Frankie Drake Mysteries (2017) s02e04 Episode Script
Emancipation Day
1 Search me Oh, Lord Search me Oh, Lord Shine your light Upon my heart, God Search our wickedness 'Til there is gone Search me Oh, Lord - (WOMAN): Yes, yes, yes! - (CHEERING) (MAN): She has a gift.
Thank you! - (WOMAN): Girl! - That was amazing.
You should really sing more often.
I'd love to, but I can't let it get in the way - of my day job.
- OK, enough of the chit-chat.
- Come now.
- Mama, the guests just got here, and Mr.
Garvey hasn't even arrived yet.
Your generation is so lackadaisical.
The Coloured Girls Orphanage is depending on these donations.
We can't skylark! Everything you organize turns out perfectly, Mrs.
Clarke.
Oh.
Well, that's because I don't leave anything to chance.
I even got some of the orphan girls to come out.
Nothing tugs at the heart or the purse strings like children in need.
- Hi, Trudy! - Hi, Ismay! Oh, you've grown so much! I want to be just like you when I grow up.
- A singer? - No, a detector! Oh! You mean a detective.
Well, in order to be that, you gotta do very well in school.
Hey, you know what? This would look really nice with your dress.
Thanks, Trudy! I'm gonna wear it every day.
Come on, let's get a picture of you girls.
Yes.
- (CAMERA CLICKING) - OK.
Leave some film for Mr.
Garvey.
Just one one more to remember this day.
Back to work young lady.
Give them an inch, they take a yard.
She's smitten with you.
- She's sweet.
- Does no one want to do any work around here today? The money's not going to collect itself! - Go! - (TRUDY): OK, OK.
I told you, Wesley, no.
- Think this through.
- It's not your decision.
Lionel, please don't do - anything rash - Stay out of it! Wesley.
It's time.
Lionel, I could use your help.
Sure thing, Cora.
Good afternoon, friends.
I'm Wesley Hampton, President of the Toronto chapter of the U.
N.
I.
A.
, and I welcome you all in the spirit of unity.
Today, we are raising funds for the Coloured Girls Orphanage.
But it's not just a roof over their heads and food in their mouths that we're giving them.
With your support, we will create a library so that a new generation of girls will grow into educated young women.
(OVERLAPPING ACCLAMATIONS) Now, it is my honour to bring to the stage the founder of the United Negro Improvement Association, the honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey! (CHEERING) Greetings, brethren.
I crossed a border to come north today, but I know no boundaries when it comes to my people.
It lifts my soul to hear that man speak.
He does have a gift for oratory.
- Mm-hmm.
- I started the U.
N.
I.
A.
to unite black people (CHEERING) and repatriate them back to Africa! For those of you wishing to make that sacred journey, tickets for the Black Star Line are available here and at the U.
N.
I.
A.
office on College Street.
Oh! Amen! Can you believe he is really here? I don't know why he's so focused on returning to Africa.
We have work to do right here.
It's not the military draft, Cora.
Everybody don't have to go.
Hear me now, brothers and sisters.
Intelligence rules the world, but ignorance carries the burden.
So, emancipate yourself from mental slavery! Remember, none but ourselves can free the mind! Huh! Hmm! Have mercy! That pile could buy the Queen's lunch! $907.
That is much more than we expected to raise.
Hmm.
You sure you counted right, Cora? Yes, I'm sure, Mildred.
I am the treasurer, after all.
All right.
Well, I will drop it at the office.
And I will count it again, just to be sure.
- Oh, no.
I said that I c - No, no, no.
It's OK.
It's all right.
I don't mind.
See you later.
Over here! (INDISTINCT SPEAKING) What business you ruffians have around here? Get lost! And don't let me see you - around this way again! - Let's go.
Miss Cora "I am the treasurer, after all" thinks she so special.
$909.
05 I don't know who teach her how to count.
(GLASS BREAKING) (GASPING) Who's there? You better believe I'll call the police.
(TENSE MUSIC) (GASPING) (THEME MUSIC) Well, are you sure you're all right? Stop fussing.
I'll be fine.
It takes more than a thief to stop me.
But why come back and count the money again anyway? Why won't you just let Cora be the treasurer? Cora can't count! - She was off by two dollars.
- Two whole dollars? And five cents.
(DOOR OPENING) Mrs.
Clarke, it is a profound relief to me - to see that you are OK.
- Oh, thank you, Mr.
Garvey.
But my heart breaks for those poor orphans.
Who would do such a thing to needy children? Well, did you see who pushed you down? No, it all happened so fast So, it could have been a man or a woman? Well, yes, but hmm, it would have to be one strong woman.
Did you see anything out of the ordinary when you came back to the office, Mama? (SIGHING) No I did see three ruffians.
You ladies ask a great deal of questions.
We're private detectives.
Lady detectives? As I live and breathe Tell me more about the "ruffians.
" Um They were three white boys in overalls and caps.
A bunch of ragamuffins I saw idling in the alleyway, and I told them to get lost.
My man Avery will track down these street urchins.
I will find them, Mr.
Garvey.
We cannot allow this crime to deprive orphans access to good books.
I know I was lucky to grow up with a lot of books.
- You're welcome.
- Mm.
So, I know firsthand there is no freedom without education.
So, this money must be recovered, But we cannot involve the police.
- Why is that? - There are those that wish to defame us, cause scandal.
I want this matter investigated, but discreetly.
Well, we happen to know a detective agency that's very discreet and effective.
You don't have to be so bossy in front of Mr.
Garvey.
- (CHUCKLING) - It's quite all right.
I head back to New York in two days.
I want this matter resolved before I go.
Let's get to work.
- Oh yeah.
- Thank you, ma'am.
(ENIGMATIC JAZZ MUSIC) (SIGHING) Don't they know that going back to Africa is what the Garvey movement's all about? Bigots aren't known for their intelligence.
I found our burglar! - I didn't burgle nothin'! - Well, you should at least be arrested for spelling Africa wrong.
I didn't do that neither! Really? So, what's the fresh paint on your jacket? What would you know? You're just a skirt.
Hey Do I need to give you a lesson in politeness? You will give these ladies the respect they deserve and address them as ma'am.
Understood? Yes, ma'am.
I mean sir.
Just admit that you did the graffiti! Fine.
It was me.
Ma'am.
Then you went in and stole the money.
There was money in there? I thought coloured people was all poor.
No.
We're not "all poor.
" It's OK, Avery.
Look.
You were there.
You must have seen something.
She's talking to you.
Someone came in through the back door after the old lady arrived.
Ma'am.
I'm sure you can lie better than that.
- I ain't lying! - I'm losing my patience - with you.
- Wait, wait, wait.
- Let him go.
- What? He's not our thief.
Go home and read a book.
Scram.
How do you know he's not the thief? His shoes told me.
- There's no muddy prints.
- Just broken glass.
The alleyway and the kid's shoes were caked in mud.
Look at this window.
There's no way the thief could have fit through there.
Neither door has signs of forced entry, - which means - This was an inside job.
That cannot be! You're saying it was one of our own? - That's our theory.
- I can't believe it.
Who exactly has keys to this building? Besides myself, there's Cora.
And then there's Lionel Griffith and Wesley Hampton.
But which one of us would steal from the mouths of orphans? That's exactly the question we're gonna ask.
But first, we gotta get you home.
No! I don't need your help.
I'm not an invalid! Thank God Mildred didn't come to serious harm, considering she shouldn't have been here in the first place.
Where were you during the robbery? I don't appreciate you questioning me.
Hiring private detectives that had to be Mr.
Garvey's idea.
I know you're busy, Wesley, but I'd like to ask you some questions about what happened.
You sure Mildred is OK? That woman is as tough as nails.
The robber is just lucky that he caught her off guard.
That's for sure.
Mrs.
Clarke ain't easy.
Where were you during the time of the robbery? I was having a nap.
It was an exhausting day.
Lionel and I were setting up for the picnic since early morning.
I helped pack up.
Went straight home.
Was hungry, so I had a hoagie.
Why're you asking? We aren't accusing anyone.
We're just asking questions.
It's part of our job.
How well do you know Lionel? As well as I know my own brother.
How long have you worked with the U.
N.
I.
A.
? Time doesn't really matter.
I'm a big supporter of the cause.
Truth is, I can't help but feel responsible for Mildred getting attacked.
I lost my keys at the picnic, and the thief may have found them.
When did you notice your keys missing? - When I got home.
- Can anyone confirm your whereabouts during the robbery? - No.
- No.
Only my Lord and Saviour.
(SIGHING) (FRANKIE): Not one of them had a decent alibi.
But why would any of them steal money they had just raised for the orphanage? It can't be one of them.
What about Wesley's missing keys? Well, if someone stole them from the picnic, then we have hundreds of suspects.
Well, that's not very helpful.
Well, why don't we just keep looking - at our dedicated threesome? - Well, I could take a look at the police files.
See what comes up.
- That's a start.
- You know, Mary, when you go, take a look at the bulletin in the States.
All right Well, Lionel called a sandwich "a hoagie.
" A bit of Yankee slang.
It might be nothing, but it's worth looking into.
- OK.
Consider it done.
- Thanks.
So, you think Cora stole the money just to spite Mildred? Well, she's definitely mad at my mother.
And she had a few choice words about Mr.
Garvey.
Not exactly the rousing support that you would expect from the treasurer.
True.
But that doesn't mean she stole the money from the orphanage.
- But who did? - Someone who needed money in a hurry.
- Let go of my hand, you brute! - Please calm down, Mrs.
Clarke.
I know my rights.
You can't just drag me from my humble abode for no reason! I just want to ask you a few questions.
Well, if you think that I'm inclined to talk to you after treatment like this, - you have another thing coming! - Please just sit.
Oh, Trudy! You and Frankie need to get down to the station! - [RIGHT NOW!.]
- Mary, what's going on? I think Detective Greyson is trying to arrest your mother! Why is my mother under arrest? (SIGHING) She's not under arrest.
Then why is she at the station? I was only asking her a few questions about a burglary at the U.
N.
I.
A.
office.
Which she has nothing to do with.
Trudy, this man is calling me a thief.
- That is not what I said.
- But you think - I'm in cahoots with one! - Detective Greyson.
- Ugh.
You too.
- Please, tell me your theory.
Did Mrs.
Clarke throw herself down to the ground before or after she ran off with the money? I know that she did not commit the burglary.
I was only asking her a few questions.
- Did she answer your questions? - Yes.
Then we're done here.
Mama, let's go.
- It's OK.
- Something wrong with my foot? Bye.
From what I understand, nobody from the U.
N.
I.
A.
reported the burglary to police.
- So? - So, how did you find out? - Do you have a spy? - Why would we do that? Certain people feel threatened by Mr.
Garvey and his message.
Thank you for the lesson in politics.
- So, how did you find out? - That's none of your concern.
Mrs.
Clarke is my concern.
We wouldn't be having this conversation had she just gone straight home.
Why did she go back and recount the money? Hmm? I gotta get back to work.
I'm fine.
Did you tell Detective Greyson that you went back to recount the money? No.
I didn't mention it for the sake of discretion.
- Well, somehow he knows.
- How'd he find out? Only one person knew.
Guess who Cora the treasurer.
I warned you about her.
Yes, I called the police.
And I'd do it again.
Mr.
Garvey asked to keep this matter private.
Why go against his wishes? When you love something with all your heart, you do anything you can to save it.
You mean the U.
N.
I.
A.
? What're you saving it from? From itself! Garvey's mistrust of the police is backwards thinking.
We have a right to be protected from crime - like everyone else.
- Well, have you had this conversation with Mr.
Garvey? - There's no point.
- I'm sure he's a reasonable man.
Let's just say it's his way or the doorway.
If you disagree with him, then you might as well leave.
Tell your mother I wish her luck as treasurer.
I quit.
And if you really want to figure out what happened to that money, take a closer look at Lionel and Wesley.
- What do you mean? - They were having a big argument at the picnic.
But I thought they were friends.
Well, that's what was so strange about it.
And Wesley has been acting very secretive ever since.
- What's the hurry? - You just lost your treasurer.
Cora? She's a founding member of this chapter.
- What happened? - Let's say she has a difference of opinion when it comes to some of your decisions.
That is not a new phenomenon.
- She also tipped off the police.
- Not a new phenomenon either.
You just take everything in stride.
I am philosophical about such things.
I have learned I can't be all the things to all my people.
But what you do give is all black people a sense of identity.
A sense that being from Africa is actually something to be proud of, and that's a powerful message.
You're a rare and special mold.
Never have I met a female detective, let alone one of my own African kin.
I see good things for you, Trudy Clarke.
I want you to come to New York and join my team.
- Me? - Mm-hmm.
Our movement is growing.
And we need good people like you to help spread the word and build bridges.
- I don't know what to say.
- I hope you know I don't just invite anyone.
Of course.
But I need to think about it.
I expect an answer in two days, before I leave for New York.
That answer should be yes.
A thief wouldn't call the police on themselves, so Cora is out.
And that leaves Wesley and Lionel.
And the ghost of Queen Victoria.
Oh.
Sorry.
My mind is elsewhere.
- And where is it? - New York.
Mr.
Garvey offered me a job with him.
He's thinking of opening a detective agency? Well, he asked me to come work for him.
Help the organization to grow.
Wow.
That is quite the offer.
- What about the agency? - I would hate - to see you leave, but - Say it.
I would never forgive myself if you turned this opportunity because of me.
But New York City? I mean, I've barely been outside of Ontario.
I can't just up and leave.
Isn't it a bit crazy? Crazy can be a good thing.
After all you've done for me? You've done just as much for me.
I'd probably still be washing dishes - and cleaning dirty laundry.
- No, you wouldn't.
Look.
All that matters is that you do what's best for you.
Look, I can't be thinking about this right now.
We still have a robbery to solve.
So, who are we looking at? Well, Cora said that she heard an argument between Lionel and Wesley at the picnic, and that he's been acting strange ever since.
He volunteered that he lost his keys, which seems a little too convenient.
Do you think that argument with Lionel has something to do with the robbery? Trudy! Oh, my goodness.
You were so right about the hoagie! Lionel is an American.
Uh, may I have a plate, please? How do you know that? Well, every month, we get these bulletins from the U.
S.
about fugitives and the like.
Take a look at this one.
We received this last July.
A coloured man named Lionel Harris is wanted in Rochester for murder.
Thank you.
Look familiar? - It's Lionel Griffith.
- I think it's time we visit Lionel and Wesley at their homes.
Well, preferably while they're out.
No sign of the missing money.
Look at this.
Lionel was in Rochester.
Fourth of July, that's right around the time of the murder.
We need to find out more about this.
And why Lionel's a suspect.
A trip south of the border might be in order.
Oh, well, actually Sorry, sorry to interrupt, but I actually have the day off tomorrow, so I could do a little field trip.
Happy travels.
So, if Lionel is our wanted man in Rochester, what's he doing stealing money from the orphanage? And does it connect to Wesley? Wesley's landlady has no idea where he is.
But one thing is for sure Wesley is an avid reader.
He's also our thief.
It's empty.
(SIGHING) Where'd he go? And why'd he take the money? I have an idea.
An old spy trick? Yeah.
Guess who showed it to me.
"Prospect Park.
9PM.
Gardener's shed.
" Let's go catch a thief.
So, Wesley stole the money and had a rendezvous with someone in the middle of the night.
- Why? - I guess we'll have to ask him when we find him.
(GASPING) Oh, my God! It's Wesley! We're too late.
He's dead.
This is devastating news.
Wesley Hampton was a good man.
Who would want to kill him? We found a cash box in his room.
So, it turns out Wesley is a thief.
That can't be.
That man's character is beyond reproach.
You must find his killer and clear his name.
I'm not sure we're gonna be able to clear his name.
- Meaning? - The cash box didn't just end up in his room by itself.
Mm.
You must get to the bottom of this.
And now, more than ever, I am relying on your discretion.
Can you assure me of that? You have our word.
Don't let me down.
No pressure to solve this one.
Maybe working for Mr.
Garvey won't be a walk in Central Park.
Well, I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge.
So, you're trying to get rid of me? At least I'll have a place to stay in New York.
But truthfully, I have no idea how I'm gonna replace you.
I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge.
Any luck tracking down Lionel? Well, I went to his boarding house, but he hadn't been there.
I guess we need to keep looking.
- What about Wesley? - Well, I asked the landlady, and she said he'd been getting a lot of long distance calls and when she asked, he was cagey about it.
He's been secretive about a lot of things lately.
(KNOCKING) Thank you.
We'll see you in a few weeks.
Maybe our mystery caller will call back.
We need someone at the rooming house to watch the phones.
Who has all day to sit and wait for a call? Thank you so much for doing this, Mrs.
Clarke.
I know the gravity of the situation.
God rest that poor man's soul.
So, if anyone calls for Wesley I am to try to get a name and a number.
And try to find out how they know him.
All right.
I will not move from this here chair until kingdom come.
Elroy will just have to prepare his own supper tonight.
I knew I could count on you.
Mm-hmm.
No! This phone is off limits! I am doing official detective business! MOVE! (SEAGULLS CALLING) A ferry ride across the lake does a gal good on a day like this.
I'm glad you brought me along.
Well, at least we both had the same day off.
So, what's the plan? When we get to the station, I mean.
Well, no doubt we'll face the usual amount of confusion and hostility because of who we are.
- A couple of skirts.
- But we just need to hold firm and persist in our quest to speak with to whomever is in charge of file number 81372.
So, we're gonna say we're special constables from a Toronto police station.
Yes, but it's a precinct here, not a station, and it's not constable, it's officer.
Red hots, constables, officers.
Jeez, it's like a whole new language.
- I'm just gonna let you do the talking.
- Uh, OK.
They might speak a different language down here, but a cop shop's a cop shop no matter where you are.
They certainly smell the same.
A unique combination of sweat and superiority.
(MARY GIGGLING) Good afternoon, sir.
Perhaps you can help us.
Lost your dog or something, gals? Actually, we were hoping to speak with an officer regarding file number 81372.
Ah You're looking for Officer McElroy.
Take a load off.
He's just the opening act.
Wait for the main event.
One Officer McElroy.
Gird your loins, Mary.
He's not just gonna roll over and give us the scoop.
He's gonna test our mettle, won't he? - Mm-hmm.
- Officer Nellie McElroy at your service.
Something wrong? - Stop the starin'.
- Sorry.
We've just never seen a lady cop before.
It is an absolute honour.
- Where you from? - Toronto in Canada.
Mary here, she's kind of a cop.
- A morality officer.
- She can't do much but she gets to wear the uniform.
Well, as long as you're gettin' your pension, you'll do all right.
What did I say about the starin'? I'm sorry.
We don't mean to make a big deal, it's it's just that you're kind of a big deal! - (CHUCKLING) - Well, you can put a hold on my bronze statue.
I still have to make meatloaf for my sisters when I finish my shift.
- Now, what can I do for you? - Oh, uh A job in New York? You must've made quite the impression on Mr.
Garvey.
I only just met him.
I don't know why he offered it to me.
Mr.
Garvey is a brilliant man I'm sure he sees in you what everyone else sees.
What's that? You're smart.
Strong.
Fearless.
Passionate about helping people Why wouldn't Mr.
Garvey want you to work for him? But I can't leave behind my mama, and and my siblings and you.
I'm just a train ride away.
It's too expensive.
I can't have you going back and forth like that.
We could talk about me moving there too.
You'd move to New York with me? I I've got my my job and my family to consider.
But but but I'll really try.
Marcus Garvey isn't the only one who has big plans for Trudy Clarke.
Thanks for always being there for me.
I'll always be there for you.
Even when I tell Mama about New York? - Me? Uh-uh.
- Ah! You're on your own with that one.
I remember this case clear as day.
Harold Clifford, a white lawyer.
Stabbed and robbed just yards from his front door.
- That was July of last year? - Mm-hmm.
Clifford was found dead outside his apartment building.
A witness claimed to see a cab parked down the street.
It was registered to a Lionel Harris.
Did you speak with Mr.
Harris? He vanished before I had the chance.
You're sure he's the killer? Mm-hmm.
Harris' girlfriend came forward with an alibi, but for some reason was deemed not credible.
- Why? - I'm not sure.
I never spoke to her.
Another officer took her statement and dismissed it - without explanation.
- What's the girlfriend's name? Victoria Challenger.
"Victoria Challenger.
" Do you have an address for her? Why exactly are you two so interested in this case? We're just following up on a lead for a detective in Toronto.
Just trying to score some brownie points.
I hope to wear the badge someday, like you.
Ah.
Well, if you learn anything about the case, let me know.
Oh, absolutely! Us gals in uniform need to stick together.
And about that badge, Officer Shaw - we call it a shield.
- "A shield.
" Is something wrong? You go on ahead.
I'll catch up in a minute.
Sure thing.
- What's your secret? - Excuse me? How did you convince them to let you be a cop? - Ah.
- It's just that you are doing the only thing that I have ever wanted to do, and if I'm being completely honest, I'm not sure I even thought it was possible.
Maybe because I'd never seen it done before, but here you are! You are a lady cop.
(CHUCKLING) And if they can do it in Rochester, I'm sure that they can do it in Toronto.
So, what do I do? It's an uphill climb, honey.
The boys have a hard time wrapping their heads around - the idea of women cops.
- Yeah, I know.
Why is that? Don't they understand that we would approach the job differently? Women can just do things that, well, men can't.
Best advice I can give you: keep honing your chops at whatever side job this is you're working.
Oh.
Oh, no.
I really am here on official business.
I don't care if it's official or off the books.
The point is you're doing the work.
You're already a cop, Shaw.
Now, you have to wait for the world to catch up to you.
So you want to leave your family and move to New York? Well, it's not that I want to leave, it's just that that's where the job would take me.
But your brothers won't have their big sister around anymore and I won't have anybody to drive me to church.
- Well? What do you think? - Just just give me a Mama say something, anything! You must take the job and go.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime! - Wait what? - Trudy, I am so proud of you.
You will have the platform to help so many suffering working with Mr.
Garvey.
Oh, God has great things in store for you! That's it, I'm taking the job.
I'm moving to New York City! Praise Jesus! And you can leave all this detective business behind you.
- Oh.
- No more dead bodies.
NO! This phone is unavailable! MOVE! Mama! Detective Greyson.
I take it this isn't a social visit.
It's not a secret that we're working on the same case.
Mr.
Hampton's untimely demise in Prospect Park.
Seems you have an uncanny knack for stumbling across dead bodies.
It's gumshoe's luck.
Don't suppose you wanna share the coroner's report with me? - Mm-hmm.
- Oh, come on.
I'm gonna find out sooner or later.
Maybe this way, I can help you.
Mr.
Hampton died from a stab wound between the fifth and sixth rib.
- A classic military technique.
- You served? I did.
- Fourth battalion.
You? - Nothing quite as illustrious.
- I was a dispatch rider.
- Signal Corps.
- Were you in France? - Here and there.
Something tells me that you did - more than just deliver messages.
- I was just a gal on a bike.
Hm.
I bet you were.
Why don't we help each other out? - You mean I help you.
- You are the one with the in in Garvey's community.
Is that right? (SIGHING) Can we just stop these games, please? Or Wesley Hampton's body will not be the only one that you are stumbling across in this file.
- Meaning? - Meaning that trouble follows Garvey wherever the heck he goes.
He's had a death threat against him.
Yeah something tells me that your client has not been entirely forthcoming with you.
From there, your nephew will board the S.
S.
Yarmouth, the jewel of the Black Star Line, on an ocean voyage Hey.
Mr.
Garvey's not expecting you.
I need an appointment to see my client? Let Miss Drake pass, Avery.
Wesley's murder has everyone a little rattled.
You didn't tell me you received a death threat.
- I didn't see the relevance.
- You're not concerned? That's why I hired Avery as my security.
Well, you seem to be doing a lot of hiring these days.
Only when I find someone special, like Miss Clarke.
How would you feel about losing her? Trudy is her own woman.
She'll do what's right for her.
She has a good friend in you, Miss Drake.
(TENSE JAZZ MUSIC) - Somebody's been busy.
- It's the case.
I've been trying to keep track of all the moving parts.
We have Wesley, a thief, - who has been murdered.
- And Lionel, his best friend, who's been accused of a murder in Rochester.
Could Lionel have known that he took the money? - So he robbed him? - And killed him? - Something's not adding up.
- Ladies! - Great news from America! - What is it? - They have lady cops there! - Just one that we know of.
We met her, and she was incredible! Talk about incredible, what is this? Just a way to keep track of the case.
So, back to Rochester Oh, the victim's name is Harold Clifford.
This is Clifford.
According to the report, He left the bank, got in a taxi, and was later found dead outside of his apartment building.
His wallet was gone, and the police think he struggled with the robber before he was shot.
Kicked up a real fuss.
What does that have to do with Lionel? Well, someone saw a Hasty Taxi parked out front of Clifford's apartment building, and that taxi was registered to Lionel Harris.
So, he became the cops' prime suspect for the murder.
But, but we talked with Lionel's girlfriend, - Victoria Challenger.
- And she swears he's innocent.
At the time of the murder, she was working as a maid - in a building near Clifford's.
- And they had an arrangement.
If he was driving around the neighbourhood, - he would stop by and see her.
- As chance would have it, Lionel was visiting Victoria at the time Clifford was robbed and murdered.
That's why his cab was parked outside.
And Victoria told the cops he was there that night.
- But they didn't believe her.
- Yeah, said she was - covering for him.
- So, he took off.
Can't blame him for running.
Two different murders in two separate cities.
- And how are they connected? - And how does it tie in to the money missing from the orphanage? (PHONE RINGING) - Drake Private Detectives.
- Lionel is here.
- Mrs.
Clarke? - He's in Wesley's room.
OK.
I'm hanging up now.
I can't tie up this phone line chit chatting! Bye.
If you go to New York, I'm hiring your mother.
He was good man.
A true friend.
I wanted to see him one last time - before he - Could take off? Like you did in Rochester? We know about the murder.
I didn't kill anyone.
Then why did you run away? When you're a Black man and the victim's white, the eyes of the law tend to be short-sighted.
So, you came to Canada.
How did Victoria feel about that? She understood that we could never see each other again.
That I had to start over.
New name.
New identity.
But the past has a way of catching up with you.
Someone recognized me.
Two days ago, I received a note demanding money.
- Who's blackmailing you? - The note didn't say.
Did Wesley know about your past? He was my best friend.
I wanted him to know what he was getting involved with - by helping me the way he did.
- Did he know - about the blackmailer? - That's what we were arguing about at the picnic.
I told him I wasn't going to pay.
That I was sick of running.
Well, what did he say? That I was throwing my life away.
Did you tell Wesley about where to drop the money off? Yes Prospect Park.
That's why Wesley stole the money, to pay the blackmailer.
What are you saying? You didn't know that he was the thief? No.
And you didn't know it was his body they found - in Prospect Park? - No He tried to pay the blackmailer - And the blackmailer killed him? - We're afraid so.
Yes.
My best friend died trying to help me.
(UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC) (PHONE RINGING) Good day to you.
How may I help? Oh.
No, Wesley is not available to speak ever again.
I mean, um right now.
Can I take a message? Oh.
Well, if it has anything to do with Wesley, then you most certainly can speak to me.
He keeps no secrets from his mother.
Uh-huh.
Oh So, Wesley stole the money from the picnic to pay the blackmailer.
But if he brought the money to the meet, - why'd he kill him? - Maybe he felt threatened.
Wesley (GASPING) Wesley was investigating a murder.
- What? - Lord.
Frankie, this building has more stairs than the Tower of Babel! Mama, I told you, you could take the elevator.
Nonsense.
I don't need no machine to do my work for me.
- So - Oh, um The calls were from a friend in the Rochester chapter of the U.
N.
I.
A.
.
- What'd the caller say? - Um, he said, "The lawyer was in the Jiffy Cab on the night of the murder.
" But Lionel drove for Hasty Taxi.
It seems that Wesley was trying to clear Lionel's good name.
In which case, Lionel couldn't be blackmailed anymore.
But is that a good enough motive? Unless that's what connects the two murders.
The blackmailer is actually the killer in Rochester.
And when he found out that Wesley was getting close, - he killed him.
- (MILDRED): Oh, that is awful! Lionel said that the blackmailing - started four days ago.
- That's when Marcus Garvey came to town.
Well, my uncle told me my ticket for the Black Star Line - is being held here.
- Well, it's not here.
Please, call your uncle and check.
There's a phone in the hallway.
You two look like you have news.
Who exactly came with you to Toronto? - Only Avery.
- And you hired him after that death threat.
Where was that, exactly? Rochester.
I needed extra security and a driver.
Avery fit the bill: an ex-military man - with driving experience.
- Jiffy Cab? Mm-hmm, that's correct.
- Where is he? - Just left.
Said he was feeling a bit ill, which I'll admit is odd.
He's never missed a day.
What are you not telling me? We think Avery killed Wesley.
I cannot believe that.
That is a man that I trust with my own life.
My uncle says it's not there, so where's my ticket?! My train to New York leaves in 30 minutes! Avery took it! Train for New York leaves in 10 minutes! 10 minutes for New York! I thought you never left Mr.
Garvey's side? Mr.
Garvey asked me to handle some official business I I can't discuss it.
- Like blackmail and murder? - Ticket, please.
We know you were a cab driver back in Rochester.
And we know that you picked him up that night.
You're the one who killed him.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Wesley found out about your plan.
He confronted you.
And you killed him as well.
Not another step murderer.
It wasn't good enough you stole my life from me.
You had to kill my best friend too? - Put the gun down.
- Not until this degenerate admits he killed Wesley.
I want to hear him say it.
SAY IT! You'll be waiting a long time to hear me say that.
Not so easy, is it? To look at a man dead in his eyes, Don't do it, Lionel.
He doesn't get to walk away from this.
Look.
We have enough evidence to nail Avery on everything.
Don't throw your life away when you finally just get it back.
Wesley lost his life trying to clear your name.
If you kill him now, everything Wesley did will be for nothing.
(GRUNTING) (FAST-PACED JAZZ MUSIC) (GRUNTING) Nice work.
I'm guessing there's gonna be $909 in that bag.
Don't forget the five cents.
In the memory of the late Wesley Hampton, I present the donations from the Emancipation Day Picnic.
They will go towards building a library for the orphanage.
Now, remember all the knowledge you want from the world can be found.
All you must do is seek it.
- Yes, it can! - Yeah! (OVERLAPPING ACCLAMATIONS) So, what will you do now that you're a free man? I'm still in disbelief.
After all this time, - my burden is lifted.
- Will you stay in Toronto, or are you gonna head back to Rochester? I love my adopted city, but I'm anxious to see my sweetheart again.
That is, if she still wants me.
Well, there's one way to find out.
Victoria was up for a ferry ride across the lake to see her long-lost love.
- Vicky.
- Lionel.
I still can't believe it's really you.
It's really me.
See, it's that smile that I missed the most.
Thank you.
I only wish Wesley was still here.
Trudy! I did really well on my tests in school just like you said to! I even learned to spell a new word.
D-E-T-E-C-T-I-V-E.
Detective! You're amazing, Ismay.
Now, look.
You keep applying yourself like that in school, and you can do anything you set your mind to.
You've really made an impression on that girl.
And you will make even a bigger impression - in New York City.
- The sky is the limit, wherever you go.
You have my gratitude, Miss Drake.
I won't let Wesley's selflessness be forgotten.
I'm just glad that we could help.
And Trudy, pleased to hear you'll be accepting my offer.
Who told you? Your mother.
She could not contain herself.
It was written all over her face.
Well, I'm so appreciative of the offer.
But I won't be going to New York.
Now, don't get me wrong I do want to make a difference, but I think I can do that right here.
I'm disappointed.
But I understand.
And where are you off to next, Mr.
Garvey? Look for me in the whirlwind of the storm.
So you're not leaving? I think I'll stick around a little longer.
- On one condition.
- Anything.
You have to tell my mom I'm still a private detective.
Oh, no! (BOTH LAUGHING)
Thank you! - (WOMAN): Girl! - That was amazing.
You should really sing more often.
I'd love to, but I can't let it get in the way - of my day job.
- OK, enough of the chit-chat.
- Come now.
- Mama, the guests just got here, and Mr.
Garvey hasn't even arrived yet.
Your generation is so lackadaisical.
The Coloured Girls Orphanage is depending on these donations.
We can't skylark! Everything you organize turns out perfectly, Mrs.
Clarke.
Oh.
Well, that's because I don't leave anything to chance.
I even got some of the orphan girls to come out.
Nothing tugs at the heart or the purse strings like children in need.
- Hi, Trudy! - Hi, Ismay! Oh, you've grown so much! I want to be just like you when I grow up.
- A singer? - No, a detector! Oh! You mean a detective.
Well, in order to be that, you gotta do very well in school.
Hey, you know what? This would look really nice with your dress.
Thanks, Trudy! I'm gonna wear it every day.
Come on, let's get a picture of you girls.
Yes.
- (CAMERA CLICKING) - OK.
Leave some film for Mr.
Garvey.
Just one one more to remember this day.
Back to work young lady.
Give them an inch, they take a yard.
She's smitten with you.
- She's sweet.
- Does no one want to do any work around here today? The money's not going to collect itself! - Go! - (TRUDY): OK, OK.
I told you, Wesley, no.
- Think this through.
- It's not your decision.
Lionel, please don't do - anything rash - Stay out of it! Wesley.
It's time.
Lionel, I could use your help.
Sure thing, Cora.
Good afternoon, friends.
I'm Wesley Hampton, President of the Toronto chapter of the U.
N.
I.
A.
, and I welcome you all in the spirit of unity.
Today, we are raising funds for the Coloured Girls Orphanage.
But it's not just a roof over their heads and food in their mouths that we're giving them.
With your support, we will create a library so that a new generation of girls will grow into educated young women.
(OVERLAPPING ACCLAMATIONS) Now, it is my honour to bring to the stage the founder of the United Negro Improvement Association, the honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey! (CHEERING) Greetings, brethren.
I crossed a border to come north today, but I know no boundaries when it comes to my people.
It lifts my soul to hear that man speak.
He does have a gift for oratory.
- Mm-hmm.
- I started the U.
N.
I.
A.
to unite black people (CHEERING) and repatriate them back to Africa! For those of you wishing to make that sacred journey, tickets for the Black Star Line are available here and at the U.
N.
I.
A.
office on College Street.
Oh! Amen! Can you believe he is really here? I don't know why he's so focused on returning to Africa.
We have work to do right here.
It's not the military draft, Cora.
Everybody don't have to go.
Hear me now, brothers and sisters.
Intelligence rules the world, but ignorance carries the burden.
So, emancipate yourself from mental slavery! Remember, none but ourselves can free the mind! Huh! Hmm! Have mercy! That pile could buy the Queen's lunch! $907.
That is much more than we expected to raise.
Hmm.
You sure you counted right, Cora? Yes, I'm sure, Mildred.
I am the treasurer, after all.
All right.
Well, I will drop it at the office.
And I will count it again, just to be sure.
- Oh, no.
I said that I c - No, no, no.
It's OK.
It's all right.
I don't mind.
See you later.
Over here! (INDISTINCT SPEAKING) What business you ruffians have around here? Get lost! And don't let me see you - around this way again! - Let's go.
Miss Cora "I am the treasurer, after all" thinks she so special.
$909.
05 I don't know who teach her how to count.
(GLASS BREAKING) (GASPING) Who's there? You better believe I'll call the police.
(TENSE MUSIC) (GASPING) (THEME MUSIC) Well, are you sure you're all right? Stop fussing.
I'll be fine.
It takes more than a thief to stop me.
But why come back and count the money again anyway? Why won't you just let Cora be the treasurer? Cora can't count! - She was off by two dollars.
- Two whole dollars? And five cents.
(DOOR OPENING) Mrs.
Clarke, it is a profound relief to me - to see that you are OK.
- Oh, thank you, Mr.
Garvey.
But my heart breaks for those poor orphans.
Who would do such a thing to needy children? Well, did you see who pushed you down? No, it all happened so fast So, it could have been a man or a woman? Well, yes, but hmm, it would have to be one strong woman.
Did you see anything out of the ordinary when you came back to the office, Mama? (SIGHING) No I did see three ruffians.
You ladies ask a great deal of questions.
We're private detectives.
Lady detectives? As I live and breathe Tell me more about the "ruffians.
" Um They were three white boys in overalls and caps.
A bunch of ragamuffins I saw idling in the alleyway, and I told them to get lost.
My man Avery will track down these street urchins.
I will find them, Mr.
Garvey.
We cannot allow this crime to deprive orphans access to good books.
I know I was lucky to grow up with a lot of books.
- You're welcome.
- Mm.
So, I know firsthand there is no freedom without education.
So, this money must be recovered, But we cannot involve the police.
- Why is that? - There are those that wish to defame us, cause scandal.
I want this matter investigated, but discreetly.
Well, we happen to know a detective agency that's very discreet and effective.
You don't have to be so bossy in front of Mr.
Garvey.
- (CHUCKLING) - It's quite all right.
I head back to New York in two days.
I want this matter resolved before I go.
Let's get to work.
- Oh yeah.
- Thank you, ma'am.
(ENIGMATIC JAZZ MUSIC) (SIGHING) Don't they know that going back to Africa is what the Garvey movement's all about? Bigots aren't known for their intelligence.
I found our burglar! - I didn't burgle nothin'! - Well, you should at least be arrested for spelling Africa wrong.
I didn't do that neither! Really? So, what's the fresh paint on your jacket? What would you know? You're just a skirt.
Hey Do I need to give you a lesson in politeness? You will give these ladies the respect they deserve and address them as ma'am.
Understood? Yes, ma'am.
I mean sir.
Just admit that you did the graffiti! Fine.
It was me.
Ma'am.
Then you went in and stole the money.
There was money in there? I thought coloured people was all poor.
No.
We're not "all poor.
" It's OK, Avery.
Look.
You were there.
You must have seen something.
She's talking to you.
Someone came in through the back door after the old lady arrived.
Ma'am.
I'm sure you can lie better than that.
- I ain't lying! - I'm losing my patience - with you.
- Wait, wait, wait.
- Let him go.
- What? He's not our thief.
Go home and read a book.
Scram.
How do you know he's not the thief? His shoes told me.
- There's no muddy prints.
- Just broken glass.
The alleyway and the kid's shoes were caked in mud.
Look at this window.
There's no way the thief could have fit through there.
Neither door has signs of forced entry, - which means - This was an inside job.
That cannot be! You're saying it was one of our own? - That's our theory.
- I can't believe it.
Who exactly has keys to this building? Besides myself, there's Cora.
And then there's Lionel Griffith and Wesley Hampton.
But which one of us would steal from the mouths of orphans? That's exactly the question we're gonna ask.
But first, we gotta get you home.
No! I don't need your help.
I'm not an invalid! Thank God Mildred didn't come to serious harm, considering she shouldn't have been here in the first place.
Where were you during the robbery? I don't appreciate you questioning me.
Hiring private detectives that had to be Mr.
Garvey's idea.
I know you're busy, Wesley, but I'd like to ask you some questions about what happened.
You sure Mildred is OK? That woman is as tough as nails.
The robber is just lucky that he caught her off guard.
That's for sure.
Mrs.
Clarke ain't easy.
Where were you during the time of the robbery? I was having a nap.
It was an exhausting day.
Lionel and I were setting up for the picnic since early morning.
I helped pack up.
Went straight home.
Was hungry, so I had a hoagie.
Why're you asking? We aren't accusing anyone.
We're just asking questions.
It's part of our job.
How well do you know Lionel? As well as I know my own brother.
How long have you worked with the U.
N.
I.
A.
? Time doesn't really matter.
I'm a big supporter of the cause.
Truth is, I can't help but feel responsible for Mildred getting attacked.
I lost my keys at the picnic, and the thief may have found them.
When did you notice your keys missing? - When I got home.
- Can anyone confirm your whereabouts during the robbery? - No.
- No.
Only my Lord and Saviour.
(SIGHING) (FRANKIE): Not one of them had a decent alibi.
But why would any of them steal money they had just raised for the orphanage? It can't be one of them.
What about Wesley's missing keys? Well, if someone stole them from the picnic, then we have hundreds of suspects.
Well, that's not very helpful.
Well, why don't we just keep looking - at our dedicated threesome? - Well, I could take a look at the police files.
See what comes up.
- That's a start.
- You know, Mary, when you go, take a look at the bulletin in the States.
All right Well, Lionel called a sandwich "a hoagie.
" A bit of Yankee slang.
It might be nothing, but it's worth looking into.
- OK.
Consider it done.
- Thanks.
So, you think Cora stole the money just to spite Mildred? Well, she's definitely mad at my mother.
And she had a few choice words about Mr.
Garvey.
Not exactly the rousing support that you would expect from the treasurer.
True.
But that doesn't mean she stole the money from the orphanage.
- But who did? - Someone who needed money in a hurry.
- Let go of my hand, you brute! - Please calm down, Mrs.
Clarke.
I know my rights.
You can't just drag me from my humble abode for no reason! I just want to ask you a few questions.
Well, if you think that I'm inclined to talk to you after treatment like this, - you have another thing coming! - Please just sit.
Oh, Trudy! You and Frankie need to get down to the station! - [RIGHT NOW!.]
- Mary, what's going on? I think Detective Greyson is trying to arrest your mother! Why is my mother under arrest? (SIGHING) She's not under arrest.
Then why is she at the station? I was only asking her a few questions about a burglary at the U.
N.
I.
A.
office.
Which she has nothing to do with.
Trudy, this man is calling me a thief.
- That is not what I said.
- But you think - I'm in cahoots with one! - Detective Greyson.
- Ugh.
You too.
- Please, tell me your theory.
Did Mrs.
Clarke throw herself down to the ground before or after she ran off with the money? I know that she did not commit the burglary.
I was only asking her a few questions.
- Did she answer your questions? - Yes.
Then we're done here.
Mama, let's go.
- It's OK.
- Something wrong with my foot? Bye.
From what I understand, nobody from the U.
N.
I.
A.
reported the burglary to police.
- So? - So, how did you find out? - Do you have a spy? - Why would we do that? Certain people feel threatened by Mr.
Garvey and his message.
Thank you for the lesson in politics.
- So, how did you find out? - That's none of your concern.
Mrs.
Clarke is my concern.
We wouldn't be having this conversation had she just gone straight home.
Why did she go back and recount the money? Hmm? I gotta get back to work.
I'm fine.
Did you tell Detective Greyson that you went back to recount the money? No.
I didn't mention it for the sake of discretion.
- Well, somehow he knows.
- How'd he find out? Only one person knew.
Guess who Cora the treasurer.
I warned you about her.
Yes, I called the police.
And I'd do it again.
Mr.
Garvey asked to keep this matter private.
Why go against his wishes? When you love something with all your heart, you do anything you can to save it.
You mean the U.
N.
I.
A.
? What're you saving it from? From itself! Garvey's mistrust of the police is backwards thinking.
We have a right to be protected from crime - like everyone else.
- Well, have you had this conversation with Mr.
Garvey? - There's no point.
- I'm sure he's a reasonable man.
Let's just say it's his way or the doorway.
If you disagree with him, then you might as well leave.
Tell your mother I wish her luck as treasurer.
I quit.
And if you really want to figure out what happened to that money, take a closer look at Lionel and Wesley.
- What do you mean? - They were having a big argument at the picnic.
But I thought they were friends.
Well, that's what was so strange about it.
And Wesley has been acting very secretive ever since.
- What's the hurry? - You just lost your treasurer.
Cora? She's a founding member of this chapter.
- What happened? - Let's say she has a difference of opinion when it comes to some of your decisions.
That is not a new phenomenon.
- She also tipped off the police.
- Not a new phenomenon either.
You just take everything in stride.
I am philosophical about such things.
I have learned I can't be all the things to all my people.
But what you do give is all black people a sense of identity.
A sense that being from Africa is actually something to be proud of, and that's a powerful message.
You're a rare and special mold.
Never have I met a female detective, let alone one of my own African kin.
I see good things for you, Trudy Clarke.
I want you to come to New York and join my team.
- Me? - Mm-hmm.
Our movement is growing.
And we need good people like you to help spread the word and build bridges.
- I don't know what to say.
- I hope you know I don't just invite anyone.
Of course.
But I need to think about it.
I expect an answer in two days, before I leave for New York.
That answer should be yes.
A thief wouldn't call the police on themselves, so Cora is out.
And that leaves Wesley and Lionel.
And the ghost of Queen Victoria.
Oh.
Sorry.
My mind is elsewhere.
- And where is it? - New York.
Mr.
Garvey offered me a job with him.
He's thinking of opening a detective agency? Well, he asked me to come work for him.
Help the organization to grow.
Wow.
That is quite the offer.
- What about the agency? - I would hate - to see you leave, but - Say it.
I would never forgive myself if you turned this opportunity because of me.
But New York City? I mean, I've barely been outside of Ontario.
I can't just up and leave.
Isn't it a bit crazy? Crazy can be a good thing.
After all you've done for me? You've done just as much for me.
I'd probably still be washing dishes - and cleaning dirty laundry.
- No, you wouldn't.
Look.
All that matters is that you do what's best for you.
Look, I can't be thinking about this right now.
We still have a robbery to solve.
So, who are we looking at? Well, Cora said that she heard an argument between Lionel and Wesley at the picnic, and that he's been acting strange ever since.
He volunteered that he lost his keys, which seems a little too convenient.
Do you think that argument with Lionel has something to do with the robbery? Trudy! Oh, my goodness.
You were so right about the hoagie! Lionel is an American.
Uh, may I have a plate, please? How do you know that? Well, every month, we get these bulletins from the U.
S.
about fugitives and the like.
Take a look at this one.
We received this last July.
A coloured man named Lionel Harris is wanted in Rochester for murder.
Thank you.
Look familiar? - It's Lionel Griffith.
- I think it's time we visit Lionel and Wesley at their homes.
Well, preferably while they're out.
No sign of the missing money.
Look at this.
Lionel was in Rochester.
Fourth of July, that's right around the time of the murder.
We need to find out more about this.
And why Lionel's a suspect.
A trip south of the border might be in order.
Oh, well, actually Sorry, sorry to interrupt, but I actually have the day off tomorrow, so I could do a little field trip.
Happy travels.
So, if Lionel is our wanted man in Rochester, what's he doing stealing money from the orphanage? And does it connect to Wesley? Wesley's landlady has no idea where he is.
But one thing is for sure Wesley is an avid reader.
He's also our thief.
It's empty.
(SIGHING) Where'd he go? And why'd he take the money? I have an idea.
An old spy trick? Yeah.
Guess who showed it to me.
"Prospect Park.
9PM.
Gardener's shed.
" Let's go catch a thief.
So, Wesley stole the money and had a rendezvous with someone in the middle of the night.
- Why? - I guess we'll have to ask him when we find him.
(GASPING) Oh, my God! It's Wesley! We're too late.
He's dead.
This is devastating news.
Wesley Hampton was a good man.
Who would want to kill him? We found a cash box in his room.
So, it turns out Wesley is a thief.
That can't be.
That man's character is beyond reproach.
You must find his killer and clear his name.
I'm not sure we're gonna be able to clear his name.
- Meaning? - The cash box didn't just end up in his room by itself.
Mm.
You must get to the bottom of this.
And now, more than ever, I am relying on your discretion.
Can you assure me of that? You have our word.
Don't let me down.
No pressure to solve this one.
Maybe working for Mr.
Garvey won't be a walk in Central Park.
Well, I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge.
So, you're trying to get rid of me? At least I'll have a place to stay in New York.
But truthfully, I have no idea how I'm gonna replace you.
I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge.
Any luck tracking down Lionel? Well, I went to his boarding house, but he hadn't been there.
I guess we need to keep looking.
- What about Wesley? - Well, I asked the landlady, and she said he'd been getting a lot of long distance calls and when she asked, he was cagey about it.
He's been secretive about a lot of things lately.
(KNOCKING) Thank you.
We'll see you in a few weeks.
Maybe our mystery caller will call back.
We need someone at the rooming house to watch the phones.
Who has all day to sit and wait for a call? Thank you so much for doing this, Mrs.
Clarke.
I know the gravity of the situation.
God rest that poor man's soul.
So, if anyone calls for Wesley I am to try to get a name and a number.
And try to find out how they know him.
All right.
I will not move from this here chair until kingdom come.
Elroy will just have to prepare his own supper tonight.
I knew I could count on you.
Mm-hmm.
No! This phone is off limits! I am doing official detective business! MOVE! (SEAGULLS CALLING) A ferry ride across the lake does a gal good on a day like this.
I'm glad you brought me along.
Well, at least we both had the same day off.
So, what's the plan? When we get to the station, I mean.
Well, no doubt we'll face the usual amount of confusion and hostility because of who we are.
- A couple of skirts.
- But we just need to hold firm and persist in our quest to speak with to whomever is in charge of file number 81372.
So, we're gonna say we're special constables from a Toronto police station.
Yes, but it's a precinct here, not a station, and it's not constable, it's officer.
Red hots, constables, officers.
Jeez, it's like a whole new language.
- I'm just gonna let you do the talking.
- Uh, OK.
They might speak a different language down here, but a cop shop's a cop shop no matter where you are.
They certainly smell the same.
A unique combination of sweat and superiority.
(MARY GIGGLING) Good afternoon, sir.
Perhaps you can help us.
Lost your dog or something, gals? Actually, we were hoping to speak with an officer regarding file number 81372.
Ah You're looking for Officer McElroy.
Take a load off.
He's just the opening act.
Wait for the main event.
One Officer McElroy.
Gird your loins, Mary.
He's not just gonna roll over and give us the scoop.
He's gonna test our mettle, won't he? - Mm-hmm.
- Officer Nellie McElroy at your service.
Something wrong? - Stop the starin'.
- Sorry.
We've just never seen a lady cop before.
It is an absolute honour.
- Where you from? - Toronto in Canada.
Mary here, she's kind of a cop.
- A morality officer.
- She can't do much but she gets to wear the uniform.
Well, as long as you're gettin' your pension, you'll do all right.
What did I say about the starin'? I'm sorry.
We don't mean to make a big deal, it's it's just that you're kind of a big deal! - (CHUCKLING) - Well, you can put a hold on my bronze statue.
I still have to make meatloaf for my sisters when I finish my shift.
- Now, what can I do for you? - Oh, uh A job in New York? You must've made quite the impression on Mr.
Garvey.
I only just met him.
I don't know why he offered it to me.
Mr.
Garvey is a brilliant man I'm sure he sees in you what everyone else sees.
What's that? You're smart.
Strong.
Fearless.
Passionate about helping people Why wouldn't Mr.
Garvey want you to work for him? But I can't leave behind my mama, and and my siblings and you.
I'm just a train ride away.
It's too expensive.
I can't have you going back and forth like that.
We could talk about me moving there too.
You'd move to New York with me? I I've got my my job and my family to consider.
But but but I'll really try.
Marcus Garvey isn't the only one who has big plans for Trudy Clarke.
Thanks for always being there for me.
I'll always be there for you.
Even when I tell Mama about New York? - Me? Uh-uh.
- Ah! You're on your own with that one.
I remember this case clear as day.
Harold Clifford, a white lawyer.
Stabbed and robbed just yards from his front door.
- That was July of last year? - Mm-hmm.
Clifford was found dead outside his apartment building.
A witness claimed to see a cab parked down the street.
It was registered to a Lionel Harris.
Did you speak with Mr.
Harris? He vanished before I had the chance.
You're sure he's the killer? Mm-hmm.
Harris' girlfriend came forward with an alibi, but for some reason was deemed not credible.
- Why? - I'm not sure.
I never spoke to her.
Another officer took her statement and dismissed it - without explanation.
- What's the girlfriend's name? Victoria Challenger.
"Victoria Challenger.
" Do you have an address for her? Why exactly are you two so interested in this case? We're just following up on a lead for a detective in Toronto.
Just trying to score some brownie points.
I hope to wear the badge someday, like you.
Ah.
Well, if you learn anything about the case, let me know.
Oh, absolutely! Us gals in uniform need to stick together.
And about that badge, Officer Shaw - we call it a shield.
- "A shield.
" Is something wrong? You go on ahead.
I'll catch up in a minute.
Sure thing.
- What's your secret? - Excuse me? How did you convince them to let you be a cop? - Ah.
- It's just that you are doing the only thing that I have ever wanted to do, and if I'm being completely honest, I'm not sure I even thought it was possible.
Maybe because I'd never seen it done before, but here you are! You are a lady cop.
(CHUCKLING) And if they can do it in Rochester, I'm sure that they can do it in Toronto.
So, what do I do? It's an uphill climb, honey.
The boys have a hard time wrapping their heads around - the idea of women cops.
- Yeah, I know.
Why is that? Don't they understand that we would approach the job differently? Women can just do things that, well, men can't.
Best advice I can give you: keep honing your chops at whatever side job this is you're working.
Oh.
Oh, no.
I really am here on official business.
I don't care if it's official or off the books.
The point is you're doing the work.
You're already a cop, Shaw.
Now, you have to wait for the world to catch up to you.
So you want to leave your family and move to New York? Well, it's not that I want to leave, it's just that that's where the job would take me.
But your brothers won't have their big sister around anymore and I won't have anybody to drive me to church.
- Well? What do you think? - Just just give me a Mama say something, anything! You must take the job and go.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime! - Wait what? - Trudy, I am so proud of you.
You will have the platform to help so many suffering working with Mr.
Garvey.
Oh, God has great things in store for you! That's it, I'm taking the job.
I'm moving to New York City! Praise Jesus! And you can leave all this detective business behind you.
- Oh.
- No more dead bodies.
NO! This phone is unavailable! MOVE! Mama! Detective Greyson.
I take it this isn't a social visit.
It's not a secret that we're working on the same case.
Mr.
Hampton's untimely demise in Prospect Park.
Seems you have an uncanny knack for stumbling across dead bodies.
It's gumshoe's luck.
Don't suppose you wanna share the coroner's report with me? - Mm-hmm.
- Oh, come on.
I'm gonna find out sooner or later.
Maybe this way, I can help you.
Mr.
Hampton died from a stab wound between the fifth and sixth rib.
- A classic military technique.
- You served? I did.
- Fourth battalion.
You? - Nothing quite as illustrious.
- I was a dispatch rider.
- Signal Corps.
- Were you in France? - Here and there.
Something tells me that you did - more than just deliver messages.
- I was just a gal on a bike.
Hm.
I bet you were.
Why don't we help each other out? - You mean I help you.
- You are the one with the in in Garvey's community.
Is that right? (SIGHING) Can we just stop these games, please? Or Wesley Hampton's body will not be the only one that you are stumbling across in this file.
- Meaning? - Meaning that trouble follows Garvey wherever the heck he goes.
He's had a death threat against him.
Yeah something tells me that your client has not been entirely forthcoming with you.
From there, your nephew will board the S.
S.
Yarmouth, the jewel of the Black Star Line, on an ocean voyage Hey.
Mr.
Garvey's not expecting you.
I need an appointment to see my client? Let Miss Drake pass, Avery.
Wesley's murder has everyone a little rattled.
You didn't tell me you received a death threat.
- I didn't see the relevance.
- You're not concerned? That's why I hired Avery as my security.
Well, you seem to be doing a lot of hiring these days.
Only when I find someone special, like Miss Clarke.
How would you feel about losing her? Trudy is her own woman.
She'll do what's right for her.
She has a good friend in you, Miss Drake.
(TENSE JAZZ MUSIC) - Somebody's been busy.
- It's the case.
I've been trying to keep track of all the moving parts.
We have Wesley, a thief, - who has been murdered.
- And Lionel, his best friend, who's been accused of a murder in Rochester.
Could Lionel have known that he took the money? - So he robbed him? - And killed him? - Something's not adding up.
- Ladies! - Great news from America! - What is it? - They have lady cops there! - Just one that we know of.
We met her, and she was incredible! Talk about incredible, what is this? Just a way to keep track of the case.
So, back to Rochester Oh, the victim's name is Harold Clifford.
This is Clifford.
According to the report, He left the bank, got in a taxi, and was later found dead outside of his apartment building.
His wallet was gone, and the police think he struggled with the robber before he was shot.
Kicked up a real fuss.
What does that have to do with Lionel? Well, someone saw a Hasty Taxi parked out front of Clifford's apartment building, and that taxi was registered to Lionel Harris.
So, he became the cops' prime suspect for the murder.
But, but we talked with Lionel's girlfriend, - Victoria Challenger.
- And she swears he's innocent.
At the time of the murder, she was working as a maid - in a building near Clifford's.
- And they had an arrangement.
If he was driving around the neighbourhood, - he would stop by and see her.
- As chance would have it, Lionel was visiting Victoria at the time Clifford was robbed and murdered.
That's why his cab was parked outside.
And Victoria told the cops he was there that night.
- But they didn't believe her.
- Yeah, said she was - covering for him.
- So, he took off.
Can't blame him for running.
Two different murders in two separate cities.
- And how are they connected? - And how does it tie in to the money missing from the orphanage? (PHONE RINGING) - Drake Private Detectives.
- Lionel is here.
- Mrs.
Clarke? - He's in Wesley's room.
OK.
I'm hanging up now.
I can't tie up this phone line chit chatting! Bye.
If you go to New York, I'm hiring your mother.
He was good man.
A true friend.
I wanted to see him one last time - before he - Could take off? Like you did in Rochester? We know about the murder.
I didn't kill anyone.
Then why did you run away? When you're a Black man and the victim's white, the eyes of the law tend to be short-sighted.
So, you came to Canada.
How did Victoria feel about that? She understood that we could never see each other again.
That I had to start over.
New name.
New identity.
But the past has a way of catching up with you.
Someone recognized me.
Two days ago, I received a note demanding money.
- Who's blackmailing you? - The note didn't say.
Did Wesley know about your past? He was my best friend.
I wanted him to know what he was getting involved with - by helping me the way he did.
- Did he know - about the blackmailer? - That's what we were arguing about at the picnic.
I told him I wasn't going to pay.
That I was sick of running.
Well, what did he say? That I was throwing my life away.
Did you tell Wesley about where to drop the money off? Yes Prospect Park.
That's why Wesley stole the money, to pay the blackmailer.
What are you saying? You didn't know that he was the thief? No.
And you didn't know it was his body they found - in Prospect Park? - No He tried to pay the blackmailer - And the blackmailer killed him? - We're afraid so.
Yes.
My best friend died trying to help me.
(UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC) (PHONE RINGING) Good day to you.
How may I help? Oh.
No, Wesley is not available to speak ever again.
I mean, um right now.
Can I take a message? Oh.
Well, if it has anything to do with Wesley, then you most certainly can speak to me.
He keeps no secrets from his mother.
Uh-huh.
Oh So, Wesley stole the money from the picnic to pay the blackmailer.
But if he brought the money to the meet, - why'd he kill him? - Maybe he felt threatened.
Wesley (GASPING) Wesley was investigating a murder.
- What? - Lord.
Frankie, this building has more stairs than the Tower of Babel! Mama, I told you, you could take the elevator.
Nonsense.
I don't need no machine to do my work for me.
- So - Oh, um The calls were from a friend in the Rochester chapter of the U.
N.
I.
A.
.
- What'd the caller say? - Um, he said, "The lawyer was in the Jiffy Cab on the night of the murder.
" But Lionel drove for Hasty Taxi.
It seems that Wesley was trying to clear Lionel's good name.
In which case, Lionel couldn't be blackmailed anymore.
But is that a good enough motive? Unless that's what connects the two murders.
The blackmailer is actually the killer in Rochester.
And when he found out that Wesley was getting close, - he killed him.
- (MILDRED): Oh, that is awful! Lionel said that the blackmailing - started four days ago.
- That's when Marcus Garvey came to town.
Well, my uncle told me my ticket for the Black Star Line - is being held here.
- Well, it's not here.
Please, call your uncle and check.
There's a phone in the hallway.
You two look like you have news.
Who exactly came with you to Toronto? - Only Avery.
- And you hired him after that death threat.
Where was that, exactly? Rochester.
I needed extra security and a driver.
Avery fit the bill: an ex-military man - with driving experience.
- Jiffy Cab? Mm-hmm, that's correct.
- Where is he? - Just left.
Said he was feeling a bit ill, which I'll admit is odd.
He's never missed a day.
What are you not telling me? We think Avery killed Wesley.
I cannot believe that.
That is a man that I trust with my own life.
My uncle says it's not there, so where's my ticket?! My train to New York leaves in 30 minutes! Avery took it! Train for New York leaves in 10 minutes! 10 minutes for New York! I thought you never left Mr.
Garvey's side? Mr.
Garvey asked me to handle some official business I I can't discuss it.
- Like blackmail and murder? - Ticket, please.
We know you were a cab driver back in Rochester.
And we know that you picked him up that night.
You're the one who killed him.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Wesley found out about your plan.
He confronted you.
And you killed him as well.
Not another step murderer.
It wasn't good enough you stole my life from me.
You had to kill my best friend too? - Put the gun down.
- Not until this degenerate admits he killed Wesley.
I want to hear him say it.
SAY IT! You'll be waiting a long time to hear me say that.
Not so easy, is it? To look at a man dead in his eyes, Don't do it, Lionel.
He doesn't get to walk away from this.
Look.
We have enough evidence to nail Avery on everything.
Don't throw your life away when you finally just get it back.
Wesley lost his life trying to clear your name.
If you kill him now, everything Wesley did will be for nothing.
(GRUNTING) (FAST-PACED JAZZ MUSIC) (GRUNTING) Nice work.
I'm guessing there's gonna be $909 in that bag.
Don't forget the five cents.
In the memory of the late Wesley Hampton, I present the donations from the Emancipation Day Picnic.
They will go towards building a library for the orphanage.
Now, remember all the knowledge you want from the world can be found.
All you must do is seek it.
- Yes, it can! - Yeah! (OVERLAPPING ACCLAMATIONS) So, what will you do now that you're a free man? I'm still in disbelief.
After all this time, - my burden is lifted.
- Will you stay in Toronto, or are you gonna head back to Rochester? I love my adopted city, but I'm anxious to see my sweetheart again.
That is, if she still wants me.
Well, there's one way to find out.
Victoria was up for a ferry ride across the lake to see her long-lost love.
- Vicky.
- Lionel.
I still can't believe it's really you.
It's really me.
See, it's that smile that I missed the most.
Thank you.
I only wish Wesley was still here.
Trudy! I did really well on my tests in school just like you said to! I even learned to spell a new word.
D-E-T-E-C-T-I-V-E.
Detective! You're amazing, Ismay.
Now, look.
You keep applying yourself like that in school, and you can do anything you set your mind to.
You've really made an impression on that girl.
And you will make even a bigger impression - in New York City.
- The sky is the limit, wherever you go.
You have my gratitude, Miss Drake.
I won't let Wesley's selflessness be forgotten.
I'm just glad that we could help.
And Trudy, pleased to hear you'll be accepting my offer.
Who told you? Your mother.
She could not contain herself.
It was written all over her face.
Well, I'm so appreciative of the offer.
But I won't be going to New York.
Now, don't get me wrong I do want to make a difference, but I think I can do that right here.
I'm disappointed.
But I understand.
And where are you off to next, Mr.
Garvey? Look for me in the whirlwind of the storm.
So you're not leaving? I think I'll stick around a little longer.
- On one condition.
- Anything.
You have to tell my mom I'm still a private detective.
Oh, no! (BOTH LAUGHING)