08x18 - The Disinherited

[bunniefuu]

- Here's my car. - Oh, why drive?

The restaurant's just up the street--

- Get in. - What do you want?

Get in and drive.

[instrumental music]

I just can't go through with this.

Why don't you let me take your place, Mr. Carroll?

Oh, I think that would be better.

[crying]

There's fire in there. Get help.

[dramatic music]

[sobbing]

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI.."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr..

Also starring Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds..

With guest stars, Martin Sheen..

Heidi Vaughn..

John McLiam.

Tonight's episode, "The Disinherited."

[instrumental music]

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- Mr. Laird? - Yeah.

Special Agent Rex Lynn, FBI.

Yeah. Uh, this is the letter that I called you about.

Yes, fine. Oh, would you mind putting it in here carefully?

- Okay? - That's just fine. Thank you.

"Mr. Victor Laird, exalted president

"of Laird Mining.

"You're hereby notified to assemble $100,000

"and place an ad in the "Dallas Journal" to that effect

"or I will personally take delight

"in burning your complex to the ground.

"The ad is to read

To a friend, your inheritance is ready."

- Inheritance? - Yeah.

- It's postmarked Dallas. - Yeah.

That business about inheritance, I have no relatives.

So I dismissed the whole thing as a work of a crank.

[intense music]

- Where can I call my office? - Why, what's wrong?

- Don't turn around. - Wha-wha-what's the--

Stay on my right side and walk slowly.

[music continues]

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[g*nsh*t]

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Go on! Get out of here. Call my office.

Go on!

[music continues]

[groaning]

[intense music]

[male narrator] The critical wounding of Special Agent Rex Lynn

near Dallas, Texas, while in the course of saving the life

of a victim of an extortion attempt

brought Inspector Lewis Erskine to head an investigation

that was to lead the FBI

into one of its most terrifying cases.

Cathy.

Hello, inspector.

I understand you've been here all night.

'Why don't you get some rest?'

No, I'd like to wait.

- Mr. Erskine. - Hi, Tommy.

Are you gonna find the man who did this?

Yes, Tommy, we are.

Dad protected the man, didn't he?

[chuckles]

- Hello, Rex. - Hello.

[Rex] 'Got a look at him.'

He's...young..

...at 20s.

Brown hair.

Can't remember anything else.

I have to..

H-his picture's in my head.

I-I can't fit the pieces together.

S-some-something about his wrist.

- M-maybe.. - An ID bracelet?

[exhales] Don't know.

Uh-uh, looked copper.

[sighs] I can't be sure.

Mr. Ward's on the phone, Lou.

We'll be close by, Rex.

[instrumental music]

- Lewis, how is Rex? - Still critical.

We talked to him, but he could only give us

a general description of the subject.

Hm. Hold on a minute.

Thank you.

Lewis, we just had a call from Houston.

An extortion letter was mailed to a Louis Ellingwood.

A wealthy, retired businessman there.

'Houston is forwarding it for comparison, but the phrasing is'

'almost word for word as that in the extortion letter'

sent to Laird.

Ellingwood's to place a newspaper ad to read

"To a friend, your inheritance is ready."

Now, we still haven't been able to match the handwriting

in the Laird extortion note with anything

we have in the anonymous letter file.

Were the two notes the same?

No, this demand is for a 150,000.

Threatens to k*ll Ellingwood and his family

if he doesn't comply.

- Is he going to? - Yes.

And he wants to make the pay-off himself.



Inspector, Ellingwood left his home an hour ago

to deliver the money.

What were his instructions?

[male #1] 'He was to drive to a parking lot on the east side of town'

where he was to wait in a phone booth

till he got a call telling him the location of the pay-off.

And how long has it been since you've heard from him?

We've heard radio contact with him up to 20 minutes ago.

We haven't heard from him since he went to the phone booth.

[intense music]

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Uh, this is Ellingwood, come in, please.

[man on radio] 'We read you fine, Mr. Ellingwood.'

'What's you location? Are you alright?'

Uh, yeah, I'm fine.

[man on radio] 'Have you been in contact with the subject?'

[Ellingwood on radio] 'Yes, uh, I waited in the phone booth for about, uh'

'ten minutes till he finally called.'

[man on radio] 'What were his instructions?'

To drive east on Cutler until I came

to the Bower turn-off.

And then to go two blocks south

until I reach the high school ground.

I'm here now.

'Where are you to leave the money?'

On the baseball field.

Now, now, listen. He warned me again.

I'm to be alone and there to be no police around.

'Stand by, Mr. Ellingwood.'

This is Inspector Erskine.

Advise Mr. Ellingwood to follow subject's instructions.

All units stand by at the corner of Cutler and Bower.

- We're en route there now. - '10-4, inspector.'

[intense music]

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[dramatic music]

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One to all units, subject is firing

from about a 100 yards east the baseball field.

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[intense music]

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[knock on door]

Come in.

I just wanna see arm.

I'm here with two dead legs, and you're worrying about an arm?

Come on.

Okay, boy, take your shot.

[laughs]

- Where you've been, boy? - Around.

Bobbing around, huh? Yeah, nothing wrong with that.

Young buck needs to get out of his system.

Meaning I ought to get a job, huh?

Nothing wrong with that either.

You missed your electric bill again?

Well, no loss.

It reminds me of the old lamps we used in the mines.

Makes me feel I'm still close to the business.

Yeah.

About as close as your friends will let you get.

Now look...my friends don't owe me anything.

They owe you everything, pa. You made them rich.

I made myself rich!

- Oh, yeah. - Yeah.

The thing is I didn't have enough sense to keep it.

I thought it'd go on forever.

Smelling the terrain, looking for the ore.

Hitting a load.

Who'd ever think I'd take a spill down a mine shaft?

That's for kids, not pros.

Yeah, and your friends let you lying in the hospital

without putting up a dime.

- That's right. - 'And they let you rot here.'

No calls, no visits, no money, no offers, nothing.

That's true. They didn't have the nerve.

They knew I'd fling 'em right through that wall

if they ever offered me charity.

It wasn't charity, pa. It's your right.

They're sitting up there right now in their posh offices

and their fancy mansions, and you're sitting in a wheelchair!

Now, stop it!

Those are your mother's word, boy!

'She drilled that poison into you.'

My friends were good, decent men.

And still are.

Only she wouldn't allow it.

She was justified, pa.

No.

It was hate.

She couldn't put it where it belonged.

I guess because she loved me too much.

So she had to put it somewhere else.

[sighs]

I gotta go, pa.

Neil, you don't call this a visit.

I got some things to do.

See a doctor, among other things.

Well, you should.

About a lot of things.

What's that supposed to mean?

I don't know. It-it's just a feeling..

The way you talk, move..

Like you were spoiling for something.

Come on, pa.

Do I look like I'm hunting for trouble?

Like someone's hunting you.

- See you around, pa. - Neil.

Neil!

Neil!

[dramatic music]

Methotrexate?

It's used in the treatment of leukemia and arthritis.

It cannot be bought by prescription

only issued by certain doctors directly to their patients.

Arthritis, that could account for the bracelet.

Some arthritis sufferers wear copper bracelets.

We're checking with pharmaceutical houses

to identify doctors known to work with methotrexate.

I wouldn't think there'll be too many.

- How's Mr. Ellingwood? - 'Fine.'

And we've recovered the money.

Seems the subject was more determined to k*ll Ellingwood

than to get the money. Any theories?

Well, I don't think it's a coincidence that the two victims

are not only friends, but they both are in the mining business.

Do you have any leads on a new victim?

Not yet.

[instrumental music]

I'm sorry you can't have lunch with me today.

Me too.

- Bye. - Bye-bye.

Um, may I help you?

Uh...no, I was just admiring your building.

- It's beautiful. - Well, we like it.

- When was it built? - Completed last year.

Are, uh, you some kind of inspector?

Uh, no, no.

- I'm an architectural student. - Oh.

Yeah, I'd like to build something like this myself

someday, but I'm afraid I'll end up doing a hot dog stand.

'Forgive me, I've taken enough of your time.'

No, I...I'm sure you would like a full tour of our building.

Well, it would be nice.

I'm, uh, trying to think of how to arrange it.

You know, just put in a call to the company president.

[chuckles] That's an idea.

But Mr. Carroll's on vacation.

But he'll be back tomorrow.

Um, may I see your left hand?

Uh, your left hand.

Your bracelet intrigues me.

Mexican?

Yes.

You're very observant.

Part of the job.

Actually, I'm too introverted for a receptionist

so I compensate with recall.

'Could you turn around?'

You're wearing a yellow and blue repp tie.

Button down collar with one button missing

and a bowling pin tie clasp.

Anything else?

Uh, a good manicure but a rough shave.

You have a small scrape under your chin.

Can you tell me what I had for breakfast?

[chuckles] I'm not that smart.

You're smart enough.

It looks like you would remember me anywhere.

Including the fact that you're not an architectural student.

Pardon?

I used to know some architects.

They're, um, tough on ceilings.

'You haven't even looked up.'

You're anything but introverted.

I am a..

It's just with some people it's easy to be natural.

Okay, I'm an imposter.

I'm not an architectural student.

'I saw you through the window'

'and I thought it was a good way--'

Uh, let's keep it mysterious. It's more exciting that way.

[sighs]

Well, I could use a drink after this session.

Any suggestions?

The Circus Bar about a block down the street.

We, office creatures, generally socialize there after work.

Okay, I'll try. It's been fun.

- Bye. - Bye.

[intense music]

[Rex] 'The eyebrows, rather thick.'

Yeah.

Yeah, that's it.

Give it a full circulation.

This may help, Rex.

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

[indistinct chatter]

[music continues]

- Hello. - Hello.

I took your advice. It is a nice place.

The action's upfront.

Well, I prefer a quieter scene.

Do you mind if I join you?

No. Not at all.

Thank you.

Uh, you don't have to, uh, be sorry for me.

Sorry? Are you kidding? I'm fascinated.

I still can't get over that scene this morning.

You knew everything but my name.

Which incidentally is Neil Crayton.

Judy Thorpe.

Judy.

You, um, must have been carrying

someone else's briefcase this morning.

What do you mean?

- The initials were N.H. - Oh.

Do you always use a pseudonym when your wife's not around?

Ah, for the first time you're wrong.

I'm single, and I brought that case secondhand.

For a while I was beginning to think

you were back to crystal ball.

[chuckles]

Yes, uh, I believe I was mistaken.

To a fellow loner.

I'm sorry, that's not a very pretty term.

Ah, forget it. Cheers.

[instrumental music]

Can you get dinner here?

If you're desperate.

Well, uh, I saw a nice, a nice little steakhouse

about a block from here. Would you like to join?

I, uh, I really ought to get home.

I, I have some cleaning to do.

Can't your roommate do that?

In answer to your question, I live alone

with a Siamese cat and a three legged dog.

I'd love to have dinner out.

Good deal.

Now there's stack three deep upfront.

I'm afraid I might lose you.

- Do you mind? - Why not?

The alley's lovely at this time.

- May I? - Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

[intense music]

Oh, I bet you do.

You go out a lot, do you?

Oh, no, I'm kept pretty busy working.

I bet you are. How old are you anyway?

I'm sorry, I shouldn't ask that.

[laughs]

- Here's my car. - Oh. Why drive?

The restaurant's just up the street and--

Get in.

[music continues]

What do you want?

Get in and drive.

Get in the car.

Please, I-I don't understand.

Drive to the expressway, and drive carefully.

[music continues]

There's an excellent likeness. Excuse me a minute.

Bring me in the folder on Neil Harland, please.

I've been treating him for about a year. Rheumatoid arthritis.

- When was the last time? - Um..

About a month ago.

He was to come in last week, but didn't show up.

Uh, he gave his address as, uh

C-4, Bakeman Trailer Park, Norman, Oklahoma.

I assume he could get the drug from another doctor.

Oh, it's possible.

But he has been obtaining it from me on a regular basis.

'I don't see why he'd switch.'

How bad is his condition?

Oh, he's been suffering a great deal of pain.

Particularly in the left arm.

But he was able to retain a good deal of mobility.

[instrumental music]

Come on.

[music continues]

Come on.

Down here.

Come on.

[music continues]

You're gonna k*ll me, aren't you?

Keep moving.

Please, don't!

[Neil] Over there.

[music continues]

I keep telling myself it can't be so.

But I know it is.

Mr. Harland, do you have any idea

who his next victim might be?

Well, I worked with nearly every important mining executives.

Can you identify these men for us?

[sighs]

It's my fault. All of it.

I left Neil alone too much.

I was...always off someplace

looking after somebody else's interests

when I should have been home taking care of my own.

In the Bible, there's a passage

I remember, you know.

What does it profit a man if he..

...gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

Mr. Harland, uh..

...may we borrow that picture of your son?

Inspector, this is from Neil Harland's doctor

in Kansas City. He wrote asking for more methotrexate.

Harland asked that the methotrexate be sent

to general delivery in Kansas City

to set up surveillance.

Mr. Harland, do you know anyone in Kansas City?

I have a couple of friends there who hit it big.

They've got offices there.

[intense music]

[whistles]

[all screaming]

[music continues]

Are you sure no one was hurt?

Yes, we've already alerted the security and the police.

I'm coming down to the accounting office.

[telephone buzzes]

Yes.

[music continues]

Go ahead.

How's your health, Mr. Carroll?

- Who are you? - 'Your heir.'

I don't know what you're talking about?

What do you want?

Two hundred thousand dollars.

'Don't interrupt. I'll call again at 11 o'clock.'

You have the money in your office.

Where are you? Can't we...talk this over?

We'll talk.

Just don't try to let anybody out of the building.

If I have to use this g*n again, it won't be for target practice.

[music continues]

[dramatic music]

[tires screeching]

Excuse me.

We have units covering all exits. No sign of Harland.

- Do we have a warrant? - Yes, Dallas called.

Rex Lynn identified Harland's photo

and the US attorney authorized on him.

Excuse me.

- How did he get inside? - He walked.

An attendant at a parking garage saw him enter.

He posed as a maintenance worker.

'He never showed up at the post office'

'to claim his methotrexate.'

Has anyone seen him since the sh**ting?

No. Now, Harland's ordered Mr. Carroll

to meet with him alone.

He's going to call back to tell him where and when.

Lou, this is Audrey Michaels.

She has something to tell us.

I'm the assistant personnel officer here at Carroll

and I was shown a photograph of a man you're looking for.

- 'I think I saw him.' - When?

Yesterday with Judy Thorpe.

She handles the reception desk.

She called in sick to me this morning.

No, I, I mean, a man called in for her.

He said he was her brother.

- Does she have a brother? - I've met him.

He certainly didn't sound like him to me.

What's this Ms. Thorpe's address?

[grunting]

[intense music]

[grunting]

[groaning]

[dramatic music]

The agents have covered most of the floors.

No sign of him.

Carroll wants to see us.

Yes. I'll take it.

Go ahead.

- Do you have it? - Yes. The money is here.

'Good. Leave it there.'

'I'll meet you in the number four elevator.'

Meet me?

Well, you can't heft all that money alone.

We'll do it together.

But what floor do I get on the elevator?

Anyone. Take the grand tour.

Basement till the roof.

Keep riding till I join you.

But how will I know you?

Better if I know you.

I've seen pictures.

Tell you what?

'Wear one of your convention buttons.'

'The one that says, "Think Carroll."'

I don't know that I have time to find one.

I think you can. Get one, and start riding.

I just can't go through with this.

Why don't you let me take your place, Mr. Carroll?

Oh, I think that would be better.

[grunting]

[groaning]

'Inspector.'

Tom Colby.

Tom, we got a call from the police.

They've got Judy Thorpe's purse.

'A workmen found it in a warehouse outside town.'

What's the location?

Route 96.

Just past the Parmadale's cut-off.

The police will meet you there.



What's the situation at your end?

I'm on my way to meet Harland.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[grunting]

[dramatic music]

Alright, let's, uh..

...let's spread out and take a look.

[music continues]

Check upstairs.

[sobbing]

[screaming]

[music continues]

[crying]

[music continues]

There's fire in there. Get help.

[music continues]

[sobbing]

[crying]

[intense music]

You're not Carroll.

Who are you? Where's Carroll?

He's not coming.

The money is not enough, I want Carroll too.

- You want too much, Harland. - How do you know me?

It's my business to know you.

- Are you a cop? - FBI.

Unbutton your coat.

I asked you, where's Carroll?

He's off the building.

No, he hasn't. You're lying.

Twenty minutes ago.

No, no. He wouldn't leave the building now.

Not while I'm on the loose and he can sit safely

behind a wall with you people.

He's still up there in his office, isn't he?

I know he's up there.

And I'm gonna get him.

Back up toward the wall.

[intense music]

Pick it up.

Let's go.

Bring out Carroll.

[dramatic music]

Alright, we're going in.

All of you, over there.

Let's go.

[music continues]

Move over there.

I'll get him.

Wherever he is, I'll get him.

Get on the phone. Tell your men we're coming out.

Tell 'em I want a car waiting at the garage level.

Any trouble, and you are dead.

Go on.

[telephone buzzing]

- Yes. - 'This is Erskine.'

Harland is not to leave this office.

You walked me into a trap, didn't you?

You did that to yourself.

There's only one problem.

You're trapped with me.

This is your last chance.

Change those orders.

Do you want to die?

Not especially.

- Do you? - Please.

Don't make me hurt anybody else.

There's plenty of money in there, can't we make a deal?

Sure, we can.

- Go on. - Hand over the g*n.

No.

I don' get it.

You're scared.

I mean, you gotta be shaking inside

but you won't budge. Why?

Because it's your duty?

Do you know what kind of g*n this is?

I do.

Then you know what it can do to a man.

Suppose I didn't k*ll you.

Suppose I just left you a cr*pple.

Like your father?

I didn't do that to him. He did that to himself.

He's to blame for everything! And him!

All of them!

Well, that's my money, every cent of it

and I'm gonna keep it! It's my inheritance!

I never had a chance. Never had a chance at anything.

I didn't make myself this way! They did it! All of them!

They cheated me!

Their sons were born rich, they had everything!

Everything they wanted! What about me?

'Why didn't I ever get a chance?'

I never had anything! Nothing!

I never had a chance!

From the start, nothing till the end..

Nothing!

[dramatic music]

[glass shattering]

[groaning]

[groaning]

Lou, how is the girl Harland abducted?

She wasn't hurt.

- And Harland? - In custody.

What happens to him now?

Well, he'll, uh, be brought to trial.

And then?

Well, it's up to the courts, Tommy.

Hey..

Hey, Tommy, I understand how you feel.

Don't hate, son.

It was hate that started this whole thing.

'Okay?'

Alright, dad.

[male narrator] Neil Harland was convicted in state court of kidnapping

and attempted m*rder.

He was later found guilty in federal court of extortion

and of assaulting federal officers.

[theme music]