[Charles Gounod's "Faust, Ballet Music: 2. Adagio"]
♪ ♪
Morning.
♪ ♪
Guten Morgen.
♪ ♪
[claps]
Ladies, out.
Nicolette, first position.
[clapping] Come on, let's go.
I don't have all day here.
You have two hours.
First position.
Loosen up.
Tall, tall, tall, tall.
Nicolette, this is not what we practiced the last time.
You stay tall. You close the position.
You stay tall.
Again.
Yes, yes, and close the position.
Close the legs. Yes, and back to me.
And that's it.
Out and turn.
And head up. Yes.
And up.
No, Nicolette, I can't lift you like this.
Okay, again.
Two, one, up.
[dramatic music]
♪ ♪
That's it.
Again.
First position.
[orchestral music]
♪ ♪
[cheers and applause]
- I want to thank everyone for coming tonight.
Dr. Yukovich, Liza Huber,
thank you for your generous donations.
And to my Kaiserliche ballet family,
you pushed to make this production
the best we ever staged.
As we stand here today, I want to remind everyone
that it will be Nicolette Clark's first performance
as prima ballerina.
[applause]
[dramatic music]
♪ ♪
[sobbing]
- The donors couldn't express enough
how much they're thrilled to see you dancing principal
for "Die eifersuchtige Herrin."
Hey.
Just three days to go.
Yeah.
What's wrong?
- Not everyone shares your feelings, Yuri.
Not everyone can be you.
- People think the role of Kerstin
belonged to someone else.
"Nicolette is a cheater.
She didn't earn it."
Forget them.
Hey, focus on the future.
- How can I, when these are the people I dance with?
You earned the part
by proving yourself worthy for the role, okay?
Don't let trolls and jealous naysayers
destroy your moment.
From this point forward,
your focus is to prepare for opening night.
[speaking German]
♪ ♪
[eerie music]
♪ ♪
Hey.
[screaming]
[tense music]
♪ ♪
What's going on in there?
- So far, I've made out Forrester saying,
"nothing will ever be more important
than the case we're about to receive."
- Really? You read lips?
- No. Wouldn't it be smashing if I did?
- They've been in there for about 20 minutes now.
- Where'd the call come from? - The White House.
- Seriously? - Seriously.
- It's not every day you get a call from the first lady.
- FLOTUS, wow. What about?
- A rising U.S. ballerina, Nicolette Clark,
had acid thrown in her face yesterday.
She's being treated at a local Vienna hospital.
Police found a partial footprint next to her car,
and analysts are working to ascertain
the height and weight of the perpetrator
based on the size of the impression.
- Any witnesses? - She was found
by a fellow dancer who heard Nicolette scream.
By the time she arrived, the assailant was gone.
The Kaiserliche Theatre
is a top-five ballet company in Europe.
Nicolette is one of only four American women
in the last 20 years who have placed at the company.
- Apparently, she just made lead in the current production.
That's a first for an American in Vienna.
An angry coworker?
Somebody who wasn't happy with her getting the part?
Definitely a possible motive.
- FLOTUS is a fan and a donor to the company.
She's taken an interest in the case.
- In 2017, London experienced a rash of acid attacks.
Young men and local street gangs in East London
went after several female targets.
Parliament contemplated banning
the sale of corrosive liquids to minors
and overhauling the laws around possession of acid.
What stopped the attacks?
- Aggressive policing and arrests.
It was a copycat crime that was on the verge
of getting really out of control
until law enforcement put an end to it.
- All the more reason to find the perpetrator on this
sooner than later.
- We're cleared with the legat in Vienna.
Let's go.
[dramatic music]
♪ ♪
Vo.
- This incident has stunned Vienna.
I've never seen such a horrific crime.
- How is she? - Stable.
In recovery, but it's gonna be a painful road ahead.
- Were you able to speak with her?
- I'm still waiting for clearance from her doctor.
You must be joking.
Why won't you let us in?
- I have to honor the patient's wishes.
Dr. Lechner, Yuri, Alva,
they are Special Agents Forrester and Vo
from the United States FBI,
assisting the Bundespolizei on this case.
Yuri and Alva work for the National Ballet of Vienna.
Nicolette refuses to see us?
- The patient suffered second- and third-degree burns
along her cheek, neck, ear, and hands.
If she refuses visitors, we cannot be held--
- I am in a relationship with her.
But you are not married.
Excuse me, Dr. Lechner.
I'm sorry.
I must attend to another patient.
If you have additional inquiries,
you may take them up with hospital administration.
I've been here 12 hours.
I don't know if they're even telling her
it's me trying to see her.
- You both work for the ballet company?
- I'm the artistic director of Kaiserliche,
Yuri Rasmanov.
Alva Boxler is on our board of trustees.
- And you're dating Nicolette? - Yes.
- Mr. Boxler, is there anyone that you can think of
who might've committed this attack?
This kind of crime suggests that it was personal.
Like?
- Like an assailant knew Nicolette.
Probably well.
[stammering]
No, I-I can't think of anyone who'd want to hurt her.
- You? - It's absurd.
She's a light on the stage
and a friend to everyone she meets.
Forrester, I should probably
let everybody else know what's going on.
Excuse me for a second.
- Look, if she was everything that you say she was,
we wouldn't be here right now.
I know.
It's just crazy to think
one of our own might've done this.
- Well, how about we take a seat
and talk this over some more?
♪ ♪
Nicolette?
I'm Special Agent Cameron Vo with the FBI.
We're assisting the federal police in Vienna
investigating this case because we--
I personally--
want to bring this heinous attacker to justice.
I didn't recognize him.
He was wearing a mask,
and it was just a dark wall over his face.
And you're sure it was a man?
No.
Were you able to make out
his or her size, height, weight?
What's the point?
I'm sorry?
- What's the point in finding out who did this to me
when my career is over?
They've already won.
- If you can think of anything that might help,
just please let me know.
[chanting in German]
Kira Sokolov?
Yes?
- I'm Special Agent Kellett with the FBI.
This is Field Officer Garretson with Europol.
We're assisting the Bundespolizei
and interviewing the company.
May we have a moment of your time
and ask some questions?
Yes.
- How well did you know Nicolette?
- I joined the company eight months ago.
She was here when I arrived, but we didn't, um...
She didn't talk to me so much, though we were cordial.
Define "cordial."
[scoffs] What?
Did someone say I did this?
It wasn't me.
Yuri Rasmanov can confirm I left early to get some rest.
How early?
- 7:00-something.
- We noticed you haven't been to the hospital yet.
Why would I?
- To visit your fellow dancer who was assaulted yesterday.
You will not understand this
because you do not understand ballet,
but when a dancer is injured,
everyone in the company must be prepared
to step in at a moment's notice.
- Not injured. Assaulted.
- Okay, so we're playing word games now?
- So that's why you're here practicing?
You're preparing to step in?
Yes.
I'm her understudy.
Americans are emotional.
I say this to tell you it is different where I come from.
We are not, um, happy people.
In Russia,
it took me three years to rise within the Moscow Ballet.
I danced and danced,
but still, this is a political game.
What do you mean?
Earlier in my career,
different directors would offer principal roles in productions.
In exchange,
dancers would pay hundreds and thousands of rubles.
[scoffs] I refuse.
If I'm named principal, I will have earned it.
- Are you saying Nicolette paid for her spot?
- This note along with a dozen roses burnt at the tips
was found in Nicolette's dressing room.
[speaking German]
"Little fat girl"?
- Dancers call each other fat to hit where it hurts.
- Do you recognize the handwriting?
- The flowers were from me, yes,
but a method I use to help dancers excel.
You mean harass them.
- The symbolism behind the flowers
translates to someone who has set her soul afire.
Nicolette did just that.
- You've had complaints against you within the company
- for your methods. - [scoffs]
- You don't sound like a motivator.
You sound like a bully.
- In this production, Nicolette outperformed
every member of the company.
The note was a means
to ensure she stayed fit
and continued exercising discipline.
Real generous of you.
- I admit the accusations about my behavior are true,
but ruining a woman's career
by taking away her beauty is gruesome.
I was her partner.
Who's to say I won't be attacked next?
Have you been threatened?
Not overtly.
But I see their eyes,
watching me,
wanting to be me.
- Stay close in case we have more questions.
Where would I go?
Opening night is in less than a week.
So what do you think?
I'm not sure yet.
- Any luck? - [sighs] Not much.
Should we head back to the office?
Uh, just give me a minute.
Megan Garretson of Europol.
Piotr Efremov of...
some nebulous capacity within the Russian government.
"Diplomat" will suffice.
I understand you would like
to interview one of our Russian dancers, Kira Sokolov.
- No, not "would like to." Already did.
- Oh, I hope she was accommodating.
What's your interest?
Well, my interest is that
one of my colleagues in the Kremlin
is very protective of Kira Sokolov.
- In a purely professional manner, I'm assuming.
- There's some other news that might interest you.
Oh, a little tit for tat?
What is the expression?
Go on.
- There's a Russian detainee, Vladislav Pavlovic.
- Scott Forrester had a run-in with his brother.
- I think your colleague would like to know
that justice has been served.
Vladislav is getting six months in a gulag
for his crimes against the state.
Six months?
I've heard of plenty of men who have crossed the Kremlin
and ended up in far worse straits.
- Well, that sentence could be extended if...
- If we leave your Russian ballerina
out of our investigation.
Tit for tat.
♪ ♪
- I never knew the ballet world could be so nasty.
- Whoever did this ruined her life.
- Forensics found the acid type used in the attack.
Sulfuric trioxide.
A concentrated chemical found in normal household items
like drain cleaner and bleach spray.
That's a dead end.
Any news on the partial footprint?
- Actually, the shoe that made the print
transferred dirt to the surface.
It matched a type of soil called loam,
usually found at construction sites
to create balanced foundations.
I made a list of local sites
to see if they can be linked to anybody within the theatre.
- Okay. Any CCTV footage anywhere near the incident?
- Not yet. Bundespolizei are canvassing.
[phone ringing]
Forrester.
Okay.
I'll let her know.
That was the hospital.
Nicolette's asking for you.
The mask,
it wasn't something I'd seen before at the ballet.
Okay.
- I think it was a man, but I'm not sure.
That's good.
Is there anything else?
I've just been sitting here,
thinking about all the hours I've spent,
all the choices I've made,
the things I've given up to dance,
and it's gone in an instant.
- My mom, she put me in piano classes
when I was eight.
From fumbling with simple chords
to playing Mozart's "Rondo Alla Turca" by ten.
And I fell in love.
By senior year,
acceptance letters from Berklee School of Music
and Julliard came.
My parents saw value in the arts,
but not as a career.
And they chose West Point for me.
We don't always get to pursue the gifts we're born with.
But I excelled in the army.
And when the Bureau came calling,
I chose a new path.
It's one where I get to help people.
And I don't regret it for a minute.
I'll check in on you later, Nicolette.
Wait.
You can come closer.
♪ ♪
Please find out who did this to me.
♪ ♪
- I bumped into someone earlier.
Piotr Efremov.
- The Russian middleman guy. He's a complete snake.
- He's in Vienna, keeping tabs on a dancer,
but he also mentioned Vladislav Pavlovic.
You killed his brother in Croatia.
I remember.
- Reportedly, he went rogue after that
because he wants you dead.
He was sentenced in Russia for crimes against the state.
Okay.
- Piotr says he's getting six months.
- And he wants to make a deal with you.
- Most likely. - Tell him to kick rocks.
I hesitate to tell you this,
but you deserve more cards on the table.
Lay them out.
- Europol received intel that Vladislav was in Budapest
when the Russians picked him up.
When?
September.
We think he was hunting you.
I'd like to see what Piotr's offer is.
It might be worth it if it means
that we can put Vlad away for good.
- But dealing with a guy like Piotr,
there is always a price to pay at the end--
one that is way more costly than you thought going in.
[classical music]
♪ ♪
Together.
You're late, Kira.
There are no breaks until every dancer hits their marks.
Continue with the eight count. Clean it up.
- We still need to speak with the dancers.
We're in rehearsal.
The show is still going forward.
Kira's playing the lead?
- As Nicolette's understudy, yes, she is.
We only have one day to rehearse.
- Okay, well, tell us about Konstantin, your male lead.
What about him?
- We've heard troubling reports.
One half of my job is
to protect the dancers from wolves.
The other is being the barrier between the dancers
and everyone else to get the job done.
- So you run a company that fosters
bullying and harassment of young women.
- I know you don't understand this world,
so I will say this.
- "Ballet is a jealous mistress."
- Besides, continuing with the production
was not my choice alone.
The board of trustees understood
there's still donors to please and doors to be kept open.
Nicolette's boyfriend, Alva,
he a part of that vote?
- He was the one who insisted on it.
- Well, you better hope it doesn't put another dancer
in danger.
Of course.
- Raines, I want you and Vo to check someone out for me.
- Why'd the board vote to continue the show?
- I have to make difficult decisions
regardless of horrible circumstances
that have affected my personal life.
Your personal life?
- You don't think Nicolette's injury has affected me?
- I'm broken. - You don't look broken.
You look like business as usual.
- The world continues, even after tragedy.
It is the theme of every great performance.
- Your girlfriend is lying in the hospital,
waiting to have a piece of her forearm
transplanted to her face,
and you're worried about the show going on?
- But she doesn't want to see me!
She said so!
I'm supposed to curl up in a ball now?
No, I have responsibilities!
Forgive me.
- I understand you have two jobs:
board member of the ballet
and chief interior officer of the Austrian Parliament.
What drew you to the ballet company?
- Kaiserliche is a national treasure
but an expensive one.
I've gladly done my part to keep it afloat.
That how you met Nicolette?
- When I first saw her, it was from the third row.
She was like an angel on the stage.
And I admired her passion.
She saw me at a fundraiser
and asked me for a date.
We heard a few of the dancers
didn't welcome your relationship.
No, I want this clear.
Nicolette earned the principal role on her own
with her talent.
She spent every waking hour
rehearsing and practicing for the part.
- So not enough time being your girlfriend?
- You're wagging your finger at the one person
most responsible for keeping that company in business
and the last person on Earth
who would want to harm Nicolette,
so although it may be giving you
some personal satisfaction to do so,
perhaps you'd be better served
continuing your investigation elsewhere.
Don't go anywhere.
I wanna ask you about Alva Boxler.
- Okay, but I broke up with him.
What?
- Two weeks ago, I couldn't handle his secrets anymore.
How did he take it?
Not well.
Meaning?
He was very angry.
But he's not...
Look, it wasn't him.
I would've recognized his voice.
- Did anybody else know about your split?
- No, he asked me not to say anything
until after the performance.
Did he threaten you?
- I don't-- - Please.
Do not protect him.
- He said if I left, I'd be sorry.
- I looked into Alva Boxler and discovered
Europol's been keeping tabs on him for years.
He's connected to several well-known
underworld criminals.
Alva Boxler's predecessor, Felix Egger,
was part of the Austrian Parliament
and chief interior officer for a decade,
the position that Alva holds now.
A year ago, Felix was caught on camera
attempting to accept bribes from an account well-associated
with the biggest crime family in Austria.
- He went to jail, but he had a firewall
between himself and his client.
The criminals bribing Eggers
expect the same favors from Alva.
- Is Alva lining his pockets too, like his predecessor,
or did he refuse to accept them?
- And was Nicolette collateral damage?
I never threatened her.
- "If you break up with me, you'll be sorry."
That's pep talk?
- I was hurt. I was petulant.
And I meant she'd be sorry
because she'd never meet someone like me again.
I did not mean she'd be sorry
because one day I'd throw acid in her face.
This is absurd!
- Europol has an open investigation on you.
Taking bribes like your predecessor, Felix Egger.
- Appearing to take bribes like my predecessor.
- You've got a line of BS for everything, don't you?
- I swear on my life, I'm not dirty.
- Uh-huh.
- On the outside, I present myself as open for business
like my predecessor.
Secretly, however,
I have been working with the justice ministry
to expose the very people from whom Felix took bribes.
- An undercover operation? - Correct.
You can check with the chancellor himself.
- Bundespolizei... - Are not in the loop.
- Why would you withhold this information from us?
- It's an ongoing investigation.
Because of the sensitivity and secrecy of the case,
only my superior and the justice ministry know about it.
You're law enforcement.
I'm assuming you understand
the concept of need-to-know.
- So you were keeping things from Nicolette,
which she picked up on,
and ended your relationship because of it.
Finally, you understand.
- Who are you taking money from?
- Anybody who offers it. - We'll need proof.
- If the chancellor's office agrees,
you can examine all the records.
[indistinct chatter]
You wanted to chat?
So we're in agreement.
Vladislav Pavlovic deserves
more than a couple of months in jail.
Perhaps.
I'm done playing footsie.
We'll make sure we treat Kira Sokolov fairly if you--
- There's a Russian detainee, Grigoriy Andreev,
being held for arms dealing by Europol.
Now we get to it.
- Grigoriy has two years left of his sentence.
Maybe we can make a trade.
I play squash with the judge
presiding over Vladislav Pavlovic's case.
I'm sure I'll be able to convince him
to add some years to his sentence.
How about 50?
If Grigoriy gets released...
I can commit to that.
Did you talk to Piotr?
I did.
- Well, what's he looking to gain?
'Cause I know this is not about some dancer.
- Just let me check on a few things,
and I'll report to you as soon as I know all the chess pieces.
- Yeah, okay. Thank you so much, Jay.
I appreciate it.
That was Jay Ackerman from State.
Alva was telling the truth.
The Austrian Justice Ministry sent us their reports.
- All right, anything? - Yep.
Alva's received plenty of offers, threats,
and attempts to shake him down,
but one jumps out.
Leon Oliver.
There's emails and threats from this man
because Alva would not take bribes
and grant construction contracts like his predecessor.
Then two days ago, Leon's communication with him
just stopped abruptly.
- Same day Nicolette was attacked.
- Leon Oliver, an Austrian trade union boss
with links to organized crime.
Apparently known for using funds
to pay debts and line his own pockets.
Charged two years ago in a pay-for-play scandal
involving permits for his two dig sites.
And when Leon went to court, the charges were
mysteriously dropped due to lack of evidence
and witnesses recanting their testimony.
- Any links to him owning or working
at a construction company or site?
Working on it.
- Leon doesn't get what he wants from Alva,
so he attacks Nicolette as retribution?
- Leon had an ongoing relationship
with my predecessor
and tried to keep the bribery going with me
when I was elected into office.
I played it up as I wouldn't get into business with him
unless he increased the money.
Did he make any threats?
They all make threats.
- Your last interaction with him was--
- I told him, "No deal. Get lost."
Oh, God, did--
did he know I was dating Nicolette?
I tried. I protected her from all of that.
We got an address.
[suspenseful music]
♪ ♪
[shouting in German]
- Leon Oliver, if you're--
[tires squealing]
[screams]
[groans]
- Hey, were you hit? - [speaks German]
I'm good.
- We're putting up barricades in the surrounding area.
He won't get far.
Let's clear the house.
♪ ♪
Clear!
Out here!
I think we found our weapon.
- There's bleach and hydrogen peroxide in the basement.
- Along with all this, you can make an IED.
- You think Leon is planning something worse for Alva?
- He threw acid in a woman's face.
I think he's capable of anything.
- Local police found Leon's car in an abandoned yard torched.
- If he's on foot, we'll catch him.
- We're filing an Interpol Red Notice
to keep him from crossing the border.
I'm pinging any known numbers
Leon's using for geolocational data.
- And we need to look at his friends, neighbors, contacts--
anyone that he could go to for refuge.
- I made a short list of Leon's businesses.
Check this out.
There's a construction site in Gerasdorf,
the northern part of Vienna.
It's just outside the city.
- But the business doesn't have Leon listed as an owner.
- Leon's brother oversees it: Simon Oliver.
- Ah, good work. Kellett, with me.
[suspenseful music]
♪ ♪
[speaking German]
You speak English?
- When's the last time you heard from your brother?
- That narr's been missing for days.
He left me with all this paperwork,
and I'm supposed to be his boss.
- When was the last time you spoke to him?
About a week ago.
- Did he drop anything off the last time he was here?
- Like I said, I haven't spoke--
- Because there are bags of sulfur
sitting in the corner of your office--
one of the things we found at Leon's house
that can be used to make sulfuric acid.
- No, no, no, that sulfur, we use for the construction--
- Scott! - I haven't seen my brother.
Simon, listen to me closely.
Your brother threw acid in an American dancer's face.
He hit a local cop with his car.
He is going away for a very long time.
And I don't think that you wanna go down with him,
so this is your last chance to help!
- [gunshot] - [grunts]
♪ ♪
[gunfire]
♪ ♪
We need backup!
Leon Oliver is in a black Audi Coupe
headed towards Friedensbrucke.
♪ ♪
[car horn honking]
♪ ♪
- Kellett, I'm headed right towards you.
- You're cutting it close. - Get ready.
[car horn honking]
♪ ♪
[sirens wailing]
Get out of the car, Leon!
Hands where we can see them!
Don't.
[tense music]
♪ ♪
[conversing in German]
FLOTUS just called...
to commend us.
- And somehow, I've yet to hear from King Charles.
- Yeah, well, maybe he's not a fan of ballet.
[laughter]
Hey.
Thank you for all your help.
I hope this brings some closure for your American dancer,
knowing that it had nothing to do with her company.
I hope so too.
- Are y'all coming to the opening?
- Ah, we don't have tickets unfortunately.
Yuri personally sent these over for tonight.
That's very kind,
but the Bureau has stringent anti-graft rules,
so unable to accept.
- Oh, those rules are not so stringent here in Vienna.
I know a couple of officers who would love to go.
Maybe next time we can meet under better circumstances.
Until then.
- Anti-graft? - Yeah.
I've seen enough ballet over the past two days
to hold me over for a while.
We're out of here.
[dramatic music]
♪ ♪
Agent Garretson.
You're slightly underdressed for opening night,
if I'm being honest.
- Here to make a deal, actually.
Wonderful.
Any movement on Grigoriy Andreev?
None.
Zero.
He's not going anywhere.
Lovely seeing you.
Take care.
- However, I thought this may concern you,
which is why I rushed over.
Your friend's mistress--
I mean, protégé, Kira--
she's about to get bumped
from her prima ballerina position tonight.
- Not possible. - [laughs] Oh.
It's happening, Piotr.
I don't profess to know the inner workings
of the ballet company, but it's fickle.
I know that.
And yes, they've decided to go
with another dancer for the lead.
They're moving Kira to the back of the stage,
and I believe she's performing the role of Tree Number Two.
As it turns out, the, um--
the board of trustees owes us a big favor, so...
I have some pull there
to try and reverse this terrible injustice.
That's your offer?
Vlad gets 50 years.
Kira stays prima ballerina
for the remainder of the production dates.
You better be quick, though, 'cause, um,
curtains open in ten minutes.
Stand by.
[speaking in German]
- Wonderful news. - That was quick.
The judge has reconsidered.
Vlad is getting 50 years.
Please let Agent Forrester know.
I would imagine it would come as a huge relief for him.
I will.
And please congratulate Kira.
Would've been a shame to see her become,
you know, shrubbery.
[bell chimes]
Very good.
Hmm.
From Alva
with a two-page apology and explanation.
Who knows?
It's opening night.
It certainly is.
How are you feeling?
- Part of me wishes the whole world would shut down
because of what happened,
but that's selfish.
If anything, I-I wish there was a way I could attend.
Yeah, about that...
Since you aren't able to be there in person,
the company set up a live stream
for you to watch the show.
I hope it's okay.
I wanna see it.
Thank you.
Did your parents really force you
to attend West Point and not Julliard?
They did.
And I was angry at the time, of course.
But now, I look back
and I think it was the best thing that could've happened.
I just knew that deep down
there were new adventures ahead--
new things to fall in love with.
You'll find them too.
[applause]
- I wanna thank you all for coming.
A brief announcement before we begin.
On behalf of the Kaiserliche Theatre,
we hope that when Nicolette recovers,
she will accept the position
as the company's new resident choreographer.
[cheers and applause]
- Did--did you know?
- I did a little digging around.
Now without further ado,
we present "Die eifersuchtige Herrin."
[applause]
It's part of my job.
[orchestral music]
♪ ♪
[tense music]
♪ ♪
[wolf howls]