Dead Over Heels: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery (2017) - full transcript

Lillian, you're working late.

I can't work tomorrow.

I have to take
my sister shopping.

Oh, that sounds fun.

Maybe to you.
I find it frivolous.

OK then.

Have a good night.

Miss Teagarden.

Oh, Captain Burns,
you startled me.

I need to talk
to your boyfriend.

Any idea where I can find him?



Oh, he's out of town,
on business.

Well, tell Mr Martin Bartell
to come find me

as soon as he comes back.

My house, not the station.

Well, I can give you
his phone number.

No phone calls.

They can be traced.

Is everything all right?

Do yourself a favour
and stay out of this one.

Tell me his name again.

Tim Prentiss. He moved here a little
while ago to work for Martin.

Martin knows him from the CIA.
He's very nice.

"Nice" is how my great
aunt describes men

she wants to fix me up with.



Handsome. And it's not a set-up.

It's just, it's dinner.

Mother and John will be there.
Martin, too.

It'll be fun.

Then why do you look so worried?

No, I'm not worried.

I'm just frustrated
that I can't...

fix this leak myself.

Tell me again why you
didn't call a plumber.

Because I should be able to deal

with simple household
repairs myself.

You know, I had
the strangest conversation

with Captain Burns last night.

Chief of Police Captain Burns,
the one who hates you?

I can't stop thinking about it.

I mean, it wasn't a threat exactly,

but it felt like it.

That plane is flying awfully low.

What in the world?

Oh, my gosh!

What was that? Was that a body?
I think so. What?!

It's Captain Burns!

I can't believe this happened.

Poor Captain Burns.

So, you were outside
when the body dropped?

Yeah, fixing the faucet.

We were right there.

What kind of a plane was it?

Crop duster?

Uh... well, I'm not sure.

It was a single engine.

It was, uh, it was white
with a blue stripe.

It was right there, exactly.

We were fixing the faucet.

Because we can.

Can you take her
up to see medics?

I think she's in shock.

Hey, I'm so sorry.

I know that you worked with him.

You must... feel awful.

Uh, do you remember the
last time you saw him?

Last night. He came to the
library looking for Martin.

OK. Well, that's it for now.

I'll, uh, maybe need you
and Sally at the station later.

How does this always
happen to you?

Trust me, this never happens to me.

You know, most people
go their entire lives

without ever seeing a murder.

So it was definitely a murder?

Because I think I saw a stab wound.

Do me a favour.

Stay out of this one.

Are you OK?

I just keep seeing that plane,

and Captain Burns, and...

It's all so sad.

Maybe you should go home.

No, no, no, I'm fine, I'm fine.

You need help cleaning up.
It's all...

Oh.

OK, well, I'll be fine.

OK.

Aurora?

There you are! Martin!

That was nice.

I came straight
from the airport.

You could have been killed.

I don't think so.

Whoever was flying
didn't want to hurt us.

They wanted us to see.

What?

You are the only person I know

that could have
a near-death experience

and IMMEDIATELY
start solving the crime.

Well, why else would you drop
a body in somebody's yard?

While they were there.

Well, I suppose we should cancel
dinner with your mother...

Oh, my gosh.

Dinner!

Aurora?

Aurora...

I still think you
could have cancelled.

I tried to convince her.

I mean, it's positively
ghoulish having a dinner party

in the middle of a crime scene.

And pizza?

Mother, it is not
a crime scene, it's my home,

and I still need to eat.

And I thought it would be
good for Sally to have company

after what happened today.

I can't believe
you're not more upset.

Well, I am upset. You're
the one that always says

good friends and family
are the best medicine.

You do say that.

As long as Roe isn't going
to play matchmaker, I'm fine.

Matchmaker?

Oh, you little sneak.

Martin's friend moved to
town a few months ago.

Roe, tell me you didn't.

I'm just trying
to help him get settled.

I already told her
I wasn't interested.

Knock-knock.

I hope you don't mind. The door
was open, so I let myself in.

Aurora doesn't seem to care

that she could have
been badly hurt.

She just wants
to solve the mystery.

I care about getting hurt.

Well, good for you, Sally,
that is a sign of health.

We just lost a respected
member of our community.

It's a tragedy,
it's not a mystery.

I know it's terrible,

but this isn't just any mystery.

Captain Burns gave me
a strange message

and then shows up
dead in my yard.

What message?

He warned me to stay out of it.

He wanted to talk to Martin.

Don't look at me,
I barely knew the man.

Captain Burns quite reasonably
objected to the fact

that Aurora interferes
in police work.

I prefer to think of myself
as helping.

Aurora runs a club
that meets once a month.

"The Real Murders Club."

We solve historical murders.

And solved the last four
homicides in Lawrenceton,

thanks to Aurora.

Which probably explains

why Captain Burns
didn't want to talk to me.

But not why he
ended up in my yard.

Maybe it's a dare.

Someone who knows your talents

is challenging you
to solve this crime.

Well, that's a dare
I forbid you to take.

Thank you, Aida.

You're great.

Your ideas, they're great.

They're, um... You should
come to our next meeting.

I'd love to.

That was very sneaky of you,

setting up Tim and Sally like that.

I wasn't sneaking.

I told Sally she'd like him,
and she did.

Little meddler.

Hey, mind grabbing me my jacket?
I'm going to head out.

I suppose they should
be thanking you.

Oh, hey, listen,
I got you a present.

Why don't... Why don't
we save it for... a happier day?

Sure.

Excuse me.

As your Mayor,

it is my sad duty to announce

that Captain Frederick Burns,

20-year chief of the
Lawrenceton Police Department,

died yesterday
of an apparent homicide.

Lieutenant Liggett-Smith
will serve as acting chief

until I make a new appointment.

I believe the job
of acting chief

goes to the senior
homicide detective.

Detective Lambert just
came back to the department.

He spent some time
with the Seattle PD.

That's right, and before that,

I worked here for 20 years,

which makes me senior officer.

Actually, it doesn't.

Check the manual.

Article four, paragraph three.

Excuse me.

Detective Smith?

Detective Smith,
you got a minute?

Not really. It's about
the Burns murder.

I was thinking you
might need someone

to take over the investigation.

Why does that not surprise me?

I'm just wondering who you're
looking at, for suspects.

I appreciate your enthusiasm.

If I need help, I'll ask.

Are you sure about this?

Her husband's body
fell in your bushes.

It might not be appropriate.

Bess Burns volunteers
at the library.

She's Lillian's sister,

and my friend.

She must be devastated.

We're here to support her.

But not to investigate.

Right? Because your mother said.

That would be inappropriate.

Lillian.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Do you really think
you should be here,

given your role
in what happened?

I thought your sister
might like some pie.

People are so kind.

They've been stopping by all day.

Bess, how are you?

Fred was in a
dangerous line of work.

I always knew it might
take him one day.

Still, it...

It must have been
a terrible shock.

Was it a shock for you?

That's enough.

The doctor said
you need to rest.

Seems my sister
has lost her manners.

Well, we wouldn't
want to tire you out.

Oh, um...

Devastated?

People don't always show it.

Hi. Welcome.

There are some chairs up front
if you haven't found a seat.

I am so happy to see
so many new faces.

Come on in.

This is the Real Murders Club,

and I am Aurora Teagarden.

Tonight's topic is
Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome,

famous couples who have
a passion for killing...

I think we should talk about
what happened to Captain Burns.

Excellent suggestion.

Uh, unfortunately, that's
not our topic tonight.

He was murdered.

But it's still an
open investigation.

Why do you think we all came?

There could be a
killer on the loose.

I know everyone's
concerned, Larry,

and we feel terrible about
what happened to Captain Burns.

But we don't want to interfere.

People are talking already. How
is talking here any different?

We can't pretend
it's not happening.

Why don't we take a vote?

Everybody in favour of sticking
with our original topic,

Bonnie and Clyde?

Sorry I'm late.

It's OK, I'd say you
got here just in time.

OK, well, if we're going to do this,

let's be systematic.

What are the most important
elements to any crime?

Motive and opportunity.

So, what do we do first? Generate
a list of possible suspects.

I heard the police
doesn't have any suspects.

I heard he was working a case on the
down low, keeping it hushed up.

That's what my parole
officer told me.

The detectives weren't happy.

What about his wife?

His wife?

When I went to see Bess Burns this
morning,

she seemed almost cheerful,

and her sister rushed me out,

as if she was trying
to hide something.

Well, people do have
unexpected reactions to grief.

May I offer an observation?

Yes.

This is Tim Prentiss.

He used to work for the CIA.

Hi.

Listen, so far,
this is all speculation.

We need to start with facts.

We don't have any facts.

On the contrary, we have
two facts about the killer,

don't we, Aurora?

Well, we know they can fly.

And they were strong enough
to push a body out of a plane.

Exactly.

Thanks, man, you really elevated
the conversation. Thanks.

I completely agree. I'm glad
I could help. So am I.

I was afraid it was
turning into a witch hunt.

Well, people are scared.

Sounds like he was
important to the community.

But Bess Burns couldn't
have done it. She's too small.

All I said was, be careful about
building a case out of hunches.

I've actually seen tiny women
commit terrible crimes.

Actually, so have I.

Hello?

Hello?

Hey, Roe.

Hey, are you at work?

Uh, no, but I will be as soon
as I'm done getting my coffee.

What do you need? Well,
I need you to ask your editor

to put you on the
Captain Burns story. Why?

Because last night,
I saw a picture of Bess Burns

standing next to the plane
that flew over the house.

We have to figure out
if she knows how to fly.

Wow, is that such a good idea?

I mean, that's why
I'm calling you.

I could ask Lillian
but, after yesterday,

I figured she wouldn't be much help.

But remember what
Tim said at dinner?

About how he thinks the killer
might be trying to bait you?

I don't want to see you
get in any trouble.

No, I am not in trouble.
I'm at the library,

about to have
a friendly conversation

with my not-so-friendly
supervisor...

Hey.

I've got to call you back.

Lillian?

Lillian!

Lillian...

How's Lillian?

She's stable, but she
hasn't woken up yet.

Does she normally carry a purse?

Yeah, it's a black leather one.

Huh. Well, we couldn't find it.

I'm pretty sure it was a robbery.

I don't think so.

I think she knew something,

and that's why she was attacked.
OK, please don't start.

I went to see Bess Burns yesterday,
and Lillian was very jittery.

Well, her sister's
husband was just murdered.

Yeah, doesn't that seem strange?

I mean, a man is murdered
and, two days later,

his sister-in-law is attacked.

I just told you,
her purse is missing.

It's too much of a coincidence.

No, I'm writing it
up as a robbery.

Lieutenant Smith? Yeah.

We found it out in the dumpster.

I just don't see how this
could have been a robbery.

Well, maybe somebody wanted
to make it look like a robbery.

You think it was connected to Burns?

That's what Aurora thinks.

Please tell me you have not been
discussing this case with her.

No.

This isn't a robbery.

The woman was related
to Captain Burns.

It must be connected.
I'm sorry, can I help you?

Did you know that Captain Burns was
looking for Martin Bartell

the night before he died?
I'm aware.

Are you also aware that Bartell's
dating Aurora Teagarden?

Martin Bartell is not a
person of interest in this case.

Well, I'm interested.

He used to work for the CIA.

They're trained killers,

and people who don't get
along with his girlfriend

are dropping like flies. Let me
remind you, Detective Lambert,

that you are not
assigned to this case,

and I am acting chief
in this department,

which gives me authority
to make personnel decisions.

Sorry to interrupt.

Uh, it's the baby-sitter.

She says your daughter
climbed out of her crib.

That's ridiculous, she can't
climb out of her crib.

Should I...
say you're busy?

Uh, I'll... I'll take it.

She can climb out of her crib.

What did you say?

Nothing. I'll get it.

There you go.

They're due in two weeks.

Is Lillian Tibbett
the identity you use

when you're not Aurora
Teagarden, Super Sleuth?

You scared me.

Yeah, maybe because
you were engaged

in some surreptitious behaviour.

Can I help you with something?

Uh, well, I wanted to come

and get your friend
Sally's phone number.

But at the moment,
I'm more interested in this.

Is there always a
police officer here?

Lillian was attacked
this morning.

Who is this mysterious Lillian?

She's Bess Burns' sister.

Ah.

Which is why you were
going through her e-mail.

I think Lillian may know
who killed Captain Burns.

And I'm afraid it might be Bess.

Careful, sounds like you're
building your case out of hunches.

No, I'm following leads, actually.

Lillian sent Bess
an e-mail last night,

telling her to call her at work.

She said it was urgent,

and then Lillian shows up
at work this morning,

and she was attacked.

And that's not a hunch,
that's a fact.

What happened? I just heard
that Lillian was attacked?

Is she OK? Are you OK?

Hi.

Hi.

I'm meeting Martin for lunch.

Why don't you two join us,
and I'll explain everything.

Oh, I can't believe it.

Bess Burns is so sweet,

and she's a pillar
of the community.

You have to admit,
it's a perfect cover.

Well, we need to find
out if Bess has an alibi.

Or if she knows
how to fly a plane.

I think WE should leave it alone.

Well, it's too late for that.

My editor already
assigned me the story.

I've already
started my research.

No, I'm serious.

You can't get involved in this.

Is that an order?

Someone dropped a body,

from a plane,

into your back yard.

And two days later tried to
kill a woman you work with.

Because she knows
something about the murder.

Or maybe it's because
she's close to you.

I don't think
Aurora's in danger.

If anything,
I think it's a test.

Well, whoever this is,
they're dangerous.

Lillian just regained
consciousness.

Oh, that's great.

She's refusing to make a
statement, until she sees you.

Me? She was pretty adamant.

Putting you, as usual,

in the middle of my case.

Well, I guess I don't
have a choice then.

Did Lillian say why
she wants to see me?

Did she say anything
about what happened?

She has a pretty bad concussion.

Do you think she knows
something about Captain Burns?

Inappropriate.

Right.

Brace yourself.

She's not making much sense.

Aurora!

Oh, thank goodness,
you're alive!

Oh, I was so worried.

What would I do if
something happened to you?

I'd be all alone.

No, no, Lillian,
you wouldn't be alone.

You have a sister,

and a cat.

Oh...

You're in terrible danger.

Why?

I don't know.

But I feel it.

Lillian, do you remember anything
that happened this morning?

Yes.

My alarm clock.

Oh, I was having the most
beautiful dream. I had wings.

Do you ever dream you can fly?

Uh, Lillian, I think
she meant after the dream,

at the library.

Oh, no, I didn't go to the library.

I came straight here,
to the hotel.

Look at you,

my poor baby.

Can you imagine this happening?

We're like those people who get
struck by lightning twice.

I made your favourite.

Jumble nut.

She's not a 100%.

I'll give you some privacy.

Thank you.

Liggett-Smith.

Aurora?

I'm so glad I ran into you.

I meant to ask you yesterday,

is your mother still in real estate?

She is. She's such
a lovely woman.

I'm wondering if you
could have her call me.

I'd like her to sell the house.

Your house?

It's just too painful,
I can't stay there any more.

Thank you. OK, I'd better...

Aurora Teagarden.

Detective Lambert, Lawrenceton PD.

I just wanted to follow up

on what happened
to Captain Burns.

Oh, of course.

I heard he was trying
to find your boyfriend,

Martin Bartell,

the night before he died.

Any idea why?

No.

You know, I'm thinking

that it relates to a case that
Captain Burns was working on.

Didn't Bartell
spend time in the CIA?

Martin was in Chicago,
on business.

He flew back after
Captain Burns was killed.

That's a tidy alibi.

Martin didn't know Captain Burns.

You know, I like the way
that you stand up for him.

I heard you gave a talk about that.

Bonnie and Clyde.

It was cancelled.

You used the meeting to plant
suspicions about Bess Burns.

Two points.

You're building your
case out of hunches,

and I don't like threats.

Poor Lillian.

Imagine being mugged
in a library.

I saw Bess Burns today,

when I was visiting
Lillian in the hospital.

She wants you to sell her house.

Of course. The house she's
lived in for 20 years,

with Captain Burns.

It's a charming place.

I bet it still has
the original woodwork.

Mother, he died two days ago.

The woman is obviously
grief-stricken.

I mean, that house is going
to be a constant reminder.

She doesn't seem grief-stricken.

Bess and Captain Burns have
been dating since high school.

I mean, they obviously
adored each other.

Maybe Bess didn't adore him.

Are the police treating
her as a suspect?

I don't think they have
a suspect. Not yet.

Except for maybe Martin. Martin?

Well, Burns went looking for him
the night before he died, remember?

Well, that's hardly a case.

It may be all they have.

Which is why I'm
exploring other options.

Well, if that's all they have,
I'm worried about our police force.

Martin Bartell is the most
principled person I know.

I found a ring box
in his pocket.

I think he might propose.

Well, I'm not surprised.

I mean, the two of you
have been dating

for over a year now.

I don't know.

I like dating.

Marriage isn't a trap, Aurora.

When two people love each other,
it can actually be a gift.

I sense you've been waiting
to share that advice.

You're an independent woman,

your parents are divorced.

I'm not surprised
you have reservations.

You won't marry John.

We are talking about
you right now, not me.

Actually, I was talking
about Bess Burns.

Fine.

I suspect your impression
of that poor woman

is being tainted by your
fear of commitment.

Just take a lot of pictures.

You know, when you visit the house.

Absolutely not.

Well, you always take pictures.

Well, not for such purposes.

I'm a real estate agent,

I'm not a spy!

Hey, you about ready to go home?

Pete Lambert is out of control.

Did you know that he interrogated
Aurora at the hospital?

About I About Martin.

I thought Martin was in Chicago.

He was in Chicago.

Pete is totally fixated.

He says former CIA agents can
still change flight manifests.

Plus, they're trained killers.

Wait, didn't he get fired?

Ah, he and Burns
were golf buddies.

I think Burns
arranged a transfer.

So why is he back?

Look, don't let him get to you.

He's just trying to make
a name for himself. Yeah, for who?

The mayor, probably. She appoints
the next permanent chief.

You don't actually think the mayor
would make Pete Lambert

chief of police?

You hesitated.
I didn't, I didn't hesitate.

You actually thought about it,
like it could be a possible option.

No. I... Look, let's just... get
your stuff,

and go home for the night. OK?

OK, Bess didn't do it.

She and Lillian were in
Seattle all day long, shopping.

Maybe she had Lillian lie for her.

Next time, can we
do this in a diner?

Because this feels
too much like a spy movie.

Can Bess fly?

Yes, as a matter of fact.

Burns bought her lessons for their
anniversary two years ago.

I knew it.

There's no way that she could
move a body that size.

Martin. Martin.

What are you two doing out here?

Just... talking.

But it's cold and dark.

We must have lost track of time.

Well, this is lucky.

I was just walking through the park,
and I saw your car...

Hey, why don't we call Tim,

and see if he wants
to grab dinner?

Yes, that's... We can't.

Remember? We... have
that work thing.

Right. The work... The...
We have a thing.

Yeah. I'm so sorry.

We should definitely do it,
just another time.

OK.

Well, then, um...

Have fun at your, uh, thing.

OK.

Bye-Bye! Bye!

What thing?

We have to find out if
Bess Burns could move a body.

Of course we do.

Perry works at the gym?

Well, Martin said he just
started two weeks ago.

Hey. I need this back
by the end of my shift.

You can just leave it
by the dumpster.

I don't want to get in
trouble with my boss.

How much does this weigh? 75 pounds.

Oh, we're going to need
something heavier.

Take no prisoners, am I right?

The airport manager
is 100 years old.

Plus, he has a hearing problem.
He'll never know I'm here.

OK. If this is so easy,
why didn't we tell Martin?

Because he would have
tried to stop us.

You heard him at the cafe.
He doesn't want me involved.

Maybe he has a point.

Look, all you have to do
is keep the manager talking.

I'm writing an article
on this case.

I have to remain impartial.
You are impartial.

You collect facts.

I test them.

Shouldn't sneak up like that.

So, they both flew?

Every Sunday.

Pair of lovebirds.

And what about last Sunday?
Did you see them?

Well, Sundays, I sleep in.

Captain Burns had keys.

He'd sign himself in
and take the plane.

Figured I could trust
him with that much.

So, who brought the plane back?

It was there when I came to work.

I figured he did. I mean,
that's what usually happened.

Do you have surveillance cameras?

Why would I want that?

For surveillance.

Detective Lambert,
Lawrenceton PD.

I'd like to check the hangar.
I'd like to ask a few questions.

Who are you?

She said she's a reporter.

Yes, would you, um, describe
this investigation as stalled?

There's a leadership vacuum.
Mm-hmm.

And do you have any suspects?

What did you say your name was?

Sally Allison.

You were there.

At the Burns murder.

Well... Told me
she was a reporter.

I am a reporter.

And I have all the
information that I came for.

So, thank you very much, gentlemen.

I hope you have a nice night.

Excuse me.

Bye! Bye.

Was that Pete Lambert?
Keep your head down!

Why is he here?

Well, because he's police,

and maybe because he's
investigating a crime scene.

OK, I got the punching
bag in the plane.

Bess could have definitely done it.

OK.

I h, no! I'm already
nervous enough as it is. Oh...

Is this a good time to tell you that
I left the bag in the plane?

I was in a hurry to get out.

We could go back and get it now.

Hi. Oh, hi.

How was your thing?

My... I Your, uh, your
work thing, with Sally?

Oh. Um...

It...

Is everything OK?

Fine.

Martin, did you stop by
my house earlier?

No. Why?

Because somebody did.

And they left me flowers.

Hi.

Hi. You're up early.

What are you doin'? We're
installing a security system.

Only if you want it.

Can I talk to you, in private?

You really should
have asked me first.

I thought you'd be happy.

No. I don't want
a security system.

It would just sit there, blinking,

making me nervous.

Aurora, somebody
broke into your house.

Neither of us found
any signs of forced entry.

I may have forgotten
to lock the door.

But they came inside.
And left flowers.

But we can monitor it,
right from work...

No, no, I don't want
to be monitored.

It makes me feel
like a prisoner.

I'd rather have a dog.

Dogs can be distracted.

Then I'd rather have a cat.

Should I keep going, or...?

No.

But thank you.

No cats, please.

I'm allergic.

OK, grab the ladder...

I hope I'm not interrupting you.

Oh, not at all.

...this place is lovely.

Just the way I remembered it.

Well, I'm ready to let it go.

Oh, too painful, huh?

Yeah, I thought so.

But when I woke up, I realised,

I'm not tied down any more.

I can do whatever
I want with my life.

Do you mind if I take
a few photos?

Oh, by all means.

Detective Lambert has been...

interfering with the
Burns investigation.

He's been intimidating witnesses,

building his own case.

I normally wouldn't say anything,
but I just thought you should know.

He and Captain Burns used
to be golf buddies,

and I don't know, he might
just he's above the rules.

How is the investigation going?

Fine.

Great. Very great.

We are actually really
close to closing the case.

I'm glad to hear it.

Madam Mayor.

Sorry I'm late.

Are we still on for the
driving range? Absolutely.

Perfect.

I don't see how this will help.

I was so nervous, I took
pictures of everything.

Admit it, you found it thrilling.

I felt awful,

just like I did when
I stole penny candy.

You stole candy?

I was four,

and I confessed.

We need to call a meeting.

OK, let's get started.

I can't be part of this.

You're invading this
poor woman's privacy.

So I'm going to go
down to the office.

Good idea. I'll see you after the
meeting, for dinner. OK.

So I found the same
kind of flowers in my house.

I called all the local florists.

None of them made deliveries,

and none of them
had peonies in stock.

And this is the card
that came with the flowers.

You think Bess left them?

Creepy. OK, but Bess
didn't kill Captain Burns.

The police have security footage
of her and Lillian shopping.

Bess may have had help.

Well, who's that?

Detective Lambert.

He's been working
on the Burns case.

He's trying to make
Martin a suspect.

Martin?

He doesn't have any evidence,
so I couldn't figure out why.

Until I saw this.

They look cosy. And
what's the best way

to avoid being
caught for a murder?

Pin the crime on somebody else.

You think Detective Lambert
killed Captain Burns?

So he could be with Bess?

Maybe Bess and
Lillian went shopping

so that Detective Lambert could
push Burns out of the plane.

Sweet.

You're drawing a lot of
conclusions from one photograph.

It's a theory. I mean,
we need more information,

but, Sally, you
can interview Bess,

and I'll see what I can dig
up on Detective Lambert.

I think we should talk
to the police.

Detective Lambert is the police.

We can't go to the police
without proof.

OK, but whoever did this

attacked two people
and broke into your house.

They're not going to like
us asking questions.

We can be discreet. You're
writing a story for the paper,

and I'm a librarian.

I always do research.

Martin tried to set up
a security system.

Aurora told him
she'd rather have a cat.

That's a great choice.

What? Cute but dangerous.

Thanks.

Hey, I'm, uh,
I'm sorry about the bag.

I hope I didn't
get you in trouble.

Oh, no, it worked great. Right by
the dumpster, like we said.

Did you go back?

No.

Thanks for fixing the faucet.

Yeah, it seemed like somebody had
tampered with it. I know.

I wish you'd told me,
especially since

you won't let me install
a security system.

I worry about you.
I know you do. Thank you.

Oh, don't thank me yet.

Ta-dah...

Aw, Martin.

Now you can thank me.

Ooh, I can finally
give you that present.

Uh...

We should talk.

It's OK, I can wait.

Hello?

Hello?

Wrong number?

Actually, I think
it was Pete Lambert.

Who's Pete Lambert?

A detective. I think
he's been following me.

He showed up at the hospital,
and at the airport.

The airport? And he's
called and hung up before.

I think he killed Captain Burns

because he's in love with Bess.

Slow down. And he's
setting you up, Martin.

He's trying to make it
look like you did it.

When were you at the airport?

Oh, last night. I needed
to see how hard it would be

to get a body into a plane.
Of course you did.

So, that was the work thing?

But it wasn't a plan.

I just, I kind of got the idea
while we were talking.

So, you lied to me.

I... avoided a complete explanation.

Because I knew you'd be upset.

Well, I am upset.

I'm really upset. You see?

I told you not to
get involved in this.

This is way too dangerous.
I know, I just told you.

They're trying to frame you.

That's it, I'm driving
you over to Sally's.

What? No, uh-uh.

No, see, this is exactly why
I don't want to tell you things.

You're too controlling.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means I can take care of myself.

So, what are you saying?

I should just go then?

Is that what you want?

Well, I definitely don't
want to control you.

Good.

Fine.

So I'll just...

I'll just go then.

Fine. Fine.

Someone is stalking my daughter?

I didn't say "stalking."

They broke into her home,

left a threatening message,

and you sent her back there, alone.

It sounds much worse
when you put it that way.

I am so sorry.
Does it hurt?

I've been attacked by you before.
I'm starting to get used to it.

It serves him right,
leaving you alone like that.

Actually, I left her alone.

I thought he was the intruder.

Why did you send John over here?

I can't believe you'd ask me that
question. Isn't it obvious?

OK... No sign
of forced entry.

No tyre tracks or
footprints except yours.

I saw someone around the side
of the house when I pulled up.

I don't see how.

I locked both doors
after Martin went home.

Well, I didn't leave it.
I'm allergic.

They were professional.

Well, apparently,
it's happened before.

Someone left flowers.

And she's been getting calls from
an unlisted number. Hang-ups.

OK, well, I'll put a trace on the
calls, but we'll need a subpoena.

That could take weeks.

Well, that settles that. You are
spending the night with me.

And put you at risk?

Well, surely, you're
not staying here.

No, I just moved into my house. I am
not letting someone drive me out.

I agree with your mother. I don't
think you should be here alone.

Yup. I'll stay then.

On the couch.

OK, kitty, what can we find
in Captain Burns' office?

Help.

Clever ploy, Aurora,
but I am not leaving.

I'm sorry for not telling
you what I was doing.

And I'm sorry I got upset.

No, it's not your fault.

My mother thinks I'm
afraid of commitment.

I don't want to control you.

I know.

That's just what you do
when you love someone,

you try to keep them safe.

Why don't you tell me why this
Detective Lambert

seems to think that I
killed Captain Burns?

Well, he hasn't said why yet.

Well, the police need something.

I mean, you don't just throw someone
out of an airplane for no reason.

Well, Captain Burns
was working on a case.

Detective Lambert implied
that you were connected.

What case? I don't know.
He never talked about it.

But I think it had to do
with a guy named David Ansen.

Ansen...

The software mogul? Yeah.

Yeah, he was killed
last year in Seattle.

Burns was collecting
articles about the murder.

Yeah, I read something about it.

Ansen was trying to block
the sale of his company.

But then after he died,

a lot of people got rich,

and the police seem to think
that it was a professional hit.

How far do you think
Detective Lambert would go

to make you look guilty?

We don't even know
that he's involved.

Maybe I should take
that security system,

if the offer's still good.

I was afraid this would happen.

Slacking off
as soon as I turn my back.

Lillian, what are you doing here?

I've worked at this
library for 20 years.

Where else would I be? Belize?

I thought you were
still in the hospital.

The doctors pronounced
me perfectly healthy.

And what about your memory?
Do you remember this man?

I remember enough to do my job,

and to recognise, as usual,
you're not doing yours.

You don't remember
anything that happened?

If I did, I wouldn't waste
time gossiping about it.

I'm happy you're back.

I doubt it. Now you have to work.

I really don't know Pete that well.

He was more my husband's friend.

Although I must say,

he's been very attentive
since my husband died.

Attentive? How?

Oh, he drops by
almost every day,

and always with a gift.

Flowers, cookies...

Peonies.

Yeah. I told him
those are my favourite.

Tim designed this
security system for work.

Nobody can get past it,
not even Pete Lambert.

I might be wrong about him.

Well, I was looking at a picture
of him at the library.

Lillian didn't recognise him.

She's back?

Whoever killed Captain Burns
also attacked Lillian.

I mean, if it was Pete Lambert,

she would have had
some sort of reaction.

Unless she's still having memory
problems from the concussion.

Yeah, but it still doesn't fit.

The kitten, the flowers,

the phone calls.

Why would Detective Lambert
be so focused on me?

Maybe he admires you.

Well, it sure didn't seem like it.

And even if he does, I mean,
he wouldn't give me a kitten.

You two were the only ones
that heard me talk about a cat.

Well... you and the other
three at the meeting.

Perry did say the cat
was a great idea.

You know I I remember that.

"Cute but dangerous."

I thought that sounded a little
strange.

No, I... I left Perry's
punching bag at the airport

and, somehow, it got
back to the gym.

Maybe he's been following me.

I don't think it's Perry.

I don't want to think it,
but he does have a record.

I mean, who else would it be?

I, uh, may have
told a couple people

about your cat comment.

How many people?

Pretty much everybody
I saw that day.

I was a little frustrated.

Allergies.

OK, so, it could have
gotten back to Lambert.

I wish I knew who
made those phone calls.

Why don't I find out? Well, Arthur
said it would take weeks.

Tim can find out.

He was a surveillance expert.

I still have a few connections.

I want to commend this department
for functioning so effectively

during this difficult time,

and I am pleased to report

that, after reviewing the files,

and considering all the candidates,

I've made my decision,

WHICH wasn't easy.

The position of chief requires
exceptional intelligence,

interpersonal skills,

tenacity, and courage.

Which is why I am delighted
to give the job...

to Arthur Smith. Arthur?

Bess...

It was a wonderful service.

Thank you.

He was a good man. He was.
Thank you so much for coming.

Thank you.

I'm sorry for your loss.

We were lucky.

We had 20 wonderful
years together.

I'm glad you're feeling better.

Better? What do you mean?

She still doesn't
remember what happened. Oh.

Well, maybe it's a blessing.
That's exactly what I said.

Congratulations, Captain Smith.

Oh. Thank you.

Do you have a moment?

Sure.

I was just wondering how you intend
to salvage the Burns investigation.

Uh, actually, I...

I haven't had a chance
to think about it.

A man is dead, Arthur.

A woman has been attacked,

and my daughter's house
has been broken into, twice,

and you don't even seem
to have a single suspect.

Can you explain
this state of paralysis?

Um...

You know, I have to admit,

I wasn't sure I agreed with you
about Detective Lambert,

but I'm starting
to think you're right.

Do you think Perry's been
acting a little strange?

Perry Dell?

He was a little excited
at the meeting.

Well, murder always excites him.

He thinks it's a game.

What's up, ladies?

That's a nice dress.

I'm going to get some salad.

It's official, I am
completely paranoid.

Everyone in this room looks
like a potential stalker.

Maybe we can narrow it down.

Is this who called me?

Quite a few times, turns out.

You must have missed some.

Who does the number belong to?

Registered to a fake name.

Charged to a stolen credit card.

Fairly common practice for people
engaged in criminal activity.

See? I told you Tim was good.

Well, thank you, this is so
much more than we had before.

Excuse me!

Good morning.

I need to say a few words.

It's hard to appreciate

a person's true value

until you stand in their shoes.

Captain Burns
was a strong leader.

He took care of our
community without complaint,

and never asked
for anything in return.

A number of people have
approached me today

wanting to know
how I will replace him,

and the answer is...

I can't.

But I can commit all of the
resources of our department

to finding the person who did this.

And I promise you,
we will do that.

But until that happens,

let's not forget why we're here.

To Captain Burns.

To Captain Burns.

"I can't replace him."

Does that sound like
a chief to you?

Arthur, that was great.
Thanks.

Um, I thought
you should have this.

It's the unlisted number,
the one that's been calling me.

It's registered to a fake name,
but cellphones have GPS,

so I thought maybe you
could find out where it was

when the calls were placed.

How did you get this?

I have friends.

I wish I could say the same.

Oh, Arthur, you're a good person.

You're going to make a great chief.
Thanks, Roe. I hope so.

For now, I think I'll just...

Hello?

Perry?

Aurora?

Help! Help!

Help! Help, he's been stabbed.
Call an ambulance.

Both hands over your head. Now!

The police are holding everyone
until they find the knife.

Well, what if they
can't find the knife?

Can they keep us here all night?

I just talked to Lynn
at the hospital.

She says Arthur is stable.

And what about Martin?
They're still questioning him

in the church office.

How long does it take
to give a statement?

Tell me what happened.

I did tell you.

Tell me again.

I don't want to
miss any details.

I stepped away
from the reception

to go to the men's room.

I found Detective
Smith on the floor.

I opened his jacket
to check his heart rate,

and I found blood.

No-one else was there. No-one.

I keep thinking about
the coincidence.

You showing up at the exact moment
that Detective Smith was stabbed.

I didn't stab anybody.

I never said you did.

No, but that's where you're
going with this, right?

You think that I killed
Detective Smith

because he announced that
he was going to catch

whoever killed Captain Burns,

and you think I killed
Captain Burns, right?

Because I killed the
software mogul, David Ansen.

Is that your official statement?

I didn't stab Smith.

I didn't kill Burns, or Ansen.

Then how do you explain
the plane tickets?

Crazy, there's still
so much food left.

Try not to have so much fun.

Someone just got stabbed.

Oh, hey who were you
trying to call before?

You. Yeah, that's who answered,

but who were you trying to get?

Perry, the phone
was in your pocket.

Totally weird, right? It's not even
mine. It just started ringing.

Detective Lambert
says we're free to go.

I'll get your coat.

Is Perry Dell harassing you?

Oh. No.

So, what was all that talk
about the phone?

It was just a misunderstanding.

Well, if I were you,
I'd stay away from him.

He is a very strange man.

Can I give anybody a ride?

Well, I'd love one. Ro? Do
you want to come with us?

No, I'm going to stay
and wait for Martin.

OK.

Be safe.

I feel like I should apologise.

I don't know why
this keeps happening.

First, Captain Burns,
and then Lillian,

and Arthur.

This used to be
a really safe town.

Would you have lunch with me?

I would.

How about tomorrow?

OK.

...we found a silver lining.

I guess so.

You should have gone home.

That's not what people do
when they love each other.

Oh, no?

What do they do?

Make sure they're safe.

How bad was it?

Well, the good news is,

he didn't have
enough to arrest me.

What's the bad news?

There might be evidence.

Can I borrow your iPad?

Sure.

What do you mean by "evidence"?

I'll show you.

There.

"Martin Bartell."

Well, according to this manifest,
I flew to Seattle at Sam.

The day that David Ansen was killed,
and I came back that night.

Maybe it's a different Bartell.

That's my security clearance.

But you didn't go to Seattle.

You were with me.

It was our five-month
anniversary.

Not that I keep track.

No, of course not.

Why would you?

Oh, and, uh, technically,
it was the day before

our five-month anniversary.

At any rate, someone
is either using my ID,

or changed the flight manifest.

To make it look like
you killed both of them,

David Ansen and Captain Burns.

Well, at this point,
it's purely circumstantial.

The police need hard evidence.

Yeah, but Detective
Lambert IS the police.

If he can change
the flight manifest,

then he can plant hard evidence.

Martin,

Detective Lambert
was living in Seattle

when David Ansen died.

You think HE killed Ansen?

Well, you said it was
a professional hit,

and people got rich afterwards.

Maybe he collected his payment,

and he came back for Bess.

But then Burns caught him.

Right, so he pushed Captain
Burns out of the plane

into my yard,

so he could frame you
for both of the crimes.

Dazzling how your mind works.

Thank you.

No wonder he sent you flowers

and gave you a kitten.

Actually, I think
that was Perry.

Perry? I think
he has a crush on me.

I Just don't act suspicious.

We have to catch Pete Lambert
before he catches you.

Arthur?

I think so. It's a bit unclear.

I thought I'd lost you.

I'm not a quitter.

No. No, you're not.

I love you. I love you, too.

What happened?

We're still trying
to figure it out.

Pete...

I had to put him in charge.

I wasn't going to
let you come here alone.

No. No, I mean...

He followed me.

He followed you? Where?

At the hall, I was going
to the men's room.

He said something,

and went in.

I didn't want to talk,
so I waited.

Was anyone else there with you,

besides Pete?

No.

My jacket, check the pocket.

What is this?

Aurora.

Those calls.

I have been trying for two
days to get this number.

I remember what he said.

What Pete said?

"Crime rate is about to spike."

Hi. You're not
on the schedule.

I know, and I know
you're working,

but I need to talk to you.
It's kind of important.

Somehow, I doubt that.

Did Captain Burns ever talk to you
about any of his cases?

You do remember Captain Burns?

Of course I remember him.

And it doesn't really help,
asking about my memory.

The doctors say it takes time.

OK, well, there's
something I want to show you.

I think it might help.

I know him.

That's David Ansen.

Somebody killed him.

That's right.

Did Captain Burns tell you that?

Yes.

He knew who did it.

Captain Burns knew
who killed David Ansen.

Did he say who it was?

He told me
to take Bess shopping.

They were supposed to
go flying together,

but he had to meet someone.

He didn't want to disappoint Bess.
He told me, "Don't tell her."

He never told her anything,
treated her like a child.

Did he say who he was meeting?

He was meeting the
person in the sketch?

Yes.

That's the person
who killed David Ansen.

OK, you and I need
to go to the police -

but first, I want to go
talk to Bess about the sketch.

I can't close the library.

OK, OK, that's OK.

I'll go talk to Bess,
and then I'll come back.

Just don't say anything,

don't go anywhere, or tell anyone.

Just keep saying
you don't remember.

Oh, thank you.

Thanks.

Thank you. This is nice.

Yeah, this is great.

I'm sorry, I can't really
stop thinking about Arthur.

Well, that makes two of us.

You know, I was up all night

wondering who would do
something like that.

And why was Detective Lambert
questioning Martin for so long?

I mean, do you think
Aurora is right?

Do you think he's being framed?

What?

Captain Burns came looking for
Martin the day before he died.

Oh, I know. No, I mean
he came by the office.

He said he had evidence connecting
Martin to a murder in Seattle.

A murder? Plane tickets,
surveillance photos.

He said it looked as if Martin
had been tracking somebody.

As in, planning
a professional hit.

I told him it was impossible,

that Martin is the most
ethical person I've ever met.

Did you say anything
to Detective Lambert?

No, but if Burns
was collecting evidence,

Lambert probably already knows.

What about Aurora?
Did you say anything to her?

Not yet. I don't know what to do.

Well, Aurora needs to know.

Detective Smith, you know
that phone number you gave us?

Some kid named Perry Dell

turned over a phone
with the same number.

Said he found it at the
funeral. I'm listening.

The history shows a lot of
calls to Aurora Teagarden,

and two to Captain Burns
the morning he died.

Did you check the GPS data?

Most of the calls show they come
from Martin Bartell's address,

or his company, Pan Agra.

Get me Detective Lambert.

I don't think he's in.

Then bring him in.

So, we'll talk later then.

Yeah... Oh!

Aurora, what a pleasant surprise.

Come on in. Hi!

What in the world
are you doing here?

Well, uh...

Bess is going though
a lot of changes,

and I thought I'd see
how she's holding up.

How sweet.

Well, I'm sure Bess
doesn't want us intruding

into her private matters.

Actually, I would love the company.

You see? Aida, thank you so much
for helping me with the house today.

I really appreciate it.
Oh, you're welcome.

OK, Bess, I know this is
a difficult time,

and I really don't want to intrude,

but I need to see
your husband's desk.

Of course.

It's just right here.

It's so gloomy down here.

I don't know why Fred liked it.

I promised your mother I'd paint.

At least Pete tidied up when
he took everything away.

Pete?

Detective Lambert?

He's been such a support
since my husband died.

Bess, Captain Burns had a
police sketch over his desk.

It's very important that I get
more information about it.

I wish I knew what to tell you.

Did he have a computer?

You can't just hold me here
without a warrant.

You're seriously
jeopardizing your case,

not to mention your career.

All you have to do is talk.

I didn't kill anybody.

You and I both know that.

David Ansen was stabbed.

A quick thrust to
the inferior vena Cava,

a well-known CIA move.

Burns was stabbed the same way,

so was Detective Smith.

Only you weren't
so successful with him.

Fine.

Bring me in.

Not until you confess.

My phone keeps vibrating.

I guess we'll have to let
that one go to voicemail.

If people are trying to reach me,

it's just a matter of time
before someone comes to find me.

No-one's coming.

What's this?

Some kind of a game.

It can change the way
you look in photographs.

Our neighbour's son
came over last month,

and was teaching my
husband how to use it.

Apparently, it can change
everything, even your age.

Oh, of course.

Why didn't I think of it before?

They were playing with a sketch.

Yeah, that... They
changed it a lot of times.

I can't imagine why.

The person
was wearing a disguise.

Captain Burns wanted to see what
they looked like without it.

Hi. This
is Martin Bartell.

I'm not available at the moment.

Please leave your name
and number, and... Come on, Martin!

I'm looking for Aurora.

Aurora. Where are you?

I've been trying
to get a hold of you.

Lillian may be in danger.

I left a message for Martin
to meet me at the library,

but he's not responding.
Have you seen him? No.

Well, I think he might
be hiding. Hiding?

Yeah, I think he's in trouble.
I know.

Listen, I have to tell you
what Tim just told me.

This is stupid.
I'm not a hit-man.

Really?

Then how do you explain these
surveillance photos of David Ansen?

Where did you get those?

Burns found them on your
computer, encrypted.

You were following
Ansen, weren't you?

Trying to plan how to kill him.

I wasn't following Ansen.

Tim was.

Tim? Tim Prentiss,
We worked together at the CIA.

You'd say anything
to get out of this.

Open up, Bartell!
I know you're in there!

Bartell!

Hey, you OK? Yeah.

Did she come in today?

Oh, she's not on the schedule.

But you saw her.

Um, I-I don't remember.

Am I making you nervous?

Uh... would you like
to leave a message?

No, that's OK. I can wait.

Oh, well, the
library is closing.

I think you do remember.

Tim!

I need to talk to you.

OK.

But in private.

I don't want to upset Lillian,
and it's about what happened,

and she still doesn't remember.

Oh, I'm pretty sure
she has her memory back.

No, I don't think she does.

OK, well, why don't you talk,

and we'll find out.

I think Martin killed Captain Burns.

Why would Martin
kill Captain Burns?

Because Martin killed
some guy named David Ansen,

and Burns found out.

It wasn't Martin.

No, no...

She does not know
what she's saying.

She doesn't even know
she was in the hospital.

She thought it was a hotel...
Aurora.

Don't try to play me.

You know who killed
Captain Burns.

Why did you do it?

Why do you think?

Well, Martin said that a lot of
people got rich when Ansen died.

I assume that includes you.

How did you figure it out?

There's not a lot of people
that can change flight records,

not even the police.

Most people think
it's impossible.

Which makes it a great
way to frame someone.

That's why you came here, right?

It wasn't about the job.

You had to set up Martin.

So smart.

What a waste.

But he was your friend.

He wasn't my friend.

He claimed he was impressed
by my intelligence,

but he pitied me, for
being stuck behind a desk.

When I tried to get
put out in the field,

he told them I didn't
have the right instincts.

And that's why you killed Ansen,

to prove him wrong.

I don't belong behind a desk.

He changed my whole future.

He hurt you, didn't he?

Martin doesn't deserve you.

And that's...

That's what you were
trying to tell me

with the flowers,

and... and the kitten.

The more I... The more I
got to know you,

the more I could see.

Then let's go to the police.

I'll tell them Martin did it.

Look. OK...

OK.

But first...

...we have to take care of Lillian.

I'll call the police.

Nice work.

I am pleased to present
Captain Fred Burns

with this posthumous
medal of valour.

The highest decoration
in our country

for bravery exhibited
by a public safety officer.

Captain Burns was a true hero,

who died in service
to the public good.

Thank you. Thank you.

You must be very proud
of your daughter,

solving such a difficult crime.

I try not to encourage her.

Well, I am very grateful,

and I know that my husband
would want you to have this.

Oh, I can't take that.

You must.

I have nowhere to put it.

Bess sold the house.

She leaves tomorrow for Paris.

Paris?

Captain Burns
and I always wanted to go.

Thank you, for, uh, saving my life.

Lillian...

Would you like a cat?

Pretty impressive.

It doesn't feel right to keep it.

Well, you closed the case.

No, Captain Burns
closed the case.

Yeah, but if it wasn't for you,
nobody would have known.

I didn't see it for so long.

Tim even had me doubting Perry.

And I set him up with Sally.

I know.

Nobody saw it.

Not even me.

Maybe I'll donate
it to the library.

Hey, uh, not to compete,

but if you recall,
in your not-too-distant past,

I was going to give
you a present, too.

Should I open it?

Unless you want to wait till
you solve your next murder.

My Bonnie and Clyde talk.

First Edition, signed by the author.

I can't believe you remembered.

I should spend more
time in book stores.

I actually thought you
were going to propose.

I found a ring box
in your pocket.

Oh. No...

Cuff-links!

Hey...

You seem awfully perky for somebody
who just didn't get proposed to.

I didn't know if I was ready.

Does that mean you're ready now?

Well, that's the key
to solving a mystery.

If you want the answer,

you're going to have to
ask the right question.