During the Night

Eleanor Harris, the ex-wife of Henry Morrison, a prominent cardiologist thinks she has committed the perfect crime when she kills bank president, Richard Kearns, as part of a contract murder agreement.


Her employer, Allen Dyer, has plans that will not benefit Elanor and her disabled child, Heather.  He beguiles her into the agreement as a basis for blackmail and extortion.


Karen McDoughall, a teenager, lives alone in an historic mansion overlooking the ocean, in New Bedford. Years ago, her ancestors earned their living as whale fisherman. Her only surviving family member is her mother, Irene, who lives in Scotland.


Fate brings Karen to encounter Eleanor Harris when Karen works as a volunteer at St. Anne's hospital in Fall River.  Elanor Harris also works there as a registered nurse.


One year later, Karen is admitted to St. Anne's as a patient, to be treated for a psychiatric disorder. It's nearly midnight when Karen awakens in a state of restlessness and goes to get a soda. She is alone when directly across from her, she witnesses Elanor Harris murder Richard Kearns with a lethal IV injection.


Karen summons both the New Bedford police and District Attorney, Thomas Pendley.  The D.A. believes her account is credible, but they still need probable cause to enforce an arrest warrant.  The police are hesitant to arrest 


Eleanor without solid evidence, based on the account from a teenager who is on psychiatric medication.


Danger now mounts for Karen when she is released from the hospital and is determined to investigate the case.  Thomas Pendley asks Karen to give him additional information, but warns her to stay away from Eleanor Harris.


Conflict of interest arises with Henry Morrison, Karen, and the hospital administration when they fear facing a scandal and lawsuit against St. Anne's.


Karen refuses to heed the D.A.'s warning. In a remote cabin in New Hampshire, she finds the location of the evidence needed to prosecute the case and Eleanor Harris discovers what Karen has found. 


In a deadly confrontation, Eleanor meets Karen at the mansion in New Bedford.. Feeling her life is in danger, Karen shoots Eleanor in self defense.


New Bedford police don't believe Karen's account of what happened. She is arrested for first degree murder. Massachusetts usually does not release a murder defendant on bond, and the judge feels Karen's mental state would endanger her and she might become a suicide victim. 


Now, only a brilliant Boston lawyer can save Karen from a murder conviction. New Bedford citizens are enraged at Eleanor Harris' death because she is considered a good nurse and person.


Facing a stone-faced New England jury is Karen's worse nightmare. The high profile trial in New Bedford takes an unusual turn when Heather Morrison, 


Eleanor Harris' daughter, testifies about what really happened that night.  Will the jury believe a precocious ten year old girl?


Henry Morrison and Janis Parlinsky hope the prosecution wins for they could now also face a wrongful death suit against the hospital and lose respect of the community.