14x06 - The Ministry of Virtue

[bunniefuu]

[WALKER]

In fact, I'd go as far as to pronounce Miss Melita Bentz' invention revolutionary.

- [WATTS]

Revolutionary?

A paper filter?

- Absolutely.

My morning cup is vastly improved by the exclusion of spent coffee grinds.

Perhaps I shall install a drip coffee maker in the shop?

- For the customers.

- Promotional gambit?

Ahh...

"A coffee break with your sirloin steak." "Slake your thirst and buy liverwurst." This evening?

Of course.

I've paid in full!

I've been waiting here for half an hour!

- If you do not hand over what is mine...

- Can I help you?

Oh!

Detective Lewellyn Watts.

Uh, I'm waiting for a delivery.

Here?

What type of delivery?

- Ah...

- Axel Crawford?

I'm Axel Crawford.

Constance Weatherly.

I serve Virtue's Ministry.

Is there a problem?

Only problem is you're late.

My apologies.

The kitchen took woefully long to warm my gruel.

You have business with this gentleman?

Mr. Crawford is a client of the Ministry's.

Well, then, I'll leave you to it.

Are you ready to collect your bride, Mr. Crawford?

Miss Weatherly, Maddie's locked herself in the lavatory.

Our Virtue Girls often need to be gently pried from their surroundings at this stage.

Ah, Detective, could you...

Those are Maddy's slippers.

She's got to be in there, but she won't...

Madeline Tomkins!

- Come out here immediately!

- What is this place?

This is the Ministry's dormitory.

A way station for Virtue Girls on the road to redemption.

This is Detective Watts of the Toronto constabulary.

Please open the door!

Ahem!

Miss Tomkins?

[ALL GASP]

- Madeline?

- Oh my God.

[MURDOCH]

Her name was Tomkins?

Madeline Tomkins.

That is correct.

And what's your relationship to the deceased?

She was one of my wards.

Ah, Mr. Crawford paid her fare from England in exchange for her hand in marriage.

She gave her hand in marriage in exchange for a boat trip?

Oh, it's far more complicated than that.

Our Virtue Girls have limited prospects.

They ought to be grateful for any proposals they receive.

'Virtue Girls'?

Beneficiaries of the Virtue's Ministry.

Female convicts who have been given a choice between a filthy cell in Holloway Prison, or a virtuous marriage to a Canadian bachelor.

I've not heard of this Ministry.

Oh.

Perhaps you don't need a wife.

Do you have you any idea why Miss Tomkins may have committed su1c1de?

Well, Madeline's life was a virtual cabaret of depravity.

It's possible she could no longer endure the shame.

The shame?

She was a harlot.

I find that an uncharitable view, Miss Weatherly.

She was just a struggling soul... like the rest of us.

My apologies for speaking harshly.

My nerves are terribly frayed.

Mr. Crawford, I will speak with you once I'm finished with Miss Weatherly.

Madeline Tomkins was arrested for prostitution?

Tried and convicted at the Old Bailey.

She was given a choice: serve prison time or serve as a dutiful wife to Mr. Crawford.

She chose the latter.

Seems she's had second thoughts.

Those women are also "Virtue Girls"?

Correct.

Kate Barker, Flannery Oats, Sadie Lange.

I am chaperoning them to new homes, new husbands and new hopes.

Is that the case, ladies?

Are your prospects as sunny as Miss Weatherly is proposing?

My condolences for the loss of your friend.

This must be a terribly upsetting time.

So's having a constable spew hollow sympathies in your face.

I assure you my concern is genuine.

Never met a cop who gave a toss about a whore.

Detective William Murdoch.

Do any of you know why Miss Tomkins may have taken her own life?

Well, it's possible she didn't fancy spending the rest of her life in some muddy shack, bedding a hog farmer.

If that was my lot, I'd off myself, too.

But I'm marrying a very prosperous man.

Very prosperous old man.

Old just means he'll die sooner and you'll be rich and rid of him.

That's just me joking, Detective.

So, you are all willingly uprooting your lives to marry perfect strangers?

It's better than rotting in Holloway prison.

What was your crime?

Broke a few windows.

That's it?

At Downing Street, she did.

The Prime Minister's Residence.

I was protesting with the suffragettes.

Brick through a window tends to get people's attention.

Specially when it cracks a lawyer's skull open.

Well, that part was an accident.

And your crime?

They claim I'm a public menace.

Happy go lucky.

That's me.

Plus, I been banned from every pub in London.

What's the point of staying in a city where I can't get a drink?

- Detective?

- [MURDOCH]

Yes?

What will become of poor Madeline now?

Our coroner, Miss Hart, will perform a post-mortem.

What could possibly be gained from assaulting her flesh even further?

It's a procedure that legal protocol demands, I'm afraid.

In the meantime, I'll need to contact her next of kin.

Oh!

Miss Tomkins has no kin who would want word of her, living or dead.

Note her eyes.

[MURDOCH]

There's a dark band of discolouration.

- What is that?

- It's known as "tâche noire de la sclérotique".

- "Black spot of the sclera".

- Yes.

It occurs when mucous congeals upon the sclera of one who's d*ed with their eyes open.

The mark can take at least two hours to form.

[BRACKENREID]

So, she's been dead at least two hours?

Longer, I'd say.

Her body temperature suggests she expired late last night.

If you can be any more specific, Miss Hart, it would be greatly appreciated.

Good day.

I'm not sure what to think about this "Virtue's Ministry".

You don't approve.

Of shipping desperate women across the ocean to marry strangers who've paid for them?

Of course not!

Men are paying their passage here, Julia.

These women are criminals.

And yet I've never heard of male criminals being forced into marriage.

They aren't being forced.

They're given the freedom to choose.

William, when the choice is marriage or prison, which of those sounds like freedom to you?

[KNOCK ON THE DOOR]

Forgive the intrusion, Detective.

- Miss Hart.

- It's Madeline Tomkins.

Upon further examination, I found that her hyoid bone is broken.

- But that would indicate...

- [BOTH]

Strangulation.

I've determined that her wrists were slashed postmortem.

Miss Tomkins' death was not a su1c1de, but a m*rder.

m*rder?

But the dormitory was locked for the night.

The girls were all securely inside.

At least, I believed they were.

Poor Madeline.

Did any of the girls hold any sort of animosity - toward Miss Tomkins?

- Not at all.

Those girls are thick as...

Well, thieves.

Uh, Detective?

I've found something.

Pardon me a moment, Miss Weatherly.

I've searched through Miss Tomkins' personal effects.

This was with the dress she wore last night.

C.M.E.

Not the victim's initials.

So, I noticed.

And, while pondering this fact, I gazed out this window, like so, which led to a discovery even more compelling.

Watts?

With me, Detective.

There!

[MURDOCH]

You spotted these footprints from Miss Tomkins window?

- I did.

- Keen eyesight.

Sharp as an eagle.

The left print has a distinctive mark.

Perhaps a hole in the heel of the shoe?

Prints lead right up to Madeline Tomkins' window.

Do you think a Peeping Tom was inspired to expand his criminal repertoire?

- Arthur!

- Hello, darling.

This is the most punishing mattress I've ever lain upon.

- It's a gurney.

Not a bed.

- I say it is what we make of it.

A dead woman lies beneath that blanket.

Have some respect for my place of employment or leave.

My flesh erupts in goosebumps when you scold me.

But respect for employment is not one of my strong points, - so I will see myself out, as you wish.

- Mm-hm.

But not before extending a most optimistic invitation to my home this evening, where the mattresses are plush and thick and upholstered in the finest silk.

I have no idea of its origins.

Unless...

oh, dear.

Madeline could have pickpocketed it on the ship coming from London.

The maker's mark indicates a Toronto jeweler.

Well, someone on the train?

Maddie were no pickpocket.

And you're certain of this?

She never had the knack for it.

Oh!

Very good.

Just showing the detective how it's done.

We found a man's footprints outside of Madeline's window.

Any idea who put them there?

Oh, hell!

We might as well tell him.

It's not like we broke any laws.

What is this about, Sadie?

The girls and I snuck out to the Tipsy Ferret before curfew.

Sorry, Miss, but with all us getting married, it felt like our last night of freedom.

My Virtue Girls engaged in public debauchery.

T'was nothing compared to Maddie's private debauchery.

What are you referring to?

She snuck a fellow from the pub into her room.

It's probable the locket was payment for services rendered.

Can you describe this man?

- He were handsome.

- He were balding.

He was, uh, taller than me and shorter than her.

He was skinny, had a drooping mustache - and, uh, little beady eyes.

- A very handsome man.

You're looking for Edwin Ebersol.

Mr. Ebersol pawns his wife's jewelry to buy drink?

And as much as I have sympathy for the long-suffering Cathleen Marie, a tab's a tab.

Well, any idea where I could find this Mr. Ebersol?

He ricochets between the pawnshop and the pub.

Edwin!

This detective would like to talk to you.

What can I tell you?

The wench was utterly captivated by me.

Madeline Tomkins was captivated...

- By you?

- She was all over me!

But I rigorously rebuffed her advances.

I'm a married man, after all.

Ah, yes.

And your wife's name is?

She needn't be involved in this.

Cathleen Marie Ebersol, by chance?

Her locket was found amongst the deceased's possessions.

That wench must have lifted it from my pocket!

Is that why you k*lled her?

I did no such thing!

Convince me otherwise, Mr. Ebersol.

How am I supposed to do that?

[STAMMERING]

I...

I...

I have made many, many mistakes in my life.

But m*rder is not one of them.

How's that?

Violet Hart, I'm normally a man of endless wit.

I'm rendered mute.

Trust me, it's not your wit I fancy, Arthur.

- We're being watched.

- Let them stare.

I'm going to be late for work.

Which do you love more, Violet?

Work or me?

I'm handsomer and I've got a much bigger...

- Good day, Mr. Carmichael!

- bank account.

When did this happen?

Must have been last night.

_ Jack, you should go home.

- But, I...

- Go home.

I'll deal with this.

Uh, did any of you see who did this?

Didn't.

But it's a shame it should happen to such a fine upstanding businessman.

Detective Lewellyn Watts.

Is this by chance your work?

Not work, really.

More of a calling, I'd say.

You painted the slander on the window?

Slander?

Where?

Well, would you look at that!

The butcher's a fairy!

I'm just doing my part to help, Detective.

We can't let degenerates overrun this city.

Mm-hm.

What's your name?

Marcus Hinkie.

Just a law-abiding...

Hey!

Marcus Hinkie, I'm placing you under arrest for vandalism.

- [GRUNTING]

- [CROWD MEMBER]

Come on now.

The man did nothing wrong, it's a public service.

The Ministry is grateful for your diligence in investigating this heinous crime, but I've got girls to marry off, suitors awaiting and a train to catch this evening.

- I'm well aware.

- Thank you.

As you can imagine, we are eager to get on our way.

These women deserve a chance to start anew.

Do they?

I'm not convinced of that.

A thief, a drunkard and a violent anarchist are sent to my country instead of going to jail and you want me to welcome them?

Inspector Brackenreid, I do not ask that you assist in God's work.

- I merely ask you not hinder it.

- [SIGHS]

Who am I to stand in the way of the Almighty, Miss Weatherly?

Well, then, good day, Inspector.

Good day.

So, who's the lout taking space up in my jail?

A Mr. Edwin Ebersol, sir.

His wife's locket was found amongst the victim's possessions and her companions saw a man bearing Ebersol's description in her room that night.

He climbed through the window is the theory, right?

Yes, but the footprints outside the building don't match Ebersol's shoes.

A man can own more than one pair of shoes, Murdoch.

What's the motive?

- That is yet...

- You!

What do you think you're doing?

[CRAWFORD]

I will k*ll you!

I will snap your neck, you bastard!

- Have we met?

- Madeline Tomkins was my fiancée.

Madeline Tomkins was a whore.

- This way.

- Escort Mr. Crawford to the cells.

No, wait... wait!

Let me see your shoe.

[MURDOCH]

The hole in the heel of your left shoe matches footprints found outside Ms. Tomkins' window.

What of it?

I did peer through her window, but not with lewd intent.

I'd waited so long for her arrival.

I just...

wanted to get a look at her.

[BRACKENREID]

Perhaps you did get a look at her.

And you saw her in bed with the man that you att*cked.

I do wish that you would not speak of that.

You threatened to k*ll Mr. Ebersol.

I threatened him.

Yes.

And any sane man would understand why.

Madeline Tomkins did not deserve what he dealt her.

She came here to start a new life...

a life with me.

And he ended it.

He should be dead and not Madeline.

Do you not want me here?

Sorry, I just feel like everyone is watching me.

Well, I've got news that should ease your mind.

I've arrested the vandal.

You did what?

He even confessed.

- Rather proudly, I might add.

- What...

what did you... ?

Charge him with?

Well, destruction of property and...

No, no, no.

I mean, I...

I just wanted to make this...

go away.

I didn't want an arrest, or a trial, or...

- Justice to be served?

- It won't be justice!

It'll be every bigot in the city gossiping about the fairy butcher.

It will k*ll my business.

- But...

- It will ruin me.

- Please...

- And how long do you think you'll last at the Constabulary when the rumours start flying about the "Sodomite Cop"?

- Jack.

- That's what they call us, you know.

You saw it.

Splashed across my shop in blood-red letters.

I'm sorry.

I just wanted to make this go away.

I can fix this.

- I wish you could.

- I can.

- I'll get the charges dropped.

- And then what?

What do you mean?

How will you fix...

... this.

This will always be against the laws that you've vowed to enforce.

Maybe not...

always.

There's no way in the world that this will end happily.

So we should at least end it quickly.

No!

Jack.

Ah...

You're right.

I...

I should not have arrested that man.

It was rash and ill-considered - and I will never again...

- Lewellyn!

This is too dangerous.

For both of us.

I'm sorry, but, it's over.

So, which one of the two of them did it?

We can't hold them both.

- Thank you.

- Fortunately, we won't have to.

I've ascertained the whereabouts of both of our suspects - on the morning of the m*rder.

- Go ahead.

Axel Crawford arrived on the seven a.m. train from Ottawa.

A carriage then dropped him at Virtue's Ministry at : , where he proceeded to shuffle about, mumbling and peering into windows.

So, Mr. Crawford has an alibi.

By the time he arrived in Toronto, Miss Tomkins was already dead.

And Ebersol?

That's a different story.

Edwin Ebersol was released from the confines of Station House Number Five's drunk t*nk late this morning, where he was being held since his arrest for public intoxication at...

: am.

Unfortunately, no one can confirm his whereabouts in the hours preceding the arrest.

Which was when Madeline Tomkins was m*rder*d.

Well, so that settles it, then.

Case closed.

Time of death solves it.

[HART]

Seems my time of death estimate was off by several hours.

- Several hours?

- Yes.

It seems the cold water from the bath affected her body temperature, which threw off my initial estimate.

You also initially misread Miss Tomkins' death as a su1c1de.

- As did you, Detective.

- Hum.

We both know that new evidence often corrects initial assumptions.

So, what new evidence have you uncovered?

Stomach contents revealed she was dead about an hour and half before the body was found.

So, around six-thirty in the morning.

While Mr. Ebersol was in our cells and Axel Crawford was on the train.

So neither of them could have k*lled Madeline Tomkins.

Which means one of the Virtue Girls must have done it.

But I don't understand.

You have two suspects in custody, do you not?

We had two suspects.

New evidence has cleared them both.

Is everything all right, Miss Weatherly?

Ah, my heart aches at the thought of Miss Tomkins debasing herself with that vile man.

I won't debate your assessment of Mr. Ebersol's character, but suffice it to say that his alibi does absolve him of m*rder.

And Mr. Crawford?

He, too, has an alibi.

I have faith that you will eventually solve this case, Detective Murdoch, but, we really must be going.

You have a train to catch.

I understand.

Yes.

Right.

Thank you.

And in order to accommodate your tight schedule, I have summoned your wards to the Station House - for questioning, immediately.

- But, Detective, we...

Your Virtue Girls will answer any and all questions we have regarding the death of Madeline Tomkins.

Violet, dear, you're not really cross with me, are you?

That kiss outside the morgue?

Was that for me, or for the people who stood gawking?

I was under the impression that you enjoyed my affection.

Yes, but I do not enjoy being exploited for your campaign to outrage the world.

Now, Violet, you love to shock the hypocrites as much as I do.

And I worship your brilliance, your beauty and your ability to strike fear in the hearts of the old money snobs whom I loathe.

I'll be equally honest.

You are a fool who indulges in my vanity, sates my desires and finances my love for luxury goods.

To us!

I have an idea.

I want to host a party to properly present you to my peers.

Meaning the old money snobs whom you loathe?

Exactly.

I'm envisioning a theme, something like, - "The Dark Continent." - No.

- But...

- The answer is no.

No "Dark Continent".

No theme.

I will, however, be your guest of honour at an elegant, intimate dinner party where I promise to strike terror in the hearts of those old money snobs which you loathe.

I adore you.

I will need a new dress.

Charge it to my account.

- Thank you for coming.

- Of course.

How can I be of assistance?

We're pressed for time and I'm hoping your insight can help me interpret their responses.

Interpret how?

Perhaps you can sense if one of them is hiding something?

I'll do my best.

Thank you.

How would you describe Madeline Tomkins?

Lively.

Beautiful.

She was a cooch dancer at the old 'burly q'.

A cooch dancer?

You know?

Burlesque.

Burlesque.

Maddie was the most glamorous tart I'd ever known.

She could hold her liquor almost as well as me.

But you told me you'd been banned from every pub in London.

So, I'd have to be daft to m*rder me best drinking buddy.

Exactly.

Maddie was smart, open-minded.

Independent.

Not the sort of woman I'd like to m*rder.

And what sort of woman would you like to m*rder?

I spoke imprecisely.

There are no women I'd like to m*rder.

What exactly were you doing that morning up until the moment that Madeline's body was discovered?

Well, I don't normally lift me head from the pillow until I'm forced.

I'd barely gotten dressed before I heard all the squawkin'.

I were working on me manifesto.

Chapter , "The Grandiose Self-Regard of Men".

I have it memorized.

Would you like me to recite it?

- Yes!

- No.

No.

What were you doing exactly that morning right up until the moment that Madeline's body was discovered?

Well, uh, let's see...

I had to go to the loo, but it was locked.

So I knocked and I knocked and I got no answer, so I paced up and down the 'allway struggling to hold me water.

Pardon me, sir.

Just being honest.

So, what's the verdict?

Are the Virtue Girls petty offenders, or bloodthirsty K*llers?

Sir, we've yet to determine motive for this m*rder.

I agree.

I saw no malice toward Madeline from any of them.

I will remind you they are criminals.

They know how to lie.

What I witnessed looked like sincere grief for their lost friend.

Or remorse for having k*lled her?

All I know is that you have three women and six hours to coax the truth out before the train arrives.

If you think they're lying, why don't you drag out the old honesty box?

The Autonomic Response Indicator.

The Truthizer.

Sir, it's not infallible.

A sophisticated liar could fool the machine.

It wouldn't hurt to try, would it?

I say dust the cobwebs off that gadget and strap the girls in for questioning.

- But, sir...

- Hark!

Is that a train I hear?

The Truthizer may be able to pick up something that we missed.

Detective Watts.

How nice to see you.

Yes, of course.

Ah, Watts!

Quick work on nabbing that vandal.

At least one of my detectives is earning his pay.

Ah, yes.

Uh, about that.

I know this is unusual, but I must implore you to drop the charges.

Drop the charges?

I don't get you, Watts.

I thought Jack Walker was your friend?

He is.

And my friend wishes to avoid a public trial.

Oh, I see.

- Are you sure about this?

- Yes.

Very well, then.

I'll release the man.

Perhaps it's for the best.

Are you ready to begin?

Ask your questions.

Did you k*ll Madeline Tomkins?

Hand to God, sir...

Hand to God, sir.

I did not.

I could never harm a hair on Maddie's head.

We've discussed this.

The answer's still no.

Who k*lled Madeline Tomkins?

I haven't the foggiest notion, Detective.

I don't know.

I'd tell you if I did.

None of us knows who k*lled Maddie.

The Truthizer has exonerated every one of them.

But a few hours earlier you claimed that that box of bolts - was faulty at best.

- Well, it's faulty at worst.

But I have no reason to believe the results are inaccurate.

There is one woman you haven't spoken to.

- Miss Weatherly?

- Yes.

Has she been ruled out?

Detective Watts witnessed her arrival at the Ministry that morning.

She had come from the Empire hotel.

[MAN AND WOMAN LAUGHING]

Before you say anything, I got the charges against Marcus Hinkie dropped, - as you requested.

- Thank you.

Unfortunately, now is not a good time.

- Please, Jack, just talk to me.

- Jack, who's that?

Invite your friend in.

The more the merrier!

Ah, what's the occasion?

Engagement party!

I'm going to make an honest man of Jack.

An honest man, huh?

Lewellyn, I'm sorry but this is, uh...

Don't dawdle in the doorway.

Come in and have a drink!

[WOMAN]

Oh, yes, join us.

Thank you, Miss, but I'm here on police business.

I would never intrude on your joy.

[WOMAN]

Jack, what was that about?

Cheers.

Elegant accommodations for a humble "matron of virtue".

While her wards stay in the dreary confines of that ministry.

Why would a charity spend money on such luxury?

Virtue's Ministry grows more and more suspicious by the hour.

Hm.

Pardon me, sir.

A word.

- Yes, sir?

- Detective Murdoch, Toronto Constabulary.

We're looking for one of your guests, a Constance Weatherly.

She's employed by a charity.

Virtue's Ministry?

Ah, yes, Miss Weatherly.

Our lady of insufferable sanctimony.

I gather you're not fond of her?

The woman's satchel is as heavy as a coffin.

And her notions of charity apparently do not extend to those who carry her breakfasts up four flights of stairs to that dreadful penthouse every morning.

She doesn't tip you?

Oh, she tipped me.

"Here's a tip," she says.

"'Ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.'" That's John : .

She tips with a bible passage?

A veritable font of scriptural witticisms, our Miss Weatherly.

One must admire the audacity.

Do you know where we could find her?

Sorry to disappoint, but Miss Weatherly hasn't been around since yesterday.

- Yesterday?

- She ate her breakfast before dawn.

Left at : am on the dot.

Excuse me.

If she left at : a.m., then she has no alibi.

And if she has no alibi...

Miss Weatherly could be our k*ller.

Did you return to your chambers at the Empire Hotel after the m*rder?

No.

Why not?

I prefer to be near the girls during this traumatic time, to lend counsel and comfort.

The porter saw you leave the hotel that morning at : a.m.

- Correct?

- No.

He certainly did not.

What time did you leave the hotel on the morning of Miss Tomkins' m*rder?

I came to the Ministry straight away after breakfast.

Care to amend your answer, Miss Weatherly?

Why would I do that?

Because you're lying.

Is it your intention to arrest me for lying about breakfast?

Your Detective Watts saw me arrive at the Ministry at : .

This is a complete waste of time.

I was in charge of Madeline's welfare.

Why would I k*ll her?

I don't know.

Why did you k*ll Miss Tomkins?

I didn't!

See?

Your own device proclaims my innocence.

You have your answers.

How many times must I repeat them before you release me?

I can't hold these women any longer unless you show me something that changes my mind.

According to the Truthizer, Miss Weatherly did not k*ll Madeline Tomkins.

And, yet, inexplicably she's lying about what time she had breakfast.

I know I'm missing something.

I'm sorry, Murdoch.

I'll have to release them.

I assure you Mr. Carmichael's account will cover it.

Telephone him if you doubt me.

Excuse me!

All that fuss about dropping the charges.

You got what you wanted and you're still skulking around - with your face...

- No, I didn't get what I wanted.

I...

I'm sorry.

I received news of an engagement.

And who are the happy couple?

A Miss Clara Cartwright and a Mr. Jack Walker.

Oh.

[WATTS]

Do you know what exasperates me most about this engagement?

I'm not inclined to speculate.

That poor woman will be stuck in a sham marriage to a man who is too frightened to live honestly.

Who are we to judge?

People get married for all sorts of reasons.

I have to warn Miss Cartwright.

About what, Watts?

Maybe this is what Jack Walker needs to do.

And maybe you should follow his example and find yourself a nice young lady.

Well, I for one, am not prepared to live a lie.

Nor should he.

Don't do anything stupid, Watts.

It's unfortunate that you wasted such time and effort harassing my wards.

And, yet, instead of seeking the k*ller you're still here, lurking beside me.

I suppose I'll receive no apology for this indignity and inconvenience you have served upon me?

In the world, ye shall face tribulation: but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.

Overcome the world, have you?

Bully for you, Detective.

Not all of us are blessed with your arrogance.

Goodbye, Detective.

Stop.

You can't be serious.

Is there a problem?

This woman is not Constance Weatherly.

She isn't?

[MURDOCH]

That's why she hid her face from Mr. Ebersol in the station house.

She ate her breakfast before dawn.

Left at : am on the dot.

[MURDOCH]

That's why she never returned to the hotel.

None of us knows who k*lled Maddie.

I'd tell you if I did.

Hand to God, sir...

I did not.

And that's why the Virtue Girls were able to truthfully deny k*lling Madeline Tomkins.

Because Madeline Tomkins isn't dead.

Constance Weatherly is.

And the Virtue Girls k*lled her.

Nonsense!

Who are you?

Hm?

Are you Constance Weatherly, a devout Christian missionary?

Or are you Madeline Tomkins, a prost*tute from the streets of London?

Perhaps another round with the Truthizer is in order, hm?

I am indeed a working girl from the streets of London.

But I'm not just that.

I'm an artist.

I'm an actress.

Ah, yes.

You inhabited the role of the woman you m*rder*d quite convincingly.

Thank you.

You're welcome...

Madeline.

Tell me what happened the morning that Constance Weatherly was m*rder*d.

Miss Weatherly shows up, as usual, cracking the whip at the cr*ck of dawn.

"Get up, you lazy raggabrash.

Your husband is on his way.

Wash your sinful flesh and make yourself presentable." And then?

Oh, I says to her, 'I'm not marrying anyone.

You can't force me.' And my girls gather round and they say, "We ain't marrying, either!" Constance tries to yank me out of my room.

So Kate threw a stocking 'round her neck.

Sadie kicked her knees out from under.

And Flannery?

Oh!

The woman is a mastermind...

I kid you not.

Flannery says, once Constance stops moving, she says, "Maddie, switch places with Constance.

Make it look like you offed yourself." It's quite the show we put on, yeah?

We figure if we could just get out of Toronto we'd be free to start new lives in Canada...

wouldn't have to marry.

Well, you are correct about that.

None of you will have to marry.

But you are all under arrest for the m*rder of Constance Weatherly.

[LAUGHS]

You are by far the most beautiful woman in this room.

And you are by far the luckiest man.

And these are by far the most miserable party guests I've ever encountered.

- They despise us, don't they?

- They do.

Isn't it delicious?

I think we can safely say the party's a smash.

I can smell so many tiny little minds short-circuiting all around us.

I think you overestimate your talent for scandal, my dear Arthur.

Do you think you can do better?

I do.

Can I have everyone's attention!

Arthur and I are very grateful you can join us for this momentous occasion.

For this is no random soirée you're attending.

It's our engagement party!

It is with great pleasure I introduce my bride-to-be, Miss Violet Hart.

[SMATTERING OF APPLAUSE]