Murder, She Wrote s12e12 Episode Script
K0208 - Kendo Kill
FEMALE NARRATOR: Tonight on Murder, She Wrote.
I am tired of Koji running around the world with this racing team! (TIRES SCREECHING) Even if it came out that his sister was romantically involved with a foreigner? I don't want you to disgrace yourself with your gaijin.
It's intolerant and stupid.
Don't you ever relax? (MEN GRUNTING) All Koji cares about is winning Grand Prix races.
Father, I'm not qualified.
You will become qualified.
He might know enough about motorcycle engines to have sabotaged one.
TV ANNOUNCER: They're about to begin the sixth annual Golden Grand Prix.
The green flag is dropped, and we're off to a nice clean start.
KOJl: Nobody was going to beat Rick that day.
ANNOUNCER: Coming into the first turn number 24, Brandon Muir, is leading, followed closely by number 97, Rick Walsh, on his father's, Mac Walsh's, personally tuned 500cc GP bike.
Oh, my! Rick has just taken Brandon on the inside turn.
Right then is when I knew this good old bro was gonna ride for Team Hitaki.
RICK: That's not the only reason I came to Japan.
Both men are racing to insure their sponsor's ride (PHONE RINGING) Yeah, hello.
WOMAN: Koji, please.
Yeah, he's right here.
Koji.
Koji here.
(WOMAN SPEAKING JAPANESE) Is that bike one of your dad's designs? Yeah, that's right.
It's a Mac Walsh all the way.
It's the last one he built from the road up.
You know, Rick, we've actually gotta go.
Jess is waiting.
Yeah.
KOJl: Yeah, I'll tell him.
Hey, Rick, engineering's scheduled a demo for your new fuel injection design.
Hey, that's great.
Day after tomorrow.
I can't do it, Koji.
You know it's still glitched.
I'm sorry, pal.
They've set a cut-off for designs of the new model.
Unglitch it or forget it.
I'll walk you to your car.
(CAR LOCK BEEPING) Jess is going to be really disappointed that you can't make it.
So am I, but you heard Koji.
Just tell her I'm, uh, real sorry and that I'll see her tomorrow.
MIKO: Call me later, okay? (CAR ENGINE STARTING) Hey! I always wanted a Hitaki Grand Prix.
(CHUCKLES) See your friendly dealer, pal.
Wrong answer.
(MEN GRUNTING) Rick! (GRUNTING CONTINUES) Get off him! Get outta here! (GROANING) (BIKE ENGINES ROARING) You okay? Yeah, yeah.
They wanted the bike.
JESSICA: The pearls are matched, medium size.
The necklace was 18 inches long with a gold clasp.
It was an anniversary present from my husband.
OTA: We'll do our best to retrieve it, Mrs.
Fletcher.
What else is missing? Well, a 35 millimeter camera, Penton model 1Q4.
Pair of green jade earrings in a gold setting, and a Pentium laptop computer with an operating system that I was just getting the hang of.
Obviously the thief knows his trade.
(SPEAKING JAPANESE) Negative on fingerprints.
How long will you be lecturing at the University, Mrs.
Fletcher? Well, I planned to leave Osaka on Saturday morning.
Regretfully, in my work, unlike yours, I cannot guarantee a happy ending.
Oh, thank you, Inspector.
If you think of anything else.
Yes.
Jessica! Oh, Miko.
I'm so glad to see you.
What happened? Well, I was robbed.
Robbed? Well, my plane was late.
And I didn't want to keep the students waiting for my first lecture, so I just dropped the bags off and went straight to the University.
But there is a silver lining.
The thief wasn't at all interested in your book.
I'm not sure if I like that.
Advanced copy.
From the Heart by Miko Ishida.
Haiku poetry translated by the author.
With the help of J.
B.
Fletcher.
What are you writing now? Oh, just, um, an outline for a contemporary novel.
A love story.
But, um, I don't have an ending yet.
NOBU: My father's new office.
I talked him into redoing it because, as my favorite professor at Harvard put it, eyewash pays off.
Always has.
He's moved the meeting up to tomorrow, so if you've made any changes in your proposal Haven't changed a thing since you last saw it.
Nobu, just so I don't tread on any rattlesnakes, how come your brother isn't second in command around here? Because all Koji cares about is winning Grand Prix races.
(LAUGHS) And I mean to keep it that way.
So you can get to be the next CEO.
How'd you ever figure that out? Still, your father conducts himself like an old-time shogun, which means he would want his only son to take over.
Well, what he wants and what he ends up with may be quite different.
The first engineering reports on your DCI fuel system are good.
Just include a copy of the specs with your proposal, and if we can get my father's approval we can lock it into the new model.
I presume you have a patent pending? Nobu, don't you ever relax? Oh, I relax beautifully.
But first, I do what needs to be done.
How is your brother's political career going? Well, his campaign for Parliament is going nowhere.
He's short of money and behind in the polls.
But, um, I think he can still win.
Even if it came out that his sister was romantically involved with a foreigner? A "gaijin", Yosuke would call him.
TOMMY: Your little sister spends so much time at Walsh's apartment, it's her home away from home.
YOSUKE: Careful, Tommy.
Oh, come on, now.
She's with him every chance she gets.
They were headed to Rick Walsh's place.
I ought to know.
I followed her there enough times when she wasn't being chaperoned.
Tommy, not so long ago, a man like you, using that tone to a man like myself, would have lost his head before he finished his sentence.
Now, get out.
Your mother gave me this last night in LA.
She was going to FedEx it to you, and she decided I'd get here first.
She just dropped it in my bag.
RICK: I knew there had to be something like this around.
Did she say where she found it? She was packing up your dad's clothes for goodwill and found it in a pants pocket.
She thought it might be important.
(KEYBOARD KEYS CLACKING) Lmportant? You know, this'll add a turbo boost that makes the whole thing super performance.
Here, put this ice on your head.
No, not now.
Hang on.
Now! She loves me.
What can I say? You really should have called the police.
What for? They didn't get my bike, and, uh, I just wanted to get back to work here.
Rick, if the Bosozoku only wanted your bike, why didn't they just take it instead of going after you? You know, Miko and I were followed over here.
I'm quite sure.
MIKO: How dare you have me followed.
My dear, you're my responsibility until you marry.
I've made arrangements with Akira Hitaki, to discuss the formal announcement of your betrothal to Koji.
Koji and I are just friends, and that's all we'll ever be.
Miko, our father and the Hitakis signed a solemn contract at your birth, binding you to Koji.
You're a fortunate young woman, Miko.
(SCOFFS) It's not even the solemn contract you care about.
It's the Hitaki money to finance your political career.
No, my darling Miko, it's you.
You've spent so much time abroad, you've lost your perspective.
I don't want you to disgrace yourself with your gaijin.
I hate that word.
It's intolerant and stupid, and I hate you for using it.
Miko, I'm head of this family and I'll do what I must for your welfare.
Even lock you up if necessary.
Nonsense.
And the only way to keep me away from seeing Rick Walsh is to kill me.
KOJl: Hey, Rick, how's it feel? RICK: Can't tell for sure till I open her up.
(ENGINES ROARING) KOJl: Let's do it.
Nakata's having fits.
RICK: When we hit the curve.
Lettin' her out now.
Looking good.
Ready, man.
Here comes the turbo.
(ENGINE ROARING) Oh, yeah! (TIRES SCREECHING) The turbo is great.
A couple of more adjustments, I'll have her ready for the demo tomorrow.
Never doubted it, pal.
You have not completed your training exercises for today.
Yeah, I know.
Uh, look, Nakata, I was about to ask if you could let me off so I could finish the turbo boost.
You're determined to be defiant.
No, that's wrong.
But I do have better things to do than circle the track for three hours.
The disciplined riding, I demand, has a purpose.
You must be at one with your machine.
Yeah, I know all about it.
Your disobedience in the presence of others is an affront I cannot ignore.
Look, okay, I'm sorry.
It wasn't meant to be an insult.
I have no choice.
You are suspended from Team Hitaki.
KOJl: Like hell he is.
I brought him to Hitaki because he knows how to win races.
Work it out.
You could learn from each other.
No, Hitaki-san.
Either you accept my decision, or my resignation.
HITAKl: I am ashamed of you.
Nakata has been a most faithful employee of this company for over 20 years.
I didn't fire him.
You made it impossible for him to continue.
No, no, he did that.
Nakata's old news.
Rick's a tactician, and he's becoming quite a mechanic.
He's coming up with gimmicks that'll take your eyes out.
Father, I'm sure Koji can run Team Hitaki very well without Nakata.
I am tired of Koji running around the world with this racing team! His duty is here.
(INTERCOM BEEPING) (WOMAN SPEAKING JAPANESE) Yes, Mr.
Dawson is expected.
Now, I demand that you assume your responsibilities as the next leader of this company.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Mr.
Hitaki, it's good to see you again.
Welcome back to Osaka.
Always glad to get over here, sir.
Nobu.
Koji, it's great to see you.
How's that racing comin' along? Hangin' in, thanks.
Your tips, they helped.
Well, it's kind of you to say.
But you're a natural like Hideo Nomo, take it from me.
Uh, Mr.
Dawson, I want to express our profound gratitude for all your achievements as chief American distributor.
Selling's a piece of cake when you have the right ingredients.
I've given my father an overview of your proposal.
Well, thank you kindly, Nobu.
A Hitaki factory in America would be a most significant asset.
I've zeroed in on a big old facility near Dallas.
Hitaki-Americans could be rolling off the line by spring.
With Bill as CEO.
Reporting, with great pleasure, I might add, directly to Nobu, here in Osaka.
As a pilot project for other overseas operations.
Which would also be reporting directly to you, no doubt.
That would be for you to say, Father.
(SCOFFS) I've included the specs on a new engine modification I call the DCI.
Mmm-hmm.
Well, you must give me some time to study this.
Meanwhile, I'm sure there is much to keep you busy here in Osaka.
Thank you, sir.
You're very kind.
Koji, you stay one moment.
Look, I have to get over It will wait! Now, before the end of the week, I want a complete detailed analysis of skilled and unskilled labor in Dallas.
I want to know about local tax structures, transportation problems, collective bargaining issues Father, that isn't what I do.
That is exactly why you will do it.
And do it right.
Now, I wish to talk to you about you and Miko Ishida.
YOSUKE: I've been looking forward to meeting you.
My sister Miko couldn't stop proclaiming your praises when she returned from New York.
(LAUGHING) Oh! We're friends.
She's a fine young woman.
I'm grateful to you for accepting my invitation.
Mmm-hmm.
For Miko's sake as well as my own.
It is because Miko has such great respect for you that I'm asking you for help.
Miko's an idealist.
I admire that, but I fear that sometimes she forgets her heritage, and in our culture that could bring her great unhappiness.
You haven't read any of Miko's poetry, have you, Mr.
Ishida? I Some.
Well, you have a treat in store.
I think you'll find that she has a deep respect not only for her heritage, but also for her family's traditions.
Perhaps then, as one who is both caring and knowledgeable, you could help Miko to understand that this madness with the American must stop, for both their sakes.
Miko's feelings for Rick Walsh have nothing to do with madness.
Someday soon I hope to see you at Miko's wedding, Mrs.
Fletcher.
I share your hope, Mr.
Ishida.
My chauffeur will see you back to your hotel.
Good day.
(DOOR OPENING) (BELL TOLLING) (SWORDS SWISHING) (MEN GRUNTING) RICK: Hold it.
Hey, easy, man.
What's buggin' you? Forget it! Koji! Let it go, okay? I told my dad we're buddies, like always, and that's all it's ever going to be, right? I just hope he's easier to deal with than Yosuke.
A marriage contract signed 20 years ago (SIGHING) Hey, you seeing anyone? Oh, sure.
Well, nothing serious.
Who has time? But I'm real glad for you and Rick.
We've got you to thank, Koji.
If it weren't for you, we'd have never met.
What are friends for, huh? You and Rick.
It's gonna work like magic.
You have any definite plans? I mean, like when you're going to get married? Just that it will happen.
Miko, I want you to do something for me, okay? Or rather, not do something.
Like running off right now and tying the knot.
Just be patient till my dad cools off, okay? Sure, Koji.
Of course.
Bill.
Bill Dawson.
BILL: Rick! How the hell are you? Your mom told me you were racing out here.
Yeah, and I hear you're selling Hitakis like crazy back in the States.
Guess what? We're gonna build 'em in Texas.
Nobu's got some great ideas.
I saw your dad about a month before he died.
I'm sorry.
I'm really gonna miss Mac.
Yeah.
I know I sure do, Bill.
Rick.
Hi.
Rick's dad helped me break into racing.
We stayed pals.
If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even be in the business.
Yeah, I hear you're going to be testing a new fuel system based on something your dad thought up? Uh, yeah.
We'll be out at the track tomorrow.
But, uh, I gotta go.
Um, it's great to see you again, Bill.
Same here.
The engineers are non-committal about his fuel system.
What's your take? He's a good kid, in way over his head.
Seems to think it's in his blood or something.
People I spoke to are kind of chuckling about it.
Well, there won't be much to laugh about if it's better than yours.
That ain't gonna happen.
Let's get something straight, my friend.
I get an even split on the license fee you'll be tacking on every engine.
Tens of thousands of engines, millions of dollars in royalties.
I never said a word about royalties.
You didn't have to.
You applied for a patent.
There'd be no point if you weren't going to ask for royalties.
Now, Bill, I am sticking my neck out for your DCI system.
If I'm wrong, there goes my CEO job.
It's an even split, then? You got it, hon.
KOJl: This is our big chance.
RICK: Tell me about it.
(ENGINES ROARING) You're gonna make history.
Not me, the bike.
Well? It's lookin' good.
Koji is backing him all the way.
Which proves you got the family brains.
(LAUGHS) Give me a minute, will you? I'm surprised to see you here.
Koji insisted.
KOJl: My dad's here.
Show him what we've got.
RICK: Feels right.
Banzai, man! One of my favorite people.
Gosh, it's good to see you again.
How are you, Bill? I'm certainly looking forward to this.
I called Dorothy yesterday to see how she was.
Uh, she seems to be finally adjusting to losing Mac.
Yes, I felt that, too.
I know that she'd give anything in the world to be here today.
Mmm-hmm.
RICK: Turbo's real smooth.
We're wide open.
(EXPLODING) KOJl: Rick, get off! I don't want to lose the bike! She's gonna blow! (PEOPLE CLAMORING) (PEOPLE CHATTERING) (TIRES SCREECHING) You in one piece? (GROANING) Yeah, I think.
I guess I rolled off in time, huh? Get the doctor! What happened, Rick? Damned if I know.
Something screwed up the mixture.
(GRUNTING) You know I need another shot at this, though.
All right, man.
But first, let's make sure you live through this one, okay? Yeah.
HITAKl: Ever since you started racing, I have had a recurring nightmare in which you are killed on the track.
Koji, after what happened today, I can no longer allow you to endanger your life.
I've been racing seven years.
And effective immediately, I accept your resignation from Team Hitaki.
What are you I am appointing you Executive Vice President of Hitaki Motors, answering only to me.
Father, I'm not qualified.
You will become qualified.
As my son and heir, it is your duty, your destiny, to carry on the traditions of this family.
And your sister will assist you and serve you in any way possible.
Because that is my destiny.
Koji, you are free to refuse my offer and go.
But if you go, it will be forever.
You make a wise choice, Koji.
Now, about Miko Ishida Miko is in love with someone else.
(LAUGHS) You are and have been in love with her nearly all your life.
But you don't assert yourself for fear of rejection.
The Ishida family needs Hitaki wealth, and we must acquire entry into circles of power.
I have been assured, upon receiving formal request from you, Miko will agree to marry you.
Therefore, I have arranged for you to meet Yosuke Ishida.
Koji, don't, or you'll ruin Miko's life as well as your own.
Nobu, you don't care who marries whom.
Only who becomes the next CEO.
Start getting used to it.
It won't be you.
(DOOR OPENING) (DOOR CLOSING) My son.
JESSICA: Inspector Ota faxed that to me after tracing the license plate number that I got when Miko and I were being followed.
Tommy Crane.
It's familiar.
Yeah, yeah, I've seen him a couple of times at the Waterfall Cafe.
Mmm.
Have you ever spoken to him? No.
Of course, he denied following us.
According to the Inspector, he's just a small-time gambler who stakes himself anywhere he can.
He has done some racing back in the States and, I mean, he might know enough about motorcycle engines to have sabotaged one of them.
Nobu called.
She said there were no signs of tampering.
(GRUNTING) Look, I buy that Miko was tailed by this S.
O.
B.
And that Yosuke was behind it.
And if it wasn't for maybe hurtin' Miko, I mean, I'd let him know what I think about it.
But as for him hiring this guy to blow me up, that's pretty heavy.
I don't know.
And the Bosozoku? Maybe it's coincidence, maybe not.
It's just I got too much at stake here, Jess, you know? I can't just cut and run on a maybe.
Yeah.
BILL: I think the best thing would be to build the prototype in town, then truck it out here for the test runs.
Hi, Koji.
Look, uh, I shouldn't have walked out this morning.
I apologize.
Thanks.
Before I forget, uh, Rick called and left a message for you.
Said he was confirming kendo at 6:00.
What, feelin' down? Like you'll never get that adrenaline rush sittin' behind a desk? (LAUGHING) You know, you may be surprised.
Business can be a hell of a kick.
I'm lookin' forward to workin' with you.
Thanks, Bill.
I got to clean out my locker.
Bad policy to let the boss sulk.
I'll see you in town.
I don't believe you.
I just spoke to Koji yesterday, and he assured me that he would make no request for marriage.
He decided to speak his heart.
He's in love with you, Miko, and he wants to make you his wife.
An immediate reply is required.
Delay would be an unpardonable insult.
Tell Koji that my feelings haven't changed.
I mean, he's my best friend, but I cannot marry him.
Miko, your Rick has a very dangerous occupation.
As you saw, he can die without warning at any moment.
For his sake as well as your own, I'd advise you to reconsider.
Hold up! I ran out of gas.
Well, you just filled up.
Yeah, must be a glitch in the fuel line.
I'll just have it picked up.
Can I have a lift to the kendo hall? Yeah, sure.
Rick, I'm scared.
My brother wasn't kidding.
Look, Miko, for your own sake I want you to think this through, you know? Koji's going to be one of the most powerful men in Japan.
Oh, Rick, don't.
He could give you the kind of life that I could never dream of.
Rick, if you love me, you better stop right now, okay? It's you and me, and And I'm not going to change my mind.
Okay.
Hey, look, I know Koji.
He's not gonna go along with any hard stuff.
I'm late for an appointment with him now.
I'll get him to warn your brother off, and, uh, then I'll pick you up and we'll go from there.
Hmm.
Well, if it means that we have to leave Japan for a while, I'm willing.
Well, we'll see.
Hey I love you.
Damn.
(PEOPLE CHATTERING) CHAUFFEUR: What did you say to my employer that rubbed him the wrong way? TOMMY: A lot of old school crap.
What does he want this time? CHAUFFEUR: Same thing over.
He can no longer accept Rick Walsh's interference in his plans.
How much is he willing to spend? Whatever's required.
Yes? Uh, that.
Natto? Uh-huh.
Natto! CHAUFFEUR: The situation is putting his campaign at risk.
Natto is not often favored by visitors.
Oh.
(CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) I like it.
I've always been partial to, uh Spoiled beans.
He doesn't care what you have to do.
Just make sure the American never bothers Miko again.
I understand.
I knew it.
(PHONE RINGING) (ON ANSWERING MACHINE) Hi, this is Rick Walsh.
Please leave a message at the tone, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Rick, I won't go into details, but it's important that you stay away from your apartment or any place where someone looking for you would be likely to go.
Please call me at the hotel.
(PHONE BEEPS) Koji Kendo hall at 6:00.
(SIRENS WAILING) (GRUNTING) Rick? (SPEAKING JAPANESE) Who is it? You said "Rick"? Well, he had an appointment for kendo practice with Koji Hitaki.
So Koji! And why are you here? I came to warn Rick that his life might be in danger from the man that you identified for me, Tommy Crane? What time was Walsh supposed to be here? A custodian found the body at 5:58.
Walsh and Koji both wanted the same woman.
Oh! But, Inspector, they were good friends.
They worked together.
They respected each other.
Rick would never do anything like this.
What's happening here? Jess, why are all the police here? Koji No.
Mr.
Walsh, you had an appointment here with Koji, correct? Uh, yeah.
OTA: And you arrived here before he did.
No, no, I I worked late, and then I had a phone call.
In order not to alert your intended victim to danger, you put on your kendo outfit, these parts of which we have found in a laundry chute.
Hey, no.
No way.
You can tell us more about it at headquarters.
Your passport, please.
I don't have it with me.
Where is it? It's in my apartment.
I'll get it for you.
(KEYS JINGLING) (DOOR OPENING) (COMPUTER BEEPING) I must seal off the apartment when you are finished, Mrs.
Fletcher.
HITAKl: Koji's life was just beginning.
Who would want to do this to him? Rick Walsh is in custody.
But they were so close.
So were Walsh and Miko Ishida.
Well, I can't believe that (GASPING) Oh, Father, no, no, your pills! I can't breathe! I'm dying! You must carry on for us.
(BREATHING HEAVILY) You're getting exactly what you wanted.
Oh, Father, no! Please, please, security! I need help quickly! I need an ambulance! It's a profound contradiction that love breeds murder.
I've known Rick Walsh since the only thing he drove was a scooter.
He's no killer.
I presume Nobu Hitaki is now in charge.
She will do well.
You got that right.
I'm sorry.
I don't want to appear rude, but as you can see, I'm very busy here, so if you could please keep this brief.
Nobu, surely you want to help find out who killed Koji? My brother's dead, my father's in an oxygen tent, and Rick Walsh is responsible.
Nobu, Rick told me that he left a message with you at the track.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Jessica.
Nobu, I want to get this out to our stateside dealers so they know exactly what's going on.
Yes, Bill and I were at the track setting up some trials, and Rick called to confirm a kendo date with Koji at 6:00.
The police said that Koji ran out of gas.
Now, as I recall, there's a gasoline pump at the track.
Why wouldn't he have filled up? He did, while he was talking to us.
Good.
Put it out.
Now, the mechanics are checking it out.
They think a leak in the fuel line Oh, I must insist.
Well, thank you, Nobu.
I believe you may have helped me more than you think you did.
I'm grief-stricken, of course.
I had the deepest affection for Koji Hitaki.
He was a splendid young man.
Ishida-san, where were you at 6:00 last evening? I took a walk, as I often do at that hour, to meditate.
A walk where? There's a wood at the end of the street.
Did anyone see you? You're not suggesting Please answer my question.
Inspector, Rick Walsh, the gaijin, is your murderer.
Ishida-san, we found blood on a set of kendo garments that were discarded.
When we examined the garments, we found that they belonged to you and were missing from your locker.
The cloth and leather matched.
The blood on them was Koji's.
Surely you know the importance I attach to Koji's marrying my sister.
So much importance that if young Hitaki told you he was withdrawing his marriage offer He never withdrew his offer to You'd have killed to protect your sister's reputation and that of your family.
That's an outrageous accusation! Explain the bloody garments.
Is that so difficult? Perhaps Rick Walsh wished to incriminate me.
Perhaps my political enemies, like you.
I keep track of the political sycophants around my opponents, and I happen to know that you are one of them.
My politics have nothing to do with my Inspector, you are a hypocrite.
May I advise a quick confession to protect Get out! You are to be at headquarters for questioning this afternoon.
You may bring counsel, of course.
Meanwhile, I leave you to your conscience and your ceremonial swords.
You look like you haven't slept in a week.
It feels more like a month.
They grilled me all night.
Oh, Jess, please thank your embassy friend for, uh, getting me a good lawyer.
Oh, of course, they kept your passport.
Oh, yeah, you know it.
By the way, guess who was comin' in when I was leavin'.
Yosuke.
What? According to my lawyer, uh, those bloody kendo things that they tried to hang on me, they turned out to be his.
I can't see my brother killing the man he wants me to marry.
Well, neither can I.
I mean, Rick, from what you just told us, Koji was killed by mistake and you were the real target, which means that you're in grave danger.
What makes you think that? Well, because Miko is right.
There's no way that Yosuke would want to kill Koji who was his ticket into the Hitaki fortune.
Therefore, the only possible explanation for bloodstains on his outfit was someone making sure the blood was there in order to frame him.
But, uh, how do you know that it was for my murder? Well, because the perpetrator would know that for the frame to work, the murder victim had to be someone that Yosuke had a strong motive to kill, like you.
MIKO: It's open season on you.
Rick, we've got to get out of Japan.
Without a passport? Look, I need a shower and some clean clothes.
Jess, you got my keys? (SIGHING) It's too dangerous to get back to your apartment.
Tell him, Jess.
How about an out-of-the-way hotel instead? Please, Rick.
Okay, all right.
But, uh, I got work to do.
I'm gonna need to rent a laptop, and I'm gonna need my files.
I'll make a copy on a floppy disk for you.
All right, thank you.
That sounds good.
Uh, but I left the computer on, so make sure you save the documents on the screen first.
It's the E7 that you brought from LA.
I will.
Rick, when I got to your apartment, the computer was off.
There's no way, Jessica.
I know that I left it on.
Well, that means that someone else was in your apartment, and at that computer before I got there.
My father will recover, but I shall be continuing here as Chief Executive Officer.
My congratulations, Hitaki-san.
I know you've spoken to the police about me.
What exactly did you tell them? Only the truth.
That as I was leaving the kendo hall yesterday afternoon, just before the murder, I saw you drive up with Koji.
Did you perhaps add that you went back into the hall after you saw me drive off? I said I told only the truth, Hitaki-san.
(BEEPING) JESSICA: E7, where are you? (SIGHING) Of course.
Find what you were looking for, Mrs.
Fletcher? Yes.
But I must call Rick's mother to confirm something.
NOBU: Oh, your figures are overly optimistic.
Not so.
I've factored in a very aggressive ad campaign.
(PHONE RINGING) Yes? (WOMAN SPEAKING JAPANESE) Yes, have Mrs.
Fletcher come in.
She telephoned.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Good afternoon, Nobu.
Bill.
I could wait until your meeting is over.
No, Mrs.
Fletcher, your phone call was confusing and upsetting, so let's deal with this now.
Could somebody please catch me up? You were both at the track yesterday with Koji, and you both knew that Koji was to meet Rick for kendo at 6:00.
But you had contrived to make sure that Koji was nowhere near the kendo hall when Rick arrived for their appointment.
Contrived? Why, that's ridiculous, Jessica.
There was a leak in Koji's fuel line.
Well, the mechanics say that that could easily have been arranged.
Since you had no way of knowing that Nobu had picked Koji up and he was unrecognizable in his costume, you thought he was Rick, whom you were expecting, and you killed him.
I like Rick.
I like the whole family.
I had no reason to kill him.
You had a very strong reason.
You wanted the document on the floppy disk that Rick's mother sent with me from Los Angeles, Mac Walsh's last work.
Specs and schematics for a turbo-assist that would be worth millions of dollars in licensing fees.
Well, how could I have possibly known anything about that? When we talked at the track before the demo, you mentioned that you had called Dorothy the day before to ask how she was? She seems to be finally adjusting to losing Mac.
Yes.
I felt that, too.
Well, a little while ago, I talked to Dorothy and found out what the call was really about.
You asked her if she had found any more of Mac's work.
She told you about the disk that I was bringing to Japan with me, which explains the robbery in my hotel room, even though you tried to make it look like the work of a pro.
That's very nice, Mrs.
Fletcher, but you have no proof of any of that.
I know that the file I brought was taken off Rick's computer, and I believe transferred to yours.
May I? Back away, Jessica.
Bill, no Let me handle this.
Now, I really am sorry about killing poor Koji Hitaki, who in addition to being in the wrong place at the wrong time was also in the wrong outfit.
But if Nobu will dismiss her secretary for the rest of the afternoon It wouldn't help you one bit.
You are under arrest for the murder of Koji Hitaki and the attempted murder of Rick Walsh.
What attempted murder? Confession is not only good for the soul, Mr.
Dawson, but it is also very helpful when involved with Japanese jurisprudence.
I'm sure your lawyer will confirm that.
RICK: May I? Oh, of course.
(LAUGHS) Thanks, Rick.
Oh, I'm so glad to have these back.
It's beautiful.
I remember it from New York.
Dawson had it? Along with all of that.
Now, I've got something for you.
(EXCLAIMS) Oh, I bet I'm right.
This is This is lovely.
My first, and it's going to be my most spectacular wedding present.
You must come back for the ceremony, Jessica.
You're going to stay here? For now, anyway.
Nakata and I decided we can work together.
Oh And this is for Ted Hartley.
My outline, and it's complete.
Now you've figured out the ending.
Right.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
I am tired of Koji running around the world with this racing team! (TIRES SCREECHING) Even if it came out that his sister was romantically involved with a foreigner? I don't want you to disgrace yourself with your gaijin.
It's intolerant and stupid.
Don't you ever relax? (MEN GRUNTING) All Koji cares about is winning Grand Prix races.
Father, I'm not qualified.
You will become qualified.
He might know enough about motorcycle engines to have sabotaged one.
TV ANNOUNCER: They're about to begin the sixth annual Golden Grand Prix.
The green flag is dropped, and we're off to a nice clean start.
KOJl: Nobody was going to beat Rick that day.
ANNOUNCER: Coming into the first turn number 24, Brandon Muir, is leading, followed closely by number 97, Rick Walsh, on his father's, Mac Walsh's, personally tuned 500cc GP bike.
Oh, my! Rick has just taken Brandon on the inside turn.
Right then is when I knew this good old bro was gonna ride for Team Hitaki.
RICK: That's not the only reason I came to Japan.
Both men are racing to insure their sponsor's ride (PHONE RINGING) Yeah, hello.
WOMAN: Koji, please.
Yeah, he's right here.
Koji.
Koji here.
(WOMAN SPEAKING JAPANESE) Is that bike one of your dad's designs? Yeah, that's right.
It's a Mac Walsh all the way.
It's the last one he built from the road up.
You know, Rick, we've actually gotta go.
Jess is waiting.
Yeah.
KOJl: Yeah, I'll tell him.
Hey, Rick, engineering's scheduled a demo for your new fuel injection design.
Hey, that's great.
Day after tomorrow.
I can't do it, Koji.
You know it's still glitched.
I'm sorry, pal.
They've set a cut-off for designs of the new model.
Unglitch it or forget it.
I'll walk you to your car.
(CAR LOCK BEEPING) Jess is going to be really disappointed that you can't make it.
So am I, but you heard Koji.
Just tell her I'm, uh, real sorry and that I'll see her tomorrow.
MIKO: Call me later, okay? (CAR ENGINE STARTING) Hey! I always wanted a Hitaki Grand Prix.
(CHUCKLES) See your friendly dealer, pal.
Wrong answer.
(MEN GRUNTING) Rick! (GRUNTING CONTINUES) Get off him! Get outta here! (GROANING) (BIKE ENGINES ROARING) You okay? Yeah, yeah.
They wanted the bike.
JESSICA: The pearls are matched, medium size.
The necklace was 18 inches long with a gold clasp.
It was an anniversary present from my husband.
OTA: We'll do our best to retrieve it, Mrs.
Fletcher.
What else is missing? Well, a 35 millimeter camera, Penton model 1Q4.
Pair of green jade earrings in a gold setting, and a Pentium laptop computer with an operating system that I was just getting the hang of.
Obviously the thief knows his trade.
(SPEAKING JAPANESE) Negative on fingerprints.
How long will you be lecturing at the University, Mrs.
Fletcher? Well, I planned to leave Osaka on Saturday morning.
Regretfully, in my work, unlike yours, I cannot guarantee a happy ending.
Oh, thank you, Inspector.
If you think of anything else.
Yes.
Jessica! Oh, Miko.
I'm so glad to see you.
What happened? Well, I was robbed.
Robbed? Well, my plane was late.
And I didn't want to keep the students waiting for my first lecture, so I just dropped the bags off and went straight to the University.
But there is a silver lining.
The thief wasn't at all interested in your book.
I'm not sure if I like that.
Advanced copy.
From the Heart by Miko Ishida.
Haiku poetry translated by the author.
With the help of J.
B.
Fletcher.
What are you writing now? Oh, just, um, an outline for a contemporary novel.
A love story.
But, um, I don't have an ending yet.
NOBU: My father's new office.
I talked him into redoing it because, as my favorite professor at Harvard put it, eyewash pays off.
Always has.
He's moved the meeting up to tomorrow, so if you've made any changes in your proposal Haven't changed a thing since you last saw it.
Nobu, just so I don't tread on any rattlesnakes, how come your brother isn't second in command around here? Because all Koji cares about is winning Grand Prix races.
(LAUGHS) And I mean to keep it that way.
So you can get to be the next CEO.
How'd you ever figure that out? Still, your father conducts himself like an old-time shogun, which means he would want his only son to take over.
Well, what he wants and what he ends up with may be quite different.
The first engineering reports on your DCI fuel system are good.
Just include a copy of the specs with your proposal, and if we can get my father's approval we can lock it into the new model.
I presume you have a patent pending? Nobu, don't you ever relax? Oh, I relax beautifully.
But first, I do what needs to be done.
How is your brother's political career going? Well, his campaign for Parliament is going nowhere.
He's short of money and behind in the polls.
But, um, I think he can still win.
Even if it came out that his sister was romantically involved with a foreigner? A "gaijin", Yosuke would call him.
TOMMY: Your little sister spends so much time at Walsh's apartment, it's her home away from home.
YOSUKE: Careful, Tommy.
Oh, come on, now.
She's with him every chance she gets.
They were headed to Rick Walsh's place.
I ought to know.
I followed her there enough times when she wasn't being chaperoned.
Tommy, not so long ago, a man like you, using that tone to a man like myself, would have lost his head before he finished his sentence.
Now, get out.
Your mother gave me this last night in LA.
She was going to FedEx it to you, and she decided I'd get here first.
She just dropped it in my bag.
RICK: I knew there had to be something like this around.
Did she say where she found it? She was packing up your dad's clothes for goodwill and found it in a pants pocket.
She thought it might be important.
(KEYBOARD KEYS CLACKING) Lmportant? You know, this'll add a turbo boost that makes the whole thing super performance.
Here, put this ice on your head.
No, not now.
Hang on.
Now! She loves me.
What can I say? You really should have called the police.
What for? They didn't get my bike, and, uh, I just wanted to get back to work here.
Rick, if the Bosozoku only wanted your bike, why didn't they just take it instead of going after you? You know, Miko and I were followed over here.
I'm quite sure.
MIKO: How dare you have me followed.
My dear, you're my responsibility until you marry.
I've made arrangements with Akira Hitaki, to discuss the formal announcement of your betrothal to Koji.
Koji and I are just friends, and that's all we'll ever be.
Miko, our father and the Hitakis signed a solemn contract at your birth, binding you to Koji.
You're a fortunate young woman, Miko.
(SCOFFS) It's not even the solemn contract you care about.
It's the Hitaki money to finance your political career.
No, my darling Miko, it's you.
You've spent so much time abroad, you've lost your perspective.
I don't want you to disgrace yourself with your gaijin.
I hate that word.
It's intolerant and stupid, and I hate you for using it.
Miko, I'm head of this family and I'll do what I must for your welfare.
Even lock you up if necessary.
Nonsense.
And the only way to keep me away from seeing Rick Walsh is to kill me.
KOJl: Hey, Rick, how's it feel? RICK: Can't tell for sure till I open her up.
(ENGINES ROARING) KOJl: Let's do it.
Nakata's having fits.
RICK: When we hit the curve.
Lettin' her out now.
Looking good.
Ready, man.
Here comes the turbo.
(ENGINE ROARING) Oh, yeah! (TIRES SCREECHING) The turbo is great.
A couple of more adjustments, I'll have her ready for the demo tomorrow.
Never doubted it, pal.
You have not completed your training exercises for today.
Yeah, I know.
Uh, look, Nakata, I was about to ask if you could let me off so I could finish the turbo boost.
You're determined to be defiant.
No, that's wrong.
But I do have better things to do than circle the track for three hours.
The disciplined riding, I demand, has a purpose.
You must be at one with your machine.
Yeah, I know all about it.
Your disobedience in the presence of others is an affront I cannot ignore.
Look, okay, I'm sorry.
It wasn't meant to be an insult.
I have no choice.
You are suspended from Team Hitaki.
KOJl: Like hell he is.
I brought him to Hitaki because he knows how to win races.
Work it out.
You could learn from each other.
No, Hitaki-san.
Either you accept my decision, or my resignation.
HITAKl: I am ashamed of you.
Nakata has been a most faithful employee of this company for over 20 years.
I didn't fire him.
You made it impossible for him to continue.
No, no, he did that.
Nakata's old news.
Rick's a tactician, and he's becoming quite a mechanic.
He's coming up with gimmicks that'll take your eyes out.
Father, I'm sure Koji can run Team Hitaki very well without Nakata.
I am tired of Koji running around the world with this racing team! His duty is here.
(INTERCOM BEEPING) (WOMAN SPEAKING JAPANESE) Yes, Mr.
Dawson is expected.
Now, I demand that you assume your responsibilities as the next leader of this company.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Mr.
Hitaki, it's good to see you again.
Welcome back to Osaka.
Always glad to get over here, sir.
Nobu.
Koji, it's great to see you.
How's that racing comin' along? Hangin' in, thanks.
Your tips, they helped.
Well, it's kind of you to say.
But you're a natural like Hideo Nomo, take it from me.
Uh, Mr.
Dawson, I want to express our profound gratitude for all your achievements as chief American distributor.
Selling's a piece of cake when you have the right ingredients.
I've given my father an overview of your proposal.
Well, thank you kindly, Nobu.
A Hitaki factory in America would be a most significant asset.
I've zeroed in on a big old facility near Dallas.
Hitaki-Americans could be rolling off the line by spring.
With Bill as CEO.
Reporting, with great pleasure, I might add, directly to Nobu, here in Osaka.
As a pilot project for other overseas operations.
Which would also be reporting directly to you, no doubt.
That would be for you to say, Father.
(SCOFFS) I've included the specs on a new engine modification I call the DCI.
Mmm-hmm.
Well, you must give me some time to study this.
Meanwhile, I'm sure there is much to keep you busy here in Osaka.
Thank you, sir.
You're very kind.
Koji, you stay one moment.
Look, I have to get over It will wait! Now, before the end of the week, I want a complete detailed analysis of skilled and unskilled labor in Dallas.
I want to know about local tax structures, transportation problems, collective bargaining issues Father, that isn't what I do.
That is exactly why you will do it.
And do it right.
Now, I wish to talk to you about you and Miko Ishida.
YOSUKE: I've been looking forward to meeting you.
My sister Miko couldn't stop proclaiming your praises when she returned from New York.
(LAUGHING) Oh! We're friends.
She's a fine young woman.
I'm grateful to you for accepting my invitation.
Mmm-hmm.
For Miko's sake as well as my own.
It is because Miko has such great respect for you that I'm asking you for help.
Miko's an idealist.
I admire that, but I fear that sometimes she forgets her heritage, and in our culture that could bring her great unhappiness.
You haven't read any of Miko's poetry, have you, Mr.
Ishida? I Some.
Well, you have a treat in store.
I think you'll find that she has a deep respect not only for her heritage, but also for her family's traditions.
Perhaps then, as one who is both caring and knowledgeable, you could help Miko to understand that this madness with the American must stop, for both their sakes.
Miko's feelings for Rick Walsh have nothing to do with madness.
Someday soon I hope to see you at Miko's wedding, Mrs.
Fletcher.
I share your hope, Mr.
Ishida.
My chauffeur will see you back to your hotel.
Good day.
(DOOR OPENING) (BELL TOLLING) (SWORDS SWISHING) (MEN GRUNTING) RICK: Hold it.
Hey, easy, man.
What's buggin' you? Forget it! Koji! Let it go, okay? I told my dad we're buddies, like always, and that's all it's ever going to be, right? I just hope he's easier to deal with than Yosuke.
A marriage contract signed 20 years ago (SIGHING) Hey, you seeing anyone? Oh, sure.
Well, nothing serious.
Who has time? But I'm real glad for you and Rick.
We've got you to thank, Koji.
If it weren't for you, we'd have never met.
What are friends for, huh? You and Rick.
It's gonna work like magic.
You have any definite plans? I mean, like when you're going to get married? Just that it will happen.
Miko, I want you to do something for me, okay? Or rather, not do something.
Like running off right now and tying the knot.
Just be patient till my dad cools off, okay? Sure, Koji.
Of course.
Bill.
Bill Dawson.
BILL: Rick! How the hell are you? Your mom told me you were racing out here.
Yeah, and I hear you're selling Hitakis like crazy back in the States.
Guess what? We're gonna build 'em in Texas.
Nobu's got some great ideas.
I saw your dad about a month before he died.
I'm sorry.
I'm really gonna miss Mac.
Yeah.
I know I sure do, Bill.
Rick.
Hi.
Rick's dad helped me break into racing.
We stayed pals.
If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even be in the business.
Yeah, I hear you're going to be testing a new fuel system based on something your dad thought up? Uh, yeah.
We'll be out at the track tomorrow.
But, uh, I gotta go.
Um, it's great to see you again, Bill.
Same here.
The engineers are non-committal about his fuel system.
What's your take? He's a good kid, in way over his head.
Seems to think it's in his blood or something.
People I spoke to are kind of chuckling about it.
Well, there won't be much to laugh about if it's better than yours.
That ain't gonna happen.
Let's get something straight, my friend.
I get an even split on the license fee you'll be tacking on every engine.
Tens of thousands of engines, millions of dollars in royalties.
I never said a word about royalties.
You didn't have to.
You applied for a patent.
There'd be no point if you weren't going to ask for royalties.
Now, Bill, I am sticking my neck out for your DCI system.
If I'm wrong, there goes my CEO job.
It's an even split, then? You got it, hon.
KOJl: This is our big chance.
RICK: Tell me about it.
(ENGINES ROARING) You're gonna make history.
Not me, the bike.
Well? It's lookin' good.
Koji is backing him all the way.
Which proves you got the family brains.
(LAUGHS) Give me a minute, will you? I'm surprised to see you here.
Koji insisted.
KOJl: My dad's here.
Show him what we've got.
RICK: Feels right.
Banzai, man! One of my favorite people.
Gosh, it's good to see you again.
How are you, Bill? I'm certainly looking forward to this.
I called Dorothy yesterday to see how she was.
Uh, she seems to be finally adjusting to losing Mac.
Yes, I felt that, too.
I know that she'd give anything in the world to be here today.
Mmm-hmm.
RICK: Turbo's real smooth.
We're wide open.
(EXPLODING) KOJl: Rick, get off! I don't want to lose the bike! She's gonna blow! (PEOPLE CLAMORING) (PEOPLE CHATTERING) (TIRES SCREECHING) You in one piece? (GROANING) Yeah, I think.
I guess I rolled off in time, huh? Get the doctor! What happened, Rick? Damned if I know.
Something screwed up the mixture.
(GRUNTING) You know I need another shot at this, though.
All right, man.
But first, let's make sure you live through this one, okay? Yeah.
HITAKl: Ever since you started racing, I have had a recurring nightmare in which you are killed on the track.
Koji, after what happened today, I can no longer allow you to endanger your life.
I've been racing seven years.
And effective immediately, I accept your resignation from Team Hitaki.
What are you I am appointing you Executive Vice President of Hitaki Motors, answering only to me.
Father, I'm not qualified.
You will become qualified.
As my son and heir, it is your duty, your destiny, to carry on the traditions of this family.
And your sister will assist you and serve you in any way possible.
Because that is my destiny.
Koji, you are free to refuse my offer and go.
But if you go, it will be forever.
You make a wise choice, Koji.
Now, about Miko Ishida Miko is in love with someone else.
(LAUGHS) You are and have been in love with her nearly all your life.
But you don't assert yourself for fear of rejection.
The Ishida family needs Hitaki wealth, and we must acquire entry into circles of power.
I have been assured, upon receiving formal request from you, Miko will agree to marry you.
Therefore, I have arranged for you to meet Yosuke Ishida.
Koji, don't, or you'll ruin Miko's life as well as your own.
Nobu, you don't care who marries whom.
Only who becomes the next CEO.
Start getting used to it.
It won't be you.
(DOOR OPENING) (DOOR CLOSING) My son.
JESSICA: Inspector Ota faxed that to me after tracing the license plate number that I got when Miko and I were being followed.
Tommy Crane.
It's familiar.
Yeah, yeah, I've seen him a couple of times at the Waterfall Cafe.
Mmm.
Have you ever spoken to him? No.
Of course, he denied following us.
According to the Inspector, he's just a small-time gambler who stakes himself anywhere he can.
He has done some racing back in the States and, I mean, he might know enough about motorcycle engines to have sabotaged one of them.
Nobu called.
She said there were no signs of tampering.
(GRUNTING) Look, I buy that Miko was tailed by this S.
O.
B.
And that Yosuke was behind it.
And if it wasn't for maybe hurtin' Miko, I mean, I'd let him know what I think about it.
But as for him hiring this guy to blow me up, that's pretty heavy.
I don't know.
And the Bosozoku? Maybe it's coincidence, maybe not.
It's just I got too much at stake here, Jess, you know? I can't just cut and run on a maybe.
Yeah.
BILL: I think the best thing would be to build the prototype in town, then truck it out here for the test runs.
Hi, Koji.
Look, uh, I shouldn't have walked out this morning.
I apologize.
Thanks.
Before I forget, uh, Rick called and left a message for you.
Said he was confirming kendo at 6:00.
What, feelin' down? Like you'll never get that adrenaline rush sittin' behind a desk? (LAUGHING) You know, you may be surprised.
Business can be a hell of a kick.
I'm lookin' forward to workin' with you.
Thanks, Bill.
I got to clean out my locker.
Bad policy to let the boss sulk.
I'll see you in town.
I don't believe you.
I just spoke to Koji yesterday, and he assured me that he would make no request for marriage.
He decided to speak his heart.
He's in love with you, Miko, and he wants to make you his wife.
An immediate reply is required.
Delay would be an unpardonable insult.
Tell Koji that my feelings haven't changed.
I mean, he's my best friend, but I cannot marry him.
Miko, your Rick has a very dangerous occupation.
As you saw, he can die without warning at any moment.
For his sake as well as your own, I'd advise you to reconsider.
Hold up! I ran out of gas.
Well, you just filled up.
Yeah, must be a glitch in the fuel line.
I'll just have it picked up.
Can I have a lift to the kendo hall? Yeah, sure.
Rick, I'm scared.
My brother wasn't kidding.
Look, Miko, for your own sake I want you to think this through, you know? Koji's going to be one of the most powerful men in Japan.
Oh, Rick, don't.
He could give you the kind of life that I could never dream of.
Rick, if you love me, you better stop right now, okay? It's you and me, and And I'm not going to change my mind.
Okay.
Hey, look, I know Koji.
He's not gonna go along with any hard stuff.
I'm late for an appointment with him now.
I'll get him to warn your brother off, and, uh, then I'll pick you up and we'll go from there.
Hmm.
Well, if it means that we have to leave Japan for a while, I'm willing.
Well, we'll see.
Hey I love you.
Damn.
(PEOPLE CHATTERING) CHAUFFEUR: What did you say to my employer that rubbed him the wrong way? TOMMY: A lot of old school crap.
What does he want this time? CHAUFFEUR: Same thing over.
He can no longer accept Rick Walsh's interference in his plans.
How much is he willing to spend? Whatever's required.
Yes? Uh, that.
Natto? Uh-huh.
Natto! CHAUFFEUR: The situation is putting his campaign at risk.
Natto is not often favored by visitors.
Oh.
(CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) I like it.
I've always been partial to, uh Spoiled beans.
He doesn't care what you have to do.
Just make sure the American never bothers Miko again.
I understand.
I knew it.
(PHONE RINGING) (ON ANSWERING MACHINE) Hi, this is Rick Walsh.
Please leave a message at the tone, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Rick, I won't go into details, but it's important that you stay away from your apartment or any place where someone looking for you would be likely to go.
Please call me at the hotel.
(PHONE BEEPS) Koji Kendo hall at 6:00.
(SIRENS WAILING) (GRUNTING) Rick? (SPEAKING JAPANESE) Who is it? You said "Rick"? Well, he had an appointment for kendo practice with Koji Hitaki.
So Koji! And why are you here? I came to warn Rick that his life might be in danger from the man that you identified for me, Tommy Crane? What time was Walsh supposed to be here? A custodian found the body at 5:58.
Walsh and Koji both wanted the same woman.
Oh! But, Inspector, they were good friends.
They worked together.
They respected each other.
Rick would never do anything like this.
What's happening here? Jess, why are all the police here? Koji No.
Mr.
Walsh, you had an appointment here with Koji, correct? Uh, yeah.
OTA: And you arrived here before he did.
No, no, I I worked late, and then I had a phone call.
In order not to alert your intended victim to danger, you put on your kendo outfit, these parts of which we have found in a laundry chute.
Hey, no.
No way.
You can tell us more about it at headquarters.
Your passport, please.
I don't have it with me.
Where is it? It's in my apartment.
I'll get it for you.
(KEYS JINGLING) (DOOR OPENING) (COMPUTER BEEPING) I must seal off the apartment when you are finished, Mrs.
Fletcher.
HITAKl: Koji's life was just beginning.
Who would want to do this to him? Rick Walsh is in custody.
But they were so close.
So were Walsh and Miko Ishida.
Well, I can't believe that (GASPING) Oh, Father, no, no, your pills! I can't breathe! I'm dying! You must carry on for us.
(BREATHING HEAVILY) You're getting exactly what you wanted.
Oh, Father, no! Please, please, security! I need help quickly! I need an ambulance! It's a profound contradiction that love breeds murder.
I've known Rick Walsh since the only thing he drove was a scooter.
He's no killer.
I presume Nobu Hitaki is now in charge.
She will do well.
You got that right.
I'm sorry.
I don't want to appear rude, but as you can see, I'm very busy here, so if you could please keep this brief.
Nobu, surely you want to help find out who killed Koji? My brother's dead, my father's in an oxygen tent, and Rick Walsh is responsible.
Nobu, Rick told me that he left a message with you at the track.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Jessica.
Nobu, I want to get this out to our stateside dealers so they know exactly what's going on.
Yes, Bill and I were at the track setting up some trials, and Rick called to confirm a kendo date with Koji at 6:00.
The police said that Koji ran out of gas.
Now, as I recall, there's a gasoline pump at the track.
Why wouldn't he have filled up? He did, while he was talking to us.
Good.
Put it out.
Now, the mechanics are checking it out.
They think a leak in the fuel line Oh, I must insist.
Well, thank you, Nobu.
I believe you may have helped me more than you think you did.
I'm grief-stricken, of course.
I had the deepest affection for Koji Hitaki.
He was a splendid young man.
Ishida-san, where were you at 6:00 last evening? I took a walk, as I often do at that hour, to meditate.
A walk where? There's a wood at the end of the street.
Did anyone see you? You're not suggesting Please answer my question.
Inspector, Rick Walsh, the gaijin, is your murderer.
Ishida-san, we found blood on a set of kendo garments that were discarded.
When we examined the garments, we found that they belonged to you and were missing from your locker.
The cloth and leather matched.
The blood on them was Koji's.
Surely you know the importance I attach to Koji's marrying my sister.
So much importance that if young Hitaki told you he was withdrawing his marriage offer He never withdrew his offer to You'd have killed to protect your sister's reputation and that of your family.
That's an outrageous accusation! Explain the bloody garments.
Is that so difficult? Perhaps Rick Walsh wished to incriminate me.
Perhaps my political enemies, like you.
I keep track of the political sycophants around my opponents, and I happen to know that you are one of them.
My politics have nothing to do with my Inspector, you are a hypocrite.
May I advise a quick confession to protect Get out! You are to be at headquarters for questioning this afternoon.
You may bring counsel, of course.
Meanwhile, I leave you to your conscience and your ceremonial swords.
You look like you haven't slept in a week.
It feels more like a month.
They grilled me all night.
Oh, Jess, please thank your embassy friend for, uh, getting me a good lawyer.
Oh, of course, they kept your passport.
Oh, yeah, you know it.
By the way, guess who was comin' in when I was leavin'.
Yosuke.
What? According to my lawyer, uh, those bloody kendo things that they tried to hang on me, they turned out to be his.
I can't see my brother killing the man he wants me to marry.
Well, neither can I.
I mean, Rick, from what you just told us, Koji was killed by mistake and you were the real target, which means that you're in grave danger.
What makes you think that? Well, because Miko is right.
There's no way that Yosuke would want to kill Koji who was his ticket into the Hitaki fortune.
Therefore, the only possible explanation for bloodstains on his outfit was someone making sure the blood was there in order to frame him.
But, uh, how do you know that it was for my murder? Well, because the perpetrator would know that for the frame to work, the murder victim had to be someone that Yosuke had a strong motive to kill, like you.
MIKO: It's open season on you.
Rick, we've got to get out of Japan.
Without a passport? Look, I need a shower and some clean clothes.
Jess, you got my keys? (SIGHING) It's too dangerous to get back to your apartment.
Tell him, Jess.
How about an out-of-the-way hotel instead? Please, Rick.
Okay, all right.
But, uh, I got work to do.
I'm gonna need to rent a laptop, and I'm gonna need my files.
I'll make a copy on a floppy disk for you.
All right, thank you.
That sounds good.
Uh, but I left the computer on, so make sure you save the documents on the screen first.
It's the E7 that you brought from LA.
I will.
Rick, when I got to your apartment, the computer was off.
There's no way, Jessica.
I know that I left it on.
Well, that means that someone else was in your apartment, and at that computer before I got there.
My father will recover, but I shall be continuing here as Chief Executive Officer.
My congratulations, Hitaki-san.
I know you've spoken to the police about me.
What exactly did you tell them? Only the truth.
That as I was leaving the kendo hall yesterday afternoon, just before the murder, I saw you drive up with Koji.
Did you perhaps add that you went back into the hall after you saw me drive off? I said I told only the truth, Hitaki-san.
(BEEPING) JESSICA: E7, where are you? (SIGHING) Of course.
Find what you were looking for, Mrs.
Fletcher? Yes.
But I must call Rick's mother to confirm something.
NOBU: Oh, your figures are overly optimistic.
Not so.
I've factored in a very aggressive ad campaign.
(PHONE RINGING) Yes? (WOMAN SPEAKING JAPANESE) Yes, have Mrs.
Fletcher come in.
She telephoned.
(KNOCKING ON DOOR) Good afternoon, Nobu.
Bill.
I could wait until your meeting is over.
No, Mrs.
Fletcher, your phone call was confusing and upsetting, so let's deal with this now.
Could somebody please catch me up? You were both at the track yesterday with Koji, and you both knew that Koji was to meet Rick for kendo at 6:00.
But you had contrived to make sure that Koji was nowhere near the kendo hall when Rick arrived for their appointment.
Contrived? Why, that's ridiculous, Jessica.
There was a leak in Koji's fuel line.
Well, the mechanics say that that could easily have been arranged.
Since you had no way of knowing that Nobu had picked Koji up and he was unrecognizable in his costume, you thought he was Rick, whom you were expecting, and you killed him.
I like Rick.
I like the whole family.
I had no reason to kill him.
You had a very strong reason.
You wanted the document on the floppy disk that Rick's mother sent with me from Los Angeles, Mac Walsh's last work.
Specs and schematics for a turbo-assist that would be worth millions of dollars in licensing fees.
Well, how could I have possibly known anything about that? When we talked at the track before the demo, you mentioned that you had called Dorothy the day before to ask how she was? She seems to be finally adjusting to losing Mac.
Yes.
I felt that, too.
Well, a little while ago, I talked to Dorothy and found out what the call was really about.
You asked her if she had found any more of Mac's work.
She told you about the disk that I was bringing to Japan with me, which explains the robbery in my hotel room, even though you tried to make it look like the work of a pro.
That's very nice, Mrs.
Fletcher, but you have no proof of any of that.
I know that the file I brought was taken off Rick's computer, and I believe transferred to yours.
May I? Back away, Jessica.
Bill, no Let me handle this.
Now, I really am sorry about killing poor Koji Hitaki, who in addition to being in the wrong place at the wrong time was also in the wrong outfit.
But if Nobu will dismiss her secretary for the rest of the afternoon It wouldn't help you one bit.
You are under arrest for the murder of Koji Hitaki and the attempted murder of Rick Walsh.
What attempted murder? Confession is not only good for the soul, Mr.
Dawson, but it is also very helpful when involved with Japanese jurisprudence.
I'm sure your lawyer will confirm that.
RICK: May I? Oh, of course.
(LAUGHS) Thanks, Rick.
Oh, I'm so glad to have these back.
It's beautiful.
I remember it from New York.
Dawson had it? Along with all of that.
Now, I've got something for you.
(EXCLAIMS) Oh, I bet I'm right.
This is This is lovely.
My first, and it's going to be my most spectacular wedding present.
You must come back for the ceremony, Jessica.
You're going to stay here? For now, anyway.
Nakata and I decided we can work together.
Oh And this is for Ted Hartley.
My outline, and it's complete.
Now you've figured out the ending.
Right.
(BOTH LAUGHING)