Lethal Justice (1991) - full transcript

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[ominous music]

[woman]
The Department of Justice

released their unified
crime report today,

which statistically details
crime in the United States.

In the report it indicates

there is some form of crime
committed every two seconds.

A breakdown of category shows

an aggravated assault occurs
every 33 seconds,

a robbery every 55 seconds,

a rape every six minutes,

and a murder every 24 minutes.



In the predawn hours
this morning at Kansas,

the bodies of two
convenient store employees

were found faced down after
being shot point blank

in the back of the head
in what police are referring

to as an execution-type slain.

This was the second set
of murders

reported in the area
and police have found few clues.

Jim Ward,
who found the victims--

[woman 2] Another
convenient store execution

was reported last night,

but in Nebraska,
not Kansas

when the two previous
incidents occurred.

Police have determined
all three crimes are related

with the apparent goal
of robbing the stores



and leaving no witnesses.

Authorities still have
few clues

and no description
of the assailants.

The citizens of Topeka
are in a state of shock--

[woman 3] The mini-mart
killers have struck again,

but this time
in Laker, Colorado,

three hundred miles east
of the last attack

with apparently the same
mode of execution.

Authorities are being guarded

about disclosing
any information,

but believe two to three
individuals are involved

with the assailants striking
in the predawn hours

completely at random.

Citizens of Laker
are outraged at the murder.

[woman 4]
Police still have no leads

on the mini mart killers.

The number of times
they have struck

is now officially up to seven.

Authorities have issued
a bulletin

to all convenient stores
in a six-state radius

to operate using caution

in the late evening
and early morning hours.

Anyone having information

is asked to contact
their local authorities.

[woman 5] Two groups
have issued a report

totaling over 20,000 dollars

to anyone providing
information which leads

to the arrest and conviction
of these criminals.

[crickets chirping]

[music on radio]

Okay. What's the next town?

Edmond.

Edmond.

Uh, could you believe
that last old lady?

People become so possessed
with material things.

Man, that is one huge diamond.

Uh, you know
what they say, Billy.

You take a woman's diamond,

it's like taking
part of their soul.

If you ask me,

I think she liked
this marquise a whole lot more

than she liked that diamond.

Well, maybe so.

But now she doesn't have
to worry about neither one,

does she?

What's that up there?

[Zeke] Looks like some kind
of old cemetery.

[Billy]
Alright! Target practice.

[gunshots]

Was that gunshots?

Oh, probably some farmer
shooting coyotes.

What's wrong with you?

Oh, shoot. There ain't nobody
there going to mind.

That's all we need for a cop
to have heard that.

Hey, chill out, man.

He's right, Billy.
Put your toy away.

We don't want to be making
any evidence

before the game starts.

Damn kids
never put anything back

where they're supposed
to be.

Well, if it weren't
for those damn kids,

this store
wouldn't stay in business.

Nah!

[serious music]

Customers!

[bell]

Do you think you can put
the candy back

in the right boxes?

Huh? Oh, sure, old man.

Yeah, whatever you say.

Can't you people understand
that there's an order

about this store?

And if we all acted like you,
I couldn't find anything.

[music continues]

[woman] Why don't you
just have a seat.

You're going to make
yourself sick

and you know
what the doctor said about that.

Did I hear you say
something to my friend, old man?

I told him to put back
the candy in the right box.

He's a little easy to rye.
He really don't mean nothing!

If you don't like it,
get out of here!

My, my, my!

That's not being
very polite!

You know, old man, the game
of life has its rules,

and you are about to learn
some of them right now.

Get him!

[screaming]

How many 'L's are in alluded?

I mean, is it ah-luded
or al-luded?

I mean, it sounds like
ah-luded,

but that just
doesn't look right.

Why don't you just
say, 'referred to'?

Oh, alright.

How many 'R's are in referred?

-How about I just guess?
-That's good.

You know, you just drive
so I could do most

of the paperwork.

Well, it can wait
until we get back, you know.

Yeah, sure, but we don't get
home until two.

That's okay by me.

Oh, fine for you,
"Mr. Single Guy,"

but I got a wife
and two rug rats, remember?

I know. You won't let
me forget.

Well, now, what is that
supposed to mean?

It just means that every chance
you get,

you're showing me
those blurry pictures of yours.

Alright, alright.
What are you trying to say?

I'm saying that if you don't
want the whole world

to think you got a family
full of aliens,

you should get
some better pictures.

Oh.

You know, you've been driving
for a while,

you want me to take over?

-You know I always drive.
-Always drive!

Hey, what do you say
to a cup of coffee?

Yeah.

[bell]

Hello, can we get
some coffee?

Is anybody here?

[ominous music]

Hold it right there!

Um...

What seems to be
the problem, officer?

For one thing, you didn't pay
for the stuff in your basket.

Uh...

[gunshots]

Drop it!

[bell rings]

There's one in the back!

[ominous music continues]

What the hell
is going on?

The old man and his wife
are dead.

Shot in the back
of the head.

Executed?

Yeah.

Hey, I didn't have nothing
to do with that!

Then I just suppose
you stood by!

Well, so what if I did?
You ain't got nothing on me!

You know, you're right.

That's right!
You can't pin no murders on me!

Just mirandize me
and take me in!

Turn him around.

Well, what do you think?

You dumb hick cops.

Don't you know your job?
Just mirandize me

and take me to the station.

I tell you, you get picked up

by some moron cops
in some hick town,

takes them forever
to figure their job out!

Well, if you weren't so stupid,

I wouldn't have to tell you,
would I?

[phone rings]

I thought you stopped smoking?

I have.

Too bad about Harris.

Do you believe it?

An exclusive interview
with the first person

to be executed in this state
in 24 years,

and the governor calls it off
on the 11th hour

to grant a stay of execution.

Maybe you can use the story
[inaudible]

I was right there
in the front row

of the gas chamber,
for Christ's sake.

It's cost me two day's pay
to bribe the guard,

and then that pansy governor
of ours gets cold feet!

Maybe he thought
he wasn't guilty?

Were you listening?

It was an exclusive.

I mean, how many times
for a chance at that?

Besides, how innocent
could he be?

They found parts
of 14 boys' bodies

beings used as wall insulation.

Oh, by the way,

did you hear that they caught
the mini mart killers?

Just came over the wire.

Has Jim seen this yet?

I don't think so.

Good. I'll give this back
to you later.

Hey, hey! Watch it, will you?

So, Harris got a stay
of execution.

Tough break.

Oh, I bet you're real
broke up about it.

I could've told you
that would've happened.

Why do you think Deerfield
gave you the story and not me?

Think about it.

The mini mart killers.

Two were killed
in the shoot out

and the other one got away.

They killed
the store proprietors

before the police arrived?

Yes, same MO, no witnesses.

I think you better send me out
to get the story.

No, that's Jim's coverage.
We'll send him.

Can't. Jim's going to Florida
on the Janson case,

and, well, Bill...Bill's not due
back until Friday,

and I'm next on the totem pole.

And you owe me one.

Especially after that

"Sheep gives birth
to baby boy" article.

As I remember,
you requested that assignment.

Besides, I gave you
the Harris case, didn't I?

No, you volunteered me
for that assignment

and you knew that the governor
would stay Harris's execution.

I just spoke to Jim.

Come on, give me a shot
at some real news.

Okay.

But try to get the whole story,
not just your opinion this time.

-I always do!
-My ass!

Now, get out of here so you
can make that press conference.

Thanks. You won't regret this.

I already do.

[ominous music]

Yes, Lisa.
Yeah, I'll be alright.

No, you don't have
to do that.

[knocking]

Oh, well I have to go now.
There's someone at the door.

Bye.

Hi, how's it going?

If you're selling something,
I'm not interested.

No, no, no. My car broke down.

I was wondering
if I could use your phone.

Just for a minute, please.

It's parked around the corner.
I think it's my water pump.

Well, I could probably take
a look at it for you.

No, that's okay.
Just your phone, please.

-It's a local call, isn't it?
-Yeah.

You know, I really am
pretty good with cars.

I could tell you for sure
if it's your water pump.

No, just your phone, please.

Thank you.

Did you hear
who won the Dodger game?

No. I used to like
to play sports.

But I never got interested
in watching much.

[TV]

Boy, I don't know what I'd do
without my games.

Nice place you got here
Mr. uh...

Jacobs. Jim Jacobs.

My wife died
a couple of years ago.

Don't you get lonesome?

No, I don't care much
for people.

My granddaughter comes by
every once and a while.

[TV reporter]

Yeah, hello, Bob?

Yeah, listen, my car broke down

and I was wondering
if you could give me a hand.

Yeah, yeah, I think
it's the water pump.

With me now
are Officers Madlock and Evans.

Tell me, did you know
that these

were the mini mart killers
when you came in?

No, I had no [inaudible]

then I noticed the blood
behind the counter.

What you see now is--

Say, what's the cross streets
here?

-What?
-The cross streets.

Twenty-second and Riverside.

Reporting live from city hall,
Fred Bishop.

Thank you.

Twenty-second
and Riverside, Bob.

I'll see you
in about 20 minutes.

Do you have any friends
to come by and keep you company?

No, I'm afraid most of them
have passed away.

[tense music]

[inaudible]

I'm going to do you a favor.

I'm going to let you go visit
some of your old teammates.

And because of the efforts
of fine policemen like these,

and our police chief
who currently is coordinating

all the efforts to capture
the suspect still at large,

our crime rate
is 40 percent lower

than the rest of the country.

Now, I'd like to introduce
Cliff Madlock and Jeff Evans

the officers
that are responsible

for the apprehension.

Could you describe
the chain of events

that led up
to the shooting?

Um, it's exactly like I stated
in my report.

Um...

We entered the store.

I noticed a trail of blood
leading to the back.

We stopped the suspects,
they went for their guns.

We returned fire
and both suspects

sustained mortal wounds.

I then noticed the third suspect
peeking into the back door.

I pursued and lost contact
with him,

that's when I noticed
that the proprietors

had been executed.

In the report, it had stated
that Logan the Blond

had gone for his gun first,

but the police chief had said it
was Bartel, which was it?

Uh, Bartel.

The heavier one I believe
is first.

It was kind of hard to tell.
They both started to draw.

[mayor] Thank you, boys.

That will be all the time
we have.

I hope that all of you are able
to stay around for a while

and enjoy the wonderful
hospitality of Edmond.

Thank you.

Officers! Excuse me, officers?

You did quite a job.

[Cliff] That's what
we're paid for.

Is crime down 40 percent
like the mayor said?

We don't keep track
of the statistics.

We just get out there
and do the best job we can.

Yes, but you must be aware--

My partner's right
and besides,

we're on our way to a meeting,
so if you'll excuse us.

Crime is down 40 percent--

I'm sorry. We don't have
any more time. Thank you.

-I'm sorry.
-Gentlemen!

[slow-paced music]

-Hi.
-Hi.

[chatter]

[boy] Hey, check her out.

[boy] Hey, look at that man,
whoo!

Hey, lady!

You dropped your [inaudible]

Thanks.

That's really nice of you.

Can I give you
a little something?

[inaudible] No problem.

-No problem.
-Thanks.

[chatter]

-Hi, hon.
-Hi.

-Can I get you some coffee?
-Yes, please.

Coming right up.

And a pack of [inaudible]

[man on TV]

-Here you go.
-Thanks.

-Can I ask you a question?
-Sure.

Would this be considered
a better part of town?

Are you kidding?

People around here can't
hardly make ends meet.

You need some more time
to order?

Yes, please.

Thanks.

That's the least I could do.

Hey, Cliff. What are you having?

The same as usual,

chicken fried platter,
extra gravy and a coke.

Coming right up.

Thanks.

So what's up
with you and your partner?

What do you mean?

I mean, everything
being hush hush.

You know, I'm in here
for a little dinner.

That means no discussion
of business.

I was just asking.

You were just looking
for a story.

You know, if you'd like
to sit here and pass some time,

that's fine, but if you're
a reporter and I'm a cop,

I'd assume [inaudible]

Deal?

Okay, deal.

[report] More grisly news
from New York today.

Corroner trial testimony
in the case

of accused mass-murderer
Warren Smith

indicates that the number
of victims

may be more in the neighborhood
of 24,

instead of the original estimate
of 11.

Autopsies of the remains
in the shallow graves

are indicating more than one
dismembered body per grave.

Smith has pleaded guilty
by reason of insanity

as the trial goes
into its second month.

When we come back--

Gruesome.

It's amazing that something
like that can even happen.

People let it happen.

What do you mean?

Well, Smith was arrested
[inaudible] three years ago,

case was dismissed
on account of technicality.

So what are you saying?

[chuckles]

-You married?
-No.

No time for relationships, huh?

How about we don't talk about
my personal life

and I won't talk like
a reporter?

Well, pretty nice weather
we're having, don't you think?

No, I haven't had time to devote
to make one work.

How about you?

I was married once.

-Had a wife and kid.
-Yeah?

They were killed in a car wreck
four years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Pretty peaceful town
you run here.

I don't run it. I'm just a cop.

Where I come from,
everyone's fighting to death

to walk out at night,
especially alone.

Well, Edmond's not any place.

We're kind of a tight
little community here,

we kind of watch out
for one another.

You mean, everyone wants
the same form of justice?

Nelly, I'll be taking my food
over to a booth.

Listen, I'm sorry about that.
I guess it's just in my blood.

No, it's just in your ego.

Great job, Jill. Great job.

Have you decided
what you want, hon?

I'll have a dinner salad
with blue cheese.

Coming right up.

[phone rings]

I'm sorry about that.

Here's my name and my number
where I work.

At least, [inaudible]

I wouldn't hold my breath.

[sleuth music]

Nelly, let me use your phone.

Sure.

There you go.

Yeah, this is Cliff Madlock.
Put me through to dispatch.

[sleuth music]

[music continues]

[ominous music]

[on TV] I guess you're not
going to kill me now, huh?

[tense music]

Police! Everybody freeze!
[inaudible]

Police!

[screams]

[police] Keep your face down!

Come on, get down! Police!

[Cliff] Get everybody
in the living room!

Come on, come on! Get up!

Get up!

[police] Put your hands behind
your back!

Whoa, settle down, buddy.

[Cliff] Alright, bring him here.

Lay him over there.

Get down, get down!
Give me your right hand!

Give me your left hand!

-[thug] Where's your warrant?
-[Cliff] Shut up!

Well, what have we got here?
What's this?

Look at that, Jimmy.

You got a new toy.

Where's your warrant, man?

Right here's your warrant.
Get him up.

If you don't have a warrant,
you can't arrest us,

and none of this shit
can be used as evidence!

What evidence?
I don't see any evidence.

Do you see any evidence, Jimmy?

What are you doing, man?

I'm cleaning off
your kitchen table.

How can you guys eat
with all this mess?

I get it. You guys want to use
this shit yourselves.

You know, only loser use dope.
Do I look like a loser to you?

I'm asking you a question!
Do I look like a loser to you?

No, man. You don't look like
no loser to me.

What do you guys want? A cut
of the action? Is that it?

Jimmy, trade places
with Anthony

and watch him while I look
in the other room.

What's this bandana around
your arm for, man?

You some kind of Crypt
or something?

Yeah, man, I'm a Crypt.

-Where from?
-From LA.

A big bad Crypt from LA.

I'm impressed.

[Cliff] Hey, I just got back
from the store

and got some stuff just for you.

I just had a feeling
that you might be hungry.

What are you doing, man?

You know, they were out of some
of the stuff you liked,

so I had to substitute,
I hope you don't mind.

Let's see here.

What are you doing, man?

Well, I know I'm not
much of a cook but...

-Here you go.
-Hey, I can't eat that--

Yeah, sure you can.

[inaudible]

Huh? Here you go.

Yeah, now, isn't that good?

[coughing violently]

I forgot to give you something
to wash that down with.

Let's see what we got
in here.

Here you go, buddy.

[chokes]

[vomits]

Put him in a cuff.

I think you can finish
the rest by yourself now.

Get him up.

-Get up.
-You right or left handed?

Are you right or left handed?

[yells] Shit!

[inaudible]
with your left hand out.

Come over here.

Yeah, you. Come over here.

Shake.

Shake!

Your buddies don't look too good
here, alright.

I'd make sure
they see a doctor.

Maybe a good one [inaudible]

Come on, guys.
Let's get out of here.

Linda!

Linda, where the hell are you?

In here, Cliff.

I told you I didn't want you
cleaning up my place.

You want my brother to look like
he lives with rats?

-So?
-So?

We have a family image
to protect.

What you need is a wife.

I had one of those once,
remember?

And she was a good one, too.

I can do just fine by myself.

I can tell, nice drool.

I want my pass key back.

No.

-Oh!
-I mean it!

I don't want you cleaning up
around here anymore.

Besides that, what if you walked
in on me and a nice lady?

A nice lady wouldn't come
to a dump like this.

Now get off of me!

Uh, vacuum the carpet,
why don't you?

What am I supposed to do
for underwear?

Turn them inside out.

Oh, by the way,

talk to Jim about getting
on the force.

Why do you insist on Jim
becoming a cop?

'Cause he hates
being a mechanic.

You know he can get shot,
for Christ's sake.

Where is that going to leave you
and little Jim?

With a pension fund,
which we don't have now.

Okay, okay, I'll call him
for lunch,

but I'm not going to promise
you anything.

Don't get carried away!

You're like a damn dog
or something!

Does this mean I've got to get
my underwear tomorrow?

Got any clues where he might be?

Listen, I've been thinking.

Just a coke, thanks.

Oh, sure thing, Cliff.

You know,
I bet he's hiding out

in one of those deserted
buildings downtown.

Oh, you do?

Stands to reason.

Thanks.

What makes you think that?

Those people down there
don't read the newspapers,

they don't even own
a television.

They don't know
what he looks like.

Alright, you might
have a point there.

I know I do.

I've been thinking about going
down there

and checking it out myself.

So what are you going to do
if you did come across

his character?

I'd choke him
and bring him in.

He's got a gun.

I used to be a pretty good
wrestler in high school.

I think I could sneak up
behind him

and get him in a half Nelson.

At least hold him there
until the cops get there.

[inaudible]

The chances are this guy
will blow your brains out

before [inaudible]

It's just a thought.

Linda says you might be able
to get me on the force.

Look, Jim,
you're a bright guy.

Why do you insist
on getting a job

where you might get killed?

Linda's tired of being
married to a grease monkey.

She keeps talking
about pensions.

Suppose you came across a guy

that you know just killed
somebody in cold blood.

I think I can handle it.

Could you?

I know the policy.

You can count on me.

Alright. I'll see
what I can do.

I got a meeting with the mayor.
I got to go.

I thought today
was your day off?

It is, but there's something
they want to talk to me about.

-Take care.
-Okay.

Hello, Mayor.

It's been a while since you
graced us with your presence

down here at the station.

Shut up, Madlock.

Still don't care
for politicians, huh?

Where have you been?

Well, it is my day off.

I just had a visit
from a lady reporter

from Populous magazine.

She claims that our police force
is not abiding by the law.

They saw you leaning
on that drug pusher last night.

I tried to cover up, but...

I'm afraid we're going to have
to change our style

of doing things for a while.

-We want you to do us a favor.
-A favor?

[clears throat]

We don't want
the suspect killed.

-The one that got away?
-That's right.

I'm afraid it might publicly
open up a can of worms.

There's just too many damn
reporters in town.

You know this guy's got
a record as long as my arm.

Madlock, you're not telling us
anything we don't already know.

Thanks. I knew we could
count on you boys

to circulate the message around.

Oh, sure, Mayor.

Say, can we sweep
your office, too?

We just love
doing your dirty work.

Chief, we got a meeting
to go to.

You know god gave you the brains
of a jackass

if you don't know any better
than to backtalk to the mayor!

I need to drive around
the Hawthorn neighborhood

and see if I can't spot
our friend.

-You want to come along?
-No.

I have to testify
on my day off.

A fact you don't seem
to remember conning me into.

-Did I do that?
-Yeah, "Did I do that?"

Hi, I need to see
all your criminal records

involving armed robbery, rape,

murder, and drug seizure
in the last two years.

The last two years?

Well, okay.

-Come this way.
-Great.

[sleuth music]

-Here's some more.
-Thank you.

[sighs]

[tense music]

[whistling]

[chuckles]

[ominous music]

Grandpa, you in there?

[knocking]

Grandpa?

Grandpa?

Grandpa, where are you?

[tense music]

-[groans]
-What are you doing?

My, my!

[whistles]

Oh, boy.

He sure did pass on
some good DNA!

What'd you do to my grandpa?

Oh, I'm afraid his heart
just wasn't in the game anymore.

It gave out on him.

He's quite dead now.

Take off your shoes.

Yeah.

Take off your jacket.

Now the dress.

Mm.

Now, don't worry.

Everything's going
to be alright.

[tense music]

Somebody help me!

Somebody help me!

Somebody stop!

[screaming]
Stop!

Somebody stop!

[tires screech]

Stop! Stop!

Help me! Help me!

He killed my grandpa!

Take it easy, take it easy!
Where? Which house?

Right there!

Second from the left?
Stay here.

Shit!

[ominous music]

[gunshot]

What are you going to do now?

Wait a minute.

You're the one in the store
right? Madlock!

Let the girl go.

Go ahead and shoot.

Even if you do hit me,
I'll kill her!

Give up and I'll take you in.

[laughs]
That's a joke.

You blew away my partner.

He tried to escape!

You save that one
for the papers!

I was there, remember?

He surrendered and you blew
him away!

Julie! Oh!

Oh, god!

I wouldn't if I were you!

-Mommy!
-Shut up!

Give up and I'll take you in.

You'll get me killed!

[laughs]

That's a nice-looking shirt.

I particularly like it
right around the collar.

[mom] Let her go!

Shut up, you!

Alright, here's a game plan.

You drop your gun
and I let her go.

Then you'd blow me away.

I guess so, yeah.
Okay, I'll tell you what.

You go behind the fence
for cover,

as you're running,
you drop down your gun.

Does that sound fair?

Yeah, real fair.

-[mother] Oh, please!
-Well, do it!

[cries]

[tense music]

[gunshots]

[tires screech[

[judge] Jimmy, hand me
Mr. Johnson's file.

Ann, could you take care
of these?

Mr. Clairmont.

Could I see you up here
for a moment, please?

[whispering]

I'm looking through your file
on this case, Mr. Clairmont,

and I fail to find
any new evidence.

Your honor, the case
is cut and dry.

It's just one for the books.

Alright. Let's get on with it.

Hey, beautiful.
What are you doing here?

I didn't think you were allowed
to talk to reporters.

Well, now where did you get
that idea?

Hey, you want to see
a picture of my family?

Oh.

Do you have a picture
that's a little less blurry?

You know, you and Madlock
have a lot in common.

What is that supposed to mean?

Oh, forget it.

Does the defense wish to call
any witnesses to the stand?

Yes, Officer Jeff Evans.

Showtime.

You sure this guy's
on our side?

What are you so nervous about?
Just relax.

That's easy for you to say.

But I lived in this town
long enough to know

that if they say I go to trial,
I won't make it back to my cell.

You're innocent, right?

Then just relax
and let justice prevail.

[sighs]

You were the officer
at the scene

along with your partner,
Officer Madlock?

Yes, sir.

When you arrived at the scene,
what did Mr. Johnson tell you?

That he was being robbed
and that a scuffle ensued.

He turned the gun on the thief
and fired.

Was there any evidence
that this case was not,

as Mr. Johnson pleads,

a case of self-defense?

No, sir.
Not that we could find, um,

in fact, the victim
had a holster for the firearm.

So then there is no evidence
which would indicate

that he acted
in an inappropriate manner?

That's correct,

we could find no evidence
of any wrongdoing

by Mr. Johnson.

He was being robbed
and he took appropriate action.

In fact, he called the ambulance
and the police.

Did he cooperate fully

when he was taken in
and held for questioning?

-Yes, sir.
-Hm.

And you had
no previous knowledge

of Mr. Hartford's connection
with Mr. Johnson?

No, sir.

Thank you. No more questions.

[judge] You may step down now,
Officer Evans.

Are they going to kill
my daddy?

Well, don't be talking
like that.

Your daddy's a good man.

Well, they better not,
'cause he's the only one I got.

[judge] Does the prosecution
wish to call anymore witnesses

to the stand?

No more questions, your honor.

[judge] Alright, I believe
I have enough evidence

to make a decision.

I'm going to look through
the rest of the incident report

and give my opinion
in a few moments.

This case doesn't have a chance
in hell.

So why was it brought up?

Well, the law says
that you got to have a hearing.

You know, I've been going
through some past court cases.

Why is it that this town
has such a low crime rate

but almost never convicts
a criminal?

Well, um...

The police make sure
that justice is served.

What do you mean?

Well, have you walked around
this town, Ms. Weatherby?

Yeah, I've been here
a couple of days now.

Have you seen the old people
out on the streets at night?

You know, people leave
their doors unlocked,

they aren't afraid
of one another

like they are in the big city.

Police, they just take pride
making sure that stays that way.

Even if it means denying
constitutional rights

like at the drug house?

[chuckles]

Well, now, I don't know
anything about that.

But you tell me.

Would you rather
live in a society

where law-abiding citizens
live in fear...

or the criminals do?

Ms. Weatherby, I don't remember
talking to you today.

In fact, I don't even remember
seeing you here.

But you know, for somebody
I don't remember seeing,

you sure look pretty.

Goodbye.

[judge] Quiet, please.

Due to the small amount

of tangible evidence
relating to this case,

and the fact that the connection
between the defendant

and the victim
is purely circumstantial.

I hereby fine this case
unsuitable to go to trial.

[clapping]

Court is adjourned.

[child] Daddy.

-[groans]
-Oh, a little bit tight?

Depends on how much pain
you want me to be in.

There we go.

You know, three more inches,
Madlock, and, uh,

you'd have another chamber
in your heart.

How do you know
he has one?

No one's been able
to find it yet.

Doc, this is my sister.

Brought your shirt.

Uh, you know, your brother
will never grow up.

He's still playing
cops and robbers.

From what I hear, he likes
to play doctor a lot, too.

So this is what you want
your husband involved in?

He's not stupid enough to step
in front of a bullet.

Besides, he only wants
to be a ticket giver.

That's not what he told
me at lunch.

He's just trying to feed you
some macho bullshit

to swirl your head.

Well, the bedside manner,

you two leave something
to be desired.

Oh, just what I needed.

Sorry about your shoulder.

You're not half as sorry
as I am.

So are you going
to introduce me?

I believe it's Jill.
My sister, Linda.

She works for some magazine.

Populous magazine.

Oh.

Well, now that I've found out
for the rest of the family

that you're still alive,
I think I'll go shopping.

I'm glad you can drop by
and cheer me up.

Don't mention it.

Nice meeting you.

You can put your shirt on now.

-Let me help you.
-I can get it.

Have you got something
against me?

Yeah, you're a reporter.

Why are you so scared to talk
to a reporter?

What do you think I'm going
to do, slander your name?

Lady, I've never heard
of a national reporter

that's got anything good to say.

They're always looking
for something bad.

That's a rotten attitude!

Well, as my Aunt Martha
used to say,

if something ain't broke,
don't fix it.

What's that supposed to mean?

[woman] Dr. Rollin,
please call the operator.

Dr. Rollin, please
call the operator.

[glass shatters]

[ominous music]

[chuckles]

[whistling]

Do you think that works?

Yeah, that's how we feel
about it.

-Yes.
-Great, thank you.

Excuse me, excuse me.
I'm from Populous magazine.

I'd like to ask you
a couple of questions.

I buy that magazine
at the store all the time.

Do you think
it's really possible

for a sheep to give birth
to a human baby?

Oh, I don't really know.
I'm in the crime edition.

Oh, you don't say?

Now, what I'd like to ask you

is do you feel safe
in your town?

-Why of course.
-Yes, yes, of course we do.

Why do you feel that way?

Well, because this is a town
of justice.

Oh, what my husband means
is that our police and courts...

[ominous music]

...and lower crime rate.

Mm-hm, criminals
in the meaner element,

they know to stay
out of our town.

Uh, they don't come in.

Well, what do you think
of the mini-mart killers?

Well, two of them
got what they deserve,

and I hope they get
that other one.

Thank you both very much.

Oh, don't mention it.

Could you please
show me your driver's license?

Is anything wrong?

Could you please
step out of the car?

I'm a reporter
for the Populous magazine.

I'm here reporting
on the mini-mart killers.

That was a couple
of days ago.

Yeah, I'm doing a follow-up
for my magazine.

Step aside.

I don't follow.

And why? Your town has such
a good statistic of crime.

You both must be aware that...

have one of the lowest
in the country.

Is this your license?

Of course it is.
It's me on the picture.

This is a picture of a lady
with dark hair.

Yes, I mean, I had darker hair.
Have I done something wrong?

Can I see your car registration?

Stay here a moment,
Ms. Weatherby.

Sorry, [inaudible]

I'd like to know
what's going on.

We have to double check
all strangers in town.

There's a killer is at large.

Do I look like the killer type?

I don't know, do you?

No.

Good night.

[engine starts]

[ominous music]

So what did you find out?

She's just doing a little
innocent reporting.

That's all we can tell.

So what do you want us to do?

Just your normal [inaudible]

Mistake.

[ominous music]

Okay, Madlock.

You're about to get
your last chance at bat.

Well, come on in. We'll only
stay for a little while.

It's already dark, what if
he's got somebody in there?

Then I'd definitely
want to go in.

No wonder your brother thinks
you're a pain in the ss.

[hushes]

Surprise!

[Zeke]
Strike three, sport.

[gunshots]

[screaming]

Why? Why?

-Who's he?
-My husband!

Gee, that's too bad.
Who are you?

Linda!

Oh, so you're the one
in the picture.

-Yeah, you're Madlock's sister.
-Yes!

Well, the score's going
to be tied

setting us into extra innings.

[man on recorder]
That's my judgement.

I was reading the other day

that it takes
death penalty cases

eight years to get a decision
in the state supreme court.

[Jill] But you're not
suggesting that

the death penalty
is a deterrent?

[man] Oh, how would we know?

No one's been executed
in this state in 26 years.

And with the death penalty,

we know that that particular
individual

wouldn't be able
to kill again.

[phone rings]

Hello?

-Is this Jill Weatherby?
-Yes, it is.

-Populous magazine?
-Yes, who is this?

This is the guy
that everybody's looking for.

Look, I'm not into games.
Tell me who you are

and what you want.

Not into games, huh?

Jesus, isn't there anybody
into sports around here?

Look, I'm the killer and I want
you to help me.

The mini-mart killer?

Hey, you're pretty bright.
Now, shut up and listen.

The cops gunned down
my partners.

They didn't have a chance.

-In cold blood?
-Yeah, that's right.

You can't get a fair deal
in this town.

If I turn myself in,
I'm a dead man.

I want you to help me
get to Jackson.

Why should I trust you?

Because I need you.

You're going to make me
a famous player.

You are going to get
an exclusive interview

with the famous
mini-mart killer.

Why don't you give yourself up
publicly?

Because they'll kill me
in jail before I go to trial.

Alright. I'll interview you.

And then we use the interview
as leverage to get you

to another town, deal?

Maybe. Look, I'll call you
back, okay?

-When?
-When I feel like it.

Oh, by the way,

if I find out that you've
been talking to the coppers,

you're going to acquire
a nice little slit

across your pretty
little throat.

Okay? Do you got that?

[dial tone]

[phone rings]

-Hello?
-Jill Weatherby, please.

Boss, you're not going
to believe what just happened.

I know I can't believe you're
still in that hick town.

Listen, you know the killer
that escaped?

He just got through calling me

and he wants me
to do an interview.

-Are you nuts?
-Dead serious!

He's going to give me
an exclusive interview.

Why you?

I don't know and I don't care
as long as I get it!

You're in way over your head.
I think I better send Jim down.

If you do, you'll read about it
in another magazine.

Alright, alright.
Just be careful.

-I always am.
-My ass.

Bye, boss.

[serious music]

[Zeke] ...you're going
to acquire a nice little slit

across your pretty
little throat.

Okay? Do you got that?

[inaudible]

Cliff! Cliff!

I want the policy enforced.

I haven't the authority
to do that.

The hell you don't.

I can understand how you feel,
I feel the same way.

Then change it.

There's too much pressure.

This is national news,

if mean, if we slip up,
everything we worked for

could go down the drain.

You know, I'm tired of you guys
sending policy

that we cops in the street
have to dish out.

Madlock, that girl reporter
from that magazine

is asking a lot
of pointy questions.

-This doesn't concern you.
-I'm sorry.

The mayor and I have already
discussed this.

You two are going to have
to split up

-until after the inquiry.
-What?

Hey, I guess we're going to get
traffic duty, too, right?

That's right, however,
we suggest that you,

because of what happened
to your sister,

take some sick leave,
maybe a couple of weeks off.

"Suggest?"

Take it more as an order.

-You've got to be kidding.
-I wish I was.

This whole thing
has gotten out of hand.

The only thing out of hand here

is yours
and the mayor's thinking.

I know you've gone through
a lot, Madlock,

but don't push me!

I wouldn't think of it.

Report to Sergeant Wilcox.
He has your orders.

You got something to say?

Well, if it isn't cub reporter.

I am really sorry
about your sister.

Can I come in?

I really don't feel like
being interviewed right now.

I'm not interviewing,
I just want to talk.

Alright, if that's the case,
come on in.

I doubt we'll make
good conversation.

I heard you were taken
off duty.

Well, word sure travels fast.

It just happened two hours ago.

Well, I don't think
it's right of them.

Oh, can I quote you on that?

You know, I'm not a reporter
twenty four hours a day.

Well, excuse me, I guess
I haven't been very nice to you.

Not terribly nice now.

Well, I guess that comes
from being an asshole.

I don't think you're an asshole.

Well, maybe you ought to call
some of my ex-girlfriends

and let them tell you about it.

Would you like a coke
or a beer or something?

Coke would be great.

Coke. Coke we got.

Is this a picture
of your wife?

Which one? On the table?

Yes.

-Yep.
-Pretty lady.

Your son
was a good-looking boy, too.

Yeah, my sister was
a beautiful person, too.

Look, Ms. Weatherby,

you didn't come all the way
over here to ask me

about my tragedies,
now what the hell do you want?

I did come over here to give you
my sympathies about your sister.

Well, I won't lie, I need
your opinion about something.

What?

If the mini-mart killer turned
himself in,

would he go to trial?

You're asking the wrong guy
for that, B.

No. I want to know
what you think.

Why? Why are you so curious
about it?

-It's a viable option, isn't it?
-No.

Not with him it's not.
He'd never do it.

How do you know?

Well, do you have information
on the contrary?

No.

Then what the hell did you
come over here for?

My sister was just killed
by this guy

and you want my opinion?

-I'm just curious.
-Oh, you're curious?

You know, you're the type that
would put a camera on some guy

who's just lost his son
in a drowning.

Or a woman who's just lost
her baby in a fire?

Get out of here.

Get out of here
you bloodsucker.

-Get out.
-I didn't mean--

Get out!

I really am sorry
about your sister.

I bet.

[train horn]

[phone rings]

-Hello?
-Hi.

Did you miss me?

Who is this?

You know damn well
who this is?

This is the guy that's going
to make you famous.

I wouldn't be so sure of that.

Have you thought
about my preposition?

Yes?

And after a little research,

I don't think you would
get a trail.

I told you the game's
in this town were rigged!

Okay, here's the game plan.

At midnight, I want you to meet
me in the back alley

behind Jim's Deli

on fifth street.

Jim's Deli on fifth.

How will I know
how to approach you?

You won't, I'll find you.

After I've made sure
you're not trying to set me up.

So will I do
the interview there?

When we're on the road.

Wait a minute,
that wasn't the deal.

Hey, deal's change.

No way.

Look, do you want the story,
yes or no?

Come on! Come on!
I haven't got all day.

Okay, I'll be there.

By the way,
if you try to screw me over,

just remember
your pretty little throat.

You got it?

[ominous music]

[sleuth music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[Zeke]
How's it going, Madlock?

Give me the gun.

Now, walk towards the girl.

What are you doing here?

I think the question is more
like what are you doing here?

It's not nice for teammates
to put each other down

in the middle of a game.

You two have both given me
a chance to hit

a grand slam home
out of this town!

I see you got a shave
and that shirt looks familiar.

I figured it was time
for a new uniform.

You, get over on the other side.
Come on! Let's go!

And you, you're driving.

Let him get in first.

Alright. I want you to drive
south towards Jackson.

Come on!

When we reach
the roadblock, Madlock,

you say nothing to nobody
unless spoken to.

If they ask us any questions,

the broad and I are reporters.

Anything, anything goes wrong,
and I start shooting

and ask questions later.

Do you understand?

-Are you going to kill us?
-No.

You're going to make me famous,
don't you remember?

What about Madlock?

If he behaves like
a nice little boy,

maybe I won't hurt him.

And just remember,
I'm back here.

[serious music]

[chatter]

Oh, hey, beautiful!

Partner! What are you doing
with her?

I got to take
these two reporters

to the airport in Jackson.

[Jeff] Oh, good golly.
It's a little late, isn't it?

We got to meet some friends
on the redeye from Chicago.

Oh, okay. Go ahead.

That is just fine.

Now, at the next
big intersection,

I want you to make a right.

That's highway 45.

I thought we were going
to Jackson.

Well, there's been a slight
change of plan.

We're going to Coopersville.

They got a great little
ballpark there.

Can I have a smoke?

No. Don't you know
that this stuff can kill you?

Great, I'm having
a nicotine fit here.

I'm with him, no smoking.

Who's side are you on?

[laughs]

Okay, the ballpark should be
coming up soon.

It's just on the outskirts
of town.

When you see it,
I want you to pull in.

Get out of the car
and put your hands on the roof.

Stay over there.

[gunshot]

Let's go.

I thought you were going
to give yourself up.

Winners never give up, do they?

Is that what you call
yourself now, a winner?

My, my, my!

-I thought you're on my side?
-I was never on your side.

I just wanted you to have
a fair trial.

Lady, you just wanted the story.

You wanted the byline
of Jill Weatherby

splashed across the nation
as the broad that got the scoop.

Yeah, well, what happened
to our deal?

You should know better
than to trust a player

on the opposing team.

Let's go. Get in.

Let's go, Madlock.
Move it!

Give me the keys. Move.

Over there.

You know, it's too bad we really
didn't get to know each other.

We could've become
good friends.

When I make my move, run.
He'll follow me.

[gunshot]

Move it.

There's a ramp up ahead.

-Go to your right.
-[Jill] To the right?

What do we got here,
an echo?

Move.

For a small town, this ain't
a bad little ballpark.

We like it.

I bet you do.

Why'd you bring us
up here for?

Oh, I figured they wouldn't
smell you

until the next home game.

Does that mean you're going
to kill us in cold blood?

No, no, no, I'm a sporting guy,
I'm going to give you guys

a chance like you
didn't give me.

Stay right there.

Go for it.

That's not much
of a choice.

Oh, it's the only choice
you've got.

[tense music]

[gunshot]

Oh, shit!

[tense music]

[gunshot]

[door squeaks]

[door squeaks open]

[yells]

Bitch, Madlock!

You're a dead man!

Oh, what do we got here?
Some field lights.

[tense music]

Yoo-hoo!

Oh, Madlock!

I'm not going to kill you quick.

I'm going to make you suffer!

You're going to beg me
to kill you!

What's the matter, Madlock?

The door's locked?

Come on out!

[gunshots]

Come on out and play!

There's no sense
in hiding, Madlock!

Come on out and take it
like a man!

Come on!

'Atta boy. Come on!

You know, I was getting to be
a little bit worried.

But I'm glad we're going
to be able to finish the game.

Drop the gun or I'll shoot!

My, my, my!
Look who we got here!

You're supposed to report
the news, not make it!

Stay right there!

So you want to be a player?

Well, go ahead, shoot.

Stay back, I mean it!

Come on! Come on!

You're in the big leagues!

You got to take a chance
so shoot!

I'll shoot! I swear
to god, I'll shoot!

I'm still here!

[laughs]

You didn't think I'd give you
a loaded gun, did you?

I could've gotten shot!

How can you be such a slime?

Oh, I find it makes life
very interesting.

Come on! Come on up
to the batter's box.

It's the final of the night!

I'm afraid our little game
is going to have to end.

[serious music]

Don't you just love sports?

It's the bottom of the 90.

Dodgers leading four to three.

Runner's on second
and third.

Hershiser barrels in!

Checks in with the catcher.

Checks the runner
over at third.

[spits]

Into his wind-up...

And the pitch.

[tense music]

[gunshot]

How'd you know?

Partner, you always drive,
remember?

Yeah.

[serious music]

I guess this means
that you're the winner.

With you, nobody wins.

Madlock!

[gunshots]

It's over.

Is he dead?

I'd say so.

Damn! There goes my exclusive!

What?

You just killed
the biggest story of my life!

Did I miss something here?

I thought we were trying
to kill the bad guy

a few minutes ago?

Look,

I won't blow the cover
of your town

if you will agree that we
were working in conjunction

to apprehend the killer.

What are you trying to say?

You see, that way,
I get my story

and your town remains
the same and...

Well, you'd become
a great big hero,

what do you say?

-Give me the keys.
-Not a chance.

Remember the mini-mart?

And the drug house
can all be forgotten.

You don't have much
of a choice. Give me the keys.

I'm supposed to trust you?

Yeah, this time you can.

Hey, lady.

Where do you get your morals?

The same place
every good reporter does.

[reporter] In the pre-dawn
hours this morning,

the last
of the mini-mart killers

met his demise
in a shootout

at Coopersville Ball Park
outside of West Bend, Missouri.

This, after alluding police
for nearly a week

in the community
of Edmond, Missouri.

Jill Weatherby, a reporter
for Populous Magazine,

worked closely in conjunction
with the local police department

in what was considered
a dangerously bold attempt

to lure the killer from hiding.

Although details of the
actual plan were guarded,

the mayor's office
issued a statement

applauding the efforts
of Cliff Madlock and Jeff Evans

as the officers at the scene.

Zeke Avery, the killer,

who's ironically,
an ex-minor league ball player,

who is on parole after serving
time on sentences

including rape, assault,
and armed robbery.

[ending music]