08x22 - In Mourning

[bunniefuu]

[intense music]

It can't be true.

But if it is true,

if he doesn't come back, are you prepared to take over?

He did what we knew he would do.

-Then he did-- -What he had to do.

Oh, my God, I don't believe it.

Now stop it!

A beer for the gentleman?

He didn't sleep here last night.

-He was out. -Out? Was it my mother?

[theme music]

[intense music]

He's dead.

If he's dead, why are you the only one who knows it?

No police report, no hospital report, no news report?

They're covering it up.

Oh! They're covering it up?

Just like they covered up his father's death.

Do you think Galveston Industries wants the world

to know that the mighty Greg Sumner is dead?

I think your friends at the organization would settle

for you knowing for sure.

I saw a body--

You saw a damn body bag, big deal.

You didn't look inside.

I didn't have to look inside.

For all you know, it could have been a sack of potatoes.

I have all the confirmation I need.

I heard the argument between Sumner and Gibson.

[Sumner] You could use a drink,

little hemlock on the rocks.

Don't!

Don't joke.

I don't have a choice. It's you or my family.

I've got to k*ll you or they'll k*ll me.

They'll k*ll my family.

They'll send someone else to k*ll you anyhow.

Who's "they?"

[Ben] It has occurred to you, hasn't it boss?

There must be somebody out there

somewhere who doesn't like you.

Alright.

Alright, you come over here. Here's a pen and paper.

You're going to commit suicide.

You're going to leave a suicide note.

My wife is going to have a child.

A girl.

[g*n clicking]

[Ben] The only thing between you and death is that note.

[intense music]

Alright, leave the picture alone.

Does this look right to you?

[Ben] Turn around.

[Sumner] I'm not going to turn around, Ben.

sh**t me in the back and then explain it

to the police as suicide.

[g*nsh*t blast]

But you didn't go inside.

How could I go inside?

Did you ever hear of security guards?

I might as well have done the job myself

and thrown myself on the mercy of the court.

The court would have wanted evidence.

Some corpus called habeas corpus.

Then go the hell out to Sumner's ranch.

Because that's where they took the body.

[Nick] That's where they took the body bag.

[Jean] An hour after the g*nshots,

his chauffeur left without him.

And his own private mourners arrived.

[intense music]

I had Gibson followed to the airport.

You had some man in a tuxedo follow you.

I had followed that van up to the gates of Sumner's ranch.

No, I did not go in.

No, I did not introduce myself and say...

Hello, I'm Jean Hackney.

Could I have a look at the corpse?

They're keeping this quiet until the Stratadyne

acquisition goes through.

If you're wrong...

I'm not wrong.

[engine starts]

[Mack on the phone] Yeah, something came up.

Something, you know, official business.

Are you alright?

[Mack] Yeah, yeah, I'm fine.

I'm just sorry I couldn't call early.

I just couldn't get to a phone and then it got to be late

and I didn't want to wake you, you know?

I understand. When are you going to be home?

[Mack] Well, as soon as I can.

Mack, I was... I was very worried.

I'm glad you called.

I love you.

Yeah, I love you too. Bye.

Bye.

Oh, I was looking for Mack.

-He's gone off to work. -No...

Er... Yes.

He didn't sleep here last night.

He got tied up.

He called.

Oh, I suppose you stayed up all night, didn't you?

Where was he calling from, do you think?

He was calling from...

Out. He was out.

And "out" was with my mother?

The thought never occurred to you?

You're not worried, right?

No, Paige, I'm not worried.

Look, I don't want to see them get back together again, Karen.

Honest.

[sighs]

[mysterious music]

Last stop! Everyone out for the cul-de-sac.

That means you too, bug.

No, no, don't tease her. She's grumpy when she wakes up.

She's not the only one.

Traveling around all night like...

Oh, my God, I don't know what.

Like refugees.

Oh, I bet the kids enjoyed it.

Come on, Bobby.

Come on. Go with him.

-Go with him. -Come on, honey.

-Come on, sweetheart. -Bye-bye.

-You go with Gooma. -Bye-bye, now.

Well, we figure you're out of danger now.

I have to talk to Mack.

Sorry I can't help you there.

What do you mean you can't help me there?

I have to find out what happened to my husband,

and I want to know where he is.

I don't know where he is.

Now, just try to be natural.

What do you mean, be natural? Don't you know what's...

[car honking]

-Who are they? -They work for Mack.

- What? - Well, if anyone asks,

they're doing repair work or remodeling inside.

We don't need any remodeling.

Then they're giving you an estimate.

[van door closing]

May I help you?

I have an appointment with Mr. Gibson.

Well, he's not in.

Well, when do you expect him back?

He's out of town on a business trip.

[phone ringing]

Senator Hollister's office.

Yes? I have it right here.

-Hey. -I own the building.

Have any problems with the plastering?

Problems?

With the holes.

Which holes?

The holes in the wall.

Hey, look, lady, I'm no connoisseur.

One hole in the wall looks pretty much like

the next one to me.

Now, when I make a bid on a job, I... Hey.

You're not looking for a way out of paying what we agreed on.

Because you can forget that right now.

That's good.

-Could I have another cup? -That'll make four.

Will it? Oh.

We'll stop, then. I had no idea.

Four.

Where do you think Mack is?

He had an emergency.

Oh.

Ben left the party early, too.

Even earlier than Mack.

Well, he's on a business trip.

Out of town on a business trip, so he had to leave early.

He's probably gonna be gone for some time.

Oh.

I guess I shouldn't ask why my neighbor and...

her mother and her children came home from a party

in a catering truck.

[intense music]

Well, see, Ben drove himself to the airport in our car, so...

the caterers just offered to drive us home.

And you waited around all night?

The kids fell asleep. I didn't want to wake them up.

-Where? -In your office.

When I left, there was no one in my office, Val.

Oh, it wasn't your office?

[scoffs] Oh, it must have been Abby's, then.

You know, I don't know. I don't know--

Are you gonna tell me what is going on?

Karen, I'm gonna have to get back and check on the kids.

I would like to know what is-- Mack!

-Honey! -Oh, my God.

Smell that coffee.

You know, I'd k*ll for a cup of coffee.

Alright, I'll get you one.

-Is he okay? -Stop, will you?

-Mack, where is he? -Just shut up!

Everything went according to plan.

He did what we knew he would do.

-Then he did. -What he had to do.

Oh, my God. I don't believe it.

-Now stop it! -Where is he, Mack?

Have you seen him?

Can't I please just talk to him?

-No! -Have you talked to him?

-Listen to me. -Mack, something must be wrong--

Listen to me. You don't say anything

in front of Lilimae or anybody.

-Ben's away on a business trip. -I know.

I know. I'm supposed to try to act normal.

I don't think that I can act normal, Mack.

I can't.

Look. Come on.

-I'm sorry. -Jean Hackney's at your house.

What?

[sighs] Thanks.

Well, I'm dying for a shower.

No! Do inside, sweeties.

You go on inside. Take them upstairs, mama.

Start their bath.

What do you want?

Have you heard from your husband?

Get out of here.

I don't ever want to see your face again.

-Has Ben made contact? -You!

You do this to my family!

You drive my husband away so that I may never see him again!

So that those children in there will never see him again!

And you have the nerve to come around here asking for him!

Get out of here! I don't ever want to...

For your sake, he'd better make contact.

And when he does, you tell him that Sumner had better be dead.

Because if he's not, your husband will be

and I promise you that.

[crickets chirping]

Don't fight. Put them in the box.

Put everything... Attaboy, Bobby.

In the box.

Hey!

That's it. In the box, Betsy.

Put everything in.

-[doorbell ringing] -In this? This.

Yeah.

[doorbell ringing]

[children cooing]

Yeah, clean it up. Clean it up.

[doorbell ringing continues]

-Gary, hi. -Hi.

Can I come in?

Well, I was just going to put the kids to bed.

I won't stay long.

Yeah, sure. Come on in.

Uh, guys, there's some coffee in the kitchen

if you'd like to go ahead and take a break.

Remodeling?

Well, we're thinking about it,

you know, getting an estimate.

They work late.

[scoffs] They're busy.

It's the only time they can make it.

Um, is Ben here?

No, he's away on a business trip.

Hey, how you guys doing?

What's happening over here? Oh, is that good?

Is this? You like that?

[Bobby] Yeah. What's this?

[Gary] Well, I don't know. What is it?

What is that?

-What is that? -Yeah.

You okay?

[Bobby] What's in there?

Yeah, I'm fine.

-Are you sure? -Yeah, Gary, I'm fine.

How about you? Everything okay?

You seemed a little upset at the party last night.

I hope it wasn't because of me.

No, it wasn't.

I noticed Ben left a little early.

He had to leave on his trip.

Everything okay between you two?

Absolutely. It's fine.

It is.

Karen, I'm at my wits' end.

I mean, things have gone from nonsensical to frightening.

Sit down.

I had to talk to somebody.

Well, what do you think it is?

Well, if I knew that,

wouldn't I be the best puzzle solver in the world?

Karen, we rode around all night

in a caterer's truck, for heaven's sake!

My back will be hurting for a week.

What else?

Well, my arm and my hip.

No, I mean, what else happened?

Well, what hasn't happened would be the better question.

Day before yesterday, they made me empty my savings account.

Who?

Well, Val did.

Then we go running through this supermarket

and out the back door, and there's Ben,

driving us away in a car I have never seen before.

God forbid, Karen, I believe he stole it.

Would you have ever imagined that in your wildest dreams?

And they don't tell me a thing,

just everything's urgent, an emergency.

And now Ben is gone.

Ben's gone?

Out of town, on a business trip,

Val keeps saying, like she memorized it.

But you know what, Karen?

He didn't pack a stitch of clothing.

And there are these two carpenters in the house,

who keep measuring the same things over and over again.

Goodnight, Mack.

Oh, well, I better get back.

Maybe you could ask Mack.

[intense music]

Look, I shouldn't have announced my engagement that way.

I wanted to tell you first.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you.

The last thing in the world--

Gary, that's not why I was upset.

I want you to know, I want you to marry Jill.

If that's what you want, then I want it too.

I mean that, I really do.

Oh, I'm glad I married you, Mack.

Because if you were another type, I couldn't stand it.

Yeah? What type?

The type that would keep a secret from his wife.

After he promised her, he would never do that.

Keep a secret from you?

I just figured that sooner or later,

because the man I married

wasn't like that, I would find out why he was out all night,

and why Val came over here near tears, and why the whole Gibson

family has been on a wild goose chase the last couple of days,

and why are there two carpenters staying over at Val's house?

I'm not going to ask why.

Because I know my husband is going to tell me everything.

Because I know he knows his wife is trustworthy.

And I know he's a special investigator

with legal responsibilities.

-I know all that. -Mm-hm.

-And I understand. -[gargling]

And I can keep a secret, because I understand.

Good. I'm glad you understand.

-You're still not sure? -Everything fits.

Everything points to Greg Sumner's being dead.

Cut the wishful thinking.

You haven't got proof.

Without proof, you can't stop the Stratadyne acquisition,

which is why we decided to do this in the first place.

Bob?

Yeah.

Listen, I have something for your column.

Why do you always ask me what my sources are

when you know I can't reveal them?

Oh, it's good information.

I think it's the best.

Well, do you have your sharp little pencil ready?

You can say that, um...

Well-informed sources confirm that Galveston Industries

has been rocked by internal rumors in the last 24 hours.

[Abby] That its chairman and chief executive officer,

the former United States senator...

[Karen] Greg Sumner is dead.

A spokesperson for Mr. Sumner's office would only say that...

[Mack] Mr. Sumner is out of town on a business trip.

[Val] It is not known what effect this as-yet-unconfirmed

report will have on Galveston Industries'

proposed acquisition of Stratadyne Corporation.

[suspenseful music]

[door slamming]

[doorbell ringing]

[knocking]

Mack?

Mack!

Mack, wait! Mack!

Does this mean that Ben's alive?

-I gotta go! -Just tell me the truth!

-I gotta check for myself! -Mack!

Mack!

-Val, you have-- -Here, I'll take you up, Mom.

Oh, thanks, honey.

Just put it in the back seat. We'll be alright .

Okay.

-Don't forget to buckle up. -Okay.

-Oh, my God! Laura! -Just stop!

Don't say anything, okay?

-Hi, kids. -Hi, Aunt Karen.

Hi.

Please, let me know if there's anything I can do.

Yeah, okay, I will.

[engine starting]

Val!

What is going on?

Val, tell me what's going on. Where's Ben?

Val, where's Ben?

Karen, leave me alone, please!

Just leave me alone, alright?

It doesn't even say how he's supposed to have died.

But if it is true, if he doesn't come back,

are you prepared to take over?

It can't be true.

Knowing him, he'd stage his own death just to see what I'd do.

Because if you don't position yourself

to take over this corporation, and it turns out he is dead,

you're gonna have every Tom,

d*ck, and Harry of a corporate officer to fight off.

I'm a state senator. What am I supposed to do?

Anything but hole up in your apartment

and not answer the telephone.

If I make a public statement about his death,

and he's not dead, I'm a liar.

If I act like he's alive and he's not, I look like a fool.

If I say I don't know whether he's dead or alive, I look like

his little brother who's out in left field somewhere.

It's a no-win situation.

Alright, well, we'll compromise.

We'll choose our words very carefully.

We'll find some way to make you look like

a statesman and a hero, and we'll protect

your financial position in Galveston Industries.

You mean we'll protect your 51%

of my financial interest in Galveston Industries.

That, too.

Let me get my coat.

Mm-hmm.

Thank you.

[ominous music]

I thought one of these two for the ceremony.

What do you think?

I understand you weren't close to your brother,

but you're acting like this doesn't even matter.

It doesn't matter to me, Gary.

I mean, I'm sorry for his wife, but--

But you don't care at all?

I mean, what if the rumors are true?

This is my first choice. What do you think?

Come on. You can't let Peter take over Galveston Industries.

Have you got the airline tickets yet?

I mean, we could drive to Vegas.

Wouldn't that be romantic?

All I'm saying is, if Sumner is dead,

you've got as much right to that Galveston Industries

fortune as Peter does.

And all I'm saying is, I don't care about Galveston Industries.

-Not now, not ever. -Why not?

There's something wrong here.

What's wrong is that you don't believe that I don't want

any part of Peter's life, no matter what he inherits.

What's wrong, Gary?

Is that you care more about Peter Hollister

than you do about our wedding.

Now let's get our priorities straight, shall we?

-You want priorities? -Mm-hmm.

I'll give you priorities.

Oh! [laughing]

I never really liked Greg Sumner.

Not really.

Is his brother... What's his name?

-Peter. -Peter Sumner.

Hollister. Peter Hollister.

Is Peter like Greg?

What's Greg like?

What was he like, you mean?

That is just a rumor, Mother.

Well, it smacks of the truth to me.

He was so arrogant, so c*ck.

You like arrogant, c*ck men, Mother.

Yeah. But he was also unctuous, you know, a little too slick.

Is Peter like that?

Peter's... arrogant,

maybe c*ck, maybe he bluffs well.

I wonder if Peter's gonna inherit everything.

Oh, does it matter?

Well, of course it doesn't matter to you.

But that sort of thing would influence the opinion

of other young women.

Yes. I know it would.

-Prove he's alive? -How dare you!

Do you know that I had to keep these kids home

from school today so they wouldn't be exposed

to this crap that you people print?

Tell us where your husband is, Mrs. Sumner.

-We'll print that. -He is on a business trip.

Where?

He is in the Far East.

It was on the schedule for weeks.

We were told the trip was planned only a few days ago.

Alright, maybe it was planned a few days ago.

Damn it, what difference does it make?

Is it possible that your husband is dead,

Mrs. Sumner, and you don't know it?

I really would like you both to leave.

Would you get these people out of here?

Carlos, I want you to get Mr. Sumner on the phone.

Very good, ma'am. Um, where is Mr. Sumner?

I don't know. I don't care.

-Just get him on the phone. -Yes, ma'am.

[Peter] Well, find out where Ben Gibson is staying

and get him on the phone.

And tell that correspondent if he doesn't print proof

or retraction, in 24 hours, we'll see his butt in court.

Okay.

Thank you, Henry.

Any correspondence from my brother's office

is to come through this desk first.

And I want to set up a meeting with Stratadyne people

as soon as you can, without making it seem like

we're too eager to meet them.

Have the computer files on my desk in the morning.

Thanks.

Cura Corp.

Advex Industries. AFAX.

In the A's alone, Galveston Industries

controls half the business in this country.

Which is why you have to convince

the investment community

that operations are absolutely normal here.

And you'd better prepare a eulogy, too,

just in case it's really true.

[knocking]

Hello, Peter. I ...

I, uh, came to offer my condolences.

Thank you, Paige, but we don't yet have confirmation.

I think Peter's holding up awfully well...

...considering. Don't you?

Well, if there's anything I can do to help.

Thank you.

What a thoughtful young lady.

Hmm.

Excuse me, ma'am.

Mr. Leslie Reed to see you.

Hi, Les.

Carlos, have you reached Mr. Sumner yet?

I called the hotels in Hong Kong and Singapore

where Mr. Sumner had reservations.

He has not checked in there.

Well, why don't we find out where the hell

he has checked in, okay?

-Please? -Yes, ma'am.

So, Leslie, what are you gonna do for me?

Well, there are no legal grounds for getting him

to print a retraction.

-What? -There's nothing to retract.

Look at this. They only reported rumors.

As long as they label it a rumor...

Well, don't they have to prove it?

-No. -I mean, don't they need facts

to substantiate their stories, like what, where, when, how?

I mean, the corpus is a little dialectic here, don't you think?

Well, yeah, but...

-So sue them. -Great. Sue them.

-On what grounds? -I don't know.

Well, you're the lawyer.

You tell me what grounds.

For causing material damage or something.

It's your job. You come up with it.

It's also my job to keep you out of frivolous lawsuits.

Alright.

So what do we do? And don't tell me nothing.

We can hope Greg shows up.

[faint piano music]

I want to help my friend.

Val's my friend. I want to help her.

Karen, you've had a long day. I've had a long day.

Maybe this dinner wasn't such a good idea.

Telling the truth is a good idea, Mack.

-Don't make a scene. -Don't make a scene?

Don't make a scene?

I've given you every opportunity to tell me what's going on.

Come on, Karen.

You can talk to my friend, but you can't talk to me.

Come on, will you?

No, you come on. I've had it.

Val's going crazy. Lilimae's going crazy.

Ben is out of town,

and two carpenters have set up shop at his house.

-Greg Sumner may be dead. -What can I tell you?

-It's a crazy world. -You can tell me everything.

I will.

And you can tell me now.

I can't.

A beer for the gentleman.

A beer for your thoughts.

To tell you the truth, I wish I were more like Karen.

Oh, come on.

No, really.

She can speak her mind,

and I think that that's admirable in a person.

Look, Anne, I know you just heard Karen and me arguing.

If you think you're going to make something out of that,

you're going to be drinking by yourself.

You're angry because I paid your wife a compliment?

If you think that's a compliment, Miss Anne...

Sorry. [clears throat]

I just wish I were more outspoken.

I wish I could be.

-I wish I had been. -[chuckles]

When you and I...

When I was younger...

That's all water under the bridge, isn't it?

I was much too dependent on you.

I can see that now.

[laughs] You probably saw that as a weakness.

You were right.

[sighs]

There are enough problems in life without having to drag

someone along, some dependent person along.

You weren't a problem. That wasn't it at all.

Well, it would still be better

if I were more independent, like Karen.

I mean, she doesn't even need a man in her life.

Not really.

[kissing and moaning]

[instrumental music]

You give great condolences.

[chuckling]

And while the Mommy Bear wasn't looking,

Pride opened the potato bin.

"Ooh, my," he said,

"Look at those potatoes."

"All those eyes!"

And when the Daddy Bear came...

[shakily] came back...

And when the daddy bear came back...

[crying]

And when the daddy bear came back,

he said, "Don't eat all those potatoes.

You gotta save some for mommy."

[sentimental music]

[instrumental music]

[footsteps approaching]

Excuse me, ma'am.

Oh, Carlos, did you reach Mr. Sumner?

Not yet, ma'am.

Did you call the Park Palace Hotel in Seoul?

Yes.

There's a Miss Hackney, Jean Hackney, to see you.

She says that she has a business appointment with your husband.

Well, just tell her that he's not available right now.

Very well, ma'am.

-Carlos? -Yes, ma'am.

Actually, I know Miss Hackney.

She's a friend of Ben Gibson's.

Maybe she knows where he is. I'll talk to her.

Very well.

-Hi. -Mrs. Sumner.

Uh, have you talked to my husband recently?

No. As a matter of fact, that's why I'm here.

I'm afraid it's terribly intrusive to be here

at a time like this.

What do you mean, a time like this?

Well, I know how you feel, Mrs. Sumner.

Yes. Well, my husband is not dead.

Um, Mrs. Sumner, I have a substantial

business arrangement with your husband.

You must understand I need proof.

Miss Hackney, uh, why don't you see yourself out, okay?

-Excuse me. -I'll just get my purse.

But we're not doing a detailed inventory now.

Just a general assessment.

What the hell is going on here?

Laura.

I am so sorry.

If there's anything that I can do to...

Stables has the finances...

What do you... What do you mean by inventory?

I told them specifically not to do an inventory yet.

Carlos, I want you to call security

and get that man out of the house.

Laura, I-I know this is difficult for you. It's...

It's hard on all of us.

Oh, you're such a greedy b*stard.

Laura, you're going to get everything that's due you.

I want you out of here,

and I want that guy away from Greg Stables.

My brother promised me the chestnut mare.

Now, I'm only looking after my interests,

same as you would yours.

You touch one thing on this property...

Why don't you just leave, okay?

Take your henchman and leave.

How do you know he's dead?

I heard his brother and his wife arguing

over who gets the dishes.

Shattering, but it's not hard evidence.

It's damn good evidence.

I bet my life he's dead.

I think you already have.

[phone ringing]

-Hello? -Hi, Valene, it's Laura.

Hi, Laura.

Um, I was wondering, did Ben say anything

to you about Greg's trip?

No, he didn't.

-His itinerary? -Ben's?

-Greg's. -Uh, no, he didn't.

Do you know if they were traveling together?

Well, I don't know. I mean, I wish I did.

So you haven't heard from Ben since he left, huh?

No, I haven't.

Would you mind doing me a really big favor?

Would you try to reach Ben and see if he knows where Greg is?

I sure will. I'll try right away, Laura.

Great, thanks.

-Laura? -Yeah.

I'm sorry.

I mean, I just hope that everything works out.

Yeah, thank you. Bye-bye.

[ominous music]

It's risky to make a public statement.

It's risky not to.

And how do I answer a direct question about whether

my brother is dead or alive?

You don't answer any questions.

That way, you can't be wrong.

What do I say if my brother shows up alive?

You'll think of something.

Or I will.

I-I don't know, Mama. I just...

I feel like I have to go, because Laura's all alone.

Yeah, but what if you're premature?

What do you mean?

Well, you're going to offer your condolences.

Yeah.

Well, what if her husband is not dead?

I just feel like she could use the company, Mom,

and I've got to go.

Tell Laura if there's anything I can do.

Oh, Mama, wait. I forgot my keys.

-They're on the table there. -Here.

-Thank you. -Anything.

I'll take care of Jason, Daniel, anything.

I'll tell her, Mama.

Recent unfortunate and irresponsible conjecture

by the media has made it necessary for me to make

this statement on behalf of Galveston Industries.

Greg Sumner, my brother's, lack of visibility in the media

should in no way be interpreted by competitors

as a reflection of insolvency or instability.

Quite the contrary. I can personally assure

the company's competitors, contractors, and clients

that day-to-day operations are under complete control

and that no detail has ever been

or will ever be overlooked.

The company's contracts are being met

and the company is stable...

-Mom! -What, honey?

Mom, they're talking about Greg on TV.

I know. I know.

Don't you have some homework to do?

I didn't go to school today, Mom.

Right. How about reading a little book, huh?

I'm telling you, Peter Hollister is unbelievable.

Do you know that he was here today taking inventory?

He said that Greg promised him his favorite mare.

Oh, this guy's incredible. He is incredible.

I mean, the thing he would do is to go and sell it the next day.

Well, maybe he...

Maybe he felt that he had to make that speech

for business or, I don't know, political reasons.

Laura, it... It doesn't have to mean that Greg is...

I mean, it doesn't have to prove that he's...

It proves he's not here or else none of this would be happening.

Well, I just... I can't handle it.

That's all there is to it.

I just... I can't handle it.

[intense music]

Can't handle what?

Oh, brother.

Where have you been? Oh, damn you!

Oh, God.

No.

Ben.

[music continues]

[theme music]