04x06 - Our Man in New York

[bunniefuu]

Previously on AMC's "TURN: Washington's Spies"... Major Andre has informed me of a spy operating out of Long Island.

You're Culper, aren't you?

Let me propose we put aside our mistrust and k*ll this murdering bastard.

She don't act married, now does she?

Let them believe their gossip.

Mrs.

Arnold, this is Abraham Woodhull.

I'm here with General Arnold.

You come to spy on him, I can help.

Man: Washington ordered a plan to capture Arnold.

Make contact with Townsend, then we will send our men into you.

(m*llitary drum playing) (chatter) sh*t.

Man: So, Benedict Arnold's your hero, then, huh? Not saying he's a hero, just that he did what any man might, given the circumstances.

Circumstances?

What bloody circumstances?

He's a traitor!

Caleb: What's this bastard saying?

We've got ourselves an Arnold lover.

Is that right, Sergeant?

Don't love the man.

But do understand...

Get him, Caleb!

- (Grunts)

- Traitor!

- Aah!

- (soldiers shouting)

Lieutenant Brewster, desist!

Brewster, desist!

Get off!

Get off!

The both of you with me, now!

I said now!

Get in.

All right, well, that looked realistic, I think.

I tell you, the boy really packs a punch.

Oh, it's all right, Sergeant.

She's one of us.

Mrs.

Strong, this is Sergeant John Champe, of Major Harry Lee's regiment. I've heard good things about you, Sergeant.

Your country thanks you for your service.

Ma'am.

Ben: Mrs.

Strong will be providing you with a book of false intelligence to take over to the enemy.

You'll be deserting for the British lines tomorrow night. You'll have no escort, no guide.

A head start's the best we can give you, Johnny, but then we gotta hunt you down.

Major Lee tells me you...

you don't talk much.

No, sir.

Ben: Right, well, once you're in New York, you'll have to do your share of talking.

You must convince the enemy not only that you have changed sides, but that others are soon to follow.

This will get you close to your target.

And remember, we want Arnold alive.

I will see it done.

Our agent will make contact with you in the city.

He'll introduce you to our other man in New York, who will signal us when all is ready.

How will I know him, sir?

He's in Benedict Arnold's new regiment, the American Legion.

He will respond to the phrase "missing the summer of ' ." Keep using the phrase, and he will approach you.

Good.

Now...

(clears throat)

Now get out of here, both of you!

Hewlett: Deception. Betrayal. Chaos. These are the enemies that we face...

the enemies of truth.

To me, the truth seems quite clear.

It was rebels behind the ambush.

Rebels who k*lled their own?

Yes, they are both savage and incompetent, trust me.

What do you make of that assessment, Abraham?

That the rebels are savages?

I, um...

I can't be sure if they were rebels, sir.

I can.

And, yes, they would k*ll their own.

Treachery runs in their blood. Does it, now?

General, I wonder if I might interview Private Woodhull on my own.

So, you two know each other well, then.

Oh, quite well.

Major Hewlett was billeted at my father's house.

There's not much we don't know about each other.

Though I must confess, Major, you have me at a disadvantage.

We had heard you had moved back to England.

What brings you back to the Colonies?

Oh, it's a long story, I'm afraid.

And we are here today to discuss yours and to secure the justice that you deserve.

And rightful recompense.

I heard one of them call the other by a name.

Thorburn.

Thorburn.

Well, that's a start.

I shall contact my sources and seek to identify the culp-rits of this crime.

And I assume those culp-able will have made the wise choice to flee this colony.

And if they have not, they will be caught and hanged.

Very good.

Thank you, General.

So, that's our head of intelligence.

Hewlett: Uh, General?

Please allow me at least hours for my full report.

Don't get your hopes up, Woodhull.

(Theme music playing)

♪ Hush, hush ♪

♪ There's snakes in the garden ♪

♪ Soul for sale ♪

♪ Blood on the vines ♪

♪ Hush, hush ♪

♪ I know there will come a day ♪

♪ They're hiding in the color of night ♪

- ♪ I can't wait anymore ♪ - ♪ Soul for sale ♪

- ♪ I can't wait anymore ♪ - ♪ Soul for sale ♪

♪ I can't wait anymore ♪

- (chatter)

- (Ann sighs)

- That's the last of it.

- For now.

Be a dear and fetch me some kindling from over there?

Do you mind if I look at this?

Curious about what's happening in New York, are you?

A little sugar, green and black China tea, mustard oil, yellow rice.

Well, looks like some are doing well out of the w*r, eh?

- Even on our side.

- What do you mean?

Your dainty friend.

Miss La-Dee-Da.

Anna Strong.

Always seems to have coffee and clean linen.

Maybe you should ask her to share some with the rest of us. I think I shall.

I'll look after Thomas.

(Sighs)

Ben: I was afraid you weren't coming.

You've never kept me waiting?

May I remind you I don't just have a job to do.

I have a job I must pretend to do.

Can't very well be copying a cipher book out front of the sutler cart, even a false one.

Nearly looks real.

Can't even tell it's a woman's hand.

You know what I...

they're meant to think that this was compiled by...

By a man.

Since a woman wouldn't be worth keeping around.

Anna, I...

look, I told Selah that you were needed here.

But you didn't tell him he could take me back to Philadelphia whenever he wanted?

Well, he can.

But he didn't.

And, well, maybe that means he won't.

No, it...

(sighs)

it means he's changed.

He's not the same man I married.

And does that make you happy or...

(door opens) (Ben gasps) Mary, what are you doing here?

French Raspberry Brandy from Rivington's.

That means a message has been sent from New York from Abe.

Mrs.

Woodhull, I have made it very clear to you...

That women are not allowed in the officers' tents, I know.

Though that rule is broken regularly.

- Mary...

- But this isn't your tent, so I haven't broken your precious rule.

You also said I had no right to know of Abe's whereabouts.

But I see that she has that right.

- You have no...

- We're being watched.

There are spies in camp almost certainly.

The fewer people who know a secret, the more secret it is, that's all this is about.

Are you saying that you don't trust me?

You don't trust me?

You, an adulteress how many times over?

That's enough.

You may not care where your husband is, but I do.

(Music playing) (distant chatter) Major.

(Crowd chattering)

Hey, Woodhull.

Sergeant.

Is something wrong, private?

No, sergeant.

And what are you doing out here?

It's after curfew.

I said why aren't you in barracks? I was just, uh...

I was just headed that way, sergeant.

Right then, allow me to escort you.

(Crowd chattering) With my compliments, major.

To your good health, sir.

(Music playing) (heart b*ating) (closes)

- (Music playing)

- (people chattering) Hello.

Aye.

(Scoffs)

Lord Simcoe.

- Lady Lola.

- (laughs)

- Care to see my castle?

- I do, but tonight.

All night if you can keep it free.

Well, now.

Pretty please?

See you at : .

(Sniffing)

I saw Hewlett at Rivington's, but I didn't see you.

I thought you were supposed to be following him.

We were fetching the cart, colonel.

Ah-ah.

No "colonel" or "sir." You're not a Queen's Ranger today, remember?

You found something to cover his body, yes?

Wouldn't it be easier to just do him in the street?

Major Hewlett is a commissioned officer.

His m*rder will be investigated, and any third party will point straight back to us.

Pardon me, sir, but...

isn't that whore of yours a third party?

Miss Lola will be quite unable to testify.

She'll be the tragic victim of the men who overheard poor Major Hewlett's anguished cries from her tent, and were moved to avenge him.

I made a vow to deal with Hewlett face-to-face.

You will bring him here alive.

And I'll be in Miss Lola's tent k*lling time till you do.

- (Music playing)

- (pen scratching)

(door opens)

(door closes)

Cicero?

Yes, ma'am.

My mother's at the market.

I know, dear.

I have a question for you.

You see, I'm writing my friend Becky Redman back in Philadelphia, and I'm such a scatterbrain.

I can't remember the name of that nice young soldier I met at Kennedy House the other night.

The young man, what was his name?

- Soldier?

- Oh, silly me.

There were so many there, I know.

The one I saw you talking to.

In the cloakroom?

Um...

I don't...

I don't remember, ma'am.

He was from Setauket.

And you're from Setauket.

You must know who I mean.

Private Ward, Widdell, Weston...

Woodhull.

His name was Woodhull, ma'am.

Of course it was.

Thank you.

And by the way, what were you two chatting about in there?

We talked about... Setauket.

How he missed it.

I see.

Do you miss it as well?

- I like it here, ma'am.

- Thank you, Cicero.

- (Music playing)

- (people chattering) What is this about?

How do you knew Hewlett?

- Who?

- How long have you known Hewlett?

- Major...

- Yes, Major Hewlett!

I saw you speaking with him last night!

You saw a man paying his bill, which is a rare sight in these parts, but I assure you it does happen from time to time.

Now, what are you getting at, and why are you hiding a Kn*fe?

You seem to know each other.

I make it my business to know every officer that frequents the coffeehouse, so why is this one so different?

Because he knows I'm Culper.

Now, I need to know exactly what he said to you.

(Sighs)

Uh...

we talked about some new planet and some book about the Roman Empire.

- Why hasn't he arrested you?

- I don't know!

We made a pact to k*ll Simcoe back in Setauket, but it didn't work, and then he quit his post after my father blocked his marriage to Anna Strong.

How have I never heard of this person?

We thought he was gone.

The last we heard, he was selling his commission.

Does he know about me?

Should I run?

No, I'm going to deal with him before he deals with us.

But you might wanna pack a bag.

Just in case.

Wait.

I know where he lives.

Pays his bill on time.

(Door closes) - (People chattering)

- (music playing) Your forces are in the north.

He knew...

May I introduce my aide, Major Tallmadge?

(Speaking French)

Monsieur Le Comte De Rochambeau in command of our French allies.

Retaking New York must be our first objective in the coming campaign.

- (Translating to French)

- Without New York, we cannot win.

(Speaking French)

I too am of the opinion that we should att*ck New York, when the time is ripe.

Perhaps, however, the South offers fresher fruit.

If I may add, I hear that General Greene has been making great sport of Lord Cornwallis there.

Hunting a fox is not the same as k*lling the wolf.

Wolves may be dressed in sheep's clothing.

(Clears throat)

One option is to concentrate our forces and besiege the city as Admiral De Grasse harries...

(translating to French) ...the Royal Navy to cut off General Clinton's supplies.

I concur that that is indeed an option.

- New York is critical to a successful...

- (translating to French) and rapid conclusion to this w*r.

I could not disagree less given a favorable alignment of circumstances, climate, and conditions.

So, cut off the head and the beast dies.

Slicing into his soft underbelly achieves the same.

- Yeah.

- My dear Comte, I greatly appreciate this full and frank exchange of views.

The pleasure was entirely mine, Your Excellency.

It is important that we allies understand each other clearly.

Monsieur.

I'll start drawing up the plans for the siege on New York.

The French want to att*ck the South.

Could they be right, sir?

The prize lies within our grasp, and they wish to settle for fool's gold.

(Music playing) (keys clanging) Whoa, friend, where you off to this hour?

Is that Champe?

Champe's deserted!

Champe's deserted!

Champe's deserted! Sir!

We were coming back from patrol!

He rode right past us.

We have get after him.

- (Animal sounds)

- (papers rustling) Dolt.

Honestly, where do they find these fools?

My dear.

(Sighs)

My.

Dear.

Yes, what is it?

Are you certain you can trust Cicero?

Trust him?

What are you talking about?

It's just that I saw him talking to a Private Woodhull at Kennedy House.

Just enlisted.

Rebels k*lled his father.

Oh.

Still, they seemed very conspiratorial.

Perhaps it bears looking into?

Look, I am a damned general, in case you've forgotten.

Do you think I have the time to poke around in the lives of servants and privates?

- I didn't mean...

- Do you think Washington concerns himself with the idiocies of scullery maids?

Do you think that Clinton cares about the vaporings - of his footmen?

- It's just that...

Then why in the hell do you think I should?

I'm sorry.

I only wish to h...

You only with to what?

To manipulate me like you did with Miss Cheer, your rival for André's affections?

- Oh, Benedict, please st...

- No, you stop!

I see your stratagem now.

- Abigail!

- (footsteps approaching) Abigail, understand this.

You are my servant. Cicero is my servant and my valet, and he is privileged to serve as such.

Yes, sir.

He knows that, sir.

You will not beg and harass my wife to dismiss him behind my back, is that clear?

Don't look at her.

Look at me.

I am master of this house.

Yes, sir.

You may leave.

That was unnecessary and misguided.

Yes, I acted foolishly with that... actress, but now I am only looking out for your interests.

Our interests as your wife.

Well, then let me be frank with you, wife.

Your opinions, especially on matters that do not concern you, no longer concern me.

It's time for you to honor the contract of this marriage.

You will fulfill your obligations, you will service my needs, You will provide me with sons, and the social standing that my rank requires, is that clear?

Abundantly.

- (Horses galloping)

- (music playing) He's in the woods.

- He's headed for their lines.

- (horse whinnies)

You, mind the horses.

Come on.

Man: There he is! - Refuge!

- Man: Fire! (g*nshots)

(mumbles)

Make ready!

Strike.

Fire!

Refuge!

Refuge!

I surrender!

Long live the King!

Man: Raise your hands and approach! He's gonna run for it.

- Can I fire?

- Caleb: I can get him.

Brewster, sh**t him down.

Come on.

The rest of you, stay loaded in case they charge.

(Music playing) (groans)

Nice sh*t, lieutenant.

I never could've done that.

(Groans)

Maybe the bastard will lose an arm.

- Yeah, maybe.

- Well done, Brewster.

Dragoons, withdraw.

- What the hell was that?

Huh?

- Well, he got through, didn't he?

Come on.

Come on.

(Music playing) - (Men chattering)

- (music playing) (horse whinnying) (clanging)

(door closes)

(distant yelling) Hewlett: Twenty cannon at West Point moving north. Henry Browning, paid shillings. Henry Browning?

I'm sorry.

Hewlett: General Washington sending horse to Norwalk. John Robeson three guineas. Colonel Simcoe willing to join Rebels at earliest opportunity. Abraham Woodhull, eight pounds. Patience.

(Panting)

(sighs)

You have to leave?

You already paid for the whole night.

Some odds and ends to tie up.

But stay here, and I'll be back momentarily.

(laughs)

You are a curious man, John, and I wonder if you'll miss me.

- So do I.

- Huh.

You know, my odds and ends can wait.

- Can you read, Lola?

- I can read men.

What do you read in me?

Sadness, I think.

You're a man who only shows one side of himself to the world, that hard side, and keeps another hidden away.

When one values strength, one's drawn to it in others.

In an ally, a foe, even a lover.

(Sighs)

Do you trust me?

I barely know you.

- (Groans)

- (glass thuds) Oh, trust me anyway.

I'm going in to get set.

I'll whistle 'fore I drop him down.

You cover him up, and I'll meet you - at the other end.

- Wait, wait, wait, wait.

(Music playing) - Good night, sir.

- Cornelius.

(Music playing)

(window rattling)

(door rattling)

(locks clicking, door opens)

(window rattling)

Who the hell are you?

(Groans)

- (groans)

- What the hell are you doing here, boy?

He was looking for me, just as you were.

- Turn him.

- (grunts)

(groans)

- (loud clattering) - Hurry up, Brant.

(Groaning)

- (grunting)

- (Hewlett panting)

(gurgling)

(panting)

He's Simcoe's man.

No, he's more than that.

He's proof of Simcoe's plot to m*rder me.

Simcoe'll just say he's a loose cannon.

He has another man outside.

(Distant chatter)

(loud rustling)

(thudding)

Courtesy of Major Edmund Hewlett.

- Motlow: Hyah! - (pants)

I just had this place cleaned.

Where the hell did you get that?

This?

It's a souvenir my uncle acquired at Culloden.

Belonged to some unfortunate Jacobite.

I brought it over with me.

Just in case.

You mean brought it back with you.

When I returned home, I tried to sell my commission.

Only to find out that it was worthless.

No takers for a losing w*r, it seems.

So, I'm here to recoup my investment.

Oh.

So, that's what your scheme's about.

Fake tips from fake informants for real money?

(Sighs)

You always were a clever one, Abraham.

I got the idea from your fake Sons of Liberty.

You remember that?

I remember getting caught.

Yes, well, no one's watching me here.

No one cares.

They think that intelligence is a fool's errand.

But they're certainly willing to pay for it.

How much?

A thousand pounds a month for tips alone.

Another few years, and I'll be able to purchase a decent estate.

Not as nice as the one bought by Colonel Cook's graft, but enough to get what I care about.

You know, Anna's already had that life.

Anna?

No.

No.

What I'm talking about is my true love.

My first love.

Science.

My telescopes, my books.

Myself.

It is all the company I need.

But solitude does not come cheap.

If we don't deal with Simcoe...

it won't come at all.

- We?

- Yes, we.

We made a pact once...

to finish him.

And we have both paid the price for not seeing it through.

It's not going to matter.

Someone else far likely worse will replace him.

It doesn't get worse than Simcoe.

I turned you in, Abraham.

Before I left, I turned you in to André. And when I returned to England, I found that he had met his doom.

Benedict Arnold had been awarded a regiment, and there was nary a mention...

of a spy named Woodhull.

I once believed that man's affairs had a purpose.

The order we brought was divinely ordained.

But you see, there is no order.

No justice.

Men are nothing but creatures of deceit, folly, and greed.

Why should I be any different? All right, then.

All right, then let's play greed.

Drop this scheme right now, and I will give you what you're after.

What do you mean?

I mean I'll give you Whitehall.

My father signed it over to me, but I don't want it.

In fact, I hate it.

Almost as much as I hate Simcoe.

Now, help me k*ll him... and I'll sign it over to you.

Sell it.

Live in it.

Burn it down.

I don't care.

(Distant chatter) Simcoe: I should warn you, that blade has brought death to many and pain enough to make others long for it.

But it's never brought fear to you before now.

I'm not afraid.

(Chuckles)

Because you trust I won't hurt you.

Because I trust that if you do, you know the consequences would be fatal.

Maybe I've seen so much, I don't fear consequences.

(Gasping)

Does it feel good to take your armor off and put yourself in my hands?

- Tell me.

- Yes.

You don't take me like other men do.

You want me to like it, too.

Why?

I don't know.

I think it's because you want me to feel something.

You want to see just a little bit of love in my eyes.

- Don't deny it.

- (moans)

Don't fear it.

Oh, to care what other people think, even people you barely know, maybe that's the way to the love you want.

Say my name.

Say it.

Say it.

Say it.

Man: Colonel Simcoe? (music playing) Hewlett did it.

Threw him right out the window.

Hewlett did this?

All by himself?

Take it north.

Find a ditch.

Throw him in it.

- (People chattering)

- Ann: Cheer up, love.

All our problems come out in the wash.

- Not all, Mrs.

Barnes.

- Well, look on the bright sides.

Your boy here is a smart one.

And so good with his letters.

Can even write his real name.

I beg your pardon?

While you were off with the queen...

we practiced our schooling.

Of the Long Island Woodhulls, I presume?

The very well-known, very Tory Woodhulls?

Thomas, come here.

Shh, don't worry.

Don't worry.

Your secret's safe with me, love.

You might have slipped up, but we can remedy that.

But if you don't take care, they will spot us.

Us?

You're not the only one in camp under a false name.

Mine isn't Barnes.

It's Bates.

Ann Bates.

We Tories have to stick together, before these rebel bastards drag us all into hell.

Now, tell me.

What do you know about Miss Anna Strong, and her beau, Major Tallmadge.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

I'll do this elsewhere.

Not until you tell me truthfully.

What did you discuss with Abraham Woodhull?

- I...

- I know it was about the general.

- Now tell me.

- (footsteps approaching) Miss Peggy?

Cicero, what did you do?

We're just about to find out.

Cicero?

(Music playing) My grandfather used to horsewhip servants who lied to him.

My father, a kindlier man, always taught me to reward loyalty.

Which do you prefer, boy?

He's a spy.

For the rebel army.

He came to kidnap General Arnold.

A plot?

Count me in.