09x08 - Rules of the Game

[bunniefuu]

But suddenly there's a few too many dark suits in town.

These new ones are heavyweight, sent from Washington.

It’s not gambling that brought ’em in here, Tully.

It’s your kid.

My kid hit a federal witness?

Well, that's crazy, Mr. Brimmer.

Your son narrowly escaped a set-up

at a truck stop in Fallon.

Elliott and Tatigian were involved.

That's the second attempt on his life today.

Are you willing to gamble on the next one?

Man like Oren Reese..

...gives a few hours of his time

he helps raise you a few bucks..

...then he gets an award, huh?

Do they give me anything?

Do they thank me? No!

No, they take from me!

My blood, they take. My own son!

[tires screeching]

[dramatic music]

[theme music]

[man narrator] The FBI.

A Quinn Martin Production.

[music continues]

Starring Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Also starring Philip Abbott..

...and Shelly Novack.

With guest star John Marley.

Special guest star Anthony Zerbe.

Tonight's episode

"Rules of the Game."

[theme music]

[knocking on door]

- Hey, Mr. Reese, what-- - Your father still here?

We're just about to split, another couple of minutes

'you would've missed us.'

- Charles Hornak. - Well, what about him?

He spent the morning with the US Attorney.

He's going to testify.

That’s the word in the courthouse.

Did he hurt you?

He can bury me.

We better talk.

- Steve. - Yeah, pop.

Stop by the house and tell mama I'll be a while.

Tell her I got some...business.

Yeah, right.

[door closed]

[crickets chirping]

[Steve] 'Drive, Hornak.'

[tires screeching]

[tires screeching]

[tires screeching]

[g*nsh*t]

[tires screeching]

[instrumental music]

[male narrator] On the night of June 28th

a young bond broker, Charles Hornak

who was about to testify against Tully Ladera

a major figure in organized crime

was shot and wounded in a Reno, Nevada parking lot.

A parking attendant noted the license number

of the getaway car

which was found later that night, crushed and twisted

on the floor of a rocky canyon.

Because of the brutal sh**ting of a federal witness

Inspector Lewis Erskine was assigned to head up

the FBI investigation.

The, uh, driver's been tentatively

identified as Fred Kretschmer.

He’s a wheelman, runner for the Reno branch’s organization.

What about the other man?

Not a sign of him, inspector.

Must've bailed out somewhere along the way.

Now, the car's right over here.

[indistinct chatter on radio]

Have you talked to Tully Ladera yet?

Uh, yes. Late last night.

He’s established that he was at a restaurant

in Silver Springs at the time of the sh**ting.

Is there any evidence he might have ordered the hit?

No. Not at this point.

Anything new on Hornak's condition?

No, he's still in a coma.

[sighs] There’s been no change.

[indistinct chatter on radio]

Yes, Frank. What have you got?

Informant reported that Hornak’s assailant

is Ladera’s son, Steve.

How does he know?

He said that Steve asked him to drive last night.

'He begged off and suggested that'

Steve get Kretschmer do it.

Alright, if the latents in the car match up

call the US Attorney and get a warrant.

Yes, sir.

What do we know about him, Rudy?

Well, he works for his father’s outfit, Superior Finance.

That is, when he works.

What about friends?

Oh, there’s Norm Tatigian.

Now, Tatigian worked for Superior Finance

till about six months ago.

Now, he's in Las Vegas

working for the organization as an enforcer.

I’d say he’s one of his closest friends.

Well, he’s gonna need more than that

to get him out of this mess.

[indistinct chatter on radio]

Papa, Mr. Reese is here.

Oren. Huh, I was gonna call you.

Come on in.

How are you, Tully?

Nice to see you, Mrs. Ladera.

I, uh, hope I'm not intruding.

Oh, lawyers always intrude, Mr. Reese.

That's their business.

But in this house they’re welcome.

Uh, Cara, perhaps Mr. Reese would like some coffee.

[Reese] 'Oh, no no. No thank you. Not now.'

Then, will you excuse us, please?

Sit down, eh?

Hey, I'm not gonna ask you who it was who got me off the hook.

All I’m gonna tell you is that I’m grateful.

And I'm gonna make sure the message gets back.

Don't play games, Tully.

Games? Who’s playing games, are you playing games?

In case you don't know it, Tully

hitting Hornak was a very unwise thing to do.

Mr. Brimmer is definitely not pleased.

There's a lot of unhappiness.

You mean, you think Mr. Brimmer

thinks that I ordered that hit?

Is that what you're trying to tell me?

Heh! I had nothing to do with it, I swear on my daughter.

I hope you can convince Mr. Brimmer.

'He wants to see you.'

You're in a lotta trouble, Tully.

I'm telling you this as a friend.

When does he want to see me?

- Two o'clock. - My office?

The road.

There's something else, Tully.

Mr. Brimmer expects that you'll be able to be

in touch with Steve.

'He wants you to have the kid on tap.'

- What for? - I didn't ask, Tully.

Take care.

Elena!

Yes?

'Who's dumb enough to leave'

'an empty bottle on my desk?'

There’s plenty more in the storeroom.

I'll fill it for you.

I probably did it, papa, when I was straightening up earlier.

I thought there was still some left.

I'm sorry.

No, no, no, Cara. I’m sorry.

Don't listen to me. I-I'm just a cranky old man today.

You've got things on your mind, papa.

You make 'em better, Cara.

You always do.

You've been a joy to me ever since you were born.

[telephone ringing]

- Yes, hello. - Pop?

I gotta talk to you.

Well, what do you want, an invitation?

No, I mean I gotta see you, in private.

All of a sudden, everybody's got to look on my face.

Steve, don't you know I'm in trouble

don't you read the papers?

Pop, it's about that.

It's important.

Well, uh, I'll meet you at Lester's in ten minutes.

Okay, I'll meet ya.

[instrumental music]

[doorbell ringing]

Mrs. Ladera?

We're with the FBI. I'm Inspector Erskine.

This is special agent, Daniels.

We're looking for your son.

If I see him, I'll tell him.

What do you want him for, jaywalking?

Where can we find him?

'We tried his apartment.'

My son is a grown man, I don't wash his socks

and I don't ask where he goes. I haven't for years.

Would your husband know where he is?

He just left.

Where was he going?

Maybe to the laundry. I don't wash his socks either.

Hornak could've buried you, pop. You said so yourself.

And what did you do, dig the hole deeper, heh?

I oughta break your arm.

Well, I was only tryin' to help.

Well, you've got no head!

All you got is glands. You got no brains.

I keep asking myself, "Where did he come from?"

And I keep answering, "Where else, but from mama and me.

'But it can't be.'

How much is that worth?

Five bucks.

This one?

Same.

Every time?

Yeah, every time.

Add them up. How much can you buy?

- Oh, come on-- - Tell me! I'm askin' you!

Ten dollars' worth.

Every time?

Yeah. Every time.

So, how come your mom and me got ten cents worth?

Look, pop, you want me to go back to finish the guy?

Just say the word.

I want you to go down to the Safari

get a room and stay there.

I don't want you to go outside

not even for ice cubes. You understand?

- Call me? - I'll call you.

I'll see what's the options are and I'll..

...see what kind of move I can make.

I'll call you.

Now, get outta here.

[indistinct chatter on radio]

[man on radio] 'Now delivers the 0-2 pitch.'

'Jefferson swings. He rips a ground ball by the mound.'

'Kamitsky, moving quietly, gloves it easily.’

'Steps on second, moving away'

'for the force and the threat is..'

Ha-ha!

I’m home-free. What’d I tell ya?

Hey, Tully.

Looking good.

So are you, Mr. Brimmer. How are ya?

- What do you know, Saul? - Nothin’.

Beautiful, huh?

Yeah, I got a lotta acres up here.

Build it up a little, put in a little money

green gets greener. You know what I mean?

But suddenly there's a few too many dark suits in town.

These new ones are heavyweights, sent from Washington.

It's not gambling that brought him in here, Tully.

It's your kid.

My kid hit a federal witness?

Well, that's crazy, Mr. Brimmer.

Yeah. It's also a fact.

Oh, somebody gave you the wrong tip.

I mean, I know my son and I’m tellin’ ya that--

Now, Tully, I'm telling you.

Because Steve did what he did, we got problems.

’Instead of you doin’ a lousy prison term’

'while we took care of your family'

'spotlights are beginning to zero-in on the whole operation.'

Now, maybe we can defuse this thing, get outta the glare

but I'm gonna need a little help.

That's why I wanted to talk to you.

You just say the word, Mr. Brimmer.

You know me, anything.

Your kids gotta take a fall.

Sooner he turns himself into the cops, the better.

Yeah, sure.

[instrumental music]

[Brimmer] 'Tully!'

How’s your little girl, uh, little, uh, Carmen?

- Cara. - Cara.

She still sweet as ever, huh?

- Never changed. - Oh, yeah.

I was just thinking this morning.

I was thinking to myself

how lucky you are to have her.

I hope you're always that lucky, Tully.

I mean that sincerely.

I'll wait to hear from you.

[instrumental music]

[engine revving]

[sighs]

He was thinking too hard. I could see it.

He's never crossed you before.

Never had to cut his own kid off at the knees before.

I think we need a little insurance.

A little extra.

[instrumental music]

[tires screeching]

Mr. Ladera.

Look, you got no right to harass me!

Who's harassing you? We just wanna have a little talk.

You don't know those guys over there?

What are they doing, running a driving school?

They're practicing parking?

We missed you earlier, we didn't want that to happen again.

How many times you people have to be told

I wasn't even near the area where that bum Hornak got it.

What about your son?

Steve? What does he know from g*ns?

He’s a conscientious objector.

If you don't believe me, you better look up his records.

Then it should be simple for him to clear himself.

Well, next time I hear from him

I'll tell him to check-in with you.

You can do better than that.

You can call him.

On the weekend, with all the showgirls in town?

And he knows every one of 'em?

It’ll be crazy to try and even reach him.

Ladera, whether you know it or not

your son’s life’s in danger.

You better believe it.

One day, one of those girls is gonna stab him in the back

and don't think I haven't warned him.

[Lewis] ’Did you warn him about Dan Brimmer..’

'...Saul Elliott?'

Who are they?

They live here in Reno?

We know you're close to both of them.

Look, you've got no right to dig into the past!

I paid the price years ago

and I’ve been straight ever since, 100 percent!

I'm a respected member of this community.

Now, I suggest that you and your friend get off the property

and take your buddies with ya.

I'm running outta patience and I'm running outta time!

You're right. You may be running outta time.

[dramatic music]

I want him under 24 hour surveillance.

[engine revving]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Isn't it too hot for her to be out there doing that?

She's a healthy young girl. Stop worrying.

Oh, you, uh..

...had a couple of visitors right after you left.

FBIs.

Just got through with them.

Huh, they were waiting for me.

You already told ’em you were in Silver Springs.

What more do they want?

They were looking for Steve, too. How come?

What am I, a quiz kid?

Elena, I've had it with the questions.

I have not had it with the answers

not when our son's in trouble.

'That something for both of us.'

It was Steve who shot Hornak.

'He was trying to do me a favor'

'instead, he got me in trouble with the boys.'

I’m in the can, I coulda waltzed through that.

How much do the FBIs know?

The FBI knows..

...and Brimmer knows.

Steve's got to take a fall.

'It's got to be.'

Our son..

...in a cage for 20 years?

He'd die.

That can't happen. You can't let that happen.

Brimmer gave the orders. It’s got to be!

Do you mean to tell me that a man like Dan Brimmer

can't fix it to get your son out of the country?

If he wanted it fixed it would be that way now!

That's what I mean to say!

Well, did he say why he won't do it?

What did you say, nothing?

The man plays God with your son's life

you don't open your mouth.

Because the man had something to say

about Cara's life, too!

Somehow I...got the feeling that maybe that was a clue

that his mind was made up

and he didn’t want to have any discussion.

You think I was wrong, eh?

Give your life to the organization.

What does it get you?

You have to choose between your children.

It’s not right, Tully. It’s not right.

Elen-Elen-Elena.

Five o'clock plane to San Francisco.

You and Cara get on that plane.

’You’re going to go visit your cousin Phil for few days.’

You make the reservations.

I'll start packing.

[instrumental music]

I know it's been only ten, fifteen minutes

since I called headquarters, but it seemed longer.

I kept thinking how foolish I'd feel

if he left before you guys got here.

Uh, he hasn’t budged, lieutenant.

- Well, what room's he in? - Uh, 112.

Well, I think I better take a look at the register.

Well, certainly, lieutenant.

Like I told you on the phone

it's not under the right name.

Uh, he does fit the description of the man

whose picture I saw in the paper.

But you say there's a warrant out for his arrest, huh? So I..

[grunts]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

How'd you find me?

Your father used this place

a couple of times. Once for me.

[grunting]

[music continues]

[g*nshots]

[tires screeching]

[g*nshots]

[tires screeching]

FBI.

[g*nsh*t]

[music continues]

[g*nshots]

[horn honking]

[g*nf*re]

Where's Steve Ladera?

Too bad. You just missed him.

[instrumental music]

Mr. Brimmer.

Thank you.

[intercom buzzing]

Yes.

He's here.

Ask him to come in, please.

This won't take long, Oren?

Oh, I have no more appointments this afternoon, Mr. Brimmer.

You take all the time you want.

So?

Mr. Brimmer.

The way we left it, you were gonna report back to me.

What happened?

You run into trouble?

Mr. Brimmer.

I feel like I’ve been sliced right up the middle.

This thing you wanted me to do, I just can't make it.

Stevie, he's my son.

Hey, hey, Tully.

You think I'm not sliced up the middle, huh?

I mean, you think it was easy for me to ask

you a thing like that. Is that what you think?

Tully..

...did it occur to you I got my orders too?

You mean...this came from the council?

Right after we talked..

...well..

...new word came down, Tully.

You tell him.

We want your kid snuffed.

Put a couple of boys on him.

They almost got him at the safari, but..

...he squeezed out.

There'll be more boys in the street by now.

Just a matter of time, Tully.

I've been eatin' myself out inside, way in.

What was the best way to tell ya?

Upfront or after it was done?

Decided to lay it on the table.

Knowing you..

...figured that was the way you'd want it.

Man like Oren Reese..

...gives a few hours of his time

helps raise you few bucks

and he gets an award, huh?

Do they give me anything?

Do they thank me?

No! No, they take from me.

My blood they take, my own son!

Well, I say they can't do this, Mr. Brimmer.

And you’re gonna tell them. You hear me?

You know what you're askin'?

They owe me!

You're right.

Tully, you're right.

I'll try.

I'll see what I can work.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

He's stickin' his neck out for you, Tully.

Hope you realize that.

[instrumental music]

[automated message] 'At the tone the time is'

'4:23 exactly.'

’At the tone, the time is 4:23 and ten..’

[music continues]

[laughs]

You got your reward, Tully.

The signal's off.

Get the horn, call off the boys.

There's a ship leaving.

Now!

There's a ship leaving Seattle tomorrow morning, 7:00 a.m.

Stevie's gonna be on it.

If we can find him.

How, Tully, where?

Uh, I don't know.

Uh, all I could do is sit by the telephone and hope.

Yeah.

I, uh..

...better go back to the house. Huh?

Let me know as soon as you hear anything.

[instrumental music]

[man on radio] 'Unit one.'

Go ahead.

'Stand by, the bureau is calling.'

'Assistant Director Ward for Inspector Erskine.'

[Arthur] 'Lewis.'

Yes, Arthur.

I've just been talking to our Las Vegas office.

Steve's friend Norm Tatigian

just purchased an airline ticket to Reno.

Looks like he's making a move towards Steve.

Well, they already rushed his wife and daughter

off to San Francisco.

You say "rushed?"

Suppose he's being pressured

to deliver his son to the organization?

[Lewis] 'Could be.'

Then I wonder about Tatigian.

Suppose he's going to Reno to back up Steve or to set him up.

We better be prepared either way.

[instrumental music]

[tires screeching]

[Steve] Hey.

Now, what are you doing? What are you crazy?

Pop said Tatigian was gonna meet me.

He didn't say nothin' about you.

Okay, you can put the g*n away.

I came to tell you the plane's gonna be late.

We're afraid you'd be nervous.

I'm plenty nervous, alright.

You guys already tried to snuff me once, today.

Hey, Stevie, the signals are off.

What’s it gonna take to convince ya?

Hey, look, look, look. You want my g*n?

Let me have it.

Okay, it's like this.

If Tatigian doesn't show up in the next five minutes

then I'm gonna know you're settin' me up.

And, baby, I'm gonna blow your head off.

He ain't gonna take five minutes.

Well, five minutes is all you've got.

- Why don't we call-- - Hey.

Relax. We're gonna sit right here.

[sighs] The plane’s in, inspector. Finally.

And Tatigian?

Yeah, we've got him under surveillance right now.

He’s renting a car.

[car engine revving]

[tires screeching]

You know, Stevie, you're a loser.

Yeah.

I mean, Mr. Brimmer himself goes

and fixes it up so he can get out

and you go through this, I mean, you should've been..

Like a..

[dramatic music]

[grunting]

[tires screeching]

[music continues]

[tires screeching]

[tires screeching]

[tires screeching]

[Saul groaning]

Saul, what happened?

Oh, he thought it was a setup. He jumped me.

He took my car.

He’s got my g*n. Gimme yours.

What do I use?

You won't need it, you drive.

Come on, give it to me.

[heavy breathing]

I want to talk to you, Elliott.

FBI.

Drop the g*n, Elliott.

[g*nshots]

[dramatic music]

Get up against the car. Go!

[music continues]

[truck engine revving]

[g*nsh*t]

[instrumental music]

Elena, will ya stop with that?

The boat won't have to wait.

Dan's got a plane standing by.

Steve will be in plenty of time.

Tatigian will be holding his hand. He’ll be fine.

Well, of course. The minute I hear.

Okay.

Kiss Cara for me and say hello to Phil.

Goodbye.

[doorbell rings]

Mr. Ladera, I got something to tell you.

You got nothin’ I want to hear, inspector.

Your son narrowly escaped the set-up

at a truck stop in Fallon.

Elliott and Tatigian were involved.

That's the second attempt on his life today.

Are you willing to gamble on the next one?

You know what your problem is, inspector?

You got my kid mixed up with some other kid.

My boy wouldn’t go near a truck stop. It’s not his style.

Ladera, your son has got a number on him

and playing games won't save him.

You've got to work with us.

Can't you understand that?

I can't help you.

I've been on the other side too long.

Look, just tell us where he might be.

That's all you have to do.

We'll take it from there.

Well, if I talk Steve..

...I'll explain his options to him.

In the meantime, give me room to maneuver.

[dramatic music]

[g*n clicks]

Mr. Brimmer, there ain't gonna be any lies this time.

This time you're gonna do it.

The contract on Steve, you're gonna

you're gonna call it off. Now.

[clanking]

Right now.

Yeah. Brimmer.

Seems like Tully’s gettin’ too large for the organization.

If I die, I want his wife and his daughter hit.

'The same with Phil Ross at 1420 Fairview Drive'

in San Francisco and after that job's done

I want you to hit Stevie boy and then Tully.

You got that?

Right. Call back in two minutes.

Your move, Tully.

Mr. Br.. I..

[instrumental music]

[g*n clicks]

Wait. I’m not finished yet.

About the contract.

I know, it's still out.

Yeah. But now it's yours.

You make the hit, Tully.

Make it good.

'Clear?'

[music continues]

[helicopter whirring]

He’s heading southwest, in the direction of Geiger Summit.

Proceed as planned.

[dramatic music]

[Lewis] 'Unit one to all units.'

Converge toward Lyman’s Bridge.

[helicopter whirring]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[helicopter whirring]

[music continues]

Hey, pop!

I gotta tell you, it sure is good to see you.

I'm glad you're here when I called.

It's sure good to see a friendly face, you know.

I was beginning to...think that..

Pop, what are you doing?

[g*n c*ck]

It’s what they want.

I tried everything I knew, there's no way to change it.

Oh, but, pop, I'm your son.

Steve!

It's either you or mama and Cara.

You mean it's Cara, don't you?

Mama never mattered to you and I

and I don’t. I never have.

It's always been Cara, hasn't it, pops?

Steve, I've got to do it.

[Steve] 'Oh, no, pops, don't.'

Please don't.

[sobbing] Oh, God. No, pops.

I shoulda kicked you out of the house years ago.

You were never anything but trouble!

No!

[Lewis] 'Ladera!'

FBI. Hold it right there.

[dramatic music]

[groans]

[instrumental music]

Uh...Steve, I..

...had no choice.

You sold me out before I was born.

You sold mama and Cara out, too.

I've got no use for you.

[instrumental music]

Inspector, I’ve got nothing left for my father.

It's just not there.

He blames the organization.

People like him are the organization.

What about you?

No more.

I'm ready to prove it.

[male narrator] Charles Hornak recovered and testified against

Tully Ladera for extortionate credit transactions.

Steven Ladera was convicted in state court

of attempted m*rder.

Both Laderas furnished testimony

against Daniel Brimmer

on a series of state and federal charges.

Saul Elliott and Brimmer's gunmen

were convicted of assaulting federal officers.

[theme music]

[music continues]