Hunter (1984–1991): Season 4, Episode 17 - The Bogota Million - full transcript
A Colombian drug dealer is murdered, and police informant Sporty James becomes the prime suspect, hunted by both Hunter and the criminals.
I think it's about time
we send them a message.
And here's what
it's going to read.
I assume you think
he's still alive.
That is not Sporty's lifestyle.
Look, Sporty's missing.
You wouldn't know where he is?
Where is he?
Where is he?
If I could tell you
where to find him, what...
What that'd be worth?
Sporty's life
isn't the only life
in danger here, you got that?
Barney, what's happening?
Hunter, McCall,
eh, we've got another one here.
Shot from three, maybe
four inches away.
The odd thing
is, what's a guy in a $700,
$800 suit doing in
a place like this?
No ID in his wallet.
Just money.
Lots of money.
Any weapon?
Apparently the killer
took it with him.
There are signs of a
scuffle in the dust here.
We've got pictures of it.
But no footprints.
Nothing useful.
Oh, we found this in his wallet.
Busca a Raphael.
See Raphael.
I think I will.
I'll have Hank wait for me,
take me back to the station.
Yeah.
Thanks, Barney.
OK, guys.
Is there anything
left to get here?
We'll give it a long, hard look.
But I think what you
see is what we got.
You know anything
about this place?
Yeah.
It's a disco.
The current in spot
for the coke users.
Turn it over then.
This refers to
the owner, probably.
Rafael Orozco.
- Yeah.
I went by a little while ago.
Place was locked up.
Not surprised.
They don't open till 10:00 PM.
90% of celebrities that show
up are known coke users.
What do you mean?
You're saying they deal there?
No.
Rafael is a wholesaler.
We think the showbiz
folks go there
as a kind of payoff to Orozco
to keep him well supplied.
Do you know this guy?
I'm sorry.
I don't.
Where did this go down?
Behind a building
about two miles from the disco.
Has Narcotics got
a case on Orozco?
Yeah.
But it's very low key because
the DEA is all over him
and they're very nervous.
They don't want spook him.
Maybe I should run by
and see Mike Stevens?
Huh?
Good idea.
Thanks, Nate.
Anybody checking the
area around the warehouse
for witnesses?
- Yeah.
Dilly and Roswell.
Those two?
Somebody's got to do it.
There's probably no
connection whatsoever
between your dead body
and Rafael Orozco.
Oh, you hope so, Mike.
Look, we've got
an action underway
called Operation Scorpio.
Orozco is the top Colombian
boss on the West Coast.
If we can nail him, we
can do some real damage.
So, please, don't go near him.
He's not involved
in some low rent
shoot out on Venice Boulevard.
It's not his style.
Yes?
It's for you, McCall.
Go.
Great.
Hold on to her.
I'll be right there.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Look, Mike, relax.
If we have to deal
with Orozco, we'll...
We'll talk to you first, huh?
And I heard
this real loud noise.
Now, I... I've got arthritis.
So I couldn't get to the
window as fast as I wanted to.
But fast enough.
Because I seen this black
man running out of there.
Mrs. Parsons, how far away
from the building is your home?
Honey, don't call me Missus.
I'm a Miss and proud of it.
My name is Emma.
OK.
Emma, how far away were
you from what you saw?
I've lived there long before
they built that old eyesore.
Now it's dead and gone
and I'm still there.
Great.
And how far away is there?
Let's see.
There's the alley, then
there's my backyard.
Not real big.
And then there's my house.
And there's nothing the
matter with my eyes either.
I seen that man real good.
Oh, well, then you would...
You would recognize him
again if you saw him, right?
Oh, I sure would.
He was kind of scrawny like.
But a real flashy dresser.
And he's got this big
ugly gun in his hand.
He jumps into this
big maroon car
and he drives off lickety split.
You say he killed someone?
Do you know the of the car?
Oh, honey.
I don't know one kind
of a car from another.
But I can read.
Now, here it is.
There was another
car there, too.
The dark one.
But by the time I got back with
my pen and paper, it was gone.
But I did remember the first
one and I wrote it down 'cause
I figured he killed somebody.
Two Paul
Charlie Edward three one six.
Scrawny man, flashy
dresser, maroon car?
Emma, I want to thank you
very much for coming by.
You've been a big help.
Officer Dinley
will take you home.
He's right over there.
You think this is possible?
This is Sporty.
His car's here.
Why doesn't answer the phone?
Just relax now.
Maybe he just got here.
Let's go find out.
Come on.
Sporty!
Open it up.
I don't want to open it up.
Look, they have a thing called
a search warrant to keep cops
like you and I out of trouble.
So I'll go pick one up, OK?
It's no big deal.
I want you to get your two
little prongs out of there...
And jam in the door.
Come on.
Why do I always have to do this?
Sporty's a friend of ours.
And besides, you got the purse.
Come on.
Great.
Here we go.
One, two.
I think they got him.
But you told me Bogota's
men got that million bucks.
It was in the report.
Charlie, Sporty didn't have it.
We didn't find it.
And that's they way it
looked to us at the time.
We had to
believe Sporty, Captain.
He didn't suddenly start
to change his spending
habits or anything.
Well, it's pretty damn
obvious now that he did have it,
isn't it?
- Yeah.
And that Bogata's
people want it back.
OK.
You got any idea where he is?
No.
Car's in the basement
of his condo.
But he's not there.
How do you know that?
We knocked.
And then you let
yourselves in, right?
Well, he was...
We were worried
about him, Captain.
So you broke and entered
and he wasn't there.
Then what?
We went in, looked
around, the place was clean.
But Sporty was gone.
So we left.
Well, Sporty may be dead.
You know that.
Maybe.
I mean, it's obvious
they want the money back.
But they're liable
to kill him just
to send us a message, that
no one steals from them
and gets away with it.
Now we still got no
ID on this dead body?
There was no ID on the
guy's face or his prints.
He's probably a newly
arrived Colombian.
Well, I'll tell you
something, troops.
I think it's about time
we send them a message.
And here's where
it's going to read.
Nobody comes up here and
executes an American citizen
and gets away with it.
You read me on this one?
Loud and clear.
We'll get it out.
Thanks.
I'd... I could live
another 30 years,
I would still owe the guy.
He helps people who don't
even know he's doing it.
He's like the Frank
Sinatra of Central Avenue.
You don't appear to
be in mourning, Kenny.
So I assume you think
he's still alive.
Sporty, dead?
Hunter, I thought you knew him.
That is not Sporty's lifestyle.
No.
There's absolutely no
way he could be dead.
Are you sure about that?
Well, if you mean do I
know where he is right now?
No.
But he's around.
That I believe without question.
And alive and well.
Well, he won't be
if we don't find him first.
Is it that bad?
Look, I... I was doing a little
time up at the college there
when this whole Bogata
thing came down.
I don't... clue me
in a bit, will you?
Two of Bogata's
thugs killed a man in an alley.
Sporty saw that.
And when they came looking for
him, they couldn't find him.
So they went
looking for Sporty's
girlfriend, Marguerite.
Remember her?
Oh, yeah.
I liked her.
Sporty really loved that girl.
Yeah.
Now when she wouldn't
talk, they killed her.
Yeah.
I remember that.
Couple of days later, Bogota was
killed in a police shootout.
Over $1 million of
drug money disappeared.
Sporty got it?
I think he's got it.
Yeah.
Well, you did the right thing
then, coming to Kenny Dunstan.
Because you came to the
legion, I will definitely
get back to you real soon.
Make it sooner, Kenny, huh?
You have
been doing very good with us,
Curtis, is that not so?
I got no
complaints, Mr. Orozco.
And you don't have
any against me.
Or do you?
Oh, I have heard nothing but
good things about you, amigo.
The honest man you
work with trusts you.
That's why you're here.
If he trusts you, I trust you.
I see.
And the reason that I'm here?
You know a certain gentleman
by the name of Sporty James?
Oh, I know the gentleman.
But not close, you understand?
But, yes, I do know him.
We're what you
call acquaintances.
Where is he?
Where is he?
You mean, right now?
Yes, right now.
Where is he?
Well, I could
guess, Mr. Orozco,
but I couldn't say for
absolutely certain.
I don't know.
I think you do.
Mr. Orozco, you
are probably looking
at the one man
who could find out
where this gentleman might be.
Now I do not know at
this particular time.
But if you give me a day or two,
maybe three, I will locate him.
I guarantee it.
You have 12 hours.
If you do not find
him in 12 hours,
I will assume that
you have lied to me.
And then we will
have another meeting.
Look, I told Sergeant Hunter
I don't know where he is.
Yeah.
And Hunter told you that
if we don't find Sporty,
he'll be dead.
That's if he's not dead already.
Now come on, Kirby.
Help us out here.
His life's on the line.
You know Curtis?
Yes, I know Curtis.
He came by to see
me late last evening.
Curtis was awful
anxious to find Sporty.
Awful anxious.
Thanks, Kirby.
Lincoln 56.
Go.
We got to find Curtis.
He's into this
thing with Sporty.
And I'm not sure
who's sign he's on.
McCall, don't
worry about Curtis.
He found me.
He's on our side.
I gotta go.
I'll talk to you later,
Lincoln 56, clear.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
That's right.
West End Hotel.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
You know where that is, right?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well, you better step on
it because I can't say
how long Sporty will be there.
Yeah.
You owe me one, Hunter.
- Uh huh.
- Orozco is nasty.
- Yeah.
OK.
Look, I'll meet you at
Harry's Bar in one hour.
- Got it?
- Sure.
Yeah.
I'll be there.
Sure.
This don't bother
me at all, Hunter.
No problem.
I'll be there.
- Good.
- Yeah.
Give it an hour.
Don't move.
Excuse me.
Get up.
You guys speak English?
Yes.
We speak very good English.
Yeah.
Put your hands on
top of your head.
That's what I thought.
Bus 304
for San Francisco, Portland,
and Seattle, now boarding.
All passengers for
bus 304, please board.
Oh, no.
Come here.
Weren't we supposed to meet?
Man, are you putting me on?
This town is too hot
for your friend Curtis.
Now those Colombos know that I
am the dude that set them up.
I got to blow this
sweet city until you
put Orozco and his troops away.
Come here.
Stand over here.
I think you know
where Sporty is.
I've got a bus to catch, Hunter.
I thought you and
Sporty were pals.
Hey, I just put
myself on a death
list of some real mean
people for Sporty.
Now I cooperated with
you because me and Sporty
are soul brothers, man.
He practically adopted me
when I came back from the 'Nam
with my head all messed up.
Now you want me to
tell you where he is,
so you can bust him.
Now why would I want to do that?
Maybe because you
think he's got a million bucks
stashed away somewhere, huh?
Or maybe you want to book
him on a murder charge?
Huh?
Uh huh.
Sit down.
Come on.
Now, Curtis, we want
the million bucks back.
Sporty knows that.
Yeah.
But we also know
Sporty is not a murderer.
That cat's in trouble, man.
We've got to help him.
Are you being straight
with me, Hunter?
Yeah.
I'm being straight
with you, Curtis.
He's alive, isn't he?
Sporty?
Sporty will outlive us all, man.
That's his nature.
The only time I have
ever seen Sporty down,
I mean really down, is
when he lost Marguerite.
Had me worried
there for a while.
I mean, the cat
was suffering, man.
Way down deep, in here.
Then one day, he just
pulled out of it.
Nah, Hunter, you don't
have to worry about Sporty.
That's one rad cat
with nine lives.
OK.
Just one more time.
Now he may not be at
any of these places.
But I think you can
find him at one of them.
Last call, bus 208.
Bus 208 for Tucson,
El Paso, and Dallas.
Last call.
OK.
That's... that's me.
I got to go.
Mm, Hunter, now I am
trusting you because I
know Sporty trusts you, OK?
Great.
Now as Kenny Dunstan would
say, eh, don't call me, baby.
I'll call you, right?
Thanks, Curtis.
Hey!
Pen?
Oh, yeah.
Right.
Nice pen.
That's him.
Hey!
What the hell kind
of driving is that?
I got kids on this bus!
You hear what...
Open up!
Or I blow you away.
Shut up!
Be cool!
Hey, get up, man.
This is going with me.
You don't need no bag.
Get going.
You make one move, I'll
blow your brains out!
Freeze!
Police!
Right there, very
slowly, drop the gun.
Curtis, get back on the bus.
I'm going to send you the most
wonderful postcard ever!
Shut the door.
Put this on your left wrist.
You OK, son?
All right!
Ah, la-la-la-la-la!
Hallelujah!
The forces of law and
order are all outside!
Lincoln 56, request a
990 for two CCW suspects
at the southeast
corner of Third and...
Third and Carver ASAP.
[CHILDREN LAUGHING AND
[PLAYING]
Thank you.
Yes?
Sergeant Hunter,
Metropolitan Police.
What can I do for you?
I have a warrant to search the
premises for an Arnold James.
Mr James sometimes brings us
toys for the children, sometimes
takes a small group of them
fishing or to Disneyland.
But he has no official
connection with the center.
He wouldn't be here.
Some friends of Mr James
said this might be one
of the places I could find him.
I'd... I really would
appreciate your help.
May I see the search warrant?
Sure.
Thank you.
What's, uh... what's in here?
It's a storeroom.
Hasn't been opened for years.
It's locked.
Can we get it there?
It's full of junk.
We should try to get in there.
I don't even know if
it's going to be on here.
I'll... I'll give
it a try though.
Good.
How you doing, Sporty?
Good afternoon, Sergeant.
To what do I owe this
delightful surprise?
Then Pearly shows
up and says the same thing,
that two dudes in
expensive suits
and south of the
border accents are
handing out cash money
for any information
about my whereabouts.
So I decide to take me a
fast out of town holiday.
You know what I mean?
And so I... you
know, I dash home,
pick up a few necessities.
Now I always stick a
hair in the doorjamb,
a long, thick hair
from a lucky racehorse
belonged to a friend of mine.
I stick it about a
foot above the floor.
Well, that hair was
not where I put it.
And that tells me that somebody
has messed with my door.
Or worse yet, is waiting inside.
I do not hang around
to find out which.
A couple of bad
times later and I'm
finding myself boxed
in with no place
to go but that old building.
Ah!
I swear, this is the whole
truth and nothing but.
It wasn't even self-defense.
It was... read my lips...
Accidental.
Yeah.
Well, all of the evidence
points to a struggle.
And the DA is not
going to file charges
even if we wanted them to.
But Sporty, these
guys are Colombians.
They're Bogata's men.
They want their million bucks.
Yeah.
I know that which
creates a big problem
because I don't have it.
Where is it, Sporty?
Hunter, suppose
one of those guys
saw me putting it
in a locker, right?
And took it and didn't
say anything about it.
You better hope
that didn't happen,
Sporty, because if it did,
you have no way out of this.
You understand?
Hunter, you are right.
And believe me, if I had it,
man, I would give it to them.
I do not have it.
Maybe we ought to put you
in a safe place for a while.
You know, a little
protective custody?
Thanks.
But no thanks.
However, I would appreciate
it if you would drop
me off at Central and Bristol.
You can take the bus, Sporty.
That's some cold stuff,
Hunter, you know that?
For a law abiding
citizen like myself.
Whatcha thinking when
you're walking in my bedroom?
Think you're gonna be
getting some real soon.
You're a player and,
baby, I'm no fool.
Why you thinking
that you're so cool?
Think I'm gonna be
getting some real soon.
Don't think that,
baby, I'm a fool.
I'm thinking that
you're so cool.
Give me your mind, everything
you do just gets me off.
You look so hot.
Turn your back up here,
we'll give it a shot.
So cool.
You're so cool.
Thinking when you're
walking in my bedroom,
man's therapy,
think you're gonna
be getting some real soon.
You're a player and I know.
Yeah.
Come in.
Mr. French.
That's right, Mr. Orozco.
But you can call me Frenchy.
Everybody does.
You say you have a
business proposition
that you know will interest me?
I truly do.
That is, if you are,
as I'm informed,
still interested in finding
a certain Sporty James.
If I could tell you
where to find him, what...
What'd that be worth?
Well, he has $1 million
American that belong to certain
valued associates of mine.
If I find him and
get the million back,
that would be worth $100,000.
If I find him and do
not get back the money,
it's worth nothing.
I heard you uh...
You want to make an
example out of the dude.
We want our money back.
He means nothing to
us, dead or alive.
My offer is clean and simple.
What it is, is you
give me 10 grand.
I tell you where
you can find Sporty.
And if you get your money
back, I get another 90.
I trust you for it.
Hm.
You know a runner
by the name of Curtis?
Yeah.
Well, he make a deal just
like the one you want to make.
And then he double cross me.
Two of my men go to jail.
I have to bail them
out, which I forfeited
because I send them home.
How do I know you
not trying the same?
I want the 100 grand.
And I just happen to
hate Sporty James' guts.
A fact you can
check out with just
about anybody on the street.
But you want
10,000 right now, eh?
And I'm trusting
you for the other 90.
You'll right to take me for 10.
Would I make an enemy
out of you, Mr. Orozco,
over a measly 10 grand?
I don't know.
But, uh, I will check
out you, as you say.
Maybe we do business.
Uh, well... well, my...
My office is the
Midtown Athletic Club.
That other number's the...
The phone in my car.
When the price is right, I'm
available 24 hours a day.
Good.
Sweetheart, I don't...
I don't think you should
make the call from here.
You don't know what you're
getting yourself into.
Orozco's too dangerous
to be playing games with.
Sharon, the phones
here are not tapped.
Besides, time is of the essence.
Sit over here, please, will you?
I got to go to work, darling.
Homicide.
McCall.
McCall, Kenny Dunstan here.
Where are you?
I'm at Pizzazz, the disco.
I just saw something that I
gotta talk to you and Hunter
about, but not on the phone.
Have something good, huh?
Well, I'll let you be
the judge of that, darling.
Where do you want to meet?
Max's, the coffee shop in..
I got to take my
girlfriend, Sharon, home.
So I'll meet you in
about half an hour.
OK.
And I know this for
sure, that Frenchy
is Sporty enemy number one.
And Frenchy met with
Orozco for a reason.
If there's anyone
in this town who
could find where
Sporty's hiding,
it's going to be Frenchy.
Take my word for it,
McCall, get on this guy.
Yeah.
I think we definitely ought to
put Frenchy under surveillance.
OK.
Thanks, Kenny.
Oh, McCall, darling,
if, by any chance,
a large sum of money comes
into the department's hands,
would a reasonable
amount be set aside
for my personal and professional
services in this matter?
Or what?
The legend speaks.
Sure.
10% maybe?
I'll check it out.
And listen, since you're
so into making a profit,
I'll let you pick up the check.
A pleasure.
I wouldn't think of
letting a lady pay.
Of course not.
Good night.
Good night, darling.
Eh.
L-57, this is L-56.
Come in, please.
Lincoln 56.
Go.
Two Latinos in custom made
suits just went into the gym.
I got a real strong feeling
they're from Orozco.
Just sit on them and
see what comes out.
Lincoln 56, clear.
Hello.
They just came out.
And they're in a big hurry.
Something's going on here.
You stay with them.
They may be headed back
to Orozco's discotheque.
I think I'll go inside and have
a little chat with Frenchy.
Something, uh, I can do for you?
Yeah.
I need to see Frenchy.
Frenchy?
Yeah.
You know, the guy
that owns the place?
Oh, that Frenchy.
Yeah.
That Frenchy's not here.
You wouldn't lie
to me, would you?
Frenchy not here.
You calling me a liar?
Look, pal.
We can either do two things.
You can take me
to go see Frenchy,
or I can get some squad cars
to surround this place in about
15 minutes, and bring
a search warrant,
and turn this place upside down.
How about it?
I'll call you back.
He says he just wants to talk.
That's right.
About Sporty James.
OK.
Outside.
I understand you and Raphael
Orozco had a nice little chat
at his discotheque last night.
I don't have to talk to you.
So you want me to get
some muscle in here?
Or you want to go in peace?
Look, Sporty James'
life is in jeopardy.
I really do need your help.
I don't give a damn what you
need. you Don't come in here
and talk...
Let me just tell you something.
Sporty's life isn't the
only life in danger here,
you got that?
Lincoln 56 request two backups
at 4010 Mulholland Drive.
Permission to respond code 3.
- Everything's secured?
- Yes, sir.
We got it all secured
from the outside.
Stevens, Slope, and Meyers
are on the back and the side.
How about Sky Fox?
He been here?
Helicopter checked
the roof and the area.
No sign of anything unusual.
- Tell your guys I'm going in.
- You got it.
Plainclothes officer coming in.
Watch your sectors.
House is all clear.
Lincoln 56 to Lincoln 57.
Come in, please.
This is L-57.
Go ahead.
RICK HUNTER: McCall, you still
out in front of the nightclub?
- Yeah.
I'm right out front.
Get a search warrant
and some backup.
I'm 15 minutes away.
They've got Sporty.
Haven't found him yet.
Sergeants, no Sporty James.
You've looked everywhere?
Searched the entire building.
He's not here.
- No sign of him?
- No, sir.
I think it's time
to talk to our friend.
Yeah.
I need to talk to
him for a minute.
Lay off!
I'm calling my lawyer.
- Good.
You do that.
Let me explain something
to you real quickly here.
Your boss is involved
in a kidnapping charge.
Wait any longer, it's going
to turn into a murder rap.
And you're going
to be an accessory.
Now talk to me.
Oh, how'd I get into this?
Speak up.
Warehouse in San Pedro,
corner of Ocean and Arrow.
He talks to nobody.
Do me a favor.
Call Mike Stevens.
Tell him to meet us at the
corner of Arrow and Ocean
in San Pedro.
Make it quick.
Yes, sir.
You can get blood out of me,
Senior Orozco, but you cannot
get blood out of a turnip.
Which is what I am
at this present time.
So I repeat, I do not
have your million dollars!
It is not my million dollars.
It belongs to countryman of mine
who want their money, or you.
Now they tell me if the
man gave you all the money,
well, let him go like
nothing ever happened.
See?
But if he do not
give you the money,
then we kill him and
we forget the money.
So comprende?
I repeat, man, look,
if I had the money,
don't you think I
would give it to you?
Nobody wants to be
a dead millionaire.
Take him out of
here and kill him.
Wait.
OK, man.
OK.
OK.
You win.
You win!
I got your million dollars, OK?
Hold it right there, Orozco!
Drop your guns!
I demand to call my attorney.
You're under arrest
for kidnapping,
assault, and attempted murder.
Get him out of here.
You all right?
I'm fine, McCall.
But while he's
calling his attorney,
do you mind if I
call my dentist?
Orozco is still talking.
And Stevens and the DA are
very, very happy about this.
But we're not too happy, Sporty.
Because a Orozco
says that you told
him that you had the money.
McCall, he was
going to shoot me.
Of course I told him I had it.
But I assure you I don't.
What'd you do,
Sporty, give it away?
No chance.
Look, charitable contributions
are deductible for only 20%
of your earnings.
I would owe the IRS a fortune.
Not top mention that if I
gave away a million dollars
I'd never live it down.
Sporty...
I know where the money is.
What?
I just checked
our records, Sporty.
Marguerite's last
name was Montero, as
in Montero Child Care Center.
Formerly, Slauson Avenue
Child Care Center.
Right, Sporty?
They recently were the
recipients of the following...
More teachers, new paint,
new equipment, and computers
throughout school.
That don't mean a thing, Hunter.
Matty Skipper told me that
an anonymous donor had,
through the good officers
of a tax attorney,
donated $1 million
to the center.
Now she said she
didn't know who it
was because it was anonymous.
But she said it was all as
legal as the Constitution.
Anonymous.
So the Colombians know
nothing about this, right?
I don't think I'm
going to have to worry
about those Colombians.
They're going to conclude that
if I had had their money, I
would have given it to Senior
Orozco, which is all too true,
because I would have.
But I want to thank you
both for your kind concern.
You're welcome.
Oh, my jaw.
Wait up, Sporty.
Let's have Sporty buy is lunch.
we send them a message.
And here's what
it's going to read.
I assume you think
he's still alive.
That is not Sporty's lifestyle.
Look, Sporty's missing.
You wouldn't know where he is?
Where is he?
Where is he?
If I could tell you
where to find him, what...
What that'd be worth?
Sporty's life
isn't the only life
in danger here, you got that?
Barney, what's happening?
Hunter, McCall,
eh, we've got another one here.
Shot from three, maybe
four inches away.
The odd thing
is, what's a guy in a $700,
$800 suit doing in
a place like this?
No ID in his wallet.
Just money.
Lots of money.
Any weapon?
Apparently the killer
took it with him.
There are signs of a
scuffle in the dust here.
We've got pictures of it.
But no footprints.
Nothing useful.
Oh, we found this in his wallet.
Busca a Raphael.
See Raphael.
I think I will.
I'll have Hank wait for me,
take me back to the station.
Yeah.
Thanks, Barney.
OK, guys.
Is there anything
left to get here?
We'll give it a long, hard look.
But I think what you
see is what we got.
You know anything
about this place?
Yeah.
It's a disco.
The current in spot
for the coke users.
Turn it over then.
This refers to
the owner, probably.
Rafael Orozco.
- Yeah.
I went by a little while ago.
Place was locked up.
Not surprised.
They don't open till 10:00 PM.
90% of celebrities that show
up are known coke users.
What do you mean?
You're saying they deal there?
No.
Rafael is a wholesaler.
We think the showbiz
folks go there
as a kind of payoff to Orozco
to keep him well supplied.
Do you know this guy?
I'm sorry.
I don't.
Where did this go down?
Behind a building
about two miles from the disco.
Has Narcotics got
a case on Orozco?
Yeah.
But it's very low key because
the DEA is all over him
and they're very nervous.
They don't want spook him.
Maybe I should run by
and see Mike Stevens?
Huh?
Good idea.
Thanks, Nate.
Anybody checking the
area around the warehouse
for witnesses?
- Yeah.
Dilly and Roswell.
Those two?
Somebody's got to do it.
There's probably no
connection whatsoever
between your dead body
and Rafael Orozco.
Oh, you hope so, Mike.
Look, we've got
an action underway
called Operation Scorpio.
Orozco is the top Colombian
boss on the West Coast.
If we can nail him, we
can do some real damage.
So, please, don't go near him.
He's not involved
in some low rent
shoot out on Venice Boulevard.
It's not his style.
Yes?
It's for you, McCall.
Go.
Great.
Hold on to her.
I'll be right there.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Look, Mike, relax.
If we have to deal
with Orozco, we'll...
We'll talk to you first, huh?
And I heard
this real loud noise.
Now, I... I've got arthritis.
So I couldn't get to the
window as fast as I wanted to.
But fast enough.
Because I seen this black
man running out of there.
Mrs. Parsons, how far away
from the building is your home?
Honey, don't call me Missus.
I'm a Miss and proud of it.
My name is Emma.
OK.
Emma, how far away were
you from what you saw?
I've lived there long before
they built that old eyesore.
Now it's dead and gone
and I'm still there.
Great.
And how far away is there?
Let's see.
There's the alley, then
there's my backyard.
Not real big.
And then there's my house.
And there's nothing the
matter with my eyes either.
I seen that man real good.
Oh, well, then you would...
You would recognize him
again if you saw him, right?
Oh, I sure would.
He was kind of scrawny like.
But a real flashy dresser.
And he's got this big
ugly gun in his hand.
He jumps into this
big maroon car
and he drives off lickety split.
You say he killed someone?
Do you know the of the car?
Oh, honey.
I don't know one kind
of a car from another.
But I can read.
Now, here it is.
There was another
car there, too.
The dark one.
But by the time I got back with
my pen and paper, it was gone.
But I did remember the first
one and I wrote it down 'cause
I figured he killed somebody.
Two Paul
Charlie Edward three one six.
Scrawny man, flashy
dresser, maroon car?
Emma, I want to thank you
very much for coming by.
You've been a big help.
Officer Dinley
will take you home.
He's right over there.
You think this is possible?
This is Sporty.
His car's here.
Why doesn't answer the phone?
Just relax now.
Maybe he just got here.
Let's go find out.
Come on.
Sporty!
Open it up.
I don't want to open it up.
Look, they have a thing called
a search warrant to keep cops
like you and I out of trouble.
So I'll go pick one up, OK?
It's no big deal.
I want you to get your two
little prongs out of there...
And jam in the door.
Come on.
Why do I always have to do this?
Sporty's a friend of ours.
And besides, you got the purse.
Come on.
Great.
Here we go.
One, two.
I think they got him.
But you told me Bogota's
men got that million bucks.
It was in the report.
Charlie, Sporty didn't have it.
We didn't find it.
And that's they way it
looked to us at the time.
We had to
believe Sporty, Captain.
He didn't suddenly start
to change his spending
habits or anything.
Well, it's pretty damn
obvious now that he did have it,
isn't it?
- Yeah.
And that Bogata's
people want it back.
OK.
You got any idea where he is?
No.
Car's in the basement
of his condo.
But he's not there.
How do you know that?
We knocked.
And then you let
yourselves in, right?
Well, he was...
We were worried
about him, Captain.
So you broke and entered
and he wasn't there.
Then what?
We went in, looked
around, the place was clean.
But Sporty was gone.
So we left.
Well, Sporty may be dead.
You know that.
Maybe.
I mean, it's obvious
they want the money back.
But they're liable
to kill him just
to send us a message, that
no one steals from them
and gets away with it.
Now we still got no
ID on this dead body?
There was no ID on the
guy's face or his prints.
He's probably a newly
arrived Colombian.
Well, I'll tell you
something, troops.
I think it's about time
we send them a message.
And here's where
it's going to read.
Nobody comes up here and
executes an American citizen
and gets away with it.
You read me on this one?
Loud and clear.
We'll get it out.
Thanks.
I'd... I could live
another 30 years,
I would still owe the guy.
He helps people who don't
even know he's doing it.
He's like the Frank
Sinatra of Central Avenue.
You don't appear to
be in mourning, Kenny.
So I assume you think
he's still alive.
Sporty, dead?
Hunter, I thought you knew him.
That is not Sporty's lifestyle.
No.
There's absolutely no
way he could be dead.
Are you sure about that?
Well, if you mean do I
know where he is right now?
No.
But he's around.
That I believe without question.
And alive and well.
Well, he won't be
if we don't find him first.
Is it that bad?
Look, I... I was doing a little
time up at the college there
when this whole Bogata
thing came down.
I don't... clue me
in a bit, will you?
Two of Bogata's
thugs killed a man in an alley.
Sporty saw that.
And when they came looking for
him, they couldn't find him.
So they went
looking for Sporty's
girlfriend, Marguerite.
Remember her?
Oh, yeah.
I liked her.
Sporty really loved that girl.
Yeah.
Now when she wouldn't
talk, they killed her.
Yeah.
I remember that.
Couple of days later, Bogota was
killed in a police shootout.
Over $1 million of
drug money disappeared.
Sporty got it?
I think he's got it.
Yeah.
Well, you did the right thing
then, coming to Kenny Dunstan.
Because you came to the
legion, I will definitely
get back to you real soon.
Make it sooner, Kenny, huh?
You have
been doing very good with us,
Curtis, is that not so?
I got no
complaints, Mr. Orozco.
And you don't have
any against me.
Or do you?
Oh, I have heard nothing but
good things about you, amigo.
The honest man you
work with trusts you.
That's why you're here.
If he trusts you, I trust you.
I see.
And the reason that I'm here?
You know a certain gentleman
by the name of Sporty James?
Oh, I know the gentleman.
But not close, you understand?
But, yes, I do know him.
We're what you
call acquaintances.
Where is he?
Where is he?
You mean, right now?
Yes, right now.
Where is he?
Well, I could
guess, Mr. Orozco,
but I couldn't say for
absolutely certain.
I don't know.
I think you do.
Mr. Orozco, you
are probably looking
at the one man
who could find out
where this gentleman might be.
Now I do not know at
this particular time.
But if you give me a day or two,
maybe three, I will locate him.
I guarantee it.
You have 12 hours.
If you do not find
him in 12 hours,
I will assume that
you have lied to me.
And then we will
have another meeting.
Look, I told Sergeant Hunter
I don't know where he is.
Yeah.
And Hunter told you that
if we don't find Sporty,
he'll be dead.
That's if he's not dead already.
Now come on, Kirby.
Help us out here.
His life's on the line.
You know Curtis?
Yes, I know Curtis.
He came by to see
me late last evening.
Curtis was awful
anxious to find Sporty.
Awful anxious.
Thanks, Kirby.
Lincoln 56.
Go.
We got to find Curtis.
He's into this
thing with Sporty.
And I'm not sure
who's sign he's on.
McCall, don't
worry about Curtis.
He found me.
He's on our side.
I gotta go.
I'll talk to you later,
Lincoln 56, clear.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
That's right.
West End Hotel.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Yeah.
You know where that is, right?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well, you better step on
it because I can't say
how long Sporty will be there.
Yeah.
You owe me one, Hunter.
- Uh huh.
- Orozco is nasty.
- Yeah.
OK.
Look, I'll meet you at
Harry's Bar in one hour.
- Got it?
- Sure.
Yeah.
I'll be there.
Sure.
This don't bother
me at all, Hunter.
No problem.
I'll be there.
- Good.
- Yeah.
Give it an hour.
Don't move.
Excuse me.
Get up.
You guys speak English?
Yes.
We speak very good English.
Yeah.
Put your hands on
top of your head.
That's what I thought.
Bus 304
for San Francisco, Portland,
and Seattle, now boarding.
All passengers for
bus 304, please board.
Oh, no.
Come here.
Weren't we supposed to meet?
Man, are you putting me on?
This town is too hot
for your friend Curtis.
Now those Colombos know that I
am the dude that set them up.
I got to blow this
sweet city until you
put Orozco and his troops away.
Come here.
Stand over here.
I think you know
where Sporty is.
I've got a bus to catch, Hunter.
I thought you and
Sporty were pals.
Hey, I just put
myself on a death
list of some real mean
people for Sporty.
Now I cooperated with
you because me and Sporty
are soul brothers, man.
He practically adopted me
when I came back from the 'Nam
with my head all messed up.
Now you want me to
tell you where he is,
so you can bust him.
Now why would I want to do that?
Maybe because you
think he's got a million bucks
stashed away somewhere, huh?
Or maybe you want to book
him on a murder charge?
Huh?
Uh huh.
Sit down.
Come on.
Now, Curtis, we want
the million bucks back.
Sporty knows that.
Yeah.
But we also know
Sporty is not a murderer.
That cat's in trouble, man.
We've got to help him.
Are you being straight
with me, Hunter?
Yeah.
I'm being straight
with you, Curtis.
He's alive, isn't he?
Sporty?
Sporty will outlive us all, man.
That's his nature.
The only time I have
ever seen Sporty down,
I mean really down, is
when he lost Marguerite.
Had me worried
there for a while.
I mean, the cat
was suffering, man.
Way down deep, in here.
Then one day, he just
pulled out of it.
Nah, Hunter, you don't
have to worry about Sporty.
That's one rad cat
with nine lives.
OK.
Just one more time.
Now he may not be at
any of these places.
But I think you can
find him at one of them.
Last call, bus 208.
Bus 208 for Tucson,
El Paso, and Dallas.
Last call.
OK.
That's... that's me.
I got to go.
Mm, Hunter, now I am
trusting you because I
know Sporty trusts you, OK?
Great.
Now as Kenny Dunstan would
say, eh, don't call me, baby.
I'll call you, right?
Thanks, Curtis.
Hey!
Pen?
Oh, yeah.
Right.
Nice pen.
That's him.
Hey!
What the hell kind
of driving is that?
I got kids on this bus!
You hear what...
Open up!
Or I blow you away.
Shut up!
Be cool!
Hey, get up, man.
This is going with me.
You don't need no bag.
Get going.
You make one move, I'll
blow your brains out!
Freeze!
Police!
Right there, very
slowly, drop the gun.
Curtis, get back on the bus.
I'm going to send you the most
wonderful postcard ever!
Shut the door.
Put this on your left wrist.
You OK, son?
All right!
Ah, la-la-la-la-la!
Hallelujah!
The forces of law and
order are all outside!
Lincoln 56, request a
990 for two CCW suspects
at the southeast
corner of Third and...
Third and Carver ASAP.
[CHILDREN LAUGHING AND
[PLAYING]
Thank you.
Yes?
Sergeant Hunter,
Metropolitan Police.
What can I do for you?
I have a warrant to search the
premises for an Arnold James.
Mr James sometimes brings us
toys for the children, sometimes
takes a small group of them
fishing or to Disneyland.
But he has no official
connection with the center.
He wouldn't be here.
Some friends of Mr James
said this might be one
of the places I could find him.
I'd... I really would
appreciate your help.
May I see the search warrant?
Sure.
Thank you.
What's, uh... what's in here?
It's a storeroom.
Hasn't been opened for years.
It's locked.
Can we get it there?
It's full of junk.
We should try to get in there.
I don't even know if
it's going to be on here.
I'll... I'll give
it a try though.
Good.
How you doing, Sporty?
Good afternoon, Sergeant.
To what do I owe this
delightful surprise?
Then Pearly shows
up and says the same thing,
that two dudes in
expensive suits
and south of the
border accents are
handing out cash money
for any information
about my whereabouts.
So I decide to take me a
fast out of town holiday.
You know what I mean?
And so I... you
know, I dash home,
pick up a few necessities.
Now I always stick a
hair in the doorjamb,
a long, thick hair
from a lucky racehorse
belonged to a friend of mine.
I stick it about a
foot above the floor.
Well, that hair was
not where I put it.
And that tells me that somebody
has messed with my door.
Or worse yet, is waiting inside.
I do not hang around
to find out which.
A couple of bad
times later and I'm
finding myself boxed
in with no place
to go but that old building.
Ah!
I swear, this is the whole
truth and nothing but.
It wasn't even self-defense.
It was... read my lips...
Accidental.
Yeah.
Well, all of the evidence
points to a struggle.
And the DA is not
going to file charges
even if we wanted them to.
But Sporty, these
guys are Colombians.
They're Bogata's men.
They want their million bucks.
Yeah.
I know that which
creates a big problem
because I don't have it.
Where is it, Sporty?
Hunter, suppose
one of those guys
saw me putting it
in a locker, right?
And took it and didn't
say anything about it.
You better hope
that didn't happen,
Sporty, because if it did,
you have no way out of this.
You understand?
Hunter, you are right.
And believe me, if I had it,
man, I would give it to them.
I do not have it.
Maybe we ought to put you
in a safe place for a while.
You know, a little
protective custody?
Thanks.
But no thanks.
However, I would appreciate
it if you would drop
me off at Central and Bristol.
You can take the bus, Sporty.
That's some cold stuff,
Hunter, you know that?
For a law abiding
citizen like myself.
Whatcha thinking when
you're walking in my bedroom?
Think you're gonna be
getting some real soon.
You're a player and,
baby, I'm no fool.
Why you thinking
that you're so cool?
Think I'm gonna be
getting some real soon.
Don't think that,
baby, I'm a fool.
I'm thinking that
you're so cool.
Give me your mind, everything
you do just gets me off.
You look so hot.
Turn your back up here,
we'll give it a shot.
So cool.
You're so cool.
Thinking when you're
walking in my bedroom,
man's therapy,
think you're gonna
be getting some real soon.
You're a player and I know.
Yeah.
Come in.
Mr. French.
That's right, Mr. Orozco.
But you can call me Frenchy.
Everybody does.
You say you have a
business proposition
that you know will interest me?
I truly do.
That is, if you are,
as I'm informed,
still interested in finding
a certain Sporty James.
If I could tell you
where to find him, what...
What'd that be worth?
Well, he has $1 million
American that belong to certain
valued associates of mine.
If I find him and
get the million back,
that would be worth $100,000.
If I find him and do
not get back the money,
it's worth nothing.
I heard you uh...
You want to make an
example out of the dude.
We want our money back.
He means nothing to
us, dead or alive.
My offer is clean and simple.
What it is, is you
give me 10 grand.
I tell you where
you can find Sporty.
And if you get your money
back, I get another 90.
I trust you for it.
Hm.
You know a runner
by the name of Curtis?
Yeah.
Well, he make a deal just
like the one you want to make.
And then he double cross me.
Two of my men go to jail.
I have to bail them
out, which I forfeited
because I send them home.
How do I know you
not trying the same?
I want the 100 grand.
And I just happen to
hate Sporty James' guts.
A fact you can
check out with just
about anybody on the street.
But you want
10,000 right now, eh?
And I'm trusting
you for the other 90.
You'll right to take me for 10.
Would I make an enemy
out of you, Mr. Orozco,
over a measly 10 grand?
I don't know.
But, uh, I will check
out you, as you say.
Maybe we do business.
Uh, well... well, my...
My office is the
Midtown Athletic Club.
That other number's the...
The phone in my car.
When the price is right, I'm
available 24 hours a day.
Good.
Sweetheart, I don't...
I don't think you should
make the call from here.
You don't know what you're
getting yourself into.
Orozco's too dangerous
to be playing games with.
Sharon, the phones
here are not tapped.
Besides, time is of the essence.
Sit over here, please, will you?
I got to go to work, darling.
Homicide.
McCall.
McCall, Kenny Dunstan here.
Where are you?
I'm at Pizzazz, the disco.
I just saw something that I
gotta talk to you and Hunter
about, but not on the phone.
Have something good, huh?
Well, I'll let you be
the judge of that, darling.
Where do you want to meet?
Max's, the coffee shop in..
I got to take my
girlfriend, Sharon, home.
So I'll meet you in
about half an hour.
OK.
And I know this for
sure, that Frenchy
is Sporty enemy number one.
And Frenchy met with
Orozco for a reason.
If there's anyone
in this town who
could find where
Sporty's hiding,
it's going to be Frenchy.
Take my word for it,
McCall, get on this guy.
Yeah.
I think we definitely ought to
put Frenchy under surveillance.
OK.
Thanks, Kenny.
Oh, McCall, darling,
if, by any chance,
a large sum of money comes
into the department's hands,
would a reasonable
amount be set aside
for my personal and professional
services in this matter?
Or what?
The legend speaks.
Sure.
10% maybe?
I'll check it out.
And listen, since you're
so into making a profit,
I'll let you pick up the check.
A pleasure.
I wouldn't think of
letting a lady pay.
Of course not.
Good night.
Good night, darling.
Eh.
L-57, this is L-56.
Come in, please.
Lincoln 56.
Go.
Two Latinos in custom made
suits just went into the gym.
I got a real strong feeling
they're from Orozco.
Just sit on them and
see what comes out.
Lincoln 56, clear.
Hello.
They just came out.
And they're in a big hurry.
Something's going on here.
You stay with them.
They may be headed back
to Orozco's discotheque.
I think I'll go inside and have
a little chat with Frenchy.
Something, uh, I can do for you?
Yeah.
I need to see Frenchy.
Frenchy?
Yeah.
You know, the guy
that owns the place?
Oh, that Frenchy.
Yeah.
That Frenchy's not here.
You wouldn't lie
to me, would you?
Frenchy not here.
You calling me a liar?
Look, pal.
We can either do two things.
You can take me
to go see Frenchy,
or I can get some squad cars
to surround this place in about
15 minutes, and bring
a search warrant,
and turn this place upside down.
How about it?
I'll call you back.
He says he just wants to talk.
That's right.
About Sporty James.
OK.
Outside.
I understand you and Raphael
Orozco had a nice little chat
at his discotheque last night.
I don't have to talk to you.
So you want me to get
some muscle in here?
Or you want to go in peace?
Look, Sporty James'
life is in jeopardy.
I really do need your help.
I don't give a damn what you
need. you Don't come in here
and talk...
Let me just tell you something.
Sporty's life isn't the
only life in danger here,
you got that?
Lincoln 56 request two backups
at 4010 Mulholland Drive.
Permission to respond code 3.
- Everything's secured?
- Yes, sir.
We got it all secured
from the outside.
Stevens, Slope, and Meyers
are on the back and the side.
How about Sky Fox?
He been here?
Helicopter checked
the roof and the area.
No sign of anything unusual.
- Tell your guys I'm going in.
- You got it.
Plainclothes officer coming in.
Watch your sectors.
House is all clear.
Lincoln 56 to Lincoln 57.
Come in, please.
This is L-57.
Go ahead.
RICK HUNTER: McCall, you still
out in front of the nightclub?
- Yeah.
I'm right out front.
Get a search warrant
and some backup.
I'm 15 minutes away.
They've got Sporty.
Haven't found him yet.
Sergeants, no Sporty James.
You've looked everywhere?
Searched the entire building.
He's not here.
- No sign of him?
- No, sir.
I think it's time
to talk to our friend.
Yeah.
I need to talk to
him for a minute.
Lay off!
I'm calling my lawyer.
- Good.
You do that.
Let me explain something
to you real quickly here.
Your boss is involved
in a kidnapping charge.
Wait any longer, it's going
to turn into a murder rap.
And you're going
to be an accessory.
Now talk to me.
Oh, how'd I get into this?
Speak up.
Warehouse in San Pedro,
corner of Ocean and Arrow.
He talks to nobody.
Do me a favor.
Call Mike Stevens.
Tell him to meet us at the
corner of Arrow and Ocean
in San Pedro.
Make it quick.
Yes, sir.
You can get blood out of me,
Senior Orozco, but you cannot
get blood out of a turnip.
Which is what I am
at this present time.
So I repeat, I do not
have your million dollars!
It is not my million dollars.
It belongs to countryman of mine
who want their money, or you.
Now they tell me if the
man gave you all the money,
well, let him go like
nothing ever happened.
See?
But if he do not
give you the money,
then we kill him and
we forget the money.
So comprende?
I repeat, man, look,
if I had the money,
don't you think I
would give it to you?
Nobody wants to be
a dead millionaire.
Take him out of
here and kill him.
Wait.
OK, man.
OK.
OK.
You win.
You win!
I got your million dollars, OK?
Hold it right there, Orozco!
Drop your guns!
I demand to call my attorney.
You're under arrest
for kidnapping,
assault, and attempted murder.
Get him out of here.
You all right?
I'm fine, McCall.
But while he's
calling his attorney,
do you mind if I
call my dentist?
Orozco is still talking.
And Stevens and the DA are
very, very happy about this.
But we're not too happy, Sporty.
Because a Orozco
says that you told
him that you had the money.
McCall, he was
going to shoot me.
Of course I told him I had it.
But I assure you I don't.
What'd you do,
Sporty, give it away?
No chance.
Look, charitable contributions
are deductible for only 20%
of your earnings.
I would owe the IRS a fortune.
Not top mention that if I
gave away a million dollars
I'd never live it down.
Sporty...
I know where the money is.
What?
I just checked
our records, Sporty.
Marguerite's last
name was Montero, as
in Montero Child Care Center.
Formerly, Slauson Avenue
Child Care Center.
Right, Sporty?
They recently were the
recipients of the following...
More teachers, new paint,
new equipment, and computers
throughout school.
That don't mean a thing, Hunter.
Matty Skipper told me that
an anonymous donor had,
through the good officers
of a tax attorney,
donated $1 million
to the center.
Now she said she
didn't know who it
was because it was anonymous.
But she said it was all as
legal as the Constitution.
Anonymous.
So the Colombians know
nothing about this, right?
I don't think I'm
going to have to worry
about those Colombians.
They're going to conclude that
if I had had their money, I
would have given it to Senior
Orozco, which is all too true,
because I would have.
But I want to thank you
both for your kind concern.
You're welcome.
Oh, my jaw.
Wait up, Sporty.
Let's have Sporty buy is lunch.