[justche]

Raging hormones are just a distant memory for Paulus and, on a island where prostitution is legal, why would a lawyer (a risk-averse, analytical, detail-oriented nerd) get involved in a high-risk, legally-dangerous, potential career-ending, potentially marriage-ending, purely sensual adventure with his own son (yuck). Behaviorally and practically, the odds are greatly against it. Not only is Paulus not a player, he is a Nervous Nelly. He would wet his pants just thinking about the dangers of date rape.

awww man, and here I thought I always agreed with ya *LOL*

I still think the majority on this list are thinking like 'normal non - criminal, non-deviant' folks. I don't think that's how Paulus thinks. I am on the side that believes Paulus absolutely participated in whatever event happened that night---I think he's told Mrs. head in the sand enough that she believes Natalee is still alive--I just don't think he's been honest about where exactly and the conditions she's alive.

Am I understanding that Rape is not a crime at all in Aruba/Netherlands? Then maybe it wouldn't be career crushing except that it became international news???

[Dark Skies]

And you might be right. But Paulus just seems too stupid to be dangerous...and too ordinary to be interesting.

I think he's a patsy. He cares, but he is too weak to change things...he has a conscience, but no backbone. He sweats...he even cries for Nat (remember when he bumped into Dave at the jail when Dave was delivering books to Jurine). He cares but he's weak.

The crimes of the weak are crimes of omission, not commission. I suggest Paulus's crime is withholding the truth to protect Jurine and others.