The Family Secret

David: When you're scared you act instinctively.

And my first instinct was to run away from the tavern. Start hiding.

It was a stupid instinct, I realise that now.

I couldn't decide whether I ought to go to the police,

or home or get somewhere across the border.

I was too confused to decide anything,

and too jumpy to sit still.

I found myself headed home.

- (Car door closing) - Who's that just drove in?

David.

David: It was that red mud from around the tavern.

But it would have been better to leave it on my tyres

than to have anyone know I washed the car.

- Sybil! - Relax, relax, I'm here.

It's your deal.

If Howard weren't such a beast, we could play bridge.

Canasta bores me rigid.

"Some men die in battle,

"some 90 down in flames,

"but most men perish inch by inch

"in play at little games."

Also women.

Instead of such cultural pursuits as...

Oh, I'm not watching it. I merely have it on so I won't...

Well, if you're not listening, for heaven's sake turn it off.

Thought I heard David drive in.

Maybe he went over to the house to see art.

Art isn't there, though.

He's washing his car.

David is?

Ah, here's what I've been waiting for.

Say, folks, do you like soup?

Well, that's a silly question. Of course you do.

Everybody loves soup.

And wait till you taste this wonderful o'Connor's soup.

Made from the most succulent garden-fresh vegetables,

simmered to perfection in wonderful beef broth,

and you've got a soup that'll really make ya smack your lips.

Oh, I love this part of the commercial

because I get to taste that wonderful o'Connor's soup.

Howard: I find him irresistible.

Oh, that's David now, isn't it?

Yes. No-one closes the door as loud

or runs up the back stairs so fast.

Watch.

Every time he comes into his room.

- It's automatic. - I know. Art does it, too.

Well, I suppose it's a small price to pay

for having two such wonderful boys.

But I wish the instalments weren't so frequent.

If art just wouldn't leave it running when he goes out.

I have the answer to that.

I had a switch installed which would cut it off from down here.

It also serves to remind him when it gets so loud...

Well, it's the first time that's happened.

David: The last thing in the world I wanted to do was go downstairs.

I knew art's mother was there.

But it was early, and it would look funny if! Didn't.

Isn't this early for David?

He must have had a fight with marcia.

Or was it Louise tonight?

Or sue Farrell?

The way they call him up all the time.

Oh, I know. They call him over to our house

when they can't get him here.

Well, that's it.

- Oh dear, and I was just set to 90. - Round 'em up.

- Sybil: Where are all the Jacks? - Ellen: Oh, too many for me to count.

- Donald: Round 'em up! - Sybil: A hundred and eighty for me.

- Donald: Ellen? - Ellen: Minus fifty.

Donald: Minus fifty, yeah.

Well, I hate to break up this gripping contest, but...

Hello, everybody.

- Women: Hello, David. - Donald: Well, hello, David.

Howard: David.

Well, you're just in time. Here, take my hand.

And you have a comfortable lead.

I'll keep what I win and you'll make it good if I lose?

- All right. That sounds unreasonable enough. - (Chuckling)

I'll see you home, Sybil, if you're ready to go now.

Oh, don't bother, Donald, thank you.

Ellen and I just go back and forth

through our back yards, the way the boys do.

Well, good night. Good night, Ellen.

- Both: Good night. - David, Howard.

- Good night. - Howard: Good night, Donald.

- See you at the office. - Donald: All right.

- It's my deal. - Did you see art?

No. No, I didn't.

What on earth were you doing washing your car?

I can't even get you to hang up a suit.

Well, there was some stuff on it. It looked like whitewash or paint.

I didn't want it to dry.

Where did it come from?

Larry: Mr Clark.

Are you here for captain ames?

Well, I suppose so. I'll take it in my study.

- Thank you, Larry. - Yes, sir.

You're a fine dealer. This is the worst hand I've had all evening.

Where are all the red threes, I wonder?

Who's captain ames?

He's a police captain, isn't he, David?

Yes.

I don't know, is he?

What have you been up to, David? Another sixty in a thirty-mile zone?

Thank you.

What?

Yes, I'll tell her.

- It's your draw, mother. - Oh.

Ellen, can you come here a minute? I can't find my briefcase.

Undoubtedly right under his nose.

Would you get me a cigarette, David?

Now, what is it? Oh, Howard!

If you'd only let me have Bertha tidy this place up

just once in a while, you...

Howard.

What is it? Is it David again?

No, no, it's art.

Ellen, he's been killed.

Oh, Howard!

Was it an accident?

- He was murdered. - Mur...

They found his body outside the tavern.

Oh, Howard.

What will Sybil do?

When they called her house, the maid said she was over here.

They want to see her down at headquarters.

We'll have to tell her, one of us.

You want me to do it?

Oh, yes, yes. I'd rather do anything than...

It'll be better if I do.

David, art's been so different lately. Do you know what it is?

I don't know what you mean.

Of course you do. He's so gloomy sometimes.

Hates his job, won't quit it,

and I know he's been drinking more, too much more.

I'd better dump this.

I don't want to pry, David. You know that.

But if there was something I could do to help him.

He'll snap out of it.

David.

Your father wants you to help him for a minute.

All right.

Don't worry, pal. Whatever it is, I'm on your side.

Thanks.

You want me?

Your mother wanted to talk to Sybil alone.

She had to tell her art was killed tonight.

Art was killed?

Did you get hold of dr Reynolds?

- He'll be there. - Good night, mrs Bradley.

- Good night. - Good night, inspector.

Ellen's right, Sybil. It's much better for you to stay here tonight.

Yes, dear. Her room is all ready, isn't it, Bertha?

Oh, yes, ma'am. I put out one of your nightgowns.

- Will someone bring my bag up, please? - Yes, doctor, of course.

Do you have a hot water bottle?

Why, I already filled it. It's on the bed.

Ellen: Will there be anything else you need, doctor?

- Dr Reynolds: I think not. - Ellen: Right in here.

She'll be all right. Steve'll give her a sedative.

She held up a lot better than I would have thought at that.

It must have been a terrible ordeal for her.

She had to identify him.

- Think I'll take a drink. - I'll fix it.

Thanks.

Dad, did you see him?

Yes.

Oh, they found his knife.

You remember those big pocket knives

I gave you and art first time you went hunting?

With the long blades that snap open? It was that one.

It was open.

He tried to defend himself, apparently, and wasn't able to.

Or he was too late.

He was hit on the head with a rock.

It must have been a blow of great force.

A man of unusual strength.

They haven't any idea who did it.

Could they tell if art was drunk?

Oh, yes. Thanks.

Took a blood sample.

Why, was he in the habit of fighting when he was drinking?

- I don't know. - Ellen: Thank you, doctor.

- It was good of you to come so late. - I guess so.

- Some. Here they are. - Dr Reynolds: Keep those yellow pills handy.

And give her another if she wakes up.

How is she, Steve?

She'll sleep all right, but I wouldn't leave her alone too long.

Well, I guess I'll turn in. Good night, dr Reynolds, mom, dad.

Dr Reynolds: It'd be a good idea for someone to check on her now and then,

in case she happens to wake up.

Good night.

Good night, Steve.

David: Did I really think dad hadn't noticed anything?

Maybe someone who didn't know me as well,

or somebody not as sharp.

But not dad.

You knew art had been killed before I told you tonight.

What made you say that?