The Rockford Files (1974) s02e22 Episode Script
A Bad Deal in the Valley
I have got a deal going now, stands to net me $250,000 won'th of profits.
And it's gonna go through, 'cause I am a dynamite salesman.
Yeah, I remember.
Jim! Get your hands off me.
Jim! Don't get involved.
Are you kidding? Look, when you get this case wrapped up, give me a call, all right? I don't want to be anywhere near this one.
You're under arrest, Mr.
Rockford.
Read him his rights, Ed.
This is Jim Rockford.
At the tone, leave your name and message.
I'll get back to you.
Uncle Jim, it's Ralph.
I got your letter.
But I moved out here anyway.
I really want those detective lessons.
You know, I wasrt sure you were going to show up.
I mean, three years is a little more than just an interlude.
Why did you? Oh, let's just say I was curious.
Curious? That emotion doesn't hold much fire.
Well, Karen, it was three years ago.
We did our little torch dance, and, as I recall, we ended up getting a little singed.
Well, I heal quickly.
And you know I don't.
So, let's just start with curiosity and we'll see where it goes from there, huh? You know, sometime around last summer, I got to thinking that maybe I'd made a mistake about you.
I'd catch myself, when I was alone sometimes, thinking about us.
And I'd kind of pull myself together, and I'd say to myself "Karen "one of these days he's going to call you "and when he does, you're going to handle things differently.
" But you never called and Well, go on.
What is it? This is so corny.
Now, if you laugh at this, I'm gonna punch you.
I mean it.
Well, I actually looked you up in the phone book to see if you were listed under Mr.
And Mrs.
You said you wouldn't laugh.
I was sure some sharpshooter would have picked you off by now.
Anyway, I finally decided that I'd better make the first move, so I called.
You see I'm still pretty liberated.
Yeah, well, I'm glad you did, Karen.
All I'm getting from you, my friend, is What did you call it? Curiosity? Okay, Karen.
It's more than just curiosity.
Oh, that's nice.
Hey, how would you like to go sit closer to the fire? Yeah, there's a free table.
You're looking good, Karen.
Thank you.
There's something you're doing must agree with you.
I told you, I've gotten into real estate.
You know, I got my broker's license about a year ago.
Do you know that I even have my own office? I'm impressed.
Good.
I do most of my work out in the West Valley.
That has a nice, solid ring to it.
Oh, it is solid.
You know something else? It's fun.
I have finally found something that I can do well and that I really enjoy.
I have got a deal going now, stands to net me $250,000 won'th of profits.
And you know something? It's gonna go through, 'cause I am a dynamite salesman.
Yeah, I remember.
So do I.
I've got two tickets to the tennis matches tomorrow.
Would you like to come? I mean, can you get away? Sure.
That's one of the joys of self-employment.
What time? Pick me up around 12:00? Okay.
And then we I forgot.
I've got a 10:30 appointment in Pasadena, and there are these escrow papers that have to go to the realty company.
Jim, I wouldn't ordinarily ask this, it's just that I'm in a bind because I've got a deadline.
And it's really, you know, a big deal.
Is that that $250,000 deal? Could you pick up the papers at my office and take them over to Chilson Realty? What are friends for? Oh.
I can think of lot of other things friends are for.
Bet you can.
Excuse me.
I'd like to see Mr.
Chilson, please.
Yeah.
I think he's in his office.
Jack? Guy out here wants to see you.
What's your name? Rockford.
Jim Rockford.
Karen Stiles asked me to Jim Rockford.
Okay.
Grab a chair, he'll be right out.
Collier's? Rockford? Yes.
Jack Chilson, sorry to keep you waiting.
No problem.
No problem.
I guess this is what you're waiting for.
Yes, it is.
And I want to thank you for bringing it over.
Oh, no trouble.
Glad to be of help.
Mr.
Rockford, do you want a receipt? You think that's necessary? I don't know if it's necessary, but under the circumstances, I think it'd be advisable.
Have a seat, it'll just take me a few minutes to check this over.
Yeah.
Would you mind hurrying? I'll just catch up on my reading.
Say, would you mind checking with Mr.
Chilson, see how much longer he's gonna be? Couldrt take this long to look at a few escrow papers.
Jack? Guy out here wants to know how much longer you're gonna be.
Yeah.
Okay.
Just a couple more minutes.
Jim Rockford? I'm Sergeant Brunner, this is Detective Michaels, LAPD.
You're under arrest, Mr.
Rockford.
Read him his rights, Ed.
"You have the right to remain silent.
If you give up the right to remain silent, "anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
"You have the right to speak with an attorney "and have the attorney present during questioning " $100,000? What are you talking about? It was a bunch of escrow papers.
Did you see them? Not exactly.
Well, what exactly did you see? That.
That briefcase, locked.
I was told it contained escrow papers, and, as far as I'm concerned, that's what I delivered.
This is what you delivered.
So, I was wrong.
Look, Dennis, I was doing a friend a favor.
I was a messenger.
Why drag me down here? I haven't done anything illegal.
That depends on how you look at it.
Okay, Dennis.
Let's have it.
The money's not straight.
Hold it.
Wait a minute.
Do I read you right? Are you accusing me of counterfeiting? I'm not accusing you of anything.
But how do you explain you happened to be carrying around $100,000 in funny money? Explain? I've already explained.
A friend gave me a briefcase to deliver.
I delivered it.
Your friend is Karen Stiles.
She had to deliver $100,000 to Chilson Realty today to exercise an option on a piece of property.
We've talked to her.
She said the money she put in the case was the real thing.
She told you she gave me the money? Real money.
She hates to think that you're ripping her off.
Look, Jimbo, I got no choice.
But I'm gonna have to book you for possession and passing counterfeit money.
It's a federal beef, you know.
I know.
That's a federal beef, you know? I know, I know.
Don't get sore at me, Jim.
I didn't pass the phony money.
Well, thanks.
Thanks a lot.
It's a real comfort having you as my attorney.
First, I can't find you, so I've got to spend the night in this dump.
Then, when I do find you, you think I'm guilty.
I didn't say that, even though your story is pretty shaky.
And attorneys are people, too, you know.
I have a right to a social life, same as you.
Oh, Beth, I haven't seen Karen in four years.
Did I say anything? I'm your attorney, not your keeper.
Take her four years to come up with this frame? 'Cause it's a beauty.
I've been thinking about that all night.
I just can't buy it.
No? Well, then buy this.
I just spoke with Solly, he won't go your bail.
If you fall on this rap, you're gonna be staring at 5 to 10 years in the federal birdcage at Terminal Island.
If we don't get the truth out of her, we're gonna be in trouble, Jim.
Who is she, anyway? Oh, I did time with her father in Quentin.
And then, when I got out he told me to look her up.
And we got friendly.
That's a friend? Her uncle is a three-time loser.
She's been on the con since she was 14 years old.
She set me up.
I didn't wanna believe it, but she set me up.
Morning, Beth, Jim.
Everything's been all cleared up.
You're free to go.
What? Wait a minute.
They just told me out there they were holding him on $10,000 bail.
Yeah, well, it was a little misunderstanding.
But he's free on an OR.
And you could pick up your personal effects at Property.
An OR? Are you sure? Of course I'm sure.
What do you mean, am I sure? You think I could make a mistake like that? The man is sure.
Let's not press the issue.
It's been nice seeing you, as always.
Let's get together for lunch, huh, Dennis? All right.
Hey, sonny, am I glad to see you.
I was just on my way over to the jail.
Beth phoned and told me what happened.
What happened? Well, I can't explain it.
It's some sort of crazy mix-up.
When she called she said they wasrt gonna set no bail.
How did you get out? They just opened the door and let me out.
That worries me a little.
I get the feeling they know something that I don't.
Well, what are you gonna do? I'm gonna shower, shave, change clothes.
Then I'm gonna go out and get the answers to a whole lot of questions.
Hi, this is a surprise.
I'll bet it is.
How'd you know I was here? I called your office.
It's clever, huh? You're not in a very good mood.
I'm in a lousy mood.
Spending the night in the slammer usually has that effect on me.
Oh, Jim, I'm sorry about that.
Not as sorry as I am.
I'm facing a federal rap.
Now, why'd you set me up? I didn't.
I didn't.
And if you don't know me any better than that, then there's nothing for us even to talk about.
Oh, now, wait a minute.
There's a lot for us to talk about.
What right do you have to look so wounded? I didn't set you up.
You told me I was delivering escrow papers.
I didn't tell you about the money, because Look, I know you're an honest man, basically.
They say that every man has his price.
And $100,000 is You didn't tell me, because you didn't trust me? Well, neither of us could have anticipated what was going to happen, and counterfeit You know, I'd forgotten.
You're awfully good.
I'd like to explain to you.
Why, gee, Karen, that would really be swell.
A week ago, I sold 100 acres of desert land.
I got paid in cash for it.
Well, it's not that I doubt you, but isn't that a little unusual? Dealing in cash? It's very unusual.
But the client was a good friend of mine.
I thought he was a good friend of mine.
He He was going through this messy divorce, and I figured that he didn't want any canceled checks showing up when it came time to split the community property.
So, your client stiffed you with the phony money? And I used that money to exercise my option for the property I was buying for Chilson Realty.
I guess I should have looked at it a little closer.
You know what I think? I think you're lying.
And I think you've nominated me as Patsy of the Year.
You didn't even try to straighten me out with the cops and the feds.
Oh, babe, the reason I didn't try was that I knew it wouldn't do any good.
I probably would have wound up in jail and what would that have done? It would have given me peace of mind knowing that you were serving time right along with me.
What do you want me to do? Give me the name of your client.
Tony Lederer.
Good.
We'll start by seeing him.
Oh, we can't see him.
When the police told me about the money being counterfeit, I tried to call him.
He's gone.
He has totally disappeared.
Talk about taking someone for a ride.
I You know, if you could find him Oh, no.
First, we start by cleaning up my image.
Now, I want you to come down to the police station with me and tell them that I was just a messenger boy.
Have them hang a number on me? Well, tell them about Lederer.
He gave you the money.
You had no reason to suspect it wasrt real.
All right.
Just take me a minute.
I'm gonna go change.
I'll meet you out front.
You don't need to change.
Well, I can't go into a police station like this.
Sure, you can.
Jim, I want to change.
No.
What seems to be the trouble? Nothing.
I was just going to change.
Hey, thanks for a good game.
Is there another exit besides the front one to this building? Well, sure has been nice chatting with you guys.
Good day.
Sorry I kept you waiting.
Jim! Get your hands off me.
Jim! Jim! We got a make on that license plate.
Pretty clever.
What's clever, Dennis? The kidnappers.
They used the girl's own car to snatch her.
That's great.
Where do we go from here? Well, I put an APB out on her car.
All we can do is wait.
I still don't know what the hell's going on, Dennis.
Why would anyone wanna kidnap Karen? Well, the girl's been hanging around shady characters all her life.
Maybe it's somebody who had a grudge against her old man.
Who knows? I don't know.
What about Tony Lederer, did you check him out? He's clean.
Not even a traffic ticket.
This burglary report is the only thing we have, and he was the victim.
$500,000 in jewelry stolen from a wall safe in their home? Yeah.
His wife reported it last week.
And $100,000 in counterfeit money.
How does that connect up? How? I asked first.
What are you doing? Just taking a couple of notes.
Well, don't bother.
This is a very active police case.
Very active.
And we got feds crawling all over the place.
Don't get involved.
Are you kidding? Look, when you get this case wrapped up, give me a call, all right? I don't want to be anywhere near this one.
Yes, sir? My name is Hagle.
I'm with Western American Insurance.
I'd like to see Mrs.
Lederer, please.
Oh, insurance.
Well, Mrs.
Lederer is around the side, at the stables.
Oh, well, thank you.
Thank you.
I don't know, Frank.
He's still favoring that leg.
Are you sure the vet couldn't find anything? That's what he said, Mrs.
Lederer.
Well, I want a second opinion.
And I don't want him ridden till I know for sure.
Yes, ma'am.
Yes? What can I do for you? Are you Mrs.
Lederer? That's right.
I'm Arthur Hagle.
Western American Insurance.
We're handling the claim on your jewelry.
If it's about the check, that's to be sent to my business manager.
No, no, it's not the check, not yet.
Well, I've already made out my report in triplicate.
Well, you have to understand, Mrs.
Lederer, that on a claim this size, the company likes to have the facts checked and rechecked.
And rechecked.
Yeah.
All right, what is it this time? Well, first, the appraised value of the jewelry.
My records show $522,000.
Would you say that's correct? Yes.
And the police report shows that the person, or persons unknown, broke into your safe last Wednesday morning between midnight and 6:00 a.
m.
Broke in? They blew it up with dynamite.
I'm surprised the whole house didn't go.
Did you hear the explosion? I wasrt at home that night.
I was staying with a friend.
Was your husband at home? I rather doubt that.
If Mr.
Lederer sets one foot on my property, I'll have him thrown in jail and he knows it.
Your property? My property.
Your jewelry? My everything, Mr.
Hagle.
Jewelry, house, cars, bank accounts.
He has rather nice clothes.
I let him keep those.
Well, that That seems equitable.
Mrs.
Lederer, could you tell me where I might find your husband? Why? Routine questions.
Strange questions for an insurance man.
Mrs.
Lederer, after everything you've told me regarding your husband, do you think it's possible that he might have Stolen the jewelry himself? His was the first name that popped into my mind.
But the answer's no.
I've had him followed by private investigators for the past two months.
May I ask why? You may ask.
Of course, I won't answer.
Why hire a private detective when you've already agreed on a divorce settlement? Goodbye, Mr.
Hagle.
Thank you for your time.
Mrs.
Lederer, is there another way out of here besides the front driveway? Yes.
Behind the stables.
There's a dirt road that leads back to the main highway.
Why? I'm being followed by the FBI.
I'd like to lose them.
Nice shot, Dennis.
I hate to break up your game, but I gotta talk to you.
Oh, that's all right.
I've been running those guys pretty hard, anyway.
They could use a breather.
Dennis, I want you to level with me.
Were the feds behind my getting sprung? What makes you think that? I think they sprung me just to see if I'd lead them to the source of the bad money.
Did they? I couldn't even tell you if I knew it.
Yeah, I got the feeling that they got a lot more to go on than just my delivering that briefcase.
You really don't know, do you? Dennis, did you ever get the feeling that everybody knows more about something than you do, and the more questions you ask, the less you know? You served time with Sam Stiles.
Sam Stiles was sent up for kiting checks.
But didn't you know he was one of the top plate artists in the country? You didn't.
Well, that's where it's at, Jim.
You knew Stiles in prison, and now you show up with his daughter on your arm, and a suitcase full of play money.
Are you trying to tell me Karen was deliberately passing phony money? I'm not trying to tell you anything, Jim.
That's the way the feds see it.
And that she staged her own kidnapping just to take the heat off.
That makes about as much sense as anything else.
Why'd you get mixed up with that dame, anyway, Jim? I don't know.
I like her.
I don't trust her.
She'd sell me out for ten cents on a dollar.
But I like her.
Hey! Mrs.
Lederer, please.
LAPD.
Mrs.
Lederer? This is Sergeant Jim Dennis, Los Angeles Police Department.
And I have some good news for you.
I think we may have found your jewels.
Yes, ma'am.
Yes, ma'am.
I wonder, could you come down to the Wilshire Station at 5:00 this afternoon and identify them? Yes, ma'am.
Thank you very much.
Hi, remember me? Arthur Hagle, Western American Insurance.
Yeah, can I speak to Mrs.
Lederer? Oh, I'm sorry.
She isn't in.
She went to pick up her jewels.
Oh.
Well, maybe you can help me.
When I was here before, Mrs.
Lederer gave me the name of a private detective agency she had hired.
And I seem to have misplaced my notes.
Would you happen to remember the name? Oh, you must mean Mr.
Slauson.
Right.
Slauson.
Tom, wasrt it? No, Murray.
On Wilshire Boulevard.
Of course, Murray Slauson.
Well, thank you so much.
You're welcome.
You understand, Mr.
Slauson, that our discussion will remain strictly confidential.
Of course, you You understand the importance of our finding Mr.
Lederer.
I mean, an insurance claim of this size, we always like to be sure of our facts.
Mrs.
Lederer says that you have been observing Mr.
Lederer for quite some time now.
I'm sure you know his whereabouts.
In my notes, it says that Mr.
Lederer consummated a business deal with a Karen Stiles.
I think they bought some desert property, I believe.
Look, Slauson, I'm getting a little tired of doing a monologue.
Why don't you throw in a "yeah" or a "maybe" or even an "uh-uh" once in a while, huh? I don't know nothing about no business deal.
Lederer was having an affair with this Stiles broad.
And that's about all I'm gonna tell you, Rockford.
Yeah, I know who you are.
I study all my competition, even though you ain't much.
Jim Rockford, the con bull artist.
You never run a straight line in your life.
It's guys like you that give the PI business a bad name.
Now, get out of here, bug, before I squash you.
Well, I can understand how you'd feel that way, I mean, looking through bedroom windows and taking dirty pictures must be more spiritually rewarding.
Stuff it, Rockford.
Look, Slauson, there's no need for anger.
Well, I'm sure I can find the information I need somewhere else.
You don't need to show me out.
I can find my way.
When I get through with you, pal, you're gonna be on wheels.
Now, look, Slauson, I don't wanna fight with you, I really don't.
In fact, I'd actually hate it.
The only way you're gonna get out of here, big mouth, is through me.
Yeah.
Yeah, I can see that.
Hey, yo-yo, what's your problem? You wanna see Karen, don't you? Come on, we'll take you to her.
You're the two guys that grabbed her.
You want to see her or not? Yeah, I want to see her.
Do you mind if I follow in my car? Suit yourself.
I suppose you're more than a little upset at me.
Me, upset? Whatever for? I can explain.
Of course you can explain, Karen.
It's just that I'm not in a very receptive mood, that's all.
Would you mind backing off a little bit and giving me some more room, huh? Jim, I'm sorry.
This is Jerry and Fred Southerland.
Some real-estate associates of mine.
Charmed.
Watch your mouth, mister.
If these two guys sell real estate, it comes in 6-foot plots.
You really are upset with me, aren't you? Well, let's just get a couple of things straight, all right? I know you set me up.
I know you fed me to the cops.
I know that your only interest in me is to lay a false trail for the Federal Government.
So let's stop with the flickering candlelights and romance, angel, and get down to see who's gonna end up rolling in the mud.
You're not even going to listen to what I have to say.
Of course I'll listen, Karen.
Who knows? I might even get an idea.
Let's go into the other room.
You know, there's a good idea.
Why don't you guys just clean your guns, huh? Get ready for your next big real-estate deal.
I have to admit I haven't been too fair with you.
Oh, really? How refreshing.
Come on, Karen.
Where did you get the queer money? From your father's estate? It was all money my father had printed up.
And after he died, it became mine, more or less.
I've had that money for over a year.
I have never been tempted to use it before.
I wouldn't have used it now, if I hadrt been in such a bind.
Well, we'll see if we can get the teacher to give you a gold star for effort, anyway.
Could you possibly stop being flippant, just try to understand? Oh, I understand, Karen.
We're just playing this out for fun.
You've really turned into a choirboy since I saw you last.
Old times only buys you one ticket and you cashed that yesterday.
Tony Lederer and I had a deal.
He was supposed to put up half to buy this large piece of real estate in the valley.
Well, that's a pretty cute trick for a guy that hasn't got ten cents.
You're wrong about that.
I talked to Mrs.
Lederer.
Everything's in her name.
Tony has a lot of money.
His wife doesn't even know about it.
Anyway, the deal was that I found the property, he was going to put up $100,000 for the option, and we'd split the profits.
I swear to you, I don't know what made him back out.
That's when I got desperate and used dad's money.
Jim, you've got to find Lederer for me.
I'll pay your fee, whatever it is.
I know that if I can just get hold of him, I can talk to him and change his mind and push this thing through.
Is that the whole pitch? It's the truth.
Okay.
It has really been great fun.
I suppose I can get out of here without getting my kneecaps shot off.
Jim, I need help.
Yeah.
Me, too.
You've got to find Lederer for me.
You can call me here.
I'll be here for a couple of days.
Hiding out or something? I'll give you a lot of money.
I'll even cut you in on the real-estate deal.
Oh, gee, this is turning out to be my lucky day.
Should we follow him? I'd say yes, but I don't think you could.
What did Becker say when you told him she wasrt kidnapped? Well, I didn't exactly tell him the truth.
I told him it was just sort of a gag, and I misread it.
You know, Rock, I've never seen a situation with so many pieces missing.
Nothing seems to make any sense.
It never did with that family.
She comes from a long line of losers.
Uncle Charlie.
Karers Uncle Charlie used to be a top box man before he went to Joliet.
He's retired now.
He could have easily shown her how to crack a home safe.
What did she do, Jimmy? What are you saying? Take care of this stuff for me, will you, Rocky? I gotta go find a fence.
Now, that's Lucky Lisa in the sixth.
Yes.
And at Santa Anita, Tidy Boy in the fourth.
Five on each to win.
And, Sidney, I will be around later this afternoon to collect the $50 that you already owe me.
Morning, Preacher.
Oh! Sidney, I'll catch you later.
Jim, it's good to see you.
You're still fooling them, Preacher? The Lord loves a sinner, brother.
I need a little help.
Help? Yes, well, we all need help.
Seek and ye Preacher, Preacher.
I need a fence.
Someone who could move $500,000 in ice.
Have you tried Louis Montana? And China Sam, and Big Frank, Fat Richard.
That's your first string, all right.
Yeah, well, are there any comers? You know, somebody I might have missed? A shark moving up I haven't heard about yet? Comers, comers.
Sharks on their way up Why Somebody up there is smiling on you today, Jim.
Mr.
Appleby? Yes, may I help you? Well, I hope so.
But can I show you something? About $500,000 in hot ice? I had a feeling when I got up this morning.
I said to myself, "It's going to be one of those days.
" Didrt take you for a fed, though.
You boys are getting wiser, huh? Well, not really.
I'm not a fed.
I'm in business for myself.
I'm looking for a little information.
Try the Yellow Pages.
Well, the Preacher said you might give me some help.
Oh, Preacher put you onto me? Yeah, yeah, he said, "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom.
" Oh, that's good.
What do you need? Well, just what I said.
$500,000 in ice.
Did it come through you? No.
That's because there was no ice.
Very nice, yes, but just paste.
Yeah, well, the woman who brought it in, did she have a name? Do you? She's about 5'2", late 20s Real dish.
Thanks, Appleby.
What you've told me, Mr.
Rockford, is an incredible story.
To be honest, I find it very difficult to believe.
Well, I can understand that.
But let's just say that it is true.
$500,000 is a lot of money to save the company.
That would make you a very big man at the home office.
This is the home office.
Now, what do you want from all this? Or are you merely being altruistic? Oh, no, no, Mr.
Braverman, that's not one of my faults.
No, I was thinking about That's a lot of money for very little work.
Very well, I'll see to it.
I had a feeling you would.
Now, if you'll just point me to your files, I have a lot of research to do on Mr.
Lederer.
Hi.
Glad you're back.
Did you find Tony? No.
No, but I found out about you and Tony and what you two were up to.
You and Tony pulled the Lederer jewel robbery.
Only, somehow, Tony pulled a switch on you and you ended up with the paste, and he ended up with the real jewelry.
You have been busy.
But you haven't got it exactly right.
Okay, Karen, how does it really go? Well, you remember that big real-estate deal I told you about? Tony and I were trying to tie it up.
If we'd been able to swing it, we would have put down $200,000 and then resold it to a syndicate that I put together two days later for $2 million.
That's a nice profit.
We were going to use Mrs.
Lederer's jewels for collateral on the $200,000, but Tony had a fight with her and she kicked him out and sued for divorce.
So we decided to steal the jewels, so the deal could go through.
Only Tony double-crossed you, took off with the jewels, left you with the paste, and disappeared.
I dug out dad's old money and tried to make it work.
Do you know, if they hadrt found out it was counterfeit, two days later I would have closed escrow, resold that property and made $2 million? Karen if I turn up Lederer for you, how much is it gonna net me? What would you say to $10,000? Oh, that sounds generous.
I think you'd better take me to him, then.
How did you find Tony? I checked at the Power and Light office.
They said this place was in use, so I figured it had to be Lederer.
There's his car.
Hell, I don't want to spook him.
Tell Frick and Frack back there to wait a couple of minutes before they make their charge.
We're going in alone.
Follow us in a few minutes.
Right.
We wait here.
Tony? Now, we can settle this very quickly.
All I want is my $100,000.
Look, Karen, baby, now, you know I wouldn't stiff you.
Look, you have to understand.
My wife had me in a box.
Look, please, I don't want any excuses.
Just the money.
If not, I'm afraid I'll just have to ask Jerry and Fred to take you out to the lake and use you for an anchor.
Okay.
Okay, I'll get it for you.
But it'll take a couple of days.
Look, I'm telling you the truth.
I exchanged those jewels months ago.
I sold the real ones in Europe.
Look, the money is in a Swiss account.
I don't believe you.
You should.
Who asked you? Well, it all fits with what his wife told me.
He had no money.
And when he found out she was going to divorce him, well, he had to get rid of the phonies.
He conned you into doing the job for him.
Damn it.
Jim, I'm sorry about this.
I really mean that.
It's just that it It suddenly appears to me that you're a terrible problem, and I don't see any other solution to this.
So much for old love affairs.
I said I was sorry.
I hate to be a stickler, Karen, but that hardly covers it.
If I let you go, you'd go to the authorities and then I wouldn't get out of the country.
And after all we've meant to each other.
Old love affairs are like disposable tissues.
It's never a good idea to count on them twice.
Well, then, you won't feel too badly about it when I tell you that this whole conversation is being transmitted to the police.
Well, you can believe me when I tell you that this whole place is surrounded.
All right, let's go.
This is going to be a pleasure.
All right, hold it right there.
And, you, drop that gun.
Take them all in.
Including the girl.
You okay, Jim? Oh, yeah, I'm fine.
I was just hanging around till you showed up.
Jim, I Yeah, I know, Karen.
You're sorry.
I really did look you up in the phone book.
Doesrt your stomach ever rebel eating that stuff? Not after 8:00 in the morning.
No.
Well, I'm sure glad to see that all of this ain't hurt your appetite none, sonny.
Besides, him and me both warned you against that one.
I could have gone the rest of my life without you saying that and never missed it.
Well, we all make mistakes.
Just so we learn from them.
I guess that's the important thing.
Dennis, how much do you think she's gonna get? Passing counterfeit money, burglary.
One to 20 years, I should say.
And all they're gonna get Lederer for is conspiracy.
Probably be out in six months.
Looks like I'm the only one who's gonna get stiffed.
There's no jewels to recover, so I blew the $50,000 finder's fee.
Easy come, easy go.
What was that again? I said, easy come, easy go.
Did I hear him right? Yeah.
Oh, well, thanks for the sentiments, Dennis.
Sure makes me feel a lot better.
Well, what are you so sore about? I'm not sore.
Just forget it, will you? He liked her, Dennis, that's all.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And it's gonna go through, 'cause I am a dynamite salesman.
Yeah, I remember.
Jim! Get your hands off me.
Jim! Don't get involved.
Are you kidding? Look, when you get this case wrapped up, give me a call, all right? I don't want to be anywhere near this one.
You're under arrest, Mr.
Rockford.
Read him his rights, Ed.
This is Jim Rockford.
At the tone, leave your name and message.
I'll get back to you.
Uncle Jim, it's Ralph.
I got your letter.
But I moved out here anyway.
I really want those detective lessons.
You know, I wasrt sure you were going to show up.
I mean, three years is a little more than just an interlude.
Why did you? Oh, let's just say I was curious.
Curious? That emotion doesn't hold much fire.
Well, Karen, it was three years ago.
We did our little torch dance, and, as I recall, we ended up getting a little singed.
Well, I heal quickly.
And you know I don't.
So, let's just start with curiosity and we'll see where it goes from there, huh? You know, sometime around last summer, I got to thinking that maybe I'd made a mistake about you.
I'd catch myself, when I was alone sometimes, thinking about us.
And I'd kind of pull myself together, and I'd say to myself "Karen "one of these days he's going to call you "and when he does, you're going to handle things differently.
" But you never called and Well, go on.
What is it? This is so corny.
Now, if you laugh at this, I'm gonna punch you.
I mean it.
Well, I actually looked you up in the phone book to see if you were listed under Mr.
And Mrs.
You said you wouldn't laugh.
I was sure some sharpshooter would have picked you off by now.
Anyway, I finally decided that I'd better make the first move, so I called.
You see I'm still pretty liberated.
Yeah, well, I'm glad you did, Karen.
All I'm getting from you, my friend, is What did you call it? Curiosity? Okay, Karen.
It's more than just curiosity.
Oh, that's nice.
Hey, how would you like to go sit closer to the fire? Yeah, there's a free table.
You're looking good, Karen.
Thank you.
There's something you're doing must agree with you.
I told you, I've gotten into real estate.
You know, I got my broker's license about a year ago.
Do you know that I even have my own office? I'm impressed.
Good.
I do most of my work out in the West Valley.
That has a nice, solid ring to it.
Oh, it is solid.
You know something else? It's fun.
I have finally found something that I can do well and that I really enjoy.
I have got a deal going now, stands to net me $250,000 won'th of profits.
And you know something? It's gonna go through, 'cause I am a dynamite salesman.
Yeah, I remember.
So do I.
I've got two tickets to the tennis matches tomorrow.
Would you like to come? I mean, can you get away? Sure.
That's one of the joys of self-employment.
What time? Pick me up around 12:00? Okay.
And then we I forgot.
I've got a 10:30 appointment in Pasadena, and there are these escrow papers that have to go to the realty company.
Jim, I wouldn't ordinarily ask this, it's just that I'm in a bind because I've got a deadline.
And it's really, you know, a big deal.
Is that that $250,000 deal? Could you pick up the papers at my office and take them over to Chilson Realty? What are friends for? Oh.
I can think of lot of other things friends are for.
Bet you can.
Excuse me.
I'd like to see Mr.
Chilson, please.
Yeah.
I think he's in his office.
Jack? Guy out here wants to see you.
What's your name? Rockford.
Jim Rockford.
Karen Stiles asked me to Jim Rockford.
Okay.
Grab a chair, he'll be right out.
Collier's? Rockford? Yes.
Jack Chilson, sorry to keep you waiting.
No problem.
No problem.
I guess this is what you're waiting for.
Yes, it is.
And I want to thank you for bringing it over.
Oh, no trouble.
Glad to be of help.
Mr.
Rockford, do you want a receipt? You think that's necessary? I don't know if it's necessary, but under the circumstances, I think it'd be advisable.
Have a seat, it'll just take me a few minutes to check this over.
Yeah.
Would you mind hurrying? I'll just catch up on my reading.
Say, would you mind checking with Mr.
Chilson, see how much longer he's gonna be? Couldrt take this long to look at a few escrow papers.
Jack? Guy out here wants to know how much longer you're gonna be.
Yeah.
Okay.
Just a couple more minutes.
Jim Rockford? I'm Sergeant Brunner, this is Detective Michaels, LAPD.
You're under arrest, Mr.
Rockford.
Read him his rights, Ed.
"You have the right to remain silent.
If you give up the right to remain silent, "anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
"You have the right to speak with an attorney "and have the attorney present during questioning " $100,000? What are you talking about? It was a bunch of escrow papers.
Did you see them? Not exactly.
Well, what exactly did you see? That.
That briefcase, locked.
I was told it contained escrow papers, and, as far as I'm concerned, that's what I delivered.
This is what you delivered.
So, I was wrong.
Look, Dennis, I was doing a friend a favor.
I was a messenger.
Why drag me down here? I haven't done anything illegal.
That depends on how you look at it.
Okay, Dennis.
Let's have it.
The money's not straight.
Hold it.
Wait a minute.
Do I read you right? Are you accusing me of counterfeiting? I'm not accusing you of anything.
But how do you explain you happened to be carrying around $100,000 in funny money? Explain? I've already explained.
A friend gave me a briefcase to deliver.
I delivered it.
Your friend is Karen Stiles.
She had to deliver $100,000 to Chilson Realty today to exercise an option on a piece of property.
We've talked to her.
She said the money she put in the case was the real thing.
She told you she gave me the money? Real money.
She hates to think that you're ripping her off.
Look, Jimbo, I got no choice.
But I'm gonna have to book you for possession and passing counterfeit money.
It's a federal beef, you know.
I know.
That's a federal beef, you know? I know, I know.
Don't get sore at me, Jim.
I didn't pass the phony money.
Well, thanks.
Thanks a lot.
It's a real comfort having you as my attorney.
First, I can't find you, so I've got to spend the night in this dump.
Then, when I do find you, you think I'm guilty.
I didn't say that, even though your story is pretty shaky.
And attorneys are people, too, you know.
I have a right to a social life, same as you.
Oh, Beth, I haven't seen Karen in four years.
Did I say anything? I'm your attorney, not your keeper.
Take her four years to come up with this frame? 'Cause it's a beauty.
I've been thinking about that all night.
I just can't buy it.
No? Well, then buy this.
I just spoke with Solly, he won't go your bail.
If you fall on this rap, you're gonna be staring at 5 to 10 years in the federal birdcage at Terminal Island.
If we don't get the truth out of her, we're gonna be in trouble, Jim.
Who is she, anyway? Oh, I did time with her father in Quentin.
And then, when I got out he told me to look her up.
And we got friendly.
That's a friend? Her uncle is a three-time loser.
She's been on the con since she was 14 years old.
She set me up.
I didn't wanna believe it, but she set me up.
Morning, Beth, Jim.
Everything's been all cleared up.
You're free to go.
What? Wait a minute.
They just told me out there they were holding him on $10,000 bail.
Yeah, well, it was a little misunderstanding.
But he's free on an OR.
And you could pick up your personal effects at Property.
An OR? Are you sure? Of course I'm sure.
What do you mean, am I sure? You think I could make a mistake like that? The man is sure.
Let's not press the issue.
It's been nice seeing you, as always.
Let's get together for lunch, huh, Dennis? All right.
Hey, sonny, am I glad to see you.
I was just on my way over to the jail.
Beth phoned and told me what happened.
What happened? Well, I can't explain it.
It's some sort of crazy mix-up.
When she called she said they wasrt gonna set no bail.
How did you get out? They just opened the door and let me out.
That worries me a little.
I get the feeling they know something that I don't.
Well, what are you gonna do? I'm gonna shower, shave, change clothes.
Then I'm gonna go out and get the answers to a whole lot of questions.
Hi, this is a surprise.
I'll bet it is.
How'd you know I was here? I called your office.
It's clever, huh? You're not in a very good mood.
I'm in a lousy mood.
Spending the night in the slammer usually has that effect on me.
Oh, Jim, I'm sorry about that.
Not as sorry as I am.
I'm facing a federal rap.
Now, why'd you set me up? I didn't.
I didn't.
And if you don't know me any better than that, then there's nothing for us even to talk about.
Oh, now, wait a minute.
There's a lot for us to talk about.
What right do you have to look so wounded? I didn't set you up.
You told me I was delivering escrow papers.
I didn't tell you about the money, because Look, I know you're an honest man, basically.
They say that every man has his price.
And $100,000 is You didn't tell me, because you didn't trust me? Well, neither of us could have anticipated what was going to happen, and counterfeit You know, I'd forgotten.
You're awfully good.
I'd like to explain to you.
Why, gee, Karen, that would really be swell.
A week ago, I sold 100 acres of desert land.
I got paid in cash for it.
Well, it's not that I doubt you, but isn't that a little unusual? Dealing in cash? It's very unusual.
But the client was a good friend of mine.
I thought he was a good friend of mine.
He He was going through this messy divorce, and I figured that he didn't want any canceled checks showing up when it came time to split the community property.
So, your client stiffed you with the phony money? And I used that money to exercise my option for the property I was buying for Chilson Realty.
I guess I should have looked at it a little closer.
You know what I think? I think you're lying.
And I think you've nominated me as Patsy of the Year.
You didn't even try to straighten me out with the cops and the feds.
Oh, babe, the reason I didn't try was that I knew it wouldn't do any good.
I probably would have wound up in jail and what would that have done? It would have given me peace of mind knowing that you were serving time right along with me.
What do you want me to do? Give me the name of your client.
Tony Lederer.
Good.
We'll start by seeing him.
Oh, we can't see him.
When the police told me about the money being counterfeit, I tried to call him.
He's gone.
He has totally disappeared.
Talk about taking someone for a ride.
I You know, if you could find him Oh, no.
First, we start by cleaning up my image.
Now, I want you to come down to the police station with me and tell them that I was just a messenger boy.
Have them hang a number on me? Well, tell them about Lederer.
He gave you the money.
You had no reason to suspect it wasrt real.
All right.
Just take me a minute.
I'm gonna go change.
I'll meet you out front.
You don't need to change.
Well, I can't go into a police station like this.
Sure, you can.
Jim, I want to change.
No.
What seems to be the trouble? Nothing.
I was just going to change.
Hey, thanks for a good game.
Is there another exit besides the front one to this building? Well, sure has been nice chatting with you guys.
Good day.
Sorry I kept you waiting.
Jim! Get your hands off me.
Jim! Jim! We got a make on that license plate.
Pretty clever.
What's clever, Dennis? The kidnappers.
They used the girl's own car to snatch her.
That's great.
Where do we go from here? Well, I put an APB out on her car.
All we can do is wait.
I still don't know what the hell's going on, Dennis.
Why would anyone wanna kidnap Karen? Well, the girl's been hanging around shady characters all her life.
Maybe it's somebody who had a grudge against her old man.
Who knows? I don't know.
What about Tony Lederer, did you check him out? He's clean.
Not even a traffic ticket.
This burglary report is the only thing we have, and he was the victim.
$500,000 in jewelry stolen from a wall safe in their home? Yeah.
His wife reported it last week.
And $100,000 in counterfeit money.
How does that connect up? How? I asked first.
What are you doing? Just taking a couple of notes.
Well, don't bother.
This is a very active police case.
Very active.
And we got feds crawling all over the place.
Don't get involved.
Are you kidding? Look, when you get this case wrapped up, give me a call, all right? I don't want to be anywhere near this one.
Yes, sir? My name is Hagle.
I'm with Western American Insurance.
I'd like to see Mrs.
Lederer, please.
Oh, insurance.
Well, Mrs.
Lederer is around the side, at the stables.
Oh, well, thank you.
Thank you.
I don't know, Frank.
He's still favoring that leg.
Are you sure the vet couldn't find anything? That's what he said, Mrs.
Lederer.
Well, I want a second opinion.
And I don't want him ridden till I know for sure.
Yes, ma'am.
Yes? What can I do for you? Are you Mrs.
Lederer? That's right.
I'm Arthur Hagle.
Western American Insurance.
We're handling the claim on your jewelry.
If it's about the check, that's to be sent to my business manager.
No, no, it's not the check, not yet.
Well, I've already made out my report in triplicate.
Well, you have to understand, Mrs.
Lederer, that on a claim this size, the company likes to have the facts checked and rechecked.
And rechecked.
Yeah.
All right, what is it this time? Well, first, the appraised value of the jewelry.
My records show $522,000.
Would you say that's correct? Yes.
And the police report shows that the person, or persons unknown, broke into your safe last Wednesday morning between midnight and 6:00 a.
m.
Broke in? They blew it up with dynamite.
I'm surprised the whole house didn't go.
Did you hear the explosion? I wasrt at home that night.
I was staying with a friend.
Was your husband at home? I rather doubt that.
If Mr.
Lederer sets one foot on my property, I'll have him thrown in jail and he knows it.
Your property? My property.
Your jewelry? My everything, Mr.
Hagle.
Jewelry, house, cars, bank accounts.
He has rather nice clothes.
I let him keep those.
Well, that That seems equitable.
Mrs.
Lederer, could you tell me where I might find your husband? Why? Routine questions.
Strange questions for an insurance man.
Mrs.
Lederer, after everything you've told me regarding your husband, do you think it's possible that he might have Stolen the jewelry himself? His was the first name that popped into my mind.
But the answer's no.
I've had him followed by private investigators for the past two months.
May I ask why? You may ask.
Of course, I won't answer.
Why hire a private detective when you've already agreed on a divorce settlement? Goodbye, Mr.
Hagle.
Thank you for your time.
Mrs.
Lederer, is there another way out of here besides the front driveway? Yes.
Behind the stables.
There's a dirt road that leads back to the main highway.
Why? I'm being followed by the FBI.
I'd like to lose them.
Nice shot, Dennis.
I hate to break up your game, but I gotta talk to you.
Oh, that's all right.
I've been running those guys pretty hard, anyway.
They could use a breather.
Dennis, I want you to level with me.
Were the feds behind my getting sprung? What makes you think that? I think they sprung me just to see if I'd lead them to the source of the bad money.
Did they? I couldn't even tell you if I knew it.
Yeah, I got the feeling that they got a lot more to go on than just my delivering that briefcase.
You really don't know, do you? Dennis, did you ever get the feeling that everybody knows more about something than you do, and the more questions you ask, the less you know? You served time with Sam Stiles.
Sam Stiles was sent up for kiting checks.
But didn't you know he was one of the top plate artists in the country? You didn't.
Well, that's where it's at, Jim.
You knew Stiles in prison, and now you show up with his daughter on your arm, and a suitcase full of play money.
Are you trying to tell me Karen was deliberately passing phony money? I'm not trying to tell you anything, Jim.
That's the way the feds see it.
And that she staged her own kidnapping just to take the heat off.
That makes about as much sense as anything else.
Why'd you get mixed up with that dame, anyway, Jim? I don't know.
I like her.
I don't trust her.
She'd sell me out for ten cents on a dollar.
But I like her.
Hey! Mrs.
Lederer, please.
LAPD.
Mrs.
Lederer? This is Sergeant Jim Dennis, Los Angeles Police Department.
And I have some good news for you.
I think we may have found your jewels.
Yes, ma'am.
Yes, ma'am.
I wonder, could you come down to the Wilshire Station at 5:00 this afternoon and identify them? Yes, ma'am.
Thank you very much.
Hi, remember me? Arthur Hagle, Western American Insurance.
Yeah, can I speak to Mrs.
Lederer? Oh, I'm sorry.
She isn't in.
She went to pick up her jewels.
Oh.
Well, maybe you can help me.
When I was here before, Mrs.
Lederer gave me the name of a private detective agency she had hired.
And I seem to have misplaced my notes.
Would you happen to remember the name? Oh, you must mean Mr.
Slauson.
Right.
Slauson.
Tom, wasrt it? No, Murray.
On Wilshire Boulevard.
Of course, Murray Slauson.
Well, thank you so much.
You're welcome.
You understand, Mr.
Slauson, that our discussion will remain strictly confidential.
Of course, you You understand the importance of our finding Mr.
Lederer.
I mean, an insurance claim of this size, we always like to be sure of our facts.
Mrs.
Lederer says that you have been observing Mr.
Lederer for quite some time now.
I'm sure you know his whereabouts.
In my notes, it says that Mr.
Lederer consummated a business deal with a Karen Stiles.
I think they bought some desert property, I believe.
Look, Slauson, I'm getting a little tired of doing a monologue.
Why don't you throw in a "yeah" or a "maybe" or even an "uh-uh" once in a while, huh? I don't know nothing about no business deal.
Lederer was having an affair with this Stiles broad.
And that's about all I'm gonna tell you, Rockford.
Yeah, I know who you are.
I study all my competition, even though you ain't much.
Jim Rockford, the con bull artist.
You never run a straight line in your life.
It's guys like you that give the PI business a bad name.
Now, get out of here, bug, before I squash you.
Well, I can understand how you'd feel that way, I mean, looking through bedroom windows and taking dirty pictures must be more spiritually rewarding.
Stuff it, Rockford.
Look, Slauson, there's no need for anger.
Well, I'm sure I can find the information I need somewhere else.
You don't need to show me out.
I can find my way.
When I get through with you, pal, you're gonna be on wheels.
Now, look, Slauson, I don't wanna fight with you, I really don't.
In fact, I'd actually hate it.
The only way you're gonna get out of here, big mouth, is through me.
Yeah.
Yeah, I can see that.
Hey, yo-yo, what's your problem? You wanna see Karen, don't you? Come on, we'll take you to her.
You're the two guys that grabbed her.
You want to see her or not? Yeah, I want to see her.
Do you mind if I follow in my car? Suit yourself.
I suppose you're more than a little upset at me.
Me, upset? Whatever for? I can explain.
Of course you can explain, Karen.
It's just that I'm not in a very receptive mood, that's all.
Would you mind backing off a little bit and giving me some more room, huh? Jim, I'm sorry.
This is Jerry and Fred Southerland.
Some real-estate associates of mine.
Charmed.
Watch your mouth, mister.
If these two guys sell real estate, it comes in 6-foot plots.
You really are upset with me, aren't you? Well, let's just get a couple of things straight, all right? I know you set me up.
I know you fed me to the cops.
I know that your only interest in me is to lay a false trail for the Federal Government.
So let's stop with the flickering candlelights and romance, angel, and get down to see who's gonna end up rolling in the mud.
You're not even going to listen to what I have to say.
Of course I'll listen, Karen.
Who knows? I might even get an idea.
Let's go into the other room.
You know, there's a good idea.
Why don't you guys just clean your guns, huh? Get ready for your next big real-estate deal.
I have to admit I haven't been too fair with you.
Oh, really? How refreshing.
Come on, Karen.
Where did you get the queer money? From your father's estate? It was all money my father had printed up.
And after he died, it became mine, more or less.
I've had that money for over a year.
I have never been tempted to use it before.
I wouldn't have used it now, if I hadrt been in such a bind.
Well, we'll see if we can get the teacher to give you a gold star for effort, anyway.
Could you possibly stop being flippant, just try to understand? Oh, I understand, Karen.
We're just playing this out for fun.
You've really turned into a choirboy since I saw you last.
Old times only buys you one ticket and you cashed that yesterday.
Tony Lederer and I had a deal.
He was supposed to put up half to buy this large piece of real estate in the valley.
Well, that's a pretty cute trick for a guy that hasn't got ten cents.
You're wrong about that.
I talked to Mrs.
Lederer.
Everything's in her name.
Tony has a lot of money.
His wife doesn't even know about it.
Anyway, the deal was that I found the property, he was going to put up $100,000 for the option, and we'd split the profits.
I swear to you, I don't know what made him back out.
That's when I got desperate and used dad's money.
Jim, you've got to find Lederer for me.
I'll pay your fee, whatever it is.
I know that if I can just get hold of him, I can talk to him and change his mind and push this thing through.
Is that the whole pitch? It's the truth.
Okay.
It has really been great fun.
I suppose I can get out of here without getting my kneecaps shot off.
Jim, I need help.
Yeah.
Me, too.
You've got to find Lederer for me.
You can call me here.
I'll be here for a couple of days.
Hiding out or something? I'll give you a lot of money.
I'll even cut you in on the real-estate deal.
Oh, gee, this is turning out to be my lucky day.
Should we follow him? I'd say yes, but I don't think you could.
What did Becker say when you told him she wasrt kidnapped? Well, I didn't exactly tell him the truth.
I told him it was just sort of a gag, and I misread it.
You know, Rock, I've never seen a situation with so many pieces missing.
Nothing seems to make any sense.
It never did with that family.
She comes from a long line of losers.
Uncle Charlie.
Karers Uncle Charlie used to be a top box man before he went to Joliet.
He's retired now.
He could have easily shown her how to crack a home safe.
What did she do, Jimmy? What are you saying? Take care of this stuff for me, will you, Rocky? I gotta go find a fence.
Now, that's Lucky Lisa in the sixth.
Yes.
And at Santa Anita, Tidy Boy in the fourth.
Five on each to win.
And, Sidney, I will be around later this afternoon to collect the $50 that you already owe me.
Morning, Preacher.
Oh! Sidney, I'll catch you later.
Jim, it's good to see you.
You're still fooling them, Preacher? The Lord loves a sinner, brother.
I need a little help.
Help? Yes, well, we all need help.
Seek and ye Preacher, Preacher.
I need a fence.
Someone who could move $500,000 in ice.
Have you tried Louis Montana? And China Sam, and Big Frank, Fat Richard.
That's your first string, all right.
Yeah, well, are there any comers? You know, somebody I might have missed? A shark moving up I haven't heard about yet? Comers, comers.
Sharks on their way up Why Somebody up there is smiling on you today, Jim.
Mr.
Appleby? Yes, may I help you? Well, I hope so.
But can I show you something? About $500,000 in hot ice? I had a feeling when I got up this morning.
I said to myself, "It's going to be one of those days.
" Didrt take you for a fed, though.
You boys are getting wiser, huh? Well, not really.
I'm not a fed.
I'm in business for myself.
I'm looking for a little information.
Try the Yellow Pages.
Well, the Preacher said you might give me some help.
Oh, Preacher put you onto me? Yeah, yeah, he said, "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom.
" Oh, that's good.
What do you need? Well, just what I said.
$500,000 in ice.
Did it come through you? No.
That's because there was no ice.
Very nice, yes, but just paste.
Yeah, well, the woman who brought it in, did she have a name? Do you? She's about 5'2", late 20s Real dish.
Thanks, Appleby.
What you've told me, Mr.
Rockford, is an incredible story.
To be honest, I find it very difficult to believe.
Well, I can understand that.
But let's just say that it is true.
$500,000 is a lot of money to save the company.
That would make you a very big man at the home office.
This is the home office.
Now, what do you want from all this? Or are you merely being altruistic? Oh, no, no, Mr.
Braverman, that's not one of my faults.
No, I was thinking about That's a lot of money for very little work.
Very well, I'll see to it.
I had a feeling you would.
Now, if you'll just point me to your files, I have a lot of research to do on Mr.
Lederer.
Hi.
Glad you're back.
Did you find Tony? No.
No, but I found out about you and Tony and what you two were up to.
You and Tony pulled the Lederer jewel robbery.
Only, somehow, Tony pulled a switch on you and you ended up with the paste, and he ended up with the real jewelry.
You have been busy.
But you haven't got it exactly right.
Okay, Karen, how does it really go? Well, you remember that big real-estate deal I told you about? Tony and I were trying to tie it up.
If we'd been able to swing it, we would have put down $200,000 and then resold it to a syndicate that I put together two days later for $2 million.
That's a nice profit.
We were going to use Mrs.
Lederer's jewels for collateral on the $200,000, but Tony had a fight with her and she kicked him out and sued for divorce.
So we decided to steal the jewels, so the deal could go through.
Only Tony double-crossed you, took off with the jewels, left you with the paste, and disappeared.
I dug out dad's old money and tried to make it work.
Do you know, if they hadrt found out it was counterfeit, two days later I would have closed escrow, resold that property and made $2 million? Karen if I turn up Lederer for you, how much is it gonna net me? What would you say to $10,000? Oh, that sounds generous.
I think you'd better take me to him, then.
How did you find Tony? I checked at the Power and Light office.
They said this place was in use, so I figured it had to be Lederer.
There's his car.
Hell, I don't want to spook him.
Tell Frick and Frack back there to wait a couple of minutes before they make their charge.
We're going in alone.
Follow us in a few minutes.
Right.
We wait here.
Tony? Now, we can settle this very quickly.
All I want is my $100,000.
Look, Karen, baby, now, you know I wouldn't stiff you.
Look, you have to understand.
My wife had me in a box.
Look, please, I don't want any excuses.
Just the money.
If not, I'm afraid I'll just have to ask Jerry and Fred to take you out to the lake and use you for an anchor.
Okay.
Okay, I'll get it for you.
But it'll take a couple of days.
Look, I'm telling you the truth.
I exchanged those jewels months ago.
I sold the real ones in Europe.
Look, the money is in a Swiss account.
I don't believe you.
You should.
Who asked you? Well, it all fits with what his wife told me.
He had no money.
And when he found out she was going to divorce him, well, he had to get rid of the phonies.
He conned you into doing the job for him.
Damn it.
Jim, I'm sorry about this.
I really mean that.
It's just that it It suddenly appears to me that you're a terrible problem, and I don't see any other solution to this.
So much for old love affairs.
I said I was sorry.
I hate to be a stickler, Karen, but that hardly covers it.
If I let you go, you'd go to the authorities and then I wouldn't get out of the country.
And after all we've meant to each other.
Old love affairs are like disposable tissues.
It's never a good idea to count on them twice.
Well, then, you won't feel too badly about it when I tell you that this whole conversation is being transmitted to the police.
Well, you can believe me when I tell you that this whole place is surrounded.
All right, let's go.
This is going to be a pleasure.
All right, hold it right there.
And, you, drop that gun.
Take them all in.
Including the girl.
You okay, Jim? Oh, yeah, I'm fine.
I was just hanging around till you showed up.
Jim, I Yeah, I know, Karen.
You're sorry.
I really did look you up in the phone book.
Doesrt your stomach ever rebel eating that stuff? Not after 8:00 in the morning.
No.
Well, I'm sure glad to see that all of this ain't hurt your appetite none, sonny.
Besides, him and me both warned you against that one.
I could have gone the rest of my life without you saying that and never missed it.
Well, we all make mistakes.
Just so we learn from them.
I guess that's the important thing.
Dennis, how much do you think she's gonna get? Passing counterfeit money, burglary.
One to 20 years, I should say.
And all they're gonna get Lederer for is conspiracy.
Probably be out in six months.
Looks like I'm the only one who's gonna get stiffed.
There's no jewels to recover, so I blew the $50,000 finder's fee.
Easy come, easy go.
What was that again? I said, easy come, easy go.
Did I hear him right? Yeah.
Oh, well, thanks for the sentiments, Dennis.
Sure makes me feel a lot better.
Well, what are you so sore about? I'm not sore.
Just forget it, will you? He liked her, Dennis, that's all.
Yeah.
Yeah.