Nothing But the Truth (1995) - full transcript

Do you consider yourself attractive to women?

I guess I get hit on from time to time.

And you've hit on them?

Absolutely.

And how do they respond to that in general?

In general?

Receptively.

Have you ever felt that a woman's led you on?

Yeah, I guess that happens.

And did that make you feel angry?

No one likes to be let on.



How angry?

Angry enough to--
No.

I'm not that kind of guy.

Honestly, I...

So, when are you gonna turn this thing on?

Are you in a hurry?
No.

I'm just curious.

All right, Joey.

But you understand why we have to cover this area?

Yeah, sure.

You wanna get to know me better.

And the better we communicate,

the more accurate the test will be.

Makes sense.
Good, great.



Then let's continue.

Did the detectives show you this photograph?

Yes.

So that evening,

did she give you her verbal consent?

(sighs) Maybe not in so many words.

So how did you know she was willing?

It's just something a guy knows.

She told the police she said "no."

She's a liar.

Yeah, but why would she lie about something like that?

Because she's pissed at me for not calling her.

(dramatic music)

Respiration, electrodermal response,

blood pressure.

Don't you have anything

that could, like, get inside my brain?

Well, your brain can deceive itself,

but it can't deceive your body.

If you give a deceptive response,

your autonomic nervous system will trigger a fear reflex.

It's not something that you can consciously control.

Well, like I told you, I got nothing to hide.

That's good. Then let's go.
(air pumping)

I'm gonna you the first question.

(polygraph clicks on)

Do you intend to answer all my questions truthfully?

Yes.

Is your middle name, James?
Yes.

Have you ever had intercourse

with a woman against her will?

(inhales) No.

Do you have fantasies about raping women?

No.

I'm getting a response.

What do you mean?

Your body reacted to the last three questions I asked you?

I...

I am kind of nervous.

But you don't have to be nervous

if you're telling the truth
I don't like being accused.

I'm not accusing you of anything.

All I'm doing is asking you these questions.

Can we start over?
Sure.

Okay?
Okay.

(Joey breathes deeply)
(sniffles)

Did you force Marcy Wilkins

to have sexual intercourse with you?

No.

I just got a big response.

You're trying to set me up.

You're trying to play mind games with me.

No, all I'm trying to do is get the truth.

No, you're not!

Right? You're setting me up.
No.

You're a nosy copper!
Whoa...

You're trying to nail me for something that I didn't do!

Okay, let's move!

(inaudible) She wanted it!

(Joey grunting)

I want my lawyer! I want my lawyer!

Come on! Come on!
(grunting)

(Jill breathing heavily)
You okay?

Yeah, I think so.
Come on, man. Come on.

(breathing heavily)
(blood splatting)

You thought giving polygraph tests was

a safe line of work.

First time I've been physically injured in 15 years.

Little punk, now he'll go running to his rich daddy.

Next thing you know, we'll have

F. Lee Bailey breathing down our neck.

I'm gonna talk to the dean of student affairs.

I think that kid's dangerous.

I like to put a tattoo and that kid's forehead,

"Warning: do not allow yourself

to be alone with this person."

Quite a few men I wouldn't mind doing that to.

Present company excluded. (chuckles)

Nurses station, may I help you?

It's a pretty deep gash.

I think I'm gonna need some stitches.

Hi, can I help?

I'm new. I'm Dr. Peter Clayman.

I'm real doctor, honest.

You know, this hurts a lot less if you don't watch.

So is this an occupational hazard?

You might say that.

Or we could talk about the weather.

Oh, I'm sorry. Am I being unfriendly?

Well, that would certainly make you an exception.

Seems like everybody in this town

goes outta their way to be friendly.

(chuckles) Well, it's a friendly little town.

Are you from elsewhere?

How'd you guess.

Mm, you have that elsewhere look about you.

Really?
Mm-hmm.

I thought I was concealing it so well.

(Jill chuckles)

All right, I would go easy on this for a few days.

All right?
Okay.

Thanks.
You're welcome.

So I guess I'll be seeing you around,

this being such a small town and everything.

Oh, well, good. I'd like that.

Thanks.

Yeah, we should be leaving too.

How are ya?
I'm good?

I was right.
Hmm?

Joey called up daddy,

now we got the family lawyer all over us.

Is his confession gonna stick?

Who knows?

So how's the doctor?
Seems like a nice guy.

Thanks.
Sure.

You need help getting in.
No, I've got it.

Thanks for driving me.

Jill, I just wanted you to know

Linda and I are having divorce papers drawn up.

Well, I'd say I was sorry,

but I know that's what you wanted.

I just wanted you to hear it from me.

Keep me posted.

I will.
Thanks.

Pick one and don't let me see it.

You got it?

Okay, let's start.

Is it a club?

No.

Is it a heart?
Yes.

That's a deception.

Is it a spade?
No.

Another deception.

Face card?
No.

It's a face card.

Queen of spades?

Yes.
(Jill chuckles)

King of spades?

No.

Oh! You just flunked Deception 101.

Now imagine if the stakes were raised

and you were being accused of a crime,

where the fear impulse would be that much higher.

(both chuckle)

Come on, hold on.
Mom...

You have to bring it back

tomorrow night by midnight.
Oh, okay.

Here's your driver's license back.

Yeah, at the beginning of the week we have a...

Hi.
Hi.

How's your hand?

It looks much better.
Good.

You like old movies?

They're the best.
Right.

But they didn't have what I wanted.

Which is what?

Errol Flynn, "They Died with Their Boots On."

Olivia de Havilland...

Oh, she knows her movies.

How 'bout you? What are you looking for?

Oh, anything with Catherine Hepburn,

but I can't find one I haven't seen.

What about "Alice Adams?"

I haven't seen that.
Oh, here. It's good.

It's a good romance.

Prince Charming comes and takes her away at the end.

But now I don't have to see it.

Nah, I didn't give anything away.

No, the fun part is watching how they get there.

Okay. I'll give it a try.

I have to be honest. I asked Dr. Winbury about you.

He said you were a professor of criminology,

that you'd written articles and books.

I guess I'll have to ask Dr. Winbury about you.

Oh, I have a better idea.

Why don't I write down my phone number,

and if you get a chance, you give me a call,

I'll tell you anything you want to know.

(Jill chuckles)

Do you know if Catherine Hepburn

and Errol Flynn ever made a movie together?

I don't think so.
Yeah?

They wouldn't have been right for each other anyway.

(chuckles) See ya.

Oh! Excuse me.

Sorry.

(neon buzzing)
(ominous music)

(people arguing in hotel room)

(woman whimpering)

(woman screaming)

(woman gasping)

(car driving away)

The statistics showed that pyromaniacs get sexually aroused

when they start fires.
So in a way,

they're not much different from exhibitionists.

No, I mean, sexual dysfunction is really,

the root cause of a whole spectrum of crimes.

We'll take this up again on Friday, okay?

(students chattering outside)

(phone ringing)

Hello?
Hi, Jill. It's Mack.

I hope you're wrist's all better.

It's getting there.

Good, 'cause we need your services.

A young woman was murdered last night.

Della Ramsey, enrolled at the college,

studying for her master's in fine arts.

Her family's from upstate New York.

Motel housekeeper found her at 8:30 this morning.

She checked in around 10 o'clock last night by herself.

Preliminary medical reports says death by strangulation.

Looks like it was done

with some kind of a thin cord or wire,

but we didn't find any weapon at the scene.

No sign of forced entry,

so it's possible she was expecting a visitor.

Also possible she'd had intercourse.

We'll have to wait for the lab.

We did find her appointment book.

It was mostly class schedules, midterms, papers due.

But there were some entries of some dates she had

with a man named Peter Clayman.

That's right, the new doctor in town,

the guy who stitched up your wrist.

Just moved out from Seattle,

leased a house over in Lake Waneta.

We ran a computer check.

Guy's never even had a traffic ticket.

Says he was home by himself last night,

so we can't confirm his alibi.

So how did he react when you suggested a polygraph?

Well, we didn't suggest it, he did.

So what do you think?

I think we'll have a better idea what to think

after takes the test.

That's the beauty of having you around.

Looks pretty relaxed.

Yeah, we'll see how relaxed he is

once he's hooked up to the machine.

Mack, it's not a machine.

It's an instrument.

Well, yeah, I'll try to remember.

Hello.
Hello, Dr. Clayman.

I'm the polygraph examiner.
Mm, I'm glad.

Why are you glad?

Because I've heard you're very good.

What I am is experienced,

which is good for people who are telling the truth.

Sit down.

(Peter sighs)

May I call you Peter?
Please.

You know why you're here?
Yes.

Have you ever taken a polygraph before?

No.

Well, let me tell you what we're gonna be doing here.

We're gonna sit here for a while and talk,

get to know each other.

So you're not just gonna come out and ask me,

"Did you do it?"

No, it's a little more complicated than that.

First, I need to get some background information,

and then we need to discuss

your relationship with the victim.

So just relax.

(clears throat) That might be a little hard

under the circumstances.

Well, I'll help you get there.

I'm sure you will.

I'm gonna be asking you questions

that'll be very specific.

They just require a "yes" or a "no."

And what if I don't know the answer

to some of the questions?

Oh, we won't get into any gray area.

Everything will be very straightforward,

very black and white.

You make it sound simple.

It is.

I've begun to think that the truth is

usually a lot more complicated than it'd seem.

Well, yes, if you're talking about

an abstract philosophical concept, I'd have to agree.

But what we're doing here is trying to determine the extent

to which you are or are not being deceptive.

And that's something that I can measure.

They were right. You're very good.

So are you ready?

Could I ask you a favor?
Sure.

Can I have a quick smoke?

You're a doctor.

I know, just every now and then...

Well, I really wish that you wouldn't,

because the nicotine affects your internal functions.

Oh.

All right. (sighs)
Okay.

(polygraph clicks on)

Question one. Is today Wednesday?

Yes.

Were you and Della Ramsey sexually involved

prior to her death?

Yes.

Do you intend to mislead me about anything

during this examination?

No.

Did you have sex with Della Ramsey

on the night of Tuesday, March 20th?

No.

(tense music)

Have you ever fantasized about killing someone?

No.

Did you kill Della Ramsey?

No.

Do you have any knowledge of who killed Della Ramsey?

No.

I'm gonna ask that question again.

Do you have any knowledge of who killed Della Ramsey?

No.

Okay. Thanks.

So I'm gonna go in the other room for a few minutes.

I'll be right back.

He's clean.

You seem to hit on that

"have you ever fantasized" question?

Yeah, well, that was my control question.

Of course he's fantasized about killing someone, who hasn't?

But the point is, he was confident

and he knew he was gonna pass the test.

Does that mean he's innocent?

Well, he's innocent of Della Ramsey's murder.

I mean, beyond that...

(Jill chuckles)
Okay, you're the expert.

(dramatic music)

There was a sexual element to the murder,

you're aware of that?

Yes, but they weren't very specific.

Well, we'll need to explore

that aspect of your relationship with her.

Oh, you wanna know about the sex.

(disconcerting music)
(dog barking in distance)

All right.

Let's see.

We met at the library.

The university library?
That's right.

She sat down across from me and started a conversation.

She was very attractive, intelligent.

She seemed a little bit wild.

You mean, she was the aggressor?

The aggressor, the initiator.

She was very experienced for her age.

And how many times did

the two of you have intercourse, roughly?

Oh, well, I can tell you exactly.

Three times. Three.

And when was the last time

that the two of you had intercourse?

About 10 days ago.

The truth is I'd burned out.

I told her I didn't think we should see each other anymore.

Was that before the sex or after?

Before. She had a very persuasive way about her.

You mean seductive, don't you?

That too.

You know, it feels very awkward

talking to you about all this.

When this is over,

there's not gonna be much you don't know about me.

Well, that's the idea.

(mirror squeaking)

(Jill sighs)

(dramatic music)

(Jill sighs)

Well, if he's showing that slow of an R

on respiration pattern,

he has to be consciously controlling his breathing.

He's probably using some kind of countermeasure.

Counter? Could you check it out?

Jill?
Hmm?

Oh...

Yeah, why don't you fax it to me

and I'll take a look at it,

and then I'll get back to you.

I'll send it right over.
Great. Talk to you later.

(keypad beeping)
(line ringing)

Hello.
Hi, it's Jill Ross.

You've reached 555-3822. Please leave a message.

(voicemail beeps)

Hi, it's Jill Ross calling.

(line clicks)
Hello?

Oh, hi.

Yeah, I just walked in the door.

I'm glad you called.

Oh, well...

Listen, I'd like to take you to lunch.

How about tomorrow?

Lunch?

It's not against the rules, is it?

Well, they're still investigating.

I passed the test, doesn't that make me safe?

Technically...

Well, I mean, it makes you safe enough.

I mean, to have lunch with.

Jill!

Oh, hey, Mack.
Hey.

Finally got around the copy these reports.

Much appreciated.

Anything new on the Ramsey case?

Well, we're having a hard time determining

exactly what was used to strangle her.

We do have a lead though.
Hmm?

Turns out Della had a boyfriend.

She was seeing him up to the time she met Clayman.

So have you questioned him?
First we gotta find him.

He hasn't been to any of his classes since the murder.

We're looking.

Well, if you need my help, let me know.

I have a feeling you'll be getting more work out of this.

(chuckles) See ya.
See ya.

(people chattering)

Hi.
Hi.

Reservation for Clayman.

Are you Mrs. Clayman?
No.

Would you like to be seated or...

I'll just wait.
Okay.

Ah.
Hi.

I hope you haven't been waiting too long.

Just got here.

You know, I'm at a distinct disadvantage.

Hmm?

Well, you know all this stuff about me

and I hardly know anything at all about you.

So go ahead and ask and I'll decide if I want to answer.

(chuckles) That was weren't the rules

the first time around.

Well, the circumstances are different.

All right...

How old were you when you lost your virginity?

(laughs) Do you always ask people that

on their first date?

You're the first woman I've ever asked that question?

(clicks tongue) Well then, I was old enough.

Was it painful or pleasurable?

Both.

Were you in love with him?
I thought so.

How long did the relationship last?

Until I found out that

he was also sleeping with someone else.

That must have been humiliating.

And other things.

Did you sleep with him again after you found out?

I slept with him one more time.

Then I regretted it.

Good. I've feel much better now.

(Jill laughs)

(door opens)
(students chattering)

Hey, Mack.
Hey!

Is something wrong?
No, no, nothing.

Listen, you know there's that rotary club dinner

tomorrow night?
Right.

I know it's late notice, but, do you wanna go with me?

Oh, I'd really like to, but I have other plans.

Oh, that's okay.

I just thought it'd be a good chance for us to--

Yeah, well, it would be,

but I mean, you know, maybe we can do some other time?

Absolutely.
I gotta go,

'cause I've got a class about five minutes.

I'll call you.
Okay, great.

See ya.

(crickets chirping)

Hi.

Wow.

Welcome.
Thanks.

Come on.

Nice.

I like big kitchens.

You want a glass of wine?
Sure.

Ah, I forgot to put candles on the tables.

Where are they?

They're in the sideboard, in the drawer. Yeah.

These okay?

Oh, yeah.

Here you go.

That looks beautiful.

Well, looks aren't everything.

(chuckles) Cook like this for yourself?

I try to stay in practice,

but, actually, you're the first dinner guest I've had

since I moved in.

Oh, wow. What an honor.

Mm.
(fire crackling)

There you go.
Thanks.

Yeah.

So what drove you out of the big city?

The smog, the pollution, the noise?

No, I had a bad experience.

I got involved with the wrong woman, (groans)

with the wrong women.

There was a weird situation.

There were these two sisters,

one who encouraged my pursuit, the other pursued me,

and it just got very messy.

How messy?

Oh, I'm sorry.
No. It's all right.

It's all right.

I learned from it.

If a woman becomes obsessed, run for the hills.

Or run to a small town very far away. (laughs)

Right.

No, I'm all right with it now.

It was just a bad situation I let get outta hand.

Anyway...

Do you play?

(clears throat) I know a few pieces.

(Jill giggles)

It's brand new. I got it as a housewarming gift for myself.

It's beautiful.
Yeah. Here's to you.

(playing dramatic piano music)

(crickets chirping)

So powerful.
Hmm.

Rachmaninoff was 19 when he composed that.

Sounds like the music of an old soul, doesn't it?

Yeah.

It's...

It's just A.

(plays A note)

G sharp.
(plays note)

C sharp.

(plays note)
(Jill chuckles)

Go ahead.

(plays dramatic melody)

Spooky.

And that?

(moans) Words can't describe that.

(officers chattering)

Hey!
Hey!

Jill!

Listen, I feel a little awkward.

When I stopped by your class on Friday--

Oh, no, it's nothing. You just caught me off guard.

Look...

Oh, excuse me.

We've been friends for a long time.

I don't know, I'm feeling kind of tongue-tied.

It's okay.

Can we go in there?
Sure.

All right, here it goes.
(Jill chuckles)

I was thinking that maybe we could go out sometime?

Is that a bad idea?

No.
(knocking on door)

(door opens)

Peter Clayman called.

He said he wanted you to call him back at the clinic.

Is that who you had plans with on Saturday night?

(sighs) Look, Mack, I'm sorry.

Jill, he's a suspect in a murder case.

No, he passed the polygraph test.

We're still investigating, no one's been eliminated.

You know me.

You know that I wouldn't be seeing anyone

if I wasn't absolutely sure.

You're seeing him?

Mack, I appreciate your concern, I really do--

No, look, forget the personal stuff, Jill,

it's a conflict of interest!

I know what I'm doing.

(birds chirping)

Excuse me?

Hello?
Delivery for Jill Ross.

Thank you.
Mm-hmm.

(door opening)

Hey there, Dexter.

(Dexter meows)

"Looking forward to our next piano duet. Peter."

(Dexter purring)

Ooh, in trouble now, Dexter.

(phone ringing)

Hello?
Hey, Jill.

It's Jonesie. (clears throat)

Listen, we picked up that kid Della was dating.

(officers chattering)

Hey, Sam.
Hey, Jill. How's it going?

Great. You here on the job?

Yeah, Matt called,

I guess he has a new suspect in that murder.

See ya.

(knocks on door)

Sorry. Guess I jumped the gun.

I had to disqualify you.

'Cause I'm seeing Peter Clayman?

Think about it.

You run this guy dirty and the results get challenged...

All right.

Would you have a problem with me observing?

(Mack sighs)

How'd you feel when Della told you

she was seeing someone else?

Oh,

I was mad.

I mean,

you know, bummed out, I really cared about her.

How mad were you?

I yelled at her, okay?

I said the mean things,

but it was just in the heat of emotion.

Did you get physical with her?

No. No way, never.

Well, maybe it crossed my mind, but I did not touch her.

Were you with Della Ramsey

at the May Lane Motel

on the night of Tuesday, March 20th?

No.

Did you have sexual intercourse with Della Ramsey

on the night of Tuesday, March 20th?

No.

Did you kill Della Ramsey?

No.

He's not your guy.

(Jill sighs)
Back to square one.

(doorbell rings)

Hello.
I'm early.

You certainly are.

I guess I could go and come back later.

You could.

Or,

I could come in now.

(captivating music)

(Peter moans)

(breathing heavily)
(moaning softly)

(Dexter meows)

(students chattering)

Hi.

(phone ringing)

Hello?

Hello.
Peter?

No, it's Mack.

Oh. Hi, Mack.

Can you swing by the station?

There's something I need to discuss with you.

Okay.

(officers chattering)

Hey.
Hi.

Come on in.

Sit down.

An eyewitness came forward on the Ramsey case.

That's great.

She's a waitress at some greasy spoon off exit 14.

She says she was up here on the night of the 20th,

at a bar across the street from the motel.

Yeah. And?

She says she saw a man leaving the room

where Della was murdered.

She gave a description?
Yeah.

Short dark hair, clean shaven, under six feet tall,

170 pounds, 35 to 40, handsome, built.

Wore a tan jacket, probably camel hair.

Well, why didn't she come forward until now?

That's what we intend to find out.

She's coming in tomorrow and we'll talk to her.

Okay.

And show her a lineup...

(chuckles in disbelief) Let me guess.

You want Peter to be part of the lineup?

Do you know how many men fit that description?

We had her sit down with a sketch artist.

This just came in over the fax.

(Jill sighs)

So who's gonna tell?

I could go up there myself,

or, I could leave it up to you.

I'd appreciate that.

He didn't do it, Mack.

I'm not saying he did, but he's gotta be in that lineup.

He'll be there.
Good.

Anything else?

That's all.

(somber music)

(door closes)

(Mack sighs)

I think there should be a law against feeling this good.

Actually, there is a reason why I came here.

Oh?

A witness came forward in the Ramsey case.

Well, that's good.

An artist did a sketch from the description.

Mm-hmm?

And there's a resemblance.

Wait a minute.

There's resemblance to me?

Really?

Huh...
It's not a big deal,

and I'm sure it's gonna be all right,

but they want you to appear in a lineup.

A lineup?

(chuckles in disbelief)

I thought that when you passed a polygraph, that--

It's just a lineup.

And when she doesn't pick you--

(scoffs) It's a she?

Oh, my God.

(Peter groans)

All right. So what do I do?

I'd have to go in there

and stand next to some other guys and...

It's nothing to worry about.

(timid music)

All right, just...

You tell me when, I'll be there.

(dramatic music)

(match strikes)
(hisses)

Okay, let's get through this one more time.

You drove out to Blackie's Tavern to meet some friends.

You arrived, you waited for your friends to show up,

you had a couple of beers.
No, one beer, only one.

Okay, you had one beer and at quarter to 11,

you got up and left?
Yeah, that's right.

You see, I remember because I looked at my watch

and at the clock behind the bar.

Okay, you walked out of the bar, across the highway,

into the parking lot to the May Lane Motel?

Yeah.

I mean, they got all these signs that say,

"No Parking for Blackie's," but nobody ever checks.

(knocking on door)

Can I sit in?

Sure.

This is Jill Ross.

She works with us.

Jill, this is Susie Marsh.
Hi.

Okay, so you found your car...

Yeah. So I was parked facing in one of the rooms, right?

So I'm digging around in my purse for my keys

and I hear a door open.

And I look over, and I see this guy coming outta number six.

He's real sharp looking,

wearing one of those camel hair coats.

It just struck me kind of weird.

A guy like that coming outta some sleazy motel room?

Yeah, you remember anything else about this guy?

Yeah. He seemed kind of nervous.

You know, he wouldn't look me in the eye

and then he just took off, like he was in a hurry.

Tell us again, what took you so long to come forward?

Well, I'd heard about the murder on the radio,

but I just never connected it to that motel,

until I was waiting on these college kids

at the place where I work,

and they were all talking about it.

And I heard one of them mention the May Lane Motel.

That's when I clicked.

(weighty music)

Run it.

(door buzzes)

Okay, take your time, look him over carefully.

I need you to be absolutely sure.

(weighty music)

That's him.

Which number?

Number three.

Number three, that's the guy that I saw

coming out of that room.

You're positive?
(scoffs) Are you kidding?

Can't forget a guy that looks like that.

He's gorgeous.

(weighty music)

(door opens)

She's wrong.

I guess that's possible.

You don't think so.

It's a pretty damn strong identification.

It was dark.

It happened a few weeks ago, she only saw him for a moment--

There's something else.

We got the phone records from room six

on the night of the murder.

A call was placed to Clayman's number at 10:15.

Well, what does that prove?

Someone in that room made contact with him

a half hour before the murder, now he's been ID'd

by an eyewitness!
He didn't do it, Mack!

You have, have to trust me!

I need more than that.

I need evidence. I need facts.

So let him take the polygraph again?

(Mack scoffs)

We'll get Sam in here.

He knows the case. He's completely objective.

I mean, what are the chances of him passing that test twice

with independent examiners?

If he is guilty, he will show a response.

Yeah, unless he--
Unless what?

Unless he's a freak of nature?

I mean, even if he's a complete sociopath,

he knows the difference between a truth and a lie!

The fact is you crossed the line!

Okay, okay, I crossed the line!

But that does not invalidate my argument!

Let's say that he beat me.

There is no chance that he can beat Sam too.

Okay, I'll give him one more polygraph,

but I'm not making any promises.

Thank you.

You know, I should arrest this guy right now.

He'll be there.

I guarantee it.
Good.

(police radio chattering)

(inaudible)

Did she pick me?
(Jill breathes deeply)

You told me there was nothing to worry about.

You said everything was gonna be okay!

Look, her ID only places you at the scene of the crime

during the time of the murder.
Oh, God!

It only circumstantial!
This is nuts!

Why would she pick me? (sighs)

All right, all right. So now what?

I talked to Mack and he's agreed not to arrest you

if you take a second polygraph.

But it won't be me.

It'll be a different examiner.

But if you run clean with him,

it's gonna make a big impression.

Peter, look, it's the exact same procedure.

It's just someone else asking the questions.

What, and what if he interprets my responses

differently than you did?

What if he makes mistakes? What if he's not as good?

Everything will be fine

as long as you're telling the truth.

I am telling the truth!
I know that!

And you know that.

That's why there is nothing to worry about.

I promise you.

(dramatic music)

(Peter sighs)

I'd be in bad shape if you didn't believe me.

(disturbing music)

Within the last five years,

have you told any lies to avoid getting in trouble?

No.

Were you with Della Ramsey at the May Lane Motel

on Tuesday night, March 20th?

No.

Did you have sexual intercourse with Della Ramsey

on Tuesday night, March 20th?

No.

Did you kill Della Ramsey?

No.

I'd like to ask some of the questions over again.

(Peter sighs)

Did you have sexual intercourse with Della Ramsey

on the night of March 20th?
No.

Did you kill Della Ramsey?
No.

Do you know anyone who would want to hurt Della Ramsey?

No.
(tense music)

Okay, Dr. Clayman, let's take a break here.

(tense music)

Well?
Well, I'm not so sure.

What do you mean?
I mean, he's inconsistent.

Some he's hitting on and some he's not.

But here, he's hitting on, "Do you know anyone

that would want to hurt Della Ramsey?"

But, on the other relevants...

No, he's up, he's down, he's all over the place.

Right, it almost looks like

he's trying to use countermeasures.

Countermeasures? You mean, he's trying to beat it?

So what's your verdict?

Well, at this point, I'd have to say it's inconclusive.

I can't say if you did or didn't do it.

Sorry, Mack.
(sighing)

Jonesie, can you take Sam and get him a cup of coffee?

Yeah.

(Jill sighs)
(door closes)

I'm concerned, Jill.

He knows that the eyewitness ID'd him.

He is nervous. He's shook up.

I'm not concerned about him.

I'm concerned about you.

(dramatic piano music)

(Jill sighs)

(metal lighter clinks)

(breathes deeply) Inconclusive...

I didn't even know that was a valid result.

I thought it shows you were either lying,

oh, I'm sorry, being deceptive, or it clears you.

You were much more nervous this time.

Wouldn't you be?
No.

Not if I were telling the truth!

No, I didn't mean--
But you did.

You asked me to take another test

and suddenly I've gone to the gray area.

I'm not quite guilty, I'm not quite innocent.

Well, but there is no gray area, Peter!

You didn't do it. You could never be that kind of person.

However, yours is just one opinion.

(Jill sighs)

So, you and Mack, was there ever something between you?

No! No, that has nothing to do with this!

You sure?

Peter, where are you going?

Got the late shift at the clinic.

Peter... (sighs)

(officers chattering)

(fax machine whirring)

(fax notification rings)

(hair-raising music)

(keypad beeping)

(line ringing)

Missing Persons Bureau, Detective Orson speaking.

Hi, this is Jill Ross.

I'm the polygraph examiner working on that case

with the Alton Police Department.

Oh, hi. You got our fax?
Yeah, thanks.

Paulette Gideon, can you tell me the connection

between her and Peter Clayman?

Well, apparently they were dating,

and after the sister reported her missing,

he was the first one we questioned.

I see.

And was he ever considered a suspect in the case?

Oh, yeah, but we cleared him pretty quickly.

How's that?

He passed the polygraph test.

And this Paulette Gideon, was she ever found?

Nope. File's still open on her.

She hasn't turned up anywhere so far, alive or dead.

You lied.

You had taken a polygraph.

So who's Paulette Gideon?

She's the woman I was involved with in Seattle.

Yeah, well, this woman disappeared

and was never heard from again.

That's right.

Yeah, well, what else don't I know?

What else haven't you told me?

Now wait a second.

You know what--
No, no, no!

I put myself on the limb for you and you lied to me!

I lied about taking a polygraph test

because I didn't think it mattered.

You didn't think it would matter?

If I had admitted to taking the polygraph test,

then I would've had to explain that whole ugly mess to you.

That's right.

There were two sisters, Paulette and Simone Gideon.

I met Simone first at a party

and we ended up spending the night together, once, one time.

I met Paulette at about a week later and

she told me that she was Simone's sister.

So I was reluctant.

But then she persisted and persisted.

And eventually, we got involved.

And how long did that last?

Until I found out this was a pattern

they've repeated with other men.

Simone would develop a crush

and Paulette would come and steal the man away.

And so I ended it.

You ended it?

Yeah, I called Paulette and I told her it was over.

The next thing I know, Simone shows up at my door.

I told hold her the same thing, I wanted her outta my life.

Oh, she went nuts.

She started screaming and throwing things.

And then she said that if she couldn't have me,

nobody could.

A couple days later,

two police detectives showed up at the hospital.

Simone was making these wild accusations.

She said that I had murdered her sister

and somehow done away with the body.

And they wanted you to take a polygraph?

I volunteered to take a polygraph.

That's what innocent people do, isn't it?

I passed, easily.

Well, that really set Simone off. She went crazy.

She started stalking me around the clock.

She would tell anybody that would listen

that I had murdered her sister.

I got a restraining order.

I moved to a different house. I...

I even got a bodyguard.

And nothing would stop her.

So I realized that the only way

that I could be free of her

was to disappear myself.

And so I did.

That's the truth, Jill.

That's it, minus a few gory details.

So what do you think happened to Paulette?

I don't know.

Do you think it's possible

that Simone might have followed you here?

No, I don't think so.

What?

I think that I might have seen her.

Here?

In Alton?
Yeah, well, just a glimpse.

(Peter sighing)

(Jill sighs)

What is Mack gonna think when he finds out

you lied about the polygraph?

What do you think?

I think if you lied to me once--

No, no, no, wait, but I lied

about taking a polygraph test.
(Jill sighs)

That's it. The rest has been the truth, Jill.

Jill?

Do I look like a murderer?

(nervous music)

(Jill sighs)

Yeah, as soon as you can.

Uh-huh. Thanks.

He did pass their polygraph.

Yes he did.

So that's two outta three with one inconclusive.

What does that tell you?

Tells me he's pretty good at taking a test.

We did a second search of the crime scene.

Found this wedged between the mattress and the bed frame.

(somber music)
(Jill sobs)

I'm sorry, Jill.

(playing sorrowful piano music)

(doorbell ringing)

Dr. Clayman.

Detective.

I have a warrant for your arrest.

I believe you.

It's for the murder of Della Ramsey.

So now you read me my rights.

I've seen it on television.

Do you have to use handcuffs?

Yes I do, sir.

Just turn around, put your hands behind your head.

(handcuffs clicking)

You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say can and will be used against you

in a court of law.

(bleak music)

(police radio chattering)

(students chattering)
(laughing)

(student clears throat)
(chatter quiets)

Okay, first, any questions

regarding the reading assignment?

Yeah.

I just wanna be clear about this lie detector thing.

You really saying it's infallible?

It's a polygraph, not a lie detector.

The question is professor, is it infallible?

It is an instrument used to measure

the responses of the autonomic nervous system.

So you're saying, it's impossible for someone to beat it.

It is a gauge, a tool.

It is an instrument, a device--

Yeah, but what about the examiner, hmm?

What about the possibility of human error?

(camera clicks echoing)

The skill of the examiner is the determining factor.

So if the examiner was having an off day

or she was being influenced by

some external element,

is it possible she could be wrong?

(weighty music)

(heavy door clatters)

Professor?

(Jill sighs)

(people chattering)

There he is! There he is!
(reporters shouting questions)

How did you pass the first polygraph?

Oh! Hey, hey!

Do you know where I'm supposed to be?

Up the stairs to the left.

Oh, thanks.

Was released under bond today.

The judge (inaudible).

Also at the hearing was state's key witness,

Susie Marsh, a local waitress.

Her testimony is expected to place Dr. Clayman

at the crime scene, the night of the murder.

She had previously reported to the police

that she observed Clayman exit the same motel room

in which the victim was later found.

We will be back with live updates

as more developed in this case.

Hey, Jonesie?

Jill, I would not be here if I were you.

Things are too hot right now.
I know. I know that.

Mack's furious they let Clayman post bail.

What?
Yeah.

His attorney convinced the judge he wasn't a flight risk.

All he had to do was put up his cash assets. He's out.

Susie Marsh, did she testify?

Hadn't been for her,

we might not have gotten the indictment.

Well, what's going on with her face?

She told us it was a nose job.

Why would she have that done right now?

I don't know. She wants looking for the jury?

She's some waitress from a greasy spoon.

Nose jobs aren't that expensive.

Yeah, but did you see the car that she was driving?

It's a brand new car.

What's your point?
Point is,

someone should be checking her out.

Oh, Jill, come on.
No, no, I'm serious.

There is something wrong about her.

I wish I could help you out.

No, Jonesie, look.

I have been investigating criminal behavior

for the past 15 years.

Give me the benefit of a doubt here.

Where does she work?

Flora's Diner.

Don't tell Mack.

You kidding? Mack would nail my butt.

(radio playing softly)

Hello?

Oh.

Want some coffee?

No, actually I was just looking for Susie.

Oh, she don't work here no more.

Did she get fired?
No, she quit.

She grabbed her paycheck and took off.

Oh, shoot. I don't think I have her home address.

You're not a reporter, are ya?

No, honestly.

Okay.

You don't have any idea why she quit, do you?

Who wouldn't quit a dump like this?

Thanks.

Hi, Susie. It's Jill Ross.

Do you remember me?
Oh, yeah, sure.

You work at the police department.

Can I come in?

Well, what's up?

It's just a simple procedure. It won't take long.

Oh, well, I was kinda just fixing dinner.

Mack really wanted me to get this done tonight.

Yeah, sure.
Thanks.

Can I put this summer?
Oh, yeah.

Great. That'd be great.

Have you ever seen one of these before?

No.

Well, let me explain. This is just purely routine.

All witnesses in murder cases are required

to take this test.

Oh, you know, the cops didn't mention anything

about having to take any tests.

I know. This is just standard procedure.

(nervously chuckles)

I mean, I promise that this will be completely painless.

I mean, you've got nothing to hide.

No, no, of course not.

Well, let's get to it then.

This will just take a few minutes

and then I'll be outta here.

You know, I really don't see why it's necessary. I mean--

You do have the right to refuse.

But if you do, then I'm gonna have to tell

the prosecutor and the policeman,

and they're gonna wanna know if there's a problem.

You know, I really never been too good

at taking tests, you know?
Excuse me.

I'd appreciate if you didn't smoke,

'cause the nicotine can affect the results of the test.

Oh, yeah.

Come here. Come sit down.

We're just gonna chat for a while

and get to know each other,

and then I'll explain everything to you.

Okay? Great.

Don't worry about being nervous.

Most people get nervous

when they get hooked up to a polygraph,

even the honest ones.

Okay. Are you ready?

Yep.
Okay.

First question. Is your middle name Jean?

Yes.

Did you go to Blackie's Tavern the night of March 20th?

Uh-huh.

I need you to answer with a "yes" or a "no."

Yes.

Do you intend to deceive me

with any of the questions we've discussed?

No.

On the night of March 20th,

did you see Peter Clayman exit room six

at the May Lane Motel?

Yes.

Do you know anyone who would want to hurt Peter Clayman?

No.

Okay.
(clicks off)

How'd I do?

Well, I won't know until I have

a chance to analyze the chart.

But I did okay, right?

Oh, I'm sure you did fine if you were telling the truth.

Is there any chance that machine could be wrong?

Well, I've been doing this for 15 years

and it hasn't been wrong yet.
Hmm.

You worried about something?

Oh, no.
(Velcro ripping)

Well, I really appreciate your cooperation.

I'll be sure to note that on the report.

Mm.

(suspenseful music)

(engine starts)

(Susie shouting)
(suspenseful music continues)

(wind chimes jingling)
(thunder rumbling)

(thunder rumbling)
(rain pattering)

Simone...

Ah, his lover.

Did he play the Rachmaninoff for you too?

Do you think running into him

at the video store was a coincidence?

He followed you there.

I watched him slip into the back door

and pretend to bump into you.

You have no idea who you're dealing with.

And you do?

I don't think there's anyone who knows who he really is,

but I'll tell you what I know.

(dramatic music)

(rain pattering)

Talk to me.
(thunder rumbling)

Peter Clayman is a cold-blooded killer.

Do you have evidence?

He told you I was a crazy one, didn't he?

That I was obsessed with him, that I stalked him?

No, what he told me was that he had

an affair with your sister,

that she disappeared, and that you blamed him.

My sister and I were very close,

until Peter came into our lives.

He'd found out we were sisters before he even met us.

It was all premeditated.

Seducing me,

seducing Paulette, and playing us one against the other.

But then we started comparing notes

and we realized how much he'd been manipulating us,

lying to us!

Yes, but being a liar does not make someone a killer.

(sighs) Paulette couldn't believe it either.

She couldn't let go.

I told her to just walk away, but she had to confront him.

That very same night, she disappeared.

Do you think that's a coincidence?

He passed two polygraph tests.

Because he believes his own lies!

You wanna talk about lies?

What about the lies

that Susie Marsh has been telling the police?

Can't you see?

If I didn't do anything,

he would've gotten away with it again!

But you have to have evidence.

The people here believe he did it.

That's all that matters.

Look, you need to go to the police

and you need to tell them that Susie Marsh--

No!

You're not listening to me.

See, Peter Clayman is a pathological liar.

Peter Clayman is still innocent until he is proven guilty!

I don't believe you!

You just like my sister.

I warned her.

I will take you to see the chief of police.

You can tell them your story.

You don't understand!

You don't know how dangerous he is.

Simone, put down the gun.

I'm sorry.

I don't wanna do this.
Simone!

(items shattering)

(thunder rumbling)

(Simone grunts)

(tense music)

(Peter grunts)
(Simone groaning)

(breathing heavily)
(grunting)

(gun fires)

(glass shattering)
(groaning)

(gun fires)

(footsteps running)

(Jill sighing)

(thunder rumbling)
(dramatic music)

She's dead.

Tracked down the real estate agent

that leased her the house.

(sighs) Are you all right?

Yeah. Yeah, it's her blood.

It's her blood. (breathing heavily)

Why don't you call 911?

Hello. There's been a shooting.

(people chattering)

Mm-hmm. Yeah.

Okay. Okay, thanks a lot.

Bye. That was Seattle.

They had a dog sniff out Simone's house.

They found a skeleton buried in the backyard,

compared dental records, it's the sister.

Cause of death?
Probable strangulation.

So she did kill 'em both.
Susie confessed.

We know Simone spent time in a mental hospital.

We also found a PI that traced Clayman for us.

And when we searched her house,

we found some of those same condoms in a dresser.

Only thing we haven't found is the murder weapon.

Probably never will.

Everything points to Simone.

It's hard to believe she had the strength

to hold someone down and strangle 'em.

Anyway...

I'm sorry, Jill.

Mack, it's all right.

I mean, you were just doing your job.

No, I should've trusted your judgment.

So, what now?

We're gonna take a long trip,

try to get our lives together.

And what about your job?

(chuckles) You mean as a professional truth finder?

(both chuckle)

I think I'll put it on sabbatical.

Well, send us a postcard.
Okay.

Jill?
Hmm?

I'll miss you.

(forlorn music)

What are you thinking about?

Nothing.

Everything.

I'm gonna check around the house

and make sure we didn't forget anything.

Where's that suitcase you said I could borrow?

Oh, it's in the guest house. I'll get it.

You finish checking upstairs.

(mysterious music)

(Dexter meows)

(Dexter strikes piano key)
(meows)

Dex, what are you doing over there, huh?

Bad kitty, come on. Come on.

Play.
(meows)

(plays first two notes of melody)

(hammer thuds)

(thuds echoing)

(hammer thudding)

(hollow thuds echoing)

Death by strangulation.

Looks like some kind of thin cord or wire.

(hammer thudding)

I can't believe she had the strength

to hold someone down and strangle 'em.

(hollow thuds echoing)

Oh, boy, I'd be in bad shape

if you didn't believe me.

Jill?

What's wrong?

What's the matter?

You did it.

I did what?

(tense music)

They never did find the murder weapon, did they?

(breath trembles)

So you think I used the piano wire to kill Della?

Where is it?

What if I told you it broke and I threw the wire away?

Would you believe me?

Would you believe me?

(Jill's breath trembles)

(wire rattling)

I--
No, no.

Don't say anything.

Your eyes said it all.

(downhearted music)

I'm sorry.

(piano wire clatters)

First question.

Is your first name, John?
Yes.

Do you intend to mislead me about anything

during this test?
No.

Do you live at 330 Garden Avenue?

Yes.

Do you know anyone who would wanna hurt your wife, Angela?

No.

Have you ever physically hit your wife, Angela?

No.

Is today Monday?
Yes.

Did you beat your wife, Angela, to death

on Saturday, October the 3rd?

No.

(somber music)

(somber music)

(child laughing)
(chiming)