Original subtitles

(pensive music) (crow cawing)

(wind howling) (pensive music)

(shots firing) (wind howling)

- Sorry Brian.

Nothin' personal.

(shot firing)

(pensive music) (wind howling)

(The Stranger chuckles)

Brian Mars.

(pensive music) (crow cawing)

(wind howling) (pensive music)

(shovel thudding) (pensive music)

(flies buzzing) (pensive music)

(wolf howling) (pensive music)

(wind howling) (pensive music)

(engine rumbling) (wind howling)

(geese quacking) (birds chirping)

(kids whooping) (gentle music)

- [Boy] Whoa, got ya!

(gentle music)

- Laura, it sure is good to have you back in town.

- [Laura] It's like I never left.

- Careful. - All right.

- Morning Sam. - Morning.

- [Woman] Sheriff.

- [Woman] You all right?

- [Laura] Yeah, I'm fine.

- Oh son of, son of-- - Whoa, hey, hey!

Go ahead, I got ya.

- Thank you (laughs).

You enjoying the view from down there, Sam?

- Just doin' my job Ma'am.

(Laura laughs)

- Sam Wayburn, you behave yourself.

- Yes Ma'am.

- [Laura] There, that does it.

- [Sam] Okay, easy now.

- Thanks Sam.

- Guess I'd better get back to work.

Never know what other emergencies might come up.

Mornin'.

(waves splashing) (man chattering)

(darts thudding)

(Carl groans)

- Piss me off.

(Sam chuckles)

- Looks like Laura's shop is really comin' along.

- This damn town's becomin' a tourist trap.

- [Sam] Somebody put a bug up your ass Carl?

- Son, I got a pension that's way overdue.

A boat and some land down in Baha,

and while you're here givin' traffic tickets,

I'ma be drownin' in cold margaritas and hot senoritas.

(Sam chuckles)

- Send me a postcard first.

(dart thuds)

You're not gonna desert us before your party are ya?

- Nah, I'll stick around and help

you break in the new deputy.

- You mean scare the shit out of him.

(Carl chuckles)

(dart thudding)

Bullseye.

(birds chirping) (pensive music)

- Talk about bein' in the rough.

(birds chirping) (pensive music)

(Carl exhales)

You know, I'm gettin' too old for this bullshit.

- Watch out, you're on som poison oak.

- Oh!

(Sam chuckles)

Shit.

(pensive music) (birds chirping)

(water trickling) (pensive music)

(gun loading)

(Stu exclaims)

- [Sam] Happy birthday Stu (laughs).

- Oh, Jesus Sam.

- Well, it looks like you been busy

as a bee with this year, Stu.

- Come on, up.

Come on, get up.

(Stu groans)

There you go.

- Why don't you guys give me a break?

I gotta make the payments on my truck.

- Well that ain't hardly our problem though is it Sam?

- Well, it is his birthday (chuckles).

- Ah (chuckles).

- You mean you ain't gonna cut 'em down?

- Nah.

You are.

(Sam chuckles)

(fire crackling) (birds chirping)

Hey, you see any marijuana around here, Sam?

- Can't say that I do.

- Well, I think I ought to head on back to the station then.

See ya Stu.

- Next year try grapes.

- Right.

(fire crackling)

- [Jake] Santa Alba must be a big change

from San Francisco Jay.

- [Jay] That's for sure.

(guests chattering)

- Santa Alba Shores.

What a bunch of bullshit (chuckles).

Hey.

- What do you think?

- You're beautiful.

- [Laura] Well, thank you.

Can I borrow you for a second?

- [Sam] Sure.

- Annie wants to say goodnight (laughs).

She refuses to go to sleep until you say goodnight to her.

- To the rescue.

- [Woman] Jerry, over here.

- [Woman] Jay, what's the architect's name?

(guests chattering)

♪ Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do ♪

- Hi Sam.

Where's your uniform?

- I put my party clothes on to come see you.

- You look handsome.

- [Woman] Jimmy?

- [Jimmy] Yeah?

- [Sam] Your mother tells me it's past your bedtime.

- Oh, can't we do a little longer?

- No, no, the Sandman's comin'.

- Goodnight Sam.

- Yeah, sleep tight sweetie.

I bet you anything she's got her light on right now.

She's probably up

there startin' on a fort. - She probably is awake.

(Laura chuckles)

- Ah, Sam.

Is my Laura takin' good care of you?

- Yeah, we were just uh,

discussing your development for Santa Alba.

- Yeah, this uh, sleepy little Hamlet of yours

is about to undergo quite a change.

- I guess so.

- Laura, why don't you fix Sam a drink.

Uh, Sam excuse me, can I talk to you a moment?

- Yeah. - Excuse us.

Uh, listen, let's face it.

I mean, you're a handsome guy,

you're a bright guy, but you're stuck in a dead end job.

- No, it's not so bad.

- Oh, what do you do?

Ticket a few tourists, you bust the town drunk.

You get a little pocket money from the growers.

- I don't find that very funny.

- Hey, Sam listen, I'm gonna fix it

so this community doesn't have to depend

on the dopers and the tourists and I want you to help me.

- Hm.

What'd you have in mind?

- Well, our little community

is gonna need a lot of security.

We're lookin' to attract people of substance.

People with a lotta money.

You could run the whole show.

- Thanks.

I like what I'm doin' now.

- Well, if you don't mind my askin',

how much are you makin' now?

- I don't think this is the time or place.

- Sweetheart, please.

Let Sam answer, huh?

- 15, 20,000.

- Well, which is it?

15 or 20?

- Uh, I'll be makin' 20 when I take over for Carl.

- How would you like to make five times

that amount as my head of security?

- There's only one problem with that.

I'd uh, I'd have to answer to you (laughs).

No, I'm just messin' with ya (laughs).

(Jake laughs)

- You know I, I uh, well I heard something the other clay.

Something that Laura never told me before.

- What's that?

- I heard that uh, the two of you used

to be the hottest item in Santa Alba.

(gentle music) (guests chattering)

- That was a long time ago.

- Well, let's keep it that way, okay?

(guests chattering)

- Thanks for your hospitality.

(guests chattering)

- You're a real bastard you know that?

(guests chattering)

- [Carl] Damn Sam, what the hell's this?

- Goin' away gift.

(phone ringing)

Go ahead, open it up.

Santa Alba Sheriff's Station, Deputy Wayburn speakin'.

- Hi Sam, it's me.

- Hi.

- I wanted to apologize for last night.

- I'm the one who should apologize.

I wasn't thinkin'.

- [Laura] I need to see you.

- Are you all right?

- Yeah.

How 'bout uh, Point Cobrea Road.

- Right, I'll meet you there.

Goodbye.

- [Laura] Bye.

- I uh, I gotta go.

- You're never gonna take my advice are you?

- I got this far without it.

Why should I start now?

(Carl chuckles)

- Yeah.

- Hey, you like that present?

- Yeah, I like it God damn it.

Yeah.

Thank you.

- Yeah.

- You take care.

(seagulls squawking) (waves splashing)

(engine rumbling)

(brake pedal thudding)

(tires squealing)

- [Laura] Damn.

(upbeat music) (tires squealing)

Come on, come on.

(horn beeping) (upbeat music)

- Laura?

(horn honking)

Laura?

Laura!

Laura, go to the right! - Sam!

- Laura!

(upbeat music)

(car crashing) (pensive music)

Laura!

Laura!

Are you okay?

- No brakes (sobs).

- Shh, shh.

Take it easy, come on.

Just breathe.

Breathe.

- You're gonna be all right, Laura.

You're just a little scared that's all.

I don't blame you.

I'm goin' over to Dick's garage.

Make sure he checks that car over right.

Okay?

- I appreciate that.

- Sure.

- There you go.

Feelin' better?

- He was trying to kill me

and make it look like an accident.

- What are you talkin' about?

- It was Jake.

- That's a pretty serious accusation.

- You don't know him Sam, not like I do.

Annie could have been in there.

Sam, you've got to help me.

- Okay.

I'll investigate it.

- Great.

(Laura sighs) (gentle music)

Maybe I'll have to take care of things myself.

- What do you mean?

- I have to get him before he gets me.

- I'm gonna be the Chief of Police

and you're tellin' me this?

- Yeah, maybe I am.

- Oh, maybe you're not.

This conversation is over.

You understand?

- Sure.

- [Sam] Yeah (chuckles).

(knocking) (gentle music)

- Excuse me.

I'm lookin' for Sam Wayburn.

- What can I do for ya?

- My name is Brian Mars.

- [Sam] Who?

- Brian Mars.

Your new deputy.

Hi.

Wow.

This is pretty nice.

My name is Brian Mars.

- Hi, I'm Laura Winslow.

- Huh.

Nice to meet ya.

- I'm not late or anything am I?

I had a little car trouble outside of Fresno.

- No, you're on time.

- Good 'cause I busted my ass gettin' here.

(eerie music)

You guys are really up to date, huh?

That's a gun cabinet, huh?

- Yeah.

We don't have much call to use it though.

(eerie music)

It's really nice.

Who's the fisherman?

- [Sam] Sheriff Cunningham.

- Huh.

This him here?

- [Sam] Yeah.

- Ah.

He retired yet?

- No.

- Oh.

Well I can't tell ya how glad I am to have this job.

(eerie music)

Very nice here.

(engines rumbling)

- Well, here we are.

It's not the Ritz but uh, the rent's free,

and you don't have a whole lotta neighbors.

- That's all right.

People basically suck if you know what I mean.

- The water and electricity should be workin'.

Yep.

- Great.

- Oh yeah.

- This is better than a lot of places I've been in.

- So, come by the station tomorrow

and I'll fix you up with some uniforms.

- Okay.

- And uh, me and Carl, that's uh,

Sheriff Cunningham will show you around.

- Great.

- You carry a gun?

- No.

- Okay.

That's uh, that's about it.

Santa Alba's a pretty quiet place,

but uh, well, I think you'll like it here.

- Hey, I got a bottle of whisky in the back of my car.

Wanna have a couple shots, shoot the shit, you know?

- Some other time.

- Thanks.

- [Sam] See ya tomorrow.

- Fuck you too.

- You're not leavin' again are ya?

I mean, do we have to go through this every six months?

Where you off to this time?

Bed and breakfast?

Holiday Inn?

Or maybe for a little romp in the back of Sam's patrol car?

Recreate the good old days.

- This has nothing to do with him.

It's you Jake.

I'm sick of you!

I'm sick of us!

- You're sick of me, huh?

But you're sick of the things that I buy for you.

You're not sick of the jewelry or the clothes.

You're not sick of the house that I gave you,

that I worked for, that I paid for.

I gave you everything (panting).

Nobody ever gave me anything.

- That doesn't mean anything to me.

- No.

All that you care about is this.

Things, things, things.

You just take, take, take.

You never give.

Well let me tell you something.

I'm gonna cut you off completely.

I'm taking something.

I'm gonna take Annie.

You'll be lucky if you see her once in a month.

- Fuck you!

Oh!

- Come here.

- Let me go!

(pensive music)

You don't owe me!

I'll do whatever I want!

(Jake grunting) (pensive music)

- You're gonna do what you want, huh?

Huh?

You wanna do whatever you want?

(Laura groans)

(Jake speaking faintly)

Yeah.

You little whore.

Local girl makes good.

(eerie music)

(Laura gasps)

(Laura screams)

(Laura sobbing) (eerie music)

- The front discs had very little hydraulic fluid left

and the drums in the back are worn to shit.

Now that probably happened when she was rollin' down hill.

- You see any signs of tampering?

- Well, fluid come out of a tiny hole there in the hose,

but to hell, anything coulda caused that.

- You wouldn't wanna venture a guess?

Just uh, between us?

- Anything coulda caused it.

Faulty hose.

I once had a mouse crawled in

and nawed down an electrical cable.

- A mouse?

- Yeah.

Strange things happen.

You can't tell.

- See the skid starts here and uh,

this is where she just about went off the cliff.

Car ended up clear around the corner.

- She almost bought the farm didn't she?

- That's right.

- What did Dick say?

- He didn't know what happened.

- That figures.

How many miles on the car?

- 12,000.

Normal driving.

Stu, you know about cars.

What do you think?

- It's kinda weird Sam.

Brakes go out on a couple of cars,

they can forget the whole product line.

They usually check 'em out pretty carefully.

- Which means?

- Which means uh,

I don't think they went out without some help.

But you can't prove nothin'.

I'll tell ya one thing.

You ain't gettin' me to testify in court.

(Sam chuckles)

(seagulls squawking) (waves splashing)

- So, what do ya think?

How do I look?

- Oh, ready to bust a jaywalker.

- Scare the hell out of some uppity seagull.

- Yeah (laughs).

Keep your pistol in the gun cabinet.

We only pull 'em out when there's a problem.

- Are you serious?

- [Sam] Yeah.

- Seems a shame to have this kind

of a weapon and not be able to carry it around.

- Ah shit boy, you stand a better chance

of shootin' yourself in the foot

than ever need a weapon around here.

- You got all your keys now Brian?

- Uh, yep.

Well, I guess it's time I go check on the town, huh?

- Yeah, I'll go with ya.

- Okay.

- Take it easy Sam.

- Thank you Sam.

- I hear ya like to fish.

- Who told ya that?

- Sam.

- Yeah.

- [The Stranger] I got you these.

- Oh not you too huh?

- Yeah.

- Oh damn, these are beautiful.

It's about the best present I've gotten.

Did you make these yourself?

- Yeah.

My old man taught me how.

- Yeah?

Tell ya, before I leave town,

I'ma show you some of my favorite fishin' spots.

Might as well show 'em to somebody who will appreciate 'em.

(The Stranger chuckles)

Yeah, Sam goes fishin' with me

but he's not really a fisherman.

He just likes to keep me company.

Good boy.

You'll be all right around here.

That's beautiful, look at that.

(gentle music)

(dog barking) (pensive music)

- It's not unusual for a husband

to have a life insurance policy on his wife.

- For three million dollars?

(pensive music)

- Did Jake tell you about this?

- No.

Sam, what am I gonna do?

- Bring Annie and stay with me.

- Oh!

And one clay we'll come home and some guys

will throw acid in our faces.

(Laura sighs)

That's the kinda guy he is.

He'd do that.

With the lawyers he can buy I'd lose Annie.

I'd never see her again.

(gentle music)

- We'll figure somethin' out.

(gentle music)

(The Stranger panting) (clock ticking)

(eerie music)

(The Stranger panting)

(eerie music) (wind howling)

(The Stranger panting)

- Oh Jesus.

Oh my God.

(The Stranger panting) (clock ticking)

(The Stranger chuckles) (clock ticking)

(birds chirping)

- [Sam] Feels like the currents are startin' to shift.

- [Carl] Yeah, these currents

are gonna carry me down to old Mexico.

(Sam laughs)

- [Sam] You have everything all taken care of?

- Yeah.

- You sure you wanna go?

- I guess.

- Not gonna be the same without ya.

- Well, the kid'll work out.

Just a little green's all.

- Yeah, I suppose.

Just not gonna be the same.

(birds chirping)

- Yeah.

Yeah.

Brian!

- Whoa!

Jesus Christ, Carl.

(Carl laughs)

My God, that's not funny.

- Got a job for ya sleepin' beauty

if you think you can spare the time.

- I think I can handle it.

Wrap these up and put 'em in the freezer in the back.

You can take a couple home with ya if you want.

- You got it.

Thank you.

- [Carl] See the game last night?

- No, I don't have a TV.

- [Carl] Oh.

The damn Giants were four runs behind when I turned it off.

What a bunch of losers.

Every year it's the same.

My money's gonna be on the Mets.

- Jesus Christ.

(pensive music)

- One thing's for sure,

the World Series is gonna be great.

Anything there for me?

- No (chuckles).

- Good afternoon gentlemen.

- [Carl] Hi.

- Hi Carl, I hope I'm not disturbing you.

- [Carl] Oh no, not at all.

- We just stopped by to let you know

that the American Legion is gonna

let us use the hall for your party.

- Oh shucks man.

You didn't have to go to all that trouble

for an old flat foot like me.

- Cut it out.

It's our pleasure.

I mean, what is - Yeah.

- The women's auxiliary for?

It's gonna be a great party.

- Okay.

Fine.

Uh, would any of you ladies like some fresh trout?

Sam and I caught some just this morning.

- [Woman] Sure.

- Okay.

- [Woman] Carl?

- Yeah?

- Why don't you let me cook this up

for you for dinner one night before you go?

- That'd be great.

- I'll talk to ya later (laughs).

See ya Brian.

- Yeah.

- [Woman] Bye Brian.

- Bye.

- [Woman] Nice to meet ya.

- Women, huh?

Hey Brian, you all right?

You look green around the gills.

- No, fine (chuckles).

- Well, you better wrap them fish up

before they start smellin'.

- They already do.

- [Man] Back it up.

Keep comin'.

(skateboard wheels rattling)

- [Boy] Look out Sam!

- Bonsai!

(boys laughing)

Stay outta trouble.

Hey Nell.

- Hi Sam.

- Hey Annie.

How you doin' princess?

- [Annie] Fine.

- [Nell] Annie's staying over

at my place tonight aren't you Annie?

- That's right, so Mom and Dad can have quality time.

(Nell chuckles)

- A little romance is good for a marriage.

- Hm.

- Bye Sam.

(pensive music)

(ice cubes clattering) (pensive music)

(Laura grunting)

(horn honking)

- [Laura] Damn!

(pensive music)

Come on!

(engine rumbling) (pensive music)

(Laura gasps)

Sam!

- Is he dead?

Is he dead?

(pensive music)

Oh!

Okay.

What did you give him?

- Sam!

- What, what?

- I put some Valium in his whisky.

- You're out of your mind.

Completely gone.

You can't do this!

This is murder, first degree murder!

- Then arrest me.

(pensive music)

- Let's get him back in the house.

(seagulls squawking)

- Rise and shine.

(Jake groans)

- My head feels like I got hit by a Mack truck last night.

- Hm.

Can't imagine why.

(Jake groans)

- Must've had too much to drink.

- [Laura] You were very athletic last night.

Don't you remember?

(seagulls squawking)

(crickets chirping) (owl hooting)

(fire crackling) (crickets chirping)

(gentle music)

- You're so beautiful.

(gentle music) (Laura moaning)

(Laura laughs) (Sam laughs)

(Laura sighs) (Sam sighs)

- I love you.

- Love you.

(gentle music) (fire crackling)

Remember the first time we made love?

Was that at my brother's place?

- You don't remember?

-I do.

I just want you to tell me about it.

- It was in your brother's bedroom.

Somebody was playing Steely Dan downstairs (chuckles).

- Hm.

(fire crackling) (crickets chirping)

- You were a young man then.

Hey?

- You better leave.

(fire crackling)

- I know.

(fire crackling) (crickets chirping)

(door latches)

- Laura?

(fire crackling)

(patrons chattering)

- [Waitress] ls something wrong with the food Sam?

- No, I'm just not hungry.

You can take it away.

- So, when are you gonna call me?

- I've been busy.

- I'll just bet you have.

How's it goin' Carl?

- Morning sweetie.

Just a cup of coffee please. - Okay.

- Damn arthritis is killin' me.

(pills rattling)

You wanna talk about it?

- What's that?

- You got that pussy look on your face.

Kinda look a man gets when he's thinkin' with his dick.

- I don't know what you're talkin' about.

- The hell you don't.

(pills rattling)

Oh, thank you honey.

I know I'm never gonna be able

to get through that thick skull of yours.

- It's none of your business.

- Look son, you're about to become Sheriff.

Now you better get your head screwed on straight.

- Hey, if I need your fuckin' advice I'll ask for it.

(birds chirping) (patrons chattering)

- Must be his time of the month.

(Carl chuckles)

- Yeah.

(patrons chattering) (Carl sighs)

(waves splashing)

- I wish he'd just disappear.

- I'm sure there's all kinds of ways he could disappear.

Just yesterday, Carl, Brian

and I were talkin' about goin' huntin'.

We invite Jake along.

He gets between me and a deer, the gun goes off, wham!

He's gone.

- An accident.

- Yeah.

- Or I could take him fishing

and push him off the boat into the water.

- You're worse than I am.

- He'd wash up on the beach like a piece of drift wood.

-Hey.

Now you've gotta promise me

that you won't try that again.

- Try what?

- Try to kill Jake.

- I'm sorry but I can't promise that.

- I love you so much.

Okay.

Now,

say,

Say I was gonna help you.

- Yeah?

- Would you do what I say?

- I think so.

- I'm not gonna lose you.

(gentle music) (waves splashing)

Everything's gonna be okay.

(gentle music) (engine rumbling)

(shots firing)

(glass shattering) (shots firing)

Brian, hold your fire!

What the fuck do you think you're doin'?

Put your gun down.

- Sorry.

I was just doin' a little target practice.

- I thought you told me you didn't have a gun?

- This was my father's.

It's an old war trophy.

I just use it to keep in shape.

- [Sam] Have you got a permit for it?

- No.

- You can apply for one at the station.

Come on.

- [The Stranger] What about my gun?

- Just keep it in a drawer until your permit comes through.

We'll uh, we'll keep this between you and me.

(The Stranger chuckles)

- You got it.

- Now go get your uniform on.

- Okay.

- We got business to do.

- Thanks!

(wind whistling)

(Sam chuckles)

(engine rumbling) (seagulls squawking)

- [Sam] Jake?

- About time you got here.

Look at this.

Look!

$70,000 worth of staking and surveying.

It's all ruined.

- Is anything missing?

- Look in the trailer.

It was like this when I got here.

Here I am trying to create some jobs

for this little town and I mean,

I'm tryin' to do somethin' for these idiots.

Nature rules.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Ecology terrorists.

They wanna give the beach back

to the pelicans instead of the people.

- Didn't waste much time did they?

- [Jake] Sam, what are you gonna do about this?

- Mr. Winslow, it was probably just a bunch of teenagers.

- What the hell would you know?

Listen, what do you think I'd pay

to catch this fellow. - No, we can't watch

everything all the time.

- Well, maybe if you paid a little

more attention to your job instead

of to your other activities,

something like this wouldn't happen.

You guys clean this place up!

- [Man] Okay Mr. Winslow.

(seagulls squawking)

(The Stranger spits)

- Don't you hate guys like Winslow?

Come into a small town like this,

push all the little people around.

- Got a cigarette?

- Yeah, sure.

Might not be used to them though.

Got half a dozen cartons outside of Las Vegas.

Five bucks a carton.

No frills though.

- That's cheap.

- Yeah.

Look, why don't you keep the pack?

- Thanks.

- You're welcome.

(birds chirping) (bell tolling)

(door slams)

(pedestrians chattering)

I wouldn't mind a piece of that action.

I bet she's pretty hot when it counts, huh?

- I don't think she's available.

- Yeah.

I bet that Jake Winslow guy, he's uh,

he's pretty possessive, huh?

(bell tolling) (pedestrians chattering)

- It's a nice cigarette.

Too bad they don't sell 'em around here.

- Yeah.

(seagulls squawking)

- Seems pretty flimsy to me.

A couple of cigarettes, a gun, some pictures?

- I agree.

- I don't know.

- [Sam] Well good, then let's not do it.

- Wait a minute.

Why would anyone believe that Brian would wanna kill Jake?

He just came to town, he's a cop.

- We could make him believe it.

- But he's gonna deny he did it.

- Hey, prisons are filled with people

who denied they did it.

(gentle music) (birds chirping)

Anyway, I don't think Brian who have to do hard time.

Best thing to do is just muddy the waters.

Make the situation unclear.

(gentle music)

This is a small town.

There's always gonna be someone who will suspect it was us.

- How would you feel if Brian was convicted?

An innocent man.

How would you feel about it?

- I don't wanna think about it.

(Sam sighs)

- [Laura] Sam?

- What?

(birds chirping)

- I wanna be the one to do it.

I wanna be the one who kills Jake.

It's my problem.

I'll take care of it.

Okay?

- If that's what you want.

- You've got to quit smoking.

(Sam sighs)

(birds chirping)

(gentle music)

(camera beeping)

- I feel strange.

- We gotta do it.

(camera beeping) (gentle music)

(shutter clicking)

(pensive music)

(waves splashing)

(Sam sighs)

(boat horn blaring) (waves splashing)

(wrapper rustling)

(objects rattling) (seagulls squawking)

(Sam sighs)

(pensive music)

(engine rumbling)

(crickets chirping)

- Anything interesting?

- Not really.

(crickets chirping)

- You know, I wanted to thank you.

I feel really comfortable here now.

I think I came along just at the right time.

(crickets chirping)

(darts thudding)

- Once again, breathe, relax, aim,

stop breathing and squeeze.

Don't anticipate.

Fire.

Okay?

- Okay.

- Do not aim at the head.

Three shots at least in chest.

Aim low.

Don't forget, it's for support.

All right.

Pretend it's Jake.

(shots firing)

(pensive music)

(typewriter keys clacking) (pensive music)

(latch clanging) (pensive music)

(bell tolling) (seagulls squawking)

- [Laura] What's that?

- It's a button I pulled from Brian's jacket.

Put the gun right up here.

You're sure Jake will come here?

- [Laura] I know he will.

- I can wait for him here.

- No.

- You don't have to be involved at all.

- You wait at the party.

- And you're gonna throw the gun in the beach.

- Right.

And and leave the headlights off till the main highway.

(pensive music)

- Okay.

(pensive music)

(waves splashing)

- [Sam] It's your golden moment Carl.

Come on.

- I'm not good at things like this, I--

- Oh, you silver tongued devil.

Come on!

- Come on,

you gotta say somethin'. - No, I can't.

All right.

Roses are red, violets are blue,

I'm off to Mexico and kiss my ass.

(Sam laughs)

- I like it.

No, yeah that's not bad.

- Mm, and I'm ready to meet the ladies.

- So the town's yours Brian.

You know what to do?

- Yeah, don't worry.

- I'll check on you later.

- All right, let's go.

- Have a good night.

- Any luck with the babysitter?

- No, you go ahead.

- I know, why don't we take Annie along with us?

- She's almost asleep Jake.

She's got a fever.

- Are you absolutely certain that you tried everybody?

- It's all right, you go ahead.

- I know someone who's gonna

be very disappointed that you're not there.

Goodnight sweetheart.

- How 'bout this Sam?

There's a lot more people here than I thought.

- Come on, they're not gonna bite ya.

- All right. - There's that beautiful

big fella.

- I look like a-- - Hey, come on.

Get in there.

Go on.

- [Carl] Hey!

He)'-

(all chattering)

- Oh! - Hey.

(all cheering) (all applauding)

(all chattering) (all cheering)

Hey!

(all speaking in foreign language)

(all cheering) (upbeat music)

- Mr. Winslow?

Hi.

- Hi.

- Now you are just the man I'd like to talk to.

Where's Laura?

I haven't seen her, is she here yet?

- Oh, uh she had to stay home tonight.

Annie's got a little touch of fever.

- Oh, I'm sorry.

You know something?

I have known that wife of yours since she was this high.

I can't tell you how much I love that girl.

- Oh, so do I.

(woman laughs)

(engine sputtering)

- Come on!

(engine sputtering)

Oh!

(upbeat music) (all chattering)

Bastard!

(hood slams)

- [Carl] Look how I hate this drink.

- Good luck to you down in Mexico, Carl.

- Thank you.

Glad you could make my party.

- Oh, well thank you.

Listen, I'm sorry, I'm gonna have to leave early.

Annie's not feelin' well and I told Laura I wouldn't stay.

- Oh, I understand.

Look uh, if I don't see you again before I leave

I wanna wish you good luck with your development project.

Personally I think it sucks but what the hell?

It ain't gonna be my business is it?

- All right, you have a good trip.

- All right, take it easy now son.

(upbeat music) (all chattering)

- [Mary Ellen] I think this party is going so well.

I think everybody's having a great time.

(upbeat music) (all chattering)

Say, did you ever find a man (speaking faintly)?

You didn't?

- [Jake] Damn!

(upbeat music) (all chattering)

(Jake scoffs)

(all chattering) (upbeat music)

- All right, who's the next victim?

Great, come on Sam!

(all cheering)

Come on in here.

Come on.

(all chattering)

- I don't know if I'm ready for this.

- All right, countdown!

- [All] Five, four, three, two, one.

Chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug

chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug!

(all cheering)

- Look, I'm sorry we gotta go two outta three.

Two outta three.

Come on Sam.

Drink some beer.

Come on.

I'm gonna give you this chance.

- One more time, that's it.

- [Carl] He'll really make the effort this time.

Okay.

- All right, one more time. - Okay, ready?

Countdown.

- [All] Five, four, three, two, one.

Chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, Chug-

(engine rumbling)

- Anything wrong Mr. Winslow?

- No.

- Can I give you a ride or somethin'?

(Jake sighs)

- Yeah, why not?

- Good.

(engine rumbling) (boat horn blaring)

So where would you like me to drop you Mr. Winslow?

- Out on Lighthouse Road, that'll be fine.

- So what happened to your Mercedes?

- It had a flat tire.

- Been havin' a whole lotta bad luck this week.

- [All] Chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug,

chug, chug, chug, chug, chug!

(all cheering)

- Yeah!

- You cheated.

You cheated.

- No, no, I know how to drink.

- Okay, I'm outta here.

- Oh, don't be chicken shit Sam.

- No way.

- [Carl] Come on.

Come here and sit down.

(engine rumbling)

- By the way, Carl wanted me to tell

you your new construction site,

Sam and I have it included in our new rounds.

- Good.

You really enjoy being a deputy?

- Yeah.

You know, any job that lets you carry

a gun and kick ass can't be all that bad.

(engine rumbling)

(guests cheering) (Carl chattering)

(engine rumbling)

Are you sure there's nothin' I can help you with?

- Don't worry about it.

- Okay.

(engine rumbling) (boat horn blaring)

(guests chattering)

- Sam!

- Hi Marilyn.

- Hey, where are you goin'?

(all chattering)

(boat horn blaring) (waves splashing)

- Anybody here?

(waves splashing)

(lighter clinking)

Who's there?

- Boo.

(Jake laughs)

What the hell are you doin' here?

- I came to warn you about Laura.

You know she and her boyfriend,

they had a little plan to kill you tonight.

- What, are you crazy?

- No, I'm not crazy.

I messed around with her engine a bit.

You don't have to worry about her.

You know the real funny thing?

They were gonna try and pin it on me.

I almost decided to let them.

I mean, it would've been so ironic.

Ironic's the word isn't it?

The only problem is,

I didn't come this far to stand on the sidelines.

- Hey now look uh,

I'm here about a picture and some negatives.

- I don't care about pictures.

- Well, we don't have to make a big deal about this.

I've got plenty of money.

I-- - Shut up!

Nothing you have could bring back my father.

- Who are you?

(The Stranger chuckles)

- I would never give you that satisfaction.

- Who are you?

- I'm the past that just caught up with you.

(shot firing) (Jake sputtering)

Guess this is gonna be a one sided conversation, huh?

(The Stranger chuckles) (Jake sputtering)

Would it help you ought to let you know that Laura and Sam,

they're not gonna get away with this either?

(Jake choking)

I guess not.

Mr. Winslow?

This was just not your lucky clay.

(shots firing) (pensive music)

(The Stranger chuckles)

Nice try.

(pensive music)

(boat horn blaring) (engine rumbling)

- Laura!

Laura!

Oh God.

(boat horn blaring)

(phone ringing)

(Carl groans)

- What?

Yeah?

What's wrong?

Look, don't worry I'll, I'll be right on it.

Yeah, we'll find him.

Okay.

Don't worry Laura.

(receiver thuds)

Jake's been out playin' around again.

(seagulls squawking)

- Talk to the Sheriff then?

(seagulls squawking) (boat horn blaring)

- 30 years, I never saw anything like this.

- Why don't you go down to Mexico and forget about it?

- Nah, it's too late now.

There's Laura.

(boat horn blaring)

(engine rumbling)

Laura?

I'm afraid you're gonna have to go down

to the coroner's office to make a positive identification.

- I understand.

- I'll have Brian run you over.

Look, I'm real sorry.

Come on Sam.

I thought I was gonna slide easy into my golden years.

(seagulls squawking)

- It's him.

- You all right?

You know, I don't think it will take

us long to find out who did this.

- What makes you think that?

- 'Cause there's no such thing as a perfect crime.

Most people, they never think

it through with enough precision.

To commit a perfect murder you need planning, guts and luck.

Sure, a lotta people got a plan,

apparently anybody's to guts.

Practically nobody has luck.

- What are you tryin' to say?

- Did you know Sam was seen leavin' Carl's party

at the same time Jake did?

Let's hope Sam's a lucky man.

(eerie music) (announcer chattering)

After you.

(eerie music)

- Hey Sam.

Look what I found.

- Fresh?

- Yeah.

I don't recognize the brand though.

Let's send 'em to the lab.

What about you?

You find anything here?

- Just a lot of blood.

- Yeah, tell me about it.

(Carl exhales)

Sam, look at that.

- What?

(Carl chuckles)

You think it might be somethin'?

- Odds are it's been here all summer.

- Not this button.

This button came off a winter coat.

- So?

- Well, so it was cold last night.

(Carl chuckles)

Sam?

- Yeah?

- Come here, look what I found.

Right down there (chuckles).

A Luger, a genuine Luger.

- Jeez.

- Know anybody around here that's got a Luger?

- Uh,

Brian.

I told him to keep it under wraps till he got his permit.

- Are you serious?

- Yeah.

- You keep this under your hat, you understand?

(waves splashing) (seagulls squawking)

Brian?

- [Sam] Yeah.

- [Carl] What's he doin' with a Luger?

- It's a terrible thing that happened to your husband.

I remember when my clad died.

Police, they called it a suicide.

But it was really a murder.

You see, there was this man.

This man robbed a lot of people of their life savings.

Left my father there to take the blame.

My father couldn't face all his friends,

so he killed himself.

But you see, it was that other man's fault.

He shouldn't have done somethin'

and then blamed it on someone else.

That's wrong.

Don't you think?

(engine rumbling)

(The Stranger whistling)

(typewriter keys clacking)

- [Boy] Hey, look at that car.

Come on.

- Well, I guess that about does it.

I really appreciate you doin' this Laura.

I know how hard it must've been.

- May I go home now?

- Sure.

Now, if there's anything I can do to help,

you just let me know.

- Thanks Carl.

- All right.

- I'll walk her to her car.

(pensive music)

- It seems to be working.

- You took a big chance.

- You too.

You all right?

- No.

I better walk the rest of the way by myself.

(gentle music)

- [Priest] "In the midst of life we are in death.

"Of whom may we seek for succour but of thee oh Lord?

"Before our sins art justly displeased,

"yet oh Lord God, most holy, oh Lord most mighty,

"oh holy and most merciful savior,

"deliver us not into the bitterest pains of eternal death."

"Thou know us Lord, the secret of our hearts.

"Shut not thy merciful ears to our prayer,

"but spare us Lord, most holy, oh God most mighty.

"In sure and certain hope

"of the resurrection to eternal life.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ we commend

to Almighty God our brother Jacob,

and we commit his body to the ground.

"Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust."

Lord bless him.

(pensive music) (birds chirping)

- [Carl] Sam?

It's Carl.

- I'll be right there.

(birds chirping)

- Hope I'm not interruptin' anything.

- No.

- Want a drink, huh?

- Oh, it's too early in the clay for him.

- How 'bout you?

- Sure.

Yeah, sit down.

- You sure I'm not botherin' you?

- No, no.

I'm just beat.

- Yeah, life's a bother ain't it?

There I was all set to sail off

into the sunset free as a bird.

Now I got this God damn albatross around my neck.

- Oh, you're free to go anytime.

I can call in for some help.

- Yeah.

I got a call from Ben Pena in Ballistics.

He confirmed that Brian's gun was fired.

- You wanna get a warrant?

- Uh, there's a problem.

Turns out Mr. Winslow was killed with a .38.

- I don't get it.

(birds chirping)

Are you sayin' that uh, the Luger wasn't the murder weapon?

- Kinda complicates things doesn't it?

Especially since it was your .38 that did the shootin'.

(birds chirping)

How long have we known each other Sam?

- I don't know.

All my life.

- Where did you go Saturday night after the party?

- I took a walk outside just to clear my head.

I saw Mary Ellen on the way out.

- I know.

- [Sam] You think I did this don't you?

- I'm tryin' not to think anything.

- Well shit Carl I can't believe this!

- Did you do it, Son?

- No.

- I hope that's the truth.

I gotta go.

(birds chirping)

(Sam exhales)

(seagulls squawking)

- Laura!

Laura!

Laura!

What the hell are you trying to pull?

- You shouldn't be here.

- I trusted you!

- And I trusted you.

- Yeah?

How much you gettin' to be Jake's widow?

- What are you talking about?

- Oh, does this make it any clearer, huh?

The new buttons.

Brilliant touch!

And then switchin' the guns!

Fuckin' genius!

- Nobody asked you to kill him.

- I didn't kill him.

I was trying to stop you.

- What are you talking about?

I didn't do it Sam!

I never left the house, the car wouldn't start.

- Tell them to someone who will believe you.

(pensive music) (seagulls squawking)

(Laura sighs)

(gentle music) (seagulls squawking)

(fire crackling) (pensive music)

(The Stranger chuckles)

- [The Stranger] Goodbye Brian.

(The Stranger laughs)

(pensive music)

(door creaking)

- [Carl] Didn't expect to see you here.

- There's no other place to go.

- You're a grown man.

You can make your own decisions.

- Oh shit.

- What the hell you laughin' at?

- Is that it Carl?

Is that the sum total of the advice

you're always trying to give me?

(Sam chuckles)

I mean don't you think it's a little late

in the clay for that now?

- Would you just take it easy?

- No, I'm gonna give you some of my own advice!

A product of Sam Wayburn's experience.

Don't want anything 'cause you're not gonna get it.

(Sam chuckles)

I mean, it's all a bunch of bullshit anyway.

- Oh, Sam that's such dark talk.

- Oh shit Carl!

What world are you livin' in?

You put 30 years in and all you've got

to look forward to is some fuckin' whore

and a handful of margaritas.

- That's about enough of that okay?

- Yeah, how's the case goin', huh?

Have you got enough evidence yet?

Huh?

- Look, I'm workin' on it okay?

- Come on, do it Carl!

Arrest me, come on!

I'm sorry.

(Sam chuckles)

- Sam?

- Yeah?

- Go home, pack and leave.

Take Laura with you if you want.

Hell, you can take my boat for all I care.

Whatever happens to you outside of Saint Alba,

is none of my concern.

I don't even wanna know about it.

(gentle music)

- Okay.

(pensive music)

(birds chirping) (gentle music)

What are you doin'? - Don't say anything.

(gentle music)

- What are you doin'?

- Shh.

(gentle music)

- Carl?

Carl?

Are you all right?

- Just thinkin' what a lousy world this is.

- I'll drink to that.

- I didn't kill Jake.

- Okay, I believe you.

Now you've got to believe me.

I didn't kill him either.

God, I love you.

- It was Brian.

He was the only one.

He had the keys to the gun cabinet,

and the buttons were off of his jacket.

But why?

Why Brian?

(engine rumbling)

(birds chirping) (Mary Ellen humming)

- Well, my momma always said

that the best way to chase your troubles away

is to do a little work in the kitchen.

(Mary Ellen chuckles)

So, I volunteer.

What can I do?

- Well, let's see.

How would you like to make the salad?

- I can do that.

- I'm sure you can.

- What do I do?

- Give it one of these.

(lettuce thuds)

- What do I do then?

- Just crank it right outta there.

- Crank it.

- Ta da.

- You tricky little devil you.

(Mary Ellen chuckles)

- I got a terrific recipe for trout in that book.

- Oh, you don't need a recipe.

Just uh, you know, a little lemon, pepper, fire her up.

- Maybe I should let you do this operation.

- Well, I can do that.

- Do it.

(Mary Ellen chuckles)

- See the telex?

Cop talk.

(Carl sniffing)

That's good. - Still fresh?

- Uh huh. - Okay.

Uh, how about some cayenne pepper on it?

(birds chirping)

Carl?

What do you say?

(Carl gasping) (pensive music)

What do you see?

What is it?

- It's a message from a dead man.

(pensive music) (birds chirping)

(gun loading)

- Hi Sam.

How you doin'?

Throw your gun over here.

Come on.

Now!

You know the law in this town's

got a real poor sense of justice.

It's hopeless enough to make an honest man wanna quit.

- It was you.

- Yeah.

Sure was.

- Why?

- Nothin' big.

Somethin' to do with my old man.

Jake killed him.

- Don't be a fool Brian.

You're not gonna get away with this.

(The Stranger chuckles)

- Sam, you tried to set me up.

You're not gonna get away with that.

Stop!

(The Stranger panting)

Nobody in this town even knows who I am Sam.

All I have to do is leave.

(pensive music)

(shots firing) (The Stranger yells)

We're havin' fun now!

(dramatic music)

Run!

(pensive music) (Sam panting)

(The Stranger yells)

(shots firing)

(Sam panting) (pensive music)

(The Stranger grunting) (pensive music)

(The Stranger chuckling) (birds chirping)

(Sam gasping) (pensive music)

(The Stranger panting) (pensive music)

(crow cawing) (grass rustling)

Shit.

(eerie music) (grass rustling)

Come on Sam!

(grass rustling) (pensive music)

(The Stranger whistling) (birds chirping)

(eerie music) (grass rustling)

Sam!

(eerie music) (The Stranger panting)

(Sam grunts)

(dramatic music) (men grunting)

(shot firing)

(The Stranger groans)

(pensive music) (men grunting)

(The Stranger panting) (Sam panting)

Justice rules.

(shot firing)

(The Stranger panting)

(pensive music)

(gentle music)

(darts thudding)

(birds chirping) (bell tolling)

- You sure?

(seagulls squawking)

One last throw?

(Sam chuckles)

- I'll see you around.

(Carl speaking in foreign language)

(seagulls squawking)

(dart thuds) (Carl sighs)

(gentle music) (seagulls squawking)

- [Sam] You wouldn't have killed him would you?

(gentle music) (seagulls squawking)

(gentle music)