"It's not the filmmaker's intention to defend Gustave Minda's ethical code." "Persons and circumstances portrayed herein have no basis in fact, and therefore no judgment is called for regarding the police methods portrayed in this work of fiction based on a novel." "A man is given but one right at birth:" "to choose his own death." "But if he chooses because he's weary of life, then his entire existence has been without meaning." "SECOND WIND" "Adapted and Directed by JEAN-PIERRE MELVILLE" " It's set for December 28." " All right." "If all goes well, you'll get what we agreed on." "And if it doesn't?" "The job's set for December 28." "Forget your trip." "I'll just go and come back." "But you could be delayed in Paris..." "against your will." "You're indispensable here!" "Pulling this off is a huge risk, and without you " "Without me?" "I'll be back tomorrow." "That bastard Jacques the Lawyer got us into this." "We'll settle that later." "I need you here, Jeannot." "No one's irreplaceable." "Ciao." "What did you do this evening?" "I went to the movies." " Was it good?" " Not bad." "Good thing the cashier will be back next week." "What's wrong?" "Gu's escaped." "Let's go home." "Alban, two cognacs." "I can't believe it." "Ten years ago I offered to help him." "He told me to let him die in peace." "I was even afraid he'd kill himself." "Now, at 46 years old " "Alban." "Gu's escaped." "We've got to find him and hide him." "What happened?" " Did you see anything?" " No." "Then shut up." "None of us did." " Look out below!" " What is it?" " See you tomorrow." " Is Madame ill?" "No, it's Jacques." "Have everyone out in five minutes." "They're here!" "Let's go!" "Everyone in the wagon!" "Don't touch him!" "Who shot him?" "Her?" "No, it wasn't her." "She's the boss." "No one asked you." "You'll talk later." "I doubt he'll tell you much." "That's why I..." "Evening, Manouche." "Jacques Ribaldi, aka "Jacques the Lawyer" due to his law studies." "He got a bellyful of slugs." "Probably several shooters." "He didn't have time to use this." "Maybe you had better luck?" "Always the joker, inspector." "You know I don't use a gun anymore." "Because all your enemies are dead." " How can you say that?" " Don't act too shocked." "Besides, if Manouche is all right, that's all you care about, right?" "Come here, gentlemen." "I suppose there were no customers tonight." "Gentlemen, the food on the plates gives no indication of a hasty departure." "Some were having appetizers, some dessert." "Perfectly understandable." "Maybe the Queen of England was hitchhiking nearby - can't miss that." "Meanwhile, here's Alban." "He didn't see a thing." "He was crouched behind the counter, chasing away flies." "When he looked up, the bad guys who'd charged in for some yet unknown reason were gone." "He couldn't say whether it was one man or a tribe of desert nomads, right?" "That's about right." "Malicious gossips might say Jacques was sweet on Manouche here, but what could that have to do with it?" "Manouche didn't see a thing." "She was bent over the cash register." "Here's the second bartender, Marcel Le Stephanois, if memory serves." "The sinister assailant scared Marcel so that he couldn't identify him now." "He hid behind the counter." "Our Marcel's a timid one." "He didn't see a thing." " That's amazing!" " Take your time." "My story exactly." "It's like you were here." "Gentlemen, look how forthright and accommodating our witnesses are." "Ah!" "Let me introduce the valet, an upstanding citizen whose name escapes me." "He saw customers come in but heard nothing due to the roar of traffic, trucks and train whistles." "Then he saw customers leave - nothing out of the ordinary." "They told him a man had died." "He's still in shock." "Are you strong enough to speak, my child?" "It's true!" "What a shock!" "But enough." "I'm no torturer." "Don't be shy." "Have a seat." "Any village idiot could see that no one here saw a thing, and they're not paid to know why the customers rushed out." "Not everyone's born with an inquiring mind." "I'm finished, gentlemen." "No point." "Right, Alban?" "The kitchen help must have all gone home." "It was a lot of people for no customers." "Obviously we're wasting our time with these sweet tots." "Would you do me the same favor as two years ago?" "It's all current." "Employee names and addresses - for all the good it will do the judge." "Call them to come get the body." "How very curious." "It seems they shot into the street on their way out." "Unless someone shot at them from inside." "Alban, I hope you killed at least one!" "We'll know in a few days." "We've got a body for you." "We'll take the body away." "The rest of you know the routine." "You're to be available at all times." "Don't leave Paris without notifying us." "Did he have family in Paris?" "Not that I know of." "They live in Bastia." "His mother and two younger brothers are still alive." "And now you're alone." "Too bad the ante is so high." "It's over, Manouche." "You can all go." "It's one hell of a crossroads." "Someone new comes along, and everything changes." "Good night, Alban." "A little something to read to her tonight." "FORMER PUBLIC ENEMY #1 GU MINDA ESCAPES ...SERVING LIFE SENTENCE FOR "GOLD TRAIN" HEIST TEN YEARS AGO" " He's been in a coma for two days." " Didn't you call a doctor?" "Sure, but he's delirious." "He keeps calling your name." "I'm going to Paris with you." "Jacques kept asking me to go away with him." "Maybe he really did love me." "Freeze!" "Call Manouche." "Aren't those rods a little heavy?" "What did you do with Alban?" "Here to finish the job?" "Depends." "I've been on the scene for 15 years." "I know the score." "You don 't know everything." "You must be fed up with all this crap." "We can put an end to it." " For how much?" " We're not greedy." " Five million each." " And if I say no?" "Hands up!" "Don't talk, Manouche." "You two, face-down on the floor." "Search 'em." "Who's got the key to the handcuffs?" "He's out cold." "And tell him not to say my name." "Playing cops, were you?" "You let rubes knock you out these days?" "Get up, you two." "Hands down." "It's easy from behind, huh?" "Now we'll have a little chat." "What's your name?" " Henri Tourneur." "Who sent you?" "Don't make me repeat myself." "Jo Ricci." "Keep going." "My friend over there knows him." "Said he had a once-in-a-lifetime deal, that we should sit tight." "And then?" "We went to see him every night." "Tonight he told my friend the client was ripe." "Why tonight?" "They killed Jacques three days ago." "What did you know about her before coming here?" "Only that she couldn't go to the cops." "I got it." "Alban, let's go." "The keys." "He's got 'em." "Manouche!" "Where are we going?" "Floor it." "We're almost there." "I told Manouche to wait outside Ville-d'Avray." "Gu, my place is out of the question." "The cops have been on my back for three days." "The guy in charge is a crafty one." "I know." "Blot." "He's made quite a name on the inside too." "There's Montrouge." "That's right." "What's that?" "Don't worry." "You'll be nice and cozy there." "This'll be your kingdom for a while." "Here are the keys." " Who sent for him?" " He's my wife's cousin." "I can't stay, but let's get him buried in the backyard." "Why didn't you let me know?" "I'd have come to get you." "Did you take the train?" "No, I drove." "I'm flying right back." "Why the sudden trip?" "Our cigarette business with Jacques the Lawyer." "He and Jeannot are dead." "No more squabbles now." "Jeannot Franchi is dead?" "You'll miss him." "You always did need a partner." "No... not always." "One... two..." "Too slow, Yvette." "That's it." "I went to see my brother, but I realized it would never work." "But I've got another idea." "Orloff's back in France and passing through Marseille." "I know." "He works alone." "Always has." "1 00 million could change that." "My thought exactly." "I asked him to call me tonight at home." "Better yet, that he come in person." "My home's more discreet for Orloff than here." "I sent my wife to visit her family." "We'll be alone." "Thanks for coming." "When Paul calls, I come." "I've got two friends I'd like you to meet." "I have a job to offer you." "Pascal Leonetti." "Orloff." "Antoine Ripa." "You want to start the New Year with 200 million?" "One can start the New Year lots of ways... or not start it at all." "Well, not with this job." "I have inside information." "It's a month from now." "We'll know the time and everything." "Two motorcycle cops escorting a van with 1, 100 pounds of platinum." "A five-way split, 200 million each, including my inside source." "So the four us and him." "Is it so hard finding someone for such a big payoff?" "Why do you think you're here?" "Your confidence touches me deeply." "I assume you've worked out details and I need only say yes or no, so I'll ask no questions." "I'm not saying no, but I'm not saying yes either." "I need a week to give you a definite answer." "We must be ready in four weeks." "I know." "You'd still have three weeks to find a fourth, or you three could do it." "Three men can't pull it off." "Three's already a lot." "I've done lots of small jobs myself, but a million in platinum requires special care." "Meanwhile, you're free to keep looking." "It's only fair." "That way I won't hold you up." " How about a scotch?" " Just a drop." "To our future collaboration." "Would you step in here a moment?" "Find out where these two guys hung out." "Tourneur and Bartel were at Jo Ricci's bar every day." "Petty thugs picked off by a first-class killer." " Mrs. Simone Pelquier." " I'll be right there." "Hello, Manouche." "Hello, inspector." "I'm glad I found you in." "I've come for permission to leave Paris." "My cashier is back." "I need to forget all this." "It's gotten me down." "One couldn't tell from looking at you." "Manouche, you know how I feel about this sort of thing." "Lots of women would relish men killing each other over them." "There's no greater homage." "I don't ask for that much." "Look here." "These represent two men's death." "Riddled with holes in a barely concealed car, as if it didn't even matter if they were found." "The mark of a pro." "Go wherever you like." "Sell everything." "Find other people, lead a different life." "It would be better for you, Simone." "You know... it's kind of late for that now, inspector." "For a woman like you?" "You're kidding." " Well?" " Permission granted." "Good luck." "What do you think?" " Very dangerous." " Much more than you think." "But these people need a lot of freedom." "I'll go see Jo Ricci tonight." "His brother Paul messes around in cigarettes in Marseille." "Jacques the Lawyer was killed over cigarettes." "Jo Ricci knows it." "The two stiffs from Ville-d'Avray hung out at Ricci's bar." "And Manouche is calm and relaxed," "Like she's been helped..." "by the very best." "Look at this guy." "He was very rich once." "Now he's broke." "He won't leave France like that if there's another option, and there's always another option." "He's more dangerous than ever." "Gu, it's me!" "She's coming here for dinner tonight." "I thought you might like to dress." "She has word about getting you out of here." "I'll be going." "I can't leave the bar unattended." "No need to be afraid here." "Only the three of us know." "Leave everything." "She said she'd handle it." "It's me." "You shouldn't have." "I wanted to take care of it." "Why?" "You're my guest, aren't you?" "It's not a very nice place." "You know where I came from, and what's waiting for me." "Meaning?" "Every cop in France has my picture in his pocket." "So?" "A picture isn't the same as the man." "The cops aren't exactly geniuses." "That reminds me:" "I saw Blot this morning." "And?" "It was a touching courtship." "He said I could travel anywhere I wished, etc." "Complete freedom." "Know what I mean?" "Sure I do." "We have to dance to Blot's tune." "Gu... we've been crooks since we were kids." "If we can't get you out, we're in sad shape." "In any case, I'm never going back there." "What about me?" "What about you?" "What'll happen to me?" "Manouche... don't you understand?" "You know what happened." "I gambled and I lost." "No one was to blame." "Now they're after me, and they always will be." "Come on." " Evening, inspector." " Evening, Jo." "The same good taste, I see." " Spend the evening with us." "That could be very pleasant." "Colette and Marceline." "What'll it be?" "Cognac?" " I never drink." "But if I might offer these young ladies a drink..." " A tomato juice." " Me too." "And I'll have the same." "Colette and I always go out together." "We never leave each other's side." "I wouldn't want to appear overly confident, but I'll try to cancel a prior appointment." "May I use your telephone?" " Of course." "Sorry about those little vixens, but I'm here on business." "Careful not to work too hard, inspector." "Tell the girls my friend left." "I've got two corpses on my hands, and you came to mind." " You're too kind." " Any news from your brother Paul?" "He's a good boy now, all settled down." "I trust he won't be entering the convent." "When Jacques the Lawyer was bumped off, I thought of Paul." "Everyone knew Jacques..." "and Manouche." "You know me too, and I'm not stupid enough to believe that Jacques died because of Manouche." "We all have our little ideas." "Don't be a wise guy." "I'm not here to bust you." "You said we all have our little ideas." "And here's mine." "First, you weren't in on it." "Paul's cutting down his competition in the cigarette trade." "Jacques was a big fish." "Now Paul's sitting pretty." "But not entirely, because I know something you don't." "Three days after Jacques dies, two thugs who weren't even third-rate take a one-way trip to Ville-d'Avray." "You saw their names and mugs in the paper." "I knew them..." "as customers, of course." "That's the Jo I know!" " What'll you have, inspector?" " A cognac." "So this Tourneur and Bartel came to your bar." "Two low-class burglars." "But they get knocked off like big shots." "You realize what a mess those two idiots walked into?" "You'd almost think they were sent on purpose." "There's a house just 1 0 yards from where the car was found, and no one heard a thing." "It means they were shot in the car, on the road." "I stayed up all night digging through old files." "You'll never guess what I found." "Francis the Gimp, killed 15 years ago." "Straight stretch of road and bang!" "No one was ever arrested, but everyone back then thought it was Gu." "I find that amazing." "Don't you?" "That's strange." "Gu has escaped." "You know that." "Gu means Manouche and Alban." "You're with Paul..." "and Jacques, by extension." "But Jacques was also with Manouche and Alban." "So those stiffs, hanging around here, must have heard about Manouche." "See my point?" " I hadn't thought of that." "Don't bother." "I'm paid to think." "Sometimes I can't stop." "So our two altar boys hear that Manouche's man got plugged and figure a friendly visit to the widow might fatten their wallets." "Off they go..." "only to run into Gu." "We'll learn all the details later... maybe." "At this rate, he'll be back in the can in no time." "That would suit you fine." "Me?" "What the hell do I care about that dago?" " Well, he might care about you." " Why?" "Gu must have wondered who sent those two." "I think those two softies spilled the beans." "So your name came up." "Gu couldn't be too happy seeing someone harassing Manouche." "To hell with Gu!" "He'd better not come looking for trouble!" "I'm not responsible for my customers." "Fine." "But what if he thinks otherwise?" "He knows your whereabouts, but you don't know his." "Do you?" "Not yet, but I will." "Gu is crazy!" "Your kid doing okay in school?" "Yeah." "I'm sending him abroad to study." "Bravo!" "I hope you're alive at diploma time." "I'm not scared." "Courage won't keep you out of danger." "Think of your family." "Listen, we have to meet again." "I can't think now." "You know what to do." "I'll show myself out." "It's me!" "I was sleeping." "So I see." "I'll take these so she won't go nuts looking for them." "She's leaving." " Leaving?" "Says she can't take it anymore." "The rain never stops here, and you need some sun." "She'll shake them first, then find you a hideout in Marseille." "Her cousin has a boat." "Theo Cassini - know him?" "Vaguely." "He'll know how to get papers." "Depends where you wanna go." "I'm flat broke." "I can't go abroad empty-handed." "I know a place in Italy, but you need at least something." "And there's something else." "I'm not leaving without setting things straight." "I'm not gonna let Jo Ricci take over." "That stuff still sticks in your craw, eh?" "You'd die before you'd let me do it alone, so I might as well forget about it." "Let me drive you at least." "Here's Jo Ricci's bar on rue Washington, with a back entrance." "His private residence on the Place des Etats-Unis." "Tap both those lines, the bar and his apartment." "I lit a fire under Jo." "He'll make a move." "He may have visitors." " What kind?" " The fatal kind." "But we can't know in advance." "Make a move if you're sure, but don't go first." "Anyway, there won't be time beforehand." "So Chapter 1 :" "Jo swallows molten lead." "Chapter 2:" "If we can't move in, we wait for Chapter 3." "And who do you say will be there?" "Gu and Alban." " Easy as pie." " On the contrary." "Alban is Manouche's bodyguard, and an ace marksman." "Her fine health is ample proof." "And you already know my thoughts on Gu." "If Gu shows, no Christmas turkey for Jo." "Only they can kill him." "Otherwise he'll die of old age." "If you can't get a clear shot at Gu and Alban, stay out of sight." "Take Le Terrier and a few other men." "It's now or never." "Jo's not likely to stay in town long." "Go on." "Boss?" "Le Terrier's in the bar." "Alban's strolling down the street." "And more news:" "Ricci's flying to Corsica at 2:00 p. m." "I'm on my way." "They were loading Ricci's Ford with suitcases outside his apartment." "We can catch him at the bar if we hurry." "Pass by and don't stop." "It's one-way." "The next street." "Circle the Arc de Triomphe and come back." "We've got men at both corners." "Where's Le Terrier?" " Inside." " Get him out here." "Alban was checking the back entrance." "Let's hope it doesn't get more crowded." "Here we are." "There it is." "Let's go." "I'm not going in." "Did you see something?" "No, but it didn't feel right." "It's best if I leave you alone." "Manouche will send word, and we'll figure out what to do." " If it isn't dear old Alban!" " Hello, Inspector." " Wandering around?" " Out for a stroll." " Me too." "May I join you?" " If you like." " How's your lovely boss?" " She's gone." "Already?" "She had enough of all this." "How long a vacation?" "No, she really left." "For good." "Everyone's taking off today." "I know a guy who just flew off to Corsica." " Lucky man." " Indeed." "But you're staying?" "I have to take care of Manouche's affairs." "I haven't heard a peep about a certain Gustave Minda." "He's got all-terrain camouflage." "That guy's like a wild boar." "Tough to track down, and he'll kill two or three of your dogs in the process." "I'm not thrilled about hunting a man like him." "I suppose not." "Well, I'm going to cross here." "Be careful crossing." "Good luck." "Long live the crooks." "Tell Le Terrier and Godefroy we're done for the day." "Theo, I need your help." "Find a furnished house around here." "Money's no object." "Just no names." "A secluded little house to hide someone." "Who no doubt wants to set sail for abroad." "It's Gustave Minda." "I thought so." " Can you arrange it?" " I've got just the thing." "My father's old house." "No one goes there in winter." "Good." "I'll get it ready." "You're saving his life." "What about the boat?" "Gu's no small fry." "It won't be easy sneaking him out." "But I'll try." "Does he have papers?" " Not yet." " We'll take care of it." "What's she thinking?" "She'd pack me off in a crate marked ""this side up."" "I could spend the whole trip upside-down!" " She says there's cops everywhere." " No kidding." "Think it was easy breaking out of the pen?" "I'll do it my own way." "I'm leaving in ten days." "I'll do what I can to help." "Here." "I've got what I need." "This one's different." "It's never left my side." "Good old Alban." "Hello, Theo." "Is your boat in good shape?" " It floats." "It may be sailing for Sicily soon." "I may have an important job." "Me too - for southern Italy." "Maybe we can combine them." "I'd rather not." "Is the risk in leaving here or arriving there?" "More like in between..." "and arriving there." "Anyone important?" "Yes." "You'll have enough to retire soon." " I'll only charge this guy for expenses." " You've changed." "The thing is he needs papers." "I can tell you." "It's Gu." "Gu?" "I'll see to his papers." "When does he want to leave?" " They're waiting on me." " They?" "His sister too." "But she's not on the lam." "Tell them the papers will take a week." "Tell him to grow a moustache and to give you two pictures, or a negative I can develop." "Don't mention me, of course." " What about money?" " Ah, yes." "It's odd, but I'd like to do him a favor too." "Ah, something else." "Ask Gu if he's interested in 200 million before he leaves." "Life in Miami is sweet for millionaires." "200 million?" "It's the job I mentioned." "I can take my time to decide, but Gu can't." "It's in three weeks." "Tell him I need an answer right away." "Meanwhile, I'll take care of those papers." "See you." "See you." "We just have to wait." "Theo will get papers and let us know the date." "I'm in no hurry to get to Italy broke." "We're not broke." "I'm talking about ""me," not ""us."" " I thought I was traveling too." " You are." "It's Theo." "Thanks." "I've got news." "I need two pictures for your papers." "I've got a camera." "I'll take care of it." "Another thing..." "What would you say to 200 million?" "Some guys need a hand, and everyone gets 200 million." "200 million francs?" "You're not interested?" "Too risky." "I'm too old." "That's just great!" "It's not risky for Gu?" "The Gold Train wasn't exactly child's play." "I'm still alive, aren't I?" "What about your buddy Roger?" " No one forced him." " No one's forcing you now!" " I have no choice." " No, I won't allow it." "He's not doing it." "Who's behind this job?" "Paul Ricci." " I'm in." " Fine." "If I'd known, I'd never have come to you!" "Come on, Manouche." "I know I can trust you men." "Your caution in choosing a fourth weighs in your favor." "Only the sum involved stopped me from saying no on the spot." "But I've thought it over carefully." "An attack on the open highway could only last seconds." "How will you get past the motorcycle cops so quickly?" "We'll kill 'em." "There you go." "In that case, 200 million isn't enough." "Not 100 billion, not all the gold in the world." "Count me out." "Now, if you've got a moment, I know a man who'd join you." "No one asked you to do that." " The risks are great." " A foreigner?" "You know him well." "His name is Gustave Minda." "Gu Minda?" "Every cop's after him." "I thought he'd be long gone." "Gu?" "In this hellhole?" "He's leaving, and his situation calls for a little adventure." "Of course, he doesn't know it's you." "Tell him I say he's in and to ask for anything he needs." "He won't." "He didn't get any younger in the can." "I know guys who bunked with him in the pen." "He's washed up." "He could crack any minute." " Yet he escaped." " Yeah... with plenty of help." "Bernard, the guy who escaped with him, jumped off a cliff when they surrounded him." "Best not to get surrounded." "Three men escaped." "Not a scratch on Gu." "The other two are dead." "I'll vouch for him as if it were myself." "You wouldn't be working with him." "Gu will ride with Pascal and me." "He'll be just as good as Jeannot." "I have no doubt of that." "It's after that I'm not so sure of." "After... and during." "But I'll do my job and take my share." "If he cracks up, you'll do his part too." """After," you say?" "That's right." "Gu's behind the times." "He's old-fashioned." "There could be consequences." "I'll vouch for afterward too." "In that case, I'm in." "Can we work out details with Gu?" "You can meet here two hours before." "When will you know?" " The day before." "I know the place and the day, just not the time." "You let me know, and Gu will be here." "And don't mention my name." "Gu doesn't know I'm behind this." "He'd want to see me, and it's safer not to know where he is." "You trust him or not?" "Gentlemen, I wish you the best." "I've had about enough of that chump." "Don't let it show." "What could he do?" "He's all style, no action." "Live a nice long life and enjoy your millions." "Forget Orloff." "THE NIGHT OF DECEMBER 27-28 Tell Alban luck's on our side and not to worry." "What if something goes wrong?" "What will I do?" "It'll be great when you come back." "You'll see." "Here's Theo now." "THAT SAME NIGHT, 11:58 P.M." "The van leaves Toulon tomorrow at 2:00 p. m. with two motorcycle cops, headed for Cadarache via secondary roads." "There'll be a guy up front with the driver... and another sitting on the crates inside." "I'm glad you're here, Gu." " How are you, Gu?" " Pascal." "Antoine Ripa." "Hello." " Gypsy?" " Yeah." "Sit down, Gu." "Antoine, get him a drink." "How are you feeling?" "Don't worry." "It'll be fine." "It's reassuring having you on the team." "Tell me the details, Paul." "We're hitting the jackpot, but it's all timed to the second." "Here it is." "It's wild terrain up there." "Antoine hides a station wagon in the bushes and waits at the top with a rifle." "There's a shed there to lock up the three guys." "I've got a hideout for us six miles away." "Two motorcycle cops will escort the van." "We come along in the Mercedes." "Half a mile from Antoine's lookout, a little side road curves off the highway." "We'll wait there for the convoy to pass." "We can't follow them long or they'll catch on." "We hit them the moment Antoine shoots the first cop." "The second cop... the second cop..." "I shoot him from the car." "The guys in the van panic." "We tie them up and head home, right?" "Thanks." "What if they beef up the escort at the last minute?" "No risk of that." "My informant gives the orders for the convoy." "He specified two cops, no more." "There'll be twenty 55-pound crates of platinum in the van." "I know the kind." "This big, with handles?" "Right." "I think that's everything." "You know... if we could avoid killing the cops " "But we can't." "If one gets away, it's all over." "And the guys in the van will be armed." "Only fear will freeze them in their tracks." " You got tarps?" " Tarps?" "To cover the bodies." "No point hauling them around." "Not a bad idea." "It's true." "You never know." "I've got a big tarp we can cut in two." "What time do you have?" " 12:05." "All right." "You can get going." "Watch your speed, and change your plates five miles from here." "Open up!" "Both of you, out!" "Throw down the gun!" "Let me hear it!" "What happened?" "I don't know." "I thought I heard shots." "Get in the car!" "Get in or you die!" "It's me!" "I found this guy over by the second cop." "This place belongs to my in-laws." "The show got under way 45 minutes ago." "They'll sound the alarm in Cadarache when the van doesn't show." "Well, I'll be off." "Who's taking me?" "I am." "Pascal will come for the crates in a few days." "You want to come along?" "No need." "I trust you." "You know how to reach me." "I'll come get my share." "You should stay with us, Gu." "You might not be at Paul's when I pick up my share." "I might not." "It was a pleasure working with you." "You know, I was against you at first." "I don't know how to say this." "Those two cops " "It was just you and me." "That's right." " I'm thinking about Paul's contact." " Why?" "He's the only one who knew the time and route." "They'll suspect everyone." "He's not one of us." " We can't just " " Yes, we can." " He only knows Paul." " Then Paul should do it." "Drop me at the train station." "Good luck." "Marseille, please." "How much?" " 2.50." "That's all for today." "Everyone go home." "Inspector, give us a quote." "Not on your life." "You won't admit you've already arrested them." "Modesty won't get you promoted." "What the hell are you doing here?" "I don't have the time!" "Some New Year's present they gave you." "Now they pop some motorcycle cops and take off." "They're gonna pay." "I doubt you'll find anyone." "I've been here ten years." "I know every last one of them." "I'll haul a few of 'em in and then we'll see." "I'm sure you'll be delighted to cooperate." "You're ordered to turn over all projectiles found in the bodies." "We wouldn't know what to do, right?" "You're the expert?" "Take your good-luck charms." "Make a necklace out of 'em." "I'll inform my superiors of your noble attitude." "Out of my sight." "Find out if these are from the same gun that killed the two guys in Ville-d'Avray." "Each man killed one cop." "Four bullets from a Colt, three from a rifle." "They'll learn nothing in Marseille." "Witnesses give conflicting accounts." "The killers' car was dark blue, light green, brown, black." "And it wasn't a French make." " This is the lab, sir." " And?" "A Colt. 45." "The same gun." "Thanks." "It was the same gunman in Marseille and Ville-d'Avray." "Please listen carefully." "Jo Ricci sent two guys to lean on Manouche." "They were given a warm welcome, taken to Ville-d'Avray, and shot in the car." "By whom?" "I say Gu, the same way he killed Francis the Gimp 1 5 years ago." "In Ville-d'Avray he used a Colt and didn't toss it afterward." "This isn't your usual killer." "He's doomed and he knows it." "In Marseille he joined a heist and killed the cop following the van with the same Colt, a gun he was comfortable with." "You don't switch guns on such an important target." "Now for the others, like Manouche." "She returned to Paris before the assault." "Alban never left." "So Gu used other connections." "Now he's flush." "He'll need a month or two to convert some platinum into cash before he disappears." "That's all we know." "Be seated." "Questions?" "Manouche and Alban will try to see him." "Sure, but it's no use tailing them." "They're too good." "Losing a tail is easy." "I'll give them free rein." " Fardiano might find a clue." " Fardiano?" "He'll just haul in a few ""suspicious characters."" "No, the people who killed those cops are different." "First, they knew Gu." "That's a sign." "We're policemen, not magicians." "If some little thing doesn't come along to help us," "Gu will escape." "End of story." "The others aren't hiding." "With good reason." "It's easier to find someone who's hiding." "They lead an unusual life." "We'll run pictures in the newspapers." "No, no pictures." "Gu would never surface, and we need him to." "That leaves just luck..." "or chance." "Call it whatever you like." "We just need one tiny lead, and we'll work it to the very end." "BLOODY HOLDUP POLICE SPRING INTO ACTION" "Luckily his name isn't mentioned." "Luckier still, Blot hasn't stuck his nose into it." "Paris police have nothing to do with matters down south." "Of course not." "I'm dying to go to Marseille, but I'm afraid I'd somehow mess things up." "I'll be right back." "Well, I'll be going." "May I tell you a couple things?" "Go ahead." "Pascal will tell you what I think about your informant." "And your brother Jo " " Save your breath." "I know my brother." "He must never know." "You're asking a lot." "He's not on the up-and-up." "You want proof?" "I almost bumped him off in Paris." "He never knew, but he flew the coop." "So much for a clean conscience." "You want to know why?" "He has a good brother." "I'll do you a favor and forget it." "He'll live to a ripe old age." "That's all." "You know, on the lam or not," "I don't think I'll stay around here." "Good-bye, Paul." "Where will you go?" "I'll vanish into thin air." "Be careful." "Try anything and I blow your head off!" "Get out." "That's where the cops surrounded the guy who escaped with you." "He jumped from up top." "We thought you might like to die here." "I know you're the sentimental type." "Though not much of a talker." "But we're not here for your life story or even for the loot." "We don't give a damn about the loot." "You really sank low this time, Gu, working with just anybody." "Sorry, but the Angel can't let this slide." "The Angel?" "Nevada?" "That's right." "It was his job." "You double-crossed him." "He doesn't like that." "You know that, Gu." "We found you." "We'll find the others too." "And then you'll die, every one of you." "I know the Angel, and he knows me." "I never ratted in the pen." "I stay true to my principles!" "Principles!" "You kicked them aside for a little platinum." "Has Nevada gone nuts?" "He knows where I was." "Does he think I call the shots?" "I just did my part on a job!" "I didn't know about any double-cross!" "But you see..." "The Angel thinks otherwise " "And my word means nothing in this rotten business?" "You with all your men and guns, talking bullshit and more bullshit!" "What do you know about my life?" "Nevada's hallucinating that I double-crossed him?" "Is he cracking up?" "What about Ricci?" "Was what he did right?" " Which one?" " Both." "Both?" "That's right." "Jo and Paul." "Paul's my friend." "That means nothing." "So you didn't know?" "You have my word." "And the Angel can be wrong too." "No, he can't." "You understand?" "He didn't get a single franc of his 500 million." "Paul wouldn't do that unless he lost his mind." "We can't know his mind." "Nevada tipped him off in exchange for half." "Paul should have been happy with half." "But you guys got together and split it all four ways." "Four?" "No, five." "What do you mean, five?" "That's right." "The informant's share." "That's really rich!" "Nevada was the informant." "So Paul walked off with 400 million." "Listen carefully." "I've changed my mind." "Paul's as good as dead." "No use talking to him." "But maybe the others are like you." "We want to see them." "If you'd care to take us to them..." "Keep dreaming." "You won't do it?" "That's enough." "Sorry." "Blot, crime squad." "We taped it all." "That's illegal!" "You hear me?" "Everything's legal." "I won't sign a confession!" "You and Ricci can tell that to Fardiano." "We've got all we need." "Let's go." "Gustave Minda here was in on the job with Paul Ricci." "This tape should come in handy." "Anyone can imitate a voice!" "I didn't say a word!" "You will here!" "Everyone does!" "One of your guards from prison was here on vacation." "He recognized you at the petanque court, despite your moustache." "A lot of good that does me now!" "Cuff him to the radiator." "Three men on guard." "Your reputation's gonna take a real blow." "Paul won't be too happy." "You usually went down alone." "Time was when a man seen talking to a cop would be shunned, and inspectors didn't rub shoulders with crooks." "Now you hold hands and go out on dates." "Makes the job easier, right?" "Makes me want to vomit." "Don't be sick here." "Fardiano's no nurse." "I'm going back to Paris." "Any message for Manouche and Alban?" "Friends of yours?" "No, yours." "Old friends." "Inspector." "You make me laugh." "Enjoy it while your head's still on your shoulders." "Listen, big shot." "When my men bring in your friend, we'll work things out together." "You already ratted on Ricci." "You'll think of a few more tidbits." "I don't like that look." "I'll change your tune." "I'll get every lawyer in town!" "You'll pay for this!" "Hello, Paul." "Your friend tells us he was part of the platinum heist, that little story no one's talking about." "He said you were in on it, so we came to get you." "But you just yell your head off and get on our nerves." "Save your patter for the yokels." "Listen." "You have my word." "Even the Angel can be wrong." "No, he can't." "You understand?" "He didn't get a single franc of his 500 million." "Paul wouldn't do that unless he lost his mind." "We can't know his mind." "Nevada tipped him off in exchange for half." "Paul should have been happy with half." "But you guys got together and split it all four ways." "Four?" "No, five." "What do you mean, five?" "That's right." "The informant's share." "That's really rich!" "Nevada was the informant." "So Paul walked off with 400 million." "Still think I 'm bluffing?" "It's not true!" "Second thoughts." "Only natural." "Is this a lunatic asylum now?" "Could be." "Depends on who we've got." "I'm innocent!" "I know no one!" "I met no one!" "I want my lawyers and a judge!" "Give the gentleman a seat." "More comfortable for talking." "Where were you the afternoon of December 28?" " The 28th?" " That's right." "Home." "I caught the flu on Christmas." " Who saw you?" " My wife." "Who else?" " You need more?" " Not really." "You were too busy killing cops to be seen in town." "You don't have open house when you're sick." "You're not the type to stay home with your wife." "We're in love." "Is that against the law?" "Get him a drink." "He must be thirsty." "You didn't shoot those cops." "Maybe you were just driving." "You can't claim we hit you." "You have no bruises." "You're being unreasonable." "We'll only lose our temper this way." "Why not just talk?" "Especially if you were just driving." "I've told you everything." "I did nothing wrong." "I want my lawyers!" "Let's start over." "Do you know him or not?" "Never seen the guy." "But he's still a human being!" "Weren't those cops human beings too, with families?" "Did you give them a chance?" "You doomed them from the start." "You'll adopt their five children, right?" "All I want is a confession." "They didn't waste any time." """Bloody holdup." "Gu Minda names accomplices to save himself." "Paul Ricci, nightclub owner, already behind bars." "Other arrests imminent."" "Get him to the hospital!" "Calling him an informer drives him crazy." "I'll make sure every thug hears it!" "He didn't talk." "I'm sure of it." "That's just to turn everyone against him." "No one will believe us." "Gu was arrested before Paul." " What do you believe?" " I don't care." "To me, Gu is Gu." "My Gu." "It must kill him to know people think he'd do that." "So we go help him?" "Let's wait a few days." "We can't get near him now." "We warned your brother, but he was all for Gu." "Doesn't surprise me." "Gu was trouble even in the pen." "Too bad Paul didn't talk to me." "Gu ratted on him." "That much is clear." "Let's wait till Paul sees a judge." "All they have is Gu's statement." "Let's hope he doesn't make others." "He and Orloff make quite a pair." "Orloff?" "Paul chewed me out 'cause I couldn't stand Orloff's attitude." "Orloff is mixed up in this?" "That's why we want to see him." "He set Gu up with Paul." "He's still in Marseille." "Maybe we should ask him about Gu." "Absolutely." " Tell him I'm waiting." " You could wait a long time." "A friend." "Gu's sister." "Orloff, a friend of Gu's." "I have news." " Have you seen him?" " No, I haven't." "Could you help me try to see him?" " I'll try." " When?" "I'll tell you here tomorrow at 3:00 p. m." "How do you think things will go for Gu?" "With a woman like that helping him, his troubles won't last." "Pascal and Antoine want me to meet Jo Ricci." "It's set for tomorrow in an abandoned hideout of mine." "Be careful." "Jo Ricci has a bad reputation." "It's that kid Antoine that I'm worried about." "Hello." "Hello." "It's about Paul." "It's bad." "He always worked with good guys." " So did they." "My brother's in there, not them." "You set Paul up with that lowlife Gu." "Paul wanted to help him." "Your friends lied to you." "Let's stick to you and Gu." "Fine." "You think Gu ratted on Paul." "Why didn't he rat on you too?" "He had second thoughts after seeing my brother." "If he panics again, he'll rat on us too." "I think he was set up." "Blot was in town." "Nothing sticks if you don't talk." "A big shot like him should know that." "My brother wouldn't be in the can if not for you." "I'm ready to help Paul." "Paul has his brother and his colleagues." "We'd rather you took care of Gu." "I see." "Since his jailbreak, he's had no lack of help." "That will probably continue." "If he escapes again, kill him." "Then we're square." "Fair enough?" "Our problems will be over." "Nothing like thinking ahead." "It's good to know where one stands." "If I'm shown proof that he ratted on Paul, he'll die." "Proof?" "Don't you read the papers?" "They don't mention Blot." "Only Gu, Blot, and Fardiano know the truth." "My brother spoke to his lawyers." "Gu ratted him out, as sure as day." "Your brother trusted Gu implicitly." "He was eager for Gu to join." "That's no excuse." "I have all the proof I need." "Gu must die." "You know Fardiano isn't very bright." "I'll see what I can find out." "If you're right, I'll kill Gu." "And if not?" "Then it's no longer my business." "But we could make it ours." "Do as you like." "If we can't get Gu, we can settle things with you." "When?" "Whenever you like." "This kind of talk just gets people worked up." "You talk too much." "You're looking out for Paul." "Fine." "But I'm not your servant." "It's normal to look out for your brother, but talk some sense into your friend." "This is his last warning." "If Gu ratted on Paul, he'll die." "That's my final word." "My God!" "You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of." "I said his name." "Me, Gu Minda!" "Don't you know what that means?" "I have to get him out of there." "He'll find out you didn't sign any statement, and a tape recording isn't enough to convict." "That bastard Fardiano is saying I cut a deal to get back at me!" "I can't stand it anymore." "You know... you deserved better." "I never should've gone to Paris." "Yes... you should have." "Go straight until I tell you to stop." "Then we'll have a chat." "Turn off here to the left." "Kill the engine." "Take this." "Now you'll write an open letter to the press saying you lied about me to get back at me for not talking." "Then you'll write how Blot set me up, and how Paul Ricci and I didn't admit to anything." "Got that?" "Make sure it's good and clear." "That's it." "Now sign it." "Now that you're warmed up, write to the Minister of Justice." " The minister?" " Tell him the same thing." "You'll also describe how you get men to talk... and that you're sorry and you'll never do it again." "That's it." " What pocket are your handcuffs in?" " Left." "Lean forward." "Hands behind your back." "Both hands." "Get out." "Smile." "Lay down." "Who knows where journalists get their stuff?" "I'm sure you never said a word about me." "They misunderstood." "You know, I'm not proud I shot that cop." " Why tell me that?" " Isn't it your job to know everything?" "There were four of us:" "Antoine Ripa, Pascal Leonetti, Paul and me." "Shut up!" "Antoine waited up above with a rifle." "I'm not listening!" "What a shame." "Lots of people would love to hear this." "You've changed, but not that much." "Stop acting as if you're alone." "You'll get nowhere." "I've been going crazy." "Certain things need to be done." "Hundreds of cops are on your trail." "You can't get out now." "And now Jo Ricci, Pascal, and Antoine are after you." "Hear me out." "I'm going to see them now." "I'll ask for a few hours to prove you didn't rat on Paul." "You can slip away with Manouche." "What about Paul?" "Forget Paul." "His wife protects him, and he's got good lawyers." "Still, I'm going to find Fardiano and " "Supposing things don't work out with Fardiano?" "Then I'll have to face the others, but that's all right." "Meanwhile I wait here, sipping tea with Manouche." "You won't have time." "I forgot to mention that Blot got into town last night." "Blot's here?" "He'll have his hands full." "He's a fast worker." "You have to leave." "Not until I clear my name." "That's my job." "No, it's mine." "What's that?" "Fardiano's confession." "He wrote it before he died." "Why are you " "I don't need it anymore." "This is for Alban." "And here's Fardiano's confession - don't let them keep it." "The press will have a field day with it." "I'll be right back." "Tell me where you're going just in case." "There's no point." "Everything will be fine." "I'll let you do it, but my whole life is in here." "I risked my neck to get this in writing." "Anything can happen." "I need to know where you're going." "1, rue Vinci, fourth floor." "Is the coast clear?" "Freeze, Antoine." "You must be glad to see me." "Are you behind this, Jo?" "Answer me, damn it." "Yes." "So you're here to avenge Paul." "Good boy." "I have Fardiano's confession in my pocket." "You take me at my word?" "I believe you." "There you go." "How about you two?" "You sit there like assholes!" "Didn't you hear?" "My word is enough." "You didn't need to make such a fuss." "Where's Orloff?" "Shut your trap." "I'll do the talking." "What about you, Pascal?" "Nothing to say?" "I want to believe you." "What a pal." "Just here to pass the time, right?" "It seems we all agree." "You two will spread the word that it was a misunderstanding." "Right?" "Anyone can make a mistake." "I wasn't talking to you, Jo." "Get up." "Hands on your head." "Back up." "Keep going." "That's good." "Turn around." "You're looking at the scum of the earth." "The man's a jackal." "Now he's after his brother's platinum, and probably his wife to boot." "He'd send his brother to the guillotine without blinking." " There are men up there." " No, it's been empty for years." " Get an ambulance." " I didn't think of that." "He 's got a gun." "Fourth floor." "Stop at the third floor." "Gu, drop your weapons." "Manouche." "A real bloodbath." "Jo Ricci, Antoine Ripa, and Pascal Leonetti." "Please let me through." "Let her through." "It's over, Manouche." "Did he say anything?" "Not a word." "Go home, Manouche." "Go back to Paris." "Anything serious, inspector?" "Gustave Minda killed three men and was killed himself." "You dropped something." " You think it's mine?" " I'm sure of it."