Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996): Season 2, Episode 6 - Reflections of the Mind - full transcript

[Woman] Tonight on
Murder, She Wrote.

The brake lines had
been cut. I almost

totaled the car before
I could come to a stop.

- He's come back.
- But in my opinion,
I think she needs help.

Today, you imagine a murder. I mean, what's
gonna be next? An invasion from Mars?

Please, Victor! Something's
happening! I don't know what it is!

Franchesca! Now, stop it!

- Or the wires have been cut.
- Mrs. Fletcher?

He's back! Don't you understand?
He's not dead! He never died!

[Woman Screams]

[Crickets Chirping]



♪ [Music Box]

♪ [Continues]

[Thud] [Gasps]

♪ [Continues]

♪ [Ends]

[Footsteps]

Scott?

[Panting]

Scott?

Scott, are you home?

Cheryl?

- Margaret— - ♪ [Music Box]

[Gasping]

[Whimpering]



[Screams]

This is Franchesca Lodge,
Carlton House, River Road.

Please. There's
someone in the house,

and I'm here alone.

Oh, for God's sake, hurry!

[Whimpering]

[Footsteps]

[Whimpering]

Franchesca! It's me!
It's Scott! It's Scott!

[Sobbing]

Oh, it's okay. My
God, what happened?

Scott. Jessica.

Thank you for coming.
She's been asking for you.

Well, I-I took the first flight
after I got your call. But

the service between Boston
and Cincinnati is a little sketchy.

Scott, the psychiatric ward?

I know. She was in quite a state.
The hospital thought it was best. Oh.

Mr. Lodge.

We had a report of a break-in
at your place last night.

Oh, I'm sorry, Sheriff. It was, uh, a
false alarm, a little misunderstanding.

Oh, I'm glad to hear that.
Then Mrs. Lodge is all right?

Oh, yeah, she's
fine. A little upset.

Uh, Jessica Fletcher, I'd like
you to meet Sheriff Bodine. Sheriff.

- How do you do? Are you a doctor?
- No. Just a friend.

- Around here, it's tough to tell
which ones are the shrinks.
- [Chuckles]

I see you've hurt your hand.

No, no. No, it's— It's
nothing. It's just a scratch.

Good. Good. Well, if you have
any other problems, just let us know.

And I hope Mrs. Lodge gets
better real fast. Thank you.

Nice meeting you,
ma'am. Thank you.

Scott, what's happened to
Franchesca? And I'd appreciate the truth.

Jessie, sit down.

She's, uh, she's
been coming apart.

Well, what happened last night?

I was working late in the office
preparing for a board meeting.

- When I came home, I found her
hiding in a closet, hysterical.
- And-And your hand?

She attacked me with
a pair of scissors, Jess.

She's not herself. She's not
responsible. It's getting worse.

Well, in what way?

Last week, I lost my
brakes. I almost totaled

the car before I
could come to a stop.

The brake lines had been cut.

Is that what the police said?

Jessica, I don't need
someone to tell me what a

broken brake line looks
like. I didn't report it.

Well, then how can you
assume— I found a hacksaw...

and some of Franchesca's
clothes splattered with brake fluid...

hidden in the
back of her closet.

Well, she said she didn't
know how they got there.

Jessie, I'm just so glad you're
here. I hate leaving her alone.

Alone? Yes. There's a
board meeting in Chicago.

One of us has to be there to protect
the family interests. I wanna see her.

Of course. I told her that you were coming.
And Cheryl's with her now. Oh, good.

Jess! Jess, you came!

Well, of course I came. You
didn't think that I wouldn't?

You're so famous
now. Oh, rubbish.

That'll be quite a day, Fran,
when I don't have time for you.

It is so good to see you. Of
course. This must be Cheryl.

Hello, Aunt Jess.

My goodness. I would
never have known you.

Well, you've blossomed.
It must be five years.

Mom and Scott's wedding.

Jess, I-I don't know what they've
told you, but I'm just a little bit tired.

You know, nerves.

Mom, it wasn't just nerves
last night. You called the sheriff.

I thought I was alone. I heard
noises. I guess I overreacted.

Well, that's enough to
frighten anyone. Believe me,

I'm an expert on the subject,
in my books, of course.

Jess, I wanna get out of
this place. I don't belong here.

I've called Dr. March.
He'll know what to do.

I want to go home.

[Man] Best place for you.

Oh, thank you
for coming, Victor.

This is Mom's old friend,
Jessica Fletcher. Dr. March.

How do you do? The mystery
writer. Yes. Cheryl told me about you.

Uh, The Corpse Danced
at Dawn. Midnight.

Couldn't put it down. The murder
weapon was a crossbow, right?

Poison. Must have been
thinking of another book.

How are we feeling, Mrs. Lodge?

Victor, there's really
nothing wrong with me.

Well, of course there
isn't. I don't know

why they put you in
here in the first place.

I mean, do you know
what kind of people they

keep in a place like
this, huh? [Chuckles]

First, we're gonna
get you out this

hospital, and then
we're gonna get you well.

Right.

[Jessica] That doctor, Dr. March, he
certainly has an unusual bedside manner.

He's one of the best. He treated
me when I had my problems.

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know.
Oh, no problem, Aunt Jess.

Cheryl, there's no need to go
into all of that. Come on, Mom.

Victor says you have to be
open, talk about these things.

All kids go through a
wild phase, you know.

A couple of years ago, I ran away with a
rock group. My head was pretty messed up.

We did drugs, a lot
of dumb, dumb things.

Scott and I were frantic. We
had to hire a detective to find her.

I was in a place like that, only a
lot worse, until Victor got me out.

Oh, that must've been
a terrible experience.

[Cheryl] It's ail behind
me now, believe me.

[Franchesca] Scott, look out!

Did you see that
guy? That's incredible!

Practically in the middle of the road. I
don't know how you managed to avoid him.

Reflexes. I used to
drag race a lot as a kid.

Here we are.

[Chirping]

Now, Jess, tell me about
you. How have you been?

Oh, just fine.

I worry about you being lonely,
by yourself in that empty house.

Oh, lonely? You don't
know Cabot Cove.

Sometimes in the
evening, I look across at

Frank's chair and start
to tell him something.

[Chuckles] After six years.
Look who needs help.

[Chuckles] Jess, you didn't think
it silly, did you, my marrying Scott?

I mean, the
difference in our ages.

Oh, of course not.
What an absurd idea.

I understand how you
felt when you lost Frank.

It was the same for
me when Ross died.

Half seeing him sometimes,
thinking I'd heard his voice.

I was so lonely,
Jess, desperately so.

And then when Scott came
along— You don't have to explain.

I think Scott is
a delightful man.

Thanks. I didn't know.

You and Ross were such
good friends. We all were.

And that was 30 years ago.

Say, I remember this.

- Ross gave this to you as an
engagement present, - ♪♪ [Music Box]

and I helped him to pick it out.

[Chuckles]

♪ [Ends] Fran, what's wrong?

Nothing. [Nervous Chuckle]

- Sometimes my mind
plays tricks on me.
- Well, in what way?

Oh, nothing.

I don't remember doing
things. I forget things.

Sometimes it's as
if Ross is still here.

Oh, please, Jess. I love Scott,
I really do. I know that I do.

Feeling better,
darling? Hi, Jessie.

Yes. Much, now
that Jess is here.

Mm, good. I'm gonna have to be
leaving soon for the stockholders' meeting.

Do you have to?
Darling, we do control the

corporation. One of
us has to be in Chicago.

Why don't you come down
and have a drink with me

before I leave, huh? I'll
see Jessie to her room.

What do you think?
Oh, I'm glad I came.

Did she give you any
indication of what's troubling her?

Well, we've hardly had a
chance to talk. Scott, wasn't this...

Franchesca and Ross's bedroom.

When he died, she
had it sealed. It was an

automobile accident. It
came as quite a shock to her.

Yes, I remember. It
was a closed coffin.

She could never bear
to go back in there. No

one's entered that
room since the funeral.

Your secretary is here, sir.

Oh, yes. She probably has a few
hundred documents for me to sign.

Uh, Margaret, would you
see Jessica to her room?

And I'll, uh, see you
downstairs later. Of course.

Thank you.

Oh, what a lovely room. You'll
be very comfortable here, ma'am.

And don't you worry
about that burglar business.

You mean last night?

I can tell you there
was no burglar.

Mrs. Lodge imagined
it all, poor lady.

Oh, but I understand
you were off last night.

Oh, I was. And I'd be the
last one to be carrying tales,

but you being an old friend
and all, you have a right to know.

She hasn't been
quite right lately.

Always misplacing things.

Like her diamond bracelet. I
found it in the garbage disposal.

She never even knew it was gone.

Well, how do you
suppose it got there?

Well, it's not for me to say. But in
my opinion, I think she needs help.

I'm glad you're here.

Anything you need,
you let me know.

Thank you, Margaret. I will.

I think that's everything
I need, Brooke.

What about my needs?

Are you crazy? What
about tonight, Scott?

I'm booked on a
6:30 flight to Chicago.

Well, you're just
gonna have to unbook it.

Now, damn it, Brooke,
I have told you...

And I don't
accept it. Any of it.

How long are you going to keep
kidding yourself about us? About her?

Uh-Uh, listen. Franchesca is in
trouble right now. She needs my help.

And I care about her,
deeply. Do you love her?

[Sighs]

I'll be patient, Scott,
as long as I can.

Maybe you'd rather
break it off right now.

[Whimpering] Yes,
you are. Yes, you are.

You're the handsomest
little dog in the world.

Yes, you are. Hello, Cheryl.

Victor, what are you doing here?

I just dropped in to check on my patient's
progress. I know how worried you are.

Look, could we, uh, talk
about it later over dinner?

Victor, please, let's just keep
this on a professional basis, huh?

Well, they're holding the
company jet at the airport.

So, how about one
for the road, huh?

He never flies without a couple of
ounces of his favorite anesthetic. Uh-huh.

I like to think of it
as flight insurance.

Will you join us, Victor?

Uh, no. I really
should be going.

I really should be
checking in on a patient, uh,

somebody who's really sick.

See you all later.

How about you, Jessica?

It's a little early for
me. Thank you, Scott.

It's never too early
for a good martini.

Ladies. Thank you, darling.

Well, here's to clear
skies and no turbulence.

Oh, oh. Sorry, Cheryl.

No, no. It's my fault, Mom. No,
really. I'll just get another one.

Don't stay away
too long. Promise.

- How about a game of cribbage?
- Cribbage?

I seem to remember you owe me three
dollars and fifty cents from the last time.

Oh, you do have a memory.

Well, I have some letters to answer. So
I'll just let you two wallow in nostalgia.

All right.

Telephone for you, Mrs. Lodge. A
gentleman. He didn't give a name.

Thank you, Margaret.
I'll take it here.

Hello? [Man] Remember
that I love you very much,

and I'll see you again tonight.

[Cheryl] Mom, what's the matter?

- It was Ross.
- Daddy? But that's not possible.

Hello? Hel—Who is this?

Is this some sort of cruel
joke? Uh, hello? Hello?

Well, he disconnected.

It was Ross.

He's come back.

- Is he badly hurt?
- I'm sorry, Miss. I'm afraid he's dead.

[Gasps]

His car went off the road
three miles from the house.

Oh, Lord. Oh.

Are you sure? I mean,
couldn't there be some mistake?

There's no mistake, Miss.
Here are some of his things.

Oh.

We usually ask a member of the
family to identify the body, but, uh...

But what?

There isn't much for
you to recognize. It would

be pretty unpleasant.
Is there a family doctor?

- Dr. March, I guess.
- I think that would probably be best.

The body's in the morgue.
You can make the arrangements.

I'm really very sorry.

Oh, I've got to tell Mom.

No. Let her sleep for a while.

Sheriff Bodine. Mrs. Fletcher?

Sheriff, are you sure that there was not
another vehicle involved in that accident?

Yes. His car just went off the
road. Well, it happens, Mrs. Fletcher.

Yes. But it's very unlikely to a
man who spent his youth drag racing.

It sounds like you're
hinting around at something.

Well, I don't know.

I mean, do you think it's
possible that something

mechanical could have
been tampered with?

Ma'am, I'm responsible
for a whole county.

Last night, Mrs. Lodge imagines a
burglar. Today, you imagine a murder.

I mean, what's gonna be
next? An invasion from Mars?

This morning, Scott Lodge told me
that last week his brake line was cut.

Is that so? Yes.

♪ [Music Box]

♪ [Ends]

[Whimpers]

Oh.

[Franchesca Screaming]

[Screaming]

Franchesca, what's the matter?

It's dead! My canary is dead!

Calm yourself, sweetheart.

Uh, Margaret, Mrs.
Lodge's canary has died.

Would you take it out of her
room, please? Yes, ma'am.

Now, why don't we go in my room.

Cheryl and I
want to talk to you.

[Bird Chirping] Feeling better?

There's nothing wrong
with this bird, ma'am.

[Cheryl] Chirpy's all
right! Mom, it's okay!

No. He was dead.

Well, he's sure alive now.
Excuse me, I'll put him back.

But I was so sure.

He was just lying there.

Fran, I'm terribly sorry.

But there's something that we
have to tell you... about Scott.

A t Mrs. Fletcher's suggestion,

I took another look at the circumstances
surrounding Mr. Lodge's death.

You found something
wrong with the car?

The car was in perfect
condition. Mr. Lodge wasn't.

The medical examiner found a high
level of benzodiazepine in his body.

Oh, please! Scott was too straight
to be fooling around with drugs.

- Benzodiazepine is a tranquilizer.
- Then he didn't just crash,
he was drugged?

There was enough of
that stuff in his system

to knock him out in
a couple of minutes.

- Now did he have anything to eat
or drink just before he left here?
- We had cocktails.

Oh, but Scott mixed
the martinis himself.

I mean, I'm sure the glass
wasn't out of his hand.

- Does anyone in the house
use tranquilizers?
- I have some.

- I prescribed them, Sheriff.
- I'd like to see those, please.

They're upstairs in my room.
Margaret, would you get them, please?

Yes, ma'am.

Sheriff, do you have any idea how
widely prescribed tranquilizers are?

Yes, Doctor, I know that.

But in this case,
they were slipped to

Mr. Lodge just before
he got behind the wheel.

You're not accusing one of us?

I'm not accusing anyone,
ma'am, but, uh, there is

money here, obviously,
and someone's been killed.

I have to consider
every possibility.

Most of the family assets
are in my name. That

was an arrangement
made by my first husband.

Scott owned almost
nothing in his own right.

Thank you.

It's empty.

Franchesca, I gave you
a full bottle this morning.

I-I only took one.
I-It can't be empty.

I'll take this with me for
analysis. [Franchesca] No!

I couldn't have done it! No
one's saying you did, Mom.

- I loved Ross!
- Who's Ross?

I didn't say Ross, I said Scott.

[Bodine] You said Ross. I said
Scott! You're trying to confuse me!

Mrs. Lodge has
been under a terrible

strain. Now I insist
that she get some rest.

Okay. I'll be back tomorrow.

And I want everyone here.

Everyone.

You know, I got grease
all over my best uniform.

It could have
been the brake line.

That's all right, ma'am.

If it wasn't for you, we could still be
saying it was nothing but an accident.

[Faint Thud]

[Screaming]

[Screaming Continues]

Fran, what's wrong?

[Sighing] He was here.

Oh, it's all right. It's all right.
You were just having a bad dream.

No! I saw him...
in the bathroom.

There's no one here.

Now just try to calm
yourself down. I'm gonna

stay here with you
for awhile, all right?

No. I did see him.

Fran, you have to
accept it. Scott is dead.

Oh, it wasn't
Scott. It was Ross.

[Dog Barking]

Good morning. I don't think
we've met. I’m Jessica Fletcher.

It's Carl, isn't it? My goodness,
this is a perfect bed for begonias.

Look, lady, did you
want something?

Um, that is Mrs. Lodge's
bedroom, I believe.

I wouldn't know.

Oh, too bad. You've
raked over the earth there.

- Is there something wrong with that?
- Oh, no. No, no. I just wondered
if you'd seen any footprints.

No, nothin', no
footprints. I see.

Well, thank you. You're welcome.

Somethin' else?

Well, as a matter of fact there is.
Would you by any chance have a ladder?

The window's been nailed
shut, just like the door.

It's got a couple of
coats of paint on it too.

Looks as if the windows haven't
been washed either for a while.

Look, lady, I only get paid
to do the yard, all right?

Oh, thank you for your
help, Carl. [Dog Whimpering]

Get out of there!
Go on, get out!

What's he got there? [Whimpers]

- A dead canary.
- Well, that stupid dog's always
burying things around here.

Is anything wrong, ma'am?

Well, I'm not sure. Margaret, did you
clear away the cocktail things yesterday?

Yes. Aren't the glasses clean?

Oh, yes, they're
absolutely spotless.

- But this is a new, unopened bottle.
- Yes, ma'am.

But when Mr. Lodge made the drinks
yesterday, he opened a new bottle.

And there should be a
good part of that one left.

- In all my years, I've never been accused
of dipping into the household liquor.
- Oh, that isn't what I meant.

I know what you meant, ma'am.

But if you’re looking for somebody
with a dry mouth and a shifty eye,

you should talk to that
no-account gardener, Carl.

No, you misunderstood.
What I'm saying is that

the gin in that bottle
could be very dangerous.

[Chuckles] You
can say that again.

It was gin that carried off my
brother Arnold, may he rest in peace.

- That's why I never touch the stuff.
- [Doorbell Chiming]

Excuse me.

Did you find what
you’re looking for?

Uh, these letters are mine. Now
that Scott's dead, I want them back.

What is it about a death that
makes people have second

thoughts about what they've
written down on paper?

Maybe something incriminating.

I'll examine these
when I get a chance.

Right now, I wanna see everyone in the next
room, and that definitely includes you.

♪ [Music Box]

♪ [Continues] [Gasps]

[Crash] ♪ [Ends]

I-It wouldn't stop.

Fran, Sheriff Bodine is here.
He wants us all downstairs.

Jess, please. Call Dr. March
and ask him to come over.

It's all right. Everything
is gonna be all right.

Mrs. Lodge, I've given you every chance
to come forward and tell me what you know.

Now I'm just gonna
ask you flat out.

Did you know your husband was
having an affair with his secretary?

That's ridiculous.
Scott wouldn't...

Brooke?

I think it's possible that you did know,
and that you decided to put an end to it...

with a handful of your
own tranquilizers. No!

Sheriff, think. Those
tranquilizers weren't under

lock and key. Anyone
could've gotten to them.

- Anyone with a motive, Mrs. Fletcher.
- What about Brooke? She was here
just before Scott went to the airport.

Why would I kill
him? I loved him.

Maybe he wasn't about to walk
out on his wife and all that money.

Stop it! Stop it! Maybe I did
do it! I just don't remember!

All right, that's enough.

She is not responsible
for what she is saying.

I am taking her to the hospital.
Hold it. She's not going anywhere.

Oh, yes, she is,
Sheriff. That is, unless

you are prepared to
make an arrest right now.

All right, you take
her straight to the

hospital. I'll talk to
you later. Both of you.

Well, Sheriff, I
hope you're satisfied.

She is a very troubled woman, and
your approach has only made it worse.

Maybe the lady is trying to cop out
with a plea of diminished capacity.

She wouldn't be the first. Well,
at least keep an open mind.

Funny, I was about to offer
you the same suggestion.

Folks change, Mrs. Fletcher.
The years do damage.

Look, I'm not taking any
particular pleasure in this.

If you have an idea,
share it with me.

Yes, I've got one.

The answer may be in
that sealed room upstairs.

We shouldn't be doing
this without a warrant.

Mrs. Lodge has forbidden
anyone to go in there.

Margaret, I will take full responsibility.
Carl, will you please pry open that door.

Hmm. Ten years. Why do
I feel like we're intruding?

I don't even know what
I'm doing in here. Mrs.

Fletcher, what are we
supposed to be looking for?

I was hoping we'd find
an explanation for some

of the strange things
that have been going on.

Nothing seems to have
been disturbed. I heard

something last night.
Someone was in this room.

Well, then he was wearing a red
suit and left his reindeer on the roof,

because even the window's
have been nailed shut.

What do you think
this ghost was doing?

Well, uh, I'm not sure.

- This place gives me the creeps.
- An old house like this
is full of moving and creaking.

- That noise you heard could
have been anything.
- Precisely. Anything.

Mrs. Fletcher, let's face it. This
notion of yours adds up to a big zero.

The next time you hear a ghost,
why don't you call a medium?

Come on, let's go.

Carl, be sure you get
that door sealed up again.

Oh, thank you, Margaret.

My sister's expecting me
by 6:00. There's some food

in the refrigerator. If
there's nothing else...

- You run along. We'll be fine.
- Thank you.

Actually, I was gonna
pop over to the hospital

and see Mom. Maybe
have a bite to eat with her.

Well, don't you worry about
me. I'm used to being alone.

Cheryl, when Dr. March treated
you, did he prescribe drugs?

Yes, there was some kind of medication.
I was pretty wiped out for a while.

- He seems to like you.
- Oh, Victor comes on,
but he's not my type.

You know what I
cannot understand is...

why Franchesca feels so
responsible for your father's death.

I don't know. Sure, they had a
squabble, but it was no big deal.

- They fought?
- No, not a fight.

The day Daddy died, he had to go
somewhere. Mom didn't want him to go.

He was late leaving
because of the argument,

so he had to speed up to
make up time... and crashed.

Just like Scott.

That's right. I hadn't
thought of that.

- [Barks]
- Ruff, you naughty boy!

Oh, don't worry, don't worry. You run
off and see your mother at the hospital.

- Yes, I think I will.
- I may take a little nap.

If you're here alone,
better lock everything up.

Be sure to give her my love.

[Chirps]

Why would this room have a bathroom
but not the old master bedroom?

[Sighs]

Even ghosts disturb dust
when they move vases.

[Man's Voice] Cheryl, honey, I'm sorry. I'm
going to miss your party this afternoon.

So I'm leaving you this little cassette
to wish you a very happy birthday.

Have a wonderful party. And
remember that I love you very much,

and I'll see you again tonight.

Ross.

[Thunder Rumbling]

[Thunder Rumbling]

Oh, there's a storm coming
in. Oh, I've been terribly worried.

I tried to call the hospital,
but the phone is out of order.

I know. I tried to phone you.
Must be the electrical storm.

Or the wires have been cut. Cut?

[Clicking Button]

Victor! Victor! [Sobs]

Franchesca, what are you doing?

Victor, there's something wrong
at the house. What? What's wrong?

[Woman] Please, Mrs.
Lodge, get back in bed.

Please, Victor! Something's
happening! I don't know what it is!

Franchesca! Now stop it!
Stop it! Get ahold of yourself.

I don't want to alarm you, but
something very sinister is going on here.

[Nervous Chuckle]
Aren't you being a little

melodramatic? Just
because the phone's dead.

[Whimpers]

What has Ruff got?

- That's Scott's cap.
- There's blood on it.

Scott was wearing that
cap when he drove away.

- Are you sure?
- [Thud]

What was that? Well, I don't
know. I-I'm not sure that I want to.

[Banging]

[Sighs] It's only the
wind blowing the window.

Margaret forgot to latch it.

Aunt Jess, do you
smell something?

[Sniffs] Why, yes.
Pipe tobacco, I think.

My God! Scott's pipe.

- And it's still warm.
- I'm frightened, Aunt Jess.

That's exactly what
someone wants you to be.

Cheryl, there's an
explanation for everything.

While you were out, I think I
found it. Come with me. I'll show you.

[Ross's Voice] Remember that I love you
very much, and I'll see you again tonight.

That's the recording
Daddy made for my birthday.

And that was the voice from the grave
that your mother heard on the telephone.

Let's get out of here. I
think we should go, now!

[Thunder Rumbling]

[Thunder Rumbling]

You see the bird cage? I mean, there
was a dead canary in your mother's room.

- Somebody else brought a live one back.
- We have to get out of here, Aunt Jess!

[Thunder Rumbling]

[Doorbell Chiming]

Cheryl?

Mrs. Fletcher?

He's back! Don't you understand?
He's not dead! He never died!

You remember, Scott's body
was disfigured beyond recognition.

It wasn't Scott in that car.
It— It was someone else.

- He knew what we were doing,
and he faked the whole thing.
- What you were doing, Cheryl?

He knows I tried to kill him! And
now he's out there waiting to kill me!

Shut up!

Not one more word.

Carl.

Or should I say Carson Todd.

[Chuckles] That's
good. That's very good.

Yes. Well, I'm sure
you know a great deal

more about music than
you do about gardening.

You should have kept
your nose out of this, lady.

Well, I knew that Cheryl couldn't make all
those things happen without a confederate.

And then I saw your
face on that album cover.

Well, I'm not sure whether I like
you less with or without your beard.

- Carson, it's Scott! He's still alive!
- Now, listen to me! Listen!

Don't be stupid. We
killed him. You killed him.

[Cheryl] Oh, no. You're in this with
me. I'm telling you. He's still alive!

He's out there
somewhere now! Cheryl!

Then it must have been
Scott that Franchesca

saw in her room
last night, not Ross.

No. No, that was me.

Oh. Then it was you who left the
bloodstained cap and the pipe? But why?

Lady, I don't know what
you're talking about. What cap?

Cheryl? Cheryl, what— Don't you
understand? He's come back to kill us!

[Cheryl Screaming]

Oh! For a moment I
thought you'd wandered off.

I couldn't get the damn window
open. Did you hear everything?

I heard enough.

There you go. Wrap you
up there. [Bodine] Ohh.

I know I pulled every
nail out of that window.

The storm must have
warped it shut. Ooh!

Here, this'll help to warm
you up a bit. Oh, thank you.

[Sighs] I still don't know
how I let you talk me into that.

[Chuckles] Well, you have
to admit, it worked, Sheriff.

You—You mean this
whole thing was planned?

You almost blundered in and spoiled it,
you know. Why did you come to the house?

Well, Franchesca was— was
terrified, some sort of premonition.

Listen, I was just humoring
her by coming here. I...

I'm sorry my deputy grabbed you like
that. We didn't want anybody interfering.

- Ah—Ah— - Hold your
nose. Don't give in to it.

[Victor] Wait— Wait a minute,
Mrs. Fletcher. I'm— I'm confused.

You mean you knew that
Cheryl and Carl killed Scott?

Well, not at first.

But I knew that somebody was
trying to destroy Franchesca's sanity.

And I knew whoever it was had put
the tranquilizers in the bottle of gin.

And then when I spilled my
tea, I—I started thinking about it.

You see, Doctor, you
didn't have a martini.

[Inaudible]

And neither did I.
And that left three.

Cheryl spilled her
drink deliberately.

And when she fixed herself
another, she took sherry,

which means she knew
that the gin was drugged.

And Franchesca didn't faint
after she got that phone call.

She had been drugged
by the gin, just like Scott.

You see, Cheryl and Carl,
working together, succeeded

in driving her poor mother
to the edge of madness.

With Scott out of the way and Franchesca
committed to a mental institution,

Cheryl would have
access to all that money to

lead the wild life that
she wanted with Carl.

When I found all those things in the
sealed room, I called Sheriff Bodine.

- Wait a minute, the phone was dead.
- I called before the phone went out.

When Mrs. Fletcher showed me what she'd
found, her theory made a lot of sense.

[Jessica] The problem was, there
was no real evidence against them.

Nothing that would stand up in
court. We needed to stir things up.

Sheriff Bodine
provided the props.

Yeah. Mr. Lodge's
cap and pipe...

from the scene...
of the accident.

Ah—Ah... choo.

What I can't figure out is why
she went to all that trouble.

Why shouldn't she just kill
her mother and get it done with?

I can answer that one, Sheriff.

Because of Cheryl's wildness,
even though she was better,

Franchesca provided in her will a trust
for Cheryl until she was 35 years old.

Well, don’t you get it? She couldn't
touch the money for another 12 years.

Oh, poor Franchesca. I don't
quite know how to break this to her.

You won't have to. I will.

She's checking out of the hospital in
the morning and joining me in Cabot Cove.

A change of scene, some rest
and sea air is what I prescribe.

Uh, what I need is a week
on a beach in Hawaii...

before I come down
with pneumonia.

Ah—Ah...

Sheriff, are you aware
that colds are mostly

psychological? Have you
ever considered therapy?

Huh? Ah-choo!

Oh, dear.