Maigret (1992) s02e04 Episode Script
Maigret's Boyhood Friend
Madame, I'm looking for a policeman.
I'm sorry.
I really can't help you.
A particular policeman.
I should try a police station.
This is Boulevard Richard-Lenoir ? Yes.
I know he lives here.
I've seen it in the newspapers.
Maigret.
Chief Inspector Maigret.
I'm sorry, monsieur.
I really have no idea.
This is ridiculous.
I was at school with him 40 years ago.
He was even keen on my sister.
Now he's a famous detective and I can't get hold of him.
Monsieur We were inseparable.
Close as close could be.
My father owned the best baker's shop in the area.
Uh-huh.
I used to give Jules cakes because he couldn't afford them.
Pour Jules.
Jules.
Extraordinary.
He's done so well.
I knew he would.
Always so serious.
But I could make him laugh.
Jules.
You know, you've hardly changed at all.
Apart from the moustache, of course.
This is Monsieur Florentin.
An old school friend, I believe.
Would you like something to eat ? I'm making dinner.
Florentin? Thank you.
Maybe a little something.
So why have you done me the honour of getting in touch after all these years ? One of your little jokes backfired, has it ? Or do you want me to give you a reference for a job ? I used to wonder if anyone would ever employ you.
Has anyone ever taken that risk ? Please.
I'm a respectable man.
Antiques dealer.
Oh.
Resident clown in the Lycee Banville.
Most extraordinary thing was you always managed to get away with it.
So So Um I have this woman friend.
She's a marvellous girl.
Marvellous.
We've been together for five years.
I've been everything to her.
Her lover, friend, companion.
That sounds thoroughly idyllic.
Yes, yes.
The only thing is, I'm not the only one.
There are four others.
Four ? One on Wednesdays, one on Thursdays.
I'm sorry.
Carry on.
I'm the really important one.
Of course.
I was.
Was ? Josee was shot this afternoon.
Through the throat.
In her apartment.
She's dead.
Where were you ? I didn't do it, for God's sake ! So where were you ? In her wardrobe.
I stayed every night but Thursdays.
She wouldn't let me then.
Who visited on Thursdays ? Who was allowed such privileges ? His name's Courcel.
She knew him the longest.
He has a ball bearing factory in Rouen.
Who was the Wednesday visitor ? Francois Pare, of the Department of Highways and Bridges.
These are impressive-sounding men.
What did you have that they didn't ? Perhaps with wives they could only afford once a week.
You'd found a soft option.
Don't talk to me like this.
I'm a friend, and upset.
Do these men know each other ? No.
I'm the only one who knew there was anybody else.
Through here.
What exactly happened ? Well, we had a bite of lunch.
Then we chatted a bit, like we usually did.
About 3.
30pm, the doorbell rang.
Her Wednesday visitor ? No, he didn't usually come until 5.
30pm or 6pm.
I made sure I wasn't here then.
I couldn't hear.
I was in the wardrobe.
What, this one ? No, no.
Through here.
Did you often end up in here ? Only when somebody arrived unexpectedly.
They kept fixed hours.
Not much sign of your clothes.
She was meant to be living alone.
You didn't want her protectors .
.
to think they kept you, too.
That's not fair.
How long were you stuck in here ? A quarter of an hour till I heard the shot.
Did you run into the bedroom ? No, no, no.
I stayed in here.
A car could have backfired.
Or you might have got shot, too.
You stayed in there till he'd gone.
How did you know when he'd gone ? I heard the front door close.
It would have been about four.
After you.
Whoever it was waited a quarter of an hour before he left, while you drank your way through the brandy.
Well, yes.
Josephine obviously had a sweet tooth.
Chocolates, sweets Biscuits.
Yes, yes, she certainly did.
Maigret.
Which floor ? (Deaf ?) You did hear me, madame.
What's he done, this Maigret ? Murdered someone ? There's a lot of police upstairs.
Lucas ! Get my friend into the car, Lapointe.
You're not arresting me ? Not yet.
Didn't he do it, then ? Did you see the gentleman who just left earlier today ? Gentleman (?) Yes, yes, I did.
When exactly ? When he ran down the stairs.
When ? Just after four.
About 20 past.
Did you see anyone enter Mlle Papet's flat between 3.
30 and 4pm ? Half past three and four.
No.
You would've see them if they had ? Did you see anyone else go up to the flat this afternoon ? No, no-one.
Except the Wednesday visitor.
Mr Pare.
I don't know their names.
But they turn up regular as clockwork, every week.
He's Wednesday.
Comes just before six.
How long did he stay ? He didn't.
Came straight down.
You're sure about that ? Of course.
Did he say anything to you ? Say anything ? He might have done.
But if he did, I wasn't listening.
Madame, you've been most helpful (!) Lucas.
Oi, you ! Wait ! I want to know what you'll do ! Jules ! Jules ?! Get him to the car ! Gag him ! You don't think I did it ? Why come to you ? Who knows ? You're mad ! Have you told me everything ? Of course ! Why would I lie to you ? Why should I be the exception ? Because this is a matter of life and death ! What did Mr Pare look like ? He's my age.
Tall, balding.
A real civil servant.
Did he take Josephine out Or didn't she say ? She told me everything ! There was a brasserie at Boulevard St-Germain and Rue de Solferino.
It's not smart, but he likes it.
Lucas.
What's happening ? What about the other lovers ? I don't know much.
Don't you ? I thought Josephine told you everything ? One had a limp.
He was about 60.
He came on Saturdays, after lunch.
She didn't know much about him.
Once she found a season ticket Paris-Bordeaux.
And the fourth ? I never saw him.
He was younger.
She used to call him 'the boy'.
Are we going to your office ? I'd like to see it.
Oh, no, no.
We're going to your place, Leon.
Now then, just take your time, Mr Pare.
This is where we first met.
She was at this table.
Just over three years ago.
She was here, .
.
and I was sitting .
.
there.
I used to come here every day for a glass of port, before venturing home to Versailles.
You need a drink before going home, do you ? My wife's very sick.
I've never been unfaithful before.
Josee and I, we weren't simply lovers.
We The most wonderful thing was, we could talk to each other.
To be frank, we weren't really lovers.
Not in the strict sense of the word.
But she was so gentle, so serene, one could open one's heart to her.
And she could to me.
The last three years I've lived for Wednesday.
It's my business, you see.
Antiques.
You have done well (!) What are you looking for ? Who knows ? Found something, Chief.
Were you aware of her having .
.
how shall I put it ? Any other friends, font color="yel No, no, I can't say that I was.
She lived a very quiet life.
I'd have seen her more, but my wife gets more jealous by the year.
It was hard enough to stay in Paris once a week.
But you weren't jealous of Josee ? No, why should I be ? She never gave me cause.
I was of her brother, I suppose.
Briefly.
Her brother ? Yes, I happened to arrive early one Wednesday evening, and he was there.
He's a very interesting and pleasant man.
He's an engineer.
Tall, thin, scruffy-looking ? Yes.
You've seen him already ? Of course you have.
He was very upset, I imagine ? You could say that.
Was there anyone else you wondered about ? Well, a few weeks ago .
.
I came up the stairs, and saw someone leave her flat.
A young man, dark-haired, full of himself.
You've seen him too ? Tell me what you know.
I see you and Josephine shared the same taste in biscuits.
What an unusual place to keep them ! Ah ! My word.
I've known people so addicted to sweets and chocolates, they hid them all over.
How much altogether ? About 400,000 francs.
It's my savings.
Josephine's savings ! No.
Why don't you know how much ? I told you.
Count it.
Count it ! No ! You stole it from Josephine's flat.
No.
You took advantage of your lover's death to steal her savings.
No ! Your lying's quite endearing, Leon, in a disgusting sort of way.
I know how it must look.
I didn't kill Josee.
I was in the wardrobe, as I said.
The money's mine by rights.
She's got no family.
I'm on my uppers.
I gave her my best years ! You know, I'm going to let you go, Leon.
Maybe because of childhood memories, or maybe I'm soft in the head.
I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Good night.
Why did you do that ? He must have killed her ! Stay here.
Hide the car round the corner.
If he comes out, follow him.
Good night, Lapointe ! Was it attempted suicide ? What else would it be ? The only woman he loved murdered, no money, no future.
He did say she was the love of his life, or vice versa.
Nothing to live for, so he tries to drown himself.
In the Seine, with all those people around ? Stupid as well as suicidal ! He was a good swimmer at school.
You can't be tired ! You just got here ! I've tracked Victor down.
Well done.
I got a list of season ticket holders from Bordeaux.
I had to get on my knees ! Petty, jumped-up bureaucrat ! Sorry.
His name's Victor Drouet, and he's a very big wine grower.
Spends too much time in his cellar ! Married money.
His wife's father's business.
In Paris, he stays at the Hotel Scribe.
He's coming here in half an hour.
Rather you than me.
I had an earful ! You've done a good job.
I've another task for you.
The young lover.
Bodard.
Bodard.
Jean-Luc Bodard.
Pare says he's an insurance salesman, offices on the Avenue de l'Opera.
How d'you know all that ?! Jealousy.
He saw Bodard come out of the flat.
Josee gave him his visiting card.
To prove there was nothing naughty.
And he believed her ? Says he did.
You don't believe him ? Put it this way.
He'd have to be very trusting.
He sounds a liar.
Like a lot of people round here.
Right.
How's Florentin ? Dried out yet ? It's all come as such a shock to me, Mr Courcel.
We were very close, my sister and I.
Yes, it must be terrible.
What makes it worse the hotel I mentioned in the South of France, that I hoped to design That I lent you 300,000 francs for.
That makes it worse ! I invested every penny in land, registration, plans, you name it.
It's only a temporary problem, but I've got no money, no cash at all.
Not even enough for my sister's funeral.
Oh dear ! You poor fellow ! How terrible.
It really can't be helped, but you mustn't worry.
Not at a time like this.
Here.
You've always been kind, Mr Courcel.
No, no, no, please ! Florentin, your old friend wants to see you.
And you are ? Fernand Courcel of Courcel Ball Bearings, Rouen.
I heard the terrible news on the wireless.
I was I knew the deceased quite well.
So I believe.
We'll see you later.
This way, sir.
I'd known her for 10 years.
I found the apartment.
We lived together for a while, you know.
A long time ago, now.
I was passionately in love with her.
I always have been.
Well, it was a very passionate affair.
In every sense of the word.
But you married somebody else.
There was the factory.
It's taken most of my life, and given back precious little.
Last year I thought we'd have to close.
Josee loved living here.
She didn't want to move to Rouen.
Why didn't you persuade her, if you loved her so much ? I don't know.
She would have done for me, I'm sure, but It seemed best for both of us.
Extraordinary ! We were both quite happy.
Really.
And it meant she could see her brother.
Her brother - oh, yes.
When he got back from Uruguay.
Uruguay ? I beg your pardon ? He was on a government contract, to build a new town.
He's an architect.
He got back four years ago.
They were very close.
You have met her brother ? You must have.
Mr Courcel I wish she'd been as close to her other siblings.
I'm sorry to tell you, .
.
but Josephine had no brothers and no sisters.
What d'you mean ? That's absurd ! What about Leon ? His real name is Leon Florentin.
He's lived with Josephine Papet for the past four years.
But that's not possible.
Someone's making a fool of you ! I stayed with her every Thursday night.
I was driving up yesterday afternoon Between 3pm and 4pm ? What ? Where were you from 3pm to 4pm ? In my car on my way here, as I am every week.
Were you on your own ? Of course ! Who would I be with ? Mr Courcel, a woman has been murdered.
You said you knew her 10 years, longer than her other lovers.
What other lovers ? Are you saying you spent 10 years in ignorance of the woman she was ? What other lovers ? Answer me ! There were five including yourself.
That's not possible.
I refuse to believe you had no knowledge of it.
You're not a stupid man.
Or are you telling me you've been blinded by love for 10 years ? You knew something was wrong for years.
It ate away at you.
You knew she double-crossed you.
You became resentful - you'd done more for her than anyone.
You even found her the flat.
And she entertained other lovers in it ! One day something snapped, something trivial.
You lost control.
You killed her.
It wasn't planned.
Tell me.
It'll be easier in the end.
Leon did it ! He must have done ! After all I've done for him ! Get off me ! Let me go ! That'll be all for the moment.
Take him out, Lucas.
The back way.
Come on.
Uruguay, eh ? Oh, that.
What did you expect me to say ? I'm impressed by your imagination.
What else did he tell you ? He confirmed Josephine had just as vivid an imagination as you.
I'm not surprised the two of you got on ! Did he also say I haven't a centime ? No, that didn't come up.
I can't think why (!) It's not a joke.
You took all my money.
Josephine's money ! I haven't even got the price of a meal.
It's true.
Search me.
I'd rather not ! What am I going to do ? Make it last.
Can I go ? Can't think what you're doing here.
Lapointe, follow Mr Florentin once again.
Make sure he doesn't fall in the water.
By the way, Leon, do you own a revolver ? Yes.
I bought it for Josee.
Really ? I found it at the bottom of a trunk I got at a sale two years ago.
Do you keep it loaded ? Yes.
She kept it at her bedside.
Not to be nervous when I was away.
Not much to be nervous about, the number of people she entertained (!) You know it's not there now ? I know.
I looked.
You looked ? Why ? Because if anybody found it, I'd be in trouble.
You're in more trouble than ever ! I've always been in trouble, do you remember ? But I always got off, and I will this time, you see, because I'm innocent.
Perhaps.
Right, then ? Not too fast for you ? How long did you know Josephine ? I read about it in the paper.
This morning.
Five lines.
Five lines ! Three months.
I met her three months ago.
She was a nice woman.
Very nice.
A bit old, but Anyway, I was trying to sell her an accident policy.
Matter of fact, I got close to getting her to sign.
Then, well, we got distracted.
You know how it is.
I'm a happily married man, Mr Bodard.
Yes, of course you are.
She was fun.
Wanted a good time.
No commitments.
The older ones are often like that.
Makes them feel they're still young.
Did you have a special time to go there ? Good God ! I don't go at special times ! What do you think I am ? Be like going to the dentist ! Was there ever anyone else there ? No.
Well, just the human scarecrow.
He shot off when I turned up.
I could never see why she stuck with him.
He says they were in love.
From what she said, it was because he was better than nothing.
Just.
Isn't that what you'd expect her to say ? Sure.
Spot on.
Except I don't mean to brag, but if she was so mad about him, why did she ask me to move in with her ? I saw her on Saturdays from 3pm to 5pm, then went back to my wife.
I'm a man of regular habits.
What did you do yesterday, Mr Drouet, from 3pm to 4pm ? I walked along the Grands Boulevards.
I walk from 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm.
Doctor's orders.
Ask anyone in my office.
No-one was with you ? Of course not.
This leaves you without an alibi.
Do I need one ? You do, as one of Josephine's lovers.
One of them ? How many of us were there ? Four, I believe, plus the man she lived with.
What did she mean to you ? She provided relaxation.
I need relaxation.
She was discreet.
It was more than a business arrangement But not much more.
I had a mistress, a former secretary.
But she married four years ago.
Luckily, I met Josephine.
So there was a vacancy to be filled.
I didn't come here for a moral lecture.
Excuse me.
I've had to rearrange several meetings.
If there's nothing urgent, I'll bid you good day.
I want you to be here at 10am tomorrow morning.
If you can juggle your appointments to fit me in (!) So Janvier doesn't think Bodard killed her.
Janvier is biased.
Bodard reminds him of his youth or the youth he never had.
He admits Bodard has no alibi.
What was he doing ? He says he sold some insurance, got blind drunk to celebrate.
He can't remember where.
None of them has an alibi.
Well, Pare has.
His office swears he was in all day.
Civil servants ! Threaten their paperclip supply, they swear to anything (!) Why are you so irritable ? Is it because you haven't arrested Leon ? You think I should.
Everyone else does.
I don't know.
He seems rather helpless.
Poor man.
On the other hand, he needs money.
Only he has a clear motive.
That's before Bodard.
He's got a motive.
He spends money like water.
But it wasn't premeditated.
If it was a crime of passion It must have been someone familiar.
A familiar visitor who knew she kept a revolver at her bedside.
Have you kept my letters to you ? You know I have.
The few that there were.
Josephine must've had hundreds.
I've searched high and low and can't find one.
Ask the lovers what she did with them.
Brilliant ! Thank you ! That's what I planned to do.
I'm seeing them tomorrow at ten.
Ha-ha ! Congratulations.
You've developed a sense of humour (!) Mind you, Jules, it's taken you 40 years.
Who'd have thought it ? Despite Monsieur Florentin's flippancy, I've asked you here for a very serious reason.
Josephine Papet is dead.
I believe one of you killed her.
I protest ! I believe another one of you knows who the murderer is.
But you're keeping that knowledge to yourself.
It'd surprise you that Josephine was not alone when the murderer arrived.
Would you mind telling us what you heard from inside the wardrobe ? Not much.
How long did the murderer stay after you heard the shot ? About a quarter of an hour.
So what do you suppose he was looking for ? Any ideas ? Josephine's money ? Maybe it was something else.
Maybe the letters he wrote her.
Possibly incriminating letters.
I'm sure you all wrote her letters - harmless ones, changing an appointment But letters which in the wrong hands might tear apart your life.
Do I look the sort of man who'd stoop to that ?! Most murderers I've met looked like other people.
I've had more than enough of this ! I've got pressures ! I don't need these insults ! You think you can accuse me of murder ! Sit down, Monsieur Courcel.
Now, I'm not so naive as to imagine that one of you is going to stand up and confess.
Although if the man who knows who the murderer is were to come to see me, it would benefit him.
No ? Never mind.
There is someone else.
Someone who also knows who the murderer is.
I believe you've seen all these gentlemen before, madame.
Would you mind looking at their faces ? Which one did you see coming out of the apartment building between three and four on Wednesday afternoon ? Has one of them tried to intimidate you ? You do know what that means ? Threaten you if you talk.
You're quite safe here, I promise.
I'm not stupid, and I'm not paid to do your job for you.
I've nothing to say.
You can't frighten me ! What did you expect, her help ? I thought someone might panic, give me a sign.
Where do we go if they keep their mouths shut ? Back to the concierge.
You think she knows who the murderer is ? If we get nothing from her, I'll have to arrest Leon.
Maybe I should have done in the first place.
If it was one of the other lovers, he didn't get up to much that day.
Not in the bed.
What did Forensics say about the prints in the bedroom ? There weren't any.
None at all ? No.
Get Leon in my office straight away.
Go on, then ! You didn't see the murderer ? No.
You didn't recognise his voice ? But they were in the bedroom ? Yes.
I could hear that.
The bed's untouched.
They didn't go in for their usual purpose.
Why didn't they chat in the living room ? Perhaps he came for the letters.
Why didn't she give them to him ? The lovers gave her allowances.
Why would she blackmail ? I don't know.
She's dead ! The drawer is slightly open.
I opened it to see if the gun was there.
I've told you.
There are no fingerprints.
Perhaps the murderer "I didn't murder her.
" So you keep saying, but you won't say who did.
I don't know who did.
Why did you jump into the river ? Because I'd had enough.
I didn't want to live.
I'd just lost the only person who ever What's funny ?! What's funny ? You are ! How about this ? You knew we were following you.
You'd hidden the money, but not the letters.
What letters ? What letters ? The letters from Josephine's bedroom.
They were in your pocket.
We were watching you.
What better way to get rid of them than jumping in the river ? That's ridiculous ! Ridiculous ! When did your notice expire to leave Josephine's apartment ? She was desperate for me to stay ! She loved me ! That's not what Bodard says.
She wanted you out so he could move in.
And you believe him ? Why should I think he's a liar like you ? She wanted a new model, someone less devious and greedy.
PHONE Maigret.
Oh, damn ! Get back to the apartment, Janvier.
Wait for her there.
Nearly five.
Lapointe, I want you to make a contact with Mr Florentin's rivals.
Don't speak to any of them directly.
Check they're there, and ask if the concierge has visited them.
OK.
Lucas, car.
You don't think the concierge murdered Josephine ? No, she's gone to meet someone.
The murderer ? We have him under lock and key ! I don't think Florentin killed her.
He didn't ? But I'm sure the concierge knows who did.
He probably offered her money to keep her quiet.
If he already gave her money, why see him again ? Perhaps because this morning .
.
she realised her silence was worth more than he gave her.
She's just come back.
She nodded to me, and smiled as she went in ! At least you won't be able to lose me this time, will you, Inspector ? Chief, looks like you were right.
Hidden away in this magazine.
Ah ! 5,000 francs, madame.
They're my savings.
Oh, really ? Are they ? In brand-new notes ? What an unusual place to keep them ! Who gave them to you ? I assume this is the first payment.
Thank you.
I'll bear in mind your help and cooperation (!) PHONE Hello.
Oh, it's you.
What, not even Bodard ? Right, thanks, Lapointe.
Particularly if we prosecute you for blackmail.
You are aware blackmail is illegal ? Even blackmailing a murderer.
I've blackmailed no-one.
If that's so, it's only because you couldn't contact him.
Bit naive, bit optimistic, surely ? Successful men - did you think you'd manage to get hold of one in Paris late on a Friday afternoon ? Unless it was Jean Bodard.
Perhaps it was Bodard.
They say he was still in Paris on his What is it, Chief ? He's got good news for you.
What news ? What news ? If you cooperate with us, I promise you won't go to the guillotine.
I told you, I didn't kill Kill Josephine ? Of course.
I might believe it.
Who knows ? Even Lucas might believe it at a pinch, .
.
but to get a jury to believe it, you need proof.
Not the lies and half-truths you've fobbed me off with.
Let's work out what really happened.
I'll start at the beginning.
Stop me when I go wrong.
On Wednesday afternoon, you had an unexpected visitor.
We agree on that point.
What was unexpected was that he'd come to see you, not Josephine.
He was angry.
Very angry.
After all, he wasn't used to being blackmailed.
He felt he'd given Josephine a lot, behaved decently, after his fashion.
The affair harmed no-one, so why should he pay so dearly for it ? He decided to have it out with you.
He didn't come to kill anyone.
He didn't have a weapon with him.
He looked as if he did.
You tried to hide.
He found you and dragged you into the bedroom.
ALL RIGHT ! I wanted half a million francs.
I needed it.
I'm 53.
I'm not a boy.
What did it mean to him ? Anyway how would I survive on my own otherwise ? So Josephine was going to chuck you out because of Bodard ? Janvier, bring him in.
I've never received such treatment ! Having been dragged from Bordeaux by two thugs of policemen Dragged ? Not me.
Must be the other thug.
How dare you be so impertinent ? I had to share their compartment ! I'd hardly been home ! You must have looked forward to that (!) A Friday at home.
When did you last manage one (?) You didn't think of that when you killed Josephine.
There was no need to stay in Paris till Saturday then.
The concierge didn't think of that when she tried to contact you yesterday afternoon.
What are you talking about ? I didn't see her ! I was on the train ! For once you were on the train.
The concierge didn't think it through.
Why should she ? She didn't realise you'd buzz back to your wife like the other respectable businessmen (!) You never had done before.
You not being there was what put me on to you.
You've no evidence.
You're going to regret this ! You've no evidence.
There's your culprit ! It's obvious ! Not to me, you stupid, lying, pompous idiot ! I've confessed to blackmail.
I won't be done for murder ! I saw you shoot her ! You're not going to believe the word of a common criminal ?! What do you say, Leon ? Why should I believe you ? He was desperate to get the letters.
He'd lose everything if his wife saw them.
It's her family business.
He'd have lost his wife and money.
That He thought he only need shout, I'd give him the letters free ! It's because Leon is a blackmailer that I believe him.
If I wanted to blackmail Josephine's lovers, who would I choose ? Pare ? No.
He has a civil servant's salary.
Courcel is struggling to keep a factory open.
Bodard doesn't have much - an insurance salesman.
I'm afraid it all points to you, Mr Drouet.
You're the only one who has any money to speak of.
It's a complete fabrication ! I deny all knowledge of any letters.
When he realised I wouldn't give him the letters, he went mad.
He went to the bedside drawer and got hold of the gun.
And shot Josee ? Why would I ? She wasn't blackmailing me.
He didn't mean to shoot her.
He had no idea how to handle a gun.
Josee was hysterical.
She came between us to stop him.
He waved the gun and shouted.
He was hysterical, too.
I was almost on the point of giving him the damn letters when .
.
the gun went off.
I'm not given to hysteria.
I'd have thought that obvious.
He's the unstable one - just look at him ! It was terrible, terrible.
There she was, dying, lying on the floor ! He's clearly unwell.
I doubt if he's even responsible for his actions.
What happened then, Leon ? He went off.
And then ? I don't remember.
I was in a daze.
Though you went round the room and cleaned all the fingerprints up.
Why would I do that ? Because once he was identified, he'd be of no more use to you.
A man as rich as you, desperate to hide a murder - there was a chance for Leon to make real money.
He could squeeze you ! He could have more money than he ever dreamt of ! But even money only buys so much.
Even a compulsive liar, thief and blackmailer like Leon has limits.
You won't get him to stand in for a murder that you committed.
Not for all the money in the world.
So, you served him well.
Who, Leon ? Oh, yes, of course.
Everyone used to bail him out, even then.
In all honesty, I've done well by him, since he used a non-existent friendship for protection.
Non-existent ? Yes, it never existed.
Oh.
I've put in a word.
He'll get a couple of years.
Not bad, as he's involved with blackmail, obstructing the police.
And what about Drouet ? It wasn't premeditated.
There are extenuating circumstances.
And he's got a good lawyer.
Precisely, yes.
What did you mean by "oh" ? Pardon ? You said, "Oh.
" I said it was a non-existent friendship.
I said, "Yes, it never existed", and you said, "Oh.
" Did I ? Well, I suppose what I meant was, well, if it never existed, then how did you know his sister ? How keen on her were you ? He told you that ? Were you in love with her ? You're jealous ! Don't be ridiculous ! After all these years ! I'm just curious.
Good old Leon.
Here's to you, son !
I'm sorry.
I really can't help you.
A particular policeman.
I should try a police station.
This is Boulevard Richard-Lenoir ? Yes.
I know he lives here.
I've seen it in the newspapers.
Maigret.
Chief Inspector Maigret.
I'm sorry, monsieur.
I really have no idea.
This is ridiculous.
I was at school with him 40 years ago.
He was even keen on my sister.
Now he's a famous detective and I can't get hold of him.
Monsieur We were inseparable.
Close as close could be.
My father owned the best baker's shop in the area.
Uh-huh.
I used to give Jules cakes because he couldn't afford them.
Pour Jules.
Jules.
Extraordinary.
He's done so well.
I knew he would.
Always so serious.
But I could make him laugh.
Jules.
You know, you've hardly changed at all.
Apart from the moustache, of course.
This is Monsieur Florentin.
An old school friend, I believe.
Would you like something to eat ? I'm making dinner.
Florentin? Thank you.
Maybe a little something.
So why have you done me the honour of getting in touch after all these years ? One of your little jokes backfired, has it ? Or do you want me to give you a reference for a job ? I used to wonder if anyone would ever employ you.
Has anyone ever taken that risk ? Please.
I'm a respectable man.
Antiques dealer.
Oh.
Resident clown in the Lycee Banville.
Most extraordinary thing was you always managed to get away with it.
So So Um I have this woman friend.
She's a marvellous girl.
Marvellous.
We've been together for five years.
I've been everything to her.
Her lover, friend, companion.
That sounds thoroughly idyllic.
Yes, yes.
The only thing is, I'm not the only one.
There are four others.
Four ? One on Wednesdays, one on Thursdays.
I'm sorry.
Carry on.
I'm the really important one.
Of course.
I was.
Was ? Josee was shot this afternoon.
Through the throat.
In her apartment.
She's dead.
Where were you ? I didn't do it, for God's sake ! So where were you ? In her wardrobe.
I stayed every night but Thursdays.
She wouldn't let me then.
Who visited on Thursdays ? Who was allowed such privileges ? His name's Courcel.
She knew him the longest.
He has a ball bearing factory in Rouen.
Who was the Wednesday visitor ? Francois Pare, of the Department of Highways and Bridges.
These are impressive-sounding men.
What did you have that they didn't ? Perhaps with wives they could only afford once a week.
You'd found a soft option.
Don't talk to me like this.
I'm a friend, and upset.
Do these men know each other ? No.
I'm the only one who knew there was anybody else.
Through here.
What exactly happened ? Well, we had a bite of lunch.
Then we chatted a bit, like we usually did.
About 3.
30pm, the doorbell rang.
Her Wednesday visitor ? No, he didn't usually come until 5.
30pm or 6pm.
I made sure I wasn't here then.
I couldn't hear.
I was in the wardrobe.
What, this one ? No, no.
Through here.
Did you often end up in here ? Only when somebody arrived unexpectedly.
They kept fixed hours.
Not much sign of your clothes.
She was meant to be living alone.
You didn't want her protectors .
.
to think they kept you, too.
That's not fair.
How long were you stuck in here ? A quarter of an hour till I heard the shot.
Did you run into the bedroom ? No, no, no.
I stayed in here.
A car could have backfired.
Or you might have got shot, too.
You stayed in there till he'd gone.
How did you know when he'd gone ? I heard the front door close.
It would have been about four.
After you.
Whoever it was waited a quarter of an hour before he left, while you drank your way through the brandy.
Well, yes.
Josephine obviously had a sweet tooth.
Chocolates, sweets Biscuits.
Yes, yes, she certainly did.
Maigret.
Which floor ? (Deaf ?) You did hear me, madame.
What's he done, this Maigret ? Murdered someone ? There's a lot of police upstairs.
Lucas ! Get my friend into the car, Lapointe.
You're not arresting me ? Not yet.
Didn't he do it, then ? Did you see the gentleman who just left earlier today ? Gentleman (?) Yes, yes, I did.
When exactly ? When he ran down the stairs.
When ? Just after four.
About 20 past.
Did you see anyone enter Mlle Papet's flat between 3.
30 and 4pm ? Half past three and four.
No.
You would've see them if they had ? Did you see anyone else go up to the flat this afternoon ? No, no-one.
Except the Wednesday visitor.
Mr Pare.
I don't know their names.
But they turn up regular as clockwork, every week.
He's Wednesday.
Comes just before six.
How long did he stay ? He didn't.
Came straight down.
You're sure about that ? Of course.
Did he say anything to you ? Say anything ? He might have done.
But if he did, I wasn't listening.
Madame, you've been most helpful (!) Lucas.
Oi, you ! Wait ! I want to know what you'll do ! Jules ! Jules ?! Get him to the car ! Gag him ! You don't think I did it ? Why come to you ? Who knows ? You're mad ! Have you told me everything ? Of course ! Why would I lie to you ? Why should I be the exception ? Because this is a matter of life and death ! What did Mr Pare look like ? He's my age.
Tall, balding.
A real civil servant.
Did he take Josephine out Or didn't she say ? She told me everything ! There was a brasserie at Boulevard St-Germain and Rue de Solferino.
It's not smart, but he likes it.
Lucas.
What's happening ? What about the other lovers ? I don't know much.
Don't you ? I thought Josephine told you everything ? One had a limp.
He was about 60.
He came on Saturdays, after lunch.
She didn't know much about him.
Once she found a season ticket Paris-Bordeaux.
And the fourth ? I never saw him.
He was younger.
She used to call him 'the boy'.
Are we going to your office ? I'd like to see it.
Oh, no, no.
We're going to your place, Leon.
Now then, just take your time, Mr Pare.
This is where we first met.
She was at this table.
Just over three years ago.
She was here, .
.
and I was sitting .
.
there.
I used to come here every day for a glass of port, before venturing home to Versailles.
You need a drink before going home, do you ? My wife's very sick.
I've never been unfaithful before.
Josee and I, we weren't simply lovers.
We The most wonderful thing was, we could talk to each other.
To be frank, we weren't really lovers.
Not in the strict sense of the word.
But she was so gentle, so serene, one could open one's heart to her.
And she could to me.
The last three years I've lived for Wednesday.
It's my business, you see.
Antiques.
You have done well (!) What are you looking for ? Who knows ? Found something, Chief.
Were you aware of her having .
.
how shall I put it ? Any other friends, font color="yel No, no, I can't say that I was.
She lived a very quiet life.
I'd have seen her more, but my wife gets more jealous by the year.
It was hard enough to stay in Paris once a week.
But you weren't jealous of Josee ? No, why should I be ? She never gave me cause.
I was of her brother, I suppose.
Briefly.
Her brother ? Yes, I happened to arrive early one Wednesday evening, and he was there.
He's a very interesting and pleasant man.
He's an engineer.
Tall, thin, scruffy-looking ? Yes.
You've seen him already ? Of course you have.
He was very upset, I imagine ? You could say that.
Was there anyone else you wondered about ? Well, a few weeks ago .
.
I came up the stairs, and saw someone leave her flat.
A young man, dark-haired, full of himself.
You've seen him too ? Tell me what you know.
I see you and Josephine shared the same taste in biscuits.
What an unusual place to keep them ! Ah ! My word.
I've known people so addicted to sweets and chocolates, they hid them all over.
How much altogether ? About 400,000 francs.
It's my savings.
Josephine's savings ! No.
Why don't you know how much ? I told you.
Count it.
Count it ! No ! You stole it from Josephine's flat.
No.
You took advantage of your lover's death to steal her savings.
No ! Your lying's quite endearing, Leon, in a disgusting sort of way.
I know how it must look.
I didn't kill Josee.
I was in the wardrobe, as I said.
The money's mine by rights.
She's got no family.
I'm on my uppers.
I gave her my best years ! You know, I'm going to let you go, Leon.
Maybe because of childhood memories, or maybe I'm soft in the head.
I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt.
Good night.
Why did you do that ? He must have killed her ! Stay here.
Hide the car round the corner.
If he comes out, follow him.
Good night, Lapointe ! Was it attempted suicide ? What else would it be ? The only woman he loved murdered, no money, no future.
He did say she was the love of his life, or vice versa.
Nothing to live for, so he tries to drown himself.
In the Seine, with all those people around ? Stupid as well as suicidal ! He was a good swimmer at school.
You can't be tired ! You just got here ! I've tracked Victor down.
Well done.
I got a list of season ticket holders from Bordeaux.
I had to get on my knees ! Petty, jumped-up bureaucrat ! Sorry.
His name's Victor Drouet, and he's a very big wine grower.
Spends too much time in his cellar ! Married money.
His wife's father's business.
In Paris, he stays at the Hotel Scribe.
He's coming here in half an hour.
Rather you than me.
I had an earful ! You've done a good job.
I've another task for you.
The young lover.
Bodard.
Bodard.
Jean-Luc Bodard.
Pare says he's an insurance salesman, offices on the Avenue de l'Opera.
How d'you know all that ?! Jealousy.
He saw Bodard come out of the flat.
Josee gave him his visiting card.
To prove there was nothing naughty.
And he believed her ? Says he did.
You don't believe him ? Put it this way.
He'd have to be very trusting.
He sounds a liar.
Like a lot of people round here.
Right.
How's Florentin ? Dried out yet ? It's all come as such a shock to me, Mr Courcel.
We were very close, my sister and I.
Yes, it must be terrible.
What makes it worse the hotel I mentioned in the South of France, that I hoped to design That I lent you 300,000 francs for.
That makes it worse ! I invested every penny in land, registration, plans, you name it.
It's only a temporary problem, but I've got no money, no cash at all.
Not even enough for my sister's funeral.
Oh dear ! You poor fellow ! How terrible.
It really can't be helped, but you mustn't worry.
Not at a time like this.
Here.
You've always been kind, Mr Courcel.
No, no, no, please ! Florentin, your old friend wants to see you.
And you are ? Fernand Courcel of Courcel Ball Bearings, Rouen.
I heard the terrible news on the wireless.
I was I knew the deceased quite well.
So I believe.
We'll see you later.
This way, sir.
I'd known her for 10 years.
I found the apartment.
We lived together for a while, you know.
A long time ago, now.
I was passionately in love with her.
I always have been.
Well, it was a very passionate affair.
In every sense of the word.
But you married somebody else.
There was the factory.
It's taken most of my life, and given back precious little.
Last year I thought we'd have to close.
Josee loved living here.
She didn't want to move to Rouen.
Why didn't you persuade her, if you loved her so much ? I don't know.
She would have done for me, I'm sure, but It seemed best for both of us.
Extraordinary ! We were both quite happy.
Really.
And it meant she could see her brother.
Her brother - oh, yes.
When he got back from Uruguay.
Uruguay ? I beg your pardon ? He was on a government contract, to build a new town.
He's an architect.
He got back four years ago.
They were very close.
You have met her brother ? You must have.
Mr Courcel I wish she'd been as close to her other siblings.
I'm sorry to tell you, .
.
but Josephine had no brothers and no sisters.
What d'you mean ? That's absurd ! What about Leon ? His real name is Leon Florentin.
He's lived with Josephine Papet for the past four years.
But that's not possible.
Someone's making a fool of you ! I stayed with her every Thursday night.
I was driving up yesterday afternoon Between 3pm and 4pm ? What ? Where were you from 3pm to 4pm ? In my car on my way here, as I am every week.
Were you on your own ? Of course ! Who would I be with ? Mr Courcel, a woman has been murdered.
You said you knew her 10 years, longer than her other lovers.
What other lovers ? Are you saying you spent 10 years in ignorance of the woman she was ? What other lovers ? Answer me ! There were five including yourself.
That's not possible.
I refuse to believe you had no knowledge of it.
You're not a stupid man.
Or are you telling me you've been blinded by love for 10 years ? You knew something was wrong for years.
It ate away at you.
You knew she double-crossed you.
You became resentful - you'd done more for her than anyone.
You even found her the flat.
And she entertained other lovers in it ! One day something snapped, something trivial.
You lost control.
You killed her.
It wasn't planned.
Tell me.
It'll be easier in the end.
Leon did it ! He must have done ! After all I've done for him ! Get off me ! Let me go ! That'll be all for the moment.
Take him out, Lucas.
The back way.
Come on.
Uruguay, eh ? Oh, that.
What did you expect me to say ? I'm impressed by your imagination.
What else did he tell you ? He confirmed Josephine had just as vivid an imagination as you.
I'm not surprised the two of you got on ! Did he also say I haven't a centime ? No, that didn't come up.
I can't think why (!) It's not a joke.
You took all my money.
Josephine's money ! I haven't even got the price of a meal.
It's true.
Search me.
I'd rather not ! What am I going to do ? Make it last.
Can I go ? Can't think what you're doing here.
Lapointe, follow Mr Florentin once again.
Make sure he doesn't fall in the water.
By the way, Leon, do you own a revolver ? Yes.
I bought it for Josee.
Really ? I found it at the bottom of a trunk I got at a sale two years ago.
Do you keep it loaded ? Yes.
She kept it at her bedside.
Not to be nervous when I was away.
Not much to be nervous about, the number of people she entertained (!) You know it's not there now ? I know.
I looked.
You looked ? Why ? Because if anybody found it, I'd be in trouble.
You're in more trouble than ever ! I've always been in trouble, do you remember ? But I always got off, and I will this time, you see, because I'm innocent.
Perhaps.
Right, then ? Not too fast for you ? How long did you know Josephine ? I read about it in the paper.
This morning.
Five lines.
Five lines ! Three months.
I met her three months ago.
She was a nice woman.
Very nice.
A bit old, but Anyway, I was trying to sell her an accident policy.
Matter of fact, I got close to getting her to sign.
Then, well, we got distracted.
You know how it is.
I'm a happily married man, Mr Bodard.
Yes, of course you are.
She was fun.
Wanted a good time.
No commitments.
The older ones are often like that.
Makes them feel they're still young.
Did you have a special time to go there ? Good God ! I don't go at special times ! What do you think I am ? Be like going to the dentist ! Was there ever anyone else there ? No.
Well, just the human scarecrow.
He shot off when I turned up.
I could never see why she stuck with him.
He says they were in love.
From what she said, it was because he was better than nothing.
Just.
Isn't that what you'd expect her to say ? Sure.
Spot on.
Except I don't mean to brag, but if she was so mad about him, why did she ask me to move in with her ? I saw her on Saturdays from 3pm to 5pm, then went back to my wife.
I'm a man of regular habits.
What did you do yesterday, Mr Drouet, from 3pm to 4pm ? I walked along the Grands Boulevards.
I walk from 10am to 11am and 3pm to 4pm.
Doctor's orders.
Ask anyone in my office.
No-one was with you ? Of course not.
This leaves you without an alibi.
Do I need one ? You do, as one of Josephine's lovers.
One of them ? How many of us were there ? Four, I believe, plus the man she lived with.
What did she mean to you ? She provided relaxation.
I need relaxation.
She was discreet.
It was more than a business arrangement But not much more.
I had a mistress, a former secretary.
But she married four years ago.
Luckily, I met Josephine.
So there was a vacancy to be filled.
I didn't come here for a moral lecture.
Excuse me.
I've had to rearrange several meetings.
If there's nothing urgent, I'll bid you good day.
I want you to be here at 10am tomorrow morning.
If you can juggle your appointments to fit me in (!) So Janvier doesn't think Bodard killed her.
Janvier is biased.
Bodard reminds him of his youth or the youth he never had.
He admits Bodard has no alibi.
What was he doing ? He says he sold some insurance, got blind drunk to celebrate.
He can't remember where.
None of them has an alibi.
Well, Pare has.
His office swears he was in all day.
Civil servants ! Threaten their paperclip supply, they swear to anything (!) Why are you so irritable ? Is it because you haven't arrested Leon ? You think I should.
Everyone else does.
I don't know.
He seems rather helpless.
Poor man.
On the other hand, he needs money.
Only he has a clear motive.
That's before Bodard.
He's got a motive.
He spends money like water.
But it wasn't premeditated.
If it was a crime of passion It must have been someone familiar.
A familiar visitor who knew she kept a revolver at her bedside.
Have you kept my letters to you ? You know I have.
The few that there were.
Josephine must've had hundreds.
I've searched high and low and can't find one.
Ask the lovers what she did with them.
Brilliant ! Thank you ! That's what I planned to do.
I'm seeing them tomorrow at ten.
Ha-ha ! Congratulations.
You've developed a sense of humour (!) Mind you, Jules, it's taken you 40 years.
Who'd have thought it ? Despite Monsieur Florentin's flippancy, I've asked you here for a very serious reason.
Josephine Papet is dead.
I believe one of you killed her.
I protest ! I believe another one of you knows who the murderer is.
But you're keeping that knowledge to yourself.
It'd surprise you that Josephine was not alone when the murderer arrived.
Would you mind telling us what you heard from inside the wardrobe ? Not much.
How long did the murderer stay after you heard the shot ? About a quarter of an hour.
So what do you suppose he was looking for ? Any ideas ? Josephine's money ? Maybe it was something else.
Maybe the letters he wrote her.
Possibly incriminating letters.
I'm sure you all wrote her letters - harmless ones, changing an appointment But letters which in the wrong hands might tear apart your life.
Do I look the sort of man who'd stoop to that ?! Most murderers I've met looked like other people.
I've had more than enough of this ! I've got pressures ! I don't need these insults ! You think you can accuse me of murder ! Sit down, Monsieur Courcel.
Now, I'm not so naive as to imagine that one of you is going to stand up and confess.
Although if the man who knows who the murderer is were to come to see me, it would benefit him.
No ? Never mind.
There is someone else.
Someone who also knows who the murderer is.
I believe you've seen all these gentlemen before, madame.
Would you mind looking at their faces ? Which one did you see coming out of the apartment building between three and four on Wednesday afternoon ? Has one of them tried to intimidate you ? You do know what that means ? Threaten you if you talk.
You're quite safe here, I promise.
I'm not stupid, and I'm not paid to do your job for you.
I've nothing to say.
You can't frighten me ! What did you expect, her help ? I thought someone might panic, give me a sign.
Where do we go if they keep their mouths shut ? Back to the concierge.
You think she knows who the murderer is ? If we get nothing from her, I'll have to arrest Leon.
Maybe I should have done in the first place.
If it was one of the other lovers, he didn't get up to much that day.
Not in the bed.
What did Forensics say about the prints in the bedroom ? There weren't any.
None at all ? No.
Get Leon in my office straight away.
Go on, then ! You didn't see the murderer ? No.
You didn't recognise his voice ? But they were in the bedroom ? Yes.
I could hear that.
The bed's untouched.
They didn't go in for their usual purpose.
Why didn't they chat in the living room ? Perhaps he came for the letters.
Why didn't she give them to him ? The lovers gave her allowances.
Why would she blackmail ? I don't know.
She's dead ! The drawer is slightly open.
I opened it to see if the gun was there.
I've told you.
There are no fingerprints.
Perhaps the murderer "I didn't murder her.
" So you keep saying, but you won't say who did.
I don't know who did.
Why did you jump into the river ? Because I'd had enough.
I didn't want to live.
I'd just lost the only person who ever What's funny ?! What's funny ? You are ! How about this ? You knew we were following you.
You'd hidden the money, but not the letters.
What letters ? What letters ? The letters from Josephine's bedroom.
They were in your pocket.
We were watching you.
What better way to get rid of them than jumping in the river ? That's ridiculous ! Ridiculous ! When did your notice expire to leave Josephine's apartment ? She was desperate for me to stay ! She loved me ! That's not what Bodard says.
She wanted you out so he could move in.
And you believe him ? Why should I think he's a liar like you ? She wanted a new model, someone less devious and greedy.
PHONE Maigret.
Oh, damn ! Get back to the apartment, Janvier.
Wait for her there.
Nearly five.
Lapointe, I want you to make a contact with Mr Florentin's rivals.
Don't speak to any of them directly.
Check they're there, and ask if the concierge has visited them.
OK.
Lucas, car.
You don't think the concierge murdered Josephine ? No, she's gone to meet someone.
The murderer ? We have him under lock and key ! I don't think Florentin killed her.
He didn't ? But I'm sure the concierge knows who did.
He probably offered her money to keep her quiet.
If he already gave her money, why see him again ? Perhaps because this morning .
.
she realised her silence was worth more than he gave her.
She's just come back.
She nodded to me, and smiled as she went in ! At least you won't be able to lose me this time, will you, Inspector ? Chief, looks like you were right.
Hidden away in this magazine.
Ah ! 5,000 francs, madame.
They're my savings.
Oh, really ? Are they ? In brand-new notes ? What an unusual place to keep them ! Who gave them to you ? I assume this is the first payment.
Thank you.
I'll bear in mind your help and cooperation (!) PHONE Hello.
Oh, it's you.
What, not even Bodard ? Right, thanks, Lapointe.
Particularly if we prosecute you for blackmail.
You are aware blackmail is illegal ? Even blackmailing a murderer.
I've blackmailed no-one.
If that's so, it's only because you couldn't contact him.
Bit naive, bit optimistic, surely ? Successful men - did you think you'd manage to get hold of one in Paris late on a Friday afternoon ? Unless it was Jean Bodard.
Perhaps it was Bodard.
They say he was still in Paris on his What is it, Chief ? He's got good news for you.
What news ? What news ? If you cooperate with us, I promise you won't go to the guillotine.
I told you, I didn't kill Kill Josephine ? Of course.
I might believe it.
Who knows ? Even Lucas might believe it at a pinch, .
.
but to get a jury to believe it, you need proof.
Not the lies and half-truths you've fobbed me off with.
Let's work out what really happened.
I'll start at the beginning.
Stop me when I go wrong.
On Wednesday afternoon, you had an unexpected visitor.
We agree on that point.
What was unexpected was that he'd come to see you, not Josephine.
He was angry.
Very angry.
After all, he wasn't used to being blackmailed.
He felt he'd given Josephine a lot, behaved decently, after his fashion.
The affair harmed no-one, so why should he pay so dearly for it ? He decided to have it out with you.
He didn't come to kill anyone.
He didn't have a weapon with him.
He looked as if he did.
You tried to hide.
He found you and dragged you into the bedroom.
ALL RIGHT ! I wanted half a million francs.
I needed it.
I'm 53.
I'm not a boy.
What did it mean to him ? Anyway how would I survive on my own otherwise ? So Josephine was going to chuck you out because of Bodard ? Janvier, bring him in.
I've never received such treatment ! Having been dragged from Bordeaux by two thugs of policemen Dragged ? Not me.
Must be the other thug.
How dare you be so impertinent ? I had to share their compartment ! I'd hardly been home ! You must have looked forward to that (!) A Friday at home.
When did you last manage one (?) You didn't think of that when you killed Josephine.
There was no need to stay in Paris till Saturday then.
The concierge didn't think of that when she tried to contact you yesterday afternoon.
What are you talking about ? I didn't see her ! I was on the train ! For once you were on the train.
The concierge didn't think it through.
Why should she ? She didn't realise you'd buzz back to your wife like the other respectable businessmen (!) You never had done before.
You not being there was what put me on to you.
You've no evidence.
You're going to regret this ! You've no evidence.
There's your culprit ! It's obvious ! Not to me, you stupid, lying, pompous idiot ! I've confessed to blackmail.
I won't be done for murder ! I saw you shoot her ! You're not going to believe the word of a common criminal ?! What do you say, Leon ? Why should I believe you ? He was desperate to get the letters.
He'd lose everything if his wife saw them.
It's her family business.
He'd have lost his wife and money.
That He thought he only need shout, I'd give him the letters free ! It's because Leon is a blackmailer that I believe him.
If I wanted to blackmail Josephine's lovers, who would I choose ? Pare ? No.
He has a civil servant's salary.
Courcel is struggling to keep a factory open.
Bodard doesn't have much - an insurance salesman.
I'm afraid it all points to you, Mr Drouet.
You're the only one who has any money to speak of.
It's a complete fabrication ! I deny all knowledge of any letters.
When he realised I wouldn't give him the letters, he went mad.
He went to the bedside drawer and got hold of the gun.
And shot Josee ? Why would I ? She wasn't blackmailing me.
He didn't mean to shoot her.
He had no idea how to handle a gun.
Josee was hysterical.
She came between us to stop him.
He waved the gun and shouted.
He was hysterical, too.
I was almost on the point of giving him the damn letters when .
.
the gun went off.
I'm not given to hysteria.
I'd have thought that obvious.
He's the unstable one - just look at him ! It was terrible, terrible.
There she was, dying, lying on the floor ! He's clearly unwell.
I doubt if he's even responsible for his actions.
What happened then, Leon ? He went off.
And then ? I don't remember.
I was in a daze.
Though you went round the room and cleaned all the fingerprints up.
Why would I do that ? Because once he was identified, he'd be of no more use to you.
A man as rich as you, desperate to hide a murder - there was a chance for Leon to make real money.
He could squeeze you ! He could have more money than he ever dreamt of ! But even money only buys so much.
Even a compulsive liar, thief and blackmailer like Leon has limits.
You won't get him to stand in for a murder that you committed.
Not for all the money in the world.
So, you served him well.
Who, Leon ? Oh, yes, of course.
Everyone used to bail him out, even then.
In all honesty, I've done well by him, since he used a non-existent friendship for protection.
Non-existent ? Yes, it never existed.
Oh.
I've put in a word.
He'll get a couple of years.
Not bad, as he's involved with blackmail, obstructing the police.
And what about Drouet ? It wasn't premeditated.
There are extenuating circumstances.
And he's got a good lawyer.
Precisely, yes.
What did you mean by "oh" ? Pardon ? You said, "Oh.
" I said it was a non-existent friendship.
I said, "Yes, it never existed", and you said, "Oh.
" Did I ? Well, I suppose what I meant was, well, if it never existed, then how did you know his sister ? How keen on her were you ? He told you that ? Were you in love with her ? You're jealous ! Don't be ridiculous ! After all these years ! I'm just curious.
Good old Leon.
Here's to you, son !