05x19 - The Diamond Millstone

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

Yes. Well, thank you, Lenny.

It's good to be back.

Oh, just Maria. Mm-hmm.

Thank you, Maria.

Well, the rest of the staff should be here

sometime tomorrow.

Oh, uh, I'm sorry, Lenny, I..

I thought I saw something outside.

Well, possibly tomorrow, alright?

Lenny?

Lenny?

Are you there, Lenny?

[whispers] Maria, stay here.

[screaming]

[screams]

[g*nsh*t]

[dramatic music]



[man on radio] 'I've got a request to investigate'

'1-5-1-5-1 Feller Lane.'

'Mrs. Evelyn Harcourt.'

'Friend reports of telephone cut-off.'

'She asked us to check it.'



[music continues]

[tires squealing]

[car revving]

Oh, please, please.

[gagging]

Alright, Mrs. Harcourt, where is it?

We know you brought it with you.

Mrs. Harcourt, I'm pressed for time.

[dramatic music]

[sighs]

Alright..

...it's in a secret compartment at the back

of the right hand drawer.

[music continues]

[doorbell ringing]

[music continues]

Good evening, Mrs. Harcourt.

Just checking to see if you're alright.

'Uh, we had a report that your phone was cut off.'

My phone?

O-oh, yes, yes, I-I think I understand.

I, uh, I had to hang up on a friend of mine

I just couldn't get her off the line.

She makes, um, issues of the smallest thing.

Alright, Ms. Harcourt. Sorry to have disturbed you.

Thank you.

[dramatic music]

- Please.. - Shut up.

- Eh, please? - Shut up!

[instrumental music]

I don't think Mason's gonna meet you.

That's not gonna help him! Let's get them out of here.

Give me a hand, Jimmy.

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin Production.

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr..

Also starring Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds..

With guest stars Jack Klugman..

Dan Travanti..

Murray Matheson..

Pilar Seurat..

and Richard Evans.

Tonight's episode, "The Diamond Millstone."

[instrumental music]

Twenty-four hours after the armed robbery of the famed

Lockwood Diamond from Mrs. Evelyn Harcourt

in Palm Beach, the body of a man was discovered

along the roadside on the outskirts of Folkston, Georgia.

Still alive, he was rushed by authorities

to a nearby hospital.

A b*llet removed from the man was forwarded by police

to the FBI laboratory in Washington

where it was identified as having been fired

from an automatic p*stol owned by Mrs. Evelyn Harcourt.

Through his fingerprints, the man was identified

as Hoyle Boyd Mason, a convicted armed robber.

Because the stolen jewel had apparently crossed state lines

the FBI immediately launched a major theft investigation.

He came out of surgery this morning

but he refused to tell us anything.

Even his name.

Now then, what do we have on his associates?

We can't connect him with anyone as yet.

He was paroled from Auburn State Prison a month ago

last known address was an apartment in New York.

Tim, would you give us the details

on the Lockwood Diamond please?

Yes, sir.

It's a 31 carat, pear-shaped, brilliant cut

flawless blue white diamond.

Estimated worth 800,000 to $1 million.

Ah, we've matched their method of operation on this job against

the files on all top jewel thieves.

There's still several we can't account for

at the time of the robbery.

That's Ronald J. Harvey.

Phillip Cooke.

And Victor Amazeen.

Has Mrs. Harcourt seen these pictures?

Yes, sir, but as the men wore masks

the picture aren't much help.

She had the feeling that two of the men were much younger

than the third.

There aren't too many fences who'd touch anything this big

but I'm sure a few would be willing to try.

Stanler in Boston might go for it

and there were couple in California

who might make an offer. Or Sir Hutchinson.

We got them under surveillance.

What if they planned to have that diamond cut or remounted?

That might give us some time, if they plan to do it right.

That stone would take weeks of study

before they'd attempt to cut it.

Any idea whom they might get to do it?

We're making a summary of all the possible

cutters now, inspector.

Plus, there's a possibility they may be planning to

uh, ransom the diamond.

Either to Mrs. Harcourt or to the insurance company.

Yeah, do you think they'll try to make contact by now?

Well, I want them checkmated at every move

whether they try to sell it or cut it or ransom it.

I want that diamond back, and I want the man who took it.

[instrumental music]

[music on radio]

Ciao.

Ciao.

- Hey...get my back, will ya? - Sure.

[chuckles]

You just can't bear to part with it, can you?

Eh.

You have to have dreamed about something like this

as long as I have to understand.

To really understand.

You ever scored like that before, Amazeen?

Close, kid, close.

But this tops them all.

You guys did fine.

I'm sorry we have to dump Mason

but that's the way the game goes.

Now comes the tough part. Trying to sell it.

Like I told you, now, it's gonna take a lot of time

and a lot of patience.

Well, we all will wait, Mr. Amazeen.

You're good guys.

What's to eat?

Well, let's see now, we got, uh

egg salad and ham and cheese.

Why don't you try both?

[grunts]

We got a bone to pick with you, old man.

Please..

Plain truth is..

...I don't think you need Jimmy and me anymore.

What do you think, Jimmy?

That's what I think, Billy Jay.

I think you had it all planned.

Take this purty little thing and..

Well, that..

You're crazy.

He says we're crazy, Jimmy.

I heard him.

Oh, no..

Look at what I found

stuck way down in the lining of your coat.

That's a ticket to Kansas City, all the way.

It don't say nothing about Jimmy and me, just you.

You figured that you didn't need us anymore.

And I think that work both ways.

Go ahead...pull the trigger.

You'll both be as good as dead too.

You're real babes in the woods, aren't ya?

You think all you have to do is steal it and you're home free.

Go ahead, sh**t. k*ll me.

See if you two have the know-how to market that stone.

That diamond is so hot, you'll never get anybody

to get near it.

And if you did, they'd rob you or cheat you

or you'll be caught before the week is out.

Go ahead, k*ll me. Find out how you need me.

You need my experience, my know-how.

All the contacts I built up over the years

the tricks I've learnt knowing who and when and how!

Maybe you tell us who those contacts are?

And maybe I'd be lying.

k*ll me, you'd never know, would ya?

Would you?

Now get me a towel.

[instrumental music]

You got an extension, old man, but don't push it.

Just don't push it.

I've been around a long time, boy.

I've come close to dying a lot of times

but I've always managed to live through it.

It's a gift, like bowling 290

or sh**ting golf in the 60s.

Some have it..

...and some don't.

[instrumental music]

[intense music]

Oh, Maria!

This is, uh, Inspector Erskine of the FBI.

He'd like to talk with you. Come in, please.

Do you know this man?

He is the man who was shot

when they took the g*n away from Mrs. Harcourt.

Maria..

...we have good reason to believe

you are involved in this robbery.

Now, you don't have to tell us anything

and you're entitled to an attorney

so think very carefully before you answer, do you understand?

Yes, sir, I mean, I understand what you said

but not why you say it.

I say it because you're lying about this man.

This isn't true.

Maria, until a few days ago, Mason had been living

at the Park Cherry Apartments in New York.

You've been identified as having visited him frequently

over a three week period.

Whoever says this, lies.

You were in New York at the time, weren't you?

Working for Mrs. Harcourt?

Yes, but..

...I swear I-I did not know him.

We found this in his room.

Now why don't you tell us all about it?

He wish information about the diamond.

I told him about the charity benefit

to be held here in Palm Beach

and that Mrs. Harcourt would be wearing the diamond.

I informed him when it was delivered

from the security vault.

Mm-hmm.

Was there anyone else with him at the time?

Oh...before the robbery

I only saw him with one other man.

He called him, uh, Billy.

We want you to go to the office with us, Ms. Montoya.

We'd like to take a statement from you.

Maria.

Yes, ma'am.

Maria, why did you do it?

You and I could've been k*lled.

A man nearly lost his life.

Was it money, Maria?

If you need money, why didn't you come to me?

It wasn't the money.

He loved me.

And he told me I was beautiful.

In my heart I knew he lied.

But now, it-it doesn't matter.

[instrumental music]

[dramatic music]

[sighs]

- How much are you asking? - 'Eight hundred thousand.'

In another few days, that diamond will be

too hot to handle. You'd be giving it away.

But you can't wait that long, Mr. Elders.

You want it now.

I do? What makes you so sure?

Because you're excited.

You're so worked up at the thought of owning it

you're starting to sweat all over.

I've got a lot of diamonds.

You don't have the Lockwood.

- Let's go. - Just a minute.

[sighs]

Two hundred thousand. No more.

Three hundred thousand. Take it or leave it.

- Alright. - Cash, by tomorrow night.

No, no, no. That's impossible.

By tomorrow night or we move on.

'Now wait!'

I'll call you as to the time.

Where will you be staying?

We'll call you.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Three hundred thou..

Three hundred thousand dollars--

That ain't that much, Billy Jack.

That ain't that much.

Wake up, old man. We're rich.

We're not making delivery.

Say again.

We're not delivering the diamond to him.

Listen, you just better make yourself clear.

I got a feeling about Elders. I don't trust him.

And just why did you take us to see him?

Because he was always on the level before.

So, what changed your mind now?

- Just got a feeling. - Feelin'? Feelin'!

Listen, you old bag of leavens, this is our chance to get rich.

Now, you just better give us some reason

besides just that you got a feelin'.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

No, I do not see him.

Well, there are just a few more pages, Maria.

[instrumental music]

You find something?

Yes.

- I think this one. - Here?

This is the man he called Billy.

Arthur, Maria Montoya just identified Billy Jack Lyle

as one of the subjects.

Escaped from Soledad State Prison over two months ago.

He may lead us to the other.

[telephone buzzes]

Hold on a minute, Lewis. Yes?

[woman on phone] ''Mr. Ward, the Kansas City office is calling.'

'Mr. McDonald on line three.'

Oh, good.

Lewis, let me get back to you, will you?

Hello, Noel.

Mr. Ward, are you familiar with Murray Elders?

'Murray Elders of Elders Packing?'

Yes, sir.

Now, we've had him under investigation

here for the past few months, uh..

Well, he's a wealthy collector who's been in contact lately

with some good jewel thieves.

Now, the interesting thing is

he's pledged a large block of stock against a bank loan.

Now, he pushed the transaction through this afternoon

and had $300,000 in cash delivered to his house.

Hmm.

Good work, Noel.

That may be the break we need.

Joan, would you call Inspector Erskine for me, please.

[telephone ringing]

- Hello. - Do you have the money?

Yes, it wasn't easy. Well, I got it.

When will you be here?

'We won't be coming.'

What?

We'll meet you just outside of town.

Do you know the Leimen Junction of Route 40?

Now, wouldn't it be better if you came here?

We could have a little celebration.

Do you know the spot or don't you?

Well, I guess I can find it.

Okay, we'll wait an hour no more.

You want the stone, meet us there.

Well?

He wants it.

He'll be there.

Charles..

Here, help me fill this case.

Will they trust you, Mr. Elders?

It won't be easy.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Well, there is no report of Lyle making contact with Elders

but Elders left his house about a half hour ago.

We got him under surveillance.

And you've been in touch with the US attorney?

Yes, he's authorized an arrest.

Looks like Elders is going to make a buy.

[man on radio] 'KC 23 to KC 55.'



We followed Elders to a secondary road junction

at Leimen crossing just off Route 40.

Now he's parked and seems to be waiting for someone.

Alright, maintain your surveillance

and keep us advised, we're on our way.

[dramatic music]

KC 23.

Three subjects have approached Elders' car

and one of them is definitely Billy Jack Lyle.

Let's see the money.

Show me the diamond first.

Alright, let's see it all. Right on the ground.

Freeze right there!

Drop the g*n.

'Turn around.'

Elders and, uh, an accomplice are holding a g*n

on Lyle and the other two subjects.

Looks like they're after the diamond.

KC 23, this is Inspector Erskine.

We're on our way, moving closer.

You'll have to use your own discretion.

Make an arrest if necessary.

- There's no need for that. - I think there is.

[tires screeching]

[g*n fire]

Alright, hold it.

'FBI.'

Don't sh**t!

'Hold it.'

Hands behind your head. Turn around.

[instrumental music]

I told you before I have nothing to say.

Are you in the habit of meeting jewel thieves

with $300,000 in your possession?

We know you're in contact with Tate.

They have the Lockwood diamond, haven't they?

Sorry.

There's a picture of Victor Amazeen.

Do you know him?

No.

Well, it seems your bodyguard does.

He signed a statement implicating you

on a scheme to take the Lockwood diamond from Amazeen by force.

Would you like to tell us about it now?

Sorry. I have nothing to say.

Could you come with me, please?

[telephone buzzing]

Yes, put him on. It's Mr. Ward for you.

Yes, Art.

Lewis, the Louisiana highway patrol reports

the car the subjects were described as driving

was found abandoned near Shreveport.

It's interesting.

One of the other subjects has just been identified as Amazeen.

According to his file, he spent quite a bit of time

in New Orleans, so that could be where they're heading.

Well, I'll have surveillance

tightened on all his known contacts there.

What is Tate's condition?

Oh, he's still in a coma.

One other thing, Amazeen has a heart complication.

He was being treated for in prison.

I think we should send out wanted flyers

to medical personnel in the area.

Oh, good. I'll get them started right away.

You'd better get down to Shreveport.

I'll be in touch with you.

[dramatic music]

They know who we are.

Looks that way.

Well, what are we gonna do about it?

I don't know.

Maybe go on down to New Orleans.

I have some friends there.

Like the last one?

I warned you about him. I warned you good.

That was your fault.

[dramatic music]

Yes.

No, sir. Don't do a thing.

What's that address?

That's here in Shreveport?

Room?

Right.

Thank you, we'll be there as soon as possible.

That was the manager of a motel just outside of town, Harvey's.

He's identified Billy Jack Lyle is staying in one of the rooms.

Get another agent to come with us.

[music continues]

Going to give yourself a heart attack, Billy Jack.

That's my department.

I'll be alright, old man. I'll be alright.

Just don't you worry about me.

Sure, you will.

It's gonna be a lot more difficult though.

Now that we're known.

Not only are the police after us, but every thief

and two big punk in the country is looking for us.

You try and scare me all.

Well, you have to admit that diamond

has caused a lot of trouble.

First, Mason then Tate.

You fell right into that mess of cash Elders brought.

Like it was a jinx.

And I'm next, huh? Is that what you're trying to say?

Well, maybe I'll go..

...but I can make sure I ain't next.

Who needs you anyway?

You do.

You wanna cash in on that stone?

Well, maybe I'll just forget about that.

Maybe puttin' a b*llet in you give me more kicks.

I doubt it.

You can't forget about that diamond anymore that I can.

Greed does strange things to men's minds, Billy Jack.

We're both like that monkey that won't let go off the banana

to get his hand out of the cage.

You better wait till it gets dark.

Get some rest and move on.

Without pushing yourself too hard.

Get some sleep, don't worry about me.

Oh, I do worry, old man.

I think you better get some sleep too.

Well, I'm fine.

Drink some.

You know about my heart, Billy Jack.

Now.

Go on, drink some more.

Just keep goin'.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[dramatic music]

Lyle, it's the FBI.

Come out here where we can see you.

Throw the g*n down.

Hands against the wall.

Where's Amazeen?

You get him. He's going to New Orleans.

- Where in New Orleans? - 'He just said New Orleans.'

Though the man was right too.

He said it'd outlast us all.

[music continues]

[saxophone music]

Something for, monsieur?

I'm looking for Billy Devereaux.

Who?

[music continues]

- Amee. - Billy.

It has been so long. Now, you are so famous.

Incredible.

I want you to cut it.

That would be sacrilege.

And you would be reducing the value. Enormously.

It would take many weeks study.

I want you to do it right away.

Impossible.

Why attempt such an insane thing?

'Cause I don't have much time.

If I did it, I would want half.

Half?

Okay.

Let me see if I have the right equipment.

You wait here.

Billy, we'll see about it together.

I don't think it's a good idea for you to be left alone

right now.

[saxophone music]

[audience applauding]

[dramatic music]

Vincent Simon.

No, he's out of the country.

He's been working the Riviera.

We've notified the Securite.

And Arnold Torrey.

He's on the surveillance here.

Well, there's no activity yet.

What's your latest on Billy Devereaux?

Well, he was last seen in Boston.

He dropped out of sight two months ago.

Hmm.

Well, the, uh, New York office just talk to an informant

they said Devereaux is headed for New Orleans.

Well, let's pull his file and see who his contacts are.

[instrumental music]

A friend runs this warehouse.

He's letting me stay here nights.

[music continues]

Billy.

[chuckles] What is this?

Just a feeling.

Open the door.

Billy..

...not that I don't trust you

but just in case there's somebody out there.

You tell them everything's okay. Ask them to show themselves.

Just in case, Billy. And make it sound convincing.

[speaking in foreign language]

In English, Billy, in English!

Everything's alright. You can show yourself, boys.

Alright, fellas, drop them and turn around.

Alright, gentlemen, this way.

Billy, lock them in.

Now, let's cut the diamond.

[saxophone music]

Good evening, gentlemen. What's your pleasure?

Uh, we're with the FBI.

Is, uh, Billy Devereaux around?

Billy Devereaux?

[laughs]

We know he comes in here quite often.

Oh, Billy, no, my goodness, he hasn't been here in a long time.

Did you know he was in town?

No, I didn't. Are you sure?

You know, Billy and I, we're big pals.

And if he was in New Orleans, he'd have to come and see me.

Well, if you should see him..

...give us a call.

I surely will do that.

[intense music]

I cannot work like this.

Sure you can, Billy.

You're the best in the business, remember?

You cut that diamond right, I'll give you a bonus.

I'll let you live.

[music continues]

Go on.

- New Orleans 30 to control. - 'Go ahead, 30.'

The subject's cab had proceeded along a row of warehouses.

Canal Street, dock six.

She's gone into one of them.

[man on radio] 'Inspector Erskine advises you to maintain surveillance.'

'He and Mr. Bentner are on their way.'



[door rattles]

Billy, are you alright?

'The FBI came to see me.'

Step away from him.

'Anyone with you?'

No.

Alright, sit down there quietly.

'Very quietly.'

Anything you say.

Cut it.

[intense music]

Got smashed into a thousand pieces.

- Worthless dust! - Cut it!

[music continues]

[music continues]

Let me have 'em.

Perfect, Billy.

Perfect.

I'll just take these with me.

Don't do that, Billy.

[music continues]

I'll send you a picture postcard.

FBI, Amazeen.

[intense music]

Step away from the woman. Hands behind your head.

[music continues]

[music continues]

[groaning]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

He's alive, get an ambulance.

[intense music]

[instrumental music]

Gentlemen.

Please sit down, Mrs. Harcourt.

[sighs]

Unfortunately, it had been split by the time we got there.

Luckily, the cutter knew his business

'or it might have shattered into a thousand pieces.'

I only purchased this a few months ago

after trying for years.

Paid a fortune for it.

If I'd only known what it would really cost.

[male narrator] Hoyle Boyd Mason and James Tate recovered from their wounds

and with Victor Amazeen and Billy Jack Lyle

were convicted in federal court of the theft and interstate

transportation of the Lockwood Diamond.

Murray Elders and Billy Devereaux

were also found guilty for their parts in

the conspiracy to dispose of the diamond.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]