Original subtitles

Have a little more soup, Miss Larkin.

I made your favorite watercress.

We don't usually eat this well at Shea Dobbs. Only when you're here, my dear.

More? No?

Saving room?

So, how was your flight?

By the way, the TV said this was your first trip to L .A. when, in fact, I

remember you stopped here briefly in...

June of 94.

Well, my memory's only excellent when it comes to you, my love.

But I wish you'd called.

Everybody else only wants your money. I'm the only one who loves you.

I'd given up all hope of our ever being together.

Until then.

Mayor of Los Angeles and the Regents of the University cordially request the

attendance of Mr. Larry Dobbs at a reception in honor of Mrs. Victoria

Larkin and her endowment to the School of Fine Arts, 14 October, 2 p .m.,

in the Opal Room of the Belvedere Hotel.

Any suggestions for proper attire?

We're okay out here. How's it out back, Watchdog 3?

Watchdog 2, did you let through the guy in the cheap suit?

He had an invitation.

I'll check him out.

Excuse me, sir.

Could I have a word with you?

I don't have time to chat. I'm already late. I just hope Victoria isn't upset

with me.

Victoria!

You call this a security wing?

I call this an open invitation to anyone with a passkey and a gun. When did they

install that? During the Kennedy administration?

Probably the last time there was a very important patient in here.

This wing usually handles the hospital's outflow.

Well, that explains why these exit doors don't even have lockouts.

Well, anything the LAPD can do to help.

Your job is to be our liaison, not offer advice.

Just stand back and take notes.

We'll post a full -spectrum metal detector at the end of the corridor,

guard station.

and motion detectors spaced every 15 feet.

Glad to see these things are on batteries.

Power failure at the wrong time could be very inconvenient.

We'll plug in the infrared cameras with heat sensors here and here.

I'll cross -cover the entire corridor and eliminate any blind spots.

And I assume your security patrols will all be keyed into the same set of

communication codes?

Well, maybe I'm the one who should be taking notes.

The perimeter is secure.

We have men deployed in the parking structure as well.

Two squads to do the work of three.

We're talking 20 -hour days if there aren't any problems.

Seems like an awful lot of work and trouble to take a gallbladder out of a

artist. A stockbroker who scammed $200 million from his clients. It took us

years to get him.

The last thing the government wants is Bentley Crocker dying.

Or at least until you find out where he hid his money.

Yes, sir. We've got a stabbing victim. Puncture wound under the right scapula.

Vitals are stable. Moderate blood loss. I want an X -ray, and I want the OR

ready. Patient conscious?

Unfortunately, yes.

That's a good sign. Patient's alert. A little peeved, but her color's good.

Accurate diagnosis.

That's unusual for a doctor.

Sarcasm. Sense of humor. Appear to be intact.

Is that a good sign, too?

Good is absolutely critical.

I like your bedside manner. Does it travel?

It does now.

Where are you taking her?

Trauma One, just down the corridor.

I can draw a map if you'd like. That's not necessary. She won't be there very

long. Victoria Larkin's the third richest woman on the planet.

A lot of people would like to get to her. That's not going to happen again.

I want her moved to a secure area at once.

We're not moving her anywhere until she's stabilized.

Now, I have a patient to take care of, if you don't mind. Whatever happens, my

men and I stay with her. You understand?

Are you where you're bleeding?

Get a wheelchair over here.

Dr. Travis says we need you in Trauma One, Dr. Sloan. The patient's lung

collapsed. Forget about me. Help her.

Will you listen to me? This can wait. I'm not hurt that badly.

You haven't changed much, Waldeck.

Always trying to tough it out alone.

I guess this is where I say you two must know each other.

That's right.

But I don't know you.

Better be nice to this lady, Waldeck.

She happens to be a federal marshal.

Good for her.

I had the security team that guards Victoria Larkin.

From what I've seen today, you don't guard her very well.

I wish I could say you were wrong about that.

There's the man who likes to make a good impression.

Waldeck never did care what people thought about him.

Which came in handy when he served on the LAPD. It was internal affairs.

A cop who hunted cops.

Nice guy.

I can think of a lot of ways to describe Frank Waldeck, but nice would not be at

the top of the list.

Thank you.

Have a nice day.

Mr. Waldeck.

Glad to see you sitting up in bed.

Although I don't know why I'm so surprised.

You've been doing so well, we can have you out of here by this afternoon.

Good. I'm tired of doing my job long distance.

Is she aware that you watch her like that?

Victoria Larkin is aware she gave up the concept of privacy the day she took her

company public and became one of the richest women in the world.

Oh, I'm impressed. You have the opponent surrounded, don't you?

It's easy when the opponent is yourself.

You play with you.

Occasionally and very badly.

Look, take it easy for a few days. Give those teachers a chance to do their job.

Just a little puncture. I had a good night's sleep. I'll rest today and I'll

back on schedule tomorrow.

Oh, and thank you for the flowers.

Is there a patient in here somewhere?

Should have brought a machete.

You'd never get it past the metal detector.

My doctor, he just walked in.

He's, um, adorable.

I think I'll bring him with me to the gala.

Well, of course I'm coming. I'm president of the charity. I have to be

I'll be in Washington this time tomorrow.

That's not possible.

I just gave my word.

Be my guest?

Yes, this is Dr. Mark Sloan.

I'm very well, sir, and you?

It certainly is a pleasure.

No, sir, I don't think there's a necessity of flying your own personal

in. She's in very, very good hands.

You have a nice day, too, sir.

Why don't you warn me?

I wanted to see your face.

So you see, I have to go.

Absolutely not.

All right, hold your breath a moment and try to inhale.

Is this necessary?

Just take a moment. Hold your breath.

Inhale.

Good. Exhale.

Inhale.

Yeah, one more time.

Well, that's enough.

Look, you can do this now or we can sedate you and I'll do it while you're

unconscious. It's your choice.

Do you know who you're talking to?

I'm talking to a patient who was stabbed in the back, whose lung collapsed when

her... Chest cavity filled up with blood.

Is there some good news in there somewhere?

Good news is we have reinflated your lung.

Vital signs are all good.

Prognosis is excellent as long as you do what I say. That means no more phone

calls, no galas. Just lots of bed rest and a little peace and quiet.

Sounds rather boring.

You feel better, believe me. And you'll be treated like royalty in here. I

promise you that.

Why do I get the feeling you say that to all your patients?

Because you're smart as you are stubborn.

You're looking healthy.

I've been hurt worse playing racquetball.

Brought the report?

We're working our way down your list of L .A. locals who sent Victoria

threatening letters.

threatening or adoring.

Some of these people are seriously bent. You should read their letters.

I'd love to. When can I get my hands on them?

I'll get them to you right away.

I'll have forensics checking for prints against the invitations.

But I doubt any of those people were able to wangle an invitation.

I agree.

Victoria will probably die from old age before you find a match, Sloan.

Well, if that happens, at least you'll have done your job.

On the TV, they're saying a man attacked you.

And they describe him.

But you must know it's not true. I would never hurt the only woman I've ever

loved.

Larry Don?

I couldn't hurt her. It wasn't me.

Then who did? I don't know. I just got the invitation. I went to the hotel.

What did you see?

I saw you yell out something, and Victoria fell, and I ran. That's all.

Who did you talk to about this?

Call a friend? The press?

No, I didn't talk to anyone. I don't know anything.

Take it easy, Mr. Brown.

Walter. Sloan here. I've got a match.

You got what?

Five -point match between a letter, an invitation, and Larry Dobbs. One of

Victoria Larkin's more fervent admirers. You can believe his letters.

This man's address.

1123 Howell, apartment 329.

I'll meet you there.

Relax, Mr. Dobbs. Relax.

We caught the man who hurt Victoria.

She would like to thank you personally.

Oh, that would be wonderful.

She's right outside your window.

Where?

Cop in charge?

I'm Detective Sloan. You know something about this? I got a pizza for Larry

Dodson 329. They said I should talk to you.

You ordered a pizza?

When?

35 minutes ago.

But hey, man, I've been behind that police line for six minutes. I don't

you're going to get away without paying for this.

That's him.

He's dead.

What's on the pizza?

Deluxe meets the pizza.

I ain't going back without the money.

You got any cash on him?

Lady, that man and all of his belongings are now in police custody, including

this. That'll be $8 .50.

Dobbs? Uh -huh. Should have seen his plates.

Wall -to -wall Victoria.

Fanatic, all right.

Suicide?

Pizza.

Hope I haven't overstepped here. I took the liberty of bringing in one of our

systems. It's the latest in perimeter security.

This little plate generates... An electromagnetic detection field. No

field runs from floor to ceiling, catching anyone moving through the

Well, it can be key to overlook such human characteristics as mass and

So that someone like Victoria Larkin doesn't have to deal with checkpoints.

Whenever you want.

Hmm. I suppose this is going to play hell with our other security systems.

Not at all.

It won't interfere with your vidcams, your motion detectors, or your metal

detector. And I certainly don't intend for it to interfere with the chain of

command.

That is the private sector's big plus.

Always having the latest in hardware.

But, of course, you know, their big negative is inadequate background

Oh, we manage.

I mean, it wouldn't be too hard to get the background on someone who, say,

started out in the Secret Service guarding foreign dignitaries until the

consul of the lower Volta copped a feel and got his arm broken in three places.

Reflex. I believe you.

But it blew any chance you might have had for the White House detail.

I was lucky. My boss liked me. I gathered that.

So when you ask for the biggest, baddest job in the federal security system...

Is that how you would describe the head of transportation for the entire U .S.

prison system? Let me put it this way.

You've gone where no woman has gone before.

You must like challenges.

You don't have to butter me out, Mr. Waldeck.

Victoria Larkin will stay on the security wing.

The president is very concerned about her.

Well, God bless America.

I will, however, expect you to take me to dinner.

As a consolation.

Hamburger, sausage, anchovies, pastrami.

Wow, no wonder Dobbs decided not to wait for that.

But it does smell bad.

It's evidence.

It's evidence. You've eaten half the evidence.

I am investigating.

Hey, wouldn't that be easier at the hospital?

Not as private.

Why did Dobbs jump?

Maybe he didn't. He was a freak for Victoria.

He knew he couldn't have her now, and the police were probably closing in.

So he orders a pizza?

Well, maybe he didn't want to go to the hereafter hungry.

No, I checked Dobbs out. There was no history of suicide attempts, no history

violence. Until yesterday.

Look at this photo of Dobbs' body in the alley right there.

Notice he's wearing his watch on his right wrist.

Indicating that Dobbs was left -handed.

Was he? I don't know, but what does that have to do with the X -ray?

Well, come here and look at this.

There is a V -shaped nick on the top of the rib, see, directly behind Victoria's

scapula. Well, that matches the entry wound. I found clean margins all along

lower length, indicating a downward -facing blade.

But that nick in the rib is not consistent with a left -handed

Look at this. Turn around.

A left -handed assailant certainly would have thrust it into the scapula, but in

order to nick a rib, he would have had them into the left.

And if Dobbs wasn't right -handed... He couldn't have been the assailant. But

nobody else was close enough except for Waldeck. Yeah, but he was stabbed, too,

remember? The thing is that that wound could have been self -inflicted. I've

his x -rays, too, and the angle of that thrust indicates somebody who's right

-handed. And Waldeck is right -handed. Yeah. I don't know, Mark. A guy like

Waldeck, if he wanted to kill the third richest woman in the world, I don't

think she would have made it back to the hospital.

What if he didn't want to kill her?

What if he...

stage that whole thing just to ingratiate himself with the family.

Well, that's not that kind of guy. He's efficient, effective, always. He's never

desperate. He was the IA's top investigator when he was with the

It just doesn't make sense, Dad. Well, I could be wrong about this, but none of

this fits together.

I have a feeling that Victoria is in grave danger.

Hold on a second.

Yeah?

No, no. Brody works Sunday.

I don't care if he's playing the 49ers. He's wriggled out of Sunday duty for the

last six weeks.

Inhale. You know, that lung sounds pretty good, young lady. I think we'll

you up and about in a short order.

Young lady?

Are you flirting with me?

Me? Why?

Nobody talks to me like that.

Everybody just follows my orders, does what I want.

They jump.

I'm never wrong, never ignored, never contradicted.

You really want me to treat you that way?

It's sickening.

I find your attitude rather refreshing.

In fact, I find everything about you rather refreshing, Dr. Sloan.

I need a doctor like you.

There's lots of doctors like me.

Be my personal physician.

Travel with me.

Tell me how to invest my charitable dollars.

It's very, very flattering.

I'm afraid my job's right here.

Think about it.

Obscene salary, exotic locations, unlimited access to the company plane.

You make it sound like there's no downside.

Well, crowds, parties, work, work, work.

Not enough privacy, too much security.

You know, Frank Waldeck seems pretty competent, though.

Yeah. He's only been with me a few months, so he's not really had to prove

himself. I mean, until that man attacked me.

You saw the knife, did you?

Well, not actually.

And Waldeck was pushing me out of harm's way.

But enough of that. That's the past.

What does the future hold for you and me?

For you, more bedrest.

For me, more rounds.

I understand that you gentlemen are just trying to do your job, but we're trying

to do a job around here, too, and sometimes those alarms going off just

constantly is pretty nerve -wracking, you know?

Still playing against yourself, I see.

I've yet to find a worthy opponent.

I understand you borrowed my X -ray.

I was a little concerned about you. Oh.

I didn't realize you were still on my case, Doctor.

It's just about mid -game, aren't you? No set pattern there yet. Of course, all

the pieces aren't on the board, are they?

I think I just found someone to play with.

Everybody on standby.

Got white collar one on approach.

Roger that. Take out.

Take the west wing, sir. Isn't that the...

Stock of Mr. Bentley Crocker. That's him, all right.

Most hated felon in North America.

The richest, too.

Boy, I bet a lot of people wouldn't mind seeing him dead.

Of course, I guess he's safe in here.

That depends on who the assassin is.

Well, they've got the latest technology all over the place, and the squads and

the marshals everywhere.

Truth is, if I wanted to kill him, I could.

And walk away clean.

You better sharpen my game.

You know, this is a fascinating game.

I have a sudden interest.

I want to know how Waldeck's mind works.

Did I miss a part of this conversation?

Wei Chi is an ancient oriental game of positioning and strategy.

Waldeck plays it.

You thinking about playing against him?

I have the feeling I already am.

I'm still lost.

Well, the object of Wei Chi is to control territory and to capture or kill

your opponent's men.

You alternate putting the stones on the board, and then if you're subtle and

you've got a long -range strategy in mind, you can capture your opponent

he even knows what happened.

You're trying to figure out why Waldeck stabbed Victoria and himself.

Yeah. What did he get out of it?

Well, so far, just the hospital room.

Yeah, maybe that's what Waldeck wants.

What better way to get himself into the security wing?

He doesn't need protection. He can take care of himself.

Victoria and Waldeck are not the only ones in that wing.

Bentley Crocker is, too.

You think Waldick would want to kill him?

I don't know.

But he certainly is positioning himself so he can.

I have to learn how to play this game.

Why would Waldick want to kill Crocker?

Between the banks that Crocker's defrauded and the cartels he's robbed,

an enemies list longer than Richard Nixon.

So just move him.

Maybe that's what Waldick wants to get Crocker's security changed.

Then move Victoria to another floor. He'd have to go with her.

You know, he might just try to hurt her again to get back in the security wing.

I'm sticking with checkers.

I ought to at least warn Monica Shattuck about this.

You know, I don't see what the problem is here.

He knows that we're on to him. He lost.

Game over.

You know, actually, Jesse, I think the game has just begun.

My security arrangements are just fine now that we've brought this place up to

code. I'm sure the technology is fine. I'm talking about Frank Waldeck. We have

reason to believe that he's here to kill your prisoner.

Is that an official warning about him?

No, not official, not exactly.

Then what exactly?

The medical examiner has found evidence that Waldeck may have stabbed Victoria

Larkin himself, just so he could get unlimited access to the security wing.

No one outside my office even knew Bentley Crocker was coming here. Look,

worked with Frank Waldick for a long time.

He's got a real talent for getting around obstacles.

Not me. But if it is true, which I doubt, I'll deal with him. I'm just

help, Marshal. Crocker's not my prisoner.

I'll handle it, Detective.

I have to thank Detective Sloan.

You checked out just fine.

And I'll have to arouse his suspicions more often.

You're not going to breach my security, you know.

I believe I already have.

I meant the hospital.

So did I.

Victoria Larkin and I are in the security wing, aren't we?

Not anymore.

I changed the access protocol.

You're locked out.

Nice move.

I thought you'd like it.

So you really don't think I'm trying to kill Bentley Crocker, do you?

sloan does i'm not so sure he's a good guy so he's right

let's not worry about that now we have better things to do

Let's talk about communication codes, shall we?

Have a nice day.

You know, actually, you are in good enough shape we could transfer you

else safely.

Why would you want to do that?

Well, if you're unhappy with the health care, just uncomfortable.

But I'm neither.

Something else is worrying you. What is it?

Frank Waldeck, perhaps?

I shall take that as a yes.

Well, those questions you asked me about him, the way that you asked them, I

could tell something was wrong.

When everybody wants something from you, you get to read people pretty well.

So I started wondering, what does Waldeck want?

What happened the other day? When you were attacked.

When I told you he tried to push me out of harm's way, but what if he turned me

around deliberately so I couldn't see what was happening?

That would fit.

So what really happened? Tell me.

We think he's the one who stabbed you.

He tried to kill me.

No, I don't think he intended to.

I think he wanted you alive and in this security wing to have access to another

patient and kill him.

You can see you'd be safer somewhere outside the community, General.

But if I'm not here, then he has to find another way in and you won't be able to

keep as close a watch on him.

True.

Then I'm staying.

You know, that's very courageous, but you don't have to do that.

Of course I don't. I don't have to do anything I don't want to do.

Except obey you.

Anyway, the longer I'm here...

The longer I have to convince you to come away with me.

You know, I was getting a little bit close in here. I think I'll open the

window.

Oh, I wouldn't do that if I... Oh, that's all right.

Take a minute.

We're just getting a little fresh air. A little... There.

I don't know what you're so worried about. It's just a simple gallbladder

operation, isn't it?

Steve, do you know how many things can go wrong in a gallbladder operation?

And that's assuming that no one tries to sabotage the medication or the

equipment. Look, it'll be fine. He's getting top -notch treatment. And we'll

triple -check all the equipment and the meds. Well, I'll be coming down here

tomorrow to watch. Oh, I'm counting on it. Bye.

Bye.

Looking for something, Frank?

I must have made a wrong turn.

The IA cop I knew didn't make wrong turn.

Then I guess I didn't.

We check the O .R. equipment again now.

I'm telling you, he was in there messing with that equipment.

Everything checked out fine. We spent all night doing it.

Well, then why was he in there and why did he follow me?

Maybe you stopped him before he had a chance to do anything.

Maybe Waldick is trying to distract us by rattling you.

Well, he succeeded in the rattling part.

Crocker is on the way to OR.

Copy that. We're ready.

Got it.

Here we go.

Excuse us.

The phone shatters hotel room. I paged her three times. I had the hospital

search twice.

In other words, you can't find her and you'd like a little help from the LAPD.

It would be appreciated.

This isn't like her.

Well, you stay with Crocker. I've got a couple places I can look.

He's under.

BP 120 over 70.

I'm about to make the incision for the laparoscope.

Dr. Sloan, it seems you always catch me when I'm playing a game. That's true.

You know, I know that playing chess alone isn't a lot of fun. It probably

either, is it?

You're right.

Care to play?

You know, I'd like to, but my shift is over.

Listen, we could play out at my beach house.

Out on the deck, spectacular view, ocean breezes.

Of course, I thought you'd have some reason to stay here at the hospital.

You were right.

It's nice here.

Ideal for a game like this.

I'm sorry to be taking so long.

It's fine. Take your time.

Some wachee games last for years.

Actually, I was thinking about Bentley Crocker getting his gallbladder taken

out.

I'll bet about right now he's deep in the anesthesia.

All the incisions have been made.

His belly is getting filled with carbon dioxide.

Instrument ports in place.

Starting the CO2.

Setting maximum patient pressure at 15.

I'm sure you had all the equipment checked out.

Those endless coils and holes.

Whether that's really carbon dioxide and not some toxic or even explosive gas

being used.

And then, of course, there's the gas pump itself.

CO2 pump.

Hello? Amanda, is the CO2 on yet?

Yes, but everything seems to be going fine.

but just to keep an eye on things, really.

Those men of yours, they're dead.

So I see.

Thought I had you in such poor position, too.

But with all those threats you're developing, it's hard to know which one

react to.

That's why Wei Qi is called a game of protracted strut.

Because your opponent's objective is always changing.

There you're wrong, Doctor.

The object is always the same.

The next crucial juncture can come at any time.

Think I see the strategy you're planning now.

Actually, I was thinking of Crocker.

That clip they put on the artery?

It's remote control.

And then there's the bovie that they use to take the gallbladder out itself.

It cauterizes as it cuts, as long as the frequency isn't set too high.

Crocker's gallbladder won't be bothering him anymore.

The surgical ports will be removed and all that CO2 will simply dissipate in

body.

Of course, he's vulnerable to a bolus of anesthesia,

an allergic reaction to medication, and unexplained heart arrhythmia

from the stress of surgery.

Looks like all my territory is under your control.

Not a bad first match for someone who doesn't play very often.

I've enjoyed it, Doc.

Hello? Amanda, when Crocker's coming out of the anesthesia, monitor him very...

They've already closed up, Mark. They're headed for recovery and the surgery

seemed to go fine.

You've been all over this room. Are you sure this is where your lady friend is

staying? Positive.

You're moving, Crocker.

Marshal's orders, Doctor.

Look, I know that he just had a very simple operation, but I think it's way

soon for him to be moved.

Well, that's what Marshal Shattuck liked about it. Surprise.

And it's a fail -safe system.

Even I don't know the communication codes.

Well, can't it be stopped?

Might be a fool to try. The prison ambulance is downstairs right now.

Monica Shattuck died of an air ambulance introduced by hypodermic.

Now, the marks on her arms are from shots of sodium pentothal.

Waldick must have used it to get information out of her. Probably over

course of several hours. There's also a puncture wound in her neck, and I'd say

he used something to immobilize her before he started questioning her.

Communication codes.

What communication codes?

Marshal Linder said that they had secured communications, and that's how

ambulance would call to take Crocker back to the prison. Crocker's gone?

Yeah, they just left.

Yeah, all right.

They found the ambulance abandoned ten miles north of here.

But Waldeck must have had a band staged to canvass the area. I'll bet he headed

south. What makes you think that? Well, because going north is just a false move

to lead us in the wrong direction.

You may have a knack for a wee tea yet, Jesse, better than me.

Waldeck's won.

It's about the size of it. I couldn't figure out his strategy.

Dr. Sloan.

Yes.

I'm sorry about Waldeck.

Well, at least you're out of danger and recovering nicely.

Thanks to your ability.

To make you behave?

Ha!

I want you to reconsider my offer.

Well, Victoria... I would set up a medical research foundation and you

it.

Just think about it. Take your time.

I'll hold a seat for you on my jet.

Your jet?

I think Crocker's still alive.

Why? Look, the objective in Weiqi is to control territory and to kill or capture

men.

I don't think Waldeck wants to kill Crocker. I think he wants to know where

Crocker's money is.

Well, then, they don't kill him. Yeah, well, that couldn't have gotten far. And

I think I know where he's headed.

Hold it, Waldeck.

Crocker's passed his last stone, Waldeck.

And you just played yours.

You're under arrest.

Congratulations, Sloan. Looks like you busted my game.

But how did you know that's where Waldick was headed?

Well, in Wei Chi, you mount multiple interconnected threats, and Waldick was

doing it to me all morning when Crocker was in surgery.

Misdirecting your attention.

Oh, and is he good at it? He sure made us think he'd tampered with the O .R.

Sure did. So we would let down our guard when Crocker made it through surgery,

okay? But he didn't realize what kind of a game player he was up against. Well,

I'm no Wei Chi expert. I'm a pretty good study, though. Well, that's good,

because I've got a new game for you. New game?

Mancala. Mancala? Uh -huh. Maybe the oldest game in the world. They found...

Stone Mancala boards in Egypt dating back to 1400 B .C.

Mancala? Two players, 48 stones each, 12 bins, 6 per side.

You know, I think I know this game. It's something like Nine Men Forest.

You know this game? I think so.