Original subtitles

Alright boys, put the guns down, I'm a police officer.

What do you know? A rent a cop, from up at the college.

You ain't even a real pig.

No gun either? How is anyone supposed to know you're a cop?

You got to wear this badge where folks can see it.

I'm going to pin this to your nose.

Alright, come on. Hold still, everybody, the fun is over.

Ok boys, let's get on with it.

Cash register, open it up, move.

- How are you? - Fine, just fine.

- You look good. - You look beautiful.

Everything looks beautiful.

- That's where you'll be working. - Green, lots of green.

- How's Quartz? - In the hospital.

- What? - Them fool got his leg broke.

- But how did it happen? - Get in the car, I'll tell you about it.

- You got a nurse under there? - Hey Jim.

Goddamn, you made it.

How about that? But I'll be out by tomorrow.

You wouldn't be here in the first place, if you hadn't made that asshole play.

Well, you know how it is with me, once a cop, always a cop.

- Gee, good to see you out. - Good to be out.

Sit down, sit down, let me, let me look at you.

- You look just like an ex-con. - I am.

Oh, by the way, you can start at the college any time you want.

The sooner the better.

You know, you got the midnight to 8 AM shift, it's a horseshit job Jim.

- Same as yours. - Me, hell, I'm chief.

I got me a car, got me an office, don't have to wear no monkey suit.

- And you hate it. - Well, I had to do something Jim.

Damn farm was eating up all my retirement pay, see Jim, I was born down there...

Hell, in those days, a farmer could make out, now...

- Mr. Willinger, you get back in bed. - Yes ma'am.

See you Chief.

Ok Terry, see same time next month.

- Bye. - Bye.

Jimmy, what are you doing here?

What happened?

Could I talk to you for a few minutes Mrs Thorpe?

Yeah, sure, come in. You Mr Slade?

- Yes ma'am. - Well, I'll be with you in a minute.

You tell him to call me back as soon as he's off the line.

I'm sorry about this Jimmy, but you go back to work and I'll take care of it. Ok?

- Stay cool. - Thanks Mrs Thorpe.

Mr Slade, you can come in now.

Pull up a chair.

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

- Cigarette? - Thank you, no.

- Well, how is it feel to be out? - Feels good.

- You'd be staying with the Willingers? - For the time being, yes.

Nice people, how's Quartz getting on?

- Fine, he'll be home today. - He's a brave man.

Hello?

Yes Jack, I want to talk to you very much, Jimmy Gill was just in here...

Listen Jack, I was there.

No, not later, right now.

Damn it, be back in a minute.

Good morning, Linda.

That fat-headed deputy of yours roughed up Jimmy Gill.

Now, wait a minute...

No, I will not wait a minute, you should see that kid's face.

He probably got smart at.

- Virgil is a sadist and you know it. - God damn, Virgil is got to do his job.

Anytime anyone spits on the sidewalks you rough one of my people.

- Your car is on the (?) sheriff. - Alright.

For Christ's sake Linda.

No, we ain't talking about, what's his name, Martin Luther King?

That kin Jimmy Gill is been up for armed robbery.

- He's also on parole. - Yeah, I know.

He has the same rights if not the same privileges as any other citizen.

Ok, ok, I'll look into it.

Alright Jack, but I'm warning you.

If your people keep harassing my people I'm going to take it upstairs.

Have a nice day.

That's what happens when they put a broad in a man's job.

Broad my ass, got a bigger pecker than you have.

Mr. Slade, Mr. Slade...

You seemed busy, I thought I'd come back later.

- I know, I'm sorry. We can talk now. - Mrs Thorpe...

I think I can save you a little time, I know the rules.

Immediately upon your release report to your parole officer, I have.

Only with the permission of your parole officer can you...

leave the county of your residence or change your address.

Any change in employment must be approved by your parole officer.

You shall not consume alcoholic beverages to excess.

You shall not possess, use or traffic in narcotic drugs.

You shall not possess, use or have under your control deadly weapons or firearms.

- Wait a minute, where are we going? - To catch my bus.

You shall not operate any motor vehicle without a valid drivers license...

and the written permission of your parole officer.

- And that Mrs. Thorpe, about covers it. - Except for one thing.

You shall not associate with former inmates of...

female institutions or individuals of bad character.

I guess I'll have to make new friends, won't I?

I think you will.

See you.

- Good morning Jim. - Good morning Sam.

- Cold night, wasn't it? - Damn cold.

Nights like that Jim, you ought to stretch out on one of them cot in the boiler room.

If I did, somebody sure help to steal the school.

And thou shalt not enter into heaven anything that defile it.

And the lord spake unto Moses saying, the nakedness of thy father...

or the nakedness of thy mother, shall thou not uncover...

Mr Ewing, Mr. Ewing I have to ask you to turn that down.

The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover, it is wickedness.

- The nakedness of thy sister... - That's the lord's word Mr. Slade.

Mr. Ewing, there's been some complaints from the girls' dormitory.

Them is the sinners that should heed the word.

Thank you.

Damned whores.

- What are you laughing at? - A damn fool.

No reason not to stay in shape.

No, but you might fall in you ass and break your other leg.

The hell I will buddy, I'm going be back on the job next week, you watch this.

See you at the house.

Morning sir.

You're new here.

Yes sir. I never saw you, I started Tuesday.

I'm Dr Pritchett, how long is it since you checked this building?

About an hour ago, in my regular round.

I just opening up for the day, I noticed that door.

Somebody is broken in here.

Some tape recordings are missing.

- Are you sure? - Yes, I locked them in the desk.

- Seem somebody stolen them. - I'll notify the sheriff's office.

No, no, no, I, I'd rather you wouldn't.

Dean Collins doesn't like have police on the campus they...

can be a very disturbing influence.

Mr. Willinger is always been able to dealt with these sort of things.

Actually, the tapes had no value, I don't know why anyone would want to steal them.

What kind of tapes were they sir?

Oh, my department offers psychological counseling.

Not as complex as psychotherapy, but the same technique.

You see, the student doesn't have an appointment, he can...

get things off his chest on tape.

- There were 3 tapes were left yesterday. - Have you played them?

No, unfortunately not, I had some papers to grade last night.

- Do you know whose tapes they were? - Yes, as a matter of fact I...

I jotted their names down here someplace.

Yes, here they are.

- And one of them changed their mind. - What do you mean?

Didn't want you to play the tapes so he took all three to avoid suspicion.

I doubt it, they know all they have to do is call me...

and I'd destroy the tape without listening to it.

Damn it, I got an early class this morning, they'll have to be notified of course.

Maybe I can be of some help. Would you like me to tell them for you?

- Oh, it'll be most helpful, thank you. - Doctor.

Oh, shit.

Did you tell anyone you made it?

No, I don't go around telling people I need psych counseling.

- How about your boyfriend? - Harry?

- He didn't even know I made it. - Did you talk about Harry on the tape?

He is all I talked about.

Oh, my god, now it's going to be all over campus and Jesus, Harry will kill me.

Shit.

Those tapes were supposed to be confidential.

What the hell do I care? It's all bullshit anyway.

You know why I made those tapes?

Because I like to put that phony Pritchett on.

You think I'm worried about that mini skirted little...

cheerleader letting that neanderthal fullback...

ball in the back of seat of his hot-top Pontiac?

Well, it just turns me on to blow smoke up Pritchett's ass.

Once I told him I was queer for diseased owls...

and would you believe it, the fat creep bought it.

- Mark Antony. - Excuse me sir.

I really can't see anybody breaking a lock just to get my tape.

Was the lock broken?

I'm psychic.

You don't seem very upset the theft Miss Clayborne.

I'm not, was mostly poetry, my own.

I thought Dr Pritchett might learn something about me from it.

Miss Clayborne, I think it was your tape the thief was after.

- Why do you say that? - You're much too cool.

The other two student took it hard.

I have to believe that nobody wants anything as...

intimate as a talk with a psychologist exposed.

Amazing Mr Holmes.

I think there was more than poetry on your tape and that you know who took it.

Fuck off.

Natalie Clayborne, eh? Phillip Clayborne's daughter.

State senator, pretty near runs the state.

Supposed to be next in line for governor, loaded.

Maybe there's a blackmail angle.

Jim, them tapes is going to turn out to be kids' stuff.

Hell man, this is Jordan, ain't Chicago.

Morning, don't get up.

Well, this is a wholesome little domestic scene.

- A joy to a parole officer's heart. - You're just in time for lunch.

First track. No thanks, this visit is official.

I'm supposed to check Mr Slade's living quarters.

Oh Jesus Judy, get rid of the heroin and them broads.

Come on in.

- Who's her husband? - Ain't one, divorced.

- She from around here? - Chicago.

- Chicago? - She came here about a year ago.

- Who's she living with? - You dig her, don't you?

- Well, don't you? - Well, as far as I know...

- she lives alone. - What a waste.

I agree.

Here's a little present for her. Wait till she tastes these.

Yeah, I caught thirty of them last week and...

- You've done wonders with the place. - Thanks.

- Are you sure you won't stay for lunch? - Hey, we going to get to keep him?

Yeah, for the time being, I'll take a rain check on the lunch.

- Anytime. - Well, that's what you missing.

I caught them beauties last week. Now, if you let them thaw...

- don't refreeze them, cook them. - Yes, I will. Bye bye Judy.

- Bye. - Mr Slade.

- How's it going? - Fine, got my driver's license.

- Good. - Still need your written permission though.

Go ahead and drive, I'll mail it to you.

- How's the job? - It's Ok.

- Not exactly like police work, is it? - No ma'am, it's a night watch.

- Made any friends? - Met a few people.

Any female?

Just you.

See you at the office on Tuesday, I'll see you the.

Yes ma'am.

Come on Natalie, get in.

I've got to wait awhile.

Natalie, I've got a mid-term in the morning. Now, will you get in?

There's somebody I've got to see.

What you've been doing for the last hour here?

Dreaming, of a white Christmas.

Ok, Clayborne, who is he?

None of your business.

Goddamn you.

- You're supposed to be back on campus by 12. - You going to fink on me?

I should.

Bastard. Hey, hey pour me another.

You do and I'll break your arm.

What are you doing in town at this hour?

- You tell me Dick Tracy. - You're after that stolen tape.

You get it?

Miss Clayborne, why don't you tell me who took that tape?

No.

No.

Alright, no more questions. Come on. I'll drive you home.

You've got to be in by 12 and I've got to be at work or we're both in trouble.

Hello?

He's just coming in, hang on. What happened to you?

- I fell on my ass, who's that? - Dean Collins.

Yes sir?

What? Is my man there?

Listen Jim, I'll notify the sheriff's office.

- You stand by till Casey gets there. - What is it?

- Coed is been killed. - My god.

This is Betty Childress Mr. Slade, she discovered the body.

I know you've had a shock but Eva, if there's anything you can tell us.

I, I came to wake Natalie.

We had, we had an early class.

And she didn't answer when I knocked, so I tried the door.

And it was unlocked so I came in and I found her like that.

How well did you know miss Clayborne?

I suppose I knew her as well as anybody.

Up until a few months ago I was her roommate.

She was a moody girl, strange.

In what way?

I don't know, she wouldn't talk much about herself.

- You want to go to your room Betty? - No, I'm alright.

- You were her roommate? - Yes.

- Why did you leave? - Natalie asked me to.

It wasn't me or anything like that. She just wanted more privacy.

She have any boyfriends?

She saw a lot one the boys here, Arthur King.

Anybody else?

If there was somebody else, she never mentioned him.

But she never let a boy come up to the room.

- Who's Waldo Mason? - One of our professor, he teaches law.

The sheriff is on his way up Miss Childress.

He want to ask you a few questions but don't be frightened.

- Who found her? - Miss Childress here.

- You people touch anything? - No, no sheriff.

Alright boys, get busy.

I don't know you, you new here?

- I'm on the midnight shift. - I sent for Mr Slade.

Oh yeah Slade, one of Linda Thorpe's parolees, Chicago cop, aren't you?

Yes sir.

- Yeah, I heard about you. - We're aware of Mr Slade's record.

- Who else is here at night? - Just the janitor.

And the gardener comes on about six in the morning.

- Dig them up, will you? - Yes sir.

They sure let those kids run wild. Ten to one that snail is knocked up.

- Check that out Doc. - Just one please sheriff.

Get him out of here.

Close the door.

- How you happen to find her? - I already told Mr Slade.

Now, you can go.

Don't get lost, I'd like to talk to you later.

Alright honey, let's start from the beginning.

- Come in Slade. - I wanted to know, you wanted to talk to me.

Here, sit down. Come on sit down.

Now, you tell us about that stuff.

They is just some rags I picked out of a trash barrel to clean up with.

Notice that stuff is been pawed over a lot?

What would they make of that in big city?

- The same thing you'd make of it here. - Take a look at that.

I read the good book and I preach the gospel when the spirit moves me.

I'm innocent of any crime in the sight of the lord.

Sit down and shut up.

He's a lay preacher from one of them crackpot churches we got around here.

Found some religious literature and junk...

some not so religious.

That's the, the filth they use to corrupt the minds of American youth.

I show it to my congregation. I denounce the sinners who peddle it.

I know, I'll bet you do.

I bet you boys sit around and...

cluck your tongues and get bug-eyed and work yourselves up into a good holy sweat.

- As god is my witness. - You're going to need him.

Found his prints all over the murder room.

- Wouldn't that figure sheriff? - Him being the janitor?

That's right.

Half the snails in that dorm...

found him swiping their underwear after they hung it out to dry.

I think you caught yourself a very dirty old man.

- No, I caught myself a murderer. - No.

You did yourself a little window shopping in that dorm last night.

The light on in the Clayborne girl's room because she was reading.

The Harlot's roof. Yeah, you had your eyes on that girl.

While she looked all honey and innocent on the outside...

but you knew that her mind and body were a full of sin as Satan's heart.

So you went and knocked on the door and told her you were there to fix the plumbing.

Probably had a wrench in your hand, make it more convincing.

So she let you in and you made your pitch.

But she called you a raunchy pervert, not the lord's good right hand.

And then she screamed and you cold-cocked her with the wrench.

No.

You gave her the punishment good lord intended.

No.

- Didn't you? - No.

Take him in Virgil.

Now all we need is the wrench, it'll turn up somewhere.

- May I go now sheriff? - Yeah.

- You don't think that's our man? - No, I don't.

- Ten to one he is. - You got a bet sheriff.

Just don't underestimate Casey, he ain't no fool.

He's not going to go to trial without tying the janitor to the murder weapon.

- Hasn't found one. - Casey is a mean bastard.

If he has to, he'll plant a wrench with the janitor's prints on it.

- I don't believe Ewing did it. - Maybe not.

What do you make of this?

- What the hell is that? - Found it At the Clayborne's girl room.

It's a poem, My Mytilene.

- What is it mean? - I was afraid you're going to ask me that.

You two sound just like the old days.

- You know how it is, once a cop... - Always a cop, I know.

That's how you broke your leg.

And that's how you can break your parole.

Jim, she's right.

- I keep forgetting. - Well, don't.

And if you say once a cop once again...

I'm going to hit you with this pot.

- Arthur King? - Yeah.

Thought you might like to have this.

What is it?

An unfinished poem of Natalie Clayborne's.

- Isn't her handwriting. - I copied it from a notebook in her room.

- I thought it might be meant for you. - Why me?

It was written to a lover. I understand you saw a lot of her.

Mister, have you ever heard of the generation gap?

- Yeah. - Well, it just got wider.

Fuck off.

- What Natalie told me to do. - Why is this bullshit? What do you after?

- Her killer. - The sheriff got her killer.

I don't think so, I think it was whoever she was writing this poem to.

Well, she sure as hell wasn't writing it to me.

Whoever killed her I'd sure like to nail them.

Why? What is it to you? You no cop.

Force of habit, I guess. And something about that kid.

She seemed lost.

- How well did you know her? - You mean was I balling her?

The answer is no, no one was getting to Natalie, not that way.

How about this, this Janus?

Janus.

The Roman god with two faces.

Whoever she was writing this to, betrayed her.

And Mytilene?

Mytilene. Greek, I think.

Natalie was hooked on mythology.

You drive a red Van, I believe.

Yeah, with a Ying Yang flag.

I drove Natalie home the night you stranded her in Jordan city.

- Where did you go afterward? - Back here to cram for midterm.

- Alone? - Yeah.

- That's bad son, no alibi. - What's your alibi?

- You drove her home the night of the murder? - Yeah.

You were the last one to see her.

You won't like this, but you'd make one hell of a cop.

Thanks for the information.

- Professor Mason? I wonder if I could... - Yeah.

Oh, you're Slade, you're the new man. Well, come on in, come in.

Dean Collins and I were chatting about you last night at the faculty meeting.

You have a very interesting background, you investigating the Clayborne girl's killing?

- The sheriff is investigating this. - Yes, I understand, perfectly.

You know, I'm something of an amateur sleuth myself, you know?

I read the newspapers, I look for clues between the lines.

Like that book, you're wondering how it got there.

No, I know how it got here.

What I was wondering was why Betty Childress took it out of Natalie Clayborne's room.

And how it got into Natalie Claybone's room in first place.

- Excellent, coffee? - No, thanks.

Well go on, do go on, let's see your deductive powers.

This place looks like a coed trap to me.

Natalie is been here, you lent her this book.

Betty saw the book in Natalie's room this morning and...

realized that it tied you into Natalie.

She was afraid the sheriff might spot it, so she brought it back.

In fact, she cared so much about you that she was crying just now as she left.

She was jealous.

My god, a regular PHD of a night watchman.

Listen, I teach law mostly...

but also Criminology and Penology, those are my real interests.

Now, how about you giving some guest lectures in some of my classes?

It'd be a breeze for you, make them question and answer sessions if you like.

Professor, were you playing around with Betty Childress?

- No gentleman would answer that question. - You just did.

- Touche. - How about Natalie?

Now Mr Slade, I am a connoisseur of young girls.

Not statutory rape young but young, however, it was Natalie who...

- chased after me. - She was in love with you?

No, no, no, Hell no. Had some...

- crazy idea I might be her father. - Father?

I don't think I want to get into that.

- You started the game professor. - So I did.

Does that oblige me to finish it?

Natalie's mother and I, 20 years ago, were students here.

Was quite a swinger.

She left college to marry Phillip Clayborne and gave birth to Natalie and...

killed herself not too long afterward.

- Could you've been the father? - No, I'm afraid not.

The dates make that quite impossible. That's the craziest hang-up I ever saw.

In my judgment...

not so much that Natalie wanted me to be her father...

she wanted Philip Clayborne not to be.

Hated him. Hated him.

Wouldn't take a cent of his money, lived on a trust fund her mother left her.

Any of this helping you?

Professor...

this painting, signature KM.

- You know whose it is? - Karl Metterman.

He's the local Rembrandt, he teaches some...

part time art classes, runs an arty farty little gallery down in Jordan city.

I gather you don't think the janitor killed Natalie?

- No, I don't. - Any idea who?

You maybe?

- Why me? - Natalie made a tape for Dr Pritchett.

If she named you on it as her lover,

might messed by hell with your academic career.

Yeah, that's rather loose talk.

And you could get to be quite a nuisance Mr Slade.

Allow me to give you a free legal counsel.

As an ex-cop, I'm sure you know that criminal libel is a felony.

And you are an ex-con and you are on parole.

Thanks for the information professor and of course, for the advice.

You know Slade was with the Clayborne girl the night of the murder?

- No. - Well, neither did I.

- He never said damn thing me about it. - Did you ask him?

Come on now, you know better than that.

He should've told me, he's an ex-cop, he knows better.

What's the difference if the janitor did?

Well, I'm just telling you a fraught that when I get around...

Slade I don't want any squawks from you about roughing your people.

- Mr Lamar. - Hello sheriff.

Quartz? Linda Thorpe, is Jim Slade left yet?

He's not due until six o'clock but I wanted to have a word with him.

It'll keep till he gets here. Ok. See you soon.

- Problems? - Oh, the usual.

This is a pleasant surprise. What are you doing down here?

Just something not so pleasant.

Just paying my taxes. You are coming by later, aren't you?

Of course.

- Hello. - Hello, am I late?

- Not a bit. Eddie Lamar Jim Slade. - Mr Slade.

- Lamar's, I've passed your place. - Next time drop in, I'll by you a drink.

- Thank you, I will. - See you later.

Bye Eddie.

Let's walk.

- He's good looking man. - Isn't he?

- Boyfriend? - He's married.

- Boyfriend? - I like him.

I've been worried about you.

Casey says you were with the Clayborne girl the night of the murder.

That's right, she was stoned. I drove her back to the dorm.

- Great. - It seemed the least I could do.

Mr Slade, being a good Samaritan is a luxury a parolee can't afford.

Especially with a mixed up kid like Natalie Clayborne.

You knew her?

I was her probation officer for 3 months on a marijuana rap.

I handle things like that for the school...

Dean Collins likes to keep it out of the sheriff's office.

Did you get to know her well?

Not really, she never talked about herself much.

Casey is going to give you trouble.

And if it gets too rough, I want you to come to me.

Thank you, I will.

Is that all?

- Yes, I think so. Good night. - Good night.

Yes Mr Slade, I've been teaching at Jordan for the past 20 years.

And I've been painting Jordan coeds in the nude even longer than that.

Ever since I was an art major.

But what you really want to know is...

whether it was at their request or mine, now am I right?

No sir, that would be none of my business Mr. Metterman.

- Drink? - No, thanks.

Artists Mr. Slade, do not always have affairs with their models.

I painted Natalie because she'd a rubinesque body...

full and satisfying, like her mother's.

Who I also painted when we were students here, nude.

Did Natalie know that?

Now you're going to ask me Mr. Slade, if I'd an affair with Natalie's mother.

- No sir. - Yes, but it crossed your mind, didn't it?

As a matter of fact, Natalie was quite obsessed with the thought.

Between us, that was the real reason she came to pose for me.

It fascinated her to think that I might be her father.

- You ever had that problem? - No sir.

I didn't think so.

Good night Mr Slade.

That's 9.75 Mrs Thorpe, will that be charge?

- Yes please. - 419 Elm, I believe.

Mrs Thorpe.

- Something wrong? - No, nothing.

- Were you waiting for me? - Where's your car?

Oh, I only live a block from here, I walk to work.

I walk you home, which way?

How you ever get into parole work?

How you ever become a policeman?

My father was a cop and his father before him.

You like it?

That was what I did best, I never thought of doing anything else.

No dreams of fame and fortune.

You don't have to stop at detective sergeant unless you shoot a man.

- That doesn't seem like you. - A cop lives 24 hours a day with violence.

- You get used to violence. - Yes, you do.

I was married for three years to a gangster.

- You name the racket, Jerry was in it. - Must've been tough.

Not at all. I knew when I married him, I knew from the beginning.

There was plenty of money, we lived the good life. I liked it.

- But you divorced him. - He was an animal.

419 Elm, Leroy.

So I drifted for awhile. London, Paris, New York, Las Vegas.

When I ran out of money, then I decided I better get to work.

Parole officer is appointed here, not civil service.

And I had some influential friends, so my past associations didn't get in the way.

I think they figured I had so many criminal friends that I'd know how to deal with them.

Here we are, thanks for the company.

- Good night. - Know what would be nice?

If you invited me in for a drink.

Alright Jim.

Kitchen is in there.

Hit the lights Charlie.

- Jesus Charlie, I think you killed him. - Well, I couldn't see.

She squirms like a worm, juicy too.

- Where we going to do it to her? - In the bedroom, where you're suppose to.

- Me first, don't you Leroy? - Ok, Ok, but without force.

You and Cash flip a coin for the second, I'm first.

Jesus Christ.

My god.

Are you alright?

- I'm Ok. - Let's go inside.

- I'm going to call a doctor. - Oh, it's alright, it's just a cut.

Sit.

Those were the same three that beat up Quartz at the hold up at Lamar's.

They got a bracelet from me that night and I saw a woman in the market with it.

She must've got my address from the clerk.

- I think they were after me. - You?

- Maybe I've been asking too many questions. - What you've been up to?

Talking to a few people about the, about the Clayborne murder.

Jim, listen to me.

You're not a cop anymore.

I want you to go to Casey and, and...

and tell him everything you know and, and stop behaving like a goddamn fool.

Ok.

I'm sorry, I...

I haven't even thanked you for what you did.

It'd be nice if you'd give me that drink you promised me.

Yes, you sit here and I'll, I'll get dressed.

I'll take you to the hospital and get that cut closed.

- And then you're going to Casey. - Alright.

Can't say I blame them, Linda is good looking broad.

I want them guns dusted for prints.

Now, wait a minute Slade...

Casey, that hauls called each other by their first names.

Leroy, Cash and Charlie.

Like they weren't afraid of being made, like they had connections.

God Damn you Slade, no hood is got connections in this county.

- You know, I ought to lock you up. - Go ahead, I'd probably be a lot safer.

And I damn well will, unless you got the right answers to a lot of questions.

Where you take the Clayborne girl after you left the bar?

Senator Clayborne is here sheriff.

- I'll get to you later. - You know where to find me.

- Senator Clayborne, I'm sheriff Casey. - My secretary Mr Swanson.

The janitor you've arrested. I want to see him, alone.

Yes sir.

If you're looking for that wrench Mr. Swanson...

sheriff is been over this place and he find tooth-comb.

Yeah, I know. He just give me permission to go through all this stuff.

Maybe I can be of some help, what you looking for?

Well, you never know what's going to turn up.

Like a tape recording?

I think you better have a talk with my boss.

What do you know about that tape?

It's alright, go ahead.

I believe your daughter was murdered for it.

So do I and I don't believe it was the janitor.

- Do you know what was on that tape? - No sir.

- Does the sheriff? - I don't think so.

You don't seem like a mere night watchman.

My name is Slade sir. I'm an ex-cop, homicide.

Retired?

Busted, I did time, I'm on parole.

- I shot a man. - In the line of duty?

In my wife's bed.

I got a letter from my daughter...

post marked the day before she was killed.

She was upset about something she'd put on that tape that was stole on her.

She was afraid the thief would try to blackmail me.

Natalie got into trouble when she was 15.

I had the option of letting her pay the penalty or buying her out it.

I bought.

It was the kind of fix my political enemies could make much of.

I want that tape, I don't care how I get it.

If it's evidence in a murder case senator...

the tape will have to be turned over to the DA.

I'll worry about the DA.

As Natalie's father, that tape is now legally my property.

I'm not satisfied with the way this case is been handled,

I want you to work on it.

I can't do that sir, I'm a parolee.

Mr Slade, I have considerable influence in this state...

and I can be a generous man when I get what I want.

- What time are you off duty? - 8 AM sir.

I'm staying at colonel Cravet's cottage on the lake, I'll expect you.

Good night.

Mr Slade, congratulations.

Welcome aboard.

- You're going to accept now, aren't you? - You hear what I said in there?

I'm not sure that's wise Mr. Slade, I happen to know there's a lot of money in this.

- A lot more than the senator implied. - Money?

I thought that'd interest you.

I suggest you and I get together, have a little cup of coffee, have a little talk...

just between the two of us, eh?

Mr Swanson, I don't know if you're on the take or just testing me for the senator...

but either way, I don't like it.

Since when is a legitimacy secretary carry an automatic?

- Wait till the senator hears about this. - I won't tell him.

- Good morning. - You mean good evening.

- Where's Judy? - Playing bridge.

- Sleep well? - Not too bad.

Your headache better?

- A little better. - Just how would you like your egg Mr Slade?

- Alright Quartz, let's have it. - Well, let's see sir.

You'd a number of phone calls.

Linda Thorpe called to express her concern for your health.

And sheriff Casey called and said he would be desolated if you left town.

And senator Clayborne phoned, he was deeply...

disappointed that you couldn't make your appointment this morning.

And I haven't heard from them three lovely assholes...

you spent such a lovely evening with last night.

Though I'm sure their get well cards is on the way.

And then there were calls from more of your conquests, Arthur King...

professor Mason and Dr Pritchett.

What the hell did they want?

It seems their pads were torn apart...

and they figured that it was you looking for that tape.

Karl Metterman call?

No, why?

- Can I borrow you car? - Sure. Jim, what's going on?

Jim...

Mr Lamar, Mr Lamar, telephone.

Mr Slade.

- Yes. - I'm sorry to trouble you Mr. Lamar.

But I've been trying to reach Mrs Thorpe and there's no answer at her house.

I thought you may know where I can find her.

Oh, I'm looking right at her. Linda, it's for you.

- Hello? - Linda, I'm in a jam.

Could you meet me in front of the Clemons motel in 30 minutes?

Alright Jim.

He's in some kind of trouble.

- I'm sorry I have to go. - Can I bee of any help?

No, thank you. I think I can handle it.

I'll be back, if it's not too late.

Your motor, your lights.

Linda, I'd like to borrow your car.

- Where's yours? - Might too easy to spot.

- Jim, are you at this again? - Somebody tried to kill me tonight.

They got the right car but the wrong guy was in.

I'm safe as long as they think I'm dead, I've got to lay low.

This time you're going straight to Casey and I'm going with you.

Like hell I am.

You're making me sound like broken record but you're an ex-con on parole.

I break my parole, I do 3 more years. Tonight, I'm damn near did no more years

Jim please, if you go on like this I, I can't help you.

Sorry but it's my neck and I've got to do it my way.

I'm not going to work tonight.

Alright.

Thanks for coming down, I'm sorry I broke your date.

Date?

When I called, you were with Eddie Lamar.

- And that bothers you? - I guess I'm old-fashioned.

Mr Slade, you're a damn fool.

Hello?

Yes Eddie.

No, no, it's too late for that, I'll see you tomorrow.

What?

Yes Eddie, I'm going straight to bed.

Good morning senator.

We had an appointment yesterday, it's a little late.

It's later than you think sir, your boy Swanson is dead.

He was burglarizing everybody who knew Natalie.

He wanted to hijack that tape and going to the blackmail business for himself.

Who killed him?

Probably the same people who left this on your mailbox.

- Excuse me. - Yes sir.

- It's blackmail alright. - How much?

250,000 dollars in cash in exchange for the tape.

I'm to be at the Jordan City bus terminal at noon.

- This is our chance to nail them. - Yes.

Hello?

This is senator clayborne, who is this?

I see.

Yes. Yes, I understand.

Mr Slade, I've decided to handle this myself.

- Because of that phone call? - I'm going to the bank.

I want your word you won't follow me.

Alright senator, can I see that note?

The deal is off if I involve anyone else, I think you better go.

Alright sir, is the way you want it.

Morning sheriff, didn't hear you knock.

- Where's your car Quartz? - Oh gee, it's funny you should ask,

It was stole last night.

- And home you didn't report it? - What for?

Your boys couldn't find a turd in a cow pasture.

We found it alright, with a bullet hole in the windshield, blood on the seat.

- Is Slade up there? - Got a search warrant?

You touch that phone, I'll get my shot gun.

Your status in here is the same as that of a prowler.

Excuse me please.

Hello? Oh yeah, Dean Collins.

Yeah, he's been a little under the weather but he'll be back in the job tonight.

- Who's there? Casey? - Yes sir.

I'm at Linda Thorpe's house, call me back as soon as you shake him.

I'll be glad to do that Dean.

Oh Jack, I'd like to get my car back before your deputies strip it.

- Hello? - Jim, where the hell have you been?

- Oh it's Great, now you can tail him. - I can't, I promised him I wouldn't.

- Well, I didn't and Clayborne don't know me. - Oh, what about your leg?

Jin, I'm tired of just sitting around in my ass and don't worry about me, I'll be armed.

The note only takes him as far as the bus station.

There's no where is going from there.

Don't worry, I'll stick to him like plaster.

Alright, keep me posted.

Where you think you going with that?

Hunting.

Final call for Vanceville, Quarry, Central Brad Town...

Payneburg, Charleston, Washington, Baltimore Philadelphia, final call.

- Vanceville please. - That'll be a dollar ninety.

Vanceville.

Hold it driver, I'm on the wrong bus.

- How it go senator? - Come on in.

- Well, the bastards delivered. - Where sir?

Behind a fireplace in one of those roadside parks.

I left the money, drove away, came back in an hour.

The money was gone and this was there.

Mr Slade, you've been very helpful.

I'm going to have my office send you a generous check for your time and trouble.

You still got a dead daughter.

I can't bring Natalie back and neither can you.

I might be able to bring in her killer if I knew what was on that tape.

I think you'd better leave.

You wanted that tape bad sir.

But you wouldn't have paid off unless you knew the blackmailer had it.

He had to give you some proof of that...

some proof that he knew what was on that tape, and he did.

Was in that pay off note that you wouldn't show me.

You touch that note and I'll kill you.

I never did believe that story of your about fixing a rap for Natalie.

She wouldn't have hated you for that and she did hate you.

She hated you so much...

she tried to convince herself a couple of other guys were her father.

I loved Natalie.

She was the only creature on god's earth I've ever loved.

Once, I thought I loved her stepmother but...

I learned to hate her.

So did Natalie.

The night it happened, I'd been drinking heavily.

I did a lot of that in those days.

I was in bed, Natalie came in.

She took me in her arms to comfort me.

I don't know how it happened.

I know that I...

Started to make love to her.

When I realized what I was doing, I stopped.

Do you understand? I stopped.

This is Lester Pearlman, Dr Pritchett.

Why do I dig that little cheerleader?

Why do I hate that big fullback? Last night I...

You paid 250,000 dollars for that tape senator.

It's not the one you want, they've still got that.

- Casey is got a manhunt going for you. - I might as well go in and face him.

What happened?

I just left Clayborne, he paid off but got taken.

First, we're going to go home and have some supper.

If Casey gets his hands on you, god knows when I'll see you again.

- Hello? - I want to talk to Mr Slade.

Who's calling?

Jim, Arthur king.

- Hello? - Hello Mr Slade, I...

I know who Natalie's lover was. The key was in that poem she wrote.

- Tell me. - No.

- You meet me and I'll lay it out for you. - Where are you?

Oh, you wait there for me, it'll take me about half an hour.

- I got to go. - Where?

- Campus Post Office. - Post office?

Arthur King thinks he knows who Natalie's lover was.

- Who? - He didn't say.

He might've something.

- I'll try to hurry back. - Jim...

Be careful.

Well, well, look here, I finally caught you with your pants down.

Bullshit, I just got here.

And tell me what the hell are you doing here?

I was cruising, got a call somebody heard a shot here.

- He dead? - He's dead.

- Who is he? - Student, name of Arthur King.

I caught him bare hands messing with the body.

King phoned me to meet him here, he was dead when I arrived.

Slade, the death rate in this county is tripled since you got here.

I found Swanson's body in that motel room.

There's a hell of a lot going on I don't know but I think you do.

And I'm sure as hell going to find out, you take him in Virgil.

- What's the charge? - Book him for assaulting an officer.

- And take his car down and impound it. - Hell, wait a minute.

It's Linda Thorpe's car.

Hell.

That's right Jack, he had my car, is there a law against that?

You haven't a damn thing on him.

I'm his alibi, Arthur King phoned him here, I was with him.

Now, I want you to release him at once, or I'm going to start making phone calls.

- You've been sprung. - By who?

Ok professor, who?

All I know is I got orders from the sheriff to let you out.

- How come? - Do you want to stay?

Casey?

- We was smart to steal a cop car. - Like hell you stole it.

Virgil let you take it before he sprung me.

You see now why we got to kill him?

No Cash, we'll take him back to Nell's place.

I got to return Virgil's car and you lay off him till I had it get back.

He's my meat.

Nell.

So this is the stallion that done all the damage the other night.

He don't look like much to me.

You boys ought to be ashamed.

Damn it Nell, you want this half wit to kill him?

Leroy said for us to wait.

You turn him loose in the barn and I'll give you a show.

You couldn't whip an old cripple, I'd beat you without working up a sweat.

Cash.

You think we're all mush-brained like Cash?

You just baiting him so we'll turn you loose to fight.

We'll just put him on ice till Leroy gets back.

Put him in the cellar boys.

Goddamn, it's cold.

- Alright, where is he? - In the cellar.

Let's get it over with.

Hell Leroy, he ain't going no place.

Shit.

- Where's your pals? - They drunk up a storm last night.

Didn't hardly give me a drop.

That whole time I's studying on you.

- I ain't as dumb as they make out. - Sure you're dumb.

Virgil gets the gravy, you guys do the dirty work.

He don't neither.

We got a good deal with Virgil. We can do anything we want to...

and we don't get busted as long as we do a few things for him.

Like what?

You hold still, I'm going bust your arm at the elbow.

- Going to go just like kindling. - Leroy will skin you alive for this.

I studied on that too.

They want a cripple for the fight and that's just what I'm fixing give them.

Where's Cash?

He killed cash, he shot him.

He shot him dead.

Get the dog Charlie.

He's in the barn Leroy.

Go in and get him Charlie.

Damn it Nel, he's got a gun, he shot Cash.

Give me a hand Charlie.

- Son of a bitch killed the dog. - Get your ass up there.

I'll cover the back.

Leroy.

He's in the tractor shed.

Kill him, Leroy.

Come here.

Are yours that bracelet?

- Now, get out of here, - You going to shoot me in the back?

I'm going to count from one to ten, one...

two, three, four...

five, six, seven, eight...

nine, ten.

Good morning Slade.

We got a thumbprint off the key to Swanson's motel room.

It was yours, you're under arrest.

I just killed three men Casey, I'm in no mood for any of your bullshit.

- Now where's Virgil? - In his home I guess, he's off this morning.

Show me.

By god, you're right, he's taking off.

Roger, picked her up outside a gas station near the state line.

Took a chance let her go.

I figured she'd be easy to spot, nobody quite like her.

I wanted to give her plenty of time to tip off Virgil.

- You want to let me in on the rest of it? - You'll have it all before the day is out.

Now quit gabbing, you going to lose him.

Slade, you ain't very good company.

Here, come on, come on.

Don't say a damn word till I talk to my lawyer.

- What's the best I can book him for? - Murder, he killed Swanson.

- What about him? - Murder, he killed Arthur king.

You run a test on those guns, they'll check out.

Well Quartz, it's almost over.

I had a lot of time to think last night, in that cellar.

I could tie Virgil in with those rednecks...

but what about Natalie, Arthur King and Swanson?

Then it hit me.

I knew Virgil went to Metterman's house to shoot me not Swanson.

Somebody set me up.

And there was only one man who knew I'd gone out there in your car.

It was you Quartz. Is crazy, didn't make sense.

I tried to lose it in the darkness but it wouldn't go away.

So I went back to the beginning to see if I could make it fit.

I started with why you went to Lamar's the night it was held up.

Without Judy, it's not your kind of place.

Unless you were there for a meeting with one of your partners, Lamar.

The hold up was just a bad break, it took you out of action.

But with me around, you could still stay on top of every angle.

You'd be the first to know if anything went wrong...

and I reported to you like an ass kissing rookie.

The jogging was perfect.

You came here early, you stole the tapes, then you jogged.

You had those tapes in your car that morning when you did your circus act for me.

When I found Natalie in the bar that night and brought her to campus in hysterics...

you were tipped off and you came up here to calm her down.

I figure you didn't mean to kill her, just scare her.

But she threatened to blow the whistle, you lost your head.

You hit her, with a crutch.

You're good with those crutches Quartz, damn good.

Following Clayborne on the pay off trail...

that was a nice touch, it really had me fooled.

Unless after you lost him, you got off the bus, went back to your car...

and picked up the money in the roadside park where your note told Clayborne to leave it.

It was 5 o'clock in the morning by then and Cash woke me up.

I knew I'd had a bad dream.

But when we took Clayborne's money back from Lamar this morning...

Casey dusted it for prints.

Was no dream Quartz, they were your prints.

You want to advise him of his rights?

You're making the arrest, not me.

- He's got a new mate, seems happier. - Yes, they get lonely, even as you and I.

- What can I do for you Mr Slade? - Tell me about Natalie Clayborne.

And if this is the one you're looking for.

This is Natalie Clayborne Doctor, and what I'm about to tell you I have only...

I see you heard from Eddie Lamar's lawyer.

Yes.

By the way...

You shouldn't bothered, it isn't worth much.

Now, how do you like that, I went out and killed three men for it.

I had it all wrapped up this morning.

Only problem was how to tell you your boyfriend was a blackmailing murderer.

There was one thing still bothering me.

This tape, not where was hidden...

but who got close enough to Natalie to get her to make it.

It could've been Dr Pritchett.

He could've lied about having played it, faked the burglary.

But yesterday morning, Clayborne got a call just after I delivered the blackmail note.

And all of a sudden, he wanted to deal me out.

Was one of the blackmailers and they were supposes to think I was dead.

And I was the only one who knew you weren't.

You were Natalie's probation officer.

Three months, you're good at getting close to people.

Got close to me in three days.

- I fell in love. - With who? Me?

Eddie Lamar? Quartz? Natalie?

When Arthur King called last night you knew he was on to you.

So you called Eddy Lamar after I left and he got to the kid before I did.

- Can I mix you one? - No, thank you.

He said he knew who Natalie's lover was, the key was in the poem.

Janus was a two faced lover, he told me that but I couldn't figure Mytilene.

I stopped over Dr Pritchett's on my way over here.

Mytilene is the modern name for the Greek island of Lesbos...

where Sappho and her lesbians did their thing.

Dr Pritchett said that because of the experiences with her father...

Natalie could be a set up for a relationship with a woman.

I know now that the night that I found Natalie here in town, she'd been to see you.

Trying to get that tape back.

So you called one of your boyfriends, Quartz...

and you asked him to shut her up.

It took me so long to figure you out because of those 3 killers...

- jumping the both of us here in this house. - I didn't know they were working for me.

And neither did they.

I believe you. Eddie Lamar was your front, Virgil was his stooge.

When Virgil busted those three heels for holding up at his place...

Eddie dropped the charges in return for a little strong arm service.

- Like getting rid of me. - I never wanted that.

Tell me something, were you and Eddie going to double cross Quartz?

I thought you had all the answers.

Everybody was in that bed.

The victim, the killer...

the front man, me.

You were the only one that mattered.

Baby, you're the best I've seen.

Thanks.

And you're a smart cop.

Unfortunately, a smart cop is just still just a dumb cop.

All you had to do before you ran around arresting people was think one step further.

You could had 250 grand...

the tape, which Clayborne would've gone right on paying for and you could had me.

Jesus.

That wife of yours must've had it tough up there on that pedestal.

You didn't say so, but you were shocked when I told you that I would've...

stuck with my gangster if he'd treated me decently.

What you got out of all this Jim?

A cop's pat on the back? Big deal.

You killed three bad guys and pinched three more.

- Four, counting you. - Me?

What have I done?

I didn't steal any tapes.

I didn't kill that girl.

I didn't mail any blackmail notes or pick up any payoff money.

I didn't shoot Arthur king or Swanson...

and I didn't pay those rednecks to lean on you last night.

Conspiracy.

Maybe.

But I'll turn state's evidence and I won't serve a day.

- Good morning Jack. - Good morning Linda.

Forget your manners?

Slade, want to talk to you.

That, that check Clayborne sent you for destroying the tape.

What about it?

The DA found out you deposited it in Judy Willinger's account. Bank Jordan said.

- She's going to need it. - Sure but the DA don't like it.

- To hell with the DA. - Yeah.

He says you being the state's star witness and all and defense is going to have...

a field day with you giving money defendant's wife, he don't want put you on the stand.

To hell with the DA or did I say that before?

Slade, you don't want testify against Quartz.

Once a cop, always a cop.

What the hell is that got to do with it?

Casey, you ever notice how...

lawyers don't like to testify against lawyers?

Doctors against doctors?

Now, you owe me ten bucks because the janitor didn't do it.

I'll give you 10 to 1 that you don't make much of a witness against Virgil.

- If you testify at all. - Oh, god damn Slade.

Come on, I shot the son of a bitch, didn't I?

In the leg Casey, in the leg.

Not between the eyes or in the heart or anywhere near that badge.

Smart cop Slade.

Somebody once told me that a smart cop is...

still just a dumb cop.

How you like to be one again?

I might be able to do something about that parole.

Got the Virgil's badge on my desk, nobody pin it on.

Thanks Casey, I'll think about it.