Forbidden Sins
I'm gonna put my next lady up on stage,
a girl I think is fine...
and won't give me the time of day.
Give a nice round of applause.
This is Virginia Hill!
Do it up, y'all!
Get that money out, people! I wanna see
some life! This isn't a funeral parlor!
Do it! Oh, hell, yeah.
Easy, sir. We wouldn't have to
have you thrown out in the Dumpster.
People, welcome to the club.
There's gonna be no last call tonight.
We'll be here until 6:00 in the morning.
Then we're going to Sarah's house
for a party.
Her home number is 21 3--
I wouldn't do that to you.
Folks, if you don't get money up
on that rail, you'll be stuck with me.
These girls will go home.
They'll get dressed, and they'll leave.
Listen, drinks-- Tequila's three bucks
for the next, I don't know, three days.
I'm not a manager. I don't care.
I'd give 'em to ya for free.
Three-dollar shots
for the next 45 minutes.
Have a good time.
Who is this?
I told you, I'm sick
of your fucking games.
Find someone else.
Just leave me alone.
How the fuck
did you get in here?
I wouldn't do that
if I were you.
Put the phone down.
You like when they look at you.
You like to show off
like some cheap street whore.
Show me.
Show me like you show all them.
Do it!
Keep going.
- What do you want?
- I think you know.
- Say it.
- I can't.
Say it.
You fucking psycho.
And?
It's what I like best about you.
So, bring me up to speed.
Vic's name is Virginia Hill.
- She's a stripper.
- Who called it in?
Another peeler
by the name of Molly Malone.
Hill didn't show up for work, so Malone
comes to see if everything's copacetic.
Needless to say--
Screen in the kitchen was slashed.
Looks like the same guy who's pulling
those home invasions by the airport.
Except he never killed anybody.
Had to happen sooner or later.
Did you fiind any rope laying around?
Handcuffs, anything like that?
Look at that--
pure Rodeo Drive.
If you're a guy who steals things,
why leave that?
Probably got spooked.
Yeah?
Then why'd he take the time
to untie her?
Miss Malone?
I'm John Doherty.
I'm investigating
Virginia Hill's murder.
I'm sorry about your friend.
Yeah.
I still can't believe it.
I understand you two worked together,
knew each other pretty well.
No kidding.
We were best friends.
So you'd know if there were somebody
who'd wanna do something like this.
Everybody loved Ginny.
- No one at the club gave her trouble?
- Nobody.
What about boyfriends?
I mean, she was sort of
seeing David.
David?
The owner.
Were they having any problems?
Ginny didn't talk much.
But I was starting to get the feeling
something weird was going on.
All right, look,
I shouldn't have said anything.
I need this job, and the last thing
I want to do is piss off Mr. Mulholland.
David Mulholland?
Yeah.
You don't say.
What is it?
Life's been good to you,
Mulholland.
Gonna make that transition
all the more diffiicult.
Do you mind telling me
what this is all about?
I understand you and Virginia Hill
were friends.
That's right.
When and where was the last time
you saw her?
- That's none of your business.
-Just answer the question, Mulholland.
We were together two nights ago.
- And then?
- I came home and went to sleep.
- Anybody back you up on that?
- Yes. Virginia.
She'll confiirm when I was there
and when I left.
I wouldn't count on that,
sport.
Virginia was murdered in her home
the night before last.
That can't be.
That's pretty good.
- I almost believe you.
- I had no reason to hurt Virginia.
Just like you had no reason
to hurt Teresa Seketrian?
I barely knew Teresa.
Yeah, well, her roommate says different,
and for some reason I believe her.
You fucked up this time, Davey.
You left the body.
- Get the fuck out of my home.
- Oh, no.
You get the fuck out.
Search warrant, Davey.
Well, well, well.
Look what I found in your fiireplace.
- Cut yourself shaving?
- You know damn well that's not mine.
Yeah. Yeah.
You're probably right.
I bet this blood
belongs to Virginia Hill.
You would know the answer to that.
Cuff him.
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will
be used against you in a court of law.
You have the right to an attorney.
If you cannot afford one,
one will be provided for you.
Do you understand these rights?
Very well. Bail is set at $500,000.
Court is adjourned.
It's a setup, Harvey.
I wish I could see you through this one,
but I'm not a trial lawyer.
I do know one, though.
- Who is he?
- It's a she.
Absolutely top-drawer.
Very effective with juries.
She's on her own and she's very
selective about the cases she takes on.
But you got one big advantage.
What's that?
She feels the same way
about Detective Doherty.
She's dealt with him before?
Yeah.
She was married to him.
Elliot Greenblatt on two.
Elliot.
Sixteen hours, no charges.
Yeah.
Admit it, Elliot.
You've got bubkes.
How can a Greenblatt
not know what bubkes means?
Listen, Elliot, I'm sitting here
with a motion for habeas corpus.
Now, if you were a mensch--
which means nice guy--
you'd release my client and save me
the cost of a messenger.
Thank you, Elliot.
All right.
Lunch is on me. Bye.
Lost.
Yagher painted that in '43...
just after he was expelled
by the Nazis.
Very impressive.
Mr. Mulholland.
Well, not as impressive
as your reputation, Ms. Doherty.
- I'm glad you'll be handling my case.
- I haven't offiicially agreed yet.
Brian, do you have a moment?
Mr. Mulholland,
this is Brian Armstrong.
If we do decide to take your case,
Brian does all my investigative work.
I'm gonna be blunt, Mr. Mulholland.
I am bothered that you were involved
with a girl who worked at your club.
It may seem like you're using
your position to exploit her.
I'm a businessman, Ms. Doherty.
I own grocery stores, pharmacies.
I even own a new age bookstore.
Do you date the girls that work
in those establishments too?
Not the bookstore.
I'm single.
I enjoy the company of women...
particularly beautiful women.
But it's important
that you understand...
I had nothing to do
with Virginia Hill's death.
My job is to provide my client
with the best possible defense.
My personal opinions are irrelevant.
Well, it's relevant to me.
I'm not looking for a Johnnie Cochran
to get me off with smoke and mirrors.
I need my attorney to believe
in my innocence.
If you're unable to do so...
we're wasting each other's time.
Is your full name
David Philip Mulholland?
Yes.
Were you involved in a sexual
relationship with Virginia Hill?
- What's your gut on this guy?
- I don't know.
I wouldn't want my daughter
dating him.
I like that he wants us
to believe he's innocent so badly.
So does every inmate
on death row.
There's a lot of evidence
against him.
Yeah.
Yeah, the evidence.
Are you responsible
for the death of Virginia Hill?
No.
Hello,John.
Been drinking?
You fiight better when you're drunk.
I don't drink anymore,
and I'm not here to fiight.
- I'm here to talk some sense into you.
- You don't have the credentials.
Cute.
Is this a vendetta, Maureen? Are you
taking this case to get back at me?
You know better,
as much as I'd like to.
And in case you're interested,
Mulholland aced the polygraph.
He beat the polygraph.
He killed her...
just as sure
as he killed Teresa.
John, I know you loved your niece.
We both did.
But you weren't objective.
You picked Mulholland as the killer
and you never looked back.
Did you know that...
she told her roommate...
that he liked to tie her up
and hurt her?
Hearsay, Your Honor, which you
would know if you had stuck it out.
The problem is,
I don't like lawyers.
Which is why you would've
made a good one.
Instead you became a bent cop.
Objection, Counselor. They never
proved that I planted that evidence.
Well, we both know better.
Don't we,John?
Yeah, well, a wife can't testify
against her husband.
- Ex-wife.
- Ah. Must be why I stopped drinking.
Fuck you,John.
If I so much as hear the DA whisper
Teresa's name in that courtroom...
I'll have Mulholland out on a mistrial
faster than your head can spin.
You better pray
you don't get him off...
because he will kill again...
and the blood will be
on your hands.
Unfortunately, the cops didn't do
their job, so you're going to have to.
I want you to thoroughly
investigate Virginia Hill.
Go back to public school
if you have to.
- I want--
- The dirt.
And I'm sure
there's a sandboxful.
Check with the girls
she worked with.
I love my work.
Also, check the pawn shops. My client
gave her some jewelry that's missing.
I'll start at the club.
I never know what to tip
at these places.
Five at the bar,
twenty for a private.
You think I never went
to Chippendale's?
Get outta here.
I really don't see
why this is necessary.
It may trigger a memory.
You know, something that could help us.
So, you arrived before Virginia.
How'd you get in?
She left a key under the mat.
And where were you
when she arrived?
The bedroom.
She liked to pretend
that I'd break in to rape her.
They were just kinky games.
Except...
Except what?
That last night
she wanted something more.
-Had you ever done that with her before?
-No, not like that.
With anyone else?
No.
It was Virginia's idea.
I know this looks bad.
But you asked me what happened.
I'm no Boy Scout, but I never did
anything she didn't ask me to...
and I certainly never hurt her.
She was alive when I left here.
I believe you.
I wanna bring out one of my favorites
ever since I was a young dumb-ass.
This is Molly Malone.
Clap your hands, y'all. Do it up.
Do it! Do it!
Yeah!
Go.
Get that money out, people.
- Bet I know what you're thinkin'.
- What's that?
If my moist...
juicy...
pink...
mouth...
- tastes as good as it looks.
- Not bad.
I bet I know what you're thinking.
What's that?
He's gonna have to pay
to fiind out.
Hey! Asshole!
No touching.
House rules.
Never stopped him before.
Who is he?
Billy Peterson.
Mr. Hot-Shit Manager.
I wouldn't mind managing you.
Yeah, I can tell.
As a matter of fact...
I think that was worth
a little extra.
- I'm liking you more and more.
- Can I buy you a drink?
Sure.
And a BMW, while you're at it.
I'm surprised to see that guy
walking around free.
I heard he was arrested
for murdering some girl.
You're thinking of David Mulholland,
the owner.
So you knew the girl that was killed?
Ginny. Yeah.
She was like a sister to me.
I'm sorry.
You really think
that Mulholland guy did it?
- Look, I gotta go.
- Wait.
Can I see you later?
Make it up to you?
We can just talk.
Whatever you want.
Checked all the pawn shops...
but there's no trace
of Virginia's jewelry anywhere.
- So far.
- So far.
Now for the bad news.
I spoke to a friend of mine
over at the DA's offiice.
She claims they have a woman
who lives next door to Virginia.
She saw...
a man matching Mulholland's description
trying to dispose of something.
Can she positively I.D. him?
That's what my contact says.
No physical evidence.
Just her statement.
Other than that,
the only lead I've got...
and it's not much, is a woman who used
to work with Virginia-- Molly Malone.
- She's the one who discovered the body?
- Yeah.
Spoke to her the other night. There's
something she's not talking about.
Whatever it is, it scares her.
Okay, well, stay on her, Brian.
Do whatever you have to do.
Have you seen this?
Son of a bitch.
You knew about this the whole time?
- Calm down.
- Not a chance.
Four home invasion robberies in eight
months, all single women living alone...
and each time the burglar gained access
to the home by slashing the screens.
Except this guy
didn't kill Virginia Hill.
Do you make any effort at all
to establish a link between crimes?
I didn't have to.
There were inconsistencies.
Besides, it's been
in all the papers.
Mulholland could've easily staged
the murder scene to fiit the M.O.
That's it,John.
You sat on a lead. I'm not
gonna let you railroad my client.
When I get through with you
on the stand...
there's not gonna be enough of you left
to pin a Purple Heart on.
The defense would like a continuance,
Your Honor.
There have been a rash of crimes
committed in the last eight months...
that bear distinct resemblance
to the murder of Virginia Hill...
so we believe
it's completely relevant.
We also believe information has been
intentionally withheld by the police.
That's a pretty serious allegation,
Counselor. Mr. Booth?
It's the fiirst I'm hearing about it,
Your Honor.
I didn't want to bring this up...
but the detective in question
and Ms. Doherty...
have recently gone through
a rather bitter divorce.
For Pete's sake, Fred--
Now wait. I will not have my courtroom
used as a personal battlefiield.
I'll give you one extra week.
This trial will begin in two weeks.
And one more thing:
Due to the nature of this trial...
cameras and spectators
are barred from my courtroom.
Thank you, Your Honor.
So, how did you feel, sir, when you
learned of the death of Virginia Hill?
I was devastated.
I couldn't eat.
I couldn't sleep. I--
Okay, don't look at me.
Remember, the jury's over there.
Eye contact with them
is important.
- This seems a little premeditated.
- Well, that may be.
But they're gonna haul out her mother,
who will outperform Shirley Maclaine...
so that jury better believe you.
Why can't we tell them the truth?
Why can't I walk into that courtroom
and tell them what happened?
You can.
What is the truth, David?
The truth is,
I didn't feel much of anything.
And?
And it scared me.
You're on trial for murder,
not for being an uncaring lover.
You're not actually putting me
on the stand, are you?
I might have to.
The circumstantial evidence
is very compelling.
Unless they fiind
that home invasion guy.
It's past midnight.
We worked through dinner, huh?
Why don't I just
check my machine...
and we'll grab a bite?
No, I think I'll just warm up
some pizza or something.
Oh, come on.
Where's the kitchen?
You'll be tragically disappointed
if you think you'll fiind food in there.
I'll be the judge of that.
Where is it?
Right? Left?
- Right.
- Right.
Can you turn water
into wine too?
Nope.Just mushroom soup
into turkey tetrazzini.
- Where'd you learn how to cook?
- My ex-wife.
Speaking of which...
it seems like she's vanished
off the face of the planet.
Oh, I told you.
She remarried
and moved to Europe.
I haven't spoken to her
in over six years.
Why did you two split up?
Oh, we just drifted apart.
- You know how it is.
- Yeah.
The thing I don't get is...
how a terrifiic woman like you
ended up marrying a guy like Doherty.
We were both in law school.
That guy was in law school?
Yeah. His parents
forced him into it.
He wanted to be a cop
like his dad.
- Was his dad crooked?
- He wrote the book on it.
Actually, you know,
John was determined to be different.
And he was for a while.
He just got frustrated
when the bad guys walked, I guess.
Yeah, so he stacks the deck.
I got out before things
got really bad.
Does he still resent you
for leaving?
I don't know.
He's probably pretty relieved
that I'm gone.
Anybody that would let you go
is a fool.
He surrendered after holding her hostage
for 3 hours. His name is Robert Nunn.
- Same M.O.?
- Right down to the cut screen.
But the DA is gonna allow him to
cop a plea for breaking and entering.
They got him for kidnapping,
minimum.
But he's on his third strike.
If they take a B&E,
he's up for life.
Of course.
Then there's no worry about anything
damaging the case against Mulholland.
I'm gonna get a sit-down with Nunn.
You stay with Malone.
I wanna fiind out what's she's hiding.
I'm on it, boss.
- I was hoping you'd stop by.
- Why's that?
Had a meeting with my astrologer.
Said I was gonna meet
the love of my life.
Sounded a lot like you.
There's only one way
to fiind out.
What time do you
get off work tonight?
Mr. Nunn,
my name's Maureen Doherty.
- I'd like to ask you a few questions.
- About what?
I'm an attorney representing a man
charged in the murder of Virginia Hill.
Never heard of her.
Here's a picture.
Nice tits.
Virginia was killed
under circumstances...
that bear more than
a passing resemblance to your patterns.
``Patterns''?
You can't possibly expect my client
to confess to a murder.
Her windows were slashed,
and a lot of jewelry was taken.
You have quite an affection
for jewelry.
If you say another word, Mr. Nunn,
I will not be held responsible.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
You were caught red-handed.
You're on a third strike
for mandatory life.
You sure there's nothing
you want to talk to me about?
I didn't kill nobody.
This interview is over.
One more word from you, and I will
have you up on disciplinary charges.
You wanna be my lawyer?
This guy's a fuckin' moron.
That's me at seven.
Daddy's little girl.
Cute.
Okay, you can't see this one.
- What?
- It's my graduation picture. No way!
Give it here.
God!
I can see why you'd
wanna keep that hidden.
You were a late bloomer, huh?
Here.
Oh. Who's this?
That's Ginny.
She's the girl who was killed.
You miss her a lot?
Yeah.
We had some great times.
At least, before David.
What do you mean?
Well, see...
David and I...
used to see each other.
Then he got hot for Ginny,
she and I got in a big fiight.
I mean, we made up...
but it was never the same.
I'm glad you're not
with him anymore.
- The paper said he was into weird shit.
- Not with me.
He was always a real gentleman.
Just like you.
Then why was Virginia
so scared of him?
Why are you always asking me
questions about them?
I don't know.
I've never been out with anyone before
whose friend got killed.
The whole thing is intriguing.
You want something intriguing?
Don't mind if I do.
Mulholland must be crazy.
I'd never choose Virginia
over you.
I'm sorry.
Oh, it's not you.
It's just that there's something about
that night that I haven't told anyone.
Tell me.
I'm scared.
Molly...
you can trust me.
The night that Ginny was killed
she called me.
There was someone with her,
but it was Dav--
This is Molly.
I'm just sitting here.
That is none of your business.
What?
What was it that you said
you did for a living?
Who was that, Molly?
You're working for Mulholland,
aren't you?
- He sent you here to spy on me?
- Who was that?
I trusted you!
You prick!
Get out!
Molly, I don't know
who you're protecting...
but don't you fucking lie
when you get on that witness stand!
I said, get the fuck out!
The State calls as its fiirst witness
Mr. William Peterson.
Mr. Peterson,
you are the manager...
of a strip club
called Night Moves.
- Are you not?
- That's right.
Mr. Peterson, on the night
of February 21 ...
did you observe anything unusual
about Virginia Hill?
Yes. She had a bruise
on her neck.
- Did you ask her about it?
- Yeah, I asked her.
- She said Mulholland had done it.
- Is that right?
- Anything else?
- Yes.
I remember she specifiically said
that she was scared of Mr. Mulholland...
and she was worried that he'd lose it
someday and end up killing her.
- Objection. Hearsay.
- Overruled.
I'm going to allow it,
but let's move on, Mr. Booth.
Your Honor,
I have no further questions.
Mr. Peterson.
How would you describe your relationship
with the girls at the club?
We get along okay.
-Do you often get a little too friendly?
-That's bull.
Everything was always professional.
Completely professional.
``Professional.''
Is that how you would characterize
your relationship with Virginia Hill?
Exactly.
Nothing personal.
Don't you fiind it strange then that
she would choose to share with you...
the details of her relationship
with Mr. Mulholland?
Objection, Your Honor.
Calls for speculation.
Sustained.
Withdraw the question.
Isn't it also true, Mr. Peterson, that
shortly before Virginia Hill's murder...
my client threatened
to remove you from your job?
He might have.
Didn't one of the women
at the club...
come to Mr. Mulholland
complaining about you making advances...
and threatening to sue
for sexual harassment?
I never made any advances on her.
I am a happy married man.
Yes or no, Mr. Peterson.
Did one of your employees
come to Mr. Mulholland...
complaining about you
making sexual advances?
Yes.
But she was a lying bitch.
No further questions.
Wow.
Are you Mulholland's lawyer?
Yes, speaking.
Ma'am, are you all right?
Is there something
you wanted to tell me?
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have called.
- Don't hang up.
- Why would I hang up?
Did you get the painting?
Yes, it's--
Well, it's spectacular.
-And I can't accept it.
- I'll tell you what.
Don't charge me for this phone call,
and we'll call it even.
It's way too extravagant, David.
Well, extravagance is relative.
I just wanted to show you how much
I appreciate what you're doing.
Well, you know, I am being paid
for what I'm doing.
Yeah, but you can't pay someone
to believe in you.
- But there is a catch.
- Oh, yes, I thought so. What is it?
When we win...
I take you to dinner.
You know what?
Let's win fiirst.
- Then we'll talk about it. Okay?
- Okay.
- I'll see you in the morning.
- Thank you.
Ginny said that she needed
to spend some time alone...
and that she would call me later.
Then she left.
That's the last time
I ever saw her alive.
Your witness.
On the night that Virginia Hill died,
did she call you on the telephone?
Do you realize
you're still under oath?
She didn't call me.
If it's found you've perjured yourself,
you'll face criminal charges.
Objection. Defense is
unnecessarily badgering the witness.
Sustained.
You had a sexual relationship
with Mr. Mulholland, didn't you?
Yes.
Did Mr. Mulholland
ever harm you in any way?
No.
Did he ever ask you
if he could tie you up...
or did he tie you up?
Never.
Thank you.
No more questions.
Hi. Come on in.
What you got?
Roger Nunn's rap sheet.
The DA fiinally got around
to sending it over.
Don't bother.
Nunn was in jail
the night Virginia Hill was killed.
He was picked up on March 1 2
on a bench warrant...
for an outstanding speeding ticket...
where he stayed until
he fiinally made bail on the 20th.
Damn.
Hey. Don't you quit on me now.
I need you.
We're gonna win this thing.
You'll see.
- Mrs. Doherty?
- Yes?
I phoned you the other night.
Yes. Hi. Of course.
I was afraid you wouldn't call back.
I have some information.
I don't know what to do.
Listen, why don't we meet--
I can't do this.
I-- I'm sorry, I just can't.
No, wait, don't--
Mrs. Peterson,
I'm Maureen Doherty.
I think you called me. Is there
something you wanted to talk about?
You have the wrong person.
I don't know what you're talking about.
Look, I know it was you.
Claire!
Who the hell is it?
It's-- It's just Girl Scouts
selling cookies.
Tell 'em to get the fuck outta here!
Make me some breakfast.
It was a mistake.
I can't talk to you.
Please go.
Look, wait, if you change your mind,
here's my card.
- Please, it's imp--
- Claire!
It's important.
So, one of the forensic guys
called me over to the fiireplace.
- This what he showed you?
- It is.
Please describe it to the court.
It's a piece of light blue fabric
with blood...
that we've confiirmed
belongs to the victim, Virginia Hill.
Your witness.
Detective Doherty, did you know
Mr. Mulholland prior to this case?
- I did.
- Did you have a low opinion of him?
Yes, and for a good reason.
I wasn't asking for your reasons,
Detective.
Merely trying to establish that you had
a preformed opinion of the man.
You claimed you were never alone
in Mr. Mulholland's residence, correct?
That's right.
And on the day in question, did you
arrive prior to the other offiicers?
It's possible.
Was Mr. Mulholland
out by the pool at that time?
I wouldn't know. His maid told me
to wait in the foyer while she got him.
Well, now I'm confused,
Detective...
because you said you were never
alone at the house.
Isn't that right?
- I was alone for a couple seconds.
- Uh-huh.
Long enough to plant evidence,
Detective?
Your Honor,
may we have a side bar?
Approach.
Your Honor, Counsel is attempting
to impugn solid evidence...
with unsubstantiated innuendo...
to discredit
an outstanding offiicer.
It's disgraceful.
Your Honor, if you allow me to pursue
the current line of questioning...
it will become apparent the veracity
of the evidence is doubtful at best.
I'm going to allow it, but you're
on a very short leash, Ms. Doherty.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Now, Detective Doherty,
have you ever been accused...
of falsifying
or planting evidence?
I was cleared.
Isn't it true...
that the charges were dropped
as a result of a plea bargain?
Your Honor, I strongly object.
Detective Doherty
is not on trial here.
Maybe he should be.
Strike that last statement
from the record.
Counselor, another remark like that
and I'll cite you with contempt.
I'm sorry, Your Honor.
Detective Doherty,
are you aware...
that Mr. Mulholland's maid
stated in her affiidavit...
that she cleaned the fiireplace...
a day before you arrived
with your search warrant?
Yes.
Then isn't it true...
that you found the evidence
at Virginia Hill's home...
and later planted it
at the home of Mr. Mulholland?
That is absolutely not true.
I thought this wasn't personal.
I warned you if you started playing
games with me, I would crucify you.
You know damn well I told you about that
plea bargain as a husband to his wife.
You crossed the line, Maureen.
Oh, I'm surprised
you even know where the line is.
I thought you were better than me.
Hey, it's me.
You rushed off today.
Yeah, I know. I'm sorry.
I had some things to take care of.
Well, let me take you to dinner.
Well, thanks, but it's late,
and by the time you get here--
Open the door.
Sorry. What?
Just hang up your phone
and open the door.
Okay.
Come on in.
I thought you might need
a little cheering up.
That's very sweet.
Thank you.
Can I interest you
in a very, very dry martini?
Oh, yes.
By ``very, very dry'' do you mean
just opening the vermouth bottle...
and just waving it over the gin?
I was thinking of pouring a few drops
of vermouth in the humidifiier...
and setting it on low.
That sounds even better.
Was I that obvious?
Not really.
I don't even think
the DA noticed.
Well, Fred Booth has the sensitivity
of seedless grapes.
Yes.
- There you go.
- Cheers.
Excellent.
I guess I did let my emotions
rule the day today.
Maureen, you were married
to the guy.
You're gonna have a residue of emotions,
good or bad.
Yeah, I guess you're right.
Do you play?
Enough to be critically panned.
Me too.
Oh, you use the pedal.
That's good.
Not bad.
Thank you.
I'm sorry.
I don't think we should mix
emotions and martinis today.
You'd better go, David.
All right.
The People call Celeste Paige.
I object, Your Honor.
This witness is not on the roster,
and we've had no time to prepare.
Miss Paige was included
in our discovery material, however...
we were unaware of her whereabouts until
she contacted us yesterday afternoon.
- You're sure her testimony is relevant?
- Absolutely.
Your Honor, I must object. We've had
no time to prepare for this witness.
Overruled, Ms. Doherty.
How long were you married
to the defendant, Miss Paige?
Three years.
And could you give us a brief overview
of those three years?
Well, in the beginning
it was wonderful.
David was-- or seemed to be--
the perfect man.
But eventually--
eventually I realized
he was masking something.
Masking what, exactly?
Well, he started bringing home
this smut--
women bound and gagged.
It was disgusting.
Their breasts and vaginas pierced.
He asked me if I would let him
tie me up.
I agreed to try it,
but soon that's all he wanted to do.
What happened then?
He became violent.
He would hurt me...
and he'd get this look in his eyes.
What kind of look?
I can't even describe it.
It was deranged, crazy.
And I knew if I didn't get out of there
something terrible was going to happen.
I am sorry we had to make you relive
such an awful experience, Miss Paige.
Your witness.
Ms. Paige, do you feel vindictive
toward your ex-husband?
It's hard not to feel vindictive
toward someone who abuses you.
Was he ever, say, late on alimony?
I didn't ask for alimony.
I didn't want him
to know where I was.
I didn't want him anywhere near me.
No more questions.
Look, you said it yourself.
She's vindictive.
She didn't sound vindictive to me.
She sounded injured.
Virginia didn't ask you to tie her up.
It was the other way around.
- It's not true.
- Don't lie to me, David.
You know I haven't lied to you.
Anyone can beat a polygraph, David.
All it takes is lack of conscience.
Look, Maureen.
Celeste has ulterior motives.
Please, David.
I haven't candy-coated the truth,
no matter how bad it makes me look.
I need you on my side.
I'm your defense attorney.
I have to be on your side.
I want more than that.
I hope you're this convincing
on the stand, David...
because after today's testimony,
that's the only chance we've got.
You shouldn't leave your door unlocked.
There's a lot of maniacs running around.
And one of them is standing
right in front of me.
That's not a very nice thing to say
to someone's who's trying to help you.
Oh, yeah. Right.
So what was so important
you had to see me?
I'm scared.
- I want out.
- You want out?
That sick fuck tortured
and murdered your friend.
You want him to get away with that?
Is that what you want?
You know that's not what I want.
But what if they fiind out?
The only way they will fiind out
is if you tell them.
Just keep your mouth shut
and you'll be home free.
Look, Molly...
why don't you get lost
for a couple of weeks?
Go to Hawaii
till this thing blows over.
Yeah, I'll just go to the bank
and take out a loan.
Well, how much do you charge
your clientele?
I don't do that anymore...
thanks to you.
That's too bad.
I was thinking
of making a contribution...
to the Molly Malone Deserves
a Trip to Hawaii Fund.
How does that sound?
How much were you going to give?
Oh, no. I don't do that.
No, you forget, honey...
I know everything you do.
It was nearly 2:00 a.m. when I left.
I drove straight home and went to bed.
Mr. Mulholland, are you responsible
for the death of Virginia Hill?
No. Absolutely not.
Thank you.
No further questions.
Your witness, Mr. Booth.
Now, Mr. Mulholland,
do you frequent adult book stores?
Well, I've been known
to visit them on occasion, certainly.
And have you made purchases there?
On occasion.
Sadomasochistic material?
- It's possible.
- Now, what if I told you...
that a cashier
at one of these establishments...
claims that you purchase
exclusively sadomasochistic material?
Objection.
Your Honor, there's been no mention...
of this alleged cashier
in any other testimony.
Your Honor, he will appear
on redirect.
If he does appear on redirect
then the testimony will stand.
Otherwise it will be stricken
from the record.
By then the damage will already
have been done, Your Honor.
I said ``overruled,'' Ms. Doherty.
Answer the question, Mr. Mulholland.
Would this cashier be lying
if he says that you have...
an exclusive interest
in sadomasochistic material?
- Yes, he would.
- And other customers--
would they be lying too?
Yes.
Drink up.
I never should have
put him on the stand.
Well, you didn't have a choice.
His ex-wife's testimony skewered you.
This isn't good, Bri.
It is not good.
It's just not an option.
As it stands, I can't see the jury
not coming back with a guilty verdict.
You could go to the gas chamber.
At least consider a plea bargain.
No. I won't admit to a crime
I didn't do.
I have nothing to fiight them with.
How about the truth?
You have to fiind out
where they're hiding it.
Going somewhere?
Ms. Malone, I'll remind you
that you're still under oath.
Ms. Malone, you stated that the last
time you spoke with Virginia Hill...
was on the night she died,
at the club-- is that true?
She called me that night,
at about 2:00 in the morning.
And what did she say?
She wanted to know if I would
work a shift for her at the club.
Is there anything else
about the phone call you remember?
I heard Ginny talking to someone--
to a guy.
And was that guy Mr. Mulholland?
I don't think so.
Why don't you think so?
Because I heard him ask her
if she was talking to Mulholland...
and she said no,
she was talking to me.
Did you tell this to the police?
- Yes, I did.
- And who did you talk to there?
To Detective Doherty.
I told him, and he said that I must be
mistaken. I told him that I wasn't.
Then he said that I didn't
give a shit about Ginny...
because I was just helping her killer.
And did Mr. Doherty say
who he thought the killer was?
Yeah.
He said that David Mulholland killed her
and that he had proof.
So you lied under oath...
because Detective Doherty told you
Mulholland was the killer.
I just lied because I was afraid.
Afraid of what?
A couple of years ago
I skipped bail in Texas.
And when Doherty was questioning me
he had an arrest warrant...
with my name on it
conveniently sitting on his desk.
So you believed Detective Doherty...
one of our illustrious LAPD...
would arrest you if you didn't lie?
Yes.
That is exactly what I believed.
Thank you, Miss Malone.
No more questions.
Your witness.
Miss Malone, did you not tell
Detective Doherty that you had been...
drinking quite heavily that evening?
I told him that I had some champagne.
I believe you told Detective Doherty
that you had eight glasses.
So it would be fair to say
that you were inebriated?
- I know what I heard.
- Is that right?
You had eight drinks--
eight drinks--
and you claim to know what you heard?
Objection, Your Honor.
Badgering the witness.
Sustained.
Caution, Mr. Booth.
Miss Malone,
did Detective Doherty...
actually threaten you with arrest?
- No, but he had the--
- Yes or no?
And he didn't ask you
to lie either, did he?
All he suggested was
that you be absolutely sure...
the testimony you gave
was the truth...
and not some drunken recollection.
Your Honor, now he's testifying
for the witness.
Sustained.
Withdrawn.
No further questions.
Court is adjourned
until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
I came as soon as you called.
God forgive me.
Oh, that's great.
Thank you, Claire.
So, Mrs. Peterson, what did you fiind
when going through your husbands things?
A check written to Virginia Hill
for $5,000.
Is this the check?
Yes.
Did you ask your husband about it?
Yes, I did.
Well, at fiirst he said...
he'd borrowed some money from Virginia
and he'd repaid her.
But then eventually he admitted
she'd caught him skimming from the club.
That's a goddamned lie!
You're dead!
Bailiff, remove that man
from this courtroom.
You're dead, Claire.
Don't you come home.
You may proceed, Ms. Doherty.
So, Virginia Hill was blackmailing
your husband-- is that right?
He said she was
sleeping with the boss...
and it would be very easy
to get him fiired, maybe even prosecuted.
-And they settled the matter for $5,000?
-No.
Two days before she was killed...
he said she asked for more.
On the night
Virginia Hill was murdered...
what time did your husband
arrive home?
He was late.
It was already starting
to get light out.
Mr. Peterson, where were you
the night Virginia Hill was murdered?
I was at the club
doing the books.
Was there anyone there
to see you do the books?
- No.
- Isn't it true that at 2:00 a.m...
you went to visit Virginia Hill
to make yet another payment?
I never made no payment
in the fiirst place.
Is this your signature on the check?
Someone could have forged that.
And is this Virginia's signature
on the back?
Someone forged that too?
You don't like Mr. Mulholland very much,
do you, Mr. Peterson?
No, I don't.
So you waited until just after
he left the club to kill Virginia...
knowing he would be the prime suspect.
Your Honor, she's putting words
in the witness' mouth.
He's already denied
these outrageous charges.
- Sustained.
- You haven't told us...
everything about your relationship
with Virginia Hill, have you?
I told you everything.
You also told us that you were
a happily married man.
I was.
Then why would your wife sacrifiice
her very happy marriage...
to come and testify for us today?
Maybe she's fucking Mulholland.
Are you angry enough to kill
right now, Mr. Peterson?
Your Honor, I cannot sit back
and allow this line of questioning.
No more questions.
Your witness, Mr. Booth.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
You know, I thought Booth
was gonna pop an artery...
when Molly testifiied
about your ex.
Oh, and speaking of which,
the word is...
Doherty was suspended today.
Well, I guess it's just as well.
I better run.
It's a school night.
- I'll walk you out.
- All right.
- Nice job.
- Thanks.
Thank you.
- Am I too late?
- Well, you missed some champagne.
You don't think all this is
a little premature, do you?
No. The case is blown to hell.
They'll never get a conviction now.
Well, I promised you
a victory dinner.
And I said we'll see.
- I'm pretty sure everything's closed.
- Oh, I anticipated that.
Food, drink, ambiance.
Wow. Very smooth.
Let's give it a shot.
So you really think
that Peterson did it?
Means, motive, opportunity.
I owe you so much.
You don't owe me.
I did what you paid me to do.
Well, I'd like to believe
that it was a little more than that.
I don't think
this is such a good idea.
You're probably right.
Nice day for it.
- You got keys?
- You'll have to take me with you.
I would, but I don't think the judge
would appreciate it as much as I would.
I'll see you in court, Counselor.
I know. You forgot--
John.
What are you doing here?
I came by to see if you're okay.
Of course I'm okay.
Why?
Peterson's flown the coop.
His wife said that he threatened
to kill you and her both.
Well, from what I understand,John,
that's no longer a concern of yours.
Yeah, thanks to you.
Nice to see you,John.
Don't let the door hit you--
Wait, Maureen.
Please.
Two minutes?
For old times' sake?
All right. Come in.
I can't believe
you still have this thing.
God, we bought that
on our fiirst anniversary.
That stupid canoe trip we took.
You remember, I got totally lost?
You gave me so much shit.
Said only a genius could get lost
on a one-way river with no turns.
- You remember that, Mo?
- I remember.
Yeah, well, guess what.
It's not that hard after all.
John, sometimes you just have to get
the hell out of the water and walk back.
- But I was so sure.
- That doesn't make any difference.
Even if you were right...
what you did turned you
into the thing you hated most.
So you hate me, Mo?
Is that it?
I don't hate you John.
I never hated you.
It's just that you stopped being
a man I respected.
Oh, that's great.
Okay, here in one hour.
All right. Bye.
All right, well, I guess
I'll let you get back to--
to whatever it was you were doing.
One thing before you go.
Did you plant that evidence
at David's house?
Like I said, I was so sure.
So, what do you want?
All charges dropped with prejudice.
I can't do it.
The press'll crucify me.
Without prejudice, your guy walks.
Only until you guys manufacture
new evidence.
With prejudice or no deal.
It's no deal then.
Who you trying to kid, Fred?
You know you've got an election
coming up in November.
- How did you know he'd fold?
- Oh, I didn't.
It was a complete bluff, I swear.
Oh, thank God for good deodorant.
Did you call Mulholland
with the good news?
I thought I'd like
to deliver this news in person.
John, it's Maureen.
Could you please call me
as soon as you get this message?
So help me, God,
I really think I screwed up this time.
Please call me back
as soon as you can.
Thanks.
- Why'd you drive off so quickly?
- Why do you think?
Maureen, I can explain that.
Mrs. Peterson came to me because
her husband threatened to kill her.
She needed some money
till he was caught.
How do I know you didn't pay her
to forge that check?
Did you seduce her, too, David?
You used to believe me.
Well, I might again, as soon
as I take that check to an expert.
And if it's forged, I will personally
make sure that the case is reopened.
Do you hear me?
Please, Maureen.
I don't want to lose you.
I need to convince you
I am telling you the truth.
- I'm coming over to explain.
- No. I do not want you here, David.
David! Shit.
You don't want to do this, Maureen.
Get out of my way, David.
I need that check.
Open the door, Maureen.
Open the door!
It's the last thing in the world
I wanted to do, Maureen.
Just give me the check.
- Are you okay, honey?
- That stupid bitch.
She's just like the other two.
Oh, my God.
So this was all planned
from the beginning?
Molly's changing testimony,
Claire's new evidence-- all planned?
And I should get an Academy Award
for pretending to believe that drivel...
that your buddy Armstrong
was dishing out.
I practically had to send him a telegram
to catch me with your ex.
Yeah, honey, but we couldn't have
done it without you, Maureen.
I mean, your sincere belief
in my innocence--
that put them over the top.
Don't believe him, Molly.
He's just using you.
And when he's fiinished with you,
you'll end up like all the rest.
- You're wrong. We love each other.
- What about Virginia?
He never loved her.
She tried to break us up
with her lies.
And she got what she deserved.
-Just like you're gonna get.
- Girls, please.
Can't we all get along?
No, I--
I wanna watch you die.
You look a little scared, baby.
David, they're gonna know it's you.
No-- Peterson.
See, Peterson threatened to kill you.
At least, that's what I paid
Mrs. Peterson to say.
Keep your eyes open.
Come on, keep your eyes open.
- Hi,John.
- What's up, Davey?
What are you going to do,John?
What I should have done
a long time ago.
No,John.
I'm not gonna let him kill again.
Don't do it,John.
[]:skywalkerxp
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