She's a 67 year old half blind alcoholic bag lady.

[Arlette] Person.

Bag person.

How... How long would she last in court?

Three minutes.

One and a half.

You two are frazzled.

[Van Der Valk yawning] You know what worries me though?

[Van Der Valk] Yeah.

Hmm.

The homosexual jealousy murders are not planned, they're more acts of rage.

A woman could plan anything.

What worries me is that when Van Hoorn was killed, Raoul Milan was with him.

Now if they wanted to take him out, why didn't they do it at the same time?

They could have.

And if the first attempt on Van Hoorn's life was just a motor bike idiot whose pistol had jammed, why was Raoul killed by professionals?

What changed in between?

So far as I can see, all that changed was that we came on the scene.

-[engine humming] -[car horn hooting] [radio chatter] [water splattering] Whoa, whoa.

Lovely morning?

Wonderful.

Where are they?

I'll show you.

[water dripping] That's one and there's another one.

There you are, I knew she'd bring chocolate biscuits.

What's that, another payment?

No, as you can see here, Mr. Maartens transferred an account from another bank.

These companies he sold, where are they registered?

Off shore.

It was all off shore really.

Why didn't the bank report it?

We didn't have to.

Huh?

Look at the original dates.

It was a gray area, of course it was.

We're well aware of that.

And today's transaction restrictions weren't in place.

Exactly.

Biscuit?

[train rumbling] So you didn't actually tell Van Hoorn he was in no danger from us?

No.

Why not?

It wasn't my business, was it.

I'm not you, Luther, I don't know what people in your office are thinking.

Well you have to live with us.

That I did tell him.

Why did you agree to meet him?

I've told you why.

You see it in our opinion, Stevin, you should've phoned us at the time.

Because if you had, most of his mess could've been avoided.

I had to get to Dusseldorf.

Dusseldorf?

Luther, I'm not the bureaucracy like you, I'm running a company.

How long did you give it before Van Der Valk catches up with you?

A week?

24 hours.

Luther, why do we have to meet in such a ridiculous location?

I can go to the office on the train.

We're standing targets for every sniper in Europe.

Point is, when Van Der Valk does find you, what will you say?

[train rumbling] [anxious music] [engine revving] [telephone ringing] Hello?

Hello?

Hung up again.

[telephone receiver clicking] [anxious music] [computer beeping] [Dirk] Ariadne.

Mrs. Van Hoorn, when your husband was at the Ministry of Marine he had to make a huge decision about a scientific system called Ariadne.

He never talked about things that involved security.

Oh?

So why did the message you threw in there say Ariadne?

Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete.

She fell in love with Theseus and helped him to find his way through the labyrinth and killed a Minotaur.

Theseus married her and they sail back to Athens.

But on the island of Naxos, he abandoned her.

You mean you identify with her?

Klaas Maartens, another myth better known as your husband salted way millions of gilders in secret bank accounts and then he bought and sold shelf companies on the islands of the Dutch Antilles.

I don't understand?

What was it for?

Who paid him?

He didn't need money.

I have money.

-He didn't need- -Perhaps that's why.

-What?

-Perhaps he hated your money.

My money made him.

You know Raoul Milan's dead, don't you?

It was in the papers.

It didn't, it didn't say exactly.

Didn't have any idea who it was?

Was it the man in the yellow helmet?

I did see a man in a yellow helmet.

Our officers got half the number, we could put it in the computer and perhaps come up with his name.

Do you have any idea who he is, do you?

Don't bully me.

What?

Don't bully me.

If you'll, excuse me, I'll ask your Au Pair a few questions.

I suppose it's all part of the job, isn't it?

To be deliberately cruel sometimes.

I feel like the object of some dreadful game.

I'm gonna double your security.

Put a discreet guard on your parents' house.

Have Jacqueline escorted to school.

We can't live like that.

Why?

Yellow helmet.

-And then what happened?

-What?

With Ariadne?

Oh, another love.

Did she look for him?

Or did she wait for him to find her, hmm?

With her pride, I should think she waited.

Oh, another thing, it'll all come out about Raul, there'll be publicity.

Of the nastier kind.

[reporters shouting] [camera snapping] [car doors thudding] [Van Der Valk chattering] Well.

What about the Turks then?

Oh, some war, isn't it?

And what with your partner on the job it must be a very inconspicuous surveillance.

Partner?

Oh [chuckles].

Yeah.

No, he's baby Esters birthday present.

It's not bad, hey.

Your not holding anything back, are you?

Well let me rephrase the question.

How long, in your opinion will it take to obtain this evidence?

You're up to date with the computer stuff.

As for the money and the ownership of the companies, well, the Antilles are a tax haven, aren't they?

It may take a while.

And in the meantime?

And this is the substance of my question.

The speculation that you've not indicated in this report is what?

My speculation is that while Van Hoorn was at the Ministry of Marine, he took massive financial bribes in return for which he was supposed to throw his weight behind the Ariadne proposal.

That's to say the proposed sale to certain [chuckles] controversial governments in the middle east and elsewhere of the Ariadne Navigational Aid System.

And as you may recall, the American government brought pressure to bear and the sale didn't happen until a year or two later on the black market.

Now whether certain other persons still prominent in public life, we're involved in all this, I cannot, as yet, say.

Is such a question would you say even within the scope of your inquiry?

I don't see why it might not be.

Is it why Van Hoorn was killed?

I have no idea.

Now look, Van Der Valk, we're not...

If you must do what is necessary, I won't interfere.

It's bad enough there's an element of perverse sexuality involved without...

I mean, what are you saying, he was killed by spies?

Is the motive for Van Hoorn's murder sexual jealousy or isn't it?

I don't know.

You don't know?

What is this?

We traced two hired cars, chief.

They were used to follow us.

Proof?

Not yet.

Don't bring fantasies here, Van Der Valk.

What confuses the issue is the murder of Van Hoorn's friend, Raoul Milan.

Oh yes?

Yes.

The way it was done by professionals who used a fake police car.

You the case officer on that murder?

Er... No, you aren't, he is.

-Well, no, sir- -Surely the two of you- You all what Milan did.

He phoned the Murder Room.

But perhaps if we discover who killed Van Hoorn, we'll know who killed Milan rather than vice versa.

But of course, you're the operational men.

Oh no, no, no, sir.

Very good advice, thank you.

Can you find this man in the yellow helmet?

I have to say something at my press conference and I'd like to talk about him.

Appeal to the public.

Hmm, you'll never know.

Well, as I say, you'll never know.

Thank you, Piet.

Thank you, Dirk.

Good work.

Get some rest.

You're a bit early, aren't you?

Nevermind, come in.

Thank you, sir.

Good of you to see me so quickly.

[Dirk] Get some rest.

[Van Der Valk shushing] Get some bloody rest.

Shut up.

[water splashing] [water splashing] [anxious music] [engine humming] This is ridiculous.

What are you doing just coming along here.

Now, you can forget the self-righteous double-talk.

I know that by now you'll have confirmed with your masters.

Masters?

-I'm on a security- -Shut up.

You horrible little cancer.

Hey, what's going on?

Beg your pardon, miss.

Carry on.

We've decrypted Van Hoorn's little computer.

You met him just after he'd been first shot at.

Why?

He wanted security.

I said if a crime is being threatened go to the police.

Marvelous.

-What?

-Your public spirit.

Oh, come on, Van Der Valk.

I think he does want to go into the water.

How old are you, Boutsen, what's wrong with you?

Stevin, we all know Van Hoorn took bribes.

But he never delivered in return, did he?

Perhaps he never even tried.

Delivered?

Ariadne.

Ariadne, what?

-[foot thumping] -[Stevin yelling] Sorry, miss.

I don't do that to a woman.

-[foot thumping] -[Stevin yelling] We thought you ex-military people were trained to- All right, all right.

What do you want?

As I say, Van Hoorn never delivered Ariadne.

Some people don't like that.

It was all in the past.

Some other people know there was a cover-up.

It's classified, miss, don't listen.

Did Van Hoorn think that whoever it was had finally come to get him?

Yes.

So after all those years his nerve went?

[Dirk] Did that surprise you?

Not really.

Was Ariadne why his career went down?

Who knew about it?

Van Der Valk, how do I know.

You and me are at a very low level.

Anyway.

That's why he tried to run to Miami.

Yes.

And you kept quiet of course until after he was shot because you knew there were other people involved.

What do you want to do, get me killed?

Thank you, Mr. Stevin.

Thank you, miss.

We know where to find you for a statement.

Miss.

Dejoung, police.

Now I know you can't talk yet but if I show you some photos, you can nod your head.

Can you?

It's about the night when the restaurant burned down.

And you were carried out on the ladder.

You saw a man didn't you?

You saw him start the fire?

Anyway, he's bought her this absolutely enormous Pink Panther.

It's, I mean life-size.

[Arlette laughing] Thank goodness it's not a pink elephant.

Hmm?

[Arlette] Well you know, with their two room flat.

Oh yeah.

You do realize that once again only half of you is here with me.

I know.

I'm sorry.

The other half's with that poor old mixed-up, rushed off his feet Van Hoorn, isn't it?

Rushed off his feet?

Well, you know what I mean.

I wish I'd met him actually.

Well.

Sounds rather exciting.

I'm sure he was to begin with.

You mean his wife no longer wanted him?

Did Theseus leave Ariadne?

Or did she refuse to go on with him?

I think it depends on which version you read.

Hmm.

And then of course, Dionysus came to the island and they fell for each other.

-Dionysus.

-The god.

The only people who came to our island were Van Hoorn's research assistants.

You don't suppose she fell for one of them, do you?

[computer beeping] Stop.

That's it it's a motorcycle.

Where's that fax from the Ministry.

Affitson, Michael, that's him.

Yes, star pupil at school.

A university scholarship.

A years traveled before he took it up and then when he did take it up he dropped out.

A spell in the family bank [laughs].

And then research for Van Hoorn.

Let's go.

Listen, if that machine pistol he's got doesn't jam it can fire 1100 rounds per minute.

In my opinion, you should consider the special weapons response team.

Don't be silly.

Come on, Helga.

Silly?

Yeah, we're trying to get his confidence, aren't we?

What, walk up to the door and knock.

Brouwer.

Can you think of a better way?

[engine revving] [tires screeching] [engine humming] [door knocking] Hello.

Is Michael here?

Why, who are you?

What's he done?

Can we come in?

They're the police.

Get her.

Don't move.

You just the ground floor?

What's it look like?

Are you entitled to come in like this?

Michael Affitson does live here, doesn't he?

Look, I just want to talk.

All right, all right, just take your hands off to me.

This is the lady-like one, sir.

Say nothing.

Don't tell them anything.

Do you live here?

Mind your own business.

What's happening in there?

Do you read me?

Everything's under control, sir.

That'll be the day.

Look, if you don't live here, just clear off, will you.

What?

Clear off.

This isn't a raid, clear off.

See.

He thinks he can tell me where to go.

Elsa, I can't leave you.

It's all right.

Come back in 10 minutes.

Look like a Salvador death squad.

I'm sorry.

But I don't like the police either very much.

What's Michael done?

Is it- Would you sooner we talk alone?

Give us a couple of minutes, will you?

Come on, well done.

[car door thudding] You and Michael aren't married, are you?

No.

But this is... Yeah.

This is Sophie.

Is Sophie walking yet?

No.

No, my granddaughter has...

Sit down.

No, I don't want to worry you and I do want you to keep in touch with me.

Because Michael is in some trouble [door clicking] and he's gonna need some help.

I'm sorry.

I don't think I can talk about it.

Yes.

He's left you, hasn't he?

When?

It doesn't matter.

Yes, it does matter.

Well it was soon after he went to work there.

You see, he's got such a wonderful brain.

He could be anything if people gave him a chance.

I'm nowhere near he's equal.

I'm ordinary.

I know I am.

It's just that... A boy I know said, look, Elsa, you're ordinary.

You just want to be a good mother.

These rich people.

Michael gave this as his address, did he?

When he started the research job.

I work part-time.

I'm a waitress.

Do you still know where he is?

Yes.

I thought before I came here that the city was very big but somehow it's not really, is it?

[seagull squawking] [car doors thudding] Hello, Michael, can we come aboard?

Sure.

Have we met?

Commissaris Van Der Valk.

Right.

Pleased to meet you.

This is Sergeant Brouwer.

Hi.

This is Roger.

Where's your pistol?

I threw it in the canal.

[car doors thudding] [door thudding] Well.

I've often wondered about this, of course, what's the procedure?

I feel a very poor host not offering you a drink.

Thanks.

You gonna have one?

Perfect.

You always chill the glasses.

Absolutely.

-Prost.

-Prost.

We've seen Elsa.

Yes, I feel bad about Elsa but then she's so...

I mean she's not very... Well you could judge that for yourselves.

How do you pay for this life, Michael?

My Grandmother gives me what she calls an allowance.

I expect you think she's crazy?

No, I expect she loves you and you can't help herself.

No.

Love's pretty powerful, you know.

Yeah.

I mean, when you realized you loved Melanie Van Hoorn it must've bowled you over?

Oh no.

No, no, no, it's when I realized she loved me.

You see, I usually hate rich people because the women are stuck up bitches and the men are... Well, look what my upbringing did for me.

But Melanie was...

I write music, of course.

Did Elsa tell you?

No.

No, typical, it's a sort of mythi-graphical new age stuff mostly.

I discovered the hard way it's too deep to be popular.

People don't really... Van Hoorn treated Melanie so badly, you must know about their life?

It was an insult.

He's better dead.

I'm glad I did that.

I'll always love her though.

That's why I threw the gun away.

Why?

To keep it secret.

Ah.

Would you like to tell us all about this at the police station, Michael?

Sure.

Only one problem.

What's that?

Ur, yes.

Well, he can't go to Elsa's unfortunately, pathetic little Sophie's afraid of him.

I think we can take Roger in the squad room, sir.

Until we know the situation.

Thank you, Sergeant.

Marvelous.

You hear that, Rog.

Hey, hey, Rog.

Marvelous.

You didn't kill Raoul Milan did you?

No.

Why not?

Well, when the first attempt on Van Hoorn went wrong I was very, my hands shook.

It was a miracle I hit anything at all, really.

Besides, it wasn't me who hated Raoul.

How did you know where to find them?

What?

Melanie told you, didn't she?

Look, it was months since I did that research job, right.

The rest of it was a very elaborate piece of planning.

You're on coke aren't you?

Aren't we all when we've got the money?

Shut up, Brouwer.

Get the dog lead.

I'll tell Inspector Boutsen we're coming.

Dirk.

Commissaris.

I couldn't stop him, sir.

He's ripped himself open with a meat knife.

Get an ambulance, quick.

[tense music] [Michael sobbing] What's he saying?

[Michael whispering] He said it was love, sir.

And he couldn't help himself.

[Michael sobbing] [bell tolling] [siren blaring] I'm sorry, I was sewing some new curtains.

Someone came up in our inquiry, I want to ask you about.

Michael Affitson.

Michael.

Didn't he do research for my husband.

He's a sweet boy.

To be honest with you, he's a bit of a problem child.

We took him on as a bit of a favor but...

When did you last see him?

He worked for us.

Would it be six months ago?

Not an answer.

No.

I'm sorry, I can tell you about him but it's just that I... What about yesterday morning when you were shopping?

Yes.

And then he telephoned?

Yes.

But you wouldn't speak.

Why didn't you identify him to the officer?

I'm not sure.

You were very sure when you gave me the name Ariadne.

No I wasn't.

Anyway, that that was different.

How?

Because it's difficult to betray someone who loved you.

Did you love him?

Good heavens, no.

He says you did.

He... You mean you've... At first, it was simple.

He worked odd days in the study, I ignored him.

He was as shy as a mouse.

And then one day he came into the kitchen and he, I mean, I... Well, he was infatuated.

He made scenes.

He found out somehow about Raul and my husband and he became obsessed.

He followed people.

Actually we had to send him away.

He still says you loved him.

Where is he now?

Have you arrested him?

Why didn't you identify him?

Commissaris.

Piet.

It's Dirk.

Listen.

When will it be over?

Soon.

One way or the other.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Van Hoorn, I didn't tell you that today Michael Affitson confessed to your husband's murder.

And shortly after that, he contrived to wound himself.

He has just died at the hospital.

I shall need a statement from you for the file to go beyond that as the lawyers have advised my colleague would be counterproductive.

Thank you.

Magnificent.

Magnificent work.

It's been decided that the Minister of Justice shall issue the statement by the way and given what's happened, I don't think the newspapers will have much more than a little sex to froth up, do you?

It's just the story of a rather unfortunate young man.

However, the good news is we're being given more money for the pickpockets campaign.

Your blessing in disguise.

Yes, just as I predicted.

Wonderful.

Don't you think?

Wonderful.

Yes.

Your attempted sarcasm has been noted and dismissed.

Incidentally before you go, you might like to know that the Turkish fires had nothing to do with narcotics.

They were an insurance fraud.

Could we prove it?

Oh, indeed we can.

Thank you, gentlemen.

Oh there's still the Milan murder.

Milan?

Oh.

Milan, absolutely.

It's a serious crime, it may be a serious scandal.

Yes, well, of course isn't that why Inspector Boutsen still has it on his files.

As I say, Van Der Valk, we'll get there in the end.

Maybe.

I retire in three weeks.

I know.

Funny way to go.

Yeah.

-Mommy.

-Hello.

How's Grandma?

-Okay.

-Oh, is she?

Come in, come in.

[gentle music] Imagine being told you've got the virus.

Is that why she planned it?

She seduced that young man and he killed himself to protect her, I suppose.

I'm not sure she planned it.

And that Raoul too.

What a mess.

Well, he knew about Ariadne and the money, didn't he, that's why he phoned us.

And that's why some paranoid security service possibly ours, decided to shut him up.

[Arlette] Melanie wrote the word Ariadne to deceive you.

There's just a chance that she thought that was the reason.

Actually, Arlette, I failed.

No you didn't.

I wasn't sharp enough.

You did exactly what was needed.

I know.

That's what worries me.

[theme music plays] [gentle music]