The Shivah Part #4 - The Rabbi detective

Part 4: The Rabbi detective

So what if we could go back and have that conversation again?

Yes?

I heard about your husband. I came to... pay my respects.

Oh, you knew Jack?

Let's try being honest this time.

Some time ago, yes.

All right. Come on in.

What is your name?

If I wanted answers, she'd have to know who I was.

This required tact.

My name is Rabbi Russell Stone. Your husband used to be a member of my congregation.

... Oh.

(Note that we don't get the "Her eyes narrowed" message this time.)

I remember now. You have a lot of nerve coming here.

Well, I'm sorry about that.

Oh, you're SORRY are you? I'm so glad to hear that.

Jack would love to hear that you are SORRY.

Too late, Rabbi. Too late. What do you want?

> The direct approach
The uncertain approach
The rabbinical approach

No need to dilly dally.

I just want to talk about Jack.

Talk?

I...

Oh, stop it. Just STOP it.

I don't believe this.

And NOW you drop by for a visit?

It wasn't like that.

Well, what was it then? Can you tell me that?

...

Rabbi Stone starts walking towards the door.

Maybe you're right. And yet, you're here. Why?

> The direct approach
Accusatory approach
Rabbinical approach

The police visited me today.

Did they?

Yes.

What did they say?

That I'm suspect number one.

Really? Well, that WOULD make sense. Who else has a motive, except for the rabbi who hates us?

I'll let that slide.

Whatever! Jack hated you, that's enough.

Mrs. Lauder.

If he hated me so much...

... That's impossible.

I said the same thing.

Jack wouldn't do that.

It's a crazy world.

How do you know for sure?

The police told me. I have no love of the police, but I doubt they'd lie about that.

Mrs. Lauder. If Jack hated me so much, why did he give me so much money?

I... I don't know!

This makes no sense! None of it does.

He was a good man!

Yes. He was.

Don't you start. You have no idea.

The police have no other leads?

Aside from you? No.

How did he die?

...

I... well...

I suppose I'm curious. And I'd like to... help.

Help? Why would YOU want to help?

I don't know. Maybe I...

...I want to make amends
...I am selfish
> ...I feel guilty

We can't be too careful here.

Maybe I feel guilty.

Pff. Why not?

You want to investigate, Rabbi Stone? Be my guest.

I'll have to ask you some questions about what happened.

Can't you just ask the police?

They won't talk to me. I'm a suspect.

Fine, fine. Ask whatever you want.

Finally.

How did Jack die?

He was... shot. Right in the head. At close range, according to the police.

I... I'm sorry, Mrs. Lauder.

He was in the showroom. Working late. That's all I know.

> Ask about business
Ask about mirror
Ask about her state of mind

What business was your husband in?

We were in business together.

High-end casual wear. Shirts, blouses, slacks. I'd design, and he'd sell.

> Ask about the state of the business
Ask about the future of the business
Ask about the location of the business
Ask about mirror
Ask about her state of mind

Was the business successful?

We did all right.

We sell to mainly boutique stores, but Macy's has bought several pieces from us. And Saks was interested.

> Ask about the future of the business
Ask about the location of the business
Ask about mirror
Ask about her state of mind

And what happens to the business now? Are you going to run it by yourself?

I guess I could, but not right away. And definitely not in that same showroom.

I can understand that.

> Ask about the location of the business
Ask about mirror
Ask about her state of mind
Ask about company name

Where is your showroom?

Why? You want to have a look?

It can't hurt.

This is crazy. You really want to do this?

Yes.

Sure. If you want to have a look, go ahead.