Hangman: The Case of the Computer Affair

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to situations or persons, living or dead, is coincidental and unintentional.



HANGMAN
"The Case of the Computer Affair"



FADE IN:
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT NIGHT
DET. HENRY DAVID and his ex-wife, MARGARET, are having dinner. The restaurant is busy, but quiet and candlelight and flowers top each table. Across the room, MARTIN RIDGELAWN and CASSIDY CLAYTON are having dinner.

MARGARET
(laughs) Oh, Henry, I think it’s kind of sweet that we’ve been divorced for almost fifteen years and we still have dinner to celebrate our wedding day and the day the divorce was final.

HENRY DAVID
(raises his glass) Well, Margaret. To friendship. May everyone be as lucky.

MARGARET
(taps her glass with his) Here, here.

HENRY DAVID
So, how’s everything going at the university?

MARGARET
Well, the English department is as it usually is. I feel so lucky to be able to talk about the greatest writers of all time all day long.

HENRY DAVID
And, the students just want a passing grade.

MARGARET
Oh, Henry, you always were too sarcastic. Yes, some of the students just want a passing grade. But, some of them really understand the meaning behind the words. You can see it in their eyes when they’re able to make comparisons between the works or the authors and their own lives. That’s what keeps me going. That, and knowing that some of them won’t get it now, but in time, when they least expect it, they’ll be going through something in their lives and Shakespeare will pop up from their memory—and then, they’ll understand it and appreciate it.

Margaret pauses as Henry looks across the room.

MARGARET
(continuing)
Henry?

HENRY DAVID
(whispers) Isn’t that Martin Ridgelawn over there?

Margaret turns her head.

HENRY DAVID
(continuing)
(whispering urgently) Don’t look!

MARGARET
(to Henry) You know, I never have understood why people say ‘Hey, isn’t that’ or ‘see what they’re wearing’ and then tell you not to look.

HENRY DAVID
Well, we don’t want them to know we’re looking!

MARGARET
(turns to look quickly again) And, yes, I think you’re right. That is Martin Ridgelawn. But, that sure doesn’t look like his wife with him. Much too young.

Margaret pulls a small compact out of her purse and begins blotting her nose. When she lays her purse on the table, a traffic ticket falls out of her purse. The corner of the ticket has a rough black and white photo of Margaret driving.

HENRY DAVID
(pulls at the ticket to look at it) What’s this?

MARGARET
Nothing. It’s just another ticket I got in the mail from those ticket cameras they’re trying out. They always catch me jumping the green light over on Elm. (looks back to Ridgelawn, puts her compact and the ticket back in her purse) Now, about Ridgelawn’s little filly.

HENRY DAVID
I wonder who it is?

MARGARET
(begins to stand) Let’s go ask!

Henry tugs Margaret’s arm, pulling her back into her seat.

HENRY DAVID
What are you doing? We can’t just waltz over there and say ‘Hey, Martin, nice to see you again. We were just wondering who’s the pretty little filly with you tonight and where’s your wife? That’s Martin Ridgelawn, owner of the most successful computer programming company in the city. Besides, it’d, well, it’d be rude. Why would he be here anyway?

MARGARET
Henry, it’s a nice restaurant.

HENRY DAVID
Yes, it’s nice on my private investigator’s salary but it’s not Martin Ridgelawn nice. He probably dines at the country club a few times a week. He’s probably there so much that he knows the waitresses by their first name and when he says that he wants his usual, they know what he means. No, something’s up. I doubt that anyone in this place recognizes him.

MARGARET
Hum. You mean anyone except for us, anyone who’s seen his commercial on TV, and anyone who may attend any one of the numerous charitable functions that he’s always having his picture taken at? (looks to Ridgelawn and back again) She’s awful young.

HENRY DAVID
Now, Margaret, don’t jump to conclusions.

MARGARET
You don’t know Vera, do you? Vera and I sit on the arts committee at the university. It’d be a shame.

HENRY DAVID
Don’t jump to conclusions, Margaret. Just because a married man brings a beautiful young woman to a restaurant where he’s not recognized and his wife is nowhere around and… (he glances at Ridgelawn and back again) they’re drinking champagne…

A WAITRESS takes the bill in a folder to the Ridgelawn table. Martin removes his wallet, and slips cash into the folder carrying the bill.

HENRY DAVID
(continuing)
…and paying in cash? Well, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re having an affair.

MARGARET
And, you’re the private investigator? Henry! (stands) Come on, before they leave.

Margaret begins walking toward the Ridgelawn table. Henry grimaces, but then, worried, quickly tries to catch up with Margaret as she approaches the table.

MARGARET
(extends her hand to Martin) Mr. Ridgelawn. Hello, I’m Professor Margaret David from the arts committee at the university. We’ve met a few times at the conferences.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
(first an expression of concern, then courtesy) Well, of course, Professor, my wife, Vera, also sits on that board.

Henry arrives at the table, standing behind Margaret.

MARGARET
Yes, I know. How is she doing? The last time I saw her she was experiencing horrible headaches.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
Yes, migraines. She’s on medication for them now, but she is doing better and planning on attending the meeting next week. (extends his hand to Henry) You’re Henry David, aren’t you, that private investigator?

HENRY DAVID
(takes his hand) Yes, sir. Nice to see you again. Well, (takes Margaret’s arm) we were just leaving.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
(motions to Cassidy) Oh, yes, so were we. Margaret, Henry, have you met Cassidy Clayton?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Hello.

MARGARET
How do you do?

HENRY
(uncomfortable) Hi.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
Cassidy has been with Ridgelawn Products for a year now, and she’s been our leading programmer.

HENRY DAVID
How nice.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
She’s done such a good job, I even had her reprogram my home computer a few months ago. But, now, she’s leaving us for bigger and better things.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
(to Margaret) I’ve decided to go back home to Arizona and start my own company.

MARGARET
(teasing) Sounds like competition, Mr. Ridgelawn. Sure you can’t convince her to stay?

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
I’ve tried. Even brought her here. But, nothing has worked. I just hope that she doesn’t build a company than opens offices in Boston.

MARGARET
Well, good luck to you, Cassidy.

HENRY DAVID
(to Cassidy) Yes, much luck. (to Margaret) We really should be going.

MARGARET
(to Cassidy) It was nice to meet you. (to Martin) Mr. Ridgelawn, hope to see you at the meeting.

HENRY DAVID
Good evening.

Margaret and Henry walk away from the table. Cassidy leans in toward Martin.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
No one will recognize us here, huh?

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
(angry) How was I to know those two would show up here? That Margaret lady sits on a panel with Vera. They arrange for art to be exhibited at the university and, when there’s controversy, they sit around and decide whether it’s art or porn. How was I to know she and that crazy ex-husband of hers would come to a place like this?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Guess you don’t know everything after all. Well, now that they’ve seen us, it’ll take a little extra to get rid of me.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
You’re getting a hundred thousand. That’s more than enough. You can go back to Arizona or whatever rock it is you crawled out from under and start your own business or, or, do whatever you damn well please as long as you leave me and my family alone.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Nope. Now it’s two hundred thousand.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
One. One hundred thousand. Cash. Just like we agreed. I’ve got it ready now. We just have to go get it.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
No, two. Two hundred thousand cash. Tonight. And, then I’ll leave and you’ll never see or hear from me again. But, if not, well, then, I guess I’ll just drop by your house and tell that wife of yours what a dirty little boy her husband can really be. Or, maybe I’ll go to the newspaper and tell them all about how that wholesome family image of yours is nothing but a sham.(gulps down the rest of her wine)

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
I wish I’d never seen the likes of you.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Watch it, Martin, before the price goes up to three.

Martin leaves the table. Cassidy looks at him angrily.

INT. INSIDE OF HENRY’S CAR NIGHT
Henry and Margaret sit talking in the car. Margaret is holding up his keys, keeping them away from Henry.

MARGARET
In a minute. Let’s just wait and see.

HENRY DAVID
(exhales) Now, I remember why we got divorced.

MARGARET
It’s just too good of a front. A woman knows these things, Henry. Company celebratory dinners are held with co-workers, not alone with the boss.

HENRY DAVID
What does it matter? She’s leaving town. Give me the keys.

Margaret gasps with excitement as she sees Martin and Cassidy exiting the restaurant

INT. PARKING LOT NIGHT
Cassidy Clayton and Martin Ridgelawn exit the restaurant, walk across the parking lot, and get in to Martin’s vehicle.

INT. INSIDE OF HENRY’S CAR NIGHT
Henry and Margaret watch Cassidy and Martin.

MARGARET
See? They only brought one vehicle.

INT. PARKING LOT NIGHT
Martin Ridgelawn (driving) and Cassidy Clayton drive away.

INT. INSIDE OF HENRY’S CAR NIGHT
Margaret gives Henry the keys.

HENRY DAVID
You’re not going to ask me to follow them, are you?

MARGARET
Are you kidding? That would be tacky.

INT. CITY STREET MORNING
Henry walks down the street toward his office wearing his usual black long overcoat and fedora. A TEENAGE BOY skates by on a skateboard.

TEENAGE BOY
Mornin’ Hangman!

HENRY DAVID
Good morning.

INT. INSIDE DET. HENRY DAVID’S OFF. ENTRY RM MORNING
Henry walks in, closes the door behind him, removes his coat and hat and places them on the coat rack by the door as usual. DEJANIRA SIPHER, his aunt and secretary, rises from her chair as he walks in. Deja goes toward Henry to speak to him as he hangs up his coat and hat. She hands him a cup of coffee and then follows him into his personal office. Deja also has the paper with her.

DEJA SIPHER
There you are. Right on time. I should have known. Have you read this? (she waves the newspaper) That Weber kid that you helped put in jail for all those armed robberies a couple years ago just got out. Parole. Good behavior they say.

HENRY DAVID
He’ll probably be watched closely.

DEJA SIPHER
I just don’t understand how he served less than two years.

HENRY DAVID
Well, he was a minor at the time.

DEJA SIPHER
That is true. But, just the same, keep an eye out for him, Henry. I suspect that it won’t be long before he’s up to his old tricks again.

Henry begins walking toward his personal office. Deja follows.

HENRY DAVID
Maybe he’s learned his lesson.

DEJA SIPHER
Hum. I’m not so sure. As I recall, it wasn’t the money that kept him robbing all those people; it was the thrill of the game. Not to change the subject..

INT. HENRY’S PERSONAL OFFICE MORNING
Deja Sipher and Henry David walk into Henry’s personal office.

HENRY DAVID
Oh, of course not.

DEJA SIPHER
But, how did your anniversary dinner with Margaret go last night?

Henry sits at his desk. The mail is sorted in front of him. Deja stands beside him.

HENRY DAVID
What’s all this?

DEJA SIPHER
Mail, dear. You didn’t answer my question.

HENRY DAVID
Dinner was fine, as usual, Aunt Deja. We actually ran into Martin Ridgelawn. Why is the mail in piles?

DEJA SIPHER
It’s sorted into (she points to each pile) thank you letters, congratulations on solving another case letters, incoming checks, and junk mail. Re-ignite any old flames?

HENRY DAVID
No, Aunt Deja. Now, stop playing matchmaker.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, somebody has to do it. Wasn’t Ridgelawn where the Weber kid actually got caught? Oh, and this pile is phone messages.

HENRY DAVID
(remembering) Yes, it was. Old Ridgelawn testified against him. Probably responsible for putting him away. (holds up a message) What is this?

DEJA SIPHER
Frank has a new secretary. She said that the message to leave for you was that (stresses) Chief Frank Lennox of the city police department wants to talk to you as soon as you reach your office. Can you believe that? (she begins to leave) You know the number. (she shuts the door behind her)

Henry picks up the phone and dials. CHIEF FRANK LENNOX answers.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX (V.O.)
Yeah?

HENRY DAVID
I hear you’re training a new secretary.

INT. CHIEF FRANK LENNOX’S PERSONAL OFFICE MORNING
Chief is watering his flowers while talking on the phone.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Um-hum. Last one left on maternity leave ‘bout the time I had her trained to take care of things the way I like them. Hell, she had even learned to make good coffee. Now, I’ve got to start all over again.

HENRY DAVID (V.O.)
(laughs) Is the other one coming back?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
It’s not funny. A secretary can either make my life a lot simpler or a lot harder.

INT. HENRY’S PERSONAL OFFICE MORNING
Henry sits at his desk, talking on the phone.

HENRY DAVID
So, what? You want me to fill in?

INT. CHIEF FRANK LENNOX’S OFFICE MORNING
Chief sits down at his desk.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Hardly. But all this stress makes me need a drink. So, how about this afternoon you come through on that round of golf that you owe me? Loser buys the drinks. Which means you’ll be buying me some strong drinks.

INT. HENRY’S PERSONAL OFFICE MORNING
Henry sits at his desk, talking on the phone.

HENRY DAVID
Will do. I’ll see around noon. And, maybe I’ll give you some tips on how to keep a secretary.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
I already know your advice: hire my aunt!

INT. INSIDE RIDGELAWN’S OFFICE BUILDING-HALLWAY DAY
Martin Ridgelawn walks quickly down a hallway carrying a file, calling out an instruction to the secretary (LOLA) as he goes.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
Lola, hold all my calls for the next thirty minutes or so, will you? I’ve got some urgent business I have to take care of.

LOLA
Yes, sir, Mr. Ridgelawn.

INT. MARTIN RIDGELAWN’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Martin walks in, closes the door behind him, then walks to his desk and sits. He places the file on his desk and opens it, then flips through his rolodex, and then dials the phone.

MARTNIN RIDGELAWN
Martin Ridgelawn calling for Barbara Alexander. (pause) Yes, I’ll hold. (pause as he begins punching keys on the computer) Barbara, it’s Martin. I’m going to need that cash today, before close of business. (pause) It’s personal. Does the bank really need to know why I want to withdraw from my own account? (pause)

Martin pulls up and reads an e-mail on his computer. It is from his wife, VERA RIDGELAWN, and says only:

“Martin, Meet me at the church on Old Mountain Crossroads this evening at 7 pm. I have a surprise for you.”

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
(continuing)
Yes, Barbara, that will be fine. Just have it delivered here to my office. Thanks. (hangs up the phone and dials again)

VERA RIDGELAWN (V.O.) (filtered)
Hi, this is Vera. Sorry I’ve missed your call. Please leave a voice mail and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
Uh… (considering, but shakes his head no and hangs up the phone) I’ll see you this evening. (looks at the e-mail again)

INT. GOLF COURSE DAY
Henry David is preparing to hit the ball. Chief Lennox stands near him talking. Henry appears frustrated by the distraction.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(laughing) So, anyway, the guy is standing there, holding the clerk and the customers at gunpoint and he gets spooked and ends up shooting a random shot that breaks the glass in the milk cooler. Then, when he leaves, he leaves the clerk his name and address and tells her to send him the bill for replacing the glass. When we got there to arrest him, he actually asked us how we found out where he lived.

HENRY DAVID
Frank, I’m trying to take this shot.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(chuckling) Oh, sure, sorry.

Henry begins to lift the golf club, preparing to hit the ball. His downward swing towards the ball begins as Frank continues.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(continuing)
Talk about a dumb crook.

Henry misses the ball.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(continuing)
(sees the miss) Henry, you really need to work on your aim.

HENRY DAVID
(frowns as he stands up straight) Do I?

Chief goes up to the ball.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Now, let’s see. (prepares to hit the ball) That looks about right. Yeah. (strikes the ball, ball sails) Now, that’s how it’s done.

HENRY DAVID
Feeling better, Frank?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(thinks for a second, smiles) Yes, yes I am.

HENRY DAVID
Good.

INT. MARTIN RIDGELAWN’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Martin Ridgelawn stands beside his desk, his hand sorting through a briefcase that sits atop another briefcase. Cassidy Clayton shuts the door behind her and nears Martin.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Is it all there?

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
Two hundred thousand cash. Just like you wanted.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Well, then (she moves the briefcase towards her) you shouldn’t mind if I count it to be sure. (she sorts through stacks of cash, then opens the second briefcase, does the same, picking up a small metal round object and keeping it in her hand)

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
It’s all there. Trust me. I want you out of my life.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Trust you? You’re a liar and a cheat. Why would I trust you? (closes the case) Looks about right.

MARTIN RIDGELAWN
Just remember the rest of our deal. You stay away from me and my family.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Don’t worry ‘bout it, baby. No one will ever know. Why am I surprised that you put a tracking device in here. Now, you better remember this…

(shows him the round metal object (tracking device), then throws it on the desk, puts her finger against his chest as she angers)

CASSIDY CLAYTON
(continuing)
…don’t try and cross me. I’ll make sure little Vera and every newspaper this side of the Atlantic knows what kind of man you really are. (she picks up the cases and walks out, slamming the door behind her)

INT. UNIVERSITY WALKING PATH DAY
Margaret and VERA RIDGELAWN are walking on connecting paths, meeting up.

MARGARET
Vera! You made it. I was afraid you might miss the meeting because of your headaches.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(looking for something in her purse) Not this meeting. The Native American Photography series is too important. We need that exhibit here at the university.

MARGARET
Still looks like it’ll be a struggle to get it here, but we have the history and anthropology departments on our side.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(smiling) That board of directors won’t know what hit them.

MARGARET
How are your headaches?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Oh, much, much better. (finds her glasses and puts them on) (laughs) Now, finally I can see.

MARGARET
Martin mentioned that you were on meds now.

VERA RIDGELAWN
And, they work wonders, too. The headaches don’t seem to come as often anymore and the pain is more bearable. (straightening her glasses) When did you see Martin?

MARGARET
The other night. Henry and I were having dinner and Martin… (stops in mid-sentence, uncertain)

VERA RIDGELAWN
(closing her purse) Yes.

MARGARET
Oh, lost my train of thought. Uh, Martin was there to help one of his employees celebrate starting their own company.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(frowns quickly, then smiles) Oh, Martin’s like that, you know. He likes to encourage his employees to take risks, make their own way like he did. Martin, he works so hard. And, he’s been under so much stress lately. I’ve decided to make this a special evening for him. (she smiles) Something quiet at home. Just the two of us.

MARGARET
Do tell!

VERA RIDGELAWN
Now, now, Margaret. A wife has to have her secrets.

Vera and Margaret laugh. It thunders. Vera looks up toward the sky.

VERA RIDGELAWN
Oh, let’s do get inside before it rains. I hate getting my shoes dirty.

Vera and Margaret begin walking more quickly.

INT. SMALL GRASSY AREA NEAR SOME TREES NIGHT
A tire is seen coming to a stop on a dirt road. Black slacks that hang over black pumps are seen stepping onto the dirt road and then onto wet grass. It’s raining. The pumps are then seen running through the grassy area in the rain until they reach the Ridgelawn garage.

INT. RIDGELAWN GARAGE NIGHT
The garage is dark except for a security light outside that only sheds a bit of light through the window. The pumps leave wet, muddy prints on the concrete. A white compact car is seen dimly in the dark amongst many other cars. Gloved hands are seen moving the gearshift to neutral. Gloved hands, are then seen pushing the car out of the garage. The motor is then heard starting from a distance.

INT. COUNTER AT A BAR NIGHT
Chief Lennox and Henry David sit at the bar, drinking beer from bottles.

HENRY DAVID
But, that’s what Margaret believes contributed to the divorce.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Hum. Well, it’s hard for anyone who doesn’t do this job to really understand it. (his cell rings) Oh, here we go. (to the phone) Hello. (pause) Where? (pause) Old Mountain Crossroads? That’s the county. That’s out of my jurisdiction. (pause) I’m on my way. (swallows the rest of his beer quickly) (to Henry) So much for being off duty. We’ve got a hit and run. Wanna come?

Henry shrugs his shoulders and gulps down the rest of his beer before following Chief out the door.

INT. OLD MOUNTAIN ROAD CROSSROADS NIGHT
It has been raining. Henry and Chief walk up toward a crime scene on a dark county road. Police lights are flashing. SIX DEPUTIES are combing the area for clues. A church sits at the crossroads. CORONOER WEBSTER is zipping a black body bag up over a body that lies in the middle of the road.

CORONOER WEBSTER
Chief. Heard you were handling this one. (greeting Henry with a nod) Henry. Sheriff’s distantly related to the victim. They were afraid it’d be a conflict.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
I was told this was a basic hit and run.

CORONER WEBSTER
That’s what they thought before I got here and examined the body. This wasn’t a hit and run; this was a hit and run over five separate times.

HENRY DAVID
That would make it murder.

CORONER WEBSTER
Exactly. He’s virtually unrecognizable. Tire tracks, skid marks are pretty small. Deputies are thinking this was a small car, compact size.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Any way to ID the victim?

CORONER WEBSTER
(picks up a bag with a wallet in it that was laying beside the body bag; gives it to Chief) Guy had a couple hundred in cash in his wallet. This doesn’t seem to have anything to do with robbery. And, (she points to a car near the church) the deputies ran the plates on the car over there. It matches the ID in the wallet. Apparently, he drove way out here.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(looking at the license) Martin Ridgelawn. Where do I know that name?

Henry has an expression of remembering and concern.

CORONER WEBSTER
Ridgelawn Products. They do computer programming, things like that. Rich guy. Did a lot of charity work. I know that. Sheriff says that he and his wife got married in the little church here at the Crossroads.

HENRY DAVID
Margaret and I saw him the other night. He was having dinner with a young woman, an employee. He said they were celebrating her moving back to Arizona to start up her own computer business.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Um-hum. That’s interesting. And, now the guy gets crushed to death by the church where he got married. Hum. (looks around) (takes out his cell, dials) Yeah, Robertson. Get a search warrant for Ridgelawn Products. I want that office sealed and searched before morning comes and employees arrive.

Henry walks over to the car by the church.

HENRY DAVID
(to a deputy) Find anything in the car?

DEPUTY #1
No, sir. We’ve gone over it several times. Clean as a whistle. Not even any cookie crumbs in there.

HENRY DAVID
Thank you. (looks about the area)

Chief walks to Henry.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
This looks like it’s gonna be worked by the city police and the sheriff.

HENRY DAVID
Frank, there’s nothing out here but this church and some trees. No one just happens to find someone out here. This was planned. And, somehow, (turns to the church) this church is a clue.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Well, let’s get a warrant to search it. (takes out his phone) Sometimes, I’m amazed how easy it is to get warrants from a judge when the victim is a rich businessman.

INT. MARTIN RIDGELAWN’S PERSONAL OFFICE NIGHT
FOUR CITY OFFICERS search the office. OFFICER ROBERTSON sits at Martin’s desk, punching keys on the keyboard and searching the computer. OFFICER #2 is on a cell phone. All officers are wearing gloves.

OFFICER #2
(picks up the small round metal tracking device and studies it) Yes, ma’am. We have a warrant. (pause) Well, we need a copy of all the phone calls going in and out of the land phone as well as his cell phone.(pause) (begins walking out of the room) Yeah, I can get that for you…

INT. OLD MOUNTAIN ROAD CROSSROADS NIGHT
The coroner’s office van is driving away as Chief and Henry stand in the road talking. Lights are still flashing as officers continue taking measurements and photographs. The road is chalked where the body was lying. Chief’s phone rings.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Yeah. Go ahead. (pause) Patch them through. (he covers the mouthpiece with is hand)(to Henry) The judge signing the warrants was at a party with Ridgelawn’s accountant. What are the odds? They’re patching her.. (to phone) Yes, this is Chief Frank Lennox. And, who am I speaking to? (pause) Ms. Alexander, well, what can I do for you?

INT. MARTIN RIDGELAWN’S PERSONAL OFFICE NIGHT
Officer Robertson is at the computer. Officer #2 walks in the office so that he stands behind Officer Robertson and reads the e-mail as well. Both officers are wearing gloves.

OFFICER #2
We’ll have the call list in a few minutes.

OFFICER ROBERTSON
(pulls up the e-mail from Vera) What do you know. Vera Ridgelawn. (pulls out his cell phone, dials) Chief. Robertson, here. Guess what we found.

INT. OUTSIDE RIDGELAWN MANSION NIGHT
Four police cars with lights flashing and one private vehicle with a single flashing light sat upon the dashboard arrive. Henry and Chief exit from the Chief’s private vehicle while SIX DEPUTIES exit from the squad cars.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(quietly to Deputy #1 and #2) Go around back and cover the door. (to the other deputies) The rest of you check around. You know the drill. See what you can find. Henry, you’re with me.

The deputies disperse. Henry and Frank walk up to the front door, then knock three times on the door.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(looking around) So, this is what computer programs will get you?

HENRY DAVID
Guess so.

The door opens. Vera Ridgelawn answers the door appearing as though she’s been crying.

VERA RIDGELAWN
Yes?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Vera Ridgelawn?

VERA RIDGELAWN
I’m Vera Ridgelawn.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(shows his badge) Ma’am, I’m Chief Frank Lennox, Boston Police Department. (nods to Henry) This gentleman is private investigator Henry David. Ma’am, we need to talk to you.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(sees the squad cars) Oh, my God, Martin. Has something happened to Martin?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
If we could speak inside, ma’am.

VERA RIDGELAWN
Of course. (she opens the door wider) Come on in.

INT. INSIDE RIDGELAWN MANSION ENTRY ROOM NIGHT
Henry and Chief walk in to the home and look about the entry room. Henry removes his hat as he enters the home.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Is anyone else home with you, Mrs. Ridgelawn?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Not at the moment. The staff was given the day off and my husband is working late again. Is something wrong?

Henry walks to the sides of the room, looking through entranceways to other rooms.

INT. RIDGELAWN MANSION KITCHEN NIGHT
One door leads to an empty kitchen, a bottle of wine (with condensation on it) and a glass sitting upon an island. The kitchen windows have blinds pulled down and closed. A slightly steaming covered oven pan sits on the stove.

INT. RIDGELAWN MANSION DINING ROOM NIGHT
A second door leads to a dining room, beautifully set for a candlelight dinner for two, but missing a wine glass at one setting. Henry then returns to Frank and Vera.

INT. RIDGELAWN MANION ENTRY ROOM NIGHT
Vera Ridgelawn speaks with Chief Lennox and Henry David.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
You might want to sit down, Mrs. Ridgelawn.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(sits on the couch) Please, just tell me what it is.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Mrs. Ridgelawn, can you tell us where you’ve been today?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Well, I had a meeting at the university this afternoon, an art committee meeting. Then, I came home. I’ve been here all afternoon.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
And, the servants have had the day off?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Yes, why? What’s going on?

Deputies #1 and #3 walk into the room from the back. Deputy #3 is carrying a plastic bag filled with something unidentifiable (remnants of hair, skin). He holds the bag up so Chief can see it. Chief nods at him in response.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Ma’am, have you made any phone calls, talked to anyone this afternoon?

VERA RIDGELAWN
No. I’ve been preparing dinner, a special dinner for my husband, Martin.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Is there anyone who can confirm that you’ve been here?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Do I need someone to?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Just one moment, ma’am. (walks to deputies) (whispers) What is that?

Henry David sits beside Vera Ridgelawn on the couch.

DEPUTY #3
(whispering) Hair, fabric, maybe part of Mr. Ridgelawn. We found it between the tread of a small car parked in back. They’re making a cast of the tread now. Plate is registered to Martin Ridgelawn.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(whispering) Hum. They have a compact?

DEPUTY #1
(whispering) They have a small car lot back there in the garage. Everything from economic compacts to a Mercedes and one black limo. Every one has the key in the ignition. We’ve bagged the key to this particular vehicle.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Hum. Interesting. Good work. Let’s keep searching; see what else we can find. (he turns, but then turns back to the deputies) Oh, and be sure to take every computer in this house into evidence.

DEPUTY #1 AND #2
Yes, Chief.

Chief walks back to Henry and Vera who are talking on the couch. Vera is quite upset now, crying. Henry is holding his hat, but slowly twirling it in his hands.

VERA RIDGELAWN
Just a couple of glasses. I had gone to all this trouble and then he called to say he was working late again. Baked turkey with vegetables was always his favorite. I guess I should be more grateful that he works so hard. And, now…

HENRY DAVID
Well, I’m sure he would have appreciated all the trouble.

VERA RIDGELAWN
I just can’t believe he’s dead. He’s supposed to walk through that door like he always does. You don’t know how it happened?

HENRY DAVID
Well, I think that’s something Chief Lennox needs to speak with you about.

Vera looks up to the chief.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Mrs. Ridgelawn, have you ever heard of Old Mountain Road?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Oh, sure, Henry and I were married at a little church there at the crossroads. We purchased plots there in the cemetery for our final resting place because we thought it was beautiful out there, peaceful.

HENRY DAVID
Does anyone else know that?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Only everybody. The newspapers covered the wedding back then. And, it’s in our will that we be buried there. We’ve talked about it with friends. We were never shy about it. But, how did you know about it?

HENRY DAVID
That’s where your husband died, ma’am.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(sits) Mrs. Ridgelawn, do you have any idea what your husband would be doing at night out on that road?

VERA RIDGELAWN
No. When he called he said he was working late. (pause) We did used to drive up there during the summer to watch the sunset, though. Detective David said that you know how Martin died.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Yes, ma’am, we sure do.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(anxiously) Well?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Your husband was murdered.

Vera begins to mouth the word ‘what’ but stands, unsteadily, and then passes out back onto the couch. Henry catches her, then leans her back comfortably against the back of the couch.

INT. DET. HENRY DAVID’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Henry David, Margaret, and Deja Sipher sit around Henry’s desk drinking coffee.

MARGARET
Well, the white compact was the car Vera always drove. She said she could handle it better than the others and she didn’t like driving one car and then another. She said she needed to be used to the car she was driving. Do you know what room she’s in?

HENRY DAVID
No, but she’s not allowed visitors. Except, of course, for her doctor and her attorney whom I’m sure has told her to keep quiet by now. Police have a guard by her hospital door with strict orders about who gets in and out.

MARGARET
How long do you think she’ll be there?

HENRY DAVID
(shakes his head) They’re running tests. Doctor thinks that the news might have given her a slight heart attack. Last time I spoke to Frank, they didn’t know anything for certain. But, one thing’s for sure: As soon as she’s able to leave the hospital she’ll be transported to jail.

MARGARET
That is a lot of evidence against her, but Vera? I never would have thought she had it in her. I mean, she can fight in those meetings at the university, but murder? What do you think, Aunt Deja?

DEJA SIPHER
Well, dear, I think there is information missing that will clear up this entire mess.

HENRY DAVID
What do you mean?

DEJA SIPHER
I mean, dear, I don’t know for sure who murdered Martin Ridgelawn, but I think it is highly unlikely that it was his wife Vera.

INT. MARTIN RIDGELAWN’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
The secretary (Lola) is on her way out of the office. Chief Lennox, Officer Robertson, and Officer #2 are in the office, standing between the door and the desk. Cassidy Clayton then comes in to the office and is quite surprised at their presence.

LOLA
Vera was rarely ever here. She’d just call and leave a message, saying that she didn’t want to bother Martin when he was working.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Okay, Lola, thank you.

Lola leaves, closing the door behind her.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
So, Robertson, where exactly did you find that tracking device?

OFFICER ROBERTSON
On the middle of the desk. (sorts through photos) Uh, here, right here.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Um-hum. Let’s see if we can figure… (turns as door opens)

CASSIDY CLAYTON
(entering, but stops in mid-step) Oh, I’m sorry. I thought the office was empty. Lola wasn’t at her desk.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Can we help you?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
I, uh,(searching for words)(pause) a box. I was looking for a box that I was told might be in this office.

OFFICER ROBERTSON
We haven’t come across any boxes.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
I’m sorry. I must have been mistaken. (turns to go, but turns back when Chief speaks to her)

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
What was supposed to be in the box, Ms…

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Clayton. Miss. Clayton. Just some personal items. I worked here until a couple of days ago and I forgot a box of items. Nothing important, really, just sentimental trinkets. I was told that it might have been placed in here.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Oh, sorry, haven’t seen anything like that.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Okay, thanks anyway. (turns to go, but turns back when Chief speaks to her)

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
You said you used to work here?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Yes, yes I did.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
How well did you know Mr. Ridgelawn?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
(pause) Not very well. And, I had hoped to keep it that way. That’s why I had quit my position.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Are you aware that Mr. Ridgelawn was murdered?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
No, I hadn’t heard that. But, I can’t say I’m surprised.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Why’s that?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
(pause) Look, I just want to go away and forget the whole thing ever happened. Mr. Ridgelawn wasn’t exactly the kind of boss a lady hopes for. He hit on me several times, asked me out on dates, tried to put his hands where they didn’t belong. I’m sure I’m not the only one. I’ve heard rumors around the office. I kept him at bay. But, I got out of here as soon as I found another position.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Did you ever make a complaint?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
No. I was afraid it’d just make working here even harder until I found another job.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Uh-huh. Did you ever meet his wife, Vera?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Oh, sure, sweet, sweet lady. She liked to drop by and surprise Martin. Always drove the cutest little white compact. Had a couple of close calls when she’d drop in unexpectedly. I felt so sorry for her, Martin acting the way he did toward other women. I just knew she’d find out someday. Then again, maybe she already knew.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
What would make you say that?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Martin had me go to his house once and reprogram his computers. I agreed because I couldn’t afford to lose my job. But, while I was working Martin and his wife were arguing (pause) loudly. I even heard a couple of things crash against a wall. She kept accusing him of never being home. He was yelling back that she didn’t appreciate everything his money bought for her. I guess money really doesn’t buy happiness.

INT. HOSPITAL ELEVATOR DAY
Chief Lennox, Henry David, and Deja Sipher board a hospital elevator. They are the only parties on board. Henry removes his hat just before boarding, and then the doors close behind them.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
We tested every car, including the one at the scene. And, we found what we’d expect to find on any vehicle: fingerprints everywhere, from the dashboard to the seats. All of them checked out to belong to Vera, Martin, or the house staff. They employ two drivers. Can you believe that?

DEJA SIPHER
But, no one else’s?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Nope. Ridgelawn fingerprints all of his employees. So, we even have the prints of former employees. But, right now, everything points to Vera.

INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY DAY
The elevator doors open and Chief, Henry, and Deja walk into a hospital hallway.

HENRY DAVID
(motions to the left) This way.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Good thing we got all those search warrants before the judge found out the primary suspect was the wife. It’s harder to get warrants for the home and offices of influential campaign supporters.

They walk up to a GUARD beside room 334. The door is closed. A chair is beside the guard, and on it is laying a chart and pen.

GUARD
Afternoon, Chief. No one’s been in or out except for her attorney since around nine this morning when the doctor made his rounds.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Hum. (to Henry) Well, I have a feeling she’s done lawyered up and won’t say a word to us. But, we’ll give it a try. (to the guard) This is Henry David and Dejanira Sipher. Log us in.

Guard reaches for the chart and pen as Henry, Chief, and Deja enter room 334, closing the door behind them.

INT. INSIDE VERA RIDGELAWN’S HOSPITAL ROOM DAY
Henry and Chief stand to one side of the bed while Deja stands to the other, steno pad in hand, taking periodic notes. Vera’s bed is situated so she can sit up.

VERA RIDGELAWN
Chief Lennox.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(clears his throat) Yes, ma’am. How are you feeling today?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Better, thanks. Turns out that it was an anxiety attack, not a heart attack after all. (to Henry) I’m sorry, I don’t recall your name.

HENRY DAVID
Henry David, Mrs. Ridgelawn. I’m a private investigator. This is my aunt, Dejanira Sipher.

DEJA SIPHER
But, you can call me Deja, dear. I’m just here to take a few notes while these gentleman talk to you.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
That is if you’ll talk to us. We’d like to ask you a few more questions.

VERA RIDGELAWN
My attorney advised me not to say anything more to anyone about the matter, Chief Lennox. But, I did not murder my husband so I see no reason not to answer your questions. What would you like to know?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(a bit surprised) I have to admit you’ve caught me a bit off guard, ma’am.

VERA RIDGELAWN
I suppose you have a lot of people plead the fifth. Isn’t that what they call it? But, I have nothing to hide, Chief Lennox. Ask anything you’d like.

DEJA SIPHER
Are you comfortable, dear? Do you need anything?

VERA RIDGELAWN
No, I’m fine. They’ve taken very good care of me here. I guess it pays to be a contributor.

HENRY DAVID
Mrs. Ridgelawn, the vehicles you and your husband own. Why are all the keys in them? Aren’t you afraid they’ll be stolen?

VERA RIDGELAWN
A thief would have to travel quite a distance out into the country to get to those cars to steal them. They seemed safe enough. We kept the keys in them so that the house staff had access to them. The maid and the housekeeper sometimes use the vehicles to do the shopping. The drivers, of course, had access in case they drove Martin or me somewhere. Even the gardeners were allowed to use the vehicles, although they usually used the old truck. It was just easier to leave the keys in the vehicles so that everyone knew where the keys were. (raises her finger) And, before you ask if we were concerned about the staff stealing them, sir, we work on the honor system. We believe that if you put your trust in someone, even if they’re not trustworthy at the time, they’ll rise to the occasion and be worthy of that trust.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, that’s so true, dear.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(to Deja) In all of the years that we’ve employed people at and in our home, we’ve never had one problem. Not one.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(clears his throat) Um-hum. Are you sure you didn’t speak to someone, see someone, anyone who could prove your whereabouts the night of the murder?

VERA RIDGELAWN
(shakes her head no) The house staff was off. The last time I left the house that day was when I attended the art board meeting at the university. After that I came home and, stayed inside preparing dinner. I didn’t speak to anyone.

HENRY DAVID
You do realize computer messages, e-mails and such can be traced? They each carry a time and date of when they were sent and when they were opened.

VERA RIDGELAWN
Martin would sometimes mention the time that was noted on an e-mail, but he was the computer expert. I didn’t much care for the things, although I do know how to use one.

HENRY DAVID
(pause) Did you send any computer correspondence that day? It would be something that could place you at a certain place at a certain time.

VERA RIDGELAWN
No. I jotted down some notes on a pad of paper near the computer, reactions, thoughts about the art board meeting that I was hoping to share with the other members, but I didn’t actually write anything on the computer that day. The notepad should still be there by the computer now.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Um-hum. Are you sure? Ma’am this could be very important.

VERA RIDGELAWN
I’m certain of it. I’m rather old-fashioned, Chief. I’ve learned to use and appreciate those electronic gadgets, but I tend to prefer the old paper and pen correspondence. I send e-mails when there are several people I need to send the same information to, but that’s not a daily activity as it is with the younger crowd.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Actually, that I do understand. Mrs. Ridgelawn, were you and Martin having any problems? You know, marital problems.

VERA RIDGELAWN
We had a good marriage. Martin was a good husband, he worked hard. He always made sure I was taken care of. Of course, we had our squabbles now and again, like all couples do.

Henry and Chief look at each other uncomfortably.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(continuing)
(pause) You’re referring to the rumors that he’s been having an affair.

Henry looks to Vera and slowly shakes his head yes.

VERA RIDGELAWN
(continuing)
(pause) I thought so. Martin was a very kind person. He’d do anything for anybody. Maybe that’s why the rumor started. It’s hard to say. I had confronted him about it several times. He always denied it, and I believed him. I still do.

Henry and Chief look to each other uncomfortably again.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(clears his throat again) Did anyone ever drive the white compact other than you?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Not that I can recall. I preferred just driving one vehicle, so I didn’t usually drive the others. The white car was sort of known as my car. The board members at the university should know that; they’ve seen me drive it every time I’ve come to a meeting. And, if Martin and I decided to be driven somewhere, we took one of the larger vehicles.

HENRY DAVID
What about the other staff members?

VERA RIDGELAWN
No, the gardeners drove the old truck, and the maid and housekeeper usually drove the minivan. It was easier to get the bags in and out of. No one drove the white car, except for me. Even Martin didn’t care for it; he thought it was too small.

HENRY DAVID
Is there any chance anyone else drove it lately?

VERA RIDGELAWN
I don’t think so.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Do the staff live on the property?

VERA RIDGELAWN
Some of them. Martin purchased a piece of property adjacent to ours years ago, built some nice brick ranch style houses. Some of the families that worked for us lived in those. Others had their own homes elsewhere. Why?

HENRY DAVID
Would any of them have come and gone that night, possibly used one of the house vehicles? Would you have seen any of them come or go?

VERA RIDGELAWN
I have no idea if they went somewhere, Mr. David. They are due their privacy, you know. Besides, I can’t see their houses from our house.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Did you see anyone, anybody at all, come or go that night?

VERA RIDGELAWN
(struggles to remember) I don’t remember seeing anyone. (pause, pause) I’m sorry. I wish there was more I could tell you.

INT. INSIDE A PARKED CAR DAY
Cassidy Clayton sits in the car talking on a cell phone. She nervously smokes a cigarette.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Look, I thought I’d be out of town by now, but I can’t exactly get through baggage check with two-hundred thousand cash. It’s just gonna take me a little longer. (pause) No, you idiot. Don’t you think a bank would find someone opening an account with this kind of cash a little odd? (pause) I’ve spent some of it, plane tickets and stuff. I’m putting the rest in safe deposit boxes until I can figure out what to do with it.

INT. CHIEF FRANK LENNOX’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Chief, Henry, and Deja walk into Chief Lennox’s personal office. Chief is talking on his cell phone as they enter. Chief sits behind his desk, Henry sits in a chair near the desk, but Deja goes to study the flowers near the window.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(to phone) I understand that, sir. (pause) Yes, she is still in the hospital but she’s supposed to be released in the next day or two. (pause) Are you sure, sir? (short pause) Yes, yes, sir, will do. (shuts off phone) Well, that’s the word from the D.A.’s office. As soon as Vera Ridgelawn is released from the hospital, she’s arrested and escorted straight to a cell.

HENRY DAVID
She won’t survive a jail cell, Frank.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
I know.

DEJA SIPHER
And, she has no reason to be in one.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
I don’t know what else to do, Deja. Your hunches are usually right on the money, but I don’t know about it this time. You were there. We gave her every possible out and she didn’t take one of them.

DEJA SIPHER
That’s because she doesn’t need one, Frank. Dear, your flowers need coffee, regular. It will do them good.

Officer Robertson enters the room holding a sheet of paper.

OFFICER ROBERTSON
Chief.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(frustrated) Yeah, what is it, Robertson?

Officer ROBERTSON
We’ve gone over every computer from the Ridgelawn house with a fine tooth comb. The e-mail that was sent to the victim didn’t come from any of those computers. We’re still trying to locate where it came from. But, sir, look at the time the e-mail was sent. (hands Chief the paper)

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(looks at the paper then to Henry, then hands paper to Henry) It was sent when she was in the art board meeting.

HENRY DAVID
Can’t e-mails be arranged to be sent at a certain time. Like a time delay of some type.

DEJA SIPHER
(looks out the window) Do you really think Vera Ridgelawn would know how to do that?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Hum? Did you find anything about that tracking device?

OFFICER ROBERTSON
It was purchased from a security company here in town. They usually attach them to expensive vehicles so they find them if they’ve been stolen. It’s an insurance break for the rich. They’ve also been sewn a few times into the clothing of people thought to be at risk of being kidnapped or whatever, real public people, you know. Ridgelawn kept receipts for everything, and I mean everything. His accountant has the purchase order for the tracking device.

HENRY DAVID
Did the accountant have any idea where the two hundred K went?

OFFICER ROBERTSON
No. She just said that Ridgelawn had been acting a little strange the last few days. Wouldn’t tell her what he wanted the money for, but gave her very specific instructions about what to do with it. Just said it was personal.

DEJA SIPHER
Frank, do you think we might be able to try something?

INT. POLICE YARD DAY
Henry, Chief, and Deja stand beside Officer Robertson who is leaning into the white compact, wearing gloves and pulling something off of the gas pedal.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
What is it?

OFFICER ROBERTSON
Mud.

DEJA SIPHER
Now, Frank, can you find out where that came from?

INT. OUTSIDE HENRY DAVID’S PI OFFICE DAY
Henry David is walking along the sidewalk toward his office. A small compact car pulls up and parks in front of the office door. ALBERT WEBER gets out of the car and speaks to Henry.

ALBERT WEBER
Detective? Detective David?

HENRY DAVID
Yes?

ALBERT WEBER
Albert Webber, sir. I don’t know if you remember me, but…

HENRY DAVID
I remember you. Heard about your parole. How you doing kid?

ALBERT WEBER
Better. It’s nice to be out, but it’s kind of scary too.

HENRY DAVID
Temptation not getting the better of you, is it?

ALBERT WEBER
No sir. I’m working now. Vera Ridgelawn helped me get a job out there at the cemetery on Old Mountain Road. And, she’s loaning me this car. Can you believe that? She’s a real nice lady. I can’t believe she’s helping me after what I did and her husband testifying against me and all.

HENRY DAVID
(surprised) Well, Albert, there are still nice people in the world.

ALBERT WEBER
Yeah. Well, I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for all you did for me. Being on the inside was hard, but I learned a lot. You won’t be having no more trouble out of me.

HENRY DAVID
Glad to hear it, Albert. Good luck to you.

ALBERT WEBER
Thanks, Detective. Uh, I heard about Mr. Ridgelawn on the radio. You got any leads, figured out who did it yet?

HENRY DAVID
No, Albert. Not yet.

ALBERT WEBER
Oh, well, good luck to you Detective.

Albert returns to the car and drives away. Henry watches with concern.

INT. MARTIN RIDGELAWN’S PERSONAL OFFICE NIGHT
Cassidy Clayton walks into Martin’s personal office, turns on the light, but leaves the door open. She goes to his desk and begins searching through some papers on top of the desk. Deja then walks in, the door remains open behind her.

DEJA SIPHER
Looking for this, Ms. Clayton? (holds up the tracking device)

Cassidy turns around and suspiciously views the device.

DEJA SIPHER
(continuing)
It was purchased by Martin Ridgelawn on the same day he told his accountant to withdraw a hundred thousand dollars from his personal account. An amount that quickly changed to two hundred thousand. The police found it in here after Martin Ridgelawn was found murdered. It has your thumbprint on one side and the fingerprint of your index finger on the other.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
You’re lying.

DEJA SIPHER
Am I? No, I think that Martin Ridgelawn placed this tracking device in the briefcase that held all that money. The very same case that he gave to you.

Cassidy looks surprised.

DEJA SIPHER
Ridgelawn had a video surveillance system installed after a burglary a couple years ago and it recorded you leaving here with two briefcases on the day the money was withdrawn.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Why on earth would Ridgelawn give me that kind of money?

DEJA SIPHER
I think it was to keep you quiet. You told the police that Martin was sexually harassing you, making inappropriate advances, and yet the police interviewed all the other employees and found no one else with any complaint of that type of behavior. And, my guess is that he didn’t have that type of behavior toward you either. It was all a lie. A threat so you could black mail him.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
You don’t know what you’re talking about.

DEJA SIPHER
You weren’t very careful, Ms. Clayton. Don’t you think that if Martin Ridgelawn thought to put a tracking device inside the briefcase that he would use other tracking measures as well? The accountant was suspicious about that kind of cash being withdrawn so the serial numbers were documented. And, some of the cash has been spent on two airline tickets to France and a local hotel room. Sound familiar?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
You’re accusing the wrong person. It wasn’t me.

DEJA SIPHER
Well, you’re right that it might be hard to prove. Cash purchases can’t be traced to any particular individual. And, I’m not entirely certain where the rest of it is, but I’d guess that perhaps you’ve divided it up and hidden it, maybe in safe deposit boxes. But, safe deposit boxes require names and identification.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
Look, I don’t know who you are, but you don’t know what you’re talking about.

DEJA SIPHER
And, these days, there are other types of identification as well. Something you should know a thing or two about, Ms. Clayton. For instance, the day he was murdered, Martin Ridgelawn received an e-mail to meet Vera at Old Mountain Crossroads. But, it didn’t come from Vera, it came from you, from your desk, here in this office, from a computer program you created. I don’t claim to understand how such things work, but I’m sure the police will.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
You can’t prove a thing.

DEJA SIPHER
You did a good job of trying to pin Martin’s murder on Vera Ridgelawn, sending the e-mail, telling the police Martin had had a case of roaming fingers around you, but you even risked using Vera’s car—-now that took some planning and some guts. You must have parked on the other side of the trees, near the staff houses and walked to the garage.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
I don’t have to listen to this. (begins to leave)

Henry David walks in and stops Cassidy from leaving.

HENRY DAVID
Ms. Clayton, it’s people like you that give criminals a bad name.

DEJA SIPHER
You see, dear. You also forgot to clean the mud off the gas pedal. It had been raining that day. The grass was wet, the soil was muddy. And, you left wet, muddy shoeprints from the edge of the garage to the white compact. Shoeprints that were also found on the side of the dirt road leading to the employee residences.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
I have no idea what you’re talking about, but you’ll never be able to prove a thing.

Chief Lennox walks in, removing an ear piece.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Maybe not. But, we certainly have enough to continue investigating this matter. And, we certainly have enough to continue looking for that money.

DEJA SIPHER
You know, Cassidy, you’ve caused so much harm. It seems like the least you could do is save Mrs. Ridgelawn the pain of believing her husband was an adulterer.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
I have nothing else to say until I speak with an attorney.

INT. HENRY’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Deja, Henry, and Frank are in the office talking. Deja is sitting by Henry’s desk. Henry is searching for a book on one of the shelves and Frank is playing with a kaleidoscope near Henry’s desk.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Well, we still need evidence to get Vera Ridgelawn off the hook.

DEJA SIPHER
At least Vera was able to make bail. I hated thinking of her being in a jail cell. But, we’ll get the evidence we need. Cassidy has gotten nervous.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Yeah, we’ve got our eye on her.

DEJA SIPHER
Good. And, what will come of Cassidy Clayton? Henry, what are you looking for?

HENRY DAVID
A book.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(puts the kaleidoscope down) Well, the D.A. said that we don’t have enough to charge Ms. Clayton. Even if we could prove that she was in the car, we can’t prove that she was the one that drove over Martin Ridgelawn. Besides, he’s not very happy with out little show at Ridgelawn’s office. He says it rings of entrapment.

HENRY DAVID
(stands and exhales loudly) Something keeps nagging at me. I could have sworn I remembered some law that we could use to nail the Clayton woman.

DEJA SIPHER
Frank, what about the money? Doesn’t that mean anything?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
D.A. says that all it means so far is that Ridgelawn gave Cassidy Clayton a bunch of money, in cash, and that he intended to trace the money. It looks bad, but we can’t prove that there was any blackmail going on, can’t prove that there was anything illegal going on for that matter. Mostly, it looks like Ridgelawn was giving his mistress a bunch of hush money. In cash. Not good, but not illegal.

HENRY DAVID
So, Clayton’s standing by her affair story now?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Well, first she claimed that she was sexually harassed. Then, she claimed that it was a consensual affair but that she didn’t want to say so because she was embarrassed and because she didn’t want to hurt Mrs. Ridgelawn.

DEJA SIPHER
Cassidy Clayton doesn’t strike me as the type of woman to care who gets hurt as long as it’s not her.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Yeah.

HENRY DAVID
(sits down, exhales again) I know it’s there. I just can’t recall what it is.

DEJA SIPHER
So, where is she now? Clayton, that is.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Well, with nothing but circumstantial evidence against her, we weren’t able to court order her not to leave the jurisdiction. She could be anywhere. She could be in France or Arizona or wherever she was headed to by now.

DEJA SIPHER
No, I don’t think she’d go that far just yet. She still has the problem of dealing with all that cash.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
If she goes near the money, we’ll know it. Those briefcases had tracking devices sewn inside of them, too. Martin Ridgelawn never passed on insurance. But, even if she gets it, we’ll have no reason to charge her with anything. By the way, Deja, I’ve been wondering how you knew that Vera didn’t commit the murder.

DEJA SIPHER
Oh, dear Frank, it’s not that hard. When you get to be as old as I am (she laughs) you start to notice a few things about people. Margaret had told me about Vera, particularly about the conversations they’d shared the day of the murder. Vera hardly sounded like someone planning to run over her husband that evening. Then, there was the order of the house and the way Vera reacted when the police arrived at her home. If you’ll recall, the window shades were drawn. Drawing the shades is hardly something I’d remember to do if I was about to murder my husband. And, the turkey still warm from the oven. Why, even the wine glass had condensation on it as if it had been chilled for a while before it sat upon the kitchen island. Why bother going to all that trouble if the primary goal is to leave the house and murder your husband? It just didn’t make sense. No, I think Vera Ridgelawn was upset when you arrived because she had been crying the same way any housewife would when she plans an evening for her husband and he calls saying he’s working late. And, then, of course, she suffered an anxiety attack so severe that she needed hospitalization after she heard the news. It just didn’t add up.

HENRY DAVID
Clayton’s print on the tracking device won’t get us anywhere?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Nope.

DEJA SIPHER
But, why not? What about the mud on the gas pedal? The e-mail?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Nope. It only proves she was in the car at some point and that she held on to the tracking device at some point, but not necessarily the night of the murder.. The e-mail still doesn’t place her at the scene of the crime. Anyone could have sent that e-mail. (grabs the kaleidoscope again) You see this, Deja? As long as no one smudges over the fingerprints I’ve put on this thing by holding it, years from now my prints could be lifted from it and you’d have trouble proving when they were left there because fingerprints don’t fade or disappear after a period of time. At, least, not that we know of. No, on this case, without any witnesses, we need nothing short of an actual confession. And, Cassidy Clayton has lawyered up tighter than a fist in a heavyweight bout.

INT. OUTSIDE BANK PARKING LOT #1 DAY
Cassidy Clayton walks across a parking lot carrying one of the briefcases.

INT. INSIDE CLAYTON’S CAR DAY
Cassidy Clayton then gets into her car, opens the case to see the money, and then backs out.

INT. HENRY’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Deja is now pouring coffee for the three of them. Henry and Chief sit around Henry’s desk.

DEJA SIPHER
Can we even offer Vera a little relief by proving that Martin wasn’t having an affair?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Not as far as Cassidy Clayton goes. We’ve interviewed everyone else in that office, male and female, and we found nobody who had any complaints about Martin Ridgelawn’s behavior. Everyone pretty much described it as a good place to work. A few even said it was the best place they’d ever worked. And, Lola, his secretary, worked for him for years. Never had a problem and never heard of anyone who did. Lola didn’t know he was having an affair, and usually the secretary always knows. But…

HENRY DAVID
An affair would be a good reason for a payoff. It could be, Aunt Deja, that Martin did have an affair.

DEJA SIPHER
(sits) I suppose you’re right. I just hate to think about Vera sitting in that big house all alone, her last memory of her husband being that he was murdered and that he was cheating.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Um-hum. Well, the good news is that there is enough circumstantial evidence that we can keep looking in to it. Who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky, and get Vera Ridgelawn off the hook.

INT. OUTSIDE BANK PARKING LOT #2 DAY
Cassidy Clayton walks toward her car carrying a box.

INT. INSIDE CLAYTON’S CAR DAY
Cassidy Clayton gets in her car and sets the box in the floorboard of the passenger side. She opens the box to see the money inside, takes out a handful of money, then closes it again. She then opens her purse, puts the cash in, pulls out a plane ticket, then puts the plane ticket back in her purse, closes her purse, and starts the car.

INT. HENRY’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Deja, Henry, and Chief sit talking. Margaret walks in.

MARGARET
Everyone welcome to this little party?

HENRY DAVID
Come on in.

Henry stands briefly as Margaret walks in and takes a seat near Deja. Margaret pours herself a cup of coffee.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
We were just talking about the Ridgelawn case.

MARGARET
Isn’t that something? Isn’t there anything you can do?

HENRY DAVID
Police and the Sheriff’s Department are still working on it. They’re trying to get warrants for Clayton’s phones.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Actually, (looks at his watch) now that you mention it. (grabs Henry’s phone and begins to dial)

INT. OUTSIDE BANK PARKING LOT#3 DAY
Cassidy Clayton opens the trunk of the car and places a small box inside. She opens the lid to see the money, then closes it again. Beside this small box in the trunk are two other boxes and three large, stuffed envelopes. Cassidy closes the trunk, puts on her sunglasses with a big smile and heads toward the driver’s door.

INT. RIDGELAWN MANSION ENTRY ROOM DAY
Vera Ridgelawn heads toward the front door but turns her head to speak toward someone in the kitchen.

VERA RIDGELAWN
No, that’s all right. The walk to the mailbox will do me good. (walks through the front door)

INT. OUTSIDE RIDGELAWN MANSION DAY
Vera begins walking down the drive.

INT. HENRY’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Deja, Henry, Chief, and Margaret sit talking. Chief hangs up the phone.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
A bunch of calls to the same number in Phoenix, some guy named Mark Clayton. They’re tracing the address to see if we can the local police to go talk to him. (leans back in his chair) No way to rush it; it’s just a waiting game.

MARGARET
(takes a sip of coffee) Speaking of which, Frank, there was something I was hoping to talk to you about.

INT. INSIDE CASSIDY CLAYTON’S CAR DAY
Cassidy is driving. She runs a red light. A siren begins to sound and Cassidy sees in the side mirror a squad car. Officer Robertson begins to follow her with lights flashing. Cassidy looks toward the rearview mirror with frustration and pulls off to the side of the road.

INT. OUTSIDE RIDGELAWN MANSION DAY
Vera Ridgelawn gets the mail out of the box at the end of the drive. She sorts through the envelopes as she begins walking back up the drive. She finds one from the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION and opens it. It is a traffic ticket. In one box it says 6:45 pm and in another box marked OFFENSE, it says SPEEDING. In the corner is a rough black and white photo of Cassidy Clayton.

INT. HENRY’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Margaret, Henry, Chief, and Deja sit around Henry’s desk.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(to phone, urgently) Uh-huh. (jots down a note on a tablet on Henry’s desk) Yeah. Got it. (closes his phone) (to others) We’ve got her.

INT. OUTSIDE CASSIDY CLAYTON’S CAR DAY
Officer Robertson stands beside Cassidy in front of her car. He closes his cell phone.

OFFICER ROBERTSON
Cassidy Clayton, you’re under arrest for the murder of Martin Ridgelawn.

Cassidy shakes her head ‘no’ with frustration as Officer Robertson turns her around and handcuffs her, then begins leading her toward his squad car.

INT. VIEWING ROOM DAY
Henry David and Officer Robertson watch from the viewing room.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM DAY
Chief Frank Lennox interviews Cassidy Clayton. Cassidy sits, her hands no longer cuffed as Chief sits atop an empty desk facing her.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Do you know what this is, Ms. Clayton?

Chief holds up a photo of her driving the white compact at evening time. Then, he hands it to Clayton who holds it.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
No.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Boston’s been trying a new way to cut down on some of the traffic accidents about town by placing these cameras at certain intersections. They not only use radar to determine the driving speed but they snap a photo of the driver. They also catch a picture of the license plate. Then, a bunch of computers trace the plate of the speeding car and they mail the ticket to whomever the vehicle is registered to. The time the camera took the picture, the date, location, everything; it’s all automatic and captured on tape and on computer. And, that, (he points to the photo) was taken of you speeding just before the murder, at the last intersection in town before heading down Old Mountain Road in Vera Ridgelawn’s car.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
So, doesn’t prove I murdered anybody. (tosses the photo on the desk) My attorney will have me out of here in no time.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Well, you see, this picture along with all the other evidence we have makes you look very guilty. But, what really sewed up the case is that while you were waiting in here for me to come and talk to you, Phoenix Police talked to Mark Clayton, also known as Mark Clay, also known as Mark Cleese and it seems the two of you have quite a little history together. You see, Cassidy, Martin Ridgelawn had an interesting way of looking at things. He always made sure to get insurance---that’s why he had every employee fingerprinted. But, he also believed in trust and the honor system, so he never actually ran the fingerprints through any computer. Too bad. He might still be alive if he had.

CASSIDY CLAYTON
I’m gonna sue the entire city of Boston for you treating me like this.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(laughs) I don’t think the city of Boston looks too fondly on blackmailers and murderers, Cassidy. Now, why don’t you just give the court a reason to be as lenient as they can by telling us your side of the story. Or, would you prefer we just use Mark’s side of the story?

CASSIDY CLAYTON
I’m not saying a word to you until I talk with my attorney.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Okay. Have it your way. (pushes an intercom button near the door) Yeah, Robertson, can you take Cassidy Clayton or Cleese or whatever her name is back to her cell. She can wait for her attorney there.

INT. CHIEF’S PERSONAL OFFICE DAY
Chief removes some newspapers and trash from a couch and lays down. Henry throws his hat and coat over one chair, sits in a second chair near Frank’s desk and puts his feet up on third chair.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Just another day at the office.

HENRY DAVID
(looking at the mess) New secretary not working out for you, Frank?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
I’m on the fifth new one this week.

HENRY DAVID
So, what did this Mark Clay or Cleese have to say?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(laughs) Seems he was at risk of having his parole revoked, so he took a deal and then started talking and didn’t stop. Of course, he said that Cassidy had heard about Ridgelawn, thought he was an easy target, and that she planned the whole thing. (exhales as if tired and puts his arm over his forehead) And, it looks like she did lure Ridgelawn into bed. Or, at least that’s what Mark said Cassidy told him. He wasn’t too happy about it either. Either way, we’ve got enough to put Ms. Cassidy away for a long time and clear Vera Ridgelawn. Now, we can turn our attention to other things.

NEW SECRETARY walks in. It is a young male cadet carrying files in one hand and a watering can in the other. He walks toward the desk, but sees how messy it is.

NEW SECRETARY
Chief, where would you like these files that need to be reviewed?

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
(his arm still over his forehead) Um, just put them on my desk.

HENRY DAVID
(to New Secretary) Somehow, he manages to find them when he wants them.

NEW SECRETARY
Okay.

New Secretary puts the watering can on the desk, then puts the files neatly on the desk, then picks up the watering can and walks out of the office. From inside Frank’s office a loud, sudden clatter is heard as if metal trays are falling to the floor. Henry looks toward the commotion but Chief doesn’t move.

NEW SECRETARY (V.O.)(from afar)
(faded somewhat) Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there.

CHIEF FRANK LENNOX
Just another day at the office.

THE END



written by Debra Phillips


This is a work of fiction.