Frankie Drake Mysteries (2017–…): Season 3, Episode 3 - School Ties, School Lies - full transcript
To find the killer of a much loved teacher, a young girl tries to help Frankie and the team.
Ahem! Which is
the other reason I work
hand-in-hand with the coroner.
Look at that!
Ew! Is that an eyeball?
Post-mortem exams serve
the dual purpose
of benefiting the bereaved...
Look at this.
This is a heart.
...while providing
City Hall with answers...
Listen, ladies.
I'm gonna level with you:
medicine is a boys' club.
Men don't want us
in the operating rooms...
...or their mortuaries.
But befriend
your maths and sciences...
...and one day, they won't be
able to keep us out.
Hello. Question. Do yourself
or the coroner ever make
mistakes in your...
- post-mortem exams?
- Mistakes?
- Errors, inaccuracies, oversights.
- Yes.
You do?
No. I mean, yes,
I understand the question.
Oh, so you never
make mistakes?
- I never said that.
- A yes then. Which leads me
to ask how mistakes
get corrected.
- Does...
- Thank you, Roya,
for demonstrating just how inquisitive
Briarlane pupils are
to Miss Chakowitz.
A round of applause
for our guest speaker.
Ha ha!
Miss Chakowitz!
Excuse me. I petitioned you
to speak today,
but none of my questions
were answered.
Oh, so you're the reason
I missed a half day of work.
Not that I'm complaining.
No bones about it. Hahaha!
My name's Flo.
What's on your mind?
Oh! Dame in a lab coat,
- my kind of gal.
- Her name is...
was Miss Henning.
She was my science teacher.
She died two days ago
here at Briarlane.
I'm sorry. Seems like
she meant a lot to you.
She meant the world. They said
her death was an accident.
- Who did?
- Everyone!
The police, Principal Mayfair,
but most concerning,
your boss, Dr. Thomson.
He stated,
"Death due to advanced state
of inebriation"
- and "a steep stair fall."
- Seems like she drank
a little too much alcohol
and fell down the stairs.
- Impossible!
- If I had a dollar
for every "impossible"
that ended up on my slab,
I'd have enough money to send
myself to this fancy school.
But Miss Henning never drank,
said the taste
didn't agree with her.
Something else happened.
The coroner won't return
any calls, nor the police.
Principal Mayfair said
it's best to just carry on.
But I can't.
Will you help me?
- I have an even better idea, kid.
- Let's go!
More holes in this coroner's
report than Swiss cheese.
What were you saying about
the alcohol level in her system, Flo?
- Negligible. She was sober.
- Blood doesn't lie.
There's wine stains
on her blouse and her pants.
Maybe someone wanted it
to look like she was drinking.
She wasn't alone
when she died.
This looks like
a head wound or a bruise.
- But what about all the other bruises?
- Didn't she fall down the stairs?
That's what
the police report says.
Well, how do you
fall down a staircase
and not have
bruises all over?
The only way you can:
she was already dead
- when she "fell."
- Seems that way.
Dead bodies don't bruise the same way
the living do.
But our murderer didn't know that
when they staged this cover-up.
- A murder cover-up at Briarlane?
- Someone wanted this woman
- dead, we need to find out why.
- I knew it!
- I told her to wait in the car.
- How? Who?
How'd she get in here?
So you're taking
the case, Miss Drake?
Shall we start immediately?
Oh, I just can't wait!
I've never been a part of a
detective investigation before.
Pardon me:
a murder investigation.
It's not exactly
something to be excited about.
- What do we do first?
- We?!
Why don't you
tell us about Briarlane?
It was founded in 1886 as a Church
of England Ladies' College.
OK, we can jump ahead
a little bit.
You mentioned that
Miss Henning was new?
Yes. She's from British Columbia.
Said the only thing she missed
from home was the mountains.
When you said everyone adored her,
is there anyone that didn't like her?
No. She was perfect.
She wanted us to fall in love
with science.
Girls, the important thing
is to never stop questioning.
Somewhere, something incredible
is just waiting
for you to discover it.
Might be on a faraway continent
or right under your fingertips.
I used to think
that spiders were icky,
but under the microscope,
Miss Henning showed us
how beautiful they were.
So, I stopped killing spiders.
Oh, that's a lovely story, Roya.
But can you tell us who has
access to the school grounds?
- Only teachers.
- Our gates are locked at night.
- So, I'll need to question the staff.
- Mm-hm.
I know! We should go
talk to Miss Spring.
- She was Miss Henning's best friend.
- OK. Well, that's a great tip,
but why don't you let Trudy and I
do a little digging
and you can...
go back to class
and be our "inside woman."
- You know, that's a good idea.
- Briar girls will open up
to you more than to two strangers,
so then maybe
you could tell us if they know
anything about what happened.
- Would that most help the case?
- Yes.
Then I suppose, bye for now.
Looks like it's gonna take
more than busy work
to keep her out of our hair.
Her death was a tragedy, indeed.
Yet, you told the students
to just carry on.
There is enough gloom
in the world.
Students deserve a reprieve
while at school.
- Of course.
- How benevolent.
What I don't understand is
why the... the two of you
are investigating an accident.
Because we believe
that it was a murder.
Murder? But why?
Miss Henning was adored,
our most progressive thinker.
It was a...
it was a real catch
to get her here at Briarlane.
Was there anyone who wasn't
a fan of her progressive thinking?
That... would be Ebenezer Black.
I'm sorry I haven't the time
for your questions.
I'm far too behind
with my lesson.
"Ebenezer", that's in the Bible.
"Stone of help".
First Samuel, Chapter 7.
Verse 12.
- You're a churchgoer, Miss...?
- Clarke.
Yes, I am. Every Sunday.
It'll only be a few questions, truly.
- I detested Henning.
- Loathed actually.
Well, you don't mince words.
Georgia was not
a God-fearing woman.
Filth she taught was poisoning
our students' minds and...
- souls.
- What kind of filth?
Teaching evolutionary theory...
...disrupts Briarlane's
religious values.
Man was made in God's image
not this natural selection balderdash!
Well, now that she's gone,
you've taken over her classes;
- is that correct?
- Yes. It's about time
someone steered these pupils
back to God's single truth.
No one ever likes this next question,
but where were you
- two nights ago?
- You think I...?
Murder is a sin, Miss Drake.
As I know
your "Good Book" states,
yet murder still happens.
- Were you on school grounds?
- No.
I was with my church group,
leading prayer.
Well, we'd appreciate
a name and address.
If it was anyone here,
it was Mayfair.
Man spent hours on the telephone
persuading other schools to hire her.
He wanted her out of Briarlane.
Georgia was like my sister.
Our deepest sympathies,
Miss Spring.
Thank you.
It's such a relief that you two are here.
This was no accident.
Briarlane's teacher code
of conduct forbids alcohol.
If Georgia would
have been breaking the rules,
- I'd have known about it.
- What else does the conduct ban?
Oh. Men, marriage,
perfume, cigarettes...
wearing bright colours,
hair dye, loitering
in ice cream parlours.
- Pfft. Tight ship.
- Yeah.
Anything else that makes you
think this wasn't an accident?
Georgia didn't really fit in.
She was determined
to be a great teacher,
and other teachers
punished her for that.
- Punished her how?
- Quarrels, stolen lunches...
One of her microscopes
was smashed.
This is the staircase
where her body was found.
We're gonna need
to see inside her room.
Where did you learn
to pick locks?
Not in school.
Alright. Well,
no sign of a struggle.
Oh... she has
expensive taste.
A fan.
Cosmetics.
- Gloves.
- Nothing out of the ordinary.
Except for this:
a gala ticket to the King Eddy.
- Cost her $60.
- That's two months' wages.
If she couldn't afford that,
who would buy it for her?
I wouldn't know.
This drawer's locked.
There's a key
around here somewhere.
Georgia kept her mark books:
grades went out a month ago.
"Academic Excellence Award 1919."
Look at this.
Doesn't that kind of look like the marking
we saw from the coroner's photos?
Hmm...
You think this could be
the murder weapon?
Let's get it to Flo.
Two wine glasses:
one with lipstick and one without.
- Was Georgia dating anyone?
- Boyfriends are forbidden.
So are cosmetics
and galas, but...
None of this makes any sense.
Well, sometimes, best friends
have secrets.
Georgia seemed
to have a lot of them.
Just need to find out
which one killed her.
Brr! Never saw that
pierced before.
Roya!
Shouldn't you be in class?
- Help me out with this body.
- Really?
As long as you have
a strong stomach.
Oof!
Or you can tell me
what's bothering you
- and I can help you out.
- You can't.
- Try me.
- Frankie asked me to talk
to Briar girls to help her
solve the case.
Thing is,
they're not gonna talk to me.
- Why is that?
- Because they don't like me.
They call me names and laugh,
especially the popular girls.
So you're worried
about letting down Frankie
and your late teacher?
Being as I'm the only
adult in the room...
living adult...
I suppose it's my job
to impart some wholesome wisdom.
- Be kind, practice forgiveness.
- Ah, forget about that.
Kindness is wasted
on sour people.
- But you know what isn't?
- What?
Flattery. Compliment them
and they'll tell you anything you need.
All popular people want is to be
told how wonderful they are.
Tell them that
and they'll tell you everything.
Promise. Us bearcats
need to stick together.
What's a bearcat?
The only thing you're ever
gonna want to be called.
It means you're a tough gal
who doesn't take no for an answer.
Mr. Jacott,
as I've now thrice mentioned,
it is against the law
to delay maintenance payments
- to your wife and children.
- Ex-wife.
No woman's getting my money.
If... if you refuse
Miss Shaw's request...
What are you gonna do about it,
doughboy?
Stop him! Stop him!
- Thief!
- Arnie, get him!
Ah!
Thought you'd get away with it,
didn't you?
Looks like this young man
didn't count on us being here.
I'd say it's a good thing
I showed up.
I'll let you gals know if the trophy's
measurements align with the wound
- in the photo.
- I would be lost
- without you, Flo.
- I can't argue with that.
I've seen you poke yourself
with a protractor.
Right, I was thinking,
"If Mayfair couldn't get
another school to hire
"Miss Henning,
why not just fire her?
Why resort to murder?"
- To save his reputation?
- His status?
Ladies!
I must say, I've rather taken
a liking to detective-ing.
- Oh, yeah?
- What have you found out?
I spoke to Virg,
who talked to Maria,
who heard from B,
who knew from Viv...
Sounds like private school
broken telephone.
Except this message
isn't broken.
Viv saw Leona Wallace
at evening prayers Monday night.
- And this is news because...?
- Leona spends Monday evenings
being tutored by Miss Henning,
but halfway through prayers,
she showed up scared.
OK. Well, we need to find this
Leona and have a chat with her.
She boards at the school;
I can take you to her dorm.
- Good job, little bearcat.
- Great! So while you two track down Leona,
I'll get to the bottom of
the King Eddy gala ticket.
- Ooh! King Eddy's by me, split a taxicab?
- Mm-hm.
- Oh, wait, wait, no, no, no.
- I... I'm sorry. You're...
you're not leaving me
alone with her, are you?
- You'll be fine, kids are easy.
- You're great with my younger siblings.
- That's different!
- That's your family. She's...
Headstrong, unruly
and pops up uninvited?
Ooh! Sounds like
someone else we know.
Toodleloo.
If you laid off
the sweets, Arnie,
you'd be fit enough
to do your job.
Sorry, sir.
Lucky for me,
Scarrow was on patrol,
caught the heister
before he got away.
Thank you, Chief. Just trying to be
a valuable part of the team.
Actually, Mary was pretty valuable.
What were you saying, Arnie?
Nothing, sir.
Nothing.
Alright, let's see
which one of these is her room.
204!
- Maybe she's at the library.
- Leona in a library? Never.
Sometimes I do this
when I forget my own key.
Do you want me to show you
how I did that?
Maybe another time.
What a mess! Her clothes
are all over the place.
Looks like she started packing
a suitcase but didn't finish.
Look.
It's a short jump to the ground.
She must have ran away
in a hurry.
Ran away? From what?
Some kind of trouble.
We have to tell Principal Mayfair
that Leona's missing.
Good thinking! I'm just going
to hide behind this potted palm.
If Mayfair sees me,
he'll make me go back to class.
You told me you were on lunch.
Miss Drake? We didn't
have an appointment.
- Am I interrupting?
- Love the pants.
This is the private investigator
I was telling you about, Edith.
Oh! Georgia was formidable. If foul play
had anything to do with her death,
- you must find the perpetrator.
- Miss Paltry is head
of Parent-Teacher Association.
She and I were just discussing the details
of Miss Henning's school wake.
I thought you wanted
to protect the children.
- The children deserve a proper goodbye.
- My Gwendoline took the news hard.
I'm afraid that I have
some news of my own.
Seems that Leona Wallace
has run away.
She was with Miss Henning
the night that she died.
It's possible
that she saw something.
- Oh, good Lord!
- Let's all just stay calm.
I-I have the, uh,
the attendance records...
...right here.
Oh, my!
She has indeed been missing since
Tuesday morning.
We've all been so...
distracted.
I'll call the police.
If Leona's missing,
I can find her.
You? Not a chance.
By the time the police get here,
Leona could be hurt
or worse. And you've already had
one death at your school.
- I agree with Miss Drake.
- She can work quickly and be discreet.
We don't want to cause
panic at Briarlane.
I can give you
'til end of day.
It's more than enough time.
Roya?
Roya!
- What's wrong?
- Nothing.
I'm just... I'm scared, alright?
I heard you tell Principal Mayfair
Leona could be hurt, or worse.
Worse always means dead!
I'm sorry you had
to hear that.
You know, when I was a kid,
I was scared of quicksand.
I was terrified of it.
A few years ago, I found myself
in the Sahara and...
I ended up stepping in it.
- Do you know what I discovered?
- What?
- It's just mud.
- Regular old mud.
Sometimes, the things that we think are
the most scary really aren't scary at all.
Now, we have a job to do and I need you
to help me as my partner.
So, do you have any idea
where Leona could be?
- Afraid not.
- I didn't really know her.
Hmm... Do... do you know
any upper levels?
No, I...
Oh! My old tutor.
She would meet friends
at Quon's Diner. Do you know it?
I do. Come on.
"Fitness test"?
Chief went
a little overboard.
It ain't nothing
you can't handle, Arnie.
'Course if you handled
yourself this morning
as well as you handled
the piece of cake...
...then we wouldn't be
in this mess right now.
Hey, Arnie, you remember
how to do a push-up, don't you?
Or am I gonna have to stop
and save your sorry self again?
It's best
just to ignore Scarrow.
The way he ignored you
this morning?
Sorry, Mary. You're lucky
you're just a morality officer.
Chief's not subjecting you
to push-ups in public.
Right. Lucky me.
- Hello, there, Tommy!
- How ya doing?
- I don't see Leona anywhere.
- But I see Flo!
Good news. The trophy is a definite match
to the wound in the photo.
Miss Henning died of a nasty head wound,
no doubt about it.
Nice work, Flo! We're here
looking for a potential suspect.
A runaway who apparently
likes to come here.
I saw some Briar girls
at that table over there...
- ...giggling a short while ago.
- Roya's age or older?
- Older, definitely.
- So now what? We just wait?
- Take the break when it comes, kid.
- Let Frankie think.
I spent half of my school days
at a table like this with my girlfriends.
Let me guess:
one soda, three straws?
Did nothing but boy talk.
How on Earth is
soda enough for three girls?
You guys do this as well?
Oh, of course. For every beau.
- Frankie, look! "L.W."
- That could be Leona Wallace!
- Hm.
- So who's H.C. the third?
Leona's smitten
with Howard Clifton the third.
- Smells like vinegar.
- Hey, Bearcats don't judge
- another gal's choices, sweetheart.
- Sorry, Flo.
Frankie, if Leona's with Howard,
I know where she might be!
Well, let's go!
Howard's the only person
I know who likes to show off
by the... There!
OK. You better let me
do the talking.
- Leona!
- We wanna talk to you!
- Leona!
- Easy now!
- There, there. Hey!
- I'm a private detective.
I need to ask you some questions
about Miss Henning.
- I'm not talking to anyone. Howie?
- Come on, Leona, let's scram.
You keep running
because you're scared,
but sometimes what seems scary
truly isn't in the end. Please,
you owe it to Miss Henning.
- I went to tutoring as usual.
- Where?
- In Miss Henning's apartment.
- We needed a microscope.
Now, Leona: notice how
these cells are much larger...
All of a sudden, a man was
banging on Miss Henning's door.
Georgia!
I know you're in there!
Leona, I think it's best
you head to prayers now.
Miss Henning,
I'll go get help!
- No, no, dear. I know him.
- It's... personal.
Uh, let me help you
with this window.
You went
through a window?
I did. I lingered a bit
to listen to the argument,
but I couldn't hear
what they were saying.
The next morning,
Miss Henning was dead.
- Did you recognize the voice?
- No.
But I worried if the man
had heard me or seen me.
I was so scared,
I couldn't stay at Briarlane.
I've been staying
with Howard since.
- We didn't know who to trust.
- Well, you can trust me.
That's him. The one
in the concierge uniform.
Yep!
- Mr. Yao.
- Hello!
- Thanks for coming.
- Much appreciated.
- How may I help?
- This woman,
she was at the King Eddy.
The gala tickets were $60.
It was for
St. Michael's Hospital.
A fundraiser.
Yes,
I recognize her.
She has the most
piercing grey eyes.
- Matched Mr. Clyde's cravat.
- Mr. Clyde?
Chester Clyde,
eldest son and heir to
- the Clyde mink furrier fortune.
- Ooh, you kill enough
helpless animals, you build a fortune.
This world sometimes.
- Those two were very much in love.
- Arm in arm all night.
Looks like teacher has
a not-so-secret boyfriend.
And now we know
his not-so-secret name:
Chester Clyde. Thanks.
If Miss Henning and Mr. Clyde were in
a secret relationship, it would explain
- the expensive gifts.
- Which also explains why
- Leona was excused from tutoring.
- A boyfriend would get her fired.
So what happened that night
after they looked so in love
at the gala?
- I think it's time to pay Mr. Clyde a visit.
- Stole the words
- right out of my mouth.
- Goodie! Let's go!
- No. You are going back to school.
- You've missed enough class.
Hey there, stranger.
Oh, we worried about you.
I'm sorry for my absence, ladies.
I've been having
a heck of a time at work.
- What's going on?
- Well...
...yesterday, I stopped a criminal.
All by myself, me -
and he was a quick one too!
- Let me guess:
you did all the hard work
and a man took the praise?
Afraid so. Officer Scarrow,
he made the arrest,
- so he takes the credit.
- But that's not fair.
Well, I suppose I should look
for the silver lining.
Kudos or not,
one more criminal
- is off the streets.
- The silver lining is
- you getting your due, Mary.
- Hm. That makes two of us.
Three. But right now,
we have to talk to a mink heir.
- Yes, absolutely!
- Go! Case comes first.
When I whacked him, Flo,
I felt this incredible rush.
- Oh, yeah, that'd be the adrenaline.
- Yes! It was like
I was just a regular police
officer doing my everyday job.
If you want to do everyday police work,
then go be a police officer.
Hmm. If only.
Regulation doesn't allow it...
being a woman and all.
- At least not in this country.
- You remind me
of James Stuart Barry.
Miss Henning told us about him.
He was in the army.
A surgeon too.
Mm-hm. Is he single?
- He's dead.
- Hm. All the best ones are.
Well, he sounds like
quite the accomplished man.
No. Quite the accomplished woman.
Barry is really a lady
named Margaret Ann Bulkley
who dressed as a man so she
could do the work she wanted to.
Hm.
- The floor manager will be back any minute.
- It's all I need.
- So what do you think?
- Floor manager has no reason to lie.
If he says Chester wasn't here
Monday morning, I believe him.
It's the same night
Henning was murdered.
You have to see this.
- Wait, that's Mabel with them.
- So, she did know Chester.
Let's find out
why she was lying.
All I'm saying is she better have
a good reason for withholding from us.
You're really upset
about this.
- People lie all the time.
- Her best friend just got buried
what could be
more important than that?
Looks like we have
our answer.
I've searched the drawers. Nothing.
- Same with the nightstand.
- Nothing.
Your idea of "nothing" sure
looks like a lot of "something."
Miss Drake, I can explain.
Did Georgia know about you two?
Is that what you were guys
arguing about the night
- that she died?
- I wasn't here that night.
And you couldn't be more wrong.
I'm not with either woman,
not in the way you think at least.
- You don't have to.
- No, I want to.
Georgia and I knew
each other since childhood.
- We had an arrangement.
- What kind of arrangement?
One where I appeared with her
in public to satisfy my parents,
so in private I could be
with whom I liked.
If I could love a woman,
there's no better than Georgia,
but it's not women I love.
You can't be out in public with who
you really do love because it's illegal.
I'm so sorry for lying
to you earlier.
Surely, now you understand?
I snuck Chester in,
so that we could collect
some of the letters
that he'd written to Georgia.
But instead,
we found these letters.
Frankie, these are death threats.
And the penmanship
looks familiar.
It's because
we've seen it before.
Where's Ebenezer?
He doesn't board on campus,
but tomorrow morning
he's leading the prayers
at the school's wake
for Georgia.
So, we'll meet him there.
- Are you sure about this?
- Absolutely.
Maybe. I don't know.
Forget I asked. On your mark!
- Mm-hm.
- And... go!
- Let me try it one more time.
- Fifth time's the charm.
Right. Ohhh...
- That's Arnie from the station.
- Looks like he's already
- started training.
- So you're not the only one doing this?
Perhaps it was rash
coming out here.
I already gave my inspiring
pep talk to the kid, but I can
go through it once more
if want me to.
Got anything
short and sweet?
- Be. A. Bearcat.
- A what?!
- A bearcat!
- A bearcat!
BEARCAAAT! Ah!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Yes! Ha ha!
Leona, we would never
put you in danger.
How come I can't
stop shaking?
Don't worry, we'd never
put you in harm's way.
That's why we have
our friend Flo here.
- Flo won't let anything happen.
- If anyone tries to come near you
I'm gonna give 'em
a shiner that's gonna
- last the rest of this year.
- Let's go over the plan
once more time.
You two are gonna stick with Flo.
Now, as soon as Ebenezer
starts his prayers,
you really need to listen, OK?
And if you hear the man
that was arguing with Miss Henning...
You let me know and I'll
signal Frankie and Trudy.
And we'll apprehend him.
They're starting. Let's go.
Students, family, friends,
colleagues, please, be seated.
Let us pray for the life
Briarlane has lost.
"Know that my redeemer liveth,
"that he shall stand
last upon the Earth.
We brought nothing into this
world and we can carry nothing out."
Still no signal from Flo.
"Naked I came
from my mother's womb.
"Naked I shall return
to my Lord's kingdom.
"Lord giveth, Lord taketh.
Blessed be the name
of the Lord. Amen."
- Amen.
- Amen.
Any thoughts on a plan B?
- We scan the crowd.
- Maybe our mystery man is playing
- the part of grieving mourner.
- I'll take the girls around.
If Leona recognizes a voice,
I'll get your attention
- one way or the other.
- Great.
Miss Clarke,
so nice of you to come.
Appropriately dressed this time,
Miss Drake. Well done.
Wow, you certainly have
a lot of opinions
on how women should act,
dress and teach.
- Hmm.
- Now, I read the letters
that you sent Miss Henning.
You threatened death.
- So what if I did?
- It's not a crime.
What she was exposing
those children to,
that's the real crime.
Men like you thrive on
repressing a woman's intellect!
What you are teaching
these girls is a sin!
I'm teaching them the truth!
She didn't listen to reason.
Seems someone put
an end to that.
Do you think it's him or him?
I already told you:
No and no.
What about that man?
I'm sure Leona would
tell us if she hears him, Roya.
Face it, Miss Drake:
you have no case.
- Ebenezer?
- Mm?
Principal Mayfair has something urgent
to discuss with you.
- God bless.
- Mm-hm.
- Looked like you needed an out.
- Thank you.
This is my partner Trudy.
- Hi.
- Oh! You're both working then?
I'm just bursting
with excitement inside.
My daughter, Gwendoline,
got early acceptance to Wellesley College.
- That's wonderful!
- Congratulations!
Thank you. We've made so many
sacrifices over the years,
my husband and I.
Seems like it all paid off.
Oh! And there's Gwendoline
in the Honour's row.
Let me guess: you were on the
Honour roll every single year?
Mildred would have it
no other way.
I've got to take Leona
to the washroom. You stay put.
That's got to be him!
Sir!
I saw that scowl you made
at Miss Henning's portrait.
Who would ever scowl
at Miss Henning?
Except the mystery man.
You're the bad guy!
Where were you the night of the 18th?
- Roya! What are you doing?
- Questioning our suspect.
What have you been doing?
Did you see
that he has a cane?
- Uh-huh.
- Our mystery man would have
needed two hands.
He's not our suspect.
I... I didn't see the cane.
I just saw him scowling.
We know you want to help,
Roya, and you have been,
but being a good P.I. means
observing the entire scene
before jumping on one detail.
- Where's Leona?
- Flo took her to the washroom.
- Are you mad? I'm so sorry.
- Ladies and gentlemen...
...my family and I
are happy to announce
the new Georgia Henning
Science Bursary.
- Frankie!
- Thank you.
- It's him! That's him!
- A bursary
to be awarded annually
right here at Briarlane.
That's Wilbur Paltry,
- Gwen's father.
- Edith's husband.
That's the man I heard arguing
with Miss Henning. I swear it.
Who kills a teacher and then honours
their memory with a scholarship?
Somebody with
a guilty conscience.
Wilbur Paltry visited
Miss Henning the night
that she was murdered.
Why would he kill her?
Maybe Gwendoline
is the connection.
We saw her sitting
in the Honour row at the wake.
Honour row? Gwendoline?
No, no, no.
I have an idea! Follow me.
This is Gwendoline's locker.
Did you teach her that?
This one picks lock
faster than I do.
This paper has a C...
...this exam an F.
But according
to her report card,
she's an A student.
What if Wilbur was buying
Gwendoline's grades?
Possible.
Maybe Henning changed her mind
and that's what they were arguing about?
It would shame his wife,
exile his daughter.
We need to talk to him.
Mr. Paltry!
It's very generous of you
to start a science scholarship.
A man who supports female education
is a rarity in our modern society.
We all have to do our part.
How will did you know
Miss Henning?
Not well.
Who are you?
Frankie Drake.
We're investigating her murder.
- You know anything about that?
- No. Good day, ladies.
We know that you were with her
the night that she died.
And we know about
your daughter's false grades.
Is that what you were
arguing about?
No.
The argument we had that night
was because I wanted her
to fail Gwendoline.
You wanted Miss Henning
to hold her back?
Yes. And she had agreed.
But when I saw her report card,
Gwen had an A in science:
a grade she didn't earn.
So she backed out on a deal.
That's why you went to go see her?
Yes.
Curious thing is,
she was as surprised
about the A as I had been.
She told me
she gave Gwen the C.
Does sound curious.
I swear she was alive
when I left.
Please, I beg of you
some discretion:
my family knows nothing of this.
Well, if she didn't change
the grades, who did?
Spend much time
in the Principal's office?
And our last...
set of contenders!
Move out of my way!
- Who is that kid?
- Who's the rookie?
Hey, that rookie's
got some skill!
Looking' pretty good, rookie!
Finish up, Scarrow.
You're making us look bad!
48...
49...
50!
What the heck! Is that a rookie?
Great time, boys!
Good job, officers.
Only one medal, chief.
How about you let me and
the rookie hit the rope climb?
Before you ask: No,
we do not have an appointment.
We know you changed the grades
of failing students.
- How much did you get paid?
- Paid?
What are you talking about?
We know Miss Henning
gave Gwendoline Paltry a C,
yet her report card
is full of As.
She confronted you.
Is that why you killed her?
I don't think this is an act.
Here... breathe!
I have never changed a grade
in my life.
I saw students receive only As
in her science class.
Well, someone changed
those bad grades
- into good grades.
- Impossible.
They would have had to have access
to Henning's original mark books.
Rope climb!
First to the top wins.
And if you break 15 seconds,
you set a new department record.
I'm gonna mop
the floor with you.
Go, rookie!
Come on, rookie!
Yeah-ah-ah!
And a new time for the rookie!
Chief Madden?
My name is Mary Shaw.
My father was
Officer Matthew Shaw.
I want you to know that today
your officers were beat by a woman
and even though that probably
won't change anything tomorrow,
maybe you knowing
will be enough of a start
for change another day.
And I'm gonna keep this medal.
If that's...? OK.
You lied to us, Mabel.
I'm so sorry.
I'll never forgive myself
for all the trouble I started.
Why did you change
the students' grades?
Teachers don't earn
a decent wage.
I didn't see the harm.
Whether Briargirls earned
their marks or not,
their wealth guaranteed them
a golden future.
So what happened that night?
Wilbur paid a visit and then left.
Georgia came over.
Mabel, I'm telling you:
check your mark books!
Some sort of grade fixing
is occurring here at Briarlane.
All of my failing students
now have A's!
What are you gonna do about it?
I'm going to Principal Mayfair
tomorrow morning
to expose
what I believe is happening.
No, you can't! You mustn't!
It was me.
I've been changing
your students' grades.
Please, please don't go to Mayfair.
After I told her,
she couldn't even look at me.
She said she needed the night
to sleep on it.
So you made her choose between
her morals and her friendship.
She didn't get the chance
to choose.
In the morning she was dead.
Excuse me.
I need to go tend
to my students.
Well, if Mabel didn't kill her,
who did?
Let's go find Roya.
She's not gonna want
to miss this next part.
Nine, ten.
I'm so happy you brought me.
I'm hoping Trudy and I
can handle this,
but if not you can do
the one part that we asked?
Yes! Promise.
I don't want to let you,
or Miss Henning down.
Gwendoline! Gwen!
Hope this works.
Detectives.
What are you doing here?
Edith, we'll let you say goodbye
to your family
and then we will escort you
to the police station.
We know you killed
Miss Henning.
Poppycock. That's absurd.
You knew that your daughter's
academic future was at stake,
- so you acted.
- I'm calling the police.
As head of the PTA,
you had a key
to the school grounds.
You even reasoned
with Miss Henning.
You bought wine.
We saw the glasses.
You know, at first we thought
that she was with a man.
Then we realized that lipstick
on the other glass?
It wasn't hers: it was yours.
Kind of like the one
you're wearing right now.
A smudged wine glass
is hardly enough evidence
- for a murder arrest.
- Maybe.
But I don't think an arrest is what
you're really afraid of here.
I think it's your daughter
finding out the truth.
Darling, what...
what's going on?
Mum, I'm gonna tutor Roya
over the summer.
Isn't that marvellous?
She wants to make honours
next year.
You don't say.
I want to be as prepared
as I can.
- Like Gwendoline was.
- I'll make it fun.
I promise.
See Mom?
And you were worried
about me wasting the summer
lollygagging in the sun.
Now I can do both.
What are the four phases
of mitosis?
- I can never remember.
- Uhm. My-a-what?
Mitosis. The four basic stages.
Oh, right. I knew that.
I'm sure there's many things
that Gwen could teach Roya,
but academics
is not one of them.
Whether it's Roya,
or someone else,
Gwendoline's gonna find out eventually
that she's not the honour student
she thinks she is.
Don't you think it's up
to her mother to explain why?
The police are on their way,
Miss Drake.
Your accusations are wild.
No one kills a woman
over grades!
Except a mother.
It was an accident.
I... I went there to talk,
but Georgia was incensed.
She told me
that Gwen would be expelled:
that Wellesley would
rescind her offer.
What mother would accept that?
- What...
- I grabbed the trophy and I...
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry for what I've done
to our family.
Twelve years old and
you're already writing cheques.
Eleven-and-a-half,
actually.
I guess this is goodbye.
Thank you so much
for solving the case, Frankie.
I know I was in the way
at times.
You did a wonderful job.
Miss Henning would be proud.
So are we.
Actually, this is for you, Roya.
For inspiring me to take
a chance like Dr. Barry.
Thank you Mary.
Thanks all of you.
I have no doubt you're gonna make
a wonderful investigator one day,
- if that's what you want.
- Investigator? No.
I'll be going to medical school,
thanks to Flo and everything
Miss Henning taught me.
A true Briargirl success story!
We can be a team, Flo!
Use both our brains
to spot the murders
before the detectives
even need to be hired.
Oh, that would mean
that Drake Detective Agency
- would go out of business.
- Oh.
I guess so. Sorry Frankie.
- Know what?
- I look forward to it, kid.
the other reason I work
hand-in-hand with the coroner.
Look at that!
Ew! Is that an eyeball?
Post-mortem exams serve
the dual purpose
of benefiting the bereaved...
Look at this.
This is a heart.
...while providing
City Hall with answers...
Listen, ladies.
I'm gonna level with you:
medicine is a boys' club.
Men don't want us
in the operating rooms...
...or their mortuaries.
But befriend
your maths and sciences...
...and one day, they won't be
able to keep us out.
Hello. Question. Do yourself
or the coroner ever make
mistakes in your...
- post-mortem exams?
- Mistakes?
- Errors, inaccuracies, oversights.
- Yes.
You do?
No. I mean, yes,
I understand the question.
Oh, so you never
make mistakes?
- I never said that.
- A yes then. Which leads me
to ask how mistakes
get corrected.
- Does...
- Thank you, Roya,
for demonstrating just how inquisitive
Briarlane pupils are
to Miss Chakowitz.
A round of applause
for our guest speaker.
Ha ha!
Miss Chakowitz!
Excuse me. I petitioned you
to speak today,
but none of my questions
were answered.
Oh, so you're the reason
I missed a half day of work.
Not that I'm complaining.
No bones about it. Hahaha!
My name's Flo.
What's on your mind?
Oh! Dame in a lab coat,
- my kind of gal.
- Her name is...
was Miss Henning.
She was my science teacher.
She died two days ago
here at Briarlane.
I'm sorry. Seems like
she meant a lot to you.
She meant the world. They said
her death was an accident.
- Who did?
- Everyone!
The police, Principal Mayfair,
but most concerning,
your boss, Dr. Thomson.
He stated,
"Death due to advanced state
of inebriation"
- and "a steep stair fall."
- Seems like she drank
a little too much alcohol
and fell down the stairs.
- Impossible!
- If I had a dollar
for every "impossible"
that ended up on my slab,
I'd have enough money to send
myself to this fancy school.
But Miss Henning never drank,
said the taste
didn't agree with her.
Something else happened.
The coroner won't return
any calls, nor the police.
Principal Mayfair said
it's best to just carry on.
But I can't.
Will you help me?
- I have an even better idea, kid.
- Let's go!
More holes in this coroner's
report than Swiss cheese.
What were you saying about
the alcohol level in her system, Flo?
- Negligible. She was sober.
- Blood doesn't lie.
There's wine stains
on her blouse and her pants.
Maybe someone wanted it
to look like she was drinking.
She wasn't alone
when she died.
This looks like
a head wound or a bruise.
- But what about all the other bruises?
- Didn't she fall down the stairs?
That's what
the police report says.
Well, how do you
fall down a staircase
and not have
bruises all over?
The only way you can:
she was already dead
- when she "fell."
- Seems that way.
Dead bodies don't bruise the same way
the living do.
But our murderer didn't know that
when they staged this cover-up.
- A murder cover-up at Briarlane?
- Someone wanted this woman
- dead, we need to find out why.
- I knew it!
- I told her to wait in the car.
- How? Who?
How'd she get in here?
So you're taking
the case, Miss Drake?
Shall we start immediately?
Oh, I just can't wait!
I've never been a part of a
detective investigation before.
Pardon me:
a murder investigation.
It's not exactly
something to be excited about.
- What do we do first?
- We?!
Why don't you
tell us about Briarlane?
It was founded in 1886 as a Church
of England Ladies' College.
OK, we can jump ahead
a little bit.
You mentioned that
Miss Henning was new?
Yes. She's from British Columbia.
Said the only thing she missed
from home was the mountains.
When you said everyone adored her,
is there anyone that didn't like her?
No. She was perfect.
She wanted us to fall in love
with science.
Girls, the important thing
is to never stop questioning.
Somewhere, something incredible
is just waiting
for you to discover it.
Might be on a faraway continent
or right under your fingertips.
I used to think
that spiders were icky,
but under the microscope,
Miss Henning showed us
how beautiful they were.
So, I stopped killing spiders.
Oh, that's a lovely story, Roya.
But can you tell us who has
access to the school grounds?
- Only teachers.
- Our gates are locked at night.
- So, I'll need to question the staff.
- Mm-hm.
I know! We should go
talk to Miss Spring.
- She was Miss Henning's best friend.
- OK. Well, that's a great tip,
but why don't you let Trudy and I
do a little digging
and you can...
go back to class
and be our "inside woman."
- You know, that's a good idea.
- Briar girls will open up
to you more than to two strangers,
so then maybe
you could tell us if they know
anything about what happened.
- Would that most help the case?
- Yes.
Then I suppose, bye for now.
Looks like it's gonna take
more than busy work
to keep her out of our hair.
Her death was a tragedy, indeed.
Yet, you told the students
to just carry on.
There is enough gloom
in the world.
Students deserve a reprieve
while at school.
- Of course.
- How benevolent.
What I don't understand is
why the... the two of you
are investigating an accident.
Because we believe
that it was a murder.
Murder? But why?
Miss Henning was adored,
our most progressive thinker.
It was a...
it was a real catch
to get her here at Briarlane.
Was there anyone who wasn't
a fan of her progressive thinking?
That... would be Ebenezer Black.
I'm sorry I haven't the time
for your questions.
I'm far too behind
with my lesson.
"Ebenezer", that's in the Bible.
"Stone of help".
First Samuel, Chapter 7.
Verse 12.
- You're a churchgoer, Miss...?
- Clarke.
Yes, I am. Every Sunday.
It'll only be a few questions, truly.
- I detested Henning.
- Loathed actually.
Well, you don't mince words.
Georgia was not
a God-fearing woman.
Filth she taught was poisoning
our students' minds and...
- souls.
- What kind of filth?
Teaching evolutionary theory...
...disrupts Briarlane's
religious values.
Man was made in God's image
not this natural selection balderdash!
Well, now that she's gone,
you've taken over her classes;
- is that correct?
- Yes. It's about time
someone steered these pupils
back to God's single truth.
No one ever likes this next question,
but where were you
- two nights ago?
- You think I...?
Murder is a sin, Miss Drake.
As I know
your "Good Book" states,
yet murder still happens.
- Were you on school grounds?
- No.
I was with my church group,
leading prayer.
Well, we'd appreciate
a name and address.
If it was anyone here,
it was Mayfair.
Man spent hours on the telephone
persuading other schools to hire her.
He wanted her out of Briarlane.
Georgia was like my sister.
Our deepest sympathies,
Miss Spring.
Thank you.
It's such a relief that you two are here.
This was no accident.
Briarlane's teacher code
of conduct forbids alcohol.
If Georgia would
have been breaking the rules,
- I'd have known about it.
- What else does the conduct ban?
Oh. Men, marriage,
perfume, cigarettes...
wearing bright colours,
hair dye, loitering
in ice cream parlours.
- Pfft. Tight ship.
- Yeah.
Anything else that makes you
think this wasn't an accident?
Georgia didn't really fit in.
She was determined
to be a great teacher,
and other teachers
punished her for that.
- Punished her how?
- Quarrels, stolen lunches...
One of her microscopes
was smashed.
This is the staircase
where her body was found.
We're gonna need
to see inside her room.
Where did you learn
to pick locks?
Not in school.
Alright. Well,
no sign of a struggle.
Oh... she has
expensive taste.
A fan.
Cosmetics.
- Gloves.
- Nothing out of the ordinary.
Except for this:
a gala ticket to the King Eddy.
- Cost her $60.
- That's two months' wages.
If she couldn't afford that,
who would buy it for her?
I wouldn't know.
This drawer's locked.
There's a key
around here somewhere.
Georgia kept her mark books:
grades went out a month ago.
"Academic Excellence Award 1919."
Look at this.
Doesn't that kind of look like the marking
we saw from the coroner's photos?
Hmm...
You think this could be
the murder weapon?
Let's get it to Flo.
Two wine glasses:
one with lipstick and one without.
- Was Georgia dating anyone?
- Boyfriends are forbidden.
So are cosmetics
and galas, but...
None of this makes any sense.
Well, sometimes, best friends
have secrets.
Georgia seemed
to have a lot of them.
Just need to find out
which one killed her.
Brr! Never saw that
pierced before.
Roya!
Shouldn't you be in class?
- Help me out with this body.
- Really?
As long as you have
a strong stomach.
Oof!
Or you can tell me
what's bothering you
- and I can help you out.
- You can't.
- Try me.
- Frankie asked me to talk
to Briar girls to help her
solve the case.
Thing is,
they're not gonna talk to me.
- Why is that?
- Because they don't like me.
They call me names and laugh,
especially the popular girls.
So you're worried
about letting down Frankie
and your late teacher?
Being as I'm the only
adult in the room...
living adult...
I suppose it's my job
to impart some wholesome wisdom.
- Be kind, practice forgiveness.
- Ah, forget about that.
Kindness is wasted
on sour people.
- But you know what isn't?
- What?
Flattery. Compliment them
and they'll tell you anything you need.
All popular people want is to be
told how wonderful they are.
Tell them that
and they'll tell you everything.
Promise. Us bearcats
need to stick together.
What's a bearcat?
The only thing you're ever
gonna want to be called.
It means you're a tough gal
who doesn't take no for an answer.
Mr. Jacott,
as I've now thrice mentioned,
it is against the law
to delay maintenance payments
- to your wife and children.
- Ex-wife.
No woman's getting my money.
If... if you refuse
Miss Shaw's request...
What are you gonna do about it,
doughboy?
Stop him! Stop him!
- Thief!
- Arnie, get him!
Ah!
Thought you'd get away with it,
didn't you?
Looks like this young man
didn't count on us being here.
I'd say it's a good thing
I showed up.
I'll let you gals know if the trophy's
measurements align with the wound
- in the photo.
- I would be lost
- without you, Flo.
- I can't argue with that.
I've seen you poke yourself
with a protractor.
Right, I was thinking,
"If Mayfair couldn't get
another school to hire
"Miss Henning,
why not just fire her?
Why resort to murder?"
- To save his reputation?
- His status?
Ladies!
I must say, I've rather taken
a liking to detective-ing.
- Oh, yeah?
- What have you found out?
I spoke to Virg,
who talked to Maria,
who heard from B,
who knew from Viv...
Sounds like private school
broken telephone.
Except this message
isn't broken.
Viv saw Leona Wallace
at evening prayers Monday night.
- And this is news because...?
- Leona spends Monday evenings
being tutored by Miss Henning,
but halfway through prayers,
she showed up scared.
OK. Well, we need to find this
Leona and have a chat with her.
She boards at the school;
I can take you to her dorm.
- Good job, little bearcat.
- Great! So while you two track down Leona,
I'll get to the bottom of
the King Eddy gala ticket.
- Ooh! King Eddy's by me, split a taxicab?
- Mm-hm.
- Oh, wait, wait, no, no, no.
- I... I'm sorry. You're...
you're not leaving me
alone with her, are you?
- You'll be fine, kids are easy.
- You're great with my younger siblings.
- That's different!
- That's your family. She's...
Headstrong, unruly
and pops up uninvited?
Ooh! Sounds like
someone else we know.
Toodleloo.
If you laid off
the sweets, Arnie,
you'd be fit enough
to do your job.
Sorry, sir.
Lucky for me,
Scarrow was on patrol,
caught the heister
before he got away.
Thank you, Chief. Just trying to be
a valuable part of the team.
Actually, Mary was pretty valuable.
What were you saying, Arnie?
Nothing, sir.
Nothing.
Alright, let's see
which one of these is her room.
204!
- Maybe she's at the library.
- Leona in a library? Never.
Sometimes I do this
when I forget my own key.
Do you want me to show you
how I did that?
Maybe another time.
What a mess! Her clothes
are all over the place.
Looks like she started packing
a suitcase but didn't finish.
Look.
It's a short jump to the ground.
She must have ran away
in a hurry.
Ran away? From what?
Some kind of trouble.
We have to tell Principal Mayfair
that Leona's missing.
Good thinking! I'm just going
to hide behind this potted palm.
If Mayfair sees me,
he'll make me go back to class.
You told me you were on lunch.
Miss Drake? We didn't
have an appointment.
- Am I interrupting?
- Love the pants.
This is the private investigator
I was telling you about, Edith.
Oh! Georgia was formidable. If foul play
had anything to do with her death,
- you must find the perpetrator.
- Miss Paltry is head
of Parent-Teacher Association.
She and I were just discussing the details
of Miss Henning's school wake.
I thought you wanted
to protect the children.
- The children deserve a proper goodbye.
- My Gwendoline took the news hard.
I'm afraid that I have
some news of my own.
Seems that Leona Wallace
has run away.
She was with Miss Henning
the night that she died.
It's possible
that she saw something.
- Oh, good Lord!
- Let's all just stay calm.
I-I have the, uh,
the attendance records...
...right here.
Oh, my!
She has indeed been missing since
Tuesday morning.
We've all been so...
distracted.
I'll call the police.
If Leona's missing,
I can find her.
You? Not a chance.
By the time the police get here,
Leona could be hurt
or worse. And you've already had
one death at your school.
- I agree with Miss Drake.
- She can work quickly and be discreet.
We don't want to cause
panic at Briarlane.
I can give you
'til end of day.
It's more than enough time.
Roya?
Roya!
- What's wrong?
- Nothing.
I'm just... I'm scared, alright?
I heard you tell Principal Mayfair
Leona could be hurt, or worse.
Worse always means dead!
I'm sorry you had
to hear that.
You know, when I was a kid,
I was scared of quicksand.
I was terrified of it.
A few years ago, I found myself
in the Sahara and...
I ended up stepping in it.
- Do you know what I discovered?
- What?
- It's just mud.
- Regular old mud.
Sometimes, the things that we think are
the most scary really aren't scary at all.
Now, we have a job to do and I need you
to help me as my partner.
So, do you have any idea
where Leona could be?
- Afraid not.
- I didn't really know her.
Hmm... Do... do you know
any upper levels?
No, I...
Oh! My old tutor.
She would meet friends
at Quon's Diner. Do you know it?
I do. Come on.
"Fitness test"?
Chief went
a little overboard.
It ain't nothing
you can't handle, Arnie.
'Course if you handled
yourself this morning
as well as you handled
the piece of cake...
...then we wouldn't be
in this mess right now.
Hey, Arnie, you remember
how to do a push-up, don't you?
Or am I gonna have to stop
and save your sorry self again?
It's best
just to ignore Scarrow.
The way he ignored you
this morning?
Sorry, Mary. You're lucky
you're just a morality officer.
Chief's not subjecting you
to push-ups in public.
Right. Lucky me.
- Hello, there, Tommy!
- How ya doing?
- I don't see Leona anywhere.
- But I see Flo!
Good news. The trophy is a definite match
to the wound in the photo.
Miss Henning died of a nasty head wound,
no doubt about it.
Nice work, Flo! We're here
looking for a potential suspect.
A runaway who apparently
likes to come here.
I saw some Briar girls
at that table over there...
- ...giggling a short while ago.
- Roya's age or older?
- Older, definitely.
- So now what? We just wait?
- Take the break when it comes, kid.
- Let Frankie think.
I spent half of my school days
at a table like this with my girlfriends.
Let me guess:
one soda, three straws?
Did nothing but boy talk.
How on Earth is
soda enough for three girls?
You guys do this as well?
Oh, of course. For every beau.
- Frankie, look! "L.W."
- That could be Leona Wallace!
- Hm.
- So who's H.C. the third?
Leona's smitten
with Howard Clifton the third.
- Smells like vinegar.
- Hey, Bearcats don't judge
- another gal's choices, sweetheart.
- Sorry, Flo.
Frankie, if Leona's with Howard,
I know where she might be!
Well, let's go!
Howard's the only person
I know who likes to show off
by the... There!
OK. You better let me
do the talking.
- Leona!
- We wanna talk to you!
- Leona!
- Easy now!
- There, there. Hey!
- I'm a private detective.
I need to ask you some questions
about Miss Henning.
- I'm not talking to anyone. Howie?
- Come on, Leona, let's scram.
You keep running
because you're scared,
but sometimes what seems scary
truly isn't in the end. Please,
you owe it to Miss Henning.
- I went to tutoring as usual.
- Where?
- In Miss Henning's apartment.
- We needed a microscope.
Now, Leona: notice how
these cells are much larger...
All of a sudden, a man was
banging on Miss Henning's door.
Georgia!
I know you're in there!
Leona, I think it's best
you head to prayers now.
Miss Henning,
I'll go get help!
- No, no, dear. I know him.
- It's... personal.
Uh, let me help you
with this window.
You went
through a window?
I did. I lingered a bit
to listen to the argument,
but I couldn't hear
what they were saying.
The next morning,
Miss Henning was dead.
- Did you recognize the voice?
- No.
But I worried if the man
had heard me or seen me.
I was so scared,
I couldn't stay at Briarlane.
I've been staying
with Howard since.
- We didn't know who to trust.
- Well, you can trust me.
That's him. The one
in the concierge uniform.
Yep!
- Mr. Yao.
- Hello!
- Thanks for coming.
- Much appreciated.
- How may I help?
- This woman,
she was at the King Eddy.
The gala tickets were $60.
It was for
St. Michael's Hospital.
A fundraiser.
Yes,
I recognize her.
She has the most
piercing grey eyes.
- Matched Mr. Clyde's cravat.
- Mr. Clyde?
Chester Clyde,
eldest son and heir to
- the Clyde mink furrier fortune.
- Ooh, you kill enough
helpless animals, you build a fortune.
This world sometimes.
- Those two were very much in love.
- Arm in arm all night.
Looks like teacher has
a not-so-secret boyfriend.
And now we know
his not-so-secret name:
Chester Clyde. Thanks.
If Miss Henning and Mr. Clyde were in
a secret relationship, it would explain
- the expensive gifts.
- Which also explains why
- Leona was excused from tutoring.
- A boyfriend would get her fired.
So what happened that night
after they looked so in love
at the gala?
- I think it's time to pay Mr. Clyde a visit.
- Stole the words
- right out of my mouth.
- Goodie! Let's go!
- No. You are going back to school.
- You've missed enough class.
Hey there, stranger.
Oh, we worried about you.
I'm sorry for my absence, ladies.
I've been having
a heck of a time at work.
- What's going on?
- Well...
...yesterday, I stopped a criminal.
All by myself, me -
and he was a quick one too!
- Let me guess:
you did all the hard work
and a man took the praise?
Afraid so. Officer Scarrow,
he made the arrest,
- so he takes the credit.
- But that's not fair.
Well, I suppose I should look
for the silver lining.
Kudos or not,
one more criminal
- is off the streets.
- The silver lining is
- you getting your due, Mary.
- Hm. That makes two of us.
Three. But right now,
we have to talk to a mink heir.
- Yes, absolutely!
- Go! Case comes first.
When I whacked him, Flo,
I felt this incredible rush.
- Oh, yeah, that'd be the adrenaline.
- Yes! It was like
I was just a regular police
officer doing my everyday job.
If you want to do everyday police work,
then go be a police officer.
Hmm. If only.
Regulation doesn't allow it...
being a woman and all.
- At least not in this country.
- You remind me
of James Stuart Barry.
Miss Henning told us about him.
He was in the army.
A surgeon too.
Mm-hm. Is he single?
- He's dead.
- Hm. All the best ones are.
Well, he sounds like
quite the accomplished man.
No. Quite the accomplished woman.
Barry is really a lady
named Margaret Ann Bulkley
who dressed as a man so she
could do the work she wanted to.
Hm.
- The floor manager will be back any minute.
- It's all I need.
- So what do you think?
- Floor manager has no reason to lie.
If he says Chester wasn't here
Monday morning, I believe him.
It's the same night
Henning was murdered.
You have to see this.
- Wait, that's Mabel with them.
- So, she did know Chester.
Let's find out
why she was lying.
All I'm saying is she better have
a good reason for withholding from us.
You're really upset
about this.
- People lie all the time.
- Her best friend just got buried
what could be
more important than that?
Looks like we have
our answer.
I've searched the drawers. Nothing.
- Same with the nightstand.
- Nothing.
Your idea of "nothing" sure
looks like a lot of "something."
Miss Drake, I can explain.
Did Georgia know about you two?
Is that what you were guys
arguing about the night
- that she died?
- I wasn't here that night.
And you couldn't be more wrong.
I'm not with either woman,
not in the way you think at least.
- You don't have to.
- No, I want to.
Georgia and I knew
each other since childhood.
- We had an arrangement.
- What kind of arrangement?
One where I appeared with her
in public to satisfy my parents,
so in private I could be
with whom I liked.
If I could love a woman,
there's no better than Georgia,
but it's not women I love.
You can't be out in public with who
you really do love because it's illegal.
I'm so sorry for lying
to you earlier.
Surely, now you understand?
I snuck Chester in,
so that we could collect
some of the letters
that he'd written to Georgia.
But instead,
we found these letters.
Frankie, these are death threats.
And the penmanship
looks familiar.
It's because
we've seen it before.
Where's Ebenezer?
He doesn't board on campus,
but tomorrow morning
he's leading the prayers
at the school's wake
for Georgia.
So, we'll meet him there.
- Are you sure about this?
- Absolutely.
Maybe. I don't know.
Forget I asked. On your mark!
- Mm-hm.
- And... go!
- Let me try it one more time.
- Fifth time's the charm.
Right. Ohhh...
- That's Arnie from the station.
- Looks like he's already
- started training.
- So you're not the only one doing this?
Perhaps it was rash
coming out here.
I already gave my inspiring
pep talk to the kid, but I can
go through it once more
if want me to.
Got anything
short and sweet?
- Be. A. Bearcat.
- A what?!
- A bearcat!
- A bearcat!
BEARCAAAT! Ah!
Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!
Yes! Ha ha!
Leona, we would never
put you in danger.
How come I can't
stop shaking?
Don't worry, we'd never
put you in harm's way.
That's why we have
our friend Flo here.
- Flo won't let anything happen.
- If anyone tries to come near you
I'm gonna give 'em
a shiner that's gonna
- last the rest of this year.
- Let's go over the plan
once more time.
You two are gonna stick with Flo.
Now, as soon as Ebenezer
starts his prayers,
you really need to listen, OK?
And if you hear the man
that was arguing with Miss Henning...
You let me know and I'll
signal Frankie and Trudy.
And we'll apprehend him.
They're starting. Let's go.
Students, family, friends,
colleagues, please, be seated.
Let us pray for the life
Briarlane has lost.
"Know that my redeemer liveth,
"that he shall stand
last upon the Earth.
We brought nothing into this
world and we can carry nothing out."
Still no signal from Flo.
"Naked I came
from my mother's womb.
"Naked I shall return
to my Lord's kingdom.
"Lord giveth, Lord taketh.
Blessed be the name
of the Lord. Amen."
- Amen.
- Amen.
Any thoughts on a plan B?
- We scan the crowd.
- Maybe our mystery man is playing
- the part of grieving mourner.
- I'll take the girls around.
If Leona recognizes a voice,
I'll get your attention
- one way or the other.
- Great.
Miss Clarke,
so nice of you to come.
Appropriately dressed this time,
Miss Drake. Well done.
Wow, you certainly have
a lot of opinions
on how women should act,
dress and teach.
- Hmm.
- Now, I read the letters
that you sent Miss Henning.
You threatened death.
- So what if I did?
- It's not a crime.
What she was exposing
those children to,
that's the real crime.
Men like you thrive on
repressing a woman's intellect!
What you are teaching
these girls is a sin!
I'm teaching them the truth!
She didn't listen to reason.
Seems someone put
an end to that.
Do you think it's him or him?
I already told you:
No and no.
What about that man?
I'm sure Leona would
tell us if she hears him, Roya.
Face it, Miss Drake:
you have no case.
- Ebenezer?
- Mm?
Principal Mayfair has something urgent
to discuss with you.
- God bless.
- Mm-hm.
- Looked like you needed an out.
- Thank you.
This is my partner Trudy.
- Hi.
- Oh! You're both working then?
I'm just bursting
with excitement inside.
My daughter, Gwendoline,
got early acceptance to Wellesley College.
- That's wonderful!
- Congratulations!
Thank you. We've made so many
sacrifices over the years,
my husband and I.
Seems like it all paid off.
Oh! And there's Gwendoline
in the Honour's row.
Let me guess: you were on the
Honour roll every single year?
Mildred would have it
no other way.
I've got to take Leona
to the washroom. You stay put.
That's got to be him!
Sir!
I saw that scowl you made
at Miss Henning's portrait.
Who would ever scowl
at Miss Henning?
Except the mystery man.
You're the bad guy!
Where were you the night of the 18th?
- Roya! What are you doing?
- Questioning our suspect.
What have you been doing?
Did you see
that he has a cane?
- Uh-huh.
- Our mystery man would have
needed two hands.
He's not our suspect.
I... I didn't see the cane.
I just saw him scowling.
We know you want to help,
Roya, and you have been,
but being a good P.I. means
observing the entire scene
before jumping on one detail.
- Where's Leona?
- Flo took her to the washroom.
- Are you mad? I'm so sorry.
- Ladies and gentlemen...
...my family and I
are happy to announce
the new Georgia Henning
Science Bursary.
- Frankie!
- Thank you.
- It's him! That's him!
- A bursary
to be awarded annually
right here at Briarlane.
That's Wilbur Paltry,
- Gwen's father.
- Edith's husband.
That's the man I heard arguing
with Miss Henning. I swear it.
Who kills a teacher and then honours
their memory with a scholarship?
Somebody with
a guilty conscience.
Wilbur Paltry visited
Miss Henning the night
that she was murdered.
Why would he kill her?
Maybe Gwendoline
is the connection.
We saw her sitting
in the Honour row at the wake.
Honour row? Gwendoline?
No, no, no.
I have an idea! Follow me.
This is Gwendoline's locker.
Did you teach her that?
This one picks lock
faster than I do.
This paper has a C...
...this exam an F.
But according
to her report card,
she's an A student.
What if Wilbur was buying
Gwendoline's grades?
Possible.
Maybe Henning changed her mind
and that's what they were arguing about?
It would shame his wife,
exile his daughter.
We need to talk to him.
Mr. Paltry!
It's very generous of you
to start a science scholarship.
A man who supports female education
is a rarity in our modern society.
We all have to do our part.
How will did you know
Miss Henning?
Not well.
Who are you?
Frankie Drake.
We're investigating her murder.
- You know anything about that?
- No. Good day, ladies.
We know that you were with her
the night that she died.
And we know about
your daughter's false grades.
Is that what you were
arguing about?
No.
The argument we had that night
was because I wanted her
to fail Gwendoline.
You wanted Miss Henning
to hold her back?
Yes. And she had agreed.
But when I saw her report card,
Gwen had an A in science:
a grade she didn't earn.
So she backed out on a deal.
That's why you went to go see her?
Yes.
Curious thing is,
she was as surprised
about the A as I had been.
She told me
she gave Gwen the C.
Does sound curious.
I swear she was alive
when I left.
Please, I beg of you
some discretion:
my family knows nothing of this.
Well, if she didn't change
the grades, who did?
Spend much time
in the Principal's office?
And our last...
set of contenders!
Move out of my way!
- Who is that kid?
- Who's the rookie?
Hey, that rookie's
got some skill!
Looking' pretty good, rookie!
Finish up, Scarrow.
You're making us look bad!
48...
49...
50!
What the heck! Is that a rookie?
Great time, boys!
Good job, officers.
Only one medal, chief.
How about you let me and
the rookie hit the rope climb?
Before you ask: No,
we do not have an appointment.
We know you changed the grades
of failing students.
- How much did you get paid?
- Paid?
What are you talking about?
We know Miss Henning
gave Gwendoline Paltry a C,
yet her report card
is full of As.
She confronted you.
Is that why you killed her?
I don't think this is an act.
Here... breathe!
I have never changed a grade
in my life.
I saw students receive only As
in her science class.
Well, someone changed
those bad grades
- into good grades.
- Impossible.
They would have had to have access
to Henning's original mark books.
Rope climb!
First to the top wins.
And if you break 15 seconds,
you set a new department record.
I'm gonna mop
the floor with you.
Go, rookie!
Come on, rookie!
Yeah-ah-ah!
And a new time for the rookie!
Chief Madden?
My name is Mary Shaw.
My father was
Officer Matthew Shaw.
I want you to know that today
your officers were beat by a woman
and even though that probably
won't change anything tomorrow,
maybe you knowing
will be enough of a start
for change another day.
And I'm gonna keep this medal.
If that's...? OK.
You lied to us, Mabel.
I'm so sorry.
I'll never forgive myself
for all the trouble I started.
Why did you change
the students' grades?
Teachers don't earn
a decent wage.
I didn't see the harm.
Whether Briargirls earned
their marks or not,
their wealth guaranteed them
a golden future.
So what happened that night?
Wilbur paid a visit and then left.
Georgia came over.
Mabel, I'm telling you:
check your mark books!
Some sort of grade fixing
is occurring here at Briarlane.
All of my failing students
now have A's!
What are you gonna do about it?
I'm going to Principal Mayfair
tomorrow morning
to expose
what I believe is happening.
No, you can't! You mustn't!
It was me.
I've been changing
your students' grades.
Please, please don't go to Mayfair.
After I told her,
she couldn't even look at me.
She said she needed the night
to sleep on it.
So you made her choose between
her morals and her friendship.
She didn't get the chance
to choose.
In the morning she was dead.
Excuse me.
I need to go tend
to my students.
Well, if Mabel didn't kill her,
who did?
Let's go find Roya.
She's not gonna want
to miss this next part.
Nine, ten.
I'm so happy you brought me.
I'm hoping Trudy and I
can handle this,
but if not you can do
the one part that we asked?
Yes! Promise.
I don't want to let you,
or Miss Henning down.
Gwendoline! Gwen!
Hope this works.
Detectives.
What are you doing here?
Edith, we'll let you say goodbye
to your family
and then we will escort you
to the police station.
We know you killed
Miss Henning.
Poppycock. That's absurd.
You knew that your daughter's
academic future was at stake,
- so you acted.
- I'm calling the police.
As head of the PTA,
you had a key
to the school grounds.
You even reasoned
with Miss Henning.
You bought wine.
We saw the glasses.
You know, at first we thought
that she was with a man.
Then we realized that lipstick
on the other glass?
It wasn't hers: it was yours.
Kind of like the one
you're wearing right now.
A smudged wine glass
is hardly enough evidence
- for a murder arrest.
- Maybe.
But I don't think an arrest is what
you're really afraid of here.
I think it's your daughter
finding out the truth.
Darling, what...
what's going on?
Mum, I'm gonna tutor Roya
over the summer.
Isn't that marvellous?
She wants to make honours
next year.
You don't say.
I want to be as prepared
as I can.
- Like Gwendoline was.
- I'll make it fun.
I promise.
See Mom?
And you were worried
about me wasting the summer
lollygagging in the sun.
Now I can do both.
What are the four phases
of mitosis?
- I can never remember.
- Uhm. My-a-what?
Mitosis. The four basic stages.
Oh, right. I knew that.
I'm sure there's many things
that Gwen could teach Roya,
but academics
is not one of them.
Whether it's Roya,
or someone else,
Gwendoline's gonna find out eventually
that she's not the honour student
she thinks she is.
Don't you think it's up
to her mother to explain why?
The police are on their way,
Miss Drake.
Your accusations are wild.
No one kills a woman
over grades!
Except a mother.
It was an accident.
I... I went there to talk,
but Georgia was incensed.
She told me
that Gwen would be expelled:
that Wellesley would
rescind her offer.
What mother would accept that?
- What...
- I grabbed the trophy and I...
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry for what I've done
to our family.
Twelve years old and
you're already writing cheques.
Eleven-and-a-half,
actually.
I guess this is goodbye.
Thank you so much
for solving the case, Frankie.
I know I was in the way
at times.
You did a wonderful job.
Miss Henning would be proud.
So are we.
Actually, this is for you, Roya.
For inspiring me to take
a chance like Dr. Barry.
Thank you Mary.
Thanks all of you.
I have no doubt you're gonna make
a wonderful investigator one day,
- if that's what you want.
- Investigator? No.
I'll be going to medical school,
thanks to Flo and everything
Miss Henning taught me.
A true Briargirl success story!
We can be a team, Flo!
Use both our brains
to spot the murders
before the detectives
even need to be hired.
Oh, that would mean
that Drake Detective Agency
- would go out of business.
- Oh.
I guess so. Sorry Frankie.
- Know what?
- I look forward to it, kid.