09x11 - The Bought Jury

[bunniefuu]

You see, where Hennings is concerned

I don't want to know too much.

And from what I hear, the people Hennings services

are bad news.

They deal in, uh, accidents.

How's your patient?

He's in a coma.

I didn't tell you to put him in a coma. I told you to k*ll him.

Are you saying

I'm being set-up for a hit?

I'm Mario Dracus, I made those people.

Sure you did, and you can destroy them.

They're trying to k*ll him, you know.

He thinks he can stop them by himself. He can't.

You don't want to help my Mario.

You just want to squeeze him dry and then throw him away

when you're done, just like all the rest of them.

[dramatic music]

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin production.

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott..

...and Shelly Novack.

With guest stars, Frank DeKova..

...Joel Fabiani..

...Frank Campanella.

Tonight's episode, "The Bought Jury."

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chattering]

Look at those faces.

'For ten bucks a piece'

that jury would hang me right here in the courtroom.

We'll file for an appeal first thing in the morning.

[chuckles] On what grounds?

That they can't send me to prison

during the bocce season?

That jury heard enough evidence to convict anybody

who even looks like me.

[gavel pounding]

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury

have you reached a verdict?

Your Honor, I'm afraid the jury's deadlocked.

[indistinct chattering]

Are you saying that the jury has exhausted

all its resources, Mr. Fullman?

We have, Your Honor. It's hopeless.

'There's no way this jury can reach a verdict.'

[indistinct chattering]

[sighs]

I hereby declare a mistrial.

The case of the United States versus Mario Dracus.

The government has 30 days to declare intent to retry.

This court stands adjourned.

What a pleasant surprise. Somebody over there likes you.

Yeah, but why?

I guess you ladies are going to be glad

to get back to your kids, eh?

Yes.

Just don't forget, they're gonna be dead if you open your mouth.

[intense music]

[theme music]

[male narrator] Within hours of the Dracus mistrial

an urgent call was made to

the United States Attorney's office in Boston

by juror, Lesley Parks, claiming she had

voted for acquittal under a threat of death.

Because Dracus had long held a key leadership position

in the New England criminal organization

Inspector Lewis Erskine took personal charge

of the FBI investigation..

...an investigation that ran into an immediate roadblock

with the abrupt disappearance of Lesley Parks.

- How are you? - Inspector.

- Daniels. - How you doing?

Anything on that missing juror?

Not yet, it looks as if she got scared

and took off right after she called your office.

Judy, let me have the Dracus jury list please?

Thank you.

Judge Benjamin's very concerned about this case.

So are we. The jury was fixed.

Someone else on this list may have been approached.

In any case, we'll be talking to all of them.

When is the retrial scheduled?

Before the end of the year

if Dracus' friends let him live that long.

You think he's being set-up?

Well, since Dracus is running things here in New England

we hope that a prison sentence would

induce him to cooperate with us.

It looks like his friends strongly suspect that.

Well, that may give us an opening at least.

If we can convince him the jury was fixed

to make him an easier target

he might get mad enough to turn state's evidence.

We better move fast.

If the mob gets to him first, we blow two years of work.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Nora.

Uh...do you mind telling me if we donated our clothing

'to the church rummage sale.'

I mean, all I can find is an old pair of slacks

a bowling shirt and three starving moths.

Your clothes are at the cleaners, Rod.

I forgot to pick them up.

Yeah, hey, wait a minute, uh..

You also forgot to tell me that

Mr. Rogers called this morning.

Now, Mr. Rogers pays the salary that buys those suits

that we keep at the cleaners.

I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking.

Yeah, I've noticed that lately.

I'd like to know what you are thinking about these days.

Rod, please!

I'm not in the mood for you, your suits, or Mr. Rogers.

Just leave me alone.

What am I supposed to do, move in with the neighbors?

You can do whatever you want.

Oh, that'll be a great life.

Be glad that you have a life.

What is that supposed to mean?

It means we're living in a jungle

and I'm just trying to survive!

Hey, hey, Nora.

Nora, easy.

Come on.

What's going on?

- The bailiff at the trial. - Yeah.

He said the children would be k*lled

[doorbell ringing] if I didn't vote to acquit.

It'll be okay.

- Mr. Selwyn? - Yes?

Uh, I'm Inspector Erskine, FBI. This is Special Agent Daniels.

We'd, uh, like to talk to your wife.

Come in.

Nora, these men are from the FBI.

Mrs. Selwyn, you were present when the jury voted.

Did anything unusual happen?

Tell 'em, Nora.

Don't you care about our children?

Tell 'em...or I'll have to.

You've been talking to Lesley Parks, haven't you?

[Lewis] We talked to several of the jurors.

Why do you single her out?

Because we were both threatened, Lesley Parks and I.

By whom?

The bailiff

'Barry Ryan.'

Thanks, Mrs. Selwyn.

I think you'll find you've done the right thing.

We'll, uh, need a signed statement.

Well, I'll ask the US Attorney's office

for authority to get a warrant out on Ryan.

Uh, make sure the judge is filled in.

I'll be at Dracus' place.

[telephone ringing]

Hello.

[male #1] 'You want to see Leo now?'

'He's downstairs in the basement.'

'The side door's open.'

He's-he's got the ticket and the money?

'He's got everything you'll need.'

But listen..

[intense music]

Leo?

Is that you, Leo?

[music continues]

[screams]

[music continues]

What's he doing here? He's two hours early.

[accordion music]

Oh, what is this?

- A surprise, grandpa. - Oh.

"To Mario Dracus

"from his loving family.

May you be with us always."

Oh, it's very beautiful.

It's very beautiful.

Almost as beautiful as these.

[laughs]

Nice party, Mario.

Sure.

But why aren't my friends here to enjoy it?

Where are the boys anyway

did they get invitations?

Oh, a couple of them are out of town

one or two called said they couldn't make it. They're sick.

Sick, huh? All at the same time, what happened

a sudden epidemic?

Who is this?

Here.

Dracus. I'm Inspector Erskine, FBI.

This is a private party.

I don't remember inviting the Feds.

Al, Ralph, go check the wine.

What's the beef, overtime parking in the loading zone?

The jury sent me home.

Jury was tampered.

And you think I had something to with that.

[chuckles]

I wish I had that kind of muscle.

No, I don't think you did it.

Well, you tell me who, I really owe that guy a favor.

Don't worry, they'll collect.

You know why I never became a law officer?

I hate whodunits.

Now, suppose you tell me what this is all about.

Glad to.

Some of the boys under you are getting restless.

They think you're too weak and old

'to be trusted anymore.'

Really? Are you sure about that?

They are.

What are you talking about anyway?

According to the grapevine

they think a long prison term might, uh

make your tongue loose.

So, what good is getting me a hung jury?

I still have to go back on trial.

Sure...if you make it.

Are you saying I'm being set-up for a hit?

I'm Mario Dracus. I made those people.

Sure you did. And you can destroy them.

Call for you, inspector, on the car radio.

Erskine.

Inspector, I'm at County Hospital.

Barry Ryan fell or was pushed

from the ladder in a factory earlier this afternoon.

He's in surgery right now and he may not make it.

'I'll be right over.'

First thing I want you to do is get in touch with--

Mario.

Well, we found one of the suspects.

He's in the hospital, critical.

Fell off a ladder, poor guy.

Nice party.

Well, he made it through surgery, but that's about all.

The surgeon said the next 48 hours

are going to tell the story.

- Where did it happen? - Trager Company, downtown.

I ran a check on the firm and it's one of the companies

currently under investigation for organization tie-ins.

Excuse me, do you have a patient named Barry Ryan?

Are you a relative of his?

I'm his daughter, Rita.

- Who are you? - We're with the FBI.

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

'I know it's a bad time Miss Ryan'

but, we'd like to talk to you about your father.

They tried to k*ll him, didn't they?

If they did, they may try again

'Unless, they're stopped.'

Well, how can I help?

Did your father mention who he was working for?

No...but George Watson

could probably tell you more.

He's a big shot lawyer.

My father owed him a lot of money.

Do you know where we can find him?

His office is across the street from the courthouse.

Sure, Ryan owed me money, inspector.

What for?

He was a horse player and a drinker.

Look, uh..

...you mind telling me exactly what this is all about?

You see, I get 50 bucks an hour for consultations.

You payin'?

This isn't a consultation, Mr. Watson.

It's an investigation.

Did he pay you back?

No, he didn't

but he promised to have my money for me by next week.

Do you know how he's gonna get it?

He was gonna do a little moonlighting for a man

by the name of Norman Hennings.

Private investigator.

Hangs around the quarter line.

Did he tell you what kind of work he was gonna do for him?

No.

And I didn't ask.

You see, where Hennings is concerned

I don't want to know too much.

From what I hear, the people Hennings services

are bad news.

They deal in, uh, accidents.

And if you have not mentioned that bid by Friday noon

we must regretfully withdraw our offer.

Sincerely, Alex Felton

President in Carpathian Industries, Incorporated.

How does that sound?

Good news for you

bad news for the competition as usual.

What's on the agenda for the rest of the day?

A meeting with the Paris Trade Delegation at four

c*ck with the Chamber of Commerce at 5:30

dinner with Mrs. Felton and judge and Mrs. Hartley

at your home at seven.

[phone buzzing]

Yes?

Mr. Miles to see you.

You call Dave Harley and have him meet with the trade people.

I may be a little late.

Oh, and would you send Mr. Miles in?

How's your patient?

He's in a coma.

I didn't tell you to put him in a coma. I told you to k*ll him.

Ah, accidents will happen.

If he recovers?

He still can't touch you, Mr. Felton

or even me, I covered my tracks.

Tomorrow, you take Dracus.

Mr. Felton, he just got out.

We need time to set it up.

You don't have any time, Leo. The FBI is all over the place.

'They were out to Dracus' house today.'

And if he cracks, it's all over.

The whole deal.

And we are not going to take that chance.

Alright, Mr. Felton. Tomorrow we hit Dracus.

For the good of the company, Leo.

The good of the company.

[intense music]

Hey, what is it?

Take me on the swing, grandpa.

Sure, boss, whatever you say.

[instrumental music]

Uh, Tony, uh, I want you to go play with your sister now

I have something to do, I'll see you later, alright?

Good boy.

Where's Ralph?

Well, he was here a second ago

said he was gonna get some ice cream for the kids.

Well, that's real considerate.

Look, uh

I'm gonna take a walk all by myself.

Make sure those goombas are following me.

Then get a cab, take the kids home.

Tell them I'll see them later. Do you understand?

Children.

Come on, children, let's go home now.

Come on. Come on. Here we go.

Come on.

I checked with Hennings' firm.

Secretary said he'd been out sick the last couple of days.

So, I went over to his house

nobody answered the door and there was no car around.

So, Hennings is becoming more interesting by the minute.

[phone buzzes] Keep looking for him.

Any word on Ryan's condition?

Well, the doctor said he'll call us if there's any change

and, uh, the Boston Police posted guards at the door.

Inspector Erskine.

Erskine, this is Mario Dracus.

The situation you were telling me about the other day..

...I think we can work something out.

Cooperate, you know.

But, right now, I've got problems with the competition.

Where are you?

At the zoo, near the seal house.

The show has just started, the crowd will help

until they run out of fish.

Stay where you are, we'll be there in ten minutes.

Dracus.

[intense music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Come now, Mr. Dracus.

Friends are worried about you, they wanna talk.

Not yet, fellas.

'We have to entertain our guests.'

[tires screeching]

FBI.

[g*nsh*t]

[music continues]

Dracus took off.

We located the missing juror, Lesley Parks.

She's flying back to meet with the US Attorney.

- What about Dracus? - Still missing.

That, uh, talk about cooperating was just a means of

getting away from those gunmen.

Well, there'll be others.

Dracus is the key to cracking open their whole operation.

He's in danger every minute he's out there.

We know it, he knows it..

...but it'll take more than that for him to admit

he needs us to protect him from his friends.

The judge has issued a warrant for his arrest.

I'll be in touch as soon as anything breaks.

'Right.'

Who paid you to threaten those jurors?

It was Norman Hennings

private investigator.

He stopped me in the courthouse parking lot

a couple of days into the trial.

Gave me a sealed envelope with

a 1000 in cash and

'a note telling me what I had to do to get another ten grand.'

Did you see him or talk to him again?

Uh, I called him the next day and said yes

like he told me to do in the note.

Then he called me when it was all over.

Told to go to the factory to get the rest of the payoff

from someone named Leo.

You know his last name?

No.

I know what the louse looked like.

[male #2] 'Inspector, an informant has just confirmed'

'Hennings' involvement.'

'He said Hennings left his apartment'

'less than an hour ago with a suitcase.'

Alright, call the US attorney for a warrant.

I'll set up surveillance at the airport, bus, and train depots.

May I have your ticket and passport, please?

Thank you.

I'll have to check on that reservation, Mr. Hennings.

Just a moment, please.

[intense music]

FBI. Hennings, stay where you are.

[woman screaming]

[music continues]

Norman Hennings, you're under arrest

for obstruction of justice.

[theme music]

And you have the right to consult an attorney.

What could an attorney tell me, that I'm in trouble?

Look, inspector. I want to cooperate

but I also want to stay in one piece.

You think your chances are better

with your associates than with us?

No, when I read what happened to that bailiff

I figured I was up for the same kind of payoff.

How did you get in this mess?

Well, six-seven months ago, a guy came up to my office.

He was looking for somebody who owes his company money.

At least, that's what he said.

Well, it took me a while but I turned up the guy

this man was looking for.

Big fee, big!

'After that, I handled a few more things for this cat.'

One thing led to another until one day he asked me to deliver

a sealed manila envelope to a man named Barry Ryan.

Who was his client?

Leo Miles, if that's his right name.

You know where we can find him?

I didn't have an address on him.

Once he invited me onboard a yacht for a party.

I, uh, looked up the registration.

It's owned by, uh, Carpathian Industries.

[knock on door]

Come in.

News, Leo?

The research department is running a survey

on all the Dracus real estate.

They're trying to find someplace we don't know about.

A survey?

That's very impressive, Leo.

No more of private cops, surveys.

I don't need surveys, Leo. I need Dracus.

We're sure we'll find him very soon, Mr. Felton.

What are you planning on doing, Leo?

Coming back tomorrow with a new survey

showing that Dracus was seen talking to the FBI?

I want Dracus by the end of the day.

Or we may have to decide

that you're a little too expensive to carry on the books.

[female #1] 'Three guesses.'

Uh, the, uh, now, uh, don't tell me.

Uh, the, uh, monster from the outer depths.

You peeked.

Your distinguished guests are demanding your presence.

Well, shall we, uh, join them?

Mm-hmm.

In a few days.

[phone buzzes]

Yes?

[female #2] 'There are two gentlemen to see you, sir.'

Well, I'll be with them in a minute.

Some business associates dropped by and it's quite important.

So, would you do this for me?

Would you go out and stave off

the guests for another, mm

little while? And then I'll be free.

Okay, you go play prince of industry

and I'll go play tennis.

- Show them in, please. - 'Yes, sir.'

Mr. Felton, I'm Inspector Erskine

this is Special Agent Daniels. FBI.

Well, what can I do for you?

You have an employee named Leo Miles?

Yes, why?

- We'd like to talk to him. - Why?

[Lewis] 'It's about the Dracus case.'

Well, Leo Miles is my chief of security.

Uh, what he got to do with, uh, Dracus?

We'll discuss that with him.

Well, unfortunately you just missed him. But I can tell you

'Leo Miles has a clean record.'

Now is there anything else before I

uh, return to my guests?

Uh, yes, you can tell us if you know anything

about jury intimidation in the Dracus trial.

Come off it, inspector.

I'm breaking ground in a hundred million dollar

development project, down in Wildwood Valley, you know

in partnership with the city's largest bank.

Now, does that sound like a man who's involved in

some kind of two-bit criminal plot?

I wouldn't know.

Well, I really should get back to my guests.

Um, but when I see Mr. Miles

I'll let him know you're looking for him.

Show these gentlemen out please, would you?

[female #2] 'Yes, sir.'

He acts pretty cool.

A little too cool.

[instrumental music]

Mario, let me bring you some lunch.

Clams and linguini. Your favorite.

No, no, I-I-I'm not hungry. Thanks, Al.

You gotta eat something.

Why, so I'll grow up and have big muscles?

How we doin' on the security arrangements?

Alright, huh.

When are Danny and the boys coming up?

Mario, I don't think Danny's the right guy for this job.

Why?

You got your own family up here, and me.

What you're saying is, Danny..

I can't trust Danny anymore?

I'm Mario Dracus, I made Danny Bardon

like I made the rest of them.

Mario, word is out that they're offering a hundred big ones

for anyone to put the finger on you.

That's a lot of money, Mario.

Enough to turn even good people around.

You're right.

It's time to get out.

What we'll do is go away.

- Away? - To the old country.

I've still got friends there.

We'll go till this is all over.

Uh, I don't think that's such a good idea, Mario.

Why not?

Got a daughter she's gonna have a baby.

I got a kid coming home for the summer months.

If I go with you I leave them behind.

So, take them with you, big deal.

Mario, they got their own life.

What life? What they got, I gave them.

Forty years ago I took you off a banana boat

and made you somebody.

I gave you that family, Al, like everything else.

And I can take it all back, like everything else.

Okay, Mario. Whatever you say.

[car door closes]

It's alright, it's only Leila.

Look, Al, it's only going to be for a little while.

So, go make the arrangements, huh?

And don't worry, okay?

I never did wrong by you in 40 years.

[sobbing] Mario. Mario.

Hey, is this a way to greet your husband, crying?

[crying] I'm sorry, Mario.

It's coming up here.

It's like coming to see you in...in prison.

If this is a prison it's the best one in the country.

Oh, don't joke, Mario.

Maybe it's better that-that you go to the police

and let them protect you.

No, I don't go run to the cops for protection.

Besides, we're taking a vacation..

...to the old country.

Al is making all the arrangements.

[telephone rings]

Yes.

This is Al Delgado.

I have some goods you might be interested in.

What kind of goods?

The item on sale for hundred grand.

Where do I make the pick up?

There's an account in my name, the Security Bank downtown.

When I hear you've made the deposit, I'll call you.

It'll be done in two hours.

Hey, what's with the heat?

Uh, you're not going to sh**t me, are you?

When we leave, Mario, it might get dangerous.

You take my g*n, okay.

What's the matter, I'm so poor I can't afford my own?

Take it, for luck, okay?

Alright, old friend.

For luck.

[instrumental music]

[doorbell rings]

Mrs. Dracus. We're with the FBI.

I'm Inspector Erskine.

My husband isn't home.

Where is he?

I don't know where he is.

You understand, I-I don't know.

Mrs. Dracus, I'm not just trying to solve a case

I'm trying to save his life.

[telephone rings]

Please, come in.

Hello.

Leila, are you alone?

No.

Well, who's with you?

The ones I wanted you to go to.

Don't talk, don't tell them anything.

We're leaving tonight.

Al is sending somebody over to pick you up. You understand?

Yes, goodbye.

Was that your husband?

No. Please, I want you to leave.

They're trying to k*ll him, you know.

He thinks he can stop them by himself. He can't.

You don't want to help my Mario.

You just want to squeeze him dry

and then throw him away when you're done.

Just like all the rest of them.

I don't want to listen anymore.

You're wrong, Mrs. Dracus.

I just hope one of you realizes it while there's still time.

[instrumental music]

Al!

[g*n clicks]

Oh, come on!

For luck, huh?

I'm sorry, Mario.

Why? Why'd you do it?

Mario, we're getting old. It's time we give way.

Who do you give way to, you and your hundred grand?

I hope you enjoy it like everything else you got from me.

[intense music]

[music continues]

You know, in the old days

we used to have men in the organization.

You punks are like pigs running after

whoever feeds you the most garbage.

I don't have to listen to this.

Oh, yes, you do, dummy.

Looks like whoever took you out of your cage

told you to grab me and not k*ll me.

So, and as an old pro, I advise you

'not to make any independent decisions.'

It might be bad for your career.

[intense music]

When was the car found, sheriff?

About, uh, 30 minutes ago. We're still combing the area

but no sign of the kidnappers.

Nobody saw them arrive here or leave?

Nobody we've been able to locate.

Uh...it's pretty secluded up here.

Could have k*lled him on the spot.

Instead of that, they run the risk of bringing him here

switching him to another car. Means he could still be alive.

Yeah, but where?

I got an idea.

Alright, they grabbed him here

then they headed 15 miles east down the highway.

Now, if you continue east another 12 miles..

You come to Wildwood Valley

the site of Alex Felton's new building project.

Thank you, sheriff.

Hello, Mario.

Listen, I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

I had an important board meeting.

So, you're the one, eh?

Who else?

That's right, who else.

The new Mr. Superstar.

I should have known it.

After all, I brought you into the organization, didn't I?

It was a good choice, Mario. I've done good things for us.

We're legitimate now, and we're growing.

That's very nice. But why this whole production?

Your trained apes could've knocked me off back there.

Well, now, why would I wanna do that?

So, things went a little wrong, okay.

We're friends, we'll fix it.

You tell me what you told the FBI and you can go home.

You don't have any respect left, do you?

'That's a slap on the face'

expecting me to believe that garbage.

If I told you what you wanted

you wouldn't have any reason for keeping me alive.

You're being unreasonable, Mario.

Well, at my age, I can afford to be unreasonable.

You want to be a big shot?

You can solve your own problems, without my help.

You want me to take care of him now, Mr. Felton?

Before you answer, Mr. Big Shot, just consider this

I put everything I know on tape and that tape is in my safe.

Is this the tape you mean?

You're getting careless, Mario.

You don't know who to trust anymore.

And for people like us, careless means fatal.

You shouldn't have trusted Delgado.

[police siren wailing]

[intense music]

FBI.

[g*nsh*t]

[music continues]

We meet again, Mr. Felton. You're under arrest.

Hands above your head.

[music continues]

[Mario] 'I think you can use this, inspector.'

Thank you.

- Let's go. - Home?

I'm afraid not. The US Magistrate's office.

That's one offer I'd like to refuse.

[instrumental music]

Well, I guess that's about it.

I hope you got what you wanted.

I guess I'll see you in court.

Looks that way.

You know, I was looking forward

to some quiet days with the kids.

Um, maybe, I'll be lucky enough to get a friendly jury

uh, legitimately.

That tape I gave you is gonna put a lot of people away.

You know, if it belonged to me, I wouldn't have given it to you

but it belongs to Mr. Felton.

And I'm sure he'd want you to take very good care of it

for him.

[male narrator] 'Alex Felton, Leo Miles, Norman Hennings and Barry Ryan'

'were convicted in federal court'

'of obstruction of justice.'

'Felton and two of his criminal associates'

'were convicted of assaulting federal officers.'

'Information furnished by Mario Dracus was instrumental'

'in exposing the organization link'

'to Carpathian Industries'

'and led to state and federal prosecution'

'of additional crime figures.'

'Dracus died before his case could be brought to retrial.'

[theme music]

[music continues]