Original subtitles

HUMAN DESI RES

All right. Move your hair aside.

That's cool.

Mr. Wilson, lhate to say this, but--

I have some bad news and some good news.

The good ne ws is that your wife is scre wing--

That's the bad news.

Dean Thomas here.

But who is Delilah?

She'll be seen in every picture for the fashion line.

The consumer will feel like she knows her intimately.

Like her favorite TV star.

But we want a fresh face.

Unexposed.

With so much riding on this, it's not an easyjob...

picking the right girl.

Just pick one of my girls, R.C.

Alicia, I have to admit at first I was skeptical, but...

this pajama party was a fantastic idea.

Thankyou. I'm glad you're designing lingerie and not skiwear.

I could be prancing around in a parka.

You and Miles have done terrific. Look at all these girls.

- Hi. -All so fresh.

- Unexposed. - Exciting.

- Fetching. -Excuse me. I have to see the bartender.

- She still looks fantastic. - Yeah.

Mr. Gabor, how you doing?

- Give me a tall glass. Thanks. -Yes, Mrs. Royale.

What do you want to drink this time? A little paint thinner?

You guys use the cheap stuff. What's she having?

Slow Comfortable Screw.

I'll have that too.

Do you sleep in that thing?

Actually, I don't sleep in anything.

I thought I was being creative.

This pajama party is ridiculous. Who thought ofthis stupid idea?

That would be me. Enjoyyour drink.

That's Alicia Royale.

She owns the place.

Goodjob.

You're gonna break the bar. What's the matter?

Roddy, you're the only one I know here.

I feel like a hooker at a priest convention and you leave.

I'm working.

Get some fire extinguishers. I'll be right there.

Grease fire in the kitchen. I'll see you later. Whoa.

Water from now on.

- Shit! I'm late for the party. - I'll come too.

That will make me Miles' favorite pick for sure.

I'll take some shots.

I'm serious, Peter. Don't ruin this contest for me.

Melinda, darling, you didn't read the invitation.

I always wear this to bed. Really.

Don't you ever have normal parties, Miles?

Even ifl knew what normal was, what would be the point?

We need a drink.

Julia! Christ! How much ofthat areyou going to inhale?

Come on, Zoe. Don't be so prissy.

I know. I just don't want anything to happen to you.

- You're a sap. -l know.

I hope Miles doesn't turn in early and see us here. I'd die.

I hope he does.

Excuse me. Kid, you're supposed to mingle.

Mingling isn't my strong suit.

I prefer drinking heavily, but you put an end to that.

Come on. I'll introduce you to some ofthe girls.

Finally. Now you're talking.

Honey, there's nothing like greasing the wheels a little.

- You should do ityourself. - What do you say to R.C. Rubio?

Zoe, he's a man. That's all you need to know.

- Give us some drinks. - Yeah, please.

Those glasses are great. You need to sit down.

Too many powdered doughnuts?

Cute, Zoe. Really cute. It's from a fire extinguisher.

I'd like you to meet my former partner, girls.

- Hi. - Don't sayit.

- Lovely pajamas. - Thankyou.

Come on.

People take sleepwear too casually these days.

Finally someone who understands my sense ofhumor.

- That's nice. - What's your name?

- Zoe Gibson. - The "Dressing Delilah” girl?

- I haven't won or anything. - The choice is perfectly clear.

Dean suffers from excessive slobbering. It's a glandular problem.

Zoe is one ofthe favorites. So don't drool.

- So you're a cop? - Was.

- He's a private investigator now. - With a trench coat?

Yeah, I'm a walking cliche.

- Wow. -What is it now?

- I can't believe it. - Behave.

A private eye. just like Mike Hammer.

Ifyou must compare, I prefer Sam Spade.

I have to introduce you tojulia. She'll flip out. Come on.

I do weddings and bar mitzvahs too.

Party crasher? What some guys won't do to get a look at a room ofgirls.

Don't move! Let me guess. You left your invitation at home.

Look, my girlfriend is in there. I just want to speak to her.

- Very original. - I'm telling the truth.

Okay! Let's go.

This suit cost me five bills. I don't want to get it bloody.

- It's a party. - I'm busy.

- Have some caviar. - I've had enough. Look at me.

Think ofyourlibido. Caviar is good for the libido.

- Have you seenjulia? -She left.

- She went to swim some laps. - Now?

You don't have to kiss ass when you'rejulia Dempsey.

You'rejust angry because she got to Miles first.

- Yeah. - I know it.

Come on. Let's go outside.

Sojulia is having an affair with the boss?

Don't act surprised. Miles Royale is no saint.

She should be--

Oh. my God!

Make sure that watch gets into an evidence bag.

- I had no idea she was so troubled. - Troubled. Yeah.

The award a few days away-- This isjust great.

That's very sensitive.

Look what the cat puked up.

Vic. Still making the sheep nervous?

Hey, anything with a pulse, baby.

This is Lieutenant Vic Morrisey. We go back a long time.

This is Zoe Gibson. She was with me when we foundjulia.

- It's nice to meet you. - I'm going inside.

- All right. Take care. - Was it something I said?

Maybe.

So, buddy, I hearyou were on tonight's treasure hunt.

- You could say that. - What can you tell me?

We came to look for her and found her floating in the pool. End ofstory.

It's a regular broken-down policemen convention here.

- Speak foryourself, Grandpa. -just tell me what you know.

Poked around her room. It's like a pharmacy in there.

Tonight's special: heavy-duty painkillers.

Looks like she took a bunch, hopped in the pool, slashed her wrists.

Itwas a suicide. Cut and dry, so to speak.

- Creative combination. - And smart.

Numb the pain ofthe wound, slip into never-never land.

- Smart, but a goddamn shame. - The best-looking corpse I've seen.

Shit. I may have to break my rule about the pulse.

Nice, Vic. Very nice.

You should try it sometime.

I don't think so.

- Shit. - Anyone in there?

Detective Thomas?

I'm sorry about the mess. My maid got deported.

That's all right. I guess you're wondering...

what I'm doing here and howl found you.

I'm hoping you found me charming and irresistible.

But since that's asking a lot, I'll settle for one or the other.

Actually, it's a bit more grim.

I don't believe Julia killed herself.

Slashed wrists, sleeping pills. You want a suicide note too?

I knew her better than anybody. It doesn't make sense.

- I'd bet my life on that. - Then go to the cops.

Ifl do, my career is over.

Alicia and Miles don't want the negative publicity ofa murder.

- Why are you telling me this? - You're the only private eye I know.

Expand your social circles because I'm not interested.

- I'm not feeling sociable. - Then open a phone book.

There's millions listed. Let your fingers do the walking.

I need to work with someone I can trust.

- What makes me so special? -l knowyou.

Not well, butl think I can trustyou.

- What's your daily rate? - Four hundred, but--

I thinkyou'll find that adequate.

You've got a lot ofmoney for an unemployed model.

I'm not fresh offthe bus from Kansas.

I've got money. Family money.

Still not interested.

From the looks ofthings, you can't afford to turn me down.

You're right, but I'm going to anyway.

Please, Dean. I need your help.

You thinkyou could have done something to stop her...

but nothing will bring her back.

- You're upset. That's why you're here. - Maybe.

But I need to know for sure. There's a chance I'm right.

What's in it foryou?

Ifyou've ever had someone you really cared about...

taken away like that, you wouldn't ask that question.

She didn't kill herself. Why won't you help me?

Look, I'm small-time.

Missing persons, background checks.

To catch your husband fooling around, I'm the guyyou call. But not murder.

But you were a cop.

That's right. Past tense.

I promised myseifno more rough stuff. My life is simple now.

The worst I see is a few broken hearts and some dirty pictures.

I'm sorryl couldn't helpyou.

Keepitn

in case you change your mind.

I know the way out.

Smokey, tell me something.

You're 24, gorgeous, got money.

Why would you slash your wrists in a swimming pool?

- Don't make sense to me. - It doesn't.

Why would anybody want to kill her?

You got a quarter?

I'm good forit.

Roddy, it's Dean.

I want to tell you I've been hired to look intojulia Dempsey's death.

- Who hired you? - Concerned friends and family.

- I'll come by the office tomorrow. - / '// clear you downstairs.

Thanks, pal. I'll see you tomorrow at noon.

Come on in.

Forget it.

Zoe, what can I do foryou?

I'd like out ofthe competition.

What? Why?

I can't prance around all week with a smile on my face.

Not after what's happened.

I know you're hurting, dear, but we all are.

She was friendly with everyone here. We all loved her.

But the show must go on.

Isn't that whatjulia would have wanted?

Sit down. Hey, we discovered her.

The agency meant a lot to her, as I'm sure it does to you.

We have to band together.

You could be the center ofit all in a few days.

I bet ifjulia could pick anyone to be there, it would be you.

-L miss her. -$150,000 buys a lot oftime to mourn.

It's a lot ofmoney, but I lost a friend, Alicia.

Don't you understand what it means to become Delilah?

Rubio is one ofthe biggest designers out there.

Your face will be all over the world.

Instantly, you'd be up there with the supermodels.

That should have beenjulia.

]ulia's gone, Zoe.

Her death had nothing to do with you.

- Don't let it ruin your career. - What are you saying?

The contest is part ofour representation agreement with you.

Ifyou drop out ofthe contest, you breach your contract. We'll drop you.

I'm sorry for getting tough, but ifl don't, Miles will.

We need this account.

It's no secret you and Melinda are the top two contenders.

Whoever R.C. wants, that's who I want him to have.

Be right out.

Don't ruin things foryourself.

It's not whatjulia would want foryou.

- Thanks. - You will be at the rehearsal, right?

You can count on it.

Here's another.

- When is my next appointment? - 10:30.

- Why did you change your mind? -The money.

That's not it, but I'll find out.

Whatever the reason, thanks. Bye.

How areyou? It's all right.

Mrs. Royale is expecting this gentleman.

- You're the Slow Comfortable Screw. - I'd like to think so.

You look nice in street clothes, though I prefer pajamas.

- To what do we owe the pleasure? - I'm a private investigator.

I'm looking intojulia Dempsey's murder.

- You mean suicide. -We'll see.

- Just who hired you, Mr.- -Thomas. Call me Dean.

My father was Mr. Thomas, and he's a lousy investigator.

To answeryour question, I can't answeryour question.

Let'sjust say concerned friends and family.

Step into an office here.

I can assure you, we all mourn her loss...

but we have a very important public event coming up.

The last thing we need is someone poking his nose where it doesn't belong.

There's no need to insult him. He'sjust doing hisjob.

That's all right.

My friends in the press would be interested to know...

-your husband is covering up a murder. - Murder?

There's been nothing to suggest her death was anything but a suicide.

- What a scandal that could make. - Whoa.

- I'd sue their asses off. - They'd print a retraction...

prominently displayed on page 16.

No need to get rough, Dean.

I just want to do myjob. No need to mention it to anybody.

- This man a friend ofyours? - We were partners on the force.

I can vouch for him. lfhe says he'll be quiet, he will.

We all know it's a suicide, Miles. There's no harm in dispelling doubts.

Right? Can't hurt.

- Would you leave us, please? - Sure, Mr. Royale.

How much is this anonymous client paying you?

- That's confidential. - I'll payyou double.

Mr. Royale, in my business, your word is all you have.

In mine, your reputation is all you have.

Don't interfere, and I'll respect that.

We can do that. Right? Let me show you out.

She was staying with us since she left her boyfriend.

- You didn't like him? - He's a great photographer...

but she needed a restraining order to keep him away.

- How can I find him? - His name is Peter Holden.

I'll have my assistant get you his address.

- How long didjulia staywith you? -Two months.

Seven weeks and six days too long.

My husband is generous with the girls.

- Why'd you want her to leave? - My estate is not a hotel for models.

It's my home. You'll want to seejulia's room?

You read my mind. Can I get a guest list from the party?

Fine. I'll talkto Roddy.

- Ifthere's anything else-- - I'll put my lips together and blow.

This friend ofyours-

lwant him finished as soon as possible.

You're responsible for him until then.

There are plenty ofother retired cops looking for work.

Havel made myselfclear?

Absolutely.

Joe, would you step in?

We need to talk. I just got my butt chewed out.

I don't mean to cause problems.

Well, you are. So do me a favor. Walk lightly, okay?

The morel think about it, the more I don't think she did it.

Julia was mixed-up. She did drugs.

I don't know. I think there's more to it.

Iam in favor oftruthjustice and the American way too.

I was on the force for 3O years.

But my butt is on the line here.

Say no more. I'll be quiet as a church mouse.

What have you got?

Fancy girl.

Miles must have paid a lot for her.

Where did you forget to look, Vic?

What did you forget, Vic?

Police forget to check here?

Too weird.

Shit. I told them, no mayonnaise.

- It's you. - It's funnyyou picked here to meet.

This wasjulia's favorite place to-- What did she say?

" Decompress from the city."

I know what you mean.

Let's start from the top. Who do you think killedjulia?

I don't know. I just know she didn't.

Whoever did it, ifsomeone did it, made it look like a suicide.

People kill for three reasons: greed, revenge andjealousy.

There's the "Delilah" contest.

It's $150,000 plus a big contract with R.C. Rubio.

- That doesn't seem enough for murder. - I've seen it happen for much less.

Whywouldjulia be targeted? You and Melinda are in the running too.

Except we weren't having an affairwith Miles.

Withjulia gone, it would be between us.

Melinda's not that smart.

- I can't see her committing murder. - You'd be surprised.

- How long wasjulia with Miles? -Two months.

- Ever since she left her boyfriend. - Alicia doesn't like him.

Personally, I never liked him, but the restraining order was bullshit.

Julia said Peterwas upset after she left and stayed with Miles.

- He smacked her around? - So she claimed.

I never saw any bruises.

I think Miles did that to keep him away.

- He wantedjulia all to himself. -l guess.

Look, I've got to go, but thanks, Dean.

I'll see you later. Good luck.

I kind of need it.

Who are you?

I'd like to ask a few questions aboutjulia Dempsey.

- You a cop? - Private investigator.

Why don't we go inside and talk, okay?

I've got a deadline. I've got to make some prints.

What are you working on?

Dog food.

Come on. Hurry up.

I told you, I'm busy.

I do a little photography too. I like the wayyou framed these.

Skip the bullshit. You didn't come here to talk about photography.

Fine. I'll cut to it.

My client doesn't believe Julia killed herself.

Let's start from the beginning. How did Miles find her?

I used to take pictures of her: jeans, gowns, everything.

You put together a portfolio, sent it in.

Right. I thought itwould be good for both of us.

An agency like that could do a lot for someone like me.

I guess it could.

Come on, darling, I want to see that gorgeous body. There you go.

Nice.

Give me those eyes. I want them.

Fuck me.

- Say it with your eyes, honey. - Fuck me.

Julia, I can't use the shot when you open your mouth.

Come on, baby,just fuck me.

Oh, God.

One thing aboutjulia: She was a dynamo.

Anyway, we got a letter from thatjerk, Miles Royale.

I mean, she got a letter.

It said she was a semifinalist in his talent search.

What did you get?

Like I said, I got a deadline. Let's wrap this up.

Just one more question. Why did she leave you?

This whole fucking thing. I thought it was a good idea.

She'd sign, make a bundle ofmoney, then I could shoot something real.

- Solve all our problems. - But there were new ones.

Suddenly, she was meeting this designer and attending that party.

She started snorting cocaine, got an agent.

It used to bejust us. Now there were all these people.

She was on her way.

I couldn't even photograph her anymore.

Some established photographer reshot her portfolio.

Every time I turned around, she was going places with Miles.

- So you got angry, argued. - Fuck, yeah.

We'd been through a lot together. Some thanks I got.

Ifmy girl was gallivanting around with a playboy like Miles...

I don't know how I'd control myself.

- Where were you Monday night? - Where was l?

Oh, I get it. I'm a suspect, right? Spurned lover. Crime of passion.

You said it, not me. just tell me where you were.

- Were you here making pictures alone? - You'd love that, wouldn't you?

I was at Miles' estate when she was killed.

- You were at the party? - I wasn't at the fucking party, man.

I was feeling low about the way things had turned out, was drinking a lot.

- Went to see her, but couldn't get in. - Got into a little fight?

Ifyou know so much, why are you asking?

I'll be in touch. lfthere's anything to tell me,just call.

What's up, Smokey?

- Right there. -l see him.Thanks.

" What's up? ' Fm buying,

Oh, this must be important.

Just seeing you the other night-- It's been too long.

- All right, what do you need? - Please, you're insulting me.

It's the white boy beer. Give your ass away every time.

Let's have it.

All right. That girl you fished out ofthe pool.

- What did forensics say? - She probably killed herself. Why?

I've been hired to look into it in case it wasn't a suicide.

You said, "probably," so there's a chance.

Small.

You have more definite cases, and she doesn't have family complaining.

One little tidbit.

She had a watch on when she died.

It was fake. It wasn't waterproof.

- Stopped at about five after 10:00. - Time ofdeath.

Give or take a few minutes for the watch to break. It helps.

Let me see the autopsy report.

- Keep dreaming, white boy. - Come on, Vic.

I can't do that. I could get in trouble for that.

Don't get dramatic. Get the report and tell me what's on it.

I smell professional basketball tickets.

- I'll call my connection. -All right.

I don't want any bad seats. I want great seats for a good game.

All right. Christ.

- We're fine? - We're fine.

Thanks for the beer. All right.

See you later.

Great seats. Shit.

- What do you have so far? - I talked to her ex-boyfriend.

- Real jerk. - He's got the motive.

His only alibi is that he was at the estate the night ofthe murder.

Do you think the fight with my security guard was staged?

Possibly. He could have snuck in, killed her, snuck out...

gone to the front gate and made noise.

That's a theory, but I don't believe it. He was ajerk, but not a killer.

We know when she died. Her watch stopped at 10:05.

That helps. lfhe came around front before that, it wasn't him.

Anyone at the party between 10:00 and 10:05 couldn't have done it.

Get rid ofyour suspects and you know it's suicide.

How can I confirm who was at the party then and exactly when Holden arrived?

Miles is a freak about security, especially when he has a big party.

Pause it.

That's six minutes after 10:05.

Allow a few minutes difference between her watch and your clock...

he had time to leave the patio, slip out the way he came...

get in his car and pull in.

That doesn't prove he did it. lfher watch was slow, he wouldn't have time.

You'll need more than that before the police will get involved.

- Here's the living room. -Waita minute.

- You have one ofthe pool? - I already thought ofthat.

When it calmed down the other night, I went right to the tapes.

And?

This is going to sound ridiculous, but rodents ate through the lines.

The electricity all over the estate has been chewed.

It's not an uncommon problem. Electricians are here constantly.

I figured that's what happened to the camera.

- Great. - Sol checked the wire.

- Was it a clean cut? - Not exactly.

It could have been a squirrel. One ofthe repairs was undone.

I'm beginning to see things your way.

Jesus Christ!

Didn't your parents teach you to knock first?

I thought it was open. I wanted to surprise you.

I thoughtyodd be hungry.

Iam. I'm starving.

Want the last wanton?

What?

I hate this whole fucking thing.

My best friend dies, and I'll probably benefit.

You mean the "Delilah" contest?

I wish I could drop out, but it's part of my contract.

I'm blubbering all over the place.

- It's okay. - Thanks.

I never had anyone die on me before.

Not anyone I was close with, and not this way.

Thanks.

To old friends.

And new ones.

Who's this?

Who is she?

Five years ago, Roddy and I staked out...

a drug syndicate in Long Beach.

They brought 90% ofthe cocaine to the southwest.

She was our informant. Maria.

She was beautiful. I knew it was wrong...

butl couldn't help it.

The night before the sting...

we found her in the hotel room.

I held her in my arms all the way to the hospital.

She diedjust as we got there.

Itwas my fault.

They must have followed her back to my place.

Is that whyyou quit?

We never found out who did it.

I drank heavily after that.

When I stopped, there wasn't much left for me.

I couldn't go back.

I broke a cardinal rule, and someone died forit.

Someone very, very special.

- You want something to drink? - Give me two beers.

The expensive kind. He's buying.

Basketball tickets, great seats. This better be good information.

-L loveyou, man. - Dean, that will be eight dollars.

You got money. Write a check.

- Thanks, Vic. - Thankyou. Listen to this.

You know she took a lot of painkillers before she slashed herself.

According to the autopsy, she had enough in her to knock out a horse.

She shouldn't have made it to the pool?

Not unless she was some sort ofsuperwoman.

- Or she took them by the pool. - I doubt it. She had snorted cocaine.

We found her mirror and straw. I took it to the lab.

Painkillers were mixed with the cocaine.

She crushed up the pills and inhaled them.

There was one other thing.

Stuck in her hair they found traces ofsodium bicarbonate.

- Baking soda? - That's not bad.

- I thought you skipped chemistry class. - What was she doing with baking soda?

Making brownies. How should I know?

Where are my tickets?

Thanks.

- Enjoy. - Yes, I will.

Y0u're on the air.

Can I take more pi/ls because I 'm still shaking?

- Can you tell me what the prob/em is? - / 'm shaking.

- /'ve had l2 or 74-- - Mind if I come in?

I didn't think so. Hello.

Ifit isn't Philip Marlowe himself.

Oh, ifyou must, I prefer Sam Spade.

Have you caught the bad guyyet?

- You tell me, Miles. - Please, sit down.

Didjulia threaten to make your affair with her public?

Would you excuse us a minute? We have a little thing to talk about.

Bye.

Affair? I don't know what you're talking about.

Spare me. I've got a reliable source. Now did she use this against you?

- She hinted at it, but-- - But you took care of her.

Ifyou're insinuating I murdered her, let me set you straight.

Yesterday, you told me it was a clear case ofsuicide.

Julia was a desperate girl clinging on to everyone and everything around her.

I became her life raft.

That could only go on for so long

- That was fantastic. - It was.

The last time.

- Alicia knows. - What did she say?

Nothing directly, but you know Alicia, that's her style.

Shejust reminded me that the entire estate...

including the agency, is hers.

What are you talking about?

I'll tell you. I was broke when I met Alicia.

She is the daughter ofan oil man.

He died and she inherited millions.

When we got married, I had to sign a prenuptial agreement.

You mean she gets it all?

She can keep it all, every penny. And she would too.

I wasn't born yesterday. I'm sure I'm not your first affair.

No, you're not my first. The first one other people have known about.

It's ridiculous to thinkyou, ofaii people, would ever be faithful.

Yeah? What's so ridiculous?

She's put up with all the flirting and innuendo.

But that's part ofthejob. It's part of being playboy Miles Royale.

I'm just a kid fromjersey. I'm sorry, darling.

So, you thinkyou can keep your hands offofme?

I don't know. That's going to be tough.

Listen to these numbers. Twenty million dollars.

It buys a lot ofselfcontrol.

- I'll tell her everything. - No, you won't.

- The trips, the gifts-- - Uh-uh. Stop this.

- What we had was fun while it lasted. - I won't give you up so easily.

- I'll make it worth your while. -Go on.

You remember R.C. Rubio? He's been my friend foryears.

- He'll take my suggestions-- -Clarify.

You'll win the "Delilah" contest.

With the fame, the bonus, the contract.

I'd say that's a fair trade for keeping quiet.

- I had things under control. - A young lady is waiting to see you.

These are really lousy cigars.

See you around. He's all yours.

Come in. Sit down. Let's have another look at that book.

Let me guess. Tall, dark and handsome, curves to the left.

- That's me. -l knew it.

- So, any progress? -l talked to Miles.

He promisedjulia the modeling contract to shut her up.

You think he killed her just to make sure?

He had a lot to lose ifshe talked. I need to talk to Alicia.

Very nice. You have great form.

- Thankyou, Detective. - Dean, please.

I'd like to askyou a few questions ifyou have time.

Sure, Dean.

Do you want to come in the house?

- No problem. - Thanks.

What brings you here?

Just trying to earn my money. Do you swim often?

Actually, I'm scared ofthe water, but I try to swim every day.

It seems to be working.

- You should tryit. -That's all right.

My pool is being used as a breeding ground for biological warfare.

- Then maybe with me. - No swimming while on duty.

Looking for a good swimming partner?

I'm always looking for a good partner.

Tell me, what did you find out aboutjulia?

- That she was sleeping with my husband? - Actually, yes.

So you did know.

Miles has never been smart enough to be that discreet.

- So this has happened before? - Affairs? Yeah, plenty oftimes.

It's funny though. Miles was actually shocked I figured this one out.

- You told him you found out-- - Two weeks ago.

He was scared I would cut him off.

When his secret affair was no longer a secret...

he had no reason to fearjulia.

Miles may be an asshole sometimes...

but I don't think he'd be brave enough to kill anyone.

As for me, I assume I'm still a suspect.

The thought of killing anyone over Miles is--

I'm sorry. I hope you don't think I'm making light ofthis. I'm not.

That's all right, but I am curious.

Ifyou knew Miles was fooling around before...

why did you decide to put your foot down now?

Because, in the past, Miles was a little more discreet.

Julia was becoming impossible.

After all, we're still married.

That should put you in a pretty powerful position.

Did you put the pressure onjulia?

You obviously don't know me very well.

I like to work in a more subtle fashion.

Sorry, I don't understand why you put up with it.

Why not leave? You're the one with the money.

Yeah. I need him.

When we got married ten years ago...

I really wanted to start an agency.

I knew little about the business and had no contacts.

Miles knew everyone.

So it was a perfect match...

and a perfect marriage.

Since then, it's become one ofthe largest agencies in the country.

But without Miles as a figurehead, it could all crumble.

But you don't know that it will.

I don't know that it won't.

In spite ofall that he's put me through...

I still care about him.

I still want him to find me attractive.

I thinkyou're beautiful.

If Miles can't see that, he's crazy and doesn't deserve you.

That's sweet.

Come on up. I'll just be a second.

I don't think I should.

Come on. I'm just going to change.

I don't bite.

You're not trying to end my investigation, are you?

No, Detective.

I thinkyour investigation isjust beginning.

That's good. Let's get this off.

Maybe that squirrel theory was r/ght after all Relax, kid

Maybe that squirrel theory was r/ght after all Relax, kid

Did you find out about the autopsy?

Ifshe took those pills in her room, she shouldn't have made it to the pool.

- What do the guys think? -They buried it. It could go either way.

She could have taken the pills at poolside.

They think she snorted them along with the cocaine.

I don't know. It doesn't feel right to me.

Kid, you've been paid already.

I know you want to catch the bad guy...

but you look terrible.

- Remember, this is ajob. -l know.

But this one was so young, beautiful.

- She looks like-- - Maria. Don't you thinkl noticed?

- We never found out who did it. - Don't think about that.

There's nothing you can do about it. They're two separate things.

Anyway, I still have to question Melinda Fairchild.

They're at the pier?

You won't find her out there. She went home sick.

I sent one of my guys out to bring her back.

Shit.

- Leave it. - I can't.

It could be someone from the agency. Remember, I'm supposed to be sick.

You're hot and sweaty. Your hair's a mess.

Ifl wasn'tjust screwing you, I'd thinkyou were dying.

Hi. Hope I didn't come at a bad time.

You look familiar.

- Are you that private detective? - The one and only.

I'd like to askyou a few questions.

- I'm not-- - Feeling too well?

This will only take a few minutes.

Hey, darling--

This isn't what you think.

That's all I need. Thankyou.

Wait. I can explain.

Whenjulia left, I was hurt.

- I wanted to get back at her. - I guess you did.

I swearl had nothing to do with her death.

What were you doing at the Royale estate the other night?

I didn't want to getjulia back. I wanted to see Melinda.

I told you not to come.

Why did you lie to me?

Melinda and me have been together for awhile...

ever sincejulia started slipping away.

But no one ever knew about us.

I knowl shouldn't have lied to you.

Butjulias already dead. I didn't want to make her look bad.

Did you l was sleeping with Melinda?

He did it! The son ofa bitch really killedjulia.

Where's your proof?

It's circumstantial, but I'm calling Vic.

I think it's enough to open an investigation.

You know how it is. Those reporters have sources in the department.

When the police start investigating, it will become a front-page story.

All right, I'll call Vic and tell him to keep it quiet there.

He won't let word out unless it turns into something.

There's too much press coverage this week.

I'm telling people you're a writer.

When Vic brings his crew here--

Look, the gala is tomorrow. It can wait until afterward.

Besides, it'll strengthen our case ifshe reallywins it.

How do you know she'll win?

Come on. Melinda must have known she'd win.

- How? Zoe has a good chance. - Maybe she was fucking Miles.

It seems to me you're the only one around here who isn't.

Why would she take the risk if her chances were only fifty-fifty?

What ifshe didn't know?

That's a chance I'll have to take.

That's fine. I mean, it's not your funeral ifyou're wrong.

What's that mean?

You can take all the chances you want.

Ifyou're right, fine. But ifyou're wrong, I'm the one that gets fired.

You're only going on assumptions.

I'm just trying to do the right thing. That's the wayl see it.

You know howl see it?

I see a guywho messed up a long time ago...

and still can't stop kicking himselfforit.

I'll talktoyou later.

If you have a litt/e time, lneed to see you.

Great. I want to invite you to a formal gathering we 're having at the house.

I don 't think I can make it. Besides, I don 't have a tuxedo.

Tha t 's okay. Miles has plenty.

You 're practical/y the same size-- The same build

What was the favoryou wanted to ask?

I have strong reason to believe thatjulia was murdered.

- Who killed her? - Melinda Riley and Peter Holden.

They were having an affair.

You thinkthey killedjulia so Melinda could win?

Sure. Peter was a spurned lover, Melinda was ajealous rival.

-L've seen people killed for less money. -But Melinda knew she was third choice.

What doyou mean? How did she know?

I told her two weeks ago.

It was a close race between the three...

but R.C. decided he didn't want the image for his " Delilah"...

to be so goody-goody.

He said it would clash with the lingerie.

Are you okay?

Thanks foryour help.

- What are you doing here? - Hey, baby, I'm back.

- I came back to you, baby. - I told you I don't want you here.

I got myselfa new suit. I stopped drinking.

/t's Zoe. L ea ve a message at the tone and I '// call you back.

It's me, Dean.

Meet me at Smokeys.

It's a bar on State Street. 4:00.

- Hi. - He's over there.

- How did you know I was-- - How many beautiful women stop here?

Thankyou.

Hi. I have to make it fast.

I got to get to the hairdresser. Got to get ready for the big night tonight.

It's everything you gave me, minus four days' charges.

- What doyou mean? - It's ovenjulia killed herself.

She killed herself, oryou'rejust giving up?

I ran out ofsuspects.

- You should really be happy. - Why are you giving the money back?

Will you find the answer drinking?

I told you, I'm through.

Ifyou're not satisfied, find someone else.

- You're really good at this. - What?

Feeling sorry foryourself.

Fuckyou.

Where's the bathroom?

- Right around the corner. - Thanks.

Fuck me.

You messed up?

You cooking something?

Somethings burning.

Shit!

Shit! There was enough baking soda in there to bake a cake...

for the entire U.S. Marine Corps.

Waita minute. This is baking soda? Are you sure?

I was a Chicago fireman for ten years. How do you think I got my nickname?

/'ve always wanted to do this.

The first Deli/ah for R. C. Rubia is Zoe Gibson.

Way to go, Zoe.

Yeah, I'm still here.

Will youjust be there, all right?

At the house.

How long do we go back?

Since the fifth grade. Exactly.

So when I say you got to trust me...

then trust me.

Howyou doing?

I'm on the guest list. Come on,just raise the gate.

Thankyou all for coming back from the hotel and celebrating with us.

Thankyou all for coming back from the hotel and celebrating with us.

Never before has our search for beautiful women been so fruitful.

It wasn't an easyjob choosing our " Delilah"...

among so many beautiful, deserving young ladies.

Sweetheart?

We're so proud to present to you...

R.C. Rubio's Delilah for his new "Dressing Delilah” line.

Thankyou all so much for coming tonight.

This means a lot to me.

Big thanks toyou, Alicia and Miles.

I'm thrilled. I hopel do a goodjob.

Thanks.

You bastard.

I wanted to say congratulations. You deserve it.

Thanks.

"Dear Dean, thanks for looking in all the right places."

I'll hang it in my bathroom.

Listen, I'm sorry our conversation ended on such a bad note.

I'd like to make it up to you this weekend.

Fair enough.

- Yourfans await. -Call me later.

Hi, what's your name?

It looks like you and Zoe are hitting it offwell.

I need to talk to you, alone.

All right. Dallas, cover me. I'm taking five.

What's your name?

What's this all about?

The only thing I can remember my mother saying...

after she caught my father screwing the neighbor was:

"l thoughtl knew him.”

I feel the same way.

Speak English, kid.

Now I know whyyou brought me to the party. I was your alibi.

But you never thought for a second I'd care about the girl...

that washed-up Dean Thomas would look into it.

I got to hand it to you.

Painkillers crushed up in the cocaine. Clever.

The squirrel theory was a bit weak, but enough to throw me offtrack.

Setting her watch back 2O minutes was a stroke ofgenius.

Really threw me off.

It's time you had your head examined. What are you talking about?

The one thing you didn't count on was the fire.

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda...

also found in fire extinguishers.

The autopsy showed traces ofit in ]ulia's hair. You were covered with it.

Soyou thinkl killed her?

I know you killed her.

I just can't figure out why.

Jesus, all those years, a decorated cop.

And to think, I admired you.

Goddamn punk. Who do you think you are, lecturing me?

Now, who the fuck hired you?

Your mama.

I guess we have here what's known as a Mexican standoff.

Back off.

Now that we have a little quiet time...

you care to tell me whyyou did this?

Thirtyyears on the police force. What have I got to show for it?

A gold watch and a pension I can't even retire on.

I busted my ass, and I got nothing to show for it.

- So you thought you'd kill a beautiful-- -Knock offthat bullshit.

She was a lowlife, beautiful or not.

Now that we have a little time, tell me who hired you.

I did.

- What are you doing? - Put the gun down now.

- Are you screwing her? - Shut your mouth. Shoot him!

- She's double-crossing you. - What was your deal?

Split the money fifty-fifty...

or did you get extra for the sucker findefs fee?

After the murder, he threatened to blame me ifl didn't cut him in.

-L mean,jesus-- - That's weak, Zoe.

Whywould he kill her before making a deal with you?

The question is, why did you go along with it?

I was the best prospect, and everyone knew it.

It was my break untiljulia came along and seduced Miles.

She was going to take that from me.

- You were such close friends. - It doesn't matter now.

We don't have to give him his cut. We can take the moneyjust shoot him!

Shoot me, and she'll shoot you too. Look like we shot each other.

Shoot him. You don't think he'd do it?

- That girl, the drug informant-- - Fuckyou!

- What was your share, Roddy? - Be quiet.

- You killed heryourself. - No, I didn't.

- Bullshit. - Did you, Roddy?

- I swear. - I don't believe you.

Shoot him. He killed your girl just like he slashedjulids wrist.

Police! Don't move!

You stupid son ofa bitch. We could have had something.

Whatever it was, I wouldn't want it with you.

Don't worry. The offerjust expired.

By the way, Zoe, you're out ofajob.

Itwill be all right, man. You did what you had to do.

Ikilled him.

I know, but you saved my life.

- One more question, please. - No, thankyou.

- That's it. I have nothing more to say. - Please?

- No comment. - All right. Thankyou.

Shit.

Damn it, who let these reporters in here?

No, I'm fine, Miles. Really. Thanks for asking though.

- How you doing? - Okay.

Listen, I'm sorry that I didn't get the chance to thankyou before.

The least I could do.

I've been a pain in your ass this whole week.

You've also opened my eyes.

Do you remember that little chat we had?

I talked with Miles.

He's decided to stay on with the agency, but we're getting a divorce.

I deserve better.

Yeah, you do.

What do you say when this blows over, we vacation in Mexico?

I could use a good swimming partner.

Mexico?

I could hand/e that.