Original subtitles

Just toast this morning.

Yes, ma 'am.

Wheat toast.

I was watching the weather report this morning.

Gonna be a beautiful day, Ms. Draper.

Beautiful day.

Yes, certainly is.

I'll just be a minute.

Hey, Jackie, wait up.

Of course,

these days no line would be complete without something for the working woman.

Therefore, I created these.

Very nice.

I think we can do some business.

Thank you.

My things should do very well in your stores.

Looks like what I've heard is true.

What have you heard?

Bet you're back from the dead.

I prefer to think of it as having been on a creative sabbatical.

Excuse me, Mr.

Santatini, somebody's here to see you.

Take a closer look. I'll be right back.

Hello, Marco.

A buyer?

With any luck.

What can I do for you?

Let's talk.

In private.

Also, a microphone was pointed at you, Marco. Recorded every word you said. Do

you want to hear the tape?

No. Good.

Because every time I hear it, I get very angry.

What are you going to do?

I am going to bury you two.

You're going to print this?

Next issue of Sweet 2000.

Editor's column.

You can't do that.

Why not?

Give me one good reason why I shouldn't tell everybody what a sorry piece of

scum you are.

I'll pay you.

Anything you want. I have connections you can't believe.

Keep those. I have copies.

Oh, by the way, Marco, your new line looks fabulous.

Too bad no one's going to want to touch it after I get through with you.

I have bad news.

on your desk.

Everyone's in the conference room. Here's your coffee.

And Tanya Sloan is inside waiting for you. She's what? I'm sorry, Ms. Draper.

couldn't stop her. Lacey.

She just came barging in saying that she absolutely had to talk to you and that

she'd do something horrible if any of us tried to make her leave.

So, Tanya, what is this horrible thing you're

threatening to do?

A scene from that play you boned in last year? That's not funny.

Interesting. That's exactly what the critics said.

In fact, dear, shouldn't you be at an acting class or something?

For your information, I fly to Los Angeles tomorrow to meet with Kevin.

He wants me to co -star in his next picture.

So, go home and pack.

Not until I know if it's true. If what is true? I heard you're going to write

about me in your next column.

Should I, Tanya?

Have you been a naughty girl?

I have worked too hard to get where I am. I am not going to let you ruin me.

Tanya, two sayings come to mind.

You made your bed, now lie in it.

And if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.

And I do mean, get out.

And here's one for you, Diane.

What goes around, comes around.

Bimbo.

Who shot these?

Tim Webley.

Oh, they're very good.

Must be all that practice he got in Newark.

Okay, go with these three.

Okay? All right, let's look at the layout. Come on, come on.

All right.

This is cluttered, juvenile, unacceptable.

Do it over.

Diane, we go to press tomorrow.

Not with that layout, we don't.

Look, if I'm gone by the time you finish, bring that over to my apartment

tonight. And if it's still not right, your next assignment will be to clean

your desk.

Got it?

All right, Julia, what's next?

Uh, pages 95 through 97. Excuse me.

Mr. Avery, it's 1210 and you're at a 1230 luncheon.

All right.

Everybody back here at two.

Thank you, Gerard.

Would you like a cocktail while you wait?

Just the usual.

Mineral water with a splash of lime juice. Very good.

Seltzer with lime, table four.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting. Your name?

Mason. Perry Mason.

Ah, it'll just be a moment, Mr. Mason.

They're busy.

That's good.

Means they haven't changed chefs since the last time we were here.

Lauren?

Della Street, what a surprise.

I've been trying to reach you. Perry, you remember Lauren Jeffries? Of course.

Nice to see you again.

What are you doing in New York? Perry's receiving an award from the American Bar

Association. Congratulations.

Della deserves it just as much as I do. I can believe that.

You know, I still think... The woman behind the man story that we did on you

the best in the whole period.

In fact, it's probably the best we've ever done, period.

Come on.

Listen, how is Metropolitan doing?

Oh, it's doing great.

The magazine practically runs itself.

Then you could join us for lunch.

Well, actually, I have plans. I just dropped in here. But I really do want to

see you. How long are you going to be in town?

Just till Friday.

Call my office this afternoon.

Wonderful.

I'd love it.

Mr. Mason, this way, please.

I'll be right with you, sir.

It's only common courtesy to return a phone call.

We have a deadline. I was too busy.

May I sit down?

I am waiting for someone.

Then I'll keep you company.

Thank you, Gerard.

Very interesting.

Diane Draper chatting with...

Should I know who Diane Draper is?

Only if you read the fashion magazine. She runs a magazine, Sweet 2000.

It's Metropolitan's biggest competition.

Very tough lady.

Is she and Lauren competitors?

More like bitter rivals.

Now, why in the hell would I want to waste my column on you?

Because the way things are going, my magazine is going to overtake yours

a year, and you are desperate.

Huh. You wish.

I know how you operate, Diane.

I know how it turns you on to hurt people.

All I do is sell magazines.

Oh, yes. By digging through people's garbage and then tearing them to pieces

that column of yours every month.

Look. All I do is tell it like it is. Not about me, you don't. What the hell

that? A threat?

A warning.

Have a nice day.

What?

Newark. Julie, what do you mean she said something about Newark?

She said something about you getting a lot of practice there.

Did she say what she meant by that?

No, nothing remarked. She didn't mean anything by it.

Is she in?

No. Even if she was, she wouldn't want to talk to her.

We have us tomorrow.

Kim, these are great.

I'll tell you what, as soon as Diane gets off the warpath, I'll pass them

all right?

You seen a column?

For next month?

No, she never writes until the very last minute.

Who's she going after this time?

Why do you ask?

I got a feeling it's going to be me.

Oh, man, not you, too.

I mean, every month it's the same thing.

People who are just positive that Diane is going to write something bad about

them come crawling out of the woodwork begging her not to. I mean, half the

she's never even heard of them.

Yeah, time's over.

Come, top of the room.

Let's go.

Diane. Wait, wait, Kim, Kim, Kim.

Don't, all right? I'll talk to her.

And if you come by my place for dinner tonight, I'll tell you what she said.

Okay.

It's 926 West 74th, apartment 219, let's say 730.

Here are your messages.

Who would you like to call back first?

Nobody. I'm going home and so are you.

All right.

In the morning. Good night, Lacey. Good night.

Diane, can I talk to you?

Tomorrow. I'm out of here.

You've written your column yet?

That's why they invented home computers, Julia.

It's just that people have been bugging me all day about who you're going after

this month.

What are you telling them?

That I don't know.

Good. Then people will be surprised.

Yeah, what?

There's somebody here to see you.

Says her name is Lauren Jeffries.

Send her up.

You can go up. I'm popping 4B.

Thank you.

You have to go out.

We'll walk and then we'll get some coffee.

Hello.

Well, well, Snow White herself.

What a surprise. We're going to have this out, Diane, once and for all.

Yeah, I love it. Paris, my favorite city on Earth.

City of light.

No, maybe I think it's the city of food, yeah.

Hello?

Yes, this is she.

No, no, no, that's no problem.

I'll be right there. I'm not too far.

All right.

All right, bye -bye.

Yeah, look, I'm sorry, but somebody was supposed to drop a layout off at Diane's

tonight, but she's not answering the phone at the door.

The security guard's worried something may have happened to her.

I'm really sorry. Just, um, I won't be long. Why don't you just wait here, all

right?

Diane?

Diane and Julie, are you there?

I'm trying to keep...

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. Hurry.

She's dead.

We don't want any.

Lauren Jeffries called while we were at the banquet.

She's been arrested.

The coroner puts the time of death between 8 p .m. and 9 p .m.

Not only did the security guard log Miss Jeffries into the building at 7 .54,

but the person living in the apartment next to the victim heard shouting and

loud noises at around 8 .20.

That was five minutes before the security guard locked Miss Jeffries out

building. But no one actually saw anything.

We also found some of the victim's jewelry in the bottom drawer of Miss

Jeffries' desk.

Detective Brennan, doesn't it seem a little strange to you that a woman who

makes half a million dollars a year would stoop to robbery?

Guess she was just in the mood. A floppy disk was stolen out of the victim's

computer that night, too.

Did you find that in Miss Jeffrey's desk?

No. But the victim's secretary found what we're assuming was on that disk in

computer at the magazine the next morning.

Apparently, Miss Draper had transmitted it via modem sometime before she was

murdered.

It was her column for the next edit of this page.

All about how Miss Jeffrey's had solicited bribes from fashion designers.

She would give them favorable press, and they would give her money.

Lauren Jeffrey stole that disc and killed Diane Draper in an attempt to

reputation.

It's as simple as that.

None of this, girl.

But Diane was going to print it.

I have never taken a bribe in my life. No one has ever paid for editorial space

in my magazine.

Why did you go to see her that night?

For the same reason that I went to see her that day in the restaurant.

I was number one on her hit list.

She was determined to get me. I wanted to stop it.

Because she was becoming a nuisance?

She was calling people, trying to get dirt about me.

That wasn't all.

I knew that if Diane put her mind to it, She would eventually find some

way to discredit me.

I don't believe that.

We all have our secrets.

Some we should know about?

Yes.

I have a daughter.

I was 16.

Back in Odessa, Texas in those days when a girl got pregnant, she stayed

pregnant.

I wanted to give my baby up for adoption, but my boyfriend Scott

of it.

So two weeks after she was born, I left her at Scott's. I got on a

bus to New York, and I never went back.

You left your baby?

I had to.

I assumed that Scott's grandparents would take care of her.

I found out later that...

They made him do it all by himself.

Instead of going to college, he got a job at a rendering plant.

He worked there till he was 38, at which time he died of what amount of

alcoholism?

There's no reason for all of this to come out in court.

There's more.

My daughter managed to get out of her death.

She came to New York.

And got a job at Suite 2000 as Diane Draper's assistant.

Her name is Julia Collier.

Does she know you're her mother?

Of course.

She went to work for Diane to spite me.

Did Diane know?

Oh, yes. She loved to rub my nose in the fact that my only daughter hated me

every chance she got.

But it isn't the kind of thing that she would have put in a column if that's

what you're getting at.

Why not?

Well, because it was common knowledge.

I mean, people in our business already knew.

If she put it in her column, it would have been an embarrassment, but that's

about all.

When you went to her apartment that night, did she tell you her column was

to be about you?

I couldn't get her to talk about anything, so I left.

You weren't the one who took that disc from her computer.

And I wasn't the one who killed her.

I swear.

Well? Well, what?

You still haven't told me if you've decided to take her case.

Still haven't.

There are thousands of very good attorneys in this city who would jump at

chance to defend a woman.

who is not only innocent, but who can pay their fee without blinking an eye.

But you have something that they don't.

What is that?

Secretary, who will find it very hard to forgive you if you turn this case down.

Della. Perry, she needs you.

Della. Oh, Perry.

Call Ken.

I already have.

What's that?

Here you are.

Tonya Sloan. The actress?

Rumor has it she's going to co -star in a very big motion picture.

Ah, and that she had an argument with Diane Draper the day of the murder.

And they were going to talk about the column that Diane was writing. Because

only went after the rich and famous, right?

Miss Sloan certainly fits that profile.

Here you are. Kim Weatherly.

And Marco Sabatini.

Weatherly's the hottest fashion photographer in New York right now, and

Sabatini's a very successful clothes designer.

Kim was overheard expressing concern that Diane's next column was going to be

about him.

And Sabatini?

Diane's driver said she dropped in to see him at his showroom on her way to

the morning of the murder.

But if her column was going to be about one of these three and not Lauren

Jeffries? How do you explain the column that was on the computer at the

magazine? I'd say the killer dictated the phony column to her and forced her

send it before he killed her.

Maybe he wrote the column himself and sent it after he killed her.

Check with the phone company. It wouldn't hurt to know the precise time

document was transmitted.

But why your client? Why did the killer frame her?

Lauren had a confrontation with Diane in a restaurant. Later that day, that

confrontation was common knowledge among the people in the fashion industry,

plus the fact that she and Diane were long -standing business rivals.

It all made her the perfect patsy.

Well, I guess I'll start with Tanya Sloan. No.

Start with Sabatini.

Tanya is in L .A., but she'll be back Friday.

Well, when I see him...

I'll tell him.

Well, you must have a good memory.

Like an elephant.

Did Diane always write her column at home?

Not always, no.

But she did it often enough that sending it to the computer at the office was no

problem.

Well, yeah, she worked at home and modemed stuff in all the time.

In other words, anybody could have used this computer to modem something to the

office.

What are you getting at?

I think Lauren Jeffries was framed.

By whom?

Tanya Sloan, Marco Sabatini, or Kim Weatherly.

Do you know any of them?

Yes, I know all of them.

They all apparently thought Diane was going to write about them in her next

column.

Look, Mr. Mason, Kim was with me when this happened. From 7 .30 right up until

the time I came over and found the body, we were having dinner at my place.

And Diane kept her jewelry here?

As far as I know, yeah.

Well, thank you, Julia.

I've seen enough for now.

I've been meaning to ask you something.

Let me guess. Does it have something to do with the fact that Lauren Jeffries is

my mother?

You didn't need me to let you in here. You could have gotten a key from the

police. She thinks you hate her.

I do.

Why?

Why?

Have you ever heard her side of what happened all those years ago, Julia?

No, I really don't want to hear it.

You should hear it.

Mr. Mason, she murdered Diane. It wouldn't hurt to hear her side of that

either.

After you.

Sabatini. You are Marco Sabatini, right?

This opportunity took the day off. I just want to ask you a few questions.

You have the wrong person.

You're going to have to talk to me sooner or later.

Maybe never, Counselor.

Sayonara.

No sex!

I'm Peter Whelan, assistant district attorney.

I'll be prosecuting the Jeffries case.

And you must be Della Street.

Hi, I'm Peter Whelan.

Nice to meet you. Thank you.

I can't tell you what an honor this is, sir.

Mr. Mason, I think you're the greatest.

I've studied every single one of your cases.

Every case?

You're one of my idols.

I begged for this assignment.

I'm flattered.

I've never looked forward to anything so much in my life.

Well... I'm looking forward to trying this case, too.

No, no, Mr. Mason. I'm talking about beating you.

Your Honor,

the defendant owns homes in London, Saint -Tropez, New York, and Vail.

Now, she has bank accounts not only in those four cities, but in Bermuda and

Switzerland as well.

In other words...

She could very easily flee this jurisdiction and take residence in any

countries with no significant decline in her lifestyle whatsoever.

In fact, Your Honor, the risk of flight is so great here that the state requests

the bail be denied.

Mr. Mason.

Mr. Whitton.

If what mattered most to my client was being affluent and enjoying...

A certain lifestyle, Your Honor, she would have retired to any one of those

geographical locations years ago.

What matters most to her is her magazine.

She created it, nurtured it, watched it grow and mature.

It's what has kept her here all these years.

And it's what will continue to keep her here long after these charges have

proven false.

I request that she be released on her own recognizance.

The charges murder, Mr. Mason, and O .R. release is out of the question.

However, the court is not entirely unmoved by your eloquence.

Bail is set at $250 ,000.

Let's see, gentlemen, how does the 27th sound?

That's fine, Your Honor.

Prosecution concurs.

Good. The court will adjourn for lunch. We will resume at 2 p .m.

God, I can't wait to get out of here.

Lauren?

Julia?

I think that maybe it's time we talked.

All right.

Dinner tonight?

All right.

Call me when you get home.

Can you believe that?

Wonderful. Let's get out of here before she changes her mind. I'll see you at

the hotel.

I know you'd go with her magazine as her life argument, but frankly, I couldn't

think of a way to deprive you of it.

Well, I'm sure you'll do better next time, Mr. Whelan.

You bet I will.

Oh, I almost forgot.

I have something for you.

Preliminary list of the people I'm going to call as witnesses.

You can't be serious.

I'll see you here in court, Counselor.

What now?

I may have to remove myself from this case.

Why? The argument we overheard in that restaurant.

Waylon plans to call me as a witness.

you don't understand.

I want you to be my lawyer and that's that.

There's a very good chance I'll be called to testify against you.

I don't care.

I'd be in the position of helping the prosecution convict you. How can you

convict me when I'm innocent?

Lauren, it's not as simple as that.

Look, if you're telling me they won't allow you to be my attorney, that's one

thing. But if you were asking me if I still want you to be my lawyer...

I think I've made myself more than clear.

Good, good.

Tanya, you've got about 20 minutes, okay?

Good. All right, Garrett, get Billy Ray down here. I want him here, not on the

phone.

Miss Sloan?

Very amazing. Ah, you made it.

That's a lot of work for a commercial.

Well, commercials these days are sometimes bigger than films.

This one's for a new perfume called Purloin.

I gather you have a few questions you'd like to ask me. Shall we talk in a

minute?

I understand you talked to Diane Draper the day she was murdered.

Yes, I did.

And that your conversation didn't last very long.

No, it didn't. May I ask what you talked about?

I heard that she was going to write about me in her column.

Your drug problem?

I do not have a drug problem.

Diane thought you did.

Yeah, well, she was wrong.

Besides, she couldn't prove anything.

Still, if there were speculation about it... It could have ruined me.

Look, I don't know why Diane had it in for me.

Maybe she was jealous.

Who knows?

Was she going to write about you in her column?

Mr. Mason, at the time of the murder, I was at a play called Harley's House.

It stank.

But I told the writer I loved it because I was his guest and he still pulled

some weight in Hollywood.

Okay?

Okay.

Before today, I'd have thought it impossible for you to be in two places

once.

But I can't say that anymore, can I?

Hey, Marco's in? No, I haven't heard from him yet.

Then who's that for? Somebody who's waiting for him, an old friend from out

town. A friend?

Mm -hmm.

Give me that.

Okay, pal, take a hike.

Until I talk to Sabatini.

What for? You've already been through his death, haven't you?

Now, what makes you think I'd do a thing like that? Get lost before I have you

hold him for trespassing. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Andiamo!

On Wednesday?

Sounds wonderful.

I think we can do that.

Great. Thank you very much.

He said I'd probably have better luck finding Marco at that place he usually

hangs out at.

Damn, I forgot the name already.

Gabriela's?

Gabriela's, yeah, that's it. Thanks a lot. You're welcome.

I suggested we go to dinner from here so I could see where you live.

It's very nice.

Thank you.

Of course, I've known for a long time where you live. I just never... Look,

maybe this is a bad idea. I don't know.

You've got to let me explain.

You don't want to explain.

No.

You want to make excuses.

I want to tell you what happened. No, I know what happened.

You decided that you didn't want me. That's what happened.

You didn't want me, so you just left me.

I was 16 years old.

I didn't know what I wanted. Well, all I know, lady, is that you didn't want me.

You were better off without me.

How dare you even say that to me?

I mean, even kids whose mothers swore at them or hit them. I mean, I envied

them. I mean, at least their mother hadn't taken one look at them and then

walked away.

Your father was ready for you, Julie. I just wasn't.

I went away from you because I didn't know how else I was gonna survive.

I thought being with a father who was devoted to you would be enough.

I didn't know how horribly it was gonna hurt you.

I'll tell you the truth.

Even if I had,

I wouldn't have stayed.

I couldn't.

I'm sorry.

Brian.

So, uh... What do you propose we do now? I mean, are we supposed to start over?

Is that it?

Why don't we just...

Yeah,

but look who he's with.

I don't.

Mr. Mob himself.

What do we do now?

What you came to do?

I mean, I started the day chasing a dressmaker.

Perry, wait.

Excuse me, Marco Sabatini?

Who are you?

My name's Mason. I represent the woman accused of murdering Diane Draper.

I'd like to ask you a few questions.

Albert Nardone.

And I have heard of you.

And I of you.

I've heard you know more about criminal law than I do.

What kind of questions do you want to ask my cousin, Mr. Mason?

Your cousin?

Well, he's the son of my cousin, but it's family. That's the important thing.

I don't care what kind of questions he has.

If he wants to talk to me, he does it in front of my lawyer.

And since my lawyer's not here... Neither am I.

I'm afraid he's stubborn like his mother.

Mr. Mason, join me.

Brain check?

Sure.

Get happy, do you know that?

Thanks a lot.

They weren't impressed. I didn't get the make. I didn't get the license number.

No, I didn't even get the color of the car.

Sabatini's bodyguard.

Who knows?

He and Ardone split the minute the cops showed up.

I think that's why Sabatini was afraid to talk to us. Because Ardone's

Wait a second.

The car had a sticker like this on the bumper.

Triborough Auto Rental.

Sure?

Positive.

We're talking about several thousand cars.

Yeah, but the car we're looking for has a broken headlight.

Whoever was driving it may have stolen it.

That's true.

Not much of a lead, is it?

I'm going to tell the police and head back. the hotel.

I want you to get a good night's sleep.

Oh, Ken.

It's the lead.

Hey, Lieutenant.

I want to take a ride in a nice limo for free.

I got something right here.

Yes, you do.

So I wanted to talk to her. So what?

You also tried to call her that day, four times. I repeat, so what?

So what was that important?

I just turned in some proof sheets. I want to know what you thought.

It had nothing to do with those pictures you used to take in Newark?

You lost me.

Before you became a fashion photographer, you paid the bills by

for a businessman in Newark.

A man who has since been jailed for the sale and distribution of pornography.

Who told you that?

It came from notes found in Diane Draper's office.

If she'd put that in her column, it would have been disastrous for you,

it?

People in this town tend to be very open -minded.

Not your present publishers.

Look, I don't even know why we're having this conversation.

I was with somebody the night Diane was killed.

I have an alibi.

It was with a friend.

Maybe you also have friends who would agree to do you a favor.

Here you go. I got another line.

Hello, Mr. Eason.

Hello.

You're going to have to excuse me.

When I went to pay for breakfast this morning, I discovered I was missing a

credit card.

Yeah, I'd like to report a missing card.

Yeah, you know, I don't know.

This business, a pleasure.

Well, actually, it's a little bit about the magazine's doing the shoot, so I

came over to supervise, and I really like to watch Kim work.

Your dinner with your mother went well, I hear.

Yes.

But we still have a long way to go But you're talking Yeah

Would you excuse me for a minute, please?

That's right.

Ken Molanski.

Well, you, me, Tony over here, Mason, we all want the

same thing.

We do?

Yeah, we do.

Marco was my relative.

Not a close relative, but a relative nonetheless.

You want to know who killed him.

I want to know who killed him.

Well, if you want to know the truth, we sort of thought that you might have had

him killed.

That goes to show you how much you know.

Tell me something, Mr. Malansky.

What do you think? The teal or the periwinkle?

Excuse me?

Which material?

For the dress?

Never mind, never mind.

The teal.

Teal.

Two years ago, Marco came to me on his knees.

He just learned the hard way that he lacked the one thing it takes to be a

clothes designer.

Talent.

So I told him I'd give him enough money to get on his feet on one condition.

That he let me design the dresses.

He could have all the credit.

He agreed, and the rest is history.

You design dresses?

I love doing this.

I'm very good at it.

But in my profession, one has to maintain a certain image, so I keep it a

secret.

Oh, yeah.

But whoever killed Marco killed my partner as well as my cousin, and I want

find out who that was.

Marco killed Diane Draper?

No, no, no. He said he didn't, and I have to assume he knew better than to

to me.

And what were you two talking about last night?

Well, she knew something about him, something bad.

And he was worried that someone like Mason would say it gave him a motive for

killing her, so he was asking my advice.

What was it she knew about him?

He didn't tell me, and I didn't ask.

But I want to know who killed Marco, Mr. Malansky.

And since I am a little disappointed in Tony over here for letting this all

happen right under his nose, that Tony's gonna make up for it by

helping you find the killer.

Isn't that right, Tony?

Yes, sir.

Oh, now, now, wait a second.

Take them both back to the hotel. Hey, I don't work for you. You can't do this.

Hey, hey, look.

All right, all right, I'll watch.

What is this?

It's a subpoena.

It ensures your presence at this hearing.

I may need you to testify.

Testify? What's to testify? I told you I had nothing to do with Diane's murder,

and I have no idea who did.

The writer you went to the play with said you went outside to have a

during the first intermission and didn't return until the third act.

So I had several cigarettes.

Like I told you, the play stank.

Make yourself comfortable, Miss Sloan.

Lieutenant.

Where did you find this jar?

It was lying a few feet from the victim's body.

Because of the presence of blood and tissue, it was believed to be the murder

weapon. In fact, Your Honor, this jar has been stipulated by counsel to be the

murder weapon.

And did you then have the jar examined for fingerprints?

Yes, sir.

And for purposes of probable cause only, what was discovered?

A fingerprint matching the defendant's right thumb was identified.

And what did you do next?

Search warrants for the defendant's office, home, and car were executed.

And what was found?

A gold necklace and bracelet belonging to the decedent were discovered in a

drawer in the defendant's office.

Thank you, Lieutenant.

Mr. Whalen, may I?

Thank you.

Lieutenant Brennan, did you find the defendant's fingerprints anywhere else

this candy jar? We found prints from her left hand up near the top.

If a woman were to pick up a heavy jar like this to look at it, would you

her to use one hand or two?

Two. Like this.

Right hand on the base, left hand near the top.

Possibly.

Did you find the defendant's fingerprints anywhere else in Miss

apartment? They were all over the place. Door jam, desk, chair.

And were they all over the victim's jewelry as well?

We didn't find any prints on the jewelry.

Not even the victim's?

The stuff had been wiped clean.

Don't you think it's strange, Lieutenant, that the defendant would

fingerprints from that jewelry?

Jewelry she then put into her own desk, and after doing that, not bothered to

remove a single print of hers from the scene of the murder?

Objection.

Relevancy. Mr. Mason is commencing his argument.

Sustained. Withdrawn.

Nothing further.

You want to look through our files?

We believe one of your cars was recently involved in a hit -and -run accident

during which one of its headlights was broken.

What we'd really like to do is take a look at your damage reports.

Sorry, you can't see a thing without a court order.

Yeah, well, court orders take a lot of time, and we don't have a lot of time.

Corporate policy is very strict on such matters, okay?

You want to go through our files, you got to have a court order or an okay

the senior vice president. So call the senior vice president. Oh, in your

dreams. Look, if you don't help us out... Can I have a sec?

Let me introduce myself. My name is Tony Loomis. I am a dear, dear friend of Mr.

Nardone. Are you aware who Mr. Nardone is?

I'll just go talk to the senior vice president on your behalf right now.

Yeah, please, have a seat.

Yeah, can I get you anything?

You want Diet Cola?

Nah, we're fine.

Yeah, no, I'm fine.

What did you say to him?

I just made sure he understood how important it was for us to find that

Where's Collier?

How long had you been a decedent, executive?

About three and a half years.

And your job entailed what?

I made sure that whatever she wanted done, got done.

Would you say that it entailed working closely with her?

Yes, very closely. Ten hours a day, sometimes six days a week.

So you knew her well?

Yes, very well.

And as someone who knew her very well, how would you characterize the

relationship between her,

And the defendant, Lauren Jeffers.

Were they friends?

No.

Enemies?

Competitors.

Simply stated, there was bad blood between them, was there not?

Yes.

Didn't they have a violent argument which you witnessed last year?

Yes.

And isn't it true that to your knowledge, they didn't talk to each

over a year?

Until the defendant barged into a New York restaurant last week and verbally

attacked?

Ms. Draper?

That's true, yes.

What is your relationship to the defendant, Ms. Collier?

She's my mother.

And even you, Lauren Jeffrey's own daughter.

can't deny the fact that the defendant was violently angry with Diane Draper,

can you?

No, I... Thank you. Nothing further. Thank you.

Don't cross -examine her.

Lauren, I can't let this stand.

Perry, please.

Mr. Mason.

A moment to confer with my client, Your Honor.

Perry, let it stand, please.

I don't want her embarrassed.

It's difficult already, and it is.

Cross, Mr. Mason.

No questions, Your Honor.

Witness may step down.

Your Honor, for this next witness, the state calls Perry Mason.

I understand

that you witnessed a confrontation.

Between the decedent and Miss Jeffries at the La Mistral restaurant last month.

I saw them discussing something. I'm not sure confrontation is the right word.

The discussion was loud, wasn't it?

I couldn't make out what they were saying, so... No, I wouldn't say it was

particularly loud.

Would you say they were more agitated?

Animated is the word I'd use.

Mr. Mason, could you see their expressions?

Yes. Well, would you say the women looked calm or angry?

I'd say they looked earnest.

You didn't answer my question. Your question was badly phrased. You're being

deliberately evasive, aren't you? I'm answering your questions as best I can.

You're playing semantic games with me, Mr. Mason. I'm doing no such thing. And

in doing so, you're depriving this court of the truth. I am being a responsible

witness. How can you behave like this, Counselor? A man of your reputation. My

reputation has nothing to do... Gentlemen, please, stop this at once.

We just had an argument, didn't we?

Yes.

One that was every bit as acrimonious as the one Miss Jeffries and the decedent

had in that restaurant. Isn't that correct, Mr. Mason?

What we had, Mr. Whalen, was just a difference of opinion between two

professionals.

Intense, perhaps, but I still like you, Mr. Whalen.

Just because two people have an argument doesn't mean they harbor ill feelings

toward each other.

Doesn't mean they're going to go to war.

We have no further questions.

You may step down, Mr. Mason.

That's it, they're jerking us around.

This guy's history and so is his boss.

Sit down, don't you ever get tired of talking like a two -bit hood. Hey!

The way I talk gets results, and that's what life's about, college boy, getting

results. So just shut your face and let me handle this.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Gentlemen, this is Deborah Richards, senior vice president of Triborough Auto

Rental. Hi.

Gerald here told me you want to go through our damage reports. I'm afraid

not a good question.

Wait, listen, ma 'am. I'm sorry.

Corporate policy forbids it.

I'd like to help you, but I just can't. No, no, no.

Obviously, Tony.

Tony, Miss Richards, could we talk privately for a moment?

You have to excuse my friend. Sometimes he gets a little temperamental.

You know, I was thinking...

All

right.

The garage is ten blocks up, 1420. I'll have someone meet you there.

Thanks. We really appreciate it.

You coming?

What'd you say to her?

Oh, I just told her how important it was that we find that car.

Results, Tony. That's what life's about.

Okay, don't make me stop pouting. I have to be good. I'm in a lot. Take a look

at the cars that were returned to him. Damn it.

Here you go.

That's all you said?

That's all I said.

You don't always have to be a bully to get results, Tony. Get out of my face.

I think somebody gave you a call about us.

Yeah, you're the guys who want to see the cars. We've got scheduled for shop

work. That's us.

Here they are.

Wow. All these cars, huh? Yep.

These and seven more floors.

She said something like, I'm going to have it out with you for once and for

Diane.

Then they went inside.

After you got back from walking your dog, what happened?

Well, I was in the living room reading when I heard Diane yelling at someone

next door.

I couldn't make out exactly what she was saying, but she sounded furious.

Then I heard a thump. A thump. And then a bump.

A bump.

And after that, nothing.

Hmm.

Any idea what time that was?

8 .20. I remember looking at the clock.

8 .20.

8 .20. According to the security guard's testimony, that was a good five minutes

before the defendant was seen leaving the building.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Is that all?

That's all.

Ms. Wilson, are you married?

My husband died six years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry. Any children?

Just my daughter, Shannon.

And she's how old? Fifteen.

Was she home that night?

No, she was out with friends.

On a school night?

I told her to be home by ten o 'clock, and she was.

I notice you're not wearing a watch. Ever wear one?

No. I have very sensitive skin.

Watch bands give me a rash.

I'm sorry.

Do you watch a lot of TV?

Oh, I hardly watch any. My daughter does, but I'd rather read.

So when you're home by yourself, as you were that night, the only way for you to

know what time it is is to look at a clock.

Well, yes.

Thank you. I have no more questions. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

The witness may step down.

Thank you, Your Honor.

The state rests its case, Your Honor.

Very well.

Is the defense ready to proceed?

Yes, it is.

Defense calls Shannon Wilson to the stand.

Miss Wilson, what time did you get home the night Diane Draper was murdered?

Ten o 'clock.

Are you sure it was ten?

Yeah, I just asked my mom.

The thing is, when I asked the security guard who keeps a record of everyone who

enters and leaves the building, he said you got home at 10 .30.

He did?

Wow, he must have made a mistake.

Shannon, isn't it true that before you went out that night, you set all the

clocks in your mother's apartment back so you could spend an extra half hour

with your boyfriend?

Isn't that true?

And isn't it true that you reset all the clocks before

your mother got up the next morning so she'd never know what you'd done?

I wouldn't do something like that to my mother.

Shannon, this lady could be your mother.

And this lady is on trial for murder.

Now, it's very, very important.

That you tell the truth.

All right, I set the clocks back a half an hour.

I'm sorry.

So, when you got home that night, it was really 10 .30, not 10 o 'clock.

Which means when your mother heard those sounds coming from next door, it was

really 8 .50, not 8 .20. Which means the murder occurred some 25 minutes after

the defendant was seen leaving the building.

Thank you, Shannon.

Nothing further.

Mr. Whalen?

No questions.

Witness may step down.

Here you go, my man.

It's on its way. It's on its way. You'll see.

Hey, you want some? I'll have this.

Yeah, make that two.

Grazie. There you go. Thanks a lot.

I still can't believe we went through 793 cars and still couldn't find the one

we were looking for. That's because the guy who whacked Mark just hasn't turned

it in yet. That's all. Now you know.

Educated guess.

The guy figured people ask you a question, you can turn it in after you

headlights fixed. I mean, that's what I would do.

Yeah, I guess that's what I'd do. Wait right here.

Just out of curiosity, how'd you end up working for a guy like Albert Nardone?

I was born in the Bronx.

Went to grammar school at St. John Vianney, went to high school at St.

Helena's.

Got to know some people who knew some people.

How'd you wind up being a yuppie lawyer?

Born in Providence, St. Wenceslas Grammar School, Casimir Pulaski High

college and law school in Denver.

Denver?

Did my graduate work in Brooklyn the night of St. Paul, where I learned to

pool.

I learned to shoot pool at the National Polish Alliance Center.

Polish Center.

You any good?

No, I just play for fun.

Ah, you up your lawyer hustle. I love it. Got to play you sometime and see how

good you are. Yeah, sure, sometime.

Yo, Rocket, you got here quick, just like I asked. I like that. Hey, tell

what we're looking for.

You mean the car?

Of course I mean the car.

All right, according to what the mechanic at Triborough said about this

fleet, it's a 91 Ford Taurus, brown.

Yeah. Broken right headlight, possible dent in the hood, possible dent in the

right front fender.

Got that?

Got it.

So get going. Come on. Get out of here.

What the hell was that about?

You'll see. Come on.

Come on.

Yeah, all right, all right.

Come to order.

All rise.

Department 79 is now in session.

The Honorable Renee Trayball presiding. Be seated.

Mr. Mason, I believe that you were about to call your next witness.

Your Honor, may we approach?

Your Honor, a witness has come forward whose testimony is extremely relevant to

this case.

The state moves to reopen his case in chief so that she may be called without

delay.

Now, in anticipation of defense counsel's objections, I can cite at

cases where similar motions were... I have no objections, Mr. Whelan.

You don't? No, I don't. Oh. In fact, you can put her on the stand right now.

Really? Really.

I just ask that when you're through, I be granted a recess so I can prepare a

competent cross -examination.

Mr. Whelan?

Great.

Very well.

Granted.

Mrs. Cooper, how are you?

Good. How's the neighborhood?

Nice. I understand the window of your kitchen affords you an

unobstructed view of the entrance to the garage of the decedent's apartment

building. Is that correct?

That's right, uh -huh.

Please tell the court what you saw the night Diane Draper was murdered.

Well, when I went into the kitchen around a quarter to nine to get a snack,

noticed someone standing outside on the sidewalk by the garage like they were

waiting for someone.

I didn't think anything of it, of course.

But on my way out of the kitchen, I saw that a car had just come out of the

garage, and as the door started coming down after it, this lady all of a sudden

ducks underneath it and goes inside.

You saw her enter the apartment building via the garage?

That's right, uh -huh.

What makes you so sure it was a quarter till nine?

I was watching TV, my favorite sitcoms around that night.

I got up during the commercial, so it must have been about a quarter to.

The person you saw that night here in this courtroom today?

Uh -huh.

That's her over there.

Let the record show that the witness pointed without hesitation to the

defendant, Lauren Jeffries.

Miss Cooper, I'm glad your health is good.

I'm glad your neighborhood is nice.

Now, why did it take you so long to come forward?

Because I didn't realize what I saw that night was important until I saw her

picture in the paper a couple of days ago.

You're absolutely certain the defendant is the person you saw under the garage

that night?

Absolutely, uh -huh.

Your Honor, at this time, I'd like to conduct the brief experiment we

in Chambers.

Again, I object.

Again, you're overruled.

In view of the situation, I believe that Mr. Mason is more than entitled to a

little leeway.

Bayliss, proceed, Mr. Mason. Thank you, Your Honor.

Now, Ms. Cooper, would you say the distance from where you are sitting to

back of the courtroom is greater or less?

than the distance from your kitchen window to the sidewalk outside the

Less than, definitely.

And would you say there is more light at the back of the courtroom than there

was on the sidewalk that night, or less light?

More. Once again, Ms. Cooper, would you point to the person you saw duck into

the garage of the decedent's apartment building the night of the murder?

The second one from the right, that's her.

The second from the right.

Let the record show that the witness did not point to the defendant, but

I do think I know why you thought you were pointing to her, Mrs. Cooper.

Now, Mrs. Cooper, I handed you a newspaper when you took the stand. Will

please open it to the front page?

Now, that's the newspaper article and picture you mentioned.

You saw a couple of days ago, was it not?

Yes. The person you just pointed to is wearing the exact same thing Miss

Jeffries was wearing in that photo.

That's why you assumed she was Lauren Jeffries, is it not?

From what you saw in that paper?

Yes, I guess so.

Thank you, Miss Jeffries.

Now, are you absolutely certain it was Lauren Jeffries you saw enter the garage

that night?

No, I guess not.

Thank you, Ms. Cooper. No further questions.

This place does the best work in the city.

Got cars booked for repairs clear into next month.

The one you're looking for?

Yeah, I think this is it.

This has got to be it.

Nice work.

Here, give me that.

Rocket. You're a genius, huh?

Hey, Tony. Go buy yourself a slide ruler, son. Come on.

Get out of here.

Call you. Fantastic.

It's great to have a friend in the auto industry.

He's in the car business?

My buddy can strip a car fast and you can write up some legal paper.

The rental agreement in there?

Yeah. Here it is.

The name on it?

Yep.

JFK, make it fast.

Hi, Kim. My name's Kevin Lansky. I work with Perry Mason. This is my friend Tony

Loomis. Can we talk to you for a second?

Forget about JFK. Hey, come on. I gotta get there. Where are you going so fast?

I'm on assignment.

Not anymore. We found the car you used to kill Marco Sabatini. What are you

talking about?

A copy of the rental agreement. Your credit card, your signature.

I didn't sign this. I lost my credit card a week ago. I don't know what

talking about. My boss will want to talk to you anyway. Come on. This is where

you and I part company.

What the hell are you doing? What's going on? Hey, Cam, you see what I got

Come on, Tony. You can't do this. Get out. You can't do this.

Get out. Come on, man. How about that?

Go, Tony.

What can I do for you? I'm here to see Mr. Nardone.

And your name? It's not important.

What's important to me?

I'll tell you what's important. I'm here to consult with Mr. Nardone on some new

fabrics.

Evidently, he doesn't like his periwinkle.

Well, I don't know.

You don't know? Look, I'm on a tight schedule.

You'll just have to tell Mr. Nardone. I'll see him sometime next week.

Hey, hey, okay, okay. Just wait a minute.

The dart.

Hey, hey!

Come back here!

He's coming with me.

I'm sorry, Mr. Ardoin.

All right, all right, all right. Don't worry about it, all right? Mr. Malansky,

as far as you're concerned, he took a cab to the airport. He was never seen

again. He said he's coming with me. My, Ken, you, us, what's the difference?

He's gonna get what he deserves. We don't know what he deserves, Tony. He

my cousin. You don't know that for sure. Just like we don't know for sure he

killed Diane Draper, and nobody will know anything for sure if you kill him.

Escort Mr. Malansky back to town. Will you, please?

Yeah.

Go on, hit him.

You got that score and I'm not rough enough.

I'm not leaving here without him. You're pushing your luck, college boy.

Let him go. Let him go. Tony.

You better know what you're doing.

Because I can always settle the score with him.

And you, later.

Go on.

Let him go.

All right, Tony.

Where were we?

You had reason to believe the decedent knew about your involvement in

pornography, did you not?

Yes. You were worried she was going to expose you in her next column, is that

not correct?

Yes. Which is why you went to her apartment that night. I never went to

apartment that night.

You tried to talk her out of writing about you, and when that failed, you

her. I couldn't have killed her. I was with someone that night.

Julia called you? Yes.

Call her up here. Ask her.

You were at her place?

Yes. When did you get there?

7 .30.

And when did you leave?

When she did, around 10.

You were in her apartment the whole time from 7 .30 till 10?

Yes. Did you have dinner while you were there?

Yes.

What did you eat, do you recall?

We had Chinese.

Where did the Chinese food come from?

You went out and picked it up, did you not?

You were gone from Miss Collier's apartment from 8 .30 to 9 .15, is that

correct?

It wasn't that long. The building where Diane Draper lived is only eight blocks

from Julia Collier's and only three blocks from the Chinese takeout. Is that

correct? Wait a minute. You had 45 minutes.

It would have been no problem at all for you to walk from Julia's to Diane's to

the takeout and back again.

Is that not correct?

I didn't do that. I swear.

Of course you didn't.

Mr. Whelan.

No questions, Your Honor.

Witnesses excused.

Court will reconvene at 10 tomorrow morning.

All rise.

Congratulations.

Looks like these are going to be here for him.

They are now.

Considering what just happened here, I can finally go back to Los Angeles.

No, I'm afraid it's not over yet.

Keep the subpoena.

The judge said...

So we can't actually prove that Kim Weatherly did it. Let's face it, we

have to.

After today's testimony, there's certainly a reasonable doubt that Warren

Diane Draper.

All right, you tell me.

What is the judge going to do?

I don't want to move for a dismissal until we have this case nailed down.

Well, I've been through Kim's file a thousand times. We don't have any more

him. Maybe the answer isn't him.

Kim isn't the killer.

The killer typed a column which implicated Lauren, sent it to the

the magazine, stole, and probably destroyed the disc which contained the

original column.

Now, is that correct?

So?

Remember the Cold War?

We discovered we could tell what the Russians were up to because they accused

of doing whatever it was they were doing.

You think the killer wrote a column accusing Lauren of taking bribes because

was taking bribes? He or she, yes.

It's an interesting theory. You know, this may sound silly, but... I heard

Diane had a very big fight with Pedro Arnatti.

And she swore she'd never advertise or wear his line again.

Is that right, Lauren?

Far as I know. Look at these photos.

When she was murdered, she was wearing an Arnatti scarf.

Was she wearing that scarf when you went to see her that night?

I really don't remember.

Well, try.

I'm sorry. I don't remember.

It's late.

I'll see you all tomorrow.

Thank you very much.

Good night, Lauren.

Perry?

Something's wrong.

Very wrong.

Remain seated. Come to order.

Department 79 is now in session. The Honorable Renee Trayball presiding.

Mr. Mason.

Defense recalls Julia Collier to the stand.

What are you doing?

I think you know.

Barry, no.

She's my daughter. After 25 years, we're finally together.

Please don't do this.

You... You knew Pietro Arnati, did you not?

Yes.

You also knew Marco Sabatini.

Yes. Would you tell the court, please, who he was?

He was a clothing designer based here in New York.

Mr. Sabatini was recently killed in a hit -and -run car accident, was he not?

Yes. Miss Collier, my associate, Mr. Melansky, is showing you bank records,

which we will mark Defense Exhibit D.

Those records show your deposits for the past year. You recognize them?

Yes, these are my records.

Now, he's also showing you bank records, which we will mark... Defense Exhibit

E.

Those records contain all of the withdrawals from the account of Marco

for the past year.

Now, would you explain why it is that in four separate instances when Mr.

Sabatini withdrew certain sums from his account, you deposited the exact same

sums to your account?

I don't know. Coincidence?

Four times in the past year, clothes designed by Mr. Sabatini received

favorable coverage in the magazine you worked for. So? So, wasn't Mr. Sabatini

paying you in exchange for rave reviews?

I wasn't the one taking bribes, Mr. Mason.

Who was?

Diane thought it was my mother.

You mean according to Diane's column written the night of the murder?

Yes.

We discovered yesterday...

that Mr.

Weatherly is unable to fully account for his whereabouts on the night of the

murder, which means your whereabouts that night are not fully verified.

Well, I was at home waiting for Kim to return.

Do you always send the people you invite for dinner out to get their own

Chinese? Well, no, but by the time I got home that night, I was too tired to

cook. I mean, Kim was very understanding.

You invited Kim over so he could give you some semblance of an alibi, did you

not?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

I'm talking about the phone call Marco Sabatini made to you after Diane left

showroom that morning. You now have a copy of his phone records in front of

He told you Diane had found out about the bribes you'd been taking.

He told you she planned to expose the two of you in her column.

So you invited Kim over, sent him out for Chinese food, then left the

shortly after he did and went over to Diane.

No, I did not. You went through her garage and went up to her apartment.

You tried to talk her out of exposing you.

When she refused, you simply killed her.

No, no.

Then you sat down at her computer and transmitted a column that you had

That you.

Had written.

Which accused Lauren Jeffries of crimes you had committed.

You transmitted that column to the computer at the magazine so she'd be

for the murder. No.

Then you left, taking with you the computer disc containing Diane's column

jewelry.

Jewelry you later planted at your mother's office to further implicate

also removed other evidence that proved you'd been taking bribes.

Nothing that you're saying is true, all right?

Nothing. Oh, it is true, Miss Collier.

It is true.

So is the fact that you stole Kim Weatherly's credit card when he returned

your apartment that night. No.

You stole his card and used it a few days later to rent a car.

A car you then used to kill the one person who was still a threat to you.

That person was Marco Sabatini.

You know, you can't prove any of this.

None of it. Oh, but I can, Miss Collier.

I can prove all of it.

Mr. Williger, please stand.

I can call this young man as a witness.

He waited on you at the agency where you rented the car.

Now, Mr. Johanson, would you please stand?

Mr. Molenski.

Mr. Johansson is the mechanic who waited on you at the repair shop where you

took the car to get fixed after the hit and run.

We can call him as a witness, or we can enter that scarf

into evidence as Defense Exhibit F.

That scarf was found near Diane when you and the others found her dead.

Was she wearing it when she was killed?

No, Ms. Collier.

She was not.

You were wearing it.

When you killed her, you got blood all over it.

Blood all over it.

You threw it near her, hoping people would think it was hers.

Now, you did that, did you not?

No, I did not do that. I mean, yes, the scarf is mine. But Diane borrowed it

from me. No.

It's a Pietro Arnati scarf.

A scarf she would never wear.

Oh, well, you...

You must be very happy now, hmm?

This time you'll be rid of me for good, won't you?

Your mother suspected you all along.

Diane told her about you and Marco.

But she said nothing to me, nothing.

She always tried to protect you.

Always.

Yet you were willing to shut her away for life.

Why?

Because I hate her.

I hated her when I was five.

I hated her when I was 25.

And I hate her now.

In view of these developments, Your Honor, I move the date.

Case against my client be dismissed.

Prosecution concurs.

So moved.

Case dismissed.

Bailiff, he threw it that Ms. Collier is properly attended to.

This court is now adjourned.

All rise.

Darling with me just enough Miss

Mason

I Look forward to the next time well For what it's worth

this time wasn't easy Wasn't how old are you? Mr. Whalen?

I'm 29 why?

I wish I'd been as competent as you when I was your age.

Thank you.

Can I buy you dinner tonight?

Give me your rain check, will you?

No, I have a better idea.

The next time we oppose each other and you win, I'll buy you dinner.

Thank you.

Hey.

Hey, Mr. Mallet.

Your boy does nice work.

Oh, thanks. I'll pass that along.

Mr. Malansky, you saved me from making a big mistake.

I owe you.

Oh, no, you don't.

Yes, I do.

There's got to be something Miss Nardone could do for you.

Oh, Ken.

How very thoughtful of you.

It's lovely.

I don't.

Taking it was the only way I could get him off my back.

Guess I shouldn't tell her it's a gangster original, huh?

What's wrong?

Oh, Ken, it's so sweet of you, and it's a gorgeous dress,

but it's just not my style. Oh, sure it is.

No, Ken, I'm...

And I won't have you spending a lot of money for something that I'll never

I want you to return it.

Return it?

Well, that's no problem, is it?

You nuts.

What's the occasion?

I got a beautiful wife who needs an occasion.

I wouldn't mind a kiss, though.

Thank you.

How did a guy like me wind up with a girl like you?

I played my cards right.

You've been to the office already?

Yeah, there wasn't much doing.

It's a new business. It takes time.

Tell me.

I'm meeting a friend for breakfast.

What are you doing today?

I've got clients coming to Eastport for a lunch meeting.

What is it this time?

Lawyers trying to improve their image?

Bankers. And without them, we couldn't write off our house in the country.

Well, I hope they're going to be gone by the time I get there.

They'll be gone.

Long gone.

It'll just be me, ready to take advantage of you.

Oh, no.

I'll get that.

Hello?

Mrs. Domenico?

Yes? Yeah, this is Felix at Brandon Electronics. The rest of your equipment

in.

Great.

I'll be there around 10 o 'clock.

Thank you.

Alice wants to have some coffee.

I think the marriage is on the rocks.

Possibly. What did the doctor say?

The operation was a complete success.

Terrific. When do you get out?

In a day or two. If he doesn't want to put it in the cast.

Uh -oh.

Exactly.

Is that a new dress?

Tony Domenico is coming for breakfast. He's coming here.

So I finally get to meet him.

You know, when I used to babysit Tony and my brother...

They drove me crazy.

One time they even locked me in the closet.

Stella. Tony.

Tony, dear.

You haven't changed in all these years.

Wonderful.

And you have to be Perry Mason.

Most of the time. It's a pleasure.

Skiing? Yes, of course.

Gee, it's too bad Suzanne couldn't make it. You two would love each other.

Suzanne. My wife.

You remarried. Yeah, yeah, about two years ago. And I got to tell you, she's

something special.

Helen, would you go to the kitchen and see if you can find my keys?

Yes, ma 'am.

It's all set.

Oh.

I don't think that's a good idea.

Don't come back afterwards. I'll see you on Monday.

You just have to trust me.

Don't threaten me.

It's my way or no way at all.

Your keys weren't in the kitchen.

That's all right. I found them. Thank you.

Lovely.

Congratulations. Thanks.

You know something? I can hardly believe it.

When Carrie died, well, you were at our wedding. You know how I felt about her.

We were 19. It was going to be forever.

I never thought I'd find anybody else.

Here I have.

These are omnidirectional bugs.

How sensitive are they?

They'll pick up any sound in a room.

How'd you like to pay for these?

Cash.

Would you be out of here by Sunday?

Oh, you can count on it.

Look, it's an easy trip to Eastport. Why don't the two of you come out for

brunch? You could meet Suzanne.

Oh, wouldn't it be too much bother for her?

Are you kidding? She loves to cook.

Perry, what do you think?

Sounds wonderful. Thank you.

Great. I can't wait for you to meet her. You know, she would have been here this

morning, but she works, too.

What does she do?

She's in public relations.

Didn't know you went out before dark.

You got a smile on Mount Suzanne.

Sam, hi.

I thought you were through with him.

Harry's always been good to me.

Sort of.

All Harry wants is to keep you turning in up tricks to keep him in cheap

jewelry.

He did mention it.

But I told him no.

We can be friends, but I'm getting out of the life.

Good. Want to earn some extra money?

Doing what?

Serving lunch.

To me.

Are we entertaining royalty?

Don't sneak up on people like that, Miranda. It's a bad habit.

Sorry. Can I guess who's coming to lunch?

Curiosity killed the cat, my dear, and others too numerous to mention.

And what does that mean?

Your feed for today includes your discretion.

So I was right. This one's first class all the way.

Including security. Let me see your bag.

What are you so uptight about?

It's just a little business lunch, isn't it?

That's right.

See? No drugs, nothing.

I told you I'd given all that up.

It's the new me.

Well, let's hope so. I told you, it's the best way to go.

It's Hammond's with the food.

Say, listen, um... Do me a favor.

While I finish up with things here, would you make sure that that crazy kid

doesn't wreck anything?

I'll do my best. Thank you.

Hey there.

Hi.

Anybody ever tell you you'd make a great centerfold?

More times than I can count. So why don't you just unload the order? We're

kind of a hurry. You know something?

I work a lot faster when beautiful girls tell me their names.

It has killed the cat, my dear, and others too numerous to mention.

Thank you.

Stephen, Edward, Richard Leonard, this is Miranda Bonner.

Well, very nice to meet you.

What do you do?

My pleasure.

Same here.

Well, now that all the amenities are out of the way...

I'll bet you all want to get down to business, so we'll be in the kitchen if

need anything.

Thank you. I'm sure we'll be all right until lunch is served.

I'm not sure I like this.

It was supposed to only be the four of us. No, you're not, Richard.

Suzanne's place is perfectly safe. That's why we chose it.

If anybody should find out that we were all here... Nobody will.

And even if they do, it's a perfect cover.

Financial planning and public relations.

Just relax, old boy.

This looks like I have no choice.

If you want to back out, Rich, go right ahead.

Just means more money for the rest of us.

Steve, it's kind of cute, don't you think?

Be careful.

You weren't watching the knife.

You said they were bankers.

That means megabucks, right?

I don't have the slightest idea.

Sure. And you don't know how babies are made either.

A girl could sure retire on that kind of money.

If she knew exactly who it belonged to.

I told you, don't go for retirement, go for love. It's the best move I ever

made. Well, I'm with you.

But why can't I have both?

Come on, just give me a little hint on who they are. I'm warning you, Miranda,

stop it.

I hired you because I thought I could trust you.

You can, you know that.

Well, then why are you asking so many questions?

If you're smart, you'll forget today ever happened.

As I was saying, If I'm going to stick my neck out, I want some guarantees that

nobody's going to shoot my head off.

The guarantee is very simple.

We're all in this together.

If one of us goes down, we all do.

The risks are big, but so is the potential profit.

What do you say, Richard?

Well, are you with us?

Yes, I guess so.

Good. Here's the Swiss bank accounts all around.

Richard, Richard.

If you won't take a cognac, how about a cigar?

Genuine Havana.

My doctor forbids them to me, but there's no reason why my friends

enjoy them. Thanks. Don't mind if I do.

No, thanks.

No, no. My wife says they make me smell like a foolhole.

Oh, another one. Take it home with you. Light it later. Is there anyone?

Oh, look at this.

Can I have two? Oh, of course. You can have the tray.

Well... Well?

That's that.

So much for the happy homemaker.

Yes, and thank you very much.

Everything turned out just fine.

Not exactly in my line, but hey, a girl could get used to it. You might even get

to enjoy it. Why don't you get changed and I'll write you out a check?

Best proposition I've had all day.

I certainly hope so.

Hello?

you listen.

There's going to be a little change in our agreement. The price is going up.

I know what kind of money is involved here.

That's right. Or no deal.

I'm not going to argue with you. Take it or leave it.

Thanks again.

My pleasure.

This is more than we agreed on.

Yeah, well, let's just say that that's for your retirement fund.

I mean it.

Thanks.

Hope you call me again.

Anytime.

Miranda, wait.

Would you do me a great big favor?

How big?

Well, I forgot to take these to the post office on my way out of town, and if I

mail them from here, it'll take forever. No, I can drop them off.

Post office is on my way.

You're dull.

Right. Barbie in the flesh.

See you soon.

Tony?

Who's out there?

Tony?

Suzanne, help me with the groceries, son.

I found that wine you like, the Chardonnay, so I stocked up.

Suzanne, come on, open up. I'm starving.

What are you doing? I'm home.

Sweetheart.

still soaking in the tub, you lazy brood? What are you doing? Where are

Suzanne?

You discovered the body, then you notified us?

Yes. Right away?

I don't know.

How long did you wait?

I don't know.

Five, ten minutes.

What were you doing during that time, Domenico?

I... Hey, I just found my wife's body.

I know this isn't easy for you, but I have to ask these questions.

Sorry.

You identified the gun found near the body, is that right?

Yes, it's mine.

You said you usually kept it at home, but you don't know how it got here.

No.

Sergeant, take a look at this.

Excuse me.

What have you got? I found these in the back seat of this car.

I found these in your car, Mrs. Domenico.

In my car?

Mm -hmm.

The hair's a little different, and she looks younger in these pictures, but

appears to be your wife, the notorious Midnight Madam.

It's not Suzanne.

You carry these in your car.

You must be very proud of her.

We're so sorry.

Thanks.

How's the knee?

Dreadful.

I thought you weren't getting out of the hospital for a couple of days. He let

me out early.

Thank you.

Both of you.

I want you to know I appreciate you for taking the case.

I haven't yet.

There are a few questions I have to ask you.

Sure, go ahead.

The police report states your motive for murder is evidence that

your wife had been arrested in several cities in the past, both for

prostitution.

And for running a house of prostitution. I don't care what they say.

I don't believe it.

I know how you must feel, Tony.

But these police reports... But it's not true!

Don't you think I know my own wife?

Suzanne would never do anything like that. Never!

Tony, we're only trying to help you.

I know.

He certainly isn't making things easier.

You'd rather not defend him, I understand.

I'm sure Tony can afford a competent attorney.

Della, I want... Perry.

I just know he didn't kill his wife.

Better call Paul Drake. Tell him to kiss the first black.

What are you smiling about?

Della said it was important.

Why yet?

Signed to the front and terrace doors on it.

What about these muddy footprints?

Well, frankly, I didn't even know they were here.

They don't appear to be completely dry.

They could have been made by someone last night.

We'll look into it.

Thank you.

Well, we're through here.

I'm turning the house over to you.

Thank you, Sergeant.

Definitely not your average stereo system.

It's like surveillance equipment.

Very sophisticated, too.

Look at that.

State -of -the -art voice activated.

Gary, I bet with the right microphones, you could probably pick up an ant

anywhere in the house.

The right microphones?

Like these?

Yeah, exactly like those.

What did Tony or Suzanne want with state -of -the -art surveillance equipment?

Why would they bug their own house?

Perry, this is brand new equipment right out of the box.

I don't suppose there was a tape in the machine.

Well, I couldn't find one here.

Too bad.

Might have answered a lot of questions.

Here, Stella.

There are some things in the kitchen I'd like to show you.

Now, this is the receipt from Hammond's Gourmet Provisions.

And the day she was murdered, Suzanne placed a very elaborate order.

Cognac, champagne, six Cornish game hens.

That sounds delicious.

She did tell Tony she was planning a business lunch.

I know, but there's one odd thing. Here we have crystal, silver,

and fine china for four.

And two everyday plates.

What does that mean?

That she had four very special guests.

And there was somebody else other than Suzanne.

And two of them probably ate in the kitchen.

Wait a minute.

Who's the detective here?

I also found this under the table in the terrace.

And I swear, Tony never smoked a cigar that I know of.

So it must have been one of the guests. Good work, Sherlock.

Well, it... Does make for sort of mystery, doesn't it?

It certainly bears further meticulous, thoughtful, and very careful

investigation. Right, Paul?

Right.

I vote we check out Hammond's gourmet provisions.

You have something specific in mind?

Yeah, lunch. I'm starved.

Tony and Suzanne were one of the happiest couples I've ever seen.

You knew them pretty well.

Since they bought their house a couple of years ago, they would order something

or come in just about every weekend they were up here.

That's Frank Sims, the man you'll want to speak to.

Hey, hey!

Frank, how many times do I have to tell you to be more careful?

If my insurance rates go up, you're out of a job.

Sorry, Miss Mann. Sorry won't cut it. Just slow down.

Look at that.

I just had this van painted.

Don't look at it.

Sit down.

He's all yours, Mr. Mason. Please don't keep him from his work too long. I don't

want him rushing to catch up.

Thank you, Mr. Hammond.

Mr. Hammond told us you...

made a delivery to Suzanne Domenico's house the morning of the day she was

murdered. Yeah.

Sure was weirder getting killed like that, huh?

Did you see any cars at the Domenico house when you made your delivery?

No, not then.

You went to the house more than once?

No, but I had a lot of orders in that neighborhood. I passed by the Domenico's

few times, I guess.

And you saw the cars there?

Yeah, maybe four or five.

A couple looked expensive.

How long were they there?

You got me?

All I know is they were gone by the time I made my last run by the place.

What time was that?

Six,

maybe 6 .30.

When you were at the house, did you see someone besides Mrs. Domenico?

Yeah, another lady.

Who?

I don't know.

She's beautiful, though.

Really hot.

I tried to get a phone number, but I struck out.

Did you get her name?

Miranda.

But that's all she'd tell me.

Look, give me a break, will you? I've got to get back to work.

Yeah, we might want to talk to you later, Tony.

Sure. Whatever you say.

Paul, call and ask Della if there's a Miranda in Suzanne Domenico's address

book.

You see this garbage?

It's in all the papers.

You just have to ignore it, Tony. How can I? You know what the guys who work

me are thinking right now? And my friends?

I know how painful all this is for you, but you're going to have to concentrate

on the Suzanne you knew.

Now, Tony, can you do that?

I don't know.

I'll try.

And no matter what is said, no more outbursts.

You mean I got myself a lawyer?

Yep.

Now, what can you tell us about the business meeting your wife had that day?

She said she was having some bankers out to the house in Eastport.

That's all I know.

How many bankers? She didn't say. And she didn't say what they were meeting

about?

Tony, why did you install sophisticated recording equipment in your house?

Recording equipment?

I got a stereo, but that's it.

We found some bugging devices.

Bugging devices? What's going on?

Tony, your wife's murder may have something to do with her past.

If you can remember anything which might give us a clue.

Anything.

I don't have a clue.

From the day we met, the past never existed.

looking for a Miranda Bonner?

Well, great. Come on in.

Thank you.

Well, you can make yourself comfortable. Turn on stereo if you like.

Well, um, wouldn't you like to know who I am?

Hello?

Don't you want to know who I am?

Okay. Who are you?

I'm Paul Drake.

Well, good for you.

Can I ask you a few questions?

Honey, when Miranda gets here, she'll explain everything.

Were you her roommate?

No, I'm just borrowing her blender.

She didn't tell me she had a date.

Could you tell me your name, please?

Candy. But I'm not a working girl anymore.

But if you ever want your hair cut like Billy Idol, you come on down and see me.

I work at the New Wave downtown.

minute. I can explain everything.

Starting now. My name is Paul Drake. I work for a lawyer by the name of Perry

Mason, and right now I'm investigating the murder of Suzanne Domenico.

What do you want from me?

I'd just like the answers to a few questions, if you don't mind.

How do I know you're who you say you are? Because I have on my person right

this.

Now, the picture doesn't do me justice, but I am a licensed private

investigator.

of dangerous and violent temper.

His last outburst resulted in the tragic death of his wife.

At the time of his arrest, Officer Coslow was the target of his rage, which

nearly resulted in a fractured jaw for that officer.

His violent temper is legendary among his employees.

Mr. Domenico is here charged with a capital crime, and he is a danger

to us all.

The state, therefore, respectfully urges this court to protect the community by

denying this defendant bail.

Mr. Mason?

Your Honor, Mr.

Domenico had just discovered his wife had been murdered.

It's understandable that he might lose control under those circumstances.

My client has no history of violent crime.

He greatly regrets his unfortunate reaction toward this officer and has

personally apologized to him.

He is deeply rooted to the business and society of this community and

is not a danger to it.

I strongly urge the court to grant him reasonable bail.

All right, Mr. Mason, I'm going to take your word for it.

But this court will be quick to react to any breach of conduct.

Bail is set at $200 ,000.

We will recess for two hours.

I'm waiting for Paul.

Speak of the devil.

Good morning, Paul.

You look awful.

Thank you.

What happened?

You don't want to know?

Try me.

No. Try me.

I got maced.

And I lost the girl.

Can you find her?

I got to her. She took my wallet.

She what?

Read my lips. She took my wallet.

You're right. I don't want to know.

About half the night last night, the emergency room having my eyes washed

two hours this morning going through my credit cards, canceling.

Before you lost your wallet.

What did you find out?

Well, Miranda Bonner is her full name. She is a high -class call girl, and

indeed, somebody did call her. A gentleman by the name of Ed left this

number on her answering machine. Said that he met her in Eastport.

I'll take care of this. You keep looking for your Miranda Bonner.

Don't worry.

Hi, Kathy. My wife's out.

Mr.

Tremaine? Yes?

I'd like to talk to you about Suzanne Domenico.

It was just a business meeting, Mr. Mason. Nothing more.

Our bank employed Mrs.

Domenico's public relations company.

Sometimes that meant she provided pleasant surroundings for important

discussions.

What was discussed that particular morning?

Oh, it was very boring, really.

Two of the other bank vice presidents and I were doing some long -term

planning. Their names?

Well, I... I suppose they'll have to come forward. I'm afraid they will.

Leonard Weeks and Stephen Randall.

The fourth man. Who was he?

I'm afraid you're mistaken. There was no fourth man.

You're sure?

Quite sure.

Got it.

Who arranged the meeting?

All I know is that Mrs.

Domenico gave me a call and asked me to come around to her house that morning.

One of the other two must have arranged the meeting.

What time did you get home the night Mrs. Domenico was murdered?

I don't know.

Sometime before nine.

I don't have to sit here and talk to you.

Do you smoke cigars?

No, I could never stand them.

That's very interesting.

I could never stand them either.

Hi. Remember me?

Well, just like it was yesterday.

It was yesterday.

That's what I thought.

Boy, you could use some styling.

Listen, Miranda didn't come back to the apartment last night. It's very

important that I see her.

Honey, I'm real busy right now.

Please.

Honey, Miranda has a lot of friends, if you know what I mean. But who does she

stay with unless... What?

Well, there is one old business partner.

I don't know, unless she's gone back to Harry.

Well, that's Harry Long.

Where does Harry Long live?

I don't know.

Look, why don't you try down the Borderline Club downtown? I think he

piece of it. Thanks.

Speak with Leonard Weeks. My name is Mason. Perry Mason?

Yes.

Mr. Weeks is expecting you.

Edward Tremaine said that you might be paying us a visit.

I can't tell you how distressed we all were to hear the bad news about Mrs.

Domenico.

Had you known her long?

No, only since last year when our bank became a client of her public relations

firm. But her death was a shock, nonetheless.

Along with Edward Tremaine, you both met with Mrs. Domenico at her home the

morning she was killed.

Yes. To discuss long -range financial planning for the bank. Yes, I heard.

It was just the four of you there along with Mrs. Domenico.

We want to cooperate with you any way we can. We are not anxious for the

publicity about this case to continue.

In other words, you'd like to see Tony Domenico convicted as soon as possible.

If he's guilty, why not?

I understand there's about to be a major change here at the bank.

Your CEO is retiring shortly.

Hasn't been officially announced yet, but yes.

Why is this of interest to you?

Who's going to replace him?

You're a senior vice president, aren't you, Mr. Weeks?

Yes, but so is Mr. Ramos here. And Mr.

Tremaine is vice president of our foreign operations. What are you getting

Mason? I was just given these.

They're beautiful Havanas.

Have one.

No, thank you.

My doctor doesn't permit him.

Good doctor.

You said there was nothing to worry about, Leonard. Sure.

Suzanne?

Suzanne's murder is an unfortunate turn of events. I will grant you that, but

it's not going to stop us. We had nothing to do with it. The husband will

it'll be over.

Except that his lawyer is Perry Mason and he's going to ask a lot of

So what if he does?

We can handle Mason.

And your name will never be mentioned.

And we go on with business, just as we planned.

What about the other girl who was there? She saw me.

She hasn't come forward yet.

Chances are she won't.

And if she does, we'll deal with it.

We will get on with business as planned. Well, I don't know.

I'll have to think about it. Richard. I said I'll have to think about it.

I've got to go talk to somebody. I'll be back real quick.

All right, now.

Don't even plan on staying in here.

Is this long enough?

I don't want to bore you with a long story, but my wallet got ripped off

on the way here, so can't you just think about that as a deposit, and I'll kind

of take care of you later?

I'll come back.

Miranda, wait a minute.

Miranda, I have to talk to you.

Look out!

You saved my life and then you almost killed me.

What are you doing here? Looking for my wallet.

Do me a favor, just stay here.

I still don't see what any of this has to do with me, Mr. Mason.

Yes, thank you.

Then you were not at Mrs.

Domenico's home the day she was murdered.

I told you I never heard of the woman, except in the newspapers.

What about yesterday afternoon at the zoo?

What about it? You met with Leonard Weeks and Steve Reynolds.

Yes, I was at the zoo. I like to feed the birds, the animals, and I happened

run into Mr. Weeks and Mr. Reynolds, and they said a couple of nice things about

my work, but that's all.

Mr. Wilson, according to your secretary, your very own secretary, you were out

of your office in the field the day Mrs. Domenico was killed.

Well, let's see.

You said that was a Friday?

Yes. I was inspecting the new software interfacing at several of our banks.

I checked with the bank managers where you had appointments.

None of them, none of them remember seeing you.

Mr. Mason?

You have a phone call, line one. And, Mr. Wilson, you're needed in processing

right away.

Wait, I have something for you.

Pure Havanas. I'm sure you'll enjoy them.

Hello?

Oh, Perry?

Stella?

Mr. Richard Wilson just left me.

I'm willing to bet he was the fourth man at that meeting.

Who were the other three?

Oh, hello, Tony.

Yes, sir.

Leonard Weeks, Edward Tremaine, and Steve Reynolds.

They're all officers of the Crestmoor Bank.

Do you know any of them?

Oh, I may have heard Suzanne mention their names, but I never met any of

Maybe I should have.

Maybe when she was entertaining clients, it was more than public relations.

Perry, I, uh... I picked up a lead, maybe.

Fifteen years ago, Suzanne ran a very private and high -class establishment in

Chicago, which was frequented by some very important people.

That's all I have so far.

Well, it's the beginning.

Remember our friend Breslov in Chicago?

Yes. Call him.

If he can help us find the connection between those four men, maybe we'll find

out which one killed her.

I'll get right on it.

See you when you get back.

Thanks for the walk.

You're going to have to wait outside till we open.

Oh, sure.

By the way, do you happen to know of a girl named Miranda Bonner?

Who's Miranda Bonner?

She's a girl I'm looking for.

I don't know her.

She used to work for a guy named Harry Long.

I hadn't heard.

You know Harry Long?

Yeah.

I understand he's part owner of this establishment.

Is that right?

I mean, I've never seen the guy myself.

What does he look like?

Well, he looks... He looks just like that.

Harry Long.

Wants to know. Paul Drake.

So?

I'm looking for a girl named Miranda Bonner. I believe she used to have a

business arrangement with you.

Never heard of her.

Keep a guy break. I want to talk to the girl.

You know, I'm getting real tired of looking at you.

any word there for him.

He almost got on his bad side.

Hey,

what happened?

Kids probably who saw all the publicity.

As far as we can tell, nothing was taken.

I think they might have wanted souvenirs.

Well, you have another theory.

Maybe someone didn't find what they were looking for.

Hey, what the hell?

Could you get somebody to turn these off, Sergeant?

Cut just over there.

If the court recognizes that Mr. Mason has just been discharged from the

hospital following rather serious knee surgery, I would have no objection to my

assistant helping Mr. Mason present any evidence he may have, assuming, of

course, that he has any evidence to present.

The defense... Thanks, Mr. Reston.

He's probably right about the amount of evidence.

But we did bring an assistant, Mr.

Spahr, who's appeared before your honor many times.

We will ask him to present any exhibits we may have.

Very well.

Welcome, Mr. Spahr.

Mr. Reston, call your witness.

Call Sergeant Kozlo to the stand, please.

Sergeant Kozlo, I show you this weapon and ask you if you recognize it.

Yes, I do. That weapon was found approximately one foot from the deceased

This court has heard testimony by a ballistics expert from your department

this was, in fact, the weapon of death.

Do you know to whom this weapon is registered?

Yes, Tony Domenico.

Did you have a discussion with the defendant about it? I did.

Did he tell you that it had been lost or was stolen?

No, he stated that normally he kept it at home and he had no idea how it got to

the scene.

Sergeant Coslow, I show you People's Exhibit 7.

Can you identify it?

Yes, this envelope and its contents were found in the defendant's car parked at

the scene.

And what were the contents?

Photocopies of newspaper articles on Suzanne Domenico.

Can you summarize what the articles say?

Objection.

Whatever those articles say is irrelevant to the issues.

Your Honor, these articles and the defendant's awareness of them bear

on his motives and his subsequent conduct.

Relevant issues indeed.

Overruled. You may answer, Sergeant.

The articles talk about Mrs.

Domenico's prior arrest and convictions for prostitution and pandering.

Did you attempt to discuss the articles with the defendant?

Yes, I did.

And what was his reaction?

The defendant blew up.

Excuse me, by blew up, do you mean that he violently lost his temper?

Yes, I do. He assaulted me and had to be restrained.

Thank you, Sergeant.

Nothing further?

Sergeant, at my request, your investigators photographed and made

footprints found on Suzanne Domenico's carpet in a rear downstairs bedroom, did

they not?

Yes. Those footprints were not identifiable, were they?

No. But it was obvious, was it not, that those footprints led from the backyard

into that downstairs bedroom?

Yes, that was apparent.

Sergeant Koslow, you and I were at the Domenico house yesterday, were we not?

Yes, we were.

And you observed that the backyard sprinkler system is automatically

is that not right?

Yes. At what time did it go on?

At approximately 6 .15 p .m. And there was no mud on Mrs. Domenico's shoes?

No. Then the likeliest possibility is...

that the mud was tracked in by a third yet unknown person sometime after 6 .15

p .m. on the evening of the murder.

It is possible, Mr.

Mason.

Thank you, Sergeant.

No further questions.

You may step down.

Your Honor, may I have a moment with the sergeant?

Your Honor, I respectfully request a long lunch recess at this time so I may

confer with my absent associates.

Your Honor, I see no reason for a lengthy delay simply because Mr. Mason

to have lost track of his associates.

I don't either.

Request denied.

Court will reconvene at 1 .30 p .m.

It's Harry.

I forgot my key.

then, sweetheart.

The men I run out on deserve it. Why are you following me? Believe it or not,

I'm trying to help you. I have nothing to do with whoever's trying to kill you.

How do I know that? Because I showed you my ID.

As a matter of fact, you still have it.

It's in my bag.

Let's find it.

Then you'll let me go? Maybe. You answer a few questions.

Look, I don't know anything. Why don't you just let me out of this?

You can talk to me or you can talk to the police, Miranda.

We know you were at a luncheon that Suzanne Domenico gave the day that she

murdered. So?

I want to know about the men who were there.

So did I.

Only Suzanne wouldn't tell me anything, not even their last names.

You'd never seen any of those men before?

Never saw them before or since.

Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that.

It's very likely that one of those men is trying to kill you.

Right.

Wait a minute, where are you going?

I'm thirsty.

You mind if I get a drink of water?

Go ahead.

Uh, can you remember anything specific that might have been said the day of the

lunch?

Suzanne kept me in the kitchen the whole time.

What about the connection between her and the men?

Your guess is as good as mine.

Are we through?

Well, not if you're smart. No.

What does that mean?

Someone's trying to kill you, Miranda.

Now, I'd say you could use a friend.

You look like an angel.

How can you not believe a guy who looks like an angel?

Right.

Let's go. Come on.

Oh, wait. I forgot my bag.

Harry. It's got to be Harry.

I got to tell you, Harry and I, we're not close.

Don't worry. I can handle it.

Don't get upset, Harry.

Here?

You brought him in here?

In my place.

So, Harry, you got this all wrong.

That's right. All wrong.

You open your mouth once more, high child.

I let you walk out on me before.

And now I take your back. No, Harry, I told you, I don't work for you anymore.

just came here as a friend and needed help.

That's right. The girl came as a friend and needed help. Now, we just want to

leave peacefully, okay?

I don't want to have to hurt you, Harry.

Oh, yeah?

Maybe we can work something out, huh? Like what?

Like this.

Serious problem.

Two for lunch?

No.

All

right,

all right, all right, all right. Two for lunch.

You're free.

You're not?

Yes, I am.

How long have you known him?

Thirty years or more.

Have you seen him regularly over the years?

Yes, I have.

Except for the last few years.

Did you see Mr.

Domenico on the day his wife was murdered?

Yes, I did.

Did he seem agitated or upset?

Not at all.

Did he seem unhappy in his marriage?

No, quite the opposite.

He was very happy, very animated.

He showed me a picture of his wife and told me how much he loved her.

Over the years...

I'm sure you've formed an opinion of Mr. Domenico's character.

He was warm, kind, very loving.

Oh, he could be emotional at times, but deep down, he would never hurt anyone,

especially his wife.

I have nothing further, Your Honor.

Miss Treat, you lived in the neighborhood in which the defendant grew

that correct?

Yes, I did.

And I take it, based on your obvious affection for the defendant, that your

families were very close?

They were.

Wasn't your brother the same age as the defendant?

Yes, he was.

And during this happier time,

Didn't you all spend a great deal of time together?

It was a time I remember fondly.

Yes, we spent a great deal of time together.

And at this time, weren't you acquainted with Defendant's

uncle, Michael Domenico?

Yes, I was.

And isn't it true, Miss Street?

Did he propose marriage to you?

Yes, he did.

Did you accept his proposal?

Objection. Relevancy.

Absolutely no bearing on the present case.

Your Honor, I am simply trying to establish the bias of the witness, that

was very nearly closely related to the defendant by marriage.

Objection overruled.

Please answer the question.

Yes, Michael did propose to me.

And we were engaged briefly.

I was very young at the time.

Miss Street, thank you. That is all.

I have no further questions.

You may step down, Miss Street.

It was a very long time ago.

Mrs. Robinson, you were working for Mrs. Domenico on the day of the murder, is

that correct?

Yes, sir.

Were you present in the apartment before Mrs.

Domenico left for the country that morning?

Yes, sir.

At that time, did you hear Mrs.

Domenico's side of a telephone conversation?

Yes, sir.

Would you please tell the court what you heard?

I heard her say, don't threaten me.

It's my way or no way at all.

Was this call placed in your presence?

No, sir.

Were you eavesdropping?

Oh, no, sir.

Mrs. Domenico asked me to go to the kitchen to look for her keys.

When I came back to the bedroom, she was on the phone.

That's when I heard her. What happened then?

I went to clean the bathroom and she left.

Mr. Sparrow?

Did she do anything out of the ordinary before she left?

Yes. She took Mr.

Domenico's gun out of his bureau and put it in her purse.

I call your attention to Exhibit F, which has been stipulated as the murder

weapon. Do you recognize it? It looks like Mr. Domenico's gun.

Both the defense and prosecution have stipulated so.

Now, Mrs. Robinson, you heard Mrs.

Domenico threatened.

Then you saw her take a revolver with her. Is that correct?

Objection, Your Honor. Mrs. Robinson has already answered Mr. Mason's questions.

Sustained.

No further questions.

Mrs. Robinson, have you been to the Domenico's country house?

Yes, sir.

Were you there the evening that Mrs. Domenico was murdered?

No, sir.

So you can't testify.

As to exactly what transpired that evening, can you?

No, sir.

No further questions.

Defense calls Richard Wilson to the stand.

Mr. Wilson, you are employed by the Crestmoor Bank, is that right?

Yes. Could you tell us the nature of your job?

I'm a senior systems analyst in a data processing unit.

Would you clarify that, please?

I design computer programs for most of Crestmore Bank's domestic and foreign

transactions.

By transactions, you mean the movement of money, is that correct?

Yes.

What is your relationship with Leonard Weeks, Edward Tremaine, and Stephen

Reynolds?

They're all senior vice presidents of the bank.

But... They don't have anything to do with my department.

Do you have business dealings with them outside the bank?

No, of course not.

Mr. Wilson, please remember that you are under oath.

Now, you were present at a meeting at Mrs. Domenico's house on the day she was

murdered, were you not?

No, I told you I never met the woman.

Mr. Wilson, wasn't it Suzanne Domenico who called you and requested your

presence at that meeting?

No. Wasn't it for the purpose of perpetrating a computer fraud on the

Bank for the benefit of Mr.

Tremaine, Mr. Weeks, Mr. Reynolds, and yourself? I resent your implications.

You have no proof.

All right, Mr. Wilson.

All right.

Mr. Stewart.

Would you please stand?

Mr. Stewart is an independent data processing consultant hired by me.

With the permission and cooperation of Crestmoor's board of directors, he

conducted a security investigation of several rather unusual computer programs

that you recently designed. You had no right.

If you are not prepared to be truthful on this subject, we can

put Mr.

Stewart on the stand.

By all means, let us hear what Mr.

Stewart has to say.

No!

I was programming the banks.

Computer program.

from all the bank's transactions.

Thank you, Mr. Stewart.

Mr. Wilson, individually, these tiny thefts would be

negligible, but taken together, they would total hundreds of thousands of

dollars.

automatically deposited by computer into Swiss bank accounts.

Isn't that right?

That's right, that's right. Look, I admit it, but it wasn't my idea. I just

what I was told.

Told by whom?

By that week's Reynolds and Tremaine.

Order, order.

Order, order.

I swear I didn't kill anyone, I swear.

I had no reason to.

No further questions.

However, the court, no doubt, will pursue the matter of Mr.

Wilson's perjury.

Indeed it will, Mr. Mason.

Step down, Mr. Wilson.

Yo! Taxi!

Taxi!

What am I doing? I don't even have a tap there. You have a tap there?

Ledge tapped me out. The rest of my money's in my bag.

Knock -up town, huh?

Come on, I got a better idea.

Thank you. You'll never know how much this means to me.

Use it to improve your life, for God's sake.

Room 3 -1 -2 -1, please.

She's right here with me.

Paul, she may have the surveillance tape.

Ask her if Suzanne gave her anything that day.

All right, hold on one minute.

Did... Did Suzanne give you anything that day you were at the house?

Just my fee.

Oh, and some things she wanted me to mail.

Things?

Letters and a couple small packages.

Did you mail them?

No. I put them in my bag and forgot.

Your bag the one that's back at Harry's house

hurt you, but I'm kind of pressed for time, you know?

That's pretty good.

Comes in handy.

Bag.

And that's what you're looking for?

That's it.

Mr. Sims, approximately what time did you go by the Domenico house on the

evening Suzanne Domenico was killed?

6 .30, maybe 6 .45.

That was your last trip to that neighborhood?

Yes. But you had other deliveries to make in other parts of town?

Yeah, that's right.

What time did you finish?

I brought the truck back to the store just before nine.

Mr. Spahr?

Isn't it true you went to the Domenico residence before you returned to the

store, say around 8 .30 p .m.? No.

Isn't it true you returned for a final clandestine glimpse of Miranda Bonner?

No.

Mr. Sims, I am sorry to ask you this,

but isn't it true you have a custom, or shall we say, habit of

peeking inside women's windows?

A habit that resulted last year in your...

Conviction of felonious trespass and lascivious conduct. A charge for which

are still on probation.

Objection, irrelevancy, improper impeachment.

Your Honor, this testimony is critical.

Overruled.

Answer the question.

So I was arrested and caught to plea.

And you did return to the Domenico house.

Around 8 .30 p .m.

Yeah.

And as you tried to conceal your truck behind some shrubbery, you struck

car, creasing your fender and shattering the other car's taillight. Isn't that

so? Okay, okay.

So what?

Objection, Your Honor. I don't know what Mr. Mason is doing. Mr. Mason is

establishing the presence of another car on the Domenico property at the time of

the murder.

No further questions.

Mr. Reston?

No questions, sir.

Mr. Mason?

I call Leonard Weeks to the stand.

Yes, I was at Mrs. DeMonaco's house.

And after the meeting, Mr. Weeks, what time did you leave?

I can't tell you the exact time, Mr. Mason. Sometime between...

2 .13, 3 o 'clock.

And you did not go back to Mrs. Domenico's house that day or that

No, absolutely not.

I see.

Mr. Weeks, what was the exact nature of your

relationship with that lady?

Well, it was purely business.

Mr. Domenico's public relations firm was hired by the bank of which I am a

senior vice president. Isn't it true, Mr. Weeks, that your relationship with

Mrs. Domenico dated back more than 15 years?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Don't you?

Mr. Weeks, this is a copy of mortgage papers on a house.

A house where a number of people were arrested 12 years ago because it was

used as a very expensive brothel.

The deed to this property is registered to one Suzanne Covell and

one Leonard Weeks.

All right, Mr. President.

I'm Matt.

Suzanne, when we were both much younger.

And she had done me some favors, so when she was unable to qualify for a

mortgage, she put my name on the deed.

At the time, I had no idea what she was using the property for.

Mr. Weeks, isn't it true?

That as a result of your long -standing relationship with Mrs. Domenico, she

agreed to make a tape of your entire business meeting the day she was killed?

I know of no such tape.

Isn't it true that at the last minute she changed her mind and refused to give

you that tape?

Oh, that's absurd.

Isn't it true you were planning to use that tape in a scheme to promote

to the position of chief operating officer of your bank?

No. Isn't it true you wanted recorded evidence of this conspiracy to defraud

bank in order to eliminate your competition?

Oh, what better way to take Mr.

Reynolds and Mr. Tremaine out of the running than to uncover evidence that

were involved in a criminal conspiracy?

This, too, is absurd.

Isn't it true you told your board of directors that you'd engineered the

scheme to reveal highly improper actions among top... Level bank employees.

Objection. Your Honor, Mr. Mason has gone beyond the realm of reasonable

conjecture and cross -examination.

Beg the court's indulgence.

Continue, Mr. Mason.

Mr. Weeks.

Did you have... A telephone conversation with Mrs. Domenico the day of the

murder?

No.

With the court's permission, I would like to play this tape.

It is a recording of a telephone conversation which might assist Mr.

Weeks' memory.

Go ahead.

What kind of money is involved here?

That's right, or there's no deal.

I'm not going to argue with you. Take it or leave it.

Hey, look, don't try to sweet -talk me. If you want to become president of your

bank, we'll do it my way or no way. Do you understand?

She had double -crossed you, hadn't she, Mr. Weeks?

And you couldn't afford to have Suzanne Domenico as an enemy, could you?

you had no choice, did you?

You went back to Suzanne's house that night.

You killed her.

You have absolutely no proof of this.

You hid your car behind some shrubbery.

No, Mr. Sims tried to park his delivery truck in the same place.

But he hit your car, shattering your taillight.

Your Honor, defense places into evidence as Defense Exhibit 10 those fragments

which Sergeant Koslow and the police lab collected from beside the Domenico

driveway.

Look at them, Mr. Weeks.

Take them, Mr. Weeks.

Fragments will match the broken taillight on your car, won't they?

Those fragments will prove you were there, won't they?

Those fragments will prove you killed Suzanne Domenico.

She had the tape.

She knew.

Too much. She knew everything.

I realized that I just couldn't trust her anymore. She wasn't the Suzanne that

had known.

And I had to get rid of her.

There's no other way.

Your Honor.

I move that all charges against Tony Domenico be dismissed.

Prosecution joins in the motion, Your Honor.

So ordered.

Take Mr. Weeks into custody.

This court is adjourned.

Always have been.

Always will be.

Thank you.

This is the copy of the tape.

You should listen to it.

I've heard enough.

No, I don't think so.

You know, in the part of the tape you didn't listen to, Suzanne told Weeks she

wanted that money to help you and your business become a success.

She really loved you, Tony.

I know.

You take care.

You know me.

Good boy.

Bye -bye.

You are wonderful.

I can't help myself.

Paul, would you like to join us for dinner?

Thank you, but I'm being taken out by a beautiful woman.

Yes, that leaves just you and me.