Murder, She Wrote s12e01 Episode Script
Nailed
FEMALE NARRATOR: Tonight on Murder, She Wrote.
Before this evening's over, I will have lied to half the people in Aspen.
You're looking at If it was murder, we only pay five.
If you want me to represent you, you do not say another word.
They're crazy to think that my mother could kill anyone.
You deserve much better than me.
Get that gorgeous little body of yours over here.
Well, that sounds wonderful, Gloria.
Someone is lying in their teeth and we've got to put a stop to it.
I am getting in deeper by the second.
Jessica, that is totally cockeyed.
Put them all together, and Boom.
(INDISTINCT CHATTERING) Hi.
Hi.
Let's go hit the town, baby.
(MUSIC PLAYING) (BOTH LAUGHING) Oh, my God, I can't believe they fell for that.
They're suckers, I'm telling you.
I told you.
Oh, God.
What the Where the heck's the car? Oh, there it is.
It's over there.
Where'd you learn to play pool like that? Man! Many, many years.
Many, many Many, many years ago.
Well, thanks to you we're rich again.
Oh, God.
Something like that.
It was something like that.
Come here.
(GRUNTS) (TIRES SCREECHING) (HORN HONKING) TERRY: Oh, Laney.
Laney, I just want you to be certain.
Because you know this is going to cost you.
Big time.
I mean, honey, you're moving faster now than you did when you were on the Nascar circuit and that was real fast.
Okay, Terry, I want to ask you a question.
Including last night, how many hours have you spent with my husband? Total? Mmm-hmm.
Maybe one.
Well, we've been married for three years and since I moved here, Grant hasn't been with me a whole lot more than that, except when I went down to Palm Beach to see him.
Well, you knew going in he preferred it down there.
This has never been a marriage.
It isn't even a good arrangement.
Okay, say it.
Say it.
I'll never learn, right? (CHUCKLING) Honey, that's not exactly what I had in mind.
Oh, no, no, no, Terry.
You deserve much better than me.
You realize you've been telling me that for the last 20 years? Well, that's only because you haven't gotten the message over my first three marriages.
(SIREN WAILING) All right.
I'll file the divorce papers.
Maybe this time we'll get lucky and he won't demand too much.
Hey, Milo.
Hi.
Counselor.
Ma'am.
What is it, Milo? (SIGHS) It's your husband, ma'am.
Mr.
Boswell.
He's been killed in a car crash.
(SIGHS) I can't believe that the Sheriff's people are back here again.
Well, maybe this time they've got good news.
Sure they do.
Look, Jess, I feel really awful dragging you out of your way to do my piddly little interview show and having you find me strung out like this I'm sorry.
Laney, after all we've been through, you don't have to make excuses.
It's Sherman, Sheriff.
Gina Sherman.
And you might want to take a note that I liked my stepfather even less than my mother did.
Mmm-hmm.
Right.
And You were away at school in Vermont at the time of the accident? Milo, it's been over a month since Grant died.
Isn't it about time you left us alone? That's all of it, Mrs.
Boswell.
But as I'm sure you can understand, Mrs.
Fletcher, judging from those books you write.
You know, since we've uncovered the possibility of foul play Well, we have to follow these things up.
Yes.
I read where your forensics team had found evidence of flammable liquid.
Regular, commercial paint thinner.
It apparently began to leak out as the car glanced off the trees and rocks on its way down into the canyon.
And remnants of a triggering device? Near the passenger compartment.
Fragments of what might've been an alkaline battery and a tiny amount of mercury, probably from a mercury switch.
Put them all together, and Boom.
Of course, batteries and paint thinner are pretty commonplace items.
And mercury, I mean that could've come from a thermometer that just happened to be in the car.
That's what I've been trying to tell them, Jessica.
Ma'am, it is looking less and less like it's going to go anywhere.
Ladies.
(SIGHS) JESSICA: Too bad about Grant.
I wish I'd gotten to know him better.
(CLICKING TONGUE) You didn't miss a whole lot.
Olivia Archer speaking.
TERRY: Olivia? Terry, darling, you must be reading my mind.
I was just about to call you.
Livvie, I want to know whether or not I'm going to have to sue you people.
Terry, Terry.
Not.
We're giving up our investigation.
You can tell your client we'll be processing her check in a matter of days.
For her full five million? Double indemnity, just like in the small print.
Majority Insurance stands by its commitments.
Livvie, why is it I don't believe you? I can't imagine, darling.
Maybe you ought to have that looked at.
CHARLIE: That was the Terry Folger? The guy that used to be the hotshot criminal lawyer? Mmm.
The Aspen Sheriff's department found evidence that Grant Boswell's car may have been sabotaged.
Rigged, so it would burn when it crashed.
This Mrs.
Boswell, she's not the one who Uh-huh.
The former Laney Sherman.
She made Barbara Walters look like a sissy.
Her husband carried a five million dollar policy with us.
Half payable to his widow, the other half to his niece.
Maybe he wasn't the guy who was in the car.
No such luck.
The dental records checked out.
That means with the accident clause, you're looking at If it was an accident.
If it was murder, we only pay five.
Let me guess, if you could prove that the wife whacked him, you wouldn't even have to pay her half.
But there's an even better option for Majority.
Grant Boswell took out the policy just under two years ago.
If it was suicide, and I urge you to prove that it was, (LAUGHING) We won't have to pay a penny.
(EXHALES) Olivia! You know, I've got a problem with that kind of thing.
Ethically.
Charlie, this is me you're talking to.
Look, I went way out at the end of the plank to get you your fee, plus two and a half percent of whatever you save us.
Yes, or no? Three percent.
And remind me never to buy insurance from you people.
Now, what's my cover? Mr.
Folger said the insurance company needs your signature on this, Mrs.
Boswell, so that they can issue you your check.
Well, it's taken them long enough.
I know he's been pushing them very hard.
I'm donating my half of the proceeds to charity, but I would like to see Grant's niece receive her half.
And you can tell Terry that I'm not thrilled that he's still allowing the Sheriff's department to harass me.
I'll let him know.
Thank you, Mrs.
Boswell.
Thank you.
Gina! Welcome back to Aspen.
How long you going to be here? A few months.
I took the semester off from school.
Well, I hope we can spend some time together.
I really don't think so, Phil.
Gina Mother, it is over with Phil.
Darman Keene is an artist and an intellectual Gina, when are you going to face the truth? Darman is an intellectually impoverished hack who hasn't had an original idea in 10 years.
(DOOR SLAMMING) (SIGHS) DARMAN: I'm telling you, Harold, it's the biggest thing to happen to music since rock 'n' roll.
Get with it, man.
Harold, you are not listening.
Okay, Harold, then how about this? A whole new spin on the rap scene.
Rap music as a metaphor for the decline of Western civilization.
Harold, your readers will devour it.
I (ELECTRONIC BEEPING) Okay, Harold, then you tell me what you want.
I think I deserve Harold, I need an assignment, as in N-E-E-D.
Capisce? All right, fine.
Fine.
Then I will come up with something by tomorrow, guaranteed.
(BEEPS) (SIGHS) Sorry about that.
Now, how soon can you get that gorgeous little body of yours over here? Yes, well, I'm terribly sorry I missed my earlier appointment, but our flight from Morocco was delayed.
But my hair is an absolute mess, so the sooner you can do something with it.
Oh, wait till you see what I have in mind.
Well, that sounds wonderful, Gloria.
Got to run some errands.
Well, I hope it's to get us some money, and quickly.
I'm working on it.
I'll be right over.
Mr.
Pembroke? I thought it was you.
Nice to see you again.
Thanks, Carmichael.
Oh, Mr.
Folger? Terry Folger? Howard Dietrich.
Stocks, bonds, derivatives, subordinated debentures, that sort of thing.
I'm just in from Palm Beach and I couldn't help but recognize you from your photograph in the newspapers and, of course, all of those cases you've tried on television.
You know, we had a client in common, the late Grant Boswell.
Well, correction, Mr.
Dietrich, but I represent Mrs.
Boswell.
What brings you to Aspen? Well, my firm is looking to open an office here.
You know, we have a lot of customers that winter in the area.
JESSICA: Charlie? Charlie Garrett.
Charlie, what are you doing here? I think you must be mistaken.
My name is Dietrich, Howard Dietrich.
Wait a minute.
I know you.
You're Your name is Fletcher, right? And we met in Coral City, right? Of course, Mr.
Dietrich.
You were working on a mystery as I recall.
You must tell me how your writing is coming along.
Terry.
Jessica.
Darman? (MOANING) Darman? You miserable (DOOR SLAMMING) My goodness, if it isn't life imitating farce once again.
Olivia figured that the Dietrich cover would give me access to the people that Grant Boswell knew around here.
I tell you, this altitude, it's killing my allergies.
So, despite the fact that Majority Insurance had nothing that specifically pointed to Laney, this Olivia Archer had chosen to lie to her and to her attorney.
Well, wait a minute, I don't think we can call it a full-fledged lie.
I think she just figured it'll take a few days to process the check, and who knows, in the meantime, maybe I can come up with something.
Well, in any case, I have no choice but to tell Laney what's going on.
Jessica, I wish you wouldn't do that, you know.
I need this gig, just to pay the rent.
I was kind of thinking maybe you could give me a few days, at least to make it look like I was earning my fee.
All right, but I want you to promise me that you won't be bothering Laney.
Oh, absolutely.
You got it.
Tell me, how long have you and Laney Boswell known each other? I'm just curious, that's all.
(PEOPLE CHATTERING) Really, Mr.
Keene.
I don't think I belong in a rock 'n' roll magazine.
And I'm not sure its readers would think so, either.
No, nonsense.
They will love it.
"Mystery Writer Spans Gen Gap.
" It would be Oh! Which is why, your last successful effort was when? About two years ago? Darman, for some unfathomable reason, those new people from Beaver Creek are dying to meet you.
Gina, you have got to understand.
It's not what it looked like.
Sydney Pembroke forced herself on me.
She Darman, let go of me.
I'm sorry.
Mr.
Dietrich, is it? That's all right.
You know, I was a great fan of your mother's old interview show.
By the way, I understand that she and your stepfather weren't on the best of terms.
Mr.
Dietrich, there you are.
Gina, please excuse us.
Howard, you promised me Mr.
Dietrich, been looking for you.
I wanted to get your opinion on derivatives and subordinated debentures.
Subordinated debentures? Oh! (TSKING) He simply cannot resist talking business.
Terry, please forgive us, but, Howard is in the midst of helping me with my portfolio.
I beg your pardon, maybe I can grab a minute of your time later on in the week.
Oh, I'm sure you can.
What's the matter? What's the matter is, I am furious with myself for going along with your charade.
Well, look, I'm sorry, I just thought I mean, at the rate we're going, before this evening's over, I will have lied to half the people in Aspen.
I'm so embarrassed.
Mr.
Dietrich, there's somebody I want you to meet.
Grant's niece, Nancy Boswell.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I can't tell you what a pleasure this is.
Mr.
Dietrich.
Pleaure to meet you.
It's such a nice surprise for me.
I never thought I'd meet her in person.
I know I should have warned you.
I managed to get a few days off, and I thought I'd better take the opportunity to come and collect the things that Uncle Grant had left for me.
So I just jumped on the first plane and came as soon as I could.
Ladies.
Mr.
Dietrich.
There'd better be a good reason for this intrusion, Milo.
There, uh There is, ma'am.
An eyewitness has come forward.
I'm afraid I have to place you under arrest for murdering your husband.
GINA: This is outrageous.
A million dollars bail? Gina, I had to fight to keep it that low.
District Attorney's office claims that they have a real solid case.
And I suppose they know your mother can afford it.
This eyewitness, apparently, it's somebody who claims to have seen Laney buying the incendiary materials that caused Grant's car to burn up.
Oh, dear.
Then there's her knowledge of automobiles And the fact that she and Grant fought on the day of his death.
Milo, I can't believe that you people are dumb enough to think that I would gamble my freedom to kill some lowlife Laney! What? If you want me to represent you, you do not say another word.
WOMAN ON PA: Phone call for Mr.
Dietrich.
Phone call for Mr.
Howard Dietrich.
Excuse me, can I use this phone? Thanks.
Yes, this is Howard Dietrich speaking.
WOMAN: Olivia Archer on the line.
Yes, yes.
Please, put her on.
Olivia, I'm glad you called.
Charlie, your services are terminated, effective immediately.
Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
You mean just because the Boswell woman was arrested? Exactly.
This is all coming up roses for Majority Insurance.
We're off the hook on the double indemnity and from the sound of it, we won't even have to pay Mrs.
Boswell's share.
Look, Olivia, I don't think the lady did it, and I believe I can prove that.
OLIVIA: Drop it.
Now, look, I've booked you on an Yeah? And what if I tell you to go to hell? I'm warning you, Charlie, if you start messing with the case the Aspen authorities have against her, I'll Pardon me, would you happen to be Howard Dietrich of the Palm Beach firm of Lebbins, Hargis and Cole? (NERVOUSLY) Yes, I am.
Well, I guess the world really is nine by twelve.
You know, an old friend of mine down there is a client of yours.
Jim Granger? (LAUGHS) Jim Granger.
Yes.
Jim can't stop talking about how well you've done managing his investments.
Well, Jim does tend to exaggerate, you know, but then that's old Jim.
Look, I've got an appointment, I'm sorry, Mr Vernon.
Nice to meet you.
Pleasure to see you, sir.
Harold, come on.
How many writers do you know that are as close to Laney Boswell as moi? Tight with her daughter? We were about to announce our engagement when this whole thing happened.
(SHOWER RUNNING) That's my point.
It'll have a totally inside spin and I can provide you with the first 3,000 words by the end of the week.
(COMPUTER BEEPING) Harold.
Harold, don't do this to me.
Okay.
Okay.
Fine.
I'll get back to you.
(SIGHS) You didn't get the assignment? No.
I got it, provided I supply him with the name of the eyewitness before he goes to press with the next issue.
Now, what would you give if I could tell you exactly who it is? (CHUCKLING) You've got to be kidding.
I mean, just when and where did Anthony Pembroke see me buying these things? Well, the District Attorney claims that Anthony is prepared to testify that it happened just a few days before Grant's death.
But why would he do such a thing? I hardly know the man.
There are all sorts of possibilities, Laney.
I mean, the desire for the spotlight, revenge, real or imagined, for a slight.
Or maybe he really believes what he's saying.
He's lying, Terry.
Well, then we have nothing to worry about, do we? Look, darling, I came forward because I believed it was my civic duty, all right? I saw Laney Boswell buying that stuff.
I was standing not two feet away from her.
Anthony, who's going to employ you when you have to be on call as a witness in some dreary murder trial? I mean, at this rate we're never going to get enough money together for a down payment on some stinking condo, much less build this lodge you've been fantasizing about.
Sydney, will you stop? I signed the contract with the builders.
They break ground in two weeks.
You have completely gone over the edge.
How do you intend to pay for this? You'll need to trust me on this.
(SCOFFS) Trust you? I did that already, remember? This ties it, Tony.
Syd.
Wait! (SIGHS) Yes.
Terry thinks it's possible your mom did it.
But that's his job and his experience talking.
As her defense lawyer, he assumes she's innocent and it goes from there.
Yeah, well, there's still another thing that's bothering me.
The cases that he's been losing? Gina, nobody bats 1,000.
Terry Folger's a legend.
Look, Gina, I wanted to say that I'm very sorry that Darman hurt you.
Gina, he speaks for me, too.
I would really appreciate another chance.
Go away, Darman.
No, no, no, Gina, you don't understand this.
This woman, she's a vulture.
It won't happen again.
Hello! What he's saying is you won't catch him at it again.
Oh, man.
Gina! Phil, I'd really appreciate if you'd give us a chance to talk privately.
Dar? Just so you know, I'm not convinced.
Oh, hey, I don't blame you.
But it's a start.
Can we grab a cup of coffee? You know, all this business with your mother is really quite dreadful.
I mean, she's quite an amazing person.
You never talked about what it was like growing up with her.
Sheriff, from what I hear, you have just about put Mrs.
Boswell in her husband's car with a box of matches, and Whoa.
Hold off, Mr.
Dietrich.
You're inquiring about Anthony Pembroke 'cause Why? I'm a concerned citizen.
Uh-huh.
Of Florida.
Look, Sheriff May I call you Milo? No.
Okay.
I can live with that.
(CLEARS THROAT) Now I'm going to level with you.
You see, I've got a problem with Pembroke.
He has retained me as his financial advisor to manage his investment portfolio and he hasn't exactly been forthright with his financial information.
You know, bank balances, that sort of thing Get to the point, okay, Mr.
Dietrich? I'm coming to that.
Now, I figured, as interested party to interested party, you know, you might be able to share any background information you might have Mr.
Dietrich, what we know about Anthony Pembroke is none of your business.
Well, I understand that, but I'm a responsible businessman and you're here to protect (PHONE RINGING) Sheriff Pike.
(ON PHONE) Milo, this is Floyd.
Yeah.
Hold on a sec.
You have a business card you can leave me? Yeah.
I left them in the hotel room.
I'll tell you what, I'll drop one by later.
No.
That's okay.
Just write down your address and phone number of your home office in Palm Beach.
Yeah, Floyd, what do you want? Floyd? Floyd, I'm not going to be able to bowl this week.
FLOYD: Come on.
Or probably next.
FLOYD: What do you mean? Because I'm up to my eyeballs in this Boswell case is why.
(DOOR OPENING) Outside of the fact that he's got a flashy wife, I know nothing about Pembroke.
Except that I think he's into respectable crapshooting.
Stocks, that sort of stuff.
Anyway, assuming he's lying, he's probably trying to take suspicion off of himself.
(CLEARS THROAT) Or off somebody else.
Oh, that guy.
It's bad enough that Olivia set me up as a stockbroker, about which I know nothing.
But she also gave me the name of a real stockbroker that that guy knows about.
Charlie, you told me that Anthony Pembroke was asking you about investing? Yeah, he said he was expecting some fairly big bucks.
LANEY: Hello.
Mr.
Dietrich.
Jessica.
Ready to head over to the studio and be interviewed by a murder suspect? (LAUGHS) lt'll be the first time.
Do I have time to make a phone call? Of course you do.
I'll only be a moment.
Ladies.
So let me guess, we're not talking good news, right? Not even close.
The grand jury just handed down an indictment.
I'm to bring you in tomorrow morning for arraignment.
First degree murder.
Oh, Mom.
On the basis of Anthony Pembroke's testimony? Mainly.
Pembroke claims he saw you between 3:25 and 3:40 on the afternoon of April 25th, buying the mercury switch and the paint thinner.
He says he can even remember the brand name on the can, from Burnside's Hardware Store.
That's nonsense and I can prove it.
April 25th, here Laney? There are no entries on that day.
Did you question the clerk in the hardware store? He doesn't remember seeing Laney, but there is a record for cash sales on that date for those items.
(DOORBELL RINGING) Laney, dear, there must be other ways that you can account for your whereabouts that day.
But, five weeks ago? I can't remember last Tuesday unless I look it up.
(WHISPERING) Gina.
Incredible.
I can't believe I'm stupid enough to let Darman con me again.
Hey, what's really important is that maybe now you'll believe me.
You're damned straight this indictment's going to totally screw us up.
WOMAN: What're we going to do now? Bottom line, someone is lying in their teeth and we've got to put a stop to it and fast.
Cheers.
(GLASS SHATTERING) (CAT MEOWING) (GROANS) Hey, what No! (SIREN WAILING) I think that it was close to 3:00 a.
m.
By the time we finally stopped jabbering and said goodnight.
Jessica and I haven't seen each other a whole lot in the last few years.
I don't suppose you'd fudge a little on the time because of your friendship.
No.
I wouldn't.
Sheriff Pike, that was uncalled for.
Yeah.
I apologize, ma'am.
But I'm sure you can understand what a relief this has got to be to Mrs.
Boswell here and Mr.
Folger.
What with the chief witness against her suddenly, you know, out of the picture.
Sir, would you mind telling me where you were between 11:00 and 2:00 a.
M? Working late at my office.
And your daughter, Mrs.
Boswell? LANEY: Uh, she left the lodge with Phil Carmichael.
They were together.
It was late.
Around 10:00.
What time did she get back? She didn't return.
Really? Hmm.
You recognize something there, Mrs.
Fletcher? Oh! Just that shard of glass caught my eye.
(SIGHS) They're crazy to think that my mother could kill anybody.
Look, sweetheart, maybe I've worked with a lawyer for too long, but I think you better prepare yourself for the worst.
Even you're not all that sure, are you? Wrong.
All those hours talking last night.
What did you think that was about? Being straight with each other.
You're right.
I doubted you.
I'm sorry.
Now, I have no idea how much Anthony planned to invest, and frankly, given the circumstances, I find your questions in rather bad taste.
Oh, believe me, I can understand how you might take it that way, Mrs.
Pembroke, but, I'm just here to offer my help during this difficult period.
Now, I couldn't help but notice that the other night at the Arts Festival, you came with that guy, Terry Folger, the lawyer.
Terry and I go back a long way.
Although, I can't imagine what business it is of yours.
Well, it really isn't my business, but, I didn't see your husband there so I couldn't help but wonder I think it's time for you to leave, Mr.
Dietrich.
Yeah.
Sure.
(KNOCKING) By the way, you wouldn't have any idea why Mr.
Pembroke went to the alley last night, would you? If it's okay, Mrs.
Pembroke, I'd like to take your statement.
Oh, certainly.
Please, come in.
It was so considerate of you to stop by, Mr.
Dietrich.
You know, Sheriff, why don't I just stick around until you're finished, and then I can tell you what I know.
Goodbye, Mr.
Dietrich.
Oh, anytime you want to talk to me, Sheriff, I'll be in room 416.
I caught a couple of typos and a misplaced "whereas" in subparagraph B.
Mr.
Folger, can I ask you a question? Mmm-hmm.
With Mr.
Pembroke dead, isn't it likely that the DA's going to drop the case against Mrs.
Boswell? It could go either way.
Mr.
Folger, I hope that you don't take offense to this, but the agreement that you have with Mrs.
Boswell, it says that if she's tried for murder and you defend her she signs off almost all of her assets to you, win or lose.
It seems a little steep, doesn't it? Well, that's the way we do it in a capital case.
All right, you go ahead and plug those changes in and get this over to Laney for her signature.
But, Mr.
Folger Now, Phil.
Yes, sir.
Pardon me, Mr.
Folger, would you mind if I had a word with you? Sit.
What's on your mind, Ms.
Boswell? I'm not really sure if this has anything at all to do with the case against Aunt Laney.
Well, go on, child.
Well, the thing is, I didn't want to say anything to her.
I mean, she's upset enough as it is, but there's this man that I met at the reception who calls himself Howard Dietrich.
Calls himself? Yes.
You see, a few years ago, when I was visiting my Uncle Grant down in Florida, he introduced me to Howard Dietrich.
This isn't the same man.
Have a nice day, Mr.
Folger.
OLIVIA: Hello? Livvie, I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I want you to know it's not going to work.
This Dietrich fellow you sicced on us Maybe you ought to have that looked at.
CHARLIE: Okay, Olivia, I know how it happened.
This friend of mine, Jessica Fletcher, recognized me when I was talking to Folger.
I don't care, Charlie.
I told you to get the hell out of there.
Olivia Garrett, I'm warning you, if you bollocks up this case and we have to pay out I will personally sue you from here Wait a minute.
You're the one who gave me this dopey cover.
Now sit tight.
I'll get back to you.
Charlie.
Charlie, I want some straight answers and I want them now.
I suppose this is my day to get yelled at.
Okay.
That was the wrapper from one of my throat lozenges.
Thanks for not telling the Sheriff.
Charlie, I am getting in deeper by the second, helping you to cover up.
I want you to go to Sheriff Pike.
Please, Jessica, just a little longer.
Well, at least your instincts were correct about there being less to Anthony Pembroke than met the eye.
A very old friend of mine, a Boston investment banker, just sent me this.
Pembroke was born Anthony O'Brien.
In Boston.
Apparently, he reinvented himself.
He and his wife have no assets.
I mean, they live mostly off credit cards.
Before this evening's over, I will have lied to half the people in Aspen.
You're looking at If it was murder, we only pay five.
If you want me to represent you, you do not say another word.
They're crazy to think that my mother could kill anyone.
You deserve much better than me.
Get that gorgeous little body of yours over here.
Well, that sounds wonderful, Gloria.
Someone is lying in their teeth and we've got to put a stop to it.
I am getting in deeper by the second.
Jessica, that is totally cockeyed.
Put them all together, and Boom.
(INDISTINCT CHATTERING) Hi.
Hi.
Let's go hit the town, baby.
(MUSIC PLAYING) (BOTH LAUGHING) Oh, my God, I can't believe they fell for that.
They're suckers, I'm telling you.
I told you.
Oh, God.
What the Where the heck's the car? Oh, there it is.
It's over there.
Where'd you learn to play pool like that? Man! Many, many years.
Many, many Many, many years ago.
Well, thanks to you we're rich again.
Oh, God.
Something like that.
It was something like that.
Come here.
(GRUNTS) (TIRES SCREECHING) (HORN HONKING) TERRY: Oh, Laney.
Laney, I just want you to be certain.
Because you know this is going to cost you.
Big time.
I mean, honey, you're moving faster now than you did when you were on the Nascar circuit and that was real fast.
Okay, Terry, I want to ask you a question.
Including last night, how many hours have you spent with my husband? Total? Mmm-hmm.
Maybe one.
Well, we've been married for three years and since I moved here, Grant hasn't been with me a whole lot more than that, except when I went down to Palm Beach to see him.
Well, you knew going in he preferred it down there.
This has never been a marriage.
It isn't even a good arrangement.
Okay, say it.
Say it.
I'll never learn, right? (CHUCKLING) Honey, that's not exactly what I had in mind.
Oh, no, no, no, Terry.
You deserve much better than me.
You realize you've been telling me that for the last 20 years? Well, that's only because you haven't gotten the message over my first three marriages.
(SIREN WAILING) All right.
I'll file the divorce papers.
Maybe this time we'll get lucky and he won't demand too much.
Hey, Milo.
Hi.
Counselor.
Ma'am.
What is it, Milo? (SIGHS) It's your husband, ma'am.
Mr.
Boswell.
He's been killed in a car crash.
(SIGHS) I can't believe that the Sheriff's people are back here again.
Well, maybe this time they've got good news.
Sure they do.
Look, Jess, I feel really awful dragging you out of your way to do my piddly little interview show and having you find me strung out like this I'm sorry.
Laney, after all we've been through, you don't have to make excuses.
It's Sherman, Sheriff.
Gina Sherman.
And you might want to take a note that I liked my stepfather even less than my mother did.
Mmm-hmm.
Right.
And You were away at school in Vermont at the time of the accident? Milo, it's been over a month since Grant died.
Isn't it about time you left us alone? That's all of it, Mrs.
Boswell.
But as I'm sure you can understand, Mrs.
Fletcher, judging from those books you write.
You know, since we've uncovered the possibility of foul play Well, we have to follow these things up.
Yes.
I read where your forensics team had found evidence of flammable liquid.
Regular, commercial paint thinner.
It apparently began to leak out as the car glanced off the trees and rocks on its way down into the canyon.
And remnants of a triggering device? Near the passenger compartment.
Fragments of what might've been an alkaline battery and a tiny amount of mercury, probably from a mercury switch.
Put them all together, and Boom.
Of course, batteries and paint thinner are pretty commonplace items.
And mercury, I mean that could've come from a thermometer that just happened to be in the car.
That's what I've been trying to tell them, Jessica.
Ma'am, it is looking less and less like it's going to go anywhere.
Ladies.
(SIGHS) JESSICA: Too bad about Grant.
I wish I'd gotten to know him better.
(CLICKING TONGUE) You didn't miss a whole lot.
Olivia Archer speaking.
TERRY: Olivia? Terry, darling, you must be reading my mind.
I was just about to call you.
Livvie, I want to know whether or not I'm going to have to sue you people.
Terry, Terry.
Not.
We're giving up our investigation.
You can tell your client we'll be processing her check in a matter of days.
For her full five million? Double indemnity, just like in the small print.
Majority Insurance stands by its commitments.
Livvie, why is it I don't believe you? I can't imagine, darling.
Maybe you ought to have that looked at.
CHARLIE: That was the Terry Folger? The guy that used to be the hotshot criminal lawyer? Mmm.
The Aspen Sheriff's department found evidence that Grant Boswell's car may have been sabotaged.
Rigged, so it would burn when it crashed.
This Mrs.
Boswell, she's not the one who Uh-huh.
The former Laney Sherman.
She made Barbara Walters look like a sissy.
Her husband carried a five million dollar policy with us.
Half payable to his widow, the other half to his niece.
Maybe he wasn't the guy who was in the car.
No such luck.
The dental records checked out.
That means with the accident clause, you're looking at If it was an accident.
If it was murder, we only pay five.
Let me guess, if you could prove that the wife whacked him, you wouldn't even have to pay her half.
But there's an even better option for Majority.
Grant Boswell took out the policy just under two years ago.
If it was suicide, and I urge you to prove that it was, (LAUGHING) We won't have to pay a penny.
(EXHALES) Olivia! You know, I've got a problem with that kind of thing.
Ethically.
Charlie, this is me you're talking to.
Look, I went way out at the end of the plank to get you your fee, plus two and a half percent of whatever you save us.
Yes, or no? Three percent.
And remind me never to buy insurance from you people.
Now, what's my cover? Mr.
Folger said the insurance company needs your signature on this, Mrs.
Boswell, so that they can issue you your check.
Well, it's taken them long enough.
I know he's been pushing them very hard.
I'm donating my half of the proceeds to charity, but I would like to see Grant's niece receive her half.
And you can tell Terry that I'm not thrilled that he's still allowing the Sheriff's department to harass me.
I'll let him know.
Thank you, Mrs.
Boswell.
Thank you.
Gina! Welcome back to Aspen.
How long you going to be here? A few months.
I took the semester off from school.
Well, I hope we can spend some time together.
I really don't think so, Phil.
Gina Mother, it is over with Phil.
Darman Keene is an artist and an intellectual Gina, when are you going to face the truth? Darman is an intellectually impoverished hack who hasn't had an original idea in 10 years.
(DOOR SLAMMING) (SIGHS) DARMAN: I'm telling you, Harold, it's the biggest thing to happen to music since rock 'n' roll.
Get with it, man.
Harold, you are not listening.
Okay, Harold, then how about this? A whole new spin on the rap scene.
Rap music as a metaphor for the decline of Western civilization.
Harold, your readers will devour it.
I (ELECTRONIC BEEPING) Okay, Harold, then you tell me what you want.
I think I deserve Harold, I need an assignment, as in N-E-E-D.
Capisce? All right, fine.
Fine.
Then I will come up with something by tomorrow, guaranteed.
(BEEPS) (SIGHS) Sorry about that.
Now, how soon can you get that gorgeous little body of yours over here? Yes, well, I'm terribly sorry I missed my earlier appointment, but our flight from Morocco was delayed.
But my hair is an absolute mess, so the sooner you can do something with it.
Oh, wait till you see what I have in mind.
Well, that sounds wonderful, Gloria.
Got to run some errands.
Well, I hope it's to get us some money, and quickly.
I'm working on it.
I'll be right over.
Mr.
Pembroke? I thought it was you.
Nice to see you again.
Thanks, Carmichael.
Oh, Mr.
Folger? Terry Folger? Howard Dietrich.
Stocks, bonds, derivatives, subordinated debentures, that sort of thing.
I'm just in from Palm Beach and I couldn't help but recognize you from your photograph in the newspapers and, of course, all of those cases you've tried on television.
You know, we had a client in common, the late Grant Boswell.
Well, correction, Mr.
Dietrich, but I represent Mrs.
Boswell.
What brings you to Aspen? Well, my firm is looking to open an office here.
You know, we have a lot of customers that winter in the area.
JESSICA: Charlie? Charlie Garrett.
Charlie, what are you doing here? I think you must be mistaken.
My name is Dietrich, Howard Dietrich.
Wait a minute.
I know you.
You're Your name is Fletcher, right? And we met in Coral City, right? Of course, Mr.
Dietrich.
You were working on a mystery as I recall.
You must tell me how your writing is coming along.
Terry.
Jessica.
Darman? (MOANING) Darman? You miserable (DOOR SLAMMING) My goodness, if it isn't life imitating farce once again.
Olivia figured that the Dietrich cover would give me access to the people that Grant Boswell knew around here.
I tell you, this altitude, it's killing my allergies.
So, despite the fact that Majority Insurance had nothing that specifically pointed to Laney, this Olivia Archer had chosen to lie to her and to her attorney.
Well, wait a minute, I don't think we can call it a full-fledged lie.
I think she just figured it'll take a few days to process the check, and who knows, in the meantime, maybe I can come up with something.
Well, in any case, I have no choice but to tell Laney what's going on.
Jessica, I wish you wouldn't do that, you know.
I need this gig, just to pay the rent.
I was kind of thinking maybe you could give me a few days, at least to make it look like I was earning my fee.
All right, but I want you to promise me that you won't be bothering Laney.
Oh, absolutely.
You got it.
Tell me, how long have you and Laney Boswell known each other? I'm just curious, that's all.
(PEOPLE CHATTERING) Really, Mr.
Keene.
I don't think I belong in a rock 'n' roll magazine.
And I'm not sure its readers would think so, either.
No, nonsense.
They will love it.
"Mystery Writer Spans Gen Gap.
" It would be Oh! Which is why, your last successful effort was when? About two years ago? Darman, for some unfathomable reason, those new people from Beaver Creek are dying to meet you.
Gina, you have got to understand.
It's not what it looked like.
Sydney Pembroke forced herself on me.
She Darman, let go of me.
I'm sorry.
Mr.
Dietrich, is it? That's all right.
You know, I was a great fan of your mother's old interview show.
By the way, I understand that she and your stepfather weren't on the best of terms.
Mr.
Dietrich, there you are.
Gina, please excuse us.
Howard, you promised me Mr.
Dietrich, been looking for you.
I wanted to get your opinion on derivatives and subordinated debentures.
Subordinated debentures? Oh! (TSKING) He simply cannot resist talking business.
Terry, please forgive us, but, Howard is in the midst of helping me with my portfolio.
I beg your pardon, maybe I can grab a minute of your time later on in the week.
Oh, I'm sure you can.
What's the matter? What's the matter is, I am furious with myself for going along with your charade.
Well, look, I'm sorry, I just thought I mean, at the rate we're going, before this evening's over, I will have lied to half the people in Aspen.
I'm so embarrassed.
Mr.
Dietrich, there's somebody I want you to meet.
Grant's niece, Nancy Boswell.
Mrs.
Fletcher, I can't tell you what a pleasure this is.
Mr.
Dietrich.
Pleaure to meet you.
It's such a nice surprise for me.
I never thought I'd meet her in person.
I know I should have warned you.
I managed to get a few days off, and I thought I'd better take the opportunity to come and collect the things that Uncle Grant had left for me.
So I just jumped on the first plane and came as soon as I could.
Ladies.
Mr.
Dietrich.
There'd better be a good reason for this intrusion, Milo.
There, uh There is, ma'am.
An eyewitness has come forward.
I'm afraid I have to place you under arrest for murdering your husband.
GINA: This is outrageous.
A million dollars bail? Gina, I had to fight to keep it that low.
District Attorney's office claims that they have a real solid case.
And I suppose they know your mother can afford it.
This eyewitness, apparently, it's somebody who claims to have seen Laney buying the incendiary materials that caused Grant's car to burn up.
Oh, dear.
Then there's her knowledge of automobiles And the fact that she and Grant fought on the day of his death.
Milo, I can't believe that you people are dumb enough to think that I would gamble my freedom to kill some lowlife Laney! What? If you want me to represent you, you do not say another word.
WOMAN ON PA: Phone call for Mr.
Dietrich.
Phone call for Mr.
Howard Dietrich.
Excuse me, can I use this phone? Thanks.
Yes, this is Howard Dietrich speaking.
WOMAN: Olivia Archer on the line.
Yes, yes.
Please, put her on.
Olivia, I'm glad you called.
Charlie, your services are terminated, effective immediately.
Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
You mean just because the Boswell woman was arrested? Exactly.
This is all coming up roses for Majority Insurance.
We're off the hook on the double indemnity and from the sound of it, we won't even have to pay Mrs.
Boswell's share.
Look, Olivia, I don't think the lady did it, and I believe I can prove that.
OLIVIA: Drop it.
Now, look, I've booked you on an Yeah? And what if I tell you to go to hell? I'm warning you, Charlie, if you start messing with the case the Aspen authorities have against her, I'll Pardon me, would you happen to be Howard Dietrich of the Palm Beach firm of Lebbins, Hargis and Cole? (NERVOUSLY) Yes, I am.
Well, I guess the world really is nine by twelve.
You know, an old friend of mine down there is a client of yours.
Jim Granger? (LAUGHS) Jim Granger.
Yes.
Jim can't stop talking about how well you've done managing his investments.
Well, Jim does tend to exaggerate, you know, but then that's old Jim.
Look, I've got an appointment, I'm sorry, Mr Vernon.
Nice to meet you.
Pleasure to see you, sir.
Harold, come on.
How many writers do you know that are as close to Laney Boswell as moi? Tight with her daughter? We were about to announce our engagement when this whole thing happened.
(SHOWER RUNNING) That's my point.
It'll have a totally inside spin and I can provide you with the first 3,000 words by the end of the week.
(COMPUTER BEEPING) Harold.
Harold, don't do this to me.
Okay.
Okay.
Fine.
I'll get back to you.
(SIGHS) You didn't get the assignment? No.
I got it, provided I supply him with the name of the eyewitness before he goes to press with the next issue.
Now, what would you give if I could tell you exactly who it is? (CHUCKLING) You've got to be kidding.
I mean, just when and where did Anthony Pembroke see me buying these things? Well, the District Attorney claims that Anthony is prepared to testify that it happened just a few days before Grant's death.
But why would he do such a thing? I hardly know the man.
There are all sorts of possibilities, Laney.
I mean, the desire for the spotlight, revenge, real or imagined, for a slight.
Or maybe he really believes what he's saying.
He's lying, Terry.
Well, then we have nothing to worry about, do we? Look, darling, I came forward because I believed it was my civic duty, all right? I saw Laney Boswell buying that stuff.
I was standing not two feet away from her.
Anthony, who's going to employ you when you have to be on call as a witness in some dreary murder trial? I mean, at this rate we're never going to get enough money together for a down payment on some stinking condo, much less build this lodge you've been fantasizing about.
Sydney, will you stop? I signed the contract with the builders.
They break ground in two weeks.
You have completely gone over the edge.
How do you intend to pay for this? You'll need to trust me on this.
(SCOFFS) Trust you? I did that already, remember? This ties it, Tony.
Syd.
Wait! (SIGHS) Yes.
Terry thinks it's possible your mom did it.
But that's his job and his experience talking.
As her defense lawyer, he assumes she's innocent and it goes from there.
Yeah, well, there's still another thing that's bothering me.
The cases that he's been losing? Gina, nobody bats 1,000.
Terry Folger's a legend.
Look, Gina, I wanted to say that I'm very sorry that Darman hurt you.
Gina, he speaks for me, too.
I would really appreciate another chance.
Go away, Darman.
No, no, no, Gina, you don't understand this.
This woman, she's a vulture.
It won't happen again.
Hello! What he's saying is you won't catch him at it again.
Oh, man.
Gina! Phil, I'd really appreciate if you'd give us a chance to talk privately.
Dar? Just so you know, I'm not convinced.
Oh, hey, I don't blame you.
But it's a start.
Can we grab a cup of coffee? You know, all this business with your mother is really quite dreadful.
I mean, she's quite an amazing person.
You never talked about what it was like growing up with her.
Sheriff, from what I hear, you have just about put Mrs.
Boswell in her husband's car with a box of matches, and Whoa.
Hold off, Mr.
Dietrich.
You're inquiring about Anthony Pembroke 'cause Why? I'm a concerned citizen.
Uh-huh.
Of Florida.
Look, Sheriff May I call you Milo? No.
Okay.
I can live with that.
(CLEARS THROAT) Now I'm going to level with you.
You see, I've got a problem with Pembroke.
He has retained me as his financial advisor to manage his investment portfolio and he hasn't exactly been forthright with his financial information.
You know, bank balances, that sort of thing Get to the point, okay, Mr.
Dietrich? I'm coming to that.
Now, I figured, as interested party to interested party, you know, you might be able to share any background information you might have Mr.
Dietrich, what we know about Anthony Pembroke is none of your business.
Well, I understand that, but I'm a responsible businessman and you're here to protect (PHONE RINGING) Sheriff Pike.
(ON PHONE) Milo, this is Floyd.
Yeah.
Hold on a sec.
You have a business card you can leave me? Yeah.
I left them in the hotel room.
I'll tell you what, I'll drop one by later.
No.
That's okay.
Just write down your address and phone number of your home office in Palm Beach.
Yeah, Floyd, what do you want? Floyd? Floyd, I'm not going to be able to bowl this week.
FLOYD: Come on.
Or probably next.
FLOYD: What do you mean? Because I'm up to my eyeballs in this Boswell case is why.
(DOOR OPENING) Outside of the fact that he's got a flashy wife, I know nothing about Pembroke.
Except that I think he's into respectable crapshooting.
Stocks, that sort of stuff.
Anyway, assuming he's lying, he's probably trying to take suspicion off of himself.
(CLEARS THROAT) Or off somebody else.
Oh, that guy.
It's bad enough that Olivia set me up as a stockbroker, about which I know nothing.
But she also gave me the name of a real stockbroker that that guy knows about.
Charlie, you told me that Anthony Pembroke was asking you about investing? Yeah, he said he was expecting some fairly big bucks.
LANEY: Hello.
Mr.
Dietrich.
Jessica.
Ready to head over to the studio and be interviewed by a murder suspect? (LAUGHS) lt'll be the first time.
Do I have time to make a phone call? Of course you do.
I'll only be a moment.
Ladies.
So let me guess, we're not talking good news, right? Not even close.
The grand jury just handed down an indictment.
I'm to bring you in tomorrow morning for arraignment.
First degree murder.
Oh, Mom.
On the basis of Anthony Pembroke's testimony? Mainly.
Pembroke claims he saw you between 3:25 and 3:40 on the afternoon of April 25th, buying the mercury switch and the paint thinner.
He says he can even remember the brand name on the can, from Burnside's Hardware Store.
That's nonsense and I can prove it.
April 25th, here Laney? There are no entries on that day.
Did you question the clerk in the hardware store? He doesn't remember seeing Laney, but there is a record for cash sales on that date for those items.
(DOORBELL RINGING) Laney, dear, there must be other ways that you can account for your whereabouts that day.
But, five weeks ago? I can't remember last Tuesday unless I look it up.
(WHISPERING) Gina.
Incredible.
I can't believe I'm stupid enough to let Darman con me again.
Hey, what's really important is that maybe now you'll believe me.
You're damned straight this indictment's going to totally screw us up.
WOMAN: What're we going to do now? Bottom line, someone is lying in their teeth and we've got to put a stop to it and fast.
Cheers.
(GLASS SHATTERING) (CAT MEOWING) (GROANS) Hey, what No! (SIREN WAILING) I think that it was close to 3:00 a.
m.
By the time we finally stopped jabbering and said goodnight.
Jessica and I haven't seen each other a whole lot in the last few years.
I don't suppose you'd fudge a little on the time because of your friendship.
No.
I wouldn't.
Sheriff Pike, that was uncalled for.
Yeah.
I apologize, ma'am.
But I'm sure you can understand what a relief this has got to be to Mrs.
Boswell here and Mr.
Folger.
What with the chief witness against her suddenly, you know, out of the picture.
Sir, would you mind telling me where you were between 11:00 and 2:00 a.
M? Working late at my office.
And your daughter, Mrs.
Boswell? LANEY: Uh, she left the lodge with Phil Carmichael.
They were together.
It was late.
Around 10:00.
What time did she get back? She didn't return.
Really? Hmm.
You recognize something there, Mrs.
Fletcher? Oh! Just that shard of glass caught my eye.
(SIGHS) They're crazy to think that my mother could kill anybody.
Look, sweetheart, maybe I've worked with a lawyer for too long, but I think you better prepare yourself for the worst.
Even you're not all that sure, are you? Wrong.
All those hours talking last night.
What did you think that was about? Being straight with each other.
You're right.
I doubted you.
I'm sorry.
Now, I have no idea how much Anthony planned to invest, and frankly, given the circumstances, I find your questions in rather bad taste.
Oh, believe me, I can understand how you might take it that way, Mrs.
Pembroke, but, I'm just here to offer my help during this difficult period.
Now, I couldn't help but notice that the other night at the Arts Festival, you came with that guy, Terry Folger, the lawyer.
Terry and I go back a long way.
Although, I can't imagine what business it is of yours.
Well, it really isn't my business, but, I didn't see your husband there so I couldn't help but wonder I think it's time for you to leave, Mr.
Dietrich.
Yeah.
Sure.
(KNOCKING) By the way, you wouldn't have any idea why Mr.
Pembroke went to the alley last night, would you? If it's okay, Mrs.
Pembroke, I'd like to take your statement.
Oh, certainly.
Please, come in.
It was so considerate of you to stop by, Mr.
Dietrich.
You know, Sheriff, why don't I just stick around until you're finished, and then I can tell you what I know.
Goodbye, Mr.
Dietrich.
Oh, anytime you want to talk to me, Sheriff, I'll be in room 416.
I caught a couple of typos and a misplaced "whereas" in subparagraph B.
Mr.
Folger, can I ask you a question? Mmm-hmm.
With Mr.
Pembroke dead, isn't it likely that the DA's going to drop the case against Mrs.
Boswell? It could go either way.
Mr.
Folger, I hope that you don't take offense to this, but the agreement that you have with Mrs.
Boswell, it says that if she's tried for murder and you defend her she signs off almost all of her assets to you, win or lose.
It seems a little steep, doesn't it? Well, that's the way we do it in a capital case.
All right, you go ahead and plug those changes in and get this over to Laney for her signature.
But, Mr.
Folger Now, Phil.
Yes, sir.
Pardon me, Mr.
Folger, would you mind if I had a word with you? Sit.
What's on your mind, Ms.
Boswell? I'm not really sure if this has anything at all to do with the case against Aunt Laney.
Well, go on, child.
Well, the thing is, I didn't want to say anything to her.
I mean, she's upset enough as it is, but there's this man that I met at the reception who calls himself Howard Dietrich.
Calls himself? Yes.
You see, a few years ago, when I was visiting my Uncle Grant down in Florida, he introduced me to Howard Dietrich.
This isn't the same man.
Have a nice day, Mr.
Folger.
OLIVIA: Hello? Livvie, I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but I want you to know it's not going to work.
This Dietrich fellow you sicced on us Maybe you ought to have that looked at.
CHARLIE: Okay, Olivia, I know how it happened.
This friend of mine, Jessica Fletcher, recognized me when I was talking to Folger.
I don't care, Charlie.
I told you to get the hell out of there.
Olivia Garrett, I'm warning you, if you bollocks up this case and we have to pay out I will personally sue you from here Wait a minute.
You're the one who gave me this dopey cover.
Now sit tight.
I'll get back to you.
Charlie.
Charlie, I want some straight answers and I want them now.
I suppose this is my day to get yelled at.
Okay.
That was the wrapper from one of my throat lozenges.
Thanks for not telling the Sheriff.
Charlie, I am getting in deeper by the second, helping you to cover up.
I want you to go to Sheriff Pike.
Please, Jessica, just a little longer.
Well, at least your instincts were correct about there being less to Anthony Pembroke than met the eye.
A very old friend of mine, a Boston investment banker, just sent me this.
Pembroke was born Anthony O'Brien.
In Boston.
Apparently, he reinvented himself.
He and his wife have no assets.
I mean, they live mostly off credit cards.