Cold Case s04e11 Episode Script
The Red and the Blue
* You always had an eye for things that glitter * * But I was far from being made of gold * * I don't know how, but I scraped up the money * My, my, look'ee there.
Hey, Truck.
Wake up, man.
Come on now, we're here.
We made good time, didn't we? Yankees know how to grow 'em.
I won't repeat that to the missus.
Well, that's a good thing 'cause I'm already in the woodshed with her.
About had it with you and the circus life.
Well, that's being a musician.
Seems she's had her fill.
Timing's kind of handy if you think about it.
Why's that? You'll be seeing Edie tonight.
Edie don't have the time of day for me.
Ever known a girl didn't have the time of day for you, Truck? He speaks the truth.
Edie Lowe's different.
She's out of my league.
I don't know, I seen her looking.
Here we go.
* When you said time was all you really needed * My, my.
This here is where Johnny Cash played his first show in Philadelphia.
And where Edie got her start.
Maybe it happens for us tonight.
Here's hoping, boys.
* As the tears I saw rolling down your face * * And yesterday I knew just what you wanted * * When you came walking up to me with him * REPORTER (over radio): The battle of the red and the blue states rages on after last week's election, the country still without a clear winner in Tuesday's election-- the results tied up in the Florida hand recount.
Who sprang for a tree? I was with my daughter when she got hers and this one looked like it needed a home.
Maybe some water, too.
Crap.
What's Ed Garrett doing here? STILLMAN: Your old partner, right? Two excruciating years.
What's wrong with him? Lazy to the bone.
He's coming right at you, Will.
Oh, great.
Hey, Will.
How's it going? Hey, Garrett.
You know what this is, folks? Besides the obvious? This is a ground ball.
You want to elaborate, Ed? Six years ago, I catch a bump in the night-- cowboy from Tennessee gets shot in the 'hood.
Out-of-town victim always blows.
Junk, right? I break myself on it, but nothing.
So this gun turned it around, huh? Last week, wife uses it on her husband, wings him.
The serial number's been filed off, but ballistics says this gun also shot my Tennessee boy.
This lady shooter have any connect with him? Mm worked in the place where he died.
Case closed, huh? Good break, Ed.
GARRETT: Yeah.
Thing is, John, uh I could use a clearance.
Bosses are really squeezing me lately.
Meaning we'd close it and give it to you? If you could do me a solid.
How about we focus on doing the victim a solid? Help this cowboy get on home.
so racking some out-of-state cowboy's murder? Country singer from Tennessee.
Country? You got a problem with that? There's really only room for one countrfan in this place.
Well, it's a shocker, but Garrett didn't do crap on this job.
Two whole interviews.
One with each bandmate-- older brother, Ty, and steel guitarist Dusty Ray.
What's our victim's name? Truck Sugar.
Of course it is.
Shot in front of the Blue Star Lounge.
His band, The Sugar Boys, played there that night.
Brother found him the next morning.
That's it? Pretty much.
Looks like this cowboy never made it home, he was buried here in Philly.
We got a line out on that lady shot her husband? Rush and Miller are at Riverside Women's having a chat.
Maybe she's the answer.
Solve this thing by noon.
Scotty hates country.
That's just wrong.
I'll loan you some CDs.
"She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.
" "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.
" Can't hardly wait.
RUSH: Clipped your husband pretty good, huh, Kylie? He cheated.
Straight up, huh? You stray, you get a bullet.
That don't sound fair? Bad luck for you.
Gun you used had a body on it.
Guy who got killed in 2000.
Truck Sugar.
His band played at the Blue Star where you worked.
I remember him.
He was fine.
Remember shooting him? You know what, girls? It's your lucky day.
I'm gonna let you in on something I've been sitting on six years.
Bring it on.
This future ex-husband of mine, Mitch? He's your man.
How do you know? The gun was his.
Night this cutie died, Mitch leaves early says he's going to his wife's.
I thought you were his wife.
No, I was just his girlfriend then.
So it's late night, I'm closing.
I hear a shot, and I peek out.
There's your boy, dead.
And right next to him, Mitch's damn gun.
Mitch have any reason to ice Truck? Yeah.
He figures himself for a tough guy.
Someone prove him wrong? He took those Sugar Boys for bumpkins he could mess with.
It wasn't that way.
("Something Like That" by Tim McGraw playing) Hey there.
Truck Sugar.
This here's Dusty.
This is my big brother, Ty.
We're The Sugar Boys.
I'm the one that's been hounding you week in and out.
Yeah, I've been trying to call you.
We're sure excited about tonight.
Well about that, um I put you on the bill tonight 'cause Edie recommended you.
Well, we're real grateful.
But turns out, this L.
A.
band's in town.
Don't get your meaning.
They're real hot right now.
Saying we're bumped? Now hold on a minute, we just drove Tough break.
And we had a deal.
You got something on paper? Well, I sure don't.
So, so, so that's the conversation.
That ain't gonna work.
Boys, go easy.
Don't make me get my gun.
Look here, where I come from, a man's word is as good as a piece of paper.
We ain't where you're from, hillbilly.
Oh! Oh! I may seem friendly to you, but I'm actually dangerous 'cause I'm at the bottom of the heap, ain't got nothing to lose.
Forget it.
Forget what? Forget the L.
A.
band.
* When I heard a voice from the past * * Coming from a few rows back * Let's load in, boys.
* I couldn't believe just what I saw * And you think he retaliated that night? Who else would use his gun? You Kylie.
That Truck was a looker.
I'd never take out someone fine as him.
Tight alibi.
We may be back.
That crap bitch Kylie! Kylie being your wife? Not enough she shot me, she's got to set the law on me, too.
Your gun killed Truck Sugar.
And he put your face in the mud earlier that day.
Kylie told you that, huh? Yeah.
She told us that.
That crazy tomato.
Look, I tried to push those boys around, but that Truck pushed back.
Hayseeds could fight.
Maybe late night, you got some beers in you, found some bravery, pulled your gun out.
News flash, fellas-- my gun was swiped that night.
You can DNA me, polygram me.
I did not shoot that cowboy.
Then who the hell did, Mitch? Maybe Kylie.
She approves of violence against men.
She points to him, he points to her-- fun couple.
Got any new thoughts? Ask me, those cowboys brought their own trouble with them.
The squirrelly one, white cowboy hat Dusty.
Disappears during loading.
When he turns back up all hell breaks out.
Well, then where the heck is it? * I just want to get a little more out of my payday * Ah, shoot.
Dusty! You went and pawned it, didn't you? What? No.
You and that damn habit.
Maybe it got stolen.
Just like my boots in Dallas? And my bolo in Baton Rouge? We ain't been here an hour and you already scored? This is a big night.
Edie's manager is coming to look at us.
I know.
Yet you couldn't stay clean for one night? That's a true problem.
Thing is, Truck, I I got jigsawed.
I bought a bag of flour or something.
I ain't sorry to hear it.
I need some money.
No.
Come on! You got cash at that Quick-Stop there! No.
Soon as we get our cut tonight, we're using it to get the amp back.
Shoot.
I was hoping for a motel room.
Not with this junkie cleaning us out.
Don't you call me that.
That's what you are, Dusty, straight up.
You're always such a hardass.
You're not getting a red dime off of me.
Now let's rehearse.
* I don't mind the hours * * And the pain that comes from workin' * * But it's enough to kill me when I see my baby hurtin' * * Wanna give her that diamond * Dude skulked around, all pissed off.
Up to no good.
For sure.
He needs a fix, and Truck cuts him off.
Seen murders happen for less.
RUSH: So Dusty's stealing from his bandmates to feed his habit? He's jonesing, needs money.
Truck takes a hard line with him.
And he knows where that gun is.
Time to talk to the band.
Looks like we're going to Nashville.
Uh, who's going to Nashville? Volunteers? Tennessee Ain't that a red state? I try to stay north of the Mason-Dixon.
I ain't got a belt buckle big enough for that world.
I've been down there.
I'll I'll go.
Draw straws to see who goes with Lil.
Whoever gets the lucky "T," go home and pack your boots.
Ain't me.
Or me.
Nope.
Cra Road trip.
It'll be fun.
There's a lot of good country radio down there, boy.
Yee-haw.
Oh well, hi there.
You must be our Philadelphia visitors.
Uh, right.
Lily Rush.
This is Scotty Valens.
Well, I'm Charlene, and welcome to Nashville.
Can I get you a nice cup of coffee or some festive eggnog? Sure, uh, coffee.
Thanks.
Big Daddy, these are the detectives from up north.
Oh.
Rush and Valens.
Thanks for having us.
They call me Big Daddy.
Okay Big Daddy.
I started tracking down your boys from that band.
Dusty Ray's from here in Nashville, a session player.
Great.
But Ty Sugar's out near Knoxville.
I got a work address for him.
Well, I'll take a drive.
I know the way to Knoxville.
Oh, you do? You want to bring Dusty in, Charlene'll show you our talk room.
Oh, sure thing.
And if y'all have time, you'll have to come to The Runaway Pig with us.
It's a barbecue joint-- we like to unwind there.
Uh, we'll probably be pretty busy with the case.
Well, suit yourself.
Well, thanks, Lieutenant Brown.
Oh, you can call him Big Daddy.
Sounds like your habit was ruling your world back then, Dusty.
I wasted ten years on that life.
The night Truck died, he was trying to keep you clean.
But a junkie finds a way.
How'd you score? I met a gal, a fiend like me.
Shacked up with her and her drugs.
And who was the girl? Called herself Candy Cane, or something like that.
Truck have any other run-ins that night? Just the usual.
Him and Ty.
What, the brothers had throw-downs? I grew up with those Sugar boys, and when they got on, they got on great.
When they didn't, they fought like two cats in a bag.
* Bedside candle softly burning * * No place we got to go * * Ray Price is on the stereo * * Sharing love and words of kindness * * My nerves are settled now * * The fever's left my brow * * And I'm * * Counting my lucky stars * * Tonight * Back of the room, Miss Out of Your League.
Oh, Lordy.
* Lying in loving arms * * And it feels all right * * Counting my lucky stars * * I hear the beat of another heart * * Lying in loving arms * * Tonight.
* Real solid, fellas, real solid.
She's looking again.
Hey, you two, quit horsing around.
Why don't we close with that one, boys? You're doing it again, Truck.
Well, why not? Well, it's ten minutes before the show.
It's no time to go off the rails.
It's a real good song.
We're gonna play our usual set, and we're closing with "Full Deck of Twos.
" Again? Yeah, again! Look here.
"Full Deck of Twos" sucks.
What? I'm sorry.
I know you wrote it, and I know that we've been playing it a long time.
What the heck's going on around here? Let's just try my new song.
Oh, you're a big shot now.
You deciding what we do? I'm just trying to get us noticed.
Did you start this band, Truck? Have you been leading this band for the last six years, or is that me?! That's you! That's right! But there's three of us in the band.
Why don't we take a vote? Fine.
I vote for my song.
And I vote for mine.
So whose song did you play? Truck's.
Truth was, he had the talent, not Ty.
And that was the real rub.
Well, it hurts when your baby brother outdoes you.
What's this I hear about cops going to Tennessee on this case? Rush and Valens went.
I thought I made myself clear-- this is my job.
How is it your job if it got passed to us? This may not have been the grounder you thought it was.
We had some leads to follow up down there.
I could've gone.
Ed I couldn't get you to go to West Philly for an interview.
Now you want to drive to Nashville? Like I said, the bosses are breathing down some heavy fire.
Maybe 'cause you work all day with one eye on the clock.
I pull my full shift.
And not a minute longer.
Garrett I'll keep you in the loop.
Appreciate it, John.
Who's the charmer? Dead weight the job's been carrying for years.
Brass is trying to push him out, but he needs the benefits.
His wife-- She got a problem? Yeah, she's been in and out of the puzzle house.
Yeah? When he runs out of here at he's going home to take care of her.
You want to give him his clearance, don't you? I'll leave it up to you.
Growing up, Truck and I used to listen to the radio in our mama's kitchen, dream of being on the airwaves ourselves.
And now you play for the early bird crowd.
I-I love the music.
I don't mind who I play it for.
You and Truck get along well? Sure, always.
Even the night he died? We may have had words.
'Cause I heard your song got thrown over for Truck's.
Well, I suppose that's true.
Well, it must have smarted.
Well, my pride got scuffed.
But the bigger thing was the power shift, right? Before that, you always called the shots, but now, Truck was going to be the guy.
Ma'am I was sore about the song.
I'll say that.
But then we played it and damn if it wasn't a winner.
It get you noticed? You could say.
Buy you one.
Oh, with your beer tickets, big spender.
Oh, come on, Ty, don't stay mad.
It's on the house, cutie pie.
Oh, my.
What? Edie's manager's coming this way.
This could be it, Truck, this could Hey, well well, hi, there.
Ty Sugar.
Levon Krais.
That guy Dusty's with you boys, right? Yes, sir, he is.
He just tried stealing one of our guitars.
Oh, Lordy.
He was headed outside with it.
Uh, real sorry.
Must have been a mix-up.
How'd you like the show, by the way? It was solid, real solid.
Friggin' Dusty.
EDIE LOWE: Hey, Philadelphia.
I'm Edie Lowe.
I want to thank the Sugar Boys for opening up tonight.
In fact, they got a song I want to play for you, but, um, only if Truck Sugar will come up and do it with me.
Truck here is a real live cowboy.
Isn't that right? Yes, ma'am.
Take it away, cowboy.
* Like a pebble at her window * * She knows I'm back for more * * In through the sliding door * * Then a rustle at her curtain * * I rush to meet her now * * We found each other somehow * * Counting my lucky stars tonight * * Lying in loving arms * * And it feels all right * * Counting my lucky stars * * I hear the beat of another heart * * Lying in loving arms tonight * * My nerves are settled now * * She does that for me somehow * * Counting my lucky stars tonight * * Lying in loving arms * * And it feels it feels all right * * It feels all right * * Counting my lucky stars * * I hear the beat of another heart * * I'm lying in loving arms tonight * * And it feels all right * * And it feels all right * * And it feels all right * * And it feels all right * * And it feels all right.
* Who was the woman? Uh, that was Honey Sugar, his missus.
All the way from Tennessee.
Lucille Sugar? I go by "Honey.
" Philadelphia Homicide.
It's about your late husband Truck.
You have a Perrier? Fresh out.
We're looking into Truck Sugar's death.
I knew Truck.
That's why you're here.
Truck was supposed to be buried up here on the farm.
Family plot's under that old oak.
We're trying to piece together his last night in Philly.
You know the pop star Edie Lowe? I see her in magazines.
All glitter, eye shadow and push-up bras.
That's her.
Gal could sing before she went all phony.
Now she's just cheap Christmas trash.
Must have hated seeing Truck up there on that stage with her then when you showed up that night? Yeah, his wife was there.
She marched him outside and her claws were out.
Makes sense, right? She's the wife.
Possession's nine-tenths of the law.
You saying you possessed Truck? I admit, I got in my pickup that day planning to beg him back.
Something change your mind? Yeah.
The drive.
Nothing like the open road to make you realize what you really want is freedom.
So why not turn around, go on home? I wanted to see him.
Not to save us.
No? To say good-bye.
So what's this, around nine, ten? Lost track some time ago.
You been my girl for a long time now, Honey.
But we both know something's broken.
And I don't want us to freeze up.
Things were right for a good long stretch.
Since the tenth grade.
But I want to be on the farm with my horses and you want to be out here.
Saying you're done with me, Honey? We ain't kids, but we ain't old either.
So if this ain't the right life, I want to go get another.
Me, too, I guess.
When I write a song I always think about how you'll like it.
So now you'll write for a new girl.
I saw her in their, Truck.
She ain't nothin' like you.
She's a Northern gal.
Seems like that's what you want now.
One last dance.
I sure loved you.
I know.
* With every bittersweet kiss, girl, you tempt me * * Asking if I want to let you go * * I do, but I don't * That's why I left his body up north.
That's where his heart was.
That was the end of them and the beginning of us.
Truck actually say that? He didn't have to, 'cause she left and he came right to me.
Troue with your wife? No trouble.
She's heading on home.
You saying you in the clear, Truck Sugar? I guess I am.
Hey.
Talk to him? I waited for you.
How'd you like to open for Edie regular? Yeah, and record that song, you and me? Just have to cut the one guy loose, bass player.
Bass player? That's my brother.
Oh.
Yeah.
Ty Sugar.
You know, the Sugar Boys? Look, he doesn't have the chops.
Maybe he ain't as good as Dusty, all right Dusty's got it.
We want him.
But not Ty? Think about it.
Ty started the band.
Sure.
He'd be wrecked.
Well, it's tough choices.
I guess it comes down to who do you want to be.
Truck Sugar who followed his talent or not.
I guess I got to pick a road.
* I knew she'd leave, but I didn't know when * So which way did he go? He decided that night who he wanted to be.
He was coming with me.
And leaving his brother in the dust.
Oh, hi, there, Detective Rush.
Hi, there, Charlene.
We were just, uh.
.
Oh, I was just pushing off.
So night now.
Uh, yeah, night.
Oh, you're just cheap Christmas trash, aren't you? Look, Southern people, they're just so friendly.
And you didn't want to come to Tennessee.
Look, Lil, how about we make a pact here? What happens in Nashville stays in Nashville? Exactly that.
Scotty Valens, back in the saddle.
I haven't gone out in, like, a year.
RUSH: Mm-hmm.
Hey.
Yeah? When were you ever in Knoxville? When I was 19.
Almost got hitched there.
No kidding? I drove by the courthouse yesterday just to see it again.
You know, my theory about, uh getting married? Yeah? Just may not be in the cards for us.
Why not? We're cops.
You know every good cop I know is a lone wolf.
Mm I've noticed that, too.
Well, so So So maybe all we're going to have in life is Charlenes.
You know, not that the Charlenes are so bad.
Better get some aspirin.
Oh, the vending machine has some.
Anyway Night.
Night, Scotty.
feels like t it, Ty? Being bad at what you want to be good at? I don't follow, ma'am.
Music-- you were okay, but not special, like Truck.
I taught that boy every note he played.
Must have cut even deeper then when he made that tough choice.
I don't know what you mean? People kill for a handful of reasons-- love and money are the top two.
Jealousy's a close third.
I wasn't jealous of Truck.
Even when he said you weren't good enough and kicked you out of the band? He didn't do that.
The boys up north have been talking to Edie Lowe.
Truck bounced you, Ty, that night.
Some things are personal, okay? Not okay.
We're going to start this interview over.
You all right with that, little sister? I'm all right wi that, Big Daddy.
You start talking about how that conversation went when your baby brother gave you the shove-off.
Ye sir.
Yes, ma'am.
* I don't know why I act the way I do * Ah, shoot.
Dusty! There's nothing left in here to take! It's Truck.
You want to sleep in here, Truck? You want me to move on over? Nah, I just want to talk a little bit.
Well, have a seat.
* I got a life that most would love to have * It's pretty rough, Ty.
Okay.
See, that manager took an interest in my song.
Well, I'm not surprised.
And he wants us to record it.
Well, my, my.
But there's a hitch.
* The urge to run, the restlessness * * The heart of stone I sometimes get * I know, Truck I know what you're going to say.
You do? And it's okay.
I saw this day coming.
I didn't.
Look here I'll always have music.
It doesn't matter if I'm playing a beer joint or the Grand Ole Opry, I will play.
'Cause I love it.
But I don't got to hold you back.
What about The Sugar Boys? That'll be where you started.
Are you sure, Ty? You sure it's okay? You just remember where you come from.
Remember that music in Mama's kitchen, right? Right.
* I guess that's just the cowboy in me * I'm gonna drive on home tomorrow, okay? And I'll just I'll see ya when I see ya.
Thanks, Ty.
Hey Hey, Truck.
I'll be rooting for you.
Someone's got a chance to rise up, you got to get out of the way.
Where's Dusty all this time? Last I saw, he was headed to a pawn shop.
What was he pawning? Anything, to get his drug money.
I thought he went home with a girl for that.
Someone named Candy Cane? Candy Cane ain't a girl.
That's what he called his heroin.
Every city we'd play in, he'd go out to find Candy Cane.
So Dusty's alibi is blown out.
His one-night stand didn't exist.
Called the pawn shop.
Guy remembers him bringing in that amp.
And even better, confirms he came back late at night offering up a gun.
What kind of gun? Kind of gun can't be pawned.
'Cause the serial number was filed off.
That's our weapon.
Guy turned him away.
Dusty's desperate-- no money, no drugs.
Just the gun that killed our cowboy.
Junk will sink you every time.
Let's call the posse.
We got to talk about Candy Cane again.
I told you I only knew her the one night.
No, you wasted ten years with her.
There was no Candy Cane.
On room for girls in your love affair with heroin, right? I already said I was an addict.
Stealing to feed your habit, but you couldn't get your hands on any more amps or guitars that night, could you? But there was that gun behind the bar.
I never saw that gun.
And no sale at the pawn shop though.
I don't know what you're saying.
The guy who worked there ID'd you, Dusty.
Must have mixed me up with somebody else.
How many guys you figure are in North Philly at 2:00 a.
m.
wearing a white cowboy hat? You went back to Truck.
You were going to get some money no matter what.
He was always such a hard-ass.
Denied you right up to the end.
He was just trying to save me.
All I could see was someone in my way.
* In my hometown * * For anyone who sticks around * * You're either lost or you're found * * It's not much in between * You talk to your brother? Yeah.
We're square.
So? So I'm going home.
You wanna Lead on.
Hey.
Hey.
You heard? Three of us are hitting the road.
You're saying no more sleeping in that van, scraping around for cash? No more.
Well, that's good.
Real good, just that's just about washed me up.
Levon's got lots of good ideas.
I know you boys are going to clean up good.
Darlin', this is cleaned up.
Well, he thinks you might need a touch more city in ya.
Might have to lose that hat once and for all.
Lose it? Yeah, and maybe the steel guitar, fiddle.
Why? Get a little closer to pop than country.
Sure.
Sure, we can do that.
EDIE: Yeah.
We're boys who grew up with country.
It's what our songs are, that's our story.
It's just packaging.
It's how you make it.
Shoot, Truck.
This is our chance.
You know, you were right, Edie.
It comes down to who do you want to be.
And I want to be Truck Sugar from East Tennessee.
Lordy.
Brother to Ty, who started our little band, The Sugar Boys, because we love the music we heard in our mama's kitchen.
We ain't blowin' this, Truck.
And husband to Honey.
If she'll have me back.
You're a real live cowboy, aren't you? Yes, ma'am.
This is crazy.
This is what we've been waitin' for.
This ain't the way, Dusty.
Yes, it is.
Yes it is.
Whoa, whoa, hey, whoa.
Don't be a fool.
You listen to me.
You're going to give me some cash right now, and we're going to say yes to this deal.
This ain't you, Dusty.
Give me some bills, Truck, I mean it.
You've lost your way in that junk.
We'll be free and clear.
I'm going to help you, Dusty.
We're both going to find our way back.
Out of my way.
No chance, cowboy, we're going home.
Truck.
Truck, Truck, Truck, Truck.
I wasn't part of this.
I wasn't here.
* This is for the nobody * * The one in the crowd who's got a * * Lost look on his face * * And this is for the downtrodden * * The one that the world's forgotten * * Waitin' on a better day * * Well, I'm in no position to judge 'em * * Well, heaven knows they're just like me * * And I'm not alone * * Knowing how it feels * * To pray to God and sometimes wonder if He's real * * 'Cause I got friend that do * * And this is for the lost junkie * * Who spends all his hard-earned money * * On something that he hates * * And this is for the found guilty * * Who ain't gettin' out until he * * Pays his debt to the state * * Well, I'm in no position to judge 'em * * Why heaven knows it could have been me * * And I may not know * * What it's like to lose your job * * 'Cause a habit's got you gripped too tight * And I may not know * * How it feels * * To lay your head down on a prison bed in a world of steel * * I got friends that do * * Yeah, I got friends that do * * This is for yours truly * * Just a little verse to remind me * * We've all got somewhere to turn * * And I may not know what it's like * * To send my only son to save the world and watch him die * * And I may not know how it feels * * To hang there on the cross to prove that love is real * * But I got friends that do * Yeah, I got friends that do * * Yeah, I got friends that do * * You know we all got friends that do.
*
Hey, Truck.
Wake up, man.
Come on now, we're here.
We made good time, didn't we? Yankees know how to grow 'em.
I won't repeat that to the missus.
Well, that's a good thing 'cause I'm already in the woodshed with her.
About had it with you and the circus life.
Well, that's being a musician.
Seems she's had her fill.
Timing's kind of handy if you think about it.
Why's that? You'll be seeing Edie tonight.
Edie don't have the time of day for me.
Ever known a girl didn't have the time of day for you, Truck? He speaks the truth.
Edie Lowe's different.
She's out of my league.
I don't know, I seen her looking.
Here we go.
* When you said time was all you really needed * My, my.
This here is where Johnny Cash played his first show in Philadelphia.
And where Edie got her start.
Maybe it happens for us tonight.
Here's hoping, boys.
* As the tears I saw rolling down your face * * And yesterday I knew just what you wanted * * When you came walking up to me with him * REPORTER (over radio): The battle of the red and the blue states rages on after last week's election, the country still without a clear winner in Tuesday's election-- the results tied up in the Florida hand recount.
Who sprang for a tree? I was with my daughter when she got hers and this one looked like it needed a home.
Maybe some water, too.
Crap.
What's Ed Garrett doing here? STILLMAN: Your old partner, right? Two excruciating years.
What's wrong with him? Lazy to the bone.
He's coming right at you, Will.
Oh, great.
Hey, Will.
How's it going? Hey, Garrett.
You know what this is, folks? Besides the obvious? This is a ground ball.
You want to elaborate, Ed? Six years ago, I catch a bump in the night-- cowboy from Tennessee gets shot in the 'hood.
Out-of-town victim always blows.
Junk, right? I break myself on it, but nothing.
So this gun turned it around, huh? Last week, wife uses it on her husband, wings him.
The serial number's been filed off, but ballistics says this gun also shot my Tennessee boy.
This lady shooter have any connect with him? Mm worked in the place where he died.
Case closed, huh? Good break, Ed.
GARRETT: Yeah.
Thing is, John, uh I could use a clearance.
Bosses are really squeezing me lately.
Meaning we'd close it and give it to you? If you could do me a solid.
How about we focus on doing the victim a solid? Help this cowboy get on home.
so racking some out-of-state cowboy's murder? Country singer from Tennessee.
Country? You got a problem with that? There's really only room for one countrfan in this place.
Well, it's a shocker, but Garrett didn't do crap on this job.
Two whole interviews.
One with each bandmate-- older brother, Ty, and steel guitarist Dusty Ray.
What's our victim's name? Truck Sugar.
Of course it is.
Shot in front of the Blue Star Lounge.
His band, The Sugar Boys, played there that night.
Brother found him the next morning.
That's it? Pretty much.
Looks like this cowboy never made it home, he was buried here in Philly.
We got a line out on that lady shot her husband? Rush and Miller are at Riverside Women's having a chat.
Maybe she's the answer.
Solve this thing by noon.
Scotty hates country.
That's just wrong.
I'll loan you some CDs.
"She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy.
" "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.
" Can't hardly wait.
RUSH: Clipped your husband pretty good, huh, Kylie? He cheated.
Straight up, huh? You stray, you get a bullet.
That don't sound fair? Bad luck for you.
Gun you used had a body on it.
Guy who got killed in 2000.
Truck Sugar.
His band played at the Blue Star where you worked.
I remember him.
He was fine.
Remember shooting him? You know what, girls? It's your lucky day.
I'm gonna let you in on something I've been sitting on six years.
Bring it on.
This future ex-husband of mine, Mitch? He's your man.
How do you know? The gun was his.
Night this cutie died, Mitch leaves early says he's going to his wife's.
I thought you were his wife.
No, I was just his girlfriend then.
So it's late night, I'm closing.
I hear a shot, and I peek out.
There's your boy, dead.
And right next to him, Mitch's damn gun.
Mitch have any reason to ice Truck? Yeah.
He figures himself for a tough guy.
Someone prove him wrong? He took those Sugar Boys for bumpkins he could mess with.
It wasn't that way.
("Something Like That" by Tim McGraw playing) Hey there.
Truck Sugar.
This here's Dusty.
This is my big brother, Ty.
We're The Sugar Boys.
I'm the one that's been hounding you week in and out.
Yeah, I've been trying to call you.
We're sure excited about tonight.
Well about that, um I put you on the bill tonight 'cause Edie recommended you.
Well, we're real grateful.
But turns out, this L.
A.
band's in town.
Don't get your meaning.
They're real hot right now.
Saying we're bumped? Now hold on a minute, we just drove Tough break.
And we had a deal.
You got something on paper? Well, I sure don't.
So, so, so that's the conversation.
That ain't gonna work.
Boys, go easy.
Don't make me get my gun.
Look here, where I come from, a man's word is as good as a piece of paper.
We ain't where you're from, hillbilly.
Oh! Oh! I may seem friendly to you, but I'm actually dangerous 'cause I'm at the bottom of the heap, ain't got nothing to lose.
Forget it.
Forget what? Forget the L.
A.
band.
* When I heard a voice from the past * * Coming from a few rows back * Let's load in, boys.
* I couldn't believe just what I saw * And you think he retaliated that night? Who else would use his gun? You Kylie.
That Truck was a looker.
I'd never take out someone fine as him.
Tight alibi.
We may be back.
That crap bitch Kylie! Kylie being your wife? Not enough she shot me, she's got to set the law on me, too.
Your gun killed Truck Sugar.
And he put your face in the mud earlier that day.
Kylie told you that, huh? Yeah.
She told us that.
That crazy tomato.
Look, I tried to push those boys around, but that Truck pushed back.
Hayseeds could fight.
Maybe late night, you got some beers in you, found some bravery, pulled your gun out.
News flash, fellas-- my gun was swiped that night.
You can DNA me, polygram me.
I did not shoot that cowboy.
Then who the hell did, Mitch? Maybe Kylie.
She approves of violence against men.
She points to him, he points to her-- fun couple.
Got any new thoughts? Ask me, those cowboys brought their own trouble with them.
The squirrelly one, white cowboy hat Dusty.
Disappears during loading.
When he turns back up all hell breaks out.
Well, then where the heck is it? * I just want to get a little more out of my payday * Ah, shoot.
Dusty! You went and pawned it, didn't you? What? No.
You and that damn habit.
Maybe it got stolen.
Just like my boots in Dallas? And my bolo in Baton Rouge? We ain't been here an hour and you already scored? This is a big night.
Edie's manager is coming to look at us.
I know.
Yet you couldn't stay clean for one night? That's a true problem.
Thing is, Truck, I I got jigsawed.
I bought a bag of flour or something.
I ain't sorry to hear it.
I need some money.
No.
Come on! You got cash at that Quick-Stop there! No.
Soon as we get our cut tonight, we're using it to get the amp back.
Shoot.
I was hoping for a motel room.
Not with this junkie cleaning us out.
Don't you call me that.
That's what you are, Dusty, straight up.
You're always such a hardass.
You're not getting a red dime off of me.
Now let's rehearse.
* I don't mind the hours * * And the pain that comes from workin' * * But it's enough to kill me when I see my baby hurtin' * * Wanna give her that diamond * Dude skulked around, all pissed off.
Up to no good.
For sure.
He needs a fix, and Truck cuts him off.
Seen murders happen for less.
RUSH: So Dusty's stealing from his bandmates to feed his habit? He's jonesing, needs money.
Truck takes a hard line with him.
And he knows where that gun is.
Time to talk to the band.
Looks like we're going to Nashville.
Uh, who's going to Nashville? Volunteers? Tennessee Ain't that a red state? I try to stay north of the Mason-Dixon.
I ain't got a belt buckle big enough for that world.
I've been down there.
I'll I'll go.
Draw straws to see who goes with Lil.
Whoever gets the lucky "T," go home and pack your boots.
Ain't me.
Or me.
Nope.
Cra Road trip.
It'll be fun.
There's a lot of good country radio down there, boy.
Yee-haw.
Oh well, hi there.
You must be our Philadelphia visitors.
Uh, right.
Lily Rush.
This is Scotty Valens.
Well, I'm Charlene, and welcome to Nashville.
Can I get you a nice cup of coffee or some festive eggnog? Sure, uh, coffee.
Thanks.
Big Daddy, these are the detectives from up north.
Oh.
Rush and Valens.
Thanks for having us.
They call me Big Daddy.
Okay Big Daddy.
I started tracking down your boys from that band.
Dusty Ray's from here in Nashville, a session player.
Great.
But Ty Sugar's out near Knoxville.
I got a work address for him.
Well, I'll take a drive.
I know the way to Knoxville.
Oh, you do? You want to bring Dusty in, Charlene'll show you our talk room.
Oh, sure thing.
And if y'all have time, you'll have to come to The Runaway Pig with us.
It's a barbecue joint-- we like to unwind there.
Uh, we'll probably be pretty busy with the case.
Well, suit yourself.
Well, thanks, Lieutenant Brown.
Oh, you can call him Big Daddy.
Sounds like your habit was ruling your world back then, Dusty.
I wasted ten years on that life.
The night Truck died, he was trying to keep you clean.
But a junkie finds a way.
How'd you score? I met a gal, a fiend like me.
Shacked up with her and her drugs.
And who was the girl? Called herself Candy Cane, or something like that.
Truck have any other run-ins that night? Just the usual.
Him and Ty.
What, the brothers had throw-downs? I grew up with those Sugar boys, and when they got on, they got on great.
When they didn't, they fought like two cats in a bag.
* Bedside candle softly burning * * No place we got to go * * Ray Price is on the stereo * * Sharing love and words of kindness * * My nerves are settled now * * The fever's left my brow * * And I'm * * Counting my lucky stars * * Tonight * Back of the room, Miss Out of Your League.
Oh, Lordy.
* Lying in loving arms * * And it feels all right * * Counting my lucky stars * * I hear the beat of another heart * * Lying in loving arms * * Tonight.
* Real solid, fellas, real solid.
She's looking again.
Hey, you two, quit horsing around.
Why don't we close with that one, boys? You're doing it again, Truck.
Well, why not? Well, it's ten minutes before the show.
It's no time to go off the rails.
It's a real good song.
We're gonna play our usual set, and we're closing with "Full Deck of Twos.
" Again? Yeah, again! Look here.
"Full Deck of Twos" sucks.
What? I'm sorry.
I know you wrote it, and I know that we've been playing it a long time.
What the heck's going on around here? Let's just try my new song.
Oh, you're a big shot now.
You deciding what we do? I'm just trying to get us noticed.
Did you start this band, Truck? Have you been leading this band for the last six years, or is that me?! That's you! That's right! But there's three of us in the band.
Why don't we take a vote? Fine.
I vote for my song.
And I vote for mine.
So whose song did you play? Truck's.
Truth was, he had the talent, not Ty.
And that was the real rub.
Well, it hurts when your baby brother outdoes you.
What's this I hear about cops going to Tennessee on this case? Rush and Valens went.
I thought I made myself clear-- this is my job.
How is it your job if it got passed to us? This may not have been the grounder you thought it was.
We had some leads to follow up down there.
I could've gone.
Ed I couldn't get you to go to West Philly for an interview.
Now you want to drive to Nashville? Like I said, the bosses are breathing down some heavy fire.
Maybe 'cause you work all day with one eye on the clock.
I pull my full shift.
And not a minute longer.
Garrett I'll keep you in the loop.
Appreciate it, John.
Who's the charmer? Dead weight the job's been carrying for years.
Brass is trying to push him out, but he needs the benefits.
His wife-- She got a problem? Yeah, she's been in and out of the puzzle house.
Yeah? When he runs out of here at he's going home to take care of her.
You want to give him his clearance, don't you? I'll leave it up to you.
Growing up, Truck and I used to listen to the radio in our mama's kitchen, dream of being on the airwaves ourselves.
And now you play for the early bird crowd.
I-I love the music.
I don't mind who I play it for.
You and Truck get along well? Sure, always.
Even the night he died? We may have had words.
'Cause I heard your song got thrown over for Truck's.
Well, I suppose that's true.
Well, it must have smarted.
Well, my pride got scuffed.
But the bigger thing was the power shift, right? Before that, you always called the shots, but now, Truck was going to be the guy.
Ma'am I was sore about the song.
I'll say that.
But then we played it and damn if it wasn't a winner.
It get you noticed? You could say.
Buy you one.
Oh, with your beer tickets, big spender.
Oh, come on, Ty, don't stay mad.
It's on the house, cutie pie.
Oh, my.
What? Edie's manager's coming this way.
This could be it, Truck, this could Hey, well well, hi, there.
Ty Sugar.
Levon Krais.
That guy Dusty's with you boys, right? Yes, sir, he is.
He just tried stealing one of our guitars.
Oh, Lordy.
He was headed outside with it.
Uh, real sorry.
Must have been a mix-up.
How'd you like the show, by the way? It was solid, real solid.
Friggin' Dusty.
EDIE LOWE: Hey, Philadelphia.
I'm Edie Lowe.
I want to thank the Sugar Boys for opening up tonight.
In fact, they got a song I want to play for you, but, um, only if Truck Sugar will come up and do it with me.
Truck here is a real live cowboy.
Isn't that right? Yes, ma'am.
Take it away, cowboy.
* Like a pebble at her window * * She knows I'm back for more * * In through the sliding door * * Then a rustle at her curtain * * I rush to meet her now * * We found each other somehow * * Counting my lucky stars tonight * * Lying in loving arms * * And it feels all right * * Counting my lucky stars * * I hear the beat of another heart * * Lying in loving arms tonight * * My nerves are settled now * * She does that for me somehow * * Counting my lucky stars tonight * * Lying in loving arms * * And it feels it feels all right * * It feels all right * * Counting my lucky stars * * I hear the beat of another heart * * I'm lying in loving arms tonight * * And it feels all right * * And it feels all right * * And it feels all right * * And it feels all right * * And it feels all right.
* Who was the woman? Uh, that was Honey Sugar, his missus.
All the way from Tennessee.
Lucille Sugar? I go by "Honey.
" Philadelphia Homicide.
It's about your late husband Truck.
You have a Perrier? Fresh out.
We're looking into Truck Sugar's death.
I knew Truck.
That's why you're here.
Truck was supposed to be buried up here on the farm.
Family plot's under that old oak.
We're trying to piece together his last night in Philly.
You know the pop star Edie Lowe? I see her in magazines.
All glitter, eye shadow and push-up bras.
That's her.
Gal could sing before she went all phony.
Now she's just cheap Christmas trash.
Must have hated seeing Truck up there on that stage with her then when you showed up that night? Yeah, his wife was there.
She marched him outside and her claws were out.
Makes sense, right? She's the wife.
Possession's nine-tenths of the law.
You saying you possessed Truck? I admit, I got in my pickup that day planning to beg him back.
Something change your mind? Yeah.
The drive.
Nothing like the open road to make you realize what you really want is freedom.
So why not turn around, go on home? I wanted to see him.
Not to save us.
No? To say good-bye.
So what's this, around nine, ten? Lost track some time ago.
You been my girl for a long time now, Honey.
But we both know something's broken.
And I don't want us to freeze up.
Things were right for a good long stretch.
Since the tenth grade.
But I want to be on the farm with my horses and you want to be out here.
Saying you're done with me, Honey? We ain't kids, but we ain't old either.
So if this ain't the right life, I want to go get another.
Me, too, I guess.
When I write a song I always think about how you'll like it.
So now you'll write for a new girl.
I saw her in their, Truck.
She ain't nothin' like you.
She's a Northern gal.
Seems like that's what you want now.
One last dance.
I sure loved you.
I know.
* With every bittersweet kiss, girl, you tempt me * * Asking if I want to let you go * * I do, but I don't * That's why I left his body up north.
That's where his heart was.
That was the end of them and the beginning of us.
Truck actually say that? He didn't have to, 'cause she left and he came right to me.
Troue with your wife? No trouble.
She's heading on home.
You saying you in the clear, Truck Sugar? I guess I am.
Hey.
Talk to him? I waited for you.
How'd you like to open for Edie regular? Yeah, and record that song, you and me? Just have to cut the one guy loose, bass player.
Bass player? That's my brother.
Oh.
Yeah.
Ty Sugar.
You know, the Sugar Boys? Look, he doesn't have the chops.
Maybe he ain't as good as Dusty, all right Dusty's got it.
We want him.
But not Ty? Think about it.
Ty started the band.
Sure.
He'd be wrecked.
Well, it's tough choices.
I guess it comes down to who do you want to be.
Truck Sugar who followed his talent or not.
I guess I got to pick a road.
* I knew she'd leave, but I didn't know when * So which way did he go? He decided that night who he wanted to be.
He was coming with me.
And leaving his brother in the dust.
Oh, hi, there, Detective Rush.
Hi, there, Charlene.
We were just, uh.
.
Oh, I was just pushing off.
So night now.
Uh, yeah, night.
Oh, you're just cheap Christmas trash, aren't you? Look, Southern people, they're just so friendly.
And you didn't want to come to Tennessee.
Look, Lil, how about we make a pact here? What happens in Nashville stays in Nashville? Exactly that.
Scotty Valens, back in the saddle.
I haven't gone out in, like, a year.
RUSH: Mm-hmm.
Hey.
Yeah? When were you ever in Knoxville? When I was 19.
Almost got hitched there.
No kidding? I drove by the courthouse yesterday just to see it again.
You know, my theory about, uh getting married? Yeah? Just may not be in the cards for us.
Why not? We're cops.
You know every good cop I know is a lone wolf.
Mm I've noticed that, too.
Well, so So So maybe all we're going to have in life is Charlenes.
You know, not that the Charlenes are so bad.
Better get some aspirin.
Oh, the vending machine has some.
Anyway Night.
Night, Scotty.
feels like t it, Ty? Being bad at what you want to be good at? I don't follow, ma'am.
Music-- you were okay, but not special, like Truck.
I taught that boy every note he played.
Must have cut even deeper then when he made that tough choice.
I don't know what you mean? People kill for a handful of reasons-- love and money are the top two.
Jealousy's a close third.
I wasn't jealous of Truck.
Even when he said you weren't good enough and kicked you out of the band? He didn't do that.
The boys up north have been talking to Edie Lowe.
Truck bounced you, Ty, that night.
Some things are personal, okay? Not okay.
We're going to start this interview over.
You all right with that, little sister? I'm all right wi that, Big Daddy.
You start talking about how that conversation went when your baby brother gave you the shove-off.
Ye sir.
Yes, ma'am.
* I don't know why I act the way I do * Ah, shoot.
Dusty! There's nothing left in here to take! It's Truck.
You want to sleep in here, Truck? You want me to move on over? Nah, I just want to talk a little bit.
Well, have a seat.
* I got a life that most would love to have * It's pretty rough, Ty.
Okay.
See, that manager took an interest in my song.
Well, I'm not surprised.
And he wants us to record it.
Well, my, my.
But there's a hitch.
* The urge to run, the restlessness * * The heart of stone I sometimes get * I know, Truck I know what you're going to say.
You do? And it's okay.
I saw this day coming.
I didn't.
Look here I'll always have music.
It doesn't matter if I'm playing a beer joint or the Grand Ole Opry, I will play.
'Cause I love it.
But I don't got to hold you back.
What about The Sugar Boys? That'll be where you started.
Are you sure, Ty? You sure it's okay? You just remember where you come from.
Remember that music in Mama's kitchen, right? Right.
* I guess that's just the cowboy in me * I'm gonna drive on home tomorrow, okay? And I'll just I'll see ya when I see ya.
Thanks, Ty.
Hey Hey, Truck.
I'll be rooting for you.
Someone's got a chance to rise up, you got to get out of the way.
Where's Dusty all this time? Last I saw, he was headed to a pawn shop.
What was he pawning? Anything, to get his drug money.
I thought he went home with a girl for that.
Someone named Candy Cane? Candy Cane ain't a girl.
That's what he called his heroin.
Every city we'd play in, he'd go out to find Candy Cane.
So Dusty's alibi is blown out.
His one-night stand didn't exist.
Called the pawn shop.
Guy remembers him bringing in that amp.
And even better, confirms he came back late at night offering up a gun.
What kind of gun? Kind of gun can't be pawned.
'Cause the serial number was filed off.
That's our weapon.
Guy turned him away.
Dusty's desperate-- no money, no drugs.
Just the gun that killed our cowboy.
Junk will sink you every time.
Let's call the posse.
We got to talk about Candy Cane again.
I told you I only knew her the one night.
No, you wasted ten years with her.
There was no Candy Cane.
On room for girls in your love affair with heroin, right? I already said I was an addict.
Stealing to feed your habit, but you couldn't get your hands on any more amps or guitars that night, could you? But there was that gun behind the bar.
I never saw that gun.
And no sale at the pawn shop though.
I don't know what you're saying.
The guy who worked there ID'd you, Dusty.
Must have mixed me up with somebody else.
How many guys you figure are in North Philly at 2:00 a.
m.
wearing a white cowboy hat? You went back to Truck.
You were going to get some money no matter what.
He was always such a hard-ass.
Denied you right up to the end.
He was just trying to save me.
All I could see was someone in my way.
* In my hometown * * For anyone who sticks around * * You're either lost or you're found * * It's not much in between * You talk to your brother? Yeah.
We're square.
So? So I'm going home.
You wanna Lead on.
Hey.
Hey.
You heard? Three of us are hitting the road.
You're saying no more sleeping in that van, scraping around for cash? No more.
Well, that's good.
Real good, just that's just about washed me up.
Levon's got lots of good ideas.
I know you boys are going to clean up good.
Darlin', this is cleaned up.
Well, he thinks you might need a touch more city in ya.
Might have to lose that hat once and for all.
Lose it? Yeah, and maybe the steel guitar, fiddle.
Why? Get a little closer to pop than country.
Sure.
Sure, we can do that.
EDIE: Yeah.
We're boys who grew up with country.
It's what our songs are, that's our story.
It's just packaging.
It's how you make it.
Shoot, Truck.
This is our chance.
You know, you were right, Edie.
It comes down to who do you want to be.
And I want to be Truck Sugar from East Tennessee.
Lordy.
Brother to Ty, who started our little band, The Sugar Boys, because we love the music we heard in our mama's kitchen.
We ain't blowin' this, Truck.
And husband to Honey.
If she'll have me back.
You're a real live cowboy, aren't you? Yes, ma'am.
This is crazy.
This is what we've been waitin' for.
This ain't the way, Dusty.
Yes, it is.
Yes it is.
Whoa, whoa, hey, whoa.
Don't be a fool.
You listen to me.
You're going to give me some cash right now, and we're going to say yes to this deal.
This ain't you, Dusty.
Give me some bills, Truck, I mean it.
You've lost your way in that junk.
We'll be free and clear.
I'm going to help you, Dusty.
We're both going to find our way back.
Out of my way.
No chance, cowboy, we're going home.
Truck.
Truck, Truck, Truck, Truck.
I wasn't part of this.
I wasn't here.
* This is for the nobody * * The one in the crowd who's got a * * Lost look on his face * * And this is for the downtrodden * * The one that the world's forgotten * * Waitin' on a better day * * Well, I'm in no position to judge 'em * * Well, heaven knows they're just like me * * And I'm not alone * * Knowing how it feels * * To pray to God and sometimes wonder if He's real * * 'Cause I got friend that do * * And this is for the lost junkie * * Who spends all his hard-earned money * * On something that he hates * * And this is for the found guilty * * Who ain't gettin' out until he * * Pays his debt to the state * * Well, I'm in no position to judge 'em * * Why heaven knows it could have been me * * And I may not know * * What it's like to lose your job * * 'Cause a habit's got you gripped too tight * And I may not know * * How it feels * * To lay your head down on a prison bed in a world of steel * * I got friends that do * * Yeah, I got friends that do * * This is for yours truly * * Just a little verse to remind me * * We've all got somewhere to turn * * And I may not know what it's like * * To send my only son to save the world and watch him die * * And I may not know how it feels * * To hang there on the cross to prove that love is real * * But I got friends that do * Yeah, I got friends that do * * Yeah, I got friends that do * * You know we all got friends that do.
*