Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996): Season 8, Episode 7 - Terminal Connection - full transcript

FEMALE NARRATOR:
Tonight on Murder, She Wrote.

I'm taking over your company.

The hell you are.

You have just been
picked up by a policeman.

Some fillies like
being ridden hard.

His attractive young wife

was Clark Blanchard's playmate.

Ginny, did Clark do this?

I'm arresting you
on the suspicion

of the murder of your husband.

CLARK: Ginny was
delighted to hear from you.



So was I.

Well, I couldn't come all
the way to Los Angeles

on publishing business
and not at least call.

And we couldn't let you
slip through our fingers

without inviting you to
our anniversary party.

Has it really been
five years already?

Uh-huh.

And you don't look a day older.

And you haven't lost
your way with the ladies.

Tell me, how is Ginny?

Is she still turning out those
charming children's books?

I haven't seen her
name on the lists recently.

We've been keeping
her pretty busy,

but I'll let her tell
you all about that.



I'm so glad you came, Jessica.

Well, I really haven't done
anything impulsive in weeks.

But, you know, I certainly
didn't expect to be picked up

in a private jet.

Or by you personally, Clark.

My pleasure.

I had one of those boring
business meetings in LA this morning

and I absolutely have to be
back in Santa Barbara for lunch.

We're roughing it today.

Mmm, some roughing.

You know, Clark is
a very dashing figure,

on or off a horse.

Oh, he's a real man's man.

Well, he certainly found
his way into your heart.

Oh, I'm so glad
you're here, Jessica.

I hope we'll have time for
a good talk before you go.

Oh, of course we will.

Hi, Mrs. Fletcher.

(EXCLAIMS) Scott!

My goodness, you've grown
six inches since the wedding.

You were in high school then.

He's at USC now.

Number one singles
on the tennis team.

Actually, it's number
three, Mrs. Fletcher.

But Mother keeps moving me up.

Well, it's only
a matter of time.

Now tell me, why aren't you
playing polo with your step-father?

It's because I don't
have a death wish.

Competing with Clark Blanchard

could be considered
hazardous to one's health.

I'll see you tonight at the
festivities, Mrs. Fletcher.

I'm gonna say hi
to some friends.

I'll see you later,
gorgeous. Mmm-hmm.

(LAUGHING) Oh, great!

Enjoying the action?

Oh, yes!

Was it Churchill who said,

"The outside of a horse is
good for the inside of a man"?

I'll tell you what, if he
didn't, he should have.

Greg!

You want me in the
next chukker, Clark?

Carlson tore up
his shoulder again.

Change jerseys and play for
the competition, such as it is.

Whatever you say. See you later.

Bye.

Allison, come join us.

Jessica, this is Allison
Franklin, Greg's wife.

Jessica Fletcher.

How do you do, Allison?

Your husband was the
one who was going to

fill in for the opposing team?

Yes.

I guess that's what
vice-president of operations is.

Anything that Clark wants.

Well, I think it's
very nice that

the competition fills
in for a disabled player.

Well, polo is a gentleman's
game, at least on the surface.

CLARK: Better move it.

(PEOPLE MURMURING)

WOMAN: Oh.

Dane, you okay?

Huh?

Clark, I had the ball.

Well, you should know better
than to get between me and my goal.

(JAZZ MUSIC PLAYING)

But Ginny, you know, I've never
understood why you stopped writing,

because your children's
books were doing very well.

Well, as you can see, being
married to Clark Blanchard

keeps a girl busy.

Tell me, what
exactly does he do?

I've never quite
sorted that out.

Oh, timber, real
estate, electronics.

He acquires things.

Everybody.

Now, you know I hate speeches

and no one's ever accused
me of being sentimental.

I've been married to this
lovely lady for five years now.

She's put up with all my faults

and made me happier
than I ever deserved to be.

So, Ginny, a little
token of my love.

(EXCLAIMING IN DELIGHT)

Here, let me put it on for you.

For all the good times.

And to make up for the bad ones.

When we married, I promised
you the moon and the stars.

It's a down payment
on the stars.

Clark, that must have cost more
than the last company you acquired.

Don't ask. I'll tell
you one thing, Margo.

You better be certain
it's on the insurance rider!

(ALL LAUGHING)

Oh, thank you, darling.

It's no more than you deserve.

I hope this'll make
up for the fact that

I've gotta go back
to LA tomorrow.

Again? Do you have to?

It'll give you and
Jessica some quality time.

I love you.

Oh, Ginny.

(LAUGHING)

That is so lovely.

Not many girls
have friends like that.

Are you alone, Scott?

Oh, hi, Mrs. Fletcher.

So you're at USC?

Yeah. It's close.

I can be home on weekends,
kind of keep tabs on things.

You mean the family business?

From what I've seen of
business close at hand,

no, it's not for me.

Oh. So what are you studying?

I've changed majors
three times now.

Any advice, Mrs. Fletcher?

Well, I could
suggest that you ask

one of those pretty young
ladies over there to dance.

Best advice I've had all day.

Excuse me.

Mrs. Fletcher?

They told me you'd be here.

Oh, there's...
Nobody's introduced us.

I'll have to do it myself.

I'm Paul Stratton.

How do you do, Mr. Stratton?

I couldn't help overhearing
your advice to Scott.

Mind if I take it myself?

I hate to waste a slow one.

Well, let's not waste it.

You know,

I'm sure you must've
heard this from a lot of men,

but I've been wanting
to meet you for years.

Really, Mr. Stratton?
Are you a mystery buff?

Well, sort of.

But my interest in
you goes even further.

Do you know that
in certain circles,

you have quite a reputation?

Oh, my.

I hope it's not in
the wrong circles.

Very select.

You have just been
picked up by a policeman.

Well, I wish I could say
that it was the first time.

Sounds intriguing.

You'll have to
tell me all about it.

Hmm.

Well, Clark, I have
to tell you, I'm...

I'm not happy with the terms that your
legal boys have proposed for the merger.

No?

Well, that's because
it's not a merger.

It's a takeover.

I'm taking over your company.

The hell you are.

Oh, you're perfectly
welcome to stay on

at a comfortable salary and
whatever title your ego may require,

as long as you don't make waves.

Forget it! You got no deal!

A little late for that.

I already own all your
controlling shares.

Accept it.

You'll have more
time for polo this way.

Now, you always were a better
polo player than a businessman.

Boy talk? Or can
girls play, too?

The best games I
know include girls.

You were playing a
little rough this afternoon.

Some fillies like
being ridden hard.

GREG: Allison?

Allison?

Here you are.

I thought you
might like to dance.

Which reminds me, I have
yet to dance with my bride.

So how does a homicide detective

come to know the
Clark Blanchards?

Polo.

Finally had to give it up when
my bones started getting brittle.

You still haven't told me
why you were arrested.

Well, it was all a big mistake.

Anyway, it's a long story.

Good.

You can tell me all about it
over dinner tomorrow night.

Well, I'm afraid that

I have plans with our hostess.

The night after.

I'm flying back east.

Well, at least you'll have to
let me show you Santa Barbara.

(GLASS SHATTERING)

CLARK: You get off my back!

GINNY: Clark, please. Shut up!

Clark! No! Don't!

(SLAPPING)

Ginny! What's the matter?

Can I stay here with
you for a few minutes?

Oh, well, yes, of
course. What is it?

Did Clark do this?

Oh, he's just
had a lot to drink.

Oh, but this?

Oh, and it's probably my fault.

You see, he says I pick at him.

I'm too possessive.

There's no excuse for this.

Oh.

Jessica, I'm so embarrassed.

Can we just forget
this ever happened?

No. No.

I'm afraid I can't forget this.

I mean, this bruise has
been here for some time.

Ginny, does this happen often?

I'd better go.

Clark will be so angry if
he thinks I've told anyone.

Ginny, listen. Listen to me.

I want you to stay
here with me tonight.

Oh... Oh, Jessica.

I don't know what to do.

Well, you have to do something.

Now you have to deal with this.

GINNY: And when James
died, Scott was only 10.

JESSICA: Mmm-hmm.
I never met James.

He was in Congress,
as I remember.

Representative from Virginia.

Anyway, I threw myself
into the Washington scene.

Started writing
children's books.

And then along came dashing,
handsome Clark Blanchard.

Now, that was about
the time we met.

Yeah.

I never knew what he saw in me.

Well, it's quite obvious that he saw
a very attractive, talented woman,

who would have been a
prize, incidentally, for any man.

You know, I seem to remember

there was this senator
who sent you tons of flowers.

Anyway, Clark
swept me off my feet.

I didn't believe
it could happen.

But there I was, in love again.

He was very sweet
and generous, romantic.

But?

But sometimes when
he drank too much...

And then afterwards,
so remorseful and loving.

Oh, I just...

I just can't help feeling
that I did something wrong.

It's not your fault, Ginny.

It's a sickness.

It's Clark's sickness.

Your only fault is in
allowing it to continue.

But...

I'm not gonna try
to tell you what to do

because I'm not an
expert on wife battering

and there are people who
are trained in these matters.

But I'm gonna tell you
something very plainly.

There are only two
things you can do.

Seek professional advice

or leave the relationship.

Good night, Andre. Thank you.

Well, well. Look who's here.

Hello. Mrs. Fletcher. Ginny.

Oh, it was a lovely
party last night, Ginny.

Thank you.

Hello, Mrs. Fletcher.

Hello.

Well, apparently everyone
in Santa Barbara dines early.

Well, I'm afraid we didn't
have much choice tonight.

Clark called from Los Angeles.

He wants me to cover something
for him up in San Francisco,

so I have to be
on a 10:00 flight.

Ginny, would you
have a word with Clark

and tell him he is working
my husband too hard?

Oh, I'm afraid Clark
doesn't listen to me

when it comes to business.

Good night.

Good night.

Good night.

Good night.

(CAR APPROACHING)

(DOOR OPENING)

(DOOR CLOSING)

STRATTON: I'm
really sorry, Ginny.

He was a fine man
and a good friend.

I know how hard
this is on you, but...

Was there anything of special
value in the beach house?

We can't rule out a
break-in, you know.

Oh... Nothing.

Nothing worth killing for.

He was supposed to
be in Los Angeles, Paul.

Right. Well, we'll
check that out later.

I know there's a simple
explanation, but...

We found your purse there.

It's our beach house.

Why wouldn't my
mother's purse be there?

No reason at all.

Except your driver's
license was in there,

and if I'm not mistaken, you
usually drive that silver-blue BMW,

don't you, Ginny?

What are you getting at?

I'm just sorting out
a few details, Scott.

Now you said that Clark was
supposed to be in Los Angeles.

When did you see
him last, Ginny?

I saw him last night,
at the beach house.

Mother? No,
Scott, it's all right.

It's all right.

When Jessica said that she was
gonna go to bed early with a good book,

well, it seemed
like a good idea.

So... Well, I remembered a
book I hadn't finished reading.

It was down at the beach house.

So, I drove down
there to get it.

And Clark was there?

Yes, that's right. I only
stayed a few minutes.

He was alive when I left.

That must have been about 11:00.

And you just forgot and
left your purse behind?

Why are you asking
her all these questions?

Can't you see how upset she is?

You're right. I'm sorry, Ginny.

Scott, you take her on home.

We can do this later.

JESSICA: Paul, I really appreciate
your letting me take a look around.

It's my pleasure.

Now, this door was
open, like you see it now.

There were fresh traces of sand
on the deck and in the house,

like someone had just
come up from the beach.

But you found him in the car.

A severe blow to the
left side of his head.

I suppose you
probably noticed that

the fireplace poker is
missing from this set.

We're looking for it now.

Paul, you don't honestly
think that Ginny...

Jessica, it's too soon for
me to know anything for sure.

Could you stay on for a while?

Well, a day or two at least.

I'm glad. For Ginny's sake.

MARGO: Ginny, I can't
believe that you told the police

you actually went to the beach
house and confronted Clark,

without me being there.

Paul Stratton is
a friend, Margo.

Paul knows very well that
he shouldn't question you

without your attorney present.

Now, what else did you tell him?

Well, what I didn't mention
is that when I got there,

Clark had been drinking heavily.

And you didn't
know he'd be there?

No! He told me he was
going to Los Angeles.

Anyway, he was in a vile mood

and he accused
me of spying on him.

And he hit me.

But, after talking
with you yesterday,

I told him I wasn't going
to take that anymore.

I told him I was
gonna call the police.

And did you?

He only laughed.

And that's when he tore the
phone out of its connection

and I just ran out of there.

And that's why
you left your purse?

And my car keys were in it.

But luckily the
keys were in his car,

so I just jumped in
and drove back here.

I didn't want to bother Jessica,

so I had a good cry
and I went to bed.

(EXHALES)

No, Ginny, I don't think
that's good enough.

I don't think a jury
would go for that.

No. A stronger plea
would be self-defense.

But I didn't...

We're gonna use the
battered-wife defense.

Now, you struck him,
but only in self-defense.

After he beat you and
threatened to kill you.

We'll develop the history
of his abusive behavior.

No woman on a
jury would convict.

And we'll pack that
jury with women.

Oh, Margo, I'm
not sure that I...

You've got to get real.

Now forget all the guilt
and denial stuff, honey.

Clark deserved killing.

They won't convict you.
Now, trust me on this.

(CAR APPROACHING)

(CAR DOOR OPENING)

It's Paul Stratton.

(CAR DOOR CLOSING)

Hello, Ginny.

Hello, Paul.

You here officially, Margo?

I'm representing Mrs. Blanchard,

if that's what you mean.

Then I'm glad you're here.

I've got to ask you
some questions, Ginny.

I've got big problems with
Clark's death and they concern you.

Look, Paul, I'm not going to
let Ginny make any statements,

incriminating or otherwise.

If you want to make a
formal charge, go right ahead.

If not, we have nothing to say.

I thought that's how you
might feel about it, Margo.

I'm really sorry about this,
Ginny, but I have no choice.

I'm arresting you
on the suspicion

of the murder of your
husband, Clark Blanchard.

KENDERSON: I assume
you've heard the news, Allison?

Yes. It's a terrible thing.

Poor Clark.

I'd always assumed he'd
be shot by a jealous husband.

Or by a disillusioned
business associate?

We all have our fantasies.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid
his wife beat me to it.

Was there something
specific you wanted,

or is this a social call?

No, I'm sorry. This is business.

Well, Greg's not here.

I don't expect him
back from San Francisco

for a couple of hours.

Good.

It's you I wanted
to have a word with.

May I?

You want to talk to
me about business?

How refreshing.

Now, we all know what a
bright young man Greg is.

But he could never
have risen so fast

without a clever and
supportive wife, could he?

Now, I'm sure you're aware that

much of Clark's empire
was publicly held,

Clark being a great believer
in using other people's money.

Well, I know there's a
lot of stock outstanding

and Greg has a block of options.

See, I knew you'd
grasp this right away.

Now that Clark is dead,

someone has to fill the vacuum

and protect the interests
of the shareholders.

Now, why do I think you already
have someone in mind, Dane?

'Cause after the merger, I happen
to be one of the largest stockholders.

Well, you know, other
than the family, of course.

But I'm afraid that poor Ginny
is going to be preoccupied.

I want Greg's support at
the shareholders' meeting.

I would think Greg's support
would go to himself, Dane.

A promotion is certainly
in order for Greg.

Possibly to president

and obviously another
block of options.

But I want control of
the board of directors.

And why should Greg support you?

That is why I
wanted to talk to you.

Because if he doesn't,
then I would be forced

to tell him about what went
on between you and Clark.

Is that blackmail, Dane?

No. Merely protecting
one's interests.

Thank you for the drink.

Paul.

Jessica.

I was going to call you,

but under the circumstances

Paul, I know that I
shouldn't interfere, but...

No, I understand. We're
both Ginny's friends.

You know she's made bail?

But this whole thing... I
mean, it's just not right.

Could we talk?

Would you let me
take you to lunch?

(HORSES GALLOPING)

(HORSE NEIGHING)

Look, Jessica, I think
the world of Ginny.

But I've got a job to do.

Sure, I could turn all of this
over to somebody else, but

I think she's
better off with me.

Paul, are you aware that
Clark used to beat Ginny?

I wasn't.

Until Margo Saunders
made the point.

It's true, because I've seen
the bruises with my own eyes.

Well, that makes things easier.

Of course, it would
have been better still

if she had had a
complaint on record.

But it helps her defense.

If she actually had
anything to do with his death.

Look, we're not even
filing first degree.

I booked her on second degree.

The DA may even bargain
down to reckless homicide.

She might even get off
with a suspended sentence.

But I'm not entirely convinced

that Ginny had anything
to do with Clark's death.

That's not for me to
decide or you either.

And maybe it's better that way.

But I've got to be
honest with you,

there's a strong
case against her.

Well, I'm not sure
that I see it that way.

She's already
admitted she was there.

Clark was found in her car

and her fingerprints
were all over everything.

But of course her fingerprints
were in her car and in her house.

But there must have
been other fingerprints, too.

Her family, friends.

Jessica, Clark's
blood was on her purse

which proves she was
there after he was killed.

The thing that
makes her culpable

is that she left
him there to die,

without seeking
help after she hit him.

Oh. Hi, Mrs.
Fletcher, come on in.

Scott, how's your mother?

She's okay.

Margo Saunders got her off
on bail. She's in the living room.

Scott, were you
aware that Clark was...

Well, sometimes violent
towards your mother?

Yeah. I knew.

Look, she never said
anything. But I'm not stupid.

I heard the fights.

I saw the bruises.

And I'm glad he's dead.
She's finally free of him.

Well, he may be dead, but I'm
not sure that she's free of him.

At least not yet.

It was self-defense,
Mrs. Fletcher.

Margo Saunders
says she can beat it.

They won't put
her in jail, will they?

I don't know what will happen.

But I am not convinced
that your mother

is responsible
for Clark's death.

I think there's a possibility that
someone else may have killed him.

Yeah, that's true.

Lots of people hated him.
Dane Kenderson for openers.

Clark reamed him real
good on this last merger.

Yeah, and with Clark dead,

Dane may even get control
of the whole company.

Yes. Well, I need to
talk to your mother.

Thank you, Scott. Okay.

JESSICA: Ginny?

Oh.

Are you all right?

Well, yes. I'm fine.

Margo arranged for my release.

Yes, I know. Paul
Stratton told me.

Oh, you saw... You saw Paul.

Well, that's good.

He's been so very
nice about everything.

I'm sorry this had
to spoil your visit.

Will you please
stop apologizing?

Ginny, I'd like to help, but
frankly, I'm a little confused.

Really? Why?

Well, you told me that
Clark was alive when you left.

And now, I... Ginny.

I don't think you should
discuss this case with Jessica,

or anyone else, for that matter.

Oh, Margo, just a minute.

You could be called
as a witness, Jessica.

You wouldn't want to be
forced to give testimony

against her, would you?

Margo, I certainly hope
that that doesn't happen.

But I can't stand by and
watch Ginny pleading guilty

to a murder that
she didn't commit.

Jessica, this is a matter
best left to an attorney.

Is it? I'm not so
sure about that.

What do you have to say, Ginny?

Oh, perhaps Margo knows best.

Ginny, if you struck
Clark and he died,

I'll give you every bit of
support that I can muster.

But if you're going to plead
guilty to protect someone else...

Of course not.

Why, who would I
be trying to protect?

Ginny, I forbid you
to say anything more.

So you are here, Mr. Kenderson.

Mrs. Fletcher.

What brings you here?

Well, your answering service said
that you were in the Blanchard offices.

So I took a chance.

Although I knew that the offices were
closed in mourning for Mr. Blanchard.

But I see that you had
work that couldn't wait.

We have an emergency
board meeting in the morning.

And I need some documents
to protect my position.

Yes. I understand
that your position

is greatly improved
since Clark's death.

No one is indispensable,
Mrs. Fletcher.

Not even Clark Blanchard.

I'm sorry Ginny
bashed his brains in,

but I've learned never to let
sentiment interfere with business.

Oh, but the case
against Ginny Blanchard

is far from conclusive,
Mr. Kenderson.

I mean there is a theory
that somebody else killed him.

If you're suggesting that
I did in poor old Clark,

I'm afraid you're in
for a disappointment.

Because I can
account for my time

during the unfortunate incident.

Really? And what time was that?

I wouldn't know.

But as a matter of fact, I
was on the phone all evening

and half the night to Tokyo.

Police are welcome to
check my phone records.

Actually, you know,

if the police really are
looking for someone else,

they might want to
talk to Greg Franklin.

Because Greg might
have discovered

that his attractive young wife

was Clark Blanchard's playmate.

I understood that Greg
Franklin was in San Francisco.

Really? That's not what I heard.

If you'll excuse me,

I do have some
paperwork to catch up on.

Oh, would you be kind enough
to latch this when you leave?

We certainly wouldn't want people
just wandering in and out uninvited.

And there he was,
as bold as brass,

rifling through the
locked file in Clark's office.

Okay, so maybe Dane
Kenderson had a motive.

And he also said that he was
on the phone all evening to Tokyo.

Paul, the telephone company
records may show the lines were busy,

but it doesn't prove that Dane
Kenderson was on the line.

And it doesn't prove he wasn't.

And another thing.

Greg Franklin may
have had a motive.

Apparently, there was
something going on

between his wife, Allison
and Clark Blanchard.

Now, wait a minute,
Jessica. Clark was no saint.

Sure, some other people
may have wanted him dead.

But right now Margo Saunders

is negotiating
with the DA's office

to plead Ginny guilty
to third-degree murder.

Well, I'm sorry, Paul,
but I just don't believe it.

I think that she's just
frightened and confused.

Why would Ginny plead guilty
to something she didn't do?

Well, I'm not sure.

Maybe because Margo
has convinced her

she has a better
chance pleading guilty.

And I have this gnawing feeling

that it's something else.

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

Paul, I have to talk to you.

Mrs. Fletcher.

Well, hello, Scott.
What can I do for you?

You can drop the
charges against my mother.

She didn't kill Clark.

I did.

Hold on a second, Scott.

Do you want an attorney present?

I don't need a lawyer.

Scott,

are you doing this
because of your mother?

No! I mean, yes.

I don't want her taking the
heat for something that I did.

Well, why don't you
tell us what happened?

I went to the beach house to pick
up a tennis racket that I needed.

I didn't think Clark
was gonna be there.

But he was. He'd been drinking.

He started giving
me some crap, okay?

We got into it pretty good.

I told him if he ever laid a
finger on my mother again

he'd have to deal with me.

That's when he
threatened to kill me.

(CLEARS THROAT)

He made a threat
against your life?

Yeah.

Paul, it was self-defense.

He pulled a gun on me,

said he was gonna
blow my brains out.

A gun? What kind of gun?

I don't know. A revolver.

I guess it was a .38.

Anyway, that's
when I hit him, hard.

He went down and hit his head

on the corner of the fireplace.

I could tell he
was hurt real bad.

And there was blood everywhere.

And how did he get to the car?

I don't know. I left.

I guess he must have
dragged himself to the car.

I guess he bled to death.

Why didn't you call the police?

Or call for an ambulance?

I don't know.

I thought he was dead.

I just wanted to
get out of there.

Look, Paul, like I
said, he tried to kill me.

It was self-defense.

About the revolver,

Paul, was it found at the scene?

No.

Oh, that's because
I took it with me.

And where is it now?

I threw it in the
ocean, later on.

Paul, could I have a
word with you, privately?

Jessica, we've been over
everything here with tweezers.

But if you want to
have another look, fine.

Maybe you'll see
something we missed.

I don't even know what
I'm looking for, Paul.

Something that
makes sense, I guess.

You see, I just can't
believe Scott's story.

I think he's making it
all up to protect Ginny.

Yeah, that business about the
revolver seems pretty convenient.

Not to mention transparent.

I mean, it's as if he made
it up to prove self-defense.

I mean, look, there's
not even any blood here

on these sharp
angles of the fireplace

and he didn't even
mention the missing poker.

I think that he was guessing
about how Clark died.

And what about the bloody purse?

Maybe Scott was here,
got into a fight with Clark

and then maybe Ginny came later.

Maybe Scott phoned her.

Well, I don't know.

But there's definitely
a pattern here.

If we can just sort it out.

I mean, why was Clark
here in the first place?

He was supposed
to be in Los Angeles.

That door was open,

and there were fresh
traces of sand on that deck.

And why move
his body to the car?

Maybe Clark was
trying to get away

from his killer and
got as far as his car.

The bloody handprint on
this rail and the doorjamb,

were they Clark's?

Yes, they were.

You know, there's another
possible scenario here.

Suppose someone
entered after Ginny left.

Suppose there was a fight
and Clark was hit with a poker.

Okay.

And suppose the assailant
tried to get Clark to a hospital.

I mean, the bloody
handprint suggests

that Clark was on his feet here

and when he went
through the door,

probably supported
by his assailant,

who would have gotten blood,
incidentally, all over his clothes.

But if he was
trying to help Clark,

why didn't he get
him to a hospital?

Perhaps because
Clark died in the car.

I mean, there'd be no
point in taking him anywhere.

And now it becomes murder.

It makes sense up to a point.

Why didn't the assailant
just phone for an ambulance?

Well, because Clark had torn the
phone out when Ginny was here.

Paul, where is that phone?

In the evidence lock-up.

Well, there doesn't seem to
be any blood on the telephone,

which tends to
back up Ginny's story

that she left before
Clark was struck.

Okay, but there was
blood on her purse.

But she says she left it
there when she ran out.

Clark, or somebody else,
handled the purse after he was hit.

Look, the telephone
has a redial button.

Care to try a little experiment?

The last number he dialed
might still be in the memory.

Well, it may prove nothing.

But on the other hand, it might
be a key piece to fill in the puzzle.

(RINGING)

Hello.

Hello?

Anybody there?

That was Greg Franklin.

So the last person
Clark phoned was Greg,

who happens to live about
a half mile down the beach.

Paul, it's only a possibility,

but I'm starting to get a hunch

about what might have happened.

It's something that
Dane Kenderson told me.

GREG: Mrs. Fletcher,
Paul, come in.

Can I get you anything?

I was just about to mix
up a pitcher of martinis.

No, thanks, Greg.

We just stopped by to
tie up some loose ends.

Well, how about
you, Mrs. Fletcher?

Oh, nothing for me, thanks.

Now, if I've got it right,

you were in San Francisco
the night Clark was murdered.

GREG: Well, that's
right. In fact, Allison and I

ran into Mrs. Fletcher
and Ginny in a restaurant

about an hour before my flight.

Isn't that right, darling?

Yes, I drove him to the airport.

But why all the questions?

I mean, Scott has
confessed, hasn't he?

It's an hour in the air from
Santa Barbara to San Francisco.

Greg, can you prove
you stayed over that night?

Well, of course I can.
But why should I have to?

I just want to get
all the facts straight.

What are you
doing, Mrs. Fletcher?

I was noticing this poker.

Did you know that according
to the medical examiner,

it was a poker like this
that was used to inflict

the fatal blow to Clark's head?

No, I didn't know.

Well, it's been rather
warm for a fire lately.

But I suppose near the ocean

it gets rather cool at night.

Greg, a solid alibi would
sure put my mind at ease.

Now the way I see it, you
had a pretty good motive.

The story is that Clark

and Allison were
having an affair.

That's a lie!

All right, I knew about
it. But I didn't kill him.

I was in San Francisco
and I can prove it.

I spent the night with
a friend. And she...

She can vouch for me.

But who can vouch
for you, Allison?

Me? What are you talking about?

I'm talking about murder.

You see, there were so many little
things that didn't make any sense

until you put them all together.

Clark sent Greg to San
Francisco on business,

and told his wife that he
was going to Los Angeles...

It's an old, old story.

But I suspect that Clark had
other plans for the evening.

Plans to see you, Allison.

Absolutely not!

The last number that he
dialed from the beach house

was to the phone in this house.

But he knew that Greg was away.

It's only a 10-minute walk
down the beach from here.

Allison, I remember that pretty
white dress that you were wearing

when Ginny and I met you
and Greg at the restaurant.

You know the one. The pretty
silk one, with the brass buckle?

Where is it?

I... I sent it to
the dry cleaners.

No. No, I don't think so.

I think that you burned it,
right here, in the fireplace.

Because it must have been
badly stained with Clark's blood.

The dress burned.

But the buckle didn't.

I think you must have
arrived after Ginny left.

Perhaps Clark was upset.

At any rate, I think
that you quarreled.

Did he hit you?

He was drunk, abusive.

I'd never seen
him like that before.

He called me a slut,

said that I was using him to
advance my husband in the firm.

I slapped him.

He went crazy.

He grabbed me around the throat.

And I managed to push him
off but he came after me again,

and somehow the
poker was in my hand.

He just laid there, bleeding.

I was so frightened.

I wanted to call
an ambulance or...

But the phone was torn out.

Yes. And then he came to.

He wanted me to
take him to the hospital.

He got the car keys
out of Ginny's purse

and I got him up on his feet

and helped him to the car.

But when I got him into
the car, he passed out again,

and he wasn't breathing anymore.

And I ran all the way
home along the beach.

I threw the poker
into the ocean.

Well, Allison, we
better get you a lawyer.

It looks like you've got a pretty
good case for self-defense.

I wish you could stay, Jessica,

but I know how busy you are.

That's what you
need to do, keep busy.

Yes. Yes, you're right.

It's strange.

It's as if some terrible weight
has been lifted from me.

I know.

You really thought that
Scott had done it, didn't you?

Ironic, isn't it?

And he thought I'd killed Clark.

He's a fine young man.

Have you thought about
what you're gonna do?

Are you gonna write
more children's books?

Perhaps, when I'm ready.

Oh, Jessica, thank
you for being here.

I don't think I told you this,

but when I saw Clark that night,

I told him I was
gonna leave him.

(CAR HORN HONKING)

That's my cab.

Oh, Jessica. Wait.

I think I'd better let you
in on our little conspiracy.

Paul Stratton called. He's
taking you to the airport.

And I think I'd better warn you.

He said something
about taking his vacation

on the East Coast this year.