Episode 126, scene 4. Stella Chernak's statement A few police officers and a civilian are in the squad room. The police sergeant, who appears to be in charge, speaks to Elliot. PS: Mr. Fowler is busy right now. [The police sergeant stands and goes over to another desk to hand a folder to another officer.] PS: Sgt. Goddard is off duty. EC; Well, do you know anything new about the Rodney Harrington case? PS: All I know is what I read in the paper, Mr. Carson. EC: Well, I'm going to wait right here until Mr. Fowler decides to see me. [Elliot sees Stella come in and stands.] EC: Oh, hello, miss Chernak. [Stella doesn't respond.] PS: He's expecting you, miss Chernak. [The police sergeant goes over to Fowler's office door.] PS: Right in here. [The police sgt. knocks twice and opens the door.] [Fowler comes to the door to invite Stella in.] JF: Miss Chernak. [The police sergeant closes the door. Elliot speaks to the officer.] EC: Now, what's Stella Chernak doing here? All right. All right. [Inside.] JF: Thank you for coming. [Fowler adjusts his tie.] SC: You requested that I come. JF: Well, this is a voluntary statement, no? SC: Not as far as I'm concerned, a statement has to be made. I have to make it. I hardly call that voluntary. JF: But you are prepared to repeat what you told Sgt. Goddard and myself? SC: What do you think? [Fowler opens his office door and puts his suit coat back on to indicate a formal setting.] JF: Fred, will you come in now, please? [Steno Fred comes in. Stella sits at the desk. Fowler closes door. Fowler sits on edge of the desk in front of Stella.] JF: Now, miss Chernak, in your own words, and at your own speed, would you please tell us exactly what happened on the day Rodney Harrington came to your home? SC: He came to my house, looking for my brother. JF: Who did, for the record? SC: Rodney Harrington . . . came to my home. House looking for my brother. I said," I don't know where Joey is." He said, "Where is he?" I said, "I didn't know." He said, "Well you give him a message for me. You tell him that I'm going to take care of him." I said "Are you threatening my brother?" He said, "That exactly what I'm doing. I'm going to finish him off. I'm going to kill him." . . . And he did. JF: Did he say why he was going to kill your brother? SC: Something about a fight that Norman Harrington had with Joey. JF: What about? SC: The oldest prize in the world, a girl. JF: Do you know who? SC: Rita Jacks. Joey used to go with her. Now she goes with Norman Harrington. I guess Joey was making waves. Big brother Rodney was going to see that he drowned in it. JF: Why Rodney? SC: Ask him. JF: Did you try to stop it? SC: I couldn't. Dr. Rossi came in and he left. JF: Did you tell Dr. Rossi or anyone else what Rodney had said? SC: You're out of touch, Mr. Fowler. The Harrington are the pillars of the community. The Chernaks are only the rotten foundation. JF: Did you try to warn your brother? SC: He wouldn't listen to me. You didn't see the look in that boy's eyes. JF: Another question, miss Chernak. Exactly how would you describe Rodney Harrington at that time. SC: Boiling, boiling hot. JF: Why didn't you go to the police? SC: To protect Joe Chernak from Rodney Harrington? JF: I see, you never thought it would go as far as it did. JF: Well, thank you for your cooperation, miss Chernak. We'll have this typed up so you can sign it. [Fowler speaks to Fred.] JF: Fred. [Fowler indicates to Fred to go type it up.] [Fred goes out in the booking room.] JF: I understand you are a bio-chemist? SC: That's right. JF: That must be fascinating work? SC: It has its moments. SC: You don't have to keep me occupied while we wait. JF: I'm sorry. Small talk is not in my line. You can wait outside if you like. SC: I'd like. [Stella stands and goes out in the booking room.] [Elliot stands and goes over to Stella.] EC: Do you remember me, miss Chernak? SC: Yes. EC: May I talk to you for a moment? SC: No. You see, Mr. Carson, I'm not like my mother. I wasn't brought up in the old country, so I know how to be rude. EC: How is she? Your mother? SC: Bothered, and you can quote me. [Fowler comes to the door and speaks to Elliot.] JF: Mr. Carson, you wanted to see me? EC: Yes, if you're not too busy. JF: I'm never too busy for the Clarion. [Elliot speaks to Stella.] EC: Thank you miss, Chernak. I'm sorry I troubled you. SC: So am I. [Elliot goes in Fowler's office and Fowler shuts the door.] Episode 126, scene 4 HOME