Murder, She Wrote s07e20 Episode Script

You may be holding vital evidence.
What I'm holding is the pitchfork that killed Jacob Beiler.
Tonight on "Murder, she wrote" Or have you finally mastered the violence that shamed you? Want to step outside and see? When I left the barn I thought I heard someone outside.
- You'll arrest me? I didn't kill him.
- You've got nothing to worry about.
Papa! Papa! It's not the baby.
It's an offence against God's most holy law.
It's beautiful.
It's like stepping back in time.
These farms haven't changed much in a hundred years.
Neither have the people.
Sorry, I forgot you don't smoke.
It's a habit I never acquired, although my husband smoked a pipe sometimes.
Like my father.
He carved himself out of some cherry wood.
Frank would envy that, he appreciated handmade things.
Must run in the family.
Traveling A handmade Amish quilt for my nephew's anniversary.
Honestly Reuben, you didn't have to spend your Sunday driving me.
You're my publisher's liaison man, not my chauffeur.
This is really above the call of duty.
Not if I get you to look at the contracts the New York office faxed.
While you're in Philadelphia, your comfort is my top priority.
Reuben! Mrs.
Fletcher, are you all right? - I survived.
What about you? - Fine.
Soon as I get the kid who did this.
Stupid Amish kid! I hope he didn't break the front axle or we're in for a walk.
Reuben, what is it? My back, muscle spasm.
Is there anything I can do? Do you have a muscle relaxer? I'll go and get help.
I'll be back as soon as I can.
Before we ask the Lord to end the draught that plagues our land, let us offer a silent prayer to reaffirm our faith in His judgment and mercy.
- I'm sorry to disturb you.
- We are at prayer.
- The souvenirs you buy in town.
- I don't want them, I need help.
- What is it, Jacob? - There's been an accident.
Hitch up your wagon, Jacob.
Please, come in.
Thank you.
There's been an accident, a buggy and a car.
Jacob is getting his wagon, but we may need help.
Excuse me.
You said a young man was driving the buggy? - Yes.
- He's hurt? No, at least he didn't seem when he drove away.
He was not hurt and and he didn't stay to help? I think he was more shaken than we were.
"Danke".
If you would ride with me, please, we can lead the way.
- Yes, of course.
Thank you.
- Bishop Burkhart.
- I thought this can be of use.
- Ja, gut, Mrs.
Beiler.
Bring it and come with us.
Reuben, it's Jessica! I brought help.
The wagon's ready.
Hello, Jacob.
Perhaps you could get him to the house and call a doctor.
We're Amish.
The nearest phone is halfway to town.
There must be something we can do.
There are some herbs that will help.
Bring him to the house.
- I'll gather some.
- No, Rebecca.
This man is shunned.
Take him to the house.
He'll be better once he gets some rest.
- Please, let me do this.
- Only if I can help.
I really appreciate this, few people would help someone they don't know.
Although I take it Reuben Stoltz is hardly a stranger around here.
He was born and raised in the faith.
We grew up together.
- Reuben is Amish? - Not any more.
When a man turns his face from God, he must be shunned.
The Bishop lifted his shunning until he is able to leave.
That will depend on the condition of Reuben's car.
Could you tell how damaged it was? Work is verboten on the Sabbath.
Yes, of course.
I was telling your wife how very kind you have been.
So if you point me in the direction of town, I'll find a garage.
The only garage in town is closed on Sundays.
Really? Well, You are welcome to stay until Jacob can take you to town in the morning.
That's very kind, but I don't want to impose.
It's no imposition.
Christ bade us put charity above all else.
Isn't that so? My wife is right.
Christian charity demands our hospitality.
I've never tasted an apple dumpling quite like this.
- What do you call it? - "Schnitz und Knepp".
- Well, it's delicious.
- It's plain, but nourishing.
It reminds me of that joke we played on Daniel Shuler.
Joke? In a softball game when he came up to bat I switched the ball for a white-washed apple.
I'll never forget his face when it splattered all over the place.
It's a sin.
Wasting an apple that God intended us to eat.
I'm sure the Lord wouldn't begrudge a harmless joke.
No, but Jacob would.
Wouldn't you? Seems like some things never change.
You being the best example? Or have you finally mastered the violence that shamed you? - Want to step outside and see? - Reuben, please.
Franz.
Ethan.
Please, come in.
- "Guten Abend", Rebecca.
- Guten Abend.
Mrs.
Fletcher, this is our neighbor, Franz Kaufmann, and his son, Ethan.
Ethan? You've grown.
I didn't recognize you when you nearly run us down.
Still free with your accusations? - Mrs.
Fletcher, you saw him too.
- Yes, I'm sorry to say I did.
We wouldn't come at supper, but Ethan has something to say.
I didn't mean to.
Really.
I didn't see you till it was late.
I was just so Anyhow, I'm sorry.
And whatever the cost to fix the car, I'll pay.
- Thank you, Ethan.
- It seems fair to me.
Ethan.
You haven't heard from me yet.
I'm sorry for leaving worship, but I heard all that before.
I spoke for your benefit.
I'm tired of hearing that all young people aren't worthy.
You should discipline the boy.
A two month curfew will give him time to repent.
Two months? - Two months is too much, Jacob.
- Spare the rod, spoil the child.
All I have since Esther died is that child.
I'll tell you plain.
Whatever it takes, I will not let you drive him away.
We go.
- You go, Papa, I'm going to walk.
- Ethan.
You are wrong, it is God's will that you do this thing.
No, Papa.
It is Jacob Beiler's will.
He speaks for God.
Then he speaks for a God I want no part of.
- Do not blaspheme.
- Papa.
Can't you see what he is? He is cold, self-righteous, mean-spirited.
Rueben was right to run away.
Is that what you will do, run away? - Then you are no son of mine.
- Papa, please.
He doesn't leave me any choice.
The old ways, Papa, they're fine for you.
But I'm not going to live my whole life with someone like Jacob telling me what I can and cannot do.
Franz, did I just see Ethan running into the woods? "Ja".
Bishop, you and me, we need to talk.
- What is the problem? - Jacob Beiler is the problem.
He just gave my son a two month curfew.
Two months? I will talk to him.
And will you talk to him in a month, and in six, and a year from now? He doesn't speak for God, he speaks only for himself.
- Something must be done about him.
- That will not be easy.
- He is an elder.
- For now, "ja".
But maybe not for long.
The towels are by the basin, and fresh soap and water.
I'll be fine, really.
- I wonder what happened to Reuben? - What do you mean? He said he needed to walk, but that was over an hour ago.
I wouldn't worry, he has always liked to walk.
He knows the land around for miles.
If you're settled, I'm to bed.
If you need anything else, Jacob will be up another hour.
Mrs.
Fletcher.
Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, but I left my bag somewhere.
There it is.
Good night, then.
I'll be honest, Mrs.
Fletcher, I've never seen anything like it.
But I can tell you one thing: whoever hang him up on that pole - had to be strong and an outsider.
- An outsider? The Amish don't believe in violence, It's against their religion.
Murder is against everyone's religion, Sheriff.
Please, trust me.
These Amish fellows are supposed to be beaten to a pulp rather than put up a fight.
I can't see any of them stabbing somebody with a pitchfork.
Jacob was killed with a pitchfork? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned it.
I'd be grateful if you didn't also.
At least until the coroner confirms it.
Rebecca, I came as soon as I heard.
Jacob was a good man.
You can be sure he walks with God.
- Thank you, Bishop.
- Mrs.
Beiler, Rebecca.
I'm truly sorry.
It's been a terrible shock, but I was hoping you'd answer some questions.
For God's sake.
You see how upset she is - Can't it wait? - If it could, it would.
Can you tell me when it was that you last saw him alive? Last night.
He stayed down here to count the collection and I took Mrs.
Fletcher to her room.
I was tired, so I went to bed.
After you went to the barn.
To the barn? I'm sorry, but I saw you when I pulled down the shades in my bedroom.
Yes, I remember.
li went to check up on Annie.
Annie? - Who is Annie? - My cat.
Her first litter is due any time now.
But she was well and I came up to bed.
- You turn in too? - Not right away.
I took a walk.
Got back around ten.
Nobody was up, so I went to bed.
It seems Mrs.
Fletcher was the last one to see Jacob when she came to get her purse around nine.
Did you see or hear anything unusual last night? Don't you think we would have told you? Take it easy, Mr.
Stoltz.
A temper like yours can lead to trouble.
But I guess you know about that.
The Sheriff is only doing his job as he sees fit, Reuben.
I've got a job too and that's seeing that Mrs.
Fletcher gets back to Philadelphia.
- I'm sure we can work something out.
- No problem.
There's a bus that leaves for Philadelphia at two o'clock.
I'll have one of my boys run you into town for a ticket.
Thank you, Sheriff, that's very kind.
Thank you, but as soon as my car is fixed, I'll drive her back.
You want to fix your car that's fine with me.
About leaving town, don't even think about it.
Or what? You'll arrest me? On what charge? I didn't kill him.
Then you've got nothing to worry about.
I'm sorry.
I drive you to get a quilt and look what you get.
Please don't worry.
I'll be fine.
The least I can do is pay the ticket.
Nonsense.
I would have taken the bus anyway if you hadn't driven me.
I thought that coming back a big shot would prove something.
I don't know.
- At least let me pay the ticket.
- Don't be silly.
Find out when you can pick up the car and I'll join you when I'm finished.
Okay? Okay.
Hello, Ethan.
- May I help you? - Yes, thank you.
Did I see you at the prayer meeting sitting at the back? Ja, that was me.
Would you like a quilt? I want to take one to my nephew for his wedding anniversary, but they're all so beautiful I can't make up my mind.
But I think I like this one best.
Ja, that's my favorite too.
It seems very reasonable.
Can I give you a check for it? "Ja".
I don't want to carry it around all day.
Would you mind holding it until my bus leaves this afternoon? - I'll wrap it and put your name on it.
- Thanks.
I'll give you a hand.
When is your baby due? Are you all right? Well, why don't we have a little sit down for a minute? - I'm sorry.
- Please, don't apologize.
I've heard having a baby can be an emotional rollercoaster, right? It's not the baby.
Something terrible has happened.
An offence against God's most holy law.
It's about Jacob Beiler, isn't it? - Do the police know who did it? - Not yet, they're working on it.
The Sheriff says he can find a needle in a haystack, so it won't take him long to search the barn.
I think Sheriff Haynor is exaggerating a little bit, but I'm sure they're doing their best.
I'll put your package in the back.
Now, if you folks keep the car aligned to my truck, every thing will be okay.
Thanks, I couldn't' have done it without you.
I feel useless, not being able to help.
Glad to be of help.
You just take care of that back.
Those mailboxes didn't do your car any good, Reuben.
Or vice-versa.
Got a smoke? Thanks.
Got a light? You got a problem, Mr.
Stoltz? I thought you might have seeing as we found this out in Jacob Beiler's barn.
We also found some hay stained with what I bet is Jacob's blood.
What we haven't found is the pitchfork that killed him.
But I sure found the man that used it.
Reuben Stoltz, you're under arrest for the murder of Jacob Beiler.
I've got a lawyer friend who will tear this case to shreds.
Yes, you may have to try to reach him.
He's out until tomorrow.
When he hears he'll get to work on this.
From the looks of it he's going to have to.
I know how it looks.
I hated him.
Everybody knew it.
But I didn't kill him.
Reuben, I have to admit that I found the open hostility between you very puzzling.
Jacob is the man who had me shunned.
Violence is contrary to the Amish laws.
Five years ago, Jacob and I had a fight.
Not just words, a physical fight.
When I couldn't repent my actions he had me shunned.
Is that why you went away? You know what is to be shunned? It's like being dead.
People you've known all your life, people you love can't look at you, or talk to you, or even sit near you.
It's like being dead.
Only the body doesn't know it.
It keeps on eating, sleeping, working, until one day you wonder: why? what's the point? That's why I left.
About your quarrel with Jacob it takes two to fight.
Did he defend himself? - Yes, but I nearly killed him.
- Why? - I mean, what was it about? - He said some things I still can't repeat.
But I've never touched him since.
Unfortunately, Sheriff Haynor doesn't seem to agree.
And finding you cigarette lighter in the barn didn't help.
I told him I had a cigarette in the barn after my walk.
I must have forgotten it on my way to bed.
In that case, since no one else smokes, I'm sure the police will find a cigarette butt to prove it.
No.
I tossed the cigarette out on my way back to the house and with all the comings and goings I doubt they will find it.
You may be right.
But I think that you know more than what you are saying.
- Are you accusing me, too? - No, no.
I want to help you.
But for that you're going to have to trust me with the truth.
You want the truth? I didn't kill him! That's the truth.
Reuben's in jail? That's why I came back.
I thought if there is anything else you might remember about last night - it might help him.
- I told them everything I know.
- You heard me.
- I heard you tell the Sheriff that you went to the barn to check on your cat, but the way you crossed the yard looking frightened at the house I sensed there was more to it than tending a pet.
I'm only asking for the truth.
It's the only thing that will help.
But, don't you see.
It'll just make things worse.
Please, Rebecca.
Last night, what happened in the barn? It was all my fault.
Reuben.
No, Reuben, please.
Things are different now.
You left and I married Jacob.
When I heard I couldn't believe it.
I knew you’d be married one day, but Jacob It seems strange, I know.
But he was kind when I needed it most.
Your shunning tore me apart.
But when you left, it nearly killed me.
Jacob was there to pick up the pieces.
Jacob was always there.
If you asked me here to sing his praises No.
I asked you to come because I know what happened between you.
He told you? Not until after we were married.
He bragged about how he deliberately goaded you into that fight.
- I don't understand.
- Telling you I was a tramp.
That I betrayed you with him the night you missed the Krueller's barn dance.
Terrible lies.
He knew you’d do anything to stop him from spreading them.
He wanted me to fight? He knew you’d not repeat his words not to hurt my reputation.
And without a full confession you could never repent.
So the Bishop would be forced to have you shunned.
Don't you see? He wanted you shunned.
He wanted me himself.
My God.
- What kind of man is he? - That's not for us to judge.
You must confess the provocation and repent.
- Reuben, you can come back home.
- How? How can I repent something I've never been sorry I did? I fought to save you from what happened to me and I would do it again.
But I can't lie to God, Bec.
No.
Not even to be near you.
So this is what you do behind my back.
- Jacob, it's not what you think.
- No, of course not.
Simple Christian charity, ja? Does my wife's hospitality extend to our bed? No, Reuben.
No, not again.
Please, not for me.
- You wrong me, Jacob.
- Go back to the house.
- You don't understand.
- Go! I must think on this.
The clock was chiming 9:30 when I came in.
I would have never left Jacob alone if I had known.
Of course not, but why did he go to the barn? He must have seen I wasn't in bed and came looking for me.
But when I left the barn I thought I heard someone outside.
I never saw who it was, but, who else could it have been but Reuben? He must have pretended to leave and waited until I was gone.
I'm not so sure.
When I came to find my purse Jacob was reading a note.
It may not mean anything, but I noticed him trying to hide the note in the collection box.
We could have a look at it.
But I don't have the box.
Franz Kaufmann offered to take charge of it this morning.
Ethan? Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.
I was hoping to speak to your father.
He's not here.
It seems you're not planning on staying around much longer.
I'm not going back on my promise, if that's what you think.
I said I'd pay for the car and I will.
Whatever the cost, I'll send it.
I'm not worried about the money.
But if your leaving has anything to do with Jacob's death Jacob's death? You were thinking of running away? I'm not running away, Papa.
I'm leaving.
Running away, leaving.
It's all the same.
A guilty man can never escape the eyes of God.
- What are you talking about? - Mr.
Kaufmann, please.
You may be holding a vital evidence that the police will want to examine.
What I'm holding is the pitchfork that killed Jacob.
- Where did you find it? - The cave by the river.
- Where my son put it.
- No! "Thou shalt not kill", sayeth the Lord.
"Do violence to no man.
" Yet you have raised your hand and killed Jacob Beiler.
God help me, I must take you in.
I don't know about that pitchfork.
I didn't do it! Papa, make them believe it! Papa! Papa! Papa! Papa! You're a lucky guy, you know that? Most men would have left you to fry Than to see their own son convicted for murder.
Something on your mind? No.
Where do I sign? Bottom line.
Once I get my briefcase, we'll be in Philadelphia in no time.
There's really no rush.
I mean I'd rather we arrive in one piece than set any new world records.
Sorry.
Guess my mind's somewhere else.
Since the Sheriff released you you've seemed preoccupied.
Have I? It's terrible for the Kaufmann's, but I thought you'd be relieved to know Ethan has been arrested for it.
He's just a dumb Amish kid.
What does he know about murder? A great deal, according to how Sheriff sees it.
Haynor couldn't see the floor if he fell flat on his face.
Unfortunately, I'm afraid young Ethan is in for a fall.
- But that's crazy.
- Why, Reuben? How can you be so sure that he's not guilty? - I just am, that's all.
- No, that's not all.
The way you've acted since they locked up Ethan.
What is it? Why are you so sure they're wrong? Because he's telling the truth.
Ethan didn't hide the pitchfork.
I did.
You hid the pitchfork? Please, don't ask me to explain.
I can't say anymore.
Rebecca already has.
- What did she tell you? - Everything.
Up until she came back to the house about nine thirty.
Including that she heard somebody outside the barn.
- Well, it couldn't have been me.
- Why not? Innocent people are being hurt.
If you know something, please, you've got to tell me.
I wouldn't have gone back if I hadn't seen the lantern burning.
I went to check.
I got to the barn and went in.
That's when I saw Jacob.
I tried to help him, but it was too late.
As I looked at him, I knew Haynor would think I killed him because of what happened between us.
I knew I had to hide his body someplace where it couldn't be found until after I had gone.
The scarecrow idea had come in a flash.
What better idea than to hide his body in plain sight.
Then clean my prints off the pitchfork and chuck it a cave I used to play in as a kid.
I didn't count on your early morning walks or your sharp eyes.
Still, there's something that puzzles me.
If you wanted to protect yourself, why dispose of him in such a way? Sheriff was bound to think that only a man could have done it.
I don't follow.
I believe you moved the body to protect someone.
The same person you protected five years ago: Rebecca.
Do you believe that Rebecca could kill her own husband? No.
But you do.
Reuben.
God be praised, you are out of jail.
Yes, long enough to take Mrs.
Fletcher to Philadelphia.
Then I'll be back to make sure Ethan is released.
Ethan Kaufmann? His father found the pitchfork in a cave Ethan often went to.
What pitchfork? - Jacob was killed with a pitchfork? - Bec, I thought you knew.
The Sheriff wanted to keep it quiet a while.
In fact, no one knew Jacob had been killed like that.
Until Haynor arrested you.
My goodness.
Is something wrong? Yes, with me.
For not having realized sooner.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I'll get your quilt.
It's not about the quilt, Sarah.
But I think you know that.
I don't understand.
Neither do I, but with you help, I'll do my best to try.
- Try to what? - Understand why you killed Mr.
Beiler.
I'm sorry, I can only try to guess the circumstances behind it, but it was you, wasn't it? I knew the police would find me out, I only had to wait.
The police know nothing about this.
Then how did you know? I didn't until I remembered something you said this morning.
Haynor says he can find a needle in a haystack, so it won't take him long to search the barn.
Until Reuben was arrested after our talk no one knew that Jacob had been killed in the barn except the person who killed him.
When I sent him a note to meet me there, all I wanted was to talk to him.
What happened, Sarah? I got there early, but Rebecca and Reuben were there.
Then Jacob came out and there was nearly a fight, but Reuben left and Jacob sent Rebecca to the house.
I thought she heard me, but she didn't look to see.
So I went into the barn to talk to him.
He was furious about the note.
He said Rebecca could have seen it.
- And then he burned it.
- So that's what happened to the note.
Up in smoke.
Just like his promise to have the Bishop lift my shunning.
What we had together was wrong, but you said if I kept quiet I know what I said, but things have changed.
I couldn't believe it.
How could I raise my baby alone an outcast? I told him I would repent and tell the bishop everything.
And that's when it happened.
You go to the Bishop and I'll deny every word.
Who do you think he'll believe? A deacon of the faith or a common adulteress? We'll see who he believes when I'm holding your child in my arms! We'll see who everyone believes.
You think I'll allow you to shame me? - You think I'll be ruined by you? - Let me go.
- I won't let you.
- Stop! Stay back.
Stay back.
Stay away.
Stay away! Oh, my God! Oh, no! I didn't mean to kill him.
It was an accident.
I should have gone to the police, but no one would have believed me.
I do, Sarah.
And I believe the Sheriff will do too.
What do you think will happen to her? I'm no lawyer, but the Sheriff believes it was self-defense.
Pure and simple.
I have a feeling the jury will agree.
Still, it'll be hard on Sarah going through this alone.
She won't be alone.
No one with faith is ever alone.
Faith like Jacob's I could do without.
Jacob was a weak man.
His faith was not a refuge, but a weapon he used to hide his sins.
God alone will judge him for it.
As for Sarah, I've already called off her shunning.
That's wonderful.
It's a miracle how now the truth is out, everyone is all forgiveness.
I'll get the car.
Reuben is still shunned.
Tell me Bishop, why haven't you forgiven him? I would gladly, if he asked me to.
But he's not yet ready for that.
When will he be ready? Surely that's a puzzle you can solve.
After he forgives himself.
Amen.