All language subtitles for S01E09 Death Takes A Curtain Call

In the name of entertainment...
Ban the ballet!

[Woman]
Tonight on Murder, She Wrote.

Our good wishes
will be with you always.

First we must go to the federal
authorities and seek asylum.

Look, Ivan, I'm a stage manager
with a troupe of Commies.

I don't know if
I'd know a Russian if I saw one.

The entire ballet is running away,

and I am mired in this
insignificant little speck on the map!

If the K.G.B. Find me now,
my life is over.

- Doggone it, Jess. You're asking a lot.
- You're the only one I can ask.

[Man On TV]
Meanwhile, at
the Boston Opera Center,

where a preview performance
of the Rostov Ballet
is scheduled for this afternoon,

anticommunist protesters
tangled with police who
broke up the demonstration.

Oh, dear.
How about that piece of pie?

Velma Rodecker,
one of the protest leaders,
doesn't like what's happening.

It's a free country,
not Communist Russia!

We have a right to be heard!
We don't want Red culture here!

We have a right to be heard!
Ban the ballet!

That is enough to spoil
a man's appetite.

[Velma]
Ban the ballet!
Ban the ballet!

The pie?

[Velma]
Ban the ballet!
Ban the ballet!

I hope this won't interfere
with the special performance
of the ballet today.

I still don't know why
you want to go to Boston...

just to watch a bunch of Russians
jumpin' around the stage.

Because Leo Peterson was
thoughtful enough to invite me.
How is the pie?

It's delicious, as always.

I'd tell you if it wasn't.
I'm sure you would.

Good afternoon. Welcome to
our special performance.
[Chuckles]

Mr. Eddington, Jessica Fletcher.
We met at the New England
Arts Council dinner.

Oh, yes. Of course,
Mrs. Fletcher.

I'm delighted
to see you again.
My friend, Leo Peterson.

- Mr. Peterson.
- How do you do?

- Mr. Eddington is
the president of the arts council.
- Oh, congratulations.

Rostov Ballet is a good choice.

I'm looking forward to
the American debut
of Alexander and Natalia Masurov.

Oh, I do hope the television people
won't be in your way with their cameras.

Really? My goodness,
I feel like a V.I.P.

Enjoy yourselves.

- Curtain in 10 minutes.
- Shall we?

Now you tie this off first and
then attach the snub line, okay?

All right.

Um...

So, what's your name?
Irina.

Irina. I like that. Irina.

What part do you play, Irina?
The Sugar Plum Fairy?

Excuse me. I must return.

Now wait a minute, sugarplum.
I've been watching you.

You and I can have
some fun together.

It is not allowed.
They don't have to
know everything, do they?

If you ever decide to defect,
you just let me know.

I'll show you a real good time.

[Chuckles]
Let her go.

You are not to associate
with members of this company.
Listen, Berensky.

I don't take orders
from the K.G.B.

I'm telling you personally.
Stay away from that dancer.

Don't threaten me, comrade.
I'll associate with anybody I like.

[Orchestra Tuning Up]

[Speaking Russian]

Natalia! Are you nervous?

Like a pigeon, my heart
is pounding in my chest.

Well, do not be frightened.
America will love you,

just as the world loves you.

You have always been
such a good friend, Irinichka.

Hmm.

Our good wishes
will be with you always.

[Speaking Russian]

[Knocking]
[Man]
Three minutes!

Oh, I have to go.

[Both Sigh]

Leo, am I mistaken, or have you
seen the Rostov Ballet perform?

Oh, I have indeed.
Many, many years ago.

Ha. Is that why we were favored
with this special invitation?

Perhaps.

♪♪ [Orchestra]

Leo...

Shh.

[Applause, Cheers]
[Audience]
Bravo! Bravo!

♪♪[Orchestra]

Take my warning seriously.
Keep your distance from Irina.

You're a real tough guy,
aren't you?

What's the matter? You afraid
your dancer's gonna do
some private dancing with me?

Go ahead, Russki.
Try it, just once.
Please, just try it.

Open this door!

Open up, Commies!
Are you afraid of the truth?

♪♪ [Orchestra]

Excuse me, Jessica.
I'll be right back.
Uh, what?

Bravo! Bravo!

[Man]
Bravo! Bravo!

Alexander and Natalia are not onstage.
Check in their dressing room, quick!

Yes, Major Karzoff.

Wake up, America!

This Russian ballet tour
is only an excuse to bring
more Communists into our midst!

Don't be deceived by treacherous lies
in the name of entertainment!

[Murmuring]
Ban the ballet!
Russkies go home!

Ban the ballet!

We must go, Jessica. Now.
[Gasps]

But the parking lot exit
is that way!
No, Jessica. This way.

Major, what happened?
Cover the exits.
Close down the theater.

Alexander and Natalia are missing.

Go!

Berensky.

Alexander Masurov?

Get in, Jessica.
I'll explain everything.

You must be Natalia.

[Car Starts]

It is wonderful
to finally meet you, Uncle.

My dear, dear Natalia.
[Speaking Russian]

Jessica, can you forgive me
for involving you in this?
I was so afraid.

A single man at the ballet,
with an accent no less,
would be much too conspicuous.

So I asked you
to accompany me.
Well, I'm not sure I understand.

Thank you for helping.

We have been
planning this moment
since I was a little girl.

I am so happy
it has finally come true.

I'm happy for you, Natalia,
but, Leo, you've got a lot
of explaining to do.

Of course. First we must go
to the federal authorities...

and ask them to seek asylum
for Natalia and Alexander.

[Jessica]
But where did you go when
you left me in the theater?

To the car, of course. I moved
it closer, so that our getaway
would proceed more smoothly.

I hate to bring this up, but
by now someone must have
discovered they're missing.

There could be news
on the radio.
[Speaking Russian]

[Tuning Radio]

[Man On Radio]
At the Boston Opera Center,
where only moments ago,

the body of Soviet
security officer, Serge Berensky,
was found stabbed to death...

in the dressing room of Alexander
and Natalia Masurov,
stars of the Rostov Ballet.

The couple, who disappeared
immediately following
today's preview performance,

are being sought for questioning
by local and federal author...
[Radio Clicks Off]

- [Speaking Russian]
- [Speaking Russian]

[Speaking Russian]

[Speaking Russian]

We did not do
this terrible thing.
We hurt no one.

We did not return
to our dressing room.
We went to musician room.

They only changed
their clothes there.
We did not even see Berensky.

I think we should go
directly to the police.

No! The police think
Natalia and Alexander
have murdered a K.G.B. Officer.

If they're innocent,
they've got nothing to fear!

Nothing but the K.G.B.
If they get their hands
on Natalia and Alexander,

they will drag them
back to Russia.

Do you suppose
they would have a fair trial
there, after that?

Please, Jessica.
I know them better than you do.

[Sighs]
Well, if it's a question of
delaying their surrender...

All right, Leo.
Take them back to Cabot Cove.

Find Ethan. I'll telephone him
and explain the situation.
And what about you?

Well, I'd like to stay here
and see what I can find out.

I'll catch a bus later.

And you were not aware
that Berensky had not
come out of his dressing room?

I wasn't paying any attention.
I was busy.

And just how busy
was that?

Look, Ivan, I'm a stage manager
with a troupe of Commies.

Most of 'em don't even
understand English.
I gotta keep my eyes on them.

Too bad you didn't
keep your eyes on Berensky.

What can you tell us
about him?

Not much, except he was
hanging around all the time,
watching the ballerinas.

Particularly a little cutie-pie
named Irina.

Uh, pardon me.
Excuse me,
who's in charge?

I am.
I am.

Okay.
We'll, uh, get back to you.

Anytime.
Chief Agent O'Farrell, F.B.I.

Is there something
I can do for you?
Uh, my name is Jessica Fletcher.

I was in the audience
this afternoon.
Oh, yes. I remember you.

You were with a very
distinguished-looking gentleman.

Mr. Peterson. He returned home.
He doesn't have quite the same
fascination for murder that I have.

Fascination?
Well, you see,
I write mystery stories.

Really?

Well, you know there is a
very excellent mystery writer
named J.B. Fletcher...

from your state of Maine.
From Cabot Cove, Maine.

And I thank you.
Is it you? Oh, oh!
Oh, I am honored!

Major Anatole Karzoff,
committee for state security.

K.G.B.
Well, if you prefer.

Mrs. Fletcher, unless you have
some relevant knowledge
about what happened,

I'm afraid I'm going to
have to ask you to leave.

Not so hasty, Mr. O'Farrell.
Mrs. Fletcher has remarkable
powers of deduction.

I would welcome
her observations
in this matter.

Well, I would not.
And need I remind you,
Major Karzoff, this is my turf!

[Loudly]
I would...

uh, hope...
in the spirit of cooperation...

in this instance you might
defer to my request, eh?

Suit yourself, Major.

I feel as though
I already know you...

from the many hours
I have spent absorbed
with your books.

Well, you're very kind, Major.

But I'm only sorry that
Russia doesn't see fit
to pay authors royalties.

[Laughs]
That is a capitalist invention,
my dear.

Come, shall we examine
the scene of the crime?
Of course.

My favorite book was
the first one I read of yours...

I was the first
to find Berensky.

Facedown, with a jeweled
dagger in his back.

Any suspects?
Yes, only one.

There's no doubt that
Alexander Masurov
murdered Berensky.

The dagger was part
of his costume.

And what was his motive?
Defection.

As soon as I observed
that Alexander and Natalia were
absent from their curtain call...

I sent Berensky to look for them.

Apparently he found them,
preparing to flee.

There was a struggle
with Natalia.
How can you be sure?

Fingernail marks were raked
along Berensky's face.

And while they struggled,
Alexander plunged his dagger
into Berensky's back,

killing him instantly.

Well, that is a sound premise.
But surely there are others
who had motive or opportunities?

- Even I can think of one.
- Oh? And who might that be?

You, Major. As you said,
you were the first on the scene.

[Laughs]
Very good, yes.

I agree. That is my opportunity,

but what about my motive
for killing my own man?

The realization that two of your
country's most famous dancers
were defecting to the West...

and the knowledge
that nothing short of murder
could prevent it.

Heh! So I killed Berensky
in order to thwart them
from seeking asylum, huh?

[Laughs]
Excellent, excellent!

You are mistaken, of course,
but it is a brilliant postulation.

Thank you again.

Tell me, my dear lady.
Are you planning to stay
in the city this evening?

Well, that wasn't my intention,
but under the circumstances,
I think perhaps I will.

Oh, well, then,
m-m-may I suggest
a... a wonderful place?

It's where I'm staying.
I'm sure you'll like it.

Ethan, please trust me.

I'm sure they're innocent.

But until the real murderer is found,
they need someplace to stay.

Jess, do you realize what kind of
deep chowder I'll be in
if I get caught aiding and abetting?

And do you know what will happen
to those young, innocent people
if they are sent back to Russia?

No, and neither do you,
not for sure.

Doggone it, Jess.
You're asking a lot.
I know.

And you're the only one
I can ask.

All right, all right.
But I'm only doing it for you.

There is no room on my boat
for international politics.

[Knocking]
Oh, there's somebody at the door.
Ethan, thanks.

[Woman On TV]... to take their bows,
the missing stars of the ballet...
[Knocking Continues]

Alexander and Natalia Masurov...
[Knocking Continues]

Suspects in the murder of
Soviet security agent, Serge Berensky.

[Velma]
Wake up, Am...
[Knocking Continues]

Uh, forgive me, madam.
It's a habit from my old days
with the militia.

[Laughs]
Some people were reluctant
to answer the buzzer.

Well, I'm glad I opened the door
before you kicked it down.

Hmm. The lab reports are ready.

I thought you might like to accompany
me to police headquarters, yes?
Yeah.

That's the lot.
Isn't it sad...

how a man's whole life can be
reduced to a pile of trinkets?

Now, here's something
interesting, Major.

The victim's handkerchief
was found in his pocket,
stained with his own blood.

What about it?
Well, it seems to disprove
the major's theory...

that Berensky was struggling
with Natalia,

and she scratched his face
while Alexander
stabbed him in the back.

I don't seem to
follow your logic.

She clawed him,
and he wiped his face
with his handkerchief.

Then he put it back in his pocket
after he'd been fatally stabbed?

No. Mrs. Fletcher
is absolutely correct.

The face-scratching
must have happened earlier.

Does that report mention
anything about fibers
snagged onto the watchband?

Green fibers?

Now, that woman who rushed
on the stage, she was wearing
a green sweater, wasn't she?

Velma Rodecker.

- Where is she now, Sergeant?
- She's upstairs in lockup.

See if these fibers match up
with her sweater.
Right.

Sergeant, you might examine under
her fingernails while you're at it.
Yes, ma'am.

Uh-huh.
[Chuckles]

This investigation could be valuable
material for a new mystery novel,
eh, Mrs. Fletcher?

Well, it certainly has
the right ingredients.

Hmph, the murder of a Soviet agent,
coincidental with the disappearance
of two world-famous ballet stars.

Well, please don't leave out
the wise and venerable
chief of state security,

who solves the murder...

and brings to justice
the misguided betrayers
of the homeland.

Ah, but that remains to be seen,
doesn't it?

[Chuckles]
It's in the final chapter, madam.

Ha, may I offer you a nightcap?
Thank you, no.

I've had an exhausting day.
I need a good night's sleep
to clear my mind.

I'd like to take
a rain check though.
You have a rain check.

Thank you.
Good night.

Leo was certainly
a fine-looking young man.
Yes.

How much has he told you?

Concerning you? Nothing.

But I did see you
deal him a playbill
from the bottom of the deck.

Leo promised me that
no one would learn of
my participation in the defection.

If the Russians
were to find out,

they would never again
allow their dancers to
perform for the arts council.

As far as I know,
Leo has never told anyone.

Tell me, Mr. Eddington.
How did you know Leo?

Entre nous, of course?
Oh, of course.

My father was the American officer
who arranged for Leo's defection
from the Russian army...

during the fall of Berlin
in World War II.

Leo was then Leonid Petrovich,
a dancer who longed for the artistic
freedom of the United States.

He was just beginning
to build himself
a tremendous reputation,

when a tragic accident
ended his career.

- Accident?
- A heavy light fell onstage.

Leo was unable
to get out of the way.

Oh, of course.
That explains his limp.

So Leo contacted me just after
I'd announced the Rostov Ballet
was coming to Boston.

He asked me to help
in the defection of his grandniece.
Well, how could I refuse?

And aside from inviting him
to the performance,
what was your participation?

Nothing very dramatic really.

I was to open a window
in the musicians' room.

Leo would then bring a change
of clothes for Natalia and Alexander
and leave the clothes in a locker.

Number 19.
I saw the number
scribbled on his playbill.

Yes. And that was it!

Except that when I
left the musicians' room,
Yes?

Berensky saw me
from the far wings.

I remember because he was holding
a handkerchief to the side of his face
for some reason.

Before he went into
the Masurovs' dressing room?
Mm-hmm.

Mr. Eddington, thank you.
It's been most useful.

I really should be getting home.
Well, let me drive you.

Oh, no, I wouldn't think of it.
I still have time to catch
the last bus to my hotel.

And I know my way
around Boston very well.

Well, the streets are
very dangerous at night,
especially for ladies alone.

Oh, I'll be fine,
but thanks for the concern.

Good night.
Good night.

Looking for someone?

Go.

I hope he did not startle you,
Mrs. Fletcher.

[Chuckles]
I'm afraid I startled him. Thank you
for the bodyguard, Major Karzoff.

I wouldn't have dared to walk
the streets alone, if I hadn't known
Mr. Nagy was following me.

Mmm. It was a wasted exercise
interviewing Mr. Eddington, madam.

The fibers found in Berensky's
watchband match those
of Velma Rodecker's sweater,

and traces of Berensky's flesh
were found under her nails,
as you suggested.

They've arrested her
for the murder?
Yes,

and while I have no sympathy
for a neurotic anticommunist,

I regard it as a most
depressing development.

Mornin'.
Ethan Cragg about?

Uh, yup.

I don't believe we've met.

Amos Tupper,
I'm the local sheriff.
Yup.

You must be new around here.
Where ya from?
Amos!

Ethan.
Good morning, Amos.

I see you met my new deckhand.
I figured I could use some help
the way the cod's been bitin' lately.

Good idea. You here temporary,
or are you staying awhile?

Nope.

Oh, I think what he means is,
he's gonna stay here for a while
and then he'll be moving on.

Isn't that right, Al?

Yup.

Hey, how about I buy you
a cup of coffee at the inn?
Sounds good to me.

Seems like a friendly sort.

A might too gabby
for my taste.

Ethan, have you seen any
suspicious-looking characters about?

Suspicious? How?
Different, foreign-like.

You know, Russian?
Russian!

Ju... Yeah, Russki toe dancers,
a man and a woman.

They ran off from some
Boston ballet. Defectors.

Only they murdered a fella,
and there's a warrant out on 'em.

I don't know if I'd know
a Russian if I saw one.
Would you?

Ha! From a country mile away!
[Clunking]

[Amos]
Well, now,
who do you s'pose that is?

Uh, her?

Oh, uh, that little gal has come
to visit Niels Larsen's family
for a spell.

We gonna have the coffee?
Pretty little thing, isn't she?

Radicals!

So vociferous for the cameras,
yet quiet as church mice
under interrogation.

Then, Miss Rodecker still hasn't
made a statement, hmm?

And she is deriving intense pleasure
from her newfound notoriety.

But then, that's
exactly what she wanted,
her day in court.

The center of attention.

Make no mistake,
she is the killer.

The woman stabbed Berensky...

and then ran onto the stage
to cause her disturbance.

But the murder weapon
was Alexander's dagger.

Surely he was using it onstage
at that moment?

Nyet, nyet.

You will recall that
the wedding scene
occurs in the final act.

The dagger is not worn
in the wedding scene.

It would have remained
in the dressing room
throughout the finale.

Oh, I see.

Those girls over there,
they're members of
the corps de ballet aren't they?

[Karzoff]
Mmm, yes.

That little one there looks so sad.

Oh, Irina, yes. Yes, yes.
She was Natalia's best friend.
Oh.

W-Would you like
to meet her?
Yes.

Uh, Miss Katska.

Would you come, please?

Mrs. Fletcher, may I present
Miss Irina Katska?
How do you do?

Major Karzoff has told me
how close you were to Natalia.

I'm so sorry.
I know what it is
to lose a friend.

You are very kind.
Thank you, Irina.

You must forgive me, Major,
but I must catch the next bus
back to Cabot Cove.

So soon?
Well, you've almost solved the crime.
There's no reason for me to stay.

Then it is farewell only,
never, never good-bye.

Farewell then.
Farewell.

Good news, Major.
Velma Rodecker
has decided to talk.

Welcome home, Ms. Fletcher.

Why, Sheriff,
do you always meet the bus
to welcome people home?

Only the famous ones.

Ethan tells me you hung
around Boston gathering
material concerning that murder.

What did you find out?
It was open-and-shut.

Apparently a protester
named Velma Rodecker
murdered the Russian agent.

Have you seen Ethan around?
Oh, he's down at his boat
showing his new hand the ropes.

New hand?
Friendly young fella. Sounds like
he's from up around Bangor.

Ethan!

Oh, there she is.
How ya doin', Jessica?

Ethan, when I asked you to hide
Alexander and Natalia,
this is not at all what I had in mind.

Don't get on your high horse, woman.
What did you want me to do,
stuff ‘em in my sea chest?

Amos thinks she's a Swede
from Minnesota.

Well, even so,
I'm taking Natalia home
with me right now.

Now where's Leo?
Up to his house, I guess.

Well, then you bring Alexander along
to my place for supper tonight,

and then we've got to
make some new arrangements.

The police department, the K.G.B.
And the F.B.I. Could be down
on this town in any moment.

What for? They got the murderer.
Velma Rodecker
is not the murderer.

[Leo]
Aah! Aah!

Ooh, does that smell good!
[Laughs]
Leo, will you sit there?

Ethan, you come around here.

And you two,
you better sit side-by-side.
[Doorbell Rings]

Who in tarnation is that?

Leo! Take Alexander
and Natalia upstairs. Hurry!
[Speaking Russian]

[Speaking Russian]
[Footsteps On Stairs]

I sure am sorry for disturbin' ya,
ma'am, but I was told
Captain Cragg might be here.

Yes, I'm Ethan Cragg.
What can I do for you?

Well, sir, I just put into the harbor
with a blown oil seal,

and a fella down at the docks said
you might have a spare to sell me.

No, I'm sorry, but you can
probably get one from Gus Harker
over at Rockwater Bay.

Oh, Rockwater Bay, huh?
Shoot.

Ma'am, you s'pose
I could use your phone
to call over there...

before I start hitchin'
in that direction?

Of course. Come on inside.
Thank you.

Looks like you folks
are expecting company.
Well, they are a little late.

You know how much trouble
babies can be, Mr. - -

Dewey Johnson.
Gus will be home
at this time of night.

Just call the operator.
Thank you, ma'am.

You from Down East,
Mr. Johnson?

No, ma'am. I'm from Maine,
born and bred,
up near Bar Harbor.

Well, that's lovely, Bar Harbor.
I'll let you make your phone call.

News is on, Jess.
Come take a look.

[Man On TV]
The murder of
a Soviet security agent...

and the disappearance
of two Russian ballet stars
remain a mystery today.

The dancers were first missed
when they did not
take their curtain calls,

as shown in this videotape...

of the preview performance
of the Rostov Ballet.

All through, ma'am.
Mr. Harker's got that seal, so
I best catch me a ride over there.

Much obliged for your help.
You're very welcome, I'm sure.

So long.
Good night.

Jessica, has he gone?
He's gone, all right.

[Speaking Russian]

But not to Gus Harker's.
What do you mean?

I asked if he was from Down East.
He said, "No, I'm from Maine."

Aha!
[Chuckles]

Yes?

"Down East" is just another name
for Maine. Anybody from
New England would know that.

That man ain't
who he says he is.

- Then who is he?
- We'll soon find out.

I have a strong suspicion
he's done something
to my telephone.

Letitia? This is Jessica Fletcher.

I'd like you to reach
a number in Boston.

[Knocking]

Letitia, hold that call, will you?
There's someone at the door.

Thanks.

[Knocking Continues]

[Knocking Continues]

Wasn't me doing the pounding,
Ms. Fletcher.

Why, Major Karzoff,
what a pleasant surprise.

Perhaps not,
Mrs. Fletcher. Sheriff?
I'm sorry, Ms. Fletcher,

but these fellas have a warrant
to search your house.

My house? Whatever for?

I'll check the kitchen.

Uh, Major,
would you care to explain?
Certainly.

I would not dare embarrass you like this
without explaining my action.

I am looking for Natalia
and Alexander Masurov.

We searched Leo Peterson's house,
but no one was there.

And why would the Masurovs be here
or at Mr. Peterson's house,
for that matter?

Velma Rodecker had
a very interesting story to tell.

It seems that after she struggled
with Berensky,

she was forcibly removed
from the theater.

She discovered a window open
and entered to find herself
in the musicians’ room.

She heard a sound and hid,

and then watched as a man
climbed in through the window
with a viola case.

The case contained two costumes.

Miss Rodecker slipped
out of the room,
into the backstage area,

where she hid
until the curtain call.

Her description of the man
sounded remarkably like
your Mr. Peterson.

Right down to his limp.

A quick check with the Soviet
Consulate revealed that
Leo Peterson of Cabot Cove, Maine,

is in truth Leonid Petrovich,
betrayer of his homeland,

and the granduncle
of Natalia Masurov.

There's no one in the kitchen.
Well, I could have
told you that, Amos.

How did you
enjoy the muffin?
Real good, ma'am.

There is no sign of them, Major.

What a shame. You came
all this distance for nothing.

As you can see,
the situation has changed.

Alexander Masurov is once again
the prime murder suspect.

If you should,
by some chance, happen
to encounter the Masurovs,

as unlikely as that may be,

please assure them that
my government...

will provide them
with a fair and just trial.

And then they will be executed.
You can call off
your manhunt, Major.

I wish to make
a full confession.

Leo, no!

I have no desire
to conceal the truth, Jessica.

I killed Berensky...

so that my niece
and nephew would have
sufficient time to escape.

They were not aware of my action.

Don't listen to him, Major.
It's a noble gesture, but it's not true.

Obviously.
Arrest him anyway, Sheriff.

He is guilty
of obstructing justice.

I hate to do this, Leo.

Amos.

Was that necessary, Major?

Ours is a war of attrition,
Mrs. Fletcher.

That was a warning shot
across your bow.

Don't be deceived
by my gentle manner,

I beg of you.

Letitia, you can make
that Boston call now.

[Ringing]

Stage manager.

Yeah.

Irina!

Yes, this is Irina Katska.

Irina, this is Jessica Fletcher.

[Jessica]
We met yesterday
at breakfast.

[Irina]
Yes, I remember.

Irina, I can't go into detail now,
but Natalia asked me to call you.

Natalia?

She wants you to know
that she and Alexander
are safe and in hiding.

You know where they are?

Uh, yes. They're near my home
in Cabot Cove, Maine.

[Irina]
Oh, I'm so grateful
they are safe!

[Jessica]
Natalia wanted you to know she's so
sorry she couldn't say good-bye properly.

Well, l... I understand.

Alexander also sends a message.

I'll try to remember the words.

[Speaking Broken Russian]

I hope I said it correctly.
I don't know what it means.

It was correct, Mrs. Fletcher.

I understood every word perfectly.

If only I could be there.

Well, perhaps Mr. Fleming
could be of some assistance?

Now here's a possibility.
The old Linderman farmhouse.

Been deserted since '68.
Well, let's go there at once!

Oh, just remembered.

The whole place burned
to the ground last winter,
lock, stock and barrel.

You are not being
very helpful, Sheriff.

I want to find them and now!
Major, there's no call to
raise your voice. I'm doing my best.

[Phone Ringing]
I'm becoming very aware of that.

Sheriff Tupper.
Major, I lost Mrs. Fletcher.

Lost her? In a town
the size of a postage stamp?

[Laughs]
Ms. Fletcher give you the slip, huh?
She is a wily one.

It's for you, Major.
For me?

Major Karzoff.

Irina, missing?
Well, find her!

[Phone Clicks]

The entire ballet is running away,

and I am mired in this
insignificant little speck on the map!

No, we're here, Major.

Sweetness, this isn't exactly
what I meant when I said
I'd show you the sights.

It is not much further.
I don't even know
where we're goin'!

To a safe place.
That is all I can say.

If the K.G.B. Find me now,
my life is over.

Sugarplum, I'm not
the K.G.B., okay?
Trust me.

Please, Mr. Fleming,
it is not much further!

[Sighs]
I gotta be nuts.

Fletcher, Fletcher.
Isn't that the name of that
busybody dame who, uh... Hey!

[Doorbell Rings]

Irina! How nice to see you.
Come in.

And Mr. Fleming.
Mrs. Fletcher,
you must help me.

Coming here
wasn't my idea.
No, no. It was mine.

Mrs. Fletcher, Natalia's bravery
has encouraged me.

I wish to join her and Alexander
and live in freedom.

Well, I know they'll be
overjoyed to see you.

Now you wait here,
and I'll go make a phone call.

[Fleming]
What's wrong with this phone?
Well, that phone isn't bugged.

[Ringing]

[Cragg]
Hello?

[Jessica]
Ethan, take Natalia
and Alexander to your boat.

We'll meet you there.

[Cragg]
You sure it's safe?
Positive.

[Cragg]
We're on our way.

Flotsam to Sand Castle, over.

[Static]
Go ahead.

It's going down.
Suspects are en route
to Cragg's boat.

[Static]
Got it.

Are you sure you
won't have a cup of tea?
Are you kidding?

I wonder what is keeping
Natalia and Alexander.

Hey, look. Why do I
have to hang around here?
Suppose I just split.

Well, it might be safer to wait.
They're watching the house.

Oh, great.

If I hadn't listened to you,
I'd be in some cozy Boston bar
getting smashed right now.

[Doorbell Rings]
Oh, we have company.

Major. Amos, did you forget
to search my fruit cellar?

Come to think of it...
No, Mrs. Fletcher.

My man just reported to me
that you have visitors from Boston.

Ah, Miss Katska,
and Mr. Fleming.

Listen, pal, I have
nothing to do with this.
And why are you here, Irina?

Perhaps to find your friends,
Natalia and Alexander Masurov?

I do not know.

Do you know the penalty
for shielding a murderer?

Alexander didn't kill anyone!

B-But l... I know who did!
It was him!

Oh, come on!
You're crazy!

No, it's true!
He hated Berensky
because of me.

They fought
in front of witnesses.

You conniving little Commie.
Just hold it, sonny.

That's very interesting, Irina.

You say Mr. Fleming hated
Mr. Berensky because of you.

Yes. He thought Berensky
and I were lovers.

He wanted me for himself.
He was mad with jealousy.

Aw, come on.
She's crazy!

But Mr. Fleming had no reason
to be jealous of Mr. Berensky, did he?

You are in love
with Alexander Masurov.

Incorrect, Mrs. Fletcher.

Irina's affair with Masurov ended
when he became enamored of Natalia.

No! Alexander still loves me!

You tell him, Mrs. Fletcher.

You... You tell him
the message Alexander sent.

[Speaking Russian]

I will love you always.

He said that, you hear?
Alexander said that... to me.

I'm sorry, Irina.
Alexander didn't send that message.

I only said he did.

Leo gave me the words
to tell you.

It was the only way
I could get you to reveal
your true feelings for Alexander.

- For what possible reason?
- Her motive.

It finally dawned on me
last night, Major.

It was the videotape
of the curtain call.

Each time I saw it,
I knew something was wrong.

It lacked symmetry.

There should have been six ballerinas,
three on each side.

But the sides were uneven
because there were only five.

Not only were Natalia and
Alexander missing from
the curtain call, but so was Irina.

I think you sensed
they were going to defect.

When you saw them
leave the stage,
you ran after them,

hoping to stop
the man you loved
from running out of your life.

But you found
their dressing room empty.

Berensky came in,
sent by Major Karzoff.

He told you
the Masurovs were gone.

But there was still one way
to prevent them
from making good their escape,

and in your desperation,
you picked up Alexander's dagger.

Stop!
Stop, please, stop.

I just...
I wanted him back.

I... I didn't think.
I didn't know what I was doing.

Please.

No.

Well, it makes
no difference anymore.

Take me back.

Child, Major Karzoff
has no jurisdiction here.

Amos.

Be gentle with her, please.
Yes, ma'am.

I sure will. Now if you'll
just come along, miss.

Well, if no one objects,
I'll just get the hell
out of here.

I was about to suggest
the same thing, Mr. Fleming.
Good night.

Yeah.

So, J.B. Fletcher has wrapped up
another mystery, eh?

[Chuckles]
Rather neatly done, I might say.

Oh, not really.
I'm afraid I left poor Mr. O'Farrell
waiting on an empty boat.

But then, of course,
he shouldn't have tapped my phone.

And what about
Natalia and Alexander Masurov?

On their way to Portland,
to turn themselves in
as defectors seeking sanctuary.

- I thought as much.
- You could have tried to stop them.

Well, I, uh, did what I could.

[Chuckles]
Let them live in peace.

And what about you, Major?
Have you ever thought
of living in peace?

As a loyal citizen
of the Soviet Union,
I will pretend I did not hear that.

Tell me, how's the fishing
around here?

Marvelous! Do you fish?

Of course!
Every chance I get.

Maybe you could stay around
a few days.

Hmph, a few days.

[Sighs]
Unfortunately,

days have a way
of growing into years.

So, farewell, my dear Jessica.
I look forward to your next novel.

I'd like to send you a signed copy,
if it won't compromise you
in the Kremlin.

Sometimes, a man
likes to be compromised, eh?

[Laughs]