Samuel?
Samuel!
THE CRIMSON RIVERS
DAY OF THE ASHES: PART 1
Sorry.
Excuse me.
Detective Niemans?
I'm Lt Thierry Chauveron.
I'll be helping you with the investigation.
Is there a car hire here? -No need. I've got my car outside.
I'd prefer to be independent.
Well then, the car hire is that way.
I thought there'd be someone with you. -Well, it's just me.
You can brief me on the way.
So you know the prosecutor?
Yes. He's an old friend.
But that doesn't explain why he put me on the case.
We have to determine if it's a murder case.
The brief said someone had tampered with the vault supports.
It's just a theory.
The main problem is that Toschi was pastor at the Château.
What's the Château?
Not exactly how it sounds.
It's a winegrowing estate run by a Protestant community.
They're known here as "God's Harvesters."
Is it a cult? -You could say that, yes.
They claim to be heirs to the first Protestants of Alsace.
Behind the smiles, they're very uncooperative.
They tried to prevent the autopsy. It's against their beliefs.
They won't answer our questions.
And as it's harvest time, they don't want any hold-ups.
Any internal tension?
Hard to say as they don't mix with outsiders.
They only employ outside help for these few harvest days.
And what was Toschi doing at the chapel at that time of day?
He went by every evening to see how the work was coming along.
It was here that their ancestors hid from persecution.
They plan to make it
a memorial to Protestant oppression in the 16th century.
I see.
You removed the police tape?
Who authorized that?
Lieutenant Colonel Kirsch.
Forensics is finished. The experts are done.
Samuel Toschi's been dead for over a week. There was no reason to wait.
Work's already resumed?
It starts tomorrow. The prosecutor gave the go-ahead.
According to the autopsy, Toschi died under the rubble.
His rib cage was crushed and his neck was broken.
Are the frescos valuable?
Not really.
They have more symbolic value.
Right, get a team together and secure the area. OK?
I don't want anyone snooping about the site.
What about the work? -Not my problem.
Nobody sets foot in here
until we've established whether it's a crime scene.
Mr Raynaud won't be happy. -Who's he again?
I heard you were here.
My name's Joseph Raynaud.
I'm the one who runs the Château Cooperative.
Detective Niemans.
I believe you're wasting your time.
I received the expert report this morning.
It certifies that the vault's collapse
was an accident caused by accelerated limestone erosion.
Something to do with fumes from the vines. I don't understand it all.
In any case, there's no malice or human negligence.
How did you get this report? -Our own experts did the work.
Your experts? -Yes, from our insurance company.
I take care of all financial and legal matters.
I thought they'd be best for the job. -What the hell is this? Where are we?
Calm down, detective. Our experts are the best in their field.
Their assessment is legally sound.
I think we can consider the case closed and you can go home.
Let me explain something, Mr Raynaud.
I've come from Paris to wrap this case up.
I don't give a shit about your tricks.
I intend to do my job properly.
So your insurers are not going to tell me the case is closed.
Got it?
You went in a bit strong.
The Château community has a lot of power around here.
Who's funding the chapel's restoration? -The Château, largely.
Along with the local council and the archdiocese.
Why the archdiocese?
The chapel was Catholic originally.
Does the Château have much money?
Its wine is very famous.
But all the income is used to sustain the community.
We're coming up to the vineyards now.
What on earth...
Are there a lot of people in the cult?
Not everyone you see here is part of the community.
People come from all over for the harvest.
But the rules are strict. Everyone must dress the same.
Slow down, please.
Slow down!
Alright. Pick up the pace or we'll be here all night.
Where exactly are we going?
To see the coroner. I need to talk to him.
I heard someone died.
Was it your boss?
I'm not part of the community.
I'm a seasonal worker like you.
But as far as I know, there are no bosses here.
But you heard what happened?
Yes.
So who's going to lead the cult?
I told you, there's no boss.
And it's not a cult.
You ask too many questions.
Dr Beaucarne?
Yes? -Detective Niemans from Paris.
I'm investigating the death of Samuel Toschi.
You're here as backup? -No, it's about your report.
Which part of it? -It says he had a stone in his mouth.
That's correct. -A stone from the collapsed vault.
I'd say so.
But there was no damage to his mouth or teeth.
What do you want to know?
Surely a rock like that would do serious damage to the face?
Yet his was perfectly intact.
So?
So perhaps the stone was put in his mouth before the vault collapsed.
You mean he was killed first? -It's possible.
Of course.
Toschi could have been stoned to death and then hidden underneath the rubble.
But then why leave a stone in his mouth?
A signature, maybe.
Well, good luck.
My back's killing me.
I feel like an 80-year-old.
Welcome to the club.
Is it your first day? -Yes.
I hope the Château has comfortable beds.
The seasonal workers stay at a camp at the end of the main field.
Of course.
The Château is just for cult members.
What is it?
I stay at the Château. I'm part of the "cult," as you call it.
Sorry. -It's fine.
I'm Blandine.
Camille.
Yes? -There's someone here to see you.
OK. I'm coming down.
Hello. I'm Detective Niemans.
Stéphane Bruneau.
You wanted to see me?
You're overseeing work at the chapel?
Yes.
Have you read this?
What is it?
The expert report on the accident.
An accident?
I don't think so.
That's what the report says.
I'm a professional. I can assure you the site was entirely safe.
If the vault collapsed, it wasn't by accident.
Would you need expertise to sabotage the supports?
Not necessarily.
Do you work with your own men?
Some are my own, yes.
But most are from the community.
The cult.
How they live is their choice.
They're good workers.
Are you close to any of them?
Absolutely not. There's always a barrier.
An invisible wall.
Do you think one of them could have done it?
No.
Toschi was like a god to them.
Did you know him?
He came by every day. A real pain in the ass, always on my back.
But his enthusiasm was...
... quite inspiring.
Were there any valuables in the chapel? -None.
The community's only asset is its wine. -Do you know Raynaud well?
Another pain in the ass.
He's their businessman.
He's in charge now that Toschi's dead, right?
It doesn't work like that.
All decisions are collective. No one's in charge.
There's always a boss.
Raynaud claims they chucked the rubble out.
We haven't spent months restoring those frescos for them to just be thrown out.
Would the cult have any reason to hide it?
Do you have photos of the fresco from that vault?
Yes.
Would you mind e-mailing them to me?
Sure.
Hello. -Detective?
I've looked into the stone in the mouth.
Throughout history, in Italy, Ireland and Poland,
bodies have been found buried with stones in their mouths.
Seemingly to stop them coming back from the dead or biting the living.
It's not a Christian ritual? -No, more of a superstition.
There are many theories.
Have you made a list of looters and art traffickers?
I'm on it now. Oh, and detective? -Yes?
You might want to touch base with Colonel Kirsch.
He's not heard anything yet.
I think he's starting to get...
... nervous.
I'll take care of it.
What's it like inside?
Only members have access.
They have something to hide?
All I know is the rules are strict.
I think it's pretty creepy.
I'm only here because they pay the best wages.
Same, I am just here for work.
And it makes a nice change not having a mobile phone.
But I can't wait to get rid of these clothes.
They're worried that we won't dress modestly.
Yet they're happy to wave their asses in the air picking grapes.
At least the clothes solve that problem.
Hello.
It's me. -What's it like?
"Little House on the Prairie" with barbed wire.
But I've made contact with one of the women from the cult.
What's your verdict?
Definitely murder. A stone was put in Toschi's mouth before he was buried.
What does that mean?
Someone's looking into it. For now it's just ghosts and vampires.
But I find it hard to believe the cult's not involved.
Would they really demolish their own chapel?
Just a wall.
The ceiling's covered in frescos.
Worthless Christian stuff from the 19th century.
But the community was quick to remove and hide the rubble.
Because of the frescos? -I don't know.
I met this one guy by the name of Raynaud.
He looks like an overgrown garden gnome. You seen him?
Yeah.
He just gave us newbies a lecture on God, nature, wine and chastity.
It seems he's taken over from Toschi. Though they say there are no bosses.
It's clear they don't want us here. They're hiding something.
And they dumped the rubble to get rid of evidence?
Or to hide it.
Have you noticed anything? -The estate's big.
All buildings are off limits.
I'll try to get in by the road.
Okay. Be careful.
Yes, Mom. -Yeah, alright. Bye.
Everything OK, detective?
At ease, lieutenant. I've come to help.
To help? -Yes.
Still working on the list of traffickers?
Yes.
Let's take a look then.
Come on! -OK.
Hello? -Niemans...
I've found the missing rubble.
Where are you? -In a sort of cellar behind the farm.
They've reassembled the fresco on the ground.
The fragments are numbered, but they've lost the middle one.
Or someone stole it.
Head back to the camp. It's not safe.
I'll call you tomorrow night.
OK.
Who's that?
Mathussène?
Not really a looter as such.
He deals in stolen goods and makes his own sculptures.
But he specializes in religious art.
Is Altkirch far?
No, but it's way too late for a call.
We'd best get going then.
There must be a bell or something.
What are you doing?
I'm climbing the fence.
This isn't good.
Mathussène!
Hey!
We're police. We'd like to speak to you.
Turn off that damn radio!
The bastard's taking off!
You go that way!
Hey, you alright?
Hey!
Why did you run off like that?
Why did you run?
I'm not running, I'm here!
Shit. Alright, alright I'll tell you who it is.
I said those fonts weren't worth shit, anyway.
What are you talking about?
There's been a number of baptism fonts stolen from churches in Ungersheim.
I don't give a shit. I'm here about the Rosheim fresco.
What? -The fresco in Rosheim Chapel.
Do you know it?
Where the murder happened?
A part's missing, what do you know?
I had nothing to do with the murder! -Calm down, we know that.
But that fresco got a guy killed.
Was it worth it?
It would be, yeah.
Don't screw with me. Those paintings are worthless.
Those on top, yes. But not the ones underneath.
Underneath?
Christ, guys. Do your homework!
The 19th century artists whitewashed the walls and painted over the top.
Rosheim Chapel...
... has frescos that date back to the Renaissance.
It's these that they're restoring. And they're worth a fortune.
Right.
Shut up!
Where's the nearest forensics lab?
Strasbourg. You think there's still evidence at the chapel?
Call them first thing and tell them I need a RayzorX.
Will you remember? -What is it?
A portable X-ray machine. And tell them it's urgent.
And what should I tell the colonel?
Tell him he'll have my report in the morning.
Don't worry.
I didn't know we could smoke here.
I wish I'd brought mine.
Why wouldn't we be allowed?
We're not torturers.
Sorry. -It's OK.
Are you a Christian?
I went to church as a kid.
Still practicing?
No.
Is that bad? -No, no. Not at all.
Look around.
This land is our life.
I wouldn't change it for the world.
What are they doing?
After harvest ends tomorrow evening,
we spend the night burning the debris. Everything we used for the harvest.
The next day, we cover the vines in the ashes and pray for the coming year.
We call it the Day of the Ashes.
Here.
We're strange, right?
Completely nuts.
Hello? -This is Detective Niemans.
You've made a real fool of me.
What are you talking about? -The chapel's hidden frescos.
That's a rumor. -You haven't X-rayed the vaults?
What for? We're restoring the ones on top.
You're not exhuming the hidden frescos? -No.
And again: there's no proof they exist.
So you didn't look under the plaster?
Usually I would, but this time it wasn't possible.
Why not?
The Château guys strictly forbid it.
What's this business with the frescos?
They're from the Renaissance.
But their message might be more important.
What message?
I don't know. They were quick to hide the rubble.
And it seems they want the others to stay hidden.
These aren't the ones being restored?
I believe the restoration is to make sure they remain covered.
One of my sources says a fragment was stolen. This could be our motive.
A source? -Yes.
What source?
I can't disclose that.
Who do you think you are, exactly? A journalist?
May I remind you that I'm in charge?
Yet you were about to close a murder case without investigating it.
You've read the report.
Read mine. The case clearly involves murder and theft.
So if I were you, I'd go to the Château and interview everyone there.
What, a good hundred suspects? -Yes, plus local art traffickers.
When harvest ends tomorrow, they'll leave and we'll be up shit creek.
So I'd call in help from Colmar and Strasbourg.
And try not to let the press know it's a murder. I'd like to work in peace.
I wasn't planning on advertising it.
Lord, bless these vines that are the fruits of the earth and of man's toil.
Visit these vines. Protect them. Through Christ our Lord...
... he who lives on eternally.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What? -Nothing.
You shouldn't let appearances fool you.
We live in total freedom here.
It doesn't seem that way.
All these rules come from us. They're not imposed.
We want to live like this. It's our choice.
When did you join?
I was born at the Château.
You've never known any different? -No.
I got married at 17. Now I'm 29 and I have three kids.
We live by the rhythm of the seasons here.
This is how we truly unite ourselves with God.
Do your kids go to school?
Of course. We have daycare and schools.
And all these families...
... are you all in dorms like us?
We share a farm with two other families.
But how does it work with...
With what?
Well, with...
Don't worry, the farms are big!
But what about you?
Where are you from?
I'm a seasonal worker.
I work summers on the southern terraces
and winters at the ski resorts.
This is my first grape-picking season.
I would never have known.
But where's your home?
I don't really have one.
You've never wanted to settle down, find a husband, have kids?
I know at least two who wouldn't say no.
Come to prayer this evening.
You'll understand us a bit better.
Maybe no one's here today.
Excuse me.
Hello sister.
I'm Detective Niemans. I'd like to speak to Rector Kosynski.
Concerning what? -I just have a few questions.
Come in.
Two policemen are here to see you.
Show them in.
Detective Niemans, Lt Chauveron.
Thank you for seeing us. -Of course.
How can I help you?
We're investigating the murder of Samuel Toschi.
I thought it was an accident.
No, evidence points to a murder, with theft as the motive.
A murder? What's worth stealing at Rosheim?
The frescos.
You'd have to take a whole wall. Plus they're not very valuable.
You're talking about the ones on top. I'm talking about the ones underneath.
Have a seat.
Who told you about that?
It's common knowledge among local historians.
Not historians: charlatans and amateur treasure-hunters.
These frescos don't exist. It's a completely unfounded rumor.
Have you ever checked?
I'm sure those in charge of the restoration have done so.
If they had found anything, I would have been informed.
What if those in charge are trying to keep their existence secret?
Quite a sensational theory.
Again, if they existed, I would know about it.
Our diocese is funding a third of the work.
And why, exactly?
Rosheim Chapel is part of the region's Christian heritage.
But the current owners are Protestant.
We want to create a non-denominational place of worship.
And you're OK having ties to a cult?
I had a theology professor who said:
"The only difference between a cult and a religion is the number of followers."
I didn't expect your diocese to show such tolerance.
It is our core mandate.
Did you know Toschi well?
Only from construction meetings.
Any idea who might want him dead? -None at all.
I would drop this idea about hidden treasure in the chapel.
You haven't asked how he was killed.
They said he was crushed.
He was dead before the wall collapsed.
The killer put a rock in his mouth.
Does that ritual mean anything to you?
No.
I'm sorry.
OK. Thanks for your time.
Goodbye. -Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Thank you.
Some bread? -Yes, thank you.
What's going on?
National Gendarmerie! ID check!
This is outrageous.
What is this?
They picked up everyone who's had a run-in with the cops.
Basically all Romani.
This is all his fault.
What's my fault? -These shameful arrests.
This nonsense about murder and theft. -Yeah?
So why did you hide the rubble? -What?
Where's the missing piece? -What are you talking about?
And the frescos under the whitewash, what do they depict?
This is the guy you want on your case?
The detective is just being thorough.
You've arrested a bunch of Romani.
If your skin's a bit darker, you're a suspect, is that it?
You're disgraceful.
If this stops us finishing the harvest tomorrow,
I'm taking you to court.
You do that.
The prosecutor says to follow your instructions.
But I agree with Raynaud. This is absurd.
I didn't tell you to arrest all the Gypsies.
When dealing with theft and trafficking,
you start by arresting those with records, right?
It's not my fault they're all Romani. -Sure.
Where are you going now? You call this cooperation?
If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways
He'll give thee strength, whate'er betide thee
And bear thee through the evil days
Who trusts in God's unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move
If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways
He'll give thee strength, whate'er betide thee
And bear thee through the evil days
Who trusts in God's unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move...
Camille?
These are my little angels.
Rachel and Anna. -Hello.
You sang beautifully. -Thank you.
Daniel, Barthélémy.
Come on!
I'm Camille. Nice to meet you.
They're both single.
It'll be a tough choice!
You're getting married? -We're not baptized yet!
Really? -We're not baptized as children.
We believe the decision to join the community should be made as an adult.
Have you decided? -The baptism's tomorrow.
You can come if you like. -Can she come?
Well...
Why not? -I'd love to.
Great. I'll leave you to get acquainted.
She's a cop.
We need to get rid of her.
Detective?
The machine you ordered is here.
Yes? Be there in an hour.
Where are we going?
You're staying here. I'm going alone.
I'm the only one authorized to use it.
I know what I'm doing.
But it's my responsibility.
Then write up a discharge. I'll sign it and we're good.
What about me?
Go back to the station.
See if any gangs saw something suspicious last night.
Be discreet. We'll touch base tomorrow.
Do you not have a stamp? -A stamp?
I'm only teasing. I'll have it back with you by breakfast tomorrow.
I hope you remembered my cigarettes.
I can't take any more roll-ups. -I thought you'd quit.
There must be a secret meaning behind these frescos.
Is the killer part of the community? -I don't know.
It's either a current member seeking power...
... or a former member seeking revenge.
I wish I could X-ray the rubble.
What?