Episode 288, scene 3. [Lee Webber murder hearing.] [Martin Peyton has just been sworn in.] JF: State your name please. MP: Martin Peyton. JF: Mr. Peyton, how long have you lived in Peyton Place? MP: What kind of a fool question is that? JF: It's a routine one, Mr. Peyton. MP: It's a foolish routine. JF: I am obliged to ask it all the same. How long have you lived here? MP: I was born in Peyton Place. I've lived here all my life. Except when my health forced me to reside in Boston. JF: Are you acquainted with the defendant, Lee Webber? MP: Acquainted? JF: Have you met him? MP: In a fashion, yes. JF: And are you aware of the fact that Lee Webber is accused of the murder of Ann Howard? MP: Of course, I am. For a county attorney you ask some remarkably inept questions. [Audience laughter] [Gavel four times.] JF: Mr. Peyton we have had testimony before this court to the effect that Ann Howard was in your house shortly before she was found dead on the rocks at the foot of Sailors' Bluff. To the best of your knowledge is that correct? MP: Yes. JF: Do you know what Ann Howard was doing in your house? MP: Ann Howard came to see my housekeeper, Mrs. Cord. JF: Hannah Cord. MP: Mrs. Hannah Cord. JF: And now, may I ask another remarkably inept question? How long has Mrs. Cord been in your employ? MP: Mrs. Cord has worked for me almost 30 years. JF: Is it correct to say that you know her quite well. MP: You may make that assumption. JF: Should it be made, Mr. Peyton? MP: Mr. Fowler, I have just informed you Mrs. Cord has been in my employ, and in my house, for a period of time which almost equals the narrow span of your narrow life. You're not demonstrating any ability. JF: I'm not on trial, Mr. Peyton. MP: You're before the court. Just as I am. JF: Has Mrs. Cord been a dependable, reliable employee? MP: She has. JF: And in all these years would you say that she has demonstrated that she has a stable character. SC: Objection, counsel is leading the witness. JC: Sustained. Strike the question. You need not answer that, Mr. Peyton. JF: How would you describe Mrs. Cord's character? MP: I should describe Mrs. Cord's character as stable. SC: [Rises] Objection. [Gavel 5 times] SC: The witness is not, to my knowledge, qualified to pass judgment on the stability of anyone's emotions. JC: Objection denied, Mr. Cord. This court feels that a relationship of 30 years is sufficient qualification for the witness to venture a general description of Mrs. Cord's personality. JF: Mr. Peyton, you stated that on the day of her death, Ann Howard came to your house to see Mrs. Cord. Why did Ann Howard want to see Mrs. Cord on that particular day? MP: Because apparently, Ann Howard had just learned that she was Mrs. Cord's daughter. Ann Howard had come to see her mother. JF: And how do you know that, Mr. Peyton? MP: Because I was there, in the house. I heard them talking. JF: You observed them? MP: Yes. MP: Would you please describe to the court exactly what you saw? MP: Describe what I saw? [To the judge] Is that necessary? JF: You must answer the questions to the best of your ability, Mr. Peyton. MP: Well, what I saw was of minor importance. Two women re-united. Eyes were red, handkerchiefs were wet. The rug was damp with the maudlin tears of mother and daughter. They were awkward with each other. But who wouldn't be under similar circumstances? They were embarassed. There were tears, lots of tears. Mother and daughter had discovered each other at last, deeply touching. But an event of no importance with regard to Ann Howard's death. JF: Then in your opinion, Mr. Peyton, Ann Howard was not emotionally disturbed when she left your house that day? JC: Do you wish to allow that question, Mr. Cord? SC: I have no objection, your honor. [Rossi comes in and sits by Rodney.] MR: [Quietly] How's he doing. RH: [Quietly] So far, he seems to be doing okay. JF: Mr. Peyton, In your opinion was Ann Howard emotionally disturbed when she left your house that day. MP: In my opinion, Mr. Fowler, Ann Howard was emotionally exhausted. In my opinion, Ann Howard was ready for a warm bath and a good night's sleep. JF: Thank you, Mr. Peyton. JF: No further questions, your honor. JC: Do you wish to cross-examine the witness, Mr. Cord. SC: Yes, your honor. I would like very much to cross-examine the state's witness. [Peyton grabs toward his heart and gasps.] JC: Mr. Peyton, are you all right? MP: Uh. [Rossi attends Mr. Peyton.] MR: Easy, just relax. MP: I wish to lie down. MR: Your honor, could I take him in your chambers, please? JC: Certainly. MR: [To Rodney] Get my EKG machine. It's in the car. [Gavel] JC: Court is recessed for 15 minutes. LW: Mr. Cord, I would like to know where I fit into all of this? SC: You? LW: Yes, Me. I'm the guy they're trying to send up. Or have you forgotten that? BAC: Steven, can I talk to you? LW: Look, counselor. SC: All right. LW: Counselor. Don't make me the forgotten man, here. SC: You're not forgotten and not forgiven. LW: Forgiven? Cord, if you try to sell me out . . . SC: Don't threaten me. Don't you ever try to threaten me. Do you think I like sitting next to you at that table? The jury is still out, Lee. My jury. B: Okay, Webber. Let's go. [Hannah is still sitting.] Note: 28 years would be more accurate. Episode 288, scene 3 HOME