Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996): Season 1, Episode 8 - Death Takes a Curtain Call - full transcript

In the name of
entertainment... Ban the ballet!

[Woman] Tonight on
Murder, She Wrote.

Our good wishes will
be with you always.

First we must go to the federal
authorities and seek asylum.

Look, Ivan, I'm a stage manager
with a troupe of Commies.

I don't know if I'd know
a Russian if I saw one.

The entire ballet
is running away,

and I am mired in this
insignificant little speck on the map!

If the K.G.B. find me
now, my life is over.

- Doggone it, Jess. You're asking a lot.
- You're the only one I can ask.

[Man On TV] Meanwhile,
at the Boston Opera Center,



where a preview performance of the Rostov
Ballet is scheduled for this afternoon,

anticommunist protesters tangled with
police who broke up the demonstration.

Oh, dear. How about
that piece of pie?

Velma Rodecker, one of the protest
leaders, doesn't like what's happening.

It's a free country,
not Communist Russia!

We have a right to be heard!
We don't want Red culture here!

We have a right to be
heard! Ban the ballet!

That is enough to
spoil a man's appetite.

[Velma] Ban the
ballet! Ban the ballet!

The pie?

[Velma] Ban the
ballet! Ban the ballet!

I hope this won't interfere with the
special performance of the ballet today.

I still don't know why
you want to go to Boston...

just to watch a bunch of
Russians jumpin' around the stage.



Because Leo Peterson was thoughtful
enough to invite me. How is the pie?

It's delicious, as always.

I'd tell you if it wasn't.
I'm sure you would.

Good afternoon. Welcome to our
special performance. [Chuckles]

Mr. Eddington, Jessica Fletcher. We
met at the New England Arts Council dinner.

Oh, yes. Of course,
Mrs. Fletcher.

I'm delighted to see you
again. My friend, Leo Peterson.

- Mr. Peterson.
- How do you do?

- Mr. Eddington is
the president of the arts council.
- Oh, congratulations.

Rostov Ballet is a good choice.

I'm looking forward to the American
debut of Alexander and Natalia Masurov.

Oh, I do hope the television people
won't be in your way with their cameras.

Really? My goodness,
I feel like a V.I.P.

Enjoy yourselves.

- Curtain in 10 minutes.
- Shall we?

Now you tie this off first and
then attach the snub line, okay?

All right.

Um...

So, what's your name? Irina.

Irina. I like that. Irina.

What part do you play,
Irina? The Sugar Plum Fairy?

Excuse me. I must return.

Now wait a minute, sugarplum.
I've been watching you.

You and I can have
some fun together.

It is not allowed. They don't
have to know everything, do they?

If you ever decide to
defect, you just let me know.

I'll show you a real good time.

[Chuckles] Let her go.

You are not to associate with members
of this company. Listen, Berensky.

I don't take orders
from the K.G.B.

I'm telling you personally.
Stay away from that dancer.

Don't threaten me, comrade.
I'll associate with anybody I like.

[Orchestra Tuning Up]

[Speaking Russian]

Natalia! Are you nervous?

Like a pigeon, my heart
is pounding in my chest.

Well, do not be frightened.
America will love you,

just as the world loves you.

You have always been
such a good friend, Irinichka.

Hmm.

Our good wishes will
be with you always.

[Speaking Russian]

[Knocking] [Man] Three minutes!

Oh, I have to go.

[Both Sigh]

Leo, am I mistaken, or have you
seen the Rostov Ballet perform?

Oh, I have indeed.
Many, many years ago.

Ha. Is that why we were
favored with this special invitation?

Perhaps.

♪ [Orchestra]

Leo... Shh.

[Applause, Cheers]
[Audience] Bravo! Bravo!

♪ [Orchestra]

Take my warning seriously.
Keep your distance from Irina.

You're a real tough
guy, aren't you?

What's the matter? You afraid your dancer's
gonna do some private dancing with me?

Go ahead, Russki. Try it,
just once. Please, just try it.

Open this door!

Open up, Commies! Are
you afraid of the truth?

♪ [Orchestra]

Excuse me, Jessica. I'll
be right back. Uh, what?

Bravo! Bravo!

[Man] Bravo! Bravo!

Alexander and Natalia are not onstage.
Check in their dressing room, quick!

Yes, Major Karzoff.

Wake up, America!

This Russian ballet tour is only an excuse
to bring more Communists into our midst!

Don't be deceived by treacherous
lies in the name of entertainment!

[Murmuring] Ban the
ballet! Russkies go home!

Ban the ballet!

We must go,
Jessica. Now. [Gasps]

But the parking lot exit is that
way! No, Jessica. This way.

Major, what happened? Cover
the exits. Close down the theater.

Alexander and
Natalia are missing.

Go!

Berensky.

Alexander Masurov?

Get in, Jessica. I'll
explain everything.

You must be Natalia.

[Car Starts]

It is wonderful to
finally meet you, Uncle.

My dear, dear Natalia.
[Speaking Russian]

Jessica, can you forgive me for
involving you in this? I was so afraid.

A single man at the ballet, with an accent
no less, would be much too conspicuous.

So I asked you to accompany
me. Well, I'm not sure I understand.

Thank you for helping.

We have been planning this
moment since I was a little girl.

I am so happy it
has finally come true.

I'm happy for you, Natalia, but, Leo,
you've got a lot of explaining to do.

Of course. First we must
go to the federal authorities...

and ask them to seek asylum
for Natalia and Alexander.

[Jessica] But where did you go
when you left me in the theater?

To the car, of course.
I moved it closer, so

that our getaway would
proceed more smoothly.

I hate to bring this up, but by now someone
must have discovered they're missing.

There could be news on
the radio. [Speaking Russian]

[Tuning Radio]

[Man On Radio] A t the Boston
Opera Center, where only moments ago,

the body of Soviet security officer, Serge
Berensky, was found stabbed to death...

in the dressing room
of Alexander and

Natalia Masurov, stars
of the Rostov Ballet.

The couple, who disappeared immediately
following today's preview performance,

are being sought for questioning by local
and federal author... [Radio Clicks Off]

- [Speaking Russian]
- [Speaking Russian]

[Speaking Russian]

[Speaking Russian]

We did not do this terrible
thing. We hurt no one.

We did not return to our dressing
room. We went to musician room.

They only changed their clothes
there. We did not even see Berensky.

I think we should go
directly to the police.

No! The police think Natalia and
Alexander have murdered a K.G.B. officer.

If they're innocent,
they've got nothing to fear!

Nothing but the K.G.B. If they get
their hands on Natalia and Alexander,

they will drag them
back to Russia.

Do you suppose they would
have a fair trial there, after that?

Please, Jessica. I know
them better than you do.

[Sighs] Well, if it's a question
of delaying their surrender...

All right, Leo. Take
them back to Cabot Cove.

Find Ethan. I'll telephone him and
explain the situation. And what about you?

Well, I'd like to stay here
and see what I can find out.

I'll catch a bus later.

And you were not aware that Berensky
had not come out of his dressing room?

I wasn't paying any
attention. I was busy.

And just how busy was that?

Look, Ivan, I'm a stage manager
with a troupe of Commies.

Most of 'em don't even understand
English. I gotta keep my eyes on them.

Too bad you didn't keep
your eyes on Berensky.

What can you tell us about him?

Not much, except he was hanging around
all the time, watching the ballerinas.

Particularly a little
cutie-pie named Irina.

Uh, pardon me. Excuse
me, who's in charge?

I am. I am.

Okay. We'll, uh,
get back to you.

Anytime. Chief
Agent O'Farrell, F.B.I.

Is there something I can do for
you? Uh, my name is Jessica Fletcher.

I was in the audience this
afternoon. Oh, yes. I remember you.

You were with a very
distinguished-looking gentleman.

Mr. Peterson. He returned
home. He doesn't have

quite the same fascination
for murder that I have.

Fascination? Well, you
see, I write mystery stories.

Really?

Well, you know there is a very excellent
mystery writer named J.B. Fletcher...

from your state of Maine.
From Cabot Cove, Maine.

And I thank you. Is it you?
Oh, oh! Oh, I am honored!

Major Anatole Karzoff,
committee for state security.

K.G.B. Well, if you prefer.

Mrs. Fletcher, unless you have some
relevant knowledge about what happened,

I'm afraid I'm going to
have to ask you to leave.

Not so hasty, Mr. O'Farrell. Mrs. Fletcher
has remarkable powers of deduction.

I would welcome her
observations in this matter.

Well, I would not. And need I remind
you, Major Karzoff, this is my turf!

[Loudly] I would...

Uh, hope... in the
spirit of cooperation...

in this instance you might
defer to my request, eh?

Suit yourself, Major.

I feel as though I
already know you...

from the many hours I have
spent absorbed with your books.

Well, you're very kind, Major.

But I'm only sorry that Russia
doesn't see fit to pay authors royalties.

[Laughs] That is a
capitalist invention, my dear.

Come, shall we examine the
scene of the crime? Of course.

My favorite book was the
first one I read of yours...

I was the first
to find Berensky.

Facedown, with a
jeweled dagger in his back.

Any suspects? Yes, only one.

There's no doubt that Alexander
Masurov murdered Berensky.

The dagger was
part of his costume.

And what was his
motive? Defection.

As soon as I observed
that Alexander and

Natalia were absent
from their curtain call...

I sent Berensky
to look for them.

Apparently he found
them, preparing to flee.

There was a struggle with
Natalia. How can you be sure?

Fingernail marks were
raked along Berensky's face.

And while they struggled, Alexander
plunged his dagger into Berensky's back,

killing him instantly.

Well, that is a sound
premise. But surely there

are others who had
motive or opportunities?

- Even I can think of one.
- Oh? And who might that be?

You, Major. As you said,
you were the first on the scene.

[Laughs] Very good, yes.

I agree. That is my opportunity,

but what about my motive
for killing my own man?

The realization that two
of your country's most

famous dancers were
defecting to the West...

and the knowledge that nothing
short of murder could prevent it.

Heh! So I killed Berensky in order to
thwart them from seeking asylum, huh?

[Laughs] Excellent, excellent!

You are mistaken, of course,
but it is a brilliant postulation.

Thank you again.

Tell me, my dear lady. Are you
planning to stay in the city this evening?

Well, that wasn't my intention, but under
the circumstances, I think perhaps I will.

Oh, well, then, m-m-may I
suggest a... a wonderful place?

It's where I'm staying.
I'm sure you'll like it.

Ethan, please trust me.

I'm sure they're innocent.

But until the real murderer is
found, they need someplace to stay.

Jess, do you realize
what kind of deep chowder

I'll be in if I get caught
aiding and abetting?

And do you know what
will happen to those young,

innocent people if they
are sent back to Russia?

No, and neither
do you, not for sure.

Doggone it, Jess. You're
asking a lot. I know.

And you're the
only one I can ask.

All right, all right. But
I'm only doing it for you.

There is no room on my
boat for international politics.

[Knocking] Oh, there's somebody
at the door. Ethan, thanks.

[Woman On TV]...to take
their bows, the missing

stars of the ballet...
[Knocking Continues]

Alexander and Natalia
Masurov... [Knocking Continues]

suspects in the murder of Soviet
security agent, Serge Berensky.

[Velma] Wake up, Am...
[Knocking Continues]

Uh, forgive me, madam. It's a
habit from my old days with the militia.

[Laughs] Some people were
reluctant to answer the buzzer.

Well, I'm glad I opened the
door before you kicked it down.

Hmm. The lab reports are ready.

I thought you might like to accompany
me to police headquarters, yes? Yeah.

That's the lot. Isn't it sad...

how a man's whole life can
be reduced to a pile of trinkets?

Now, here's something
interesting, Major.

The victim's handkerchief was found in
his pocket, stained with his own blood.

What about it? Well, it seems
to disprove the major's theory...

that Berensky was
struggling with Natalia,

and she scratched his face while
Alexander stabbed him in the back.

I don't seem to
follow your logic.

She clawed him, and he wiped
his face with his handkerchief.

Then he put it back in his pocket
after he'd been fatally stabbed?

No. Mrs. Fletcher
is absolutely correct.

The face-scratching must
have happened earlier.

Does that report mention anything
about fibers snagged onto the watchband?

Green fibers?

Now, that woman who
rushed on the stage,

she was wearing a
green sweater, wasn't she?

Velma Rodecker.

- Where is she now, Sergeant?
- She's upstairs in lockup.

See if these fibers match
up with her sweater. Right.

Sergeant, you might examine under her
fingernails while you're at it. Yes, ma'am.

Uh-huh. [Chuckles]

This investigation could
be valuable material

for a new mystery
novel, eh, Mrs. Fletcher?

Well, it certainly has
the right ingredients.

Hmph, the murder of a
Soviet agent, coincidental with

the disappearance of two
world-famous ballet stars.

Well, please don't leave out the wise
and venerable chief of state security,

who solves the murder...

and brings to justice the
misguided betrayers of the homeland.

Ah, but that remains
to be seen, doesn't it?

[Chuckles] It's in the
final chapter, madam.

Ha, may I offer you a
nightcap? Thank you, no.

I've had an exhausting day. I need a
good night's sleep to clear my mind.

I'd like to take a rain check
though. You have a rain check.

Thank you. Good night.

Leo was certainly a
fine-looking young man. Yes.

How much has he told you?

Concerning you? Nothing.

But I did see you deal him a
playbill from the bottom of the deck.

Leo promised me that no one would
learn of my participation in the defection.

If the Russians
were to find out,

they would never again allow their
dancers to perform for the arts council.

As far as I know, Leo
has never told anyone.

Tell me, Mr. Eddington.
How did you know Leo?

Entre nous, of
course? Oh, of course.

My father was the American
officer who arranged

for Leo's defection
from the Russian army...

during the fall of
Berlin in World War II.

Leo was then Leonid
Petrovich, a dancer who longed

for the artistic freedom
of the United States.

He was just beginning to build
himself a tremendous reputation,

when a tragic accident
ended his career.

- Accident?
- A heavy light fell onstage.

Leo was unable to
get out of the way.

Oh, of course. That
explains his limp.

So Leo contacted me
just after I'd announced

the Rostov Ballet
was coming to Boston.

He asked me to help in the defection of
his grandniece. Well, how could I refuse?

And aside from inviting him to the
performance, what was your participation?

Nothing very dramatic really.

I was to open a window
in the musicians' room.

Leo would then bring a
change of clothes for Natalia

and Alexander and leave
the clothes in a locker.

Number 19. I saw the
number scribbled on his playbill.

Yes. And that was it!

Except that when I left
the musicians' room, Yes?

Berensky saw me
from the far wings.

I remember because he
was holding a handkerchief

to the side of his
face for some reason.

Before he went into the Masurovs'
dressing room? Mm-hmm.

Mr. Eddington, thank
you. It's been most useful.

I really should be getting
home. Well, let me drive you.

Oh, no, I wouldn't
think of it. I still

have time to catch
the last bus to my hotel.

And I know my way
around Boston very well.

Well, the streets are very dangerous
at night, especially for ladies alone.

Oh, I'll be fine, but
thanks for the concern.

Good night. Good night.

Looking for someone?

Go.

I hope he did not
startle you, Mrs. Fletcher.

[Chuckles] I'm afraid I startled him.
Thank you for the bodyguard, Major Karzoff.

I wouldn't have dared
to walk the streets alone,

if I hadn't known
Mr. Nagy was following me.

Mmm. It was a wasted exercise
interviewing Mr. Eddington, madam.

The fibers found in Berensky's watchband
match those of Velma Rodecker's sweater,

and traces of Berensky's flesh were
found under her nails, as you suggested.

They've arrested her
for the murder? Yes,

and while I have no sympathy
for a neurotic anticommunist,

I regard it as a most
depressing development.

Mornin'. Ethan Cragg about?

Uh, yup.

I don't believe we've met.

Amos Tupper, I'm
the local sheriff. Yup.

You must be new around
here. Where ya from? Amos!

Ethan. Good morning, Amos.

I see you met my new
deckhand. I figured I could

use some help the way
the cod's been bitin' lately.

Good idea. You here temporary,
or are you staying awhile?

Nope.

Oh, I think what he
means is, he's gonna stay

here for a while and
then he'll be moving on.

Isn't that right, Al?

Yup.

Hey, how about I buy you a cup of
coffee at the inn? Sounds good to me.

Seems like a friendly sort.

A might too gabby for my taste.

Ethan, have you seen any
suspicious-looking characters about?

Suspicious? How?
Different, foreign-like.

You know, Russian? Russian!

Ju... Yeah, Russki toe
dancers, a man and a woman.

They ran off from some
Boston ballet. Defectors.

Only they murdered a fella,
and there's a warrant out on 'em.

I don't know if I'd know a
Russian if I saw one. Would you?

Ha! From a country
mile away! [Clunking]

[Amos] Well, now, who
do you s'pose that is?

Uh, her?

Oh, uh, that little gal has come to
visit Niels Larsen's family for a spell.

We gonna have the coffee?
Pretty little thing, isn't she?

Radicals!

So vociferous for the cameras, yet
quiet as church mice under interrogation.

Then, Miss Rodecker still
hasn't made a statement, hmm?

And she is deriving intense
pleasure from her newfound notoriety.

But then, that's exactly what
she wanted, her day in court.

The center of attention.

Make no mistake,
she is the killer.

The woman stabbed Berensky...

and then ran onto the stage
to cause her disturbance.

But the murder weapon
was Alexander's dagger.

Surely he was using it
onstage at that moment?

Nyet, nyet.

You will recall that the wedding
scene occurs in the final act.

The dagger is not worn
in the wedding scene.

It would have remained in the
dressing room throughout the finale.

Oh, I see.

Those girls over there, they're
members of the corps de ballet aren't they?

[Karzoff] Mmm, yes.

That little one
there looks so sad.

Oh, Irina, yes. Yes, yes. She
was Natalia's best friend. Oh.

W-Would you like
to meet her? Yes.

Uh, Miss Katska.

Would you come, please?

Mrs. Fletcher, may I present
Miss Irina Katska? How do you do?

Major Karzoff has told me
how close you were to Natalia.

I'm so sorry. I know
what it is to lose a friend.

You are very kind.
Thank you, Irina.

You must forgive me, Major, but I must
catch the next bus back to Cabot Cove.

So soon? Well, you've almost solved the
crime. There's no reason for me to stay.

Then it is farewell only,
never, never good-bye.

Farewell then. Farewell.

Good news, Major. Velma
Rodecker has decided to talk.

Welcome home, Ms. Fletcher.

Why, Sheriff, do you always meet
the bus to welcome people home?

Only the famous ones.

Ethan tells me you hung around Boston
gathering material concerning that murder.

What did you find out?
It was open-and-shut.

Apparently a protester named Velma
Rodecker murdered the Russian agent.

Have you seen Ethan around? Oh, he's down
at his boat showing his new hand the ropes.

New hand? Friendly young fella.
Sounds like he's from up around Bangor.

Ethan!

Oh, there she is.
How ya doin', Jessica?

Ethan, when I asked
you to hide Alexander and

Natalia, this is not at
all what I had in mind.

Don't get on your high
horse, woman. What did

you want me to do,
stuff 'em in my sea chest?

Amos thinks she's a
Swede from Minnesota.

Well, even so, I'm taking
Natalia home with me right now.

Now where's Leo? Up
to his house, I guess.

Well, then you bring Alexander
along to my place for supper tonight,

and then we've got to make
some new arrangements.

The police department,
the K.G.B. and the

F.B.I. could be down on
this town in any moment.

What for? They got the murderer.
Velma Rodecker is not the murderer.

[Leo] Aah! Aah!

Ooh, does that smell good!
[Laughs] Leo, will you sit there?

Ethan, you come around here.

And you two, you better sit
side-by-side. [Doorbell Rings]

Who in tarnation is that?

Leo! Take Alexander and Natalia
upstairs. Hurry! [Speaking Russian]

[Speaking Russian]
[Footsteps On Stairs]

I sure am sorry for disturbin' ya, ma'am,
but I was told Captain Cragg might be here.

Yes, I'm Ethan Cragg.
What can I do for you?

Well, sir, I just put into the
harbor with a blown oil seal,

and a fella down at the docks said
you might have a spare to sell me.

No, I'm sorry, but you can probably get
one from Gus Harker over at Rockwater Bay.

Oh, Rockwater Bay, huh? Shoot.

Ma'am, you s'pose I could use
your phone to call over there...

before I start hitchin'
in that direction?

Of course. Come
on inside. Thank you.

Looks like you folks are expecting
company. Well, they are a little late.

You know how much
trouble babies can be, Mr...

Dewey Johnson. Gus will
be home at this time of night.

Just call the operator.
Thank you, ma'am.

You from Down East, Mr. Johnson?

No, ma'am. I'm from Maine,
born and bred, up near Bar Harbor.

Well, that's lovely, Bar Harbor.
I'll let you make your phone call.

News is on, Jess.
Come take a look.

[Man On TV] The murder
of a Soviet security agent...

and the disappearance of two Russian
ballet stars remain a mystery today.

The dancers were first missed when
they did not take their curtain calls,

as shown in this videotape...

of the preview performance
of the Rostov Ballet.

All through, ma'am. Mr. Harker's got that
seal, so I best catch me a ride over there.

Much obliged for your help.
You're very welcome, I'm sure.

So long. Good night.

Jessica, has he gone?
He's gone, all right.

[Speaking Russian]

But not to Gus Harker's.
What do you mean?

I asked if he was from Down
East. He said, "No, I'm from Maine."

Aha! [Chuckles]

Yes?

"Down East" is just another name for Maine.
Anybody from New England would know that.

That man ain't
who he says he is.

- Then who is he?
- We'll soon find out.

I have a strong suspicion he's
done something to my telephone.

Letitia? This is
Jessica Fletcher.

I'd like you to reach
a number in Boston.

[Knocking]

Letitia, hold that call, will you?
There's someone at the door.

Thanks.

[Knocking Continues]

[Knocking Continues]

Wasn't me doing the
pounding, Ms. Fletcher.

Why, Major Karzoff,
what a pleasant surprise.

Perhaps not, Mrs. Fletcher.
Sheriff? I'm sorry, Ms. Fletcher,

but these fellas have a
warrant to search your house.

My house? Whatever for?

I'll check the kitchen.

Uh, Major, would you
care to explain? Certainly.

I would not dare embarrass you
like this without explaining my action.

I am looking for Natalia
and Alexander Masurov.

We searched Leo Peterson's
house, but no one was there.

And why would the Masurovs be here or
at Mr. Peterson's house, for that matter?

Velma Rodecker had a
very interesting story to tell.

It seems that after she
struggled with Berensky,

she was forcibly
removed from the theater.

She discovered a window open and entered
to find herself in the musicians ‘room.

She heard a sound and hid,

and then watched as a man climbed
in through the window with a viola case.

The case contained two costumes.

Miss Rodecker slipped out of
the room, into the backstage area,

where she hid
until the curtain call.

Her description of the man sounded
remarkably like your Mr. Peterson.

Right down to his limp.

A quick check with
the Soviet Consulate

revealed that Leo Peterson
of Cabot Cove, Maine,

is in truth Leonid Petrovich,
betrayer of his homeland,

and the granduncle
of Natalia Masurov.

There's no one in the kitchen.
Well, I could have told you that, Amos.

How did you enjoy the
muffin? Real good, ma'am.

There is no sign of them, Major.

What a shame. You came
all this distance for nothing.

As you can see, the
situation has changed.

Alexander Masurov is once
again the prime murder suspect.

If you should, by some chance,
happen to encounter the Masurovs,

as unlikely as that may be,

please assure them
that my government...

will provide them
with a fair and just trial.

And then they will be executed.
You can call off your manhunt, Major.

I wish to make
a full confession.

Leo, no!

I have no desire to
conceal the truth, Jessica.

I killed Berensky...

so that my niece and nephew
would have sufficient time to escape.

They were not
aware of my action.

Don't listen to him, Major. It's
a noble gesture, but it's not true.

Obviously. Arrest
him anyway, Sheriff.

He is guilty of
obstructing justice.

I hate to do this, Leo.

Amos.

Was that necessary, Major?

Ours is a war of
attrition, Mrs. Fletcher.

That was a warning
shot across your bow.

Don't be deceived
by my gentle manner,

I beg of you.

Letitia, you can make
that Boston call now.

[Ringing]

Stage manager.

Yeah.

Irina!

Yes, this is Irina Katska.

Irina, this is Jessica Fletcher.

[Jessica] We met
yesterday at breakfast.

[Irina] Yes, I remember.

Irina, I can't go into detail now,
but Natalia asked me to call you.

Natalia?

She wants you to know that she
and Alexander are safe and in hiding.

You know where they are?

Uh, yes. They're near my
home in Cabot Cove, Maine.

[Irina] Oh, I'm so
grateful they are safe!

[Jessica] Natalia
wanted you to know she's

so sorry she couldn't
say good-bye properly.

Well, I... I understand.

Alexander also sends a message.

I'll try to remember the words.

[Speaking Broken Russian]

I hope I said it correctly. I
don't know what it means.

It was correct, Mrs. Fletcher.

I understood every
word perfectly.

If only I could be there.

Well, perhaps Mr. Fleming
could be of some assistance?

Now here's a possibility.
The old Linderman farmhouse.

Been deserted since '68.
Well, let's go there at once!

Oh, just remembered.

The whole place burned to the
ground last winter, lock, stock and barrel.

You are not being
very helpful, Sheriff.

I want to find them and
now! Major, there's no

call to raise your
voice. I'm doing my best.

[Phone Ringing] I'm
becoming very aware of that.

Sheriff Tupper. Major,
I lost Mrs. Fletcher.

Lost her? In a town the
size of a postage stamp?

[Laughs] Ms. Fletcher give you
the slip, huh? She is a wily one.

It's for you, Major. For me?

Major Karzoff.

Irina, missing? Well, find her!

[Phone Clicks]

The entire ballet
is running away,

and I am mired in this
insignificant little speck on the map!

No, we're here, Major.

Sweetness, this isn't exactly what I
meant when I said I'd show you the sights.

It is not much further. I don't
even know where we're goin'!

To a safe place.
That is all I can say.

If the K.G.B. find me
now, my life is over.

Sugarplum, I'm not the
K.G.B., okay? Trust me.

Please, Mr. Fleming,
it is not much further!

[Sighs] I gotta be nuts.

Fletcher, Fletcher. Isn't that the name
of that busybody dame who, uh... Hey!

[Doorbell Rings]

Irina! How nice to
see you. Come in.

And Mr. Fleming. Mrs.
Fletcher, you must help me.

Coming here wasn't my
idea. No, no. It was mine.

Mrs. Fletcher, Natalia's
bravery has encouraged me.

I wish to join her and
Alexander and live in freedom.

Well, I know they'll be
overjoyed to see you.

Now you wait here, and
I'll go make a phone call.

[Fleming] What's wrong with this
phone? Well, that phone isn't bugged.

[Ringing]

[Cragg] Hello?

[Jessica] Ethan, take Natalia
and Alexander to your boat.

We'll meet you there.

[Cragg] You sure
it's safe? Positive.

[Cragg] We're on our way.

Flotsam to Sand Castle, over.

[Static] Go ahead.

It's going down. Suspects
are en route to Cragg's boat.

[Static] Got it.

Are you sure you won't have
a cup of tea? Are you kidding?

I wonder what is keeping
Natalia and Alexander.

Hey, look. Why do I have to hang
around here? Suppose I just split.

Well, it might be safer to wait.
They're watching the house.

Oh, great.

If I hadn't listened
to you, I'd be in some

cozy Boston bar getting
smashed right now.

[Doorbell Rings] Oh,
we have company.

Major. Amos, did you forget
to search my fruit cellar?

Come to think of
it... No, Mrs. Fletcher.

My man just reported to me
that you have visitors from Boston.

Ah, Miss Katska,
and Mr. Fleming.

Listen, pal, I have nothing to do
with this. And why are you here, Irina?

Perhaps to find your friends,
Natalia and Alexander Masurov?

I do not know.

Do you know the penalty
for shielding a murderer?

Alexander didn't kill anyone!

B-But I... I know
who did! It was him!

Oh, come on! You're crazy!

No, it's true! He hated
Berensky because of me.

They fought in
front of witnesses.

You conniving little
Commie. Just hold it, sonny.

That's very interesting, Irina.

You say Mr. Fleming hated
Mr. Berensky because of you.

Yes. He thought
Berensky and I were lovers.

He wanted me for himself.
He was mad with jealousy.

Aw, come on. She's crazy!

But Mr. Fleming had no reason to
be jealous of Mr. Berensky, did he?

You are in love with
Alexander Masurov.

Incorrect, Mrs. Fletcher.

Irina's affair with Masurov ended
when he became enamored of Natalia.

No! Alexander still loves me!

You tell him, Mrs. Fletcher.

You... You tell him the
message Alexander sent.

[Speaking Russian]

I will love you always.

He said that, you hear?
Alexander said that... to me.

I'm sorry, Irina. Alexander
didn't send that message.

I only said he did.

Leo gave me the
words to tell you.

It was the only way I could get you to
reveal your true feelings for Alexander.

- For what possible reason?
- Her motive.

It finally dawned on
me last night, Major.

It was the videotape
of the curtain call.

Each time I saw it, I knew
something was wrong.

It lacked symmetry.

There should have been six
ballerinas, three on each side.

But the sides were uneven
because there were only five.

Not only were Natalia and Alexander missing
from the curtain call, but so was Irina.

I think you sensed they
were going to defect.

When you saw them leave
the stage, you ran after them,

hoping to stop the man you
loved from running out of your life.

But you found their
dressing room empty.

Berensky came in,
sent by Major Karzoff.

He told you the
Masurovs were gone.

But there was still one way to prevent
them from making good their escape,

and in your desperation, you
picked up Alexander's dagger.

Stop! Stop, please, stop.

I just... I wanted him back.

I... I didn't think. I didn't
know what I was doing.

Please.

No.

Well, it makes no
difference anymore.

Take me back.

Child, Major Karzoff
has no jurisdiction here.

Amos.

Be gentle with her,
please. Yes, ma'am.

I sure will. Now if you'll
just come along, miss.

Well, if no one objects, I'll
just get the hell out of here.

I was about to suggest the same
thing, Mr. Fleming. Good night.

Yeah.

So, J.B. Fletcher has wrapped
up another mystery, eh?

[Chuckles] Rather
neatly done, I might say.

Oh, not really. I'm afraid I left poor
Mr. O'Farrell waiting on an empty boat.

But then, of course, he
shouldn't have tapped my phone.

And what about Natalia
and Alexander Masurov?

On their way to Portland,
to turn themselves

in as defectors
seeking sanctuary.

- I thought as much.
- You could have tried to stop them.

Well, I, uh, did what I could.

[Chuckles] Let
them live in peace.

And what about you, Major? Have
you ever thought of living in peace?

As a loyal citizen of the Soviet
Union, I will pretend I did not hear that.

Tell me, how's the
fishing around here?

Marvelous! Do you fish?

Of course! Every chance I get.

Maybe you could
stay around a few days.

Hmph, a few days.

[Sighs] Unfortunately,

days have a way of
growing into years.

So, farewell, my dear Jessica. I
look forward to your next novel.

I'd like to send you a signed copy, if it
won't compromise you in the Kremlin.

Sometimes, a man likes
to be compromised, eh?

[Laughs]