Murder, She Wrote s04e19 Episode Script
63322 - Just Another Fish Story
I always thought I'd be nervous about getting ma- ma- - Married? - [Woman.]
Tonight on Murder, She Wrote.
The more you abuse the nouveau riche, the better they tip.
My youngest wants to leave the house, and go out on her own.
I told her I got other plans for my pension.
I thought you want me to make the recipe more exciting.
More exciting, not more Chinese! I can't tell my father I'm involved in a murder investigation.
This gig is about as permanent as origami tofu.
I don't take orders from some punk who rides in here on his sister's apron strings.
What's wrong? Has somebody been hurt? Donna broke off the engagement! [Man.]
Look, uh, just because it's you, how about, uh, a thousand for the lobster and 2,000 for the caviar, deal? [Chattering.]
Okay.
You want it delivered the usual time? Hey, they haven't noticed so far.
Why should they now? [Horns Honking.]
Oh, dear.
I was hoping I'd have time to stop off and freshen up, but my nephew says we can't change this reservation for anything.
If we hit crosstown traffic, you'll be lucky if you get there in time for dessert.
Oh? That is, if they're still in business.
A lotta places have opened and closed on that block in the last couple of years.
[Jessica.]
Yeah, well, this one seems to be quite popular.
My nephew advised me to invest in it.
It seems to be doing very well.
You take my advice, lady, you get out while the goin's good.
Last year I took a lot of fares to a Serbo-Croatian place at that address.
It was doin' good too.
[Chattering.]
There it is.
Boy, this neighborhood's really gone down the flusher.
[Car Door Closes.]
It ain't even dark yet and already the cowboys are out.
Thank you very much.
Grady? AuntJess? Hi.
[Exhales, Chuckles.]
Oh, my goodness.
Wow, you look great.
Well, I've never seen you look so, uh, relaxed.
Yeah, isn't it amazing? I always thought I'd be nervous about getting ma- ma- Married? Yeah.
And speaking of that, where's Donna? Oh, she's working late, but she'll be here soon.
Uh-huh.
Actually, Alice's Farm is her first solo account.
AuntJess, she just loves accounting.
That's how I knew I was finally on the right track, you know, girl-wise.
[Exhales.]
Yes.
Well, uh, I can't wait to meet her.
Uh, Grady, I've never seen you dress quite like this for dinner.
Yeah, isn't it great? [Chuckles.]
[Car Door Closes.]
[Laughter, Chattering.]
[Grady.]
What? But we had a reservation.
[Man.]
I'm very, very sorry, but I can't seem to find it.
Hey, dude.
Great game last night.
[Laughs.]
You know, you made me a couple of bucks.
Hey, thanks, Chaz.
Love your bolo.
Oh.
Yeah, my- my trance channeler got it for me from Santa Fe.
- Excuse me, but, uh, we've had this reservation for a couple of weeks, Mr.
, uh- - Oh, call me Chaz.
- Uh, you are? - Jessica Fletcher.
Yeah, she's put quite a few bucks into this place, uh, dude.
Aw, great! Then you'll have lots to talk about with your fellow investors.
Uh, I'll get you a table just as soon as I possibly- Hey, Congressman Phelps! Hey! [Chuckles.]
How goes it in Albany, dude? How ya doin'? [Chuckles.]
Hey, I got your table right over here.
Grady! Hey, Doug! How's my man? And this pretty lady must beJ.
B.
Fletcher, our famous investor.
- Well, not so famous.
- Sure you are.
You're the only one here from Maine.
Yeah, somehow I guessed that.
Oh, this is Doug Brooke, AuntJess.
He runs the business end of things.
- Oh, how do you do? - Well, Sis is the star.
Alice and I have us a deal- I stay outta the kitchen and she stays outta my books.
[Laughs.]
Hey, where's Donna? Oh, she's gonna meet us here.
Yeah, l-I'm afraid we're gonna have to go somewhere else to eat.
Yeah, your partner can't seem to find our reservation.
What? Well, dang it.
I took them down myself.
Chaz, you got a minute? Fletcher.
I thought you city folks could read.
[Exhales.]
Oh, Fletcher, Fletcher.
Yeah, I, uh- I misunderstood.
It gets so loud in here.
I'll have your table for you in a few minutes.
And in the meantime, I'd like to buy y'all some drinks- on the house.
So, Grady, how's that pen pushin' goin', huh? Oh, it's goin' great.
Yeah? Oh, Nerissa.
Hey, loved your video art piece.
Thank you, Chaz.
I'm, uh- I'm afraid I forgot to make a reservation.
- Oh, uh, Gabriel, would you get Nerissa's usual table please? - Very good.
[Exhales.]
Hey, you're gonna hurt your finger, kiddo.
I have had it with you sellin' off our tables, pops.
Look, amigo, I don't take orders from some punk who rides in here on his sister's apron strings.
[Man.]
What is this? Ten orders of caviar here.
What happened to it? Our menu says "burnt meat loaf.
" This meat loaf looks, uh, like meat loaf.
Did you remember to turn the oven up the last 10 minutes? Sorry, Alice.
I forgot.
You forgot and a yuppie goes hungry.
[Woman.]
Coming through.
Coming through.
[Door Slams.]
Listen, Sis.
I know that Chaz Crewe brings in lots of investors- Oh, please, Douglas.
Don't start with the Chaz thing again.
But that jerk is nothing but trouble.
He is taking bribes for tables.
Our own partner! Look, he brings in the right kind of people, okay? The kind of people who think there's something chic in paying 22.
50 for fried chicken.
We are established now, Al.
Why can't we just buy him out? Somehow I don't think Chaz would go for that.
Yeah, well, what if he doesn't really have a choice? [Man.]
Oh, you're gonna like this, Mrs.
Fletcher.
Same wine I poured for Tennessee.
He liked it a lot.
Oh, that is delicious.
Is it French? Oh, what else? All these bozos ever wanna drink are white wine spritzers.
AuntJess, there's a table opening up.
[Gasps.]
Thank heavens.
I'm starved! [Bartender.]
Hey! Hold on to your suede, pal.
You know, the more you abuse the nouveau riche, the better they tip.
Now, Hemingway- there was a terrific tipper.
Hey, he signed a wine cork for me once.
Here.
Oh, my goodness.
Isn't that a lovely memento.
And you can still just see the signature.
[Laughs.]
The vintage on that cork is as old as your stories, Harry.
Well, we can't all be as up-to-the-second as you are, Mimi.
Well, it's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Mimi, I want you to meet a real writer.
This is Jessica Fletcher, mystery novelist.
Mimi Harcourt, gossip.
Not gossip, Harry.
Trends.
You're a columnist? Oh, I've always thought that must be the hardest job.
Well, I'm afraid I haven't read you either, Jennifer.
But, of course, my readers aren't into fiction, they're more into making their own scene.
[Chuckles.]
Wow! We're in the same restaurant as the writer of Who's Into What.
Uh, Grady, the scene that Miss Harcourt is into seems to be our table.
[Woman.]
Grady? Donna? Hi.
Hi.
Oh- Oh, here.
Oh, here, sit.
I'll take that.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I've been so excited about meeting you, especially now that Grady and I are getting ma- ma- mm- I'm sorry to be late, but I had to finish up these books for Mr.
Brooke.
L- I didn't have time to change.
L- I feel so out of place here in my work clothes.
- Well, I think you look lovely.
- Yeah, I'll say.
I have a terrible favor to ask.
Well, maybe it's not terrible, but it is unexpected.
I mean, I guess I should have expected it.
L- I'm sure it's no problem.
Well, I just talked to my parents.
Your parents? They're leaving the country for a couple months- some business thing.
So they're throwing us a party.
A party? At their house up in Fishkill tomorrow.
Tomorrow? I'm really sorry to spring this, but they just phoned, and they really wanna meet you.
Both.
I'm sorry.
Don't feel that you have to apologize.
- I'm sure that we'll all have a delightful time.
- Yeah, you bet.
Now, I want you both to tell me all the plans for the wedding.
Um, w-well we haven't really talked about it yet.
I didn't want to, you know, impose anything.
Wh-whatever you want w- would be fine.
Really.
But what do you want it to be? Whatever you want.
Really.
[Donna.]
Really? [Grady.]
And maybe we can have the cake shaped as a ledger.
[Donna.]
And for favors, we can have pens with our initials on 'em.
That's great! AuntJess, isn't this incredible? We haven't even talked about it.
We both want the same wedding.
Incredible! Excuse me, uh, would you people like to chow down? Now since this is such a special occasion, I think that we should start off with some caviar, don't you? Caviar- I'm sorry we're outta caviar.
But however, we have some of Alice's special Farm Caviar.
Instead of fish eggs, it's made with oeufs de poulet.
Oeufs de poulet? You mean, uh, hard-boiled eggs? On toast points.
[Horn Honks.]
One last toast- to many more happy dinners together.
Hello.
I just wanted to make sure I thanked you, Miss Fletcher, for helpin' us open this place.
- Y'all enjoy your food? - Jessica, this is Alice Brooke.
It's Doug's sister.
It was absolutely delicious.
And my fish was superb.
I had no idea that you could get yellowtail on this coast.
Well it took the overland route.
[Whispering.]
It was frozen.
You know, I never would have guessed that.
Congratulations on all your success here.
Well, I think I'm the one who should be congratulatin'.
The way I figure it, I'm gettin' two accountants for the price of one.
[Sighs.]
Ow! Geez! Oh! Are you all right? Yeah, I'm such a klutz.
Oh.
You know, Frank walked down the aisle with a broken leg.
[Chuckles.]
I'm not nervous, AuntJess.
I really can't wait to get ma- ma- It's just that I have a hard time talkin' about it.
You don't have to, Grady.
I can't tell you how happy I am.
She's, uh- She's pretty okay, isn't she? Mm-hmm.
Donna gives new meaning to "okay.
" Believe me.
Oh.
[Knocking.]
##[Grady Singing In Italian.]
##[Vocalizing.]
[Ringing.]
[Water Running.]
Hello.
[Woman.]
Jessica? Donna? What's the matter? The police-They've come to take me to the restaurant.
But why? What's happened? Chaz.
Somebody found him there this morning.
- Found him? - Dead.
Murdered! Oh.
##[Vocalizing Ends.]
[Police Radio Chatter.]
- [Man.]
The day manager called us when he found the front door open.
- [Men Chattering.]
Now, nothing's been touched, including this ledger.
You see these entries, Miss Mayberry? They've been whited-out.
What were they? L- I'm not sure.
You are the accountant for this restaurant, aren't you? Lieutenant Rupp, Donna gave this ledger to Doug Brooke, Alice's brother.
Maybe he knows what those entries were.
I just brought it up to date yesterday.
Good, good.
So it shouldn't be too hard for you to figure out exactly what was erased.
The department appreciates your cooperation.
You-You mean now? But what about- We have to get upstate.
I would like the weekend off too, ma'am.
You mean, we might have to stay here the whole weekend? Lieutenant, it-it's just that we're supposed to attend an engagement party.
You kids are getting married? Oh, that's great.
That's just great.
See, too many of the young people today are just shacking up.
It's nice to find somebody who has the right values.
Excuse me.
Grady, what are we gonna do? I can't tell my father I'm involved in a murder investigation.
He'd- He'd disown me! No.
Well, maybe Lieutenant Rupp, if he really understands the situation- [Whispering.]
I'll have a word with him.
[Man.]
Time and method's gonna be tough.
[Rupp.]
Even after the body defrosts? [Man.]
Yep.
Take your choice- He got himself conked on the noggin.
He was knifed with a jagged-edged blade.
Except the wounds are too shallow.
[Rupp.]
More like he was slashed than, uh, stabbed, huh? [Man.]
Cause of death could be any of above, or combination of any of above.
Excuse me, Lieutenant Rupp? Uh, there seems to be something here on the floor.
[Clears Throat.]
Uh, Lieutenant, I don't want to be a nuisance, but, uh, my nephew's future in-laws are leaving the country.
And since this is our only chance to meet them, would it be possible for Donna to examine the books after the weekend? Sorry, Mrs.
Fletcher, but I have to proceed while the trail is hot.
Well then, Lieutenant, could she take the books with her and just report back to you? Lieutenant, the Brookes are here.
Excuse me.
No.
No, everything's fine, fine, except we're just gonna be a teensy bit late.
[Woman On Phone, Indistinct.]
Mother- Mother, it's just some work stuff.
Now, you know how Daddy always says work comes first.
Yeah, I'll say.
Grady, I thought you had never met Donna's father? Well, I haven't.
It's just that I know he drives Donna pretty hard.
This look familiar, sir? Sure, it's a- it's a register tape.
Did you get it off of Chaz? How'd you know that? Well, whoever closes up takes that little thing out of the register and enters the night's total into the ledger.
Last night it was Chaz.
Well, I sure am glad you had me check, Lieutenant.
It seems that six cases of lobster took a hike from my freezer.
Six boxes? Well that- that must cost us, uh, $1,500! Sounds like the victim surprised a thief.
I'll be at the restaurant helping Donna.
This could take a while.
Well, even if we miss the party, we can still go to Fishkill tomorrow to meet Donna's parents.
Aw, geez.
I don't know, AuntJess.
This could take a long time.
Grady, you're not afraid to meet Donna's parents, are you? No.
Why should I be? Well, I have no idea.
But you seem quite happy to have an excuse to stay in town.
Mr.
Mayberry- that's Donna's father- is president, founder and C.
E.
O.
Of Mayberry-Waterman.
- It's like the third largest accounting firm in the state.
- That doesn't sound like much of a problem.
Well, it's just that I kind of met him about five years ago.
Actually, I kind of worked for him for a couple of days.
Actually, he fired me.
Grady, I'm so sorry.
And you never told Donna, huh? No.
How could I? But you're marrying Mr.
Mayberry's daughter, not Mr.
Mayberry.
But he has big plans for her.
She's his only child.
Well, in that case, it might be wise for you to meet him face-to-face before the wedding.
I was kind of hopin' he wouldn't be at the wedding.
[Phone Rings.]
[Exhales.]
Hello.
Mimi Harcourt? Wow! Y-Yeah.
Yeah, what a- Yeah, she's right here.
A late breakfast? Yeah, she'd love tojoin you.
Y-Yeah, I'll tell her.
Okay.
Y-Yeah, good-b- [Line Clicks.]
She's rushing an article on the restaurant for the next issue of City magazine, and she wants to interview you.
She says it's absolutely vital.
Oh, sure.
[Laughs.]
I'd love to join her.
Hmm.
Oh, come on, AuntJess.
Mimi Harcourt's gossip central.
Who knows what you'll be able to find out? It might get us outta town a lot quicker, and- I guess you're right.
I should get this over with.
Tell me where to meet her.
I knew you would.
[Laughter, Chattering.]
Can you believe it? Huh! Valentino's actually playing tapes of people having fun to try to get business back.
[Chuckling.]
And you know the amazing thing? It just might work.
Anyway, as I was saying, the food's just not the same here since Alice left.
And, of course, taking Harry and Chaz with her just helped to put the final nails in the coffin.
And was Valentino furious? [Whistles.]
Uh, but surely that sort of thing happens quite a lot.
Oh, of course! The food biz is all theater.
Part of the excitement is watching the changing cast of characters.
[Laughs.]
Speaking of actors, I couldn't help but notice Alice's, uh, down-home accent kind of comes and goes.
It's retro-chic, darling.
You know, the opposite of chic is in.
But back to business.
Um, this article had to be in yesterday.
Of course, yesterday the murder hadn't happened.
You think I'd do a piece about murder? I wouldn't stoop to that kind of sensationalism.
[Beeping.]
[Exhales.]
Waiter, get me a phone.
They just won't leave me alone.
Where were we? Uh, oh, yes.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
My story is about people who invest in restaurants.
It's the clientele that makes places happen.
Oh, but surely the food and- and the service has a great deal to do with it.
Oh, please.
That kind of stuff you could get at Alice's Farm in TV dinners.
Which incidentally, are on their way back.
Huh.
It's me.
What! You are kidding! But that is terrible.
Aww.
Aww.
Well, you tell him- you tell him I'll be right there.
Okay? Okay.
- Oh.
- Another fast-breaking trend? My fingernail designer has been arrested.
Oh, God.
And I've got this big party to go to tonight.
I've gotta bail him out.
Listen, Jennifer.
You're a writer.
Do me a favor- Messenger me a bio about the investor article, okay? Here, I always pay my own way.
I wouldn't want anybody to think they were buying a free plug.
Bye.
[Man.]
Hey, Valentino.
Knock off the ambience tape.
Besides, there's no one listenin'anymore.
[Tape Player Clicks Off, Laughter, Chattering Stops.]
Excuse me, are you the proprietor? Valentino Reggiore, at the lovely signora's service.
You know, you have such an elegant establishment here, signor.
Those new places are so loud.
You know, I'm an investor in Alice's Farm.
But when I heard that horrifying news this morning, well, I was tempted to pull out.
Well, everything today is fads.
They have gypsy cuisine, Serbo-Cambodian cuisine.
Oh, I miss good old-fashioned food.
Don't you? Oh, here's my bill.
Please, signora, it's on the house.
Oh, that's very nice.
Oh, anything for such a lovely lady.
Besides, it's much easier than starting a new tape.
[Chuckles.]
[Jessica.]
You see, Chaz could have closed out early by taking the tape out of the register and then pocketing the rest of the night's money.
Yeah, you see, the totals on the nights Chaz closed out are lower than the other nights.
What are you saying? The victim is ripping off his own restaurant? There are other white-outs going back a couple months.
In each case, somebody erased an entry and filled in a smaller amount.
Yeah, after Donna paid the account.
So the restaurant was paying for supplies that were stolen.
Well, why would he steal from himself? [Donna.]
He wasn't.
He was stealing from his investors.
Now, if you'll excuse us.
We have got a party to go to.
Now, is this all you got? All we've got? I'm sorry, ma'am, but ifhe's ripping offhis investors, maybe one of'em found out.
Now, I gotta know who had access to the books and the invoices, and I need a list of the investors.
That could take the rest of the day at least! Lieutenant Rupp, I really can't understand why you expect Donna to do your work for you.
Hey, I work plenty hard.
Now, we found out that the victim's wounds were caused by a sickle-shaped, jagged-edged knife.
That's about the only kind ofblade that a Swiss army knife doesn't have.
So we been combin' the restaurant for a murder weapon.
Yes, well I'm sure that's all very important police work, but you can't keep us here against our will.
I could place any of you under arrest for suspicion.
- But not make it hold.
- Yeah, but it would take the weekend to process you.
Or you could stick around until you got the information that I need.
Y-Yes, Mother, we'll really try to be there for dinner.
[Woman On Phone, Indistinct.]
Yes, before the guests arrive.
No.
I mean, of course l- I'd love to talk to Daddy, but I really should get back to work.
I know this doesn't sound like my office.
I, uh- We'll come right along as soon as we can.
And you said you have no idea who could have been stealing from the restaurant? [Donna.]
Okay, good-bye.
Well, some places I worked got ripped off.
You know, day managers, night managers- They're alone a lot of the time.
And they take deliveries.
And have access to the books? You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'? Chaz had himself quite a business.
That little son-of-a- Doug.
Why are you always making excuses for him, Al? I wasn't.
Why don't you just keep still? Alice, this fish is delicious.
Thanks.
It's yellowtail.
It's the same fish you had last night.
If I remember correctly, you said that the fish last night was frozen.
But surely this fish wasn't taken from the freezer this morning.
Course not.
Doug took it out last night to defrost.
Mm-mmm.
Not me.
It was on the counter this morning when I came in.
Oh, my goodness.
I think I just found our sickle-shaped murder weapon.
And we just ate it.
I told you before, Lieutenant.
Doug and I went straight home after work.
We were asleep in our apartment until you called.
You and your brother live together, ma'am? This is New York.
We own a restaurant, Lieutenant, not Rockefeller Center.
[Rupp.]
My youngest wants to leave the house and go out on her own.
I told her I got other plans for my pension.
Lieutenant, have you determined if there was blood on the fins? There were traces, yes.
And it was the victim's.
I think I'm gonna lay off fish and chips for a while.
I never saw any blood, I swear.
You know what I can't figure out? Why anybody would choose to use a fish to kill somebody in a kitchen full of potential murder weapons.
Unless- Unless they planned on getting rid of the weapon by cooking it.
But, Lieutenant, I thought your medical examiner said that Chaz didn't die from knife wounds.
So what? He was still slashed with that fish.
Yeah, but doesn't that make it unlikely that the murder was premeditated? What are you saying? You're saying that some poor slob just grabbed a fish because it was handy? Well, supposing- supposing Chaz attacked somebody.
Perhaps somebody who had discovered that he was stealing from the restaurant.
Right.
And the killer used the fish to defend himself? Well, it fits the position of the body, if I remember correctly.
And he could have hit his head on a shelf or on a crate and knocked himself unconscious.
Lady, I gotta read one of your books.
- How's your list comin'? - Hmm? Oh, I was just assessing the value of what was stolen last night.
Lobster tail and caviar.
It was quite a take.
I thought you were working on the people who had access to the books.
I thought the Lieutenant might wanna know about this too.
Donna, let's just stick with what the Lieutenant asked us to do, okay? My goodness, you two have been sitting here for hours.
Why don't you stand up and have a good stretch? I just can't get these figures to add up straight.
Oh, you mean the list of investors.
They just don't add up to the total capitalization on the restaurant.
Now either my calculator's broken or some investors names aren't in there.
And then there's all these initials that Chaz scribbled in there.
What if these initials were silent partners? You know, investors who didn't want their identities to be known.
There were several profit checks that Chaz instructed me to send to business managers.
Let's see.
M.
H.
M.
H.
Mimi Harcourt.
Mimi Har- Oh, come on, AuntJess.
That doesn't make any sense.
- She's a columnist.
She wouldn't- - Wouldn't she? She seems to be rather sensitive to conflicts of interest.
Maybe she has reason to be.
I have something that I have to return to Miss Harcourt, and I wouldn't want to wait any longer with it.
Grady, I need some books from the office.
I'll be back in a bit.
Can we share a cab? [Horns Honking.]
[Jessica.]
Donna, I don't want to interfere, but is everything all right? It's just very scary when you've done something wrong and people snap at you.
People you love.
Donna, the kind of stress that you and Grady are experiencing right now, you know, it-it's really quite natural.
Maybe so, Jessica.
But I'm having, well, kind of serious doubts.
About the marriage? About everything.
Just now in there, Grady reminded me of my father.
Grady? Daddy is so demanding.
He's such a perfectionist.
Once when I was about 10, I lost something important.
And I decided the best thing to do was to own up.
He screamed and carried on.
It was just awful.
- Oh, my goodness.
What had you lost? - My allowance ledger.
Uh, Donna, why do I get the feeling that you don't want to be an accountant? But how did- I mean, don't tell anybody, please! Oh, of course I won't.
But- But if it makes you miserable, for goodness sakes, don't do it.
But it means so much to Daddy.
And Grady's so enthusiastic about me being a career woman.
And all I really want is to stay home and have a family.
It's just awful, Jessica, because I love him so much.
But I just don't know that we're right for each other.
Donna, I'm not saying this because I'm Grady's aunt, but I honestly don't think that I have ever met two people who are more suited to each other.
Oh, Miss Harcourt.
I was on my way up to see you.
I really can't spare but a second.
It's absolutely vital I get these changes in on the car-phone answering-machine piece.
Oh, I understand.
But I did want to give you back the money you left for breakfast.
Mr.
Reggiore insists that the meal is on him.
[Whispering.]
If my editor heard you.
Oh, my lips are sealed.
Besides, I really came here to tell you that the authorities are going to let Alice reopen tonight.
Really? And I really do think that you should be there to show your support.
I mean, I do think that's vital.
I mean, all of us investors- I mean, we have to keep that place jumping, now don't we? We investors? I'm afraid you've made a mistake.
- Oh, say no more.
- Listen, Jennifer, girl to girl, this would have real negative energy flow if it were to get out.
Oh, you mean the conflict of interest bit? [Sighs.]
Of course, that is a pain.
Look, this gig is about as permanent as origami tofu.
They have gone through six journalists here in the last two years.
I'm just providing for my future.
[Gasps.]
So, you told Chaz that you wanted to get in on the interest deal.
Well, that's understandable.
It was Chaz's idea.
He made it sound so safe.
Only he would know about it.
Then I find out he's blabbing all over town.
Last night, Alice came over to my table and started to thank me in front of my guests.
[Gasps.]
Oh, you must have been very angry with Chaz.
Hold the telex here.
If you're going to imply that I had something to do with his death, you should know I have an alibi for last night.
And I mean all of last night.
I was at my apartment with Doug Brooke.
Oh, but he was with his sister.
Hmm, I gotta go.
[Alice.]
Okay, Jessica, I lied.
I swear I did not leave the apartment all night.
But, Alice, why fabricate a story that was so easy to disprove? - I panicked.
I was worried about this idiot.
- Hey! Look, you didn't come home till this morning after the lieutenant had called, with no explanation of where you had been.
I had to say something.
And you were worried that Doug wouldn't be able to account for himself, so you fabricated an alibi for him? - You thought I killed Chaz.
Geez! - I didn't know what to think- especially after what you said last night about getting rid of him.
Oh, great! Now you don't trust me.
Well, in finding out you were carrying on with Mimi Harcourt - didn't exactly build my confidence in you.
- Damn, I don't believe this.
You've always been irresponsible.
You know, if you'd been keeping an eye on Chaz, he wouldn't have been selling our stuff, uh, God knows where.
Alice, there wouldn't be many people - who would be interested in buying stolen lobster, would there? - I guess not.
Why? So, the signora is a writer of cookbooks? Oh, no.
No.
Uh, mysteries.
But I'm thinking of setting one in a restaurant.
Ah, so you came for the atmosphere.
Uh-huh.
Well, I would be delighted to show the signora around.
What-What-What are you doing? That's soy sauce! I thought you want me to make the recipe more exciting.
More exciting, not more Chinese! Are you sure you would not like to collaborate in a cookbook? We seem to be molto simpatico.
How do you feel about garlic? [Chuckles.]
Well, it really isn't my field of expertise.
Oh, pity.
Well, look.
Ask.
Feel free.
Well, thank you very much.
Oh, I see that you're serving, uh, lobster tails for dinner.
Oh, uh, yes.
Uh, would the signora like some? Oh, thank you very much, but it's a little early for me.
I'm sure they'll be delicious.
That's the same supplier as Alice's Farm uses.
Is it? I really wouldn't know.
I keep asking myself, "Who could use stolen restaurant supplies"? Only another restauranteur.
Those lobster tails came from legitimate sources.
Well, I imagine that Lieutenant Rupp can call the distributor and confirm that these cartons were sold to you.
I may have purchased some supplies that didn't come through regular channels.
But how else can I get lobster and caviar at reasonable prices? But I didn't steal them.
You merely happened to buy them from the thief.
- I'm a businessman.
- And a very resourceful one, Mr.
Reggiore.
[Phone Rings.]
Reggiore Restaurant.
It's for you.
Oh.
Thank you.
Hello? Oh, Grady.
What's happened? You sound terrible.
AuntJess, I don't know what to do.
What's wrong? Has somebody been hurt? - It's happened again.
- Oh, no! Not another murder? No.
I've been dumped! Donna broke off the engagement! She called and said she wouldn't marry me.
Just like that.
[Chattering.]
But, Grady, she must have said something else.
Yeah.
That she was gonna tell her parents and that she loved me.
Boy, you know, I really don't get this at all.
Lfinally find the girl that I love and she says she loves me.
And then she dumps me.
I mean, what's the point? Let me guess- career woman, right? Yeah, how'd you know? You give 'em the key to the executive washroom, and they want your trousers.
Let me buy you a drink.
Bartender, two, uh, gin martinis.
Uh, no.
Make mine a club soda, Harry.
Grady, uh, maybe Donna's scared.
Uh, just like you're scared, maybe more than you are.
[Exhales.]
Impossible.
Nobody could be more scared than me.
- Maybe it's just as well.
- Now, I don't believe that.
And neither do you.
No, really.
I mean, what it really comes down to is, I think I want a wife who will be a wife and will stay at home and raise the kids, have dinner on the table.
I mean, what's wrong with wanting things to be a little old-fashioned? Boy, I hate it when I say stuff like that.
Uh, have you told Donna this? No.
I'd never stand in her way.
I wouldn't wanna hold her back.
Grady, you and Donna have to talk about this.
Now, I know- and I mean I know- that when you do, you're gonna be able to work all this out.
AuntJess, what did you say to Donna in the cab? I haven't seen her since then.
I told her the same thing that I'm telling you now.
You two are perfect for each other.
Now will you go and call her? I tried.
There's no answer at her apartment.
Maybe it was something I said.
Mrs.
Fletcher? I thought I'd find you here.
Can I talk to you for a minute? Oh, certainly.
Alone.
Yes.
I really owe you some thanks.
I checked on Valentino's alibi.
It won't hold minestrone.
So I booked him for the murder.
But, Lieutenant, that doesn't make any sense.
- I mean, what motive would he have? - Revenge.
The victim stole all ofhis customers.
Yes, but Chaz also provided Valentino with stolen goods.
And come to think of it, - how did those goods get to Valentino's? - I see what you're sayin'.
Chaz could not have delivered the lobster to Valentino's last night himself.
Unless Chaz had an associate who picked up the supplies.
Now wait a minute.
Valentino could've come to pick up the stuff and kill Chaz.
Yes, but then why was the front door open this morning? Now what are you saying? Are you saying that Chaz's accomplice had to be somebody with a key? [Harry Laughs.]
Yep, sat right there.
You served Hemingway? Get outta here! Well, I'll prove it to ya, wise guy.
He signed a wine cork for me.
Hey.
Well, where's my pocketknife? Army knife with a screwdriver blade.
You're missing a knife with a screwdriver blade.
So, I'm the only guy in the world ever lost a pocketknife? You are the only guy in the world working in this restaurant who has the key for the front door.
I'm telling you, I had nothin' to do with Chaz's death.
Period.
You sure you saw him with this knife last night? No, I never said that.
But it shouldn't be too difficult to get some prints from it.
Or to persuade Valentino Reggiore to identify his supplier.
Okay, okay.
Look, Chaz and I had a scam, but I didn't kill him.
Now, here's the deal.
I'd come back here after we were closed.
I'd pick up some stuff and deliver it.
Only last night it was, like, weird.
I mean, all the supplies were out, but Chaz was nowhere.
I went to the freezer to pick up another box oflobster tail to complete the order, and there he was.
He was just- just lyin' there on all those crates.
I guess the pocketknife must've dropped outta my pocket as I was backing out.
I'm sorry, fella.
I'm not buyin'.
[Chattering Continues.]
Grady? Maybe it was what I said about just doing what the lieutenant asked us to do.
Well, you're certainly not gonna solve the problem just sitting.
- Why don't we go and find Donna? - Oh, no.
Oh, no.
I can't see her until I've figured this thing out.
I mean, I don't wanna make the same mistake again.
It all seemed so innocent.
I mean, sure I snapped a little when she said she was figuring out the value of the lobster and caviar that was stolen last night.
- Caviar? - Yeah, that's what she said.
You're sure? Well, sure, I'm sure.
Oh, Lord.
What? What's wrong, AuntJess? Grady, I want you to go straight to your apartment.
All right? I'll call you.
Well- AuntJess? I'll call you.
Do you believe that guy said Hemingway signed his cork? [Knocks On Door.]
Jessica.
- I guess Grady told you.
- Yes.
May I come in? Of course.
I was just packing to go to my parents.
Please, Jessica, don't make this any harder.
I love Grady, but I've thought it out, and we're just not right for each other.
Donna, that isn't the real reason you've broken off the engagement, is it? Why else would I? How did you know that caviar was stolen from the restaurant last night? Well, Alice said that it was missing this morning.
All Alice noticed was the lobster.
I only knew about the caviar because Valentino Reggiore told me.
But how else can I get lobster and caviar at reasonable prices? But the only way that I can think that you would have known about that caviar was if you'd been in the kitchen last night and seen Chaz take it.
[Sobs.]
Jessica, I've just been so scared.
Of course, you have.
And here was I thinking that you were all nervous because you were getting married.
In the cab you tried to tell me that you were in trouble.
But I didn't hear you.
It was an accident.
I was defending myself.
But l- I couldn't go to the police.
Why would they believe me? And I couldn't involve Grady.
That's the last thing I'd want.
Donna, people who love each other want to help each other.
And as far as the police believing you, well, I haven't known you much longer than Lieutenant Rupp, and I believe you.
I guess I do have to talk to him, don't I? Believe it or not, it may not be as bad an experience as when you confessed to your father.
[Exhales.]
But why don't you tell me first.
I imagine you first suspected something was wrong when the waiter told us that they were out of caviar.
[Sniffs.]
I had just paid for a delivery yesterday morning.
I was afraid that I had made a mistake so I made the excuse of going to the ladies' room.
But you really went to ask Chaz about it? No, no, no.
You got it all screwed up.
We'll talk about it tomorrow.
But I'm leaving town first thing in the morning.
And he told you to come back later? [Sniffs.]
He said he wouldn't cover for my mistakes.
That's why I didn't tell you or Grady that I was going back to the restaurant.
I guess I was kind of ashamed.
I just assumed that I had screwed up.
[Knocking.]
[Donna Narrating.]
When I came back, he didn't even try to hide anything from me.
There it was- lobster, caviar.
And the ledger- he had already whited-out those entries.
I couldn't understand why he'djust left all that stuff out when he knew that I was coming back.
- Then I realized- - He wanted you to see.
And I suppose he offered to cut you in.
He told me to grow up.
He said that I could make a lot of money.
Well, having an accountant on his side - would've made things much easier for him.
- Of course, I said no.
He was furious! He hit me.
L- The only way I could get him to let go of me was to hit him back.
I tried to run away, but I was so confused and scared, that I took the wrong door.
[Jessica Narrating.]
And you found yourself in the freezer.
[Donna.]
He grabbed me.
He was going to hit me again.
[Jessica.]
And that's when you grabbed the frozen yellowtail? [Donna.]
I just swung at him.
L- I didn't even know what I was doing.
Then you do agree, Lieutenant Rupp, that it really was self-defense.
Looks that way.
But you better talk to the D.
A.
First thing Monday morning.
There's your young man.
Uh, Donna- Uh, just give me a minute, will ya? Excuse me, Lieutenant.
Go on.
Monday morning, young lady.
Oh, geez.
Grady? There's something I've got to confess to you.
No.
No, AuntJess told me all about it on the phone.
Oh, God, you poor kid.
Uh, no, no, no.
No, that's not what I mean.
L-I mean that's only part of it.
What? Grady, honey, I don't want to be an accountant.
I wanna be a wife.
I wanna be your wife.
I think that's gonna work out just fine.
But there's somethin' I gotta confess to you too.
I already met your father, and he fired me.
Oh, that's okay.
I mean, he fires everybody.
He- He probably won't even remember it.
Really? You think? Oh, he fired me once too.
You're kidding.
That's great.
No, I mean that's not great-
Tonight on Murder, She Wrote.
The more you abuse the nouveau riche, the better they tip.
My youngest wants to leave the house, and go out on her own.
I told her I got other plans for my pension.
I thought you want me to make the recipe more exciting.
More exciting, not more Chinese! I can't tell my father I'm involved in a murder investigation.
This gig is about as permanent as origami tofu.
I don't take orders from some punk who rides in here on his sister's apron strings.
What's wrong? Has somebody been hurt? Donna broke off the engagement! [Man.]
Look, uh, just because it's you, how about, uh, a thousand for the lobster and 2,000 for the caviar, deal? [Chattering.]
Okay.
You want it delivered the usual time? Hey, they haven't noticed so far.
Why should they now? [Horns Honking.]
Oh, dear.
I was hoping I'd have time to stop off and freshen up, but my nephew says we can't change this reservation for anything.
If we hit crosstown traffic, you'll be lucky if you get there in time for dessert.
Oh? That is, if they're still in business.
A lotta places have opened and closed on that block in the last couple of years.
[Jessica.]
Yeah, well, this one seems to be quite popular.
My nephew advised me to invest in it.
It seems to be doing very well.
You take my advice, lady, you get out while the goin's good.
Last year I took a lot of fares to a Serbo-Croatian place at that address.
It was doin' good too.
[Chattering.]
There it is.
Boy, this neighborhood's really gone down the flusher.
[Car Door Closes.]
It ain't even dark yet and already the cowboys are out.
Thank you very much.
Grady? AuntJess? Hi.
[Exhales, Chuckles.]
Oh, my goodness.
Wow, you look great.
Well, I've never seen you look so, uh, relaxed.
Yeah, isn't it amazing? I always thought I'd be nervous about getting ma- ma- Married? Yeah.
And speaking of that, where's Donna? Oh, she's working late, but she'll be here soon.
Uh-huh.
Actually, Alice's Farm is her first solo account.
AuntJess, she just loves accounting.
That's how I knew I was finally on the right track, you know, girl-wise.
[Exhales.]
Yes.
Well, uh, I can't wait to meet her.
Uh, Grady, I've never seen you dress quite like this for dinner.
Yeah, isn't it great? [Chuckles.]
[Car Door Closes.]
[Laughter, Chattering.]
[Grady.]
What? But we had a reservation.
[Man.]
I'm very, very sorry, but I can't seem to find it.
Hey, dude.
Great game last night.
[Laughs.]
You know, you made me a couple of bucks.
Hey, thanks, Chaz.
Love your bolo.
Oh.
Yeah, my- my trance channeler got it for me from Santa Fe.
- Excuse me, but, uh, we've had this reservation for a couple of weeks, Mr.
, uh- - Oh, call me Chaz.
- Uh, you are? - Jessica Fletcher.
Yeah, she's put quite a few bucks into this place, uh, dude.
Aw, great! Then you'll have lots to talk about with your fellow investors.
Uh, I'll get you a table just as soon as I possibly- Hey, Congressman Phelps! Hey! [Chuckles.]
How goes it in Albany, dude? How ya doin'? [Chuckles.]
Hey, I got your table right over here.
Grady! Hey, Doug! How's my man? And this pretty lady must beJ.
B.
Fletcher, our famous investor.
- Well, not so famous.
- Sure you are.
You're the only one here from Maine.
Yeah, somehow I guessed that.
Oh, this is Doug Brooke, AuntJess.
He runs the business end of things.
- Oh, how do you do? - Well, Sis is the star.
Alice and I have us a deal- I stay outta the kitchen and she stays outta my books.
[Laughs.]
Hey, where's Donna? Oh, she's gonna meet us here.
Yeah, l-I'm afraid we're gonna have to go somewhere else to eat.
Yeah, your partner can't seem to find our reservation.
What? Well, dang it.
I took them down myself.
Chaz, you got a minute? Fletcher.
I thought you city folks could read.
[Exhales.]
Oh, Fletcher, Fletcher.
Yeah, I, uh- I misunderstood.
It gets so loud in here.
I'll have your table for you in a few minutes.
And in the meantime, I'd like to buy y'all some drinks- on the house.
So, Grady, how's that pen pushin' goin', huh? Oh, it's goin' great.
Yeah? Oh, Nerissa.
Hey, loved your video art piece.
Thank you, Chaz.
I'm, uh- I'm afraid I forgot to make a reservation.
- Oh, uh, Gabriel, would you get Nerissa's usual table please? - Very good.
[Exhales.]
Hey, you're gonna hurt your finger, kiddo.
I have had it with you sellin' off our tables, pops.
Look, amigo, I don't take orders from some punk who rides in here on his sister's apron strings.
[Man.]
What is this? Ten orders of caviar here.
What happened to it? Our menu says "burnt meat loaf.
" This meat loaf looks, uh, like meat loaf.
Did you remember to turn the oven up the last 10 minutes? Sorry, Alice.
I forgot.
You forgot and a yuppie goes hungry.
[Woman.]
Coming through.
Coming through.
[Door Slams.]
Listen, Sis.
I know that Chaz Crewe brings in lots of investors- Oh, please, Douglas.
Don't start with the Chaz thing again.
But that jerk is nothing but trouble.
He is taking bribes for tables.
Our own partner! Look, he brings in the right kind of people, okay? The kind of people who think there's something chic in paying 22.
50 for fried chicken.
We are established now, Al.
Why can't we just buy him out? Somehow I don't think Chaz would go for that.
Yeah, well, what if he doesn't really have a choice? [Man.]
Oh, you're gonna like this, Mrs.
Fletcher.
Same wine I poured for Tennessee.
He liked it a lot.
Oh, that is delicious.
Is it French? Oh, what else? All these bozos ever wanna drink are white wine spritzers.
AuntJess, there's a table opening up.
[Gasps.]
Thank heavens.
I'm starved! [Bartender.]
Hey! Hold on to your suede, pal.
You know, the more you abuse the nouveau riche, the better they tip.
Now, Hemingway- there was a terrific tipper.
Hey, he signed a wine cork for me once.
Here.
Oh, my goodness.
Isn't that a lovely memento.
And you can still just see the signature.
[Laughs.]
The vintage on that cork is as old as your stories, Harry.
Well, we can't all be as up-to-the-second as you are, Mimi.
Well, it's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.
Mimi, I want you to meet a real writer.
This is Jessica Fletcher, mystery novelist.
Mimi Harcourt, gossip.
Not gossip, Harry.
Trends.
You're a columnist? Oh, I've always thought that must be the hardest job.
Well, I'm afraid I haven't read you either, Jennifer.
But, of course, my readers aren't into fiction, they're more into making their own scene.
[Chuckles.]
Wow! We're in the same restaurant as the writer of Who's Into What.
Uh, Grady, the scene that Miss Harcourt is into seems to be our table.
[Woman.]
Grady? Donna? Hi.
Hi.
Oh- Oh, here.
Oh, here, sit.
I'll take that.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I've been so excited about meeting you, especially now that Grady and I are getting ma- ma- mm- I'm sorry to be late, but I had to finish up these books for Mr.
Brooke.
L- I didn't have time to change.
L- I feel so out of place here in my work clothes.
- Well, I think you look lovely.
- Yeah, I'll say.
I have a terrible favor to ask.
Well, maybe it's not terrible, but it is unexpected.
I mean, I guess I should have expected it.
L- I'm sure it's no problem.
Well, I just talked to my parents.
Your parents? They're leaving the country for a couple months- some business thing.
So they're throwing us a party.
A party? At their house up in Fishkill tomorrow.
Tomorrow? I'm really sorry to spring this, but they just phoned, and they really wanna meet you.
Both.
I'm sorry.
Don't feel that you have to apologize.
- I'm sure that we'll all have a delightful time.
- Yeah, you bet.
Now, I want you both to tell me all the plans for the wedding.
Um, w-well we haven't really talked about it yet.
I didn't want to, you know, impose anything.
Wh-whatever you want w- would be fine.
Really.
But what do you want it to be? Whatever you want.
Really.
[Donna.]
Really? [Grady.]
And maybe we can have the cake shaped as a ledger.
[Donna.]
And for favors, we can have pens with our initials on 'em.
That's great! AuntJess, isn't this incredible? We haven't even talked about it.
We both want the same wedding.
Incredible! Excuse me, uh, would you people like to chow down? Now since this is such a special occasion, I think that we should start off with some caviar, don't you? Caviar- I'm sorry we're outta caviar.
But however, we have some of Alice's special Farm Caviar.
Instead of fish eggs, it's made with oeufs de poulet.
Oeufs de poulet? You mean, uh, hard-boiled eggs? On toast points.
[Horn Honks.]
One last toast- to many more happy dinners together.
Hello.
I just wanted to make sure I thanked you, Miss Fletcher, for helpin' us open this place.
- Y'all enjoy your food? - Jessica, this is Alice Brooke.
It's Doug's sister.
It was absolutely delicious.
And my fish was superb.
I had no idea that you could get yellowtail on this coast.
Well it took the overland route.
[Whispering.]
It was frozen.
You know, I never would have guessed that.
Congratulations on all your success here.
Well, I think I'm the one who should be congratulatin'.
The way I figure it, I'm gettin' two accountants for the price of one.
[Sighs.]
Ow! Geez! Oh! Are you all right? Yeah, I'm such a klutz.
Oh.
You know, Frank walked down the aisle with a broken leg.
[Chuckles.]
I'm not nervous, AuntJess.
I really can't wait to get ma- ma- It's just that I have a hard time talkin' about it.
You don't have to, Grady.
I can't tell you how happy I am.
She's, uh- She's pretty okay, isn't she? Mm-hmm.
Donna gives new meaning to "okay.
" Believe me.
Oh.
[Knocking.]
##[Grady Singing In Italian.]
##[Vocalizing.]
[Ringing.]
[Water Running.]
Hello.
[Woman.]
Jessica? Donna? What's the matter? The police-They've come to take me to the restaurant.
But why? What's happened? Chaz.
Somebody found him there this morning.
- Found him? - Dead.
Murdered! Oh.
##[Vocalizing Ends.]
[Police Radio Chatter.]
- [Man.]
The day manager called us when he found the front door open.
- [Men Chattering.]
Now, nothing's been touched, including this ledger.
You see these entries, Miss Mayberry? They've been whited-out.
What were they? L- I'm not sure.
You are the accountant for this restaurant, aren't you? Lieutenant Rupp, Donna gave this ledger to Doug Brooke, Alice's brother.
Maybe he knows what those entries were.
I just brought it up to date yesterday.
Good, good.
So it shouldn't be too hard for you to figure out exactly what was erased.
The department appreciates your cooperation.
You-You mean now? But what about- We have to get upstate.
I would like the weekend off too, ma'am.
You mean, we might have to stay here the whole weekend? Lieutenant, it-it's just that we're supposed to attend an engagement party.
You kids are getting married? Oh, that's great.
That's just great.
See, too many of the young people today are just shacking up.
It's nice to find somebody who has the right values.
Excuse me.
Grady, what are we gonna do? I can't tell my father I'm involved in a murder investigation.
He'd- He'd disown me! No.
Well, maybe Lieutenant Rupp, if he really understands the situation- [Whispering.]
I'll have a word with him.
[Man.]
Time and method's gonna be tough.
[Rupp.]
Even after the body defrosts? [Man.]
Yep.
Take your choice- He got himself conked on the noggin.
He was knifed with a jagged-edged blade.
Except the wounds are too shallow.
[Rupp.]
More like he was slashed than, uh, stabbed, huh? [Man.]
Cause of death could be any of above, or combination of any of above.
Excuse me, Lieutenant Rupp? Uh, there seems to be something here on the floor.
[Clears Throat.]
Uh, Lieutenant, I don't want to be a nuisance, but, uh, my nephew's future in-laws are leaving the country.
And since this is our only chance to meet them, would it be possible for Donna to examine the books after the weekend? Sorry, Mrs.
Fletcher, but I have to proceed while the trail is hot.
Well then, Lieutenant, could she take the books with her and just report back to you? Lieutenant, the Brookes are here.
Excuse me.
No.
No, everything's fine, fine, except we're just gonna be a teensy bit late.
[Woman On Phone, Indistinct.]
Mother- Mother, it's just some work stuff.
Now, you know how Daddy always says work comes first.
Yeah, I'll say.
Grady, I thought you had never met Donna's father? Well, I haven't.
It's just that I know he drives Donna pretty hard.
This look familiar, sir? Sure, it's a- it's a register tape.
Did you get it off of Chaz? How'd you know that? Well, whoever closes up takes that little thing out of the register and enters the night's total into the ledger.
Last night it was Chaz.
Well, I sure am glad you had me check, Lieutenant.
It seems that six cases of lobster took a hike from my freezer.
Six boxes? Well that- that must cost us, uh, $1,500! Sounds like the victim surprised a thief.
I'll be at the restaurant helping Donna.
This could take a while.
Well, even if we miss the party, we can still go to Fishkill tomorrow to meet Donna's parents.
Aw, geez.
I don't know, AuntJess.
This could take a long time.
Grady, you're not afraid to meet Donna's parents, are you? No.
Why should I be? Well, I have no idea.
But you seem quite happy to have an excuse to stay in town.
Mr.
Mayberry- that's Donna's father- is president, founder and C.
E.
O.
Of Mayberry-Waterman.
- It's like the third largest accounting firm in the state.
- That doesn't sound like much of a problem.
Well, it's just that I kind of met him about five years ago.
Actually, I kind of worked for him for a couple of days.
Actually, he fired me.
Grady, I'm so sorry.
And you never told Donna, huh? No.
How could I? But you're marrying Mr.
Mayberry's daughter, not Mr.
Mayberry.
But he has big plans for her.
She's his only child.
Well, in that case, it might be wise for you to meet him face-to-face before the wedding.
I was kind of hopin' he wouldn't be at the wedding.
[Phone Rings.]
[Exhales.]
Hello.
Mimi Harcourt? Wow! Y-Yeah.
Yeah, what a- Yeah, she's right here.
A late breakfast? Yeah, she'd love tojoin you.
Y-Yeah, I'll tell her.
Okay.
Y-Yeah, good-b- [Line Clicks.]
She's rushing an article on the restaurant for the next issue of City magazine, and she wants to interview you.
She says it's absolutely vital.
Oh, sure.
[Laughs.]
I'd love to join her.
Hmm.
Oh, come on, AuntJess.
Mimi Harcourt's gossip central.
Who knows what you'll be able to find out? It might get us outta town a lot quicker, and- I guess you're right.
I should get this over with.
Tell me where to meet her.
I knew you would.
[Laughter, Chattering.]
Can you believe it? Huh! Valentino's actually playing tapes of people having fun to try to get business back.
[Chuckling.]
And you know the amazing thing? It just might work.
Anyway, as I was saying, the food's just not the same here since Alice left.
And, of course, taking Harry and Chaz with her just helped to put the final nails in the coffin.
And was Valentino furious? [Whistles.]
Uh, but surely that sort of thing happens quite a lot.
Oh, of course! The food biz is all theater.
Part of the excitement is watching the changing cast of characters.
[Laughs.]
Speaking of actors, I couldn't help but notice Alice's, uh, down-home accent kind of comes and goes.
It's retro-chic, darling.
You know, the opposite of chic is in.
But back to business.
Um, this article had to be in yesterday.
Of course, yesterday the murder hadn't happened.
You think I'd do a piece about murder? I wouldn't stoop to that kind of sensationalism.
[Beeping.]
[Exhales.]
Waiter, get me a phone.
They just won't leave me alone.
Where were we? Uh, oh, yes.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
My story is about people who invest in restaurants.
It's the clientele that makes places happen.
Oh, but surely the food and- and the service has a great deal to do with it.
Oh, please.
That kind of stuff you could get at Alice's Farm in TV dinners.
Which incidentally, are on their way back.
Huh.
It's me.
What! You are kidding! But that is terrible.
Aww.
Aww.
Well, you tell him- you tell him I'll be right there.
Okay? Okay.
- Oh.
- Another fast-breaking trend? My fingernail designer has been arrested.
Oh, God.
And I've got this big party to go to tonight.
I've gotta bail him out.
Listen, Jennifer.
You're a writer.
Do me a favor- Messenger me a bio about the investor article, okay? Here, I always pay my own way.
I wouldn't want anybody to think they were buying a free plug.
Bye.
[Man.]
Hey, Valentino.
Knock off the ambience tape.
Besides, there's no one listenin'anymore.
[Tape Player Clicks Off, Laughter, Chattering Stops.]
Excuse me, are you the proprietor? Valentino Reggiore, at the lovely signora's service.
You know, you have such an elegant establishment here, signor.
Those new places are so loud.
You know, I'm an investor in Alice's Farm.
But when I heard that horrifying news this morning, well, I was tempted to pull out.
Well, everything today is fads.
They have gypsy cuisine, Serbo-Cambodian cuisine.
Oh, I miss good old-fashioned food.
Don't you? Oh, here's my bill.
Please, signora, it's on the house.
Oh, that's very nice.
Oh, anything for such a lovely lady.
Besides, it's much easier than starting a new tape.
[Chuckles.]
[Jessica.]
You see, Chaz could have closed out early by taking the tape out of the register and then pocketing the rest of the night's money.
Yeah, you see, the totals on the nights Chaz closed out are lower than the other nights.
What are you saying? The victim is ripping off his own restaurant? There are other white-outs going back a couple months.
In each case, somebody erased an entry and filled in a smaller amount.
Yeah, after Donna paid the account.
So the restaurant was paying for supplies that were stolen.
Well, why would he steal from himself? [Donna.]
He wasn't.
He was stealing from his investors.
Now, if you'll excuse us.
We have got a party to go to.
Now, is this all you got? All we've got? I'm sorry, ma'am, but ifhe's ripping offhis investors, maybe one of'em found out.
Now, I gotta know who had access to the books and the invoices, and I need a list of the investors.
That could take the rest of the day at least! Lieutenant Rupp, I really can't understand why you expect Donna to do your work for you.
Hey, I work plenty hard.
Now, we found out that the victim's wounds were caused by a sickle-shaped, jagged-edged knife.
That's about the only kind ofblade that a Swiss army knife doesn't have.
So we been combin' the restaurant for a murder weapon.
Yes, well I'm sure that's all very important police work, but you can't keep us here against our will.
I could place any of you under arrest for suspicion.
- But not make it hold.
- Yeah, but it would take the weekend to process you.
Or you could stick around until you got the information that I need.
Y-Yes, Mother, we'll really try to be there for dinner.
[Woman On Phone, Indistinct.]
Yes, before the guests arrive.
No.
I mean, of course l- I'd love to talk to Daddy, but I really should get back to work.
I know this doesn't sound like my office.
I, uh- We'll come right along as soon as we can.
And you said you have no idea who could have been stealing from the restaurant? [Donna.]
Okay, good-bye.
Well, some places I worked got ripped off.
You know, day managers, night managers- They're alone a lot of the time.
And they take deliveries.
And have access to the books? You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'? Chaz had himself quite a business.
That little son-of-a- Doug.
Why are you always making excuses for him, Al? I wasn't.
Why don't you just keep still? Alice, this fish is delicious.
Thanks.
It's yellowtail.
It's the same fish you had last night.
If I remember correctly, you said that the fish last night was frozen.
But surely this fish wasn't taken from the freezer this morning.
Course not.
Doug took it out last night to defrost.
Mm-mmm.
Not me.
It was on the counter this morning when I came in.
Oh, my goodness.
I think I just found our sickle-shaped murder weapon.
And we just ate it.
I told you before, Lieutenant.
Doug and I went straight home after work.
We were asleep in our apartment until you called.
You and your brother live together, ma'am? This is New York.
We own a restaurant, Lieutenant, not Rockefeller Center.
[Rupp.]
My youngest wants to leave the house and go out on her own.
I told her I got other plans for my pension.
Lieutenant, have you determined if there was blood on the fins? There were traces, yes.
And it was the victim's.
I think I'm gonna lay off fish and chips for a while.
I never saw any blood, I swear.
You know what I can't figure out? Why anybody would choose to use a fish to kill somebody in a kitchen full of potential murder weapons.
Unless- Unless they planned on getting rid of the weapon by cooking it.
But, Lieutenant, I thought your medical examiner said that Chaz didn't die from knife wounds.
So what? He was still slashed with that fish.
Yeah, but doesn't that make it unlikely that the murder was premeditated? What are you saying? You're saying that some poor slob just grabbed a fish because it was handy? Well, supposing- supposing Chaz attacked somebody.
Perhaps somebody who had discovered that he was stealing from the restaurant.
Right.
And the killer used the fish to defend himself? Well, it fits the position of the body, if I remember correctly.
And he could have hit his head on a shelf or on a crate and knocked himself unconscious.
Lady, I gotta read one of your books.
- How's your list comin'? - Hmm? Oh, I was just assessing the value of what was stolen last night.
Lobster tail and caviar.
It was quite a take.
I thought you were working on the people who had access to the books.
I thought the Lieutenant might wanna know about this too.
Donna, let's just stick with what the Lieutenant asked us to do, okay? My goodness, you two have been sitting here for hours.
Why don't you stand up and have a good stretch? I just can't get these figures to add up straight.
Oh, you mean the list of investors.
They just don't add up to the total capitalization on the restaurant.
Now either my calculator's broken or some investors names aren't in there.
And then there's all these initials that Chaz scribbled in there.
What if these initials were silent partners? You know, investors who didn't want their identities to be known.
There were several profit checks that Chaz instructed me to send to business managers.
Let's see.
M.
H.
M.
H.
Mimi Harcourt.
Mimi Har- Oh, come on, AuntJess.
That doesn't make any sense.
- She's a columnist.
She wouldn't- - Wouldn't she? She seems to be rather sensitive to conflicts of interest.
Maybe she has reason to be.
I have something that I have to return to Miss Harcourt, and I wouldn't want to wait any longer with it.
Grady, I need some books from the office.
I'll be back in a bit.
Can we share a cab? [Horns Honking.]
[Jessica.]
Donna, I don't want to interfere, but is everything all right? It's just very scary when you've done something wrong and people snap at you.
People you love.
Donna, the kind of stress that you and Grady are experiencing right now, you know, it-it's really quite natural.
Maybe so, Jessica.
But I'm having, well, kind of serious doubts.
About the marriage? About everything.
Just now in there, Grady reminded me of my father.
Grady? Daddy is so demanding.
He's such a perfectionist.
Once when I was about 10, I lost something important.
And I decided the best thing to do was to own up.
He screamed and carried on.
It was just awful.
- Oh, my goodness.
What had you lost? - My allowance ledger.
Uh, Donna, why do I get the feeling that you don't want to be an accountant? But how did- I mean, don't tell anybody, please! Oh, of course I won't.
But- But if it makes you miserable, for goodness sakes, don't do it.
But it means so much to Daddy.
And Grady's so enthusiastic about me being a career woman.
And all I really want is to stay home and have a family.
It's just awful, Jessica, because I love him so much.
But I just don't know that we're right for each other.
Donna, I'm not saying this because I'm Grady's aunt, but I honestly don't think that I have ever met two people who are more suited to each other.
Oh, Miss Harcourt.
I was on my way up to see you.
I really can't spare but a second.
It's absolutely vital I get these changes in on the car-phone answering-machine piece.
Oh, I understand.
But I did want to give you back the money you left for breakfast.
Mr.
Reggiore insists that the meal is on him.
[Whispering.]
If my editor heard you.
Oh, my lips are sealed.
Besides, I really came here to tell you that the authorities are going to let Alice reopen tonight.
Really? And I really do think that you should be there to show your support.
I mean, I do think that's vital.
I mean, all of us investors- I mean, we have to keep that place jumping, now don't we? We investors? I'm afraid you've made a mistake.
- Oh, say no more.
- Listen, Jennifer, girl to girl, this would have real negative energy flow if it were to get out.
Oh, you mean the conflict of interest bit? [Sighs.]
Of course, that is a pain.
Look, this gig is about as permanent as origami tofu.
They have gone through six journalists here in the last two years.
I'm just providing for my future.
[Gasps.]
So, you told Chaz that you wanted to get in on the interest deal.
Well, that's understandable.
It was Chaz's idea.
He made it sound so safe.
Only he would know about it.
Then I find out he's blabbing all over town.
Last night, Alice came over to my table and started to thank me in front of my guests.
[Gasps.]
Oh, you must have been very angry with Chaz.
Hold the telex here.
If you're going to imply that I had something to do with his death, you should know I have an alibi for last night.
And I mean all of last night.
I was at my apartment with Doug Brooke.
Oh, but he was with his sister.
Hmm, I gotta go.
[Alice.]
Okay, Jessica, I lied.
I swear I did not leave the apartment all night.
But, Alice, why fabricate a story that was so easy to disprove? - I panicked.
I was worried about this idiot.
- Hey! Look, you didn't come home till this morning after the lieutenant had called, with no explanation of where you had been.
I had to say something.
And you were worried that Doug wouldn't be able to account for himself, so you fabricated an alibi for him? - You thought I killed Chaz.
Geez! - I didn't know what to think- especially after what you said last night about getting rid of him.
Oh, great! Now you don't trust me.
Well, in finding out you were carrying on with Mimi Harcourt - didn't exactly build my confidence in you.
- Damn, I don't believe this.
You've always been irresponsible.
You know, if you'd been keeping an eye on Chaz, he wouldn't have been selling our stuff, uh, God knows where.
Alice, there wouldn't be many people - who would be interested in buying stolen lobster, would there? - I guess not.
Why? So, the signora is a writer of cookbooks? Oh, no.
No.
Uh, mysteries.
But I'm thinking of setting one in a restaurant.
Ah, so you came for the atmosphere.
Uh-huh.
Well, I would be delighted to show the signora around.
What-What-What are you doing? That's soy sauce! I thought you want me to make the recipe more exciting.
More exciting, not more Chinese! Are you sure you would not like to collaborate in a cookbook? We seem to be molto simpatico.
How do you feel about garlic? [Chuckles.]
Well, it really isn't my field of expertise.
Oh, pity.
Well, look.
Ask.
Feel free.
Well, thank you very much.
Oh, I see that you're serving, uh, lobster tails for dinner.
Oh, uh, yes.
Uh, would the signora like some? Oh, thank you very much, but it's a little early for me.
I'm sure they'll be delicious.
That's the same supplier as Alice's Farm uses.
Is it? I really wouldn't know.
I keep asking myself, "Who could use stolen restaurant supplies"? Only another restauranteur.
Those lobster tails came from legitimate sources.
Well, I imagine that Lieutenant Rupp can call the distributor and confirm that these cartons were sold to you.
I may have purchased some supplies that didn't come through regular channels.
But how else can I get lobster and caviar at reasonable prices? But I didn't steal them.
You merely happened to buy them from the thief.
- I'm a businessman.
- And a very resourceful one, Mr.
Reggiore.
[Phone Rings.]
Reggiore Restaurant.
It's for you.
Oh.
Thank you.
Hello? Oh, Grady.
What's happened? You sound terrible.
AuntJess, I don't know what to do.
What's wrong? Has somebody been hurt? - It's happened again.
- Oh, no! Not another murder? No.
I've been dumped! Donna broke off the engagement! She called and said she wouldn't marry me.
Just like that.
[Chattering.]
But, Grady, she must have said something else.
Yeah.
That she was gonna tell her parents and that she loved me.
Boy, you know, I really don't get this at all.
Lfinally find the girl that I love and she says she loves me.
And then she dumps me.
I mean, what's the point? Let me guess- career woman, right? Yeah, how'd you know? You give 'em the key to the executive washroom, and they want your trousers.
Let me buy you a drink.
Bartender, two, uh, gin martinis.
Uh, no.
Make mine a club soda, Harry.
Grady, uh, maybe Donna's scared.
Uh, just like you're scared, maybe more than you are.
[Exhales.]
Impossible.
Nobody could be more scared than me.
- Maybe it's just as well.
- Now, I don't believe that.
And neither do you.
No, really.
I mean, what it really comes down to is, I think I want a wife who will be a wife and will stay at home and raise the kids, have dinner on the table.
I mean, what's wrong with wanting things to be a little old-fashioned? Boy, I hate it when I say stuff like that.
Uh, have you told Donna this? No.
I'd never stand in her way.
I wouldn't wanna hold her back.
Grady, you and Donna have to talk about this.
Now, I know- and I mean I know- that when you do, you're gonna be able to work all this out.
AuntJess, what did you say to Donna in the cab? I haven't seen her since then.
I told her the same thing that I'm telling you now.
You two are perfect for each other.
Now will you go and call her? I tried.
There's no answer at her apartment.
Maybe it was something I said.
Mrs.
Fletcher? I thought I'd find you here.
Can I talk to you for a minute? Oh, certainly.
Alone.
Yes.
I really owe you some thanks.
I checked on Valentino's alibi.
It won't hold minestrone.
So I booked him for the murder.
But, Lieutenant, that doesn't make any sense.
- I mean, what motive would he have? - Revenge.
The victim stole all ofhis customers.
Yes, but Chaz also provided Valentino with stolen goods.
And come to think of it, - how did those goods get to Valentino's? - I see what you're sayin'.
Chaz could not have delivered the lobster to Valentino's last night himself.
Unless Chaz had an associate who picked up the supplies.
Now wait a minute.
Valentino could've come to pick up the stuff and kill Chaz.
Yes, but then why was the front door open this morning? Now what are you saying? Are you saying that Chaz's accomplice had to be somebody with a key? [Harry Laughs.]
Yep, sat right there.
You served Hemingway? Get outta here! Well, I'll prove it to ya, wise guy.
He signed a wine cork for me.
Hey.
Well, where's my pocketknife? Army knife with a screwdriver blade.
You're missing a knife with a screwdriver blade.
So, I'm the only guy in the world ever lost a pocketknife? You are the only guy in the world working in this restaurant who has the key for the front door.
I'm telling you, I had nothin' to do with Chaz's death.
Period.
You sure you saw him with this knife last night? No, I never said that.
But it shouldn't be too difficult to get some prints from it.
Or to persuade Valentino Reggiore to identify his supplier.
Okay, okay.
Look, Chaz and I had a scam, but I didn't kill him.
Now, here's the deal.
I'd come back here after we were closed.
I'd pick up some stuff and deliver it.
Only last night it was, like, weird.
I mean, all the supplies were out, but Chaz was nowhere.
I went to the freezer to pick up another box oflobster tail to complete the order, and there he was.
He was just- just lyin' there on all those crates.
I guess the pocketknife must've dropped outta my pocket as I was backing out.
I'm sorry, fella.
I'm not buyin'.
[Chattering Continues.]
Grady? Maybe it was what I said about just doing what the lieutenant asked us to do.
Well, you're certainly not gonna solve the problem just sitting.
- Why don't we go and find Donna? - Oh, no.
Oh, no.
I can't see her until I've figured this thing out.
I mean, I don't wanna make the same mistake again.
It all seemed so innocent.
I mean, sure I snapped a little when she said she was figuring out the value of the lobster and caviar that was stolen last night.
- Caviar? - Yeah, that's what she said.
You're sure? Well, sure, I'm sure.
Oh, Lord.
What? What's wrong, AuntJess? Grady, I want you to go straight to your apartment.
All right? I'll call you.
Well- AuntJess? I'll call you.
Do you believe that guy said Hemingway signed his cork? [Knocks On Door.]
Jessica.
- I guess Grady told you.
- Yes.
May I come in? Of course.
I was just packing to go to my parents.
Please, Jessica, don't make this any harder.
I love Grady, but I've thought it out, and we're just not right for each other.
Donna, that isn't the real reason you've broken off the engagement, is it? Why else would I? How did you know that caviar was stolen from the restaurant last night? Well, Alice said that it was missing this morning.
All Alice noticed was the lobster.
I only knew about the caviar because Valentino Reggiore told me.
But how else can I get lobster and caviar at reasonable prices? But the only way that I can think that you would have known about that caviar was if you'd been in the kitchen last night and seen Chaz take it.
[Sobs.]
Jessica, I've just been so scared.
Of course, you have.
And here was I thinking that you were all nervous because you were getting married.
In the cab you tried to tell me that you were in trouble.
But I didn't hear you.
It was an accident.
I was defending myself.
But l- I couldn't go to the police.
Why would they believe me? And I couldn't involve Grady.
That's the last thing I'd want.
Donna, people who love each other want to help each other.
And as far as the police believing you, well, I haven't known you much longer than Lieutenant Rupp, and I believe you.
I guess I do have to talk to him, don't I? Believe it or not, it may not be as bad an experience as when you confessed to your father.
[Exhales.]
But why don't you tell me first.
I imagine you first suspected something was wrong when the waiter told us that they were out of caviar.
[Sniffs.]
I had just paid for a delivery yesterday morning.
I was afraid that I had made a mistake so I made the excuse of going to the ladies' room.
But you really went to ask Chaz about it? No, no, no.
You got it all screwed up.
We'll talk about it tomorrow.
But I'm leaving town first thing in the morning.
And he told you to come back later? [Sniffs.]
He said he wouldn't cover for my mistakes.
That's why I didn't tell you or Grady that I was going back to the restaurant.
I guess I was kind of ashamed.
I just assumed that I had screwed up.
[Knocking.]
[Donna Narrating.]
When I came back, he didn't even try to hide anything from me.
There it was- lobster, caviar.
And the ledger- he had already whited-out those entries.
I couldn't understand why he'djust left all that stuff out when he knew that I was coming back.
- Then I realized- - He wanted you to see.
And I suppose he offered to cut you in.
He told me to grow up.
He said that I could make a lot of money.
Well, having an accountant on his side - would've made things much easier for him.
- Of course, I said no.
He was furious! He hit me.
L- The only way I could get him to let go of me was to hit him back.
I tried to run away, but I was so confused and scared, that I took the wrong door.
[Jessica Narrating.]
And you found yourself in the freezer.
[Donna.]
He grabbed me.
He was going to hit me again.
[Jessica.]
And that's when you grabbed the frozen yellowtail? [Donna.]
I just swung at him.
L- I didn't even know what I was doing.
Then you do agree, Lieutenant Rupp, that it really was self-defense.
Looks that way.
But you better talk to the D.
A.
First thing Monday morning.
There's your young man.
Uh, Donna- Uh, just give me a minute, will ya? Excuse me, Lieutenant.
Go on.
Monday morning, young lady.
Oh, geez.
Grady? There's something I've got to confess to you.
No.
No, AuntJess told me all about it on the phone.
Oh, God, you poor kid.
Uh, no, no, no.
No, that's not what I mean.
L-I mean that's only part of it.
What? Grady, honey, I don't want to be an accountant.
I wanna be a wife.
I wanna be your wife.
I think that's gonna work out just fine.
But there's somethin' I gotta confess to you too.
I already met your father, and he fired me.
Oh, that's okay.
I mean, he fires everybody.
He- He probably won't even remember it.
Really? You think? Oh, he fired me once too.
You're kidding.
That's great.
No, I mean that's not great-