Quincy M.E. (1976–1983): Season 8, Episode 9 - Across the Line - full transcript
An innocent woman has been gunned down,
and somebody has to be held accountable.
If Taggart's guilty, that
makes him a lousy cop.
That car tried to run me down.
She never tried to hit him.
The car went outta
control when he killed her.
You didn't hear Monahan, or
know anything about the hostage,
because you were out getting
an alcoholic beverage on duty!
If you let him down,
he'll be just as dead as the person
who tried to run him down with that car.
I hope you're not gonna go into
cahoots with the police and lie about this.
Whoever's responsible for your
wife's death, won't get away with it.
Gentlemen, you
are about to enter
the most fascinating
sphere of police work,
the world of forensic medicine.
King Five, any action?
We've had two cars in the lot,
both being driven by females.
Nothing else.
King Four, you got anything yet?
Doesn't look good.
We've got five in sight, but
none of them fit our crooks.
Looks like a
hang-up from in here.
What do you think?
- Wanna hang it up?
- Hold your position
till we hear from inside.
All units...
we've got another 15
minutes before they close.
Damn it, stay alert!
Team one, I've got action.
They're inside, two petties.
Repeat, I've got action.
It's going down now.
Okay, listen up.
Number one has a shotgun.
The other is armed
with an automatic.
They'll be moving in towards
the door in just a second.
Watch the tall one.
He's eyeballing everything.
Okay bring the van out.
We're rolling, we're on our way.
Okay, you guys should have
him now, they're at the door.
- What's wrong?
- I dunno.
That truck, I don't like it.
If that door opens, you let
go with everything you got.
They made us.
I'm sure of it. Better move
now before they rabbit!
Okay, but wait for a move.
Police officers, throw
down your weapons.
Frank, that Firebird.
How'd it get through?
Hold your fire!
Damn it, hold your fire!
- Get moving.
- Please... Please dont.
I said get moving now!
Jackson, they're coming at you.
A red and white Firebird. He's got
a female hostage, repeat, hostage
You and Taggart tail
and give the bird a fix.
Jackson 10-4.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Well, what do you think?
I think it was a bad shooting, the crook
gets away and the hostage gets killed.
How about saving the
incriminations for later?
Do you think the
suspect killed her?
No educated guesses, you're
gonna have to wait for the autopsy.
I'm only asking for an opinion.
Do you think the suspect
who got away shot her?
Is it for the media? Are you
trying to find a way to pacify them?
Yeah, I think I got something
that might help, yeah, sure.
Specially after last
week's shooting.
Don't talk to me
about last week.
Your office created
its own problems.
Now, the cop that shot that 16 year
old should've been held accountable.
I didn't have enough
evidence to file charges.
It was an injustice
and you know it.
In whose eyes?
The media, or yours?
I told you, I thought it
was an unjust... All right.
If a cop gunned this woman
down, are you gonna file a case?
Don't talk to me about
justice or injustice.
You bring me the evidence,
and I'll file charges. Okay?
Hey, Doc, what does it
look like? What do you think?
I think you need the services
of a very good attorney.
Captain.
For the record this autopsy
is being witnessed by
Captain R. Bittles of
Internal Affairs, LAPD.
Is my presence here annoying?
No, not personally,
it's what you represent.
Well, Doctor, Internal Affairs polices the
police so believe me, I'm not the enemy.
It says here the bank was staked
out form an anonymous phone tip and
the victim strayed through
the police barricades
and was taken hostage by
the suspect, who escaped.
Hard to believe he could've
escaped through an army of cops.
Wouldn't be the first time.
But read a little further.
You'll see that the other suspect's
down the hall waiting for an autopsy.
He wasn't quite so lucky.
Neither was this
person, Captain.
She didn't have any luck at all,
and she didn't rob a bank.
The bullet hit her exactly
in the center of the forehead.
That's quite a shot
through the windshield.
There's glass all
along the bullet track.
There it is.
A lead slug.
Looks like a standard
police issue .38.
Yes, it does.
And you think it's from
Taggart's service revolver?
Yes, I do.
You can't lay this
on anybody else.
I just asked you a
simple question, Doctor.
If it's one of ours,
then it's very important to me.
You know why I'm annoyed
that you're here, Captain?
I think it's all for show.
No matter what
evidence I give you,
I don't think you'll press a
criminal case against Taggart.
I think you'll go back
to the Department
and you'll handle it very nicely and
very quietly and sweep it under the rug.
I don't give a damn
what you think.
You couldn't be
further from the truth.
If Taggart's guilty, that
makes him a lousy cop.
And I want him punished
worse than you do.
I guess some people are
just born under an unlucky star.
My wife just never
had any luck at all.
Not as a kid.
And even after she grew up.
Her father was a drunk.
He was kind of a vicious
person who didn't mind
abusing his own children.
Come in.
Excuse me. I've got the
preliminary on the police shooting.
Dr. Quincy, this
is Mr. Tournier.
Oh, I'm sorry...
Dr. Quincy did the medical
examination on your wife.
It's true, isn't it?
The policeman
killed her, didn't he?
The shot was fatal.
They're letting animals
out there on the street.
Animals with guns and badges.
They don't look, they
don't ask, they just shoot.
Well, not really, sometimes
it seems that way.
I can tell you for
sure it is that way.
I hope you're not gonna go into
cahoots with the police and lie about this.
Mr. Tournier, whoever's responsible for
your wife's death won't get away with it.
I promise you that.
I hope so.
Just when she was beginning to have
some kind of life, she was gunned down.
Quince, for the record,
there was never a doubt in my
mind that Taggart fired the fatal shot.
But if it was an
issue, you've settled it.
Then file a case. For God's
sake, don't sweep it under the rug
like you did with
the sixteen year old.
Let a jury decide
this one. A jury...
I couldn't get this before
a preliminary hearing.
The issue here is not
who fired the fatal shot,
but why Taggart fired.
Address that question, then let
the people of the state decide why.
It has been addressed.
Let me explain something to you.
In the majority of these fatal shootings,
the officers take the Fifth Amendment.
And although it's
sometimes frustrating,
it's their constitutional right.
Taggart agreed
to be interviewed,
not by the Department's
people, but by my investigators.
He made a statement.
Now what are the facts?
The facts.
Considering there were no witnesses other
than Taggart and the robber who escaped.
Taggart didn't know a
hostage had been taken,
he was out of the car when
Monahan made the broadcast.
He shouldn't have
been, but he was!
He claims he was nearly run
over, and fired only in self-defense.
Now, do you still think I
could get this before a jury?
All I know is an innocent
woman has been gunned down
- and somebody has to
be held accountable.
- Yes.
Captain Bittles called.
Taggart's been suspended without
pay. He faces a Board of Rights hearing.
They could fire him.
It's not enough.
♪ Happy birthday to
you, Happy birthday to you.
♪ Happy birthday, dear Burt.
♪ Happy birthday to you. ♪
Speaking of birthdays,
isn't yours coming up soon?
- It's come and gone.
- And we didn't celebrate it?
I don't celebrate birthdays
anymore. I mourn them.
Quincy, Monahan's up front.
Wants to know if he can join you.
Since when does he start asking?
You know how strange cops are.
He's got someone with him.
I guess he just didn't
want to barge in.
Come on.
Monahan doesn't
want to barge in?
Will wonders never cease?
Hi, Quince.
I don't think your friend would
feel very comfortable here.
That's for you guys to work out.
Come on, Sam, I'll buy.
I'm not here to socialize.
I've been suspended
by the Department
and I'm facing a trial board.
I asked Burns to file on you.
I think it was a bad shooting,
You killed the wrong
person. It's just that simple.
Look, I'm not
apologizing for my actions.
That car was trying
to run me down.
And if it happened
again tomorrow,
I'd react in just the same way.
And I'd ask Burns
to file on you again.
You see, I really
think you're guilty.
That's why I want you.
To do what?
Defend me.
Sit down.
What's the gimmick?
No gimmick.
Look, Dr. Quincy,
I know there's been some bad shootings
lately, but this isn't one of them.
The Department wants
to make me a scapegoat.
Your Board of Rights
will give you a fair shake.
Oh, come on, do
you believe that?
They do what the Chief wants.
And right now he wants out
from under the media's spotlight.
They asked me to
resign three times.
You know what that means?
That means they want me
to throw away eighteen years.
I'm forty-three. What do I
do with the rest of my life?
Taggart,
everything I've seen, everything
I found, nailed you to the wall.
It's all circumstantial. It has
to be because I'm innocent.
You're a fair man, Dr. Quincy.
Stubborn, but fair.
And you're a damn
good pathologist.
Now, if you could
uncover anything
they'd have to listen to you,
and maybe we could
turn this thing around.
And if what I find only
corroborates my opinion?
Fine.
Then I'll resign. Gladly.
She was southbound,
accelerating maybe forty...
I fired a warning shot.
Car swerves across the line
comes right towards
me, it's gonna hit me.
And that's when I
fired the second shot.
Could you see the driver?
Make out if it was a woman?
All I knew is there were
two people in the car.
And you didn't know Mrs.
Tournier had been taken hostage?
I was out of the car. I heard the
shots and I figured it was going down.
Why?
- Why what?
- Why were you outta the car?
A couple of kids strayed
into our stake-out.
They were heading
right for the bank.
My partner stayed. I got
out to chase them away.
Okay, I'll look into it.
If you're telling me the truth I'll
go to the end of the line with you,
but if you're lying,
you better resign.
I'm telling the truth.
That's a deal.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
Sorry, I thought it would
only take half an hour.
- Quince...
- Monahan call?
- Yeah, about thirty
minutes ago. Quince.
- He have anything?
He said to tell you
he's still checking.
Hand me the
clipboard. What is it?
Will you please
listen for a minute?
Asten's been looking
all over for you.
He's been in here three times.
Because I'm an hour late?
Because you're
defending Taggart!
- Burns called too,
he thinks you flipped.
- And for the record, so do I.
It doesn't take long for
word to get around, does it?
Mind if I ask how you found out?
Taggart notified Captain
Burns that you were his...
Defense representative?
- And Bittles called you?
- Look, my friend,
you can't wear two hats.
Either you're a Medical
Examiner for the county, or
you pursue this ridiculous
plan to defend that policeman.
One or the other, but not both!
What does that mean? That means
if you intend to proceed with this,
attempt at playing Clarence Darrow,
then you're officially on leave.
I see. Captain Bittles has
applied a little pressure.
Quincy, you don't
seem to understand.
This amounts to a conflict
of interest on your part.
- No, it doesn't.
- And Burns agrees.
I could acknowledge the conflict
if Mrs. Tournier hadn't already
been autopsied.
But we're finished.
Okay, what exactly
are we saying here?
Are we saying that
you definitely intend
to go ahead with Sergeant
Taggart's defense?
I guess I am.
Why?
Because he asked me to even
though he knows I think he's guilty.
Quincy, you know,
with all due respect,
you have a facility that
only the truly looney possess,
the ability to look reality smack in
the face, and then totally disregard it.
You're on leave.
Is that with pay or without pay?
It's without.
I figured.
We have an old saying within
the Department, Dr. Quincy.
If you're dirty, you
get outside help.
So do yourself a favor,
stay out of this.
Let us handle it.
Could I see his file?
No, I can't do that.
You know, it's not
like the old days.
The Chief,
and more important, the people
will no longer tolerate
trigger-happy cops.
Maybe Taggart was right...
It'll be the Chief, and not the Board,
that decides his guilt or innocence.
I have a very strong case here.
There was excessive force used, and
that caused the death of an innocent woman.
Suppose Clive ordered her, at
gunpoint, to run Taggart down.
And like he said, he
fired in self-defense.
Do you believe that?
Then why are you
representing him?
Why is everybody so surprised that
I want Taggart to get a fair hearing?
Okay, as long as we're being
straight, I'll show you something.
Much of our case rests on disproving
his claim that he fired in self-defense.
To do that we have to establish
his position in the
roadway at the time he fired.
Take a look inside.
Beer cans?
We found them in the gutter
on the east side of the street.
What's your point?
My point is we lifted
Taggart's prints off these cans.
The owner of a
liquor store will testify
that Taggart bought them just a
minute or so before the shooting began.
Now here's what I think.
Taggart exited the store,
saw the speeding car
coming from the bank,
dropped the beer
cans, and fired the shot.
She never tried to hit him.
The car went out of
control when he killed her!
That's right. You must
have been surprised.
Hi, Sam.
Hi, Lieutenant.
What are you doing
working so late?
What does it look
like I'm doing?
I'm filling in for Quincy, that
I think you've begin
to sound like him too.
Well, I brought it on myself.
Without Quincy the work
here just piles up to the ceiling.
Well, I suppose then you haven't
got the results on that Dolan case.
You suppose right, maybe
tomorrow afternoon, late.
- If you're lucky.
- Thanks a lot.
Lieutenant, do you
remember my uncle Kachi?
Kachi? Of course I do.
He's the head teller down at that
traveler's bank on 12th street, right?
He was head teller, he just
phoned to tell me he retired today
and they're throwing a big bash for him,
you know dinner dance with an orchestra.
And they're even gonna
give him a gold watch.
No kiddin', wow... Must have
worked there a long time, huh?
20 years.
20 years? I've
been a cop for 25!
- Well, that's nice.
- That's nice?
This Saturday I'm celebrating
my 25th anniversary!
I don't see anybody
throwing me a party.
You know what Quincy would say?
What?
He'd say something's you
don't celebrate, you mourn.
Very funny.
25 years.
I don't believe it.
I've been expecting you.
My friend Bittles just called. I
figured you were on your way.
You stiffed me!
Made an absolute fool out of me!
You lied right through your teeth!
Not about the shooting.
Look, we'd been in that car
since before the bank opened.
It was about a
hundred in the shade.
I didn't think there was anything
wrong if I stepped out to get a cold drink.
You didn't hear Monahan, or
know anything about the hostage,
because you were out getting
an alcoholic beverage on duty!
Quincy, everything I told you, the
car swerving over and trying to hit me.
Look, if I told you about the beer
up front, what would you have done?
What I'm gonna do now, walk.
Then what am I supposed to do?
What everybody
wants you to do, resign.
Hi, honey.
What a day.
The boss was on
the edge of his nerves.
I'll get dinner.
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
It's all over, baby.
The job,
the pension,
and you can forget about
that little house by the ocean.
It's all gone.
What happened?
Dr. Quincy's not going
to defend me. He quit.
Well, that really doesn't surprise
me. He never was on your side.
You shouldn't have gone
outside the Department.
I went to him because there was
nobody on my side inside the Department.
No, Quincy was the right guy.
Why did he quit?
He found out that I lied to
him about going for the beer.
Why did you lie, honey?
Cause I was scared!
They had my back
against the wall.
They were gonna throw me to
the media like a sacrificial lamb.
They don't have
rules to this game.
You think this is a game, tell the truth
and you go to the head of the class?
When the hell are
you going to grow up?
I'll fix dinner.
Baby, I'm sorry.
Look,
I've been sitting here all day,
just feeling sorry for myself
and thinking why can't I get
any luck? What is this luck?
Then I think about you and
the hole in my gut goes away.
And I wait for you to
come through that door
and what happens?
You walk in and I jump
all over you. I'm sorry.
You don't scare me, tiger.
Tell me something.
Why did you ever marry
an old geezer cop like me?
What did I tell you?
Because I fell in love with a
side of you that nobody else saw.
Oh, yeah?
What side is that?
Come here.
The gentle side.
You know,
I mean, not being a cop
is not the end of the world.
It's not the same
anymore anyway.
I mean, you gotta
be a politician.
A yes man.
It's just not clean anymore.
You know, I was always
good with my hands
and I'm a wiz with motors, you
know that, even if I say so myself.
May be I could call
my nephew Mike.
He's got that little garage
gas station downtown.
Maybe he needs help.
You're going to pump gas?
Sure, why not?
Well, there's nothing wrong with it
for somebody else, but not for you.
What's the matter with me?
Brian, some people are born
with a special talent, you know?
They don't have to figure out what they're
going to do with the rest of their lives,
their talent does it for them.
You're a cop.
You can never be anything else.
Not a mechanic,
not a salesman.
You're a cop.
And no matter what anybody says,
you're one of the best.
Bob, when you finish outside,
get yourself some chow.
I'm sorry, lady, we're not
open for another three hours.
I was told Dr. Quincy
might be here.
Lieutenant Monahan told me that,
he said I might be able to talk to him.
This early in the morning
he's a big brown bear.
It's important.
All right, come on.
Maybe he won't bite.
Excuse me, Quincy
Lady said it was important.
- Yes?
- Dr. Quincy, I'm Jean Taggart,
Brian's wife.
Would you mind if I sit and
talk with you for a minute?
Brian tells me you dumped him.
He lied to me.
He's scared.
I'm afraid he has
a reason to be.
If you believe that it's because
you have been brainwashed
by Lieutenant Bittles.
Bittles and his friends
at Internal Affairs.
No.
I've looked at the facts in
the case and I'm convinced
that he murdered
an innocent woman.
Did you really look, Dr. Quincy?
Really exhaust
every possibility?
He came to you because of
your reputation as a digger.
Now I get the feeling you've already
written him off as the man that gets
drunk on duty and shoots a service
revolver for the sheer sake of enjoyment.
I'm sorry.
I promised myself I
wasn't going to act like this.
I understand.
Believe me, I did dig
and I could not find
anything to back his story.
And it's not just me, I've heard
people in the Department criticize him.
That's because he's not afraid to
open his mouth and tell the truth.
Or take responsibility for
making unpopular decisions.
And you know what
really gets them?
He likes police work so much,
he doesn't spend every minute
studying for promotion exams
that would get him off the street
and behind some nice safe desk.
Obviously you feel
that way, you're his wife.
Oh, God, if I thought he was
capable of killing an innocent person,
I wouldn't be his wife.
Help him, please!
I'm begging you.
Not because he's my husband,
but because he's a good man
and a good cop and he
doesn't deserve to be railroaded.
If you let him down,
he'll be just as dead as the person
who tried to run him down with that car.
- Sam.
- Hey, Quince!
I thought you were on leave.
I was until 4:00
yesterday afternoon.
Hearings aren't over
already, are they?
Hearing's not even started yet.
When they do,
it'll be without me.
I take that you're not
going to defend Taggart.
There isn't any defense.
It's a flimsy case
to begin with.
The more I dug, the more I
fell upon like a diseased tooth.
So, you're off it completely?
He'd be better off with somebody
from his own department anyway,
I was beginning
to feel like a misfit,
like I was sticking my
nose where it didn't belong.
Then how come you look
like you've just been to funeral?
May be it's because your coffee
doesn't taste so good this morning.
Come on, Quince.
I've known you
a long, long time.
Well, Taggart's wife came
to see me this morning.
A really nice lady.
I tried to tell her there was
no evidence to back his story.
He had been involved in
other questionable shootings.
He lied to me, he
brought beer on duty.
She still made me feel guilty.
Well, I don't know if this is
gonna help or add to your pain
but I just came up with something
that seems a little peculiar.
What?
John Sneed, the suspect
killed outside the bank.
- Yeah.
- He had a blood
alcohol level of .04.
So, what's peculiar about that?
He probably drank some courage
before he strapped on his guns.
Well, I suppose you're right,
but what's really strange is that
Sally Tournier had a level of .07.
- You're sure about that?
- I double checked.
And I found alcohol in
both their stomach contents.
15 grams in his,
9 grams in hers.
Sam, the robbery went
down at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Do you think they were
drinking before then?
Together?
The hostage and the thief?
Well, you tell me.
You make the big
bucks around here.
The prodigal son returns.
Paula just called me
from the first call area,
said you were back, a
sadder but wiser man.
Quincy, I am just delighted,
I really needed you.
Boy, we've been jammed up around
here, I don't know what we're gonna do.
Okay, now here's a burnt
case, this one is a hit and run.
This one you'll like but...
Quincy?
Quincy?
Damn it, Quincy, you're right.
This is too good just
to be coincidental.
Our hostage is one
of the bank robbers.
Both with measurable levels of
alcohol in the stomach contents.
Now what does your cop
instinct tell you about that?
They were drinking and
they were both in and together.
And I'll bet you a year's pay
Tournier wasn't a hostage at all,
- she was part of the game.
- Lets go talk to her husband.
I can't believe you guys
have come out here and
have the guts to
say those things.
Mr. Tournier, we just wanted
to ask some routine questions.
Routine, hell. You accuse my
wife of being the damn bank robber.
All we said was that she and Sneed
had some drinks before the robbery.
Together, you made it seem
like they had drinks together.
Maybe you didn't know
anything about her.
Were there any periods of her
time that you could not account for?
No, never a second.
When she wasn't at work at the
restaurant she was home with me.
And I can even tell you why she
probably had a couple of drinks.
We had a little fight, a tiff. At
the restaurant where she works.
Before she left for home, she probably had
the bartender pour her a couple of drinks.
Maybe she had something
on the way home.
I see.
Yeah, and I see too.
Don't think I'm so stupid, I
don't know why you're here.
You'd do anything to
save your trigger-happy pal.
That man's gonna pay.
If it takes the rest of my life,
he's gonna pay for killing Sally.
I guess he was a little hot.
Do you feel the same way?
Wait a minute, that doesn't
mean she wasn't part of the gang.
Maybe he didn't
know anything about it.
Tell you what.
I want you to check
all the bank robberies
that took place in the
county in the past year.
See if there was a female Caucasian
driving for two male suspects.
Thank God for computers.
I'll tell you who can
get us all the answers.
The suspect who got away.
His name was John Clive.
Sneed's half-brother. By now he
could be any place in the country.
Yeah, but we need him here.
Right now.
January 17.
See the woman about a 586
in the alley of
the rear of 1122...
Sure you guys don't
want any coffee?
No, thanks.
Would you believe there are 17
impound lots like this around the city?
Cars used in every kind
of crime you can think of.
17 museums full of bullet
holes and blood stains.
Gives you an idea of
the toilet we work in.
- How'd you do?
- Not so hot.
I was hoping to find a whisky bottle.
Something we can run for both the prints.
Don't think that's
gonna help us.
This was a waste of time.
Should have figured the police would
have found anything that was there.
They probably went over
this with a fine tooth comb.
Hey, Quincy, We lucked in.
They spotted John Clive
in the Silver Light district.
He tried to hold
up a liquor store.
What did we finally
do that was right?
What happened?
You wanted John
Clive, Lieutenant?
Here he comes.
Tried to hold up a liquor store.
Manager was ready
with a .38 special.
Shot Clive right where he stood
Oh, that's terrific,
really terrific.
What's bugging him?
Try not to mention.
We just lost our only sure
chance to saving Brian Taggart.
Sergeant Brian. A.
Taggart, serial number 8330.
The Department alleges that
on November 29th of this year
at approximately 15:45 hours
you did use excessive force
against the person of Sally Tournier?
How do you plead?
The accused pleads not guilty.
Mr. Chairman, we ask
for one week's continuance
so I may have time to
properly prepare defense
and familiarize myself
with the Board's procedures.
Dr. Quincy.
The fact that you are not familiar
with the Board of Rights procedure
is no concern of ours.
However,
we want Sergeant Taggart to have
as much leniency as we can give him.
So we are granting
him a continuance.
But only for 48 hours.
Until then this board
stands adjourned.
No, no, honey. Don't wait up.
Looks like Quincy and I are
gonna be here all night, yeah.
No, well, I just thought I ought to
call you and get something to eat.
Yeah, I know, but listen, that's
the way a cop's life is, right?
No, nobody has said
anything about a party.
I guess 25 years
doesn't mean that much.
No, no, I don't want you
to call anybody about it.
Look, sweetheart, it's
really no big deal, okay?
Yeah.
Look, I'm just gonna play poker
with Quincy and the boys, just like,
you know, just like
any other night, okay?
Okay, sweetheart. Good night.
Look,
I was in the car with Brian before
the bank robbery went down.
It was my idea for
him to get the beer.
- So?
- So,
what if I testify to that?
Wouldn't help, the beer
is not the important issue.
All we have to attack
is the excessive force.
Which wouldn't be
excessive if we could prove
that the car crossed the
line and tried to run me down.
Now that Clive is dead, the
only way we can prove that
is connecting Sally
Tournier with the gang.
Good luck.
Can we check the
skid marks again?
I've already done
that three times.
So have I, so have
Internal Affairs.
They aren't any.
Let's hear it for the computer.
We've got six bank
robberies in the past year.
All the way from Boyle Heights
and a couple more up north.
Two male Caucasians went inside.
The getaway car was driven by a female
who could fit Mrs. Tournier's description.
Any ID on the males?
Pretty mix, pretty scrambled.
Could be Clive, could be
Sneed, could be you and me.
Great, file that
under M for nothing.
Let's go back to the beginning.
You cover this robbery because
you got an anonymous tip, right?
- Phone call.
- And you record those,
don't you?
Everything that comes in.
Then why don't we find it?
Come on, Quincy, it'd take us
a week to sort through that stuff.
We only have 24 hours.
Then what are we sitting
around wasting time for?
Every minute of every one
of those hours counts, call.
Here, chicken
broth is all he had.
You know the guy that
services that place out there?
That will make you drink a
gallon of this stuff without stopping.
Damn hot.
Hold it there, will you?
Take it to the top of
the call, put 'em on.
Yeah, that's it,
that's the call.
And I bet you every penny
you've got I know who it is.
- Where you going?
- To get some shuteye.
I've gotta do three
weeks' work in one day.
Terrible truth is that
policeman who killed her was out buying
beer instead of being where he belonged.
Mr. Chairman, the Department has
no further questions for Mr. Tournier.
I would like to thank
him for appearing here,
I know how difficult it
must've been for him.
I'd just like to say
one more thing.
I didn't think I was ever gonna
get a fair shake from the police.
But I take all that back.
You people have
been sensational.
And I know that
you'll keep that sick person off the
streets before he hurts somebody else.
Dr. Quincy,
does the accused wish
to examine the witness?
Yes, I do.
Mr. Tournier, you're suing
the Police Department
for a million and a half
dollars, is that right?
It won't bring
Sally back, will it?
I don't think it's
relevant to this issue.
Right, please go on with
the defense, Mr. Quincy.
Yes, sir.
You work for the street
maintenance department, is that right?
- Yes.
- You use a street sweeper?
You know that.
Could you tell us approximately
what you make a year?
I guess about 18,000.
What are you trying to do, get
me into trouble with the IRS?
No.
I would like to know
the kind of car you drive.
- Car?
- Automobile, what make?
Well, I drive a BMW.
Which you bought
from Coastland Motors
on the 6th of last April?
A new BMW 733 for $32,972.
Something like that.
I saved a long time.
You must have.
It say's in the bill of sale
you paid in cash.
Objection, Mr. Chairman,
who's on trial here?
Sergeant Taggart
or Mr. Tournier's car?
Exactly where are you
going with this, Dr. Quincy?
I'll let you know in
a few minutes but
on behalf of the accused I
would like a little more latitude.
All right, you may proceed
but please make your point.
Thank you.
I did a lot of
digging, Mr. Tournier.
I know interesting
things about you.
You're a ski enthusiast.
You're gonna say there's
anything wrong with that?
No. no, no. It's skiing.
Where do you do it?
I go to Mammoth.
You rent a place up there, you
own a place, what do you do?
Well if you've been doing that
much snooping, you tell me.
I will.
You own a condominium
at 217 Laurel Trail.
The property is valued at $175,000
and once again you paid in cash.
Objection, that's enough.
Dr. Quincy, these
may be important facts
but they are
irrelevant to this case.
Irrelevant?
This witness works for the
street maintenance department.
You heard what he
makes, $18,000 a year.
I have proof in my hands
that he spent over $200,000.
Now I think that the
accused has the right to know
whether Mr. or Mrs. Tournier
had an outside source of income.
- For what reason?
- Because I think
she was contributing
more to the family than
the earnings of a waitress.
To put it in a nut shell, I
believe that her activities
are directly linked to what
happened at that bank.
That's a damn lie.
Dr. Quincy!
I don't want any more of
this, do you understand?
From now on I want
you to be relevant
and I want you to conduct
the proper defense.
Yes, sir.
This time I'd like
to introduce a tape.
The message that came in that
tipped off the robbery was going down.
Any objection?
Not if it's genuine.
I'll leave that up to you.
Police Department,
operator 28 speaking.
I wanna report a robbery.
It's gonna take place tomorrow morning
at the Frasier Bank on Colorado Boulevard.
Can you give me
any more information?
Two men are doing it.
One's name is John Sneed.
The Frasier Bank on Colorado?
Yeah. Two men.
Both of them are armed and
don't care who they have to kill.
What could I do?
I had to stop it some way.
By betraying your wife?
They were gonna kill her,
unless she kept driving.
They were getting her in deeper
and deeper. I couldn't sleep.
But you could sleep
when the bank robberies
were buying you BMWs and condos.
You could sleep as long as you were making
some profit from the illegal activities.
Then she started having
an affair with John Sneed.
No, she loved me, she
would never do that, never.
You know a girl named
Gloria Meadows?
Sure, she was Sally's best friend,
they worked at the restaurant together.
She's in this building, is it
necessary for me to bring her up here
and put her on the stand?
What difference would that make?
You know that answer
better than anybody.
Lieutenant Monahan and I
talked to her for an hour last night.
She told me everything about
your wife and John Sneed.
- Can't prove any of that.
- It's perfectly
clear and simple.
Your wife was a thief, she was
a bank robber, and you knew it.
You know when you spent stolen
money, you were in it up to your ears.
And you had the nerve to
sue the Police Department
for a million and a half dollars
because one of its officers
tried to shoot a car that was
coming down to run him down.
Mr. Chairman.
I have nothing more
to say to this witness.
Absolutely nothing more.
Mr. Tournier, you're excused.
Rest assured, you'll be
contacted for further questions.
Mr. Chairman,
I'd like to make a motion that
the charge of excessive force
against Sergeant
Taggart be withdrawn.
Motion approved,
Captain Bittles.
This hearing is completed.
But Danny, the cake has to be that
big. There are gonna be that many people.
And don't you give it away, I'll
never forgive you if you give it away.
Yeah, I'll take care of
everything else, I promise.
Okay, bye.
Look,
I'm not very good at this but
I just wanted to
tell you that I...
If you wanna thank me
go to the nearest florist
and pick out a dozen of the biggest
most beautiful roses you can find.
Then take them home to
your wife. Give her a big kiss.
And then take her out
for a candle light dinner.
Because she's the reason
I stuck with your case.
You gotta deal.
What's the matter, you
upset about Taggart?
No.
He deserved a 90 days
suspension for leaving his post.
The only important thing is
he got cleared from the killing.
It's your deal, you wanna deal?
No, no, let somebody else
deal, I'm always dealing.
What's the matter?
Nothing's wrong, am I acting
like there's something wrong?
You act like you've
been in hibernation.
Danny, can I have
a ham sandwich?
Sorry, kitchen's closed.
Closed, what... What's going
on, the kitchen's never closed.
The kitchen's closed.
Otherwise I would be there making
sandwiches instead of teaching you guys
how to play poker. Deal, deal.
You like that? Nothing to eat.
Sam, why are you so cranky?
Forget about it, deal me out.
- You wanna know
why I'm cranky?
- Yeah.
I'll tell you why I'm cranky.
Everybody here has
anniversaries, dont they?
You have an
anniversary, you have an
anniversary on this
beautiful place of yours.
You have an anniversary with your wife, you
have an... Everybody has an anniversary.
I've been 25 years
with the LAPD today
and nobody said
happy anniversary.
Look, I'm upset, I'm going home,
I'll see you tomorrow, thanks a lot.
For he's a jolly good fellow,
for he's a jolly good fellow,
For he's a jolly good fellow
That nobody can deny.
and somebody has to be held accountable.
If Taggart's guilty, that
makes him a lousy cop.
That car tried to run me down.
She never tried to hit him.
The car went outta
control when he killed her.
You didn't hear Monahan, or
know anything about the hostage,
because you were out getting
an alcoholic beverage on duty!
If you let him down,
he'll be just as dead as the person
who tried to run him down with that car.
I hope you're not gonna go into
cahoots with the police and lie about this.
Whoever's responsible for your
wife's death, won't get away with it.
Gentlemen, you
are about to enter
the most fascinating
sphere of police work,
the world of forensic medicine.
King Five, any action?
We've had two cars in the lot,
both being driven by females.
Nothing else.
King Four, you got anything yet?
Doesn't look good.
We've got five in sight, but
none of them fit our crooks.
Looks like a
hang-up from in here.
What do you think?
- Wanna hang it up?
- Hold your position
till we hear from inside.
All units...
we've got another 15
minutes before they close.
Damn it, stay alert!
Team one, I've got action.
They're inside, two petties.
Repeat, I've got action.
It's going down now.
Okay, listen up.
Number one has a shotgun.
The other is armed
with an automatic.
They'll be moving in towards
the door in just a second.
Watch the tall one.
He's eyeballing everything.
Okay bring the van out.
We're rolling, we're on our way.
Okay, you guys should have
him now, they're at the door.
- What's wrong?
- I dunno.
That truck, I don't like it.
If that door opens, you let
go with everything you got.
They made us.
I'm sure of it. Better move
now before they rabbit!
Okay, but wait for a move.
Police officers, throw
down your weapons.
Frank, that Firebird.
How'd it get through?
Hold your fire!
Damn it, hold your fire!
- Get moving.
- Please... Please dont.
I said get moving now!
Jackson, they're coming at you.
A red and white Firebird. He's got
a female hostage, repeat, hostage
You and Taggart tail
and give the bird a fix.
Jackson 10-4.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Well, what do you think?
I think it was a bad shooting, the crook
gets away and the hostage gets killed.
How about saving the
incriminations for later?
Do you think the
suspect killed her?
No educated guesses, you're
gonna have to wait for the autopsy.
I'm only asking for an opinion.
Do you think the suspect
who got away shot her?
Is it for the media? Are you
trying to find a way to pacify them?
Yeah, I think I got something
that might help, yeah, sure.
Specially after last
week's shooting.
Don't talk to me
about last week.
Your office created
its own problems.
Now, the cop that shot that 16 year
old should've been held accountable.
I didn't have enough
evidence to file charges.
It was an injustice
and you know it.
In whose eyes?
The media, or yours?
I told you, I thought it
was an unjust... All right.
If a cop gunned this woman
down, are you gonna file a case?
Don't talk to me about
justice or injustice.
You bring me the evidence,
and I'll file charges. Okay?
Hey, Doc, what does it
look like? What do you think?
I think you need the services
of a very good attorney.
Captain.
For the record this autopsy
is being witnessed by
Captain R. Bittles of
Internal Affairs, LAPD.
Is my presence here annoying?
No, not personally,
it's what you represent.
Well, Doctor, Internal Affairs polices the
police so believe me, I'm not the enemy.
It says here the bank was staked
out form an anonymous phone tip and
the victim strayed through
the police barricades
and was taken hostage by
the suspect, who escaped.
Hard to believe he could've
escaped through an army of cops.
Wouldn't be the first time.
But read a little further.
You'll see that the other suspect's
down the hall waiting for an autopsy.
He wasn't quite so lucky.
Neither was this
person, Captain.
She didn't have any luck at all,
and she didn't rob a bank.
The bullet hit her exactly
in the center of the forehead.
That's quite a shot
through the windshield.
There's glass all
along the bullet track.
There it is.
A lead slug.
Looks like a standard
police issue .38.
Yes, it does.
And you think it's from
Taggart's service revolver?
Yes, I do.
You can't lay this
on anybody else.
I just asked you a
simple question, Doctor.
If it's one of ours,
then it's very important to me.
You know why I'm annoyed
that you're here, Captain?
I think it's all for show.
No matter what
evidence I give you,
I don't think you'll press a
criminal case against Taggart.
I think you'll go back
to the Department
and you'll handle it very nicely and
very quietly and sweep it under the rug.
I don't give a damn
what you think.
You couldn't be
further from the truth.
If Taggart's guilty, that
makes him a lousy cop.
And I want him punished
worse than you do.
I guess some people are
just born under an unlucky star.
My wife just never
had any luck at all.
Not as a kid.
And even after she grew up.
Her father was a drunk.
He was kind of a vicious
person who didn't mind
abusing his own children.
Come in.
Excuse me. I've got the
preliminary on the police shooting.
Dr. Quincy, this
is Mr. Tournier.
Oh, I'm sorry...
Dr. Quincy did the medical
examination on your wife.
It's true, isn't it?
The policeman
killed her, didn't he?
The shot was fatal.
They're letting animals
out there on the street.
Animals with guns and badges.
They don't look, they
don't ask, they just shoot.
Well, not really, sometimes
it seems that way.
I can tell you for
sure it is that way.
I hope you're not gonna go into
cahoots with the police and lie about this.
Mr. Tournier, whoever's responsible for
your wife's death won't get away with it.
I promise you that.
I hope so.
Just when she was beginning to have
some kind of life, she was gunned down.
Quince, for the record,
there was never a doubt in my
mind that Taggart fired the fatal shot.
But if it was an
issue, you've settled it.
Then file a case. For God's
sake, don't sweep it under the rug
like you did with
the sixteen year old.
Let a jury decide
this one. A jury...
I couldn't get this before
a preliminary hearing.
The issue here is not
who fired the fatal shot,
but why Taggart fired.
Address that question, then let
the people of the state decide why.
It has been addressed.
Let me explain something to you.
In the majority of these fatal shootings,
the officers take the Fifth Amendment.
And although it's
sometimes frustrating,
it's their constitutional right.
Taggart agreed
to be interviewed,
not by the Department's
people, but by my investigators.
He made a statement.
Now what are the facts?
The facts.
Considering there were no witnesses other
than Taggart and the robber who escaped.
Taggart didn't know a
hostage had been taken,
he was out of the car when
Monahan made the broadcast.
He shouldn't have
been, but he was!
He claims he was nearly run
over, and fired only in self-defense.
Now, do you still think I
could get this before a jury?
All I know is an innocent
woman has been gunned down
- and somebody has to
be held accountable.
- Yes.
Captain Bittles called.
Taggart's been suspended without
pay. He faces a Board of Rights hearing.
They could fire him.
It's not enough.
♪ Happy birthday to
you, Happy birthday to you.
♪ Happy birthday, dear Burt.
♪ Happy birthday to you. ♪
Speaking of birthdays,
isn't yours coming up soon?
- It's come and gone.
- And we didn't celebrate it?
I don't celebrate birthdays
anymore. I mourn them.
Quincy, Monahan's up front.
Wants to know if he can join you.
Since when does he start asking?
You know how strange cops are.
He's got someone with him.
I guess he just didn't
want to barge in.
Come on.
Monahan doesn't
want to barge in?
Will wonders never cease?
Hi, Quince.
I don't think your friend would
feel very comfortable here.
That's for you guys to work out.
Come on, Sam, I'll buy.
I'm not here to socialize.
I've been suspended
by the Department
and I'm facing a trial board.
I asked Burns to file on you.
I think it was a bad shooting,
You killed the wrong
person. It's just that simple.
Look, I'm not
apologizing for my actions.
That car was trying
to run me down.
And if it happened
again tomorrow,
I'd react in just the same way.
And I'd ask Burns
to file on you again.
You see, I really
think you're guilty.
That's why I want you.
To do what?
Defend me.
Sit down.
What's the gimmick?
No gimmick.
Look, Dr. Quincy,
I know there's been some bad shootings
lately, but this isn't one of them.
The Department wants
to make me a scapegoat.
Your Board of Rights
will give you a fair shake.
Oh, come on, do
you believe that?
They do what the Chief wants.
And right now he wants out
from under the media's spotlight.
They asked me to
resign three times.
You know what that means?
That means they want me
to throw away eighteen years.
I'm forty-three. What do I
do with the rest of my life?
Taggart,
everything I've seen, everything
I found, nailed you to the wall.
It's all circumstantial. It has
to be because I'm innocent.
You're a fair man, Dr. Quincy.
Stubborn, but fair.
And you're a damn
good pathologist.
Now, if you could
uncover anything
they'd have to listen to you,
and maybe we could
turn this thing around.
And if what I find only
corroborates my opinion?
Fine.
Then I'll resign. Gladly.
She was southbound,
accelerating maybe forty...
I fired a warning shot.
Car swerves across the line
comes right towards
me, it's gonna hit me.
And that's when I
fired the second shot.
Could you see the driver?
Make out if it was a woman?
All I knew is there were
two people in the car.
And you didn't know Mrs.
Tournier had been taken hostage?
I was out of the car. I heard the
shots and I figured it was going down.
Why?
- Why what?
- Why were you outta the car?
A couple of kids strayed
into our stake-out.
They were heading
right for the bank.
My partner stayed. I got
out to chase them away.
Okay, I'll look into it.
If you're telling me the truth I'll
go to the end of the line with you,
but if you're lying,
you better resign.
I'm telling the truth.
That's a deal.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
Sorry, I thought it would
only take half an hour.
- Quince...
- Monahan call?
- Yeah, about thirty
minutes ago. Quince.
- He have anything?
He said to tell you
he's still checking.
Hand me the
clipboard. What is it?
Will you please
listen for a minute?
Asten's been looking
all over for you.
He's been in here three times.
Because I'm an hour late?
Because you're
defending Taggart!
- Burns called too,
he thinks you flipped.
- And for the record, so do I.
It doesn't take long for
word to get around, does it?
Mind if I ask how you found out?
Taggart notified Captain
Burns that you were his...
Defense representative?
- And Bittles called you?
- Look, my friend,
you can't wear two hats.
Either you're a Medical
Examiner for the county, or
you pursue this ridiculous
plan to defend that policeman.
One or the other, but not both!
What does that mean? That means
if you intend to proceed with this,
attempt at playing Clarence Darrow,
then you're officially on leave.
I see. Captain Bittles has
applied a little pressure.
Quincy, you don't
seem to understand.
This amounts to a conflict
of interest on your part.
- No, it doesn't.
- And Burns agrees.
I could acknowledge the conflict
if Mrs. Tournier hadn't already
been autopsied.
But we're finished.
Okay, what exactly
are we saying here?
Are we saying that
you definitely intend
to go ahead with Sergeant
Taggart's defense?
I guess I am.
Why?
Because he asked me to even
though he knows I think he's guilty.
Quincy, you know,
with all due respect,
you have a facility that
only the truly looney possess,
the ability to look reality smack in
the face, and then totally disregard it.
You're on leave.
Is that with pay or without pay?
It's without.
I figured.
We have an old saying within
the Department, Dr. Quincy.
If you're dirty, you
get outside help.
So do yourself a favor,
stay out of this.
Let us handle it.
Could I see his file?
No, I can't do that.
You know, it's not
like the old days.
The Chief,
and more important, the people
will no longer tolerate
trigger-happy cops.
Maybe Taggart was right...
It'll be the Chief, and not the Board,
that decides his guilt or innocence.
I have a very strong case here.
There was excessive force used, and
that caused the death of an innocent woman.
Suppose Clive ordered her, at
gunpoint, to run Taggart down.
And like he said, he
fired in self-defense.
Do you believe that?
Then why are you
representing him?
Why is everybody so surprised that
I want Taggart to get a fair hearing?
Okay, as long as we're being
straight, I'll show you something.
Much of our case rests on disproving
his claim that he fired in self-defense.
To do that we have to establish
his position in the
roadway at the time he fired.
Take a look inside.
Beer cans?
We found them in the gutter
on the east side of the street.
What's your point?
My point is we lifted
Taggart's prints off these cans.
The owner of a
liquor store will testify
that Taggart bought them just a
minute or so before the shooting began.
Now here's what I think.
Taggart exited the store,
saw the speeding car
coming from the bank,
dropped the beer
cans, and fired the shot.
She never tried to hit him.
The car went out of
control when he killed her!
That's right. You must
have been surprised.
Hi, Sam.
Hi, Lieutenant.
What are you doing
working so late?
What does it look
like I'm doing?
I'm filling in for Quincy, that
I think you've begin
to sound like him too.
Well, I brought it on myself.
Without Quincy the work
here just piles up to the ceiling.
Well, I suppose then you haven't
got the results on that Dolan case.
You suppose right, maybe
tomorrow afternoon, late.
- If you're lucky.
- Thanks a lot.
Lieutenant, do you
remember my uncle Kachi?
Kachi? Of course I do.
He's the head teller down at that
traveler's bank on 12th street, right?
He was head teller, he just
phoned to tell me he retired today
and they're throwing a big bash for him,
you know dinner dance with an orchestra.
And they're even gonna
give him a gold watch.
No kiddin', wow... Must have
worked there a long time, huh?
20 years.
20 years? I've
been a cop for 25!
- Well, that's nice.
- That's nice?
This Saturday I'm celebrating
my 25th anniversary!
I don't see anybody
throwing me a party.
You know what Quincy would say?
What?
He'd say something's you
don't celebrate, you mourn.
Very funny.
25 years.
I don't believe it.
I've been expecting you.
My friend Bittles just called. I
figured you were on your way.
You stiffed me!
Made an absolute fool out of me!
You lied right through your teeth!
Not about the shooting.
Look, we'd been in that car
since before the bank opened.
It was about a
hundred in the shade.
I didn't think there was anything
wrong if I stepped out to get a cold drink.
You didn't hear Monahan, or
know anything about the hostage,
because you were out getting
an alcoholic beverage on duty!
Quincy, everything I told you, the
car swerving over and trying to hit me.
Look, if I told you about the beer
up front, what would you have done?
What I'm gonna do now, walk.
Then what am I supposed to do?
What everybody
wants you to do, resign.
Hi, honey.
What a day.
The boss was on
the edge of his nerves.
I'll get dinner.
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
It's all over, baby.
The job,
the pension,
and you can forget about
that little house by the ocean.
It's all gone.
What happened?
Dr. Quincy's not going
to defend me. He quit.
Well, that really doesn't surprise
me. He never was on your side.
You shouldn't have gone
outside the Department.
I went to him because there was
nobody on my side inside the Department.
No, Quincy was the right guy.
Why did he quit?
He found out that I lied to
him about going for the beer.
Why did you lie, honey?
Cause I was scared!
They had my back
against the wall.
They were gonna throw me to
the media like a sacrificial lamb.
They don't have
rules to this game.
You think this is a game, tell the truth
and you go to the head of the class?
When the hell are
you going to grow up?
I'll fix dinner.
Baby, I'm sorry.
Look,
I've been sitting here all day,
just feeling sorry for myself
and thinking why can't I get
any luck? What is this luck?
Then I think about you and
the hole in my gut goes away.
And I wait for you to
come through that door
and what happens?
You walk in and I jump
all over you. I'm sorry.
You don't scare me, tiger.
Tell me something.
Why did you ever marry
an old geezer cop like me?
What did I tell you?
Because I fell in love with a
side of you that nobody else saw.
Oh, yeah?
What side is that?
Come here.
The gentle side.
You know,
I mean, not being a cop
is not the end of the world.
It's not the same
anymore anyway.
I mean, you gotta
be a politician.
A yes man.
It's just not clean anymore.
You know, I was always
good with my hands
and I'm a wiz with motors, you
know that, even if I say so myself.
May be I could call
my nephew Mike.
He's got that little garage
gas station downtown.
Maybe he needs help.
You're going to pump gas?
Sure, why not?
Well, there's nothing wrong with it
for somebody else, but not for you.
What's the matter with me?
Brian, some people are born
with a special talent, you know?
They don't have to figure out what they're
going to do with the rest of their lives,
their talent does it for them.
You're a cop.
You can never be anything else.
Not a mechanic,
not a salesman.
You're a cop.
And no matter what anybody says,
you're one of the best.
Bob, when you finish outside,
get yourself some chow.
I'm sorry, lady, we're not
open for another three hours.
I was told Dr. Quincy
might be here.
Lieutenant Monahan told me that,
he said I might be able to talk to him.
This early in the morning
he's a big brown bear.
It's important.
All right, come on.
Maybe he won't bite.
Excuse me, Quincy
Lady said it was important.
- Yes?
- Dr. Quincy, I'm Jean Taggart,
Brian's wife.
Would you mind if I sit and
talk with you for a minute?
Brian tells me you dumped him.
He lied to me.
He's scared.
I'm afraid he has
a reason to be.
If you believe that it's because
you have been brainwashed
by Lieutenant Bittles.
Bittles and his friends
at Internal Affairs.
No.
I've looked at the facts in
the case and I'm convinced
that he murdered
an innocent woman.
Did you really look, Dr. Quincy?
Really exhaust
every possibility?
He came to you because of
your reputation as a digger.
Now I get the feeling you've already
written him off as the man that gets
drunk on duty and shoots a service
revolver for the sheer sake of enjoyment.
I'm sorry.
I promised myself I
wasn't going to act like this.
I understand.
Believe me, I did dig
and I could not find
anything to back his story.
And it's not just me, I've heard
people in the Department criticize him.
That's because he's not afraid to
open his mouth and tell the truth.
Or take responsibility for
making unpopular decisions.
And you know what
really gets them?
He likes police work so much,
he doesn't spend every minute
studying for promotion exams
that would get him off the street
and behind some nice safe desk.
Obviously you feel
that way, you're his wife.
Oh, God, if I thought he was
capable of killing an innocent person,
I wouldn't be his wife.
Help him, please!
I'm begging you.
Not because he's my husband,
but because he's a good man
and a good cop and he
doesn't deserve to be railroaded.
If you let him down,
he'll be just as dead as the person
who tried to run him down with that car.
- Sam.
- Hey, Quince!
I thought you were on leave.
I was until 4:00
yesterday afternoon.
Hearings aren't over
already, are they?
Hearing's not even started yet.
When they do,
it'll be without me.
I take that you're not
going to defend Taggart.
There isn't any defense.
It's a flimsy case
to begin with.
The more I dug, the more I
fell upon like a diseased tooth.
So, you're off it completely?
He'd be better off with somebody
from his own department anyway,
I was beginning
to feel like a misfit,
like I was sticking my
nose where it didn't belong.
Then how come you look
like you've just been to funeral?
May be it's because your coffee
doesn't taste so good this morning.
Come on, Quince.
I've known you
a long, long time.
Well, Taggart's wife came
to see me this morning.
A really nice lady.
I tried to tell her there was
no evidence to back his story.
He had been involved in
other questionable shootings.
He lied to me, he
brought beer on duty.
She still made me feel guilty.
Well, I don't know if this is
gonna help or add to your pain
but I just came up with something
that seems a little peculiar.
What?
John Sneed, the suspect
killed outside the bank.
- Yeah.
- He had a blood
alcohol level of .04.
So, what's peculiar about that?
He probably drank some courage
before he strapped on his guns.
Well, I suppose you're right,
but what's really strange is that
Sally Tournier had a level of .07.
- You're sure about that?
- I double checked.
And I found alcohol in
both their stomach contents.
15 grams in his,
9 grams in hers.
Sam, the robbery went
down at 3:00 in the afternoon.
Do you think they were
drinking before then?
Together?
The hostage and the thief?
Well, you tell me.
You make the big
bucks around here.
The prodigal son returns.
Paula just called me
from the first call area,
said you were back, a
sadder but wiser man.
Quincy, I am just delighted,
I really needed you.
Boy, we've been jammed up around
here, I don't know what we're gonna do.
Okay, now here's a burnt
case, this one is a hit and run.
This one you'll like but...
Quincy?
Quincy?
Damn it, Quincy, you're right.
This is too good just
to be coincidental.
Our hostage is one
of the bank robbers.
Both with measurable levels of
alcohol in the stomach contents.
Now what does your cop
instinct tell you about that?
They were drinking and
they were both in and together.
And I'll bet you a year's pay
Tournier wasn't a hostage at all,
- she was part of the game.
- Lets go talk to her husband.
I can't believe you guys
have come out here and
have the guts to
say those things.
Mr. Tournier, we just wanted
to ask some routine questions.
Routine, hell. You accuse my
wife of being the damn bank robber.
All we said was that she and Sneed
had some drinks before the robbery.
Together, you made it seem
like they had drinks together.
Maybe you didn't know
anything about her.
Were there any periods of her
time that you could not account for?
No, never a second.
When she wasn't at work at the
restaurant she was home with me.
And I can even tell you why she
probably had a couple of drinks.
We had a little fight, a tiff. At
the restaurant where she works.
Before she left for home, she probably had
the bartender pour her a couple of drinks.
Maybe she had something
on the way home.
I see.
Yeah, and I see too.
Don't think I'm so stupid, I
don't know why you're here.
You'd do anything to
save your trigger-happy pal.
That man's gonna pay.
If it takes the rest of my life,
he's gonna pay for killing Sally.
I guess he was a little hot.
Do you feel the same way?
Wait a minute, that doesn't
mean she wasn't part of the gang.
Maybe he didn't
know anything about it.
Tell you what.
I want you to check
all the bank robberies
that took place in the
county in the past year.
See if there was a female Caucasian
driving for two male suspects.
Thank God for computers.
I'll tell you who can
get us all the answers.
The suspect who got away.
His name was John Clive.
Sneed's half-brother. By now he
could be any place in the country.
Yeah, but we need him here.
Right now.
January 17.
See the woman about a 586
in the alley of
the rear of 1122...
Sure you guys don't
want any coffee?
No, thanks.
Would you believe there are 17
impound lots like this around the city?
Cars used in every kind
of crime you can think of.
17 museums full of bullet
holes and blood stains.
Gives you an idea of
the toilet we work in.
- How'd you do?
- Not so hot.
I was hoping to find a whisky bottle.
Something we can run for both the prints.
Don't think that's
gonna help us.
This was a waste of time.
Should have figured the police would
have found anything that was there.
They probably went over
this with a fine tooth comb.
Hey, Quincy, We lucked in.
They spotted John Clive
in the Silver Light district.
He tried to hold
up a liquor store.
What did we finally
do that was right?
What happened?
You wanted John
Clive, Lieutenant?
Here he comes.
Tried to hold up a liquor store.
Manager was ready
with a .38 special.
Shot Clive right where he stood
Oh, that's terrific,
really terrific.
What's bugging him?
Try not to mention.
We just lost our only sure
chance to saving Brian Taggart.
Sergeant Brian. A.
Taggart, serial number 8330.
The Department alleges that
on November 29th of this year
at approximately 15:45 hours
you did use excessive force
against the person of Sally Tournier?
How do you plead?
The accused pleads not guilty.
Mr. Chairman, we ask
for one week's continuance
so I may have time to
properly prepare defense
and familiarize myself
with the Board's procedures.
Dr. Quincy.
The fact that you are not familiar
with the Board of Rights procedure
is no concern of ours.
However,
we want Sergeant Taggart to have
as much leniency as we can give him.
So we are granting
him a continuance.
But only for 48 hours.
Until then this board
stands adjourned.
No, no, honey. Don't wait up.
Looks like Quincy and I are
gonna be here all night, yeah.
No, well, I just thought I ought to
call you and get something to eat.
Yeah, I know, but listen, that's
the way a cop's life is, right?
No, nobody has said
anything about a party.
I guess 25 years
doesn't mean that much.
No, no, I don't want you
to call anybody about it.
Look, sweetheart, it's
really no big deal, okay?
Yeah.
Look, I'm just gonna play poker
with Quincy and the boys, just like,
you know, just like
any other night, okay?
Okay, sweetheart. Good night.
Look,
I was in the car with Brian before
the bank robbery went down.
It was my idea for
him to get the beer.
- So?
- So,
what if I testify to that?
Wouldn't help, the beer
is not the important issue.
All we have to attack
is the excessive force.
Which wouldn't be
excessive if we could prove
that the car crossed the
line and tried to run me down.
Now that Clive is dead, the
only way we can prove that
is connecting Sally
Tournier with the gang.
Good luck.
Can we check the
skid marks again?
I've already done
that three times.
So have I, so have
Internal Affairs.
They aren't any.
Let's hear it for the computer.
We've got six bank
robberies in the past year.
All the way from Boyle Heights
and a couple more up north.
Two male Caucasians went inside.
The getaway car was driven by a female
who could fit Mrs. Tournier's description.
Any ID on the males?
Pretty mix, pretty scrambled.
Could be Clive, could be
Sneed, could be you and me.
Great, file that
under M for nothing.
Let's go back to the beginning.
You cover this robbery because
you got an anonymous tip, right?
- Phone call.
- And you record those,
don't you?
Everything that comes in.
Then why don't we find it?
Come on, Quincy, it'd take us
a week to sort through that stuff.
We only have 24 hours.
Then what are we sitting
around wasting time for?
Every minute of every one
of those hours counts, call.
Here, chicken
broth is all he had.
You know the guy that
services that place out there?
That will make you drink a
gallon of this stuff without stopping.
Damn hot.
Hold it there, will you?
Take it to the top of
the call, put 'em on.
Yeah, that's it,
that's the call.
And I bet you every penny
you've got I know who it is.
- Where you going?
- To get some shuteye.
I've gotta do three
weeks' work in one day.
Terrible truth is that
policeman who killed her was out buying
beer instead of being where he belonged.
Mr. Chairman, the Department has
no further questions for Mr. Tournier.
I would like to thank
him for appearing here,
I know how difficult it
must've been for him.
I'd just like to say
one more thing.
I didn't think I was ever gonna
get a fair shake from the police.
But I take all that back.
You people have
been sensational.
And I know that
you'll keep that sick person off the
streets before he hurts somebody else.
Dr. Quincy,
does the accused wish
to examine the witness?
Yes, I do.
Mr. Tournier, you're suing
the Police Department
for a million and a half
dollars, is that right?
It won't bring
Sally back, will it?
I don't think it's
relevant to this issue.
Right, please go on with
the defense, Mr. Quincy.
Yes, sir.
You work for the street
maintenance department, is that right?
- Yes.
- You use a street sweeper?
You know that.
Could you tell us approximately
what you make a year?
I guess about 18,000.
What are you trying to do, get
me into trouble with the IRS?
No.
I would like to know
the kind of car you drive.
- Car?
- Automobile, what make?
Well, I drive a BMW.
Which you bought
from Coastland Motors
on the 6th of last April?
A new BMW 733 for $32,972.
Something like that.
I saved a long time.
You must have.
It say's in the bill of sale
you paid in cash.
Objection, Mr. Chairman,
who's on trial here?
Sergeant Taggart
or Mr. Tournier's car?
Exactly where are you
going with this, Dr. Quincy?
I'll let you know in
a few minutes but
on behalf of the accused I
would like a little more latitude.
All right, you may proceed
but please make your point.
Thank you.
I did a lot of
digging, Mr. Tournier.
I know interesting
things about you.
You're a ski enthusiast.
You're gonna say there's
anything wrong with that?
No. no, no. It's skiing.
Where do you do it?
I go to Mammoth.
You rent a place up there, you
own a place, what do you do?
Well if you've been doing that
much snooping, you tell me.
I will.
You own a condominium
at 217 Laurel Trail.
The property is valued at $175,000
and once again you paid in cash.
Objection, that's enough.
Dr. Quincy, these
may be important facts
but they are
irrelevant to this case.
Irrelevant?
This witness works for the
street maintenance department.
You heard what he
makes, $18,000 a year.
I have proof in my hands
that he spent over $200,000.
Now I think that the
accused has the right to know
whether Mr. or Mrs. Tournier
had an outside source of income.
- For what reason?
- Because I think
she was contributing
more to the family than
the earnings of a waitress.
To put it in a nut shell, I
believe that her activities
are directly linked to what
happened at that bank.
That's a damn lie.
Dr. Quincy!
I don't want any more of
this, do you understand?
From now on I want
you to be relevant
and I want you to conduct
the proper defense.
Yes, sir.
This time I'd like
to introduce a tape.
The message that came in that
tipped off the robbery was going down.
Any objection?
Not if it's genuine.
I'll leave that up to you.
Police Department,
operator 28 speaking.
I wanna report a robbery.
It's gonna take place tomorrow morning
at the Frasier Bank on Colorado Boulevard.
Can you give me
any more information?
Two men are doing it.
One's name is John Sneed.
The Frasier Bank on Colorado?
Yeah. Two men.
Both of them are armed and
don't care who they have to kill.
What could I do?
I had to stop it some way.
By betraying your wife?
They were gonna kill her,
unless she kept driving.
They were getting her in deeper
and deeper. I couldn't sleep.
But you could sleep
when the bank robberies
were buying you BMWs and condos.
You could sleep as long as you were making
some profit from the illegal activities.
Then she started having
an affair with John Sneed.
No, she loved me, she
would never do that, never.
You know a girl named
Gloria Meadows?
Sure, she was Sally's best friend,
they worked at the restaurant together.
She's in this building, is it
necessary for me to bring her up here
and put her on the stand?
What difference would that make?
You know that answer
better than anybody.
Lieutenant Monahan and I
talked to her for an hour last night.
She told me everything about
your wife and John Sneed.
- Can't prove any of that.
- It's perfectly
clear and simple.
Your wife was a thief, she was
a bank robber, and you knew it.
You know when you spent stolen
money, you were in it up to your ears.
And you had the nerve to
sue the Police Department
for a million and a half dollars
because one of its officers
tried to shoot a car that was
coming down to run him down.
Mr. Chairman.
I have nothing more
to say to this witness.
Absolutely nothing more.
Mr. Tournier, you're excused.
Rest assured, you'll be
contacted for further questions.
Mr. Chairman,
I'd like to make a motion that
the charge of excessive force
against Sergeant
Taggart be withdrawn.
Motion approved,
Captain Bittles.
This hearing is completed.
But Danny, the cake has to be that
big. There are gonna be that many people.
And don't you give it away, I'll
never forgive you if you give it away.
Yeah, I'll take care of
everything else, I promise.
Okay, bye.
Look,
I'm not very good at this but
I just wanted to
tell you that I...
If you wanna thank me
go to the nearest florist
and pick out a dozen of the biggest
most beautiful roses you can find.
Then take them home to
your wife. Give her a big kiss.
And then take her out
for a candle light dinner.
Because she's the reason
I stuck with your case.
You gotta deal.
What's the matter, you
upset about Taggart?
No.
He deserved a 90 days
suspension for leaving his post.
The only important thing is
he got cleared from the killing.
It's your deal, you wanna deal?
No, no, let somebody else
deal, I'm always dealing.
What's the matter?
Nothing's wrong, am I acting
like there's something wrong?
You act like you've
been in hibernation.
Danny, can I have
a ham sandwich?
Sorry, kitchen's closed.
Closed, what... What's going
on, the kitchen's never closed.
The kitchen's closed.
Otherwise I would be there making
sandwiches instead of teaching you guys
how to play poker. Deal, deal.
You like that? Nothing to eat.
Sam, why are you so cranky?
Forget about it, deal me out.
- You wanna know
why I'm cranky?
- Yeah.
I'll tell you why I'm cranky.
Everybody here has
anniversaries, dont they?
You have an
anniversary, you have an
anniversary on this
beautiful place of yours.
You have an anniversary with your wife, you
have an... Everybody has an anniversary.
I've been 25 years
with the LAPD today
and nobody said
happy anniversary.
Look, I'm upset, I'm going home,
I'll see you tomorrow, thanks a lot.
For he's a jolly good fellow,
for he's a jolly good fellow,
For he's a jolly good fellow
That nobody can deny.