Doctor Hoffman’s Children

[bright music] [upbeat music] [soft ominous music] [soft ominous music crescendos] [dramatic music] [water splashes] -[eerie music] -[singers vocalizing] [doors thudding] [dispatcher chattering on the radio] [soft ominous music] His name's Robert Hendricks.

That's his office.

Up there.

He ran his own business, pharmaceuticals.

Here.

Get these to forensics.

Tell them I want the report on my desk first thing in the morning.

What's the problem?

Today's Sunday.

All right, 2:00 at the latest.

Tell them I said to skip lunch.

So, what do you think, Harry?

Was he alive when he went off?

I'll tell you better when I've had him on the slab.

Uh-huh.

Here we go again.

[soft eerie music] [train rattling] [soft ominous music] [chattering] [indistinct chatter] Ah, it's good of you to come here, Miss Van Roekel, and to get here so quickly.

Thank you.

[Elly] There wasn't much traffic.

I live fairly close.

Now, how long have you been Mr. Hendricks' secretary?

His personal assistant.

5 1/2 years.

How often did he come in here to work on a Sunday?

[Elly] Not often.

But sometimes.

If he felt it was necessary.

Mr. Hendricks is an extremely thorough man.

He worked to a routine then?

[Elly] Always.

And was it part of his routine to go up onto the roof from time to time?

Actually, yes.

He sometimes took a break and went up there.

He enjoyed the view.

Really?

This one looks more than adequate to me.

[phone ringing] Oh.

Can you think of a reason why Mr. Hendricks should want to kill himself?

[Elly] He didn't.

That sounds very positive.

Then let me tell you, Commissaris, had wanted to commit suicide, he would have left some sort of explanation, a note, a letter.

Perhaps he did.

Did you find one?

[Van Der Valk] Not yet.

You won't.

When he worked here on a Sunday, was he always alone?

Yes.

[Van Der Valk] No appointments, no visitors.

Not as far as I know.

I'm asking, you see, because the security man in the lobby says that no one, and I mean no one, came in here today, not even Mr. Hendricks.

There's a private lift from the basement.

It connects directly with this floor.

Mr. Hendricks must have used it.

Yes, that's what the security man says.

So, someone might've come up here with him, or used that lift and come up here later.

Only if they were expected.

Mr. Hendricks had the key.

And you also have a key, I mean, as his personal assistant.

Obviously.

So, it's possible that someone else was up here today.

It's possible, I suppose.

[soft tense music] Is there a Mrs. Hendricks?

Yes.

Her name is Monika.

Where does she live?

It's the other side of Muiderberg.

[suspenseful music] [ominous music] Oh, I'm sorry, won't you-- No thank you, Mrs. Hendricks.

I'm very sorry.

Yes.

I expect you have some questions.

If you feel up to them.

I'm afraid I'm the kind that has to write everything down.

Yes, my husband was the same.

What time did he leave this morning?

At 10:20.

And were you surprised?

Surprised?

That he was going to the office on a Sunday?

No, he often did.

When it came to business, Robert was a very painstaking man.

What kind of mood was he in?

Well, I mean, was he excited in any way or was he upset or depressed?

No.

Did he show any kind of emotion?

Was there anything about him that you'd say was strange or unusual?

[sighs] My husband rarely showed emotion, Commissaris.

It would have been unusual if he had.

When he went out this morning, he was the same as always.

Which was?

Disciplined.

[Van Der Valk] Was he not, then, a particularly sociable man?

No.

Did he have many friends?

Robert had business associates, Commissaris, and a number of what I believe you would call contacts, but no friends.

What about enemies?

[water lapping] Do you mind if I take a look at his room?

His bedroom, you mean?

No, sorry.

I meant his workroom or study.

I assume your husband had one.

Oh.

Most impressive.

Would you like me to go?

No thank you, Mrs. Hendricks.

I'm making you uncomfortable.

Please, it'll help me if you stay, though I'd much prefer it if you sat down.

May I?

The truth is, if I seem a little awkward, that there are a few more things I need to ask you.

Personal things?

Yes.

Were you and your husband close, Mrs. Hendricks?

You mean did we love each other?

[sighs] It isn't easy to say.

I suppose we did once.

-But not-- -Not recently.

[chuckles] Not for years, Commissaris.

Oh, it's all right.

I don't mind talking about it.

I shared my husband's name, his house, and what part of his life he chose to allow me, but love?

No, not for years.

Was there a reason?

[sighs] He was from the North, one of those little villages out in the country.

They're an independent people up there.

Sometimes they seem cold, unfeeling, almost cruel.

Robert was like that.

[scoffs] Does that sound ridiculous?

Well, perhaps.

I'm from the Catholic South, you see.

I meant something particular, a specific reason.

Do you have children?

Yes.

I envy you.

I wanted children.

I wanted children very much.

Robert didn't.

It poisoned our marriage.

It's as simple as that.

I'm sorry.

He made me swear.

It was just after we were married.

See, I thought I could do it, that I could make a life together just the two of us, that it would be sufficient.

I was wrong.

Wasn't possible.

At least not for me.

So, one night I tricked him, got myself pregnant.

I'd hoped...

He was furious, not loud or violent, but cold, terrifying.

So I had an abortion.

Killed my baby.

Killed my marriage, too.

A great pity.

I think I would've made a good mother.

I really do.

Does that answer your question, Commissaris?

Is that reason specific enough for you?

More than enough.

I'm truly sorry.

Did your husband own an umbrella?

An umbrella?

[Van Der Valk] Yeah.

[chuckles] I think so.

Is it here in the house?

I suppose so.

Do you want to see it?

If you wouldn't mind.

[ominous music] Here it is.

Oh yes.

Thank you.

Do you want to take it?

No, but I'll keep these for the moment, if I may.

Yes, of course.

Mrs. Hendricks, you said that your marriage had no love left in it.

Please forgive me, was there any sex?

No.

So, your husband-- [Monika] Had girlfriends.

Yes, of course he did.

Did you mind?

Oh yes, I minded.

At least to begin with.

Yes, there was a time when I would have smiled to see him dead.

But his little romances didn't last long.

He couldn't enjoy them.

Wasn't in his nature, you see.

Poor Robert.

He really was a monogamous man.

So, he kept a mistress.

For the past five years.

How did you feel about that?

Oh, worse.

It's far worse than the empty-headed girlfriends.

It means you have a permanent rival.

That's difficult for a wife.

Do you have any idea who she is?

[Monika laughs] [ominous music] I'm sorry.

It's late.

I wasn't in bed.

In fact, I've been expecting you.

You've been to see Monika.

I knew she would tell you about Robert and me.

I thought I'd save you the trouble of asking, Commissaris.

Would you like a coffee?

No sugar.

Thank you.

We became lovers five years ago, six months after I started to work for him.

We spent evenings together.

Never whole nights.

Not even on business trips.

And yes, there were occasional Sundays, but never in the office.

Always here.

Thank you.

We kept it separate, a completely different side of our relationship.

It wasn't love.

More like an arrangement.

There were needs and we satisfied them.

Sounds a bit clinical.

What?

I said it sounds clinical.

Does it?

Well, perhaps it was.

But it had one great virtue, Commissaris.

And what was that?

It worked.

We made no demands, so there were no disappointments, no lovers quarrels or hysterical scenes.

What I'm saying is there was no reason.

I had nothing to do with Robert's murder.

You think it was murder?

Don't you?

Good coffee.

Thank you.

-[train rattling] -[horns honking] [trolley bell dings] Eat your omelet before it's cold, huh?

Thanks.

[razor humming] -Morning.

-Morning!

Not in my kitchen.

What?

Turn it off!

You always used to shave in the kitchen.

Not anymore.

Better do what your mother says.

Do you want an omelet?

Haven't got time.

You were back late last night, weren't ya?

[Van Der Valk grunts] Something interesting?

[Van Der Valk grunts] Here, I've gotta go.

Ever!

Ever come across a chap called Robert Hendricks?

Don't think so.

What's his line?

Pharmaceuticals.

He ran his own company.

Not big, but successful.

-And quite legitimate.

-All right.

That's enough.

-Something the matter?

-If you want to talk business, you go and do it somewhere else.

I won't have it in my house.

I don't want it.

Do you understand?

Sorry, darling.

And as for you, young man, the sooner you move back into your own place, the better.

Sorry.

Careful!

You're so pretty.

[scoffs] Go to work.

And take this thing with you.

[razor humming] I'm busy.

No you're not.

I'll run a check on Hendricks, let you know.

You envy him sometimes, don't you?

Not a chance.

-[trolley clacking] -[bell dings] [engines rumbling] Bring that paper to me as soon as you can.

If you're late, you're late.

Don't worry about it.

Oh, morning, Piet.

Hi, Harry.

Got anything for me?

Come and see.

Well, the fall killed him, all right.

Not much doubt about that.

He landed face downwards.

See, points of impact here, here, and here.

Nearly all the injuries are consistent.

Nearly all?

There's something else?

A depressed cranial fracture, pretty massive, to the back of the skull.

Done before he went over?

Could be.

I'll write it up for you.

Thanks, Harry.

I'm grateful.

[typewriter keys clacking] Good morning, Commissaris.

Morning, Janet.

What's new?

The weekend report's on your desk.

Oh, and the chief wants a word.

When?

As soon as you get in.

The traffic's terrible this morning.

I probably won't be here for at least another hour?

[phone ringing] [soft suspenseful music] [Van Der Valk sighs] [phone ringing] What!

Oh, morning, Chief.

We have a problem.

I'm worried.

[Van Der Valk] It's interesting, though.

What do you mean interesting?

A man goes off the roof holding a red umbrella, or at least at some point he did.

His prints are on the handle.

What are you're talking about?

What's he doing?

Some kind of kids' parachute jump?

Well, put it in your report.

This is much more serious.

I've had the Burgomaster on the phone all morning.

Damn thing's never stopped.

I know how you feel.

You know the old university science building in Bilderdijkstraat, due for demolition?

Someone's gonna build a hotel there.

Big project, multinational.

Good for business.

Boost for tourism, you know, the usual tripe.

So?

So, a bunch of squatters have just moved in there, taken over, refuse to shift.

The Burgomaster is spitting blood.

He wants action.

Someone's got to see it.

Sort it out.

Oh no, Chief.

Sorry, Piet.

No, Chief.

I've got a case.

Police work.

Get to it later.

Let Graaf take care of it!

Well Graaf's not a commissaris.

You are.

We need someone senior to be in charge and seen to be in charge.

You understand.

Look, suppose we-- Get me the Burgomaster.

I'm sorry, those are your instructions.

Hello, Burgomaster.

Samson here.

Yeah, I think we've solved our little problem.

What are you still sitting there for?

-[bell dings] -[trolley clacking] [fist pounding] What do you want?

Just to talk.

[squatter scoffs] [baby crying] -[woman chattering] -[suspenseful music] [broken glass crackles] All right now.

I'll just outline the procedure, right, so we all know just how it goes.

Now, first, you'll all be sent a letter.

Smoke?

No thanks.

First, you get a letter from the city hall saying that you have no right to be on these premises.

We already did.

Oh, that's fine.

Next you'll... [group cheers] Next, the public prosecutor will give notice.

[blowing raspberries] And after that, the final letter from city hall will state the date that you must quit this building.

And what happens if we refuse to obey?

It passes to us, I'm afraid.

Ah.

Then you come in with your army and force us out?

Well, there are women and children here.

You gonna use force on them, too?

I hope not.

But you will if you have to.

If the politicians say jump, then you jump.

-I'm-- -Just an underpaid copper who's only doing his job.

I was about to say I'm hoping it won't come to that.

Oh, but it will.

Well, you're gonna have to bring the sledgehammers and the axes to break these doors down.

You're gonna have to let your dogs loose on us.

-Listen, please.

-And the fire hoses, and the tear gas, and the rubber bullets, just in case you feel threatened.

Nobody wants-- Look at this place.

It could be turned into homes.

Good homes for decent people with nowhere to live!

And is it?

Oh no.

Oh, they're gonna build a hotel, a big shiny hotel for fat businessmen with fat expense accounts.

Well do you think that's fair?

Do you think that's needed?

Well, do you?

Answer me.

What I think doesn't matter.

What I've told you is the law!

[dramatic music] [phone ringing] Van Der Valk.

Oh yes, I've been there, Chief, and I've just got back.

You can tell the Burgomaster, tell him from me, please, that I am right on top of his problem.

[soft ominous music] Golden Buddha, H.K.

-[bells chiming] -[birds chirping] [ominous music] [doorbell rings] [Woman] Good evening, sir.

[bell buzzes] 100 guilders, sir.

Entrance charge.

Where's Harriet?

Miss Kuyper's not available at the moment.

She's upstairs.

Thanks.

I prefer to announce myself.

[suspenseful music] [toilet flushes] [cat meowing] Hello, Harriet?

[Harriet] Hello, Van Der Valk.

Ah.

How are you?

Oh, I'm well enough.

Is this a professional visit?

Sort of.

Then get on with it.

I've work to do.

Are they keeping you busy?

Mm, not as busy as I'd like.

[Van Der Valk] No?

Baby.

[Van Der Valk] Well, you surprise me.

Oh, too many Americans.

Not enough Japanese.

Not enough Japanese?

Mm.

They're wonderful clients.

One drink, come upstairs, make their choice, thanks very much.

On their way.

In and out in 40 minutes.

Perfect gentlemen, they are.

And the Americans?

Oh, waste of time.

We had one last week.

76 so he said.

Came up here with three of my best girls.

Spent four hours with them.

All he did was watch videos on that TV.

[laughs] I'd say that wasn't bad going for 76.

Not when he's keeping three of my best girls from other clients.

It's a waste.

Still, ya haven't done badly, have ya, Harriet?

It's a long way from sitting inside a window, taking anything that walked by.

You said it was a professional visit?

[Van Der Valk] Right.

[knuckles tapping] What is it, Lena?

The doctor's arrived.

Good.

Did you tell the rest of the girls?

Then tell them to get started.

I'll be down in a minute.

Oh, say I want a word with him before he goes.

He visits once a week.

Very prudent.

[cat meowing] I've a reputation to maintain.

What about a man called Hendricks?

Does he ever visit?

Who?

Robert Hendricks.

Never heard of him.

Not a client?

No.

Why?

According to his diary, he's due to see you this week.

Then I'll know him when he gets here, won't I?

I doubt it.

He's dead.

Never seen him.

Now, come on.

Have a good look, and take your time.

Keep still, Sheba.

I don't know him.

No.

Anyway, how do you know he was coming to see me?

He wrote down your initials.

Lots of people have names beginning with H.K.

Who work at the Golden Buddha.

Like who?

[soft ominous music] Fair enough.

If you're certain.

Come and see me when you're off duty, Van Der Valk.

On a policeman's pay?

[Harriet chuckles] -Be still!

-[hand smacks] [cat whimpering] Oh.

Oh, Sheba, I'm sorry.

Oh.

Was Mummy naughty?

Was Mummy cruel?

Mummy make it up to you.

Mummy promise.

That's awful.

-I don't believe it.

-Ruth!

Ruth!

Darling.

-Hello.

-How lovely to see you.

So, where's Esther?

Shh.

No, don't wake her.

So, how long are you staying?

I'm not sure.

We were just talking about it.

She hasn't had a row with Marcus, has she?

No, of course not.

Had to go to some really boring conference to do with teeth.

So, we thought we'd come and visit you.

Wonderful!

You sure there's enough room?

I didn't know Wim was here.

Oh yes.

Only until he gets his place finished.

He's having it decorated.

You should see it.

I don't know how he's gonna pay for.

Oh, he'll find a way.

Arlette doesn't approve.

You stay as long as you like.

We're a family again!

Look at these.

[chuckles] [Ruth] I know.

[soft ominous music] [siren blaring] -[phone ringing] -[Van Der Valk cries out] Van Der Valk.

When?

[officer chattering on radio] [horn honks] [officer chattering on radio] [Officer] Roger.

8517.

[Officer 2] Foxtrot to 44.

[indistinct] [ominous music] What time did it happen?

About 5, 5:30.

Do you wanna look?

Oh.

It's lucky they've got a good fire prevention system.

Otherwise... And there's no chance it could have been an accident?

Not unless she was playing games.

[soft ominous music] Two deaths, both murders, and they're linked by the entry in Hendricks' diary.

[Samson] Harriet Kuyper said she didn't know him.

She's lying.

I'm certain of that.

And two bizarre features: the red umbrella and all those spent matches.

What's the report on the umbrella?

Oh, it was bought at a department store.

They sell hundreds.

There's no chance of a trace.

It just doesn't add up.

I see.

That's why you've been so cheerful lately.

Ha ha.

All right, stay with it.

But don't let the other thing go.

What other thing?

Our friend, the Burgomaster.

Now, if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen?

And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ, whom he raised not up.

If so be that the dead rise not.

[somber organ music] Is this a regular part of your duties, Commissaris?

Sometimes.

Don't you find it depressing?

Oh yes.

I'm also wondering about your plans, Miss Van Roekel.

Plans?

For the immediate future?

I shall stay on at my job.

There is a great deal to do.

Oh, the company stays in business, hmm?

Of course.

Well, just in case you change your mind, I mean, suddenly.

Oh, I see.

You've no need to worry, Commissaris.

I've no intention of running away.

You hate it, don't you?

No, I don't hate it.

You do.

I can tell.

Well, you're wrong.

I just don't think she needs it, that's all.

She's got enough clothes already.

[Arlette scoffs] What's that supposed to mean?

You call those clothes?

The poor child wears nothing but denim.

-Those awful dungarees!

-Oh my God, not this again.

What's wrong with her dungarees?

They're so ugly.

This is pretty?

More than pretty.

It's chic.

Well, I think it's ridiculous.

-Ruth!

-I hate it, all right?

Satisfied?

Do you know I can hear you halfway down the street?

Ruth is being unreasonable.

I'm not being unreasonable.

Look, honestly, what do you think of Esther's dungarees?

Of what?

[Ruth] Dungarees.

You know, her denims.

Very nice.

And this?

Very nice!

[Arlette scoffs] [children chattering] On your way, then.

One, two, three, wee!

[children chattering] You know what's really wonderful about children?

What?

The things they teach you.

Teach you?

Yeah.

About yourself.

I thought it was supposed to be the other way round.

Yeah, I know, that's what's so amazing.

That's the paradox.

Oh, you're teasing me.

No, no, no, I mean it.

It's something every parent learns.

I don't think I have.

Well, think about it.

The day comes along and suddenly you're a parent.

What do you do?

Scream for help.

Oh yeah, I know, but after that.

Well, most people, and I'm sure you're one of them, they do the obvious thing, the proper thing.

They set out to teach their children.

Soberly and diligently to mold and foster them, right?

Mm.

Until another day comes along, and it dawns on them that it's the child who's actually doing the teaching, showing them things about themselves that they never dreamed of.

Such as?

Oh, the capacity for love, courage, and generosity.

What about cowardice, selfishness, anger?

Yeah, those, too.

Was it like that with me?

Yeah, of course.

Even though I was adopted?

Yup.

Arlette and I were talking about it only the other day.

Mm, you're so cunning.

I'll apologize.

I'll make it up with her as soon as we get back.

Oh, good.

All the same, I mean it.

Children are so often the real teachers.

If God exists, it's one of the best jokes he's ever made.

[Ruth chuckles] [somber organ music] [ominous music] [motorcycle engine rumbling] [tires screeching] [engines rumbling] [engines rumbling] [tires screeching] [truck horn blaring] [car horns honking] -[birds chirping] -[motorcycle engine puttering] [church bells ringing] The man you described is called Conrad Molenaar.

He's one of my staff.

Teaches theology?

-Oh, I meant domestic staff.

-Ah.

Conrad is responsible for our grounds and garden and simple maintenance tasks, that sort of thing.

And how long has he worked here?

Oh, many years.

Is he in some kind of trouble?

Not that I know of, Dominee.

Should be sad to hear it.

Sad and most surprised.

He's a good man, then?

Conrad Molenaar is a conscientious man.

I think I should tell you, Commissaris, that when he first came here, it was as student, not as gardener.

Do you mean he wanted to do enter the ministry?

What happened?

Why didn't he?

It was decided, mutually decided, that his was not an acceptable vocation.

[chuckles] No, forgive me.

I'm not being accurate.

It was felt that he would not succeed in pastoral work.

Wrong sort of personality?

Our church has never been noted for its flexibility, I'm afraid.

[Van Der Valk] Wasn't he serious enough?

Oh, quite the contrary.

He's a serious, a grave man.

There's nothing light or frivolous about him.

In fact...

Yes?

He has a greater sense of sin, of living personal sin, than any man I've ever known.

[church bells ringing] Conrad Molenaar?

Yes.

Van Der Valk, Commissaris.

Yes.

You were at Harriet Kuyper's funeral today.

Yes.

Yesterday you were at Robert Hendricks' funeral.

Yes.

Would you mind telling me why?

No.

They were people I knew Oh?

We were children together.

We went to the same school.

Where was that, Mr. Molenaar?

In Arnsdorp.

Village up in the north, isn't it?

Yes.

That was a fair time ago.

Yes, it was during the war.

Still, I imagine you see quite a bit of them since?

No, scarcely at all.

I last saw Harriet, it must be more than 20 years.

She got into trouble and I was a character witness for her.

And it's six years since I saw Robert.

We met by accident in the street.

[Van Der Valk] And that's it?

Yes.

[Van Der Valk] You've had no other contact?

No.

[tense music] So why go to their funerals?

I told you because I knew them.

And they were Christian souls.

Their deaths were sudden.

Yes.

-[Van Der Valk] And unpleasant.

-Yes.

[Van Der Valk] Were you surprised?

I prayed for them.

But were you surprised?

[dramatic music] Death comes to all of us.

We must never be surprised.

All we can do is be ready.

Don't you agree?

[ominous music] [clippers snap] [group chattering] Hey!

Who are you?

[group chattering] -Come on.

-No.

No!

Get your hands-- [traffic rumbles] Talk to you.

Well then arrest me.

Arrest me.

[group chattering] [Van Der Valk] In ya go.

[Woman] Oh, no!

-[group chattering] -[hands pounding] No right to do this.

I'm gonna sue you, you creep!

For unlawful arrest!

I'm gonna sue you!

You hear me?

I'm gonna break you for every penny!

[cries out] [bike bell dings] [bright music] [bike bell dings] [upbeat music continues] -[diners chattering] -[bells ringing] A table!

Dinnertime.

[grunts] Come on.

Piet.

Cherie?

[diners chattering] Thank you very much.

Mm, stuffed aubergines.

-Youngest first.

-[Van Der Valk laughs] Bet she'd rather have chicken and chips.

Eh, I wouldn't be at all surprised.

Not if she's anything like her grandpa.

They're my favorite.

Thank you very much, darling.

[server chattering] [diners chattering] [upbeat rock music] [horn bellows] [engine rumbling] [bike bells dinging] -[upbeat rock music] -[party goers chattering] -[water splashes] -Listen.

What?

No, there's nothing.

Look.

Look!

Call an ambulance, quick!

You're crazy!

Watch her.

I'll get an ambulance!

[water sloshing] Come on, get him in!

[dramatic music] Turn him over.

[dramatic music] [Johnny grunting] [bell dings] [trolley rattling] This thing in last night's report, a man called Roos shoved into the canal.

No sign of the assailant.

Get onto the hospital, will you?

Find out his details, where he lives, where he's from.

Any reason?

Van Der Valk.

You have a girl called Barbara Steyn.

I brought her in yesterday.

Will you... What?

When?

Who, for God's sake?

Released this morning, my arrest by one of your officers.

Why?

I imagine you'll have to ask the officer concerned.

Which one is it?

I'll have his guts.

It appears the order was signed by Inspector Van Der Valk.

Where is he?

On assignment.

Where?

Take your pick.

I'll see him as soon as he gets back.

No.

Sooner.

[knuckles tapping] I've spoken to the hospital about Mr. Roos, who was nearly drowned yesterday?

He owns a bookshop just off Spuistraat.

Lives alone, bachelor, 56 years old.

[mysterious music] And where does he come from originally?

Somewhere in the North, a village called Arnsdorp.

[mysterious music continues] [bike bell dings] [upbeat music] [knuckles tapping] I already made a statement.

Yes, I know that.

May I come in, Mr. Roos?

I won't keep you very long.

When did all this happen?

Sometime last night.

Did you report it?

What for?

Nothing stolen.

All they did was break things and chuck them around.

You know, vandals.

Yes, well, I think you're right there.

It's not a professional job.

When did you get back?

About four.

Well, the hospital told me they wanted to keep you.

Yes, they did, but I discharged myself.

Why was that?

Oh, because I dislike hospitals and I dislike institutions of any kind.

Still, I think they thought it was fairly serious.

-Serious?

Oh, what do they know?

-Want me to give you a hand?

No, thanks.

No, you just find yourself somewhere to sit.

Well, I'd much rather help.

Well, all right then, but will you be careful of the books?

And don't touch these shelves.

I understand that when you were attacked, you saw nothing?

I saw nothing.

I heard nothing.

If it hadn't been for that brave girl.

That's a pity, I was hoping... No, no, I've got absolutely nothing I can tell you.

Oh, look at this.

Look.

[groans] There's something else I wanted to ask you about.

You come from Arnsdorp, I believe.

That's right.

[chuckles] Yes, I was born and brought up there.

Did you know Robert Hendricks?

Harriet Kuyper?

Yeah, sure.

Yeah.

We were school kids together.

Did you know they're both dead?

When?

Very recently.

In fact, they died within a couple of days of each other.

It was in the papers.

I don't read the newspapers.

Well, why should I?

There are better things to read.

All the same, though.

Ooh, sorry to hear about Robert and Harriet.

It's a shock.

Can you tell me about them?

I mean, what they were like as children?

What they were like?

Oh, well, Harriet was friendly, always friendly.

With the boys, that is, but only if she wanted something.

You know, there was never any real warmth.

I didn't like her.

No, I'm sorry to have to say that, but I didn't.

And I'd heard that she'd become a whore.

Yes, well, I'm not surprised.

What about Robert Hendricks?

Clever.

Always clever.

Cold, but clever Robert was.

Top of the class.

No problem.

Bound to be a success.

And he was, he was, I mean, so they tell me.

Oh yeah.

Used to help me with my homework sometimes.

You know, to fool the teacher -[Van Der Valk chuckles] -just as a joke.

[Van Der Valk] And I was talking to another of your school friends yesterday, Conrad Molenaar.

Conrad!

Cor.

Is he still working for that college?

Yup.

[Johnny] He wanted to become a priest, you know.

[scoffs] You don't think he'd have been much good at it?

Much good at it?

Cor, he would've frightened the congregation out of their lives.

You see, with Conrad, he... Oh he was always a very strange, a very unhappy boy.

[church bells ringing] [eerie music] We ought not to have moved him.

It was wrong, I know, but he looked...

I couldn't bear to leave him out there.

Don't distress yourself, sir.

I don't think it makes a lot of difference.

It's pretty obvious what killed him.

How can such things happen?

What sort of man would do such evil?

And why would he cut off the poor devil's thumbs?

[ominous music] "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."

Proverbs 22:15.

[ominous music] "Withhold not correction from a child, for if thou beatest him with a rod, he shall not die.

Thou shalt beat him with a rod, and shall deliver his soul from Hell."

Proverbs 23:13, 14.

The things from the study, have they taken them yet?

I don't know.

I'm not sure.

[Van Der Valk] Good.

Have I done something wrong?

No.

I'm going home.

Back to the South.

I couldn't stay here any longer, you see.

Now he's dead, there isn't any reason.

You do understand, Commissaris?

Yes.

[Monika] I never even really-- Ah.

[mysterious music] [ominous music] Is it time to talk yet?

[chuckles] Talk.

I wouldn't know where to begin.

I've got a serial murderer here, and what's certain is if I don't find him, he'll kill again.

There's got to be a shape to it somewhere, a pattern.

I can't see it.

Nothing fits.

Oh, darling, don't think about it.

Let it go.

[Van Der Valk grunts] Sleep up.

Tomorrow may be better.

No, I've got to go up North tomorrow.

Little village called Arnsdorp.

[bell dinging] [horn bellows] [train rumbling] [church bells chiming] No, it's not really official.

I'm just making a few inquiries of my own.

What sort of inquiries, sir?

Oh, general.

You know, background stuff.

I see.

Yes, so, I'd be grateful for any assistance you can give me.

Is this all your work, Sergeant Donkers?

Did you grow all these flowers?

Well, they are beautiful.

Thank you.

Oh yes.

My wife's something of a gardener, but I mean, she's just an amateur, of course.

Tries hard, but she'd never produce a display like this.

[chuckles] One of the penalties of city living, I suppose.

What do you wanna know, sir?

Well, who's the right person to talk to around here about the school?

Not the present one.

The old one.

Well, how far do you wanna go back?

Say, 45 years.

I'm particularly interested in the children who were there during the war.

Ah, that'd be Mr. Van Duyn's time.

He was school master then.

Van Duyn.

He's still alive, you know.

Lives with his granddaughter, the other side of the village.

Nice woman.

She looks after him.

Good.

Sorry, sir.

No good to you.

I say still alive, but well, nowadays he's a bit gaga.

In fact, he's just about senile, to tell you the truth.

Now, if you'd ask me, your man is Mr. Reinecke.

Reinecke.

Jacob Reinecke.

The present headmaster.

He's the man you want.

Was born here, lived all his life here, was at the school himself all through the war.

Go and have a word with Mr. Reinecke.

[children chattering] But the children will be coming in soon.

Lunchtime's nearly over.

I'll do my best not to keep you.

You're from the Amsterdam Police, you said.

That's right, sir.

Commissaris with the municipal force.

The period I'm interested in is during the war, or perhaps just after.

I understand you were at the school yourself during that time.

Who told you that?

Sergeant Donkers.

Yes, it's true.

Then perhaps you'd be good enough to take a look at that, Mr. Reinecke.

[children chattering] Where did you get this?

Recognize it?

Oh yes.

It was taken in 1944, just before that terrible winter.

Do you remember it?

Not really.

Then you were lucky.

It was truly dreadful.

Up here we nearly starved.

Who are they?

Could you tell me?

I need to know.

That's Mr. Van Duyn, he was our teacher.

[Van Der Valk] The children.

Robert Hendricks, Harriet Kuyper, Conrad Molenaar, little Johnny Roos, Erika Roos.

Relation?

His sister.

She died soon after.

Lovely girl.

[Van Der Valk] And this one?

[children chattering] Oh, that's me.

Then Freddie Brugmans.

Brugmans?

Did you say Freddie Brugmans?

[Jacob] Yes.

I've had some dealings with a Freddie Brugmans several times.

He hasn't changed, then.

His idea of fun was to pull the wings off flies.

He gave me nightmares.

He terrified us all.

Thank you very much, Mr. Reinecke.

But you haven't finished.

There's one more.

Gus Riemer.

He's dead now.

When did he die?

Recently.

-How recently?

-[bell dinging] I'm sorry.

I have to go.

I'd like to hear a bit more about Gus Riemer.

Then I suggest you have another chat with your friend Sergeant Donkers, Commissaris.

I'm staying overnight.

Is there a chance we might meet tomorrow morning?

I'd be more than grateful.

My house is three kilometers north.

Come about eight.

I'll be there sharp.

Thank you very much, Mr. Reinecke.

[children chattering] Glad to have been of help.

[ominous music] [children chattering] [church bells ringing] All right?

There you are.

Said he was your man.

Good headmaster, too.

Loves the kids.

Does he have any children of his own?

Not married.

Never looked like it.

Don't ask me why.

I'm seeing him again tomorrow morning.

He said, I should ask you about a man called Riemer.

He did, did he?

Gus Riemer.

Poor old Gus.

Why?

What happened to him?

Oh, we best go inside, sir.

It's all in there.

Gus was simple.

Not exactly the village idiot, but defective.

You understand?

He worked as the school caretaker.

There was no harm in him, not dangerous.

Well, anyway, not in my opinion.

Then a couple of years ago, there was a rumor, only a rumor, mind you, that he'd been molesting some children.

Interfering with them.

You know the sort of thing.

So, I did the rounds, asked a few questions.

There was nothing in it.

Just some kids being stupid, having a lark.

If it'd been up to me, I'd have tanned their asses.

But this is a small place, sir, and people can be funny.

Things got pretty nasty here for awhile.

So, Gus was fired from the school.

After that, he lived by doing odd jobs, you know what was going.

Things died down a bit.

He became a bit of a recluse.

Then six months ago, he disappeared.

Well, nobody thought anything of it.

Didn't pay much attention, myself.

Then one day I was going past his house, it's the other side of the village, and I thought, well, I'll look in.

Ya know, see how he was?

Gus was there, all right, but dead.

Murdered?

[Donkers] Yes.

How?

Starved to death.

They tied him up and chained him to be beam in his cottage.

Taped his mouth.

Not that anyone would have heard him.

Nobody ever went near the place.

[phone ringing] Hello?

Hello, darling.

How are you?

Tired.

Is Wim there?

[Arlette] Yes, he is.

Do you want to speak to him?

Please.

It's your father.

Hello.

What's the word on Freddie Brugmans?

Is he still inside?

Brugmans?

No, he got out about six months ago.

Six months.

Are you sure?

[Wim] Positive.

He's one of the guys we've got a tag on.

Close surveillance?

No, not really.

No, we keep an eye on him from time to time.

Look, I'm back tomorrow morning.

Have all you've got on Freddie Brugmans ready for me.

Is that clear?

Absolutely.

No problem.

All right.

Kiss your mother goodnight for me, will you?

[Wim] Right.

I will.

Bye.

Muah!

He says goodnight.

[ominous music] [birds chirping] [ominous music] Mr. Reinecke?

[doorbell rings] [ominous music continues] Mr. Reinecke?

[ominous music continues] Mr. Reinecke?

[gun fires] [gun fires] [birds squawking] [soft eerie music] [ominous music] [bird squawking] [mysterious music] [ominous music] [dog growling] [dog barking] Get a bit closer, give her a treat.

Call her off.

[dog snarling] Down, Bella.

[dog snarling] -Down, you bitch!

-[whip snaps] [dog barking] Oh, don't panic.

She only goes for people who don't like me.

She must get plenty of exercise, then.

What do you mean?

Ask me in and I'll tell you.

[dog barking] Make it quick, will ya?

I've got business.

[Van Der Valk] Expecting company?

Going out.

Have you been out much today then, have you, Freddie?

Took a drive this morning.

Did you go far?

Say outside the city, take a drive into the country, maybe?

No, I didn't.

Why?

Half a truckload of mud all over your car.

This whole country's built on mud.

[chuckles] True.

I went out in the country today.

Just got back.

Did a bit of sightseeing.

Very interesting.

I paid a visit to your old hometown.

Arnsdorp.

Oh, what's it like these days?

Much the same as when you were a kid, I imagine.

Apart from the TV aerials.

Oh, and the school.

They built a new school.

They pulled the old one down.

That right?

Some of your old schoolmates are still around, though.

I had a chat with one of them yesterday.

Oh?

Which one?

Jacob Reinecke.

I remember him.

Thin kid, glasses.

Goodie-goodie.

Never liked him much.

How is he?

Not too well the last time I saw him.

No?

[Van Der Valk] That was this morning.

Yes?

Yeah.

Someone had pointed a 12 bore at him, his own gun.

Stood back about two meters and pulled both the triggers.

So, Jacob is dead, like Gus Riemer six months ago.

[ominous music] Like Robert Hendricks and Harriet Kuyper.

Like Conrad Molenaar.

Like Johnny Roos, too, if some girl with water wings hadn't been passing by.

So, I'm looking for the connection.

Do you see?

Out.

What's the problem?

[Freddie] Out.

I've only just got here.

What's the rush?

On your way.

You wanna talk to me?

You get a warrant, because without that, you won't get any answers.

Do you understand me?

Fair enough.

Meantime, think about it, won't you?

Out.

[ominous music] And that's baby.

Yes!

That's a baby pussycat, isn't it?

Baby pussycat.

Not baby.

Boy.

It's a boy.

[chuckles] And is there a little girl?

-Where's the little girl, hmm?

-[Esther] Girl.

And there's a mummy and daddy.

Look at all her toys.

See, there's a rocking horse, yeah?

And a dolly.

Now, don't do that, darling.

[Ruth] Do what?

What's she doing?

[Arlette] She's sucking her thumb.

Oh, all kids suck their thumbs.

[Arlette] No, they don't.

-It's a very bad habit.

-Leave her alone.

You know what happened to naughty little Suck-a-Thumb, hmm?

The great tall tailor always comes to little girls who suck their thumbs, and ere they dream what he's about.

He gets his great sharp scissors out and cuts their thumbs clean off.

[Ruth] Give her to me.

Don't know what you're trying to do.

Terrify her or something?

[Arlette] Don't be silly.

[Ruth] I'm not being silly, I just hate all that stuff.

Stupid stories people tell children just to-- [Arlette] Piet, what is it?

What's the matter?

Piet?

Darling!

Where is it?

Where is it?

What are you looking for?

The book.

Ruth's book.

What book?

The book we used to read to her.

Yes, but which one?

The one you just, Shock-headed Peter.

-Sruwwel-- -Peter.

Told you.

I used to hide it.

Bet it's still here.

[suspenseful music] Oh God, I hated him.

[suspenseful music continues] It fits.

[train rumbling] Good morning, Mr. Van Duyn.

My name is Van Der Valk.

I want to ask you about the school, about when you were a teacher there, about these children.

I think something happened to them not long after this photograph was taken, during the winter of 1944.

That terrible winter.

Do you remember that?

It was something bad, wasn't it?

It was something dreadful that marked all their lives and perhaps yours as well.

I need to know what happened and you're the only one who can tell me.

Now, please, think.

Mr. Van Duyn, think and then tell me what happened during that terrible winter in 1944.

[ominous music] [gravel crunching] [footsteps crunching] Bella?

Bella!

[ominous music] Bella?

Bella?

[ominous music continues] [dog snarling] -[Freddie crying out] -[dramatic music] [bike bell dinging] Good morning.

Good morning.

Oh, good morning, Commissaris.

Can I help you?

I hope so.

I'm looking for a book.

A particular book or just something in general?

No, a particular book by Heinrich Hoffmann.

Heinrich Hoffmann?

Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann.

It's called "Struwwelpeter."

It's a children's book.

Oh, I'm sorry, Commissaris.

No, we don't keep children's books.

Nowadays, they're quite a specialized line.

Pity, I was afraid of that.

I know someone who could-- So I brought a copy with me.

I'm sorry, we don't have it.

But you're more than welcome -to look around.

-Perhaps it's upstairs.

[bells ringing] Miss Kotter, look after the shop, please.

Yes, sir.

-You look tired.

-Oh, yes.

Probably because I've been up most of the night.

A man was attacked by a guard dog, his own guard dog in fact.

Tore him apart.

My God.

Mm, it wasn't pleasant.

But then he wasn't a very pleasant man.

All the same.

Oh, please.

So that's why I didn't get much sleep last night.

And yesterday was pretty heavy.

Had to go out of the city.

Drive up North.

Did you go very far?

As far as Arnsdorp.

I talked with old Mr. Van Duyn.

I imagine you've got one of these.

I expect it's up here somewhere, along with your copy of "Struwwelpeter."

We could find them if we really tried hard enough.

Yes.

[Van Der Valk] Tell me about the girl who's standing next to you.

[Johnny] She was my sister.

Her name was Erika.

[Van Der Valk] Yes.

She died.

I know.

In the winter of 1944.

Tell me what happened.

How did she die?

Well, after the failure at Arnhem, the war seemed to come to a stop.

And in the North where we were, the Germans had cut off all food.

I mean, there was nothing.

I mean, people were starving.

Many died.

I mean, it was terrible.

But then the Allies, they offered to fly over and drop some food.

And first the Germans refused.

But then, you know, even they couldn't refuse any longer.

They gave permission.

But for a lot of people it was too late.

They were all out in the fields waiting, all the children except me.

I was at home weak, sick.

It was thought I was going to die.

These English planes, they came in low and dropped their supplies.

And everyone laughed, wept, you know?

They even fought each other.

Well, they couldn't help it, you see.

It was life, you see.

Life from an English bomber out of the skies.

The children found a drop on the far side of the village and it burst open and, you know, they grabbed everything they could, and Erika found some chocolate.

Well, it wasn't one of those bars, you know, you get in the shops today.

It was a big thick bar of chocolate.

Can you imagine?

Can you understand what it meant?

Chocolate!

Erika hid it under her sweater.

It was for me, you see, her little brother.

She wanted to save my life.

She was an angel, you know?

I mean, everyone said so.

But the others saw and they tried to get it from her.

They went crazy and Erika ran.

They ran after her just, you know, like savages.

She was terrified.

There was this railway line, the Germans built it to move munitions.

Erika ran up to it and there was a train coming.

And Freddie Brugmans said that he... Freddie Brugmans said he would kill anyone who talked.

Gus Riemer backed him up, and he was a big boy, Gus.

You know, a big, powerful boy.

And Freddie, well, they just agreed.

They agreed to say it was an accident.

And if they all stuck together, no one would ever know.

And that's the story.

Ya know, that's what everyone believed.

When did you find out the truth?

About a year ago, Conrad Molenaar came into the shop.

It was quite by chance.

I mean, he didn't even recognize me, but I knew him, though.

And he seemed startled.

He was upset.

A week later he came back.

He said he had something to tell me, something he needed to confess.

Something he said, you know, poisoned his life.

It poisoned all their lives.

Robert Hendricks hated children.

Jacob Reinecke loved them, but never dared to marry.

Harriet Kuyper thought love was something you paid for.

Freddy Brugmans became a vicious gangster.

And Gus Riemer?

Poor old Gus.

Me?

Oh, you decided to punish them, Johnny, to punish them like naughty children in the classic naughty children's way.

Flying Robert with his red umbrella.

Harriet and the matches.

Johnny-Head-in-Air that fell into the water.

You fixed that.

Then you smashed up the shop in case I got too close.

Yes.

Yeah.

Conrad Suck-a-Thumb.

Snip snap snip the scissors go.

The man that went out shooting and was blasted by the hare.

Augustus the chubby lad that starved to death.

And cruel Frederick, bitten by his own dog.

Come on, Johnny.

Time to go.

Commissaris, I'd like... Can you give me five minutes?

I'll be downstairs.

[bells chiming] [gun fires] No.

Call the police, tell them to send an ambulance.

Call them.

[attendant chattering on PA system] Bye, darlings.

Bye.

Ruth.

Thank you so much.

You've been wonderful.

Oh, don't be silly.

You look after yourself and you take care of my granddaughter.

That's right.

-I will.

-In you get.

Love to Wim.

Yeah.

And give our best to Marcus.

Tell him we want to see all of you next time.

-Okay.

-[whistle blows] Oh!

There ya go.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye!

All the same, I'm relieved that they've gone.

It's so nice to be on our own again.

Just the two of us.

That flat is not big enough anymore.

God, it felt so crowded as though we were squatters.

Squatters?

Wim!

Did we miss them?

Damn.

Oh well.

Sorry, this is Barbara.

Barbara.

Hello, Mrs. Van Der Valk.

You've already met my father.

Hello, Commissaris.

And she's Barbara Steenkamp, not Barbara Steyn.

One of ours.

Oh.

Well, your mother and I are going home for a quiet afternoon.

Then I shall be taking her out for a splendid dinner, which I really can't afford.

After that, we shall go to the cinema or perhaps the theater.

Meantime, I shall pretend that I've not seen you.

However, tomorrow morning, you'll present yourself first thing in my office, both of you, -in uniform and on time.

-Sir.

And I shall have some pretty pointed questions to ask to which I shall expect direct answers, detailed answers.

Is that clear?

Sir.

Yes, sir.

Good.

Does he mean it?

Mean it?

You don't know my old man.

He'll skin us alive.

[bright music] [gentle upbeat music] [bright ambient music]