09x02 - The Confession

[bunniefuu]

[drum roll]

[male #1] Tonight "The Desert Dunes" takes great pride

'in presenting today's most exciting entertainer'

'Miss Darlene Clark.'

[upbeat music]

I'm through playing games, inspector.

If you don't find her..

...if you don't do something now

then I'll hire my own boys.

They don't have to play by the rules

when they want to find something.

You do that, Ms. Clark

and you may rob yourself

of the only chance you have

of ever seeing your daughter alive again.

C'mon!

Let's go!

[gasps] No. No.

No, there's not the slightest indication it was premeditated.

Norton's suitcases and clothing are all here.

Then we're dealing with a

unpredictable and dangerous man.

If it's revenge he wants

he may not stop until he gets it.

even if we comply with his demands.

'When's his son's funeral?'

Tomorrow at 2 o'clock we'll be there.

You know what you're gonna do, darling?

You're gonna get up on that stage tonight

and tell everybody what you are.

'Now listen to me.'

'You're gonna get up in that spotlight'

and tell them how you use people.

How you put your thumb on top of them

and push down until there's no more life.

[dramatic music]

[tires screeching]

[theme music]

[male narrator] "The FBI."

A Quinn Martin Production.

Starring, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

Also starring, Philip Abbott

and Shelly Novack.

With guest stars

Nancy Wilson..

...Hal Linden

Tonight's episode

"The Confession."

[instrumental music]

♪ The very thought of you ♪

♪ And I forget to do ♪

♪ The little ordinary things ♪

♪ That everyone ought to do ♪

♪ I'm living in a kind of daydream ♪

♪ I'm happy as a queen ♪

Well, what did the doc--

Angie.

As soon as the show is over tonight

I'll be in my car on the way home.

♪ That's everything ♪

Listen, Billy.

Make that transition a little smoother, please.

[Billy] 'Yeah. O-O-Okay.'

[music continues]

♪ The mere idea of you ♪

Alright, what did the doc.. What did the doc..

What did Dr. Bass say?

What do you mean, "He didn't?"

But Darlene.. Darlene told me she called.

She promised me!

Alright, I'll have her.. I'll have her call her.

♪ I see your face ♪

♪ In every flower ♪

What?

♪ Your eyes and stars above ♪

What?

♪ The very thought of you ♪

Angie!

Listen, Billy, keep that lousy brass section down tonight.

It's awfully close in here.

It'll be soft as a new born babe, Darlene.

Uh, Ms. Clark!

I think these new alteration will work now.

After ten tries, they should

if they don't you're out.

You gotta talk to that light man, Abel.

I want the spot to follow me

from the entrance all the way--

Darlene, that surgeon you were gonna get for Johnny

never showed up at the hospital.

What?

He didn't bother to call. Why?

Well, I didn't reach him.

He was out of town.

There're other doctors.

But he was the best in the country!

He was your friend.

'All you had to do was call him. He'd..'

'he'd dropped everything. Isn't that what you said?'

I said, I'd try.

Now what more do you want from me?

Try harder!

I'm not gonna stand here and argue with you about it.

I should've told you to get a new boy years ago.

And those would've been the best words you ever said.

Alright. Listen, Abel.

I know you're upset about Johnny's accident.

I'm upset. Everybody's upset.

But you remember one thing.

This is a very important booking to me.

Therefore, it should be an important booking for you

'as my personal manager.'

'So, I think we oughta talk about it a little later.'

Later.

- Darlene? - Yes, Abel.

Don't bother calling the doctor.

Why not?

'Cause Johnny died on the operating table.

[soft laugh] Is that your idea of a sick joke?

No joke.

My son is dead.

Abel, if there's, if there's anything I can do..

Money, anything you need?

[sighing]

- Ms. Clark, it's-- - Not now!

- Uncle Abel, hi! - Hi.

Hey, how-how's vacation?

Great, but I'd like it a lot better

if I can spend more time with mom.

Well, your mom is a busy lady.

I know, I had to make an appointment

just to have lunch with her.

Oh, lunch today? Hey, no chance.

Oh, but she made reservations.

She's got a whole bunch of new arrangements.

She'll be locked in there all day.

Somehow, I knew it would happen. It always does.

[chuckling]

Hey, how about lunch with your old Uncle Abel, huh?

Great.

Take you downtown, we'll buy us some seafood, huh?

Great. But shouldn't we tell mom?

- She won't even miss us. - Okay.

[laughing]

[instrumental music]

[car engine revving]

[airplane engine droning]

On the day following singing star, Darlene Clark's

opening engagement at The Desert Dunes Hotel

in Las Vegas, a special delivery letter for Ms. Clark

bearing a local postmark

was delivered to the hotel's front desk.

The letter was a grim confirmation

that Ms. Clark's personal manager, Abel Norton

had kidnapped her daughter, Linda, 24 hours earlier.

Norton, who had helped Darlene Clark win

five gold records, now, demanded $100,000

ransom for her daughter's safe return.

The FBI immediately entered the case

and Inspector Lewis Erskine assumed personal charge

of the investigation.

It's unreal. Absolutely unreal.

Abel's been my manager 12 years.

After my husband died, he practically raised Linda.

You said you didn't discover she was missing

until late this morning.

I suppose a more responsible mother

would have found out much sooner.

She was sharing your suite.

Linda and I live a kind of "see you around" life.

I was involved with a show.

When I didn't see her, I just assumed

she was in the audience.

- And after the show? - Oh, usual press party..

You know, I have this image to keep up.

There's been a lot of time and effort spent on me

being loved by the whole lousy world.

I was late..

Linda's bedroom door was closed.

I didn't want to wake her, so, I didn't check.

Until late this morning?

Okay.

So, the responsible mother also sleeps late.

When I finally went to Linda's room, she was gone.

I assumed she'd gone shopping or something.

Well, she's learned to do that to entertain herself.

[knocking on door]

- Yes. - Front desk called.

That, uh, reporter's here to do that Sunday piece on you.

What do we tell him?

I'll do it now.

Ms. Clark?

I don't think you should make any statement to the press.

Of course, it's up to you.

Tell him to come back later.

You know, you can't keep a thing like this

wrapped up in aluminum foil. I am a celebrity.

[Erskine] 'I know that.'

I also know that any publicity

may push him right over the edge.

Abel has had a 1000 chances to take money from me.

It's just gotta be revenge.

'He blames me for Johnny's death.'

You know where you oughta be right now?

In your room, waiting for his call.

I have commitments, TV appearances.

I can't just stop everything.

Ms. Clark, we're talking

about your daughter's life!

I realize that.

We'll need your help to get her back.

All your help!

No, Arthur.

No, there's not the slightest indication

it was premeditated.

Norton's suitcases and clothing are all here.

And we're dealing with a unpredictable

and dangerous man.

If it's revenge he wants, he may not stop until he gets it

even if we comply with his demands.

His ex-wife lives in Reno. I've asked a surveillance on her.

When's his son's funeral?

Tomorrow at 2 'o clock. We'll be there.

[Ward] 'Alright, Lewis. Keep me posted.'

Inspector, here's a list of

Ms. Clark's real estate holdings.

Beach houses, condominiums and apartments.

You think Norton has access to any of 'em?

Ask her for keys, so we can check out the ones

that aren't rented.

[instrumental music]

Well, it's kind of beautiful here.

But for me, it's some kinda midnight.

My mother will know we're here.

[sighing] Uh-huh.

This cottage is like everything she owns.

Use it a few times, and then forget it.

I'm sorry about Johnny.

That the way you're different from your mama.

Johnny's accident wasn't mother's fault.

Why do you blame her?

Everything you say is against her.

Nothing's ever her fault.

Not the star.

Not your warm, loving mama.

[instrumental music]

The funeral's tomorrow.

[siren wailing]

[male #2 on radio] 'We'll enter that driveway on the right.'

'Remain in the car.'

Come on. Let's go!

Come on.

[engine revving]

[tires screeching]

FBI.

[dramatic music]

[engine revving]

Okay. Thank you very much, officer.

[tires screeching]

[music continues]

[tires screeching]

[instrumental music]

[doorbell ringing]

I need a few moments with her, Jess.

Well, inspector..

I, uh, talked with our agents in, uh, Charleston.

We feel Norton was holding Linda in your house there.

Was?

There was, uh, evidence to indicate it.

Wonderful.

One confused little man is managing to hide

from the entire FBI.

He may be confused, Ms. Clark, but he's also angry

very angry to be doing what he's doing.

I think they call it an eye for an eye!

Well, sooner or later his anger will trap him.

Yeah. Sooner or later.

He'll call.

[indistinct chatter]

This is the FBI trace alert. I want a trace back on the call

comin' in right now in the third line of the hotel switchboard.

[telephone ringing]

Remember. On three, stall as long as you can.

[ringing continues]

One, two..

- Hello. - Alright, we don't waste time.

You know why I'm calling, Darlene.

Abel. Where is Linda?

Is she alright?

Have you got the money?

- 'Yes.' - Alright.

Now, listen, I wanna see you at 3 o'clock today..

...near the bench at the fifteenth tee

at the Desert Dunes Golf Course.

You just pretend you're playing an ordinary round of golf

and bring the money in a bag with a handle.

Alright.

You just stand there and wait for a signal from me.

What signal? How will I know?

Don't worry, you'll know.

I, uh..

I'm not sure I understand.

Now, listen, Darlene, you do what I say

or you'll never see Linda again.

Abel, tell me about Linda.

Is she alright?

You bring the money and find out.

I don't think he was on long enough for a trace.

[indistinct chatter]

[engine revving]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[sighing]

One to all units.

We've just spotted her cart. She's proceeding as planned

and on time.

[music continues]

[male #3 on radio] 'Seven to one.'

'We see Ms. Clark now.'

'She's walking toward the bench on the fifteenth tee.'

Hold your positions.

[music continues]

[intense music]

One to all units.

Secure surveillance and notify Ms. Clark

to return to her hotel.

Think he spotted us?

[exhales deeply] No, I don't think he had any intention of showing.

[dramatic music]

Drop it back down to 60.

I thought you were in a hurry.

Don't argue with me.

We're gonna pick up the police.

Especially in a stolen car.

How are you supposed to get the money from mom

when we're driving to Reno?

Is that all you think I want, money?

You ordered her to get it for you.

You threatened to k*ll me if she didn't.

You better pray that she does what I tell her.

This is your mama's g*n.

Don't do it, Linda.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

We've located one witness who may have seen

Norton and the girl just before

he stole the car from this lot.

How long ago?

Approximately three hours.

They left the keys in and about a half tank of gas.

Probably knew we would have an APB on him.

It's a small town.

Too small for hiding.

Check the police for stolen cars.

Norton must have found someway outta town.

And I changed my mind about the money. I don't want it.

Linda's alright.

Nothing's gonna happen to her.

If you do what I say, Darlene.

You better eat.

What are you going to take if you don't want the money?

I'm still worth something, aren't I?

You sounded just like your mother.

If I were, I wouldn't be afraid of you.

Shut up, Linda. Just shut up!

Darlene, you remember the jewelry

in the safe deposit box in New York?

That's what I want.

The rings

and the diamond bracelet, that's what I want.

And the money. I want it all!

And I'm giving you just one day.

Till.. That's all.

Till Thursday.

Then, I'll-I'll contact you and tell you where

where to bring everything.

N-now, I'm gonna let Linda talk to you.

So that...you'll know she's okay.

Here, say something to your mother.

Here!

Say anything you want.

Hi, mom.

I'm fine.

Do what he says, he's not hurting me.

It's okay.

Mom, would you call Mary Kinkade for me?

Tell her I can't come to the party at her house.

You remember Mary, mom.

She's the one I went to church with last Palm Sunday.

She..

What was that about?

You said, I could say anything.

That was some kind of a code, that was a message of some kind.

Mary's a friend of mine from school, that's all.

What was that part about Palm Sunday?

N-nothing.

I just wanted mom to remember who Mary is.

- I've got lots of friends. - You were talking about here.

This motel, the Bel Air Palms, right?

No.

And where does your friend Mary live?

Where would your mother have to call to reach her?

- Where? - Near here.

In Reno.

Oh, Linda.

[sighs]

I can erase anything I don't want your mother to hear.

[Linda's voice on speaker] Hi, mom. I'm fine.

'Do what he says, he's not hurting me. It's okay.'

See?

No secret messages.

Now, I'm gonna have to go out for a while.

You're gonna be here alone.

But I can't trust you, Linda.

- Oh, no. Please. - No, no. No, no, Linda.

Don't fight me. Don't fight me.

'Cause I don't wanna have to hurt you.

Alright, now come over here into the closet.

Hold still!

Linda!

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Mrs. Norton.

I was sure he'd come today.

I'm sorry we had to be here.

Abel's not a criminal.

I know what he did was bad

but he's not going to hurt that girl.

I hope you're right.

Well, he may be weak but, he's not bad.

He just...never knows

whether to love his job

or his family more.

We separated last year because of that.

Ah, look, do whatever you have to do.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

They have a position.

[Abel on speaker] 'Then I'll contact you and tell you'

'where to bring everything.'

'Now, I'm gonna let Linda talk to you.'

'So that...y-you'll know she's okay.'

[Linda on speaker] 'Hi, mom. I'm fine.'

'Do what he says. He's not hurting me. It's okay.'

'Mom? Would you..'

Sounds like it was recorded on one of those cheap imports.

Sorry about the start, I'll rewind it.

No, wait.

When did the police find this tape?

About an hour ago, in the back of a prowl car.

At the cemetery.

Then Norton came to the funeral.

You think he's still here in Reno?

I doubt it.

And the last part of the girl's speech was cut off.

I wonder why.

Sounds like the erasing mechanism

could have been defective.

Well, can we amplify it and pick up what she said?

We can try.

[Linda on tape] 'Do what he says. He's not hurting me.'

'Mom? Would you call Mary...for me?'

'Tell her I can't come to the party at her house.'

'You remember Mary, mom.'

'She's the one I went to church with last Palm Sunday.'

She wouldn't be talking about the same Mary Kinkade

who lives here, would she?

Here?

There's a Paul Kinkade, a banker in town.

He has a daughter just about Linda Clark's age.

I think she's been away at school.

It's easy enough to check out. But I'll bet you

it's the same school Linda Clark goes to.

Then she might have been trying to tell her mother

she was here, in Mary Kinkade's town.

That's why Norton erased the tape.

- Wanna hear it again? - Please.

Surprising. I picked up a lotta words.

That erase circuit was really dropping out.

[Linda on tape] 'Mom? Would you call Mary.. for me?'

'Tell her I can't come to the party at her house.'

'You remember Mary, mom.'

'She's the one I went to church with last Palm Sunday.'

She said something about Palm Sunday.

Any ideas?

Ten miles outside of town

that, that little motel, Bel Air Palms.

- Could that be it? - Let's find out.

Here's the registration card. Came in this morning

rented a room, and paid for it in advance.

But the girl stayed in the car.

Enter the license number and description of the car

in the NCIC and get out an APB.

Alright.

It could be the one stolen in Mt. Charleston.

- When did they check out? - Oh, about two hours ago.

Nothing, inspector. It's clean.

Maids go in as soon as they're empty.

Well, thanks for your help.

We'll contact you if we need anything further.

Alright, we got the APB.

We better maintain surveillance on Mrs. Norton

until you hear from me.

Chris, I think you and I should head back to Las Vegas.

Trace alert. Give me a back trace on the call

coming in on the fourth line.

One, two..

Hello.

Darlene, it's Abel.

- Where are you? - Now, don't stall me, Darlene.

Don't waste my time.

What do you want me to do?

Have you got the jewelry?

[Darlene over phone] 'Yes.'

In one hour, 5 o'clock

on the corner of Sahara and Oro Vista.

Wait on the northeast corner.

Where will I see you?

Five o'clock. Sahara and Oro Vista.

He must suspect we're on him.

He doesn't give us time to make a trace.

- Another meeting? - Five o'clock.

Northeast corner of Sahara and Oro Vista.

Do you think he'll show up this time?

We'll know that at 5 o'clock.

I'm through playing games, inspector.

If you don't find her

If you don't do something now

then I'll hire my own boys.

They don't have to play by the rules

when they want to find something.

You do that, Ms. Clark

and you may rob yourself of the only chance you have

of ever seeing your daughter alive again.

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Four to Unit One.

- Bus approaching. - Collins'll be on it.

[music continues]

[music continues]

Collins, get off at the next stop

and start walking back on the same side of the street.

[phone ringing]

She's staring at that phone. Maybe it's him.

All units, hold your positions.

Norton, may be watching her right now

from where he's calling.

[phone ringing]

Hello.

You got the money and the jewelry?

It's not enough.

Never was.

That woulda let you off the hook too easy.

You know what you're gonna do, Darlene?

You're gonna get up on that stage tonight

and tell everybody what you are.

'Now listen to me.'

You're gonna get up in that spotlight

and tell 'em how you use people..

...how you put your thumb on top of them

and push down until there's no more life.

Abel, where's Linda?

You shut up and listen.

Took 12 years to build your image.

Make everybody believe you're a warm human being

instead of the alley cat that you are.

We know better, don't we?

You're a 24 carat fraud.

'Tonight you're gonna get up in your $1,000 gown'

'and make everybody hate you as much as I do.'

Don't do this to me.

You're gonna tell 'em about Indianapolis.

You're gonna tell everybody what happened in Indianapolis.

No. I won't do it.

You'll do it.

You'll do it or you'll never see Linda again.

Tell her.

- Tell her! - Mom, he means it.

That's it, Darlene.

Now, listen to me.

'If you get up there and make a martyr out of yourself'

or if you tell anybody what you're gonna do, I mean, anybody

including the FBI.

You'll never see Linda again.

Linda. Linda!

[indistinct wailing]

[dramatic music]

This is Inspector Erskine.

All units hold your positions except Collins.

Ted, see what's wrong.

The same location?

Yes, he told me to meet him

at the park tomorrow morning, 10 o'clock.

With the Jewelry.

That seems strange.

I'm only telling you what he told me.

Under the circumstances

are you sure you want to do your show tonight?

It's not that kind of opening, inspector.

Half the entertainment industry will be in that audience tonight

The show must go on.

Yes, I've heard that before.

Could you drop me at the stage entrance please?

Sure.

Chris can stay with you if you like.

No, I'd prefer it if he didn't. I..

I don't think I could take anymore

concerned faces staring at me.

Sorry, I've to do this again, honey.

It'll only be a short while.

Okay, here. Come on, in.

Sit back there. Okay, you alright?

You see, you're momma's gonna do

a special performance tonight..

...kind of a memorial for Johnny.

[indistinct chatter]

I want tight security tonight.

He may try to contact Norton after the show.

[instrumental music]

[audience applauding]

[drumroll]

[male #1] 'Ladies and gentlemen, good evening and welcome.'

'Tonight, the Desert Dunes takes great pride in presenting'

'today's most exciting entertainer'

'Ms. Darlene Clark.'

[audience applauding]

♪ I get no kick from champagne ♪

♪ Mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all so ♪

♪ Tell me why should it be true ♪

♪ That I get a kick out of you ♪

♪ What is this thing ♪

♪ Called love ♪

♪ This funny thing ♪

♪ Called love ♪

♪ Just who can solve.. ♪♪

[indistinct chatter]

I'm sorry to disappoint you this evening, ladies and gentlemen.

But it seems, uh, there's something I must do..

something I must say.

I'm a phony. I'm selfish, temperamental

and unconcerned with any problems other than my own.

And if.. If I'm talented

it is not as a human being.

This must be it.

The ransom.

No, please..

I must finish. Let me tell-tell the truth.

There was a concert three years ago

and after the concert there was a party for me.

It was easy to drink a little too much champagne.

I had to go to another party.

I didn't really want to but they said I had to go.

I, uh..

...borrowed someone's car keys

and, I wanted to drive myself.

He just.. The man was just suddenly there.

'He, uh, was trapped'

in the headlights.

And I..

I couldn't stop in time.

He was just laying there.

You know, on that

dirty, dark pavement.

I, uh..

When I got out of the car

he didn't move.

His, his eyes were closed and..

I couldn't tell if he was dead or alive.

I didn't care.

I-I just knew I had to get outta there.

I read about it in the morning papers.

Hit and run victim..

...found dead.

I've been sending his-his widow money ever since.

But he..

...he might have been alive today

if I had just..

...found the courage to stop.

It's a strange kinda ransom.

Strange man.

It's just one thing.

It's no good if he can't see it.

That means he has to be here.

Cover the exits and seal off this room

as quietly as possible.

There are a lot of other things I could say.

But the most important one..

...is about a man I know.

A friend of mine.

'Who has suffered a great personal loss.'

If I had been kinder..

...if I had just cared and..

I..

"Sometimes I'm Happy" in G.

One, two, a-one, two, three, four..

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

He's in the hotel. Cover the elevators in the service area.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

Don't!

[music continues]

[music continues]

Stop!

Stop! Get out! Out!

[music continues]

[tires screeching]

[music continues]

[tires screeching]

Norton?

Call for an ambulance.

Norton?

Where's Linda Clark?

Where is she?

Sh-she's safe.

'In the storage shed.'

'At the edge of the trap course'

at Palm.

I only wanted..

...Darlene to know what

what it felt like

to lose someone you love.

I wouldn't hurt her.

I wouldn't hurt her.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

- Linda! - Mom! Oh, mom!

Oh, Linda.

It's alright.

You're safe, hon'.

You're safe now..

...here with me.

And that's the way it's gonna be from now on.

Just us.

I really mean that, inspector.

From now on

I'm gonna find out how it feels

to really care about somebody else.

Really care.

I think you already have.

Abel Norton was tried and convicted

in Federal Court of extortion.

Darlene Clark returned to Indiana

to face the charges in the hit and run case.

[theme music]

[music continues]