Mannix (TV Series)

Light and Shadow (1972)

Christine Belford: Alison Bramante

Quotes 

• Joe Mannix : Good morning, Mrs. Bramante. I believe you were sent word about me. Please.

  Alison Bramante : I'm not used to being handled.

  Joe Mannix : Of course. I can understand how unpleasant this must be for you. But I'm sure George Oliver will have you out of here in no time at all. I doubt if the District Attorney thinks you'll make a run for the border.

  [Bramante puts on her sunglasses] 

  Joe Mannix : I'd rather you didn't put those on.

  Alison Bramante : Then don't stare at me.

  Joe Mannix : Sorry, bad professional habit.

  Alison Bramante : I understand my husband has retained you to help on my case.

  Joe Mannix : Actually, Mrs. Bramante, I haven't decided to take your case yet. There are a few things I'd like to know first.

  Alison Bramante : What sort of things?

  Joe Mannix : For one, did you do it?

  Alison Bramante : I don't know. I mean, I don't know what really happened. And right here and now, I'm not even sure I did happen.

  Joe Mannix : I'm afraid it did happen, Mrs. Bramante. I'd like you to try and remember everything you can.

  Alison Bramante : I've been through it all with attorneys and the police.

  Joe Mannix : I'd like you to go through it again with me.

  Alison Bramante : I'm sure you've heard it already.

  Joe Mannix : There may be something new you'll remember that could help. Now, as I understand it, the party was underway on the bow when you happened to see Nikky Lorenzo leaving.

  Alison Bramante : Sit down. I saw Nikky leave the party, so I followed him.

  Joe Mannix : Why?

  Alison Bramante : I wanted to talk to him.

  Joe Mannix : About what?

  Alison Bramante : A personal matter.

  Joe Mannix : Personal matter? You followed Nikky?

  Alison Bramante : To his stateroom. When I got there, I heard voices. I knocked. There was no answer, so I knocked again. I opened the doors. It was dark, I couldn't see anything, so I stepped inside. Nikky was standing with his back to me. He started to turn. That's when it happened-- a terrible explosion and then a scream. And I think a second shot. I saw Nikky fall. Then...

  Joe Mannix : Then what?

  Alison Bramante : Someone ran past me.

  Joe Mannix : Who?

  Alison Bramante : I don't know. All I could see was Nikky lying there and the gun beside him.

  Joe Mannix : Your gun?

  Alison Bramante : It looked like mine. I keep it on the yacht. That's why I picked it up.

  Joe Mannix : You said you heard a scream.

  Alison Bramante : It could've been mine.

  Joe Mannix : And you have no idea who ran past you?

  Alison Bramante : No.

  Joe Mannix : Man or woman?

  Alison Bramante : I don't know.

  Joe Mannix : Considering Nikky's reputation, a woman seems to be the logical choice. Uh, how did Nikky happen to be on the trip?

  Alison Bramante : We invited him.

  Joe Mannix : You and your husband?

  Alison Bramante : I invited him. Now, listen, however it is you are trying to say it, Mr. Whatever Your Name Is, and whatever cheap and offensive innuendos you are trying to use, I was not having an affair with Nikky Lorenzo and I don't need to hide behind these to say so! If my husband thinks I'd even consider accepting any help from you, he's very wrong. Now get out.

  Joe Mannix : Mrs. Bramante, you may find you need me. I may be the only person who isn't fully convinced you're guilty. By the way, the name is Joe Mannix.