we had boxes of files of dirt on robert missey. >> reporter: but what the defense didn't know was that prosecutors were putting up a straw man. missey wouldn't be their star witness at all. >> we were never going to use him at trial. our whole intent was to use him and have the defense running around looking for him and everything they could find on him. >> reporter: and while the defense did just that, spinning its wheels, prosecutors were quietly working on reeling in another prize -- another better witness. one clifford friend could only hope he'd never see again. >>> coming up -- the other person on the boat that night breaks a promise and 20 years of silence. >> he said, "we have to dump the bag." >> when "dateline" continues. food. water. internet. we need it to live. but what we don't need are surprises, like extra monthly fees. i see you, fee, played by legendary actress anjelica huston. you got me, mark. we just want fast internet for one, simple rate. for all the streaming and the shopping and the newsing, but most of all... for the this. internet for one everyday simple pric