Original subtitles

Here's my car.

Oh! Why, Brad, the restaurant's just up the street. Get in.

What do you want?

Get in and drive.

I just can't go through with this.

Why don't you let me take your place, Mr. Carroll?

Oh, I think that would be better.

Fire in there.

It helped.

The FBI.

A Quinn Martin production starring Ephraim Zimbalist Jr. Also starring

Philip Abbott, William Reynolds, with guest stars Martin

Sheen, Heidi Vaughn, John McLean.

Tonight's episode, The Disinherited.

Mr. Laird? Yeah?

Special Agent Rex Lynn, FBI.

Yeah.

Uh, this is the letter that I called you about.

It's fine.

Well, would you mind putting it in here carefully?

That? That's just fine. Thank you.

Mr. Victor Laird, exalted president of Laird Mining.

You're hereby notified to assemble $100 ,000 and place an ad in the Dallas

Journal to that effect.

Or I will personally take delight in burning your complex to the ground.

The ad is to read, to a friend, your inheritance is ready.

Inheritance? Yeah.

It's postmarked Dallas.

Yeah. I've got business about inheritance.

I have no relatives.

So I dismiss the whole thing as a work of a crank.

Where can I call my office?

What's wrong?

Don't turn around.

Stay on my right side and walk slowly.

Go on, get out of here. Blow my office.

Go on!

The critical wounding of Special Agent Rex Lynn near Dallas, Texas, while in

course of saving the life of a victim of an extortion attempt, brought Inspector

Lewis Erskine to head an investigation that was to lead the FBI into one of its

most terrifying cases.

Hello,

Inspector.

I understand you've been here all night.

Why don't you get some rest?

No.

I'd like to wait.

Mr. Erskine?

Hi, Tommy.

Are you going to find the man who did this?

Yes, Tommy, we are.

Dad protected the man, didn't he?

Brown hair.

I can't remember anything else.

I don't have to.

It's just in my head.

I can't put the pieces together.

Something about his wrist.

Maybe... An I .D. bracelet?

I don't know.

The copper... I can't be sure.

We'll be close by, Rex.

Lewis, how is Rex?

Still critical. We talked to him, but he could only give us a general

description of the subject.

Hold on a minute.

Thank you.

Lewis, we just had a call from Houston.

An extortion letter was mailed to a Lewis Ellingwood, a wealthy retired

businessman there.

Houston is forwarding it for comparison, but the phrasing is almost word for

word as that in the extortion letter sent to Laird.

Ellingwood's to place a newspaper ad to read, to a friend, your inheritance is

ready.

We still haven't been able to match the handwriting and the layered extortion

note with anything we have in the anonymous letter file.

Were the two notes the same?

No, this demand is for $150 ,000.

Threatens to kill Ellingwood and his family if he doesn't comply.

Is he going to?

Yes. And he wants to make the payoff himself.

10 -4.

I'm just leaving the airport with Inspector Erskine.

Inspector Ellingwood left his home an hour ago to deliver the money.

What were his instructions?

It was to drive to a parking lot on the east side of town where he was to wait

in a phone booth till he got a call telling him the location of the payoff.

And how long has it been since you've heard from him?

We were in radio contact with him up to 20 minutes ago.

We haven't heard from him since he went to the phone booth.

This is Ellenwood. Come in, please.

We read you're fine, Mr. Ellenwood. What's your location?

Are you all right?

Uh, yeah, I'm fine.

Have you been in contact with the subject?

Yes, I... I waited in the pole booth for about, uh, ten minutes till he finally

called. What were his instructions?

To drive east on Cutler until I came to the Bauer turnoff.

And then to go two blocks south until I reached the high school. I'm... I'm here

now.

On the baseball field.

Now listen, he warned me again.

I'm to be alone and there to be no police around.

Stand by, Mr. Ellingwood.

This is Inspector Erskine.

Advise Mr. Ellingwood to follow subject's instructions.

All units stand by at the corner of Cutler and Bower. We're en route there

10 -4, Inspector.

One to all units.

Subject is firing from about 100 yards east of baseball field.

Amen.

Just wants the arm.

Me with two dead legs and you're worrying about an arm?

Come on.

Okay, boy.

Take your shot.

Where you been, boy?

Around.

Bumming around, huh?

Nothing wrong with that.

Young Buck needs to get out of his system.

Meaning I ought to get a job.

Nothing wrong with that either.

You missed the electric bill again?

No loss.

Reminds me of the old lamps we used in the mines.

Makes me feel I'm still close to the business.

Yeah.

About as close as your friends will let you get.

Now, look.

My friends don't owe me anything.

They owe you everything, Pa. You made them rich.

I made myself rich.

Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

The thing is, I didn't have enough sense to keep it.

I ought to go on forever.

Smelling the terrain.

Looking for the oar.

Hitting a load.

Who'd ever think I'd take a spill down a mine shaft?

That's for kids, not pros.

And your friends let you lie in that hospital without putting up a dime.

That's right.

And they let you rot here. No calls, no visits, no money, no offers, nothing.

That's true.

They didn't have the nerve. They knew I'd fling them right through that wall

they ever offered me charity.

It wasn't charity, Pot. You're right.

They're sitting up there right now in their posh offices and their fancy

mansions. You're sitting in a wheelchair.

Now, stop it.

Those are your mother's words, boy.

She drilled that poison into you.

My friends were good, decent men.

They still are.

Only, she wouldn't allow it.

She was justified, Pa.

No.

It was hate.

She couldn't put it where it belonged.

I guess because she loved me too much.

So she had to put it somewhere else.

I gotta go, punk.

You don't call this a visit. I guess it takes a while.

I'll see a doctor in one of those.

You should.

About a lot of things.

What's that supposed to mean?

I don't know. It's just a feeling.

Will you talk?

Move?

Like you were spoiling for something.

Come on, Pa.

Do I look like I'm running for trouble?

Like someone's hunting you.

See you around, Pa.

Neil?

Methotrexate? It's used in the treatment of leukemia and arthritis.

It cannot be bought by prescription, only issued by certain doctors directly

their patients.

Arthritis, that could account for the bracelet.

Some arthritis sufferers wear copper bracelets.

We're checking with pharmaceutical houses to identify doctors known to work

methotrexate. I wouldn't think there'd be too many.

How's Mr. Ellingwood?

Fine. And we recovered the money.

Seems the subject was more determined to kill Ellingwood than to get the money.

Any theories?

Well, I don't think it's a coincidence that the two victims are not only

friends, but that both are in the mining business.

Do you have any leads on a new victim?

Not yet.

Me too.

Bye. Bye -bye.

May I help you?

No,

I was just admiring your building. Beautiful.

Well, we like it.

When was it built?

Completed last year.

Are you some kind of inspector?

No, no. I'm an architectural student.

Now, I'd like to build something like this myself someday, but I'm afraid I'll

end up doing hot dog stands.

Forgive me, I've taken enough of your time. No, I'm sure you'd like a full

of our building.

Well, it would be nice.

I'm trying to think of how to arrange it.

Just put in a call with the company president.

That's an idea.

But Mr.

Carroll's on vacation.

But he'll be back tomorrow.

May I see your left hand?

Your left hand.

Your bracelet intrigues me.

Mexican?

Yes.

You're very observant.

Part of the job.

Actually, I'm too introverted for a receptionist, so I compensate with

Could you turn around?

You're wearing a yellow and blue rep tie, button -down collar with one button

missing, and a bowling pin tie clasp.

Anything else?

A good manicure, but a rough shave.

You have a small scrape onto your chin.

Can you tell me what I had for breakfast?

Not that smart.

You're smart enough.

Looks like you would remember me anywhere.

Including the fact that you're not an architectural student.

Pardon? I used to know some architects. They're tough on ceilings.

You haven't even looked up.

You're anything but introverted.

I am.

It's just with some people it's easy to be natural.

Okay, I'm an imposter.

I'm not an architectural student. I saw you through the window and I thought it

was as good a way to get to know you. Let's keep it mysterious. It's more

exciting that way.

I could use a drink after this session. Any suggestions?

The circus bar about a block down the street.

We office creatures generally socialize there after work.

Okay, I'll try.

It's been fun.

Bye. Bye.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's it.

Give it full circulation.

This may help, Rex.

Excuse me.

Hello. Hello.

I took your advice.

It is a nice place.

The action's up front.

Well, I prefer a quieter scene.

Do you mind if I join you?

No, not at all.

Thank you.

You don't have to be sorry for me.

Sorry? Are you kidding? I'm fascinated.

I still can't get over that scene this morning. You knew everything with my

name. Which, incidentally, is Neil Creighton.

Judy Thorpe.

Judy.

You must have been carrying someone else's briefcase this morning.

What do you mean?

The initials were NH.

Do you always use a pseudonym when your wife's not around?

For the first time, you're wrong.

I'm single, and I brought that case secondhand. For a while, I was beginning

think you were back to crystal ball.

Yes, I believe I was mistaken.

To a fellow loner.

Not a very pretty term.

Forget it.

Cheers.

Can you get dinner here?

If you're desperate.

Well, I saw a nice little steakhouse about a block from here. Would you like

join?

I really ought to get home. I have some cleaning to do.

Can't your roommate do that?

In answer to your question, I live alone with a Siamese cat. That and a three

-legged dog.

I'd love to have dinner out.

Good deal.

They're stacked three deep up front. I'm afraid I might lose you.

Do you mind?

Why not?

The alley's lovely at this time.

You go out a lot, do you?

Oh, no, I'm kept pretty busy working. I'll bet you are.

How old are you, anyway?

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that.

Here's my car.

Oh, my bride, the restaurant's just up the street. Get in.

What do you want?

Get in and drive.

Get in the car.

Please,

I don't understand.

That's the best way.

And drive carefully.

It's an excellent likeness. Excuse me.

Bring me in the folder on Neil Harlan, please.

I've been treating him for about a year.

Rheumatoid arthritis.

When was the last time?

About a month ago.

He was to come in last week, but didn't show up.

He gave his address as C4, Bakeman Trader Park, Norman, Oklahoma.

I assume he could get the drug from another doctor.

It's possible.

But he has been obtaining it from me on a regular basis.

I don't see why he'd switch.

How bad is his condition?

Oh, he's been suffering a great deal of pain.

Particularly in the left arm.

But he was able to retain a good deal of mobility.

Come on.

Down here.

You're going to kill me, aren't you?

Keep moving.

Please. Joe!

Over there.

I keep telling myself it can't be so.

But I know it is.

Mr. Harland, do you have any idea who his next victim might be?

Well, I work with nearly every important mining executive.

Can you identify these men for us?

It's my fault.

All of it.

I left Neil alone too much.

Always off someplace looking after somebody else's interests.

And I should have been home taking care of my own.

The Bible is a passage.

I remember.

What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

Mr. Harland, may we borrow that picture of your son?

Inspector?

This is from Neil Harland's doctor in Kansas City. He wrote asking for more

methotrexate. Harland asks that the methotrexate be sent to general

Kansas City has set up surveillance.

Mr. Harland, do you know anyone in Kansas City?

I have a couple of friends there who hit it big.

They've got officers there.

Are you sure no one was hurt?

Yes, we've already alerted security and the police.

I'm coming down to the accounting office.

Yes?

Go ahead.

How's your health, Mr. Carroll?

Who are you? Your heir.

I don't know what you're talking about. What do you want?

$200 ,000.

Don't interrupt.

I'll call again at 11 o 'clock.

You have the money in your office.

Where are you?

Can't we talk this over?

We'll talk.

Just don't try to let anybody out of the building.

If I have to use this gun again, it won't be for target practice.

of units covering all exits. No sign of Harlan. Do we have a warrant?

Yes, Dallas called.

Rexland identified Harlan's photo and the U .S. attorney authorized on it.

Excuse me.

How'd he get inside?

What?

An attendant in the parking garage saw him enter. He posed as a maintenance

worker. He never showed up at the post office to claim his methotrexate.

Has anyone seen him since the shooting?

No. And Harlan's ordered Mr. Carroll to meet with him alone.

He's going to call back to tell him where and when.

Hello, this is Audrey Michaels.

She has something to tell us.

I'm the assistant personnel officer here at Carroll.

And I was shown a photograph of a man you're looking for.

I think I saw him.

When? Yesterday with Julie Thorpe. She handles the reception desk.

She called in sick to me this morning.

No, I mean a man called in for her.

He said he was her brother.

Does she have a brother?

I've met him.

He certainly didn't sound like him to me.

What's this Miss Thorpe's address?

covered most of the floors.

I'm sorry.

Carol wants to see us.

Yes? I'll take it.

Go ahead.

Do you have it?

Yes, the money's here.

Good. Leave it there.

I'll meet you on the number four elevator.

Meet me?

You can't heft all that money alone.

We'll do it together.

Well, what floor do I get on the elevator?

Anyone.

Take the Grand Tour from basement to roof.

Keep riding till I join you.

Well, how will I know you?

Better if I know you.

I've seen pictures.

Tell you what.

Wear one of your convention buttons.

The one that says, Think Carol.

I don't know that I have time to find one. I think you can.

Get one and start riding.

I can't go through with this.

Why don't you let me take your place, Mr. Carroll?

Inspector.

Tom Colbert.

Tom, we got a call from the police.

They've got Judy Thorpe's purse.

warehouse outside town.

What's the location?

Route 96, just past the Palmadales Cut -Off.

The police will meet you there.

10 -4.

What's the situation at your end?

I'm on my way to meet Harlan.

right out and tickle it.

Who are you? Where's Carol?

He's not coming.

The money's not enough. I want Carol, too.

You want too much, Harland.

How do you know me?

For a business to know you.

What are you, a cop?

FBI.

Unbutton your coat.

I asked you, where's Carol?

He's left the building.

No, he hasn't. You're lying.

20 minutes ago.

No, no.

He wouldn't leave the building now.

Not while I'm on the loose and he can sit safely behind a wall with you

He's still up there in his office, isn't he?

I know he's up there.

And I'm going to get him.

Thank you.

Alright, we're going in.

All of you.

Move over there.

I'll get him.

Wherever he is, I'll get him.

Get on the phone. Tell your men we're coming out.

Tell them I want a car waiting at the garage level.

Any trouble and you are dead.

Go on.

Yes? This is Erskine.

Harland is not to leave this office.

You walked me into a trap, didn't you?

You did that yourself.

There's only one problem.

You're trapped with me.

This is your last chance.

Change those orders.

You want to die?

Not especially.

Do you?

Please, don't make me hurt anybody else.

There's plenty of money in here. Can we make a deal?

Sure we can.

Go on.

I don't get it.

You're scared.

I mean, you've got to be shaking inside, but you won't budge. Why?

Because it's your duty.

You know what kind of gun this is?

I do.

Then you know what it can do to a man.

Suppose I didn't kill you.

Suppose I just left you a cripple.

Like your father?

I didn't do that to him. He did that to himself.

He's to blame for everything.

And him!

Well, that's my money, every cent of it, and I'm going to keep it. It's my

inheritance. I never had a chance.

Never a chance at anything.

I didn't make myself this way. They did it. All of them.

They cheated me.

Their sons were born rich. They had everything. Everything they wanted.

But not me.

Why didn't I ever get a chance?

I never had anything.

Nothing. I never had a chance.

From the start, nothing. At the end, nothing.

How was the girl Harlan abducted?

She wasn't hurt.

And Harlan?

In custody.

What happens to him now?

Well, he'll be brought to trial.

And then?

Well, that's up to the courts, Tommy.

Hey.

Hey, Tommy.

I understand how you feel.

Don't hate something.

It was hate that started this whole thing.

Okay.

All right, then.

Neil Harland was convicted in state court of kidnapping and attempted

He was later found guilty in federal court of extortion and of assaulting

federal officers.