Murder, She Wrote s01e15 Episode Script
59223 - Tough Guys Don't Die
[Gunshots.]
[Woman.]
Tonight on Murder, She Wrote.
He was bird-dogging three cases, one of which was yours.
And that's why we're all gonna stay out of Harry McGraw's way.
So Mr.
McGraw can try, sentence and execute him? Guess we don't have to worry about him anymore, huh? I don't know anything about your murdered detective.
Be sure you clearly understand our libel laws.
I don't know why this detective's been digging into our past.
His arm comes up in a certain way, I know it's gonna be trouble.
[Gasps.]
[Man.]
Doctor passed away nine years ago.
I tracked his wife, uh, to a town in California.
She's remarried.
She had nothing to say.
Hold on a second.
Excuse me, Archie.
I got a date.
See you tomorrow.
- Okay, Alma.
Have a good time.
- [Kisses.]
Yeah, um, and the Let's see.
The medical examiner is also dead.
The hospital administrator who forged the admittance forms disappeared in '75.
And get this one.
The cop on the case went nuts six years ago.
Oh, dear.
I was afraid of something like that.
Look, Mrs.
Fletcher.
I think that the Danbury Scalpel Murder is a fine idea for a book.
But face it, the case occurred - Well, almost.
- Almost? I may have a lead on a nurse who was on duty that night.
Uh, Martha Clay.
It means driving down to a small town in Vermont this weekend.
Anything you can do.
The trouble is I have two other cases besides this one, and, uh Well, okay, if it's that important.
Thanks very much, Mr.
Miles.
I'll wait to hear from you.
Sure thing.
Bye-bye.
[Horns Honking Outside.]
Concluded phone report to clientJ.
B.
Fletcher regarding search for principals involved in the Danbury Scalpel Murder, and [Keys, Doorknob Jangling.]
Who's there? Alma, is that you? [Two Gunshots.]
[Man Groans.]
[Phone Rings.]
Santini.
Oh, yeah.
Hi.
How ya doin'? Yeah? No, I didn't see it.
Hang on.
Yeah, I think this is the guy that was following me.
What do you know? Guess we don't have to worry about him anymore, huh? [Woman On Speaker.]
Flight 214 from Paris now arriving at Gate 22.
Well, don't you want to know about Paris? Well, all right.
How was Paris? I think we've struck a deal with the Duvalier Group for a French edition.
Ooh, Femininity on the Champs-Elysées.
That's wonderful.
How did you do it? You're too young to ask.
I hate to break this to you, but Larry's set up a press conference at 4:00.
It's sort of a five-year birthday party.
Our anniversary is on Friday.
That's when we'll entertain the press.
[Man.]
Priscilla! Priss, you look marvelous.
Thank you, Gavin.
What a surprise.
You know Erin Carey, the magazine's designer? Yes, of course.
[Erin.]
Hi.
- Look.
We have to talk.
- I'll wait in the limo.
Sorry to dampen your homecoming I didn't think you drove all the way down from the university just to say hi.
A week ago, a private detective came nosing around the campus asking a lot of questions.
About you, me, our marriage.
What did he learn? From me? Nothing.
I clipped this out of yesterday's newspaper.
Oh, my God.
We have to do something.
Do what? I don't know why this detective's been digging into our past, but we have our own lives now, Priss.
I don't want all that dredged up.
Why don't we just wait and see? How about dinner tonight? Just for old times' sake.
I have to get back.
Faculty meeting.
Perhaps next time.
[Seagulls Squawking.]
[Jessica.]
Are you looking for something special? I assume you have a very good reason for breaking into my home.
Harry McGraw, Mrs.
Fletcher.
You're one of my clients.
Miles & McGraw.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mr.
McGraw.
I understood that Mr.
Miles was handling my investigation.
Not anymore.
Three nights ago, somebody blew him apart with a.
45 automatic.
Oh, Lord He was bird-dogging three cases, one of which was yours.
Well, surely you don't think that l No, I don't.
But somebody involved with your case might have.
Mr.
McGraw, if you needed information from me, all you had to do was call and ask.
- That's not my style.
- So I see.
Well, what makes you think it was my case that led to his death? I don't think anything yet.
I've been in Tulsa for the past month doing undercover work on an oil field.
Mr.
McGraw, I liked Mr.
Miles very much.
If there's anything that I can do to help I don't need or want your help, Mrs.
Fletcher.
As a matter of fact, I'm beginning to think this Danbury case of yours is as dead as Al Capone.
He said he might have a lead.
A little town in Vermont.
There was nothing about that in the files.
It took a lot of guts to face me down in here, not knowing who I was.
It didn't take any guts at all, Mr.
McGraw.
While I was out, I phoned the sheriff.
He should be along anytime now.
You'll excuse me, but I don't have time to waste with any hick cop.
We both liked Archie, Mrs.
Fletcher, and I'm gonna balance the books.
You can count on it.
[Jessica.]
Mrs.
Miles? Please accept my condolences.
I'm Jessica Fletcher.
Your husband was working on a case for me.
I know who you are, Mrs.
Fletcher.
He was a delightful man.
I liked him very much.
So did I.
Excuse me.
Uh, Mrs.
Miles, I'm upset at the thought that I, uh that is, that my case might have led to your husband's death.
I'd like your help.
There's nothing I can tell you.
Well, on the telephone he mentioned he had a lead to a little town in Vermont, but there's nothing in his files.
Perhaps he said something to you.
No.
I'm sorry.
Mrs.
Miles Look, Mrs.
Fletcher.
He's dead.
Whatever he was doing died with him.
It doesn't make a bit of difference now.
[Door Opens, Closes.]
Hi.
So? - Well, he's still in there.
- All right.
I'll take it from here.
- You talk to his wife yet? - Our client? Yeah.
Yeah.
Nice lady.
She's put together like a Steinway.
[Laughing.]
A little dim upstairs though.
She still loves this guy, even though he's probably dippin' in somebody else's hot tub.
Well, I'll see you tomorrow.
Oh, Ray, do me a favor.
Buzz by the Daniels woman's place and find out what's happening, huh? Harry, give me a break.
I've been up for 20 hours.
Yeah, all right.
Go ahead.
Go home and get some sleep.
[Engine Starts.]
[Engine Starts.]
[Engine Starts.]
Surveillance subject Ernest Santini departs construction shack heading north on Saddler Avenue, driving late model Seville.
Speed moderate.
Lfhe knows I'm huggin'his bumper, he's keepin'it to himself.
Subject turning into an alley half block north of Fulton.
[Tires Screeching.]
Hey.
Hey, look! Take it easy! What Ah, come on, fellas.
Mr.
Santini asked us to give you a message, sport.
[Sobbing.]
[Gasps.]
Harry! Forget it, Alma.
I'm not in the mood.
L-I don't suppose you saw a doctor.
As soon as we get Blue Cross, sweetheart.
Listen.
Get Ray in here.
I'm gonna nail that Sicilian bricklayer to the barn door.
Harry, you got company.
She said you were expecting her.
[Sighs.]
[Groans.]
Mrs.
Fletcher.
Good morning, Mr.
McGraw.
Oh, dear.
What happened? I fell off a building.
Look.
I'm kinda busy right now.
Well, so am I.
I've got my files from the Danbury Scalpel Murder trial.
I'd like to go through them with you.
Lady, I told you.
That case is a dead-end.
Sure, 25 years ago it sold a lot of newspapers.
Rich doctor acquitted of hospital murder by sharp lawyer.
Was he really innocent? Who cares? The guy died nine years ago, along with practically everybody else connected with the case.
So do me a favor, huh? Just let it alone, and me alone with it.
I will as soon as I'm satisfied that your partner's investigation of that case did not lead to his death.
Remember I told you Archie was working on three cases? One of the other two That's where I'm gonna find our guy.
Are you sure of that? Let me spell it out for you.
One, there's a guy named Santini.
He's been cattin' around every night for about the past six weeks.
Wife smells another broad.
Why not? They've been married almost 20 years.
So last night I'm tailing this Santini, and I run into three of his pals who try to use me for a trampoline.
So I see.
But they didn't kill you.
If they'd been responsible for killing Mr.
Miles, they'd hardly hesitate in eliminating you as well.
What's the other case? A background investigation on a dame named Priscilla Daniels.
Oh, yes.
The woman who runs Femininity magazine.
- A friend? - No.
But for the past two years, she's been trying to encourage me to write an article.
Good idea.
Do it, and stay out of my hair.
Mr.
McGraw, there's no reason to be rude.
Look, Mrs.
Fletcher.
Why don't you take some advice Why don't you devote that boundless energy of yours to needlepoint or a bridge club? I tried that.
It's precisely the reason I wrote my first book.
I was bored out of my mind.
Well, I read your first book, and I was bored out of my mind.
Ah, that's your privilege.
May I look at your file, please? Why not? You paid for them.
Here.
Take 'em with you.
Anything else? Good.
Because I'm kinda busy right now.
Thank you.
Harry Oh, excuse me.
It's okay, Ray.
The lady was just leaving.
I'll leave my hotel number with your secretary, just in case you need me.
Thank you very much.
So, Harry, what happened? [Laughing.]
Ray, stuff it.
[Mr.
Miles On Tape.]
Concluded phone report to clientJ.
B.
Fletcher regarding search for principals involved in the Danbury Scalpel Murder, and [Keys, Doorknob Jangling.]
Who's there? Alma, is that you? [Door Opens.]
[Footsteps.]
[Gunshot.]
[Gunshot.]
[Miles Groans.]
The final moments in the life of a hell of a cop, Mrs.
Fletcher.
And a hell of a guy.
Not very pretty.
No.
Is that all you have, Lieutenant Starkey? That tape and what's in this file? It's not very much.
There wasn't very much to go on.
Forgive me, Lieutenant, but it was my understanding that Mr.
Miles taught at the police academy, that he was liked and respected by everyone.
That's right.
Then may I ask why the investigation of his death isn't proceeding more actively? I'm gonna tell you something, Mrs.
Fletcher, and if you repeat it outside this office, I'll deny every word.
Archie Miles was like a father to us.
We didn't just like the guy.
We loved him.
All of us.
So, believe me, we want to see his killer go down permanently.
And that's why we're all gonna stay out of Harry McGraw's way.
So Mr.
McGraw can try, sentence and execute him? Well, naturally we'd prefer that he turn him over to us first.
And if he doesn't? Well, at least we won't have to worry about the possibility of some slick lawyer getting the dirtbag off on a technicality.
Pardon me, ma'am.
Wade Tyler.
Bimini Swimwear, Dallas, Texas.
I'm here to see Ms.
Daniels.
Oh, yes.
I believe Mr.
King is expecting you.
[Laughs.]
Well, ma'am, I'm used to dealing with the head honcho, not some office boy.
Well, I'm sorry, sir, but Mrs.
Daniels is tied up in an important meeting.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I can't tell you how delighted I was by your phone call after so long a time.
An article by you will be a major coup.
Thank you, Mrs.
Daniels.
- Jessica May I call you Jessica? - Oh, yes, of course.
Please call me Priscilla.
Let me tell you what I have in mind.
A major piece.
Something inspirational demonstrating how a woman past 40 can fend off the sharks infesting the literary waters, relying solely on her guts and her sense of identity as a woman.
Well, that sounds very colorful, but, um Actually what I had in mind was a remembrance of my marriage.
I'm sorry you never knew Frank.
I think you'd have liked him.
He was a kind and loving man who taught me to value the small joys of everyday life.
Yes.
Well, Jessica, I'm sure there's a place for that sort of thing, but Fem is a now magazine aimed at the now woman trying to cope in a man's world.
Well, please forgive me.
I seem to have wasted your time.
Now, wait.
If that's what you really want to write I don't think you'll be disappointed.
[Intercom Buzzes.]
Excuse me.
Yes? Mrs.
Daniels, Davis Randolph is on the line.
He says he must speak to you.
It's quite important.
Tell him I'll have to call him back.
Look.
I'm having a celebration tomorrow evening.
It's our fifth anniversary.
Please, would you come? I'd love to have you meet everyone.
Oh, how kind.
Thanks.
I will.
My secretary will call you with the details about the party.
Where are you staying? Oh, the Fillmore.
Priscilla, here's someone I want you to meet.
Wade Tyler, ma'am.
Bimini Swimwear, Dallas, Texas.
And it sure is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Thank you, Mr.
Tyler.
Mrs.
Jessica Fletcher.
The mystery gal.
Why, sure! I must say it's a surprise findin' you here.
Well, you seem to be a long way from Texas, Mr.
[Clears Throat.]
Taylor.
- Tyler.
- Well, you must have a lot of business to discuss, so I'll get out of your way.
Good-bye.
Now, what can I do for you, Mr.
Tyler? Well, I'm here to talk advertising, Mrs.
Daniels.
Advertising worth seven figures that don't start with no measly "one.
" [With Southern Drawl.]
Well, talk like that, you come right down to my office and set a spell.
Why, Mr.
Tyler, whatever did you do to your eye? Oh, just a minor disagreement about my parentage, ma'am.
[Laughs.]
Nothin' serious.
- How did you get in here? - A two-year-old with a paper clip could jimmy that lock.
You know, breaking in is a very bad habit of yours.
Thanks for keepin' your mouth shut with the Daniels babe.
We're both after the same thing, Mr.
McGraw.
There was no reason for me to stand in your way.
But you are getting in my way, Mrs.
Fletcher.
You're working on your case.
Priscilla Daniels is my territory.
No.
My one aim is to find out who killed Mr.
Miles, and I intend doing that, even if I have to camp out in Priscilla Daniels's hip pocket.
Oh, for heaven's sakes, I'm beginning to talk like you.
Mrs.
Fletcher, leave Archie's killer to me.
So you can what? Eliminate him? When a man's partner gets killed, he's supposed to do something about it.
Well, surely not murder.
Call it whatever you want.
I'm sorry, but I don't intend to stand by and let you subvert the law, even if it means telling Priscilla Daniels who you really are.
- You are trouble.
- Thank you.
Come by the office tomorrow.
We'll look over the files together.
[Jessica.]
You know, there's nothing here to say who hired you to conduct the investigation or why? We don't know who or why.
Archie accepted a $1,000 retainer, in cash.
Somebody with the initials E.
P.
F.
Even Alma doesn't know who the client is.
Yesterday in her office, Mrs.
Daniels received a phone call from Davis Randolph.
- The political finance chairman? - She didn't want to talk in my presence.
You know, the press have been hinting that she might run for that senate seat that's coming free next year.
Yeah.
And if she does decide to run, maybe this E.
P.
F.
Wants some dirt to head her off, so he hires us to scrape it up.
Harry.
Oh, excuse me.
Hi, Ray.
Have you met Mrs.
Fletcher? No.
Ray Kravitz.
It's a pleasure, ma'am.
How do you do, Mr.
Kravitz? I got some figures on the Santini company bank accounts.
A lot of cash withdrawals in the last couple of months.
They total $85,000.
[Whistles.]
This dame's really got Santini on a roller coaster.
- That's the other case.
- Oh, yes, the unfaithful husband.
Harry, we gotta do something and add another guy to this.
Between the two of us, we haven't been able to track down Santini's girl.
We gotta get sleep sometime.
Run a check on his charge accounts, Ray.
If that doesn't work, we'll try another angle.
Yeah, sure.
What the hell.
Who needs sleep? Nice to meet you.
Mr.
McGraw, may may I make a suggestion? - Why should you stop now? - That tape of Archie's death You know, he gasped something just as he was shot.
Now, maybe it wasn't just a gasp.
Maybe he was trying to say something.
You know, an audio technician could analyze the tape Mrs.
Fletcher, I'm not much for this scientific shinola.
I mean, all right.
Maybe I'm hung up right now, but I'm gonna get this guy.
You're just along for the ride because I dealt you in.
But don't tell me how to operate.
##[Piano.]
[Chattering.]
I'll tell you a secret, Jessica.
I'm still in love with the woman.
Always will be.
That's why we've enjoyed such a marvelous divorce.
Well, I must admit your relationship with Priscilla is unique.
Well, I'm wedded to the halls of ivy.
She's totally committed to the magazine.
Careers apart.
I'm afraid there's no in-between.
Funny.
I'd heard oh, perhaps it was just a rumor that she was thinking of running for public office.
Really? First I've heard of it.
Priscilla.
Carter, you old fox.
I thought you were going out of town.
What? And miss this gala celebration? Not a chance.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Come over here.
I want you to meet somebody.
Jessica, I'd like you to meet an old and dear friend of mine, Judge Carter Lambert.
Oh, yes.
The writer.
So nice to meet you.
You can't imagine how much I've wanted to meet you, Judge Lambert.
Oh, excuse me.
More company.
Gavin.
It seems to me I've received a couple of letters from you.
And several unreturned phone calls.
As defense attorney in the Danbury Scalpel Murder trial, you're one of the few people still alive who can give me some firsthand insight into that case.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I'll tell you what I told your private detective.
- That case is best forgotten.
- That's surprising, Judge.
It's one of your best moments as a trial lawyer.
You secured the acquittal of a very prominent physician.
While the world whispered about perjured testimony and manufactured evidence.
I'm sorry, dear lady.
That chapter of my life is closed.
Let me add this.
If you go ahead with this book of yours, be sure you clearly understand our libel laws.
Excuse me.
What was all that about? Drawn swords? I'm afraid so.
I'm researching a 25-year-old murder that the judge was involved with.
He's not happy with the detective that I hired to contact him.
Priscilla, that detective, before he died last Friday, was also investigating you.
Me? Not on my behalf.
For someone else.
Really? I was wondering, could he have been hired by someone who might wish to thwart your political ambitions? I'm sorry, Jessica.
I don't know anything about your murdered detective.
And as for politics, any rumors you may have heard are simply that.
Yes, of course.
Just one more thing, Priscilla.
I merely said the detective died.
I said nothing about murder.
Good morning.
Hi, Mrs.
Fletcher.
Oh, please don't get up, Mr.
Kravitz.
Is Mr.
McGraw in? Oh, he's here, but you can't see him.
Oh.
Is someone with him? Uh-uh.
He just doesn't want to be disturbed.
Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid we've got work to do.
Mrs.
Fletcher? You don't mind if I sleep while you talk, do you, Mrs.
Fletcher? I thought you might be interested in knowing who hired you to investigate Priscilla Daniels.
Yeah? Who? Priscilla Daniels.
And what led you to that brilliant deduction? Despite transparent pretense to the contrary, she knew Archie Miles.
So she knew him? You client wanted to remain anonymous, so Archie used a code the initials E.
P.
F.
Now, I don't think they represent a name, Mr.
McGraw.
I think they stand for Editor and Publisher of Femininity.
Mrs.
Daniels has political ambitions.
Now, supposing she had something in her past something that she was afraid might come out in a campaign.
Skeletons in the basement.
So she hires us to find out how deep they're buried, figuring if we don't find 'em, nobody else will.
Of course, even if she hired your partner, it doesn't mean that she killed him.
Unless Archie found the bones whatever it was she was tryin' to hide.
Maybe he confronted her with it.
But if he discovered something, why wasn't it in the file? Not if he didn't have time to write it down.
Archie spent a few days in that little college town where she was married to that professor.
Maybe he came up with something that goes way back.
And speaking of way back, I ran into a new lead last night.
I met somebody who has something to hide.
The Danbury Scalpel Murder may not be as dead as we thought.
All right, Jessica.
You track down your lead, and I'll trace Archie's footprints around that college.
Maybe one of us will get lucky.
[Dog Barking.]
I'd offer you coffee, Mrs.
Fletcher, but I've already packed away the coffeemaker.
Oh, I'm fine.
Now, you're sure there's nothing I can do to help? Oh, thanks, but no.
I'll be staying with my sister in Hartford.
Just till I get my bearings.
Look.
I'm sorry about my rudeness the other day.
Please.
I understand.
Believe me.
You asked me about a town in Vermont.
Then Archie did tell you something.
No, but I found this tucked in his jacket pocket.
"Sudberry, Cargill.
" Does it mean anything? I don't know.
He was tracking down some woman named Martha Clay.
You know, if someone did kill Archie because of this, I'm not doing you any favors by giving it to you.
Thank you, Mrs.
Miles.
I'll be very careful.
Promise.
[Woman.]
Now, don't you worry about it, Mrs.
Perkins.
You have Roy Brown down at the garage come look at it, and we should have it fixed for you in a jiffy.
Sure.
I'll be glad to call him for you.
Yes, ma'am.
And please don't worry.
That's what we're here for.
All right.
[Hangs Up Phone.]
Good morning.
May I help you? Miss Cargill? - That's right.
- My name is Jessica Fletcher.
I'm a writer, and I'm looking into a story that happened many, many years ago.
I wondered if you might have known a woman named Martha Clay.
No.
I'm sorry.
She'd be about 60 by now, perhaps using another name.
I said I don't know her! And I would appreciate it if you would just leave me alone! What's going on here? Oh, I'm so sorry.
I didn't want to upset her.
I'm researching a story, and I merely wanted to ask her a couple of questions.
- I'm Milt Sudberry.
- Jessica Fletcher.
You'll have to forgive Leora, ma'am.
She just lost both her parents a month ago.
Oh, dear.
It'll take her some time to get over it.
They died in a fireboth of them.
Fine folks, the Cargills.
They ran a nursing home just outside of town here.
They've been in Sheffield about 25 years.
They died trying to save the others.
Lots of'em in beds and wheelchairs.
Oh, I'm very sorry.
This Mrs.
Cargill Her name wasn't by any chance Martha, was it? - Matter of fact, it was.
- I see.
- Well, thank you, Mr.
Sudberry.
- Mm-hmm.
Thanks very much.
You're welcome.
Judge Lambert! Mrs.
Fletcher.
What a surprise finding you here.
Or is it? The clerk at your hotel said you were asking about buses to Vermont.
I put two and two together.
I was afraid you wouldn't leave this alone.
It's not my nature to leave things undone, Judge.
So I notice.
All right.
I'll drive you back to Boston.
On the way, I'll tell you the whole story about Martha Clay and Tom Cargill.
Who exactly is Tom Cargill? The real killer in the Danbury Scalpel Murder.
Well, Jessica, dare I ask if I'm going to see your version of the Lambert case on the best seller list? The writer in me wants to say yes, but all things considered, maybe it's best if this case remains just as it is an unresolved mystery.
You're quite a lady.
[Engine Starts.]
[Gasps.]
Sorry.
I forgot.
Alma always flips the lock when she leaves.
I'm glad you're here.
Hey, it's 10:30, Mrs.
Fletcher.
You on to something new? In a way.
I think that we can forget the Danbury Scalpel Murder as the motive for Archie Miles's death.
The doctor on the trial was innocent.
The victim was killed by a man named Tom Cargill.
Now, he happened to be at the hospital that night visiting his girlfriend, the floor nurse, Martha Clay.
Cargill recognized the victim as the man who'd raped his sister the year before but was acquitted on a technicality.
The sister committed suicide a couple of months later.
When Cargill saw the rapist, something snapped.
He stabbed him with a scalpel.
But circumstantial evidence led to the arrest of the physician.
Yeah, but how did Judge Lambert know all this? Tom Cargill told him.
During the war, Tom had saved thejudge's life.
Lambert found himself in a terrible quandary.
That's why he wangled himself on to the physician's defense team and why he faked the evidence to get the acquittal.
- All's fair? - Well, in this case, perhaps so.
Strange talk for a straight arrow like you.
Or maybe you got two different sets of standards.
I mean, it's okay for Cargill to murder the rapist, but it's wrong for me to eliminate the character that killed Archie.
I don't condone murder, Mr.
McGraw.
But more to the point, they are now dead, beyond punishment.
Now, Archie's killer isn't, and he is still entitled to a trial.
Even if he or she hires a lawyer like Lambert who might mess with the evidence to get an acquittal? Oh, and speaking of"she," I don't suppose you caught Priscilla Daniels's press conference.
No.
She came on the tube around 6:00 to deny all rumors that she's running for any political office.
- Really? - [Phone Ringing.]
McGraw.
What? Yeah, I'll be right over.
- What is it? - Ray Kravitz.
He was watching Santini's place, and somebody tried to blow him away.
[Starkey.]
What the hell are you doing down there? Playing cribbage? I want a yes or a no, and I want it now.
Call me when you got it.
Ray, you okay? I'm okay, Harry.
Well, what happened? I was parked right in front of Santini's construction office.
Next thing I know, a car comes down the street, comes right up in front of me.
A guy gets out.
He walks up to me.
I can't see his face.
His headlights are right in my eyes.
His arm comes up in a certain way.
I know it's gonna be trouble.
Just as I duck down, he fires two shots right through the windshield, and then he took off.
- Could it have been Santini? - I was sure Santini was still in his office.
Well, when we checked it out, Santini's car was parked outside.
The lights were on inside the office, but a little rear window was wide open.
Santini could have sneaked out anytime.
Excuse me, Mr.
Kravitz.
You say you couldn't see who your attacker was? I didn't see anything! [McGraw.]
Come on, Ray.
Somebody tries to blow you away, and you go blind? How big was the guy? What kind of a car was it? You must have seen something.
- Harry, I'm tryin' to stay alive.
Do you mind? - [Phone Rings.]
Starkey.
Yeah, Tony.
Are you sure? All right.
Ballistics just dug two slugs from a.
45 out of Ray's front seat.
They match the slugs that killed Archie.
Yeah.
Who didn't know that? Harry, don't do something stupid.
Is that official or just a piece of friendly advice? - Both.
- Well, you know me, Starkey.
I never shot a rattlesnake that didn't bite me first.
Don't worry about Harry, Mrs.
Fletcher.
If Santini can be found, he'll find him.
That's what I'm afraid of.
Mr.
Kravitz, something is bothering me.
I'd like to recheck those files.
Would you mind taking me back to the office? No, ma'am.
I'll call Alma.
Anything you need, she knows where it is.
She's not here yet.
Which file do you want, Mrs.
Fletcher? All three.
Do you know what you're lookin' for? Well, no, not specifically.
Hello, Ray.
Ray, are you okay? Yeah, I'm fine.
Listen.
I'm gonna go out and see if I can catch up with Harry.
- You gonna be all right, Mrs.
Fletcher? - Oh, I'm fine, Ray.
Thank you.
Alma, anything she needs Okay.
Don't worry, Ray.
How about if I put on some coffee, Mrs.
Fletcher? Oh, that would be very nice, Alma.
Thank you.
Alma You can forget the coffee for me, Alma.
But, Mrs.
Fletcher I may be back.
I'm not sure.
I didn't know this was going to be an inquisition.
I'm sorry, Priscilla.
I'm trying to prevent another killing.
I want to know why you changed your mind about running for political office.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Was it something that Mr.
Miles picked up in the investigation he was conducting on your behalf? That's absurd.
Please, Priscilla.
There just isn't any time.
Something was ripped out of the detective agency's files, and suddenly you decide not to seek office.
Now, I am sure that there is some connection.
Have you within the last 24 hours received a blackmail threat? Yes, Mrs.
Fletcher, she has.
Gavin Priscilla, a man has been murdered.
Besides, none of it will remain a secret much longer.
All right.
Seventeen years ago, Priscilla became pregnant with my child.
She was a grad student.
I was a young professor.
I was also married to another woman.
Priscilla chose to have an abortion.
Later, after my divorce, we were married.
But by then it was too late.
Complications associated with the abortion made it impossible for her ever to bear another child.
Even though I traveled out of the state, Mr.
Miles discovered our secret.
Yes, I did hire him, Jessica, for that very reason.
In this day and age, no woman can run for public office with abortion hanging over her head.
And the blackmail threat? I received a call early this morning.
A man.
He didn't identify himself.
He said he had a copy of the hospital records and wanted a quarter of a million dollars to keep quiet.
So l Gavin and I decided that the best thing for me to do would be to drop out of the race and to make a clean breast of my past.
I think that was very wise.
Mrs.
Fletcher, one thing puzzles me.
This detective was killed over a week ago, yet the first blackmail call came only this morning.
Which means that a third party has belatedly surfaced, Mr.
Daniels, and I'm quite sure it's the same person who killed Archie Miles.
Oh, Lieutenant, l I wanted to talk to you.
Could it wait, Mrs.
Fletcher? I'm dead beat, and I'm going home.
Oh, I'm sure you're very tired, and so am I.
[Tires Screeching.]
- Harry? - You know this guy? - Yeah, I know him.
And who are you? - My name is Santini, and I'm pressing assault charges against this gum ball.
This creep or one of his pals has been tailing me for the past couple of weeks.
I thought maybe it was union guys or a competitor.
Then tonight, my wife tells me that she hired these bozos, like I was fooling around or something.
Well, you must admit, Mr.
Santini, you've been disappearing a lot every evening.
I mean, it's only natural that your wife would be concerned.
My wife is a certifiable hysteric who falls apart if the morning newspaper comes late.
She likes things neat and predictable a place for everything, everything in its place.
- Including you? - It so happens, buster, that I've been married almost 20 years, and I'm still crazy about that woman.
Which is why you've been sneakin' around at night, right? Hey, potato face, you wanna know where I've been? I'll tell ya.
Three years ago, we had this sailboat down at the marina.
Got destroyed in a storm, so I figured I'd surprise the old lady for our 20th anniversary.
I've been working almost every night with this boat guy to build a duplicate.
It's supposed to be a surprise.
Understand? I tried to tell you, only you were too busy swingin'to listen.
This boatbuilder Does he have a name? Shelley Dinsmann.
He's in the book.
Okay, Mr.
Santini.
You can go.
Listen.
The boat It's still gonna be a surprise.
You understand, Jack? Harry, your eye looks terrible.
He caught me when I wasn't lookin'.
Did anyone notice that we just lost our best suspect in Archie's murder? Lieutenant, I started to tell you I do have an idea.
Harry, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to go back up to the office, and I'm sure that Alma will have left.
May I borrow your keys? Oh, come on, Jessica.
Please.
It's important.
I think I do have the answer, but I'm gonna need a little help to prove it.
[Traffic Noises.]
[Keys, Doorknob Jangling.]
Hello? Is that you, Mr.
Kravitz? Sorry.
I must have locked the door on you.
That's okay.
I got my key.
What's goin' on? I came as soon as I could.
You said something happened to Harry? Yes.
He got into a terrible brawl with that Mr.
Santini.
Oh, he found him, did he? I thought he would.
- He didn't kill him, did he? - No.
Mr.
Santini is just fine.
He's also been cleared of responsibility in Mr.
Miles's death.
Is that so? Somebody else must have tried to ace me tonight then.
No, Mr.
Kravitz.
Nobody tried to ace you tonight.
That so-called attack was staged by you to divert suspicion onto Mr.
Santini and away from Mrs.
Daniels.
What are you talking about? You fired those shots through the car windshield.
You also fired the shots that killed Archie Miles.
Come on, lady.
You been smokin' funny cigarettes or something? You killed Mr.
Miles because he'd stumbled on to Priscilla's long-ago abortion, which, considering her political ambition, was made-to-order for blackmail.
But, of course, Archie would never have permitted that, which is why you had to kill him.
I suppose you can prove all this.
When I was going through the Daniels file, I realized one of the papers had been hurriedly removed.
In ripping out the sheet of paper, you know, you left a tiny fragment behind.
Priscilla told me, early this morning a man had called demanding money.
[Chuckles.]
That doesn't mean it was me.
Could have been anybody, even Harry.
Harry was in Tulsa when his partner was killed.
No, it was you, Mr.
Kravitz, and the evidence is on that tape.
What tape? This one.
I had this machine running when you entered the outer office a few moments ago.
Listen.
[Keys, Doorknob Jangling.]
[Jessica On Tape.]
Hello? Is that you, Mr.
Kravitz? Sorry.
I must have locked the door on you.
[Kravitz.]
That's o So? You must have heard that.
Thejangle of those keys on your key chain.
A very distinctive sound.
[Miles On Tape.]
Regarding search for principals involved in the Danbury Scalpel Murder.
[Keys Jangling.]
[Miles.]
Who's there? Alma, is that you? I'm sure you heard that sound too.
That, too, was the sound of your key chain.
You see, when Alma left, she locked the door.
Harry said she always locked up when she left.
So you had to unlock the door to get in.
It could only have been someone with a key and someone whose keys would have made that sound.
You're a clever lady, but you're also pretty dumb.
You're not so smart yourself, Ray.
Go ahead.
Just twitch.
Harry, for God's sake, I
[Woman.]
Tonight on Murder, She Wrote.
He was bird-dogging three cases, one of which was yours.
And that's why we're all gonna stay out of Harry McGraw's way.
So Mr.
McGraw can try, sentence and execute him? Guess we don't have to worry about him anymore, huh? I don't know anything about your murdered detective.
Be sure you clearly understand our libel laws.
I don't know why this detective's been digging into our past.
His arm comes up in a certain way, I know it's gonna be trouble.
[Gasps.]
[Man.]
Doctor passed away nine years ago.
I tracked his wife, uh, to a town in California.
She's remarried.
She had nothing to say.
Hold on a second.
Excuse me, Archie.
I got a date.
See you tomorrow.
- Okay, Alma.
Have a good time.
- [Kisses.]
Yeah, um, and the Let's see.
The medical examiner is also dead.
The hospital administrator who forged the admittance forms disappeared in '75.
And get this one.
The cop on the case went nuts six years ago.
Oh, dear.
I was afraid of something like that.
Look, Mrs.
Fletcher.
I think that the Danbury Scalpel Murder is a fine idea for a book.
But face it, the case occurred - Well, almost.
- Almost? I may have a lead on a nurse who was on duty that night.
Uh, Martha Clay.
It means driving down to a small town in Vermont this weekend.
Anything you can do.
The trouble is I have two other cases besides this one, and, uh Well, okay, if it's that important.
Thanks very much, Mr.
Miles.
I'll wait to hear from you.
Sure thing.
Bye-bye.
[Horns Honking Outside.]
Concluded phone report to clientJ.
B.
Fletcher regarding search for principals involved in the Danbury Scalpel Murder, and [Keys, Doorknob Jangling.]
Who's there? Alma, is that you? [Two Gunshots.]
[Man Groans.]
[Phone Rings.]
Santini.
Oh, yeah.
Hi.
How ya doin'? Yeah? No, I didn't see it.
Hang on.
Yeah, I think this is the guy that was following me.
What do you know? Guess we don't have to worry about him anymore, huh? [Woman On Speaker.]
Flight 214 from Paris now arriving at Gate 22.
Well, don't you want to know about Paris? Well, all right.
How was Paris? I think we've struck a deal with the Duvalier Group for a French edition.
Ooh, Femininity on the Champs-Elysées.
That's wonderful.
How did you do it? You're too young to ask.
I hate to break this to you, but Larry's set up a press conference at 4:00.
It's sort of a five-year birthday party.
Our anniversary is on Friday.
That's when we'll entertain the press.
[Man.]
Priscilla! Priss, you look marvelous.
Thank you, Gavin.
What a surprise.
You know Erin Carey, the magazine's designer? Yes, of course.
[Erin.]
Hi.
- Look.
We have to talk.
- I'll wait in the limo.
Sorry to dampen your homecoming I didn't think you drove all the way down from the university just to say hi.
A week ago, a private detective came nosing around the campus asking a lot of questions.
About you, me, our marriage.
What did he learn? From me? Nothing.
I clipped this out of yesterday's newspaper.
Oh, my God.
We have to do something.
Do what? I don't know why this detective's been digging into our past, but we have our own lives now, Priss.
I don't want all that dredged up.
Why don't we just wait and see? How about dinner tonight? Just for old times' sake.
I have to get back.
Faculty meeting.
Perhaps next time.
[Seagulls Squawking.]
[Jessica.]
Are you looking for something special? I assume you have a very good reason for breaking into my home.
Harry McGraw, Mrs.
Fletcher.
You're one of my clients.
Miles & McGraw.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mr.
McGraw.
I understood that Mr.
Miles was handling my investigation.
Not anymore.
Three nights ago, somebody blew him apart with a.
45 automatic.
Oh, Lord He was bird-dogging three cases, one of which was yours.
Well, surely you don't think that l No, I don't.
But somebody involved with your case might have.
Mr.
McGraw, if you needed information from me, all you had to do was call and ask.
- That's not my style.
- So I see.
Well, what makes you think it was my case that led to his death? I don't think anything yet.
I've been in Tulsa for the past month doing undercover work on an oil field.
Mr.
McGraw, I liked Mr.
Miles very much.
If there's anything that I can do to help I don't need or want your help, Mrs.
Fletcher.
As a matter of fact, I'm beginning to think this Danbury case of yours is as dead as Al Capone.
He said he might have a lead.
A little town in Vermont.
There was nothing about that in the files.
It took a lot of guts to face me down in here, not knowing who I was.
It didn't take any guts at all, Mr.
McGraw.
While I was out, I phoned the sheriff.
He should be along anytime now.
You'll excuse me, but I don't have time to waste with any hick cop.
We both liked Archie, Mrs.
Fletcher, and I'm gonna balance the books.
You can count on it.
[Jessica.]
Mrs.
Miles? Please accept my condolences.
I'm Jessica Fletcher.
Your husband was working on a case for me.
I know who you are, Mrs.
Fletcher.
He was a delightful man.
I liked him very much.
So did I.
Excuse me.
Uh, Mrs.
Miles, I'm upset at the thought that I, uh that is, that my case might have led to your husband's death.
I'd like your help.
There's nothing I can tell you.
Well, on the telephone he mentioned he had a lead to a little town in Vermont, but there's nothing in his files.
Perhaps he said something to you.
No.
I'm sorry.
Mrs.
Miles Look, Mrs.
Fletcher.
He's dead.
Whatever he was doing died with him.
It doesn't make a bit of difference now.
[Door Opens, Closes.]
Hi.
So? - Well, he's still in there.
- All right.
I'll take it from here.
- You talk to his wife yet? - Our client? Yeah.
Yeah.
Nice lady.
She's put together like a Steinway.
[Laughing.]
A little dim upstairs though.
She still loves this guy, even though he's probably dippin' in somebody else's hot tub.
Well, I'll see you tomorrow.
Oh, Ray, do me a favor.
Buzz by the Daniels woman's place and find out what's happening, huh? Harry, give me a break.
I've been up for 20 hours.
Yeah, all right.
Go ahead.
Go home and get some sleep.
[Engine Starts.]
[Engine Starts.]
[Engine Starts.]
Surveillance subject Ernest Santini departs construction shack heading north on Saddler Avenue, driving late model Seville.
Speed moderate.
Lfhe knows I'm huggin'his bumper, he's keepin'it to himself.
Subject turning into an alley half block north of Fulton.
[Tires Screeching.]
Hey.
Hey, look! Take it easy! What Ah, come on, fellas.
Mr.
Santini asked us to give you a message, sport.
[Sobbing.]
[Gasps.]
Harry! Forget it, Alma.
I'm not in the mood.
L-I don't suppose you saw a doctor.
As soon as we get Blue Cross, sweetheart.
Listen.
Get Ray in here.
I'm gonna nail that Sicilian bricklayer to the barn door.
Harry, you got company.
She said you were expecting her.
[Sighs.]
[Groans.]
Mrs.
Fletcher.
Good morning, Mr.
McGraw.
Oh, dear.
What happened? I fell off a building.
Look.
I'm kinda busy right now.
Well, so am I.
I've got my files from the Danbury Scalpel Murder trial.
I'd like to go through them with you.
Lady, I told you.
That case is a dead-end.
Sure, 25 years ago it sold a lot of newspapers.
Rich doctor acquitted of hospital murder by sharp lawyer.
Was he really innocent? Who cares? The guy died nine years ago, along with practically everybody else connected with the case.
So do me a favor, huh? Just let it alone, and me alone with it.
I will as soon as I'm satisfied that your partner's investigation of that case did not lead to his death.
Remember I told you Archie was working on three cases? One of the other two That's where I'm gonna find our guy.
Are you sure of that? Let me spell it out for you.
One, there's a guy named Santini.
He's been cattin' around every night for about the past six weeks.
Wife smells another broad.
Why not? They've been married almost 20 years.
So last night I'm tailing this Santini, and I run into three of his pals who try to use me for a trampoline.
So I see.
But they didn't kill you.
If they'd been responsible for killing Mr.
Miles, they'd hardly hesitate in eliminating you as well.
What's the other case? A background investigation on a dame named Priscilla Daniels.
Oh, yes.
The woman who runs Femininity magazine.
- A friend? - No.
But for the past two years, she's been trying to encourage me to write an article.
Good idea.
Do it, and stay out of my hair.
Mr.
McGraw, there's no reason to be rude.
Look, Mrs.
Fletcher.
Why don't you take some advice Why don't you devote that boundless energy of yours to needlepoint or a bridge club? I tried that.
It's precisely the reason I wrote my first book.
I was bored out of my mind.
Well, I read your first book, and I was bored out of my mind.
Ah, that's your privilege.
May I look at your file, please? Why not? You paid for them.
Here.
Take 'em with you.
Anything else? Good.
Because I'm kinda busy right now.
Thank you.
Harry Oh, excuse me.
It's okay, Ray.
The lady was just leaving.
I'll leave my hotel number with your secretary, just in case you need me.
Thank you very much.
So, Harry, what happened? [Laughing.]
Ray, stuff it.
[Mr.
Miles On Tape.]
Concluded phone report to clientJ.
B.
Fletcher regarding search for principals involved in the Danbury Scalpel Murder, and [Keys, Doorknob Jangling.]
Who's there? Alma, is that you? [Door Opens.]
[Footsteps.]
[Gunshot.]
[Gunshot.]
[Miles Groans.]
The final moments in the life of a hell of a cop, Mrs.
Fletcher.
And a hell of a guy.
Not very pretty.
No.
Is that all you have, Lieutenant Starkey? That tape and what's in this file? It's not very much.
There wasn't very much to go on.
Forgive me, Lieutenant, but it was my understanding that Mr.
Miles taught at the police academy, that he was liked and respected by everyone.
That's right.
Then may I ask why the investigation of his death isn't proceeding more actively? I'm gonna tell you something, Mrs.
Fletcher, and if you repeat it outside this office, I'll deny every word.
Archie Miles was like a father to us.
We didn't just like the guy.
We loved him.
All of us.
So, believe me, we want to see his killer go down permanently.
And that's why we're all gonna stay out of Harry McGraw's way.
So Mr.
McGraw can try, sentence and execute him? Well, naturally we'd prefer that he turn him over to us first.
And if he doesn't? Well, at least we won't have to worry about the possibility of some slick lawyer getting the dirtbag off on a technicality.
Pardon me, ma'am.
Wade Tyler.
Bimini Swimwear, Dallas, Texas.
I'm here to see Ms.
Daniels.
Oh, yes.
I believe Mr.
King is expecting you.
[Laughs.]
Well, ma'am, I'm used to dealing with the head honcho, not some office boy.
Well, I'm sorry, sir, but Mrs.
Daniels is tied up in an important meeting.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I can't tell you how delighted I was by your phone call after so long a time.
An article by you will be a major coup.
Thank you, Mrs.
Daniels.
- Jessica May I call you Jessica? - Oh, yes, of course.
Please call me Priscilla.
Let me tell you what I have in mind.
A major piece.
Something inspirational demonstrating how a woman past 40 can fend off the sharks infesting the literary waters, relying solely on her guts and her sense of identity as a woman.
Well, that sounds very colorful, but, um Actually what I had in mind was a remembrance of my marriage.
I'm sorry you never knew Frank.
I think you'd have liked him.
He was a kind and loving man who taught me to value the small joys of everyday life.
Yes.
Well, Jessica, I'm sure there's a place for that sort of thing, but Fem is a now magazine aimed at the now woman trying to cope in a man's world.
Well, please forgive me.
I seem to have wasted your time.
Now, wait.
If that's what you really want to write I don't think you'll be disappointed.
[Intercom Buzzes.]
Excuse me.
Yes? Mrs.
Daniels, Davis Randolph is on the line.
He says he must speak to you.
It's quite important.
Tell him I'll have to call him back.
Look.
I'm having a celebration tomorrow evening.
It's our fifth anniversary.
Please, would you come? I'd love to have you meet everyone.
Oh, how kind.
Thanks.
I will.
My secretary will call you with the details about the party.
Where are you staying? Oh, the Fillmore.
Priscilla, here's someone I want you to meet.
Wade Tyler, ma'am.
Bimini Swimwear, Dallas, Texas.
And it sure is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Thank you, Mr.
Tyler.
Mrs.
Jessica Fletcher.
The mystery gal.
Why, sure! I must say it's a surprise findin' you here.
Well, you seem to be a long way from Texas, Mr.
[Clears Throat.]
Taylor.
- Tyler.
- Well, you must have a lot of business to discuss, so I'll get out of your way.
Good-bye.
Now, what can I do for you, Mr.
Tyler? Well, I'm here to talk advertising, Mrs.
Daniels.
Advertising worth seven figures that don't start with no measly "one.
" [With Southern Drawl.]
Well, talk like that, you come right down to my office and set a spell.
Why, Mr.
Tyler, whatever did you do to your eye? Oh, just a minor disagreement about my parentage, ma'am.
[Laughs.]
Nothin' serious.
- How did you get in here? - A two-year-old with a paper clip could jimmy that lock.
You know, breaking in is a very bad habit of yours.
Thanks for keepin' your mouth shut with the Daniels babe.
We're both after the same thing, Mr.
McGraw.
There was no reason for me to stand in your way.
But you are getting in my way, Mrs.
Fletcher.
You're working on your case.
Priscilla Daniels is my territory.
No.
My one aim is to find out who killed Mr.
Miles, and I intend doing that, even if I have to camp out in Priscilla Daniels's hip pocket.
Oh, for heaven's sakes, I'm beginning to talk like you.
Mrs.
Fletcher, leave Archie's killer to me.
So you can what? Eliminate him? When a man's partner gets killed, he's supposed to do something about it.
Well, surely not murder.
Call it whatever you want.
I'm sorry, but I don't intend to stand by and let you subvert the law, even if it means telling Priscilla Daniels who you really are.
- You are trouble.
- Thank you.
Come by the office tomorrow.
We'll look over the files together.
[Jessica.]
You know, there's nothing here to say who hired you to conduct the investigation or why? We don't know who or why.
Archie accepted a $1,000 retainer, in cash.
Somebody with the initials E.
P.
F.
Even Alma doesn't know who the client is.
Yesterday in her office, Mrs.
Daniels received a phone call from Davis Randolph.
- The political finance chairman? - She didn't want to talk in my presence.
You know, the press have been hinting that she might run for that senate seat that's coming free next year.
Yeah.
And if she does decide to run, maybe this E.
P.
F.
Wants some dirt to head her off, so he hires us to scrape it up.
Harry.
Oh, excuse me.
Hi, Ray.
Have you met Mrs.
Fletcher? No.
Ray Kravitz.
It's a pleasure, ma'am.
How do you do, Mr.
Kravitz? I got some figures on the Santini company bank accounts.
A lot of cash withdrawals in the last couple of months.
They total $85,000.
[Whistles.]
This dame's really got Santini on a roller coaster.
- That's the other case.
- Oh, yes, the unfaithful husband.
Harry, we gotta do something and add another guy to this.
Between the two of us, we haven't been able to track down Santini's girl.
We gotta get sleep sometime.
Run a check on his charge accounts, Ray.
If that doesn't work, we'll try another angle.
Yeah, sure.
What the hell.
Who needs sleep? Nice to meet you.
Mr.
McGraw, may may I make a suggestion? - Why should you stop now? - That tape of Archie's death You know, he gasped something just as he was shot.
Now, maybe it wasn't just a gasp.
Maybe he was trying to say something.
You know, an audio technician could analyze the tape Mrs.
Fletcher, I'm not much for this scientific shinola.
I mean, all right.
Maybe I'm hung up right now, but I'm gonna get this guy.
You're just along for the ride because I dealt you in.
But don't tell me how to operate.
##[Piano.]
[Chattering.]
I'll tell you a secret, Jessica.
I'm still in love with the woman.
Always will be.
That's why we've enjoyed such a marvelous divorce.
Well, I must admit your relationship with Priscilla is unique.
Well, I'm wedded to the halls of ivy.
She's totally committed to the magazine.
Careers apart.
I'm afraid there's no in-between.
Funny.
I'd heard oh, perhaps it was just a rumor that she was thinking of running for public office.
Really? First I've heard of it.
Priscilla.
Carter, you old fox.
I thought you were going out of town.
What? And miss this gala celebration? Not a chance.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Come over here.
I want you to meet somebody.
Jessica, I'd like you to meet an old and dear friend of mine, Judge Carter Lambert.
Oh, yes.
The writer.
So nice to meet you.
You can't imagine how much I've wanted to meet you, Judge Lambert.
Oh, excuse me.
More company.
Gavin.
It seems to me I've received a couple of letters from you.
And several unreturned phone calls.
As defense attorney in the Danbury Scalpel Murder trial, you're one of the few people still alive who can give me some firsthand insight into that case.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I'll tell you what I told your private detective.
- That case is best forgotten.
- That's surprising, Judge.
It's one of your best moments as a trial lawyer.
You secured the acquittal of a very prominent physician.
While the world whispered about perjured testimony and manufactured evidence.
I'm sorry, dear lady.
That chapter of my life is closed.
Let me add this.
If you go ahead with this book of yours, be sure you clearly understand our libel laws.
Excuse me.
What was all that about? Drawn swords? I'm afraid so.
I'm researching a 25-year-old murder that the judge was involved with.
He's not happy with the detective that I hired to contact him.
Priscilla, that detective, before he died last Friday, was also investigating you.
Me? Not on my behalf.
For someone else.
Really? I was wondering, could he have been hired by someone who might wish to thwart your political ambitions? I'm sorry, Jessica.
I don't know anything about your murdered detective.
And as for politics, any rumors you may have heard are simply that.
Yes, of course.
Just one more thing, Priscilla.
I merely said the detective died.
I said nothing about murder.
Good morning.
Hi, Mrs.
Fletcher.
Oh, please don't get up, Mr.
Kravitz.
Is Mr.
McGraw in? Oh, he's here, but you can't see him.
Oh.
Is someone with him? Uh-uh.
He just doesn't want to be disturbed.
Oh, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid we've got work to do.
Mrs.
Fletcher? You don't mind if I sleep while you talk, do you, Mrs.
Fletcher? I thought you might be interested in knowing who hired you to investigate Priscilla Daniels.
Yeah? Who? Priscilla Daniels.
And what led you to that brilliant deduction? Despite transparent pretense to the contrary, she knew Archie Miles.
So she knew him? You client wanted to remain anonymous, so Archie used a code the initials E.
P.
F.
Now, I don't think they represent a name, Mr.
McGraw.
I think they stand for Editor and Publisher of Femininity.
Mrs.
Daniels has political ambitions.
Now, supposing she had something in her past something that she was afraid might come out in a campaign.
Skeletons in the basement.
So she hires us to find out how deep they're buried, figuring if we don't find 'em, nobody else will.
Of course, even if she hired your partner, it doesn't mean that she killed him.
Unless Archie found the bones whatever it was she was tryin' to hide.
Maybe he confronted her with it.
But if he discovered something, why wasn't it in the file? Not if he didn't have time to write it down.
Archie spent a few days in that little college town where she was married to that professor.
Maybe he came up with something that goes way back.
And speaking of way back, I ran into a new lead last night.
I met somebody who has something to hide.
The Danbury Scalpel Murder may not be as dead as we thought.
All right, Jessica.
You track down your lead, and I'll trace Archie's footprints around that college.
Maybe one of us will get lucky.
[Dog Barking.]
I'd offer you coffee, Mrs.
Fletcher, but I've already packed away the coffeemaker.
Oh, I'm fine.
Now, you're sure there's nothing I can do to help? Oh, thanks, but no.
I'll be staying with my sister in Hartford.
Just till I get my bearings.
Look.
I'm sorry about my rudeness the other day.
Please.
I understand.
Believe me.
You asked me about a town in Vermont.
Then Archie did tell you something.
No, but I found this tucked in his jacket pocket.
"Sudberry, Cargill.
" Does it mean anything? I don't know.
He was tracking down some woman named Martha Clay.
You know, if someone did kill Archie because of this, I'm not doing you any favors by giving it to you.
Thank you, Mrs.
Miles.
I'll be very careful.
Promise.
[Woman.]
Now, don't you worry about it, Mrs.
Perkins.
You have Roy Brown down at the garage come look at it, and we should have it fixed for you in a jiffy.
Sure.
I'll be glad to call him for you.
Yes, ma'am.
And please don't worry.
That's what we're here for.
All right.
[Hangs Up Phone.]
Good morning.
May I help you? Miss Cargill? - That's right.
- My name is Jessica Fletcher.
I'm a writer, and I'm looking into a story that happened many, many years ago.
I wondered if you might have known a woman named Martha Clay.
No.
I'm sorry.
She'd be about 60 by now, perhaps using another name.
I said I don't know her! And I would appreciate it if you would just leave me alone! What's going on here? Oh, I'm so sorry.
I didn't want to upset her.
I'm researching a story, and I merely wanted to ask her a couple of questions.
- I'm Milt Sudberry.
- Jessica Fletcher.
You'll have to forgive Leora, ma'am.
She just lost both her parents a month ago.
Oh, dear.
It'll take her some time to get over it.
They died in a fireboth of them.
Fine folks, the Cargills.
They ran a nursing home just outside of town here.
They've been in Sheffield about 25 years.
They died trying to save the others.
Lots of'em in beds and wheelchairs.
Oh, I'm very sorry.
This Mrs.
Cargill Her name wasn't by any chance Martha, was it? - Matter of fact, it was.
- I see.
- Well, thank you, Mr.
Sudberry.
- Mm-hmm.
Thanks very much.
You're welcome.
Judge Lambert! Mrs.
Fletcher.
What a surprise finding you here.
Or is it? The clerk at your hotel said you were asking about buses to Vermont.
I put two and two together.
I was afraid you wouldn't leave this alone.
It's not my nature to leave things undone, Judge.
So I notice.
All right.
I'll drive you back to Boston.
On the way, I'll tell you the whole story about Martha Clay and Tom Cargill.
Who exactly is Tom Cargill? The real killer in the Danbury Scalpel Murder.
Well, Jessica, dare I ask if I'm going to see your version of the Lambert case on the best seller list? The writer in me wants to say yes, but all things considered, maybe it's best if this case remains just as it is an unresolved mystery.
You're quite a lady.
[Engine Starts.]
[Gasps.]
Sorry.
I forgot.
Alma always flips the lock when she leaves.
I'm glad you're here.
Hey, it's 10:30, Mrs.
Fletcher.
You on to something new? In a way.
I think that we can forget the Danbury Scalpel Murder as the motive for Archie Miles's death.
The doctor on the trial was innocent.
The victim was killed by a man named Tom Cargill.
Now, he happened to be at the hospital that night visiting his girlfriend, the floor nurse, Martha Clay.
Cargill recognized the victim as the man who'd raped his sister the year before but was acquitted on a technicality.
The sister committed suicide a couple of months later.
When Cargill saw the rapist, something snapped.
He stabbed him with a scalpel.
But circumstantial evidence led to the arrest of the physician.
Yeah, but how did Judge Lambert know all this? Tom Cargill told him.
During the war, Tom had saved thejudge's life.
Lambert found himself in a terrible quandary.
That's why he wangled himself on to the physician's defense team and why he faked the evidence to get the acquittal.
- All's fair? - Well, in this case, perhaps so.
Strange talk for a straight arrow like you.
Or maybe you got two different sets of standards.
I mean, it's okay for Cargill to murder the rapist, but it's wrong for me to eliminate the character that killed Archie.
I don't condone murder, Mr.
McGraw.
But more to the point, they are now dead, beyond punishment.
Now, Archie's killer isn't, and he is still entitled to a trial.
Even if he or she hires a lawyer like Lambert who might mess with the evidence to get an acquittal? Oh, and speaking of"she," I don't suppose you caught Priscilla Daniels's press conference.
No.
She came on the tube around 6:00 to deny all rumors that she's running for any political office.
- Really? - [Phone Ringing.]
McGraw.
What? Yeah, I'll be right over.
- What is it? - Ray Kravitz.
He was watching Santini's place, and somebody tried to blow him away.
[Starkey.]
What the hell are you doing down there? Playing cribbage? I want a yes or a no, and I want it now.
Call me when you got it.
Ray, you okay? I'm okay, Harry.
Well, what happened? I was parked right in front of Santini's construction office.
Next thing I know, a car comes down the street, comes right up in front of me.
A guy gets out.
He walks up to me.
I can't see his face.
His headlights are right in my eyes.
His arm comes up in a certain way.
I know it's gonna be trouble.
Just as I duck down, he fires two shots right through the windshield, and then he took off.
- Could it have been Santini? - I was sure Santini was still in his office.
Well, when we checked it out, Santini's car was parked outside.
The lights were on inside the office, but a little rear window was wide open.
Santini could have sneaked out anytime.
Excuse me, Mr.
Kravitz.
You say you couldn't see who your attacker was? I didn't see anything! [McGraw.]
Come on, Ray.
Somebody tries to blow you away, and you go blind? How big was the guy? What kind of a car was it? You must have seen something.
- Harry, I'm tryin' to stay alive.
Do you mind? - [Phone Rings.]
Starkey.
Yeah, Tony.
Are you sure? All right.
Ballistics just dug two slugs from a.
45 out of Ray's front seat.
They match the slugs that killed Archie.
Yeah.
Who didn't know that? Harry, don't do something stupid.
Is that official or just a piece of friendly advice? - Both.
- Well, you know me, Starkey.
I never shot a rattlesnake that didn't bite me first.
Don't worry about Harry, Mrs.
Fletcher.
If Santini can be found, he'll find him.
That's what I'm afraid of.
Mr.
Kravitz, something is bothering me.
I'd like to recheck those files.
Would you mind taking me back to the office? No, ma'am.
I'll call Alma.
Anything you need, she knows where it is.
She's not here yet.
Which file do you want, Mrs.
Fletcher? All three.
Do you know what you're lookin' for? Well, no, not specifically.
Hello, Ray.
Ray, are you okay? Yeah, I'm fine.
Listen.
I'm gonna go out and see if I can catch up with Harry.
- You gonna be all right, Mrs.
Fletcher? - Oh, I'm fine, Ray.
Thank you.
Alma, anything she needs Okay.
Don't worry, Ray.
How about if I put on some coffee, Mrs.
Fletcher? Oh, that would be very nice, Alma.
Thank you.
Alma You can forget the coffee for me, Alma.
But, Mrs.
Fletcher I may be back.
I'm not sure.
I didn't know this was going to be an inquisition.
I'm sorry, Priscilla.
I'm trying to prevent another killing.
I want to know why you changed your mind about running for political office.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Was it something that Mr.
Miles picked up in the investigation he was conducting on your behalf? That's absurd.
Please, Priscilla.
There just isn't any time.
Something was ripped out of the detective agency's files, and suddenly you decide not to seek office.
Now, I am sure that there is some connection.
Have you within the last 24 hours received a blackmail threat? Yes, Mrs.
Fletcher, she has.
Gavin Priscilla, a man has been murdered.
Besides, none of it will remain a secret much longer.
All right.
Seventeen years ago, Priscilla became pregnant with my child.
She was a grad student.
I was a young professor.
I was also married to another woman.
Priscilla chose to have an abortion.
Later, after my divorce, we were married.
But by then it was too late.
Complications associated with the abortion made it impossible for her ever to bear another child.
Even though I traveled out of the state, Mr.
Miles discovered our secret.
Yes, I did hire him, Jessica, for that very reason.
In this day and age, no woman can run for public office with abortion hanging over her head.
And the blackmail threat? I received a call early this morning.
A man.
He didn't identify himself.
He said he had a copy of the hospital records and wanted a quarter of a million dollars to keep quiet.
So l Gavin and I decided that the best thing for me to do would be to drop out of the race and to make a clean breast of my past.
I think that was very wise.
Mrs.
Fletcher, one thing puzzles me.
This detective was killed over a week ago, yet the first blackmail call came only this morning.
Which means that a third party has belatedly surfaced, Mr.
Daniels, and I'm quite sure it's the same person who killed Archie Miles.
Oh, Lieutenant, l I wanted to talk to you.
Could it wait, Mrs.
Fletcher? I'm dead beat, and I'm going home.
Oh, I'm sure you're very tired, and so am I.
[Tires Screeching.]
- Harry? - You know this guy? - Yeah, I know him.
And who are you? - My name is Santini, and I'm pressing assault charges against this gum ball.
This creep or one of his pals has been tailing me for the past couple of weeks.
I thought maybe it was union guys or a competitor.
Then tonight, my wife tells me that she hired these bozos, like I was fooling around or something.
Well, you must admit, Mr.
Santini, you've been disappearing a lot every evening.
I mean, it's only natural that your wife would be concerned.
My wife is a certifiable hysteric who falls apart if the morning newspaper comes late.
She likes things neat and predictable a place for everything, everything in its place.
- Including you? - It so happens, buster, that I've been married almost 20 years, and I'm still crazy about that woman.
Which is why you've been sneakin' around at night, right? Hey, potato face, you wanna know where I've been? I'll tell ya.
Three years ago, we had this sailboat down at the marina.
Got destroyed in a storm, so I figured I'd surprise the old lady for our 20th anniversary.
I've been working almost every night with this boat guy to build a duplicate.
It's supposed to be a surprise.
Understand? I tried to tell you, only you were too busy swingin'to listen.
This boatbuilder Does he have a name? Shelley Dinsmann.
He's in the book.
Okay, Mr.
Santini.
You can go.
Listen.
The boat It's still gonna be a surprise.
You understand, Jack? Harry, your eye looks terrible.
He caught me when I wasn't lookin'.
Did anyone notice that we just lost our best suspect in Archie's murder? Lieutenant, I started to tell you I do have an idea.
Harry, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to go back up to the office, and I'm sure that Alma will have left.
May I borrow your keys? Oh, come on, Jessica.
Please.
It's important.
I think I do have the answer, but I'm gonna need a little help to prove it.
[Traffic Noises.]
[Keys, Doorknob Jangling.]
Hello? Is that you, Mr.
Kravitz? Sorry.
I must have locked the door on you.
That's okay.
I got my key.
What's goin' on? I came as soon as I could.
You said something happened to Harry? Yes.
He got into a terrible brawl with that Mr.
Santini.
Oh, he found him, did he? I thought he would.
- He didn't kill him, did he? - No.
Mr.
Santini is just fine.
He's also been cleared of responsibility in Mr.
Miles's death.
Is that so? Somebody else must have tried to ace me tonight then.
No, Mr.
Kravitz.
Nobody tried to ace you tonight.
That so-called attack was staged by you to divert suspicion onto Mr.
Santini and away from Mrs.
Daniels.
What are you talking about? You fired those shots through the car windshield.
You also fired the shots that killed Archie Miles.
Come on, lady.
You been smokin' funny cigarettes or something? You killed Mr.
Miles because he'd stumbled on to Priscilla's long-ago abortion, which, considering her political ambition, was made-to-order for blackmail.
But, of course, Archie would never have permitted that, which is why you had to kill him.
I suppose you can prove all this.
When I was going through the Daniels file, I realized one of the papers had been hurriedly removed.
In ripping out the sheet of paper, you know, you left a tiny fragment behind.
Priscilla told me, early this morning a man had called demanding money.
[Chuckles.]
That doesn't mean it was me.
Could have been anybody, even Harry.
Harry was in Tulsa when his partner was killed.
No, it was you, Mr.
Kravitz, and the evidence is on that tape.
What tape? This one.
I had this machine running when you entered the outer office a few moments ago.
Listen.
[Keys, Doorknob Jangling.]
[Jessica On Tape.]
Hello? Is that you, Mr.
Kravitz? Sorry.
I must have locked the door on you.
[Kravitz.]
That's o So? You must have heard that.
Thejangle of those keys on your key chain.
A very distinctive sound.
[Miles On Tape.]
Regarding search for principals involved in the Danbury Scalpel Murder.
[Keys Jangling.]
[Miles.]
Who's there? Alma, is that you? I'm sure you heard that sound too.
That, too, was the sound of your key chain.
You see, when Alma left, she locked the door.
Harry said she always locked up when she left.
So you had to unlock the door to get in.
It could only have been someone with a key and someone whose keys would have made that sound.
You're a clever lady, but you're also pretty dumb.
You're not so smart yourself, Ray.
Go ahead.
Just twitch.
Harry, for God's sake, I