Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: A Very Foul Play (2019) - full transcript

Hello?

Anybody here?

Mother.

Edgar? Are you still here?

Amelia?

Anybody?

Misty, the power's back on.

Are you all right?

Misty! Misty!

Thank you.

We'll have a short

intermission before resuming

with act two of our

murder mystery play.

Do you have your

suspects in mind yet?

And don't forget, we have

a special performance

of the play coming

up in conjunction

with our True Crime

and Mystery Conference.

Get your tickets now because

we are almost sold out.

Thank you so much.

If you were to

meet this young man

you'd think he was a great kid.

Straight A student, about

to start college. Pre-med.

You'd never suspect he could

bludgeon both parents to death,

leave their bodies

lying where they fell

and then use their

credit cards to finance

a trip abroad with

his girlfriend.

That's exactly what

this killer did.

It would be six weeks before

the police found the bodies.

Everyone who knew him,

they were surprised

when this young man was

arrested for the murders,

because he was so,

and I quote "Lovely",

according to a neighbor.

So how could he do it?

Well the psychologist

who examined him

later had an answer.

Narcissistic

personality disorder.

Narcissists are

self-centered individuals

lacking in empathy.

But they're able

to convince others

they're the nicest

people, right?

Exactly.

Even in the midst of

committing unspeakable crimes,

narcissists weave

themselves a fantasy

in which they are such

incredible people,

they're entitled to

anything they want.

And they're entitled to

remove anyone in their way.

So how do we spot a narcissist?

Well, there are nine traits

to help us identify one.

Oh, sorry.

My sister is expecting

her baby any minute now.

And she's on her

way to the hospital.

I have to go.

Sorry, Nick.

Hate to miss your first

talk for us a member.

So interesting.

Text me a picture of the baby.

I will.

Oh, Ro have a great time

at the True Crime and

Mysteries Conference next week.

Oh, you're not going?

Because I just got

some brochures in

the mail if you want.

I can't. New

baby in the family.

Bye.

Bye.

Please go on Professor Miller.

Thanks. Now back

to the nine traits.

"From motive to murder."

What kind of conference is this?

Oh, it's an annual thing

at a resort in the mountains.

For true crime

and mystery buffs.

There are authors, forensic

experts, all kinds of speakers.

Ro said that guy who does

that great true crime podcast

was there last year.

Oh yeah.

And so was the district

attorney who prosecuted

the Green River killer. So cool.

Yeah. My favorite part

is the mystery theater

the first thing.

They kick things off with

a little who done it action

at the theater

next to the resort.

Yeah. Real Murders members

get a big discount on rooms.

You should come Davis.

I wish I could, but I got

a college reunion back east.

Unfortunately I'll have to

miss "Curating true crime

literature for libraries

with Aurora Teagarden."

Wait, what?

Ro is a speaker

of the conference?

Oh boy!

I loved your presentation.

It's almost as if you're

a professional teacher

or something.

Yeah. Well the club members

asked a lot tougher questions

than the usual college freshmen.

Well we know our stuff.

Although that's a new statistic,

about how many murderers

end up getting caught

because they told

someone what they did.

It's gone up.

Narcissism has gone up.

Remember trait number eight,

excessive need for

praise and attention.

Have I told you how

attractive you are

when you speak psychology?

Have I told you how

much I'm looking forward

to getting out of

town next week?

Just you and me

and 200 other true

crime and mystery buffs.

You might've mentioned

you were a speaker

at the conference Ro.

Oh, it was just

finalized last Friday. Why?

"Investigating the

small town homicide

with Lynn Liggett Smith, Chief

of Police Lawrenceton PD."

You don't think

Lynn would back out

just because of Ro would she?

I hope not.

We have two kids

under the age of five.

We need a vacation.

Like we really need a vacation.

Hey there.

Hi.

You about ready

to hit the road.

Yeah.

I'm just getting my visual

aids together for my talk

and then I'm headed

over to get Sally.

Your presentation is about

how you choose

library materials?

It's much more fascinating

than you might think.

And I'm going to be talking

about how the police use grammar

and syntax to analyze writings

and identify suspects in

murder investigations.

Anything you talk about

sounds interesting to me.

Sounds deadly to me.

Deadly?

Lilian that was funny.

Oh, you didn't mean it to be.

So you ready to hold down

the fort for a few days

without Ro here.

Sadly, I won't be here either.

But we'll be leaving the

front desk in capable hands.

Yeah. Lillian's taking a

few days off to meet another

librarian friend she met online.

A male librarian.

If you insist on

gossiping about me,

at least wait till I'm

not standing before you.

Lilian, a romantic rendezvous?

I wouldn't put it

in such course terms.

Where are you meeting him?

His hometown.

But that's all I'll say.

My private life is

exactly that, private.

I think she's more

excited than she lets on.

Here, carry this?

- Sure.

I wish I was riding

up with you guys

but I'll be up right

after my faculty meeting.

Is Phillip going with you?

No, he's going with my mother.

You talked Aida into a true

crime mystery conference.

How'd you do that?

I thought this was a

librarian conference.

You said you were speaking about

curating library materials.

Yes and you said that you

haven't had a decent vacation

in years and you could use

a few days in the mountains.

Yes, surrounded by nice,

you know, quiet librarians

not murder and mayhem.

What is relaxing in that?

Look around this place

Aunt Aida. It's beautiful.

What could be bad

about being here?

You know, we could still

just cancel, you know

I can go home and spend

time with the kids.

Honey, your mother wants

to spend time with the kids.

It's a free room.

It's a nice view.

It's Aurora Teagarden,

every time I turn around.

Oh and there she is before

we even get to the door.

Lynn, who would have

thought we'd be speaking

at the same conference.

Hello Ro, Aida and

Phillip, the latest recruit.

Gee Smith, you

look like how I feel.

Taken hostage.

Oh, come on now we're

all gonna have a good time.

It's gonna be fun.

This really is beautiful.

See, I told you.

Come on, let's go check

into the conference desk.

All right.

We'll see you in a bit.

Yep.

You will never guess who I

just talked to. Robert Brown.

The author.

He wrote that amazing

book on the Lapidus case.

Yes. That book was so good.

His research was stellar.

I'm gonna go tell him.

All right. I'm

gonna go to my room.

Linda. Hi.

Ro. Welcome back.

Thank you for saving me by

agreeing to be a speaker

for that last minute

cancellation we had.

Nice of you to

come to the rescue.

Oh no. I was happy to.

Ro, this is Robert

Brown, our keynote speaker.

Yes. I know. I know.

I was about to

fawn all over you.

The behind the scenes details

in your book were amazing.

Compliments, my trip's

been worth it already.

Sorry to interrupt,

but the printer just

delivered our new signs.

Where should I put this?

Right beside the desk is fine.

Tonight's mystery,

"A Very Foul Play."

We've been running it on the

weekends for a few months now.

Ro, as speakers, you and

Robert will play a part in it.

It's a conference tradition.

Speakers take over from

some of our regular actors.

And I think I see another

of our speakers over there.

Yes. Our chief of

police Lynn Liggett Smith.

This is Linda, she owns the

murder mystery theater next door

and runs the conference.

Nice to see you again Linda.

Detective Smith and Chief.

Thank you so much for being

a part of our conference.

I have just the part for

you in our mystery tonight.

Oh yeah. About that.

Acting is really not my thing.

No, you'll make a

marvelous inspector.

You're already a detective.

The audience

really gets into it.

Trying to guess the murderer.

Yes. Monica can

tell you everything you need

to know about it.

She joined our

regular cast recently.

Can I be in it?

Linda, my cousin Phillip.

I'm like really

into mysteries.

What do you think Monica?

Do we have a part for him?

Well, Joe's always

asking for a night off.

He could take Joe's part.

- Awesome.

But what we really need is

someone to play our matriarch.

Tamra's still sick.

What about you, Aunt Aida?

I mean, you said you

were in plays in college.

Yes. She's been in

several. I have photos.

Oh no, no, no.

That was decades ago

and I have no interest

in being part of

a murder mystery.

Oh, come on Aida.

We hostages need to

stick together. Right?

Then it's settled.

We meet the theater at 3:00

PM for a quick run through

and then head back

for the show at ...

At 5:30.

I'll see you all at the theater.

Oh looks like we

have all the weapons

from the game "Clue."

You think?

All right, you two,

we have to keep going.

Robert, could you put

those candlesticks

by the vase up there?

- Sure.

Ro, when you hear your cue,

you will enter over here.

You don't have to

memorize your lines,

you can hold your script.

And Robert you'll enter through

here with Detective Smith.

There.

And our grandam has

made her entrance.

Ellen Winthrop has

gathered the family

to name who will

inherit her fortune.

This play really revolves

around your character Aida,

So if you could just

project as best you can.

Ah, word gets out that

I'm going to choose an heir.

And for once, no one is late.

Wow.

If I'm going to do it, I

might as well do it right.

Bravo.

You sure I won't hurt you?

No, it's rubber. See?

Harmless.

Although I'll act like you

just gave me a mortal wound

and pop a fake blood pack.

You're good.

Thanks.

Monica. What are you doing?

Brett, what are

you doing here?

Broken up not even a week.

You already have

a new boyfriend.

Yeah. Well

and what if I did?

Then there's something

wrong with you.

Me? You're the stalker here.

I'm here because my dad

made Linda another offer

and she turned it down.

Well, she does that.

Someone needs to tell her

she's going to regret it.

Look, I don't

know who you are.

But I think you should go.

Nobody cares what you think.

Is there a problem?

Mind your own business lady.

Care to repeat that?

No, I'm going.

Okay, I'm going.

Thanks Chief.

Not that I couldn't

handle that guy, but-

Of course.

What is Brett

Stauberg doing here?

Is he harassing

you again Monica?

He said his dad made you

another offer on the theater.

I don't know how you resist.

It must be a lot of money.

I will never sell to

Boyd Stauberg. Never.

Now it's time to rehearse

your entrances. Let's go.

Thanks for defending

me from Brett.

Chivalry isn't dead after all.

Excuse me. I'm looking

for my girlfriend.

Strawberry blonde.

Incredibly cute.

Have you seen her?

Nick, you made it.

Well?

I like it.

What do you think?

I think you're

having fun. Admit it.

Hey Nick.

You two will never guess who

just arrived at the hotel.

Lillian.

What are you doing here?

I'm trying to awaken

from this nightmare.

They didn't mention

this conference when

I booked my room.

Your conference!

So this is the hometown

of your internet friend.

Oh, I would have

left immediately,

but I haven't met Andrew yet.

Perhaps I should text him.

Lillian this is a big resort.

I'm sure you can keep

away from all this.

I'd still be covered in

the tacky film of crime.

I have to go.

Beg your pardon?

Could you tell me

where the lounge is?

I'm supposed to be...

Lillian.

Andrew?

Well, you're even more

compelling in person

than your photo.

This is my coworker, Aurora

Teagarden and her beau Nick.

They're here for the True

Crime and Mystery Conference.

It's quite the event I hear.

Yeah.

You know, they say

the mystery theater

is an amusing place

to bring a date so,

we could go this evening?

Oh, I don't think

Lillian would ever-

I'd love to.

Great. So shall we

enjoy a libation first?

Oh yes.

I think Lillian just

met her soul mate.

Love is grand.

This should be fun.

Yeah, I can't wait

to see Lynn up there.

I intend to give Meryl Streep

a run for her money tonight.

Has anyone seen Monica?

Over there.

- Right.

Hey Brett? Is that your name?

You shouldn't have

come back here.

Phillip, please, I got this.

If he's bothering

you, then you should-

You know she was

just using you earlier

to make me jealous.

Stop.

And you, you don't need

to follow me around okay?

I can take care of myself.

Monica wait-

- Leave me alone.

Drama begins before

the curtain even rises.

Phillip, are you all right?

- Yeah.

Take your places

everyone. It's showtime!

Oh Lillian. Hi.

Come sit with us.

- No thank you.

You wouldn't want all

of us on your date either.

Thank you.

And welcome to the LB

Mystery Theater Company.

My name is Linda Bennett.

I am the writer and

director of tonight's show,

"A Very Foul Play."

Act One sets the scene

for a dastardly crime

based on a true story.

Before the curtain falls,

a body will be discovered

and our mystery launched.

We'll then have an intermission

and you can make your best guess

on who you think

the killer might be.

So pay very close attention

so you don't miss any clues.

Ladies and gentlemen,

"A Very Foul Play".

Stop dawdling Edgar, come in.

You don't want to

miss the chance

to inherit my grandmother's

fortune, do you?

I don't know

why she picked me.

She's eccentric.

You never know.

Misty Fortune.

Of course you're

the first to arrive.

Hello cousin.

Wait. You're the famous

stunt pilot, Amelia Coldheart.

Yes. I've broken more records

than any stunt pilot alive.

Of course there aren't

many left alive.

and you're Edgar Allen

Foil, Aunt Ellen's driver.

I am.

But what I really want to

do is write mystery novels.

You want to be-

You want to be a writer eh?

You should reconsider.

Ridiculous profession.

Uncle Henry, who

is this you're with?

An old friend,

Inspector Shirley Holmes,

private detective.

Now there's a profession.

Ah, word gets out that

I'm going to choose an heir.

And for once no one is late.

That's you.

- Oh, it's me.

Would you pardon

me for just a moment.

I notice a broken

vase on the floor

over there Mrs. Winthrop.

I hope nothing's amiss.

No. Just a clumsy maid.

And where is Lydia, it's

time to serve the wine.

I'll fetch it, Aunt Ellen.

You're all doing such a great

job, especially your mother.

Yes. I think she

missed her calling.

Why is Brett

Stauberg still here?

He's like a bad penny

that keeps turning up.

But you have to

get back out there.

Wine and cheese.

You didn't bring a

knife for the cheese.

I have a knife.

I'd say that's overkill.

That's not supposed

to happen is it, Monica?

Shh, the stage crew

should get the breaker.

Is that supposed to happen?

I don't know.

What's going on?

Everybody stay calm.

No. Something's wrong.

Monica?

That isn't stage blood.

She's dead.

We've had a

breaker flip before

but never during a performance.

I kept thinking one of the crew

would go back there to reset it.

I finally set it up myself.

All right. Thank you.

You do not have to answer

any questions

right now, Phillip.

Oh, that's right. I'm

getting you a lawyer.

Why? I didn't

do anything wrong.

We know that.

But the police here,

they don't know you.

No, I need speak

to them. We all do.

How else will they find out

what happened to Monica?

We already know what happened.

Monica Swanson was stabbed

to death right there.

And you, Phillip Pifer

were seen by over a hundred

witnesses holding the knife

that likely inflicted her wound.

I didn't kill her though.

Detective Reynolds.

Lynn Liggett Smith, Chief

of Police Lawrenceton PD.

I think that I can help here.

I've been told

who you are Chief.

You don't have

jurisdiction here.

I understand that I don't

have any authority here

but I really think I

can be of assistance.

You, come with me.

Phillip don't say anything.

We're getting a lawyer.

Aunt Aida said her line.

I pulled the prop

knife from my pocket

like I was supposed to.

Then the lights went off.

I didn't know what to do

so I whispered to Monica.

"Is this supposed to happen?"

Monica? The girl who

told you to leave her alone

in front of the whole cast

right before the show started.

That's not what

happened. She was-

Go back to what

happened on stage.

I asked her if this

was supposed to happen

and I heard her say, "No."

So you located her in the

dark, by the sound of her voice.

You're making

a big leap there.

You'll get your turn.

I was waiting

in total darkness.

Then someone knocked into my arm

and made me drop the prop knife.

I reached down to find

it. I picked it up.

The lights came on and Monica

was lying there, with blood.

I didn't understand.

Her character wasn't

supposed to die

until the end of the act.

And the knife in my hand,

it wasn't the same one.

It was different.

That's true.

I saw the prop knife in his

hand when the lights went out.

I heard some footsteps

go by me in the dark.

I heard something

fall on the floor.

It's not your turn yet.

Have you talked

to Brett Stauberg?

He was backstage lurking

all day, harassing Monica.

Phillip never even met

this girl until today.

It took them all of 60

seconds to get my name, number

and ask me if I'd seen anything.

Same here.

"We're sending you

back to your room.

wait to be contacted."

These people are not

impressed with my badge.

They won't let me go back.

And Lynn's not

answering her phone.

Ro's not answering

hers either.

Well, should we

wait here for them?

They're pretty adamant about

us all returning to our rooms

and sitting tight until

they get our statements.

I want to find out

what these three know.

Okay.

- Thank you.

I keep thinking it

must be a mistake.

That lovely girl.

I still can't figure

out how it happened.

Well, I'm determined to.

I can think of a

possibility or two.

All right, Brett.

You want to tell me what

you were doing here tonight?

I was waiting for Monica,

like I always did when

she had a performance.

From what I hear you two

were no longer an item.

We broke up and got back

together all the time,

everyone knows that.

And yet, she loudly

told you to get lost

right before she went on stage.

That's just her way

of teaching me a lesson

embarrass me or whatever.

Linda and I saw him

walk towards the back

where the breakers are, just

before the lights went out.

Yeah, I was leaving.

I was halfway to my

car, when I thought "No.

Monica asked me to come so

I'm gonna wait for her."

So I came back in

and that's when I saw her

lying here on the stage.

Everyone crowded around her.

So you're saying Monica

invited you here tonight?

Yes, she texted me. Look!

Brett! Put the phone

back in your pocket.

Who's that?

Boyd Stauberg, the

bane of my existence.

Mr. Stauberg, sir,

I'm gonna need you to

wait outside while we-

Wait while we what Detective?

Grill my son without

his attorney present.

Dad.

I agreed to talk to him.

Someone killed Monica

and I want to help.

You can help by

keeping your mouth shut,

going outside and

getting in my car.

Now hold on.

We're not done here.

We're well past done.

I understand you have

a kid, right here.

Seen standing over the victim,

holding the murder weapon,

yet, he's not in cuffs. Why?

No answer.

Okay. I'll call your

boss and ask him.

Brett, we're going.

Read the kid his

rights. Put him in cuffs.

No, no, no, no.

- You can't do that.

Detective Reynolds, a

word in private first.

I would extend you

that same courtesy

if you were in my jurisdiction.

He's letting us take

Phillip back to his room.

Oh, thank goodness.

But he's assigning an

officer to keep tabs on him.

You went out on a

limb for us. Thank you.

They're telling

us we're free to go.

I'm scared.

And I have a conference

full of guests.

I don't blame you

but we know that Phillip didn't

kill Monica, which means-

The killer is

still on the loose.

Since they asked

you not to leave town

until they get your statement

we can try again,

dinner tomorrow night?

May I call you

and let you know?

I do know that I am

glad to have met you.

You have no idea

how much I hate this.

That they suspect me.

Come on, let's get

you to your room.

It's going to be okay Phillip.

Yeah. We'll

figure it out. Okay.

Goodnight.

- Goodnight.

It was so dark in there.

I could only see dense shadows

but I know that

someone moved past me.

I could hear it. I felt it.

Phillip didn't do it.

No one believes

Phillip did it.

Well the police seem to,

they almost arrested him.

If it wasn't for Lynn...

We can't let them

arrest the wrong person.

We have to make sure they

catch the right person.

Then that's what we'll do.

Aurora!

They just dragged

Phillip out of his room.

They're arresting him.

- What!

Come on, let's go.

Excuse me, Detective Reynolds.

What do you think you're doing?

I'm doing my job.

- Ro.

A job I should

have done last night.

Obviously it's not right

that Phillip was arrested,

but I have to say, I get it.

Yeah. So do I.

After a murder, the police

department feels a lot

of pressure from different

directions to make an arrest.

Yeah. The mayor,

the district attorney.

To not arrest a suspect

seen by that many people

holding the murder weapon

it could be seen as a

dereliction of duty.

No, I don't see how

going after an innocent kid

is helping anything.

It puts the focus

on the wrong person,

gives the guilty person

time to cover his tracks.

I just talked

to Bubba Rankart,

he's arranged for a local

criminal attorney that he knows

to meet us at the

police station.

See ya.

Okay. So they've

officially announced

they've canceled the True

Crime Mystery Conference.

Okay.

- Makes sense.

I'm so sorry.

I was half hoping the

police would make me cancel,

when they actually did.

Yeah, I'm truly sorry, Linda.

I needed the revenue from

this conference to keep going.

Now I'm refunding

registration fees.

It's gonna ruin me financially.

Though I guess that

was inevitable.

The theater's already

having a slow season.

And now with the police

shutting it down completely

for the foreseeable future

I probably will have to

sell to Boyd Stauberg.

Boyd always gets what he wants.

Linda I just. I'm so sorry.

Thank you.

If you'll excuse me, I

need to help these people.

Please let me know if there's

anything that I can to help.

Thank you.

I feel so bad for her.

Well, I'm disappointed too.

Now I won't get

to hear your talk.

Tell me what author wouldn't

love to unravel the mystery

of how to get libraries

to order their books.

Not to mention that I'm sure

you would have been offering

some theories about

last night's murder.

Yeah, well maybe next year.

I'll see you later Robert.

Oh you will.

I should meet my mother

at the police station

to see Phillip.

Oh, I'll go.

I can put on my reporter

hat while I'm there.

See what I can find out.

Okay.

- Good.

'Cause we need to go

see Boyd Stauberg.

Yes. We need to find

out who really did this.

And right now he is an

obstacle, or a suspect.

Here are three, no

four different stories

about Boyd Stauberg and his

strong arm business tactics.

How he used the legal system

to push out a homeowner,

an allegation of bribes

to the zoning board.

When the word ruthless

is in the headline.

Look, I'm sorry, but

there's no way around it.

Brett's got to submit

to an interview.

My son did not

kill Monica Swanson.

Maybe not, but Brett had

a rough history with her.

He was at the scene.

He's got to answer

some questions.

You have someone in custody.

Because you went

crying to the mayor.

Look, I know you're trying

to protect your kid Boyd,

but don't worry I'm

not gonna railroad him

into a false confession.

I mean, frankly, I don't see him

pulling off a crime

that complicated.

Hi, excuse me.

May I help you?

Yes. I'm Sally Allison

from the Lawrenceton Times,

I'd like to talk to

Detective Reynolds please.

Sorry. He's not here.

Do you know when

he'll be back?

No idea.

Do you know if he's going

to have a press briefing

about the murder that

happened last night.

You can sign up for

press briefing alerts.

We send out texts with

details when we have them.

Okay. How often is that?

Once a week usually. I

really have to be going.

Oh okay. But...

Have they tried to talk

you into answering questions

without a lawyer present?

No.

It's like they locked me up,

now they just keep walking

past me like I'm not even here.

It's weird.

I think they know that

Phillip did not kill Monica.

They're just using him

as a sacrificial lamb.

I know who can help.

Ro and the rest of

the Real Murders Club

members who are here.

What?

If you had stayed away from

that group in the first place

you wouldn't be in this mess.

I'm guessing you

don't like that idea.

No I don't.

But I also know my daughter.

We sat at a table on the

right side of the stage

and we got there just

before the show started.

Did you notice anyone

suspicious lurking around,

looking impatient, waiting

for the show to start?

No, no, nothing like that.

The curtain rose and they

were just a few minutes

into the play when

the lights went out.

Everyone seemed to think

it was part of the show.

So you were both

sitting at the table

when the lights went off?

Yes, that's right.

Okay. Before we

start naming suspects

I think we need to talk about

how this murder happened.

We know how it happened.

Monica, knife, theater.

Yes. But was it planned?

Did someone turn the lights off

in order to carry

out the killing?

Or did someone decide

to take advantage

of a circuit breaker

being tripped?

Do we know if the police found

prints on the breaker box?

Oh, Detective Reynolds

isn't saying anything

about what they might have?

No, I think it

had to be planned.

First there's the knife.

Yes Ro, that knife

is a problem all right.

Arthur, take a seat.

You all don't mind if

Lynn joins us do you?

Oh.

Lynn, we're

thrilled to have you.

On a temporary one-time

only basis I'm sure.

Exactly.

Detective Reynolds has

cut us out of the loop.

We're not sure if that means

he's compromised

by local politics.

Oh I think he may be.

We overheard Reynolds

talking to Boyd Stauberg.

and it was clear that Boyd

has influence with the mayor.

And how the investigation

is being conducted.

Well, maybe like, like

Sally said, just this once,

it makes sense for us

all to work together.

Especially since Phillip

was wrongly accused.

We really appreciate

your insights Lynn.

If the local police

are hindered in any way

from solving this crime.

You were

discussing the knife.

Yes. There is no way that

someone could spur of the moment

come up with a real knife

to replace the prop knife.

Let alone know the right

moment to shut down the lights,

commit the crime and

then make the switch

that set up Phillip.

About that switch, if

Phillip had the prop knife,

then got stuck holding

the real knife-

Then where'd

the prop knife go?

Yeah.

Detective Reynolds

is interviewing

everyone who was at

the theater that night

over at the station right now.

They searched everyone

on stage, cast, crew.

They searched the

entire theater.

Brett Stauberg wasn't onstage.

Of course he says he wasn't in

the theater when it happened.

Yeah. But does anybody

actually believe that?

Did the police

question him too?

Here we go, suspect

number one, Brett Stauberg.

Brett has a clear motive.

He's a spurned ex.

And he's seen that

play numerous times.

He would know when

the right moment came.

Although he was genuinely

upset over Monica's death.

He could have been upset

with himself, overdoing it.

Or maybe he's upset because

he figured his father did it.

That's the guy who's at the

top of my list, Boyd Stauberg.

Yeah. Boyd could

have grown tired

trying to talk

Linda into selling.

And we know that the

city already approved

his proposed plans

to turn the theater

into a luxury condo complex.

How do you know that?

Research skills.

Well, it could be that

sabotaging Linda's theater

with the murder of the girl

who just dumped his kid

checked several boxes for him.

But he wasn't at the theater.

The guy's rich.

He could've hired

someone in the cast.

Somebody who already

didn't like Monica-

Okay, stop.

This is excruciating.

The real issue here is that

we know nothing about Monica.

We don't know who

was in her life,

who she got along with, who

she didn't get along with.

Yes. But that would only

be the issue in connection

with the people who are on

the stage, in that theater.

Then every member of that cast

has to be put on

the suspect list.

Oh no, not Robert

Brown I hope.

He's such a good writer.

Yes him and Linda Bennett too.

She was there.

But does that make sense,

for her to sabotage

her own theater?

Lynn's right.

If we knew more about

Monica, then we'd know who

would make sense to add

our list of suspects.

If this was our case-

- Lillian?

What is it?

I think I might have another

name to add to your list.

My friend Andrew, at

the theater last night

he disappeared just before

the lights went out.

And just now when the police

asked him about it, he lied.

Yes, I'm not from the

local police department,

but I'm doing some foot work

and it's come to my

attention that you-

That I lied, when

I gave my statement.

I was afraid I wouldn't

get away with it.

Hmm mm. Care to explain?

After all I've heard

about your Real Murders Club

I guess I shouldn't be

surprised to see you here.

Well, I'm

surprised to see you.

Did you know Monica?

Me? No, but I am a true

crime writer after all.

Don't often get a research

opportunity like this.

Who knows, this case could be

the subject of my next book.

But shouldn't we both feel bad

showing up at Monica's

mother's house.

Where else are we

going to find her friends

and family all in one place.

But now's not the time to

ask them a lot of questions.

I haven't asked any.

I just stand and listen to

what people say about her.

What is Boyd

Stauberg doing here?

The plot thickens.

I'm sorry. Mr. Stauberg

is out at the moment

and I don't expect him

back until this afternoon.

I guess we can come back.

Do you see what I see?

That's

Monica Swanson.

Excuse me. When

was this photo taken?

Oh, that was at our company

retreat almost a year ago now.

The woman in the

photo, Monica Swanson.

Why is she in the picture?

Was she Brett Stauberg's date?

That was before

they were dating.

Monica used to work here.

She was an intern

for Mr. Stauberg.

The photo further down is

after they started dating.

Excuse me.

I've got to talk to Linda.

That's Monica's mother.

I can't hear what he's

saying to her, can you?

What are you doing here?

I told you what

was inappropriate.

I just went back

to the theater.

You did what?

I have to talk to her mom.

Tell her how sorry I am now.

How's that going

to sound, hmm?

Coming from the man she dumped,

the man that many

people think killed her.

Who thinks that?

You?

You said you believed me.

Son, listen to me.

I know you didn't do this.

And if you hadn't gone

back there that night

no one else would

think it either.

Monica asked me to go.

I have to tell her mom that.

Brett.

Wow, did not expect to

hear all that did you?

Robert?

Andrew, you gave me a start.

You told your

friends that I lied

about not leaving the table

that night at the theater.

Well, they're not

really my friends

and I haven't told

the police yet.

I can't tell you how

much I admire you for that.

You do?

Yeah. Well, you're a person

of true moral scruples.

I'm obviously not.

You're not?

No, or I wouldn't have lied.

I was so embarrassed.

I get so nervous sometimes.

And my heart races

and I get lightheaded.

And that night I was just

so bowled over by you.

At the play I thought

I could sneak away,

do my deep breathing

exercises to calm down.

Goodness. Why didn't

you say something?

Why didn't I say something

to the police officer,

it's 'cause, 'cause you

were next to me and I,

Don't know. I didn't want

you to think I'm weak.

But I didn't realize

I'd be putting you

in such a such a moral quandary.

I mean that it would cause

you to think that I'm...

Anyway.

Can you forgive me?

No.

The last time they saw

Linda, she said she was headed

over to the theater to pick

up some files from the office.

Maybe we can catch her there.

Hey, that's Robert Brown.

It's unlocked.

Well then that must mean

Linda is already in there.

Where is he?

Back there?

I'll find the house lights.

Robert.

I have no idea how

that got into my coat.

Ro!

Are you hurt?

No, no I'm fine.

I'm sorry. I was startled.

I'm so sorry.

Linda no! Fingerprints.

The prop knife fell

out of Robert's coat.

I swear on my royalties.

I have no idea

where that came from

or how it got into my coat.

And yet you almost killed

the person who saw it fall

out of your coat.

That was an accident.

I told you I was startled,

first by the noise I heard

when I was grabbing my coat,

then by the sound of the

door opening behind me.

My adrenaline...

I just backed into

the wrong spot.

I don't see why we

shouldn't give him

the benefit of the doubt.

Thank you.

Now I haven't seen

or touched this coat

since before the

show the other night.

I left it in behind

the fly system.

Have you been back in

this theater before today.

No, I was trying

to avoid being here.

I just wanted to get what I

needed for my office and leave.

If the coat was here

since the other night,

it would come up in your crime

scene photos wouldn't it?

All right, what I want to know

is why you came

looking for it now.

I heard the Stauberg boy

say he'd come by the theater.

So I thought if he got in, I

could get it, get the coat.

It's a $1,500 coat.

Back up.

You're saying Brett

Stauberg came by here today.

Yes, that's what

he told his father.

He was here.

It could be, he was the one

who slipped that

knife into my coat.

Coming by here and

actually coming inside

are two different things.

No one was supposed to be

in here, including my staff.

That includes you too Linda.

Brett must've come

inside because the door

to the theater was

open when I arrived.

Well, I don't see how.

Unless well, Monica had a key,

I mean maybe he

got ahold of hers.

Monica Swanson had

a key to this theater?

Yes, several of my regular

cast members had a copy.

So there are keys to this

place floating all over town.

Great.

Let's get this

dusted for prints.

See what we come up with.

In the meantime, you're

not to leave town

until I give you the okay.

I'm not going anywhere.

Detective wait.

I don't know how that prop

knife got in that coat

but I do know that my cousin

Phillip didn't put it there.

Says who?

When would he

have had the chance?

We'll see how the

investigation plays out.

No, you can't

keep holding him.

There are too many

other suspects

and not just Robert, there's

Brett Stauberg, his father.

You must know that

Monica worked for him.

Like I said, we'll

see how it plays out.

Excuse me.

Ro! Ro! Hold on.

We should call Lynn.

Okay.

I have to tell you again how

sorry I am to my clumsiness.

I hope you can forgive me.

I don't trust that guy.

Well, I knew Monica had been

an intern for Boyd Stauberg.

She told me it was a

miserable experience.

Said the only good

thing she got out of it

was meeting Brett.

Of course, that was before

she broke up with him.

Did she say why she

ended things with Brett?

Not really. We

weren't close that way.

But I heard them arguing once.

Brett wanted her to

go out for dinner

with him and his father.

She didn't want to go.

Said she couldn't even be

in the same room as Boyd.

And what do you think of him?

Boyd is not a good person.

Every building he's

put up is there

because he drove

someone out of business,

stole someone's dream

and now he's probably

going to get mine too.

Why hire Monica when

you knew she interned

for someone working so hard

to put you out of business?

You can't blame the rabbit

for wandering into

the wolf's den.

At least she managed to get out,

but I fear that might

be why she was killed.

Stauberg revenge.

Brett or Boyds, I don't know.

Maybe it's all the same.

I really have to

get back to work.

Sorry.

Linda.

- Yes.

How well do you

know Robert Brown?

Very well.

We've been friends

for a long time.

Has he attended

many of your plays.

Yes. He's been to

the theater many times.

Why do you ask?

Because I think he

may have intentionally

just tried to harm Ro.

Hm, why would he do that?

Let's let Linda

get back to work.

I am fine. Really.

I know, that just scared me.

I really did not

want to lose you.

The DA has agreed

to have Reynolds

give us regular updates.

Thank goodness.

And he agrees that the

case against Phillip is weak.

They're going

to release Phillip

into your custody, Chief Smith.

Finally reason prevails.

That means you're

responsible for him

and for anything he might do.

Sure.

He's not going to do anything.

He never even did anything

wrong in the first place.

As part of the agreement

Phillip is not to

leave the hotel

until Detective Reynolds is

satisfied he poses no threat.

Fine. He's not going

to go anywhere, right?

No.

Thank you, Mr. Watson.

Thank you.

Oh, okay.

Yep. You're welcome.

Linda said that Monica

had only worked at the theater

for three months and

she wasn't friends

with anyone else in the

cast, but she was pretty sure

that it was Boyd or

Brett that killed Monica.

Oh, I don't

think it was Brett.

He was heartbroken at

Monica's mother's house.

His father on the other hand.

Is no one else

bothered by the fact

that Robert Brown had that

prop knife in his pocket

and he almost killed

Ro when she saw it.

It was an accident I think.

Well, I'm bothered, but

he didn't even know Monica.

What motive does Robert

Brown have to kill her?

What motive indeed?

Hi. I'm sorry.

I didn't...

I'm gonna go sit down.

Ms. Teagarden.

I'm still feeling awfully bad

about what happened

at the theater.

Yes. Well I'm still standing.

I'm glad, but I'm

very shaken by it all.

I'm completely unnerved being

in the thick of a murder case

rather than a detached observer.

It's difficult not to

get carried away by fear.

Oh, I feel for you.

Thank you.

Maybe all this will shake

me out of my writer's block.

Get me back in the good

graces of my publisher.

Well, that's a noble goal.

Enjoy your meal.

You are not going to chalk

up what happened today

as Robert being clumsy, are you?

Sally can't see his motive

to commit murder, but I can.

Well, you can't believe

that he's doing all this

just to get material

for a new book.

No. But remember my talk.

I can believe he's

a classic narcissist

capable of committing

unspeakable crimes.

Hey, where's Lynn and Arthur.

We need to talk

about next steps.

Well, they went for a

walk to get some fresh air.

Fresh air sounds wonderful.

What do you say Phillip.

Lynn said I can't

leave the hotel,

that I have to stay parked

here so she knows where I am.

Oh, it's a briefing alert.

Police are actually gonna

give a press briefing.

I will call you after.

Yeah. Okay.

Hi Lillian. Bye Lillian.

Bye.

Well she didn't

stop and talk to you.

Do your friends still

think that I'm the one who-

Oh no, I explained it

was a misunderstanding.

Please. Don't worry about it.

Since you're

stuck here Phillip,

why don't you keep an

eye on Robert Brown?

If he comes out of his room,

keep track of where he goes

and who he talks to you.

Nick!

He can't afford to

get any more involved

than he already is.

I don't want to sit

with the word "suspect"

hanging around my neck either.

I need to clear my name.

It's not a bad idea, mother.

There's no risk in Phillip

sitting there with

a book observing.

All right, well then I'm

going to be sitting right here

with my book too.

What are you guys going to do?

I think it's time

we take another trip

to Stauberg Development.

See ya.

At this time, we

are processing various

hairs and fibers

found on or near the victim.

But as the stage was full of

people contaminating the scene

we're not sure where

that will lead us.

Yes.

What about

particular suspects?

No, we're not prepared

to discuss suspects yet.

I'm sorry that's all we have

time for at this moment.

We'll notify you as soon as

we have more information.

Thank you.

But Detective Reynolds.

I have another question.

He didn't tell us anything

we didn't already know.

Yes, sir. I'll let them know.

Mr. Stauberg had to go

down to the warehouse.

If you'd like to make an

appointment for another day.

Well, do we really want

to keep coming back here?

I mean, he's just going to

tell us that he hasn't seen

Monica since she

left the company.

I'm sure the police have

already asked you that,

if Monica has been back since

she left the intern position?

Right, and the police

already know the answer

I'm sure they've asked a

bunch of people around here

the exact same question.

Oh yeah.

They'd compare answers,

make sure no one lied.

I didn't lie.

I told them that she was here

last week, that she always

brings some cookies from

this bakery he likes.

You're not enjoying your book?

Jail was more

interesting than this.

There he is. Robert Brown.

He got some water.

That's it.

Now my battery's almost dead.

I'll have to go get my charger.

Okay. Well I'll man your

post till you get back.

Excuse me, Mr. Stauberg.

We need to talk to you

about Monica Swanson.

I was with her on stage

when she was killed.

I've got business

to attend to,

but you're free to

make an appointment.

No, this can't wait.

Now that we know Monica never

stopped working for you.

Monica's internship

here ended six months ago.

And yet she still showed

up here on a regular basis.

Brought you cookies?

Sounds like someone

kissing up to the boss.

She's dating my son,

wanted me to like her.

And yet she was

working pretty hard

to convince Linda Bennett

that she didn't like you.

I think that you told her to

get a job with the theater

and encourage Linda

to sell to you.

And I think you have a

very vivid imagination.

Oh I do.

I do.

And I imagine that Monica

might've grown tired

of playing double agent,

you know, tired of the whole

Stauberg bag of dirty tricks.

Maybe she was

threatening to tell people

about your business practices.

Maybe the press,

maybe the police.

You people are barking

up the wrong tree.

But be sure to tell

Detective Reynolds that one.

I bet he gets a laugh out of it.

Phew, didn't realize

how much I needed that.

Maybe we should bring the

kids back here sometime.

Yeah, or maybe we could

keep it just for us.

Oh, there you are.

Phillip's missing.

What? What do

you mean missing?

He went to his room

to get his charger

and then just never came back.

And now he's not in his room.

He's not in the restaurant.

He's not in the lobby.

What if the person who's

trying to frame him

for Monica's murder

came looking for him.

Mother. Why is Phillip

texting me not to be mad at him?

Wait, you've heard from him.

He's okay?

He texted her 30 seconds ago.

Yeah. All he said

was "Don't be mad."

Wait, he just texted again.

"I've taken a taxi to meet

Brett Stauberg at his house."

What! He left the hotel.

After I vouched for

him, I gave my word.

All right. Let's just

try and catch up with him

and we'll bring him back okay?

Mother, Nick and I

will stay here with you

and I will try to

get ahold of Phillip.

I'm sure he had a

very good reason.

Oh, he better have

an amazing reason.

Remind me to never

get her mad at me.

Front door's wide open.

That's not good.

Really wish we

had our firearms.

Hello? Phillip?

In here.

Phillip, are you okay?

I checked. He's dead.

It's one of the

candlesticks from the stage.

Phillip, you

need to step away.

Come on.

Detective.

You need to slow down.

Look

Phillip is a witness.

You heard what he said.

Brett Stauberg

invited him here.

Brett slipped a

note under my door.

He said he knew

who killed Monica.

And to meet him here

at this address.

Yes, he left the

hotel, but he had a good reason.

He saw Brett

running out of the house,

then went inside

and found Boyd dead.

Enough.

I am not conducting my interview

with my suspect

in this driveway.

Now you need to leave,

go back to your hotel.

There are security

cameras mounted everywhere.

It's not gonna be hard

to corroborate his story.

If you say one

more word. Just one.

I'll have you in cuffs next

for interfering with

my investigation.

We're not trying to interfere,

we're trying to explain

to you what happened.

It's okay. It's okay.

We understand.

We will be available if

you have any questions.

Look we're going to call

the attorney Phillip.

It's gonna be okay.

So you think Brett

killed his father

and is setting Phillip up

to take the fall again?

We won't know

until Brett is found.

I know the first

thing I need to find:

that note that Brett slipped

under Phillip's door.

I never should have

let him out of my sight.

I knew he was so

determined to help us out.

Well I think he was

making a noble effort.

Noble yes, smart, no.

He never should've gone

to meet a murder suspect

all by himself.

And who do you suppose

taught him moves like that?

Phillip said he left

the note on the desk.

I don't see a note.

Bed's made.

Trash is empty.

Housekeeping must

have just been here.

Excuse me. We need

to talk to you.

We just want to

look in your trash.

Is this the trash

from room 512 in here?

No. You need to ask

the manager first.

This is very important.

Oh, what's this?

No, you're gonna

get me into trouble!

Yeah, but we just have to

find one little piece of paper.

Stop! This is

against the rules.

Aurora!

Oh, I'm sorry.

I did not mean to upset you.

Very, very, very sorry.

So we'll take this note

to Detective Reynolds.

That'll prove that Phillip

was telling the truth.

I'll call the lawyer and

tell him to meet us there.

And hopefully we can convince

Reynolds to treat Phillip

as a witness and not a suspect.

A very unlucky witness.

Oh, we know the police

are looking for Brett.

Oh, Oh, I completely

forgot to tell you.

So I grilled a reporter

at the press briefing

who knew Monica.

He told me that Brett used

to take her to this one

particular Stauberg

Development construction site.

They'd bring wine and food and-

A construction site?

That's an interesting

place for a date.

Apparently it was really

scenic and romantic.

A romantic construction site?

Well it's more like

somewhere he would go to hide.

So how do we find a list of

Stauberg construction sites?

There's probably at

least a dozen of them.

Well, they would've

had to file permits

with the city before

any construction

and the best place to

search the city's database-

The library. I'll go.

I need a quiet place to

work on my story for Macon.

Okay.

- Okay.

Book Browse. Erudit.

Must be nice to have

a big city budget.

May I help you?

Lillian?

Well, I hope he didn't quit our

library and take a job here.

Oh, I'm simply watching

the reference desk for Andrew

while he takes books to a

patient too sick to come in.

Oh, well, if I'm not mistaken

a non-employee behind the

desk is against the rules.

This new romance

of yours Lillian

has turned you into

quite the rebel.

Don't worry. I

won't tell a soul.

I just need to take a look

at the city permit database.

Do you think you

could help me out?

Yes.

Hey Ro.

Hi. Yeah, this is taking

longer than I thought.

It seems that this database

is only searchable

by permit number.

How many have

you found so far?

Five.

Well, what kind of information

does it give for each site?

Well, there's a lot

of technical stuff.

Does it give any kind of

description for the development?

Let me see.

Yes. Yes.

I have an office building, a

shopping mall, wedding venue.

Wait. A wedding venue?

That's romantic and scenic.

Do you remember

the picture we saw

of Monica and Brett at

the Stauberg office.

The one where it looks

like they're standing

in front of some kind of

chapel that's being built.

Yeah. The scenery was gorgeous

and there was a sign

in the background.

It was something terrace.

Woodlands Terrace.

Yes, that's it.

Yeah. I've got it right here.

It was completed

about a month ago.

Okay. Send me that address

as soon as you can, Sally.

You got it.

And there's Phillip

getting out of the taxi.

Just like he said he did.

I think someone intent

on committing murder

isn't going to arrive

in a taxi, do you?

And there's Brett

Stauberg leaving in a hurry.

Oh Phillip, if only you

wouldn't go in the house.

Seems this video along

with the note found

in Phillip's room

corroborates his story.

To the letter.

Yes. And his prints were

not on the candlestick

used to kill the victim.

So you can let him go?

Well, I can't hold him for

the murder of Boyd Stauberg

but that doesn't mean

I should let him go.

Come on.

It's for his own protection.

Look, we got a killer out

there who likes leaving

Phillip behind to

take the blame.

I think we should

look into why that is.

And since I can't trust Phillip

to stay put in the hotel,

I'd like to keep him

here a little longer.

Can we fight that decision?

We can.

But he's hoping you won't.

He'll at least be safe here.

I'll call it a processing delay.

I knew

someone would find me.

Did you call the cops?

Yes, but we were hoping

that you would tell us

what happened to your father.

Karma, I guess.

Did you kill him Brett?

What? No.

He was lying there

dead when I got home.

I thought he'd be at work.

Why did you ask Phillip

of all people to meet you?

He has no idea what

it's like living here.

My dad, everyone's

afraid to go against him.

Monica thought that this

Phillip guy was okay.

Seems dumb now to think

that he would be able

to help me figure out

what to do about...

My dad was so mad at me

for going back to the

theater that night.

I knew that meant that he

was probably the one who-

You believe your

father had Monica killed.

I don't want to believe it.

But he told Monica, he gave

her this big job at the company

if she could get Linda to sell.

And then she started

to like Linda

and suddenly she got all mad

at my dad for pushing her.

That's why she broke up with me.

She lumped me in with him.

I think she threatened my dad.

Like said, she'd go to the cops

if he didn't leave her alone.

And my dad, he doesn't let

that type of stuff slide.

Who do you think he

got to do it Brett?

There was this

guy, an accountant.

He cooked people's books.

He was in prison for awhile.

My dad helped him when he

got out, he gave him money.

He made him respectable

in exchange for favors,

accounting usually,

but sometimes...

Sometimes what?

I don't know.

You'd never suspect this guy.

He, he seemed like

a straight arrow.

He got a new name, a new job.

What's his name?

Now? Andrew something.

He works at-

- At the library.

Your friend's

been here a while.

Oh, I wouldn't

call Sally a friend.

More of an acquaintance.

She's searching for

construction permits

for Stauberg Development.

What would she be doing that?

Oh, probably something to do

with that horrid murder case.

She and her friends

are never happy

unless they're

neck deep in muck.

Andrew you're acting nervous.

Would you mind keeping an eye

on the desk a little longer?

I'm not sure that

I'm comfortable

breaking the rules again.

Andrew's last name

isn't Wakefield.

He was in prison for six years

for various white

collar crimes related

to his former career

as an accountant.

His cellmate once

worked with Boyd Stauberg

and introduced them.

And the police believe

Andrew killed that young woman

for this Boyd person

while I sat at the

table waiting for him.

They believe that his

date with you was a cover

for being at the theater, yes.

It seems he used you again

to cover the reference desk

while he went to kill Boyd.

He was clocked in the

whole time. Perfect alibi.

And the police believe he

committed this other murder?

Well, they're still piecing

together their evidence.

Although his fingerprints

aren't on the murder weapon

and the security

camera at the back

of the Stauberg residence

had been disabled.

But Brett said that's

one of the favors

Andrew would do for Boyd.

He'd arrange for

former prison buddies

to do things like

disable CCTV cameras.

You're telling me I aided

and abetted a cold-blooded

killer, but I just can't

believe that of him.

I can't believe he

would take another life.

I'm so sorry, Lillian.

So it turned out to be

the mild-mannered librarian

no one would have suspected huh?

Not exactly a

riveting character.

Maybe he has an interesting

background to mine.

All checked out.

Oh, and don't be surprised

if the next time you invite

me on a trip I say, no.

Well, since the

conference got canceled

I have to come back next year.

Oh, at least I've time

to talk to you out of it.

We'll see you in Lawrenceton.

Bye guys.

- Drive safe you two.

What are you thinking?

About Lillian. Just

feel so bad for her.

Yeah. It'll take her

some time to trust again.

I don't know.

She's always so sure

of our own opinions

which is why it's bugging me

that she's so certain

Andrew can't be guilty.

Hi Ro, Nick, have

you guys seen Robert?

He was here a

little while ago.

I was packing up my

boxes from the convention

for next year and

I came across this.

It's a manuscript. I'm

sure it belongs to him.

Well, why don't you just

leave it at the front desk?

Good idea.

I should head back to my office.

I've got hundreds of

online orders to process.

It turns out having

a real murder happen

in a mystery theater

is good for sales.

Well never underestimate

the lure of true crime.

Preaching to the choir.

Oh!

Of course. Right when

I'm in such a hurry.

Oh Linda, it's okay.

We're not in a rush.

I will drop this

at the front desk.

You are saving me again.

Look forward to seeing you

at the conference next year.

And I'm guessing we're

going to have a lot

more people attending.

Aurora Teagarden are you

reading a writer's manuscript

without his permission?

Mm hmm.

So what is it?

Is it a draft of

Robert's new book.

I need to get this

to Lynn and Arthur.

And I also need my computer.

I need to do some digging

into Robert Brown's past.

I just want to go on record

that what you're planning

is not a good idea.

Nick, remember what you said

in your talk at Real Murders.

Narcissists who kill have

the need to tell someone

how smart they are.

But it doesn't need to be you.

It could be me.

You know how often my

students confess things to me.

All right, here I

am. Let's hear it.

Aurora received a manuscript

box from Linda Bennett

who said she'd found

it here at the resort.

She assumed it belonged

to Robert Brown.

Robert Brown?

It's the story about

a murder of an actress

who's stabbed to death

in the middle of performing

at a mystery theater.

After the lights

unexpectedly go out,

with a knife that's

picked up by another actor

who ends up getting the blame.

Then a real estate

developer gets bludgeoned

to death in his own home.

So Brown has been writing

about everything

that's been happening.

This is 400 pages long.

There's no way it was written

in the few days

since the murders.

Which means these

killings were planned

for weeks before they

were carried out.

This manuscript is a blueprint

for premeditated murder.

So how does the story end?

It doesn't. It's unfinished.

We found a set of fingerprints

on the candlestick that was

used to kill Boyd Stauberg.

They match the set of prints

that we found the other day.

Let me guess Robert Brown.

So that's it then.

Here's the thing.

I don't think Robert

Brown is guilty.

What?

But I think I know who did

kill Monica and Boyd Stauberg.

I just don't have proof,

which is why I need you

to put a wire on me so I can

get the killer to confess.

Are you sure you

can't see anything?

No. I'd never guess

you wearing a microphone.

I don't see why I can't do this.

Because you're

not a librarian.

You don't speak the language

of books and authors.

I'll be listening

the entire time.

If it all goes south, you

can count on me. Okay?

Hi Aurora.

Linda.

Thank you for meeting with me.

I was happy to. What

can I help you with?

I need to talk

to you, about this.

Okay sure. Come on in.

I didn't think I was going to

see you again until next year.

Well I didn't

feel right leaving

until I knew what to do

with this manuscript.

I've made us

some tea. Let's sit.

Thank you.

I thought you

were gonna leave that

at the front desk for

Robert to pick up.

I was, until I realized

that Robert didn't write it.

Oh, I just assumed.

I found it in the main

ballroom where Robert

had all his materials sent

for his keynote speech.

Did you read it?

The manuscript?

No. I just glanced in the box.

Did you read it?

Well, it was hard not to

after you dropped it

right in front of me.

I felt bad about leaving you

and Nick to pick it all up.

Cream and sugar.

No, thank you.

So, why do you think

it isn't Roberts?

For one it's fiction.

Robert writes

nonfiction, true crime.

Hmm. Well, he did tell me

that he was having a hard time

finding the right case

to write about next.

Terrible case of writer's block.

Maybe he decided to

try a hand at mystery.

How'd you know, it was a

mystery if you didn't read it?

What else would

Robert write about?

She's doing a good job.

You called Robert

a dear friend.

He must have been if he confided

his writing troubles to you.

We go pretty far back.

At least a decade right?

In fact, when you dated.

Oh, I'm a librarian.

I know how to do an image

search through archived files.

And something tells me that

while you may be friends now

your romantic relationship

didn't end well.

Only a bitter breakup would

make you try to pass off

that manuscript as Robert's

and try to frame him for murder.

I don't know what

you're talking about.

If it's not Robert's,

it's someone else's.

Three other writers were going

to speak at the conference.

I'm a librarian.

Do you know how many

times I've helped students

run their assignments

through grammar software?

I can use that same software

to compare grammar and syntax

to match the author of a

paragraph, a page, a book.

And the writer of this is

the same writer as this,

"A Very Foul Play"

by Linda Bennett.

You dropped that manuscript

in front of the

wrong person, Linda.

That wasn't the plan.

I was going to leave

it in Robert's room

so that the maids could find it.

But then you had to

hunt down Brett Stauberg

and he had to point

to the wrong person.

Andrew Wakefield is not the

one I wanted to bring down.

So, I had to accelerate my plan.

I picked the person

most likely to be nosy

and want to read

that manuscript.

I see I've underestimated you.

You've also underestimated me.

We have to get

her out of there.

I'll take the stage entrance.

We'll take the front.

You came in here to confront

me, knowing I used the match

to this candlestick

to kill Boyd Stauberg.

That's how you got

Robert's prints on it.

You had him carry

those candlesticks

up here during rehearsal.

That's right.

You see, I don't let

anyone stand in my way.

Not Monica Swanson

with her hidden agenda.

Always undermining me,

trying to get me to sell.

Not an entitled bully

like Boyd Stauberg

who was trying to rob me of

this theater and my legacy.

And certainly not Robert Brown,

who, the minute

he tasted success,

he just dumped me like

yesterday's garbage.

Not you Aurora Teagarden.

Linda locked it

after they went in.

Luckily I got a key.

You are not

going to undo weeks

of planning and effort and risk.

Ro!

Back here.

I'm wearing a wire Linda, the

police have heard everything.

Then I've got nothing to lose.

Ro!

Up here!

Right there.

I don't have a clean shot.

You need to get up there.

There's nowhere to run.

Ro! Ro! I got her. I got her.

You okay?

There they are!

Oh thank goodness

you're all right.

Oh, what were you thinking?

Wearing a wire to

confront a killer.

You promised you

wouldn't tell my mother.

I didn't.

I told Sally thinking

she could come back here

and help me talk you out of it.

Well, and I told Aida

because you didn't expect

me to worry all by myself.

Well as you can see I'm fine.

Yeah you are.

I wasn't worried.

Well, not that much.

I knew you'd get what

the police needed.

Yeah, she got that and then

some, she was incredible.

I have to say Ro, that

was some helpful work.

Thank you, Lynn.

And I have to say,

you'd make a great member

of the Real Murders Club.

Yes, she would. But she won't.

Oh no.

This out of town adventure

doesn't change

anything back home.

I expect all of you club people

to stay out of police business.

Understood?

- Yep.

Had to tear myself away

from my computer to thank you.

I was told it's your

sharp eye that saved me

from taking the fall for

Linda Bennet's crimes.

Never giving up on

the truth is important.

So is truth and

accuracy in writing.

In fact, I was wondering

if the good detectives here

might have a few minutes to

give me the law enforcement view

of the case, which will be

the subject of my next book.

Oh, sure yeah, we can do that.

Lynn?

Why not?

I wonder what's going

to happen to Andrew.

I'm sure he's in

pretty hot water

over what he did for Boyd.

Oh yeah, the police will

definitely be questioning him

especially after

what Brett said.

At least I can tell Lillian

that Andrew wasn't the

killer when we get home.

That sounds so nice. Can

we all finally go home?

I just have one last thing

I'd really like to do first.

Okay.

Why did you wanna

bring me back here?

Wait, you're not about to-

- Not yet.

But I would like you to

take in the surroundings

just to get used to the idea.

So what do you think?

Oh, I could definitely

get used to the idea.