(KEACH's office. KEACH sits behind his desk, while ACTPOT slouches in the most comfortable guest chair. GREENS is roaming around like he's next for the hot seat. KEACH is yelling for answers before the curtain even rises; even as the lights start darkening to kill intermission!)

KEACH. I want some answers, you're gonna talk, and talk fast!

ACTPOT. I fear you may find me incomprehensible.

KEACH. You're always that way, cut the stalling, what were you doing there?

ACTPOT. Why, waiting for You. You did proclaim it was a shame I leave when people seem to get themselves killed.

KEACH. With no help from you or the monkey, I'm sure.

GREENS. (Resents that) You should go on the road, right in the middle of it.

KEACH. Where's the dame?

ACTPOT. Dame?

MACULIC. (Enters hotly) Chief, we got something out of him.

ACTPOT. What do you mean?

KEACH. He's conscious? Bring him in here. (MACULIC goes out) This may be a bit of luck.

ACTPOT. Do you mind if I stay?

KEACH. Say, that's good! Did you hear the one about -? Ah! (Waves him to sit down)

MACULIC. (With COP, brings in a groaning ETHAN, badly wounded) He's spillin' all kinds of crazy talk. I think he wants his mama.

GREENS. Don't be silly, the zoo's closed by now.

KEACH. (Up and over to ETHAN) What gives with the murder in Your office? (No lucid response) How'd he get there? (The same) Who'd want to kill you or your boss?

ETHAN. (Managing just this) I don't know nothin'.

GREENS. I can vouch for him there, chief.

KEACH. Shut up! (Goes back to his desk) Why can't I have those ordinary kinda murders, you're always readin' about in the sports column.

ACTPOT. (Thinks, then goes to ETHAN) Ethan. You realize you boss is dead.

ETHAN. (Delirious) Oh no...

ACTPOT. We both saw it, Ethan. He'd want you to come clean. He'd want his killers caught.

KEACH. What do you mean killers? (ACTPOT waves him to shh)

ETHAN. (Coming out of it somewhat) Boss... boss... I couldn't get to him.

ACTPOT. I know. We know that, Ethan. Who were they?

ETHAN. They - they - he didn't know. It was a payoff.

ACTPOT. Pay off for what?

ETHAN. Business. Sometimes - they shipped with his name. On the crates. Big business like the boss - he's got the freights, the time, the talent.

ACTPOT. Yes. Go on.

ETHAN. (Clearer mind) It was the dummy kickbacks, ya see. Like a payoff. Only, there was never no money. Bringing the rocks in like cash, and the boss, he did with 'em like he did. He loves that stuff.

ACTPOT. A double smuggling, both ways. Only he got the fever a little more than was beneficial. Started taking a slightly larger share?

ETHAN. No! No, that ain't the boss at all. You got him wrong. He - he never was a crook. I mean, he was as honest as my arm is long.

MACULIC. Yeah?

ETHAN. Yeah, he wouldn't do nothin'.

ACTPOT. Who were they, Ethan? What's his real connection with the Smith girl?

ETHAN. Smith? Yeah. Smith. He had - (Suddenly freezes, and dies. Long pause)

KEACH. Say, that's a tough break.

GREENS. Gee. Now I feel kinda bad.

ACTPOT. (Examines ETHAN) Keach. This man was poisoned.

KEACH. What! (Runs over) What are you talkin' about? He was stabbed. (Looks at body) Hmm. - Yeah. Color of the cheeks. The tongue. - But he was stabbed!

ACTPOT. I'm afraid this particularly group of nasties is rather methodical.

GREENS. You mean now we're fightin' priests?

KEACH. Get that stiff outa here! (MACULIC goes for GREENS) Nah, the other one. You were right the first time. (COP and MACULIC take ETHAN out. KEACH is stymied) What gives? Huh? Is it too much to ask?

ACTPOT. - I think, I may have an idea, inspector. Purely of my own composition. - There was no identification on the murdered man, I take it.

KEACH. Unless you took it. You should know, you probably searched the body before we got there.

ACTPOT. (Smiles) Yes. But there are all sorts of - hiding places.

KEACH. My men are completely A-number 2.

GREENS. What happened to 1?

KEACH. You're looking at him.

GREENS. I could open me mouth.

ACTPOT. The bottom line is...

KEACH. Nothin'. Clean as a whistle, if that says anything.

ACTPOT. Let me lay down a few facts for you, inspector. The man murdered with a knife. Yet, obviously, knew how to use a gun. They were set for night-stalking. Did not wish to make a sound. Something in there they wanted. More than likely didn't find. Perhaps kept it on him, this, Gehill. Do you have the contents of his pockets?

KEACH. Yeah. (Goes behind desk, takes out plastic bag) What's all this Alabaster Alichrome I'm hearing about?

ACTPOT. I certainly wouldn't know, Benjamin. (Looks through contents: coins, wallet, which he gives to GREENS to look over, two small wooden blocks, a comb, three sets of price tags. As he looks, he speaks, slowly)

Our assassins. Leave nothing to chance. I would suspect, you'll find, poison in our Mr. Gehill's system as well.

KEACH. So.

ACTPOT. I'm just talking.

KEACH. Cut the stalling! - And where's that Smith dame?

ACTPOT. - An arab. Or so we assume. Such a queer place to be. Perhaps he was one of "they".

KEACH. That's brilliant. Did you work all that out yourself?

GREENS. Well I ain't seen a cop yet that could whip and pull himself at the same time. KEACH. (To ACTPOT) Listen you -!

ACTPOT. Benjamin. Benjamin. What did you find out about our Squire Hawkins?

KEACH. How does he fit in here? (ACTPOT shrugs) Well, he's not a property man. Just one spot. And your uncle Sam's sitting square. (Hands say: right in the middle)

ACTPOT. Criminal record? (MACULIC enters)

KEACH. Nah, he's clean.

MACULIC. There's one of those Federal boys outside, chief.

KEACH. Awright.

ACTPOT. Who questioned him?

MACULIC. You don't question those guys, they walk tall!

KEACH. What's it to you?

ACTPOT. I guess I'm just curious. (KEACH points at MACULIC) Maculic, when did you first see this man?

MACULIC. He's waitin' right outside. And chief, he looks like he's powered by the sun, I think you better see him quick.

ACTPOT. There's plenty of daylight left. What did Hawkins say to you? Everything.

MACULIC. Well, not everything. Just wondered what I was doin' there. I couldn't even get in to see him, like he was taking a shower or somethin'. (ACTPOT considers) He didn't know nothin'. Sam pays his bills, gets his newspaper, that's -

CROYDEN. (The government man, all important and stiff, enters) I couldn't wait any longer. What I say is of the vitalest importance. (KEACH looks at ACTPOT)

ACTPOT. Oh! Yes. - I think I'll go have a word with our Mr. Hawkins.

MACULIC. Room 3.

ACTPOT. Thanks. (KEACH gives MACULIC the evil eye and ACTPOT goes)

KEACH. The dame!

GREENS. (Following him out) My, ain't it close in here. (Door slams)

CROYDEN. Do you know this man? (Hands picture to KEACH)

MACULIC. (Can also see) Say.... that's Sam Milhouse!

KEACH. (Looks at MACULIC) You don't mind if I make the identifying marks, do ya?

MACULIC. I wouldn't mind, chief.

KEACH. Thanks. - Why the publicity still?

CROYDEN. (Holds out hand) I'm Croyden. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

KEACH. Keach. (His helper) The ape. (Nods him continue)

CROYDEN. I don't think you boys know fully what you've got here.

MACULIC. He didn't win the Irish Sweepstakes, did he? 'Cause my wife's into numerology, and she says when my badge number equals my age -

KEACH. I've just had a thought. Why don't you go collect us up some coffee. You know how I like it. From the shop down the street.

MACULIC. Sure, chief! (Happily goes out)

KEACH. Croyden, I could use all the help I might not get on this case.

CROYDEN. Who was the man who just left?

KEACH. That was - oh. That was Actpot. I got him on a long leash. You never know when he might bite somebody.

CROYDEN. Actpot.... (Lights down here)

Scene 2 (Lights up on a door before an apartment. ACTPOT arrives, not at all worried. Yet he considers the door for a moment, looks under the door for shadows and lights, then knocks. The shadows under the door change and he smiles. The door opens up into a beautiful DORENE, dressed for simple seduction)

ACTPOT. Why, hello...

DORENE. Why not? (She moves inside, ACTPOT follows, taking off hat) May I help you with something?

ACTPOT. Oh, I'm sure of that. (Door is closed by MUSCLE, a big guy. ACTPOT isn't surprised) That's quite a doorstop. (MUSCLE isn't pleased, but follows orders: he's just to watch, keep order) I don't suppose you're Squire Hawkins.

DORENE. I could be if you like.

ACTPOT. I have a feeling you could be Anything. If I liked.

DORENE. You - have a way with the truth.

ACTPOT. Yes, I often find it refreshing in this cruel world of ours. (Sits)

DORENE. (Satiric) Please. Make yourself at home.

ACTPOT. (Going on) For instance. You never know when you just might run into somebody. And then, suddenly - you're just a body. Oh, a nasty accident or a fall through a hoop of fire. Very normal, every year accidents.

DORENE. I'm not exactly sure what you're talking about, but would you care for a cigarette? (Offers box)

ACTPOT. (Looks at them with interest, then goes for his own) You'll have to excuse my manners. I was brought up in a box of footpads.

MUSCLE. - That why you're a gumshoe? (DORENE shoots MUSCLE a mean look)

ACTPOT. Touché! - I must say I didn't expect your dark fixture to grab hold of that. But yes. It so happens, I happen to love getting at the truth. It's a sickness of mine.

DORENE. (Sitting near him, lighting his cigarette) People can die of sicknesses. (Pause, while ACTPOT smokes) You don't seem too terribly surprised to see me.

ACTPOT. I must confess that I am amply overjoyed to find the package of you so near, but the surprise seemed to be waned after putting together certain figures of mine.

DORENE. Would these happen to include two and two?

ACTPOT. (Smiles) - If you weren't so terribly evil, I could love you.

DORENE. (Also smiles, but means it) It never kept a man from loving a woman. (Nearer)

ACTPOT. No, but that man won't love that woman long, if She has anything to say.

DORENE. (Starting in for a kiss) I have nothing to say.

ACTPOT. Please! I can not be ogled like a man making pizza.

DORENE. This is love.

ACTPOT. Precisely.

DORENE. Muscle!

MUSCLE. Ah, but -!

DORENE. Do it!

MUSCLE. Orders was - (She gives him a hateful glance, and MUSCLE forces himself to turn slowly to face the door. ACTPOT watches the feat, then kisses the enchantress. It lasts several seconds, and ACTPOT Has enjoyed it. DORENE is more watching for her affect than anything else; and she's pleased. She likes what she must do to this man)

DORENE. You kiss divinely.

ACTPOT. - You - are like an early morning rainstorm.

DORENE. (Laughs) Is that good?

ACTPOT. Contained. Yet, you don't know where it's going in time.

DORENE. (Nods at his call on her) I'm sorry it's going to be as short lived as it is.

ACTPOT. Oh, but it needn't be.

DORENE. That's true. (Takes him close)

ACTPOT. What's your name?

DORENE. Dorene.

ACTPOT. Ah...... I see the clouds forming over the sunshine now..

DORENE. You're sweet... (Kisses him again)

ACTPOT. Well, Dorene. What is it you want to know? (They stay close)

DORENE. ....Just what did Sam Milhouse tell you before..?

ACTPOT. Oh, that? He just wanted to know why the sky was blue, why the earth was round, I'm afraid I had no answers for him.

DORENE. (Slow withdrawal) Now, Julian..... Why would you want to Lie to me?

MUSCLE. (Speaks to door) Ms. Dorene, you want I should bake his face?

DORENE. Don't you say a word!

ACTPOT. - It really is imPossible to get good help, isn't it?

DORENE. Yes.

ACTPOT. I mean, you Have to command respect, and get the truth, and yet. You have to have a little fun..?

DORENE. (Close again) Too true. (They kiss)

ACTPOT. Who are you working for?

DORENE. (Almost answers, then comes away quickly, angry. She stands) You think you're something special, the comet with the longest tail, huh? Well, you're going to tell me what I want to know. And it's going to be before you finish smoking that cigarette! Do you understand me, Mr. Actpot? You now have until you take the very last breath out of that playboy cigarette of yours to talk. You can decide what will happen then.

ACTPOT. (Looks at her. Stabs cigarette out. She's surprised) I believe you're getting ahead of yourself.

DORENE. Muscle! (MUSCLE turns around and advances)

ACTPOT. Easy does it there, tendon. - I should like to know what Will happen?

DORENE. (Smug) All right, tough shirt. See if you want to push it. You certainly won't get out of this room. And you certainly won't step onto the pavement without crashing down on it.

ACTPOT. A regularly network, huh? (She doesn't answer) Then see how this is for an answer. I knew you'd be here. I took out insurance. Precautions that have set a time limit of, say, three cigarettes. If I'm not out of here in 15 minutes, my friends on the force will be crashing down doors and spraying all the cracks for vermin.

MUSCLE. (Moves near) A lot can happen to a man in 15 minutes.

ACTPOT. You're using that head, muscle. Yes. A lot. Even.... (Brings out a paper with numbers)

DORENE. (Grabs it) Where did you get this?

ACTPOT. A dear old aunt left it to me in her will.

DORENE. - How much?

ACTPOT. Where there's a will, there's a way.

MUSCLE. You wanna bet.

DORENE. (Getting somewhere, keeps MUSCLE back) Julian. If you can get me the rest of this, I'm going give you brand new bills in the amount of 50,000 dollars. How would you like that?

ACTPOT. I'd like old bills much better. Like old friends. And a hundred thousand is more of a round figure, wouldn't you agree? All those zeros.

MUSCLE. Zero..

DORENE. (Keeps MUSCLE back) You're right of course. When can we receive delivery?

ACTPOT. When can you assure payment?

DORENE. Tomorrow morning. A hundred thousand dollars.

MUSCLE. What makes you think he ain't got the stuff on him?

ACTPOT. Really, Dorene, you should get yourself a new idiot. The juice is running out of this one. (MUSCLE controls himself)

DORENE. All right.

ACTPOT. Tomorrow then. Eh? It's such a pleasure doing - (Grabs hat) Oh, I should've mentioned. I'm sorry. Company policy. I'm not allowed to do business with undermanagement. Much as your beauty breaks molds. But it's the company, you know.

DORENE. And this company is?

ACTPOT. Oh, just me. Have your head man meet me at the Kystan Park south entrance. Over near the sandbox. It's all a game anyway, isn't it?

DORENE. You've got a lot of nerve.

ACTPOT. Just an impulse. Ten o'clock. He comes alone or it's no deal. (Moves to go, but MUSCLE stands in his way)

DORENE. What if I said we couldn't trust you like this?

ACTPOT. (Suddenly gives MUSCLE a neck chop and he goes down) You can trust me. Go outside, grab a subscription to the human race, you really ought to try to read people. (Tips hat, opens door) I always keep my word. (Goes out. Closes door) In my gun hand.

(Lights out here)

Scene 3 (And lights are up on a street. Street noises and shadows. One of these shadows is GREENS, keeping a tail on CROYDEN who now enters the street. CROYDEN stops to tie his shoe, and GREENS ducks. Once that's over, they continue. But then CROYDEN stops to look casually at an invisible window display. GREENS is great at keeping out of sight. They continue. This time CROYDEN stops short to look at a street map he takes from his coat. GREENS is cold to this stopping and starting. But when he looks back to continue the shadow, CROYDEN is gone. GREENS looks, frantic, but can't find him. Then, CROYDEN appears behind him. He touches GREENS' back, and without looking he knows the Fed's found him out. He turns around)

CROYDEN. You've been expending a lot of energy to find me out. What gives?

GREENS. Look, bud, I don't know what you're talkin' about? (Produces tin cup from pocket) Won't ya spare a bit to help a starvin' horse thief out?

CROYDEN. There's no such thing as a 12 and a half cent piece.

GREENS. I can change a buck.

CROYDEN. You better change your story if you want to walk away a free jerk.

GREENS. Look, fella. I don't know what your cornbeef is or who you think I am, but I tell ya, I'm collectin' for the red blood, and it's me own.

CROYDEN. Why did Actpot tell you to follow me? - What's he think he's got on me? (Pause) Well?

GREENS. Well what?

CROYDEN. I'm runnin' you in.

GREENS. For what? I ain't done nothin'!

CROYDEN. Then between here and the jug, you better do something quick! (Takes him away as lights fade)

Scene 4 (The Old Mill Gallery. A very worried TABBY is pacing the vacant musuem lobby. There is no one else here, besides TALQUIN, the patriarchal propreitor who roves a kindly eye over all the stuff that he's seen countless times before. He talks softly, except when there's something important to say. He dusts the things that no one comes to see)

TABBY. Where could she be!

TALQUIN. You realize that if a woman was Meant to be on those feet, well, sir, why do you walk in those high heels? It don't make no sense to me.

TABBY. It's been hours, it feels like days!

TALQUIN. Always does when you're a young one. There's a reason there's museum, and you can't talk in libraries. It slows the system down. You're not suppose to run. They say walking's the way. Not like you. But if you settle down, and just watch out, it'll come to you.

TABBY. (Likes him) You're really very kind.

TALQUIN. No I ain't. You don't know a thing about me.

TABBY. - Are you sure no one's -

COLLEEN. (Enters quickly) What's the matter?

TABBY. I'm going crazy!

COLLEEN. What happened?

TALQUIN. All this stuff, and she Looks for trouble.

TABBY. Nothing, but I can't just Sit here.

COLLEEN. You wanna bet? Now listen. I know my big lout with the accent, and I say he knows more about getting in and out of trouble than a bag of kittens.

TABBY. But I don't know what to do!

COLLEEN. (Sets her down, holds hands) Truthfully? The hardest thing in the world to do during those times -

TABBY. - is nothing, I know.

COLLEEN. You want to get shot? You know you're on one mind's man. And it ain't good.

TABBY. But who is it?

COLLEEN. Once we know that -

ACTPOT. (Enters) Hello, Talquin.

TALQUIN. Evening, Mr. Actpot.

ACTPOT. Darling. (Hugs COLLEEN)

COLLEEN. (Loves it) Oh, Julian.... About that address.. (Gives him paper)

ACTPOT. (Reads swiftly, then pockets it) Tabby. You've got to tell me quick. Did you uncle ever do any work for the government?

TABBY. - Well...... He used to be in the navy, I think. I really don't know a Whole lot -

ACTPOT. Do you know if he kept any papers? Secretly. Where they were safe. Important papers.

TABBY. He had an account at Fourth Street Savings. Whether he had any.... What's happened?

ACTPOT. Plenty! I don't have to tell you now.

TABBY. I can't stand it here! (ACTPOT wants to hold her, but COLLEEN pushes him and does it herself)

ACTPOT. No reflection, I'm sure, Talquin.

TALQUIN. Oh, I ain't a mirror. I can't see myself like that. People want one thing, I supply another. Pass by..

COLLEEN. It's all right.

ACTPOT. It's almost over, dear. Um, Tabby. I believe I'm close to cracking this brain of mine wide open!

COLLEEN. I want to be there!

ACTPOT. And at 10 tomorrow -

TABBY. What?

ACTPOT. Don't you worry. Darling? (Looks at watch) I want you to go to the Fourth Street Savings and pull out anything that might be in there.

COLLEEN. Won't I need a gun?

ACTPOT. Tabby.... (Takes out pen and paper from coat) Write up a formal declaration. You give Colleen Detla permission to remove your father's things. They're going to object but -

TABBY. I'll go myself!

ACTPOT. It's too dangerous! - Listen, I'm on the verge of this thing, and the last thing I need is for you to show your pretty - your rather all right, possibly..

COLLEEN. All right!

ACTPOT. They're just Waiting for you to make a move like this.

TABBY. (Crestfallen) All right...

ACTPOT. Good. (TABBY writes something up) Talquin. (TALQUIN comes over) Myself (Signs) - and the good culture growth. Sign this. (TALQUIN does)

TALQUIN. Shouldn't I read it first?

ACTPOT. You should learn to shoot second and ask questions.

COLLEEN. What good is all this gonna do?

ACTPOT. My darling, my love, my beautiful hair, it's going to put down the part right down the middle.

TABBY. I don't like you taking all the risks here -

COLLEEN. Don't you say a word.

ACTPOT. If anything, perhaps you'll share the proceeds with us. A slight percentage for any help...

TABBY. What are you talking about?

ACTPOT. Later. (Kisses COLLEEN) Get going, sweetheart.

COLLEEN. (Grabbing breath and hat) I'll take that brand! Isn't he persuasive... (Goes with paper)

TABBY. But you said they're going to object.

ACTPOT. You leave that to me. (Phone rings. TALQUIN goes to answer it) You don't happen to remember which branch of the navy?

TABBY. What?

ACTPOT. Never mind, I'll pull up the old service record. You'd be surprised what you can bribe cops with nowadays.

TALQUIN. (Comes in with phone) Mr. Actpot. Corn on the cob, or something...

ACTPOT. - Oh! (Takes phone) Greens, what's the fine word?

GREENS. (Lights up on him in jail, on phone) I wouldn't begin to be able to spell it.

ACTPOT. What is it?

GREENS. I'm in confinement.

ACTPOT. What?

GREENS. I did like you said and followed. Yeah, who knew the big chorus boy did this regular. A Fed's a Fed, they're all growin' hair where their brains should be.

ACTPOT. Which reminds me - any word on that little Federal errand?

GREENS. It takes time, boss!

ACTPOT. How much time?

GREENS. Between three ta five - oh. He don't know. He'll get back to me. You know, I called every known place for your hunka stuff. What are you doin'?

ACTPOT. Right now, going out of my way to secure your disreputable ingenuousness.

GREENS. That sounds awful.

ACTPOT. Yes. - And say, listen. I'm going to call Maculic to get you out. See if while you're down there you can dig up the dirt on Sam Milhouse's service record. Probably still in the official report. I like buying unopened puzzles.

GREENS. Whatever that means, I'm sure it's right, but it's tough about the report, it's gone walking.

ACTPOT. Who?

GREENS. The United States took it when them forty-eight brought me in here. I suppose his library card's no good here.

ACTPOT. Well.... call up the Navy. See what you can dig. While you're at it, get Maculic to loose a few facts on your benefactor, Croyden. Let's just See why the report's so fascinating for him.

GREENS. You're askin' a lot from a man behind dry bars. Hey, why don't get Keach and go right to the top?

ACTPOT. Because I'm saving him for big favors. (Lights fade on both men)

Scene 5 (The bank. 2:30 pm. The TELLER serving COLLEEN looks at the clock from time to time, ready to leave)

TELLER. May I help you?

COLLEEN. If you would. (Shows her paper. She reads a bit too thoroughly) I hope it has enough action.

TELLER. Excuse me one minute. (Goes off. Pause. COLLEEN hates waiting. TELLER returns with a big LUNK) That's she.

LUNK. (Grabs her arm) All right...

COLLEEN. Hey, what's the big idea?

LUNK. Don't you give me any.

COP. (Enters, puts hand on LUNK's shoulder; he's the one who helped ETHAN in at the beginning of the act) Hey, Jerry. Just came in that we're to ease off this one.

LUNK. Yeah? Says who?

COP. Says the uppercrust.

COLLEEN. You wouldn't know them.

LUNK. I could run you in.

COLLEEN. I could run you over. (To TELLER) My order, if you please.

TELLER. (Hands over envelope, sullen) Yes, ma'am.

LUNK. Aa.... (Walks off)

COP. (As COLLEEN considers envelope) Don't worry about him, miss. He always get roast beef from the wife this day every week. He don't like it.

COLLEEN. Yes...

COP. - You must have Some clout.

COLLEEN. (Pause. Can't stand it. Rips open envelope. It's a paper, she reads) Golly... (Lights out here)

Scene 6 (Jail. An unhappy GREENS peaks from behind the bars. Enter a happy MACULIC, with a tray of food)

MACULIC. You Must keep up your strength.

GREENS. Up where?

MACULIC. (Lifts foil on food) You got a real treat to be busted today, Greens. It's a shrimp sauce. I know what you're thinkin'. How can we do it? Well - one of the cooks has a line on a friendship with a sailin' buddy of his. And this guy comes back at the end of every week, see. And by the time Our guy comes over, well, he picks up the stuff, and he's real easy eatin'.

GREENS. I'd need a graph with that one.

MACULIC. Here's a napkin. Boy, are you cinched lucky. This stuff costs -

GREENS. Hey, Maculic, how you figure I'm so lucky the way I am. What's this dope think I've been doin', robbin' pillow mints from the President?

MACULIC. All I know is - he's got one of them badges that says no to our badge. Each division is like it's own little trump card, you see? Now, I can run into the officer of the beat, and he's gotta say yes sir until he's blue in the nails.

GREENS. Yeah, I get ya. - But what's he about. He don't figure.

MACULIC. (Lowering voice) This guy's on special assignment.

GREENS. No.

MACULIC. Yeah! - He showed the chief this paper, see. You wouldn't even like to guess how high up that signature was.

GREENS. Imagine that. - So what's the dope?

MACULIC. The man ain't human! He's fishing around for the tail end of a gang. Secret service work. We're talking out of the country and big trouble.

GREENS. Yeah? (MACULIC talks to the semi-interested GREENS as lights fade)

Scene 7 (The next morning, 10 am, by the sandbox. The sound of kids playing, park noises. ACTPOT eases a cigarette into his lips as he waits for movement. He's not at all worried. In a moment in DORENE enters, hands hidden in a muff)

ACTPOT. I wondered if you'd show.

DORENE. You think you've got just everything planned out, don't you? You've got all the answers.

ACTPOT. (Sighs) I was afraid of our wasting our time like this. Let me guess. You've got me covered. You know as well as rain I've got the bead on you. What do you suppose is next?

DORENE. I suppose you hand over to me that formula.

ACTPOT. Ah, so it Is a formula.

DORENE. You know very well what it is. I've got your money right here.

ACTPOT. (Pause) You really are too lovely to be involved in such spy games. - Why don't you come to the right side before it's too late.

DORENE. (Mocking) Before I'm past the point of no return? Before everything goes dark, before I'm out in the black and can't come back? Really, Mr. Actpot. When it comes to judging women you really give the homely girl the prize.

ACTPOT. (Winces) Don't say that.

DORENE. (Feels strongly about this) You know nothing about me. If it weren't for my looks, my so-called charm that I put on for every lug that drops me the eye, you wouldn't think twice, and your piece would be out now. I'm so Tired of the double standards you all set for yourself here. Think you are the master - (Pause) You think you're the greatest, and always right, every time. You refuse to believe in other people, what They may be going through. Just because You're right makes everyone else wrong.

ACTPOT. Only where murder is concerned.

DORENE. I never said I like the means. But until you show me a better way of getting to that end, what am I going to do? You stand there and talk because you've got money and everything and a stable position. But what about us? What about what we need, what We're going through?

ACTPOT. - I think I know who you mean.

DORENE. (Pause; she's said too much?) This is the payoff. - My people Know what they're doing. You may have a bead on me. But not on my man on you. There's no way out for you unless you give me that formula.

ACTPOT. (Pause) You're actually willing to die for this thing? - I'm sorry, but if you can't join in on it, I don't see the point.

DORENE. I wouldn't expect you to. - The formula.

ACTPOT. - I assume that isn't my money, then.

DORENE. (Pulls out gun from muff) I see you're good for something.

ACTPOT. I really am worthless, you know. - My deal was for the head man.

DORENE. What makes you think I'm not he? The formula, Julian.

ACTPOT. (Non-chalant) Oh, well. There are just certain things. Perhaps.... the fact that it isn't safe to speak in Keach's office.

DORENE. What are you talking about?

ACTPOT. Oh. Don't you know Keach? Of course! He's the man who had Ethan. Who spilled everything. He's in charge of the investigation.

DORENE. (Coldly) Do you want to die?

ACTPOT. (Just continuing) It's obvious that someone's been in there. Keach's office, I mean. There's just something about this. Sam Milhouse being killed at that precise moment. I don't believe in chance. Not wholly. Just.... certain things.

DORENE. That's it. (Cocks gun) I don't expect you to understand. Where countries collide, that's when lovers part. Brothers fight sisters even. I'm taking it. (Looks like she's going to shoot. She's shot and falls)

KEACH. (Runs on with smoking gun. Pause) I didn't want to do that.

ACTPOT. You are a keen judge of character.

KEACH. Had the drop of me myself so many times you get so that it makes you sick but you can tell.

ACTPOT. - Thanks. (KEACH gives his arm a pat) Too bad...

KEACH. Learn anything?

ACTPOT. - Something very valuble. (Takes paper out of pocket) Take a look at that.

KEACH. What are my eyes on?

ACTPOT. That, was the result of the woman I love doing me a good deed. I gave her instructions, from the hall of records she came up with that.

KEACH. But what is it?

ACTPOT. It's what first got me started on my suspicions. - Keach. I want to interview the two or however many officers that have been transplanted to or from your department within the last.... seven days.

KEACH. You think it'll help?

ACTPOT. It will solve. If they're still alive.

KEACH. What are you gettin' at?

ACTPOT. You'll see. (They start walking) You put a trace on that address, and don't tell Croyden.

KEACH. (Stops) Hey, now wait a minute.

ACTPOT. I don't fully trust him. He put Greens in jail for trailing too close.

KEACH. Sounds all right to me.

ACTPOT. His arrival on the scene when he did. There Are other things.

KEACH. (Begrudgingly) What do you want?

ACTPOT. Find out when she sailed. The passengers. If there's a normal crew.

KEACH. A boat?

ACTPOT. Squire Hawkins, my dear leiutenant, Squire Hawkins... (They start walking)

KEACH. Say, how you figure we ain't dead?

ACTPOT. That one's easy.

KEACH. (Calls off) Okay, boys. (A cop or two comes in. ACTPOT looks at them, then follows KEACH off. Lights out here. Up on a different part of the park)

ACTPOT. (Urgent) Keach. Are any of those men new to you?

KEACH. What men?

ACTPOT. The ones handling the body.

KEACH. - Well, there's - (A thought) Yeah.... - You said..

ACTPOT. Come on. Let's work fast. (Lights out here)

Scene 8 (KEACH's office. MACULIC comes in with coffee and hands one to GREENS, taking it easy at the desk. MACULIC always seems eager to please, so now he's wasting it on cream? GREENS shakes his head. Sugar? Well, okay, GREENS nods three times for the powder. The phone rings. GREENS sips gently at his coffee)

MACULIC. (Answers it) Yeah? - He ain't here. (Hangs up) - That was screwy.

GREENS. What? (MACULIC just shrugs. In come KEACH and ACTPOT) Boss!

KEACH. What's the gag?

GREENS. Boy, am I glad -

KEACH. Skip it, why ain't this starin' at walls?

GREENS. Ya got four in here, ain'tcha?

MACULIC. Ah, chief, the guy's got a back that don't him nobody good on those stones we got in holding.

GREENS. Besides, copper, you ain't got nothin' on me that don't come off with a bath.

KEACH. Oh, fine. If you think - (Phone rings. Answers it) Yeah? (Smug) - Oh, really! (Hands phone to ACTPOT) You. (Lights up on a mysterious STRANGER's shadow making a call)

ACTPOT. Yes?

STRANGER. Listen, Actpot. We've got the girl. Here's where it stops. You give the formula over to the messenger who will arrive at your door in exactly two minutes, and we'll let her go at exactly 2 o'clock. On the corner of 3rd and Willow. No tricks.

ACTPOT. Who -

STRANGER. No tricks, no talk! Do it or she's dead! (Hangs up, lights out on him)

ACTPOT. But - (Hangs up)

KEACH. (Pause) Would you mind if you route those things to home? Or do you -

ACTPOT. (Snaps out of his worried thoughts) Now's not the time for that. Remember. We haven't much... (Pause, to look at door)

GREENS. What's the matter, boss?

KEACH. (Pause) I think he's either hatching or laying one.

MACULIC. My money's on the loser. It always is.

ACTPOT. Greens. (Scribbles a few things on a paper) There's a man coming in less than a minute. Give him this. (Hands paper) Keach, you keep him here. No matter what you do, you -

KEACH. I thought we was -

ACTPOT. Maculic. I need your brawn and amazing wit.

MACULIC. Sure!

ACTPOT. (Before KEACH can protest) KEEP him here. They've got - (Stops)

KEACH. What? They've got what?

ACTPOT. I don't.... (A knock at the door as ACTPOT starts for it)

KEACH. Yeah?

COLLEEN. (Enters, all excited) Julian!

ACTPOT. Darling! (So glad to see her, she's so surprised at the bear hug)

COLLEEN. Why -! (He kisses her, feels her face affectionately) If I'd known this was going to happen, I'd've come in two years ago. (Just a few more seconds)

KEACH. (The case!) Say, can you field one to me? I'm open.

COLLEEN. (Breaks it up to show him the envelope) Okay, honey, but set your feast on this one.

ACTPOT. (Opens envelope, reads. Now all is clear) Keach. Post more men outside. Men you can trust, ones that have been here. Keep this. This is what it's all about. And don't - (Looks at watch. To MACULIC) Come on! (Kisses COLLEEN) Stay here, darling, it's the safest spot in town.

COLLEEN. Yes!

ACTPOT. Greens, get tough. (He and MACULIC leave)

KEACH. (Clicks tongue) - Get tough...

COLLEEN. (Proud and prancing) Well, detective. It seems I cracked the case wide open for you.

KEACH. You figure that?

COLLEEN. I do. Like a brazil nut.

GREENS. Those guys is hard to crack.

COLLEEN. You said it! (KEACH looks at paper, and his mouth opens. Lights out here, and up on a locker room)

ACTPOT. (Enters, with MACULIC trailing, looking at numbers) Number..... 14. Ah, yes.

MACULIC. Whatcha lookin' for? If you're hungry, we can go -

ACTPOT. (Tries locker, it's locked) I must relieve a touch of your ignorance, Maculic, if you think I've started stooped to locker raiding for my three courses. Is there a master for this?

MACULIC. This? Nah.... Why bother?

ACTPOT. What if you loose your key?

MACULIC. (Considers it; the day dawns) Yeah....!

ACTPOT. (Feels MACULIC's arm) All right, my lad. You look big enough to crack Thor's head open with a watch battery. Do your stuff.

MACULIC. I don't feel right about this. Supposing the boy comes back. But okay.... (Breaks open locker) Hey, I didn't know it was stuck.

ACTPOT. (As he rifles contents) The power of the weak-minded....

MACULIC. What was that?

ACTPOT. Help me look. Go to number 9, I believe that's what it was.

MACULIC. (Rubs neck, unsure) Well....... if you're the chief says break.... okay... (He goes. ACTPOT looks at the contents of the locker. Not a whole lot of help. There's a lunch, just as MACULIC suggested, consisting of a pepperoni sandwich with mustard, a banana, a cupcake, all of which ACTPOT thoroughly goes through, kneading it up. Also, there are car keys which ACTPOT puts in his pockets, two small wooden blocks, several unimportant papers, the cop's street clothes, but there's nothing in the pockets. All in all, it's rather disappointing. Except for those two little wooden blocks. He's seen them before.. MACULIC lingers back)

I don't know what the gag, but there ain't much of a punchline. Here. (Gives ACTPOT the few odds and ends there are) There's the lot. Anything else just ain't there.

ACTPOT. Did you go through the lunch?

MACULIC. (A little indigestion) How did you know there was -

ACTPOT. I was taught by the best.

MACULIC. (Ah shucks..) Weren't nothin' much. Besides, pepperoni gives me water on the knee.

ACTPOT. (Surprised) Pepperoni? (Lights fade here. There's a knock. Lights up on KEACH'S office)

KEACH. Yeah? (GREENS sets himself to "get tough")

MESSENGER. (A pretty young woman enters, one hand out) You have a delivery, sir?

KEACH. (Walks over slowly, all-knowing) Oh....... So you got a pick up, is that right?

MESSENGER. (Something's strange) Yes, sir. - Is there -

KEACH. Plenty! If you were gonna ask if there's something wrong. Who sent you? Answer quick, now!

MESSENGER. (Is really innocent) What do you mean?

KEACH. I mean this is police headquarters, and if you want to ever leave before you have the strength to pick up a dead blade o' grass, you better talk like the wind through a tunnel.

MESSENGER. (Near tears) Please!

KEACH. Talk fast!

MESSENGER. I don't know! (Sits down)

KEACH. (A different approach) All right, all right. - But there's a couple murders involved, see? So give with everything you've got.

COLLEEN. (Sits next to her to help her through) It's all right..

MESSENGER. I really don't know. I work for an agency. The boss calls me in, he gives me this address, I go to it. I don't know!

KEACH. (On the horn) Stevens? Get me - Say, what's the place?

MESSENGER. (Through her tears) Delivery With A Smiles.

KEACH. Yeah. Delivery With A Smile, get the owner on now. (Slams phone down. Pause) Really sorry about this, kid. - But we're the good guys.

COLLEEN. Good luck!

ACTPOT. (Enters followed by MACULIC) Keach, there were some very interesting components found today.

COLLEEN. (Jumps up for a neck hug) Oh, Julian!

KEACH. We've got extra guys stationed at every door to this place. (ACTPOT hands him the wooden blocks) You expect me to paint the letters on for you?

ACTPOT. What does that remind you of?

KEACH. Come on, come on!

ACTPOT. (Walking and talking) Now. - We realize Sam Milhouse was killed for that formula. And now we know just what it is. We know it was a government secret. Croyden's provided his own explanation with his presence.

GREENS. I didn't see no presents. (Everyone but ACTPOT eyes him wrong)

ACTPOT. Keach. Early on, you said you had "it".

KEACH. Did I?

ACTPOT. What was it? You found it on him.

KEACH. Oh.... that! - Just this. (Takes diamond out of his desk)

GREENS. Has that been in there all this time?

KEACH. Yeah!

ACTPOT. (Looks at it) Hmmm. - On him. So you deduced...

MACULIC. Naturally we deduced, that's what we're Here for.

KEACH. Anybody here want some coffee. (A few murmur agreement to loose MACULIC) Maculic, how about -

MACULIC. Sure, chief! (Goes)

GREENS.

KEACH. Okay, so robbery wasn't the motive, it was obvious we had to look somewhere else, okay, so?

ACTPOT. So you knew it had to be a motive other than wealth. I'm sure you checked to make sure that's the real mirror-cutting rock. So you had to look for another twist. Tabby. Of course she was the next of kin. She worked at Walshy's. They could've had an argument about Mike Verensky, her intended, money, any one of a million things. But I knew differently. She - (Stops. Horrible thought) That call.

KEACH. Yeah?

ACTPOT. I thought it was a bluff. But supposing - (Pause. Quickly goes to phone, calls) Operator.

KEACH. I love times like this.

ACTPOT. Old Mill Gallery, and operator, this is an emergency.

KEACH. How far you reachin'?

COLLEEN. Has he ever once let you down?

KEACH. You mean hard, or 20 stories at once? Which story's this?

ACTPOT. - There's no answer. (Hangs up) I don't like it. Greens, get out to Talquin, something's wrong.

GREENS. Gotcha.

ACTPOT. Be prepared.

GREENS. (Shows gun he's had all along. KEACH don't like it) It's the kid in me. (Goes)

KEACH. How long's he had that -

ACTPOT. No time for that, Benjamin. Things are shaping down. It looks as if they might have Tabby.

KEACH. That call?

ACTPOT. (Nods) At first I thought they meant my darling Colleen. Now I know - I should've known I couldn't keep her whereabouts a secret for long.

KEACH. (Imploring) Why in the world did you take her outa custody in the first place? That was about as smart -

ACTPOT. Because, my dear inspector. Any moment now - (Shots from corridor)

KEACH. What's that?

GREENS. (Rushes in) Boss! Boss! I couldn't make it! There's these two guys rushin' up the -

ACTPOT. It's better you're here.

KEACH. What's going on? (Heads for door)

ACTPOT. No! (KEACH opens, but ACTPOT pushes it shut just before a bullet can get him) I think you'll find our two "coppers" don't like coming back to an empty lunch. (A slow shoot out goes on out front)

KEACH. What gives here? (Runs to phone. Tries several times, but it's dead)

GREENS. This don't look right.

ACTPOT. Gentlemen. Check your weapons. (They do) I hope you're all awfully loaded.

GREENS. I could use a good stiff one myself.

KEACH. You're sayin' there's police officers backa this?

ACTPOT. Those wooden blocks. I found them, along with Maculic's help, in your two officers' lockers.

GREENS. An' I got the word on that thing, boss. Yeah. You was right.

ACTPOT. As I thought. Keach. This office is wired for sound and alibis.

KEACH. I don't getcha. (Phone rings. KEACH is surprised by this) Say..! Hello!

STRANGER. ("Lights" on this shadow) You would kill the girl, wouldn't you? (KEACH signals ACTPOT over to share the phone) You may not get it, inspector. But we will kill the Smith girl if you don't cross over that envelope.

KEACH. What are -

STRANGER. Shut up and listen! You don't know who you're dealing with here. We are very serious and we are deadly to all that stand in our way. You are only one room. Eventually our men will break in there. You don't want that. We don't either. You have 2 minutes to comply and hand to our agent. A red flag will stop the guns. (Hangs up)

KEACH. (Hangs up) Trust him to pick red. (Yells to room) Yeah, I said it!

ACTPOT. They must have access to a switchboard. Your boys came in here. They knew full well when you'd be out, when Maculic would be away. They cut off Your outside line, and make a bee-line for theirs.

KEACH. I can't believe I'm cut off!

GREENS. What are we gonna do, boss?

ACTPOT. (Pause. Deliberate) Give it to them. (In the silence, GREENS asks if he means the paper he wrote out. ACTPOT nods his agreement, and takes paper from him. KEACH is wise to this idea, but isn't sure. Out of this grows an idea to play this scene for those listening in)

KEACH. I'm not sure I like this.

ACTPOT. What other choice have you?

KEACH. You're talkin' something that's very valuable to our one and only government. I give this away, it's like takin' candy from a baby lion.

GREENS. Mama won't like it.

ACTPOT. Then she can lump. Hard. - It's either this or the girl's life.

KEACH. (Pause to make it sound good) Okay. (Opens drawer for the sound, takes nothing out) But I'm gonna wanna a tail like mama never Seen. (Closes drawer)

ACTPOT. I'm sure they would expect that.

KEACH. (Different noises without) What's that? (Things come to a stop outside. Tense pause)

CROYDEN. (Enters with gun. He's been through a fight; grazed with a bullet) They're down the elevator shaft.

KEACH. What's wrong with you, seal off this room! (Shuts door quickly)

CROYDEN. We got two of them. The others fell back. Like they were waiting for something.

ACTPOT. (Mistrustful. Comes to him) What were you doing out there?

CROYDEN. What do you think? Having my block handed to me!

GREENS. You want I should give this balloon a poke?

KEACH. Maculic! (Realizes he's not here, flops hands up and down) Croyden, we still stationary out there?

ACTPOT. I'd suggest you go check that for yourself, Keach. (Keeps CROYDEN covered with gun)

CROYDEN. What is this? (KEACH goes to look out)

GREENS. This is that third fall outa three.

CROYDEN. Do you know you're interfering with -

ACTPOT. I don't know what, at the moment.

KEACH. I think we're all right.

ACTPOT. Spot anything different? You know them all?

KEACH. They're all like old friends. And They got reasons for pulling lead outa their pockets.

ACTPOT. I'm sorry, but I tend to live longer when I know the positions of the pieces. Greens. Get out in that hall and look for cracks in the scheme of things. Station yourself.

GREENS. Right. (Carefully goes out)

CROYDEN. I don't know what you think you're playing at. But I can promise you you're going to jail for life, no matter how long you live, for this.

ACTPOT. For this (Shows paper of fake formula)

CROYDEN. What's that? What are you talking about?

ACTPOT. Why, Federal Bureau of Croyden, it's the reason we're all At this dance.

CROYDEN. Is that the formula? Keach, why is this man -?

ACTPOT. Don't bother with Keach. This isn't his party. I owe a man and his neice a little too late protection while you're playing games here. (Starts edging off to door) I wouldn't expect you to understand. There is such a thing called honor.

CROYDEN. (Serious) Actpot. I'm not going to see you go. If you step out that door right now. - You're going to be considered a fugitive. And held for high treason!

COP. (Knocks, enters, he's the one from the bank) Sir?

KEACH. (Exploding) What do you want?

COP. There's a man outside who says he's here to pick up -

KEACH. What does this man look like?

ACTPOT. Never mind. Give him this. (Hands paper to COP who goes off with it. CROYDEN tries to make a move) You're not very productive, are you?

KEACH. Actpot, I'll see you in a jail if you don't -!

ACTPOT. Later, gentlemen! (Fires into KEACH's desk and runs off. KEACH sits down nice and easy. CROYDEN goes for the door, but then sees that COLLEEN has the drop on him, smiling sweetly. KEACH's lack of movement makes CROYDEN, frankly, speechless, even though he makes a noise or two. COLLEEN glares at KEACH, who then decides something, and rises as the lights fall)

Scene 9 (The street. COP who took the fake formula is walking down the street, being descreetly tailed by ACTPOT. Up comes MACULIC fully laid out with coffee)

MACULIC. Hey, Actpot! (Starts over. ACTPOT waves his friend shut up, but this has been enough to break the spell. COP no longer feels safe, and looks behind him. He breaks out into a run which takes him off stage. ACTPOT starts to give chase, but there's the sound of a car speeding up, skidding, then taking off again which ACTPOT sees. He stops, watches it go, then thinks)

ACTPOT. Croyden may be on the right side after all. Maculic, get on to Keach. Tell him he's to have anyone he likes get their feet on the street. I don't know where I'm going yet. But my plate is L I 2 5 V. Got that? Write it down! (MACULIC's trying to figure out what to do with all this coffee first) I'm following a black Ford, V 1 2 F 3. Remember it. (MACULIC's trying to memorize his lines) Everybody! (Runs off)

MACULIC. (Finally finds his notebook, writes it down as it's on his lips. Then,) Hey, what about your coffee! (Lights out here)

Scene 10 (Back at KEACH's office, the scene still holds. KEACH is at his desk, looking through papers, then he tries the phone again. No luck. COLLEEN is getting tired and switches the gun to a fresh hand. CROYDEN just wants to sit down by now. MACULIC enters with coffee which he brings to everyone concerned, utterly oblivious. No one drinks)

MACULIC. Hey. Ain't it hot enough?

CROYDEN. You said it. It's going to be Plenty hot! (KEACH waves him to keep quiet) No, I won't shut up! If you think you can just disregard orders like this, and give that formula to - (KEACH writes something, and hands it over. Pause) Are you sure about this?

KEACH. (Still faking) I'm Sure it was the only way. They said if we didn't come clean, the girl's like a lota other girls.

CROYDEN. This is serious. What does Actpot think he's doing?

COLLEEN. More than you!

MACULIC. Hey, that's funny. I just saw Actpot goin' off down the street after Barney.

KEACH. Barney?

MACULIC. Yeah! Remember that new guy?

KEACH. Barney ain't new!

MACULIC. Aint' he? - Somehow he looked...

KEACH. (This is important) What? - Like what?

MACULIC. I don't know. - You sure about that?

KEACH. I ain't sure about Anything no more!

MACULIC. It's just that - I know you got a lot on your mind, chief. And I work with these fellas every day. You're in your office. And the kinda questions this guy's been askin', I was Sure -!

KEACH. That does it! (On intercom) That phone line back on yet?

VOICE. (From box) Still working on it, chief.

KEACH. Well, work on it like there's no tomorrow, because there ain't gonna Be one if that Bumouth sails at 9 tonight! (Clicks off)

CROYDEN. The Bumouth? Why, that's -

KEACH. Right. (Comes over, takes gun from COLLEEN. The watch on CROYDEN is off) Here's the way it figures. This guy Gehill runs with a mob that wants to get some things and people out of the country. He gets rubies, diamond, cement rocks if he wants in exchange. It goes along good. Then, through his connection with them, and their pressure on a guy called Sam Milhouse. You remember Sam? He learns of something hot. The Alabaster Amalgam.

MACULIC. Say, chief. I just remembered somethin'. (Fishes for notebook)

KEACH. Well, it's so much a blister he falls for it, and that's when they learn they can't trust him. He might talk. And Actpot's getting close.

MACULIC. Chief.

KEACH. So they bump him and his stooge off, and the kid, the Smith girl, she's a loose end too.

CROYDEN. Do you know who you're talking about? This group.

KEACH. (Unfortunately yes) You get a single guess.

MACULIC. Chief!

KEACH. What!

MACULIC. Our friend gave me a tip before he left.

KEACH. Well, I'll take two dollars.

MACULIC. No, chief. Two plates. He's in one, Barney's in another.

KEACH. (Best news) Well, why didn't you say so!! (Takes notebook, runs to door) Which is which?

MACULIC. Gee.... I don't know, chief.

CROYDEN. Never mind, we'll put a trace on both!

KEACH. Hobbs! Get on to all the boys, every black with every white on his car, tell them to sweep for - (Starts to read numbers as lights out here)

Scene 11 (Sound of a car approaching, then pulling away as the lights come up on this hideout. It's an old warehouse. MUSCLE is leaning against a box. There is a man, Colonel LEIDER, at a small table, on the floor, he's looking at a catalog. He has a European face, and says something in German to MUSCLE, who nods. BARNEY runs in quick)

BARNEY. Colonel Leider!

LEIDER. (Stands quickly) You fool!

BARNEY. I have it!

LEIDER. You have it? (Sound of a car approaching) What?

BARNEY. I couldn't help it. I could not loose him.

LEIDER. (They lower their voices) Who is this, then? Would this be -? (BARNEY nods. They take up positions to surprise the visitor. They don't have long to wait. ACTPOT eases himself carefully into the room, gun in hand. He feels the danger, and the eyes on him. LEIDER is behind ACTPOT. BARNEY comes out of hiding)

ACTPOT. Barney! You really shouldn't surprise a fella like that.

LEIDER. Drop your weapon, Mr. Actpot. (ACTPOT pauses, freezes) If you think you have any chance of Not being shot, just you try to turn around and see.

ACTPOT. (Drops it, no choice) Oh, Barney, Barney. Is there no justice anymore?

LEIDER. Barney is Interested in justice. When your entire family is from Germany, with some of your family left behind, you are moved by the plight of your people. What you can do.

ACTPOT. (Turn not turned around) Your accent is lovely. Let me guess. The finest New England schools.

LEIDER. Actually, I am self-taught.

ACTPOT. (Turns around) You don't look intelligent enough to me to be the brains behind this particular wing of trouble.

LEIDER. (Would like to shoot, then smiles) I have read your American newspapers, which is full of this "stuff". You care to get your opponent so rattled that he will make a slip, and then it is light bulbs off, as you say.

ACTPOT. I have Never said that.

LEIDER. Well, you might as well have your jokes while you may. We have the formula. And we have you.

ACTPOT. Well, you have me anyway. You're really getting the best of that, I must say.

LEIDER. What?

BARNEY. But they said -

LEIDER. I heard you -

MIKE. (Verensky enters, hushing all. ACTPOT turns to see him) Of course it's not the formula. Actpot's too smart for that.

ACTPOT. Hello, Mike.

MIKE. Hello. This really doesn't look good, does it, friend?

ACTPOT. You weren't Sam's friend, were you? Not after pretending to love his daughter, pretending to be a good and faithful servant. Is that how you got Tabby to trust you? To come here? Or was it a simple blow to poor Talquin's head that launched you out of the Gallery?

MIKE. You really should've sent an ambulance over to that place before you left, Actpot. I hope you did. You're never going to use the phone again.

ACTPOT. And I had my finger all ready, too.

MIKE. And as for Tabby. Well. A faint in your lover's arms is really rather simple to cart away, wouldn't you say?

ACTPOT. (Bad taste in mouth) I really wouldn't know.

MIKE. Exactly. (Moves closer) It Is what you know we're concerned with, Actpot. You should know that you can't leave alive. But you can go into the next world with a little less pain if you could just tell us where exactly the formula Is now.

ACTPOT. (Pause) How is it you're not dead? Connections at our local law enforcement, I assume.

MIKE. I really thought you'd be smarter than that. (Offers cigarette to ACTPOT)

ACTPOT. Thank you, no, smoking gives me pleasure.

MIKE. - Barney.... and associates... were able to dig up another body about my build. When the police arrived, you had gone. And I know this cute little trick for stopping my heart beat for a time. It really does come in handy at times.

ACTPOT. And I pronounced you dead myself, so -

MIKE. Precisely. And Barney here was on the scene to pronounce the same thing to Keach.

ACTPOT. (To BARNEY) And you bugged Keach's room, a few other important rooms, I'm sure. - Where is your patriotism? (BARNEY does a Nazi salute)

MIKE. Does that answer everything?

ACTPOT. Where's the girl?

MIKE. Women are so untrustworthy. I really don't see how you've made it out alive as often as you've trusted them. Of course, that all ends here.

ACTPOT. - You didn't have to kill Dorene.

MUSCLE. She was gettin' soft on this guy.

ACTPOT. Not on me.

MUSCLE. She was gettin' soft.

MIKE. Tabby's in the other room. We already have your grave dug, Actpot. You can dig hers, if you don't mind. Barney. (BARNEY goes to that other room)

ACTPOT. - So now you have me. - And your precious fuel formula. For what it's worth.

MIKE. I can tell you what it's worth, Mr. Actpot. (Comes closer) It is worth the overthrow of every way of life, except the supreme and one true people. A fuel that can burn at a much slower rate. Our planes in the air for many more hours. Tanks. The end results are limitless. And unconditional.

ACTPOT. - Yes..... - The only thing is. - Ha. - I'm afraid you'll never see it.

LEIDER. Let us get rid of him Now.

MIKE. What do you mean?

ACTPOT. It's still there. Nothing's getting it out of Keach's reach. In fact. I'm certain it's already one reach short, and is currently in Croyden's reach. You know Croyden, don't you? (They do)

LEIDER. What is the sense of waiting?

ACTPOT. Of course you do. He was on to you. He knew you were here, followed you on the Pangborn. You see, that's why I thought Croyden may've been With you at first. I had my dear wife to be check the passenger list at the local -

MIKE. None of this interests me.

ACTPOT. Wait, I just want to make sure I've been paying attention. (To LEIDER) Then you must be the infamous Squire Hawkins. (LEIDER nods) And the small wooden blocks?

LEIDER. (Laughs) Only an Englishman would be so stupid. It is merely a means of identification. Nothing traceable. Yet, something very identifiable with our own people.

ACTPOT. Really rather ingenious. I mean that sincerely.

MIKE. I believe you do. (With gun) But now I'm afraid it's time. (Sirens in the distance)

ACTPOT. I believe it is.

MUSCLE. (Looks out window) Down the lane, boss.

ACTPOT. Oh, I'm sorry, did I forget to mention? I inadverdently gave my license to the men looking for me. I hope you'll forgive me.

MIKE. (About to shoot) Of course. (A shot. MUSCLE is winged, but then starts shooting out the window. That's all ACTPOT needs to dive at the distracted MIKE. There's a long fight for ownership of the gun, blows exchanged, with LEIDER and MUSCLE trying to keep the cops out of here. MUSCLE is shot again, and goes down, dead. LEIDER keeps looking over his shoulder at the fight, while shooting out the window. He reloads. There's a beating on the door. ACTPOT at last gets the upper hand as the beating continues. MIKE looks licked, but LEIDER turns around again)

LEIDER. Drop it!

ACTPOT. (Does it) This is becoming tiring.

MIKE. (Gets his gun) You won't have to worry about it.

ACTPOT. All this for nothing, eh, Mike?

MIKE. (Backing out the other exit) I'll let you know. (Smiles) Goodbye, Actpot. (There's shooting from the back. ACTPOT comes up suddenly and decks MIKE in the jaw as LEIDER tries to shoot him, but he shoots MIKE instead. MIKE goes down shooting, getting LEIDER in the leg. LEIDER tries to get away to the front door anywya, as KEACH comes in with gun ready)

KEACH. Hold it! (LEIDER does. To ACTPOT) Good thing for you you're liking flashy cars.

ACTPOT. Will you never again put me down?

KEACH. All right, boys! (ACTPOT goes out the back entrance, and comes back with TABBY, untying her. She's relieved and grateful, and gives him a lifelong kiss, which KEACH watches with his usual "says you" expression. He forgets there's coppers banging on the front door, but hears it now and goes to answer

ACTPOT. Whatever was that for!

TABBY. For saving my life!

ACTPOT. Tabby. Are you Sure you're not a cat..? (Starts to kiss her again, but pulls himself out of it. As a means of doing this, ACTPOT looks around. He sees the catalog on the table and becomes intrigued)

ACTPOT. (Gets it as lights fade) You wouldn't want to forget this. (Lights out)

Scene 12 (ACTPOT's apartment. An impatient COLLEEN is waiting with bags packed. She checks her hair, then checks it again. Time marches on)

COLLEEN. If you want your cuffs to link, you won't marry me.

ACTPOT. (From off) Ah, darling...

COLLEEN. That's not going to answer everything. - Hurry up, Julian! (Knock at door) I knew it! (Goes to door, baracades it)

ACTPOT. (Comes out with GREENS, dressing him, behind) We mustn't be lepers of society, my sweet.

COLLEEN. If you open this door again while you're still single, you'll be double, and eyes of black.

GREENS. Hold still, boss...

ACTPOT. (Opens door with her still on it) Ah, the peace makers, blessed be you.

KEACH. (And MACULIC enter) Just wanted to come by and wish you -

COLLEEN. (Sour) The same to you!

MACULIC. Hey. I thought you had to catch the 9. You're gonna be mighty late.

GREENS. Hold still, boss.

ACTPOT. It was very agreeable of you to see me off like this, but -

COLLEEN. Yeah, notice how he ends his sentences. (Grabs him. Makes him pick up her suitcases, though he's not fully dressed)

ACTPOT. Yes. As you can see, we Are in quite a hurry. I'm to be married in less than... (Looks at watch) two hours.

MACULIC. That's a shame.

COLLEEN. YOU can go to -

KEACH. I love true love.

ACTPOT. Isn't it wonderful. (Kisses her. Holds her close) And darling. I never would've cracked the case if it weren't for you. (Kisses her again. KEACH clears throat)

MACULIC. You need a glassa water, chief?

ALL BUT MACULIC. How 'bout a cupa coffee?

MACULIC. Sure! (Leaves)

KEACH. - You know I Could give you a personal police escort. If you could just explain one thing for me.

GREENS. Just one?

COLLEEN. Take it!

ACTPOT. Certainly, inspector.

KEACH. What put you wise to this connection? I mean - this spy ring, and the Brybase place? And what's with the catalog? I don't get it.

ACTPOT. (Smiles) It was something Greens mentioned. Something I found.

GREENS. Yeah?

ACTPOT. (COLLEEN starts pulling towards the door) - Well, early on, Greens mentioned towels in Sam's bathroom. Actually, upon further investigation, I found they weren't towels. But a careless invention. It wasn't Typical Arab attire. But being on a fuel formula scare, they needed as much cover as possible.

KEACH. (Gets it) Yeah..

ACTPOT. Greens also mentioned about water that really Wasn't water. He took to a friend of his, who shall remain nameless, and an analysis proved a few things. - And then there were the price tags.

KEACH. What price tags?

COLLEEN. Come on..!

ACTPOT. (Hurrying through it) The night of Gehill's death, he had price tags for particular garments. Colleen helped me there. Outrageous prices.

COLLEEN. Outrageous!

ACTPOT. What those numbers really represented were codes, embedded for the sake of Gehill's mail order catalog, which he used to plot times, dates, and meetings with his spy friends.

KEACH. Say...!

ACTPOT. Of course that included the Pangborn, a ship of dubious stature, because on one of those catalog pages it lists a knit black creation for a lovely model, and as we all know. Those of us with my darling's brainwork -

COLLEEN. You said it!

KEACH. Yeah?

ACTPOT. There is no such designer as Pangborn. Thank you! (He's dragged out by his darling)

KEACH. (Scratches his head) The man ain't human!

GREENS. You care to spot me points on that one? (Lights fade as the two scowl each other) Ten bucks. (Lights out)