A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Debbie Delancey: [after Jessica accuses her of committing the murder] Frank sent his novel to Post. His only copy. And then we heard later that he was coming out with his own Vietnam novel, and Frank was furious.

Jessica Fletcher: And you wanted to help Frank.

Debbie Delancey: Yes. I would do anything for him. And then it happened. A way to get the novel back. Mr. Post saw me approaching the other writers in the hotel lobby, so he came over. Somebody had said something to him about my story, and he asked me up to his hotel room after the party to discuss my future. See, I knew what he had in mind. I wasn't really sure what I was gonna do. I, you know, talk to him, or maybe just grab the manuscript and run, but, I was not prepared for what happened because ... He was like an animal.

Jessica Fletcher: He must've taken Horace's sword umbrella by mistake after the cocktail party.

Debbie Delancey: I didn't mean to kill him. It was an accident.

Jessica Fletcher: Then you took the briefcase with the manuscript and gave it to Frank?

Debbie Delancey: Yeah. He had stolen Frank's novel. Almost word for word. Look, I have to go to the police, Mrs. Fletcher. I just can't let Frank lie for me.

Jessica Fletcher: Debbie, just tell the police what happened. I think you have a strong case for self-defense.

Debbie Delancey: You believe me?

Jessica Fletcher: I do. And so will a jury, if it should come to that.