Overspel (2011) s01e12 Episode Script

IRIS HOEGAARDE
portraits
Great photos.
Willem Steenhouwer, lawyer.
I didn't want him to fall over the rail.
I wanted to save him.
Can you arrange it so he wasn't
on that bridge?
Are you mad? I can't do that.
Call Joachim.
I only remember Willem saying:
I'll deal with it.
I had to give him 150,000 euro.
- For my wife's business, an emergency.
We agreed to do it in cash.
I made a fake invoice.
She's fed up with the family
and really wants to testify.
The prosecutor was here.
He'll let Bjorn go.
In exchange for Willem.
Shall we go home?
I'd like to try again.
Willem Steenhouwer
was charged with murder.
He's charged with killing a whore.
You used to buy me a rose, remember?
I have the feeling
things aren't over between us.
Couwenberg's calls were taped.
So, I must be on some recording.
Those recordings are destroyed.
Please go, and be happy
with your child and your husband.
BETRAYAL
TOMORROW
How's your stomach?
- It's okay.
Twenty years, is it true what they say?
If I'm unlucky.
I read on-line 20 years
in the Netherlands
is only 12, 13 years.
If I'm lucky.
No paint-balling then.
But you were getting too old
for that, right?
What a great father you have, eh?
You know, when you have kids,
you try to imagine how things will be.
Then you look back
and everything turned out
completely differently.
Are you seeing someone else?
Another woman?
No.
Well, not anymore.
It's over.
Will you and mum get back together
when you come out?
Your mother's angry at me.
My boy, I'm sorry.
I'm very sorry.
Who's that?
- Some actress.
Never heard of her.
- Neither have I.
I'm just doing my job.
Maybe we should watch soap operas
every night for a while.
To bond again.
Sounds great.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow evening this will all be over.
Have you heard about Marit?
She found a paper in my study.
I hate the bitch.
- Don't say that. She's your sister.
Is she really going to testify?
- In any case, it's all my fault.
Including you went to a building
where people had knives.
I don't want you to go to jail.
Is there anything I can do?
Be nice to your mother.
Will you do that?
What's wrong, mum?
Nothing. We have to hurry.
The trial is today.
Yes, and there's nothing you can do
about it.
How does that feel?
Say something.
I tried to do something.
What do you mean?
Menno was at school, Pepijn was at work.
It took a while before I had
the guts to call.
Hello, Iris Hoegaarde speaking.
We know each other a bit, through Pepijn.
You knew already?
We talked to each other?
Yes, now you mention it.
I have a rather urgent question.
What does that have to do with
- I knew him
through Pepijn and all those drinks
parties in the Ministry of Justice
and from the times I stopped by.
He was introduced to me as
Master Eavesdropper.
Hey Iris, Pepijn is at the court today.
I know, I came to see Mr Holtrop.
You can go in.
- Thanks.
Where is Mr Holtrop?
- Wim? Downstairs, in the basement.
I'm sorry.
You were at my exhibition?
Yes.
- Did you like it?
I thought it was
I thought it was beautiful.
Could we go outside
for ten minutes maybe?
Get a breath of fresh air.
And then?
How's Menno doing at school?
You know about Menno?
No need to be polite.
Yes, of course.
He's seven isn't he?
- Yes.
My son is that age too.
Can we talk confidentially?
Really confidentially?
Of course.
I've thought about this for a long time.
Too long.
Pepijn doesn't know I'm here
and wouldn't approve of it either.
In fact, what I'm about to tell you will
probably mean the end of my marriage.
All rise.
Good morning everyone.
I turn to the defendant.
Is your name Willem Maria Steenhouwer,
born in Amsterdam on April 8, 1971
and do you live at Leopoldlaan 3
in Amsterdam Buitenveldert?
You are not obliged to answer questions
but must pay attention
to what is being said.
The prosecutor will now read the charge.
- Thank you.
Willem Steenhouwer is charged
with wilfully murdering on May 16
Ms Natalia Korzachenko
at her flat in Amsterdam
at or around 20:30 at night.
I have a steel pin in my hip.
A skiing accident.
Just a moment.
It's in order.
I have to go to the toilet.
I'll see you in a bit.
OK, I have to go to court.
I'll be back in a few hours,
and we'll leave straight away.
Keep your spirits up.
Tonight you'll have chips in Flanders.
They have big chips,
but I prefer the small, thin ones.
Now you prefer the small, thin ones again.
Your daughter, who we'll be hearing
from today,
found an invoice, exhibit 17b,
which did not appear in the books
addressed to Mr Couwenberg
for 'special counsel', for that sum.
It was for my wife's restaurant
which wasn't doing very well.
- For your wife.
Why then did it happen so secretly?
She didn't want money from her father.
It was the only thing I could think of.
Mr Steenhouwer, isn't it true
you needed the money
to pay people at the Baccara
Sex Club to give false statements?
That's not true and you can't prove it.
Hi.
I understand you can't talk about
certain things, you work for Pepijn
you can't help me,
and it's impossible.
I'm at my wit's end.
Officially I don't know anything
but after all these years with Pepijn
I know you hear things
in phone calls.
Mrs Couwenberg.
You are obliged to tell the truth
but as the wife of the defendant
you also have the right of non-disclosure.
So, you don't have to answer
all the questions.
Will you take an oath
or make an affirmation?
An affiirmation.
Your affirmation is:
I promise to tell the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
Repeat after me: I promise.
I promise.
Why didn't you want to take money
from your father?
I just didn't want to.
Were you ashamed your business
wasn't doing well?
Yes.
That's why.
And then?
Willem said he could arrange something.
He didn't say what,
something with his company.
But he withheld the true origin
of the money.
He lied to you.
Yes.
I can't say anything, you know that.
20 years in prison, that's what I'm hearing.
Willem Steenhouwer could get 20 years.
Someone must have a heard a phone call
that evening with my voice.
So I thought: I'm going to tell Wim Holtrop
what's going on
someone will be convicted
for something he didn't do.
A grave injustice.
- I have to go back, I'm sorry.
There must be something in a report,
or someone must have heard it.
Proof he was with me that evening,
so he didn't do it.
Sorry.
- Please.
And then?
- Nothing.
Finished, the end, hopeless.
When did this
- A while ago.
Board member for operational affairs.
What does that mean?
I advise Mr Couwenberg and maintain
relations with a number of contacts.
And other things that might occur.
Other things?
- Yes, what's strange about that?
Like creating an alibi
for Bjorn Couwenberg?
I don't know what you mean.
- Isn't it true, not my client
but you bribed people
at the sex club
in order to get them
to make false statements?
No.
I know that club, but I never did that.
I remind you, you're under oath.
As far as I know the people at the club
confirmed my statement, right?
I get the distinct impression
those people are scared of you.
Well
And Pepijn?
You said you wanted to try again.
- The biggest mistake I ever made.
Even bigger than
You came to me because you were
afraid of crowds.
You became short of breath, dizzy,
you hyperventilated.
But we never talked about that.
It's got worse.
Iris, I'm sorry that things
have gone this way.
And I was unable to help you.
Bye.
I'll take care of it, he said.
He needed a bit of money, well
quite a bit.
I gave him the money.
No questions asked,
that's what he wanted.
But why would he murder
one of the people he bribed?
When you bribe people, you never
hear from most of them again.
But some of them smell blood.
They want more and more,
with no end in sight.
At least, that's how I think it goes.
Then you have to take different measures.
And you open yourself to blackmail.
OK, that's all.
The defense.
Mr Couwenberg, according to your
statement and I quote:
I'm almost sure Willem said
'I'll take care of it.'
Yes.
- Is that true?
The more I think about it
the more certain I am.
Mr Chairman, what we're hearing
are half truths.
Maybe, I thought, it could be,
it was dark.
Mr Couwenberg, are you or aren't you
sure, my client said this?
I remind you, you're under oath,
Mr Couwenberg.
I'm sure.
The trial today
You know, wiretapped conversations
between lawyers and clients
must be destroyed.
Would you like to come in?
Hey.
- Hi.
What are you going to do?
- What do you think?
Marit, it's dad.
You go, Victor. I won't be a minute.
This can't go on.
- Is that why dad has to go to jail?
Grandpa, dad and now you.
- You don't know what you're saying.
Do you know how old he'll be
when he gets out? Above 50.
We'll be in our 30s.
Can you take it back?
- No.
Let go.
Would you like a drink?
Yes, a glass of water.
I hand in written reports, and sometimes
recordings, to the prosecutor.
And they are in charge of deleting
the material.
So, De Ruiter heard
- No.
Pepijn.
- Pepijn?
You mean Pepijn knows Willem
- When you hear as much as I do
you combine things,
you find connections
you see patterns and mechanisms.
I hear people's lives
through my headphones.
And
through Pepijn I've worked
for the prosecutor for a long time
You come by sometimes.
And your exhibition.
Wonderful, congratulations.
Thank you.
May 16.
I was working that night.
Willem, you know I love you, right?
I knew instantly what was going on.
And I was
I was
I have feelings for you.
For quite some time already.
What do you want?
I'm married.
I feel very guilty. It's
a kind of betrayal
in my mind with you.
You know
I would never have told you this
if I weren't
Everyone calls me Wim.
But my real name is Willem.
Willem, you know I love you, right?
Marit Steenhouwer.
Hello, Marit.
Is your name Marit Huberta Steenhouwer,
born on February 9, 1994 in Amsterdam?
Yes.
Will you take an oath
or make an affirmation?
The affirmation.
Your affirmation is as follows:
I promise to speak the whole truth
and nothing but the truth.
Repeat after me: I promise.
I promise.
- Thank you.
Since the defendant today is your father
you may answer questions,
but you don't have to.
The right of non-disclosure, is that clear?
- Yes.
Marit, can you tell us what you found
in your father's study?
Will you
- What would you like to say?
Will you go after my grandpa too?
Today it's about your father.
Because he's just as bad, even worse.
My grandpa is a criminal
and my father helps him.
And they're not afraid to kill.
Marit, please just answer the questions.
This session is adjourned for an hour.
It's OK.
Marit used to go to ballet.
A princess.
She was very talented.
The National Ballet was even mentioned.
But from one day to the next she quit.
Just like that.
She wouldn't go, she'd finished.
You were young when you had kids.
- We thought she'd try again.
The next day we found her ballet skirt
in the rubbish bin.
The next day.
Here you go.
Are you OK?
Where's Marit?
- I don't know.
Stupid bitch.
- Don't say that.
Don't say what?
You heard what she just said.
About our bloody family.
In front of everyone, damn it.
I can't get it out of my head.
- What?
Did you bring it?
- What do you mean?
Of course not, you idiot.
Are you sure?
- What would I do with it here?
Do you think I'm mad or something?
What shall I do for the next 20 years?
A new degree?
Play solitaire? Do sports?
I won't get many visitors.
Yes?
- I've done something stupid.
What do you mean?
- Elsie, I gave her something.
Gave her something?
- She called me a while ago.
I said no, of course.
But she insisted and kept asking about it.
You know what your daughter's like.
What did you give her?
- I said no 100 times.
In the end she said: If you won't give it
to me, I'll get it downtown.
That seemed much more risky.
We'd leave you out of it.
- What's wrong, dad?
Just tell me what's going on.
She just wanted to scare someone.
I shouldn't have done it last night.
I think she might have it with her.
- You were there, what did she say?
That she didn't bring it,
but I'm not sure.
Luckily the photographer isn't here.
- And what if she turns up, you idiot?
Turn around.
What?
- Go back home.
Hi, it's me.
Menno needs to be picked up from school
but my sitter is ill.
Could you maybe
Pepijn? No, he can't make it either.
Thank you, you're an angel.
You won't forget?
Natalia Korzachenko was
in the Netherlands illegally.
She was known as kind and hard-working.
It was well-known
she sometimes took XTC
and sent money home,
and therefore was always short on cash.
Willem Steenhouwer went
well beyond his powers as a lawyer.
By organizing the alibi
he jeopardized his career, but
he didn't consider Natalia's greed.
She wanted more, ever more money.
Willem Steenhouwer had one option left.
On May 16 at around 20.30 at night
he visited Natalia
with a bottle of champagne.
We'll probably never know
what was said
but we do know Natalia's stomach
contained champagne
as well as the poisoned XTC
that led to her death.
Willem Steenhouwer carefully wiped
the bottle to get rid of any fingerprints
but, sadly for him,
he wasn't thorough enough.
We found a few prints, his fingerprints.
Therefore I can only conclude it was
legally and conclusively proven
he resolutely and wilfully
took the victim's life.
Mr Chairman, the public prosecutor
has not succeeded
in legally and conclusively proving
that my client
that my client Willem Steenhouwer
on the evening of May 16 last
took the life of Natalia Korzachenko.
The court will withdraw for deliberation.
This session will shortly adjourn.
You may remain seated.
Aren't we going to Belgium anymore?
- Belgium? Shut up about Belgium.
At the eleventh hour someone
has come forward to give a statement.
That is highly unusual.
The court has considered
whether this statement
could be of crucial importance
in determining the truth.
Following deliberation the court has
decided that this is indeed the case.
The witness will come in
and give a statement
and the prosecutor and defense
will be able to pose questions.
Mrs Hoegaarde?
Please come with me.
Let the witness enter.
Madam?
Mrs Hoegaarde, if you don't come,
I'll tell the court
You are Mrs Hoegaarde,
born in Haarlem on June 18, 1983
and currently live at Entrepotdok 205
in Amsterdam.
You want to give a statement
that may be crucial for this court case.
Yes.
Will you take an oath
or make an affirmation?
Car park, around the corner.
See you in a bit.
Mrs Hoegaarde?
- An affirmation.
Your affirmation is:
I promise to tell the whole
Sir.
I testified only this morning.
- Could I still see your passport?
Here you go, bureaucrat.
Repeat after me: I promise.
I promise.
Mrs Hoegaarde
What can you tell us about
the murder of Natalia Korzachenko?
Quiet, please.
- Iris, don't do it.
Don't do it.
- Quiet.
Please, Mrs Hoegaarde.
All right.
At 20:30 on May 16
I was at Willem Steenhouwer's office.
I can proof it.
He received a phone call.
Which was recorded.
- Your Honour, I object to this statement.
No, I want to give this woman a chance
to make her statement. Please continue.
Someone
made a recording of it
for personal reasons.
It's a copy of
I'm on my way.
- OK.
Hurry up.
- Willem you know I love you, right?
Ten minutes.
Hey, darling.
Where's mum?
- She had to do something.
And your real sitter, she's ill.
So, you can come with me.
Really, sweetheart. Come.
You know what?
Let's call mum, shall we?
Have you seen Willem?
And the boy?
What do you mean?
- Did you tell him
They know everything.
How are you going to manage
when you're in jail?
His dad might come back.
We haven't decided yet.
Do you think that's a good idea?
When are you leaving?
- We're not going anymore.
Not?
- I cancelled everything.
I want to be nearby when you're in jail.
That's a shame.
What do you mean?
- A shame you're not going to Belgium.
Why?
- You don't have to live nearby.
The thing is, dad
You have to go.
And get out of my life
and my children's lives.
I don't want to see you again.
And I mean never, ever again.
- Elsie
Please, Elsie.
OK.
Let's go, Bjorn.
Where are we going?
Dad?
Just drive.
We'll see.
Hey, darling. I've missed you.
My shoulder.
- Are you well again?
Yes, almost.
I bought some comics.
They're on the table.
How are things?
- Bloody awful.
Apart from that, I'm fine.
Have you found a new job?
- I was suspended, not fired.
The investigation is on-going. Maybe I'll
just be reprimanded, and might still be
What do you care?
- You won't believe me, but
But what?
- It was never my intention to hurt you.
Save me your bullshit.
The lawyers will suggest
a settlement soon.
Pepijn, we have a child
- Shut up, woman.
Your lying and fucking has traumatized
my child.
Will the lawyers take into account,
you tried to convict an innocent man?
All the best,
I'm staying at Ben's for a while.
So, you can go home.
Bye, my boy.
See you next week.
- Bye, dad.
Bye, son.
It's so weird.
First you tell everyone
your dad's going to jail.
But wait, it's my mum.
At least it's not boring.
- Jesus, dad.
There are mitigating circumstances.
That woman was only injured.
Your mum won't be in jail long.
That woman?
I fell in love.
I'm very sorry.
But I think you know how it feels now.
I'm just glad you didn't kill anyone.
Did you really believe that?
That champagne.
It's a mystery.
When I was little
we went to the off-license.
Do you remember?
We bought champagne,
went to grandpa's
and we put everything in the cellar.
What's wrong?
We?
- I must have touched a bottle
that ended up there.
First I thought he stole the bottle
from my house.
Then I thought he changed the bottle.
It's all rubbish.
Again? I have a cellar full of champagne
from you.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Finished.
- Finished?
There's more in the bread bin.
You can get it.
It's nice and quiet here.