|
Under Suspicion (2000)
"Hurricane Lucy ripped across
Puerto Rico last October 12... causing even greater devastation than Hurricane George two years ago. This time the damage was considerable. This time the damage... was estimated at $1.8 billion. This time- This time the damage- This time the damage is est-" Jesus. Chantal? Shouldnt you get that? - Hello? - Henry? Victor Benezet here. How are you? As well as can be expected under the circumstances. That's good. I'm sorry to call you like this, but I need you to come in. - There's a charity ball tonight. - It's just a few questions. I understand why you were distressed yesterday... but we do need to make a proper report. I'm giving the toast tonight. And I'm looking forward to it, old boy. Can't we do this tomorrow, Victor? Its a fund-raiser. This'll only take ten minutes. See you at the station, then. - Arias. - Yes? Hey, how you doing? Tell me your speech won't be in sufferably long. They won't serve dinner until you're finished. If you're hungry, write a check, because I can crawl all night. Don't bait Henry. He's nervous. Henry loves being the center of attention, don't you? - Excuse us, will you? - Yes, go ahead. I have a position for a good handyman... in case you ever tire of these long policeman's hours. Nothing works around here. I do appreciate your coming in on such short notice, Henry. You look marvelous. Just grand. - You get younger every day. - Thank you, Victor. You met Detective Owens yesterday at the house. Happy San Sebastian to you. Same to you, Mr. Hearst. I'll burn us some coffee. Nonfat milk if you have it. I don't think he heard me, actually. He reminds me a lot of you. Only listens when it suits him. That's unfair, Henry. Not only am I a good listener... but I keep it all in here. Anyway, we should have this cleared up in no time. Perhaps under the circumstances, I should be calling you "Captain." Oh, no. No need for that formality. I do apologize about the timing. I know you're due across the street. We just need to clarify some of the details from your report. Your superintendent is one of the charity's biggest supporters. I know, I know. So if you'll help us put an end to some of these nagging questions- why, we'll have you on your way. I would've thought you'd be at the party already. You do know how to have fun, dont you, Victor? Tuxedo's all ready to go. I must say, Henry, you seem in high spirits... what with all this on your doorstep. How should I behave? How's Chantal? Waiting. A noble quality in that young woman. Something mine didn't seem to want to do. I was sad to hear that. We always thought you made a charming couple. Charming, perhaps... but dull, apparently. You see the children much? Both of my daughters are living with their mother... back in New York City. Must be hard during the holidays and all. We should get on with it. - No milk? - I'm sorry. No, thanks. You're into charity. Why don't you fund-raise us up a cappuccino machine... so all the lowlifes that come through here can enjoy a solid cup of coffee? I was just going to ask Mr. Hearst about the dog. Oh, yeah. Right. The "mystery dog." Actually, I like "ghost dog." That's got a nice ring to it. Can we start again? I come in here like you ask... and Mr. Congeniality here is taking a hostile manner with me. It's this case, Henry. It has everyone on edge. But its just- This business is strange... going by what's in the record. But let's see. Here. January 6. Yesterday afternoon. You say you were... out jogging with a dog. Yes. Man's best friend. Belonging to a neighbor of yours... named Ricardi. You ever own one? When I was a boy, my family had Great Danes. But you don't own one now? Chantal prefers cats. - So, do you have a cat? - Too unsanitary. Chantal would want a cat, but only if it could be sanitized. What do you mean? Cats are always licking themselves. I dumped a girlfriend once because of her damn cat. Thing had me up all night slurping away. A dog is a lot more unsanitary... but at least when they're sleeping, they sleep. Thank you for that. Anyway, the messiest is a canary. She refused that too. But for once I stuck to my guns. I can be quite firm if I need to be. What was his name again? Tango. Do you write that just like "tango"? How else would you write it, like "waltz" or "fox-trot"? When you were questioned... you said... "I discovered the girl." What we're not clear about here is what the dog was doing. So? Logically, you would expect that the dog would have found the girl. Well, I suppose it did. But you say you found her. Well, me, the dog- We were together. We found the body. What difference does it make? I called the police. Unless, perhaps, you think the dog called and disguised his voice. Mr. Hearst... two young girls have been found strangled... within the past 16 days. It is my job to find the murderer. You're a principal witness to the crime scene. Now, I have to make sure that the facts of your statements... agree with the other facts of the case. Mr. Hearst doesn't appear to be as distressed today. I'm a guest here. I'll be treated with respect, Sergeant Opie. Owens. - That's Detective Owens. - Please. - O-W- - Please! Let's all- Let's all relax. Everyone has somewhere else they'd like to be. Now, Henry, if you don't mind... please... tell us one more time how you came upon the girl. I jogged up to Ricardi's like I always do. I grabbed the dog. Better run him a little faster, Henry. He's getting a belly as round as yours! Fuckin' old geezer. Come on, boy. Let's go. Let's go! This dog- He was definitely with you? What dialect do you need this in? Yes, the dog was with me. The dog was with me. Got it? You're saying Tango- He was there. Good. You're catching on. Tango's all right. Keeps me company on my runs. We took the path by my house like always. - Suddenly Tango wasn't there. - Tango, come on, boy! I called to him, but he wouldn't come. I could hear him. He was growling, barking... acting peculiar. That's when I turned back. I kept calling. Tango, come on, boy. The dog wouldn't come. You couldn't see the girl at this point? Obviously not from the path. But I could see Tango in there moving around. So you ventured off into the grove. That's when I saw her. At first I thought she was asleep. She was almost- I want to say- angelic. The way she just lay there. Her eyes- They were dark brown. They were still open. Sue Ellen Huddy. She was three days shy of her 13th birthday. - How did you discern she was dead? - I touched her. I mean, I put my head on her chest. There was no heartbeat. That was that. - The dog found the body. - That's correct. Mr. Ricardi states firmly that you did not run the dog yesterday. He admits that on most days you do, but not yesterday. Well, he just doesn't remember right. Well, that may be, but in that case, your neighbor... Miss Lazzo, doesn't remember either. And another neighbor, Mr. Irwin, also suffers memory loss. In the whole area, you're the only one who remembers correctly. - Who am I to believe? - Them, naturally. Come on. You're taking this personally. I'm just trying to find the truth. You know, you enjoy hounding me. - How is that, Henry? - You forget I know all your tricks. A murder by some thug or nutcase- That's average. But when it's a pillar of the legal community... that's more than just a witness- Then it's banner headlines, television. It'd help in your push to become our next police superintendent, right? Come on, Victor. Confess. See? I got you. Let's say you're right. Everything you say. I bag a prominent attorney... hang his pelt on the trophy wall of my new luxurious offices. What about your neighbors, then? Are you saying that they're all out to get you too? - How would I know? - Why would they be? Maybe because I'm very rich? Because I have a big house... and a glamorous wife. I have these things, and it happens I don't deserve them. My looks are entirely ordinary, and I'm no genius. Mediocre people tolerate success... when it comes to someone exceptional like a movie star or an athlete... but when it comes to one of their own... then it strikes them as being an injustice. You agree? I think we're getting a little far a field. Interesting thing is, there were no dog prints found at the murder scene... and we know that without the dog... you never wouldve seen the body. In other words, your ghost dog story reeks. There were dead leaves everywhere. How do you make dog prints in dead leaves, Detective Opie? I don't know. Tell me. You're a tax attorney. Good at making up fantasies. That's what they pay you for, right? The dog was there. Jesus. Hold it, now. Hold it. Hold on. Yesterday. Damn. They're all correct about Tango. I didn't pick him up at Ricardi's. I met him out on the path. Geez. Really had me going there for a sec. Good. He gets out sometimes, and he runs around the gardens. Half the time... Ricardi doesn't even know he's missing until I bring him back. I remember now... that I called him. Tango, come here, boy. Come on. - You just went off with him. - Yeah, Tango's my buddy. Arent you? Go on. Go on. Run. Perhaps you'll understand how our ears prick up... every time your story changes. Yes, and I certainly hope this one works... because I'm banking on this lame dog story to get me off the hook. Crap. How much longer do I gotta put up with this- Owens! You're out of line. Good boy. Speaking of dogs, you keep yours on a leash. You don't need a lawsuit. Now, you listen to me, Victor. This is getting ridiculous. When you called me, you told me it was gonna be ten minutes. Now look at this. I'm afraid it's gonna take a little longer. I can see the notion of civic duty and being a good citizen is just a myth. - I don't remember who said it- - You don't seem to remember very much. I don't remember who said the police will ensure public safety everywhere... except inside a police station. You called before anyone knew Sue Ellen was missing. Well, does that make me the murderer? It says right here, "I ran home and called the police." My God, there must have been several places closer. I wasn't thinking. I just ran home. Or maybe you thought, "I'd better wash up first." I don't like your tone. And frankly, I'm beginning to find yours more and more interesting. What are you recording? Do you have any idea why you're still here? Maybe you should call a lawyer down here. I am a fucking lawyer! This is January 7, 8:06 P.M. San Juan Police Headquarters. I'm Captain Benezet. With me is Detective Owens. We're talking to Mr. Henry Hearst. Do you have your permission to tape this interview, Henry? Why not? I have nothing to hide. Thank you. Now, then-your name, age, profession and marital status. Come on. Name, age, profession and marital status, please. You just said my name. Fine. Whatever. Hearst. Henry Buchanan Hearst. I'm 57. Your house is called "The Ilado" up on Old San Juan Hill... and you're an attorney? Yes. Senior partner with Hearst, Dean and Dumet right here in town. You must have a lot of fancy computers up there in that office. You ever surf the Net? Check out the chat rooms and the websites? I don't know about chat rooms, but sure. What does this have to do with anything? Any other hobbies? Computers are not my hobby. Photography is. I have my own darkroom. I enjoy chronicling the island's history. - And you're married. - Yes. - Ten years now. - And no children. Yes. And no children. Why not? Chantal won't- Chantal can't have children. She can't, or she won't? She has a fertility problem. What difference does it make? You ever hear of adopting? You walk somebody else's dog. That's true tact. That's very elegant. Do you think that's elegant? This is what I think. I remember that you couldn't afford law school. I remember you waiting on tables. We'd swagger in, drunk... trotting along hot-looking dolls, spending money you know we didn't earn. I think the matter at hand is payback. That's what I think. When Detective Owens arrived at your house at 6:54 P.M. Yesterday... he noted that you were not wearing jogging clothes. - I showered. - Before you called? Of course not. I called as soon as I came home. I want to report a dead body. Officers also noted that your wife had not yet been told about the girl. She was in the bedroom. It says here you called from the bedroom. You had to lie down. You were distraught. - We'd had an argument. - When you got home? No, earlier. Please don't go into this now, Victor. - It's none of your business! - Damn it, Henry! Chantal was in the bedroom. She was not. The dog was with you. The dog was not. Tell me one thing that adds up... so we can go across the street and have a good time. It's a pity that you've never been to our home. Then you'd understand. But I was. I was there. Downstairs there's that- - Upstairs it gets instructive. - There's nothing real special about it. Mr. Hearst didn't say "special." He said "instructive." Thank you. Well, let's see. Upstairs. There's a hallway, right? There's along hallway. - Sixty feet. - Possibly. - Definitely. - I count five rooms up here. The extra bedrooms were for the children, which were never used. The guest bedroom was redecorated for my wife. Our old room is now mine. In between... the hallway. Sixty feet long. You have separate bedrooms. My lovely Chantal's affliction is the green-eyed monster. They say that jealousy is all the fun you think somebody else is having. Chantal can be unbearable, I promise you. She have reason to be? Regardless of what you think of me, I do love my wife. I've always loved her. The only thing I ever wanted was to be happy with Chantal... and have children. But the pitter-patter of little feet... was not to be. - Check those out. - I certainly would like to. It certainly pays to advertise. Ben, Thomas, I caught you in the act. Married men should be more subtle. - Where's Henry? - He'll be right along. Had a business matter to tidy up. I thought I saw him walking into the police station... as we drove up to the valet. He'll be right along. Well, what do we discuss now? We've pretty much exhausted canaries and dogs. Let's talk about the first murder, if you don't mind, down in La Perla. Happened not too long ago, just over two weeks. Little girl's body was found. Paulina Valera. Twelve years old. Poor island girl. Mother was a street hooker living in a motel not too far away. We think it started somewhere in the streets. Paulina was lured or she ran. Either way, the killer left her body in the dump. Yeah? Tell him I'll be right out. When I get back, Henry... I want you to tell me what you were doing in La Perla... the night Paulina Valera was killed. Superintendent. I'm waiting to introduce good citizen Henry Hearst... in, let's see, 29 minutes. - And I'm told he's still in there. - That's right. Victor, do you realize how important this fund-raising event is? Yes, we have two dead girls. But we also have countless children... whose homes were blown away in the hurricane. We have open sewers. - We have a cholera epidemic. - Sir, I realize- You obviously do not. How will the sponsors react if Henry's accused? I imagine extremely grateful that their children are safe. Just have him across the street... by 9:00, okay? - What time you got? - Time to go. - Your pulse is racing. - I'm due to give my speech! Speech? Yes, I know. I've been told. Two patrol officers wrote down the license plate number... of your Range Rover, which was parked in the vicinity of the crime scene. Your expensive vehicle attracted attention. Officers thought it might be stolen, called it in. That puts you in the area, Henry. Any time you're ready. Me, I'm just hoping this is as good as ghost dog. You know where you were three weeks ago, Sergeant Opie? I was right here serving coffee to stand-up citizens like yourself. I was at my sister-in-law's. I had knocked back a few at the club... and I had this inspiration to drop off some Christmas gifts for the kids. Name and address, Henry. I don't know the exact address, but I know where it is. Its Maria and Paco Rodriguez. Should be in the book. Chantal's older sister. Great kids. - How are you? - Fine. Maria's done a fabulous job with them. Merry Christmas. Why didn't Chantal go with you? It's her sister. It's complicated. Paco. Merry Christmas. I need to know more about this. No, you don't. I talked to her. She gave up a little bit of dirt. She says that it's the first time... that either Henry or Chantal... had stopped by in a long time. She didn't sound too friendly. Why you pick that night to thaw the ice? - It has nothing to do with anything. - Where'd you go next? I went home. Police reported your car at 2:18 A.M. You see, this is what we here at the police- We call it a window of opportunity. I was driving drunk. I was just driving terribly. I most definitely needed to walk off the liquor. La Perla's not a good idea for a man wearing Armani. It was a beautiful night. - This place doesn't scare me. - Well, it should. So? Where did you go? I found a bench. I sat down. I found a bench. I sat down. I fell asleep. Found a bench. Woke up I don't know when. Felt better. I went home. What's gonna stop me from shoving my fist down his throat? The police would rather that I drove home drunk? All right, Henry. Let's revisit this... bench later. First I want an answer to my question... as to why Chantal didn't accompany you that night. It's between the sisters. I met Paco Rodriguez. He's a hot local artist. Busted him once smoking grass. - Who doesn't on this island? - You smoke a little grass, Henry? Do you? God knows it would help with your sunny disposition. I'm thinking you don't fancy Chantal hanging out... with a handsome, successful younger man. - Do you? - Is this necessary? How old was Chantal when you married her? - Twenty. Right, Henry? - You're, what, 67, right? I'm 57! Goddamn it, 57! This is a fucking outrage. You know that? You've no right to pry into my private affairs... with these soap opera insinuations. Look at you, Victor. Doing a bang-up job policing the island. Drugs everywhere. Just- Crime is rampant. Superintendent, my butt. You'll be lucky if you still have a job. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. This is really rather unbearable for me. I don't suppose that... Detective Owens could get me a cold drink. If you would, Detective. My pleasure. All right, Henry. What's going on here? Do you have anything... a little stronger stashed away around here? Okay, Victor. What's it gonna take to get me out of here? We both know that I could march in an army of attorneys. I'm intrigued they're not here already, Henry. You're hiding something, something you don't want to get outside this room. Now it's just you and me. Tell me about Chantal. You tell me about Kate and Consuelo. If having a difficult marriage makes me a murderer... you'd be Son of Sam. Touch. Kate and I... married too young. She grew to want somebody better. A man with a real job... money to buy things she came to know... that other men were only too happy to buy for her. And Consuelo- Consuelo just hates me being a cop. You stuck with your guns. You can't tell me being a cop isn't exciting. And you obviously enjoy harassing people. You don't see folks running up to me at cocktail soirees saying... "Gee whiz, a tax attorney. Wow. What a cool job. Wish I could do that." Wouldn't mind what you got, Henry. Used to be enough. Chantal's green monster... extends to her sister's marriage. You see, Maria married for other more tried and true reasons... despite her mother's objections. Married a man closer to her own age. A man of modest means. Dashing young artist. Beautiful women. They are a breed unto themselves. Wouldn't you agree? A beautiful woman moves through life unchallenged... men giving them everything that they want. First their daddies, then their boyfriends and husbands. - I'll drink to that. - For some, beauty is their only talent. There's always somebody more beautiful. Somebody younger. Chantal's mother taught her that. Why are you doing this to me, Victor? I certainly hope you've gotten your petty thrill pulling back the curtain. But there's nothing more to see. I'll tell you what I see, Henry. I see the bodies of two young girls, murdered. The man who did that's going to answer to me. You make me sick. Why do you keep saying "The man who did it... the one responsible, the killer"? Why don't you put a name to this phantom- Henry Hearst, attorney-at-law- if you're so convinced that I'm guilty? Construing my marriage to be dysfunctional... just makes it easier for you to sell me down the river. I'm being convinced, but not all the way. - That's why you're still here. - I'm still here because I choose to be. Because you asked me if I would "drop by." Because you fed me this line of crap... about a couple of questions. But now- Now I'm leaving. I've told my story to exhaustion. I've got a ballroom full of people waiting for me over there... to give my toast in exactly 12 minutes. And I've suffered enough insults and accusations for any friend to bear. You're not going anywhere, Henry. What, are you gonna sick this knuckle-dragger on me? In that case, be careful. Be very careful, because you only have so many possibilities. You remember: I know something about the law. I'm gonna walk right out that door unless you book me here and now. How about I detain you on suspicion? Are you serious? Read him his rights. Step inside. You have the right to remain silent. - Anything you say can and will be- - On what charge? Taking a nap on a bench? Walking a dog without permission? Two counts, first-degree murder. Special circumstances. Two counts, rape... upon the persons of Sue Ellen Huddy and Paulina Valera. I raped them as well, huh? If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you. Now, do you understand these rights that have been explained to you? See you outside a minute, please. He's one hundred fucking percent guilty. He knows exactly where we're taking him. Yeah, you made sure of that. Thank you. Now, what if he lawyers up? He opens his wallet and trots in some hardball mouthpiece- - That's it. We lose him. - We already had him. "I was sleeping on a park bench." I mean, my ass! You're playing it soft. Why are you butterballing him? Why don't you let me go in there and let me drop the hammer on that guy? I'm gonna walk across the street. You go back in there, and you sit with him. And you keep your mouth shut. Okay? Shut! I saw Victor's eyes. And your nostrils seem to have a new flare to them. As in, your butt got chewed for blowing the pooch. Our notorious captain would love to have ambushed me with that tidbit... and owned the most devastating moment. Yeah. - You okay with that? - What? I didn't know- diet or regular. Bet they're fast, huh? Excuse me? Little girls. I bet they run really fast... when you're chasing 'em. You'll be running quick, too, when I file my lawsuit. You're telling me to let a man- whom I think in all probability... killed two young girls- walk out of the station? For ten minutes, Victor. - Has he confessed? - Of course not. You have proof enough to arrest him? I've caught him in a number of lies. You need more than a few lies. And until you have them... I don't want him retained officially. Don't tell me you already- Five minutes ago. I thought he might take off. He has to make his toast! Bring him here. No uniformed officer. No restraint of any kind. See to it... Captain. Well, this is nice. A little alone time. You know, I like you, Henry. Can you believe it? A couple of girls strangled, raped. And yet you maintain a sense of humor about it. Raped and strangled. What? You said "strangled and raped." I wouldn't know, especially... but these things should be put in their proper order. Don't you agree, Detective? Do you call to them? What do I know? Could be the poor kids, they lured you... off into the woods and seduced you. It happens. You sound obsessed. You like this sort of thing. I'm just curious. I'm curious how you operate. Now... these little girls- I bet they run like rabbits, don't they? Come on. Tell me about it. What do you do? Touch 'em? You touch 'em like that? What, did that hurt? You hurt 'em, don't you? The little girls. - Do you kiss them? - Cut it out! "What's your name, sweetheart? Paulina? That's a pretty name. It's sexy, yeah. Are you here all by yourself? I am too. Cute top. It's a tight little blouse you got on there. God, you're a hot little cutie. I just wanna put my-" Where are you going, little girl? Back. - Get your hands off me. - Get back in the office. You- You son of a bitch. It's the captain. Line three. He what? Never mind, Owens. Never mind! Just bring him here. Bring him here now! He has a speech to make. When you've fixed your rug, I gotta run you over. Haven't you done that already? Would you please get your hands off me? Please! My God, Henry! What happened? Have you met my new tailor and hair stylist... the "Marquis de fucking Sade"? Look! This is nothing less than assault and battery, and I have witnesses! - Witnesses to what? - You knocked me down the stairs! - You attempted to escape! - That's bullshit! Come on! - Let's go have a serious discu- - Just cut the crap. - What? - Henry, people are depending on you. - Shut up. Just shut up. - Shut up, Julio. Do you mind? Ruthanne, you're looking lovely, as usual. - Henry, is everything okay? - Yes, fine. Thank you very much. It's all right. Isabella, hola. Wait. Just pray that I'm guilty of killing those girls... because if I am, then your boys worked over a monster. It'll be brushed under the carpet. But if I'm not, the monster changes sides. Henry, just give us that money smile. Shit. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Happy San Sebastian. I'm proud to introduce a man... who along with his lovely wife Chantal Hearst... has championed many charity causes in Puerto Rico. And in the wake of Hurricane Lucy, we need him more than ever. So, Henry, get over here and empty these people's pockets. Where's his fucking hair? Had the damn thing upside down. Thank you very much for coming tonight. Where you been? Got a lot of catchin' up to do. I'm right behind you. When nature sends its worst, it's as if one of God's checks has bounced. Let's pray your checks don't. Because that's why we're here. Hurricane Lucy ripped across- They say no amount of learning can cure stupidity. - You're certainly a candidate for- - If he'd cracked, you'd have come back- Well, he didn't crack, and you're off this investigation. - What? - Don't, Detective. Learn the grammar of silence while you still hold that rank. Now, you go back to the station. Go home. Put on a silly hat. Do whatever morons do. The island is a family, one that has been torn apart. We need to be there for each other, especially for our children. For there's no greater gift than a child's smile. I want him back. Now. Tonight. Not tomorrow. Victor, don't underestimate... the resolve of Henry Hearst and his law firm... to raise your severed head on a pole... and wave it for the whole damn island to see. We'll see whose head gets waved on that pole. Well, that's your decision, then... isn't it? In closing, I'd like to ask you to look into your hearts... realize what truly matters in life... and find the love to help our family. Perhaps catastrophe... is the natural human environment. We find ourselves attacked by unforeseen forces come to harm us... even though we are innocent of any wrong doing. But it is human nature to overcome, if we work together. So, please, help me help the children. Thank you. You know, as if I wasn't embarrassed enough... you jerked me out of there without being able to chat or have dinner. - I'm hungry, damn it! - You like chocolate? There's a whole machine full of it in the hallway... and I know you've got money. - You can't treat me like this. - Of course I can! You'll eat, Henry. Food is the least of your problems. I'm going to do the best I can to see you get three squares a day. Come with me. Will you hold my husband all night? How long could that be? Would you like to have a private chat with your wife? This is Detective Castillo. He's going to set up a video camera in here while I chat with Chantal. Why must you question her? Detective Castillo will get you some food. - I should tell you the- - Do it outside. Victor, I need to know what's happening. Just give me a moment while I close the door. She came in- She was- to me- Is Henry here? Can I see him? - I need to see him. - Doesn't want to talk to you. If he's innocent, why is this taking so long? I never said he was innocent. Tell me about your lives together as a couple. You could start with the separate bedrooms. He talked about that? - And what else? - Your sister. Don't you offer to light a lady's cigarette? Tell me about the night he... visited your sister's home. What night would that be? December 19, Sunday night, about 9:00 in the evening. I find it curious that you chose not to accompany him. I wasn't aware Henry had visited my sister. Why wouldn't he tell you? Obviously Henry has talked to us about your marriage... how you wish you had married someone closer to your age, like Paco. You're saying Henry's jealous of my sister's husband? Are you having an affair with Paco? Am I on trial now? Can you tell me what time he got home that night? There was a night that could be it. I remember the front door. Its old, very heavy. It tends to slam. Did you look at the clock? - You must've been worried. - This wasn't the first time. Hello? Take me into that room. Why don't you answer me? And you didn't pursue it? Or didn't you care to ask where he was? We don't ask those sort of questions anymore. But I'm sure you're going to tell me. We have reason to believe he was in La Perla... where a young girl named Paulina Valera was raped and murdered... and left on a garbage dump. I need to know whose name the house is in. The house was a gift. Then may I have your permission to search the house? You may not. - You said you were hungry. - What'd she say? - You all set, Castillo? - Yes, sir. Start recording. I was talking to you. That's right. Victor only listens when it suits Victor. I listen, Henry. I was listening when you told me you left your sister-in-law's... and drove to La Perla, that you went for a walk and fell asleep on a bench. Now I'd like to hear something that vaguely resembles the truth. - That is the truth. - Chantal says you got home at 3:30 A.M. I told you I went for a walk. I was drunk. L- - I may have had another drink. - You happen onto Via Del Mar Boulevard? Do you want to party with me? What do you want? - Did you see any hookers? - No. - You didn't talk to any hookers? - No. - Spend time with one, perhaps? - Absolutely not. You're lying, Henry. Your carotid artery is pumping like crazy. And your eyes- They turn down and to the left. That's what liars do. It's a fact. Our bodies give us away. Do you know what these do? They keep me awake. I haven't been sleeping much. Since you found Sue Ellen Huddy's body, I've been working straight through. And I've got so much to share with you. For instance, I accompanied those two officers... who phoned in the license number from your Range Rover. We went back to La Perla. They showed me exactly where you parked. We conducted some interviews. Imagine my surprise when several prostitutes recognized your photo... said you'd been coming around for months. Jesus Christ, Victor, she's in the next room. I'm talking about street hookers, needle users, crackheads... not high-class call girls. Curb crawlers, for God's sake. My God. That old carotid artery is pumping like gangbusters. God damn you. Chantal can't hear you, not with the door closed. - Unless I turn the speaker on. - Please. She was blond. Obviously peroxide, being Hispanic. She would truly have been beautiful without all that makeup. - I never knew her name. - Do you miss me, huh? Yes, you do. I left my sister-in-law's house... to have sex in an alley with a prostitute. I be a good little girl for you. Little girl. I finished myself off... drinking any goddamn thing I wanted at the Sunshine Cafe. A whiskey. What do you think? That I'd spend my life banging on my wife's- my wife's door? I'd find a substitute... someone just the opposite from Chantal. A prostitute is a woman who will give you a great deal... for relatively little money. Well, as an alibi, I don't know, Henry. A lot of women in Puerto Rico die their hair blond... especially in that profession, but I'll tell you what I do know. One of them admitted she'd been with you last week. Her name was Reina. - Do you know this man? - No. Yes. She was young, much younger than the others. And she says that's why you like her. But this must be an old picture. - Why? - The guy's bald now. - Bald? - Mm-hmm. You remove your hairpiece down there as well, dont you, Henry? It seems nobody remembers you with the rug. Trying not to be recognized. That's smart. Pick 'em up in your car, somebody might catch a license plate. - "This one likes it quick"- - From behind. He pumps me hard. At least he comes fast. Then goes like he doesn't want to be here. But I like it fast. Gets me back- "...into my corner." But a week ago is no alibi, is it, Henry? Why, Henry? Why here like this... in the dirt? Think of the high-class escorts you can buy. Suites at the Ritz. Don Perignon. And you choose this. Don't tell her, will you, Victor? Please. I imagine Chantal will be thrilled to learn you were with a prostitute... instead of what you were really doing. Rapists leave bodily fluids- semen... DNA. Your test'll prove that it wasn't me. - You use condoms with your prostitutes? - Of course. - What kind? - I don't know. Trojans. Whatever they have. The killer used condoms. Chemical lubricants were found in the victims. He's smart, like you. Knows all about our lab tests. Both victims were raped from behind. Both victims were strangled from behind. Thumb and fingerprints on the victims necks confirmed this. Are you here all by yourself? Then you put the clothes back on. Dirt and leaves inside the garments confirmed this, as well. - Pretty blouse you have on there. - Then you pose them. Each on the side... little heads resting on cupped hands. And you combed their hair. The lack of debris suggests this. And we have reason to believe you took their photograph. Stop it! Photography is your hobby, isn't it? Isn't it? Stop it! - What's wrong? You all right? - I'm fine. You want some water? No. I'm perfectly fine. I've never been better. I'm just tired. You don't look exactly fresh as a daisy yourself. You surf, Henry? The Internet? This is a statement from your web-browser provider. Your E-mail address is hhearst@elpuerto. Com. You sometimes use an on-line alias. "Hard Body Hank"? - Very catchy. - God, does this ever end? A simple yes or no, Henry. - Yes. - Yes. It seems that Hard Body Hank has visited several pornography sites... one of which is called Barely Legal. It features young ladies posed as schoolgirls. That website features women, not children. Christ. Every time I check E-mail, there's a new message from some electronic bimbo... luring me to her site. So I checked it out a few times. What's the big deal? And the prostitutes- What does that prove? That I'm lonely? That I don't get it at home? That my wife makes me sleep down the hall? And all this makes me a pedophile, a rapist, a killer of children? - Why would I do such a thing? - I don't know, Henry. Not yet. Let's talk about this glamorous wife who keeps poor Henry shivering in the hall. - You know what Chantal says? - She's lying! Whatever she said. I never touched Camille. Who's Camille? All right, Mrs. Hearst. Let's talk about your separate bedrooms. Henry says it was his choice; he moved out. - He's wrong. - He's wrong or he's lying? Let's not quibble over words. But words can be very amusing. Words like "conjugal duty," for instance... which Henry claims you have not been performing with willing good spirits. To be honest, he says you're not performing at all. He has been revealing things, hasn't he? I'd like to hear your side. The most interesting things- Those I'm sure he kept to himself. Not Camille, I'm afraid. That is the reason you sent him down the hall with his toothbrush and wash cloth? He's out there... afraid, hoping for a miracle... that one day things will turn out all right... as long as nobody speaks of them. He's right to. To what? Hope? To be afraid. Christmas Day, two years ago. We always used to spend Christmas with Maria and Paco. Of course this was before. Yeah. That's what I understand. I couldn't wait to see my niece. Camille. Their children were special... with an extra share of magic... and grace and purity. Camille was one of them. Henry and I were extremely fond of her. How are you? - They seem very close. - Don't they? - You look great! - You too. We were all having a good time, the way families should beat Christmas. - But then Henry got drunk. - Red, anybody? - No, thanks. - You've already poured it out. - I have. - He started making remarks... - Please excuse my husband. - About me and Paco. Excuse the husband, yeah. Something Paco seems very adept at. - It was embarrassing. - Henry. I was angry. - This the first time? - No. Is it some kind of secret that Paco finds my Chantal enchanting? - Henry, don't. - So what did you do? - Don't what? - I told him to shut up. Just don't. After dinner... Maria and I opened our presents. - Books for me... - Thanks. She wanted to read... and jewelry for her that I wanted to wear. Why I got up when I did, I don't know. Unless you call intuition a reason. But he wasn't there. Something led me toward the bedrooms. - I don't get it. - Come here. - They were there... - Let me see. In her room. - Yes. - Thank you. He was talking, and she was listening. I couldn't tell you what he was saying... but the way he talked to her... was the way you talk to a woman. I remember how she smiled, the look in her eyes. He had no right to make her smile that way. And you continued to stay together... each at your own separate ends of the hall. And you never had sex since? You're putting on quite a show for Henry, arent you? Right now, he can't hear you. Once a woman decides that's it's not important- Even when I would try to get things back to normal... that image was always with me. And since you can't have children- Of course I can. Would you mind telling me how old you were when you and Henry met? I think I was about 11 when we came over from Europe. Henry became my father's attorney here. They sailed together. He was always around. In our families, you could always find some friend of your father's... with a boat in St. Thomas or a penthouse in Manhattan. And that man was Henry. Now, your father- He died when you were what? Fourteen. And Henry became your surrogate father? He paid for my college. And that's when you became lovers? I wasn't interested in boys my age. Spring break. I couldn't wait. We did it on Henry's yacht, then in hotels... in cars, on beaches, everywhere. He was different with me. He was tender. We had a time, Henry and I. I can imagine. So can you imagine his anger... at not being able to make love to you now? - I've seen it. - You've seen it? As in, he raped you? Rape is an act of anger. It's about control, not about sex. Henry was a very angry man. Do you think he's guilty? Do you? That night, he visited your sister's home. Did you notice any scratches on him, signs of struggle? I can't remember. I need to get my hands on the clothes he was wearing that night. Please. Give me permission to search your house. Because you saw your husband talking to your niece on Christmas Eve... you've thrown him out of your bedroom and haven't slept with him in two years. Now, don't you think that's a little bit harsh? Stop trying to bait me. What do you call a beautiful young woman who's jealous of her 13-year-old niece? Honest. "Honest." I don't know who's more fucked up, you or him. I'm sorry. But don't you want to know you've been right about him? Don't you? Don't make a mess. Castillo? Take a squad of men. Escort Mrs. Hearst back to her house. Yes, sir. - Castillo, search the house. - Yes, sir. Say it. Go on. Say it. She tells you about Camille, everything falls into place. There's no need to even ask my side of the story. I'm Jack the Ripper, Jekyll and Hyde, big, bad wolf. I'll remind you, Henry. I've heard your story all night, and you've been lying. - Detective. - You got a problem? Huh? - All right. - Let's go. Sit down, Henry. Going man to man now, are we? Shall I roll up my sleeves? Christmas. Two years ago. You and Camille. - Let me see. - I don't get it. It was nothing, absolutely nothing. Camille dragged me into her room to show off a Christmas gift from her mother. - Even a knucklehead should be able to- - She was high on a sugar rush... from pumpkin pie. This would look good on you. Couldn't keep still. Smile. So Chantal overreacted? Chantal never let you touch her after that? You know, there are many things that separate couples: Infidelity... money, long illness. I'm separated from my wife by a hallway, a 60-foot hallway. In fact, it's a desert, that hallway. And at the very end, there's a door. And when it's locked, you can knock all you want... but that door wont open. Why do you hold on? Why not just get a divorce? Just trade one nightmare for another. Let's add it up: Half my money, the house. I'd end up living over somebody's reconverted garage. Oh, yeah, and then there's half my share of the law firm. That's bullshit, Henry. It's vanity, pure and simple. Being with her puts you on everybody's A-list. You're Puerto Rico's glamour couple. "Ah! Henry and Chantal Hearst! They're so in love!" - Just full of compliments, aren't we? - That's why you stay married. At our age, finding another woman like that's not so easy. Not so easy if you're taking them back... to your third-floor walk-up piece of shit $500-a-month studio apartment. - Is that what you mean, Victor? - Well, we can't all afford... to wine and dine classy, sophisticated ladies we meet in La Perla, can we? Just who'd your wife find you with before she relocated in such a hurry? Fuck you, Henry. Whoops. Tell me. Sue Ellen Huddy. Did you know her well or just in passing? Not well. Not at all. Its impossible for a man my age to know a 12-year-old really well. To know a 12-year-old really well. Bags. Throw me the bags. Thanks. The darkroom. There was no dog in there. There was only you. We don't have any evidence of a struggle... so it had to be somebody very good with children... or someone she knew. Did you kick the ball around with her, Henry? Did you laugh and play with her first? Or did you just take her? Was it as exciting as Paulina Valera? - Tell me, Henry! - Go to hell. You dressed her again. You posed her. We'll find the brush, Henry. We'll find the brush you used. We'll find the brush you used to get her hair just right. And then what you came for: Your trophy. You met Chantal when she was 11. You molded a pleasure model. Is that what you think children are for? To pleasure you? You peel my onion down to the nub. Are you trying to tell me that you don't like them young? You're twice divorced, single with a vengeance. Who do you talk to in a martini bar? The best-looking girl you can get away with, that's who. And she's not 50. Probably mid-30s. Of course, in their 20s- Hey. Now we're talking. And how about teenage girls? We loved them then. Why should anything change now? What does he possibly see in a girl that young? What in the world do they talk about? If I want to discuss the S&P 500, I'll call my broker. Young girls don't talk. They laugh. They live. They're in the moment. And every night is the night. And their bodies are hard and tight... and smooth... the way skin is supposed to be. And saying so... doesn't make me a pervert. Men can't say shit anymore. We're all browbeaten by youth-obsessed old bitches fresh from chemical peels. Still want us to open their doors, pay their way. Yes, Victor, I love young women. At least I'm honest enough to say so. One-hundred fucking percent guilty. Owens. We found them, sir. - She come back with you? - Yeah. Put her in there. All right. All right, but only if you promise to keep your mouth shut until I'm ready. You're welcome. You can sit right here. Check the recorder. There should be enough tape... though I don't think we'll need much more. Have a seat, Henry. She's in there watching? What's he saying? You're good at hiding behind things. Sit down, Henry... and tell us one more time about your relationship with these cond victim... Sue Ellen Huddy. Your relationship with the murder victim, Sue Ellen Huddy- the little girl you claim you found by the jogging path. She thinks that I did this. Lll ask the question one more time. What was your relationship to the murdered girl, Sue Ellen Huddy? There was none. None? No. None. I saw her by the house on occasion. She lived in the neighborhood. I might have spoke to her once or twice... if ever. A greeting, per- perhaps. Here's what I believe, Henry. You're bored. You're unhappy. You have a history with very young girls. You've been placed at the scene of the first murder. Your attempt at an alibi was to kill a second young girl. You're in love with someone who doesn't love you... just who you were. You're very, very lonely. I'll tell you what I believe... what I know... what I have proof of. Can you tell me who that is? Sue Ellen. A portrait like that takes time, Henry. And this little girl? Chantal was nice enough to bring these out of your darkroom. You make lovely photographs, Henry. I can't believe that she would go these lengths... to make this kind of point. It's almost farcical. You killed Sue Ellen Huddy. Yes. And Paulina Valera? Yes. Both of them? Yes, both of them. Raped and murdered them. Lm the one. Are you prepared to make a statement? What else am I doing? Well, let's- Let's begin with the first victim, little Paulina. Take your time. I... saw her on the doorstep. Go on, Henry. I'll be right back. You saw her on the doorstep. I saw her on the doorstep, and... she was all alone. - And she went off with you? - All right. What is it? - These were in his car. - You had sex with her? Yes. I raped her. - And then? - And then strangled her. There in the dump? - No. No, in the- - Who is this? - In an alley. - We were too late. - Which alley, exactly? - But we got him, sir. Park Central stakeout caught him in the act. - I don't know. - He's downstairs. They are processing him now. So, afterwards... you carried the body to the dump? Sir, it's over. Yeah, I dragged it. Her clothes. You'd already put them back on? I redressed her. And you posed her? Yes, I po- Yes, I brushed her hair. I took her- I took her hands and cupped them... under her cheek. I opened her eyes and- and then... I took her picture. What are you doing? You can go home, Henry. What? It's over. They caught the killer. What are you saying? He's downstairs. What? |
|