01x21 - The Case of the Green-Eyed Sister

[bunniefuu]

[suspenful music]

[noirish jass music]

My key, if you please.

Here you are, Johnson.

Thank you. Good night.

That's him, Mr. West. Room .

Thanks.

What'd he do?

He talked too much.

What the...

Come on, come on, Stanley. Wake up.

Stanley? My name's Johnson.

Since when?

Who are you?

Police?

My name's Arthur West, private investigator.

Well, if you're not with the law, what do you want?

$, you embezzled from the Texas National Bank.

But that was years ago. I didn't...

Yes, I know it was, and you had a partner, Ned Bain.

He's a pretty big man now, highly respected.

I always wondered how Bain made his money.

Didn't know he was financed by the Texas National.

I don't get it. Spell it out.

A bank's like an elephant. It never forgets.

They'd pay me plenty to know how Bain made his money.

Then why don't you tell them?

Because Bain would pay a lot more, quite a lot.

What you need, J.J., is a manager.

Well, if it's blackmail, you can count me out, mister.

I'd rather do time.

For once in your life, you're gonna do as you're told.

By the time we're through,

you'll be able to swim in this stuff.

you'll be able to swim in this stuff.

[BUZZING]

NED ON TAPE: Hello? STANLEY ON TAPE: Is that the Bain residence?

HARRIET ON TAPE: Yes. Who's calling?

This is J.J. Stanley calling Ned Bain.

I'll take the call, Harriet.

Is that you, J.J.?

Ned, is this line private?

Of course. What's the problem? Money?

They're on to us, Ned.

The bank hired a private detective to trace us,

and they're closing in fast.

They can prove we embezzled that money,

and you know what they'll do if they find us.

How did you find out?

I've got ways.

Ned, I have nothing to lose, but you've got a family.

You've got to do something to stop them.

This private detective, will he do business?

I think so. I'll find out and call you tomorrow.

Then you can square things directly.

Do that, J.J. I'll expect your call tomorrow.

Well, Miss Bain?

Now will you believe what I told you was true?

It's a lie. My father would never steal.

I'm sorry, Miss Bain. I'm only an agent.

That isn't my property or yours.

[SOBBING]

[DOOR SLAMS]

[INTERCOM BUZZES]

Yes, Gertie?

GERTIE: There's a Miss Bain here to see Mr. Mason.

I'll be right out.

GERTIE: I'm sorry, Mr. Mason is in court.

May I take a message?

Could I help you? I'm Mr. Mason's secretary, Della Street.

It's terribly urgent and private.

I've just got to see him.

Well, I'm afraid that's impossible right now.

Mr. Mason's in court.

Well, when will he be back?

Well, as soon as the trial's over, he's flying to Europe.

I'm awfully sorry.

[SOBS]

Would you like to come into my office?

I'm sorry to make such a fool of myself.

Would it help you to talk a little?

Thanks, but I've already taken up too much of your time.

Oh, you let me worry about that.

Cigarette?

Thank you.

Here, let me.

About six months ago I met Addison Doyle.

He's a writer and comes from an old Boston family.

He's a friend of my stepsister, Sylvia.

At first I thought he was just being kind,

but now...

You're in love.

Yes. We're engaged to be married.

In the beginning, I thought he was attracted to Sylvia.

She's blond and beautiful with a lovely figure, and...

Well, she's everything I wanted to be but wasn't.

How does Mr. Mason fit into this?

Miss Street, my father is being blackmailed.

About an hour ago a private detective named West

played me a wiretap recording.

It implicates my father in an embezzlement

with his old partner, J.J. Stanley.

How did you become involved?

Well, my dad suffers from an acute heart ailment.

I look after him and take care of his calls.

I...

Miss Street, I can't take a chance.

Besides the concern for my father,

I'm afraid that Addison will call off the marriage if there's a scandal.

Don't you think you're underestimating yourself and your fiance?

Sometimes I'm very realistic.

My mirror has left me few illusions.

Here.

Why don't you start the story from the beginning?

I'll try to see Mr. Mason before he leaves.

This is more than just a pleasure trip, you know.

I know that, Perry.

Then give me one logical reason

why I should cancel my flight plans at five minutes' notice

just to take on Harriet Bain's case?

I can give you many reasons.

Of course, some of them may be a little feminine.

I thought so.

I have got the solution to the whole thing.

What is it, Paul?

You take on the Bain case

and I'll pinch-hit for you at the lawyers' conference in London.

[CHUCKLES] Good.

Perry, this is serious.

Besides that, marriage is the only chance for happiness this girl has.

And if her father should be implicated, her fiance walks out.

That's right.

Maybe she'd be better off.

Besides, there's plenty of other men in this state

she can choose from.

Not for Harriet Bain.

She signed a retainer.

There you are. It's all in the notes.

All right. Who's doing this blackmailing?

A private detective named West.

Arthur West.

Boy, she'll need plenty of help

if she's mixed up with that character.

You see?

Yeah.

Apparently, the head of the Paul Drake Detective Agency doesn't think much of him.

I don't.

He's as smooth as a rattlesnake and twice as deadly.

He makes a show of trying to b*at down the blackmailer's price.

Acts for the victim, delivers the payoff,

then charges the client a nominal fee.

So he gets paid both ways.

Mmm-hmm.

Of course, this tape recording could be faked.

Our first problem is to locate J.J. Stanley.

How will that help?

You can't cross-examine a tape recording.

Paul, do you know where this West lives?

Yeah. The Colegrove Apartments.

All right. Stake out the apartment and have him tailed.

I think he may lead us to Mr. Stanley.

All right.

Do you want me to call Miss Bain now?

Yeah, have her meet me right away.

We're going over to see West. I want to hear that recording myself.

Mmm-hmm.

And, Della? Yeah?

I want you to pick me up a small magnet not over three inches long.

It has to fit into a cigarette package.

A toy magnet?

Yes, but the strongest one they've got.

And perhaps you'd better delay my plane reservation.

I already have.

I might've known.

STANLEY: Ned, I have nothing to lose, but you've got a family.

You've got to do something to stop them.

NED: This private detective, will he do business?

I think so. I'll find out and call you tomorrow.

Then you can square things directly.

Do that, J.J. I'll expect your call tomorrow.

Don't touch it, Mr. Mason.

Before we do business, I want to examine that tape.

Why?

To make sure it hasn't been spliced.

Spliced?

Tapes can be faked as well as composite photographs.

I can assure you it hasn't.

In this matter, I prefer to use my own observation,

or we're not buying.

All right. I'll show it to you, but don't touch it.

That's about it. Don't touch it, Mr. Mason.

I didn't see any splice marks.

Let's hear it again.

Okay.

You told Miss Bain that J.J. Stanley wants $,.

How much will he take?

I think .

And you?

The usual professional fees. I'll leave it up to you.

All right, let's hear it.

There's nothing more we can do

until Mr. West discovers what's wrong with that tape.

There's nothing wrong with the tape, I can assure you.

I'll check the recorder.

All right, I'll be in my office when you're ready.

I've had West's apartment watched for the last four hours.

So far, he hasn't left the building.

Good. What happened?

Well, I managed to mess up the blackmail recording.

How'd you do that?

The recording was erased by holding a magnet close to the tape.

I don't understand.

All the words on a tape recording can be wiped clean

by passing it near or through a magnetic field.

It's a process called degaussing.

Isn't that tampering with evidence?

Well, that tape had to be a copy.

By erasing the copy, I think I can force Mr. West

to reveal where he keeps his master recording.

[INTERCOM BUZZES]

Yes, Gertie?

GERTIE: Mr. West is on the phone.

Put it on Mr. Mason's private line.

Mason speaking.

You have? When may I hear it?

Right. Tomorrow morning at : will be fine.

Then he did have another copy of the tape. Mmm-hmm.

[INTERCOM BUZZES]

Yes?

GERTIE: Miss Bain's here to see Mr. Mason, and she's pretty upset.

Thanks, Gertie.

I'll bring her in.

All right, Paul, I'll check with you later.

Mr. Mason, it's out in the open.

Sylvia was mad because I brought you into the case,

and she told Dad.

What was your father's reaction?

He says the whole thing's a fraud.

He's going to fight, Mr. Mason,

and would like to see you as soon as possible.

Good. Is your father here?

I'm sorry to cause you so much trouble,

but would you mind coming out to the house?

Dad's a sick man.

He's had heart trouble for years.

Of course I'll come out to the house.

Hello, airline reservations?

This way, Mr. Mason.

Oh, how's Father?

He's much better. Dr. Fisher just left.

Is this Mr. Mason?

Oh, yes. Mr. Mason, my sister, Sylvia.

How do you do?

This is just a storm in a teacup, Mr. Mason.

Unfortunately, I wasn't consulted.

I'm afraid my stepsister is a little impulsive at times.

Has Addison arrived?

Of course. Addison Doyle's a fixture around here.

I suppose you know that he's Harriet's beloved.

Sylvia, please.

[MAN LAUGHS]

Enter the villain.

Mr. Mason, this is my fiance, Addison Doyle.

I've heard a great deal about you.

All good, I hope.

Harriet, Mr. Mason came to see Father.

Of course.

That recording's a lie, Mr. Mason.

If I can get my hands on J.J.'s neck...

What's your connection with him, Mr. Bain?

I'm in oil, Mr. Mason.

Ten years ago, J.J. backed me in a wildcat strike,

and I was lucky.

But he got back every dollar and more.

When did you last see him?

About six months ago.

He started to hit the bottle. Landed in skid row.

I gave him a few handouts, and I thought it was quits.

You were going to pay him off?

Not one cent. Why should I?

If necessary, would you go to the police?

I have Harriet's happiness to think of, Mr. Mason.

Also Sylvia's.

A scandal wouldn't help.

You have a completely free hand to get back that tape.

Good.

I'll be here tomorrow, after I've dealt with Arthur West.

Oh, by the way, Mr. Bain, do you happen to know J.J. Stanley's address?

No, not even a phone number.

[SYLVIA LAUGHING]

You're wonderful, aren't you?

[DOYLE LAUGHING]

Harriet!

Will you excuse me, Mr. Mason?

Of course, Miss Bain.

Well, that was a swift conference.

Yes, it was.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll get back to town.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Who dragged Mason into it?

Harriet.

What, on her own?

Sylvia, dear, you must be slipping.

I thought you controlled her.

[CRICKETS CHIRPING]

[DOOR CLOSES]

[BUZZING]

Who is it?

Ned Bain.

You were stupid to get mixed up with someone like West.

He forced me to do it. It wasn't my idea.

Uh-huh.

What are you going to do?

You know my philosophy, J.J.

Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today.

Or rather, tonight.

Take me back to the corner of Los Feliz and Vermont.

[ENGINE STARTS]

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

Hi, Perry. MASON: Hello, Paul.

I've located J.J. Stanley.

Where is he?

In the apartment across the hall from West.

Number B.

Are we picking up Harriet Bain?

No. She said she'd meet us at West's apartment.

All right, Miss Street. We're on our way.

Uh, if this is going to be a showdown,

maybe I better tag along. I might come in handy.

Thanks, Paul. I don't expect any trouble.

"Perry Mason, if I'm a few minutes late, the door is unlocked.

"Make yourself at home. Arthur West."

What's the catch?

He does seem a little anxious for us to search the apartment.

I think we'd better just go...

[WOMAN SCREAMS]

[PANTING] He's dead.

Who, West?

No. No, I think it's J.J. Stanley.

His body is in the kitchen.

Come here, dear.

It's okay.

It's a trap and we fell right into it.

Here.

West will be here any moment

expecting to find us with the body.

I'm going to check Stanley's apartment.

When West turns up, you pretend to be reading that note.

How will I let you know when he gets here?

When you hear the elevator stop,

give two rings on Stanley's doorbell.

[DOORBELL BUZZES TWICE]

Hey, you could've waited for me.

Mr. West just arrived. He left this note for you.

I'm sorry I'm late. I...

I just came from a card game.

Oh, I didn't know you were a gambler.

I'm not. For me, poker is no gamble.

Make yourselves at home. I'll put on some coffee.

And I thought you were smart.

It's an emergency. Give me the police.

When he's finished, you'd better call the airline and cancel my trip.

Right.

Well, I've finished with him, Lieutenant Tragg.

The k*ller did a neat job.

What k*lled him, Doctor?

Internal hemorrhage.

I found a couple of puncture wounds, probably made by an ice pick.

Any idea when he d*ed?

From his body temperature, I'd say sometime around : a.m. this morning.

But don't hold me to it until I've made an autopsy.

Oh, thanks, Doctor. I'll keep in touch.

Lieutenant, I found this across the hall in Apartment B.

Yeah.

Check it out with the crime lab for prints.

Well, Mason, what's your story this time?

Coincidence or just bad luck?

Hi, Paul. PAUL: Hi, Perry.

What'd you get?

Tragg took West down to headquarters, and he sang like a bird.

[CHUCKLES] That type usually does.

We've got to locate that tape recording before Tragg gets it.

You're sticking your neck out, Perry.

Why?

Tragg knows that you searched J.J. Stanley's apartment

with Della standing guard.

Harriet Bain talk?

No. West rigged the tape recorder by the door

with the timer set to go at :.

Then the police have a record of every word that was said.

That's right.

That could be a pretty strong witness.

And that's not all.

Tragg sent a crew down to Bain's house.

They fingerprinted the whole family.

[PHONE RINGS]

Yes? Yes, Della.

What?

All right, tell her I'll be there as soon as I can.

Bain just had another heart att*ck.

The doctor thinks this one might be fatal.

I'll see you.

Well, I thought we'd lose him an hour ago, but he's tough as nails.

He'll pull through.

How did this att*ck take place, Doctor?

Shock or sudden exertion.

If he'd taken a walk, would that be a factor?

Mr. Bain couldn't even walk to the bathroom with his heart condition.

Are you certain?

In medicine, nothing is certain.

Oh, by the way, I found this under his pillow.

It hardly makes for good resting.

May I?

Do you think...

This had better be kept in a safe place.

Harriet, did you leave the house

or did you see your father leaving your house

at any time last night?

No.

Uh, Miss Bain,

did you at any time leave this house last night?

No.

You're certain of that?

Little Miss Galahad is protecting my honor.

She has a perfect alibi, Mason.

She was at my apartment.

Addison!

Oh, it was perfectly proper.

Good night.

Uh, do call again.

Mr. Mason. TRAGG: Hello, Perry.

Well...

[CRICKETS CHIRPING]

Do you... You've got...

Oh, that tape's rather bulky, Perry.

It just spoils the whole cut of your suit.

Oh, by the way,

you do represent the Bain family, Perry?

Yes, I do.

Well, then your job is just starting.

I'm arresting your client, Harriet Bain.

What for? On suspicion of m*rder.

Your fingerprints are all over that ice pick.

[KNOCKING]

May I come in?

Yes, of course.

Park on the couch if there's room.

Excuse the mess. The service in this place is simply hopeless.

I've just come from the jail.

A visit from you might've been helpful.

Oh, skip the violins, Mason.

My engagement with Harriet is quite unofficial.

In the circumstances, it's better that way.

Isn't your walking out on Harriet

a little hard on your conscience?

[SCOFFS]

Conscience is a luxury

for a man with a limited income,

and as you see, mine is limited.

I gather your writing hasn't been very profitable.

For a man like myself with little talent,

a beer income but champagne tastes,

the label "writer" has certain value.

A few sheets of paper, battered typewriter, a beard

work wonders with the impressionable sex.

You're disarmingly honest.

Well, Mason, you're nobody's fool, so why should I lie?

You know what I'm after as well as I do.

Harriet's arrest and the ensuing scandal

must have been a great disappointment to you.

Oh, it was, but there are compensations.

Sylvia?

Do you really think you can make the switch in midstream?

Do I have to go into details?

Let me give you a word of advice.

Go easy on the changeover to Sylvia.

It might backfire.

Oh? How?

She has very red claws, and she knows how to use them.

You don't have much time to get to court, Perry.

Yes, I know.

Where is that copy of Gross' Criminal Investigation?

There wasn't one in town, so I wired the publishers.

There's a copy on its way.

All right.

BURGER: On the morning of March ,

you were called to Apartment A at the Colegrove Apartments,

where you first saw the body of the decedent, J.J. Stanley?

I was.

In the course of your investigation,

was an ice pick discovered?

Yes.

Is this the ice pick?

Yes, it is.

If it please the court,

we should like this w*apon entered as People's Exhibit A.

Where was the ice pick discovered, Lieutenant?

In Apartment B,

occupied by the late J.J. Stanley.

Were you subsequently able to establish the ownership of the ice pick?

Yes. It was identified by Bain's cook

as one of her kitchen utensils.

And was it found to bear certain fingerprints?

Yes. Whose were they?

The defendant, Harriet Bain.

Was anything else found in the apartment, Lieutenant?

Yes. We found a cigarette lighter.

Were you able to establish the ownership of that?

Yes, Mr. Burger. You will notice the initials H.B.

The defendant, Harriet Bain, admitted it's hers.

People's Exhibit B, if it please the court.

That's all, Lieutenant. Thank you.

Your witness.

Lieutenant, you've identified the ice pick

as property belonging to the Bain household.

I did.

Now, an ice pick is a normal piece of household equipment,

wouldn't you say?

Yes, of course.

Then it should hardly come as a surprise

to find the defendant's fingerprints

on this piece of kitchen equipment.

True, but I wouldn't believe that she'd be using it in the decedent's apartment.

But you did find latent fingerprints of the defendant's

on the ice pick. Yes.

Now, were these latent fingerprints developed

at the scene of the crime or at police headquarters?

At police headquarters.

Now, was it possible to transport the ice pick

without either destroying or impairing those latent fingerprints?

Not only possible, Mr. Mason,

but it was done without any damage or impairment

to the latent prints of Miss Bain.

Then, Lieutenant, it must have been equally possible

for someone other than the defendant

to have transported the ice pick

from the Bain residence to the scene of the m*rder

without disturbing the fingerprints.

Well, Lieutenant?

Yes.

Now, if someone wanted to incriminate the defendant,

the ice pick would've been an excellent idea.

Yes, if you could get somebody to believe it.

But you believed it, didn't you, Lieutenant?

Just as you believed the cigarette lighter was left by the defendant.

Objection.

Lieutenant Tragg simply testified

that he'd found the defendant's lighter

in the deceased's apartment.

No further questions.

Dr. Hanover, did you examine the body of the decedent J.J. Stanley

to determine the cause and the time of death?

I did. What were your findings?

I found two puncture wounds made from the front,

one penetrating the ascending aorta just above the heart,

the other piercing the subclavian artery.

Would these wounds have caused immediate death?

They would, from massive internal hemorrhage within a matter of minutes.

And what, in your opinion, would've been the nature of the w*apon?

A long, sharp, pointed instrument, possibly an ice pick.

Doctor, are you familiar with this exhibit?

Yes. I examined that at the request of the police.

And what did you find?

The wounds penetrating the decedent's body

match this exhibit in relation to size and depth.

Was that all?

No. I developed latent bloodstains

made at the apex of the ice pick.

These match the decedent's blood group.

It's group AB.

Doctor, would you explain for us, please,

the phenomenon known as postmortem lividity?

Yes. To the layman, it resembles a bruise.

When the blood stops circulating, it settles,

and the veins congest in the lowest part,

the lowest from the standpoint of body position.

Was there such a bruise marking the body of the victim?

Yes, sir, there was.

This indicates that the body had been lying on its back

at least two hours after death.

Well, what can you tell us about rigor mortis?

It starts in the face three to five hours after death

and gradually spreads downward.

For the entire body to be involved

usually takes eight to twelve hours.

When I first examined Stanley's body,

only the face and arms were involved.

Well, from your examination, Doctor,

were you able to reach a conclusion as to the time of death?

Yes, sir, between : and : a.m.

Thank you, Doctor.

Your witness.

Dr. Hanover,

you base your estimate of the time of death

on postmortem lividity and rigor mortis?

They're both factors.

Are these the only factors in determining the time of death?

No.

What others are involved?

Ingestion of the last known meal,

body temperature.

How is temperature used in determining time of death?

The body cools at approximately

one and one-half degrees per hour

for the first hours after death.

Well, could your calculations be in error

with any changes or alterations in room temperature?

They could've been, but they weren't.

I made a careful check of the room temperature, and it was normal.

But changes in the room temperature

could have affected your calculations

concerning the time of death.

Yes.

Thank you, Doctor. That's all.

Your Honor, with regard to my next witness,

I ask the court's indulgence.

Since this man recently suffered a heart att*ck,

I ask permission to bring him into court on a stretcher.

It's Father.

We object, Your Honor,

to this inhumane and unnecessary treatment of the defendant's father.

JUDGE: Is there a physician in attendance?

yes your honor

and here is his certificate from the police medical examiner stating that Mr. Bain is able to be questioned

is he outside?

yes your honor

now since the witness is already present I will permit his submission

I call Ned Bain

Mr. Ned Bain

Now please take note however Mr. Burger that I shall regulate your examination with strict regard to the witness' health

he's a hostil witness your honor

he has reason to be Mr. Burger

raise your right hand please.

do you solemnly swaer that the testimony you're about to give to the court is the truth the whole truth

I do

state your name

Ned Bain

Mr. Bain

Did you know the deceased JJ Stanley?

yes

and he was balck-mailing you?

he tried to

did he have substance and trith to his allegations? you embezzled money from the Texas national bank?

should I repeat that last question?

I heard you

statute of limitaions has expired on the crime you can answer without incriminating yourself

or my family?

how does the fact of the alleged charge of embezzelment and blackmail effect the defendant in this case Mr. Burger?

that will be explained in my next question you honor

did your duaghter Harriet know that JJ Stanley's thr*at to expose your past was based on truth?

oh please leave him alone I knew it was true

when did you last see JJ Stanley alive?

half past on the night that he d*ed

thank you Mr. bain thats all your witness Mr. Mason

I've only a few questions Mr. Bain you feel well enough to answer?

of course Mr. Mason

Now uh why did you visit JJ Stanley?

to pay off blackmail

what prompted this move?

Stanley called and suggested that we deal without West

and that night you paid him off with money that your daughter Harriet had withdrawn from your bank?

yes

did Harriet know that you were going to pay the money to JJ Stanley?

yes she did

in that case she had no possible motive for m*rder?

thank you Mr. Bain, thats all your honor

[ominus music]

after you arrived at the apartment house with Mr. Bain what happened?

I waited

did you notice anything while you were waiting?

well like I told Lt. Tragg in his office there was a uh foreign car behind me

what made you remember this incident?

Well I picked up my fair at Los Feliz and Vermont and I was tailed all the way

was there anything about the car that you noticed?

I wrote downt he license number

was that DHR?

ya thats right

your honor I enter into the exhibit for the state a copy of a registration for a Cirtin Sedan license number DHR

belonging to the defendant Harriet Bain

your witness

Mr. Miller you said the car was parked a short distance behind you

ya that's right

did you see the driver's face?

no it was too dark

then the driver could have been a man or a woman

ya

in other words you couldn't say the car was driven by the person whose name appears on that registration slip

of course not

thank you Mr. Miller thats all

you may step down

Mr. West you were aquinated with the late JJ Stanley

yes

as a matter of fact you found his body. >>I did

you're a private detective Mr. West? >>yes

licensed of course byt the police commision?

and you met the late JJ Stanely in your professional capacity as a private investigator?

yes

would you tell the court please briefly how that came about

well I was approached by Stanley with a tape recording

a recording to be a phone conversation between

him and Ned Bain

when I found out hat was in it

I contacted the Bain family

and told them of its contents

and what were the contents of the tape?

we object

on the grounds that this is not best evidence

the tape itself should be produced

well Mr. Burger

your honor I intend to introduce the tape into evidence

as soon as the proper foundation has been laid

objection overruled you may answer the question

well the conversation implied that

Stanley and Bain were engaged in a bank embezzlement years ago

in short this was blackmail

it was

a thr*at to Bain so serious

his loyal daughter might do almost anything to stop it

even m*rder

objection

a leading question calls for a conclusion

objection sustained

Mr. West is this the tape you gave me in my office?

It is I signed it

your honor I enter this in evidence to the people's

exhibit D

your witness

Mr. Mason

Mr. Mason

uh my apologies your honor

your acquaintance with JJ Stanley

was purely professional. yes

you had no personal ties with this man

none

then your only connection with him was as a private investigator

yes

was Mr. Stanley's apartment opposite yours?

yes

semi-furnished apartment

well I don't go snooping around other people's places Mr. Mason

even when you're paying the rent

I--

and buying the groceries, supplying the drinks

I made him a loan

you mean financed Stanley's blackmail

that's not true

then why did you buy him a deep freeze

and why did you fill it with food?

and why did you keep Stanley out of sight?

thats not illegal

but tampering with evidence is

what evidence

Stanley's body

I submit that you placed the decedents body in that deep freeze

but I was playing cards when he was k*lled

were you?

or did you place the body in the deep freeze

knowing it would alter the apparent time of death?

and didn't you later remove the body and place it

in your own apartment

setting a trap

so that Ms. Harriet would be accused of his m*rder

thats not true

your honor I object

Mr. Mason's statements are pure unadulterated speculation

have you any ground for these assertions?

if the court will allow

I think and examination of the deep freeze

will reveal traces of the

decedents rare AB blood group

in view of the gravity of this charge

I find this matter must remain in the case

I herewith order that the court will adjourn

to the decedents apartment

to inspect this deep freeze

hey wait a minute let me have that

it's got a blood stain

there's more there on the bottom

well maybe it's drip from a meat package

Dr. Hanover wouldn't placing the body in that deep freeze

change the apparent time of death

yes Mr. Mason it would

your honor I further submit

that Harriet Bain was physically unable

to have placed the dead body in that deep freezer

I fully concur

and your calculations could be in errand

yes your honor

under the circumstances

I order an immediate examination fo these blood stains

and I further order Mr. Burger

that you hold Arthur West on suspicion of m*rder

what?

[ominous music]

Hi Sylvia, Mason

I just read the news

when will Harriet be released?

I'm expecting a phone call any minute

thats pretty smart figuring Mason

but what was West's motive?

$, in pay off money

[telephone rings]

Bain residence

oh yes he's right here

for you Mr. Mason

thank you

yes

yes Della

he has

good

yes thanks

alright I'll tell them

[phone hangs up]

that winds it up Ms. Bain

Harriet was released ten minutes ago

she's on her way home

Addison I think that under the circumstances

it would be more tactful if you weren't here when Harriet arrived

oh poof yes I think you're right Sylvia

Well I'll call you in the morning

good work Mason

[ominous music]

light?

heres your k*ller Lt.

and his motive

$,

Well Doyle you almost had us fooled

thank you

well I'll take that light now Mason

[ominous music]

[knocking at door]

hi

hi Paul

don't tell me that you're still going to try and make that

international conference of lawyers in London

I might if I ever get there

will you drive me out to the airport?

sure

Perry, the reason I dropped by is something puzzles me

I know that you suspected Doyle

when you saw a copy of Dr. Gross' criminal investigation

in his apartment

but what was in the book that clenched things for you

it sites an identical case of retarding body temperature by freezing

by the way thanks for getting it to court on time

but Perry if the motive was money

why didn't Doyle wait until he'd married Harriet or Sylvia

the $, was a sure thing

Harriet's inheritance in the event of a scandal was conjectural

and besides Sylvia was upsetting the plan

how?

Paul, Sylvia Bain wouldn't have had Doyle as a gift

all she wanted wad to break his hold on Harriet

she was helping little sister

right

Perry what is going to happen to old man Bains?

well although the statue of limitations has run out on his crime

if the bank brings a civil suit

they can recover the money he took plus any profits he made as a result of his embezzelment

I'm back Perry

back I thought you were going to the beauty parlor

I did

I just had to meet someone

would you do me a favor Perry?

what is it?

Well there's a client outside

oh no you don't

it wont take but a minute

she just wants a little advice

no my plane takes off in an hour

please

bring her in

Mr. Mason will see you now

I wanted to say thank you personally Mr. Mason

before I left town

you're going away?

yes Harriet is taking a vacation to Europe

and my plane leaves in an hour

taking a Polar root to London by any chance?

why yes

Della managed to get me a seat on the plane

what a remarkable coincidence

well Ms. Machiavelli

well with this new hair do and new outfit

girl needs an escort

I just couldn't think of a better one for the trip

after you

Shall we?