A Shot in the Dark Page #3

You're improving.

Every day you're getting better.

(mutters)

Facts, Hercule, facts.

Nothing matters but the facts.

Without them, the science

of criminal investigation

is nothing more than a guessing game.

Listen to me, Hercule,

and you will learn something.

The facts in this case are...

the body of the chauffeur was found

in the bedroom of the second maid. Fact.

Cause of death - four bullets

in the chest. Fact.

The bullets were fired at close range

from a .25 calibre Beretta automatic. Fact.

Maria Gambrelli was discovered

with the murder weapon in her hand. Fact.

The murder weapon was registered in

the name of the deceased, Miguel Ostos,

and was kept, mark you, in the glove

compartment of the Ballon Rolls-Royce.

Fact.

Members of the household staff

have testified that Miguel Ostos beat...

Careful, you fool. You broke my pointing

stick. I've got nothing to point with now.

..have testified that Miguel Ostos

beat Maria Gambrelli frequently.

Finally comes the sworn statement

of M and Mme Ballon,

as well as all the members of the staff,

each of them with perfect alibis.

Now then, Hercule,

what is the inescapable conclusion?

- Maria Gambrelli killed the chauffeur.

- What? You idiot.

- Impossible. She's protecting someone.

- How do you know?

- Instinct.

- But the facts...

- You are forgetting the motive.

- He beat her.

- He was Spanish.

- He tore her dress off.

Don't be ridiculous. Would you kill

somebody who tore yourdress off?

- No, l suppose not.

- No, of course not.

No, no. There is no doubt

in my mind whatsoever, Hercule.

Maria Gambrelli is most definitely

protecting somebody.

Find them

and you have found the murderer

and l shall find the murderer

before the day is out.

Maria Gambrelli will tell me

who he is. Oh, yes.

- What was that you said?

- uh, nothing.

I see. All right.

Well, you can go, Hercule.

Argh!

I don't understand.

Why in the name of heaven did you

reassign Clouseau to the Gambrelli case?

That is a good question,

and it deserves an answer.

But what l'm about to tell you

must remain in the strictest confidence.

This morning, at six o'clock,

l received a phone call from a superior.

I was informed that certain extremely

influential parties were interested

in having Clouseau back on the case.

- I had no choice but to comply.

- Amazing.

If l told you the identity of the caller

you'd realise how amazing it really is.

But why?

That's another good question,

and for that l have no answer.

Ah. They're bringing in

the Gambrelli woman.

Sit down, Miss Gambrelli.

Sit down, Miss Gambrelli.

Now, where were...

Good morning, monsieur.

- Oh. Good morning, Miss Gambrelli.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes