Murder, She Wrote s07e03 Episode Script

Don't threaten me.
I've heard it before.
You haven't heard it from me before.
Miss McPhee, I presume.
- How did you know it was me? - Braille.
It must have been hard for you to see him enter a series of marriages, - while you were in love with him.
- That is not true.
It's been years since anybody actually tried to pick me up.
I find that difficult to believe.
You're a visitor in this house.
- Please don't do that.
- What? - This? - Bring that car back here! Ed! You lousy creep.
Ed! Bring that car back here! Come back here! Ed! For better or worse until death do you part.
I don't know about you but I remember when that mean something.
These days young people don't have the same commitment to marriage as our generation did.
Maybe it's modern times or it's the ease with which vows are broken.
Especially with a little help from a divorce lawyer like Truman Calloway.
Surely you've heard of the infamous Mr.
Calloway a man who made his reputation, such as it is, by feeding on the misery of others.
No? Well let me tell you about him.
Mr.
Calloway's office.
Yes.
Good morning Mrs.
Kriegler.
No, I am sorry.
He's with a client right now.
May I have him get back to you? Just one moment I will see if he can talk.
- Yes? - Mrs.
Kriegler on line one sir.
She sounds very upset.
Amy Sue? How you doing this morning darling? He did what? He pushed the sports car over a cliff into a ravine? I think you're right.
Ed's not taking this divorce well at all.
Sure it's a criminal matter.
No darling, I wouldn't go to the police.
and they'll take care of it.
I'm in the middle of an important meeting right now but you just do like I told you and it'll be fine.
Ok? It's nice talking to you.
Bye bye.
Crazy little gal.
She got she's happy, but she's still in love with that jerk.
Where were we? Yes Your wife, the cheese heiress.
Melissa Greenleaf, of the Wisconsin Greenleafs.
She's the old man's granddaughter and she's worth 20 to 25 million.
That was the first thing I checked, before we married 3 years ago.
Mr.
Trixler, this is a little unusual for me.
Normally I represent the aggrieved wives in divorce, not the husbands.
I'm not greedy, Mr.
Collaway.
A lump sum of 3 or 4 million would be fine.
Out of that I'd pay you maybe 10 to 15%.
No, out of that you'd give me a third.
That's if I take the case, which I'm not sure I want to do.
It's easier for a jury to work up sympathy for a neglected wife than for a fortune hunting beach bum.
If you'll excuse my bluntness.
No need to apologize.
We're talking business here.
I'm sure my feelings will survive.
I knew he was gonna do something awful, Mr.
Stanton.
You have to know Ed, he has this terrible temper.
When it gets the best of him, he's just not rational.
As I was saying, I went in and phoned the police, but they didn't find it until it was too late.
They called me first thing this morning and said they found my car in the bottom of a ravine.
It appeared to have been pushed over the edge.
The man actually pushed his car into a gulley and destroyed it.
It was a criminal act, Mr.
Stanton.
The man should be in jail.
But my attorney tells me that's probably not possible.
- Your attorney? - Yes.
Truman Calloway.
- No doubt you've heard of him.
- Who among us hasn't? - But this vehicle you're referring to - A Testarosa.
Yes.
First it's his car, then it's your car, then it's his car It was his car originally.
It was his lifelong dream to own one.
Then in the divorce settlement it became my car.
We insisted on that Mr.
Calloway insisted on it - at my insistence.
- I see.
It's not the way it seems.
I didn't do it out of spite.
I was just hoping that if he'd lost his precious car he might change his mind about the divorce.
So it was his idea to split up.
Yes.
I mean no Actually, I can't remember how it started.
All I know is once it got rolling there was not stopping it.
My lawyers, his lawyers It got so messy.
Well, Mrs.
Kriegler, we do have a small problem here.
This policy was issued in both your names.
Technically your husband I mean your ex husband was destroying his own property for which we are not liable.
- But I just told you - On the other hand if the car was specifically part of the divorce settlement Look, why don't I look into this and see what I come up with.
- Would you? I'd be so grateful.
- Of course.
Anything to help.
- I hope things work out for you.
- Thank you.
You think you'll be able to solve her problem for her? Unlikely, Rhoda.
I'm singularly untrained as a marriage counselor.
Truman! - Darling - Joyce, what a surprise.
I thought you were in LA auditioning for a part? The producer wanted a blond.
I said, "Darling I can be blond, redhead, or bald.
If that's what you want.
" I think his girlfriend got the part.
Darling, you and I have got to talk.
Not now, I'm late for an important lunch.
Then we'll talk on the way.
Now really Truman, you can't be serious about that dreadful prenuptial agreement.
Darling, having had to share my income with 3 previous wives has not made me a happy man.
And I don't intend to make the same mistake again.
- You know I'd never do that to you.
- Good.
Then sign and we'll go to Reno.
- You don't love me.
- I love you enough to pay you 10,000 dollars a month, if it doesn't work out.
Plus a million dollar policy on my life.
Which I've given all my ex wives.
All but Charmaine.
She only got a quarter million.
She was my first and I was poor then.
You were never poor Truman.
Except maybe in spirit.
All you think about is your money.
I honestly don't think you've ever loved anyone.
Perhaps I did once.
But I didn't know it.
Truman Calloway.
Now there's a piece of work.
Once the lawyers get hold of you, you're dead meat.
Odd.
Your ex wife feels the same way.
Yeah.
Real odd, since she hired him.
- Ed, I need your signature.
- About the car Mr.
Kriegler? The only thing I ever really splurged on.
I work 14, 15 hours a day.
I don't have time for country clubs, or yachts or European tours.
What I make I can't even spend.
So why'd she have to take the car? Maybe it was a symbol.
Your work came first, she came second, if at all.
Maybe she was trying to punish you.
Not that I'm an expert.
No, you're not.
Charlie, the cases for Oppenheimer, you gotta get them in by 3, move it.
- Fellas, would you come on? - Ok.
The car.
To keep things simple suppose I pay Amy Sue the price of the car.
- Is that ok? - Fine by me.
Good.
I'll write her a check.
Now you and your company are out of it.
- You'll have to sign a release.
- Whatever.
Excuse me.
Charlie, what are you doing? Waiting for new year’s? Get your butt in first gear.
Ok, Mrs.
Fenton gets the BMW, the condo in Hawaii, the beach house in Malibu, those both fully paid up.
Wait a minute, my client is not about to pay off those mortgages.
- He'll keep up the payments.
- Yeah, but what if he doesn't? Let's keep this clean, Mr.
Briscoe.
- Paid up both properties.
- Come on, Calloway, I can't go back to him with this.
You're killing him.
I understand how devastated he is a TV actress on his arm in a New York disco, weekend in Vegas with Miss 3rd runner up? - You're screwing with the wrong guy.
- Was that a threat Mr.
Briscoe? Listen, 10 years busting my butt in night school, This case is my ticket to the big time.
You make me look bad I'm coming after you.
Personally.
I understand you're and ex cop but don't threaten me.
- I've heard it before.
- Oh yeah? Well you haven't heard it from me before.
Something more Mr.
Calloway? Some coffee? No thank you, Ernie.
Just the check.
Coming right up.
- Hello Truman.
- Charmaine My God, it is you.
I need to talk to you.
If this is a bad time No, no.
Of course not.
Sit down, please.
Ernie.
Well, the last I heard you were living in Milwaukee.
- Still am.
- Sir? - How about some lunch? - No, just coffee please.
- Two.
- Yes sir.
- You look wonderful.
- So do you.
You've put on a little weight.
It looks good.
Yes? Well it feels terrible.
I've almost called you several times, but this is too important I need to talk to you about Jason.
Hello.
Anybody here? That was the second piano concerto by Rachmaninoff played by the London Symphony Orchestra Walter Goehr conducting.
And now, the news.
Prominent attorney Truman Calloway was found dead in his office this morning, the victim of what police call a brutal murder.
He had been working alone in his office last night - Good morning, Rhoda.
- Good morning.
You're got company.
- At this hour? - Amy Sue.
- Amy Sue? - I thought that was wrapped up.
So did I.
You sure got a way about you boss.
- I'll hold your calls.
- So thoughtful.
You're so welcome.
It's my husband Ed, I think he killed Truman Calloway.
- Tell me what happened.
- I don't know.
I mean I'm not sure.
I just can't believe any of this.
Ed's got a temper sure, but I just don't believe he could do it.
What makes you think he did? Because he said he would.
I was home alone last night, when I heard him pull up outside.
Next thing I knew, he was screaming my name so all the neighbors heard.
- He was drunk.
- Amy Sue! So I yelled down at him, Ed, go away.
You'll wake the neighborhood.
- We gotta talk.
- There's nothing to talk about.
- Amy Sue, I love you - You're drunk.
This is just stupid.
You know that? You up there and me down here.
- How'd this happen baby? - You know how it happened.
It's that lawyer It's his fault.
If you hadn't hired that lousy lawyer we'd still be together.
- He made you do it, didn't he? - No! - The hell he didn't! - Keep your voice down.
I'm gonna find that slime ball and I'm gonna kill him.
Ed! Come back here! Ed, don't do anything stupid! Ed! Ed! He did something stupid alright.
As soon as I heard it on the news I called his office.
The police had already been there.
They arrested him.
It's a terrible situation.
I'm afraid to go down there myself.
I don't know what to say.
I thought you being an experienced person in this type of matter - you might be able to talk to him.
- I suppose, but actually, it is none of my business.
But you did say, "anything I can do.
" I did say that, in an offhand sort of way.
Here's the statement from a witness who saw the suspect enter the building last night about 9:30.
Here's a forensic report matching the blood on the door jamb with the victim's and a fingerprint found at the scene matching the suspect's.
And we're checking out a report that the suspect publicly threatened the victim in a drunken argument with his wife about an hour before the murder.
If there's anything else you need, just let me know.
Thank you Lieutenant.
You've been so helpful.
- You sure you don't need these back? - No, those are just copies.
If you need anymore, just let me know.
Well on behalf of Cayuga Life and Casualty, thanks again.
- You've been just terrific.
- My pleasure, Miss.
McPhee.
- Yes? - Lieutenant, this is Brady.
I have a guy here who wants to see you by the name of - Excuse me, what's the name again? - Stanton, Dennis Stanton.
Stanton sir.
Dennis Stanton.
It's about the Calloway homicide.
I've no time to waste with insurance people, tell him to write a letter.
He suggests you contact him by mail sir.
Oh does he? - Stanton - Marcia McPhee, I can't believe it I thought you were surgically attached to your New York office.
And I thought you would be in jail by now.
- Come to give yourself up? - This may come as depressing news but you and I find ourselves in the same line of business.
You? Some insurance company hired you as a claims investigator? It's a condition of my probation.
There are times when I think prison would be preferable.
No argument from me.
So, you're here on a case? In a round about way.
The Calloway killing.
I'm trying to get in to see the suspect.
Kriegler? He didn't do it.
- Who did? - His first wife.
She's the beneficiary on a quarter of a mil' policy.
If you could prove that, it would certainly simplify my life? I can prove it alright.
I've already got the big picture.
I just need to fill in the blanks.
Marcia, it's been far too long since you and I reminisced about the good old days.
Let me buy you lunch, I know this marvelous Italian place.
Forget it Stanton.
There is not way you are horning in on my action.
Even if I needed the help, which I don't.
- I was only being sociable.
- I do remember that.
Do me a favor? Stay out of my way, I'll stay out of yours.
Ok.
Ok.
So I drove over to see him.
- Not smart, in the condition I was in.
- No, it wasn't.
I just wanted to punch his lights out.
But when I got there he was already dead.
I swear! I walked into his office, he was lying on the floor, face down.
I kneeled down, turned him over.
I guess that's when I got blood on my hand.
When I saw what happened, I felt sick.
I backed off.
I must have touched the doorway on my way out.
I was drunk, but not so drunk I was about to call the cops.
I see.
What time was it? - It's the truth.
- Do you have a good attorney? My company lawyer, he's finding me somebody.
Anyway, you said something about a release I need to sign? - It can wait.
- I thought that's why you're here.
I'm here at the request of your wife, Mr.
Kriegler.
- She's very worried about you.
- Ex wife.
There's something you should know.
She firmly believes in your innocence.
That's quite a lady you had there.
It's a pity the way things worked out.
I'll be in touch.
Time's up.
Let's go.
Yes I'm afraid your husband is there, Mrs.
Hammersmith.
I spoke to the private detective last night as he went to supper.
Mrs.
Hammersmith, I really can't discuss this right now.
I will add his report to the files and ship them to your new attorney as soon as you retain one.
Yes, thank you.
We are all going to miss Mr.
Calloway.
Yes, he was a wonderful man.
Goodbye.
- Good afternoon.
May I help you? - I hope so.
Miss Davies? Karen Davies, that's Mz.
- Mz - I was Mr.
Calloway's secretary.
Yes I know.
I'm very sorry.
- Not as much as I am, Mr? - Stanton.
Dennis Stanton.
I'm with the insurance company.
Forgive me, that man who just left, I know I've met him somewhere I hope not in the courtroom.
- Joseph Briscoe.
- Yes, the attorney.
He had to extend his condolences I suppose.
Are you working with Miss McPhee, Mr.
Stanton? Well as a matter of fact, we just chatted about the case an hour ago at police headquarters.
She mentioned something about Mr.
Calloway's first wife.
Charmaine Yes, she flew into town early yesterday from Milwaukee.
She hadn't seen Truman in over 20 years and all the sudden she pops up, then he winds up dead.
She is in line to inherit a quarter of a million dollars.
A very funny coincidence, wouldn't you say? Staggering.
Though I suspect that over the years Mr.
Calloway probably incurred the wrath of a great many people.
Incensed ex husbands, for example.
Is there something I can do for you? I don't suppose Mr.
Calloway had an appointment with someone last night.
Not that I know of.
I left around 6:30 and he was still in his office working alone.
I see.
How about a list of all the people he was in contact with I gave this list to Miss McPhee.
So you did, but her purse was stolen as she left police headquarters.
The audacity of thieves these days is unbelievable.
She asked me to stop by and collect a duplicate.
Thank you Mrs.
Davies.
There are 17 names on this list.
Rhoda, I don't want their life stories just find out all you can about their activities in the past couple of days.
Just in case I'm asked does this come under the heading of official company business? - Of course.
- But it isn't even our case.
No, but Ed Kriegler is.
And he refuses to sign the release form while he remains in jail.
You see? For the good of the company, I have to pursue this.
Dennis, you gotta stop being a sucker for a pretty face.
I'll try to remember that the next time you hit me up for a raise.
He was having lunch with Briscoe.
Also a lawyer.
- A real bad news guy.
- I've run across him a few times.
You say Briscoe threatened Mr.
Calloway? Yeah, and he meant it too.
Briscoe's and ex cop, got his degree in night school.
He eats here a lot.
Thanks, Ernie.
If President Jackson's got a twin brother, I can give you chapter two.
- Chapter two.
- See that woman over there? The one who's just leaving? Calloway's ex wife.
When Briscoe left she walked up to the table and he sure was surprised.
- And they talked about? - Wouldn't know.
It got busy.
Exquisite pair of gloves.
I hate to interrupt you lunch, but may I ask a special favor? Hello, excuse me.
You left your gloves on the table.
Those aren't my gloves.
I was sure that was the table you were seated at.
I couldn't help but notice an attractive women eating alone.
What a silly mistake.
I do apologize.
- No harm done.
- You must be new to our city? The food in that place is terribly overpriced and the quality marginal.
Really? I ate there yesterday and enjoyed it so much I came back today.
Still, I could name you at least a dozen restaurants where the culinary arts are staggering.
This is San Francisco after all.
Excuse me, shouldn't you be returning those gloves? There's no rush Mrs.
Calloway.
You know who I am.
Now I am disappointed.
It's been years since anyone actually tried to pick me up.
I found that difficult to believe.
There is a reason behind the subterfuge.
Can we chat about it over a cappuccino? Miss McPhee, I presume.
How did you know it was me? - Braille.
- Funny.
Did you find what you were looking for? If not I'd be happy to help out.
From you, I have no secrets.
No? Then what were you doing with Charmaine Calloway this afternoon Outside Madeo's restaurant? Who were you trailing? Her or me? - just answer the question? - I was pumping her for information.
- Would you like a brandy? - No thank you.
- White wine perhaps? - No.
At least sit down and stop fidgeting.
You do want to know what we discussed don't you? Where you aware that she had a lunchtime conversation at Madeo's yesterday with her husband? So she did go see him? I knew it.
They had quite a chat about a very personal matter.
I need to talk to you about Jason.
I've told you.
I have no wish to talk about that young man.
Are you still so jealous after 25 years? I'm not responsible, financially or otherwise for another man's son.
Years ago you made a choice.
Have the guts to accept it.
I didn't leave you for another man.
I left you because your career was the only thing in your life.
There wasn't any room for me let alone children.
That's why I went back to Milwaukee.
I didn't even meet Bill for 6 months after that.
He didn't even have the decency to marry you.
He disappeared one day leaving you with a - four month year old son? - He didn't just disappear.
His newspaper sent him to Vietnam to cover the war.
One day he accompanied a patrol into the hills and none of them were seen of heard from again.
I'm sorry.
I didn't know that.
As for marrying me, I wasn't about to make that mistake again.
I gave Jason Bill Thompson's name, out of love and respect.
And I'm very proud of the way he's turned out.
- It's a shame you haven't met him.
- Nor do I intend to.
And I don't intend to pay for his way through medical school.
Whatever put a ridiculous idea like that in your head? Have you forgotten who worked so that you could get through law school.
I see.
It's payback time.
Call it that if you will.
I haven't asked very much of you, but I am asking you now.
Jason is a brilliant young man who deserves a future.
- No.
- You owe me that.
I don't owe you a thing, not a thing.
You left me when I needed you.
You went back home.
You had another man's son.
The son you should have given me.
No, you made your choice.
You live with it.
That was the last time Charmaine Calloway saw her ex husband alive.
Except for those moments just before she killed him.
- I seriously doubt that.
- Please Stanton.
Don't you see? You have given me the missing piece.
The motive.
Why now after all these years would she kill him? - For the kid.
- She was in a hotel room - from nine onwards.
- And she's got witnesses for it? Don't let your libido get in the way of your good judgment, amigo.
Nice women turn into axe murderers when their children are involved.
- This woman is not exception.
- Alright.
For the moment, let's assume I'm wrong, and you're right.
That leaves you with a major problem.
Ed Kriegler.
Lt.
Catalano has slammed the cell shut and tossed away the key.
This won't be the first time I've proven a cop wrong.
Marcia, since we share the same objective, proving Ed Kriegler innocent, what do you say we join forces? With you? You've got to be kidding On the contrary.
I'm totally serious.
Stanton, it'll be a cold day in the Congo when I join forces with a second story man.
Like I said before.
You stay out of my face, I'll stay out of yours.
- Mr.
Stanton.
- Mr.
Briscoe.
You know my name? Good.
That'll save lots of time.
Please come in.
I'd offer you some breakfast, but I've just finished.
Let's not waste time, Mr.
Stanton.
You've been asking questions about me regarding Calloway's murder? - I don't like it.
- I'm sorry about that.
You made yourself a suspect when you threatened him publicly.
I worked as a cop for 18 years.
You pal, work for an insurance company.
- Homicide is out of your league.
- I think that's for me to decide.
I'm warning you, you quit poking around.
You're a visitor in this house.
Please don't do that.
What? This? I'm trying to get through to you.
I did ask you nicely.
And by the way, there's a nasty lump here under your coat.
Didn't your mother tell you it's dangerous to play with guns? - I got a permit for that.
- Not in my house you don't.
Now we were discussing the murder of Truman Calloway.
- I didn't kill him.
- You didn't any waste time going to his office the morning after.
May I ask why? That's none of your business.
How do these things work? I have the worst time with pistols.
- Take it easy with that thing.
- I shot myself in the foot once.
- You were saying? - Ok.
I went to see Calloway's squeeze, that bimbo that works in his office.
Karen, his between marriage snack.
I was trying to steer some action to this lawyer I know.
I see A friend of yours who would politely cooperate and let you win.
Business is business.
The dumb broad told me to get lost.
Then I'd say she's not so dumb.
What did you mean by "between marriage snack"? Just what I said.
Between wives, she was his action.
It's not like it was big news.
It is to me.
Thanks so much, Mr.
Briscoe.
Should you call again, leave your friend at home.
That's right Miss Perkins, from the zoo.
We found a wallet yesterday in the lake with the polar bears it's awfully waterlogged, but as best we can make out it belongs to a man named Pendergast.
Out of town? Are you sure about that? Since last Tuesday.
It's ok.
The wallet wasn't his.
Sorry to bother you.
Excellent work Rhoda, you have a wonderful gift for deceit.
If you ever decide to switch careers.
Thanks, but if I ever go to another Tarzan movie, it'll be too soon.
- Did you come up with anything? - Mostly zip.
Except for the little man who wasn't there, or rather, he was there but he isn't there now.
Try that in my good ear, I think I missed something? A guy named Johnny Trixler.
Young, beach boy type, according to the secretary.
He had an appointment with Calloway the morning of the day he died.
He claimed to be married to a Wisconsin cheese heiress name Greenleaf.
Greenleaf? Greenleaf? Don't strain, there is no such lady, no cheese company, and no Trixler.
His address was a phony, so was his phone number.
And the hotel he said he was staying never heard of him.
What? Wisconsin you say? Wisconsin he said.
- What is it? - I'm not sure.
Just a thought.
Plenty of coffee Just a minute.
Yes.
Alright.
Thank you.
Jason, for heaven's sake, what are you doing here? I came to see my favorite girl.
How are you Mom? I'm fine.
But I thought you had finals.
No, not until next week.
I called home a couple days ago and Aunt Tess said you had come out here to see him.
- I had to.
- You didn't have to.
We didn't need him then and we certainly have no use for him now.
- Then you heard? - Yeah.
It was on TV this morning.
I caught the first flight out of O'Hare I could.
Got in about an hour ago.
It's funny how things work.
All those years, not a word from the guy and now, all of the sudden, you're gonna have enough money to live like a queen for the rest of your life.
Rhoda.
Are you sure this thing's working? That fax machine is set, and ready to receive.
How long can it take our Chicago office to locate one photograph? First they have to go to the university, contact the dean, If you don't mind, I think you're going for a 3 pointer from mid court.
Why? Because I think Johnny Trixler and Jason Thompson are one in the same? They have the same initials? Johnny Trixler also claimed to be engaged to a Wisconsin cheese heiress who doesn't really exist.
But Wisconsin does.
And where do Charmaine and her son reside? Milwaukee.
More coincidence, like I said: A hail Mary from the end zone.
Here it comes.
Incredible.
Such an innocent face.
I don't know.
There's something in the eyes.
Well dear, with any luck I'll save the company 85,000 dollars.
If you need me, I'll stop by the lawyer's office then to the lady's hotel, where, with any luck I hope to intrude on a family reunion.
I talked to the registrar at Hopkins.
They still have the opening.
All we have to do is send a check by next Wednesday.
I can get into Med School.
I thought you'd be excited.
I am Jason.
It's wonderful.
But it's just so awful that it had to happen this way.
You're not gonna tell me you still cared for that money hungry jerk.
You have no right to say that.
- You didn't even know him.
- You talked about him enough.
And I read the newspapers.
Anyway that insurance policy is part of your divorce settlement.
- You're entitled to the money.
- She certainly is.
- Mr.
Stanton.
- Hello again Mrs.
Calloway.
This must be your son.
May I join you? I'm Dennis Stanton, Mr.
Thompson.
Or is it Trixler? I meet so many people I find them hard to keep them sorted out.
I don't believe anyone invited you to sit down, Mr.
Stanton.
Jason don't be rude.
No, not rude, self-protective.
Does your mother know what you've been up to? I somehow suspect she doesn't.
So one of us had better explain before you go to the police.
Police? What are you talking about? Jason? What's going on here? On the day he was killed, your ex consulted with a prospective client named Johnny Trixler, who was seeking a divorce from a non-existent heiress.
The secretary identified this photo.
Ok.
So I flew in a couple of days ago.
Mom, I knew you’d beg him for the money for my Med School.
I wanted to find out what he was like without him knowing who I was.
Why didn't you tell me? Because he ended up dead.
You know how it looks, don't you? - Why else is he here? - Why else indeed? Did you kill him.
- No.
- The police may think otherwise.
- What a ridiculous idea.
- I'm afraid not.
Your son certainly had a motive.
He may even have had opportunity.
Or do you have an alibi for the time he was killed? Mom, I swear to God, I didn't kill him.
Do you want me to take a lie detector test? - You may have your chance.
- Excuse me Stanton.
I'm sorry to interrupt your lunch.
No bother Lieutenant.
Mr.
Thompson, I'm Lt.
Catalano San Francisco Police.
I wonder if you'd mind coming with us? I've got a few questions for you.
- Yeah, sure.
- Jason - I'll be ok Mom.
- Mrs.
Calloway, could you join us? We've got a few questions for you too.
You, I don't need.
Well, did I call it Stanton? Very nice work Miss McPhee.
You were right behind me.
Actually I was right ahead of you.
But I stop to call in the police.
- What can I say? - You might try thank you.
My investigation got your Mr.
Kriegler off the hook.
Thank you Marcia.
I just wish I shared your unswerving certainty of Mr.
Thompson's guilt.
Dennis, please.
This is dead bang.
Open and shut.
Maybe one of these days we'll sit down over a drink and I'll explain it all to you.
Now that I've been transferred here to the San Francisco office? Have you? I suppose that means we'll be seeing a lot of each other.
Not if I can help it.
Bye.
- How'd it go? - Predictably.
Marcia McPhee and Lt.
Catalano were 20 minutes behind me.
Now young Thompson should be looking for a good lawyer.
Excuse me, would you like to see the paper? Yes.
Just the piece on Hammersmith, thank you.
Yeah, Mr.
Oil Baron.
He's a real sweetheart of a guy.
The Honolulu police just locked him up for trying to turn a Waikiki nightclub into a war zone.
Honolulu "Jerome Hammersmith arrested shortly before midnight along with his companion, Judith Thayer, 26, fashion model" Dennis, what is it? You've got that look on your face.
Indeed I do Rhoda.
Unless I'm terribly mistaken, Miss McPhee is in for a very rude disappointment.
Hello again.
Mr.
Stanton, so it's you? I came to say thank you.
That photo you identified.
The young man has been placed under arrest for - your employer's murder.
- I'm glad I could help.
Packing up? There's nothing left to do.
I am a working girl, out of work.
So I suppose - it's time to get on with it.
- I suppose it'd be difficult.
You worked for Mr.
Calloway for a great many years.
More than I care to admit.
But they were good times.
I was very happy here.
Even during his marriages? I admire your forbearance.
- What is that supposed to mean? - It must have been difficult for you watching him enter a series of marriages while you loved him.
That is not true! Our relationship was professional.
- Nothing more.
- This latest fling of his must have been particularly galling.
Miss Templeton, obvious fortune hunter.
When you realized he planned to marry her, it was too much to bear.
- If you will excuse me.
- He must have told you his decision in the office that night.
In a rage, you picked up the letter opener - and stabbed him.
- This is ridiculous.
I told you I was not here.
I left around 6:30.
The police say Mr.
Calloway was killed around 9:30 or 10:00.
That is true, but you were here Miss Davies.
Do you remember the first time I came to this office? You were talking to a client.
Mrs.
Hammersmith.
I spoke to the private detective last night, Mrs.
Hammersmith, I caught him just as he was going to supper.
Yes I'm afraid your husband is there.
Your PI had Mr.
Hammersmith under surveillance in Hawaii.
People in Hawaii do many exotic things in the mid afternoon, scuba diving, surfing, even pearl diving, but supper at 3:00, hardly.
But if as you said on the phone, he'd been going to supper, I must have been 6:00 Honolulu time which is 9:00 San Francisco time.
You see my point? I haven't yet had a chance to check the phone records but I believe they will bear out my contention.
You're wrong, Mr.
Stanton, and I'm going to prove it.
Miss Davies, I'd be very disappointed if I find a gun in this purse.
Very disappointed indeed, Miss Davies.
I don't know how to thank you, Mr.
Stanton.
You saved my hide.
I hate to lose a valuable client, Mr.
Kriegler.
Chalk it up as good business.
I'm afraid I haven't been much of a client.
- By the way, where's that waver? - It's right here.
Use my back.
Well, goodbye.
I'm sure you can grab a cab.
- Can't I buy you lunch or something.
- No.
Sorry.
Rhoda and I have to discuss business with Lt.
Catalano.
- Good luck.
- Well, thanks again.
Ed.
You're as tough as marshmallow pie.
Did you ever read Henry VI part 2? - No, I must have missed that.
- Act 4 scene 2, Dick the butcher says: "The first thing we do let's kill all the lawyers.
" Do you think Shakespeare had those two in mind when he wrote that?