06x22 - Downfall

[bunniefuu]

[man coughing]

What is it?

Oh, my head is coming off.

There are some pills in the bathroom.

I told you not to drink so much.

Thanks.

[Mrs. Washburn] 'Charles!'

'My jewels!'

[Charles] 'Yes, this is 510, send a house man up.'

'Oh, and notify the police, we've been robbed.'

I'm sure I locked that door.

Couldn't have locked the front door.

They were right here in this drawer.

I don't see how he got in or out.

[theme music]

[Marvin Miller] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds.

With guest stars, Carl Betz..

Anne Archer.

And special guest star, Michael Burns.

Tonight's episode, "Downfall."

[instrumental music]

[Marvin Miller] Eleven hours after the daring theft

of over $100,000 worth of jewelry

from a Houston hotel suite

the suspect's car, identified through

the FBI's national crime information center

was found abandoned near Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Because evidence indicated the suspect's flight

had caused him to transport the stolen car and jewelry

across state lines, the bureau entered the case.

[Erskine] Thank you.

The doorman, uh, got a glimpse of the subject as he drove out.

White, male, early 20s, blond hair.

We've alerted all offices in the south

and gave them the description of the jewelry.

Thanks.

Mrs. Washburn, do you, uh, feel up to answering a few questions?

Yes, and I'm so very grateful, for being alive.

To think the burglar was in the same room with us.

He could've k*lled us both in our sleep.

Considering that, the jewelry, the insurance

just doesn't seem very important.

[Colby] 'Lou, a minute.'

Excuse me.

This cellulite strip was used to spring the latch.

[phone ringing] I'll get it.

Evidently, Lou, the subject escaped

by climbing down the face of the building.

Agents outside, uh, found cloth fiber

stuck to a spur on the wall.

And some blood stains.

He apparently scraped himself pretty badly climbing down.

They also found this wrist watch in the flower bed.

Um, near where he landed judging by the footprints.

The police have the area cordoned off

and we're taking photographs and plaster impressions

of the footprints now.

Thanks.

The New Orleans office received a report from the police there.

The car the suspect was driving was stolen

from a parking lot there two days ago.

Alright, notify Mr. Ward that Tom and I

are flying to New Orleans.

We'll contact him when we arrive.

Mrs. Washburn, we'd like the names of everyone who knew

that you were bringing this jewelry to Houston.

Anything you can tell us might help.

Good morning.

Good morning, Mr. Ashton.

Hold all calls and visitors, please.

Striped tie isn't worn with a checked shirt, Mike.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Beautiful.

You've done an excellent job.

Thank you.

Who told you to bring it here?

I just wanted to get it to you quick.

Well, don't do it again.

I'll continue to arrange the meeting places.

- Any problems? - No, no, it's smooth.

What happened to your wrist?

Oh, I just had a little trouble getting out.

But no complications.

Where's your watch?

I lost it.

But it, it can't be traced, I stole it a long time ago.

- 'Bad choice?' - Bad taste.

Only a showboater wears a 1000 dollar watch.

Thank you.

Get some rest.

Oh, Mr. Ashton, when do you think I could get my split?

Soon as these stones are cut, reset and sold.

Meanwhile here's some holding money.

Indulge yourself, quietly.

Buy a new set of bar bells, you're getting scrawny.

What? What, are you kidding?

Come on, which arm? Come on.

You're really something, you know that?

I'm starting to believe those stories I heard.

'Before your name was Ashton.'

That you once contracted to the Chicago organization

as hired muscle.

Someday you might know me well enough to ask such questions.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, I don't know why you bother with someone like me.

Because you showed potential.

I noticed it the first time downstairs

when you tried to swap the paste with that five carat ring.

If I had not been handling the sale

you might've gone away with it.

You showed talent.

Thank you.

No, don't thank me, and don't come back here again.

How's Lynne doing in school?

You're out of bounds.

Mike, the jewelry.

Transporting it across state lines makes it a federal crime.

'You're sure you've told me everything?'

Yes.

No mistake?

No, no they don't have a thing to work on.

Yes, Oh, good, put him on.

[Lewis on phone] 'Yes, Art?'

Lewis, you're having much luck down there

with the mardi gras going on?

Not so far. What have you got?

'Well, I have a summary of the lab reports.'

The subject's blood type is AB.

Fibers from his clothing are a..

...Dacron cotton, usually woven as trouser material.

'I've notified the southern offices.'

Anything else?

Yes, the subject is about five feet eight inches tall.

I'll let Jim Cody from the lab tell you about that.

This is Jim Cody, inspector.

Our findings are based on

distance gauged between foot and knee print.

This gives us a good estimate of his height.

Alright, Jim, that helps.

Lewis, we've identified the wrist watch

found at the scene of the theft at Houston.

The serial number matches the warranty that

manufacturer has on file. It's dated January 6, 1969.

And made out to a Mason El Carter.

Do you have an address, Mr. Ward?

'Yes, his address is New Orleans Western University.'

He's listed his age as 20, profession as student.

Thanks, Art. I'll get back to you.

I came over a 1000 thousand miles.

Can't you walk ten feet?

'Well at least put down those stupid packages.'

- What are you doing? - Throwing you out.

It's too late, daddy's driving up.

I'm sorry.

It was the only way I could think of to stop you.

What are you doing here?

Well, it's your fault.

If you'd just quit trusting people and lock your door.

I don't mean that, I mean you're supposed to be in school

somewhere up with the Eskimos.

Maine, I had to be with you.

What do you want to drink?

Don't you remember?

[chuckles] Yeah, I remember.

I didn't think you remembered anything.

Or wanted to.

Mike?

I came to see your father on business that night, Lynne.

You just happened to be there.

A lot more happened.

Like falling in love.

It's not gonna work, Lynne.

Daddy has better things in mind for you.

And I don't exactly qualify for the classy ones.

Has it ever occurred to you that he just might not own me?

He owns everything.

[phone ringing]

Hello.

[Ashton] 'How're you feeling?'

Uh, fine.

Are you alone?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

Well, we've gotta move up our next project.

And it's tomorrow night.

[Ashton on phone] It'll be rough, so you better be in top shape.

You reading me?

Yeah, yeah, it sounds like a perfect buy.

Alright, be at my house in an hour, we'll go over the plan.

Yes, sir.

See you in a little while.

Put in a long distance call to Lewiston, Maine.

Clarington College. I want to talk to my daughter.

What did he want?

He's sending me on the road with some stones.

I'll be leaving tomorrow.

- For how long? - I don't know.

Mike, the truth, about us, you're not afraid of my father

you're afraid of yourself.

You don't think you're good enough for me

or for anyone else.

And you're wrong. So wrong.

When did she leave school?

I see. Thank you.

[instrumental music]

Mason Carter?

Yeah?

Inspector Erskine FBI, this is special agent Colby.

What can I do for you?

You bought a Nesato watch last year from Farlin jewelers.

That's right, did you find the watch?

It was stolen a couple of weeks after I bought it.

Out of the locker room.

Right over there. I reported it.

'No, you didn't, Carter.'

There's no complaint on file with the police

or the university.

Your watch turned up in one of our investigations.

You don't have to say anything.

And whatever you say can be used against you.

'If you want to, you can all a lawyer.'

What kind of trouble is he in?

'Suppose you begin by telling us who he is?'

Halt Camel, a student here, or he used to be.

Tough athlete, we worked out together.

I let him borrow the watch, for a date.

Some girl he wanted to impress.

And he just, never returned it to you?

He never returned period.

He sent the school a letter a couple of days later

telling them he dropped out. I never saw him again.

I'll check the registrar's office, Lou.

They may have an address, photographs

and background information on him.

That was an expensive watch, Mason.

Why didn't you notify the police?

For the same reason I lied to you before.

I happen to like the guy.

I didn't want him to get into trouble if there was a way out.

Look, I know it's none of my business

what you're investigating, but whatever happened to him..

I mean, can you tell me whether he's dead or alive?

He's alive.

Children and sand castles.

Can't build a dream on either.

You're not mad?

Not mad.

How did you know I was here? Mike didn't tell you.

No, Mike doesn't know I'm here.

He's waiting for me at home.

I wanted to see you alone.

I know, I know what you're going to say.

Daddy, I just couldn't stay up at school.

I really love him.

I can't help it.

I'm going to marry him, daddy, and you can't stop us.

Then he hasn't told you.

What?

He's gonna marry someone else.

That's not true.

- You're lying. - Answer one question.

Have I ever lied to you?

- Who is she? - 'A very wealthy woman.'

'She'll be able to give him the kind of life he wants.'

Tell me who she is, I'll fight for it.

How?

Mike's just a boy, he needs somebody to take care of him.

I want you to have a man.

Not a boy.

But it's all over.

No.

It's just the beginning.

Lynne, I've worked so hard all these years.

Since your mother died.

- We both know you wanted the-- - Daddy, I don't, I-I..

Shh.. Let me finish.

Don't make any commitments, not yet.

Give yourself some time.

Go back to school.

Be my little girl.

Just a little while longer.

'For me.'

I'd like to be alone for a little while.

And then I'll come home.

Of course.

[instrumental music]

'And you have the right to notify an attorney.'

Yes, I-I understand.

Mrs. Cutler, do you recognize this?

No.

I don't.

It's part of a collection of jewelry.

Stolen in Houston from Mrs. Charles Washburn.

Mrs. Washburn?

No.

I'm afraid I don't know anything about it.

That's strange.

Since you sold this necklace in Baton Rouge.

That's ridiculous.

No, it isn't, Miss Cutler.

We've uncovered information that

you've been active as a fence here in New Orleans.

Where did you get the necklace?

I don't ask their names.

Alright.

That's him.

He's been dealing with me on and off.

Brings bits and pieces.

Nothing big.

Called me his ace in the hole.

What did he mean by that?

He's called for a fence and occasionally held out on him.

Brought certain items to me.

Figuring he could get a better split.

Who's he working for?

I don't know. And that's the truth.

Then, how did you know he was stealing for someone else?

Well, he, he came in little drunk last time.

- Shout off his mouth. - About what?

About, uh, about the man he worked for, and, uh..

Let's see, umm..

About, uh.. Oh, how they had something planned.

He was gonna lift a big stone, he called it the blue fire.

And he was gonna buy his freedom with it.

That's how he put it.

'Didn't give any other details.'

- Nothing? - No.

He didn't name the time?

No.

During the coronation.

- When does that take place? - Tomorrow night.

And he said one more thing.

He said that he was gonna get that stone..

...if he had to k*ll everybody around it.

[instrumental music]

So you risked yourself, huh?

How much security you think they'll have around her?

Oh, there's bound to be an army at the coronation.

That's why you'll take her at the penthouse.

She's got the whole top floor.

You'll have easy access from the roof.

Yeah, but how do I get in?

They'll have extra security around the hotel too.

You'll be part of the scene.

Got to hand it to you.

You think of everything, don't you?

[carnival music]

[crowd laughing]

[intercom buzzing]

Yes?

Mr. Ward.

Put it on the speaker for me. Yes, Art.

Lewis, we traced the blue fire stone you asked about.

It belongs to a Mrs. Mendo Barber.

She was scheduled to arrive in New Orleans this morning..

She has reservations at the Wilson hotel.

Does she have the diamond with her?

Yes, the insurance coverage is over half a million.

I'll have the police and hotel security notified right away.

Right.

I'll alert the nearest units.

Tom.

[instrumental music]

Hey, what are you doing?

Help!

Here, take my wrist.

- That's it. - You're doing fine.

- Who was it? - I don't know.

He was dressed like you fellas.

Go that way.

[grunts]

There he is. Down there.

[intense music]

NO 5, go ahead.

[man on radio] 'Security police at the Wilson hotel report that suspect'

'believed to be Holt Campbell has stolen the jewel'

'belonging to Mrs. Barber.'

'He avoided capture by leaping to an adjoining building.'

Have agents arrived there yet?

'No, sir, it looks as though Campbell made his way to'

'the street before police could surround the area.'



[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

Yes, we've recovered the diamond.

[Frank Benton] 'What about stolen car reports?'

No, nothing else.

Any description on the suspect?

Right.

Lou, we've just received a report that Holt Campbell

was working for a jewelry concern here in the city.

- Who reported this? - Uh, two former neighbors.

The last time they talked to him was six months ago.

Did they identify the firm?

No. No, there's no other detail.

Frank, set up a meeting in the conference room right away.

I want to contact every jewelry outlet in town.

[telephone ringing]

Hello.

Lynne, uh..

Yes, daddy.

What is it?

Have you, umm..

Have you heard from Mike?

No.

I haven't.

'Daddy, is something wrong?'

I'm coming home.

Wait for me.

'Lynne?'

Oh, Mike.

What's wrong?

They know me.

What am I gonna do?

Who knows you?

He's not one of our regular employees, but..

I may have seen him, but I-I'm not sure.

You'd better speak to Mr. Ashton.

He'll be back shortly.

You can wait for him in here if you like.

Lynne, would you excuse us for a minute please?

I wanna talk to Mike alone.

No. I wanna hear what you have to say.

I never suspected you of extracurricular activities.

I'm not gonna report you to the police, but you're through.

Now, get out. Don't come back.

You can't report anybody to the police, Mr. Ashton.

What are you insinuating, Mike?

You can stop acting, daddy.

Mike's already told me everything.

Really? What has he told you?

That he stole for you, on your orders.

You wanted him, Lynne. Now you have him.

Don't contact me again.

I won't.

- Believe him. Are you.. - Okay, stop acting.

Now I'm telling you. We're leaving, Mr. Ashton.

'And there's nothing you can do about it.'

How much is a man supposed to take?

I bring a bring a boy into my business.

I treat him like a son. I give him everything.

And now I learn he's a thief.

And he takes the one person I have in the world

and turns her against me.

Yesterday, you asked me if you would ever lie to me.

I think you have. About many things.

- Like what? - Mike, for one.

That woman you told Lynne I was gonna marry

there was nothing between her and me.

Are you going to take his word against me--

Against yours? Yes.

Because I realized now that you've deceived me

all of my life.

You never told me about your past, the things you've done.

Lynne, that was before you were born. I made some mistakes--

And I would've forgiven you if you told me.

Even if you'd told me the things you are doing now.

You're accusing me, when, when you have no prove--

I think I do have proof.

If you were innocent, you'd have the police here

right now to arrest Mike.

Because it would be your chance to break us up for good.

[dramatic music]

You-you did lie, didn't you?

About everything.

Let's go.

Lynne, you can't go with him. You know what he is.

All I know is what you tried to make of me.

Weak, and afraid, and tied to you.

Well, I'm not afraid anymore.

I'm strong enough to stand on my own and make a new life.

And I think Mike is too.

'Lynne..'

[door shuts]

[telephone rings]

Yes?

Craig? Ashton. You're still in business?

Say, for $5000?

Name the mark.

I got a few details to iron out first. Can you stay on tab?

I'll be right here.

Craig, this is not a hit and run.

I don't want the mark found. Ever.

That can be arranged.

Talk to you later.

Canvasing operation turned up a couple of employees

of the Ashton Jewelery company

who identified Campbell from his photo.

They say, they saw him on several occasions

with the firm's owner Martin Ashton.

Campbell was using the alias Michael B. Keller.

- They have an address on him? - No.

Have agents interviewed Ashton?

No, he wasn't at his office.

But they have his home address

and they're on the way there now.

Frank, tell him we'll join him there.

[dramatic music]

What are you doing?

Didn't you say you had to buy some things?

I've gotta pick up some cash.

And I wanna ditch this car.

You take a taxi and meet me at the beach house. Alright?

Mike, you shouldn't go there.

What if daddy should notify the police?

He can't notify anybody. Remember?

[telephone rings]

Hello?

Daddy?

I-I just wanna say goodbye, and I'm sorry.

Where are you, Lynne?

I'm at a store, b-buying some things.

[Martin Ashton] 'Is Mike there?'

No, he-he went to his house.

Come back here. Just for a while.

I-I can't have you going off without anything.

Let me give you some money.

- No, please, daddy. - Lynne..

I'm turning myself in to the police.

I wanna see you first.

I-I've given you 22 years of my life.

You can give me an hour. Please.

Alright.

I'll wait for you. Hurry.

No!

[dramatic music]

Cab!

Take me to West Beach.

It's a house on the Gulf. Just off the highway.

He should be there alone.

'I'll call him and try to hold him on the phone'

'until you get there.'

It'll be over in no time.

[man on the radio] NO 5.

This is 5.

'We have an address on Michael Keller.'

'New Orleans Realty company called in to report'

'they leased a house on the Gulf Coast to a man of that name'

'and description last April.'

'It's at 961, Miramar Road.'

'They saw his picture in the newspaper.'



'He's still at his house.'

Maintain the surveillance and keep me advised.

We're on our way to the Gulf Coast address.

'10-4.'

[telephone rings]

Hello?

Lynne... What are you doing there?

Daddy, I'm not gonna meet you.

I don't believe anything you said and I don't wanna hear

any more lies.

Lynne. Listen please, there's--

No. No more, daddy.

[dramatic music]

NO 5 to control.

[man on radio] 'Go ahead, 5.'

Give me a check through NCIC and a green 1970 Montego.

Arkansas license X-A-B 7-0-0.

'10-4.'

- 'NO 5.' - 5, go ahead.

'NCIC reports subject of your inquiry'

'is identical with the vehicle used in bank robbery'

'Little Rock, two days ago.'

'Subject is identified as Ralph Craig.'

'WMA, age 32, height 6 feet, weight 180 pounds.'

'Little Rock division holds warrant issued Thursday last.'

'Consider armed and dangerous.'



[dramatic music]

[g*nsh*t]

[Lynne screams] Mike! Mike!

[Ralph] Back off.

Drop 'em!

'I said drop 'em!'

[g*n fire]

[Lynne] Get an ambulance.

[tires screeching]

My daughter?

Your daughter's safe. She's upstairs.

Yes, I think he's given us everything.

Right.

Mr. Ashton, United States Attorney

has authorized a warrant

charging you with violation of the interstate transportation

of stolen property statute.

Stand up, please.

[handcuff clicks]

Mike?

Lynne..

I never meant any harm to come to you.

Everything I've ever done was for you.

Was I so wrong?

[ambulance siren whaling]

[Marvin Miller] Holt Campbell, also known as Michael B. Keller

and Martin Ashton were convicted in Federal Court

of violations of interstate transportation

of stolen property statute.

Keller was also convicted of interstate car theft.

Arlene Cutler was found guilty of receiving stolen property.

Ralph Craig was convicted in State Court

of attempted m*rder and subsequently

in Federal Court for bank robbery.

Prosecution of Lynne Ashton was declined.

[theme music]