Diagnosis Murder (1993–2001): Season 8, Episode 3 - Sleight-of-Hand - full transcript
Mark's magic instructor turns up dead after an apparent surfing accident, but Mark suspects the deceased's twin brother may have been the one with a trick up his sleeve.
Ooh.
I think I got it.
I think I...
and we appreciate it.
A good thing about
a job like mine
at least I get to go home
the minute I finish
a long night's work.
I wanted to do it
for the kids next week.
If you can't do it, you'll have
your trusty assistant
Jimbo by your side.
I'm counting on you for that.
Oh, listen, don't forget
to bring the medallion, too.
The Magic Citadel's
"The Magician
of the Future."
That makes it official.
I'll have it with me.
I wear it every day.
Wouldn't they laugh if they knew
their Magician of
the Future was
a janitor?
Listen, you're the best
there is, Jim
and we appreciate it.
A good thing about
a job like mine
at least I get to go home
the minute I finish
a long night's work.
Hey, I'm out of here
in a few minutes.
I'm just waiting for
an x-ray to come down.
Go home and get some sleep.
Actually I'm going
to hit the beach,
do a little surfing.
It's a beautiful morning
to get in the water.
It beats going home
to an empty house.
You know, Jim, I'm surprised
you didn't get married.
I'd think the girls
would be lined up
around the block.
Thanks.
Never met
Ms. Right, I guess.
The Floating Ball of Flame.
The Floating Ball of Flame?
Don't worry, it's not
as dangerous as it sounds.
Hey.
How do you know
Jim's coming back?
You said he's gone off
on binges before.
Hi.
Have I told you
lately that I have
the most beautiful
wife in the world?
Dad?
That's funny.
Dad, this isn't funny?
Hang on.
The janitor Briggs...
they just brought his
body into the morgue.
Oh, my God.
They found him washed ashore
You said he's gone off
on binges before.
How long do they last?
Oh, just a couple of days.
Don't worry about it.
He'll be back.
I've already got a cramp, Dad.
Just relax, will you?
Steve: "Dad you know I hate
this."
"It's cramp, it's cramp."
"And dark."
Okay.
"Come on dad."
It's all right.
The chain and the lock
are rigged.
They just pop right off.
Jim's twin brother.
I was asked to come down here
and identify his body.
You're Dr. Bentley?
Maybe it needs a little oil.
It isn't funny.
I'm getting the keys.
Get me out of here!
Dad!
You're Dr. Bentley?
Amanda:
He's been in the water
for approximately two days.
Dad!
Help!
Wait a minute.
I got to get the...
Hold on.
I got the...
Hang on.
Dad, please!
Get me out of here!
Amanda.
Hmm.
For approximately two days.
There's a large gash
in the back of his skull.
We're assuming that
he was hit in the
back of the head
This is Steve Sloan,
my son, LAPD.
Excuse me for staring,
but it's amazing.
You two...
I know. I'm used
to the reaction.
I can't believe it.
He was so full of life.
Thank you.
Maybe he still is.
What?
Jim?
Oh, no.
I can see where
you'd make that mistake.
I'm Jeff Briggs
Jim's twin brother.
A surfboard?
Jim surfed?
You didn't know?
Mark. Steve.
I wonder if I could ask you
a few questions
Mr. Briggs
About your brother?
Sure.
It's like looking at
your own death.
I wonder if I could ask you
a few questions
We're assuming that
he was hit in the
back of the head
with his own surfboard,
rendering him unconscious
and he drowned.
A surfboard?
Yes, please. Black.
Jim was what you would
call a wanna-be.
Anything I did,
Jim would try to copy.
Mark. Steve.
I just...
Amanda:
This is Jeff...
Jim's twin brother.
Mark? Dr. Mark Sloan?
My brother speaks
so highly of you.
I'm sorry.
Spoke.
This is Steve Sloan,
my son, LAPD.
Jim decides he wants
to be a rock singer
and can't even get a gig
at the Holiday Inn.
Now apparently,
he took up surfing
I know. I'm used
to the reaction.
It's happened all our lives.
This must be a terrible shock
for you.
Well, to be honest,
I hadn't spoken to my brother
in awhile.
We kind of had a falling out.
It's strange...
losing a brother is hard
but when you lose your twin
it's like looking at
your own death.
Point Malibu?
Where did they, uh...
find Jim?
Don't tell me.
Oh, Zuma, The Rincon,
Point Malibu probably
has the best waves.
Point Malibu?
Sure.
Please, take a seat.
Coffee?
Yes, please. Black.
I said no.
He walked out of my life.
It's funny...
on the slab in there
I noticed...
Anything I did,
Jim would try to copy.
I invest in the stock market...
Did great.
Jim invests... loses everything.
I start my own successful
music management company
Jim decides he wants
to be a rock singer
on the slab in there
I noticed...
He still had his legs.
Now apparently,
he took up surfing
gets himself killed.
You're a surfer?
As soon as I could walk.
I use one of those
old wooden boards.
Picked that up at a swap meet.
You can't find those anymore.
Where do you surf?
Oh, Zuma, The Rincon,
Point Malibu probably
7:30 a.m. Tuesday.
It's been here two days.
Where'd you say
the body washed up?
Right over there...
About 100 yards down the beach.
Yeah, Dad, it's Steve.
Don't tell me.
I don't want to know.
Look, three years ago,
Jim came to me
and said he needed to borrow
$12,000 to cover
some gambling debts.
I'd already loaned him
close to $30,000
and he said if
I didn't help him out
some goons were going
to chop off his legs
at the knees.
I said no.
And it doesn't matter
if we lose the sun.
Hmm, I agree.
This is a much better idea.
He still had his legs.
Excuse me.
Sloan here.
All right, I'll be right there.
We ran a check on the plates.
It belongs to Jim Briggs.
It's time-coded.
7:30 a.m. Tuesday.
And there's a Dr. Sloan
here to see you.
Says it's something
about your brother.
Should I tell him to
come back another time?
About 100 yards down the beach.
Are you sure?
I was the first
detective on the scene.
Jeff:
I'll talk to some people...
The time for talking
was last week when I told you
Yeah, Dad, it's Steve.
I think we've got a problem.
It's 5:45.
Is something wrong?
I guess you were so busy
you forgot we were
playing tennis at 5:30.
Oh, my gosh, Dina
it completely skipped my mind.
I'm sorry.
Well, hurry up
and go get changed
before we lose the sun.
I've got a better idea...
and it doesn't matter
if we lose the sun.
Was, uh, that Asia?
Oh, I'm afraid so.
Well, what can I do for you
Dr. Sloan?
I was going through
Jim's locker at the hospital
This is a much better idea.
Just be a minute.
Better get me
Harvey Adkins on the line.
Asia wants to reschedule
some concert dates.
Right away.
And there's a Dr. Sloan
here to see you.
Okay.
Was last week when I told you
about the problem, Jeff.
Asia... please...
I'll fix it, okay?
Damn straight you'll fix it
or you can kiss this
multi-platinum booty good-bye.
Hey, you okay?
Mm...
Better get me
Harvey Adkins on the line.
Yeah. It has to do
with, uh, ocean currents
at least as I understand it.
Now here's
the California coastline
Dr. Sloan...
Now, the ocean currents
at Sunset Cove
flow northward, see?
No, I don't, really.
Jim's locker at the hospital
and I found this and thought
maybe you'd like to have it.
I'm not really interested
in magic tricks.
No, I don't, really.
Well, see, it took two days
for Jim's body to wash ashore.
Was, uh, that Asia?
So close to where
his car was parked.
It should have been
way up here, at least.
Well, maybe he surfed
at Sunset Cove for a while
Jim's car was parked
and here's where his body
was found washed ashore.
There's about
a hundred yards there.
Dr. Sloan...
I'm not really interested
in magic tricks.
I thought maybe just
for the sentimental value.
Oh, uh, you keep it
or give it to one
of the children
at the hospital.
Excuse me, I have
some pressing business.
Oh, yeah, I understand.
There's one problem maybe you
could help me with before I go.
A problem?
Yeah. It has to do
with, uh, ocean currents
You mean, like down around here?
Exactly.
That would be Malibu,
wouldn't it?
Yeah.
Now here's
the California coastline
north of, uh, Sunset Cove.
Now, here's where
Jim's car was parked
What did you think
you were going
to find out?
Oh, uh, you know,
when Steve told me
Yeah.
I understand
that's your favorite
surfing spot.
Who told you that?
Your wife.
She said you were out surfing
the morning that Jim drowned.
Gee, I wish I had seen him.
Then maybe I could have
saved him from drowning
but then again
with all the eddies and currents
along the coast
Now, if the currents
are flowing northward here
it would have been impossible
for his body to wash ashore
so close to where
his car was parked.
She said you were out surfing
the morning that Jim drowned.
When did you speak to Dina?
Oh, about an hour ago.
I had to find out
your work address.
Well, maybe he surfed
at Sunset Cove for a while
and then saw that the waves
were better down south
and paddled down there.
You mean, like down around here?
Oh, uh, you know,
when Steve told me
about that parking lot ticket,
something does not add up there.
Mm...
Okay, get in the box.
Was timecoded,
and it said he parked there
at around 7:30 am.
No kidding.
Gee, I wish I had seen him.
I hate when you
make me feel guilty.
All right, I'm going to do it.
I won't like doing it,
but I'm going to do it.
It's going to be fun.
I had to find out
your work address.
She was very helpful.
Ah!
She said that
you went out that morning
around 8:00 am.
Now, the parking ticket
on Jim's Jeep
was timecoded,
and it said he parked there
Oh, just give me
the necklace.
It's going to be fun.
With all the eddies and currents
along the coast
it'd be pretty difficult
to say where Jim drowned
wouldn't it?
On a chain the day he died.
Do you remember if it was on him
when they brought him in?
All of the personal effects
were returned to the next of kin
Hmm.!
What? You seem
disappointed.
Well, you know, it's crazy...
Okay, get in the box.
I love you, Mark
but I'm not getting
into the box.
Come on, Amanda,
it's for the kids.
No, not getting in the box.
Look, Jim can't do it.
He was going to.
Excuse me?
Listen, Amanda
Jim had an amulet
around his neck
on a chain the day he died.
"Surfers knots."
Surfers get them all the time
when they're kneeling
on their surfboards
paddling out to the ocean.
Yeah, I know.
Steve has them, too,
but the thing is
Oh, sorry.
Okay, listen, you better
take the, uh, necklace off.
I had an assistant wore
a beautiful necklace.
It got caught on those levers.
What?!
Oh, just give me
And maybe it was his brother.
And if the two of them
look so much alike
it's hard to believe
the person we're talking to
isn't Jim.
You know, my foster
mother has twin sisters
The Magic Citadel.
Excuse me?
You know,
I never noticed this before.
Those bumps on his knees
and the top of his feet.
"Surfers knots."
Well, you know, it's crazy...
I guess I keep thinking that
maybe it isn't Jim who's dead
And maybe it was his brother.
Were returned to the next of kin
along with the body.
Now, the, uh, autopsy
photographs here...
See, he was definitely
wearing the amulet.
Mm...
Hmm.!
Steve has them, too,
but the thing is
you've got to surf
for a lot of years
before they develop
anything like that.
Yeah, or maybe
we're looking at a homicide.
Maybe Jim
killed his brother
and stepped into his life.
That's the end
of the phone list.
You know, my foster
mother has twin sisters
and to this day,
I'm never quite sure
which one I'm talking to.
Yeah, but he's got
the amulet on.
It has to be Jim.
Could you please
be honest with me?
What did I do?
No... no, not a thing.
Um, everything's okay.
I've just... I've had
a lot on my mind.
Well, I mean, you haven't
touched me all week.
Oh...
I mean, did I say something
or do something?
Could you please
be honest with me?
I've been looking
forward to it all week.
Steve:
I'm sorry to bother you
like this.
Before they develop
anything like that.
Jim said he'd only been surfing
a couple of months.
Well, maybe he was being modest.
Maybe he developed them
quicker than most people.
Yeah, or maybe
we're looking at a homicide.
You promised me.
No, no, I didn't forget,
of course not.
I've been looking
forward to it all week.
What does he have
to do with this?
He's a consultant
with the police department.
Well, to tell you
the truth, that's just
Thanks.
Jeff, is something wrong?
Uh, no, no, of course not.
Wh-why do you ask that?
Well, I mean, you haven't
touched me all week.
Well, to tell you
the truth, that's just
an honorary title
but once in a while
he gets a crazy idea
in his head,
and he just won't let it go.
See, my dad's got this idea
that your husband Jeff
is, well...
actually his twin brother Jim.
What?
Yeah.
I've just... I've had
a lot on my mind.
Thank God.
Okay, 'cause I was worried
you were going to cancel
our romantic getaway
to Santa Barbara
this weekend.
Uh, th-this weekend?
Oh, you did not forget?!
You promised me.
In his head,
and he just won't let it go.
I hate to even ask you this,
but, uh...
has your husband been acting
unusual at all lately?
Does he seem
like a different person?
No.
I didn't think so.
See, my dad's got this idea
that your husband Jeff
Actually, I was hoping
to speak to your husband.
Well, he's at work.
What can I help you with,
Lieutenant?
Well, it's just
kind of embarrassing
but, uh, you see, my father...
Your father?
If her husband
was really her husband
if you know what I mean.
I've been trying
to tell him that.
Mm...
Well, you can tell your father
that a woman would know
if her husband
was really her husband
Yeah.
Oh, that is funny.
Has your husband been acting
unusual at all lately?
Unusual...?
Well, like, has he
been acting differently?
Thank you.
His moods, his habits?
Does he seem
like a different person?
A bottle of scotch last week
and he's the only
one in this house
who ever drinks that stuff
so why don't you take it?
It's on the bar.
And must be some way you
could check that, right?
Oh, that is funny.
That is funny, Lieutenant.
Yeah...
Um... thank you.
It's been a rough couple of days
I've been trying
to tell him that.
Uh, I was really hoping
your husband would be home.
Listen, Lieutenant
It's been a rough couple of days
and I needed a good laugh.
Right.
Um, can I fix you something?
A drink or...?
Uh, no, thank you.
Mm...
The police were here?
Just thought
you might like to know.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Sure I can't get you a drink?
No, thanks. Bye.
Listen, Lieutenant
if you think something strange
is going on
maybe I can help.
Jeff just bought
a bottle of scotch last week
They wanted your fingerprints.
Excuse me?
Oh, you don't have to worry.
I gave them a bottle
Jeff bought last week
It's on the bar.
His fingerprints
must be all over it
and must be some way you
could check that, right?
Jim.
Did you really think
you could fool me?
I gave them a bottle
Jeff bought last week
and that's who's
fingerprints they're
going to get...
Jim.
No, thanks. Bye.
Just thought
you might like to know.
Oh, I am not going
to stand for this anymore.
I am going down to the precinct
first thing in the morning
to lodge a complaint.
To accuse me of being my...
dead brother.
It's ridiculous.
You know what they wanted?
They wanted your fingerprints.
Lately, I've been so bad
I decided to file for a divorce.
In fact, I had an
appointment with
the lawyer that day
you came home from
the beach and kissed me.
Dina:
What, that you killed
your twin brother
and took his place?
Since the first day.
Why didn't you blow the whistle?
The lawyer that day
you came home from
the beach and kissed me.
First, I was curious to
see what you were up to
Did you really think
you could fool me?
But I owed some people
some money and
they were going to
get it one way or another.
What, more gambling debts?
I do have to ask you, though...
Why?
Yeah.
I didn't want to kill him.
But, all the bad stuff
between us
Jim:
How long have
you known?
Dina:
What, that you killed
your twin brother
because you thought I was him.
Uh-uh.
I do have to ask you, though...
Why didn't you blow the whistle?
Jeff wasn't a very
nice man, you know that.
I guess I thought...
What, that he treated me
better than he treated you?
Well, he didn't.
Lately, I've been so bad
Jim, let's be honest.
You're sweeter than your brother
and you are much sexier
but Jeff was the smarter
of you two.
What, more gambling debts?
Yeah.
I, um, I thought of
killing myself
but I didn't have
the courage, so...
First, I was curious to
see what you were up to
and then, after the first
couple days, I realized
after all these years
I've been married
to the wrong brother.
I thought you were being
so terrific to me
because you thought I was him.
The only thing I have
to worry about is Dr. Sloan.
I thought I thought
of every angle...
Jim, let's be honest.
Is that between us,
we can pull this off.
But, all the bad stuff
between us
that was in the past.
But I owed some people
some money and
but Jeff was the smarter
of you two.
What, you're saying
that he could have
pulled this off?
No, what I'm saying
is that between us,
we can pull this off.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
I'd like to introduce you
to the famous Chinese
vanishing bag.
You notice it's empty
totally empty, inside and out.
But I didn't have
the courage, so...
I killed Jeff and
took over his life.
We just have to
move on from here.
And no regrets...
and no more gambling.
No, believe me,
that's over, dead and buried.
The only thing I have
to worry about is Dr. Sloan.
And...
and there it is
in one of my joints.
And there it is in the pantry
in the vestry.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
I'd like to introduce you
Will wonders never cease?
The man is an absolute wizard.
A cornucopia of
magic tricks and
montages
Halla-Ballalla.
And out it comes, there it is.
However...
All:
Wow!
Thank you very, very kindly.
It'll be seen later.
Into the box he goes.
Now, ladies and gentlemen
You see before you a chain
of forged, stainless steel
And we roll it and we roll it
until it gets nice
and soft and warm
and...
And there it is in the pantry
in the vestry.
From which there is
no escape and which
leads to unknown worlds.
Alexo, will you
get into my box, please?
A cornucopia of
magic tricks and
montages
the most colorful
tricks ever done
by a wizard
you've ever seen in your life.
Ladies and gentlemen,
and boys and girls
Homina-Homina.
And I take out the magic key
and open the box.
And then I simply say
the magic words
Sim-Salla Bim
Halla-Ballalla.
You see before you a chain
of forged, stainless steel
unbreakable by the world's
strongest men.
Thank you very, very kindly.
And now here's some flowers
for the beautiful young lady.
Oh...
Excuse me, there!
Will wonders never cease?
He has not yet gone off
to other worlds.
And now...
we seal his doom
with the final lock.
First of all, we have
to say the magic words
Halla-Ballalla
Sim-Salla Bim
Homina-Homina.
Ladies and gentlemen,
and boys and girls
Now my most
trick to baffle
and mystify you
conceived by the
great Merlin the
Magician
from the days
of King Arthur's court
and taught to me by that
master prestidigitator
The Great Moajawambi
of Calcutta.
Now, my assistant, Alexo,
will get into the magic box
from which there is
no escape and which
leads to unknown worlds.
Shall we say
the magic words once again?
All:
Halla-Ballalla,
Sim-Salla Bim.
Homina-Homina.
Keep your eye
on the red silk.
It'll be seen later.
You don't mind being
cut in half, do you?
Homina-Homina.
And presto-chango...
Sorry, Dad, I don't think
he's coming back.
Unbreakable by the world's
strongest men.
We're going to lock
Mr. Alexo
inside the box.
Everything all right
in there, so far, Alexo?
Yeah, I heard
him say, "Yes."
He has not yet gone off
to other worlds.
You're liable for
twice the capacity
of the entire stadium.
Not us, not the
insurance company...
You.
Who agreed to something stupid,
like that.
We seal his doom
with the final lock.
Alexo is now trapped.
He cannot escape from the box.
Or can he?
First of all, we have
to say the magic words
Mmm.
I think I'm going to
need another secretary.
Steve:
We could have just gone on
to the next trick.
You don't do something
to somebody like
sawing him in half
without rehearsing it.
And Sim-Salla Bim...
I invite the audience
to come up and check.
Alexo is gone...
where, we don't know.
Somewhere in the stratosphere.
Hi.
Uh, sorry, Dad,
I didn't realize...
That's okay, what's up?
Uh, the fingerprint
report came back.
The prints belong to Jeff.
Oh, I thought sure
I was onto something.
Well, how are we going to bring
Alexo back?
Shall we say
the magic words once again?
It'll be standing by
to fly you right back to Mexico.
Or, if you prefer,
you can stay at the
Presidential Suite
at the Four Seasons
and fly back the next morning.
We're closed.
Steve, it's Amanda.
Amanda?
What are you doing here so late?
Sorry, Dad, I don't think
he's coming back.
Well, I guess we can't
cut him in half, can we?
I know, I'll cut Police
Lieutenant Steve in half.
Right over here Steve.
What are you doing here so late?
I came to tell you
about the will.
What will?
You don't mind being
cut in half, do you?
Oh...
What is the matter?
Uh, maybe he hasn't told you
but this is the same way
I got him to marry me.
You know what, it's probably
a good thing that she's here.
Go ahead, Jeff, tell her
how you feel about her.
Tell her the truth.
Tell her.
You sure that's what you want?
Uh-huh.
I love her beyond all reason
and I'm the luckiest
man in the world
that she would
even consider loving me.
You son-of-a...
Teri, I tried to tell you
but you wouldn't listen.
You are going to be
so sorry for this!
Oh!
Mmm.
The divorce settlement
stipulated that he'd give
one third of his estate
to each of his boys.
Yeah, but you only leave
an estate if you're dead.
Jeff Briggs is alive.
Yes, but as Mark pointed out,
if he were dead
it would give Dina
all the more reason
to lie and say that
Jim was her husband.
Sawing him in half
without rehearsing it.
It worked fine when
he rehearsed it with me.
He rehearsed it with you?
Only once.
But it seemed pretty basic.
And, if you thought
it was so basic
how come you took a powder?
Hey, look at the bright side.
At least, you were
already at the hospital.
Jim:
Asia, we changed every date,
but one.
Dina:
Asia...
Oakland on the 22nd
which is right in the middle
of my Acapulco vacation.
The promoter won't budge.
Plus, he's
threatening
to sue you
for personal damages,
if you postpone.
So, what we've done...
What will?
Hey, Alex.
Uh, Mark had a hunch
so he asked me to snoop around
and see what I could find out
about Jeff Briggs' will.
Oh, I heard about your accident.
I'm so sorry.
But how did he talk you
into letting him
saw you in half?
Oh, probably the same way
he talked you into snooping
into Jeff Briggs' will.
What'd you find out?
Jeff Briggs had two sons
from a previous marriage.
The divorce settlement
stipulated that he'd give
On the plane
and on the ground.
It's already been arranged.
My hairdresser's
going to have to come.
Or a one-day break
in your holiday.
I want a private chef.
On the plane
to lie and say that
Jim was her husband.
He's right... it doesn't make up
for the sawing-in-half trick
but he's right about this.
If it's any consolation
Mark is not happy about this.
He doesn't like the idea
of his friend, Jim,
being a murderer
any more than he likes the idea
of him being dead.
Steve:
Even so, I
know my dad.
He'll want to know the truth,
no matter what.
Jim:
Asia, we changed every date,
but one.
You were terrific!
Which is right in the middle
of my Acapulco vacation.
Asia, if you change
that Oakland date
you're liable for
twice the capacity
of the entire stadium.
My hairdresser's
going to have to come.
Booked her this morning,
she'll meet you on the plane.
Who agreed to something stupid,
like that.
You and your lawyer.
It comes to approximately
half a million dollars.
The promoter won't budge.
You were terrific!
Mmm.
So, what we've done...
I don't care
what you've done!
We have arranged
for a private jet
to pick you up and
fly you to Oakland
that morning.
Directly after the performance
it'll be standing by
to fly you right back to Mexico.
Mmm.
Oh, I'm sorry, there was
nobody at the secretary's desk
and I heard voices back here.
And fly back the next morning.
It's your choice.
Half a million dollars,
plus a lawsuit
or a one-day break
in your holiday.
Here's one right here.
Left hand or right hand?
Ah heck, let's get them both.
Forget it, Jim, it's over.
He's got us.
What are you talking about?
Congratulations,
Lieutenant,
you're right.
A warrant...
Yeah, I guess you're right.
Oh, wait a minute...
here's one right here.
Didn't you used to be
a secretary here?
She's my partner, now.
Huh!
Maybe you're not as dumb
as I thought you were.
From now on, I only want
to work with you.
Look, Jeff and I have
been having problems
for a long time.
It all came to a head
when I discovered
he was carrying on
with his secretary.
All I said was that Jim
was impersonating Jeff.
I didn't say
he committed a murder.
You're going to have
to do a little better
than that, Mrs. Briggs.
Look, Jeff and I have
been having problems
and I heard voices back here.
I hope you've come to return
my bottle of scotch.
As a matter of fact, I have.
And, uh, while I was here
I thought I'd get another
set of fingerprints
if it's not too much trouble.
Jim:
I don't have to put
up with this nonsense.
If you want another
set of prints
you're going to have
to get a warrant.
A warrant...
he was carrying on
with his secretary.
We had a huge fight about it.
Finally, he just walked out.
It wasn't the money.
Jeff's sons can have the money.
They can have the house
they can have the business,
for all I care.
Finally, he just walked out.
I just figured that
he was at a hotel or with her.
Jim:
That's exactly
what she told me
the morning I went to see her
Congratulations,
Lieutenant,
you're right.
This is Jeff's brother, Jim.
I guess I won't be needing
those fingerprints, after all.
Dina...
Jim Briggs, I'm placing
you under arrest
for the murder
of your brother, Jeff.
What makes you think that?
Jim didn't kill Jeff.
You said...
I said this is Jim.
As far as I know,
Jeff's death was
an accident.
Jim had nothing to do with it.
All I said was that Jim
was impersonating Jeff.
By the time I found that out,
it was too late.
So when Jeff had his accident,
I just figured it was fate
that stepped in and changed
both our lives.
That you thought was Jim.
I knew right away what happened.
I just... talked him into
impersonating his brother.
You knew about Jeff's will?
It wasn't the money.
You know, Jim says that
I'm a soft touch
and that's true.
Do you know why, Lieutenant?
They can have the business,
for all I care.
You know, Jim says that
I'm a soft touch
the morning I went to see her
the day you found Jeff's body.
Why did you go see her?
I needed money.
I knew Jeff wouldn't lend me
any more...
and his car wasn't
in the driveway
and Dina's always been
a soft touch.
Don't look at me like that,
Lieutenant.
Gambling is an addiction.
I'm not proud of it.
I-I gave him some breakfast.
He was still eating
when the call came
asking Jeff to come
and identify the body
that you thought was Jim.
And thoughtful
as Jim, but
he wasn't.
By the time I found that out,
it was too late.
That stepped in and changed
both our lives.
To give her
the life she deserves.
I had to come back here
to fill out
some final paperwork
for the hospital.
I thought I should come here
and see you, too.
I don't know exactly what
to say to you, Jim.
Do you know why, Lieutenant?
It's because I love him.
I have always, always loved him.
The only reason Jeff
married me was
to take me away from Jim.
I didn't know that at the time.
I thought that Jeff was
as kind and loving
and thoughtful
as Jim, but
he wasn't.
Well, this is my big break,
Dr. Sloan.
You understand that, don't you?
Woman:
Wow, that's old!
Catch a break, I could be
as big a success as he was.
I thought it would never come.
Well, this is my big break,
Dr. Sloan.
Man:
Hey, where'd
you get that?
You know, that still
doesn't explain why
they had to pretend
that he was Jeff.
You know, if they loved
each other so much
why didn't they just
tell the truth
and go get married?
Well, she said she didn't think
they were hurting anybody.
But, since we found out
she's willing to give
all the money up.
She sounded sincere.
I hope she is.
Because I intend to do
everything in my power
to give her
the life she deserves.
They were keeping money
from their rightful heirs.
It's barely been a week.
Besides,
they never filed a claim.
The D.A. says
he'd never get a conviction.
Huh.
You haven't found
Jeff's surfboard,
yet, have you?
No, why?
According to the autopsy
I don't know exactly what
to say to you, Jim.
I know I've disappointed you,
Dr. Sloan.
Disappoint's putting it mildly.
Well, please,
let me try to explain?
It's true, I've always
envied my brother.
I always thought
that if I could just
catch a break, I could be
as big a success as he was.
Look at that!
We're going to stay warm
all night long!
Woman:
Wow, that's old!
How's my tie?
Mmm... you're learning.
Dina, I couldn't have
done this without you...
No, I'm afraid I don't.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Our friendship always
meant a lot to me.
Huh.
Dina, I couldn't have
done this without you...
You know that.
And I couldn't have done it
without you.
According to the autopsy
he was killed by a blunt object,
a blow to the head.
Now, if that was the surfboard
it might have
some fingerprints on it.
We still have to find it.
Yeah.
If we don't find something soon
Jim's going to
get away with murder.
Man:
Hey, where'd
you get that?
Whoa, a wooden surfboard!
You don't see
those much anymore!
Look at that!
Hey, is it true what I heard...
The D.A.'s office won't even
prosecute them for fraud?
They were keeping money
from their rightful heirs.
That Jeff had been dead
for two days.
Dina:
That's right.
We found out
when we got the call
from the hospital.
Well, maybe you can explain
why we found Jim's beat-up Jeep
There's still a cop
out there, watching us.
Oh, they can't keep it up
forever.
What do they expect us
to do, make a run for it?
No, they're just trying
to make us nervous.
Just put it out
of your mind, huh?
We have got
a business to run, right?
Okay.
How's my tie?
I think we may have
gotten our break.
You found the surfboard?
Better. I found a mistake.
A big one.
Hey, Amanda.
Hey.
And I don't think either of us
should ever forget that.
Mmm.
Steve:
Did you canvass everyone?
Cheryl:
Yeah. Every surfer
I could find.
Still no witnesses.
Still no surfboard.
Hey, is it true what I heard...
Well, maybe you can explain
why we found Jim's beat-up Jeep
in the parking lot
at Sunset Cove.
I don't understand.
You think you've got your bases
all covered, don't you?
There are no bases to cover,
Lieutenant.
Can we please leave?
The D.A. says
he'd never get a conviction.
Yeah, and he's probably right.
Thanks, huh?
Sorry I wasted your time.
No problem.
Wish I could have
turned something up.
Why don't you just
leave us alone?
Sorry to call you
down here like this
but sometimes questions pop up,
and we need answers.
We figured
that's where the body was found
so, that's where the Jeep
should be.
Jim:
We thought that
was the logical place.
Have you seen my dad?
Yeah, he has his infectious
disease class today.
I think we may have
gotten our break.
Why was Jim's Jeep parked there
instead of Jeff's SUV?
It's really very simple.
A big one.
This is bordering on harassment,
Lieutenant.
We're trying to run
a business here
and you keep
interfering
with our lives.
We haven't done
anything illegal.
Why don't you just
leave us alone?
We screwed up, that's all.
I can understand that.
Well, maybe you can explain this
for me, too.
But sometimes questions pop up,
and we need answers.
I'll try and make this fast.
What do you want to know?
You told me you didn't know
that Jeff had been dead
for two days.
See, all county parking tickets
look the same
so, when we picked up Jeff's SUV
at the parking lot
down the coast
I don't understand.
Well, if Jeff did die
in his usual surfing spot...
At Point Malibu...
And then the current
took his body
up the coast to Sunset Cove
why was Jim's Jeep parked there
instead of Jeff's SUV?
Can we please leave?
It's really very simple.
See, once we realized
what had happened
we picked up the SUV
and left the Jeep instead.
We figured
that's where the body was found
Jim:
We thought that
was the logical place.
Of course, we didn't know
about all that tidal action.
We screwed up, that's all.
Well, maybe you can explain this
for me, too.
If you didn't park the Jeep
at Sunset Cove
until two days
after Jeff's death
why was the parking lot ticket
that we found
underneath your windshield wiper
time-stamped
for the morning of the murder?
That was my idea.
See, all county parking tickets
look the same
I just saw her drive off.
We have some things to discuss.
Look, I can't get you
your job back.
I'm sorry.
I didn't come here
begging for my job.
At the parking lot
down the coast
I slipped the parking ticket
underneath the
windshield wiper
of Jim's Jeep.
I guess we just made a mess
of everything.
Is that all?
You think you've got your bases
all covered, don't you?
And it's not a crime
to impersonate somebody, so...
Uh, but, do the police know
that you started
impersonating Jeff
before anyone even
knew he was dead?
Because you're not Jeff.
Oh, if you've come here
to blackmail me
you're too late.
The police already know who I am
before anyone even
knew he was dead?
Yeah, remember, you
came into the office
two days before
his body was found.
Hey, what are you doing?
Exactly what you're doing.
Consuela, you know
Senora Deegan.
It would have been
the first step
in proving
that he murdered his brother.
Yeah. You know, it's funny.
Over the years,
I saw Jim come by the office
What the hell
are you doing here?
May I come in?
Dina will be back in a minute.
No, she won't.
I just saw her drive off.
Not your fault, Miss Deegan.
It was worth a try.
If he would have tried to make
any kind of a deal with you
it would have been
the first step
I didn't come here
begging for my job.
I know you can't do a damn thing
about that...
because you're not Jeff.
Consuela, you know
Senora Deegan.
I want you to remember
that she came here today.
She wants to extort money
from me.
The police already know who I am
and it's not a crime
to impersonate somebody, so...
Come to think of it,
I do remember something else.
I was panicked
when she walked in
but then it was
like this great
calm came over me
you can call me right
here at the hospital.
If I'm not in, call
me on my cell phone.
Something the matter?
Two days before
his body was found.
You're out of your mind.
Oh no, I'm not.
It's a simple phone call.
Three little numbers.
You know what?
I'm sure someone at
911 would connect me
with the Malibu police station
when I tell them I'm
reporting a murder.
Want to find out?
Consuela?
Consuela, would you come in here
a minute, please?
Hey, what are you doing?
Something the matter?
Come to think of it,
I do remember something else.
Dina, I major-league
rolled the dice
when I went in the
water after Jeff.
All that's out of my system.
I swear it.
I don't have to
She wants to extort money
from me.
Want to make
your phone call now?
'Cause nobody
would ever believe you.
I'm sorry Dr. Sloan.
I really thought I had him there
for a minute
but he said just what you said...
That no one would
believe my testimony.
Not your fault, Miss Deegan.
I don't have to
do it anymore.
Consuela.
You know, I really liked
the man you were before
We'd like to see
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, please.
Uh, yes, come in.
Thank you.
Over the years,
I saw Jim come by the office
maybe five, six times
and Jeff
would always refer to him
as his "stupid" brother.
I'm starting to think that Jeff
underestimated him.
Oh, I think we all did.
Yeah.
Miss Deegan, thank
you very, very much.
If you think of
anything else at all
you can call me right
here at the hospital.
Si, Senora.
Are you expecting someone?
No.
We'd like to see
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, please.
With Jeff's secretary,
Teri Deegan.
I don't know what she told you
but I wouldn't put
too much stock
in the stories of a secretary
I had to fire a few days ago.
Is that when Asia called
the car phone number
she spoke with Jeff.
I don't understand.
But then it was
like this great
calm came over me
and I knew right away
that she was bluffing
so, I bluffed right back.
I am very proud of you.
I kept thinking why
couldn't I be this good
in my poker-playing days?
If you start gambling again
there are going to be
two dead Briggs brothers.
Dina, I major-league
rolled the dice
in the stories of a secretary
I had to fire a few days ago.
Oh, yeah, especially
if they were uncorroborated.
But she demanded to have
his car phone number
which Miss Deegan explained
was unlisted.
He never gave it to anyone.
You know, I really liked
the man you were before
but, I think I'm going to love
this man you're turning into.
Uh, Consuela!
Si, Senora.
Oh, yeah, especially
if they were uncorroborated.
But she did have one thing
she said she could corroborate.
Uh, Miss Deegan said
she got a frantic call
before 10:00 a.m.
that phone call doesn't prove
that I spoke to Asia.
It just proves
that someone spoke to Asia.
Thank you.
This will not happen again,
Lieutenant.
We have consulted our lawyers
and they assure us
we already have enough
to sue you and the Los
Angeles Police Department
for malicious prosecution.
This is the last time
we'll bother you, I promise.
We have just a few questions
to ask.
We're out of your hair
for good... you have my word.
You happen to have
any coffee already made?
No.
You're not
our guests,
and this isn't
a social call, is it?
Okay. I'm trying
to cut back anyway.
Earlier today,
my dad and I had a talk
with Jeff's secretary,
Teri Deegan.
I don't understand.
That's where we have
a slight problem.
The call came in
at 11:00 a.m.,
which is a full hour
He never gave it to anyone.
But, after
about a five-minute tirade
she finally capitulated
and gave her the number.
That an autopsy
could be that precise.
I mean, maybe he did
die before 10:00 a.m.
but maybe it was 11:15,
after the phone call, or 12:00.
Uh, Miss Deegan said
she got a frantic call
from one of Jeff's clients
the morning he died.
She demanded to speak with Jeff.
Something about a change
of concert dates.
Oh, that was Asia.
This is no big surprise.
She called Jeff ten times a day
screaming about one thing
or another.
Mmm. Course,
she didn't speak to Jeff.
He wasn't there
but she demanded to have
his car phone number
Dina:
This is ludicrous.
There are a lot
of other possibilities here.
Such as?
She finally capitulated
and gave her the number.
Again, that doesn't surprise me.
What should surprise you,
Mrs. Briggs
is that when Asia called
the car phone number
Oh.
Amanda told me
she gave it back to you...
The amulet.
It just proves
that someone spoke to Asia.
You know
there's a very good reason
you're having a hard time
pinning Jeff's death on Jim
at 11:00 a.m.,
which is a full hour
after the time frame
set by the autopsy
for Jeff's death
so, Asia couldn't possibly
have talked to Jeff.
I think she talked to you, Jim.
Which puts you in Jeff's car
two days before
you said you picked it up.
You were driving Jeff's car
within an hour
of the time he was murdered.
The amulet.
Yes, with the effects.
You know, that amulet
Such as?
Oh, uh, off the top of my head
uh, Jeff's body had been in
the water for two full days.
I don't think anyone
would believe
that an autopsy
could be that precise.
Photographs?
The autopsy photos of Jeff.
The morning they brought him in
from the water
but maybe it was 11:15,
after the phone call, or 12:00.
Nobody could possibly know
for sure.
Even if Jeff did die
before 10:00 a.m.
Well, there's where the magic
comes in.
If you didn't murder Jeff
that morning
how do you explain the fact
that that amulet
suddenly appeared
around the neck of a dead man?
You're having a hard time
pinning Jeff's death on Jim
and that's because
he didn't do it.
Now, I would appreciate it
if you kept your word,
and never bothered us again.
You know, Jim, you worked
at the hospital for six years.
We talked all the time,
you taught me magic tricks.
I thought you were
a decent kind of a guy.
Guess that proves I'm not
as good a judge of character
as I thought.
Dina...
Oh, my God.
To my wife first?
Dina, the last few days have...
have been wonderful.
You know, that amulet
must have some kind
of magical power.
No, Dr. Sloan.
It's just an ordinary
piece of metal
on a chain.
Then how do you explain
the photographs?
Photographs?
The surfer's knots,
the fingerprints...
The parking lot tickets,
the phone call to the car...
And all we needed
was that amulet.
The morning they brought him in
from the water
he was wearing
that amulet.
I think we all know that, Mark.
Well, there's where the magic
comes in.
Mmm.
The Three Stooges.
Yeah. Don't
say that.
If he hadn't put that amulet
back on...
I wouldn't trade them
for anything in the world.
I love you.
I love you.
And catch some waves.
Listen, be careful out there.
You know, the currents
are running...
South to North.
Right.
Take care of
those surfer's knots.
Oh, my God.
You're the only one
who could have
put it there, Jim.
I'm sorry.
James Briggs, you have the right
to remain silent.
Lieutenant
can I... say good-bye
to my wife first?
I have some time off
and the surf report said
there's a big swell coming up.
I'm going to grab my wet suit
and my board
and catch some waves.
If he hadn't put that amulet
back on...
Oh. Old habits die hard.
They sure do.
Speaking of which
I have some time off
have been wonderful.
I wouldn't trade them
for anything in the world.
Can you get it?
They're hard to come by.
That's the real thing.
We had so many clues...
The direction of the current
the surfer's knots,
the fingerprints...
Hey, you've got it...
The Miser's Dream!
Is that slick?
Watch this one.
Aw, you don't got it.
Well, I had it.
And it was staring us right
in the face the whole time.
I don't know how we missed it.
We're some team.
Mmm.
Oh...
Excuse me.
Excuse us.
Got a silver dollar under there.
Can you get it?
Take care of
those surfer's knots.
You want to see something?
Yeah.
Watch this.
Hey, you've got it...
The Miser's Dream!
Is that slick?
Watch this one.
Aw, you don't got it.
Well, I had it.
I had it at home.
Just relax.
Well, yeah. See...
Oh...
Excuse me.
Excuse us.
Got a silver dollar under there.
Can you get it?
They're hard to come by.
That's the real thing.
Here, all right, try again.
You ready?
Good...
Can you believe that?
I think I got it.
I think I...
and we appreciate it.
A good thing about
a job like mine
at least I get to go home
the minute I finish
a long night's work.
I wanted to do it
for the kids next week.
If you can't do it, you'll have
your trusty assistant
Jimbo by your side.
I'm counting on you for that.
Oh, listen, don't forget
to bring the medallion, too.
The Magic Citadel's
"The Magician
of the Future."
That makes it official.
I'll have it with me.
I wear it every day.
Wouldn't they laugh if they knew
their Magician of
the Future was
a janitor?
Listen, you're the best
there is, Jim
and we appreciate it.
A good thing about
a job like mine
at least I get to go home
the minute I finish
a long night's work.
Hey, I'm out of here
in a few minutes.
I'm just waiting for
an x-ray to come down.
Go home and get some sleep.
Actually I'm going
to hit the beach,
do a little surfing.
It's a beautiful morning
to get in the water.
It beats going home
to an empty house.
You know, Jim, I'm surprised
you didn't get married.
I'd think the girls
would be lined up
around the block.
Thanks.
Never met
Ms. Right, I guess.
The Floating Ball of Flame.
The Floating Ball of Flame?
Don't worry, it's not
as dangerous as it sounds.
Hey.
How do you know
Jim's coming back?
You said he's gone off
on binges before.
Hi.
Have I told you
lately that I have
the most beautiful
wife in the world?
Dad?
That's funny.
Dad, this isn't funny?
Hang on.
The janitor Briggs...
they just brought his
body into the morgue.
Oh, my God.
They found him washed ashore
You said he's gone off
on binges before.
How long do they last?
Oh, just a couple of days.
Don't worry about it.
He'll be back.
I've already got a cramp, Dad.
Just relax, will you?
Steve: "Dad you know I hate
this."
"It's cramp, it's cramp."
"And dark."
Okay.
"Come on dad."
It's all right.
The chain and the lock
are rigged.
They just pop right off.
Jim's twin brother.
I was asked to come down here
and identify his body.
You're Dr. Bentley?
Maybe it needs a little oil.
It isn't funny.
I'm getting the keys.
Get me out of here!
Dad!
You're Dr. Bentley?
Amanda:
He's been in the water
for approximately two days.
Dad!
Help!
Wait a minute.
I got to get the...
Hold on.
I got the...
Hang on.
Dad, please!
Get me out of here!
Amanda.
Hmm.
For approximately two days.
There's a large gash
in the back of his skull.
We're assuming that
he was hit in the
back of the head
This is Steve Sloan,
my son, LAPD.
Excuse me for staring,
but it's amazing.
You two...
I know. I'm used
to the reaction.
I can't believe it.
He was so full of life.
Thank you.
Maybe he still is.
What?
Jim?
Oh, no.
I can see where
you'd make that mistake.
I'm Jeff Briggs
Jim's twin brother.
A surfboard?
Jim surfed?
You didn't know?
Mark. Steve.
I wonder if I could ask you
a few questions
Mr. Briggs
About your brother?
Sure.
It's like looking at
your own death.
I wonder if I could ask you
a few questions
We're assuming that
he was hit in the
back of the head
with his own surfboard,
rendering him unconscious
and he drowned.
A surfboard?
Yes, please. Black.
Jim was what you would
call a wanna-be.
Anything I did,
Jim would try to copy.
Mark. Steve.
I just...
Amanda:
This is Jeff...
Jim's twin brother.
Mark? Dr. Mark Sloan?
My brother speaks
so highly of you.
I'm sorry.
Spoke.
This is Steve Sloan,
my son, LAPD.
Jim decides he wants
to be a rock singer
and can't even get a gig
at the Holiday Inn.
Now apparently,
he took up surfing
I know. I'm used
to the reaction.
It's happened all our lives.
This must be a terrible shock
for you.
Well, to be honest,
I hadn't spoken to my brother
in awhile.
We kind of had a falling out.
It's strange...
losing a brother is hard
but when you lose your twin
it's like looking at
your own death.
Point Malibu?
Where did they, uh...
find Jim?
Don't tell me.
Oh, Zuma, The Rincon,
Point Malibu probably
has the best waves.
Point Malibu?
Sure.
Please, take a seat.
Coffee?
Yes, please. Black.
I said no.
He walked out of my life.
It's funny...
on the slab in there
I noticed...
Anything I did,
Jim would try to copy.
I invest in the stock market...
Did great.
Jim invests... loses everything.
I start my own successful
music management company
Jim decides he wants
to be a rock singer
on the slab in there
I noticed...
He still had his legs.
Now apparently,
he took up surfing
gets himself killed.
You're a surfer?
As soon as I could walk.
I use one of those
old wooden boards.
Picked that up at a swap meet.
You can't find those anymore.
Where do you surf?
Oh, Zuma, The Rincon,
Point Malibu probably
7:30 a.m. Tuesday.
It's been here two days.
Where'd you say
the body washed up?
Right over there...
About 100 yards down the beach.
Yeah, Dad, it's Steve.
Don't tell me.
I don't want to know.
Look, three years ago,
Jim came to me
and said he needed to borrow
$12,000 to cover
some gambling debts.
I'd already loaned him
close to $30,000
and he said if
I didn't help him out
some goons were going
to chop off his legs
at the knees.
I said no.
And it doesn't matter
if we lose the sun.
Hmm, I agree.
This is a much better idea.
He still had his legs.
Excuse me.
Sloan here.
All right, I'll be right there.
We ran a check on the plates.
It belongs to Jim Briggs.
It's time-coded.
7:30 a.m. Tuesday.
And there's a Dr. Sloan
here to see you.
Says it's something
about your brother.
Should I tell him to
come back another time?
About 100 yards down the beach.
Are you sure?
I was the first
detective on the scene.
Jeff:
I'll talk to some people...
The time for talking
was last week when I told you
Yeah, Dad, it's Steve.
I think we've got a problem.
It's 5:45.
Is something wrong?
I guess you were so busy
you forgot we were
playing tennis at 5:30.
Oh, my gosh, Dina
it completely skipped my mind.
I'm sorry.
Well, hurry up
and go get changed
before we lose the sun.
I've got a better idea...
and it doesn't matter
if we lose the sun.
Was, uh, that Asia?
Oh, I'm afraid so.
Well, what can I do for you
Dr. Sloan?
I was going through
Jim's locker at the hospital
This is a much better idea.
Just be a minute.
Better get me
Harvey Adkins on the line.
Asia wants to reschedule
some concert dates.
Right away.
And there's a Dr. Sloan
here to see you.
Okay.
Was last week when I told you
about the problem, Jeff.
Asia... please...
I'll fix it, okay?
Damn straight you'll fix it
or you can kiss this
multi-platinum booty good-bye.
Hey, you okay?
Mm...
Better get me
Harvey Adkins on the line.
Yeah. It has to do
with, uh, ocean currents
at least as I understand it.
Now here's
the California coastline
Dr. Sloan...
Now, the ocean currents
at Sunset Cove
flow northward, see?
No, I don't, really.
Jim's locker at the hospital
and I found this and thought
maybe you'd like to have it.
I'm not really interested
in magic tricks.
No, I don't, really.
Well, see, it took two days
for Jim's body to wash ashore.
Was, uh, that Asia?
So close to where
his car was parked.
It should have been
way up here, at least.
Well, maybe he surfed
at Sunset Cove for a while
Jim's car was parked
and here's where his body
was found washed ashore.
There's about
a hundred yards there.
Dr. Sloan...
I'm not really interested
in magic tricks.
I thought maybe just
for the sentimental value.
Oh, uh, you keep it
or give it to one
of the children
at the hospital.
Excuse me, I have
some pressing business.
Oh, yeah, I understand.
There's one problem maybe you
could help me with before I go.
A problem?
Yeah. It has to do
with, uh, ocean currents
You mean, like down around here?
Exactly.
That would be Malibu,
wouldn't it?
Yeah.
Now here's
the California coastline
north of, uh, Sunset Cove.
Now, here's where
Jim's car was parked
What did you think
you were going
to find out?
Oh, uh, you know,
when Steve told me
Yeah.
I understand
that's your favorite
surfing spot.
Who told you that?
Your wife.
She said you were out surfing
the morning that Jim drowned.
Gee, I wish I had seen him.
Then maybe I could have
saved him from drowning
but then again
with all the eddies and currents
along the coast
Now, if the currents
are flowing northward here
it would have been impossible
for his body to wash ashore
so close to where
his car was parked.
She said you were out surfing
the morning that Jim drowned.
When did you speak to Dina?
Oh, about an hour ago.
I had to find out
your work address.
Well, maybe he surfed
at Sunset Cove for a while
and then saw that the waves
were better down south
and paddled down there.
You mean, like down around here?
Oh, uh, you know,
when Steve told me
about that parking lot ticket,
something does not add up there.
Mm...
Okay, get in the box.
Was timecoded,
and it said he parked there
at around 7:30 am.
No kidding.
Gee, I wish I had seen him.
I hate when you
make me feel guilty.
All right, I'm going to do it.
I won't like doing it,
but I'm going to do it.
It's going to be fun.
I had to find out
your work address.
She was very helpful.
Ah!
She said that
you went out that morning
around 8:00 am.
Now, the parking ticket
on Jim's Jeep
was timecoded,
and it said he parked there
Oh, just give me
the necklace.
It's going to be fun.
With all the eddies and currents
along the coast
it'd be pretty difficult
to say where Jim drowned
wouldn't it?
On a chain the day he died.
Do you remember if it was on him
when they brought him in?
All of the personal effects
were returned to the next of kin
Hmm.!
What? You seem
disappointed.
Well, you know, it's crazy...
Okay, get in the box.
I love you, Mark
but I'm not getting
into the box.
Come on, Amanda,
it's for the kids.
No, not getting in the box.
Look, Jim can't do it.
He was going to.
Excuse me?
Listen, Amanda
Jim had an amulet
around his neck
on a chain the day he died.
"Surfers knots."
Surfers get them all the time
when they're kneeling
on their surfboards
paddling out to the ocean.
Yeah, I know.
Steve has them, too,
but the thing is
Oh, sorry.
Okay, listen, you better
take the, uh, necklace off.
I had an assistant wore
a beautiful necklace.
It got caught on those levers.
What?!
Oh, just give me
And maybe it was his brother.
And if the two of them
look so much alike
it's hard to believe
the person we're talking to
isn't Jim.
You know, my foster
mother has twin sisters
The Magic Citadel.
Excuse me?
You know,
I never noticed this before.
Those bumps on his knees
and the top of his feet.
"Surfers knots."
Well, you know, it's crazy...
I guess I keep thinking that
maybe it isn't Jim who's dead
And maybe it was his brother.
Were returned to the next of kin
along with the body.
Now, the, uh, autopsy
photographs here...
See, he was definitely
wearing the amulet.
Mm...
Hmm.!
Steve has them, too,
but the thing is
you've got to surf
for a lot of years
before they develop
anything like that.
Yeah, or maybe
we're looking at a homicide.
Maybe Jim
killed his brother
and stepped into his life.
That's the end
of the phone list.
You know, my foster
mother has twin sisters
and to this day,
I'm never quite sure
which one I'm talking to.
Yeah, but he's got
the amulet on.
It has to be Jim.
Could you please
be honest with me?
What did I do?
No... no, not a thing.
Um, everything's okay.
I've just... I've had
a lot on my mind.
Well, I mean, you haven't
touched me all week.
Oh...
I mean, did I say something
or do something?
Could you please
be honest with me?
I've been looking
forward to it all week.
Steve:
I'm sorry to bother you
like this.
Before they develop
anything like that.
Jim said he'd only been surfing
a couple of months.
Well, maybe he was being modest.
Maybe he developed them
quicker than most people.
Yeah, or maybe
we're looking at a homicide.
You promised me.
No, no, I didn't forget,
of course not.
I've been looking
forward to it all week.
What does he have
to do with this?
He's a consultant
with the police department.
Well, to tell you
the truth, that's just
Thanks.
Jeff, is something wrong?
Uh, no, no, of course not.
Wh-why do you ask that?
Well, I mean, you haven't
touched me all week.
Well, to tell you
the truth, that's just
an honorary title
but once in a while
he gets a crazy idea
in his head,
and he just won't let it go.
See, my dad's got this idea
that your husband Jeff
is, well...
actually his twin brother Jim.
What?
Yeah.
I've just... I've had
a lot on my mind.
Thank God.
Okay, 'cause I was worried
you were going to cancel
our romantic getaway
to Santa Barbara
this weekend.
Uh, th-this weekend?
Oh, you did not forget?!
You promised me.
In his head,
and he just won't let it go.
I hate to even ask you this,
but, uh...
has your husband been acting
unusual at all lately?
Does he seem
like a different person?
No.
I didn't think so.
See, my dad's got this idea
that your husband Jeff
Actually, I was hoping
to speak to your husband.
Well, he's at work.
What can I help you with,
Lieutenant?
Well, it's just
kind of embarrassing
but, uh, you see, my father...
Your father?
If her husband
was really her husband
if you know what I mean.
I've been trying
to tell him that.
Mm...
Well, you can tell your father
that a woman would know
if her husband
was really her husband
Yeah.
Oh, that is funny.
Has your husband been acting
unusual at all lately?
Unusual...?
Well, like, has he
been acting differently?
Thank you.
His moods, his habits?
Does he seem
like a different person?
A bottle of scotch last week
and he's the only
one in this house
who ever drinks that stuff
so why don't you take it?
It's on the bar.
And must be some way you
could check that, right?
Oh, that is funny.
That is funny, Lieutenant.
Yeah...
Um... thank you.
It's been a rough couple of days
I've been trying
to tell him that.
Uh, I was really hoping
your husband would be home.
Listen, Lieutenant
It's been a rough couple of days
and I needed a good laugh.
Right.
Um, can I fix you something?
A drink or...?
Uh, no, thank you.
Mm...
The police were here?
Just thought
you might like to know.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Sure I can't get you a drink?
No, thanks. Bye.
Listen, Lieutenant
if you think something strange
is going on
maybe I can help.
Jeff just bought
a bottle of scotch last week
They wanted your fingerprints.
Excuse me?
Oh, you don't have to worry.
I gave them a bottle
Jeff bought last week
It's on the bar.
His fingerprints
must be all over it
and must be some way you
could check that, right?
Jim.
Did you really think
you could fool me?
I gave them a bottle
Jeff bought last week
and that's who's
fingerprints they're
going to get...
Jim.
No, thanks. Bye.
Just thought
you might like to know.
Oh, I am not going
to stand for this anymore.
I am going down to the precinct
first thing in the morning
to lodge a complaint.
To accuse me of being my...
dead brother.
It's ridiculous.
You know what they wanted?
They wanted your fingerprints.
Lately, I've been so bad
I decided to file for a divorce.
In fact, I had an
appointment with
the lawyer that day
you came home from
the beach and kissed me.
Dina:
What, that you killed
your twin brother
and took his place?
Since the first day.
Why didn't you blow the whistle?
The lawyer that day
you came home from
the beach and kissed me.
First, I was curious to
see what you were up to
Did you really think
you could fool me?
But I owed some people
some money and
they were going to
get it one way or another.
What, more gambling debts?
I do have to ask you, though...
Why?
Yeah.
I didn't want to kill him.
But, all the bad stuff
between us
Jim:
How long have
you known?
Dina:
What, that you killed
your twin brother
because you thought I was him.
Uh-uh.
I do have to ask you, though...
Why didn't you blow the whistle?
Jeff wasn't a very
nice man, you know that.
I guess I thought...
What, that he treated me
better than he treated you?
Well, he didn't.
Lately, I've been so bad
Jim, let's be honest.
You're sweeter than your brother
and you are much sexier
but Jeff was the smarter
of you two.
What, more gambling debts?
Yeah.
I, um, I thought of
killing myself
but I didn't have
the courage, so...
First, I was curious to
see what you were up to
and then, after the first
couple days, I realized
after all these years
I've been married
to the wrong brother.
I thought you were being
so terrific to me
because you thought I was him.
The only thing I have
to worry about is Dr. Sloan.
I thought I thought
of every angle...
Jim, let's be honest.
Is that between us,
we can pull this off.
But, all the bad stuff
between us
that was in the past.
But I owed some people
some money and
but Jeff was the smarter
of you two.
What, you're saying
that he could have
pulled this off?
No, what I'm saying
is that between us,
we can pull this off.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
I'd like to introduce you
to the famous Chinese
vanishing bag.
You notice it's empty
totally empty, inside and out.
But I didn't have
the courage, so...
I killed Jeff and
took over his life.
We just have to
move on from here.
And no regrets...
and no more gambling.
No, believe me,
that's over, dead and buried.
The only thing I have
to worry about is Dr. Sloan.
And...
and there it is
in one of my joints.
And there it is in the pantry
in the vestry.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
I'd like to introduce you
Will wonders never cease?
The man is an absolute wizard.
A cornucopia of
magic tricks and
montages
Halla-Ballalla.
And out it comes, there it is.
However...
All:
Wow!
Thank you very, very kindly.
It'll be seen later.
Into the box he goes.
Now, ladies and gentlemen
You see before you a chain
of forged, stainless steel
And we roll it and we roll it
until it gets nice
and soft and warm
and...
And there it is in the pantry
in the vestry.
From which there is
no escape and which
leads to unknown worlds.
Alexo, will you
get into my box, please?
A cornucopia of
magic tricks and
montages
the most colorful
tricks ever done
by a wizard
you've ever seen in your life.
Ladies and gentlemen,
and boys and girls
Homina-Homina.
And I take out the magic key
and open the box.
And then I simply say
the magic words
Sim-Salla Bim
Halla-Ballalla.
You see before you a chain
of forged, stainless steel
unbreakable by the world's
strongest men.
Thank you very, very kindly.
And now here's some flowers
for the beautiful young lady.
Oh...
Excuse me, there!
Will wonders never cease?
He has not yet gone off
to other worlds.
And now...
we seal his doom
with the final lock.
First of all, we have
to say the magic words
Halla-Ballalla
Sim-Salla Bim
Homina-Homina.
Ladies and gentlemen,
and boys and girls
Now my most
trick to baffle
and mystify you
conceived by the
great Merlin the
Magician
from the days
of King Arthur's court
and taught to me by that
master prestidigitator
The Great Moajawambi
of Calcutta.
Now, my assistant, Alexo,
will get into the magic box
from which there is
no escape and which
leads to unknown worlds.
Shall we say
the magic words once again?
All:
Halla-Ballalla,
Sim-Salla Bim.
Homina-Homina.
Keep your eye
on the red silk.
It'll be seen later.
You don't mind being
cut in half, do you?
Homina-Homina.
And presto-chango...
Sorry, Dad, I don't think
he's coming back.
Unbreakable by the world's
strongest men.
We're going to lock
Mr. Alexo
inside the box.
Everything all right
in there, so far, Alexo?
Yeah, I heard
him say, "Yes."
He has not yet gone off
to other worlds.
You're liable for
twice the capacity
of the entire stadium.
Not us, not the
insurance company...
You.
Who agreed to something stupid,
like that.
We seal his doom
with the final lock.
Alexo is now trapped.
He cannot escape from the box.
Or can he?
First of all, we have
to say the magic words
Mmm.
I think I'm going to
need another secretary.
Steve:
We could have just gone on
to the next trick.
You don't do something
to somebody like
sawing him in half
without rehearsing it.
And Sim-Salla Bim...
I invite the audience
to come up and check.
Alexo is gone...
where, we don't know.
Somewhere in the stratosphere.
Hi.
Uh, sorry, Dad,
I didn't realize...
That's okay, what's up?
Uh, the fingerprint
report came back.
The prints belong to Jeff.
Oh, I thought sure
I was onto something.
Well, how are we going to bring
Alexo back?
Shall we say
the magic words once again?
It'll be standing by
to fly you right back to Mexico.
Or, if you prefer,
you can stay at the
Presidential Suite
at the Four Seasons
and fly back the next morning.
We're closed.
Steve, it's Amanda.
Amanda?
What are you doing here so late?
Sorry, Dad, I don't think
he's coming back.
Well, I guess we can't
cut him in half, can we?
I know, I'll cut Police
Lieutenant Steve in half.
Right over here Steve.
What are you doing here so late?
I came to tell you
about the will.
What will?
You don't mind being
cut in half, do you?
Oh...
What is the matter?
Uh, maybe he hasn't told you
but this is the same way
I got him to marry me.
You know what, it's probably
a good thing that she's here.
Go ahead, Jeff, tell her
how you feel about her.
Tell her the truth.
Tell her.
You sure that's what you want?
Uh-huh.
I love her beyond all reason
and I'm the luckiest
man in the world
that she would
even consider loving me.
You son-of-a...
Teri, I tried to tell you
but you wouldn't listen.
You are going to be
so sorry for this!
Oh!
Mmm.
The divorce settlement
stipulated that he'd give
one third of his estate
to each of his boys.
Yeah, but you only leave
an estate if you're dead.
Jeff Briggs is alive.
Yes, but as Mark pointed out,
if he were dead
it would give Dina
all the more reason
to lie and say that
Jim was her husband.
Sawing him in half
without rehearsing it.
It worked fine when
he rehearsed it with me.
He rehearsed it with you?
Only once.
But it seemed pretty basic.
And, if you thought
it was so basic
how come you took a powder?
Hey, look at the bright side.
At least, you were
already at the hospital.
Jim:
Asia, we changed every date,
but one.
Dina:
Asia...
Oakland on the 22nd
which is right in the middle
of my Acapulco vacation.
The promoter won't budge.
Plus, he's
threatening
to sue you
for personal damages,
if you postpone.
So, what we've done...
What will?
Hey, Alex.
Uh, Mark had a hunch
so he asked me to snoop around
and see what I could find out
about Jeff Briggs' will.
Oh, I heard about your accident.
I'm so sorry.
But how did he talk you
into letting him
saw you in half?
Oh, probably the same way
he talked you into snooping
into Jeff Briggs' will.
What'd you find out?
Jeff Briggs had two sons
from a previous marriage.
The divorce settlement
stipulated that he'd give
On the plane
and on the ground.
It's already been arranged.
My hairdresser's
going to have to come.
Or a one-day break
in your holiday.
I want a private chef.
On the plane
to lie and say that
Jim was her husband.
He's right... it doesn't make up
for the sawing-in-half trick
but he's right about this.
If it's any consolation
Mark is not happy about this.
He doesn't like the idea
of his friend, Jim,
being a murderer
any more than he likes the idea
of him being dead.
Steve:
Even so, I
know my dad.
He'll want to know the truth,
no matter what.
Jim:
Asia, we changed every date,
but one.
You were terrific!
Which is right in the middle
of my Acapulco vacation.
Asia, if you change
that Oakland date
you're liable for
twice the capacity
of the entire stadium.
My hairdresser's
going to have to come.
Booked her this morning,
she'll meet you on the plane.
Who agreed to something stupid,
like that.
You and your lawyer.
It comes to approximately
half a million dollars.
The promoter won't budge.
You were terrific!
Mmm.
So, what we've done...
I don't care
what you've done!
We have arranged
for a private jet
to pick you up and
fly you to Oakland
that morning.
Directly after the performance
it'll be standing by
to fly you right back to Mexico.
Mmm.
Oh, I'm sorry, there was
nobody at the secretary's desk
and I heard voices back here.
And fly back the next morning.
It's your choice.
Half a million dollars,
plus a lawsuit
or a one-day break
in your holiday.
Here's one right here.
Left hand or right hand?
Ah heck, let's get them both.
Forget it, Jim, it's over.
He's got us.
What are you talking about?
Congratulations,
Lieutenant,
you're right.
A warrant...
Yeah, I guess you're right.
Oh, wait a minute...
here's one right here.
Didn't you used to be
a secretary here?
She's my partner, now.
Huh!
Maybe you're not as dumb
as I thought you were.
From now on, I only want
to work with you.
Look, Jeff and I have
been having problems
for a long time.
It all came to a head
when I discovered
he was carrying on
with his secretary.
All I said was that Jim
was impersonating Jeff.
I didn't say
he committed a murder.
You're going to have
to do a little better
than that, Mrs. Briggs.
Look, Jeff and I have
been having problems
and I heard voices back here.
I hope you've come to return
my bottle of scotch.
As a matter of fact, I have.
And, uh, while I was here
I thought I'd get another
set of fingerprints
if it's not too much trouble.
Jim:
I don't have to put
up with this nonsense.
If you want another
set of prints
you're going to have
to get a warrant.
A warrant...
he was carrying on
with his secretary.
We had a huge fight about it.
Finally, he just walked out.
It wasn't the money.
Jeff's sons can have the money.
They can have the house
they can have the business,
for all I care.
Finally, he just walked out.
I just figured that
he was at a hotel or with her.
Jim:
That's exactly
what she told me
the morning I went to see her
Congratulations,
Lieutenant,
you're right.
This is Jeff's brother, Jim.
I guess I won't be needing
those fingerprints, after all.
Dina...
Jim Briggs, I'm placing
you under arrest
for the murder
of your brother, Jeff.
What makes you think that?
Jim didn't kill Jeff.
You said...
I said this is Jim.
As far as I know,
Jeff's death was
an accident.
Jim had nothing to do with it.
All I said was that Jim
was impersonating Jeff.
By the time I found that out,
it was too late.
So when Jeff had his accident,
I just figured it was fate
that stepped in and changed
both our lives.
That you thought was Jim.
I knew right away what happened.
I just... talked him into
impersonating his brother.
You knew about Jeff's will?
It wasn't the money.
You know, Jim says that
I'm a soft touch
and that's true.
Do you know why, Lieutenant?
They can have the business,
for all I care.
You know, Jim says that
I'm a soft touch
the morning I went to see her
the day you found Jeff's body.
Why did you go see her?
I needed money.
I knew Jeff wouldn't lend me
any more...
and his car wasn't
in the driveway
and Dina's always been
a soft touch.
Don't look at me like that,
Lieutenant.
Gambling is an addiction.
I'm not proud of it.
I-I gave him some breakfast.
He was still eating
when the call came
asking Jeff to come
and identify the body
that you thought was Jim.
And thoughtful
as Jim, but
he wasn't.
By the time I found that out,
it was too late.
That stepped in and changed
both our lives.
To give her
the life she deserves.
I had to come back here
to fill out
some final paperwork
for the hospital.
I thought I should come here
and see you, too.
I don't know exactly what
to say to you, Jim.
Do you know why, Lieutenant?
It's because I love him.
I have always, always loved him.
The only reason Jeff
married me was
to take me away from Jim.
I didn't know that at the time.
I thought that Jeff was
as kind and loving
and thoughtful
as Jim, but
he wasn't.
Well, this is my big break,
Dr. Sloan.
You understand that, don't you?
Woman:
Wow, that's old!
Catch a break, I could be
as big a success as he was.
I thought it would never come.
Well, this is my big break,
Dr. Sloan.
Man:
Hey, where'd
you get that?
You know, that still
doesn't explain why
they had to pretend
that he was Jeff.
You know, if they loved
each other so much
why didn't they just
tell the truth
and go get married?
Well, she said she didn't think
they were hurting anybody.
But, since we found out
she's willing to give
all the money up.
She sounded sincere.
I hope she is.
Because I intend to do
everything in my power
to give her
the life she deserves.
They were keeping money
from their rightful heirs.
It's barely been a week.
Besides,
they never filed a claim.
The D.A. says
he'd never get a conviction.
Huh.
You haven't found
Jeff's surfboard,
yet, have you?
No, why?
According to the autopsy
I don't know exactly what
to say to you, Jim.
I know I've disappointed you,
Dr. Sloan.
Disappoint's putting it mildly.
Well, please,
let me try to explain?
It's true, I've always
envied my brother.
I always thought
that if I could just
catch a break, I could be
as big a success as he was.
Look at that!
We're going to stay warm
all night long!
Woman:
Wow, that's old!
How's my tie?
Mmm... you're learning.
Dina, I couldn't have
done this without you...
No, I'm afraid I don't.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Our friendship always
meant a lot to me.
Huh.
Dina, I couldn't have
done this without you...
You know that.
And I couldn't have done it
without you.
According to the autopsy
he was killed by a blunt object,
a blow to the head.
Now, if that was the surfboard
it might have
some fingerprints on it.
We still have to find it.
Yeah.
If we don't find something soon
Jim's going to
get away with murder.
Man:
Hey, where'd
you get that?
Whoa, a wooden surfboard!
You don't see
those much anymore!
Look at that!
Hey, is it true what I heard...
The D.A.'s office won't even
prosecute them for fraud?
They were keeping money
from their rightful heirs.
That Jeff had been dead
for two days.
Dina:
That's right.
We found out
when we got the call
from the hospital.
Well, maybe you can explain
why we found Jim's beat-up Jeep
There's still a cop
out there, watching us.
Oh, they can't keep it up
forever.
What do they expect us
to do, make a run for it?
No, they're just trying
to make us nervous.
Just put it out
of your mind, huh?
We have got
a business to run, right?
Okay.
How's my tie?
I think we may have
gotten our break.
You found the surfboard?
Better. I found a mistake.
A big one.
Hey, Amanda.
Hey.
And I don't think either of us
should ever forget that.
Mmm.
Steve:
Did you canvass everyone?
Cheryl:
Yeah. Every surfer
I could find.
Still no witnesses.
Still no surfboard.
Hey, is it true what I heard...
Well, maybe you can explain
why we found Jim's beat-up Jeep
in the parking lot
at Sunset Cove.
I don't understand.
You think you've got your bases
all covered, don't you?
There are no bases to cover,
Lieutenant.
Can we please leave?
The D.A. says
he'd never get a conviction.
Yeah, and he's probably right.
Thanks, huh?
Sorry I wasted your time.
No problem.
Wish I could have
turned something up.
Why don't you just
leave us alone?
Sorry to call you
down here like this
but sometimes questions pop up,
and we need answers.
We figured
that's where the body was found
so, that's where the Jeep
should be.
Jim:
We thought that
was the logical place.
Have you seen my dad?
Yeah, he has his infectious
disease class today.
I think we may have
gotten our break.
Why was Jim's Jeep parked there
instead of Jeff's SUV?
It's really very simple.
A big one.
This is bordering on harassment,
Lieutenant.
We're trying to run
a business here
and you keep
interfering
with our lives.
We haven't done
anything illegal.
Why don't you just
leave us alone?
We screwed up, that's all.
I can understand that.
Well, maybe you can explain this
for me, too.
But sometimes questions pop up,
and we need answers.
I'll try and make this fast.
What do you want to know?
You told me you didn't know
that Jeff had been dead
for two days.
See, all county parking tickets
look the same
so, when we picked up Jeff's SUV
at the parking lot
down the coast
I don't understand.
Well, if Jeff did die
in his usual surfing spot...
At Point Malibu...
And then the current
took his body
up the coast to Sunset Cove
why was Jim's Jeep parked there
instead of Jeff's SUV?
Can we please leave?
It's really very simple.
See, once we realized
what had happened
we picked up the SUV
and left the Jeep instead.
We figured
that's where the body was found
Jim:
We thought that
was the logical place.
Of course, we didn't know
about all that tidal action.
We screwed up, that's all.
Well, maybe you can explain this
for me, too.
If you didn't park the Jeep
at Sunset Cove
until two days
after Jeff's death
why was the parking lot ticket
that we found
underneath your windshield wiper
time-stamped
for the morning of the murder?
That was my idea.
See, all county parking tickets
look the same
I just saw her drive off.
We have some things to discuss.
Look, I can't get you
your job back.
I'm sorry.
I didn't come here
begging for my job.
At the parking lot
down the coast
I slipped the parking ticket
underneath the
windshield wiper
of Jim's Jeep.
I guess we just made a mess
of everything.
Is that all?
You think you've got your bases
all covered, don't you?
And it's not a crime
to impersonate somebody, so...
Uh, but, do the police know
that you started
impersonating Jeff
before anyone even
knew he was dead?
Because you're not Jeff.
Oh, if you've come here
to blackmail me
you're too late.
The police already know who I am
before anyone even
knew he was dead?
Yeah, remember, you
came into the office
two days before
his body was found.
Hey, what are you doing?
Exactly what you're doing.
Consuela, you know
Senora Deegan.
It would have been
the first step
in proving
that he murdered his brother.
Yeah. You know, it's funny.
Over the years,
I saw Jim come by the office
What the hell
are you doing here?
May I come in?
Dina will be back in a minute.
No, she won't.
I just saw her drive off.
Not your fault, Miss Deegan.
It was worth a try.
If he would have tried to make
any kind of a deal with you
it would have been
the first step
I didn't come here
begging for my job.
I know you can't do a damn thing
about that...
because you're not Jeff.
Consuela, you know
Senora Deegan.
I want you to remember
that she came here today.
She wants to extort money
from me.
The police already know who I am
and it's not a crime
to impersonate somebody, so...
Come to think of it,
I do remember something else.
I was panicked
when she walked in
but then it was
like this great
calm came over me
you can call me right
here at the hospital.
If I'm not in, call
me on my cell phone.
Something the matter?
Two days before
his body was found.
You're out of your mind.
Oh no, I'm not.
It's a simple phone call.
Three little numbers.
You know what?
I'm sure someone at
911 would connect me
with the Malibu police station
when I tell them I'm
reporting a murder.
Want to find out?
Consuela?
Consuela, would you come in here
a minute, please?
Hey, what are you doing?
Something the matter?
Come to think of it,
I do remember something else.
Dina, I major-league
rolled the dice
when I went in the
water after Jeff.
All that's out of my system.
I swear it.
I don't have to
She wants to extort money
from me.
Want to make
your phone call now?
'Cause nobody
would ever believe you.
I'm sorry Dr. Sloan.
I really thought I had him there
for a minute
but he said just what you said...
That no one would
believe my testimony.
Not your fault, Miss Deegan.
I don't have to
do it anymore.
Consuela.
You know, I really liked
the man you were before
We'd like to see
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, please.
Uh, yes, come in.
Thank you.
Over the years,
I saw Jim come by the office
maybe five, six times
and Jeff
would always refer to him
as his "stupid" brother.
I'm starting to think that Jeff
underestimated him.
Oh, I think we all did.
Yeah.
Miss Deegan, thank
you very, very much.
If you think of
anything else at all
you can call me right
here at the hospital.
Si, Senora.
Are you expecting someone?
No.
We'd like to see
Mr. and Mrs. Briggs, please.
With Jeff's secretary,
Teri Deegan.
I don't know what she told you
but I wouldn't put
too much stock
in the stories of a secretary
I had to fire a few days ago.
Is that when Asia called
the car phone number
she spoke with Jeff.
I don't understand.
But then it was
like this great
calm came over me
and I knew right away
that she was bluffing
so, I bluffed right back.
I am very proud of you.
I kept thinking why
couldn't I be this good
in my poker-playing days?
If you start gambling again
there are going to be
two dead Briggs brothers.
Dina, I major-league
rolled the dice
in the stories of a secretary
I had to fire a few days ago.
Oh, yeah, especially
if they were uncorroborated.
But she demanded to have
his car phone number
which Miss Deegan explained
was unlisted.
He never gave it to anyone.
You know, I really liked
the man you were before
but, I think I'm going to love
this man you're turning into.
Uh, Consuela!
Si, Senora.
Oh, yeah, especially
if they were uncorroborated.
But she did have one thing
she said she could corroborate.
Uh, Miss Deegan said
she got a frantic call
before 10:00 a.m.
that phone call doesn't prove
that I spoke to Asia.
It just proves
that someone spoke to Asia.
Thank you.
This will not happen again,
Lieutenant.
We have consulted our lawyers
and they assure us
we already have enough
to sue you and the Los
Angeles Police Department
for malicious prosecution.
This is the last time
we'll bother you, I promise.
We have just a few questions
to ask.
We're out of your hair
for good... you have my word.
You happen to have
any coffee already made?
No.
You're not
our guests,
and this isn't
a social call, is it?
Okay. I'm trying
to cut back anyway.
Earlier today,
my dad and I had a talk
with Jeff's secretary,
Teri Deegan.
I don't understand.
That's where we have
a slight problem.
The call came in
at 11:00 a.m.,
which is a full hour
He never gave it to anyone.
But, after
about a five-minute tirade
she finally capitulated
and gave her the number.
That an autopsy
could be that precise.
I mean, maybe he did
die before 10:00 a.m.
but maybe it was 11:15,
after the phone call, or 12:00.
Uh, Miss Deegan said
she got a frantic call
from one of Jeff's clients
the morning he died.
She demanded to speak with Jeff.
Something about a change
of concert dates.
Oh, that was Asia.
This is no big surprise.
She called Jeff ten times a day
screaming about one thing
or another.
Mmm. Course,
she didn't speak to Jeff.
He wasn't there
but she demanded to have
his car phone number
Dina:
This is ludicrous.
There are a lot
of other possibilities here.
Such as?
She finally capitulated
and gave her the number.
Again, that doesn't surprise me.
What should surprise you,
Mrs. Briggs
is that when Asia called
the car phone number
Oh.
Amanda told me
she gave it back to you...
The amulet.
It just proves
that someone spoke to Asia.
You know
there's a very good reason
you're having a hard time
pinning Jeff's death on Jim
at 11:00 a.m.,
which is a full hour
after the time frame
set by the autopsy
for Jeff's death
so, Asia couldn't possibly
have talked to Jeff.
I think she talked to you, Jim.
Which puts you in Jeff's car
two days before
you said you picked it up.
You were driving Jeff's car
within an hour
of the time he was murdered.
The amulet.
Yes, with the effects.
You know, that amulet
Such as?
Oh, uh, off the top of my head
uh, Jeff's body had been in
the water for two full days.
I don't think anyone
would believe
that an autopsy
could be that precise.
Photographs?
The autopsy photos of Jeff.
The morning they brought him in
from the water
but maybe it was 11:15,
after the phone call, or 12:00.
Nobody could possibly know
for sure.
Even if Jeff did die
before 10:00 a.m.
Well, there's where the magic
comes in.
If you didn't murder Jeff
that morning
how do you explain the fact
that that amulet
suddenly appeared
around the neck of a dead man?
You're having a hard time
pinning Jeff's death on Jim
and that's because
he didn't do it.
Now, I would appreciate it
if you kept your word,
and never bothered us again.
You know, Jim, you worked
at the hospital for six years.
We talked all the time,
you taught me magic tricks.
I thought you were
a decent kind of a guy.
Guess that proves I'm not
as good a judge of character
as I thought.
Dina...
Oh, my God.
To my wife first?
Dina, the last few days have...
have been wonderful.
You know, that amulet
must have some kind
of magical power.
No, Dr. Sloan.
It's just an ordinary
piece of metal
on a chain.
Then how do you explain
the photographs?
Photographs?
The surfer's knots,
the fingerprints...
The parking lot tickets,
the phone call to the car...
And all we needed
was that amulet.
The morning they brought him in
from the water
he was wearing
that amulet.
I think we all know that, Mark.
Well, there's where the magic
comes in.
Mmm.
The Three Stooges.
Yeah. Don't
say that.
If he hadn't put that amulet
back on...
I wouldn't trade them
for anything in the world.
I love you.
I love you.
And catch some waves.
Listen, be careful out there.
You know, the currents
are running...
South to North.
Right.
Take care of
those surfer's knots.
Oh, my God.
You're the only one
who could have
put it there, Jim.
I'm sorry.
James Briggs, you have the right
to remain silent.
Lieutenant
can I... say good-bye
to my wife first?
I have some time off
and the surf report said
there's a big swell coming up.
I'm going to grab my wet suit
and my board
and catch some waves.
If he hadn't put that amulet
back on...
Oh. Old habits die hard.
They sure do.
Speaking of which
I have some time off
have been wonderful.
I wouldn't trade them
for anything in the world.
Can you get it?
They're hard to come by.
That's the real thing.
We had so many clues...
The direction of the current
the surfer's knots,
the fingerprints...
Hey, you've got it...
The Miser's Dream!
Is that slick?
Watch this one.
Aw, you don't got it.
Well, I had it.
And it was staring us right
in the face the whole time.
I don't know how we missed it.
We're some team.
Mmm.
Oh...
Excuse me.
Excuse us.
Got a silver dollar under there.
Can you get it?
Take care of
those surfer's knots.
You want to see something?
Yeah.
Watch this.
Hey, you've got it...
The Miser's Dream!
Is that slick?
Watch this one.
Aw, you don't got it.
Well, I had it.
I had it at home.
Just relax.
Well, yeah. See...
Oh...
Excuse me.
Excuse us.
Got a silver dollar under there.
Can you get it?
They're hard to come by.
That's the real thing.
Here, all right, try again.
You ready?
Good...
Can you believe that?