Murdoch Mysteries (2004) s20e01 Episode Script

1
(SOFT INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(GRAND MUSIC SWELLS)
Thank you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(BRIGHT INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(♪)
Please drop my bag at the hotel.
- Yes. Okay.
- Thank you.
Hello. I'm looking for Chief
Inspector Oscar Lacroix
- Oh.
- Don't worry. This is Alphonse.
A Maltese falcon.
That's right.
Do you use him for your police work?
On occasion. I call
him my eye in the sky.
Inspector Lacroix is
currently indisposed,
but maybe I can help?
My name is Frederick Attard.
Deputy Constable. And your name, sir?
Murdoch. Detective William Murdoch.
Oh! Oh, what a surprise.
We didn't believe you'd actually come.
I was visiting my wife
and I heard of the arrest,
so I thought Malta isn't
that far from England.
As opposed to Canada, I suppose.
Why are you so interested
in our prisoner?
I believe she committed
a murder some years ago.
I've yet to prove it.
Then this one on Malta
would be her second.
Yes. And your department
is certain of her guilt?
As are the magistrates.
She was found next to the body,
knife in her hand,
blood on her clothing.
The magistrates?
So she's been found guilty since
I was notified of her arrest?
Yes. She's currently awaiting execution.
Oh.
And the victim?
Her husband, Mr. John Mahler.
People described their
relationship as volatile,
so this outcome was quite predictable.
Hm. Your report also
mentioned a missing artifact.
Ah, yes. A tapestry
long believed to have been lost forever
until Mr. Mahler acquired
it in a private sale.
Oh. This was something valuable?
Oh, more than valuable. Priceless.
Some believe it to be the
key to buried treasure.
Do you believe it?
Oh, well, our-our history's
either truth or lies,
- depending on the author.
- Indeed.
May I see her?
You've come a long way. Follow me.
(SOFT TENSE MUSIC)
You have no proof.
No.
But I do now have something that
I can offer the Sheffield police
that they didn't have before.
A suspect.
Mrs. Nigella Fletcher.
Detective Murdoch.
What a surprise.
I suppose you're here for the hanging.
Good for you.
It's not every day that you see
an innocent woman put to her death.
(TENSE MUSIC SWELLS)
(THEME MUSIC)
(GRAND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
(GULLS SQUAWKING)
I had nothing to do with
the death of my husband.
Of course not.
So you're just here to gloat.
No, I'm here to see
that justice is served.
Well, if that were the case,
then you'd be letting me go.
I'm afraid not, Mrs. Fletcher.
The Maltese police say that
the evidence is overwhelming.
And they've described your
relationship to your husband as, uh
volatile.
I'd prefer to call it passionate.
A state of mind I imagine
that you are unfamiliar with.
I'm familiar enough to know that
it is often the cause of murders.
The police also said that you were found
with the murder weapon in your hand.
- Placed in my hand.
- By whom?
(SIGHS)
I walked into the sight of
two men beating my husband,
and before I could call it out,
I was knocked unconscious.
So, I think it would be one of them.
And what of this, uh,
priceless tapestry?
What are you insinuating,
Detective Murdoch?
That you've made up this
entire story about intruders.
(SCOFFS)
So I killed my husband,
made up a story,
and then I was going to abscond
with a valuable piece
of Maltese heritage?
Hm.
Even I wouldn't write that plot.
Perhaps the tapestry isn't
the only thing of value.
Yes, the, um, the
tapestry is a treasure map.
Yes, I-I've heard this story.
And do you believe it?
Well, somebody obviously did!
And my husband died for it!
Then poor little you is
being blamed for it all.
I killed many people on pieces
of paper, Detective Murdoch.
But never in real life.
So if you're not going
to help me, let me be.
And I'll make sure that the hangman
reserves you a front row seat.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(HIGGINS): Mm. Let's head out.
- On our rounds?
- Eventually.
I was thinking a nice,
light lunch might be nice
before settling in to meet
the demands of the day.
Do you mind if I join you?
As long as you can pay your own way.
I always do.
Hello, constables.
Is Albert in?
Uh, he didn't come in this morning.
Is everything all right with
the inspector, Miss Moon?
Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be?
I have something for him.
It-it's locked.
I was looking for him earlier.
Oh.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(MOON): If you see him, would you
mind telling him that I came calling?
(HIGGINS): Of course.
Uh, excuse us, though.
(GULLS SQUAWKING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
- That's all there is?
- All that's needed.
What can you tell me about
this missing tapestry?
It was one of the last
remaining treasures
that used to belong to the
Order of the Knights of St. John.
- The knights?
- They ruled the island
before the French took over,
one in a long list of occupiers,
the Phoenicians, the Romans, the
Byzantines, the Normans, the Arabs,
Knights of St. John,
French and finally the British.
I believe the Knights of
St. John would very much
like that piece of their legacy back.
Especially if it also
happens to lead to treasure
that the French weren't able to plunder.
I think that's why Mrs.
Fletcher's husband purchased it.
But you said that he was rich.
Yes. But do rich men ever
feel like they're rich enough?
Mm.
Would you be able to direct
me to the scene of the crime?
Are you sure?
The inspector has
deemed the case closed.
Mm. What about you, what do you think?
One always has doubts.
(MURDOCH): Very good. Thank you.
Can I help you?
Yes. Uh, I'm Detective William Murdoch.
Never heard of you.
Yes, I'm from Canada.
I never heard of that either.
Right, uh I, uh
I have permission to enter.
(CHURCH BELLS RINGING)
Go ahead.
Nobody lives there anymore.
Ah.
Just so you know
He got what he deserved.
Why do you say that?
He took something that
didn't belong to him,
that belongs to our country.
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
(INTRIGUING STRING MUSIC)
(MUSIC BECOMES TENSE)
- More tea?
- I'm fine. Thank you.
- On the house.
- Uh, I'll have some.
All I'm suggesting is that
the inspector hasn't been himself.
- How would we know?
We've hardly seen him.
I would imagine it would take some time
getting over what happened to him.
Well, that shouldn't matter.
It's part of the job.
I've been beaten up, shot.
I was even blown up once.
- Blown up?
- Yes. By anarchists.
I nearly died. But look
at me, back on the job.
You two should consider if
police work is really for you.
Takes strong stuff to be a
member of the constabulary.
Mm. Ow! Oh, that's hot.
Watson! Are you trying to kill me?
(BRACKENREID): Well,
what do we have here?
Two constables lazing around
in the middle of the day!
You're on the clock, you know.
Sir, what happened?
I tripped over Margaret's
stockings in the kitchen.
What were her stockings
doing in the kitchen, sir?
None of your bloody business, Roberts!
Where's Choi? I've been
trying to call him all morning.
- I don't know, sir.
- Typical.
Murdoch goes off on vacation and
the whole station goes to pot.
Well, get out there
and do some policing!
(GRAND ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
What did you find out?
A few things simply don't add up.
- Such as?
- Such as the broken lock
on-on Mrs. Fletcher's door.
Why would she break into her own home?
To create a story? To mislead us?
I need to speak with her again.
As you wish.
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
There was no one guarding the cells?
She was locked in. I-I
didn't think it necessary.
Oh, you thought? You
graduated into thinking
instead of playing with
your damn bird, huh?
- Inspector Lacroix
- You are not welcome here.
Our investigation has concluded
and the guilty party has escaped.
Which makes me believe you
had something to do with it.
(SIGHS) If I may say,
I believe I have found some
holes in the investigation.
(LAUGHING) You may not say.
This is not your business here.
Now, Madame Fletcher,
did she have any visitors?
Luka said a young woman came by.
Good. And this young woman?
She gave no name.
Is this entire department run by fools?
Uh, I'm going to leave now,
if there are no objections.
No. But stay out of this business.
It's not yours, it's ours.
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)
Keep an eye on him.
I want a full report
on all his activities.
Oi. Choi!
(SIGHS)
Chief Constable.
Banker's hours?
- Not feeling well.
- Not feeling well?
You're not feeling well?!
Not feeling well.
That's not an excuse
to leave the station.
Come with me.
- We've all gone through it.
- I know!
All I'm saying is I understand.
Few years ago, I was beaten in
the street and left for dead.
Took me months before I
could face the job again.
Even Miss Hart, here,
has taken a bullet.
- Saving his life.
- After I saved yours.
But noted. (CHUCKLES)
- (SIGHS) You can't run from this, Albert.
- I'm not running.
I'm doing my job. I'm at my desk.
You don't get paid to be at your desk.
You get paid to lead. Now,
if you can't do that
- You'll fire me?
- Uh!
I didn't say that.
Look, it might take a bit of time,
but you need to get back on the horse.
His bark is worse than his bite.
I've heard it many times.
Trouble is, his bark is right.
Is it true you were shot?
Yes. By my father.
(INDISTINCT BACKGROUND CHATTER)
(TENSE MUSIC)
May I look at your mirror?
What else?
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
(SOFT CURIOUS MUSIC)
Mrs. Fletcher?
Mrs. Fletcher, I may be the only
person who can possibly help you.
I suggest you come out of there.
(FLETCHER): Just leave me be.
Whatever's happened has
got nothing to do with you.
I'm an officer of the law.
No matter which country I'm in,
it has everything to do with me.
I'm not going back to jail.
I've done nothing wrong.
You'll never get off the island.
I don't intend to get off the island!
I intend to find the man
who killed my husband,
and I can't do that with
a noose 'round me neck.
He's been here all day?
After being upbraided by
Chief Constable Brackenreid.
Is he drunk?
Uh, he hasn't even touched his drink.
He's just been staring into space.
I've found that's men's
solution to all problems.
Well, that and drink.
(CHUCKLES)
Albie.
Vivian.
Do you mind if I take a seat?
Ah, how was work?
Quiet.
Violet tells me that you've
been here most of the day.
The constables know where
to find me if I'm needed.
- Are you all right?
- Vivian, I'm fine.
(SOFT TENSE MUSIC)
Two men came by my shop today.
They told me that I had to pay
them if I wanted to stay open.
I'll send some constables.
See to it that you're protected.
Thank you.
How did your husband
obtain the tapestry?
It was a private sale.
He had very deep pockets.
And his purchasing of
it caused some upset?
Oh, it certainly did.
We had more than our
fair share of threats.
Oh, a-and by the way, I'm
still waiting for my apology.
For what?
For putting the whole
of Sheffield police on me.
I got harassed for a
crime I didn't commit!
Your childhood friend was murdered.
Yeah, but not by me.
I just wrote about it.
With a level of detail few
people could possibly possess.
I've read you and your wife's book.
Am I to suspect you for all
those crimes you described? Hm?
I didn't kill my childhood
friend, Detective,
and I certainly did not kill my husband.
But you do want the tapestry.
I don't give a damn about the tapestry!
I just want to find the
man who killed my husband.
As do I.
So, y-you don't think I'm the criminal.
Well, there is some doubt
- as to the level of your guilt.
- Oh.
How very generous of you.
Right. If I were to help you,
where would we begin?
One of the men who killed my husband
was wearing a cross favoured
by the Knights of St. John.
Now I suggest we go into
the dragon's den itself.
Strange the way the
world turns, isn't it?
Last time we met, you were
trying to prove my guilt.
This time, my innocence.
(MURDOCH): I'm simply trying to
find out who killed your husband.
And I caution you: you
are still a suspect.
Well, I do prefer that
to convicted murderer.
Well, this is the most
likely place to find them.
This fortress was built by the knights.
What makes you think they'd be here?
Well, they still use the chapel.
I mean, whoever killed my husband
and stole the tapestry,
well, it might still be here.
Well, have you got a better idea?
No, I suppose I don't.
Thank you.
- Okay. You head on that way.
- And you?
Well, the opposite, of course.
I'm not going to run out on ya.
You're the only person who can save me.
(SOFT INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
- Detective Murdoch, stop!
- Constable Attard.
I'm glad you're here.
- Where is she?
- Uh, she got away from me.
Hit me from behind.
Not much of a policeman, are you?
- Well, I try.
- Where did she go?
You, stay right where you are.
(WHISPERS): Mrs. Fletcher.
We should probably leave.
Constable Attard is here.
(DISTANT COUGHING)
- What was that?
- Stay behind me.
(GASPING)
(MURDOCH): Your gardener!
Sir. Sir, what happened?
(PANTING)
I was betrayed.
Where is the tapestry?
I don't want to tell you.
It belongs to us.
Who did this to you?
(PANTING)
- Napoleon.
- What?
Napoleon?
Did you kill my husband?
- Answer me!
- Mrs. Fletcher, please.
Sir.
(SOFT TENSE MUSIC)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
(FLETCHER): What do you think happened?
It would appear the thieves
have turned on one other.
If you know any more about
this, I suggest you tell me.
I don't.
Right. We should leave.
Oh, don't you think there's
anything else we can find here?
A policeman is on our trail.
And whoever attacked this
man has obviously fled.
Napoleon. Why did he say that?
Napoleon's men stole the
treasures in the first place
and there's still a sizeable
number of French on the island.
- And I think I know where to find them.
- (ATTARD): Detective Murdoch!
Where are you? Show yourself!
- I think this is a good time to go.
- Detective!
Right. Up you go.
What are we doing here?
This isn't our usual beat.
It's where the inspector told us to be.
Apparently, there's been a couple
of men harassing shop owners.
He wants us to keep an eye out.
Something troubling you, Teddy?
You were really blown up?
I was indeed. Spent
two weeks in a hospital.
You didn't think of quitting?
It crossed my mind.
Any trouble, Miss Moon?
Not as of yet.
Good to hear.
Oh.
Your wife might like that.
I'm afraid it's not really, uh,
expensive enough for Ruthie.
Good day, Miss Moon.
Thank you for coming
by. It is appreciated.
Maybe we should just let her be.
No, we're going to teach her a lesson.
We do that, the rest of them
are going to fall in line.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
It was a dream coming here.
The warmth, the ocean.
It's a far cry from Sheffield.
We were going to build a life here.
But that's all gone now.
Did love him, you know.
- Of course.
- You don't believe me?
- I didn't say that.
- You didn't have to.
I've got a feeling that
you think a woman like me
doesn't have it in her to love someone.
I didn't say that, either.
Well, I do.
And I did love him.
And you and your wife live oceans apart.
Am I to assume that you don't love her?
M-many people believe
that to be the case,
but I can assure you nothing
could be farther from the truth.
We both have our duties.
The world is-is bigger than us.
Julia tends to the sick
And you, you right wrongs.
Well, a very noble couple.
It's very important to her,
her work at the hospital in London.
Julia has saved many lives.
And she'll save many more.
Do you miss her?
Both she and my daughter, very much.
But it is what she wants,
and I try to visit as often as possible.
As much as your work will allow.
We'll be together again
soon. I-I'm sure of it.
You're a good man, Detective Murdoch.
There's not many husbands
would allow their wives
to follow their dreams.
(CHUCKLES) Not many men
are married to my wife.
My husband was a good man also.
All I want is to find
the man who killed him.
You will.
I do hope so.
Because if I can't have love,
at least I can have justice.
(SOFT MUSIC)
I'll hold on to it until tomorrow.
You can decide then.
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
I'm sorry, but we're closed.
Then that's all for the best.
(GRUNTING)
Get out of my store. You have no right!
All you had to do was pay us.
A pretty reasonable amount.
(REGISTER DINGS)
There's nothing in here.
Where is it?
I didn't make any sales today.
Then you better find
some other way to pay us.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(MOON): No! Please!
(MURDOCH): So, this was
built by the French, then?
(FLETCHER): Uh, Romans.
Napoleon's Army quartered here.
Mrs. Fletcher, perhaps you
should stay with the wagon.
I certainly will not.
Where do you suggest we start?
All I know is that Napoleon's army
raided all the forts that
belonged to the knights.
Then the stolen goods were taken here,
and then transported by ship to France.
So it's possible the
stolen treasure is here?
Or the man who killed my husband
and stole the tapestry, but,
Lord, I mean, they could be anywhere.
And perhaps not just anywhere.
What you talking about?
Fresh footprints.
(TENSE MUSIC)
- Help!
- What is it?
Two men got that nice
Miss Moon in her store
and I saw them pushing her around.
- How long ago was this?
- About 15 minutes ago.
(SOFT TENSE MUSIC)
There it is.
But where's the man who stole it?
Well, he's not here now, is he?
Pillaging of Malta.
It's just as you described it.
- What's that?
- What's what?
Where's he going?
Into the hills?
What about this cave?
That's obviously of significance.
(FLETCHER SIGHS)
I don't know.
Th-this whole thing, a hidden treasure,
it could be just a-a child's tale.
Besides, I don't care about this!
I just want the man
who killed my husband.
(GUN CLICKS)
Oh, well. It appears
you must have found him.
(TENSE MUSIC)
I told you to step aside.
- Now I see why.
- But, no, you would not listen.
And now it's going to cost your life.
You killed my husband.
Your husband wanted something
that did not belong to him.
- Had he not resisted
- You killed him.
Don't take another step, Detective.
- You also killed the man that helped you.
- (SCOFFS)
Fool. A Maltese dog.
My ancestors defeated his.
You don't even deny it.
He thought I was going
to return the treasure
to the Knights of St. John.
I'm sorry, Detective, but
you leave me with no choice.
(ATTARD): Alphonse!
(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)
(FALCON SQUAWKING)
(GUNSHOT)
(SQUAWKING)
Ah!
(GRUNTING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
(GUNSHOT)
(ATTARD): Lacroix, stop!
- Thank you.
- (GRUNTS)
You lied to me!
I know.
I'm a fellow officer.
I had no choice.
While you two are enjoying your reunion,
Inspector Lacroix has got away!
I don't believe so.
We know where he's going.
(ATTARD): I knew it.
(MURDOCH): That your
inspector was involved?
I suspected.
(FLETCHER): You suspected and
you prepared to watch me die?
- Apologies.
- Apologies?
Is that all you've got?
(MURDOCH): But what
made you suspect him?
(ATTARD): The trial
was a rush to judgement.
And after Mrs. Fletcher's conviction,
I discovered that Lacroix was
making plans to leave the island.
It didn't make any sense.
His family was here for generations.
He was a descendant of
one of Napoleon's men.
His great-grandfather was an officer.
(FLETCHER): How much further?
(ATTARD): We're almost there.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
Higgins and Roberts
should be on patrol nearby.
See if you can find them.
What're you going to do?
What I need to. Now
go find the constables!
(GULLS SQUAWKING)
(INTRIGUING MUSIC)
The caves are there.
- No sign of him.
- We must have beaten him here.
This road is the only
way to access the caves.
We'll have the advantage
when he arrives.
It would appear that I was wrong.
Well,
now we're here,
let's see if the treasure is, as well.
I thought you didn't
care about all that.
I don't. But the people of Malta do.
(ATTARD): Wait.
You might be needing these.
You carry tools with you?
A good detective needs tools.
Wouldn't you say, Detective?
A man after my own heart.
I'll be keeping watch up here
just in case the inspector turns up.
(SINISTER MUSIC)
(PANTING)
Just take whatever you want and leave.
- Oh, we won't be doing that.
- Yeah, this isn't a one-time thing.
(MOON): What are you talking about?
If you want your shop to stay
in business, there's a fee.
Call it rent.
I will not.
I have dealt with men much
worse than you my entire life.
Really?
Let's see if we can't
change that impression.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Albie!
Stay away from her.
- Who are you?
- Albert Choi, Toronto Constabulary.
Don't make me laugh.
You're no copper.
Walk away.
(GUN CLICKS)
I'll use it.
(GUNSHOT)
Albie, no.
You don't have the guts to shoot a cop.
Won't need that to deal with you.
(CHUCKLING)
Hey, take a look at this clown. (GRUNTS)
(GRUNTING)
(PANTING)
No need to trouble yourself
over these two, Vivian.
(DOOR OPENS)
Inspector! You all right?
Yes. Finally.
I'm all right.
All right, come on.
(SOFT INTRIGUING MUSIC)
This is all rock.
Hard to believe someone
could bury something in here.
Mrs. Fletcher.
Loose rock.
If there is something
buried in this cave,
it must be here.
(CLATTERING) Could that be something?
Yeah, I think it is.
And we got here before Lacroix.
Mind your feet.
- Ooh!
- (ROCKS CLATTERING)
(LIGHT CURIOUS MUSIC)
(OMINOUS MUSIC)
- Are you ready for this?
- Sure am.
(FLETCHER GASPS)
My Lord.
You look at this.
- (GUN CLICKS)
- Well, I hope
it was worth dying for.
(TENSE MUSIC)
You've cut quite a swath on
the island, Madame Fletcher.
You killed your husband,
escaped from prison,
attacked a police officer,
and tried stealing
from the Maltese people.
That's your confession, not mine.
(CHUCKLES)
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS) That's for John!
Well, he certainly deserved that one.
But perhaps just one.
Well, for a policeman
and a suspected murderer,
I think we make a corker of a team.
I believe you're right.
Detective Murdoch! Detective Murdoch,
Mr. Lacroix is here.
Well, I suppose you know that already.
I believe you have a man to
apprehend, Constable Attard.
Get these two into the cells.
Ah. Chief Constable.
I heard that you took
those two down unarmed.
I felt it was time to get
out from behind a desk.
Very strong work, Inspector.
So, I was thinking maybe if
there's a reward, or something?
(CURIOUS MUSIC)
Oh, I'm certain there is.
(CHUCKLING)
Uh, I was thinking more for myself.
(BRIGHT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
Thank you, Detective Murdoch.
What will you do?
Oh. Stay here awhile.
Seems a nice place to-to settle.
Perhaps write another
one of your novels.
Perhaps.
Or perhaps I might become
a detective, like you.
Right.
Thank you, again, for your help.
Stay out of trouble.
What would be the fun in that?
For remembrance.
(GRAND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC)
(♪)
(THEME MUSIC)