Original subtitles

That's it.

Put your party hat on, Jerry. Be there at 4:30.

I've spent six months building this case.

And I'm not going to let it go down the tubes

because some jackass is chasing his tail.

I've been called a lot of things, marshal, but never that.

Look, marshal, I had nothing whatever to do

with those killings.

- Then was he after me? - He might still be.

That nut just strangled another girl.

[theme music]

[siren wailing]

[music continues]

[whirring]

[siren wailing]

[siren wailing]

[tires screeching]

[dramatic music]

[clattering]

Broadhurst: Freeze! Hold it right there!

[clatters]

[music continues]

Go, get us some help, man. Ambulance, too.

- She might still be alive. - Who?

The girl in the next buildin'.

I make it to be the twelfth floor.

McCloud!

[upbeat music]

[indistinct chatter]

That's it. [scatting]

[doorbell rings]

[music continues]

This your apartment?

Don't tell me you got a complaint about the noise.

This place is soundproof.

I'm afraid it's a little more serious than that.

One of your guest's hurt. I saw her on the balcony.

Why that's impossible.

I saw her from the other building.

I'd like to take a closer look if you don't mind.

Right through there.

[music continues]

Got the key?

It's usually in the other side of the door.

Then we're gonna have to break it down if you don't have a key.

Is there any other way?

Not unless you can pick locks.

Everybody stay out of bedroom. Don't want anything disturbed.

Everyone in the living room, please.

The girl on the balcony is dead.

You know her name?

Exactly who are you

and what authority do you have to question us?

Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud.

I'm on temporary duty with New York Police Department.

Now that everybody knows who I am, I'd kinda like to get even.

Look, miss, if he knows your name better than you do,

we're gonna be here all night,

because that's the easiest question I'm gonna ask.

- Diane Fredericks. - Diane Fredericks.

You see anybody go in or out of that bedroom?

Ha!

I'll record that as a yes. Who?

I wasn't taking tickets.

You don't have to tell me your name, Mr. King.

I'd recognize you with or without your glasses.

[sighs] Swell.

I sure do admire the way you're saying.

Thank you. Listen, I'll do 14 choruses

of anything you want if you just forget you saw me here.

Oh, I couldn't very well forget a big TV star, could I?

- Even if I wanted to. - Thank you.

Joyce Janesco.

Joyce Janesco.

Uh, miss?

If you're lookin' for the powder room,

I don't think you're gonna find it out there.

Uh, I can explain.

About her?

Well, it-- it's only a mistake.

It is?

Well, if we could just have a few minutes alone,

I know I could make you understand.

Why don't we start with your name?

Melissa Thompson.

Look, that's not really important. Uh...

- Chief. - Marshal.

Chief Clifford!

Senator. Sorry we have to meet under these circumstances.

Will you, uh, excuse us, please?

Oh, sure.

Where's the body?

What're you doin' here, chief?

Broadhurst had the presence of mind to call me

when he realized whose apartment this was.

- Well, whose apartment is it? - Arthur Ferris.

Senator Arthur Ferris.

So whatever you have better he good.

Well, chief, there's a...

What in the hell is this, McCloud?

Well, chief, there was a dead girl right here,

not five minutes ago.

And where is she now?

Well, I'll tell you, I'm just as confused as you are.

Confused?

McCloud, of all the words going through my mind

at this moment, not one of them even comes close to "confused."

Now, are you sure she was dead?

Well, I didn't perform an autopsy, if that's what ya mean.

[siren wailing]

Must be the lab boys.

See if you can head 'em off.

Anyone else see this galloping ghost of yours?

Well, I tried to keep them out of here, chief.

I thought there might be a clue here.

I didn't want anything disturbed.

McCloud, I'm going to try and talk my way out of this.

Failing that, you can rest assured

I will be leading the lynch mob that strings you up.

Chief, I saw a body on a balcony.

My office. Eight o'clock. Tomorrow morning. Sharp!

[clock ringing]

[sighs]

[clock ringing]

Man on radio: The Seventh Avenue IRT reports a disabled train

on the southbound track between the 125th and 110th streets.

Subway commuters should try the Eighth Avenue line

for the next hour or so.

Negotiations at deadlock between the mayor's office

and the sanitation workers' union,

a strike has been announced beginning at midnight tonight.

The pollution control bureau is anticipating

a record ozone level late this afternoon.

Schools have been alerted to cancel

outdoor exercise sessions.

An electric company spokesman tell us that last night's

blackout in Queens was due to a faulty relay in Buffalo.

The condition has now been remedied,

no blackouts are anticipated in the immediate future.

Though brownouts are a possibility

if the weather continues to heat up.

Traffic is backed up on the southbound lanes

of the major Deacon Expressway due to an accident

involving four cars and a trailer truck.

Highway patrol advises alternate routes

for citybound commuters as it'll be about two hours

before traffic can be expected to flow normally.

[knock on door]

Come in.

Oh, good morning, marshal. Have a seat.

Care for some coffee?

No.

Uh, chief, about last night...

That's a slight misunderstanding, marshal.

No more than a raindrop in the ocean,

or a grain of sand in the desert.

[laughs] You know, Senator Ferris isn't a bad sort

once he stops shouting.

Yes, we had a long, meaningful talk after you left.

About what?

About your desperate desire to get back to Taos.

To get back to your own kind.

To roam free among the rattlesnakes and coyotes.

- Well, chief, that situation-- - Ah, McCloud, don't thank me.

Senator Ferris is personally processing your papers.

And he assured me it would only be two or three days,

a week at the most.

Well, that, uh, that should give me enough time.

- Enough time to what? - To find that girl's body.

McCloud, there was no girl's body.

Stay!

We checked every apartment on that floor

and all we came up with were three potential lawsuits

for invasion of privacy.

- What about the morgue? - Negative.

Missing persons' reports for the past 48 hours.

Anything?

The best we could do is a 45-year-old Brooklyn housewife.

She didn't show up for her weekly Bingo game.

Well, chief, I'll keep you posted on my progress--

Oh, no, no, no, McCloud. No.

I have something else in store for you.

What's that?

Now I know what you were thinking.

You're thinking that I'll hide you behind some desk

or in a weed patch on Staten Island

still this blows over, right?

On the contrary, your next assignment will be

one of the most important in the whole department.

You, Marshal Sam McCloud, will be personally responsible

for the safety of thousands of lives.

[blows whistle] Alright, come on, kiddies, let's go.

Let's go. Wouldn't want any of you little tykes

to get run over.

Here we go!

Mackie: Real good at that, ain't he?

Reese: A born leader.

What's your hurry?

Well, he's not going anywhere.

Never hurts to make sure.

- Let's go, kiddies. - Hey, hey.

[dramatic music]

445 Park Avenue.

Man 1: Right, lady.

[car engine cranks]

Taxi! Taxi, taxi!

[whistles]

Taxi!

[instrumental music]

Much obliged.

[siren wailing]

[car tires screech]

[indistinct radio chatter]

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[bell ringing]

The headaches have returned?

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Anyone we know in there?

McCloud: Melissa Thompson. - Yes.

Sam McCloud.

Oh, yes, I remember.

- The constable. - The marshal.

Oh, was there something we didn't cover last night?

Only what you were gonna tell me when we were interrupted.

Oh, well, that's not important anymore.

Well, if you don't, I might think you had something to hide.

Well, I do have something to hide.

[instrumental music]

However it has absolutely nothing to do, marshal,

with your hallucination.

Well, out of sight, out of mind doesn't quite hold

in this particular case, Miss Thompson.

Just because that body disappeared

doesn't mean I'm gonna stop looking for it.

Well, what I had to say to you last night, marshal,

couldn't possibly help you.

Believe me, it was quite personal.

Well, I'm going to find out sooner or later.

You know, it might save us both a lot of trouble

if it was sooner.

Well, I was at that party with Doug King.

- Lucky fella. - Mm-hmm. Sneaky, too.

He's married.

Are you always that nervous when you're out

with a married man.

Well, I have a certain reputation to maintain.

As what?

As an interior decorator.

You see, most of my clients are old money.

That means they cling to the old morality.

- Would you like some coffee? - No, thanks.

The slightest whiff of scandal

and some of the best doors in New York

could be slammed in my face.

And that's what you were going to tell me

when we were interrupted?

Well, I know it's not a very attractive secret, marshal.

But please help me keep it.

Well, as long as it doesn't affect my case.

Oh, thank you.

Man on PA: Long Island railroads have Shore commuter train

for Valley Stream Rockville Center...

[indistinct chatter on PA]

[dramatic music]

Man on PA: Now loading on track number four.

[music continues]

Man on PA: Last call for South Shore passengers

to Valley Stream Rockville Center...

[indistinct chatter on PA]

All aboard on track number four.

Can't do it, McCloud.

Aw, come on, sarge.

Just one little old make. Her name's Melissa Thompson.

You're supposed to be on traffic control.

The chief would kill me if he found out

I was compiling a private dossier for you.

Oh, no, no, this isn't private, sarge.

This is official police business.

So is that door you broke down.

Destruction of private property in the performance of duty.

Let's see... That's a 640-B.

I'm onto somethin' big here, sarge, really.

Well, she'll have to wait, McCloud. Duty first.

In triplicate.

Hey, Joe.

Joe, you're just the fella I wanna see.

Can't talk to you now, McCloud. I'm working on a homicide.

Some nut strangled a girl over on Third Avenue.

- Diane Fredericks? - McCloud.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

This girl was at that party the other night.

If you're talking about the party,

I think you're talking about, I don't wanna talk about it.

No. Two killings in two days

is gotta be more than a coincidence. Believe me.

Where are you going with my report?

Well, I'm going to tell Chief Clifford

that we feel that there's a connection

between Diane Fredericks' killing

and the girl that I saw on the balcony.

McCloud, I'm not saying that my being assigned

to show you big city police techniques

has held back my lieutenant's shield.

But if I crack this case, I know I'll get it.

Joe, there's nobody that's more deservin' than you are.

Nobody. That's why I'm going to do everything in my power

to see that you get it.

You're going back to Taos?

Just as soon as we can get

to the bottom of this double killing. You betcha.

Now the first thing that I need, Joe,

is a make on Melissa Thompson.

Why?

Well, she seems to be telling the truth, right?

You know that she was the only one at that party

that was so scared that she gave me anything more

than just name, rank and serial number.

And while you're at it, I think you oughta check out

the rest of the guests.

That's a full day's work for two men.

Lieutenant oughta be able to do it in half a day, really.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music on TV]

- Daddy's home. Daddy's home. - Hiya, pop.

What'd you bring us? What'd you bring us?

Oh, is that why you're so happy to see daddy come back

from a trip, huh, because he brings you presents?

- I like presents. - I bet you do.

Alright, everybody down. Eyes closed and hands up.

There's something this time... for Carol.

And something for Billy.

Ooh, thanks, pop.

You're welcome, Billy. Now, why don't you kids

take that up to your room, huh?

How was St. Louis, honey?

Oh, it was wet.

They had a terrible rainstorm.

Six inches of it, all of it dropped right on me.

It's not tough enough selling industrial supplies,

I got a thick chances of getting pneumonia.

Well, sit down and relax.

Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes.

Thank you, dear. Were there any telephone calls?

Yes, there were several. They're on your desk.

Thanks. I'll get to them later, alright?

Man on TV: First up on the six o'clock news,

a film reporter for brutal murder.

This was how it looked shortly after

our news team arrived at the scene.

An alley in the middle of 3000 blocks of Second Avenue.

The victim was identified as 24-year-old Diane Fredericks.

The body was discovered by two boys

who wandered into the alley to retrieve a ball.

Robbery, apparently, was not the motive for the slaying

since the victim's purse still contained over $50.

Police have refused to disclose any further details.

[instrumental music]

The American Institute of Design never heard of Melissa Thompson.

The only thing she ever decorated was somebody's arm.

That's at least one thing she had in common

with Diane Fredericks.

They both worked for Karen Chandler's escort service.

- McCloud! - Oh, just a minute, sarge.

I'll be with you in a second. If you don't mind.

- Alright. - Karen Chandler.

Isn't she the lady that they just released on bail?

That's no lady, McCloud, that's a hot potato.

She's been indicted for paying off anybody

with enough clout to keep her in business.

If she ever decided to talk,

a lot of itchy palms would be wrapped around bars.

Well, you know, if two of those girls at the party

worked for Karen Chandler,

then maybe the girl on the balcony did, too.

Possible.

Well, I guess I'll just have to go the horse's mouth.

I've been called a lot of things, marshal,

but never that.

McCloud: Well, that's just a figure of speech.

[chuckles]

Care to join me?

In some champagne.

Oh, I think I'm havin' a tough enough time

keepin' a clear head as it is.

You know, I'm sure my lawyer would frown

on this conversation.

However attractive, you are still a cop,

and according to the district attorney,

I've bribed half the population of New York.

Well, I'm not interested in your legal problems, Miss Chandler.

- I just want to find a girl. - Mm-hmm.

That's what got me into those legal problems

in the first place.

I'm being persecuted

for just following the old adage,

"Find a need and fill it."

Now, my escort service

fulfilled a very legitimate need, marshal.

My clients included doctors, and engineers, and executives

and gentlemen who just wanted an attractive,

intelligent dinner companion

or a guide to the sights of an unknown city.

Nothing more.

Just as innocent as a church social.

You're so understanding.

[chuckles] Miss Chandler,

did any of those attractive, intelligent dinner companions,

uh, attend the party of Arthur Ferris' two nights ago?

I didn't cater that affair, marshal. I'm retired.

Compliments of the DA.

Would you be kind enough to hand me my robe?

Now I ask you, marshal, do I look ready for retirement?

He's about 22, 23.

Long chestnut hair, brown eyes.

That description could fit any one of a dozen girls

who worked for me one time or another.

Well, do you have any pictures, any records I could look at?

Are you kidding?

The DA impounded everything,

including my dance card from my high school prom.

Appreciate your time and everything.

You know, marshal...

I might be tempted to come out of retirement

if the right proposition came along.

Wouldn't want you to lose your pension.

[dramatic music]

Mackie: Going down? [grunts]

Thanks.

Would you hit the "garage" for me, please?

Getting out, please.

[grunting]

Hands flat against the hood, feet spread apart.

- Look-- - Lean.

You can do better than that.

[breathing heavily]

- Look, fellas, I don't know-- - Answer direct questions.

Anything else, and I'll leave you all over this car.

What do you do with this, hunt buffalo?

Identification's in my inside coat pocket.

Sam McCloud. What do you know, Roy. He's one of us.

You better be carryin' something besides a drivers' license,

or we're gonna start this dance again,

and this time, I'll lead.

Lieutenant Roy Mackie, DA's squad.

My partner, Sergeant Reese.

You don't have to memorize it.

I just don't wanna forget it.

Look, McCloud, we're sorry for the misunderstanding,

but, uh, we're assigned to keep an eye on Karen Chandler,

in case she decides to jump bail.

You wouldn't be one of the boys she was paying off, would you?

I'm workin' on a murder case.

Thought maybe she might be able to identify the victim.

- Did she? - No.

Then you won't have to see her again.

- That depends. - On what?

Whether I have any more questions to ask her.

This homicide you're working on, it better be legit...

or we'll think maybe you're on her pad.

My partner and I take a violent dislike to cops on the pad.

I'll keep that in mind.

[engine revving]

- Melissa! - Just a minute, I'm coming.

I don't know what riles me more, being lied to,

or somebody thinkin' they can get away with it.

What on Earth are you talking about?

This interior decorating career of yours.

I didn't know they taught that

at Karen Chandler's escort service.

Now, marshal, unless you have a warrant

or whatever it is you need to bust into someone's apartment,

I suggest you get out.

McCloud: Nobody's going any place until I get the truth.

[sighs]

Alright.

Alright, my name is not Melissa Thompson.

It's Margaret Harker.

And I was born in Philadelphia, not London.

Well, that's all very interesting,

but I'd rather hear about Karen Chandler's escort service.

Look, I met Karen at a party one night.

She just asked me if I'd like to work for her.

I was bored with interior decorating,

so I said yes.

It sounded intriguing. I did it as a lurk.

As a giggle.

Well, I'm sure some of the other girls

did more than just go to dinner or the theatre

with a client, but I didn't.

Not that I wasn't asked.

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

Yes.

- Who? - Jerry Davis.

You know, Doug King's friend.

We met a couple of months ago, you remember?

Uh, no, I'm sorry. I don't remember.

Uh, look, I'm rather busy right now.

Perhaps some other time, alright?

[line disconnects]

Client?

Friend of a friend.

[instrumental music]

Sam, I'm sorry I lied to you. But I was desperate.

Who was the girl on the balcony?

I never saw any girl on the balcony.

- This is where I came in. - Wait.

Please, Sam, please, wait. Wait.

I have to protect my family.

Look, if I get my picture

plastered all over the newspapers,

I have to save them that embarrassment.

Now, look, doesn't it stand to reason

that if I knew anything, I'd tell you.

Unless you had something to do with her death.

Oh, Sam.

Well, how could I make you believe me?

[instrumental music]

[telephone ringing]

Hello?

- Uh, Joyce Janesco? - That's right.

This is Jerry Davis.

I'm in town for just a few days, and Doug King

suggested I give you a buzz.

You know, maybe get together for a drink and a few laughs,

maybe get a little party going. You tied up?

- Doug gave you my number? - Uh-huh.

And a great recommendation, I must say.

He sure thinks a lot of you.

Hold on a sec.

Um... tied up till about 4:30.

Oh, that's perfect. I've got some business

I gotta take care of until then anyway.

Why don't we meet at my hotel? Huh? The Ambassador?

We can have a drink at the lounge and go on from there.

Okay. Um...

- Jerry. - Jerry.

Put your party hat on, Jerry. I'll be there at 4:30.

Fine. I'll be waiting.

[indistinct chatter on PA]

[telephone buzzes]

Clifford.

Yes, commissioner.

Uh, no, commissioner, no. He hasn't arrived.

Yes, sir. I will.

Come in.

I believe you know Lt. Mackie of the DA's squad.

We bumped into one another.

The lieutenant spoke to the district attorney,

the district attorney spoke to the commissioner,

the commissioner spoke to, guess who?

I understand you met with Karen Chandler.

That's right.

About a homicide that never took place.

Well, that's a matter of opinion.

Well, this is fact, McCloud.

Karen Chandler comes to trial in two weeks.

I might be as thick as a buffalo hide,

but I don't know what that has to do with me.

The DA doesn't want some smart lawyer

getting the case thrown out...

because the police were harassing

and intimidating the defendant.

I didn't do any of those things. Ask her.

I'm telling you to stay away from the Chandler broad.

Lieutenant, I'll do the telling.

You're kinda touchy when she's concerned.

McCloud!

I've spent six months building this case.

And I'm not going to let it go down the tube

because some jackass is chasing his tail.

You sure that's the only reason?

Alright, knock it off, both of you.

Now listen to this, McCloud.

You are forbidden, repeat,

forbidden to see anyone remotely connected

with the Karen Chandler case.

Or even to think about them. Is that clear?

And don't give me any of your barnyard bromides.

A straight yes or no will do.

- It's clear. - Good.

Lieutenant.

You have my sympathies, chief.

Why aren't you at that school crossing, McCloud?

- It's Saturday. - Oh.

[telephone buzzes]

Stand fast, McCloud. I'm not through with you.

Clifford.

I'll be right there.

Now, listen, chief. About the Karen Chandler--

It'll have to wait, McCloud.

That nut just strangled another girl.

McCloud: That's her. Clifford: Who?

The girl I saw on Arthur Ferris' balcony.

I told you she was dead.

She look anything like that?

She wasn't wearin' that scarf or that lipstick, but that's her.

Name's Christina Edwards. They pulled her out of the lake.

No telling how long she's been dead.

I want an autopsy, yesterday, if not sooner.

Well, why would someone kill a girl halfway across town,

wait two days, and drop her in Central Park like this?

To throw us off? Make it appear whoever killed Diane Fredericks

killed her too.

No. All we told the press was that

Diane Fredericks was strangled with a scarf.

We didn't say how the scarf was tied

or anything about the lipstick on the forehead.

Well, then, the same fella killed both women.

That's not for publication, McCloud.

Let's try to find out who we're dealing with

before we start a mass panic.

And I don't want you hanging around here.

- What about my case? - Case?

You don't have a case.

Homicides are handled by the homicide squad.

But since you did such an excellent job

on traffic control, we'll try and find something

for you in the similar vein.

- Well, don't press. - Oh, no problem.

Sergeant...

see if you can find a potential riot situation

to assign the marshal to.

Yes, sir.

I'm sure we both want your last few days in New York

to be... meaningful.

"Potential riot situation."

Joe, I just don't understand the chief.

The girl that I said was dead turns up to be dead,

and he acts like a bobcat with his tail caught in a ringer.

McCloud, she turned up two days late and halfway across town.

Well, you can find fault with anything

if you try hard enough.

Any clues?

Well, they found the cab Diane Fredericks took.

It was stolen.

Well, the driver of the cab must be the killer.

Looks that way. Except that we don't know how he set it up.

Except that she was on her way to meet a guy named Jerry.

Jerry. You know, Joe, you're probably

way ahead of me on this, but since both girls

were killed by the same fella...

Since Christina Edwards was killed at that party...

Maybe this Jerry was there too.

Right. Maybe Joyce Janesco could tell us.

[instrumental music]

I know this isn't my case, Joe,

but would you mind if I tag along?

I don't think that's what the chief had in mind.

Just wanna see a lieutenant in the makin'.

[instrumental music]

Does this mean I have to walk down 12 flights?

Oh, no.

No, get in. I'll take you down there.

[dramatic music]

Relax, McCloud. This isn't your case, remember?

Here it comes.

Get some help, Joe. He might still be in the building.

[intense music]

Police officer! Hold it!

[items clattering]

[dramatic music]

[siren blaring]

Broadhurst: McCloud!

[tires screeching]

[cars honking]

McCloud: Chief.

Chasing someone through rush hour traffic is like tryin'

to shoot a runaway...

Did you get any kind of look at him?

Not as close as I'd like, but I would say

that he's medium build, 160-175 pounds, black hair...

Oh, found this packet on, on the seat of the truck

that he was drivin'. It might be enough left there

to get a reading out of it.

Yeah, I'll give it to the lab boys.

Anything here?

Well, the truck was stolen about an hour ago.

And we found this in Joyce Janesco's purse.

"Jerry?"

Well, you're sure enough on the right track

with this Jerry fella, chief. Congratulations.

See you around.

Just where do you think you're goin'?

[sighs] Well, it seems like they've come up with a potential

riot situation for me.

This group of housewives, they got together

to protest the high price of meat.

Cut the cornpone, McCloud.

We both know you're the only one that got a look at the killer.

Now, since I have no other choice

and against everything I've learned in 22 years

of police work, I'm officially assigning you to this case.

But bring your usual quota of embarrassment, confusion

and ridicule down on this department

and I will personally--

Appreciate your confidence, chief.

Appreciate it.

I've, uh, never done anything like this before.

All you've done is accept a drink.

Cheers.

Let's just see how the evening progresses.

[knock on door]

Were you expecting somebody else?

No, no. Sit down.

Sam?

Ah, hello, honey.

I hope that I'm not bargin' in.

Yes, as a matter of fact, you are.

Sam McCloud's the name, partner.

- Harvey Smith. - Harvey Smith.

Nice to know you. Nice name, nice name.

It's popular. How long you've known my sister?

Your sister?

Sam...

Now wait a minute, sis,

let the man answer for himself.

She never would let you get a word in edgewise

even at home. I guess maybe that's 'cause she's the baby

of the family, she had six big brothers to look after her,

take care of her, you know what I mean?

Sam, we appreciate the visit, but Harvey and I--

No, no, no! That's alright. I was just on my way home anyway.

No, no. Please, Harvey.

Don't let me run you off, Harv.

I'm gonna miss my train. Connecticut, you know.

Yeah, there you go.

I-- I mean, Long Island.

Alright, just what do you think you're doing?

Miss Margaret Harker from Philadelphia, isn't it?

Or was it Melissa Thompson from London?

Very clever.

You know, I can't get that straight.

You travel so fast I get wind just listening to you--

Okay. Haul it, cowboy!

Be careful, Miss Harker-Thompson,

your accent's slippin'.

Alright. Alright!

I'm Charlotte Ockleman from the Bronx. Are you satisfied?

I'm fighting for survival the only way I know how.

How dare you put me down?

Did you ever wake up screaming in the middle of the night

because rats were running across your face?

Did you ever see your old man fall down

three flights of stairs and come up grinning

because the bottle wasn't broken?

Just don't lay any righteous indignation on me

till you've hit some of the cellars I've been in.

Oh...

Oh, you've ripped away every shred of self-respect

I ever had.

Now, Melissa...

Charlotte...

you know I just can't figure you out.

Every time you turn around, you're spinning another story.

What did you expect me to say before?

That I was exactly what you thought I was?

[sighs]

Okay...

[sighs]

Okay.

What do you want from me this time?

What I've always wanted. Just the truth.

Yeah, well, you just got it.

Well, there's one point that we haven't covered,

and that's Christina Edwards.

- Who? - She's dead.

She was strangled the same way

that Diane Fredericks was strangled,

the same way that Joyce Janesco was strangled.

Now they found her in the park, but I found her first.

On Arthur Ferris' balcony. And that's where she was killed.

I don't know...

I don't know. There were so many people.

She might have been at that party.

I mean, there were,

there were at least 50 people running in and out.

Was there anybody there by the name of "Jerry?"

I try to forget names.

Well, you better not forget this one.

It belongs to the killer.

Oh, Sam, I'm introduced to at least...

- Jerry? - Jerry.

Jerry, yes, that's the name of the man who called me

the last time you were here.

He said that Doug King gave him my name.

Oh, my God, Sam, was he after me?

He might still be.

[gasps]

♪ We'll always double up

♪ Just like a couple of pals ♪

♪ Skies may be cloudy but I'll tell you howdy ♪

♪ 'Cause pals are there when you need 'em ♪

♪ So please if ever you see

♪ That you're in a terrible spot ♪

♪ Hey remember the very best pal you've got ♪

[scatting]

Band a little something like that, Bobby.

[applause]

Doug: I thought this was a closed rehearsal.

Uh, don't blame him, Mr. King, uh, excuse me,

I just kinda elbowed my way in here.

Yeah, so I see.

Uh, lose any more bodies, marshal?

Well, I've got all the bodies that I need or want.

Including the one that I found on Senator Ferris' balcony.

Senator, why don't you come over and join us?

Must be kinda lonely back there in the dark.

Besides, you can't hear very well over there.

You two gentlemen planning another party?

The senator is a guest on my show.

You don't have to explain to him, Doug.

I hope your bags are packed.

Well, there's been a change in plans.

You see, the chief thinks that I should stick around

till after the killer's been corralled.

You might be able to help us there, Mr. King.

I'm inclined to doubt it, marshal,

I'm not too much good on a horse.

[laughs]

I see what they mean, Mr. King,

when the talk about your natural wit.

[laughs] Thank you.

You could be of great help to us if you just tell me

why the killer used your name to set up dates

with those young ladies.

- My name? - Yeah.

He says his name was Jerry.

Do you know anybody by the name of Jerry?

Oh, absolutely.

I figure I know maybe, oh, at least ten thousand people

there's gonna be 40 or 50 Jerrys stuck in there somewhere.

Could you narrow that down just a mite?

- No. I'll see ya. McCloud: Excuse me, Mr. King.

I'm not finished yet.

Hey, I told you, I don't know anybody named Jerry.

But you do know a Karen Chandler's escort service.

- What are you implying? - I'm not implying anything.

I'm just saying you had more than a passing acquaintance

with Karen Chandler's escorts.

That's why the killer used your name.

Who told you that?

Just horse sense.

In Mr. King under suspicion in this case?

Well, you know, the more that I throw questions to him

and the more he ducks them, I do get a little bit

suspicious, you bet.

I told you we couldn't trust her!

No, never mind, I'm sick of this!

A man makes a few mistakes along the way,

he pays okay he expects...

but there is a limit.

How did you pay, Mr. King?

Look, marshal, I had nothing whatever to do

with those killings. And as for that Karen Chandler lady,

you go back and you tell her, I've reached my limit.

You bet I'll, I'll give her that message.

Doug: Yeah, you do that.

That kinda sum up your feelings, senator?

We'll miss you, McCloud.

There you go.

Oh, no, you don't, McCloud.

Excuse me, sarge. I'm in kind of a hurry.

McCloud, we just received a bill for the door.

What door?

The one you smashed to smithereens

at Senator Ferris' apartment.

Three hundred and twenty-five dollars for a door?

Most of it's labor. I've already made out a 1257-J.

I thought that was a 640-B.

640-B is for destruction of property.

1257-J is for restoration of said property.

Uh, McCloud, I want this on my desk by noon.

Just as good as done, sarge.

At 12:01 I put out a warrant or you.

That's an 8325-P, isn't it?

Right.

Clifford: Come in.

Chief, here's the lab report on that packet I found.

Hmm, morphine base.

Yeah, with a kick of a mule full of white lightnin'.

A junkie, too, huh?

Well, according to the lab boys he's about as hooked

as you can get without knowin' it.

They figure he has some severe pain, headache, stomachache,

somethin' like that.

What about the packet itself?

Well, it was made in Chinatown.

We're checkin' out the distributor now.

Well, marshal, one good report deserves another.

The autopsy on Christina Edwards.

"The victim had been dead three hours?"

So she couldn't have been killed three days earlier

where you said.

Well, chief, you're probably as tired of hearin' this

as I am of saying it, but--

I know, McCloud.

You saw her body. She was dead.

But that piece of paper in your hand

says that that is a medical impossibility--

Okay. Alright. But she is dead now and that's a fact.

And I'm juggling a few theories in my head as to why

she and the others girls were killed.

I'll tell you why they were killed,

because we're dealing with a psycho!

Mackie: "The killer's 5'10" or 11,

weighs about 165 pounds, has wavy dark hair."

Sloppy letting that cowboy see you.

Come on!

Could you pick me out of a crowd from that description?

Probably not, but I'll bet McCloud could.

Never get the chance.

You know, Charlie, I'm worried about you.

You were recommended as a first-class hit man,

but I'm beginning to wonder.

They're dead, aren't they?

Yeah. Like that job three months ago.

All you had to do was walk up to this guy,

put a couple of slugs where they do the most good

and make it look like robbery.

So what happens, he hangs on for six hours.

Six hours, Charlie.

I didn't come here to listen to a medley of my mistakes.

You came to me, not the other way around, remember?

You pay the money, I'll do the job.

End of sales pitch.

You got your dollar's worth.

So have you.

Nice house on the island,

family away from all that smog, crime, drugs.

I tell you, it's a cesspool here.

Yeah, well, it takes money to keep 'em away.

Aren't you going to count it?

What for? I'm probably the last person in the world

anyone would ever think of short changing.

There's five thousand there.

Final installment on Joyce Janesco.

You've already got the five thousand advance

for Melissa Thompson.

And you'll get another five when the job's completed.

Yeah.

Make it clean, Charlie.

For top dollar my client deserves top work.

What about McCloud?

He keeps popping in all the time.

You're a professional killer, Charlie.

If he gets in the way, kill him.

You certainly know how to make an impression on a girl.

Your contribution was a 100,000.

There's only 50 here.

I had to scuffle to raise that much.

Well, put on your dancing shoes, Murphy,

and come up with the rest by tomorrow.

Karen, I'm already up to my shoulder pads in hock.

You've been living too high off the hog, Murph.

You better reacquire a taste for fatback and collard greens.

Ooh, careful of that Achilles tendon, Murphy.

You wouldn't want to spend this season on the bench

the way you did last year.

Down home, we got leeches big as footballs.

They'd latch on to anything that moves

and suck till there's nothing left...

You'd be right at home with them, Karen.

[chuckles] We've been through all this before, Murphy.

Because you and I have been dear close friends

you have kindly offered to help me defray my legal costs

with a generous contribution of $100,000.

Not 50!

Maybe.

Just maybe...

you won't be around to spend the 50.

Your gals are turning up all over town,

tied in a neat little bow.

If you don't settle for what I give you, you could be next.

I liked your leech story better, Murph.

[screaming]

McCloud: Miss Chandler?

[Karen screaming]

Clifford: Hold it right there!

I'm sure you recognize Murphy Michaels,

all pro something or other.

Running back.

Been getting into shape for the new season, Mr. Michaels?

Murphy was just showing the new play he's going to use.

What's it called, Murph? The 50,000-yard scuffle?

It's a bush play.

Don't know if we'll ever use it.

Oh, I'm sure you will.

And if I'm not on the witness stand,

I'll be out there on the 50-yard line

just cheering my heart out.

Want to prefer charges against this man?

Pass.

Oh, what was that all about?

Occupational hazard.

You're gonna have a nice shiner there

in the morning, Miss Chandler.

Oh, it won't be the first time.

Will it, Peter?

Karen, how are you?

Well, I was gonna introduce you two

but it looks like somebody beat me to it.

Oh, we go back a long way.

When I first met Peter he was the roughest

straightest, handsomest flatfoot on 45th Street.

And you were the prettiest pedestrian around.

You got kind of a nasty scrape there

on your back, Ms. Chandler. You got a bandage someplace?

Oh, don't worry about me, marshal, I'll be fine.

Come from very hearty Swedish stock.

Well, look, I'd be flattered to think you broke down my door

to renew old times, Peter, but those kind of illusions

are the first to go.

Someone has been, uh, thinning the ranks

of your former employees.

Yeah, I know. It's horrible.

You know, it's gotten so I'm afraid to open the newspaper

or turn on the radio.

I hope you catch him before he does it again.

Marshal McCloud here has a theory.

Well, the marshal has several theories.

Somehow you're involved in all these killings, Miss Chandler.

I am?

Every one of those girls was gonna testify at your trial.

Oh, and you think that my associates...

My alleged associates are behind it?

Afraid I might spill the beans about whose palms

I crossed with silver.

Well, I hate to disappoint you, marshal.

But I intend to plead guilty.

I'm gonna wear to wear a short but demure skirt,

some 50 dollar-an-ounce perfume and throw myself

on the mercy of the court. What can I get? Three to five?

With good behavior in two years, maybe less,

I could be back on the street.

That's just a figure of speech, marshal.

But my point is why would anyone kill the witnesses

if there isn't going to be a trial.

Well, how about blackmail?

Could that be a reason?

Got anybody particular in mind?

McCloud: Yeah, Doug King.

Said to give you a message, he said that, uh,

he paid for his mistakes, that he'd reached his limit.

Peter, have you ever known me to be

anything less than straight with my clients?

Let's go, McCloud.

Karen: Peter?

You're still the handsomest flatfoot in New York.

What's the matter, marshal? Didn't my answer satisfy you?

I just hope that it satisfies the killer.

[dramatic music]

Charlie.

Oh, hi, hon. I didn't hear you come in.

- Are you going away again? - Mm-hmm.

Just for a couple of days.

You just got back.

Honey, I don't like traveling any more than you do.

But what can I do? It's my job.

Oh, look.

See what I picked up in the real estate office.

Now look at this.

Twenty-two acres, Duchess County.

Now l-- look at the kitchen, will you?

Right out of the 1800s completely modern.

And there's a stream that runs smack through the middle

of the property, stocked with trout.

I mean, Billy and I can go fishing everyday

if we felt like.

Charlie, where are you going to get the money?

Honey, I've been doing some figuring.

and we will have more than enough in a just few more trips.

Then I can stop all this traveling

settle down, be a real father...

and a real husband too.

Oh, honey, we are finally enough ahead

to where we can swing this thing.

That's why I've been putting my tail off lately.

Well, where are you going this time?

Chicago.

Do you know where you'll be staying?

Oh, honey, I'll be in and out of the hotel.

Don't worry, I'll call you every chance I get. Okay?

What's the matter?

I'm running low on my powders, that's all.

Maybe I can stop off and pick up a fresh supply

on my way to the airport.

- Well, you get there safe now. - Mm-hmm. I will.

- Call you tonight. - Yeah.

Hey...

[blows kiss]

McCloud: Dr. Chen?

I am Y.S. Chen.

Friend of mine said you might be able to help me.

You are ill?

Well, it's just, these constant headaches all the time.

Feels like somebody's playin' "The Yellow Rose of Texas"

with a ball-peen hammer in there, you know what I mean?

Just...

Have you consulted with a medical doctor?

Oh, you betcha. A whole posse of 'em.

But they don't seem to be able to give me

anything strong enough to do the job.

The herb of Wood Betony has been known to have

certain restorative powers in that area.

Well, my friend Jerry, he said that you might be able

to give me something with a little more kick to it.

Herbs are all I deal in.

Well, that's, that's not the way that Jerry put it.

I know of no one by that name.

Oh, sure you do, he's, uh, in his late 30s,

one hundred and sixty-five pounds.

The preparation of Wood Betony will be four dollars.

I can have it for you in one hour.

Return then.

Do you have a license to dispense dangerous drugs

like morphine?

Cop!

Might just pay you to have one on your side.

How did you find me?

Well, the fella that I was just describing

left one of your packets.

You're gonna tell me about him.

Dr. Chen, I'm gonna give you a little tip.

I'm only gonna tell you once.

You can make life tough on yourself

or you can grease the shoot

that's your choice.

He came to see me about six months ago

suffering from excruciating pain.

You gave him a stiff dose of morphine to relieve it.

What's his name?

Frank Morris.

How do I get ahold of him?

He comes to see me when he is in need.

How often is that?

He was here only a few days ago.

I prepared several weeks supply.

But he is using the preparation at an increasing rate of speed.

He could return anytime.

Alright. We'll be waiting outside.

And you'll stay out of jail just as long as you cooperate.

[telephone ringing]

- Hello? - Uh, Melissa Thompson, please?

Yes, speaking.

Hi, this is Jerry Davis.

Doug King's friend.

Hello, yes, I remember.

Oh, listen, I'm sorry about not getting back to you

but I got tied up with something else.

- Oh, that's alright. Charles: Good.

I'm free as a proverbial bird right now

and I'm sure anxious to see you.

Well, any friend of Doug's is a friend of mine.

Charles: Great. When can we get together?

Uh, well, I'm rather busy right now.

Charles: Well, uh, how about in an hour? Okay?

We can meet at my hotel, The Ambassador,

and have a drink in the lounge, go on from there.

Yes, that sounds super.

Fine. See you then.

Melissa: Alright. Goodbye.

[phone ringing]

Desk. Sergeant Norton.

Melissa: Uh, yes, may I speak to Sam McCloud, please?

Uh, he's not here. Is there anyone else who can help you?

Oh, no, I don't think so.

Phyllis: Well, I can probably get a message to him.

- What's your name? - Uh, Melissa Thompson.

The private dossier.

Melissa: I beg your pardon? - Nothing.

Look, could you please tell him that Jerry called

and I have a date with him in an hour,

so Sam better get over to my flat right away.

Well, I'll certainly shoot that message right to him.

Alright. Thank you.

Really, McCloud.

I don't know, McCloud.

Looks like we'll be sittin' here for the next month.

Man's been under a lot of strain lately, Joe.

Might need some more help to get through it.

[instrumental music]

[traffic bustling]

Phyllis on radio: Dispatch calling 734.

Seven-three-four. Broadhurst.

Uh, this is Sergeant Norton.

Is the meandering marshal there?

I'm still workin' on that report, sarge.

What is it with you and doors, McCloud?

I understand you just broke down another one.

I'll explain it to you sometime when I'm not on duty.

- 10-4. Phyllis: No, wait a minute.

I have a message for you.

It looks like you've been stood up, McCloud.

Melissa Thompson called, said she had a date

with some guy named Jerry, and if you wanted to stop it

you should go over to her place right away.

- When'd she call? Phyllis: About an hour ago.

And in the future I will not take personal messages during...

McCloud?

McCloud?

[siren blaring]

Man 2: Need a cab, Ms. Thompson?

Oh, no, thanks, there's one over there.

Police headquarters, please.

I think it's on Centre Street.

Don't worry, I'll find it, lady.

[engine cranks]

[siren blaring]

- Can I help you, friend? - Goin' to see Melissa Thompson.

- You just missed her. - Where'd she go?

She got into a cab and drove off.

- Which way? - Toward 7th.

[engine sputtering]

Where are we?

I'm sorry, lady, my motor just cut out on me, that's all.

It's probably the carburetor.

Where am I going to get another cab?

I'll have it fixed in a minute.

How many cabs are there in New York City?

About 11,000.

All of them look alike.

Lady? Could you lend me a hand, please?

Would you jump up in the front seat and try and start

that motor while I work on this carburetor.

Well, the meter better not be running through all this.

[engine cranking]

It's not doing anything.

Uh, pump the gas pedal, would you?

[dramatic music]

If you just, you see that thing in there?

That's the choke. Pull that out, huh. Right.

Now if you take your foot and put it right on that gas...

[choking]

[horn blaring]

Take a right.

[Melissa gasping]

Take care of the girl!

[dramatic music]

[clattering]

[music continues]

[rustling]

[gunshots]

[siren blaring]

Melissa: McCloud...

McCloud...

McCloud: Melissa?

Melissa?

Clara. Clara Wallis.

Not too long.

Hello, marshal.

Chief, I...

I had his gun in my belt, I didn't figure

he'd be carrying another one.

He probably wasn't.

We found this hidden in the room.

It figures that the gun was there too.

You know, uh, you didn't chase him into that building,

he led you there.

No telling how many other places around town

he has outfitted like this.

Sounds like we're dealing with more than

just a homicidal maniac.

Ballistics is running a check on that gun you picked up.

There were some partial prints on it.

We turned it over to identification.

How soon can I get out of here?

Well, I guess when you can make it through that door

under your own power.

[grunts]

How's Melissa?

Scared, but feisty.

We have her under 24-hour guard.

Oh, I doubt that the killer will try her again.

Well, if he does, he's sure not going to make an appointment.

See you later, pop.

Right. Have a good day, Billy.

Mm. Morning.

I thought you were gonna sleep late.

Yeah, I tried, honey, I just couldn't.

Another headache?

Yeah.

You should see a doctor about that.

Grace, I've been to doctors,

all they ever do is take my money, that's all.

At least this stuff helps me a little bit.

- Do you have to work today? - Mm.

I hope we could spend a quiet day together.

Maybe do something with the kids.

There's some things on the desk I just got

to clean up, that's all.

They miss you, Charlie, with all these trips you have to take.

Next weekend I'll take the whole weekend off,

we'll all do something together, okay? Promise.

[instrumental music]

That's the $5000 advance on Melissa Thompson.

People usually give two weeks' notice

when they quit a job, Charlie...

If they want good references.

No more, Mackie. That cowboy's just plain bad for business.

The job ain't finished.

I'll give you the name of three guys.

All top professionals.

They can do anything I can.

Probably do the job a lot better.

Yeah, probably.

But do you think we're dumb, Charlie?

We've got the finest police force in the country,

maybe the world.

If that scarf isn't tied exactly the same way

or the heart's a little off, don't you think we'd notice?

These killings are supposed to be done by the same nut.

Besides, we're on a very delicate time schedule...

which you've already fouled up by missing the Thompson broad.

Why don't you eat something, Charlie?

It'll settle your stomach.

You can forget Melissa Thompson for now.

They've probably got her covered like a blanket anyway.

Concentrate on the big one,

and then get the Thompson broad.

What if I just leave that envelope and walk away?

I'll empty my gun right in your gut.

Then I'd say you tried to stick me up.

Pity you didn't know I was a cop.

You could never pull that off.

Sure I would, Charlie.

I know how to make it look real...

right down to the last detail.

Keep the money.

And get off that junk!

[instrumental music]

Charlie: Karen? - Yes?

[footsteps approaching]

[police siren blaring]

[tires screeching]

Alright, get away from her.

Get away from her!

Coroner's waiting.

Well, you can chalk up number four to your killer.

What was she doing down here?

- Where were you? - Where I was supposed to be.

Sitting in my car, watching the building.

She didn't come out after awhile, I went in to look.

That's when I found her.

Didn't it strike you a little odd,

her being down here in the first place?

Listen, Huckleberry Finn, I've been tailing her for six months

and you'd be surprised the places she goes into.

Six months. That's a half a year.

A half a lifetime, putting this case together

and in five minutes your loony ices it.

Do him a favor, keep him away from me.

[telephone ringing]

- Hello? Charlie: Grace?

Charlie. I was afraid your plane had crashed,

or you had gotten mugged on the way to the hotel.

Charlie: Oh, I'm sorry, hon.

They nailed me with a sales conference

the minute I got off that plane.

How was the flight?

I miss you, honey.

Well, I, I miss you too.

It'll soon be over, you know.

Just a few days more and I'll be home...

for good.

Is something wrong?

I love you, that's all. And I need you.

And right now I need to know that...

I guess I need to know you feel the same, that's all.

What is this, Charlie?

[sighing]

I just want to see you again.

Well, finish your business and come home.

I will, baby.

Goodbye, honey.

Just what are we looking for, McCloud?

We won't know until we find it, Joe.

[thudding]

Sounds like somebody else had the same idea.

Sergeant Norton's not gonna like this.

[grunting]

Damn Achilles tendon.

[groaning] Can't get up any speed.

What were you doing in Karen Chandler's apartment?

I'm here because of my Achilles tendon.

You give me a straight answer.

You're gonna get your nose out of joint!

Well, I was just looking for some money

I gave Karen yesterday.

- 'Cause of an Achilles tendon? - Right on, brother.

I pulled it last year.

Just beginning of the season. Missed every game.

From what I read, it's completely healed.

Yeah. Yeah.

Only I know it ain't.

And what's worse, the front office knows it too.

But they got bigger problems than me.

See, I got a three-year, no-cut,

no-trade contract at some pretty heavy bread.

And even if I don't play, they still gotta pay.

You got everything going you way, so what's the problem?

[scoffs] My contract has one of them morals clauses.

You know, if I run around the Empire State Building naked,

or smoke a joint in the commissioner's office,

they can bounce me.

I suppose that goes for

consorting with Karen Chandler's young ladies too.

Murphy: You know it, brother.

They're truly dying to get out from under my contract.

And if Karen ever got on the witness stand

and blew the whistle...

bye-bye Murphy.

So you paid to keep her quiet.

Hundred thou was my tab.

I could only raise 50.

She's squeezin' anybody else?

Everybody with a secret and enough bread

to keep it that way.

How about Doug King?

Oh, he's in worse shape than me. He's on his third wife.

What about Senator Ferris?

Oh, that church-goin', smut hatin'

defender of the public morals?

He's paying through the nose too.

Any of the other girls in on this?

- I only heard from Karen. - Book him, Joe.

What for?

Breakin' and enterin' will do for now.

[door opens]

Anything?

[doorbell buzzing]

Melissa?

[door opens]

What's this? A hold up?

Took you long enough to answer.

I was in the bedroom.

Well, you're just in time to drive me to the airport.

I've given up taking taxis.

That's not too bright, leavin'.

Hey, Sam, twice that guy's tried to kill me.

I'm not gonna hang around and find out

if three's his lucky number.

Catch.

Sure is a shame you had to break down the senator's bedroom door.

Shame, I didn't have this at the time.

Sam, I couldn't give it to you.

Christina was lying on that balcony

chalked full of something called Digitalis Leaf.

You know, that's amazing stuff.

Three milligrams slows your heart and pulse rate

down to nothing.

Takes a doctor to know you're not dead.

So, we were supposed to, uh,

find the bedroom door locked, force it open

and discover her lifeless body.

And everybody was expected to pay to keep it quiet.

Is that it?

Well, we figured they were good for at least ten grand a piece.

How'd she get off the balcony?

Ah! Well, there was a ledge that ran around the building

and an empty apartment next door to the senator's.

By the time your guys got there, Christina was halfway home.

And I was standin' there like a three-legged jackass.

Fortunes of war, Sam.

Well, didn't your regular job pay enough?

Hey, look, that, uh...

crusading DA was trying to force me into

testifying at Karen's trial.

You know, I'm really an old-fashioned girl

at heart, Sam.

I do believe that stuff in the Bible

about living three score years and ten.

The only thing is I... didn't have enough getaway money.

You know, that's the one thing my old man taught me.

Without it, you're dead.

Yeah, that's what killed him.

After they closed down the coal mines,

he was trapped.

No getaway money.

I didn't know they had coal mines in the Bronx.

Well, it's only geography, Sam.

That's heavy.

Or maybe, I'll try the Virgin Islands.

No cracks.

Hogan?

Hogan?

Melissa: He's here, isn't he?

Not so as you can notice it.

Where're you going?

I'm gonna find out what happened to Hogan.

Well, I'm coming with you.

That might be exactly what he wants you to do,

spook you into runnin'.

You make a much better target outside this room.

I'm not staying here alone.

Well, all I'm gonna do is check the hall

and make sure it is all right to go down.

Now, lock the door.

Latch it.

[dramatic music]

[knocking on door]

- Who is it? Morris: Officer Morris.

Everything alright in there?

Yes, I want to get out of here now.

[instrumental music]

[gasping]

Melissa!

Melissa!

[gunshot]

[instrumental music]

"Charles Hollenbeck. First arrested, 15, petty theft.

After that, mainly smash and grab.

Liquor stores, gas stations, supermarkets.

Somewhere along the line he graduated to bigger things.

The gun he dropped...

was traced to an unsolved killing several months ago.

Went into the books as robbery-murder.

Hollenbeck didn't rob any of the women he killed.

Well...

seems to me, like, on the surface at least

that of all the women that was killed

Karen Chandler is the only one that anybody would want dead.

Yeah. Doug King, Murphy Michaels, Senator Ferris,

they all paid to keep her quiet.

Which one hired Hollenbeck?

A professional killer doesn't keep records or give receipts.

It's strictly cash and carry.

[sighing] Well, tomorrow we'll

get out our shovels and start digging.

McCloud?

I'll think I'll just sit a spell.

Maybe something will come to me.

[scoffs] The only thing that'll come is a headache.

I got mine already.

Senator Ferris' door, Melissa Thompsons' door...

Karen Chandlers' door.

The door we replaced Karen Chandlers' door with.

You're gonna run out of 6-40 Bs.

Ah... don't you make out reports in Taos?

Well, we make our reports in Taos.

Then why won't you make them out here?

Well, we kinda have a different way of doing things in Taos.

- Different system. - I'll use any system you will.

Well, first of all, we just walk into the marshal's office,

we draw up a chair and we tell him what's, what's happening.

But you can't do that in New York. McCloud!

Oh!

Sir. Sir, could I speak to you for a moment?

Oh, I'm afraid you're early, sir.

The service isn't until 8:00.

Well, I wanted to see Karen Chandler's body.

Well, aren't you with the Preston party?

No, I'm, I'm with the New York City Police Department.

Well, this is a little irregular.

Well, it'll only take a minute.

If you'll.. if you don't mind?

Very well.

Man 3: Karen Chandler.

[doorbell ringing]

Yes?

- Mrs. Charles Hollenbeck? - Yes.

Sam McCloud.

Something's happened to my husband.

- May I come in, please? - Yes.

Mrs. Hollenbeck, your...

your husband was killed this evening.

Please.

Oh, no!

Sit down, please.

[crying] Oh, no!

No!

His plane... His plane crashed?

No, ma'am. It wasn't a plane.

Mrs. Hollenbeck, I've got to tell you some things

that are...

that are gonna hurt you a lot worse

than your husband's death.

What things?

Well, your husband was killed tryin' to...

to strangle a young woman.

You're crazy.

Now I wouldn't put you through this if it wasn't important.

Believe me, I wouldn't.

My husband... was in Chicago.

- I spoke to him on the phone. - No, he...

He told you that he was in Chicago

because he couldn't tell you what he was really doing.

Now, we stopped him this time,

but your husband has killed before and I...

You're a liar!

Oh, you're a liar!

You come in this house and you lie, lie.

You're telling me that my husband is a murderer?

Mrs. Hollenbeck, what I'm telling you is that

somebody paid your husband to kill four women

and I need your help to find out who it was.

[instrumental music]

I suppose I knew something was wrong.

Those headaches.

He'd always have headaches

when he came back from one of his trips.

Sometimes...

he'd cry in his sleep.

A whimper.

Like a little lost child.

Did your husband ever mention any names,

anybody that he'd ever worked with?

No.

He was always talking about getting away.

How awful the city was, especially for the children.

Did he keep any records, did he write anything down?

Just a notebook.

He was always writing in his notebook...

seeing how much he made and when he could quit his job.

Mrs. Hollenbeck, I'm gonna need that notebook.

- You know where it is? - It's in the desk.

You have a key?

He always kept it with him.

- This is it? - That's it.

Mrs. Hollenbeck...

Did you find something?

It's a phone number.

Lieutenant Mackie.

- Who? - Grace Hollenbeck.

Mrs. Charles Hollenbeck.

Do I know you?

You've done business with my husband.

I believe you owe him some money.

I wish I knew what you were talking about, Mrs. Hollenbeck.

We both know what I'm talking about, lieutenant.

Look, this isn't something we should talk about

over the phone.

This is as close as I'm going to get to you.

My husband had a savings account at the Bristol Bank...

I want you to deposit $10,000 in it by 10 a.m. tomorrow.

I'll call to verify the deposit.

If it's not there, I'll call the police.

I need a little time, Ten thousand's a lot of...

[line disconnects]

Thank you, Mrs. Hollenbeck.

Mackie. There's been some complications.

I've gotta see you.

No, not there. The park.

Fifty-Ninth Street entrance.

An hour will give you enough time?

[instrumental music]

Karen: Swell, Mackie.

This is a terrific place to meet. I could've been mugged.

You got nothin' to worry about, Ms. Chandler.

You got three cops right here.

- Get your hands up, Mackie! - Some cop you are.

You didn't even know you were being tailed.

Well, welcome back.

Last time I looked you were in an urn.

That Digitalis Leaf gets around pretty good, doesn't it?

Three milligrams and only your doctor can tell for sure

if you're really dead.

Of course, it doesn't matter too much

as long as you had that scarf around your neck,

and that lipstick on your forehead...

nobody's gonna pay too much attention anyway.

They're gonna figure you're just another victim

of that homicidal maniac.

Especially with Lieutenant Mackie supervising everything.

You were the fella that didn't like cops on the pad.

Lean!

How much did you pay that deputy coroner

to fake the autopsy report?

Look, there's enough left for both of you.

- Lean! - How did you find out?

That autopsy report was a nice piece of professional work,

right down to your black eye.

But it didn't mention the cut on your back

after Murphy Michaels played scrimmage with you.

I could never forget a beautiful back like yours, Ms. Chandler.

I'll get the car.

Alright, let's go.

Mackie.

You weren't gonna plead guilty.

You were gonna take the money and disappear...

with nobody lookin' for you,

not the law, not your friends, nobody.

Because officially you were dead.

I spent my life scrambling to get off these streets.

And now just when I got it made,

they want to take it away from me...

throw me in prison.

Where do you start over again at my age?

How do you keep things going?

You don't do it by killing three people. Move!

One of them was feeding information to the DA anyhow.

She's the one who got me into this mess

in the first place.

Look, McCloud, if you could just...

I'll give you... oh! Oh!

Joe! Joe!

dramatic music]

[tires screeching]

[tires screeching]

[instrumental music]

Man 4: Hey, where're you goin' in my bus!

Hey!

[engine revving]

- 7-3-4. 7-3-4 to dispatch. - Go ahead, 7-3-4.

You won't believe this, but McCloud just grabbed a bus.

He's chasing a taxi across 59th Street.

[music continues]

All available units, assist office in city bus

pursuing taxi across 59th Street.

[tires screeching]

Repeat. All available units...

[tires screeching]

[siren blaring]

[music continues]

[tires screeching]

[tires screeching]

[music continues]

[siren blaring]

[tires screeching]

[theme music]