05x15 - The Doll Courier

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

Yes?

Do you want something?

I came to see you about the doll.

- What kind of doll? - Marie Antoinette.

Who sent you?

Libby Jackson.

You have the plans?

Well?

The lady who contacted me said I-I must see the doll first.

[scoffs] So much formality.

Sometimes I think we make our business

more complicated than it is.

I'm not in your business.

Then what kind of business are you in?

'Either you're an agent or a traitor.'

Perhaps you prefer being called a salesman.

'Marie Antoinette. Rosette's finest work.'

Now the film, if you please.

If this isn't authentic

we'll see to it that the FBI learns of your activities.

You-you understand that that's only the first stage

of the monitoring satellite system.

The second and third are manufactured at other plants.

Now, without them, that-that's useless.

Yes, we're aware of that.

I'm supposed to receive some money.

Oh, you mean your commission?

$5000.

Go on, count it.

Being a salesman pays more than being a physicist.

You had me frightened for a minute.

- Did you get the negative? - Yes.

Let me have it, and, uh, the doll.

I don't understand.

You're being replaced, Mark.

I'm to pick up the second and third stages.

Why?

Jason believes you made a deal with the Chinese.

To sell the plans.

[scoffs]

You know me better than that.

I've been in the party for a long time.

My loyalty is beyond question.

You were seen talking to one of the agents outside the airport.

Oh, he approached me, but I turned him down.

Jason thinks otherwise.

Then let me talk to this Jason.

If you tell me where I can find him, I'll explain things.

You know better than that, Mark.

Look, if he didn't trust me, why did he ask me

to pick up the first stage?

'He found out too late.'

The physicist insisted on knowing

what you looked like in advance.

Sending somebody else might've scared him off.

We couldn't take that chance.

'Now give me the negative.'

[dramatic music]

There it is, inside the doll.

Alright, stand back.

Stand back.

You're making a terrible mistake.

Am I, Mark?

No, Johnny.

We've been friends for a long time.

Give me a chance to explain.

Johnny, look, maybe I did make a deal

but they're willing to pay $100,000 for the system.

Johnny, I'll split it with you.

Johnny!

[g*nsh*t]

[music continues]

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr..

Also starring Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds..

With guest stars, William Smithers..

...Penny Fuller..

...Richard O'Brien..

...and special guest star Viveca Lindfors.

Tonight's episode, "The Doll Courier."

[instrumental music]

Identification on the body found May 1st

in Portland, Oregon, gave the m*rder victim's name

as John Nester.

However, a routine fingerprint check

through the FBI identification division

revealed the startling fact that his true identity

was Mark Leffert, a known member

of the communist party, born in Switzerland

and deported from the United States in 1968

as an undesirable alien.

Until this time, the authorities were unaware

that Leffert had slipped back into the country.

Also found on the victim was a typewritten letter.

This letter with its curious message

was to be the beginning

one of the FBI's most bizarre cases.

Although the climate in Portland might not be the best

the view of the McLaughlin Lake is well worth the trip.

Especially seen an hour before sunset

from the observation point.

As for Marie Antoinette, I'm sure we'll be able

to put some sense into her head before she continues

on her long journey.

Your good friend, Libby Jackson..

Yeah, what do you think of that?

Well, it's not a concealment cipher.

It gives Leffert the city he used to be in, Portland.

The place, the observation point in McLaughlin Park

and the time..

Uh, sunset was at 6:45

and he was supposed to be there an hour earlier.



That's the approximate time the coroner set for his death.

Well, what about, um, Marie Antoinette?

Well, uh, it could be a code name for anyone.

- Or anything. - Mm-hmm.

What do we know about this person who's signed it?

Libby Jackson?

Well, she, uh, she teaches school in Portland, uh..

There's no indication that she's connected

with any subversive groups.

As a matter of fact, the, the city council

has just awarded her a plaque for 30 years of public service.

Now, we can't be sure that's her signature.

Well, Portland's sending samples of her handwriting

for comparison.

I'd, uh, I'd still like to go out there and see her, Art.

Are you about finished with the Albert case?

Yes, I am.

Alright, then, good.

Lewis, there's something about this phrase

"Put some sense into her head."

I've heard knock sense and talk sense

but never, never put.

I just wonder if that might be the key to something.

Well, if it is, that something is what we've gotta find.

[instrumental music]

[telephone ringing]

Carl Degners Studio.

- 'Carl?' - Yes.

[woman on phone] 'I'm calling for Jason.'

Who is this?

'There's been a slight change in plans.'

'Leffert's been replaced.'

- Well, why? - 'That's not important.'

'You'll meet with a man named Debecker.'

I've never heard of him.

How will I know he's the right one?

'He'll have the doll and the countersign.'

'Do you have the negative for the second stage of the MSS?'

Yes.

But I don't like last minute changes.

'Sometimes they're necessary, Carl.'

And risky.

'That's why you're paid so well, Carl, to take risks.'

I don't like being kept in the dark like this.

I don't even know who you are or this Jason.

'It's better that way.'

'Except for the courier, everything's the same.'

- 'Is that understood?' - Yes.

'This is very important to us, Carl.'

'See that nothin' goes wrong at your end.'

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Excuse me.

- Yes? - Mrs. Jackson?

That's right.

Uh, my name's Erskine, I'm with the FBI.

So you are.

I wonder if I might talk to you.

- Well, come in. - Thank you.

What is it you wanted to see me about?

Uh, I wonder if you'd, uh, take a look at this letter.

[sighs]

I don't know what to make of this, Mr. Erskine.

I didn't write it, it's not even my signature.

Yes, we know it's a forgery

but, uh, do you have any idea who might have done it?

- No. - Perhaps a student?

Or a fellow teacher?

Maybe someone you come in contact with

during the course of the day.

But I come in contact with a lot of people

but I can't imagine any one of them signing my name to this.

Does the context of the letter mean anything to you?

No, I can't say that it does.

Of course I'm very familiar with Marie Antoinette.

I taught French history for years.

Yes, well, uh, I have a feeling this refers

to a different Marie Antoinette.

There's been so much written about her

then there are all those famous paintings and..

There's even a Marie Antoinette doll.

- A doll? - Yes.

The great doll maker, Rosette, made a doll and called it

the Marie Antoinette.

I don't know who owns it now. It..

Well, it might even be in a museum.

Well, I see you have quite a collection yourself.

What is it they say about old maid schoolteachers?

They don't live life, they collect it.

[chuckling]

I chose dolls.

Well, they're very lovely.

Maybe you saw that young lady leaving here when you came?

- Yes, I did. - She's a reporter.

And she's writing an article

for the "American Antique Journal"

about my collection.

Of course, I've never been able to afford anything

like the Marie Antoinette.

I've just seen pictures of it.

I don't suppose you'd, uh, have one here?

Yes, I'm sure I do.

I think there was one in, in last month's journal.

Yes. Yes, here it is.

Oh, she must have been a beautiful woman.

[Erskine] 'It's in last month's issue'

of the "American Antique Journal."

It gives a short history of the doll

but it doesn't say who owns it.

Well, that shouldn't be difficult to find out.

I'll put Tom on it.

You're sure Libby Jackson has nothing to do with this?

Yes, I am, Art.

They're probably just using her name as a cover

in case the letter should fall into the wrong hands.

If Marie Antoinette does refer to a doll

the fact that Libby Jackson is a collector

makes the operation seem more legitimate.

That makes sense.

Incidentally, I'm flying out to Portland

for a law enforcement conference. I'll see you there.

Good.

[instrumental music]

You work much too hard.

You worry too much about your aunt.

Well, the most beautiful lady in New York City

should be dining in the most exclusive French restaurant

with a very eligible bachelor, of course.

[laughing]

Only very eligible bachelors, you see.

They like to dine with very eligible heiresses.

Or, uh, go-go dancers.

Besides, I enjoy answering my fan mail.

Can I see?

"Dear Ms. Bolen, one of my dolls is losing her hair.

Is there anything I can do about this?"

Well, of course, buy her a wig.

[chuckling] You mustn't make fun of them, Eric

'cause sometimes they write me because they are very lonely

so...if I can make them feel a little less lonely, why not?

Besides, um, I enjoy being a celebrity.

Alright. Don't work too late.

Goodnight, see you tomorrow.

[typewriter keys clacking]

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

How was the conference?

Either I'm getting old or these conferences

are getting longer.

Any luck with the Mary Antoinette doll?

It was purchased from the Kane Noble Art Gallery

in New York two years ago.

Sales was handled by an agent acting for an anonymous buyer.

- Who was the agent? - A Jason Keller.

Do you know anything about him?

- Can't even find him. - How'd he pay?

Cash.

I guess he wanted to remain as anonymous as the buyer.

Though we did find out this

the doll was seen earlier this year in an art show

in Zurich, Switzerland.

On loan from an anonymous art patron?

That's right.

What about the photograph in the "Antique Journal?"

The editor sent me the original.

It was taken by a Carl Degner, a freelance photographer

formerly of New York, now living in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

When did he take it?

The date on the back of the picture was June 1968.

In other words, Degner saw the doll

after it had been sold to this, uh, Jason Keller.

'That's right.'

What do we know about Degner?

He graduated from Fulton College in 1939, joined the army in '42

received an honorable discharge in '45.

No, uh, communist front groups there?

Nothing that we know about.

He worked as a freelance photographer

in New York City, until he moved to Fort Wayne

where he opened up his own studio.

I wonder why Fort Wayne.

Yeah, that's a good question.

Suppose I drop by and have a little talk with him, Art.

- Under pretext. - It's a good idea.

I'm having the lab examine the photo, uh

there might be something in it to help us.

[bell ringing]

Be with you in a second.

- Now, what would you like? - A photograph.

- Of yourself? Your girlfriend? - No, a doll.

- What kind of doll? - The Mary Antoinette.

- Who recommended my work? - Libby Jackson.

Is it in the suitcase?

Mm.

I have your proofs ready.

Have any trouble gettin' it?

One of the security guards at the plant.

He's planning on an early retirement

to go hunting with his dog.

We should be able to help him.

[dramatic music]

Notice the glass case the doll is in, Mr. Ward.

The upper right hand corner. Look closely.

It has a woman's face.

Yes, I see it, reflected on the glass.

I've had that area blown up.

'The woman was probably standing across the room'

'watching the photographer take the picture.'

Is there anything in it to tell us where the picture was taken?

Yes, sir, there's some lettering on the left hand side.

'It's probably the name of the store'

'reflected from the window.'

Mm, the doll, huh?

Assuming as said it in the window

it's probably the name of the shop, uh

with another word of four, five letters

the doll house place, the doll shop, something like that.

The doll shop.

You better have some more of these made, Tom.

And try to bring out the features in that woman's face.

Yes, sir, right away.

[instrumental music]

- May I help you? - Uh, Mr. Degner?

Yes.

Wonder if you could give me some information.

I have a price list here.

Of course, the more pictures you order, the more you save.

Then there's the free five by seven.

Uh, no, the, the information I need concerns a doll.

The Marie Antoinette Rosette.

Why come to me?

I understand you photographed it.

[chuckles] I might have.

I've been in the business 25 years.

You can't expect me to remember every picture I've taken.

Well, this appeared in the "American Antiques Journal."

The editor said it was yours.

Oh, yes, I remember now.

What did you wanna know about the doll?

Well, I was, uh, hoping you could help me find it.

Is it missing?

Seems to be. A client of mine is interested in it.

- Client? - Oh, yes.

I, uh, deal in antiques.

'He's willing to pay a good bit for it'

'but, uh, I have to find it first'

'and the last I heard it was sold by'

'the Kane Noble Galleries in New York.'

'Buyer was anonymous.'

That's too bad.

But I still don't understand why you came to me.

Well, I thought, perhaps, you could tell me

who hired you to photograph it.

No one hired me. It was on display.

So I took a picture of it.

Well, where was that?

Some old gallery in Manhattan.

Do you recall a name?

No, they all sounded alike to me.

A French for something rather.

Besides, it was a long time ago.

Well, this just appeared last month.

Well, that's when the journal printed it.

They must've kept it in there files until then.

When was it taken?

Oh, maybe four, five years ago.

Oh, I see.

I'm sorry, I can't be of more help

but if you'd like some portraits made

it wouldn't take too long, and I could send you the proofs.

Uh, no, no, thank you.

Well, then I, I better get back to the dark room.

Well, thanks for your time.

I know how it is to be in business for yourself.

[dramatic music]

[woman on phone] 'Operator.'

I'd like to place a long distance call

to Chicago, please.

'The number you're calling?'



'Is this person to person?'

Yes.

I'd like to speak to Mr. Lewis Fredricks.

Chicago Antique Imports.

[woman on phone] 'I have a call for Mr. Lewis Fredricks'

'from Mr. Jones, Fort Wayne, Indiana.'

I'm sorry Mr. Fredricks is out of town.

- 'When do you expect him back?' - 'Not before next week.'

Cancel the call, operator.

'Thank you.'

Sir, the long distance call Inspector Erskine was expecting

just came through the board.

Yes, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

[instrumental music]

Degner was lying about when he took the picture.

He obviously didn't want me to know he'd seen it

after it was sold to Keller.

I want him placed under constant surveillance, Dan.

Yes, sir.

[telephone buzzing]

Erskine.

Uh, yes thank you.

Lewis, that call you were expecting

from Fort Wayne just came through.

Good. We're on the right track then.

Yes, he apparently hasn't been tipped off that we're on to him.

I have some information on the Degner photograph.

It was taken at a store called

The Doll Shop in New York city.

It's owned by a woman named Eva Bolen.

Now, we have on her is that she was born in Poland

fled to Switzerland when she was 15

and came over to this country shortly after World w*r II.

'And it's being investigated by Chet Randolph in New York'

'but I'd like you to look in on it.'

'So call him and tell him you're on the way.'

Right. Is Tom there with you?

Uh, yeah, I'm here, Lou.

Tom, I'd like you to find out what, uh

companies here in Fort Wayne in Portland are working on

top secret government projects

and if there's any time between the two.

You see a pattern beginning to take shape?

Well, it's still vague, Arthur

but you remember the letter mentioned Marie Antoinette

continuing her long journey?

Well, this could refer to a courier

moving from city to city picking up information.

And the doll might be the key to that courier.

Exactly.

The doll could be his way of getting information

out of the country under the guise of its being an antique.

Sent by a collector who wants to show it somewhere in Europe.

Makes an ideal cover.

This could be the pattern we're looking for.

Well, I'll see what I can find out about those companies, Lou.

Alright, talk to you later.

[instrumental music]

Muriel.

Oh, uh, it's nice to see you. How was your trip, hmm?

- Excellent. - Good.

I have a message for you.

- Uh-huh. - From Libby Jackson.

She says to tell you how much she appreciates your letters.

When did you see her?

While I was in Portland researching

an article on her collection

and she showed me some of your letters.

Mm, see my fans appreciate me.

To show you how much, I've decided to take you for lunch.

No, you two go.

- But-- - 'Please, I insist.'

Besides I'm not hungry.

My aunt, the match maker.

Well, it looks like you're stuck with me.

My magazine is stuck with you. I'm on an expense account.

Oh, good, then we'll go somewhere expensive.

Bye.

[intense music]

Eva Bolen opened her shop here in New York.

March 3rd 1958.

Until that time she was employed by the Corinthian

a large antique house in Lower Manhattan.

I checked with the owner of the company.

He spoke very highly of her.

Said she had a great knowledge of antiques, specially dolls.

- What about her family? - 'They were k*lled in the w*r.'

'All except her nephew.'

Five years ago, Eva Bolen was contacted

by an international agency

working to reunite families separated by the w*r.

And nephew, her younger sister's son

was found living in West Germany.

Eva sent for him. It was all in the papers.

This was when they arrived in New York.

You know, I think I'll pay her a visit, Chet.

In the mean time see if you can find out

what led to their reunion.

Right.

[intense music]

Yes.

I'm looking for some information on a doll I just bought.

It's supposed to be very valuable.

Oh, which doll is that?

I believe it's called the Marie Antoinette.

Yes, it is.

I have one book, but I'm saving it for someone.

Would that be Libby Jackson?

Yes.

But I can order her another.

'I believe this is what you want to know.'

That should be very helpful.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Chicago Antique Imports.

I don't believe I've ever heard of them.

Well, I'm afraid the name is more impressive

than the company.

- Oh. - We're quite small.

We act mostly as purchasing agents

for clients who wish to remain anonymous.

I see.

- Two? - Please.

- Milk? - Um, no, thank you.

I've never quite gotten used to the European way.

[chuckles] And I never got quite used to yours.

I suppose we're creatures of habit after all, Mr. Fredricks.

Yes, that's, uh, quite true.

What can I do for you, hmm?

Uh, a client of mine is interested in buying a doll.

Well, you have come to the right place.

Is there a, a particular doll?

The Marie Antoinette.

By Rosette.

- I see. - You've heard of it?

[laughs] Oh, yes, I have.

It's the most overrated doll ever made, Mr. Fredrick.

Really? I've always heard just the opposite.

Well, then you have, uh..

Then you have heard from people who don't know

anything about dolls.

Possibly.

I'm sorry, I don't have it in my collection.

Uh, perhaps, you could tell me where I might find it.

Mm, now, the last time I heard..

I think it was in the, um..

The Kane Noble Gallery, I think.

That was two years ago.

Well, see how little interest I have for it.

I'm sorry.

Or maybe, maybe, they know who bought it, huh?

Well, they did give me his name

but I haven't been able to find him.

Uh, perhaps you know who he is.

Jason Keller.

Jason Keller, Jason Kell..

No, I don't think I've ever heard of him.

Well, I'm, uh, I'm sorry I..

I'm sorry I can't do anything for you.

Well, I've enjoyed the conversation.

And the tea.

Oh, uh, I noticed these on the way in.

Seemed to be a list of the dolls in your collection.

Yes, I, I send them around occasionally to customers.

- Would you like to keep one? - Thank you.

I might be able to interest my client something else.

Mm, take as many as you want, I can always type up some more.

Uh, no, one is fine, thanks.

Oh, if you, if you do hear anything about him

perhaps, uh, you'd be good enough

to call me at this number.

- Yes, sure. - Thank you.

You know, the, uh..

The reason I came here is that I..

I saw a photograph, of the Marie Antoinette doll.

Uh, it was taken in your shop.

Oh, yes, that's right.

A friend of mine, Muriel Selby, was doing an article on the doll

for the "American Antique Journal."

She photographed it in my shop.

She thought it would give me free publicity. Well, it did.

I wonder, uh, may be she'd know where I could find it.

Oh, that's a good idea, you should try that.

I wonder if I could, uh trouble you for her number.

Of course. Um, let's see.

Thank you.

Mr. Fredrick, remember that the Marie Antoinette

is very overrated.

I'll remember that.

[instrumental music]

- Hey, Lou. - Good to see you, Tom.

You were right about the tie up between Portland and Fort Wayne.

Are you familiar with MSS?

Yeah, the, uh, monitoring satellite

something or other.

- System. - System.

For security reasons

the sections are built in three different plants

across the country, then shipped to the launching site

for assembly there.

Then there is a third city involved.

That's right.

Stage one is built by Telcon Electronics of Portland.

Another by Radar Scan in Fort Wayne

and the third in New York by Colton Electronics at Syracuse.

We've alerted security in all three plants.

Good.

There is one problem.

If they use the same courier to pick up the plans

in all three cities..

...then Portland might have been his last stop

before leaving the country.

Now, that could've been his first too.

Were you able to learn anything about Eric Linler?

Well, other than his birth certificate

our liaison representative in Bonn couldn't find

any record of Eric Linler living in West Germany prior to 1964.

He just popped up out of nowhere.

Yeah. We're up from behind the iron curtain.

[chuckles]

You know, Tom, I wonder if he's really

Eva Bolen's nephew at all.

Do you think he's an imposter?

Well, it just seems strange to me that the whole family

was wiped out, and somehow he survived.

Well, it has happened before.

Yeah, but in this case he would've been a baby.

Who took care of him? Who brought him up?

What are you getting at, Lou?

Well, suppose the real Eric Linler were k*lled too

and suppose the communist got ahold of his birth certificate.

Then there's a good possibility

that Eva Bolen was in on this all along.

[dramatic music]

Hello, Tom.

Hello. It's good to see you again, Chet.

Sit down.

We got the report on Eva Bolen's typewriter, Lou.

It's the same one used to write the letter to Leffert.

Hmm. What about the handwriting?

We should know within the hour.

You've set up surveillance in the doll shop.

Yes. Also Eva Bolen, Eric Linler and Muriel Selby.

Our surveillance turned up the interesting fact

that, uh, Linler has been seeing Ms. Selby socially.

What do we know about her?

Nothing unusual that we can find, Lou.

She's a college graduate

worked as freelance magazine writer

before joining the staff of the journal.

As far as we can tell, she started seeing Linler

soon after he arrived in this country

and began working at the doll shop.

It looks like everything points to the doll shop.

[telephone buzzes]

Yes?

I'll put him right on.

Mr. Ward.

Uh, yes, Art.

Lewis, I just got a call

from the resident agency in Syracuse.

There's only one man at Colton Electronics

who has complete knowledge of the third stage of the MSS.

It's a technical writer named Joseph Bates.

He's engaged to a Kathleen Singer

who owns a bookstore.

She also collects antique dolls.

Well, what do you know about that?

They're both under photographic surveillance.

But we need some pictures of them passing the documents

if they haven't already made an exchange.

Well, we'll set up the same photographic surveillance

in the doll shop. We may see some action there.

- 'Alright, Lewis.' - Talk to you later.

I'm here in the city.

Marie Antoinette is ready to go home.

Good.

Now listen, I don't want you to come here.

Do you have all the information about when Muriel's ship sails?

- 'Yes.' - Well, go there.

We'll meet you at the far side of the terminal.

'Fine.'

[dramatic music]

[Chet on radio] 'New York 1 to Unit 2.'

- Two. Go ahead. - Chet Randolph, Lou.

I have the report on the handwriting.

Uh, yes, Chet, what is it?

Eva Bolen didn't forge

Libby Jackson's name to the letter.

- It's not her handwriting. - I see.

'I also heard from Mr. Ward.'

Our offices in Portland and Fort Wayne report

they may have identified possible contacts

at the two plants.

A physicist by the name of Michael James Nelson

at Telecon Electronics, and a security guard

by the name of Yewing at the Radar Scan.

They're under surveillance.

Mr. Ward says the attorney general's authorized arrest

if we have an indication of documents being passed

somewhere along the line.

Right, Chet. Thank you.

Lou..

[dramatic music]

Call the office, have them send

the second camera crew out right away.

I'll give instructions on the air.

[music continues]

We're heading north on State Highway 31.

Are you sure you have everything?

Tickets, enough money, passport?

Papers you'll need to clear the doll through Swiss customs?

- Yes. - Good.

Now after you deliver the film

you'll send the doll to the National Gallery in Bern.

Hmm. Unknown from an anonymous art lover.

[laughs]

Don't laugh.

It's worked well for us.

Almost as well as the terrible European accent you use

when you phone the contacts.

[European accent] Oh, Eric, and I thought you always liked it.

And what I like about it

is that it helps hide your identity from the others.

See, Debecker we can trust.

The rest I'm not too sure of.

I like keeping you safe.

I wish you were sailing with me, Eric.

Someday. You'll see.

[music continues]

[music continues]

All units, we're on the mezzanine level.

Seal off the area.

Those are the two we're interested in.

[music continues]

[music continues]

He should be here now.

We have time.

I'm going to miss you.

Not for very long.

I'm sure you'll meet some

amusing fellow travelers in the ship.

[chuckles] You're jealous already.

That's good.

[chuckles]

[music continues]

Sorry to interrupt you. Have you been waiting long?

A few minutes. Is that the Marie Antoinette?

Yes.

The film is hidden in a compartment

at the back of her head.

[music continues]

You've done good work, John. You won't be forgotten.

Or go unrewarded, I hope.

You'll be contacted.

Muriel.

That's it.

All units move in.

Eric Liner?

FBI.

[dramatic music]

Take care of her.

[music continues]

[tires screeching]

[music continues]

[Erskine] 'Drop the g*n.'

[music continues]

Uh, this is Inspector Erskine.

Alert Portland, Syracuse and Fort Wayne.

Have them go ahead.

We have three subjects in custody here.

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Yes, can I help you?

[bell ringing]

[music continues]

Eric Linler was sent here to organize an espionage ring.

With Muriel Selby's help, he set up a network

of highly skilled agents throughout the country.

Your shop was the ideal cover for him.

The Marie Antoinette Doll, the identifying link.

Well, I..

I told you it was very overrated work.

[chuckles]

Do you recall my asking you about a Jason Keller?

'Yes.'

Well, in our investigation we've come to believe

that Eric Linler really isn't your nephew at all

but the same Jason Keller

a trained agent who assumed his identity.

I see, so what you are, uh..

What you are suggesting, Mr. Erskine

is that my nephew is dead, right?

And, um, and has been all along.

I'm afraid so.

Well..

I suppose what you're telling me

is something that I already knew in my heart of hearts.

It was just something that I wanted to believe.

You see..

When one's entire family has been k*lled in a w*r

then one keeps dreaming of the day

when one might still be found alive.

And when that day comes, one...one doesn't ask questions.

You know, one simply believes in the dream..

...and, uh, sleeps a little bit better.

I understand.

Thank you, Mr. Erskine.

- Goodbye, Ms. Bolen - Bye.

[male narrator] Jason Keller, Muriel Selby, John Debecker and five others

were convicted of conspiracy

to commit espionage against the Untied States.

Debecker was also found guilty by the state

in the death of Mark Leffert.

All are currently serving terms in prison.

Eva Bolen was cleared of any complicity in the case.

[theme music]