Kommissar Rex (Inspector Rex) (1994) s02e05 Episode Script

INSPECTOR REX DEATH WEARS A MASK Christine will be there soon.
How are you, madam? Just ten more minutes.
Damn.
Rex, get me my gloves.
They're in the shed.
This is only one.
Where's the other one? How often have I told you not to chew gloves, slippers or towels? Moving stressed me too, but I don't wreck your stuff.
What an idiot.
As if I'd ever hurt you.
Moser.
Hi, Richard.
It's me.
What are you doing? Okay.
We have a suspected murder in a beauty salon.
The police physician isn't sure when and how.
Yes, I have asked Dr Graf to attend.
What? I have no idea if that's right.
Go there.
Yes, bye.
We were close friends.
We always came here together.
Was Mrs Hofner ill? Was it cardiovascular collapse? The treatment could trigger it.
No, Renate was quite healthy.
That's why the police should investigate.
I don't think it was an accident, or that we're responsible.
I might as well close up shop.
What's up with you? A cold? It could be the Oil of Nepal.
My dog is allergic to it too.
Morning.
Hi, Leo.
Sorry, but my car's at the garage.
Höllerer kindly came to pick me up.
We got stuck in a traffic jam at a construction site.
I must go.
I'll see you at the office.
Can I be of use? I see.
Well no external injuries to the head.
Of course it could also be It could be heart failure due to coronary occlusion.
Her friend said she was healthy.
There are no bruises on the neck and the larynx seems to be all right.
Look at this.
Specks of blood in the eyes and conjunctiva.
Strangulation can cause that.
But there's no sign of that.
The autopsy will give you details.
Death was probably caused by asphyxiation.
Natural or foreign influence? I think someone caused it, made it happen.
Mrs Wielke, please come to my office.
- Please have a seat.
- Thanks.
I know you told my colleague but can you now tell me what happened at the salon? Yes.
Well, Renate and l arrived there about 1 0 o'clock.
And Renate was in her cubicle, while I was in the relaxation room.
Were you alone or with someone? No, alone.
Until Mrs Stadler fetched me and told me something had happened to Renate.
- Mrs Ofner was divorced.
- Yes.
For some years.
Her ex-husband had a soft drink wholesale business.
- You run a champagne house.
- I own it.
Sorry.
I've run it since my husband died.
- What did she live off? - She didn't need to work.
Her ex paid her maintenance.
I see.
- A lot? - Quite a lot.
But he has enough money.
Are you suggesting You can't Was anyone else in Mrs Ofner's life? Friends, acquaintances? If by friend you mean a lover, no.
So no one had a motive.
Everyone liked Renate.
She had no enemies.
I doubt that.
But if she was killed, someone must have known her habits.
We were the best of friends.
That's all.
I have to go now.
The company - We'll talk again.
- You know how to reach me.
Goodbye, Mrs Wielke.
What's with her? What was I saying? Two clients left before the body was found.
One of them saw a woman who possibly came out of Ofner's cubicle.
What did she look like? Like all the others.
White coat, white turban, white face mask.
Wielke says she was in the relaxation room.
But she could have gone to the cubicle, killed Ofner and gone back again.
And her motive? Ofner must have been killed by someone who knew she'd be there.
No one goes to a salon to kill someone at random.
And someone made it look like a natural death or an accident.
No tracks, no gun, no nothing.
The whole thing was planned, I tell you.
Let me tell you, Mrs Ofner's apartment is a dream.
A penthouse overlooking the city.
I'd like that.
- Did you check inside? - Nothing special there.
But it was found, from notes she'd written, that she'd met up with a Mr Baumann.
Well who is he? I heard a bit from a neighbour who saw me leaving the flat with the box.
- Did she ring the police? - I showed her my lD.
The nice old lady then opened the door and told me that Mr Baumann visited Ofner regularly.
- He picked her up.
- Wielke must have known.
But she said that her best friend had no boyfriend.
She did.
And who do you think this Baumann is? The lawyer who did her divorce.
Leo How are things? Well, she was murdered.
I was right.
She suffocated through closure of her respiratory organs.
Can you explain that to me using layman's terms? Yes, I can.
The woman was defenceless.
The killer only had to make sure that the victim wouldn't utter a sound during the attack.
A cloth over the face, or what? Come with me and I'll show you.
Look at it.
- Do you see it? - I don't.
Come on.
- Now, perhaps? - Looks like a fabric fibre.
But it's leather.
The victim inhaled it.
So I assume the woman's airways were covered by a leather object.
Did you analyse it? The leather shows tiny traces of wear and tear.
So it's a commonly used object.
Made of leather For instance? How would I know? - Cloths, or gloves, or - Exactly.
And if they were thick gloves, they even muffled the sound.
What's the matter with him? - Why's he so nervous? - Quiet.
- Franz, I won't go riding.
- Fine, madam.
He's always so nervous.
Hello, Mum.
Are you all right? Something awful has happened.
Renate is dead.
Renate is dead? That can't be.
She's dead, she's dead.
She was found dead in her cubicle, in the beauty salon where we always I've just come from the police.
Why from the police? Irene, that's the owner of this salon, she called them, so that no one would think that the treatment caused Renate's death.
- What did they say? - They questioned me.
They believe Renate was murdered.
But that's absurd.
Can I get you anything? Make me a hot cup of tea.
Rex, you'd better stay here.
Here's your tea, Mum.
This will do you good.
He's from the police.
I wonder what he wants now.
If he bothers you, complain about him.
That's precisely what I'll do.
- I'll speak to him alone.
- I'm off.
Sasha do you need money? Always.
Yes? Sorry to bother you, but - Some new developments.
- Come in.
I haven't much time.
A happier world.
Yes.
Perhaps.
We now know your friend was murdered.
Suffocated.
Allegedly by a woman who was seen leaving her cubicle.
Piss off, you mongrel.
You were relaxing, but there are no witnesses.
But the person who was seen, who left Mrs Ofner's cubicle, was dressed like you.
How dare you suspect me? The murderer knew Mrs Ofner was at the salon, she could move around inconspicuously, and there's normally a link between killer and victim.
What is it? Can I help? Asthma.
Bag Shall I call a doctor? Are you all right? I've had this for years.
No one had a motive to kill Renate.
I knew her very well.
Who really knows anyone? - Hello.
Am I interrupting? - No, this is Mr Moser, Crime Squad.
My name is Baumann.
I'm Mrs Wielke's lawyer.
Is this about the death of Renate Ofner? - You did Mrs Ofner's divorce? - Yes, I did.
It wasn't very easy, but Renate did pretty well.
And you had private dealings with Mrs Ofner? That was years ago.
Why mention it? How did you know Mrs Ofner was dead? Karla, I mean Mrs Wielke, rang me.
I did.
Mr Baumann and l have a business meeting.
You'll have to excuse us.
I'd like to speak with you.
- My office at 1 0 a.
m? - Sorry, I have a meeting.
- What about 1 0.
45 a.
m? - That's fine.
What's up? You act like I've been away for three weeks.
What is it? Hey, let go of me.
Where are you taking me? Someone rode a motorcycle, so what? So he headed straight for you? You got out of the way.
Why didn't you say so? Come along now.
We'll have to have a word with Mrs Wielke.
Impossible.
It can't just be gone.
- What can't? - My ham roll.
You ate it and forgot that you ate it.
If I had, I'd have a stomach ache, but I don't.
Soon.
Could there be a black hole where my ham rolls - Höllerer - Why look at me? Hey, where did you come from? Well, he just ran ahead of me.
- What's new? - Look at this.
A ham roll.
And where's the ham? - You ate it.
- I don't find it funny.
Relax, Stocki, here we go.
Have you checked Mrs Ofner's ex? Yes, he has a cast-iron alibi.
But Höllerer found something.
Right? Yes.
Among her things were copies of letters she'd written to Mr Baumann.
- She threatened him.
- Threatened him? With what? She says if he were to leave her, she'd reveal some of his shady business deals.
- The latest was three weeks ago.
- What? So they have been in contact recently.
So Baumann had a motive.
But the killer was a woman.
Perhaps Wielke was his accomplice.
Why her? She was there, she had the opportunity, and no alibi.
And Baumann was with her.
So he's Wielke's lawyer as well? - Seems like it.
- But she has no motive.
Unless it was a favour for Mr Baumann.
But would she kill her best friend? Where's my tie now? Rex, have you seen my tie? Should I put it on? Who cares.
Get the door.
Open the door.
Go on.
Hello, Rex.
You're right on time.
I was going to put on my tie.
It wouldn't have suited your apron.
- I see.
- Rex doesn't seem happy.
That must be because I am delighted.
Come in.
You scared me.
No one sleeps in my presence.
I'll remember that.
What if I had gone under? I'd have watched you gasping for air.
You deserve it.
I told you there was nothing between me and Renate.
Now there isn't.
And never will be.
She was my best friend But she kept some things from me.
Such as? Such as you two still seeing each other She asked me to represent her.
Anything else? Renate didn't like me talking about you.
And I am very jealous.
Did you tell Renate we intend to get married? No.
No one knows other than us and Sasha.
I'm glad you agreed to the prenuptial.
But that's a matter of course.
We must tell Sasha.
It's important.
He'll feel more secure.
I'll get him more involved in the firm.
He must learn responsibility.
He's to take over the firm.
As soon as possible.
Come here.
Then we'll have more time for each other.
Sasha said it's cool we're getting married.
Yes, that's good.
Did you ever tell Renate we were getting married? I'm not mad.
Everyone already says I'm after your money.
She wouldn't have liked it.
She wanted you too.
She didn't hear it from me, and apart from that, that file is closed now, isn't it? Closed? Rex, come here.
What's this silly jealousy? Don't be jealous, I won't take him away.
And I decide who takes me away.
He's so clever, he always does this.
Stop.
You said he must obey at work, but at home he's free.
So he's free to send me flying.
Now go and make up with him.
Fine.
Tomorrow.
He really is clever, your Rex.
Yes and these aren't his best tricks.
- I can't wait.
- That handbag - What? - The bag.
What about it? It's a professional question.
This bag - Is it common or rare? - Rather rare and not cheap.
May l? I'm not hung up on luxury, but sometimes I spoil myself.
I work hard, too.
Would two girlfriends buy the same bag? Of course it happens, but it's unlikely.
It's to do with a murder in a beauty salon.
Two girlfriends have a bag like this one.
They look identical due to facial masks.
They could be mixed up.
Is the case solved or will it be my shoes next? Sorry, just an idea What happens with asthma? Asthma? Asthma is a respiratory attack.
You breathe in, the bronchi seize up and you can't exhale, which leads to symptoms of asphyxiation.
Can you suffocate during an attack? Absolutely.
Unless you take measures immediately.
Sorry, I must make a call.
Someone's life is in danger.
Sorry to bother you so late, Mrs Wielke, but it's urgent.
Mr Moser, I can also ask my lawyer Yes, Renate and l have the same handbag.
Why? We had the same taste in everything.
What does it have to do with Mrs Ofner's death? What? Mistaken identity? Someone had tried to kill me? The murder was made to look like natural death.
You have asthma, which can lead to asphyxiation.
Mrs Wielke Mrs Ofner was mistaken for you.
But that makes no sense at all.
No, I have no enemies! No, not even female ones.
Yes, I will look after myself.
- Well? - Renate was mistaken for me.
- I gathered that.
- What do you think? It's total nonsense.
The police don't have a clue.
It was too good to be true.
So you do have time for a private life after all? We're still using our surnames.
I had to speed things up.
According to taxation, Wielke Champagne Bottlers is a strong business making solid profits.
Mr Baumann acts as the firm's lawyer.
A lucrative job.
But if Ofner found something out, he'd no longer be the firm's lawyer.
Morning.
Must have been a long night.
Rather a short one.
And I found out that Wielke was the intended victim.
What? That negates all our theories.
We've found no motive yet for Ofner's murder.
But if it was Wielke, it makes sense because of her asthma.
Had she suffocated, it would have looked natural.
True, but must we now start again from the beginning? - What led you to this? - Well, my vet.
She has the same handbag as Wielke and Ofner.
I see.
It was the vet who visited you.
- Who says it was her? - Come on, now.
Don't pretend.
The evidence is against you.
You're late, you have a hangover, Rex falls asleep He was trying to interfere all night.
Confess, Mr Moser.
You're idiots.
Did something happen or not? Well, something Well? We're on first-name terms.
Will that do? I think we're facing a typical, obstinate Taurus.
No matter.
I'll check for Rex's paw marks on the bedroom door.
Then I'll know everything.
- Gentlemen.
- Good morning.
Have a seat.
Please be brief.
My time is limited.
Is there anything urgent at Wielke & Co? - No.
Why? - You are their lawyer.
And you act as trustee for some foundations.
Who will inherit the company when Mrs Wielke dies? Her son, Sasha, of course.
We know that a good lawyer has some influence.
And knows his advantages.
And you are a good lawyer.
Are you suggesting I wanted to murder Mrs Wielke? No But things have changed.
If Mrs Wielke was the intended victim, we check everyone who has a motive.
But I don't have one.
Then you'll have an alibi.
Where were you between On the golf course.
The club's near the Prater.
Call them.
Someone would have seen me.
The Prater's near the 1 st District.
Easy driving distance.
Is that so? But you forget a woman committed the murder.
The eyewitness only saw this person from behind.
Because she looked like all the others there, the witness thought she saw a woman.
It could have been a man in women's clothes.
This is impossible.
But all right.
If you think the killer was a man, you might as well consider Mrs Wielke's son.
We'll talk to him as well, sure.
How was Mrs Ofner blackmailing you? If Mrs Wielke was the target, that's irrelevant.
Who knows? You could have killed Mrs Ofner because you didn't want to lose Wielke's business.
You know I could claim confidentiality.
I don't have to say anything.
But I did nothing.
I didn't kill Renate or want to kill Mrs Wielke.
I'm now heading an investment company Which cheated investors out of their money.
But our concerns lie elsewhere.
- May I go? - Please yourself.
We'll stay in touch.
Goodbye, sir.
Höllerer.
I need someone to do surveillance.
- He got hot under the collar.
- A certain Mr Baumann, lawyer.
I'll call by.
Maybe we should confront him with the Ofner story again.
- You did well.
- Really? You can really scare me, you know.
Yes, it's Moser.
I need to speak to your son.
I see.
Since when? When will he be back? I'd like to have a look at his room.
Mrs Wielke, it would be better to cooperate.
I'll explain it in person.
Thanks.
I'll go to the golf club to check Baumann's alibi.
Sasha Wielke went to ltaly yesterday.
For a short holiday.
I'll check out his room.
Rex, let's go.
Come on.
I'll get you some bones.
How about this, Rex? Hello.
Well, did you find any evidence against my son? No, but I didn't expect to.
Tell your dog to leave the room.
Sasha doesn't like dogs.
My dog knows that.
We're done.
Come on, Rex.
Come here, or we'll really cop it.
The gloves.
The woman you saw looked just like her.
- Yes.
- You're sure? A bit shorter, perhaps.
But it could have been her.
Thanks, Mrs Stockinger.
Come out now.
But he's a man.
What? I see.
- Moser here.
- Höllerer, hi.
The leather fibre Dr Graf found belongs to the glove you brought.
Wimmer is following Mr Baumann, and is heading for the Wielke residence.
No idea where Wielke is.
Probably at home.
Stay.
- Hello.
Where's Mrs Wielke? - She's gone riding.
- Anything new? - lndeed.
We believe Renate Ofner's killer was a man.
Come, Patrick.
What is it? Sasha! Let go! That was a short holiday.
A riding accident this time, since you mistook Ofner for your mother.
Sasha I won't have it taken from me.
- It belongs to me.
- Be quiet.
- The firm, the house - Be quiet.
You wanted to push me out.
- Dad wouldn't have allowed it.
- Don't.
Since he died, you play the big boss.
And now the lawyer.
But not with me.
Everything was to be yours.
I made sure of that.