07x15 - The Buyer

[bunniefuu]

[instrumental music]

[intense music]

That's it.

Okay, let's go.

[music continues]

[music continues]

Alright, just sign here.

Pull those crates, Mike.

The ones we've been holding for Cambria Industries.

You got yourself a deal. They're all yours.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[engine starts]

What's up? You just found out this isn't it, huh?

Yeah, I goofed.

Don't sweat it. Some guys don't even get the airport right.

Alright.

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI.."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr..

Also starring Philip Abbott..

William Reynolds..

With guest stars Tim O'Connor..

...David Hedison..

...and special guest star Stefanie Powers.

Tonight's episode, "The Buyer."

[siren blaring]

On July 9th, the shipment of platinum from New York City

consigned to a jewelry firm in Elgin, Illinois

was hijacked from Chicago's O'Hare field.

The incident might have been typical

of those plaguing airports across the country

but for one thing

the stolen cargo was valued at nearly a million dollars.

Because the shipment was moving in interstate commerce

the FBI entered the case.

As the first step in a major theft investigation

rare metal users throughout the nation were alerted

to be on the lookout for the missing platinum.

Well, there were 60 ingots on that consignment, Lou.

You think they might try to dispose of them piecemeal?

Only as a last resort.

It'll be a lot safer to unload the whole shipment.

Alright, thank you very much.

Oh, we just received a report

from our liaison representative in London.

You remember a Arnold Bebenek?

Yes, sir. Wasn't he the fence who handled

the masterpiece paintings in Zurich a few years ago?

- Is he involved? - It looks like it.

A Scotland Yard informant close to Bebenek

reported that a man using the alias of Jud Hobey

was dispatched to Mexico City to make the buy.

He's traveling under a false passport.

What does our liaison representative

in Mexico City have to say?

Well, he landed.

Then he immediately took another plane to La Paz.

There, he chartered a boat.

It's on a direct line to San Diego.

But it ran into some bad weather

and it's...about six hours out.

Well, it gives us just time enough to get there.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chatter]

You said you locked up this side?

I did.

- You call that locked? - Oh, that's my fault.

- I said I'd lock it. - I didn't ask you.

Come on, you're making a big deal over nothin'.

You call what we got stashed in the back, you call that nothing?

- Honey, please. - Cut it out.

Drop it, can't you?

Look, there's no harm done, and everything's alright.

You're just a little tired, that's all.

You've been driving too long.

Yeah, I..

Maybe you're right, maybe you're right.

Sure, I'm right.

Why don't you let Lou drive

and you go to sleep in the back of the car, okay?

Here, take it.

That's better.

[Connie chuckles]

Alright, alright.

[instrumental music]

[ambulance siren blaring]

[music continues]

Inspector?

Immigration's all set, but we've got a problem.

Hobey sustained a head injury.

'Apparently he took a fall during the storm.'

Is he conscious?

I believe so.

[music continues]

Better have an agent go along with him, Bill.

Yes, sir.

Doc?

[music continues]

- Lou? - Yeah.

Have you thought about what you're gonna do?

You know, when we cash in?

Oh, yeah. I thought about it.

I'm heading straight for the Costa Brava.

I'm gonna stay there for about a month

'and then I'm gonna move on to the French Riviera.'

I didn't know I was with the member of the jet set.

All it takes is money.

What can you do there?

Just lie on the beach.

Oh, come on.

When does social security?

What about you and Maynard, hmm?

I mean, uh, you two got anything planned?

Maynard's been talking about buying a ranch

running some cattle.

He says it's something he's always wanted to do.

That's great.

I mean, if that's your thing.

Yeah.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Hobey, we're with the FBI.

This is Special Agent Colby. I'm Inspector Erskine.

Before we begin, you realize

you have the right to remain silent?

Anything you say can be used against you.

'You have the right to call a lawyer if you wish.'

[chuckles]

Immigration people stopped in earlier

with the same speech.

You know, it's amazing

how the irregularity in my papers

can so energize your federal bureaucracy.

It wasn't an irregularity, your passport was forged.

That's neither here nor there to the FBI. Correct?

What we're concerned with is why you entered this country?

Nothing mysterious about it, inspector.

This was the nearest port with adequate medical services.

If I hadn't been hurt, I'd still be sitting off Baja California

somewhere pulling in those giant yellowtail.

Well, when we talked to the skipper

of your boat, he didn't say anything about fishing.

He did say that he was hired to take you to San Francisco.

Really?

You know, Hobey, I had a preconceived notion about you.

I rather expected you to be a realist.

I am very much so.

Then you must be aware of the position you're in?

'It would seem to me you'd find it in your interest'

'to cooperate with us.'

Well, when you play the game as long as I have

you tend not to hear the whistle.

What would you like to know?

Who are the people waiting for you in San Francisco?

I know nothing about them, they know about me.

They make the contact.

I see. What instructions were you given?

I was to put in at San Francisco on Wednesday.

Tie up to the public landing near Maritime Park

and step ashore precisely at noon.

- Is that the contact point? - Possibly.

If not, I simply go ahead

and check in at the Hampton House Hotel.

As, um, Jud Hobey?

Would not question, inspector.

I mean, after all Jud Hobey is who I am.

Says here on my passport.

[music continues]

Lewis, I've been anxious to hear from you.

Were you able to interview Hobey?

Yes, we did, Art.

His instructions were to proceed to San Francisco on Wednesday

and to wait contact by persons unknown to him.

What do you recommend?

Well, if he isn't there when he is supposed to be

they'll back off, and it seems to me

'our opportunity will go with him.'

I think I see what you're getting at.

You'd like to assume Hobey's identity

and try to establish contact with the g*ng?

It's the only solution I can think of.

Do you look anything like him?

With a few adjustments I think I could pass.

Mm-hmm.

Well, I'll speak to the director, Lewis

and get back to you.

Right, Art.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

He looks just about like I had him figured.

May I?

'Hm, sort of continental.'

'Interesting face though.'

Don't get carried away.

He's gonna hit it right on the button.

That's a pretty neat trick.

It means he knows exactly what he's doing.

[music continues]

Thank you.

[music continues]

Lou, can I have a cigarette?

Yeah, sure.

Thanks.

[bell ringing]

[instrumental music]

[knock on door]

Hey, Lou. They're nice.

Thank you.

Uh, have they made contact yet?

I haven't heard a word.

Well, since you left, uh

Hobey gave us a little more to go on.

Uh, one thing, um, he has a considerable taste for luxury.

I rather imagine that.

Oh, there's something else you have a taste for..

'...women.'

Have I ever been married?

No, but, uh, you were engaged..

...uh, once anyway, about ten years ago.

You were operating in New York at the time

you ran into trouble, and that ended it.

What kind of trouble?

You were caught smuggling and sentenced to prison.

[telephone ringing]

- Yes? - 'Mr. Hobey.'

Yes.

Did you have a nice trip from La Paz?

A very pleasant except for a bit of weather.

We have something for you. Something we think you'll like.

Fine, when will it be convenient for you?

How about this afternoon around 5:00?

'You check the cable cord at the end of the line.'

'I'll be at Michelangelo's.'

How will I know you?

I'll know you, Mr. Hobey.

They're sending a woman.

[instrumental music]

[door opens]

Do I have to stay in town?

Oh, honey, you know you do.

You have to stay there until it's over.

Can't take a chance on you being followed.

You're not afraid he's gonna double-cross us, are you?

He and Bebenek didn't get where they are playing by any rules.

What you have to realize is that

we're gambling without a license.

We're exposed, we can't make one wrong move.

Come on, Maynard, you're making me nervous.

Good. Stay that way.

[telephone ringing]

Hmm.

Yes? Right.

Long distance call from London.

[speaks softly] Bebenek?

This is your supplier speaking.

Yes.

I've been told you've been trying to reach me.

I went to the theatre and then to supper.

Is everything satisfactory?

It seems to be. We've made contact with your man.

'We've arranged for a meeting this afternoon.'

Excellent.

Before we go any further, I'd like to lay out one thing.

That price we discussed last week

that was just a guideline.

Of course, I understand.

My agent is authorized to make

whatever adjustments is reasonable.

Fine. In that case, I'll have my associate go ahead.

Oh, you're not handling it personally?

No, I'm sending a lady.

You said he had a weakness for women

and I felt I needed all the help I could get.

Oh, my.

I'll be happy to break even on this.

I'm sure you'll come out alright.

Perhaps. If the lady is kind, but ladies never are, are they?

- I guess not. - Well..

[speaking in foreign language]

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

Just remember it's alright, even you now, hmm?

Yeah, Maynard, you already told me that.

Lou will tell you the quickest way to get there.

Go to work, baby.

[instrumental music]

You take the right at the light..

That will put you on 101

and straight on to the Golden Gate Bridge.

I'll go anywhere you want me to go.

Once you're on the other side

you, uh, take the first off-ramp.

Straight to the Costa Brava, right?

Anyway you can manage it's okay with me.

[car starts]

During the buy, you, uh

you just stay out of the way, huh?

[instrumental music]

[tram bell ringing]

[instrumental music]

[tram bell ringing]

[bell ringing]

[indistinct chatter]

Well, Mr. Hobey

is this your first visit to San Francisco?

No, I, uh, uh..

- What would you like? - Uh, cappuccino.

Uh, espresso for me.

You know, I was here once before, years ago.

- Uh.. - Oh.

Unfortunately, it was too brief.

I must say I'm very glad your friends

gave me reason for coming back.

Yes, so am I.

You know, the people who live in this place

say it's a lucky city. You suppose that's true?

Well, I wouldn't know about that.

[laughs]

Don't you believe in luck?

Tell me what it looks like.

Well, that depends.

Sometimes, it looks like a woman..

...and sometimes a man.

I like the first one.

I'm curious about you, Mr. Hobey.

Try Jud.

Alright. Connie.

Thanks.

Jud, you're a man who's traveled all over the world.

You must've known hundreds of women.

[Lewis] 'You flatter me.'

You must favor a type.

- What is it? - Uh-huh.

Well, my preference is for a woman about, uh, 5'6"..

...reddish hair, large hazel eyes..

'...and an enchanting smile.'

[Connie chuckles]

I heard about that.

'I just wanted to hear for myself.'

'Now, I'm flattered.'

When can I see your, um, line of merchandise?

When I can see your line of credit.

That will be arranged to the bank

once I know what I'm buying.

Is it here in town?

No, but it can be on short notice.

[Lewis] 'Then you won't have any trouble getting me a sample.'

[Connie] 'What for?'

Purity can only be determined in a laboratory.

Let me show you something.

Hold this. Go ahead.

Just with your fingers.

Notice the once delicate but distinct, you feel it?

I almost can, but I don't believe a word you're saying.

But you'll get me a sample?

Tomorrow.

Meanwhile, you could set things in motion in your bank.

With pleasure.

Oh, when would you like to meet tomorrow?

I'll call you.

Should be some good latents on it.

I'll send it to the Identification Division

right away.

What about the photographs Tom took?

They're being developed now.

The girl registered is Ms. Constant Sherill

at the Villa Nova Motor Lodge.

That's less than a mile from here

where we're maintaining surveillance.

She checked in alone?

Shortly before she met you.

Then she's driving a rented car?

Yes, rented locally.

I guess there's nothing much more we can do

except wait for her to contact her principals.

Wouldn't hold my breath.

She's been very well instructed.

Oh, we'll just have to play along then.

It's the lady's lead.

Sure, it'll work.

If you're positive he's not just talking

how positive are you?

I-I checked with a friend here in Chicago.

And he says the guy's a real dealer

with plenty of money behind him.

My friend's reliable, I think we can take his word for it.

Well, that's it then. We'll go ahead as I said.

Look, if-if anything should go wrong--

We'll all get in a lot of trouble, George.

[laughs] Look, don't worry.

Just, uh, just think of the money.

- That'll help you sleep nights. - Yeah.

Well, you'll let me know when you're ready for Denver?

I'll let you know.

- Connie? - No. Chicago.

[sighs]

- George Dowd? - Yeah.

See, I told him before we left there

to keep shopping around, just in case.

He's come up with another fence.

- Where? - 'Denver.'

George says he's hungry too.

No hedging around. Lays it right out.

'He'll pay a quarter of a million.'

Woo!

Well, uh, what about the bank?

What do you think his absolute top is?

Two, at the most.

What are we doing here? Let's head for Denver.

We'll do that after we make the deal with Hobey.

And after we get rid of him.

Do you like that plan?

You're saying we get paid twice.

What's so bad about that?

[instrumental music]

'Uh, yes, just a minute please.'

He's right here, I'll put it on the speaker.

Mr. Ward, calling from Chicago.

Yes, sir.

Oh, Tom, uh

teletype on Connie Sherill just came in from the bureau.

Yes, sir, we have it.

Unfortunately we had some previous information

on file regarding her.

'The latest from the cigarette case matched her'

'fingerprint record and confirmed her identity.'

Well, what is her arrest record?

Uh, two convictions on bunco charges

both here in Chicago.

- She lives there? - 'Yes.'

'In an apartment in the Morton Groves section.'

'Agents just returned from interviewing the landlady'

and she seemed to recall, uh

Ms. Sherill being very friendly with her.

George Dowd who lives in the same apartment building.

I take it he fits somewhere in the picture?

Yes, it looks like he's the fingerman

he works as a clerk

for the trucking company that was hijacked.

He handles all bills of lading for incoming air-freight.

We haven't interviewed him yet.

'How are things going with Lewis?'

'Any new developments there?'

Oh, we should know something soon.

He's meeting the Sherill woman again in a few minutes.

Alright, Tom.

I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

'Yes, sir.'

Anyone would think you're carrying

some sort of contraband.

Who? Me? I'd never do such a thing.

[sighs]

Don't worry, Connie. No one's interested.

Two hundred thousand.

I didn't know you only wanted to buy half the shipment.

What do you mean? That's a fair price.

It's not a fair price

and you know it's not a fair price.

I have my instructions.

And I have mine.

What you have, Connie, is sheer dead weight

of value only when and if you unload it.

I, of course, have no such problem, I have money.

The authorities can hardly arrest me for that.

- Well, aren't you lucky? - Yes, I am.

Incidentally, it's waiting in the bank.

'All I have to do is pick it up.'

Your bet.

I...I-I'll come down

a full half if you come up a quarter.

Yes.

[sighs]

You're a hard man.

I'm, uh, prepared to make a transfer within an hour.

Can you get in touch with your principals by then?

Not until tonight.

You go back to your hotel room, I'll call you.

If a man answers, it'll be me.

[scoffs] Yeah.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

[dramatic music]

Did you meet with him?

'Well, how did it go?'

'That's all he came up with?'

Well, I guess we can't be greedy.

Hmm, that's alright, honey.

Two hundred thousand is two hundred thousand.

There's nothing wrong with that.

I did everything I could, Maynard.

He wouldn't sweeten it, he was tough. Really tough.

I'm telling you, you did good.

Maybe there's nothing wrong, is it?

You're too calm.

I'm always calm, baby.

[laughing]

We have got it coming and going.

Now, listen carefully.

Set it up with Hobey for tonight at 8 o'clock.

Now, be sure he goes with you in your car

and let him drive.

'Now, there's an auto works on the third street.'

'It's called Feeney's.'

'It's near the Embarcadero.'

[dramatic music]

What's the matter with you? Are you crazy?

You punk.

'You are! You forgot this one.'

[groans]

[panting]

You're gonna need me tonight.

I figured that you were planning to cut me out.

I was trying to set it, so you couldn't.

That's all I was doing, Maynard, I swear.

You think I haven't caught your action with Connie?

- Huh? - What're talking about?

Shut up!

You think just because you're younger

that's all out there waiting for you?

'Well, I like Connie'

'and I'm gonna see to it that it stays that way.'

Connie goes with the powers..

...and I'm the power.

You hear me?

I hear you.

Alright, fix yourself up.

'We got work to do.'

[bell ringing]

[knock on door]

Come in.

The Sherill woman just left her motel.

She should be here in a few minutes.

You want to take a look at this?

In stacks of 20s and 50s.

Now, only the top four bills in each stack are genuine.

I, uh, imagine, she'll take, uh, roundabout route.

What kind of coverage have you arranged?

Well, some of the units will be running behind you

in a leap frog pattern.

Others will be, uh, keeping pace on parallel street.

[telephone ringing]

We have standby units in both Falkland and Sausalito.

In the event, that's, uh, the rendezvous point

of Costa Bay.

- Hello? - 'Jud, Connie.'

- 'Do you have everything?' - Of course.

- And you? - 'It's waiting.'

'I'm parked downstairs behind the hotel in the alley.'

'You'll see my car, it's a brown two-door.'

I'll be right down.

She's waiting downstairs in the alley.

Brown two-door.

Is that the car she's been driving?

That's it.

[instrumental music]

You drive.

Open it.

Alright. Straight out, then turn right.

[knocking]

- George Dowd? - Yes.

We're with the FBI. We'd like to talk to you.

A consignment of platinum was hijacked from one

of your employer's trucks.

Before we discuss your possible implication

I want to advise you of your rights.

What's the difference?

You found me, that means you know everything, right?

You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say may be used against you.

You may call a lawyer if you wish.

I wasn't at the airport.

I had nothing to do with what they did to that guard.

'The sluggin' they gave him, they did that!'

Who are they?

Gage, Maynard Gage.

The other guy, Lou Forrester.

Where are Gage and Forrester now?

California, San Francisco.

- Anyone else with them? - Yeah.

The girl, Connie Sherill.

The-they're meeting with the fence

to get rid of the platinum.

You know where they can be reached in San Francisco?

No-no, in fact I'm not sure they're still there.

The plan was to cut out and head for Denver.

Why would they be going to Denver?

A better deal.

Before Gage left, he asked me to scratch around

for another fence.

I found somebody in Denver, somebody real anxious.

Gage phoned last night. I gave him all the information.

He said he was gonna follow through.

He was arranging a sale in San Francisco

did he cancel that?

I don't think so.

But that's Gage's idea, not mine.

I told him if that's what he had in mind

then leave me out of it.

Just exactly what are you saying?

The buyer in San Francisco, a guy name Hobey.

'Gage is gonna sucker him.'

'He's gonna take his money, and then..'

'I don't know, do something to him.'

[instrumental music]

You know, you don't have to take me in a tour of San Francisco.

I've seen the city.

It won't be long now.

[instrumental music]

SF8 to SF3, take over.

[male #1] '10-4.'

[dramatic music]

[revving]

[music continues]

[music continues]

SF-8 to all units and surveillance.

Subject's car is proceeding West on Stanton Street

heading for Kearney.

Ed, we'll swing over to, uh, Golden Gate Avenue

and pick up Connie from the south.

SF2, move up.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[tires squealing]

- 'SF8?' - Eight, go ahead.

'Urgent information received'

'from Assistant Director Ward in Chicago.'

'Subject's believed planning to as*ault or k*ll'

'Inspector Erskine once pay-off is made.'

'SF8, do you read?'



[car starting]

Turn left, to your left.

[tires screeching]

Turn left in there.

[bell ringing]

[tires screeching]

[glass shattering]

[g*n firing]

[intense music]

[tires screeching]

[instrumental music]

This is The FBI.

The building is surrounded.

'Come out with your hands up.'

[groaning]

FBI, drop it.

[groaning]

Connie..

...I guess San Francisco isn't always lucky.

Come on.

[instrumental music]

Well, that's about it.

The rest you know.

Alright, we'll have your statement typed up.

Mr. Gage.

Mr. Forrester.

Hey, Forrester..

...you still want Connie?

Go ahead and take her. She's all yours.

[male narrator] Maynard Gage, Lou Forrester

Constant Sherill and George Dowd

were convicted in federal court of conspiracy

and theft from interstate shipment violations.

Gage and Forrester were also found guilty

of assaulting a federal officer.

Jud Hobey pleaded guilty to using a forged passport.

All were sentenced to terms in federal penitentiaries.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]