02x04 - Emancipation Day

[bunniefuu]

♪ Search me ♪

♪ Oh, Lord ♪

♪ Search me ♪

♪ Oh, Lord ♪

♪ Shine your light ♪

♪ Upon my heart, God ♪

♪ Search our wickedness ♪

♪ 'Til there is gone ♪

♪ Search me ♪

♪ Oh, Lord ♪

♪

- (WOMAN): Yes, yes, yes!
- (CHEERING)

(MAN): She has a gift. Thank you!

- (WOMAN): Girl!
- That was amazing.

You should really sing more often.

I'd love to, but I can't
let it get in the way

- of my day job.
- OK, enough of the chit-chat.

- Come now.
- Mama, the guests just

got here, and Mr. Garvey
hasn't even arrived yet.

Your generation is so lackadaisical.

The Coloured Girls Orphanage is
depending on these donations.

We can't skylark!

Everything you organize turns
out perfectly, Mrs. Clarke.

Oh. Well, that's because I
don't leave anything to chance.

I even got some of
the orphan girls to come out.

Nothing tugs at the heart
...or the purse strings...

like children in need.

- Hi, Trudy!
- Hi, Ismay!

Oh, you've grown so much!

I want to be just like you
when I grow up.

- A singer?
- No, a detector!

Oh!

You mean a detective.
Well, in order to be that,

you gotta do very well in school.

Hey, you know what? This...

would look really nice
with your dress.

Thanks, Trudy!
I'm gonna wear it every day.

Come on, let's get a
picture of you girls.

Yes.

- (CAMERA CLICKING)
- OK.

Leave some film for Mr. Garvey.

Just one... one more
to remember this day.

Back to work young lady.

Give them an inch, they take a yard.

She's smitten with you.

- She's sweet.
- Does no one want to do

any work around here today?

The money's not going
to collect itself!

- Go!
- (TRUDY): OK, OK.

I told you, Wesley, no.

- Think this through.
- It's not your decision.

Lionel, please don't do

- anything rash...
- Stay out of it!

Wesley. It's time.

Lionel, I could use your help.

Sure thing, Cora.

Good afternoon, friends.

I'm Wesley Hampton,
President of the Toronto chapter

of the U.N.I.A., and I welcome you all

in the spirit of unity.

Today, we are raising funds for
the Coloured Girls Orphanage.

But it's not just
a roof over their heads

and food in their mouths
that we're giving them.

With your support,

we will create a library

so that a new generation of girls

will grow into educated young women.

(OVERLAPPING ACCLAMATIONS)

Now, it is my honour

to bring to the stage

the founder of the United n*gro
Improvement Association,

the honourable

Marcus... Mosiah... Garvey!

(CHEERING)

Greetings, brethren.

I crossed a border
to come north today,

but I know no boundaries
when it comes to my people.

It lifts my soul
to hear that man speak.

He does have a gift for oratory.

- Mm-hmm.
- I started the U.N.I.A.

to unite black people... (CHEERING)

...and repatriate them back to Africa!

For those of you wishing
to make that sacred journey,

tickets for the Black Star Line
are available here

and at the U.N.I.A. office
on College Street.

Oh! Amen! Can you believe
he is really here?

I don't know why he's so
focused on returning to Africa.

We have work to do right here.

It's not the m*llitary draft, Cora.

Everybody don't have to go.

Hear me now, brothers and sisters.

Intelligence rules the world,

but ignorance carries the burden.

So, emancipate yourself
from mental sl*very!

Remember, none but ourselves
can free the mind!

Huh!

Hmm! Have mercy!

That pile could buy the Queen's lunch!

$ .

That is much more
than we expected to raise.

Hmm. You sure you counted right, Cora?

Yes, I'm sure, Mildred.

I am the treasurer, after all.

All right. Well, I will

drop it at the office.

And I will count it again,
just to be sure.

- Oh, no. I said that I c...
- No, no, no. It's OK.

It's all right.
I don't mind. See you later.

Over here! (INDISTINCT SPEAKING)

What business you ruffians
have around here?

Get lost!

And don't let me see you

- around this way again!
- Let's go.

♪

Miss Cora
"I am the treasurer, after all"

thinks she so special. $ .

I don't know
who teach her how to count.

(GLASS BREAKING)
(GASPING)

Who's there?

You better believe
I'll call the police.

(TENSE MUSIC)

(GASPING)

(THEME MUSIC)

Well, are you sure you're all right?

Stop fussing. I'll be fine.

It takes more than a thief to stop me.

But why come back and count
the money again anyway?

Why won't you just let Cora
be the treasurer?

Cora can't count!

- She was off by two dollars.
- Two whole dollars?

And five cents.

(DOOR OPENING)

Mrs. Clarke,
it is a profound relief to me

- to see that you are OK.
- Oh, thank you, Mr. Garvey.

But my heart breaks
for those poor orphans.

Who would do such a thing
to needy children?

Well, did you see who pushed you down?

No, it all happened so fast...

So, it could have been
a man or a woman?

Well, yes, but hmm,
it would have to be

one strong woman.

Did you see anything out of
the ordinary when you came back

to the office, Mama? (SIGHING)

No... I did see three ruffians.

You ladies ask
a great deal of questions.

We're private detectives.

Lady detectives?
As I live and breathe...

Tell me more about the "ruffians."

Um...

They were three white boys
in overalls and caps.

A bunch of ragamuffins I saw
idling in the alleyway,

and I told them to get lost.

My man Avery will track down
these street urchins.

I will find them, Mr. Garvey.

We cannot allow this crime
to deprive orphans

access to good books.

I know I was lucky to grow up
with a lot of books.

- You're welcome.
- Mm. So, I know firsthand

there is no freedom without education.

So, this money must be recovered,

But we cannot involve the police.

- Why is that?
- There are those that wish

to defame us, cause scandal.

I want this matter investigated,
but... discreetly.

Well, we happen to know
a detective agency

that's very discreet and effective.

You don't have to be so bossy

in front of Mr. Garvey.

- (CHUCKLING)
- It's quite all right.

I head back to New York in two days.

I want this matter resolved
before I go.

Let's get to work.

- Oh... yeah.
- Thank you, ma'am.

(ENIGMATIC JAZZ MUSIC)

(SIGHING)

Don't they know
that going back to Africa is

what the Garvey movement's all about?

Bigots aren't known
for their intelligence.

I found our burglar!

- I didn't burgle nothin'!
- Well, you should at least

be arrested for spelling Africa wrong.

I didn't do that neither!

Really? So, what's the fresh
paint on your jacket?

What would you know?
You're just a skirt.

Hey... Do I need to give you
a lesson in politeness?

You will give these ladies
the respect they deserve

and address them as ma'am. Understood?

Yes, ma'am. I mean sir.

Just admit that you did the graffiti!

Fine. It was me. Ma'am.

Then you went in and stole the money.

There was money in there?

I thought coloured people
was all poor.

No. We're not "all poor."
It's OK, Avery.

Look. You were there.
You must have seen something.

She's talking to you.

Someone came in through the back door

after the old lady arrived. Ma'am.

I'm sure you can lie better than that.

- I ain't lying!
- I'm losing my patience

- with you.
- Wait, wait, wait.

- Let him go.
- What?

He's not our thief.

Go home and read a book.

Scram.

How do you know he's not the thief?

His shoes told me.

- There's no muddy prints.
- Just broken glass.

The alleyway and the kid's
shoes were caked in mud.

Look at this window.
There's no way the thief

could have fit through there.

Neither door has
signs of forced entry,

- which means...
- This was an inside job.

That cannot be!

You're saying it was one of our own?

- That's our theory.
- I can't believe it.

Who exactly has keys to this building?

Besides myself, there's Cora.

And then there's Lionel Griffith

and Wesley Hampton.
But which one of us

would steal from
the mouths of orphans?

That's exactly the question
we're gonna ask.

But first, we gotta get you home.

No! I don't need your help.

I'm not an invalid!

♪

Thank God Mildred didn't
come to serious harm,

considering she shouldn't have
been here in the first place.

Where were you during the robbery?

I don't appreciate you questioning me.

Hiring private detectives...

that had to be Mr. Garvey's idea.

I know you're busy, Wesley,
but I'd like to ask you

some questions about what happened.

You sure Mildred is OK?

That woman is as tough as nails.

The robber is just lucky
that he caught her off guard.

That's for sure.
Mrs. Clarke ain't easy.

Where were you
during the time of the robbery?

I was having a nap.

It was an exhausting day.

Lionel and I were setting up

for the picnic since early morning.

I helped pack up. Went straight home.

Was hungry, so I had a hoagie.
Why're you asking?

We aren't accusing anyone.

We're just asking questions.
It's part of our job.

How well do you know Lionel?

As well as I know my own brother.

How long have you
worked with the U.N.I.A.?

Time doesn't really matter.

I'm a big supporter of the cause.

Truth is, I can't help
but feel responsible

for Mildred getting att*cked.

I lost my keys at the picnic,

and... the thief may have found them.

When did you notice your keys missing?

- When I got home.
- Can anyone confirm

your whereabouts during the robbery?

- No.
- No.

Only my Lord and Saviour.

(SIGHING)

(FRANKIE): Not one of them had
a decent alibi.

But why would any of them steal money

they had just raised
for the orphanage?

It can't be one of them.

What about Wesley's missing keys?

Well, if someone stole them
from the picnic,

then we have hundreds of suspects.

Well, that's not very helpful.

Well, why don't we just keep looking

- at our dedicated threesome?
- Well, I could take a look

at the police files.
See what comes up.

- That's a start.
- You know, Mary, when you go,

take a look at the bulletin
in the States.

All right...

Well, Lionel called
a sandwich "a hoagie."

A bit of Yankee slang.

It might be nothing,
but it's worth looking into.

- OK. Consider it done.
- Thanks.

So, you think Cora stole
the money just to spite Mildred?

Well, she's definitely
mad at my mother.

And she had a few choice words
about Mr. Garvey.

Not exactly the rousing support

that you would expect
from the treasurer.

True. But that doesn't mean

she stole the money
from the orphanage.

- But who did?
- Someone who needed money

in a hurry.

♪

- Let go of my hand, you brute!
- Please calm down, Mrs. Clarke.

I know my rights.
You can't just drag me

from my humble abode for no reason!

I just want to ask you
a few questions.

Well, if you think that I'm
inclined to talk to you

after treatment like this,

- you have another thing coming!
- Please just sit.

Oh, Trudy! You and Frankie
need to get down to the station!

- [RIGHT NOW!]
- Mary, what's going on?

I think Detective Greyson is
trying to arrest your mother!

♪

Why is my mother under arrest?

(SIGHING)

She's not under arrest.

Then why is she at the station?

I was only asking her a few questions

about a burglary
at the U.N.I.A. office.

Which she has nothing to do with.

Trudy, this man is calling me a thief.

- That is not what I said.
- But you think

- I'm in cahoots with one!
- Detective Greyson.

- Ugh. You too.
- Please, tell me your theory.

Did Mrs. Clarke throw herself
down to the ground

before or after
she ran off with the money?

I know that she did not
commit the burglary.

I was only asking her a few questions.

- Did she answer your questions?
- Yes.

Then we're done here. Mama, let's go.

- It's OK.
- Something wrong with my foot?

Bye.

From what I understand,

nobody from the U.N.I.A.
reported the burglary to police.

- So?
- So, how did you find out?

- Do you have a spy?
- Why would we do that?

Certain people feel threatened
by Mr. Garvey and his message.

Thank you for the lesson in politics.

- So, how did you find out?
- That's none of your concern.

Mrs. Clarke is my concern.

We wouldn't be
having this conversation

had she just gone straight home.

Why did she go back
and recount the money? Hmm?

I gotta get back to work.

I'm fine.

Did you tell Detective Greyson

that you went back
to recount the money?

No. I didn't mention it
for the sake of discretion.

- Well, somehow he knows.
- How'd he find out?

Only one person knew. Guess who...

Cora the treasurer.

I warned you about her.

Yes, I called the police.
And I'd do it again.

Mr. Garvey asked
to keep this matter private.

Why go against his wishes?

When you love something
with all your heart,

you do anything you can to save it.

You mean the U.N.I.A.?
What're you saving it from?

From itself!
Garvey's mistrust of the police

is backwards thinking. We have a
right to be protected from crime

- like everyone else.
- Well, have you had

this conversation with Mr. Garvey?

- There's no point.
- I'm sure he's a reasonable man.

Let's just say
it's his way or the doorway.

If you disagree with him,
then you might as well leave.

Tell your mother
I wish her luck as treasurer.

I quit.

And if you really want to figure
out what happened to that money,

take a closer look
at Lionel and Wesley.

- What do you mean?
- They were having

a big argument at the picnic.

But I thought they were friends.

Well, that's what was
so strange about it.

And Wesley has been acting
very secretive ever since.

- What's the hurry?
- You just lost your treasurer.

Cora? She's a founding member
of this chapter.

- What happened?
- Let's say she has a difference

of opinion when it comes
to some of your decisions.

That is not a new phenomenon.

- She also tipped off the police.
- Not a new phenomenon either.

You just take everything in stride.

I am philosophical about such things.

I have learned I can't be all
the things to all my people.

But what you do give is
all black people a sense of...

identity. A sense that
being from Africa

is actually something to be proud of,

and that's a powerful message.

You're a rare and special mold.

Never have I met a female detective,

let alone one of my own African kin.

I see good things
for you, Trudy Clarke.

I want you to come
to New York and join my team.

- Me?
- Mm-hmm.

Our movement is growing.
And we need good people

like you to help spread the word
and build bridges.

- I don't know what to say.
- I hope you know

I don't just invite anyone.

Of course.

But I need to think about it.

I expect an answer in two days,

before I leave for New York.

That answer should be yes.

A thief wouldn't call
the police on themselves,

so Cora is out.

And that leaves... Wesley and Lionel.

And the ghost of Queen Victoria.

Oh. Sorry. My mind is elsewhere.

- And where is it?
- New York.

Mr. Garvey offered me a job with him.

He's thinking of opening
a detective agency?

Well, he asked me
to come work for him.

Help the organization to grow.

Wow. That is quite the offer.

- What about the agency?
- I would hate

- to see you leave, but...
- Say it.

I would never forgive myself

if you turned this opportunity
because of me.

But New York City?

I mean, I've barely been
outside of Ontario.

I can't just up and leave.
Isn't it a bit crazy?

Crazy can be a good thing.

After all you've done for me?

You've done just as much for me.

I'd probably still be washing dishes

- and cleaning dirty laundry.
- No, you wouldn't.

Look. All that matters is that

you do what's best for you.

Look, I can't be thinking
about this right now.

We still have a robbery to solve.

So, who are we looking at?

Well, Cora said
that she heard an argument

between Lionel and Wesley
at the picnic,

and that he's been
acting strange ever since.

He volunteered that he lost his keys,

which seems a little too convenient.

Do you think that argument with Lionel

has something to do with the robbery?

Trudy! Oh, my goodness.

You were so right about the hoagie!

Lionel is an American.

Uh, may I have a plate, please?

How do you know that?

Well, every month,
we get these bulletins

from the U.S.
about fugitives and the like.

Take a look at this one.

We received this last July.

A coloured man named Lionel Harris

is wanted in Rochester for m*rder.

Thank you. Look familiar?

- It's Lionel Griffith.
- I think it's time we visit

Lionel and Wesley at their homes.

Well, preferably while they're out.

♪

No sign of the missing money.

Look at this. Lionel was in Rochester.

Fourth of July, that's right
around the time of the m*rder.

We need to find out more about this.

And why Lionel's a suspect.

A trip south of the border
might be in order.

Oh, well, actually...

Sorry, sorry to interrupt,

but I actually have
the day off tomorrow,

so I could do a little field trip.

Happy travels.

So, if Lionel is our wanted man
in Rochester, what's he doing

stealing money from the orphanage?

And does it connect to Wesley?

Wesley's landlady has
no idea where he is.

But one thing is for sure...

Wesley is an avid reader.

He's also our thief.

It's empty. (SIGHING)

Where'd he go?

And why'd he take the money?

I have an idea.

An old spy trick?

Yeah. Guess who showed it to me.

"Prospect Park. PM. Gardener's shed."

Let's go catch a thief.

So, Wesley stole the money
and had a rendezvous

with someone
in the middle of the night.

- Why?
- I guess we'll have to ask him

when we find him.

(GASPING)

Oh, my God! It's Wesley!

We're too late. He's dead.

This is devastating news.

Wesley Hampton was a good man.
Who would want to k*ll him?

We found a cash box in his room.

So, it turns out Wesley is a thief.

That can't be. That man's
character is beyond reproach.

You must find his k*ller
and clear his name.

I'm not sure we're gonna
be able to clear his name.

- Meaning?
- The cash box didn't just

end up in his room by itself.

Mm. You must get
to the bottom of this.

And now, more than ever,
I am relying on your discretion.

Can you assure me of that?

You have our word.

Don't let me down.

No pressure to solve this one.

Maybe working for Mr. Garvey
won't be a walk in Central Park.

Well, I'm sure you'll
rise to the challenge.

So, you're trying to get rid of me?

At least I'll have
a place to stay in New York.

But truthfully, I have no idea

how I'm gonna replace you.

I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge.

Any luck tracking down Lionel?

Well, I went to his boarding
house, but he hadn't been there.

I guess we need to keep looking.

- What about Wesley?
- Well, I asked the landlady,

and she said he'd been getting

a lot of long distance calls

and when she asked,
he was cagey about it.

He's been secretive
about a lot of things lately.

(KNOCKING)

Thank you.

We'll see you in a few weeks.

Maybe our mystery caller
will call back.

We need someone at the rooming
house to watch the phones.

Who has all day to sit
and wait for a call?

Thank you so much
for doing this, Mrs. Clarke.

I know the gravity of the situation.

God rest that poor man's soul.

So, if anyone calls for Wesley...

I am to try to get
a name and a number.

And try to find out how they know him.

All right. I will not move from
this here chair until kingdom come.

Elroy will just have to prepare
his own supper tonight.

I knew I could count on you.

Mm-hmm.

No! This phone is off limits!

I am doing
official detective business!

MOVE!

(SEAGULLS CALLING)

A ferry ride across the lake
does a gal good

on a day like this.
I'm glad you brought me along.

Well, at least we both had
the same day off.

So, what's the plan? When we
get to the station, I mean.

Well, no doubt we'll face
the usual amount of confusion

and hostility because of who we are.

- A couple of skirts.
- But we just need to hold firm

and persist in our quest
to speak with to whomever

is in charge of file number .

So, we're gonna say
we're special constables

from a Toronto police station.

Yes, but it's a precinct here,
not a station,

and it's not constable, it's officer.

Red hots, constables, officers.

Jeez, it's like a whole new language.

- I'm just gonna let you do the talking.
- Uh, OK.

They might speak a different
language down here,

but a cop shop's a cop shop
no matter where you are.

They certainly smell the same.

A unique combination
of sweat and superiority.

(MARY GIGGLING)

Good afternoon, sir.
Perhaps you can help us.

Lost your dog or something, gals?

Actually, we were hoping
to speak with an officer

regarding file number .

Ah... You're looking
for Officer McElroy.

Take a load off.

He's just the opening act.

Wait for the main event.

One Officer McElroy.

Gird your loins, Mary.

He's not just gonna roll over
and give us the scoop.

He's gonna test our mettle, won't he?

- Mm-hmm.
- Officer Nellie McElroy

at your service.

Something wrong?

- Stop the starin'.
- Sorry.

We've just never seen
a lady cop before.

It is an absolute honour.

- Where you from?
- Toronto in Canada.

Mary here, she's kind of a cop.

- A morality officer.
- She can't do much...

but she gets to wear the uniform.

Well, as long as you're
gettin' your pension,

you'll do all right.

What did I say about the starin'?

I'm sorry. We don't mean
to make a big deal, it's...

it's just that you're
kind of a big deal!

- (CHUCKLING)
- Well, you can put a hold

on my bronze statue. I still
have to make meatloaf

for my sisters when I finish my shift.

- Now, what can I do for you?
- Oh, uh...

A job in New York?

You must've made quite
the impression on Mr. Garvey.

I only just met him. I don't
know why he offered it to me.

Mr. Garvey is a brilliant man...

I'm sure he sees in you
what everyone else sees.

What's that?

You're smart.

Strong. Fearless.

Passionate about helping people...

Why wouldn't Mr. Garvey
want you to work for him?

But I can't leave behind
my mama, and...

and my siblings...

and you.

I'm just a train ride away.

It's too expensive.

I can't have you going
back and forth like that.

We could talk about...
me moving there too.

You'd move to New York with me?

I... I've got my... my job
and my family to consider.

But... but... but I'll really try.

Marcus Garvey isn't the only one who
has big plans for Trudy Clarke.

Thanks for always being there for me.

I'll always be there for you.

Even when I tell Mama about New York?

- Me? Uh-uh.
- Ah!

You're on your own with that one.

I remember this case clear as day.

Harold Clifford, a white lawyer.

Stabbed and robbed just yards
from his front door.

- That was July of last year?
- Mm-hmm.

Clifford was found dead outside
his apartment building.

A witness claimed to see a cab
parked down the street.

It was registered to a Lionel Harris.

Did you speak with Mr. Harris?

He vanished before I had the chance.

You're sure he's the k*ller?

Mm-hmm. Harris' girlfriend
came forward with an alibi,

but for some reason
was deemed not credible.

- Why?
- I'm not sure.

I never spoke to her. Another officer

took her statement and dismissed it

- without explanation.
- What's the girlfriend's name?

Victoria Challenger.

"Victoria Challenger." Do you
have an address for her?

Why exactly are you two
so interested in this case?

We're just following up on a
lead for a detective in Toronto.

Just trying to score
some brownie points.

I hope to wear
the badge someday, like you.

Ah.

Well, if you learn anything
about the case, let me know.

Oh, absolutely!

Us gals in uniform
need to stick together.

And about that badge, Officer Shaw...

- we call it a shield.
- "A shield."

Is something wrong?

You go on ahead.
I'll catch up in a minute.

Sure thing.

- What's your secret?
- Excuse me?

How did you convince them
to let you be a cop?

- Ah.
- It's just that you are doing

the only thing
that I have ever wanted to do,

and if I'm being completely honest,

I'm not sure I even thought
it was possible.

Maybe because I'd never
seen it done before,

but... here you are! You are a...

lady cop. (CHUCKLING)

And if they can do it
in Rochester, I'm sure

that they can do it in Toronto.

So, what do I do?

It's an uphill climb, honey.
The boys have

a hard time wrapping
their heads around

- the idea of women cops.
- Yeah, I know. Why is that?

Don't they understand that we would
approach the job differently?

Women can just do things that,
well, men can't.

Best advice I can give you:
keep honing your chops

at whatever side job
this is you're working.

Oh. Oh, no. I really am here
on official business.

I don't care if it's official
or off the books.

The point is you're doing the work.

You're already a cop, Shaw.

Now, you have to wait for
the world to catch up to you.

So you want to leave your
family and move to New York?

Well, it's not that I want
to leave, it's just that

that's where the job would take me.

But your brothers won't have
their big sister around

anymore and I won't have
anybody to drive me to church.

- Well? What do you think?
- Just... just give me a...

Mama say something, anything!

You must take the job and go.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime!

- Wait... what?
- Trudy, I am so proud of you.

You will have the platform

to help so many suffering
working with Mr. Garvey.

Oh, God has great things
in store for you!

That's it, I'm taking the job.

I'm moving to New York City!

Praise Jesus! And you can leave

all this detective
business behind you.

- Oh.
- No more dead bodies.

NO! This phone is unavailable!

MOVE!

Mama!

Detective Greyson.

I take it this isn't a social visit.

It's not a secret that we're
working on the same case.

Mr. Hampton's untimely demise
in Prospect Park.

Seems you have an uncanny knack

for stumbling across dead bodies.

It's gumshoe's luck.

Don't suppose you wanna share
the coroner's report with me?

- Mm-hmm.
- Oh, come on. I'm gonna

find out sooner or later.
Maybe this way, I can help you.

Mr. Hampton d*ed

from a s*ab wound between
the fifth and sixth rib.

- A classic m*llitary technique.
- You served?

I did.

- Fourth battalion. You?
- Nothing quite as illustrious.

- I was a dispatch rider.
- Signal Corps.

- Were you in France?
- Here and there.

Something tells me that you did

- more than just deliver messages.
- I was just a gal on a bike.

Hm. I bet you were.

Why don't we help each other out?

- You mean I help you.
- You are the one

with the in in Garvey's community.

Is that right?

(SIGHING)

Can we just stop these games, please?

Or Wesley Hampton's body will
not be the only one

that you are stumbling across
in this file.

- Meaning?
- Meaning that trouble follows

Garvey wherever the heck he goes.

He's had a death thr*at against him.

Yeah... something tells me
that your client

has not been entirely
forthcoming with you.

From there, your nephew will
board the S.S. Yarmouth,

the jewel of the Black Star Line,

on an ocean voyage...

Hey. Mr. Garvey's not expecting you.

I need an appointment
to see my client?

Let Miss Drake pass, Avery.

Wesley's m*rder has
everyone a little rattled.

You didn't tell me you
received a death thr*at.

- I didn't see the relevance.
- You're not concerned?

That's why I hired Avery
as my security.

Well, you seem to be doing
a lot of hiring these days.

Only when I find someone
special, like Miss Clarke.

How would you feel about losing her?

Trudy is her own woman.
She'll do what's right for her.

She has a good friend
in you, Miss Drake.

(TENSE JAZZ MUSIC)

- Somebody's been busy.
- It's the case.

I've been trying to keep track
of all the moving parts.

We have Wesley, a thief,

- who has been m*rder*d.
- And Lionel, his best friend,

who's been accused of a m*rder
in Rochester.

Could Lionel have known
that he took the money?

- So he robbed him?
- And k*lled him?

- Something's not adding up.
- Ladies!

- Great news from America!
- What is it?

- They have lady cops there!
- Just one that we know of.

We met her, and she was incredible!

Talk about incredible, what is this?

Just a way to keep track of the case.

So, back to Rochester...

Oh, the victim's name is
Harold Clifford.

This is Clifford.
According to the report,

He left the bank, got in a taxi,
and was later found dead

outside of his apartment building.

His wallet was gone, and the
police think he struggled

with the robber before he
was sh*t. Kicked up a real fuss.

What does that have to do with Lionel?

Well, someone saw
a Hasty Taxi parked out front

of Clifford's apartment
building, and that taxi

was registered to Lionel Harris.

So, he became the cops'
prime suspect for the m*rder.

But, but we talked
with Lionel's girlfriend,

- Victoria Challenger.
- And she swears he's innocent.

At the time of the m*rder,
she was working as a maid

- in a building near Clifford's.
- And they had an arrangement.

If he was driving
around the neighbourhood,

- he would stop by and see her.
- As chance would have it,

Lionel was visiting Victoria
at the time Clifford

was robbed and m*rder*d.

That's why his cab was parked outside.

And Victoria told the cops
he was there that night.

- But they didn't believe her.
- Yeah, said she was

- covering for him.
- So, he took off.

Can't blame him for running.

Two different murders
in two separate cities.

- And how are they connected?
- And how does it tie in

to the money missing
from the orphanage?

(PHONE RINGING)

- Drake Private Detectives.
- Lionel is here.

- Mrs. Clarke?
- He's in Wesley's room.

OK. I'm hanging up now. I can't tie up

this phone line chit chatting! Bye.

If you go to New York,
I'm hiring your mother.

He was good man.

A true friend. I wanted
to see him one last time

- before he...
- Could take off?

Like you did in Rochester?

We know about the m*rder.

I didn't k*ll anyone.

Then why did you run away?

When you're a Black man
and the victim's white,

the eyes of the law tend
to be short-sighted.

So, you came to Canada.

How did Victoria feel about that?

She understood that we could
never see each other again.

That I had to start over.

New name. New identity.

But the past has a way
of catching up with you.

Someone recognized me.

Two days ago, I received
a note demanding money.

- Who's blackmailing you?
- The note didn't say.

Did Wesley know about your past?

He was my best friend.
I wanted him to know

what he was getting involved with

- by helping me the way he did.
- Did he know

- about the blackmailer?
- That's what we were

arguing about at the picnic.

I told him I wasn't going to pay.

That I was sick of running.

Well, what did he say?

That I was throwing my life away.

Did you tell Wesley about
where to drop the money off?

Yes... Prospect Park.

That's why Wesley stole the
money, to pay the blackmailer.

What are you saying?

You didn't know that he was the thief?

No.

And you didn't know
it was his body they found

- in Prospect Park?
- No...

He tried to pay the blackmailer...

- And the blackmailer k*lled him?
- We're afraid so. Yes.

My best friend d*ed trying to help me.

(UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC)

(PHONE RINGING)

Good day to you. How may I help?

Oh. No, Wesley is not available

to speak ever again.
I mean, um... right now.

Can I take a message?

Oh. Well, if it has
anything to do with Wesley,

then you most certainly can
speak to me.

He keeps no secrets from his mother.

Uh-huh.

Oh...

So, Wesley stole the money from
the picnic to pay the blackmailer.

But if he brought
the money to the meet,

- why'd he k*ll him?
- Maybe he felt threatened.

Wesley... (GASPING)

Wesley was investigating a m*rder.

- What?
- Lord. Frankie, this building

has more stairs
than the Tower of Babel!

Mama, I told you,
you could take the elevator.

Nonsense. I don't need no
machine to do my work for me.

- So...
- Oh, um...

The calls were from a friend

in the Rochester chapter
of the U.N.I.A..

- What'd the caller say?
- Um, he said,

"The lawyer was in the Jiffy Cab

on the night of the m*rder."

But Lionel drove for Hasty Taxi.

It seems that Wesley was

trying to clear Lionel's good name.

In which case, Lionel couldn't
be blackmailed anymore.

But is that a good enough motive?

Unless...

that's what connects the two murders.

The blackmailer is actually
the k*ller in Rochester.

And when he found out
that Wesley was getting close,

- he k*lled him.
- (MILDRED): Oh, that is awful!

Lionel said that the blackmailing

- started four days ago.
- That's when Marcus Garvey

came to town.

♪

Well, my uncle told me my
ticket for the Black Star Line

- is being held here.
- Well, it's not here.

Please, call your uncle and check.

There's a phone in the hallway.

You two look like you have news.

Who exactly came with you to Toronto?

- Only Avery.
- And you hired him

after that death thr*at.
Where was that, exactly?

Rochester. I needed
extra security and a driver.

Avery fit the bill: an ex-m*llitary man

- with driving experience.
- Jiffy Cab?

Mm-hmm, that's correct.

- Where is he?
- Just left.

Said he was feeling a bit ill,
which I'll admit is odd.

He's never missed a day.

What are you not telling me?

We think Avery k*lled Wesley.

I cannot believe that.

That is a man that I trust
with my own life.

My uncle says it's not there,
so where's my ticket?!

My train to New York
leaves in minutes!

Avery took it!

Train for New York
leaves in minutes!

minutes for New York!

I thought you never left
Mr. Garvey's side?

Mr. Garvey asked me to handle
some official business

I... I can't discuss it.

- Like blackmail and m*rder?
- Ticket, please.

We know you were a cab driver
back in Rochester.

And we know that you picked
him up that night.

You're the one who k*lled him.

I don't know
what you're talking about.

Wesley found out about your plan.

He confronted you.
And you k*lled him as well.

Not another step... m*rder*r.

It wasn't good enough
you stole my life from me.

You had to k*ll my best friend too?

- Put the g*n down.
- Not until this degenerate

admits he k*lled Wesley.
I want to hear him say it.

SAY IT!

You'll be waiting a long time
to hear me say that.

Not so easy, is it?

To look at a man dead in his eyes,

Don't do it, Lionel.

He doesn't get to walk away from this.

Look. We have enough evidence
to nail Avery on everything.

Don't throw your life away when
you finally just get it back.

Wesley lost his life
trying to clear your name.

If you k*ll him now,

everything Wesley did
will be for nothing.

(GRUNTING)

(FAST-PACED JAZZ MUSIC)

(GRUNTING)

Nice work.

I'm guessing there's gonna be
$ in that bag.

Don't forget the five cents.

In the memory
of the late Wesley Hampton,

I present the donations from
the Emancipation Day Picnic.

They will go towards building
a library for the orphanage.

Now, remember...
all the knowledge you want

from the world can be found.

All you must do is seek it.

- Yes, it can!
- Yeah!

(OVERLAPPING ACCLAMATIONS)

So, what will you do
now that you're a free man?

I'm still in disbelief.
After all this time,

- my burden is lifted.
- Will you stay in Toronto,

or are you gonna
head back to Rochester?

I love my adopted city,
but I'm anxious to see

my sweetheart again. That is,
if she still wants me.

Well, there's one way to find out.

Victoria was up for
a ferry ride across

the lake to see her long-lost love.

- Vicky.
- Lionel.

I still can't believe it's really you.

It's really me.

See, it's that smile
that I missed the most.

Thank you. I only wish
Wesley was still here.

Trudy! I did really well
on my tests in school

just like you said to! I even
learned to spell a new word.

D-E-T-E-C-T-I-V-E.

Detective!

You're amazing, Ismay.

Now, look. You keep applying
yourself like that in school,

and you can do anything
you set your mind to.

You've really made
an impression on that girl.

And you will make
even a bigger impression

- in New York City.
- The sky is the limit,

wherever you go.

You have my gratitude, Miss Drake.

I won't let Wesley's
selflessness be forgotten.

I'm just glad that we could help.

And Trudy, pleased to hear
you'll be accepting my offer.

Who told you?

Your mother.
She could not contain herself.

It was written all over her face.

Well, I'm so appreciative
of the offer.

But I won't be going to New York.

Now, don't get me wrong...
I do want to make a difference,

but I think I can do that right here.

I'm disappointed.

But I understand.

And where are you
off to next, Mr. Garvey?

Look for me
in the whirlwind of the storm.

So... you're not leaving?

I think I'll stick around
a little longer.

- On one condition.
- Anything.

You have to tell my mom
I'm still a private detective.

Oh, no!

(BOTH LAUGHING)

♪