01x05 - Make It Like It Never Happened

[bunniefuu]

Is this where you
rent detectives?

I beg your pardon.

Is this a detective
rental place?

More or less.

I want to rent one.

How come?

Are you a detective?

That's right.

Okay, I'll take you.

My name's Betsy.
What's yours?

My name is Joe.

Would you like to step
into my office, Betsy?

Fine.

There you are, Miss Betsy.

Thank you.

Now then, what can
I do for you?

$ .

Count it.

Say, that's a lot of money.

Is it enough to rent you?

I think so.

My dad's in jail.

They say he k*lled somebody.

Oh, I see.

You know, Betsy, sometimes
the police make mistakes,

but they find out soon enough.

And then they apologize

and the person goes free
like it never happened.

Could you make like
it never happened?

Could you do it quick?

It's got to be quick.

What's your father's name?

William Larkin.

Mannix, would you come

into my office, please.

Christie, this is Betsy.

Take good care of her.
She's a potential client.

Break out the bubble gum.

You know the Larkin case?

Only by the newspapers.

The governor refused
a stay of execution.

It's next week.

Uh, get her address.

I'll send her home
in a cab.

That won't make it
like it never happened.

Neither will you.

Besides, I've got
an assignment for you.

Fine.

Tomorrow.
Right now!

Oh, one day, Lou.

She's put up
her life's savings.

We can afford one day.

If I turn up...
As long as you work
for this company,

you work on cases I assign you.

How much sick leave
have I got coming?

Mannix!

Sorry, Lou, I feel
a fever coming on.

Let's go, Betsy.

The boss told me
to drop everything.

You've rented yourself
a detective.

♪ ♪

Four, his point is four.

I'll take $ ,
to $ he makes a four.

You got a bet.
Get those bets down.

Come on, baby, I need
another four.

I got you
covered here.

You got any... any?

Here we go.
Looking for a four.

Still looking
for a four.
I'll lay it again.

Where's Frankie?

Who wants him?

Joe Mannix.

Stay put and I'll check.

$ , .
New sh**t here.

A guy named Mannix.

Shall I let him in?

Let him in, Eddie.

I'm in.

Shall I toss him out,
Mr. Saunders?

Uh, wait a little
while, Eddie.

You looking for
some action?

Just talk.

Press $ .

You've got a bet.

What's on your mind?

William Larkin.

Four, a winner.

Stick around, Mannix,
you're lucky for me.

All ride.

You were a witness for the
prosecution on the Larkin case.

You're a smart detective,

or maybe you just
read newspapers, eh?

Why did you testify, Frankie?

Because I'm a good citizen.

Try it again without jokes.

Seven, a natural.

Hey, you are lucky.

Look Mannix,

I was at Houston's place
when Santina was k*lled.

The D.A. came out and
he questioned everybody.

I told him the truth.

I told him I saw Larkin
running across the grounds.

It was about : and it was
right after the the k*lling.

And that's it.

You could have been
at Custer's Last Stand

and you wouldn't admit
seeing Indians.

You'd lie just
to keep in practice.

You're holding up
the game, mister.

Shut up.

Why ride me?

I told the same
story as Aumont,

the Brocks, and
everybody else out there.

Mister, I ain't gonna
tell you again.

We got a game going here.

As the man said,
you looking for action?

I guess I am lucky.

I'll be in touch, Frankie.

Come on, let's go here.
I'm stuck $ , .

Let's go, sh**t the dice.

And give me an estimate on
installing electrified fences

around Miller Avionics.

Thank you.

I checked payroll.

You're right,
you've got days
sick leave coming.

Go to the Springs,
go on vacation,

stay home,
knit tea cozies.

How come you're so worried about
what I do with my own free time?

You're still identified
with the organization.

Lou, how can Intertect
get involved?

The m*rder took place
at Clint Houston's home.

We supply security personnel
for all of Houston's plants.

He's one of our biggest clients.

Do you think he'd object if
someone tried to help Larkin?

I don't know, but we don't
make a practice

of annoying our clients.

I've got a client, too, Lou.

She may get a little annoyed
if they execute her father.

Joe, you're not going
to do that child any good

making her think you
can save her father.

Larkin's conviction
was open and shut.

You're that sure?

He had motive, opportunity,
the works.

Witnesses watching him
in and out.

It wouldn't have been surer

if he'd had a grandstand
for spectators.

Would you like to sit
in the stands

while I tell a little girl
her father is a m*rder*r?

I'll see if we can't
pass a law that K*llers
aren't allowed to have kids.

Joe, you promised
you'd drop it
if you found nothing.

Have you turned up
anything?

I talked
to Frankie Saunders.

It made him nervous.

More nervous
than he should have been

if he were telling the truth.

And that's your case?

Maybe Larkin is guilty.

But if he isn't,
and it's a frame,

I'm going to find out
and I'm going to poke around

and make a lot
of people nervous.

Just, uh, don't
file any reports.

I wouldn't want my other men
to get the idea

that making people nervous
is a brilliant...

Okay, okay, so it isn't
a classical way to work,

but it's all I've
got to go on.

I'm busy, Mannix.

Do whatever you want.

Stay away from Houston.

I'd like to see Mr. Houston.

Do you have
an appointment?

No, but, uh,
it is rather important.

Sorry.

Mr. Houston won't see anyone
without an appointment.

Maybe if you'd give him
a message, he'd see me.

I said out.

You did say it was
important, didn't you?

It'll save a lot of trouble
if you'll just ask Mr. Houston.

I don't mind trouble, sir.

Matter of fact,
that's what I'm paid for.

Now if you'll just show me
where you put your car.

George!

Don't sh**t!

What does he want?

Who are you?

He tried to push
his way in, Miss Scott.

I wanted to see Mr. Houston.

He's not here.

Well, do you think he'd mind
if I talked to his mechanic?

Mr. Houston.

That wasn't a question, was it?

No.

Both your face and your hobby
are pretty well known.

So is my penchant for privacy.

I'd just like some answers
to a few questions

about Santina.

You're not on
the police force,

not in the district
attorney's office.

Those men have
better manners.

Joe Mannix,
private detective.

How exciting.

Miss Stella Scott...

this is Mr. Joe Mannix.

How do you do.

Pleasure.

Mr. Mannix,

you're guilty of trespass.

You'd be wise
to leave.

There's a man
in the death house.

He's scheduled for execution
in five days.

You don't care?

Should I?

The m*rder was committed here.

Larkin did work for one
of your companies.

If I'd been asked in advance,

I'd have insisted that any
murders be committed elsewhere.

I wasn't asked.

Let me show you what I've
been doing with your car.

Did you adjust
the steering wheel?

Uh-huh.

Well, you've made your
point, Mr. Houston.

You're not interested
in Larkin.

What about Santina?

He was your guest.

What if the wrong man
was convicted

and Santina's k*ller
is still free?

This is my home.

I pay well to insure
that I'm left alone.

I don't like my
privacy disturbed.

I'm not surprised
you like privacy.

With the collection
of guests like you had here

the night Santina was k*lled,

most people would want secrecy,
let alone privacy.

Santina, Mr. and Mrs. Brock,
Frankie Saunders...

Oh, there's a ripe one.

Oh. Mr. Mannix, if I were
trying to conceal something,

your clumsy attempts
to make me lose my temper

would merely
put me on guard.

Assaulting a guard

and trespassing
on private property, Officer.

I'll prefer charges.

Good-bye, Mr. Mannix.

See you, fellas.

I thought I'd be enjoying
your hospitality for a while.

I sort of doubted my boss
was feeling kindly enough

to go bail Mannix.

Good guess.

Your office says you're not
working for them this week.

They won't take
responsibility or go bail.

They say that
you can R-O-T in jail.

Then who did?

Thanks.

Don't mention it.

Your idea or his?

Clint's got a thing
about privacy.

He's got a thing about
beautiful women, too.

I'm glad you like his taste.

His taste, not him.

Clint's really not to blame.

Carlos Santina's m*rder
was a nightmare.

The police and the reporters
they wouldn't leave us alone.

We thought the trial
was the end of it.

And now you.

His comfort-- Larkin's life.

You know, we could choose up
sides and debate it

over a cup of coffee.
Interested?

I might be...
in choosing up sides.

I'd better be going now.

Good-bye.

I'll see you again, sometime.

I'll make sure of it.

Help yourself to toppings.

I've never rented
a detective before.

I don't know exactly
what's supposed to happen.

Well, I'll tell you,

it's not exactly like
renting a car or a house.

You see, what happens is,

you keep hoping
and I keep trying to help

and maybe things work out.

I've been thinking--
maybe I could help.

Really, how's that?

Couldn't I go along with you,
carry things or something?

Now, wait a minute,
when you rent a detective,

you're kind of stuck
with him, so you'd
better learn to trust him.

Okay.

I just wish I wasn't a kid.

I never get to do
anything that matters,

and anything I say,
they never believe me
on account of I'm a kid.

Well, I believe you.

Well, you're different.

You'd think Grandma would
believe me, wouldn't you?

It all depends on
what you tell her.

Like I told her about Daddy
kissing me good night.

When was that?

That night... the night
they say Daddy...

Why don't you tell me about it?

Well, I just got into bed.

He came home.

I heard the door close,
so I called him.

He tucked me in.

What time do you go to bed,
Betsy?

Late. Almost : .

Sure I hated Santina.

He took off with my wife

and then he walked out on her.

She k*lled herself.

Now, that's a good enough
motive for m*rder.

If I wanted to k*ll him,

I wouldn't have
waited five years.

You waited five years before
you got into a fight with him.

That was just another one
of my lucky breaks.

My boss gave me some papers
to deliver to Mr. Houston.

I saw Santina.

Helen was dead,
everything had gone wrong.

I just... I kind of exploded.

I'm waiting for the gas chamber

because I took a couple
of swings at a guy.

One missed, and the other one
hit him on the shoulder.

The trial transcript says
you were still swinging

when Aumont and Brock
pulled you away.

Sure.

You want the story of
my life in five words?

Lots of swings, no hits.

Your lawyer asked
for clemency.

You haven't appealed
the sentence. Why?

Guess.

Most people would
guess you're guilty.

That's what the
trial jury guessed.

That's what an appeals court
would guess, too.

So why waste
time and money?

You've got something better
to do with your time and money?

Money, yes.

Not throw what
little there is away

so I can save something
for my daughter.

Time?

Well, I've got so little left,
it doesn't even matter.

Dragging it out would just
make it tougher on Betsy.

What about your alibi?

The transcript shows
no record of it. Why?

Alibi?

Yeah, Betsy says
you were home before : .

The m*rder took place
some time around : .

A sleepy kid
and my own daughter.

Do you really think that would
have made any difference?

Well, I must say, you're right
about one thing-- no hits.

But you aren't even taking
a swing at the ball.

Guard.

Hey, Guard!

Get this guy out of here.

Then he rushes to Carlos,

started shouting
and hitting him.

Steve, my husband, he had
to help separate them.

Well, Saunders and Aumont
were there, too.

We all helped.

Larkin was five-seven

and Santina was six-two
and weighed .

That Larkin must
be all tiger.

We've told you
everything we know.

Not quite.

We're expecting
a buyer, Mr. Mannix.

You were married to Santina,

weren't you, Mrs. Brock?

We've been divorced for years.

Must have been
a real friendly divorce.

You were seeing quite a bit
of him after the divorce.

Carlos and I met
at a few parties,

but there was
nothing between us.

You know better than that,
don't you, Brock?

They were a regular twosome
at all the night spots.

You and Santina were having
an argument at that party.

Were you telling him
to lay off?

Yeah.

I told him to stay
away from her.

I told him...
Steve.

This is a family
matter, Mr. Mannix.

It has nothing to
do with the trial.

Maybe not.

Then again, maybe it does.

Oh, uh, you weren't
planning on leaving town,
were you, Mrs. Brock?

I, uh, I saw the
"For Lease" sign.

We're expanding.

We're moving
to larger quarters.

I'll visit.

Why can't you keep
your mouth shut?!

There you are.

Thank you.

There's not much
time, is there?

No, there isn't.

I told Grandma about you.

She says, "That's nice,"
the way grownups do

when they're not paying
attention to kids.

We're going to move
to the country, Grandma says.

That's nice.

I'm paying attention.

We're going to buy a house,
a big one.

We're going to have a dog.

Grandma says it's good
to have money.

She's right.

After all, you had to have
money to rent me.

We're gonna have more than that.

Jillions times more.

From some kind
of insurance policy.

Check the State Department of
Insurance for any policies

taken out on Larkin's life.

when they were taken out,
by whom and for how much.

Easy. I got the information
you asked for on the others--

Brock, Aumont,
and Saunders.

Is that what you want?

It will sure help.
Thanks, Parker.

Thanks for what?

Oh, well, uh, just some
information I needed.

You're using
company facilities.

That's right.

Well, if you have any excuse,
I'd like to know it.

None that your accountant
won't accept on a profit
and loss statement.

You know, this may
sound grubby to you,

but this company
charges fees.

We pay all these people,
pay for rent and equipment.

You've never turned down
your paycheck that I recall.

I've taken ten minutes
of Parker's time.

Bill me.

I will.

Why, Eddie, why?!

I got nothing to say!

Your boy was clumsy!

What are you
talking about?

Eddie!
What about Eddie?

He planted a b*mb on me,
and you sent him.

No!

Yes!

Look, why would
I want to finger you?

Eddie was a nothing; a bouncer.
He wasn't my guy.

Eddie's nobody's guy now.
He's dead.

I've had it, Frankie.

Everybody's innocence makes
makes me sick to my stomach.

The lies buzz in my ear...

and in case you haven't noticed,
I'm just a little upset.

Oh, I'd like an excuse

to think you're
holding out on me.

Go ahead. Ask me anything.

I got nothing to hide.

Look, I didn't
even know Larkin,

and Santina,
he was just another mark.

Okay.
How much did Santina owe you?

Seven grand,
but he was good for it.

There was always some dame

who'd come up with the dough
for him.

Yeah, and you didn't mind
waiting, did you, Frankie?

You're a very patient man.

Santina was worked over
one week before he was k*lled!

So I wasn't patient.

Maybe I pushed him a little.

Look, I'd have been a sucker
to knock him off.

Dead guys don't pay.

Maybe they don't, but an
occasional k*lling speeds up

collections in general,
don't they, Frankie?

You're talking in riddles.

Leave me alone,
will you, Mannix?

Not a chance.

I stay with you one day,

I turn up at least a felony.

Give me hours,
and don't rule out m*rder!

Why me?

Larkin was defended
by a high-priced lawyer

for free; your lawyer.

I didn't pay him.

Who did?

Who did?!

Or would you rather explain
to the police

how Eddie the bomber
wasn't really your boy?

A friend of Stella Scott
paid the legal fees;

a dancing teacher
named Gilbert Aumont.

All right, kids, let's get
the legs up a little higher,

right in front,
and... up... up. Right.

Let's try it from the cross step
where you do the kick.

Here we go. And cross step,
step, kick.

All right, everybody, let's
take it from the beginning.

Here we go.

Hello.

Hello, Joe.

Are you looking for me?

Well, if I weren't,
it's nice to find you.

This a regular thing?

Oh, no. I just come
here twice a week.

It keeps me in shape.

Very good shape.

Yeah?

We've got a visitor,
Mr. Aumont.

Who is it?

I've never seen
him before.

He's talking
to Miss Scott.

You know she isn't
to be bothered.

All this exercise,

it doesn't improve my looks
or my conversation.

I'm a lot better
after I stop

for a pick-me-up
on my way home. Hmm?

Uh, what time?

How about : ?

Name the place.

The, uh...

the bar at
the Claridge.

You've got a date.

Good.

: at the Claridge.

All right, kids,
let's take it again
from the beginning.

Here we go.

What's the rush?

Who are you?
What do you want?

You don't know
who I am...

why duck out the back way?

Whichever way I leave
my studio is...

None of my business.
Oh, I know the line well.

Sit down.

Stella didn't want us
to meet. Why?

I don't even know
who you are.

Joe Mannix.

Oh, I know you've
never really heard of me.

Why did Stella
flag you out?

A complete stranger
busts into my studio

and asks me
stupid questions.

Frankie Saunders call you to,
to tell you I was coming over?

I hardly know Mr. Saunders.

I can afford the time
for your lies,

but Larkin has another problem.

His time is running out.

I've got nothing
to do with Larkin.

He's a face I saw,

a name in the papers.

You, uh... you hired a lawyer
for a name in the papers?

I don't have to answer
your questions!

You've no right!

A man counting the minutes
before the State blots him out

gives me all
the right I need.

He had no money.

It was a gesture.

It's not good enough.

I knew I was gonna to have
to testify against him

that he was guilty.
Oh, I felt badly.

Who gave you the money?

Saunders?

Clint Houston?

Or was it Stella?

It was my own.

If you like,

I can show you
the cancelled check.

I'm sure you can.

Hello, Pete.

Mannix.

Intertect paying for that
or is it pleasure?

Intertect.
The doll in the doorway.

Not bad.

Stella Scott.
I've been tailing her.

And for whom?

Clint Houston.

And it's private property.

Hello.

Hello.

Well, the looks
have improved;

now what about
the conversation?

I promise it's going
to be brilliant.

Uh, champagne and orange juice
and the same for the lady.

We'll take it on the terrace.

Hello? Yeah,
let me speak to Wickersham

I could get
accustomed to this.

I'd like to help
develop the habit.

Mr. Mannix?

Mr. Mannix, there's
a telephone call for you.

Now you hold that pose.

I'll be back in seconds.

Are you out
of your mind?

Dating Stella Scott!

I had to report
that to Mr. Wickersham.

I'm on my own time,
Cleary; sick leave.

Was that a gag
about the phone call?

No. When I called in,
the girl at the board said

to tell you
Steve Brock phoned.

Leave a message?

No. He asked to see you
as soon as possible.

He said urgent.

He said he'd wait
at the shipping platform.

Mrs. Brock?

It's Steve!

He's dead!

Not very convincing.

Did you hear him make
the telephone call?

He was so kind, he was so
gentle, he was so loving!

And nervous!

You knew he was gonna
spill everything.

Who else knew it?!

I don't know what
you're talking about! Stop it!

All I know
is my husband's dead!

And you k*lled him!

Help!

Police! Police!

Help! Police! Help!

Oh, thank you, Chris.

Would you like to check
our personnel records?

Mannix has been
on sick leave,
unassigned.

What he's doing has no
connection with Intertect.

You didn't answer
my question.

Do you know
where he is?

Mannix has certain talents.

He also has some
irritating qualities.

Independence
is one of them.

He doesn't report in
as often as I'd like.

You're still evasive.

However, if you don't know
where he is,

I want you
to locate him.

Why?

If he's got any
solid evidence of
Larkin's innocence,

I'll underwrite
a full-scale investigation.

If he hasn't,
he stops annoying
my friends,

or you lose my account.

I decide what is
solid evidence.

I do.

I hope, when the time comes,
Mr. Houston,

that we'll agree.

I hope so.

If not,

Intertect will regretfully
terminate

its association
with Houston Enterprises.

Parker ran down
Larkin's insurance.

His only policy
is six years old

in the amount of $ .

You didn't come over here
to run errands for Parker.

I managed to keep
the report from Houston

that you're
romancing his girl.

I want him to know.

I'm romancing the girl
so he will know.

Are you trying
to get us fired?

I'm trying
to shake up Houston.

So tell him.

No chance.

I don't slap
a major client
in the face

just to satisfy
one of your impulses.

What about your
obligation to a client?

Ethically, you're supposed
to report everything

you know on a case.

Don't teach me
ethics, Joe.

Houston will pick up the tab
on your investigation

if you've got anything.

Houston and his buddies

are in this thing
up to their ears.

You're playing hunches.

Was it a hunch
that planted a
b*mb in my bed

or k*lled Steve Brock?

I've shaken up
a lot of people.

One of them is a k*ller.

All right, say Houston
disliked Santina.

Does he strike you as a man
who'd commit m*rder?

No.

Stella?

If Larkin is innocent--
a big if--

Saunders, Aumont,
anybody might have done it.

Why bug Houston?

Because he knows something.

He's got some sort
of financial arrangement

he doesn't want to talk about,

and it smells an awful lot
like payoffs to me.

You bring me cancelled checks,
bank withdrawals,

security transfers, anything
like that and I'll listen.

Now look, Lou,

Larkin is scheduled to die
tomorrow night.

The police want me
for questioning in
the Brock m*rder.

I haven't got time
to find hard evidence!

You've got nothing, Joe!

I've got a little girl
who wants her father back.

Get off the case.
Get off, or you'll
never work

for a detective agency
again in your life.
That's a promise!

Look! Clint Houston knows
something

about the Santina m*rder.

He's protecting somebody.

If he'd like to sue you
for libel, I'll give evidence.

What are you doing here?

Next question.

No, Mannix,
please, not here.

Well, I know a bar close by,
a nice quiet little bar.

Let's go.

No, I can't.
If Clint found out...

Come on, honey.

We're good for each other.
Live a little.

Mm, you're fun, Mannix.

And I take chances,
but Clint's the money.

In my book, fun's easier
to come by than money.

Well, you can
have both.

You're not chained to him.

He'll be here
when you get back.

Let's go.

No, I can't.

Let's go!
No!

Get into the house, Stella.

Stick around, sweetheart.

Stella and I have a date.

Take your hands off her!

Let me go!

Don't worry about him.

He's an old man.

He won't do anything.

Please!

I'll make a deal with you.

One date with
pretty Stella here

and I'll forget everything
I know about Santina.

Get out!

You've been warned off
private property.

Santina was trespassing,
too, wasn't he?

Only Stella was
the private property.

You couldn't stand Santina
having his arms around Stella,

so you b*at his head in.

Brock was about to talk,
so you had him k*lled, too.

I knew all that
before you told me.

You are lying!

I didn't tell him.
I didn't!

You tramp!

k*ll him!

That's all, Houston.

You're the only one
who could afford
the payoffs.

Saunders looking to buy a piece
of Las Vegas action,

Aumont to back a Broadway play

and the Brocks
next to bankruptcy

sh**t him!

sh**t him!

Did you get him?

I think so.

I don't see him.

Look for him!

Don't stand there!

Look for him!

Get up, Houston!
Come on!

Stella didn't
really tell me.

I only had to fill
in one blank:

"What could get you
mad enough to k*ll?"

You spent a lot of money
on a lot of lies, Houston.

She wasn't
really worth it.

Let's go.

Larkin,
congratulations.

Another swing,
another strike.

What are you waiting
for, thanks?

Forget it.

I had it made
till you wrecked it for me.

That's what threw me.

I never figured you
in on your own frame-up. Why?

For Betsy.

Houston would have paid her

a hundred
thousand dollars.

Daddy!

Hi, honey.

How are you, baby?
Come on. Let's go home.

You beginning to get the idea

she might not have wanted
the deal?

She doesn't need a loser.

You blew the only chance
I had of doing anything for her.

What right have you got
to mix in with it?

I wasn't working for you,
Larkin.

Betsy here rented me

to bring back her father.

Hope to see you soon,
Betsy.

Sorry, Mr. Mannix,
but I don't think
Daddy likes you.

You like him, Betsy?

Yes.

Well, any friend of yours...

You over your fever?

Just this minute.

Good.

I have something for you.

Come on,
I'll buy you a drink.

Thanks.

Two chocolate
sodas, please.

What's this?

Oh. that. That's a bill
for Parker's time.

You're kidding.

For ten minutes?

One scoop?

Better make it a double.