JANUARY 1957
Sara waited at Mike's bedside and was relieved when he finally rallied  from his injuries.  Mike and Sara met young patient Billy Harper at the  hospital.  Cora pressured Harry to adopt a child.  Harry visited Martin  in prison and offered to adopt Bebe.  Marilyn blackmailed Harry over his criminal activities.  Weary of his wife and secretary,  Harry devised a plan to get rid of both Marilyn and Cora and have Louise all to  himself.  As Cora grew more despondent over being childless,  Harry  goaded her into drinking more heavily.  Mike wants to marry Sara as soon as he's discharged from the hospital.


FEBRUARY 1957
Jack sparred with Betty-Jean's parents Wyn and Ella Battle,  who prohibited him from visiting the Battle home.  Jack decided to move out  of Mattie's house.  Harry sent Martin Spode an anonymous letter stating  that Cora is a drunk and danger to Bebe's safety.  After taking Bebe away from Cora,   Hester took Bebe and moved to Florida.   A despondent  Cora decided to divorce Harry and went on a drinking binge.  Marilyn  tightened the screws on Harry, demanding more money.  Mike and Sara were married in a long-awaited ceremony. Harry called Marilyn and instructed her to meet him at the Lane home at 8pm for the payoff money.  Jack  overheard the call but thought Marilyn was speaking to Cora.  Harry  substituted sleeping pills for Cora's vitamins, then told the maid to  make sure that Cora took them.  Later, Harry arranged to have Louise  pick him up outside the City Auditorium,  where he'll be seeing a film  on slum clearance techniques.   
 

MARCH 1, 1957  (Episode #240)
With the promise of a payoff, Harry instructed Marilyn to arrive at the  Lane home at 7 and pick a fight with Cora.  Duke became angry when  Marilyn said she didn't feel well and tried to back out of the meeting  with Harry. Mike and Sara planned to stop by Cora's on the way out of  town for their honeymoon, but they were delayed.  Marilyn arrived at the Lane home just as Marie, the maid, was leaving.  Marilyn told Marie  that Cora had insisted on meeting with her.  On the pretext of  forgetting the speech he wrote,  Harry asked Louise to accompany him to  the Lane home.  Louise found it suspicious when Harry insisted on taking a cab rather than using his own car.  Marilyn taunted a drunken Cora,  who passed out during the argument.  Harry's sudden appearance shocked  Marilyn.  With murder in his eyes, Harry told Marilyn she was finally  going to get her payoff.

 MARCH 4,  1957 (Episode #241)
Harry viciously explained to Marilyn that intended to murder her, frame  Cora for the crime, then have Louise Grimsley all to himself.  Marilyn  pleaded for her life as Harry bludgeoned her to death with a whiskey  bottle.  After setting the time on Marilyn's watch to 7:33, Harry  smashed the crystal with a wooden coat hanger from Cora's closet. Cora  awoke in a drugged stupor and couldn't remember what happened.  Sara and Mike dropped by the Lane house to check on Cora,  then Cora and Sara  discovered Marilyn's murdered body,  which was stuffed in Cora's bedroom closet.  Mike called Charley Brooks to send for the homicide squad and  have Harry Lane picked up at the City Auditorium.  Mike and Sara begged  Cora to recall the events leading up to Marilyn's murder.  Cora became  hysterical and insisted she couldn't remember anything.

Marilyn: (terrified, struggling)  Don't, Harry!  Don't look at me like that!  Let me go...let me go!
Harry: (cold, determined)  Look at this room...  It's the last  room you'll ever see... And my voice is the last voice you'll ever hear...


MARCH 5, 1957 (Episode #242)
Cora was the prime suspect in Marilyn's murder and faced questioning.  Mike ordered Charlie to find  Jack,  who may or may not corroborate Cora's claim that she didn't ask  Marilyn to come by the Lane home.  Cora admitted that she and Marilyn  didn't get along,  but failed to tell Mike that she had threatened  Marilyn on two different occasions. Jack and Betty-Jean made a date to  meet one another at the river bank, even though the Battle's have warned the two against seeing one another.


MARCH 6,  1957 (Episode #243)
Charlie tried to find Jack at the Battle home,  tipping off a furious  Wyn that Jack and Betty-Jean are still involved.  Jack met Betty-Jean at the river bank and told her that they should run away together.  Mike  told Sara that Marilyn's death looks like premeditated murder.  Sara  gave her deposition about the crime scene to Captain Marceau.  Mike  caught up with Jack,  who said that he overheard Cora's call to Marilyn and revealed that Cora had previously threatened Marilyn with a letter spindle. 

Jack: (about Mike)  You know why he wants me?
Betty: Something about your drunken aunt.
Jack:Aunt Cora?


MARCH 7, 1957 (Episode #244)
Phil Capice, Louise's  ex-husband,  arrived from Houston with the intention of rekindling their relationship.  Later,  Louise met Harry at the "usual place".  Louise  panicked and told Harry that they should tell the police about being at  the Lane home the night Marilyn was murdered.  Harry instructed Louise  to keep quiet, otherwise he'll tell the police that Louise was  responsible for a hit-and-run death back in Nevada.  Mike met with  Assistant District Attorney Ed Parmalee,  who was convinced that Cora's  guilty.  Charlie informed Mike that Marilyn was involved with a shady gambler named Duke Manson.

Note:  Monticello Daily Newspaper headline:  "PVT SECRETARY SLAIN IN BOSS' HOME--Blonde Marilyn Bollon Clubbed Under Mysterious  Circumstances"


MARCH 8, 1957 (Episode #245)
Duke called Harry, but Harry  hung up on him.  Mike suggested that Cora feign illness to keep away  from Assistant DA Parmalee,  who was ready to charge Cora with murder.   Later, Mike met with Duke, and Duke claimed that no one would have  wanted to harm Marilyn.  Mike tried to stall Cora's arrest by telling  Parmalee that someone, maybe Marilyn, told offered to tell Winston how  Harry Lane cheated him out of a real estate deal.  Duke forced his way  into Harry's and threatened to tell the police that Harry murdered  Marilyn and framed Cora.

Duke:I got you by the neck, Sweetheart.  And, Harry... I'm not going to let go!


MARCH 11, 1957 (Episode #246)
In order to maintain silence about Marilyn's murder,  Duke demanded blackmail money from Harry.   Fred, Mike's police tail, told Mike that Duke visited Harry.  Charlie  kissed Grace passionately after seeing Grace's engagement ring from Paul Roberts.  Mike speculated that Marilyn's killer might have set her  watch back to hide the actual time of the murder.  Duke went to see Mike and altered his previous statement by saying that Cora was Marilyn's  enemy.  Mike suspected that Harry paid Duke to change his story.  Sara  and Grace talked about marriage, and Grace admitted that she prefers  Charlie over Paul.  Harry was shaken after giving his alibi to Mike.

Duke:(after Harry lunges at his throat)  Don't try making it a double-header, Harry.  I'm tougher than Marilyn was...


MARCH 12, 1957 (Episode #247)
Winston admitted to Mike  that he saw Harry at the City Auditorium before Marilyn's murder but  remembered that Harry left for a period of time.  Fearing arrest and  shame,  Cora doubted her own innocence and wanted to skip out of  Monticello.  Sara assured Cora that Mike will find the real killer.   Mike questioned Grace about Harry's relationship with Marilyn.  Grace  recalled a strange incident between Harry and Marilyn but couldn't  remember the details.

Cora:(to Mattie)  I'd like to go to the other end of the  world where no one would know who I am-- what I am... Cora Lane,  drunkard...accused of
murder.


MARCH 13, 1957 (Episode #248)
Winston told Parmalee about  the mysterious female phone caller who offered to tell him how Harry  cheated him out of the real estate deal,  but Winston admitted that he  couldn't be sure whether or not it was Marilyn.  Parmalee wondered if  Winston was biased because of his dislike for Harry.  Paul Roberts  pressed Grace for answer to his marriage proposal.  Jack informed Mike  that Marilyn bossed everyone around at Lane Trucking, including Harry.   Grace recalled an incident in which Marilyn made Harry jealous, and told Mike that the look on Harry's face indicated that they had a  relationship.  Mike gave Grace's information to Parmalee and theorized  that Marilyn was holding something over Harry's head,  giving him a motive for murder.  Parmalee shot down Mike's theory and gave him one  day to find a solid clue that Cora wasn't the killer.


MARCH 14, 1957 (Episode #249)
A furious Harry chastised  Jack for telling Mike that Marilyn overstepped her authority at Lane  Trucking.  Sgt. Helen Kilbourn questioned Johnny "Bud" Doble,  a cab  driver who was parked outside the City Auditorium the night Marilyn was  murdered.  Doble maintained that no one entered or exited the auditorium between 7:30 and 8:30 pm,  but Helen suspected that he's lying.  A  nervous Harry confessed to Mike that his relationship with Marilyn went  beyond business.  Mike decided to see if he could break Bud Doble's  story.


MARCH 15, 1957 (Episode #250)
Under Mike's scrutiny,  Bud  Doble confessed that he saw a man enter the auditorium about 8:15,  but  Bud didn't recognize Harry's photo.  Phil told Winston that Louise won't consider remarrying him because she's in love with a mystery man.  Phil and Winston agreed to work together to find out what Louise is hiding.   After Winston informed Louise that Harry's alibi is suspect,  Louise  feared that Harry might have murdered Marilyn and the police will find  out that she drove him to the murder scene.  Phil tried unsuccessfully  to learn the name of the man Louise is seeing.  Mike told Charlie that  Harry is getting very nervous,  and Mike intends to pursue him until he  cracks.


MARCH 18, 1957 (Episode #251)
Sara was furious over an  article by reporter Al Ford, who wrote that the Monticello PD is  bungling the Bollon investigation and Mike is protecting Cora.  Cora  vowed to never drink again.  Upset about Ford's story,  Parmalee pressed Mike to close the Bollon case.  Mike was disappointed that Duke  Manson's alibi checked-out.  Mattie plead Jack's case to Ella Battle,   who admitted that she and her husband like Jack,  but they're afraid  Jack and Betty-Jean will marry too young.  Sara visited young Billy  Harper in the hospital.  Mike and Charlie brought Harry in for questioning and and scared him with talk of having eyewitnesses who saw  Harry leave the auditorium. 

Ella:(about Cora)  From what I hear,  she complicates everybody's life.


MARCH 19, 1957 (Episode #252)
Phil learned that Harry is  Louise's secret love.  Fearing implication in the Bollon murder,  Louise begged Winston to accompany her on a cruise around the world.   Mike  and Charlie performed psychological warfare on Harry with innuendos,  suspicious glances, and whispered conversations.  Later,  Helen Kilbourn and Sgt. Fitzsimmons pretended to be eyewitnesses and claimed that they saw Harry leave the auditorium.  Under pressure,  Harry finally broke  and admitted that he left the auditorium to meet another woman.  Mike  demanded the name of his alibi,  but Harry stalled,  telephoned Louise,  and instructed her to meet him at his lodge in the woods.


MARCH 20, 1957 (Episode #253)
Al Ford dropped by the  Karr home unannounced and tried to trick Sara into making an  incriminating statement against Cora,  but Sara wasn't fooled.  Mike  convinced Parmalee that Harry might be guilty of murder,  and had Harry  followed to the lodge.  Louise met with Harry and wouldn't agree to his  suggestion that she give false testimony by saying they never went to  the Lane house the night of the murder.  Harry  threatened to expose  Louise's hit-and-run past  and name her as an accomplice in Marilyn's  murder.

Ford:(To Sara)  Some brides have beauty,  others have brains.  Few have both.  My compliments to the lieutenant.

Louise:(To Harry)  You don't have to teach me how to lie...I've had a lot of practice.


MARCH 21, 1957 (Episode #254)
Louise made her statement to  the police,  and fearing Harry's threats, lied about Harry's whereabouts the night of the murder.  Mike forced Louise to admit that she was the  one who gave Harry the information that allowed him to cheat Winston out of the Brodie and Clarke real estate deal.  Winston read Louise's  deposition and was shocked to learn that he'd been betrayed by his own  daughter.


MARCH 22, 1957 (Episode #255)
Winston confronted Louise who was forced to admit the truth.   Louise wanted to tell Winston about  the Nevada hit-and-run, but she couldn't.  Parmalee informed Mike that  District Attorney Thompson will put Cora's case before the grand jury on Monday and ordered Mike to cease the investigation into Harry Lane.   Mike vowed to Sara that he'll continue investigating and promised to  find the real killer.

Winston:(To Louise)  Suddenly,  all the things I believed seem false... my own daughter meeting secretly with my worst enemy.


MARCH 25, 1957 (Episode #256)
Cora met with attorney  Bernard J. Ehlers, who was hired by Harry.  Mike asked Phil if Harry and Louise are lovers. Phil insisted that Louise hates Harry.  Mike  wondered why Louise would betray her father for a man she hates.  Grace  told Mike that she gave the letter about the Brodie and Clarke real  estate deal to Louise in October,  but Phil told Mike that Louise was  seeing Harry as early as August.


MARCH 26, 1957 (Episode #257)
After Mike called to confirm  the date Harry and Louise start   ed seeing one  another,  Harry  complained to Parmalee that Mike is still investigating the case.   Parmalee chastised Mike for disobeying orders and suggested that Mike  resign from the Monticello PD if he intends to play detective.  Winston  threatened to have Mike's badge after Mike seemed to insinuate that  Louise was involved in Marilyn's murder.  Billy Harper returned the hero medal that Mike gave him in the hospital,  but Mike said that Billy  earned it by his courageousness in the face of a serious operation. 


MARCH 27, 1957 (Episode #258)
Parmalee admitted to his wife Mildred that he respects Mike's determination in the Bollon case.   Mildred realized that she knew Sara in junior high school.  Sara  admitted to Mike that she witnessed an altercation between Cora and  Marilyn in which Cora threatened to strike Marilyn with a vase,  but  Marilyn just laughed at her.  Mike informed Parmalee and DA Bruce  Thompson that Marilyn wasn't afraid of Cora,  but Marilyn was afraid of  the person who killed her, because she was hiding in Cora's closet when  the killer struck.  Mike suggested a pre-trial hearing rather than a  trial.  Parmalee agreed but warned Mike that if Cora is brought to  trial, it might ruin Mike's future as an attorney.  Mildred Parmalee  visited Sara and suggested that the Karrs and Parmalee's become friends.


MARCH 28, 1957 (Episode #259)
Bernard Ehlers, Cora's  attorney, questioned Grace about Cora's drinking and involvement with  the Spode family.  Later, Ehlers learned from Sara that someone sent  Martin Spode an anonymous letter, which exposed Cora's drinking and  prompted Hester to take Bebe away.  Ehlers phoned Hester in Florida,   but Hester didn't know who sent the letter.  After learning she's about  to be indicted for murder,  Cora vowed to never be locked up in a cell  and planned to skip town.


MARCH 29, 1957 (Episode #260)
Helen followed Cora to the  train station where Cora bought a ticket to Springfield.  Cora told  Helen that Mike is trying to get her sent to prison.  Helen arrested  Cora and took her to Mike. Mike wanted to release Cora, but Parmalee  had Cora followed too and ordered Mike to book her.  Mike pleaded Cora's case at the bail hearing, but the judge ruled that Cora be remanded  into custody until the murder trial.  As Cora was being locked up,  Mike suggested that she face her fears for once and use her confinement as a strengthening experience.  Cora collapsed in her cell and begged God to her help her.

Cora: They won't lock me up will they?
Ehlers: Don't expect me to work miracles!
Cora:I wish I could die.


APRIL 1,  1957 (Episode #261)
Mattie feared that Cora's  arrest will bring shame on the family and began to doubt Cora's  innocence.  Ella Battle told husband Wyn that she'll allow Betty-Jean  and Jack to see each other again,  but a furious Wyn informed Ella that  Jack's drunken aunt was arrested under suspicion of murder.  Despite  protests from Ella and Betty-Jean,  Wyn warned Betty-Jean against ever  seeing Jack again.  Betty-Jean chose her parents when Jack forced her to decide between them.   Sara tried to take Cora a vanity kit,  but the  matron wouldn't let Cora have it, because it contained a glass mirror.

Wyn: (to Betty-Jean about Jack)   How can you defend any member of a family as depraved, disgraceful, drunken, and criminal as that?
Betty-Jean: Jack isn't drunken or criminal!
Wyn: Give him time!

Matron: (implying Cora might attempt suicide)  A vanity mirror is 30 seconds of good luck... a broken mirror has sharp edges.


APRIL 2, 1957 (Episode #262)
Mike told Captain Marceau that the lab found an uncommon sedative in Cora's blood the night of the  murder,  and theorized that Harry had drugged Cora, murdered Marilyn,  and framed his wife.  At the jail,  Cora admitted to Mike that her maid  Marie had given her vitamin capsules shortly before Marilyn's murder.   Mike questioned Marie who told him that Cora once mistook a sedative for her vitamins and was comatose for over an hour.  Mike called Harry in  for routine questioning, then showed Harry how easy it would be to grind up tablet and place it in an empty capsule.  Harry started to unravel.

Note: This episode marks the one year anniversary of The Edge of Night.


APRIL 3, 1957 (Episode #263)
Seeing Harry's panic,  Marceau gave Mike a free hand to continue the investigation.  Later,  Mike  learned that Louise has a history of speeding and reckless driving.   Sara counseled Betty-Jean on how to win back Jack.  Betty-Jean took  Sara's advice and made time with a boy named Allen to make Jack jealous.  After a furious Jack saw Betty-Jean and Allen together at the soda shop,  the two reconciled.  Sara mentioned to Mike that the feud between Harry and Winston dates back to Harry's love for Winston's late wife,  also named Louise.  

Helen: So Harry Lane nibbled at the bait?
Mike: Nibbled, Helen?  He almost choked on it.

Sara: (To Mike about Jack and BJ)  They fixed things up.
Mike: How did you arrange it?
Sara: Oh,  men are so obvious...


APRIL 4, 1957 (Episode #264)
Mike instructed Charlie to  find out why Louise's personal habits changed suddenly a year ago.  Sara visited Cora in jail and was unnerved to hear that Cora has accepted  her fate and wants to give up.  Cora admitted that she's considering a  confession just to put an end to the trial and all the publicity.  Phil  informed Mike that Louise suddenly changed last year after a trip to  Reno to get their divorce.   Mike hustled to stop Cora's confession,  warning that if Cora confesses,  her only alternative to jail is  permanent confinement to an asylum.  Phil lied to Harry that he's going to re-marry Louise.  Mike was delighted by Harry's jealous reaction to the news,  since it gives Harry a motive for framing Cora.


APRIL 5, 1957 (Episode #265)
Mike speculated to Winston  that Harry killed two birds with one stone by killing Marilyn and  framing Cora,  then suggested that Winston weaken Harry's confidence via financial pressure.  Later, Winston approved a merger with Amalgamated  Trucking and forced them to cancel all contracts with Harry's company.   Harry gave Duke the blackmail money,  but warned that he can't afford  much more because of heat from the cops and unexpected financial  problems.  Duke advised Harry to stay cool,  because the cops are using  the squeeze-play technique to crack him.  Mike watched Harry leave his  meeting with Duke at Club Rendezvous.

Mike: (to Winston)  Love can make a person do strange things... so can hate.  Mix the two and you may have what Harry Lane is. 


APRIL 8, 1957 (Episode #266)
Mike insinuated to Louise that he knows what happened in Reno,  but before Louise could confess,   Harry arrived and interrupted them.  Harry managed to convince Louise  that Mike was bluffing and knows nothing,  then he asked her to betray  Winston again.  Louise refused to leak any more business information to  Harry,  who is suffering financially.  After learning that another  company canceled its contracts with Lane Trucking,  Harry went into a  megalomaniac rage,  insisting that no one could destroy him.

Louise:(To Harry about Mike)  He's nice... like my father and Phil...not like us.

Harry:(Manic)  I'm strong, Jack!  Strong enough to fight back  and destroy anyone who's fool enough to attack me!  No one can defeat  me!  No one
can destroy me!


APRIL 9, 1957 (Episode #267)
Mary Harper admitted to her  husband Roger that she's overdrawn at the bank again and needs money to  balance the account.  After giving Mary more money,   Roger suggested  that they meet  Mike and Sara Karr,   who befriended their son Billy.   Later,  Mary visited Sara and
made ominous statements about not wanting  to live if she should ever lose her son.  When Sara casually mentioned  the date, April 9th,  Mary panicked and fled the Karr home.   Mike met  with Roger and learned that Marilyn wasn't insured at the time of her  death.  Mary kept an appointment with the mysterious Clayton Pike,  who  is blackmailing her.  Pike revealed that he must raise his fee for "standing as a protective factor" between Mary and "unpleasant  circumstances". When Mary insisted that she can't pay any more money,  Pike suggested telling Roger the truth.  Later,  Mary lied to Roger  that the money he gave her to cover the bank overdraft had been stolen  from her purse.  Sara told Mike about the strange incident with Mary and said that she saw "terror" in Mary's eyes.

Roger:(reading Mary's bank statement)  Have you been making a down payment on the Suez Canal?

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Clayton Pike-- a smooth article in his late 30's.  He wears a spade beard to appear distinguished.  He makes a good appearance.

Roger Harper--  He's a successful insurance broker.  His  healthful appearance is in contrast to a chronic heart condition.  Once  in a while,  he breathes
heavily,  a fairly normal symptom of heart  ailment.


APRIL 10, 1957 (Episode #268)
Sara was upset after Mike  told her that Judge Ralph Neuman will preside over Cora's pretrial,  and reminded Mike that hardboiled Neuman was the one who sent Martin Spode  up-the-river.  Neuman's wife Frieda told him that she knew Cora twenty  years ago and made him promise to be nice.  Neuman asked to see Mike  before court and told Mike that he'll make a fine attorney one day. Mike told the judge that they'll have to wait until Mike's bar exam score  comes back in a couple of weeks.  Cora's pretrial hearing began.


APRIL 11, 1957 (Episode #269)
Mike testified that Marilyn  was physically afraid of her killer and professed his belief in Cora's  innocence.  During the pretrial, Cora became hysterical,  forcing Neuman to call for a recess.  Later,   Sgt. Fisk testified that Cora's prints  were found on the neck of the whiskey bottle,  which suggests that Cora  picked the bottle up as weapon rather than to simply pour a drink.  Cora became unhinged.


APRIL 12, 1957 (Episode #270)
Mike insisted to Sara that  they must calm Cora down.  With no defense,  Cora's unstable outbursts  made her look even more capable of spontaneous violence.  Sara was  unable to reason with Cora.  Phil revealed to Mike that he saw Louise  having a serious conversation with Duke Manson in Louise's Reno hotel  when Louise went there for the divorce.  Mike speculated that Duke  helped Louise out of trouble,  told Harry about it,  and now Harry's  blackmailing Louise into a relationship.  Mike went to see Duke, who  denied that he's ever met Louise.

Cora:(Defeated,  to Sara) ... what difference does it make?   There's always tomorrow-- and tomorrow--and then another trial.  A long, long string of
tomorrows,  each one worse...and then...I know what they do to murderers.  (Beat)  Death...


APRIL 15 - MAY 2, 1957  (Episodes #271 - 284)
Mike sent  private detective Willie Bryan to Reno,  where Willie uncovered Louise's alleged hit-and-run manslaughter.  Confronted with the truth,  Louise  confessed her story to Mike.  A lie detector test indicated that Louise  was not an accomplice in Marilyn's murder.


MAY 3, 1957  (Episode #285)



MAY 6, 1957  (Episode #286)



MAY 7 - 13, 1957  (Episodes #287 - 291)
Harry, now  completely insane, envisioned Louise as her late mother and was later  confined to a prison psychiatric hospital.  A despondent Cora decided to return to her childhood home in New England.   With Uncle Harry out of  the way,  Jack hoped to assume the manager's position at Lane Trucking.   After Mike passed his bar exams,  DA Bruce Thompson and Assistant DA  Ed Parmalee offered Mike a job in the district attorney's office.  As  Winston Grimsley vowed to stop the black-market baby business in  Monticello,  Mary Harper feared that Clayton Pike would reveal her secret to husband Roger.


MAY 14, 1957  (Episode #292)
After receiving a job offer  from private practice attorney's Connolly, Connolly, Benson,  McGowan,  and Smith,  Mike informed Sara that he turned down DA Bruce Thompson's  offer.  Sara told Mike that she doesn't want him to be chained to desk  all of his life and urged him to reconsider Thompson's offer.  Mike and  Sara's disagreement escalated into an argument.    Seeing Sara's tears,  Billy Harper offered Mike sage marital advice... "apologize whether  you're sorry or not".  Later,  Mike brought Sara candy and flowers,   along with an apology.  Mary was distressed when Clayton Pike called her at home and spoke with Roger.

Mike:  I wish I knew as much about women as you do, Billy.
Billy:  Oh,  girls are the same way.

Sara:  (After Mike brings gifts as an apology)  Is that all?  Only flowers and candy?
Mike: (dryly)  The mink coat is coming by special messenger.


MAY 15, 1957 (Episode #293)
Roger admitted to Mary that  the doctor has him on a new exercise regime which will place some strain on his heart,  so Roger needs complete emotional tranquility.   Alarmed about Roger's health,  Mary confronted Pike and begged for more time to pay the  "protection money".   A reluctant Pike agreed to Mary's  demands when his wife Liz arrived unexpectedly.   Liz correctly  sensed  that Clayton is involved in another shady deal.   Sara wanted to help  Mary,  but Mary insisted that no one can help her now.  Later,  Mary  wondered how she'd ever be able to tell Roger that Billy isn't really  his son.

Liz:  (about Pike's toupee)  Clayton,  take that silly thing off.  Whenever you wear it,  you're up to no good.
Pike:  (stroking toupee)  It makes me look younger.
Liz:  That's what I mean.  I don't like it.  Take it off!


MAY 16, 1957 (Episode #294)
Mike tendered his resignation  to Captain Marceau then accepted Parmalee's job offer.  Later,  Mike  learned that  his first case will be the prosecution of black-market  baby trafficking.  Mary read an article in the Monticello Daily News  about Winston's fight to smash the illegal traffic of babies.  Roger saw Mary reading the article and pooh-poohed Mary's suggestion that they  have sympathy for the victims.  Roger told a stunned Mary that if the  "victims" didn't pay,  there would be no illegal business.   Mary  fantasized about telling Roger that she bought Billy on the black market after their infant son died in the hospital while Roger was undergoing  risky heart surgery.  In Mary's fantasy,  Roger died from a heart attack after hearing Mary's confession.

Roger:  (to Mary)  Hanged if I know why anybody would want to get involved in a racket and pay a fancy price just to adopt a baby.

Script note for prop neswpaper:  Monticello Daily News headline:  VICTIMS OF BABY RACKET WANTED--  Winston Grimsley Heads Move to Smash Illegal Traffic in
Babies.


MAY 17, 1957  (Episode #295)
Mike and Charlie said warm  goodbyes to one another as partners.  Jack pressed Betty-Jean for a  decision about his marriage proposal.  Charlie visited Jack to tie-up  some loose ends in the Lane case and learned that Jack saw Grace buy a  one-way ticket to San Francisco.  Jack told a stunned Charlie that Grace got a new job in California.  Later,  Charlie questioned Sara,  who  admitted that Grace has left Monticello permanently.  Sara admitted that she received a letter from Grace postmarked San Francisco,  but there  was no return address since Grace doesn't want Charlie or Paul Roberts  to find her.  Charlie vowed to go to San Francisco and find Grace. Winston received a visit from Rose Marie Bremen,  a young victim of the  black
market baby ring.  Rose Marie reluctantly agreed to give Winston information.


MAY 20, 1957  (Episode #296)
Rose Marie told Winston that she sold her baby to a man named Thomas McMahon after her young husband died of polio and left her penniless.  Rose Marie had met McMahon at a  charity clinic, and he offered to pay her expenses if she'd give him  the baby after it was born.  Rose Marie had written a le tter to her  husband's parents asking   for help,  but  McMahon promised to mail the letter and apparently didn't.  When her in-laws didn't respond,  Rose  Marie agreed to McMahon's plan.  Jack told Winston that he wants to  assume Harry's position at Lane Trucking, but Winston informed Jack that the company is being liquidated to pay Harry's debts.  Winston offered  Jack a job at Grimsley,  but a belligerent Jack refused.  Winston  convinced Jack to accept a temporary two-week job over the state line in Hillsdale.   Later,  Jack told Betty-Jean that the Hillsdale job is a perfect opportunity for them to elope.  Betty-Jean was reticent about  running away.  Jack warned Betty-Jean that if she didn't meet him after  graduation to runaway,  she'd never see him again.

Betty-Jean: (to her parents)  You have to try to understand about Jack--  the way he is right now.  He's sort of... lost.


MAY 21, 1957 (Episode #297)
Before her graduation,   Betty-Jean wrote a letter explaining her actions to Wyn and Ella.   Later,  after graduation,  Betty-Jean lied to her parents that she had a date with Duly Masterson,  but she secretly met with Jack,  and after a passionate kiss,  the two drove out of Monticello.  Wyn and Ella failed to fin Betty-Jean's note which was blown out of its place by a gust of wind.  Wyn was furious when Betty-Jean failed to arrive home and called Duly Masterson's father,  who said that Duly saw Betty-Jean get into  Jack Lane's car.  Enraged,  Wyn called Mike and Sara,  insisting that an APB be issued for Jack and Betty-Jean.


MAY 22, 1957  (Episode #298)
Mike and Sara argued about  Jack and Betty-Jean when Mike didn't seem to take the situation very   seriously.  Mike refused to stay home because he had a meeting with Rose Marie Bremen and Winston.  At the meeting,  Mike learned that Winston  sent Jack to Hillsdale on a temporary job.  Jack called Sara to tell her that he and Betty-Jean were married.  Sara convinced Jack to return to  Monticello.  After finding Betty-Jean's note,  a stunned Wyn arrived at  the Karr home.   Later,  Jack and Betty-Jean confronted Wyn at Sara's  house.  Wyn was devastated to learn that it was too late to have the  marriage annulled.  Sara suggested that Jack and BJ move in with Mattie,  but Jack stood his ground,  insisting that they'll live in their own  apartment.


MAY 23, 1957  (Episode #299)
Mike visited Winston and had a heart-to-heart with a thankful Louise,  who informed him that she and  Phil plan to remarry.   Rose Marie wanted immunity from prosecution  because she sold her baby,  but Mike couldn't promise it.  Mike informed Rose Marie that he would do his best to find Thomas McMahon and Rose  Marie's baby girl.  

Louise: Mike,  you and I have been at odds for a long time.  I thought you were my enemy.  Now I know that  you were my best  friend.  Can we stay that
way... friends?

Mike:(to Winston about Rose Marie)  I've seen about every kind of human meanness there is,  but each time,  I'm amazed at what people  will do for
money.


MAY 24, 1957 (Episode #300)
Mike asked Willie for help on  the black market baby ring,  but Willie was apprehensive because of his  last investigation.  Mike informed Willie that Thomas McMahon is  actually Leo Sekuler,  a man Willie once investigated.  Rose Marie  spotted Sekuler at the charity clinic and called Mike,  who told her to  leave immediately.  Sekuler caught Rose Marie and intimidated her into  remaining silent about their association.  Willie confronted Sekuler,   who denied knowing Thomas McMahon.  Rose Marie lied to Mike that she  didn't recognize Sekuler's mug shot as being the man she knew as Thomas  McMahon.  Later, Rose Marie wouldn't finger Sekuler in a police lineup.  Willie scolded Rose Marie for protecting Sekuler.  Sara noticed a  bruise on Rose Marie's face.  Mike realized that Sekuler "gave her a small example of what would happen to her if she identified him".  Mike  told Willy that they must "wrap up Sekuler".

Mike: (introducing Willie to Sara)  Darling,  this Wilhelmus Bogart Bryan the third.


MAY 27, 1957 (Episode #301)
Sekuler visited Rose Marie,  who informed him that she wants her baby back.  Sekuler told Rose Marie  that it would be difficult since the family has had her baby over a  year.  Sekuler indicated that a payoff from Rose Marie's in laws might  get the baby back and cautioned her that without him, she'll never find  her baby.  Later,  Sekuler phoned Clayton Pike with the news that "cash  is on the line-- and plenty of it".   Pike's wife Liz warned him to stay away from Sekuler with the admonition that Sekuler is trouble,  and she doesn't want to get dragged down with him.  Later,  Pike met with  Sekuler again,  but was reluctant to accept another deal because of the  Rose Marie's involvement with the police.  Sekuler admitted that he's  stalling for time with Rose Marie until he can make a few more deals.  Rose Marie was tormented about whether or not to turn Sekuler in to the police.


MAY 28, 1957  (Episode #302)
During a visit between Sara  and Mildred Parmalee,  a concerned Roger stopped by looking for Mary.   Sara and Mildred noted Roger's distress.  Mary met with Clayton,  who  was angry that she missed her last payment.  Mary gave Clayton a partial payment.  Furious, Pike threatened to tell Roger the truth about Billy  being purchased on the black market.  Mary begged Pike not to tell,  warning him that the truth could kill Roger.  Pike agrees and demands  more money within a week.  Sara lamented the fact that Mike won't let  her return work.  When Mike called to say that he'd be late,  Sara  organized an impromptu party with the Parmalees, the Harpers, and the  Clarkes  (Mike and Sara's next-door neighbors).  Mary was ill-at-ease  with Roger after meeting with Pike.


MAY 29, 1957  (Episode #303)
Jack expressed concern that  the only jobs that he could get won't pay enough money for him and  Betty-Jean to live on.  Betty-Jean informed Jack that the landlord wants the balance of their rent, and BJ needs money for groceries.  Jack  secretly borrowed the money from Sara. Roger read an article to a  nervous Mary  about Mike's black market baby investigation.   Betty-Jean was ecstatic when Jack gave her money,  but BJ was upset to smell  perfume on the bills.  Later,  BJ realized where the money came from and called Sara to thank her.


MAY 30, 1957  (Episode #304)
Willie told Mike that he  followed Rose Marie to the park,  where she met with Sekuler.  Noting  Rose Marie's civil conversation with Sekuler,  Mike and Willie  speculated that the two are planning to get Rose Marie's daughter back.  Later,  Mike urged Rose Marie to testify against Sekuler,  but she  remained defiant.  Sekuler persuaded disbarred attorney Eddie Holland to draft papers which indicate Rose Marie voluntarily forfeited her rights to her baby daughter.  Willie and Mike planned to pick up Sekuler and  work on him until they can lock him up.  With Sekuler out of  circulation,  Mike hoped to convince Rose Marie that Sekuler can't get her baby back.  Sekuler met with Rose Marie and promised she'd soon find out about her baby, then he instructed her to telephone Winston and  urge Grimsley to drop the investigation because he double-crossed her by involving Mike and the police.  Rose Marie reluctantly agreed,  then  Sekuler informed her that she must sign some legal documents and bring  money before she can get her baby.


MAY 31, 1957  (Episode #305)
Mike didn't want to visit  the Harpers, but Sara insisted they go because Mary made the invitation  sound important.  Rose Marie told Winston that she wants him to cease  the investigation into Sekuler,  explaining that the story might get  into the papers and reach her former in-laws,  who don't know about the  baby.  Winston assured her that the committee would take no further  action.  At the Harpers,  Mary became uneasy after Roger showed Mike and Sara Billy's baby pictures.  Winston called Mike at the Harpers and  ordered him to take no further action against Rose Marie and Sekuler.    An angry Mike agreed to meet with Winston the next morning to discuss  the situation with Rose Marie.  Mary became upset after hearing Mike  exclaim, "When a baby hasn't been legally adopted,  a mother is  justified in trying to get it back."   Mike and Mary argued furiously, then Mary stormed out.


JUNE 3, 1957 (Episode #306)
Roger Harper visited the Karr's to apologize for Mary's behavior the previous evening,  but Mike rushed out to meet with Winston.  Roger urged Sara to get to the bottom of  Mary's behavior.  Winston informed an angry Mike that the governor wants no further action taken without the full consent of Rosie Marie Bremen.  Mike insisted that he could work on Sekuler and make an arrest.  Mary  asked for Roger's forgiveness when he admitted that she and Billy mean  the world to him.  Mike tried to get information on Sekuler from Pat  Sherman, owner of the Ho-Hi-Ho Club.  Sherman claimed to not have anything on Sekuler but agreed to consult with some contacts who are  involved in the rackets.  An agitated Mike wanted more info when Sherman called later with preliminary information.

Sara:  (about work)  Don't let it make you hard,  mean, vindictive.
Mike: Now I understand why husbands don't discuss their work with their wives.


JUNE 4, 1957 (Episode #307)
Sara saw Mary wearing an  expensive brooch, which Mary later sold for blackmail money.  Roger was  elated to learn that he might be transferred at work, thinking that he  and Mary need a fresh start in new surroundings.  Sara picked Mattie up  at the airport, then the two had tea with Betty-Jean.  Betty-Jean lashed out at Mattie, who was cold to her daughter-in-law.  Mattie apologized  and gave Betty-Jean a hug.  Roger informed Mary that he's being  transferred out of Monticello.

Mary: (in response to Roger's transfer)  The farther away-- the better...


JUNE 5, 1957 (Episode #308)
A dejected Jack lamented that  he's being blacklisted in business because his last name is "Lane".   Later, Jack called Sara to warn her against telling Mattie about the  loan, but Mattie answered, and Jack inadvertently told her himself.   Jack encountered problems on an interview at Golick Trucking, when owner Jake Golick claimed that Harry Lane had stolen customers and business  from him.  Golick agreed to give Jack a chance after Jack insisted that  he and his uncle were nothing alike.  Mattiemet with old friend  Sylvester Gowen,  the realtor who's selling Cora's house.  Mattie asked  Sylvester to sell her house, too, since she's all alone now.  Jack lied  to Betty-Jean that he got a supervisory job at Golick Trucking.  Mattie visited Jack and Betty-Jean, scolded Jack for borrowing money from Sara, then announced that she's selling her house and getting a job.  Jack  boasted about his new job to Mattie, informing her that he's on his way.  Mattie cautioned Jack to ask himself "where are you going?".


JUNE 6, 1957 (Episode #309)
Mike told Ed Parmalee that  he'll have enough evidence to arrest Sekuler before the end of the day.  Winston visited Rose Marie and promised to keep her identity a secret  if she agrees to testify against Sekuler.  Sekuler got the "legit  papers" from Eddie Holland, but was unhappy with the wording of one  section.  Holland promised that they could add anything after Rose Marie signs the document.   Winston asked Mike to wait on the Sekuler issue,  since Rose Marie might come around.  Sekuler tried to get Rose Marie to  sign the document, but she hesitated and put him off until tomorrow.   Sekuler reminded Rose Marie that he's the only person who can get her  baby back and promised that she'd have the child within 24 hours of signing the papers.  Winston informed Mike that he was the one who asked the DA to restrain Mike's investigation of Sekuler.  Pat Sherman called Mike with the
news that Sekuler's in cahoots with Eddie Holland.  Mike  told Willy to fill out a warrant for Sekuler's arrest.  Winston tried to stop Mike by demanding to meet with Bruce Thompson.


JUNE 7, 1957 (Episode #310)
Mike and Winston had a heated  argument when Mike ordered Willy to arrest Sekuler.  Rose Marie admitted that she doesn't trust Sekuler and agreed to testify against him.   Eddie Holland warned Sekuler to get out of town, but Leo refused, saying that he's got a big deal in the works and when Rose Marie signs the  paper, he'll be in the clear.  Holland cautioned Leo that Rose Marie was spilling her guts to the DA.  Sekuler vowed to find a way to shut Rose  Marie up.  Later, Willy told Mike and Rose Marie that Sekuler skipped  town, and Rose Marie became hysterical.


JUNE 10, 1957 (Episode #311)
Blaming him for Sekuler's disappearance,  Rose Marie verbally attacked Mike, then fled.  Against  orders, Mike followed Rose Marie.  Ed Paramlee told Winston that Mike's  actions have damaged the crime commission's investigation and promised  that Mike would be replaced immediately.  Mary took Sara a cake as a  peace offering, then told Sara that she and her family will be leaving  Monticello soon.  Sara realized that Mary wants to run away.  Mary  admitted that something is troubling her but claimed that moving far  away will solve the problem.  Mike caught Rose Marie on the docks and  vowed that they can get her baby back without Sekuler.  Mike took Rose  Marie to his home, where Sara offered a sympathetic shoulder.  Parmalee called Mike with the news that he's being replaced on the crime  commission.  Rose Marie told Mike that her baby suffered a rare  affliction and needed prescription medicine.  Mike had a brainstorm  about the child's possible whereabouts.


JUNE 11, 1957 (Episode #312)
Mike told Rose Marie that with the clue she gave him,  he might be able to find her baby.  Mike met  with Parmalee, who admitted that he was distressed by Mike's  insubordination and would have to make a report to DA Thompson, who  might dismiss Mike.  Later, Mike told Ed that he's got a new lead, but  refused to turn over the information.  Willy agreed to help Mike find  Rose Marie's baby.  Parmalee lamented the situation with Mike to his  wife Mildred, who tried to comfort him.


JUNE 12, 1957 (Episode #313)
Mildred Parmalee tried to  reason with husband Ed, who said that he'd fire Mike if Mike doesn't  apologize for the Sekuler/Rose Marie situation.  Mattie informed Sara  that Harry's psychiatrist wants to see Cora.  Mildred and Sara conspired to end the tension between Mike and Ed Parmalee.  Ed consulted with DA  Thompson's secretary Joyce Little about what Thompson would do to Mike  if Thompson were in town.  Joyce suggested typing a memo detailing  Mike's actions and then deciding whether or not to send it.  Mildred was concerned when Ed told her that he had Joyce Little type a memo about  Mike's insubordination.  Later, Ed warned Joyce not to mail the letter, but she told him that she'd already mailed it.  After Ed left, Joyce  took the memo out of her desk and dropped it in the office mail chute.


JUNE 13, 1957 (Episode #314)
In the psych ward,  Harry  showed all the symptoms of a paranoiac, retreated from reality, and  dictated a letter to Marilyn Bollon for the governor, claiming that he's being persecuted by his enemies.  Cora visited with Jack and  Betty-Jean.  Jack boasted about his new duties at Golick Trucking, but  Cora warned
her nephew not to lie to himself like Uncle Harry did.   Later, Cora visited the prison hospital, where Harry's doctor informed  her that Harry is mentally incompetent and will be confined to a state  hospital for the criminally insane for the rest of his life.  Cora faced Harry, who cowered in a corner and recanted the grandiose plans he has for himself.  Cora silently wished Harry "Godspeed" and left.


JUNE 14, 1957 (Episode #315)
Mike told Willy that Sekuler  was spotted in Springfield.  After Joyce Little informed Mike that DA  Thompson will be back in town and wants to see him,  Willy warned Mike  against Parmalee and Joyce Little.  Mike and Sara argued about Sara's  desire to work part-time at Mr. K in g' s flower shop,  then when Cora  let it slip that Sara loaned Jack and Betty-Jean money,  the couple  argued some more.  Later, Mike and Sara made up, but Mike insisted that  Sara not work.  When Bruce Thompson returned, Joyce Little informed him  about Mike's actions then insinuated that Mike's aggression results from his desire to take over Parmalee or Thompson's job.  Thompson demanded  to meet with Mike and Ed immediately.  Willy told Mike that he's located the drugstore which  fills the prescription of the Bremen baby.  Mike urged Willy to track down the lead,  but Willy wanted Mike to do it  instead, insisting, "It's your neck.  I want YOU to be the one to find  the Bremen baby if it's possible."


JUNE 17, 1957 (Episode #316)
Teresa Baccoli tried to locate the prescription for her sick baby.  Teresa's husband Louie worried  that someone will take the baby from them, but Teresa insisted that no  one will get the child once they're safely in Canada.  Mike visited the  Baccoli's pharmacist Mr. Rogers, who told Mike that the Baccoli baby is  probably adopted, since Louie and Teresa are too old to have kids of  their own.  Mike learned that Baccolis owned a store that burned down,  and they were without insurance.  Teresa arrived at the pharmacy for the baby's prescription and just missed Mike, who was away making a call.   Teresa told Mr. Rogers that she and Louie are going away for good.    Later, Teresa and Louie loaded their car and prepared to leave for Canada.


JUNE 18, 1957 (Episode #317)
Mildred asked Ed if he was  punishing Mike for being right in the Harry Lane case.  Ed told Mildred  that Mike will have to learn to conform.  DA Thompson was furious that  Mike was late for the meeting and had obtained a warrant for the  Baccolis.  Mike caught the Baccolis on their way out of Monticello and  got them to confess that the baby was not their own.  Louie blurted out  that he paid for the child, and Sekuler assured them that the mother was dead.  Mike informed the Baccolis that their baby's mother is alive and a court appointed welfare agency will consider the situation and the  suitability as parents of all those involved.  Later, Mike arrived at Thompson's meeting and plead guilty to charges of insubordination,  but Thompson decided not to fire Mike after learning that Mike found Rose  Marie's baby.  Ed was bitter that Mike was given a second chance and  vowed that Mike won't be so lucky next time.


JUNE 19, 1957 (Episode #318)
Joyce was shocked to learn  from Parmalee that Mike wasn't fired, and playing on  Ed's jealousy,  insisted that none of them are safe if Mike can so easily influence  Thompson.  Mike saw through Joyce, who offered her congratulations on  Mike' s discovery of Rose Marie's baby.   After spotting Ella Battle  during lunch at a restaurant, Mattie warned Sara not to invite her to  join them.  Mattie told Sara that she hasn't forgiven the Battle's for  their treatment of Jack.  Mike informed an ecstatic Rose Marie that he  found her baby, then he convinced Rose Marie to telephone her in-laws  and tell them the truth.   Mike told Ed that they should bury the  hatchet, but Ed retorted, "I'm afraid your idea of burying the hatchet would be in my back!"


JUNE 20, 1957 (Episode #319)
Teresa Baccoli vowed to not  give up her baby to Rose Marie.  Mike refereed the confrontation between Rose Marie and the Baccolis.  Rose Marie tried to explain her  situation, but Teresa said that neither Rose Marie nor her mother-in-law were good enough to have the baby.  Willy met with Anita Berkowitz at  the welfare bureau.  Berkowitz told him that at first glance, neither  the Baccolis nor Teresa should have the child.  Louie tried to convince  Teresa to give up the child, but she suggested getting a lawyer and  fighting.  Willy told Mike that the police definitely traced Sekuler to  Springfield, but added that Sekuler could still be in Monticello.


JUNE 21, 1957 (Episode #320)
Louie visited Rose Marie and  invited her over to see the baby.  Anita Berkowitz sang Mike's praises  to Ed, and said that she'll recommend that Rose Marie get custody of the baby if she has financial assistance.  Inadvertently, Berkowitz fed  Ed's fears that Mike wants to take over the DA's office.   Rose Marie  arrived at the Baccolis, where Teresa allowed Rose Marie to feed and  change her daughter.  Filled with emotion,  Teresa realized what must be done.  Parmalee told Mildred not to be friendly with Sara any more,  then admitted that he's jealous of Mike because Mike will always be the  "point man" while Ed is just a dependable assistant.  Anita Berkowitz  visited the Baccolis to see if they'd turn the baby over to the state  until a custody decision could be reached,  but Teresa insisted that the baby be given to Rose Marie, because Rose Marie is the child's mother.  Teresa made Rose Marie promise to always love the little girl.


JUNE 24, 1957 (Episode #321)
Sara and Mattie decided to use reverse psychology to get Mike to change his mind about Sara's  part-time job for Mr. King.  Betty-Jean  stopped by Sara's and was  agitated over Jack' desire to start a business with Johnny Phillips, son of J.H. Phillips.  Betty-Jean revealed that Jack needs money fast, and she's afraid what he might do to get it.  Later, Betty-Jean visited with her mother, who admitted that she and Betty-Jean's father need more time to adjust to the marriage.  Mrs. Tupper, Rose Marie's mother-in-law arrived in Monticello and argued with Rose Marie about who should keep  the baby.  Mrs. Tupper left after Rose Marie accused her of being partly to blame for the situation.


JUNE 25, 1957 (Episode #322)
Rose Marie made arrangements  with the Baccolis for Mrs. Tupper to see the baby.  Willy dropped by and got everyone to agree to testify against Sekuler.  Teresa admitted that she gave Sekuler talked about having an attorney named Holland falsify  the baby's paperwork.  Mrs. Tupper wanted to return to Lenoxville, but  Rose Marie convinced her to see the baby first.  Teresa gave Willy the  baby's false birth certificate, which Willy took to compare with the  type-print on Holland's typewriter.  Willy threatened Holland, who began to squirm and talk.  Mrs. Tupper melted after seeing the baby at the Baccolis house and realizing that it is her late son's child.


JUNE 26, 1957 (Episode #323)
Sara worked at the flower  shop, while Willy cased the hotel across the street for Sekuler.  Willy  told a relieved Sara that Mike would be working late.  Willy spotted  Sekuler and tailed him.  Sara visited Mary and Roger, who were preparing to move.  Roger made up a list of insured items, then noticed that  Mary's brooch is missing.  Sara took note when Mary lied that she hadn't seen the brooch in a while.  Later, Mary pleaded with Sara not to tell  Roger that she saw Mary wearing the brooch.  Willy confronted Sekuler  and invited him "downtown" to answer questions about the Baccoli baby.   Roger telephoned the insurance company and ordered a full investigation  to find Mary's brooch.


JUNE 27, 1957 (Episode #324)
Mike was surprised that Joyce  Little came in to act as stenographer while Sekuler gave his statement.  Mike told Sekuler that he's being charged with the illegal traffic of  babies and that the Baccolis and Rose Marie will testify against him.   Sekuler denied any involvement.  Mike released Sekuler on his own  recognizance, then informed Joyce that he just wanted to scare Sekuler,  who is being tailed.  Mike tried to talk things out with Parmalee,  who  admitted that he wants the Chief Assistant DA post that is opening soon.  Furthermore, Ed maintains that he was in the running for the job until Mike made him look like a fool and complains that Mike is spreading the word that Mike is incompetent.  Mike realized that Ed's claims were coming from Joyce Little.  Cora informed Mike that she's leaving for New England and wants to set up a fund for Harry so that his life will be  more tolerable.  Mike promised to let Cora know if Bebe Spode ever needs anything and speculated that Martin Spode will be released from prison  earlier than expected.  Cora wished Mike and Sara a happy life together, and before saying goodbye, warned Mike not to grow apart from Sara like Harry did to her.  Mildred tried to comfort a dejected Ed, who lamented the fact that he isn't the man Mike Karr is.


JUNE 28, 1957 (Episode #325)
Sara, Mary, and Mildred got  together, and Mildred admitted that Ed is afraid of Mike.  Bill Hesse,  the insurance claims adjuster, told a shocked Roger that Mary had sold  the missing brooch.  Roger didn't believe Hesse until Hesse provided a  receipt and photo of the transaction.  Roger telephoned the Karrs and  demanded that Mary come home and talk.  Roger confronted Mary, who stuck to her previous lie.  Roger showed a stunned Mary the brooch.


JULY 1, 1957 (Episode #326)
Roger plead with Mary for  an explanation about the brooch, but she had nothing to say.  During the confrontation, Roger suffered a pain.  Mary tried to get Roger to rest, though he insisted on settling the matter and showed her the receipt  and photograph of her selling the brooch.  A stunned Mary finally admitted that she sold the brooch and didn't tell Roger because he was  sick.  Roger told Mary that their marriage was a farce... how could Mary love him and lie to him at the same time? After Mary fled the house,  Roger suffered another attack.  Jack filled a dubious Sara in on his  plan to go into business with Johnny Phillips.  Billy Harper stopped by  to see Mike, who wasn't home.  Sara made Billy call home to tell Roger  and Mary where he was, and Billy was frightened when an ill Roger answered the phone in the middle of an attack.  Roger hung up on Sara,  who took the phone from Billy.  Mary returned and found an ill Roger.   Roger insisted that he was fine, but then he collapsed.  When Sara  called back, Mary instructed her to get a doctor.  Later, when Sara,  Billy and the doctor arrived,  Mary lamented that she'd killed Roger.


JULY 2, 1957 (Episode #327)
Dr. Hobler informed everyone  that Roger's condition had stabilized, but more tests are needed.  Mary  confessed that Roger collapsed because they were arguing.  Mary called  Clayton Pike,  but Clayton's wife Liz answered and mistook Mary for one  of Clayton's girlfriends.  Liz informed Clayton that Sekuler had been  picked up by the police, then she wanted to know if Clayton had any  deals with Sekuler or any other black market operators.  Clayton lied  that he wasn't involved with Sekuler.  Liz was concerned that their  nursing home not be implicated in any illegal activities and warned  Clayton that the law wouldn't be satisfied with having Sekuler in custody.  "If he mentions your name or the 'Retreat'... you're strictly  on your own.  I think you know what that can mean to you, " Liz  admonishes her husband.  Dr. Hobler told Mary that Roger is doing  better, but another attack could kill him.  Clayton returned Mary's call and was told that Mary wouldn't be his victim any more.  Clayton  offered his sympathy about Roger's condition, but warned Mary that if  she can't pay the blackmail money, he can't make sure her secret is  kept.


JULY 3, 1957 (Episode #328)
Betty-Jean mentioned to Jack  that Mattie is moving in with Mike and Sara for a while.  Later, Jack  met with Johnny Phillips, who urged Jack to get money from Mattie.  Jack promised to have his ante for the business tomorrow.  Mike gave a  pleased Winston a progress report on the black market baby  investigation.  Winston suggested that Mike be a team player and give Ed Parmalee some credit.  Mattie refused to loan Jack the money, informing him that she'd turned over her financial affairs to Winston.  A furious Jack lamented to Betty-Jean that his mother has turned against him.


JULY 4, 1957 (Episode #329)
Willy visited Rose Marie and  cautioned her that Sekuler is out on bail,  so she should be careful.   Pike called to remind Mary that they have a meeting tomorrow.  Sekuler  "bumped into" Pike,  who admitted that he doesn't want to be seen with  him.  Leo told Pike that he's in a jam and needs help from Pike's wife  Liz.  When Clayton refused to help,  Sekuler confronted Liz, who also  refused to help.  Sekuler informed Liz that he and Clayton have been  dealing in black market babies and claimed that Clayton is fooling  around with a blond-haired woman.  Sekuler told Liz that he'll prove Clayton is making a fool out of her, if she'll help him.  Liz pondered  the offer, then Sekuler told her where she could go to catch Clayton.   Willy told Mike that Sekuler and Pike met with one another.  When  Clayton returned home,  Liz fished for information that would confirm or deny Sekuler's claims.


JULY 5, 1957 (Episode #330)
Clayton called to remind Mary  that they have a meeting.  Mary told him to never call again, but  Clayton goaded her into meeting him.  Roger informed Mary that he knows a man calls her before she leaves on mystery errands.  Mary met with Pike and told him that doesn't have any money... just the brooch.  Liz spied on Mary and Clayton's meeting and thought Clayton was meeting one of  his mistresses.  When Mary returned home,  Roger informed her that he  wants their marriage dissolved.  Feeling that Roger and Billy would be  better off far away from her,  Mary told Roger to do whatever he wanted.  An enraged Liz confronted Clayton, screaming that she'd throw him and  his girl to the wolves.


JULY 8, 1957 (Episode #331)
Liz slapped Clayton, who  claimed that he had a business appointment with a lady and lied that he  was not involved with baby brokering.  Liz threatened to send Clayton  back to jail.  Mattie moved in with Mike and Sara, then refused to give  Jack money when he stopped by.  Jack went empty-handed to his meeting  with Johnny Phillips.  Phillips told Jack that he was being shut of a  good deal and suggested that Jack get the money from Betty-Jean's  parents.  When Jack wanted to see Johnny's ante,  Johnny put him off.   Clayton told Liz that she's the only woman for him, but Liz didn't know  whether to forgive him or turn him over to the authorities.  Jack asked  Betty-Jean to invite her parents over and ask for the money Wyn was giving her for college tuition.  Betty-Jean was furious to realize that  Jack wants the money for his deal with Johnny Phillips.  Later, Phillips met with family friend Frederick Shulz and asked to borrow money.   Shulz was wary of lending Johnny the money, until Johnny claimed that  Jack is the front man and insisted that Jack would sign a promissory  note.  Shulz agreed to the deal.  Johnny informed an ecstatic Jack that  their deal is on just as soon as Jack signs Shulz's promissory note.


JULY - SEPTEMBER 1957 (Episodes #332-389)
Sekuler and  Holland were captured and arrested,  but the secret about the true  parentage of Billy Harper remained intact.  Following a lead,  Mike  flew to Arizona where he uncovered startling information about Clayton Pike.  Sybil Gordon replaced Joyce Little as DA Bruce Thompson's  secretary.  Sybil and cohort Ollie Barbour schemed with crooked J.H.  Phillips, the top echelon of organized crime in Monticello, to gain  control of the district attorney's office.  Mike received a letter from imprisoned Martin Spode, who has applied for an early parole,  but Mike refused to give him a recommendation.  Bebe Spode, living with the Karrs temporarily, was taunted by classmates because her father's a criminal.  It was revealed that Billy Harper is actually Ambrose Haller, heir to  an English fortune.  Pike and his girlfriend Irene Eagan planned to pose as Billy Harper's parents, collect Billy's inheritance, then knock-off  the kid.


SEPTEMBER 27, 1957 (Episode #390)
At the airport, Sybil  Gordon met Mike, who returned from his investigation in Arizona.  Sybil eyed Mike's briefcase speculatively and insisted he meet with Bruce  Thompson immediately.  Later, Sybil opened a confidential letter from  Bruce Thompson to Ed Parmalee, then she arranged to share the  information with Ollie.  Clayton and Irene discussed their plot to steal Bi lly Harper's fortune and decided they would have to kill him  afterward.  Irene worried that Pike's wife Liz might be a problem, but  Clayton revealed that he has "plans" for his wife.   Mike and Ed discussed the possibility that someone in the DA's office is leaking information,  but Bruce Thompson insisted that they're wrong.  Mike  wondered about Sybil's loyalty,  though Thompson vouched for her.  Mike was unhappy when Thompson ordered him to prosecute the Sekuler/Holland case rather than pursue the Clayton Pike  investigation.


SEPTEMBER 30, 1957 (Episode #391)
Ollie and John Phillips discussed Sybil's trustworthiness.  Later, Ollie met with Sybil who told him that Mike and Ed suspect there's a spy in the DA's office.   Ollie  questioned DA Thompson's vulnerability,  but Sybil theorized that  Thompson is too honest to be blackmailed.  Ollie evaded Sybil's desire  to know the identity of "Mr. Big",  though he did reveal that his boss  wants to replace Thompson with one of the DA's assistants.  Sybil agreed to get dossiers on Mike, Ed, and Peter Dalton.  Bebe Spode received  taunts about her imprisoned father  from mischievous classmate Kitty.   Kitty accused Bebe of stealing money.  Mrs. Kerwin, the school  principal, believed in Bebe's innocence and claims that the other  schoolchildren are harassing her.  Mrs. Kerwin told Sara that Bebe should bring her father to school to show Bebe's classmates that he's a  father any girl could be proud of.  Sara commented that Martin has  applied for an early parole.   Ollie took Sybil's dossiers to John  Phillips, and they decided that Peter Dalton will be the next District  Attorney of Monticello County. 
Phillips instructed Ollie to sound out  Dalton and see if Dalton would be "willing to show the proper amount and kind of appreciation for our sponsorship."


OCTOBER 1, 1957 (Episode #392)
Sybil and Ollie speculated  that Peter Dalton's wife Virginia would jump at the prospect of her  husband becoming the DA,  since he wasn't appointed Chief Assistant DA.  Ollie met Dalton and explained that a wealthy philanthropist wants to  put Dalton in charge of the DA's office.  Dalton refused, claiming that  he'd feel disloyal to Bruce Thompson who probably can't be defeated.   After Ollie insinuated that Thompson could be defeated,  Dalton gave the offer some thought.  Winston and Mattie discussed Mattie's  presumed-dead husband George and George's life insurance policy.    Virginia Dalton told Peter that she wants him to accept Ollie's offer,  but she won't push him into it.  Later,  Dalton agreed to an exploratory meeting with Ollie's backer.  Ollie told Sybil that Dalton took the  bait hook, line, and sinker.


OCTOBER 2, 1957 (Episode #393)
Sara and Mike argued about  Mike's refusal to endorse Martin Spode's parole,  but when  another  letter from Martin arrived,  Mike agreed to discuss the matter further.  Liz promised Lt. Gerry Harrison that he could meet Clayton at the  nursing home.   Clayton continued to profess his "love" to Liz and  wanted to know how he'd get along without money.  Liz warned Clayton  that he wouldn't need any money where he's going and threatened to turn  him over to the police.   Clayton showed Mary Harper's brooch to Liz as a symbol of his love, but Liz locked the brooch in a jewel case.  After  Liz left, Clayton tried to break into the jewel case, and when he failed, he conned a hardware store clerk into making a key for him.   Mike met with Lt. Harrison and related the information Mike learned  about Clayton Pike in Tucson:  Fifteen years ago,  Pike's car crashed  and burned.  Mike found a picture of Clayton Pike when he lived in  Oregon,  but the man in the photograph bears no resemblence to the man  currently living in Monticello as Clayton Pike, and the two mens'  signatures are disssimilar.  Pike claimed that he was driving the car at the time of the alleged accident and was thrown clear from the wreckage,  while an unidentified passenger burned to death in the car. Mike says that he found a witness who saw the survivor of the crash  changing his clothes while the car and victim burned.   The medical  examiner ruled at the time that the victim's skull fracture was not  caused by the accident.   Mike revealed that a man in Oregon is  collecting data on the real Clayton Pike's dental and bone repair.  If  the data matches that of the man who burned to death in Arizona,  then  the Monticello Clayton Pike is an impostor.


Mike:  (About Pike)  There's a killer on the loose, and I can't touch him-- yet.

Clayton Pike: (about wife Liz)  I made a fool of her and it was all right while it lasted... I'm going to make a fool of her again...  and this time
for keeps.  This brooch is the key that'll unlock Liz.


OCTOBER 3, 1957 (Episode #394)
Jack complained to Sara  and Betty Jean about the amount of work he does for the amount of money  he's actually paid.  Sara advised Jack not to try to move up too quickly in business.  Later, Jake Golick admitted that someone wants to ruin  him and take over the business. Jake received bad news about the  business and assured Jack of a good work recommendation.  Betty Jean was pleased at Jack's maturity when he felt sorry for Jake's predicament.   Peter Dalton was disappointed to learn that he hadn't received a call  from Ollie.  Sybil called Ollie and suggested that he call Dalton  immediately since Dalton is publicity hungry and will most likely jump at the chance to run for DA.  Dalton tried to hide his anxiety when  Ollie finally called.


OCTOBER 4, 1957 (Episode #395)
Ollie told Dalton that  since he turned down the election proposal,  the sponsor doesn't see a  need to meet.  A nervous Dalton countered that he could persuade the  sponsor to back Bruce Thompson instead.  Later,  Ollie and John Phillips laughed at Dalton's suppressed hunger, so Ollie arranged a meeting  between the two men.  Sara wrote a letter to Cora about Bebe Spode's  troubles,  then Sara and Mike quarreled again when Mike remained adamant about not supporting Martin Spode's parole.  Mike had an enlightening  encounter with Mama Jo and her son Jose at the Chili Parlor.  Mama Jo  and Jose argued about the proper way to make chili.  Mike talked to Jose about arguments and commented that the most important part is when it  all blows over.  Realizing how silly his argument with Sara was,  Mike patched things up with his wife.  Dalton met with Phillips, who revealed his plans.  Phillips showed Dalton an editorial from the Monticello  News, calling for a change in the DA's office.   Furthermore, the new  publisher of the newspaper is a friend of Phillips, who has an  investment in the business and agrees with the editorial's constructive  ideas.  Dalton asked what would be expected of him if he accepted the  sponorship, and Phillips assured him that nothing would be expected  other than a commitment to agressive law enforcement. After making it  clear that he wants to be his own man,  Dalton decided to consider the  offer and left.  Afterward,  Ollie and Phillips found it amusing that  Dalton wants to be his own man.  Later, Dalton gazed at his door plaque and imagined being DA, then a senator, and finally the Governor.


OCTOBER 7, 1957 (Episode #396)
A restless Bebe had  nightmares about Martin.  Sara comforted Bebe, who fears she'll never  see her father again.  Mike came home and related his experience at Mama Jo's, telling Sara how silly their argument was.  But, after Sara  calmed Bebe and tucked her into bed, Mike and Sara argued again when  Mike admitted that he hasn't changed his mind about keeping Martin in  prison.  Peter Dalton told wife Virginia about his meeting with  Phillips.  Although she's pleased,  Peter refused to reveal Phillips'  identity.  Virginia guessed that Winston was the anonymous sponsor, but  Dalton told her that Winston will most likely be in Bruce Thompson's corner.  Mike couldn't sleep until his argument with Sara was settled.   Sara lamented to Mike about Bebe's unhappiness, which led Mike to  reconsider Martin's release.  Dalton mulled over Phillips' offer, but  was torn between potential power and his loyalty to Thompson.  Virginia  planned a dinner party for Thompson, which Peter planned to use as a  pretext for learning Thompson's strategy for the election.  Peter and  Virginia toasted the new district attorney--  Peter Dalton.


OCTOBER 8, 1957 (Episode #397)
Clayton Pike showed Mary  Harper's brooch to girlfriend Irene and revealed that he intends to use  the brooch to trap Liz and get himself off the hook.  Pike promised  Irene that once he gets the incriminating documents away from Liz,  they can dispose of the Harper kid and get his inheritance.  Dalton met with Phillips and reiterated that he wants to be his own man.  Phillips said that he'd arrange for the publisher of the Monticello News to dramatize Dalton, who is relatively unknown to the public.  Phillips' comments  gave Dalton an idea about having Mike reassigned so that Dalton could  prosecute the high-profile, front-page Sekuler/Holland trial.  Phillips  agreed that it would be a splendid maneuver if Dalton could pull it off.  Dalton promised to get the ball rolling and finally agreed to run for  the DA's office.  Clayton baited his wife Liz, who slapped him and  claimed that she'd call the police and expose him as a murderer and  fraud.   Liz picked up the phone to call the cops, but at the last  minute, she hung up saying,  "No.  You haven't suffered enough."   Clayton urged Liz to wear the brooch he gave her.  Liz accused Clayton  of taking the jewel when she discovered it was missing.  Peter told an  ecstatic Viriginia that he's going to run for District Attorney.  After  revealing his plan to get Mike reassigned to a less important case,   Peter warned that he'd do anything to get elected.

Peter Dalton: If Mike Karr gets in my way... then Mike Karr will have to go...


OCTOBER 9, 1957 (Episode #398)
Sybil told Mike that  Thompson was bothered by the editorial in the Monticello News.  Later,  Winston informed Mike that he wants Monticello's most important citizens to endorse Thompson.  Winston included John Phillips on his list of  supporters for Thompson, but Mike wasn't personally familair with  Phillips.  Sybil met with Ollie and lamented the fact that she's bored,  but Ollie insisted that he's too preoccupied with Phillips and Dalton;   he doesn't have time to entertain her.   Sybil expressed anger because  Ollie isn't spending enough time with her, and when she baited him by speculating what he'd do if she remained loyal to Bruce Thompson,  Ollie warned her that she'd be making a big mistake.  Winston urged Mattie to sign insurance
documents since her husband George has been missing for  eight years and is obviously dead.  Mattie remained adamant about not  pursuing the issue.  Ollie called Phillips saying that he's concerned  about Sybil and needs to "handle it".   Later, Ollie called Sybil and  agreed to spend more time with her.  Sybil lied to her husband Joseph  about having  to work late, but she secretly planned to meet with Ollie.


OCTOBER 10, 1957 (Episode #399)
Mike and Dalton talked  about the editorial in  the Monticello News, and when Mike wondered who  would run against Thompson,  Dalton said that Thompson should win  easily.  Mike informed a shocked Peter that the Sekuler/Holland case is  being brought to trial in a week.  Sara stopped by Mike's office to tell him she received a telegram from Hester Spode,  who is returning to  Monticello tomorrow.  Sara reminded Mike that they'd have to tell Hester about Mike's decision to reject Martin's parole. Mike showed Sara a  report from the prison warden's office which revealed that Martin had  gotten into a fistfight with another prisoner.  Mike told Sara that based on Martin's behavior, the parole board would most likely deny  Martin's request for release.  Sara wondered how they'd tell Hester the  news and felt sorry for Bebe.  Mike lamented the fact that they couldn't get Bebe's father released,  but agreed that he'd try again if Spode  will.  Liz asked her maid Frances about Mary Harper's brooch, and  Frances admitted that she saw a guilty-looking Clayton with the jewelry  case.  Liz said that she was going to make an important long distance  call and instructed Frances to send Clayton up
to her room as soon as he arrives home.  Peter commented to Virginia that if Mike collars Clayton Pike,  Peter could get great press from prosecuting Pike. 
Peter and  Virginia conspired to work on getting Bruce Thompson to reassign Mike in the Sekuler-Holland trial.  Later.  after running into the Karr's at a 
restaurant,  Peter suggested that Virginia get chummy with Sara and find out if Mike is firmly behind Thompson or would be amenable to a new DA.   Just as Clayton was about to instruct Frances to tell Liz to get  lost,  Liz appeared and demanded the brooch back.  Clayton baited Liz,   whose rising anger alerted him that his plan was succeeding.  Clayton  informed that he has enough documentation to frame her as the mastermind behind the black market baby scam.  Liz countered with a threat to send him to prison in Arizona on a first-degree murder charge.  Liz gave  Clayton one day to return the brooch and stormed off.

Clayton:  You're right about one thing, Liz darling-- this is  final.  You're just about ready to overplay your hand.  By tomorrow you  will be.


OCTOBER 13, 1957 (Episode #400)
As Peter and Virginia  prepared for their dinner party with Thompson,  Peter felt a twinge of  guilt over his betrayal.  Virginia warned Peter that he owes his  mysterious sponsor more loyalty than Bruce Thompson.  Bebe wished that  she could remain living with Mike and Sara,  then she and Sara went to  meet Hester at the train station.  Sara informed a dejected Hester that  Martin had been involved in a prison fight, which would most likely kill his chance for an early parole.  Mike promised Hester that he would  help get Martin out of prison if Hester thinks it's the best thing for  Bebe.  At the Dalton's dinner party,  Peter loaded Bruce Thompson's  drink with extra gin, while Virginia laid the charm on him.   Peter  expressed discontent about his new case-- the Webber shooting-- which Peter feels would be better handled by Mike since Mike is a former  police officer.  Peter suggested reassigning Mike to the Webber case and giving Peter the Sekuler-Holland trial, as the case is so strong,  anyone could win it.  Peter was very, very pleased when a tipsy Thompson agreed to the plan.


OCTOBER 14, 1957 (Episode #401)
Joseph Gordon was dejected when wife Sybil claimed to be too busy at the office to have lunch with him and admitted that she might be very late getting home.  Sara  lamented that the Karr home seemed so empty without Bebe.  Mike noted  Sara's hint about having children, then read another editorial in the  Monticello News, blasting DA Thompson about the handling of the Webber  shooting.   A furious Thompson read the editorial and got Mike  up-to-speed on the case.  Thompson told Mike that since Mike had  previously sent crooked gunsmith Willard Benner to jail, and Willard is  suspected of tampering with the gun found at the Webber crime scene, Thompson is taking Mike off the Sekuler-Holland trial and reassigning  him to
the Webber case.  Mike and Thompson reached an impasse over  Mike's refusal to be reassigned.  Sybil met Ollie for lunch with news of the discord between Mike and DA Thompson.  When Sybil's husband Joseph  happened to catch them together,  Sybil introduced Ollie as "Mr. Smith",  Thompson's campaign manager.  Not wanting to intrude,  Joseph bought  the story and left.  Sybil told Ollie that Joseph is dull,  but he's  security.  Ollie cautioned Sybil that they'd have to play it safe until  the election is over.   Mike cried on Sara's shoulder about being  reassigned.  Sara made the point that Mike might be the best man to prosecute the Webber case adding that when visits Willard Benner in  prison, Mike could use the opportunity to find out why Martin Spode went beserk.  Later, Mike called Thompson and agreed to take the  reassignment.  At the Gordon home,  Joseph admitted that he was jealous  when he saw his wife wi th Mr. Smith.  Sybil quietly relished h er a  bility to keep her husband und er control.


OCTOBER 15, 1957 (Episode #402)
As Mike prepared to  visit Willard Benner in the State Pen,  Hester asked Mike to do what he  could to get Martin sprung.  Phillips told Ollie that he's going to  attend a fund-raising rally at the Community Center and hopes to get  Mrs. Katherine Guthrie to announce Peter Dalton's candidacy.   Later,  Phillips visited Katherine Guthrie and gave her a substantial check.   When Phillips started his pitch for Dalton,  Mrs. Guthrie handed him  back the check saying that she wouldn't accept the money if it was  contingent upon her support of Dalton.   Phillips acted offended and  informed her that he's disturbed by a growing wave of crime in Monticello and feels that it's a result of inadequate law enforcement  from Thompson's office.  Furthermore, if Mrs. Guthrie could find a  better candidate, he'd be willing to support that man.  Mrs. Guthrie  agreed to call an executive meeting to discuss Phillips' ideas.


OCTOBER 16, 1957 (Episode #403)
Irene called Clayton, who  told her that they'll be putting their plan into action very  soon...perhaps even today. Bebe admitted to Sara that she's afraid to  face the kids at school.  Sara advised Bebe to just be friendly and  avoid the Kitty-the-troublemaker.   Later, Kitty taunted Bebe,  attempting to make her cry,  but Bebe befriended Kitty's companion  Polly.  Liz warned Clayton that he must return the brooch by this afternoon and told him that she had almost telephoned the authorities in Arizona, but she decided to give him on more chance.  After Liz threw  him out of the house,  Clayton visited Irene and instructed her to wear  Mary Harper's brooch.  Clayton called the Monticello National Bank to  finalize his plans, then he told Irene that they'll finsish off Liz and  Billy Harper, Irene will pose as Mrs. Haller, Billy's mother, and  collect the inheritance.


OCTOBER 17, 1957 (Episode #404)
Clayton and Irene put their plan into motion.  Clayton called Liz and told her that he stole brooch and used it to pay off an obligation, then he dispatched Irene to the  beauty shop where Liz has an appointment.   Later at the beauty shop,   Liz had a fit when she saw Irene wearing the brooch.  Irene told Liz  that the brooch was a gift from a very dear friend.  An enraged Liz  followed Irene, who left the beauty shop.  Mike met with Willard Benner  at the State Penetentiary.  Benner refused to identify the gun from the  Webber shooting,  insisting that he wouldn't rat on a client, but since  Mike helped his son out of some trouble, Benner finally agrees to have a look at it.  Mike believed Benner,  who said that the gun wasn't one of his jobs.  Irene returned to her apartment and informed Clayton that  Liz would probably arrive any minute.  Irene wanted to keep the brooch, but Clayton said he wants it when they're finished with their plan.   When Liz approached the apartment,  she found the door ajar and spotted  Clayton and Irene in a passionate embrace.


OCTOBER 18, 1957 (Episode #405)
An enraged Liz watched  Clayton and Irene with cold, hard hate, then she slammed the door on her way out.  Clayton and Irene followed Liz to the bank in a taxi cab he  had borrowed.  Clayton instructed Irene to wait in a doorway next to the bank until Liz leaves.  Clayton tried to give Irene a gun, but she had  her own.  At the State Pen, Mike met with Martin Spode and confessed  that he fought with a cellmate because the fellow was making  inappropriate remarks about Hester.  Mike was sympathetic to Martin's  dilemma, but wasn't sure that the parole board would be.  Posing as a taxi driver,  Clayton picked up Liz, who left the bank with a large manila envelope.  Liz ordered a disguised Clayton to take her to the  nearest police station,  but Irene jumped into the cab and held Liz at  gunpoint.  Clayton cautioned Liz that she wouldn't get hurt if she  followed their instructions.  Liz tried to escape the cab, but Irene  stopped her and got the envelope.  Back at Irene's apartment,  Clayton  examined the contents of the envelope,  and pleased, he burned the  papers.   Liz informed Clayton that she knows the contents of the  envelope and could still contact the police in Arizona and tell them  that he murdered the real Clayton Pike.  Clayton responded to Liz's  threats by saying that although Liz was very clever, she made her  biggest mistake by shackling him and never letting him feel like a man.  When Liz wanted to know what they intend to do with her,  Clayton  replied suggestively,  "You'll find that out soon enough!" .


OCTOBER 21, 1957 (Episode #406)
Clayton gleefully taunted  Liz with his plans to use her the same way she used him for so many  years.  Liz threatened to tell the police about the murder of the real  Clayton Pike,  but Pike presented Liz with photostats of documents which implicate Liz as an accessory after the fact.  Willy Bryan told Rose  Marie Bremen that Leo Sekuler copped a guilty plea,  so Rose Marie won't be forced to testify against him at the trial.  Later, Rose Marie met  with Peter Dalton who wanted her to appear on television and make a  statement about her pleasure over Dalton's victory in the Sekuler case.  When Rose Marie refused,  Dalton informed her that she didn't have a  choice.  Willy assured Rose Marie that she didn't have to make the tv appearance.  Dalton scolded Willy for interfering with Rose Marie.   Seeing the evidence against her,  Liz agreed to give Clayton $10, 000.   After cashing Liz's check at the bank,  Clayton released Liz and told  Irene that Billy Harper will live,  but someone else is going to die.


OCTOBER 22, 1957 (Episode #407)
At the state prison,  Mike questioned Martin Spode's cellmate Tom Hill,  who confessed that Spode  hit him because Hill had made suggestive remarks about Hester "having a  high old time" while Martin's in prison.  Mike told the prison warden  that Spode was provoked into attacking Hill.  After Jack told her about  Jake Golick losing the business,  Betty Jean suggested that Jack help  Golick by asking Winston to invest in Golick's business.  Jack agreed to help Golick.


OCTOBER 23, 1957 (Episode #408)
Mrs. Guthrie told JH  Phillips that the executive board of the Parent's Organization  authorized her to study Bruce Thompson's record,  and she couldn't find a reason for thinking him unfit as a district attorney.  After Phillips  sang Dalton's praises in the Sekuler-Holland case,  Mrs. Guthrie agreed  to make a televised endorsement speech for Dalton.  Rose Marie Bremen  lamented to Willy that in order to keep her baby,  she'll have to move  upstate with her mother-in-law.  Willy told Rose Marie that she could  get a job in Monticello to support herself and the baby.  Rose Marie decided to give herself a week to find a Monticello job.  English  attorney Russell O'Brien stopped by the Karr home and told Mike that  he's looking for the heir to the Ambrose Haller estate.   O'Brien  explained that Ambrose Haller left his entire estate his nephew, who  came to the United States and married.  After the junior Haller's  pregnant wife Dorothy entered the Pike's Retreat nursing home,  both the junior and senior Haller died.  Dorothy Haller and her child (if  living) are now the heirs to a half-a-million pounds.  O'Brien told Mike that a letter was sent to Mrs. Haller via the nursing home,  and  Clayton Pike claimed that her forwarded the documents to an address in  Bradford.  Mike promised O'Brien that he'd help find Mrs. Haller and the child, especially if it will help put Pike away.


OCTOBER 24, 1957 (Episode #409)
Clayton gloated that he has LIz over a barrel;  he could have her in jail in 20 minutes on baby  racket charges. Mike informed Sara that Martin Spode now has a good  chance at parole.  Sara countered with good news of her own... she quit  her job.  Hester Spode was alternately pleased and grateful when Mike  told her about his visit with the prison warden.  Jake pitched the idea  of helping Jake Golick to Winston.  Winston was impressed with Jack's  business acumen and agreed to speak with Golick.  Clayton theorized to  Irene that if a boy set to inherit a million dollars gets bumped off,  the police will ask questions,  but if Mary Harper has a fatal accident,  no one will care.  Later,  Clayton and Irene drove out to a lonely  stretch of country road and planned Mary's fate.  Clayton suggested that Irene take Billy Harper to the movies,  while Clayton lures Mary out to the country on the pretext of getting her son back from Mrs. Haller.   Clayton revealed that he actually intends to drive Mary out to a  deserted road with a flimsy guard rail.  There,  Mary Harper will meet  her fate in a fatal car crash.


OCTOBER 25, 1957 (Episode #410)
Mike enlisted Willy's aid  in finding Mrs. Haller,  but Willy declined because he is meeting with  Rose Marie. Peter told Virginia that the announcement of his election  plans will be made tonight.  Mrs. Guthrie made her televised speech  endorsing Dalton for DA.  After the speech,  reporter Charles Fisher was dispatched to get Dalton's reaction,  but Peter feigned surprise and  claimed that this was the first he'd heard of a campaign to elect him  DA.   Peter stated that Thompson's made some mistakes, but admitted that he's reluctant to run against his boss.  Virginia complimented Peter on the way he handled the situation.  Willy offered to buy a telephone  answering service for Rose Marie to run.


OCTOBER 28, 1957 (Episode #411)
Peter received a call from  the the tv station manager who wanted Peter to make a televised  statement in response to Mrs. Guthrie's speech.  Mike was suspicious of  what and who was behind Mrs. Guthrie's speech.  Bruce Thompson, Mike,  and Winston met to watch Peter's tv speech.  In the speech,  Peter  stated that if Monticelloites don't want change, he won't run, but if  they do, he will.  Thompson wondered if Peter was really surprised by  Mrs. Guthrie's endorsement and vowed to give Dalton a good fight.  The  Daltons basked in the glow of their triumphant evening,  but Peter admitted to Virginia that if (or rather when) he is elected,  he'll need Mike's support.  When Peter called Mike to ask for support,  Mike flatly refused.


OCTOBER 29, 1957 (Episode #412)
Bruce Thompson told Mike to expect extra work because Peter Dalton is going to be fired.  Mike  countered that Dalton intends to resign.  Bruce and Mike theorized that  some powerful force is at work to put a puppet in the DA's office and  perhaps impede law enforcement.  Mike and Thompson wondered who might be behind Dalton's campaign.  Dalton gave Thompson a resignation, but  Thompson threw Dalton out of the office.  Faith Fleming,  a campaign  organizer, met with JH Phillips who told her he wants Peter elected DA.  Faith agreed to do anything necessary-- short of something illegal.   Phillips gave Faith carte blanche to spend as much money as necessary on the campaign.  After meeting Peter,  Faith wanted to speak with  Virginia.  Thompson wanted to call a press conference about Dalton's  campaign,  but Mike warned Thompson that it will only give Peter more  publicity.  Mike told Thompson that they have to fight the real  adversary-- whoever is behind Peter Dalton.  Mike enlisted Willy's help  in getting to the bottom of the Dalton's benefactor.  After meeting with Virginia,  Faith was pleased and informed Phillips that they good  material with which to work.  Faith planned a big tv rally, complete  with a band and a claque that will cheer and applaud on cue. Faith assured Phillips that Peter Dalton is as good as elected.


OCTOBER 30, 1957 (Episode #413)
Clayton called Mary with  the news that there's been a disturbing development, and they need to  meet immediately.  Mary made an excuse to Roger and left to meet with  Pike.  JH Phillips told Ollie to cut a deal with William Herman  Fitzsimmons for $5,000 plus expenses to supply the shills for Peter's tv  rally.  Ollie nervously remembered that he once had a run-in with  Fitzsimmons.  Mary met with Pike who lied to her that Billy's real  mother is in Monticello and consulting with an attorney.  Clayton was pleased with Mary's reaction.  Later, Roger noticed Mary's agitation,   but she claimed that she's feeling unwell.  Ollie faced difficulty with  Fitzsimmons who wouldn't agree to Ollie's offer of $4,000.  Realizing  that he was being cheated,  Fitzsimmons said he'd do the job for $6,000.  Ollie agreed and raced to the bank to make up the difference.   Phillips realized that Ollie tried to cheat Fitzsimmons and had to pay  more than necessary to get the job done.  Phillips threw Ollie out of  the office but was secretly amused at the lengths Ollie went to in order to not get in trouble.


OCTOBER 31, 1957 (Episode #414)
Faith Fleming and emcee Al  Nilson prepared for the election rally at the Community Center.  Faith  admitted to Al that Peter doesn't know that the rally is rigged.  Mike  told Sara that he won't attend Peter's rally since some people might  interpret his presence as support. Peter was worried because he wants  to be his own man but fears he's being manipulated.  Virginia tried to  assuage Peter's fears.  At the rally,  Faith cued the crowd who chanted,  "We want Dalton!".  Peter agreed to the crowd's "demand" that he run  for DA.  While watching the rally on tv,  Mike commented to Sara that  Dalton was putting on a good show.  Later, Peter called Mike and offered him one last chance to get on the bandwagon.  Mike refused again, which prompted Dalton to exclaim that he doesn't need anyone because he's the man that the people of Monticello want.  Al Nilson asked Faith how long it would take for Peter to fall off his high horse.  Faith responded  that he won't have to because she knows the man who will take Peter off  of it. 


NOVEMBER 1, 1957 (Episode #415)
Clayton told Irene that  they'll have to pose as Mr. and Mrs. Throckmorton from Kansas City and  rent an apartment as part of the Harper plan.   As Irene dressed for the part,  Clayton wanted Irene to give him her pistol.  At a luncheon,  Sara and Mildred Parmalee overheard two women who were singing Dalton's  praises.  Mildred tried to set the strangers straight, but they left  offended.   After renting an apartment as the Throckmortons,   Clayton  and Irene put the finishing touches on their plan to kill Mary.  Clayton telephoned Roger and made an appointment as Mr. Willoughby, in order to make sure that Roger doesn't arrive home early.   Irene made a  reservation for Mary at a tavern on route 43, which will give Mary an excuse for being on the road where the fatal car "accident" occurs.   Clayton's plans went awry when he called Mary to set events in motion,   but Mary wasn't home.


NOVEMBER 4, 1957 (Episode #416)
Clayton was upset that he  didn't get the opportunity to kill Mary Harper the previous night.  Liz  insisted that she and Clayton couldn't go on hating, suspecting, and  threatening one another, but Clayton reminded her that she'd done all  of those things to him for years. Later, Clayton called a terrified  Mary and told her that Billy's mother Dorothy Haller is in Monticello  and has been trying to contact him.  Mary begged for Clayton's help.  At school,  Billy ran into Bebe on the playground and invited her to his  house after school.  Meanwhile, Clayton informed Irene that they'll  definitely take care of Mary Harper before the night is over.  Bebe  agreed to visit Billy after school, and as they left, Irene arrived pretending to be a friend of Mary's.  Irene lied to the kids that she  has permission from Mary to take them to the movies.  Bebe and Billy  noticed that Irene was wearing Mary's brooch.  Back at the Harper house,  Mary panicked over Clayton's revelation and the fact that Billy wasn't home from school.  After letting her worry a while,  Clayton telephoned Mary with the news that Dorothy has taken Billy away.   Clayton  instructed a frantic Mary to drive to the corner of 12th and Main,  where he promised to meet her and drive to her Billy. Clayton broke  into an evil smile as Mary begged him to tell her Billy's location.


NOVEMBER  5, 1957 (Episode #417)
Mike received a telephone  call from an Arizona medical examiner, who confirmed that the real  Clayton Pike was murdered, and the man in Monticello is an impostor.    Liz begged Clayton not proceed with his diabolical plans,  but Clayton  met Mary anyway.  Mary refused to drive in the blinding rainstorm until  Pike gave her more information-- an address where to find Billy.  Mike  stopped by the Pike's to confront Clayton,  but Liz admitted that  Clayton wasn't there.   After Pike gave her an address,  Mary drove  perilously through the rainstorm,  narrowly missing several near-accidents.  However, the car later sputtered and died, leaving a  furious Clayton to wonder if his plans would go awry.  Mike called Willy Bryan and gave him the details about Clayton Pike.   Willy agreed to  watch the Pike apartment until Captain Marceau could send officers there and to Pike's favorite gambling hall across the state line.

Mike:  (to Willy about Pike)  This killer has been on the loose for fifteen years,  and that's long enough!


NOVEMBER 6, 1957 (Episode #418)
Mary attempted to walk to  the address Clayton gave her,  but Pike pulled her back into the car and instructed her to go to a garage across the street and convince the  mechanic to fix the car immediately.   After Mary talked the mechanic  into repairing the car,  Clayton led her on foot to the Throckmorton  apartment.  Marceau called Mike,  who told the Captain to put officers  on a stakeout of the Clayton's house and Irene's apartment.   Roger  stopped by the Karr's looking for Mary and Billy.  Mike became  suspicious when Roger commented that he needs the car to meet with the new owners of the Retreat Nursing Home,  where Billy was born.   At the Throckmorton apartment,  Clayton bolted the door,  while an impatient  Mary insisted that she'd go to the police if Clayton didn't explain how he knew Dorothy Haller's plans so well.


NOVEMBER 7, 1957 (Episode #419)
Clayton calmed Mary down  and explained that Mrs. Haller told him of her plans in an effort to get his help, but out of loyalty to Mary,  he'll help get Billy away from  Mrs.  Haller.  When Mary asked how they could stop Mrs. Haller,  Clayton suggested murder.   Hester went to the Harper house looking for Bebe,   but Roger told her that Mary probably took Billy and Bebe to a movie.   Later, Irene dropped Bebe off at the Karrs' and took Billy back to  Roger.  Irene lied to a worried Roger that Mary was driving out to the  country to buy an antique desk.  Roger was confused when he spotted  Irene wearing Mary's brooch.  Irene told Roger that Mary allowed her to  wear the brooch for a while.  Roger telephoned Mike and admitted that  he's worried Mary had a car accident.  Mike promised to have the state  police look for Mary's car.  At the Throckmorton apartment,  a suspcious Mary ran for the door,  but Clayton caught her and restrained her in a  chair.  When Irene arrived without Billy,  Mary realized that she's in a dangerous situation.


NOVEMBER 8, 1957 (Episode #420)
Clayton explained to Mary  that she's being held prisoner because they want her to give them Billy.  After Mary refused,  Clayton locked her in a bedroom.  Mike assured a  distraught Roger that the state police have been alerted about Mary.   Mike didn't pay any attention to Bebe,  who rambled on about her  afternoon with Irene and Billy and Irene wearing Mary's diamond brooch.  Bill Marceau stopped by the Karrs'.  Mike told Bill that wrapping up  the Pike case would help DA Bruce Thompson's waning campaign.  Clayton  gave Mary's coat to Irene and instructed her to go to the garage,   pretend to be Mary,  and get the repaired car.  Mary overheard Clayton tell Irene that the doorman will make an excellent witness at the  coroner's inquest.  Locked in the bedroom and realizing that she's going to be murdered,  a terrified Mary wondered what would happen next.


NOVEMBER 11, 1957 (Episode #421)
Irene returned with the  news that the mechanic hadn't finished with the car,  which won't be  ready for at least another hour.  Irene worried that their plans were  going awry.  Mike lamented the fact that he had proof against Clayton  Pike, but Pike vanished.  Mike speculated that Pike's girlfriend Irene  Eagan might know Pike's whereabouts.  Sara recognized Irene Eagan as  being Mary's "friend"-- the one who took Bebe and Billy to the movies.   Mike questioned Bebe,  who identfied a photo of Irene as being the woman who wore Mary's diamond brooch.   Mike theorized that Mary's baby died  at the Retreat Nursing Home,  and Pike sold Mary Irene Eagan's baby. Mike and Sara rushed to the hospital,  where Mike was given permission  to view the Harper's medical records.  After discovering that Billy's  blood type doesn't match Roger's or Mary's,  Mike realized that Mary is  in serious
danger.

Pike: (planning to drug Mary)  Did you ever walk in your sleep?
Irene: Every morning until I've had two cups of coffee.


NOVEMBER 12, 1957 (Episode #422)
Mike informed Marceau of  Mary's plight.   Bill put out an APB for the principals and placed Irene under surveillance.  Clayton planned to send Irene to Springfield then  to the West Coast as Dorothy Haller.  There,  they'll fly to London with Billy and collect the Haller inheritance.  Mike told Marceau about the  London solicitor,  and together, they realized that Pike and Eagan plan  to murder Mary and steal Billy's inheritance.  Mary tried to escape from the apartment, but failed.  Pike schemed to make it appear that Mary  was rendezvousing with a secret lover when she has her fatal car crash.   After drugging Mary's coffee with sleeping pills, Pike tried to trick her by pretending that he's actually on her side and wants to double-cross Irene.  Mary didn't know whether or not to believe Clayton,  who claimed that he wants to save her life.  Mike devised a plan to  trick Irene into leading the police to Mary.

NOTE:  According to the script,  Billy's birthday is June 13, 1947.


NOVEMBER 13, 1957 (Episode #423)
Clayton promised a  drugged Mary that if she goes away with him to Mexico and leaves a  signed note for Roger,  he'll let her go once he's safely out of the  US.  After much prodding,  Mary reluctantly agreed to sign the note,   unaware that it sounds like she's running away with a lover.  Mike and  Marceau sent Sgt. Helen Killbourn to visit Irene, who had returned to  her own apartment.  Helen pretended to be call-girl Paula Haken and  tipped Irene off that the cops were closing in on Clayton.  Irene panicked and attempted to call Clayton,  but Marceau made sure that the  phone service had been disrupted.   Mortified,  Irene grabbed a taxi and rushed to warn Clayton that the cops were on to him.  Mike, Marceau,  Helen, and the police followed Irene to the Throckmorton apartment.   Helen arrested Irene.  As the police arrived at the scene,  Mary signed  Pike's note, but then she barricaded herself in the bedroom and  attempted to break the metal grating over the bedroom window.  As Mary  attempted to escape,  Clayton tried to break down the bedroom door.

Pike: (In response to Mary's ambivalence about leaving with  him)  I don't mean to be uncomplimentary, Mrs. Harper-- but I assure  you,  I could
think of more pleasant traveling companions.


NOVEMBER 14, 1957 (Episode #424)
Mary managed to knock the  metal grating off the window and leapt to freedom just as Clayton broke  down the door.  Clayton jumped after Mary, who escaped to the roof of  the parking garage next door.   Pike gleefully realized that Mary was  heading straight for her car, and his plan might succeed after all.   Mike raided the Throckmorton apartment, and seeing the broken window,   he realized that Mary escaped with Pike in pursuit.  Mike called Bill  and requested police back-up.  In the parking garage,  Pike caught Mary, who was woozy from the drugged coffee.  After Mike threatened her with  the electric chair,  Irene confessed that Pike intends to drive Mary out to Route 7 and stage Mary's death in a car accident.  Mike realized  that Mary and Pike were heading for Mary's car in the parking garage. Mike and Marceau arrived at the garage,  just as Pike forced Mary into the car.

Mary: (Feeling very woozy)  You gave me something in the coffee--  you poisoned me.
Pike: No, no, no... not poison.  Nothing more than you yourself would take if you couldn't sleep.
Mary: I... I never felt this way before.
Pike: Well,  perhaps I was generous with it.


NOVEMBER 15, 1957 (Episode #425)
At the Narraganset Garage,  Pike knocked out the night mechanic and prepared to escape with Mary.  Mike and Marceau trapped Pike on the second floor as the police  surrounded the building. Pike fired a fusillade of bullets out the  window and dragged Mary behind a car to use as a shield.  Bill went in  after Pike and was nearly shot.   While Bill kept Pike occupied,  Mike  took a freight elevator to the second floor and attacked Pike from  behind.  During the struggle between Clayton, Mike, and Mary,  Mary was  thrown onto the hood of the car and struck her head on the fender.  Mike handed a captured Pike over to Bill, then went to check on an unconscious Mary.  Pike suddenly pulled another gun from his coat, fired shots at Mike and Bill,  and fled.  Helen arrived to take care of Mary, while Mike and Bill purused Pike through the garage with their guns  drawn.  Trapped,  Pike had a violent shootout with Mike and Bill,  but  they managed to capture him.  When Mike returned to Mary,  a worried  Helen told him that Mary's near death.

Pike: (crazed)  C'mon, Karr!  Come and get me you-- (gunshots  drown out Pike's obscenities).  Where are you, Karr?!  Are you yellow?   Come and take
me!
Marceau: Don't worry, Pike!  We'll take you!
Pike: I'll see you both in Hell first, Marceau!  C'mon!  What are you waiting for!?


NOVEMBER 18, 1957 (Episode #426)
Liz Pike was caught  blowing Monticello with a suitcase full of money.  Jack noticed that  Betty-Jean was unusually irritable.  After Mike threatened Irene with  the death penalty,  Irene confessed that Clayton had drugged Mary with  chloral hydrate.  Doctors realized that Mary's coma was a result of a drug overdose, rather than head injuries.  Betty-Jean wanted to meet with Sara, as BJ has something very important to tell her.  Sara guessed Betty-Jean's news.

Betty-Jean:  Jack, you will always love me-- won't you?
Jack:  Sure.
Betty-Jean: Not like that.  Don't just say "sure" and let it go at that... say it. 
Jack:  Honey,  I love you, and I'll always love you.
Betty-Jean: No matter what happens?
Jack:  No matter what happens.


NOVEMBER 19, 1957 (Episode #427)
Mike convinced DA Thompson to withhold the Harper's involvement with Clayton Pike, so that Mary  and Roger could make peace first.  Thompson dictated details of the Pike arrest to Sybil, who passed confidential info on to Ollie.  Ollie and a reluctant Virginia decided to leak the story to the newspaper,  but  schemed to make it appear that Thompson was withholding info in order to swipe credit for the arrest away from Peter.  Mary recovered, but she  refused to tell Roger the truth about Billy's parentage.  Mike tried to  convince a distraught Roger that he should admire Mary for what she did.

Sybil: (Pouting)  Seems like we don't have any fun lately...
Ollie:  After the election we'll have plenty.


NOVEMBER 20, 1957 (Episode #428)
Mike tried to fend off  Monticello Daily reporter Gillian Brill, who got the scoop on Pike and  the Harpers from Ollie.  A despondent Roger did his best to assuage  Billy's fears that Mary and Clayton Pike were an item.  Mike confronted  Mary and convinced her to tell Roger and Billy the truth before it hit  the newspapers.  Peter gave his story to Gillian.  Peter lied that he  had begged Thompson to prosecute Pike,  but Thompson had intentionally  waited until closer to the election in order to make himself look good.  Mary finally decided to confess her sins to Roger,  but Gillian arrived and blurted out the truth about Billy's parentage first.


NOVEMBER 21, 1957 (Episode #429)
Gillian felt guilty when  she realized that Roger didn't know the truth about Billy's illegal  adoption.  Sara suspected that Betty-Jean is pregnant.  Billy  accidentally overheard Mary's confession that Billy isn't Roger's son.  A furious Roger told Mary that he doesn't ever want to see her or Billy  ever again, then he walked out.   Sara tried to console Mary,  whose  worst fears came true.

Mary: I've lost everything.
Sara: I'm sure you must be wrong because there are two things you'll never lose-- Roger's love and Billy's...

Mary: (Looks at Sara with a hard, bitter expression)  I wish Clayton Pike had killed me...
Sara: Oh, no-- Mary.
Mary: Why must I go on living when there's nothing left to live for?


NOVEMBER 22, 1957 (Episode #430)
Roger called the Harper  house and told Sara to inform Mary that he's moving into the Skyview  Hotel and will be sending for his clothes.  Sara begged Mike to speak  with Roger on Mary's behalf,  but Mike steadfastly refused.  Mike  informed Sara that he already intervened once-- by keeping the Harpers'  involvement out of the press, and that may have cost Thompson the  election.  Bebe tried to console Billy to no avail.  Bebe told Billy that her father Martin Spode might soon be released from prison.  Sara  gave an impssioned speech to Roger about Mary, and Roger finally agreed  to give Mary and Billy another chance.  Just as Roger informed Mary of his decision,  Bebe telephoned to say that Billy ran away and is never coming back.


NOVEMBER 25, 1957 (Episode #431)
Roger panicked at the  thought of losing Billy, and realized how much he really does love Billy as his own son.  Billy was harassed by a hobo in the park.  Mattie told Sara that she intends to interfere in Jack and Betty-Jean's marriage  because Betty-Jean is being a tempermental wife.  Sara confided to  Mattie that Betty-Jean might be pregnant. Roger found Billy and  convinced him that he's loved by both of his parents.  Billy referred to Roger as  "Dad".


NOVEMBER 26, 1957 (Episode #432)
Mike told Ed Parmalee that there's still a security leak in the DA's office.  Mike speculated  about who the leak might be,  but Ed assured him that Sybil is  trustworthy.  Billy insisted on being present at Mary's deposition to Mike.  Ruth Sherman, the wife of a man DA THompson convicted of armed  robbery, showed up at Mike's office and claimed that her husband was innocent.  Ruth told Sybil that Thompson sent Ruth's husband Patrick up  the river just to look good to voters at election time.  Sybil passed  Ruth's story on to Ollie, who found it useful.  The Harpers learned from Mike that Billy is the heir to a million-dollar estate.  Billy asked  Mary and Roger to legally adopt him.


NOVEMBER 27, 1957 (Episode #433)
Hester informed Bebe that  Martin sent a letter about going before the parole board, and he may be  home in time for Christmas.  Sybil showed up at Ollie's to talk about  Ruth Sherman and found Ollie cavorting with a willowly blonde.  Paul  Simmons,  a parole officer, visited Hester to gather information  regarding Martin's parole hearing.  Sybil and Ollie plotted to set up  Ruth Sherman and DA THompson.   Sybil visited Ruth, then arranged for  Ruth to meet Thompson at the courthouse.  Sybil urged Ruth to wear lots  of makeup and look "extra pretty".

Ollie:(Caught kissing another woman)  Aw, don't be sore, Sybil... oh, come on-- kiss and make up...okay?
Sybil: Two shades of lipstick might clash.


NOVEMBER 28, 1957 (Episode #434)
Ruthless reporter Ellie Fitzgibbons conspired with Ollie to snap secret photos of Thompson and  Ruth Sherman.  Mattie visited Winston for lunch, and they both admitted  they're lonely people.  Later,  Winston urged Mattie to have her missing husband George declared dead so that she'll be free to become Mrs.  Winston Grimsley.   Ellie snapped photos of an innocent embrace between  Thompson and Ruth Sherman, when Thompson tried to comfort Ruth about  convict husband Patrick.   Ellie interviewed Ruth Sherman and asked  deliberately misleading questions about her relationship with Bruce  Thompson.  Ellie passed on suggestive photos and a biased manuscript  about Thompson to Ollie,  who said they've sewn up the election for  Peter Dalton.


NOVEMBER 29, 1957 (Episode #435)
Just before visiting the  doctor to confirm her pregnancy,  Betty-Jean needed comfort from Sara.   JH Phillips met with Jim Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Automotives.   Phillips, a backer of Mitchell,  showed concern about low sales in the  repair department.  Mitchell admitted that he's had trouble  with the  repair department foreman ( a convict who slid back into criminal  activities).  Mitchell assured Phillips that he has another foreman in  mind... a man soon to be released from prison.  Later, a prison warden  named Leroy told Martin Spode about Jim Mitchell needing a good foreman.  Martin insisted that he wants to go straight and won't have anything to do with the corrupt Mitchell and his ex-con employees.  Betty-Jean  learned that she is indeed pregnant, and then she worried that Jack will leave her.


DECEMBER 2, 1957 (Episode #436)
Mike and Ed lamented the  fact that they'll both be out of a job if Peter Dalton is elected DA.   Ed considered going into private practice.  Betty-Jean intentionally  left a baby magazine in full view to get Jack's reaction.  Later,   Betty-Jean was mortified when Jack saw the magazine and told her that he hoped she wasn't getting any ideas about babies because that was the worse thing that could happen to them.  Mike told Sara that he's  determined to find out who is backing Peter Dalton.  Mildred suggested  that Mike and Ed open a private law practice together.  Jack realized that Betty-Jean is pregnant, and after thinking about it, was elated at  the prospect of being a father.


DECEMBER 3, 1957 (Episode #437)
Ed and Mildred argued about whether or not Ed should ask Dalton to keep him on in the DA's office  if Peter is elected.  Mildred asked Sara's advice in how to make Ed  decide.  Jack visited Winston, and begged him to help save Jake Golick's floundering business.  Willy told Ed that a rumor is circulating about  Dalton's plan to reveal a juicy secret about Thompson at the election  rally.  Winston agreed to Jack's request to help Jake. 


DECEMBER 4, 1957 (Episode #438)
Betty-Jean called Jack and  the doctor after suffering a dizzy spell.  Jack was irked that  Betty-Jean was actually okay, then she sent him out for a dill pickle  and salami sandwich from Mama Jo's.  Willy revealed to Mike that  Dalton's secret concerns DA Thompson using his power to seduce young  women.  Willy  speculated that Dalton fabricated the rumor,  but Mike  didn't believe that Dalton would sink to that level.  Rose Marie  admitted to Sara that she's attracted to Willy.  Mattie had a  heart-to-heart with Jack and assured him that Betty-Jean is fine... all  she wanted was reassurance of Jack's love.

Willy:   Mike-- the trouble with you is that you still trust people.
Mike:  As long as possible...


DECEMBER 5, 1957 (Episode #439)
Jack tried to tell a  desperate Jake that Winston will save his business, but Jake thought it  was a joke and angrily ordered Jack out of the office.  Willy called  former girlfriend Ellie Fitzgibbons for the scoop on Dalton's secret,   and Ellie reluctantly agreed to see him.  Winston told a stunned Jake  that Grimsley will help save the company from bankruptcy.   Willy  lunched with Ellie,  with whom he once had a stormy relationship.  Ellie joked that she promised to cut Willy's throat one day, then proceeded  to lie that Dalton has nothing on Bruce Thompson.  Later,  Willy informed Mike and Ed that they're all sunk-- he gave Ellie the chance to cut his throat, and she did by reassuring him about the likelihood of  Dalton losing.


Willy:  (to Mike about Ellie)  She was a disease with me for awhile... like measles.  When you get over it,  you're immune.  She  hates me... pretends not to so she can cut my throat some day.


DECEMBER 6, 1957 (Episode #440)
Ollie showed Sybil the  gallery of Ellie's column about Thompson, and they giggled.  Ollie gave  Sybil money to place a bet against Thompson in the election race.  Sara  told Mike that Ed is deeply concerned about whether or not he'll have a  job after the election. Mildred goaded Ed into calling Peter Dalton and begging to be kept on if Thompson loses.

Sybil: (to Ollie)  You're talking to a gal who just loves to celebrate... anything!


DECEMBER 9, 1957 (Episode #441)
Sara wondered to Mike if  Mattie and Winston are getting serious.  Jack stopped by Mike and Sara's to watch Dalton's tv speech.  Ed called Peter, who agreed to see Ed  right before the tv speech.  Peter instructed Virginia to eavesdrop and  take notes in case Ed said anything that could be used against Thompson.  Later,  Peter goaded Ed into asking to keep his job, and manuevered Ed into saying that Ed thinks Dalton will win the election.   On  tv,  Dalton blasted DA Thompson for having an affair with Ruth Sherman,  then used what Ed said to make it look as if Thompson's own staff  members have lost faith in him.   Afterward,  an egomanical Dalton  patronized Virginia,  who decided that his attitude is "dangerous". 

Jack: (listening to Dalton's speech)  Hey-- that guy's off his rocker!


DECEMBER 10, 1957 (Episode #442)
Ellie crucified Dalton in  the press about his "affair" with Ruth Sherman.   Mike and Sara wondered which of Thompson's staff members doubts his abilities.  Virginia began to question Peter about who would actually be DA-- Peter or "Mr. X" (JH Phillips).  At the election polls,  Willy ran into Ellie, who happily  informed him that Ed Parmalee was the staff member who said negative  things about Thompson. Virginia quarreled with Peter at the polls and  started to pull the voting lever for Bruce Thompson instead of her own  husband.  Later,  Virginia was stunned by Peter's announcement that he  doesn't need her or anyone else now that he's a shoe-in as DA.  Willy  informed Mike that Ed was the staff member who talked to Dalton.

Virginia: And by the way-- who is this anonymous Mr. X?
Peter:  If I should tell you... he wouldn't be anonymous.


DECEMBER 11, 1957 (Episode #443)
Sara invited Ed and  Mildred over to wtach the election returns.  Ollie and Phillips were  gleeful that Dalton will no doubt win.  Ollie voiced concerns about  keeping Dalton's ego in check, but Phillips told him not to worry.  Ed  was grief-stricken that his comments might have cost Thompson the  election.  Everyone was thrilled when Thompson opened the race with a  overwhelming lead.  Mike commented that Dalton's dirty tactics might  have backfired.   Ed worried that if Thompson wins, he'd probably fire  Ed for stabbing him in the back.  Ollie and Phillips grew restless as  the numbers held for Thompson.   At the last moment, as larger precincts closer to Monticello closed,  Peter Dalton won the election in a  landslide victory.  With an inflated ego,  Dalton refused to phone calls from Ollie and Phillips after the election.  Phillips laughed to Ollie  that with enough rope,  Dalton will hang himself... and Phillips will be delighted to supply the rope.


DECEMBER 12, 1957 (Episode #444)
Mike told Sara, Mattie,  and Winston that he plans to go into private practice.  Ed confessed his guilt to Mike about stabbing Thompson in the back.  Mike couldn't  understand Ed's reasons for doing what he did.  Winston offered Mattie a temporary holiday job at the Louise Grimsley Foundation.  Mattie was  reluctant to accept Winston's offer.  Sara and real estate agent  Sylvester Gowen scouted possible offices for Mike's new practice.  Mike,  devastated about Ed,  assured Sara that he thinks Ed is a good man.   Mike begged Sara to show him how to help his friend.

Winston: (rebuffed by Mattie)  I'm not accustomed to be being frustrated by a woman.


DECEMBER 13, 1957 (Episode #445)
Dalton and Phillips met,  and Dalton expressed interest in retaining Mike in the DA's office.   Phillips warned Dalton that Mike is a troublemaker and insisted Mike be fired.  Dalton exerted his independence by reiterating that he's his own man now.  Hester was upset after receiving a letter stating that she's  being promoted to district supervisor with her book company.  Hester  worried that Martin wants a "stay-at-home wife" and is insanely jealous  of her male co-worker Henry Muller who kisses all the women and calls  them "darling".  Henry told Hester that she should accept the position  as it will be difficult for Martin to find steady work after being  released from prison.  Phillips and Ollie schemed to get Dalton on the  hook by getting him to invest in Clark Chemical-- whose stock Phillips  can manipulate at will.  Bebe saw Henry give Hester an innocent kiss,  but Hester made a guilty Bebe swear to never tell Martin.

Ollie: (about Dalton)  Want me to work him over?
Phillips:  Oliver,  we're in the big time now.


DECEMBER 16, 1957 (EPISODE# 446)
Peter admired his new office and gingerly touched the name plate on the  door.  Mike met Sara for lunch and while going over plans for his new  office, she correctly guessed he was thinking of asking Ed Parmalee to  join him.Sara was disheartened to learn Martin Spode's parole chances  are less than 50/50.  Sara changed the subject when Peter approached her at lunch and subtly hinted she convince Mike to stay on as his assistant.The members of Martin's parole board weren't impressed with  his obviously memorized speech about rehabilitation, but were moved when he truthfully spoke of wanting to return to Hester and Bebe.  Dalton  refused Mike's resignation then argued to him that leaving would be more of a disservice to the public than to Dalton himself.  Spode's parole  was precarious with one vote yes and one vote no, while the third was  undecided.


DECEMBER 17, 1957  (EPISODE# 447)
Mike received word from Warden Flagg that Martin Spode was granted  parole.  Mattie joked to Mike that she can support the Karrs while Mike  opens his practice since she's working for the Grimsley Foundation now.  Ed  choked up when Mike asked him to join the private law practice.   Sybil and Virginia sparred over Sybil's casual relationship with Peter.  Peter ignored Virginia and vowed to make Parmalee crawl for his job.Dalton used the same "public service argument" on Parmalee, then frightened him into withdrawing the resignation.  Mattie confided to  Winston that she thinks Mike should remain in the DA's office.  Parmalee refused Mike's law partnership.  Winston urged Mike to reconsider the  resignation.  Virgina interrupted Peter's call with the governor,  insisting Sybil be terminated, then went into a cold rage when Peter  ignored her warnings about surrounding himself with Bruce Thompson's  people.


DECEMBER 18, 1957  (EPISODE# 448)
Jake Golick thanked Winston for saving his business, but Winston  suggested Golick thank his employees who have remained loyal.  Jack and  Sara shared a warm family moment with Mattie who cooked Christmas  fruitcake.  Mattie grew somber about receiving a letter from Cora who  misses Monticello and Harry.  Billy Harper was among the Christmas carolers outside the Lane home and stopped in to say hello. Winston  goaded Mike to remain in the DA's office to keep an eye on Dalton and  the dirty goings-on.  Golick visited the Lane home with apologies for  mistreating Jack and thanks for saving the business.  Jack beamed over  Golick's offer of a raise and promotion to dispatcher.  Mike told Sara  about his meeting with Winston and confessed that staying in the DA's  office would be dangerous.


DECEMBER 19, 1957  (EPISODE#449)
Peter attempted to fire Willy Bryan, but Willy irritated him with the  news he'd already resigned.  Sara dropped the keys to Mike's new office, one by one, then hugged him with her approval to do what he feels is  right.  Mike agreed to remain with Dalton if Dalton allows him to hire  Willy as an investigator.  Peter reluctantly agreed, but stipulated that Willy has to apologize first.  Willy went to see Rose Marie. Mike  tracked him down, urging him to eat crow for Dalton.  Later, Willy half-heartedly apologized to Dalton, who uneasily accepted him back.   After Mike explained his motives, Willy warned Sara that they're going  after "big-game" and could be in great danger.


 NOTE: This was Harry Kramer's first episode as announcer for The Edge of Night, replacing original announcer Bob Dixon. Kramer would remain Edge's primary announcer until his retirement from CBS Television in 1972.


DECEMBER 20, 1957 (EPISODE# 450)
Bebe was ambivalent about Martin's homecoming and worried that she'll  miss her only friend Polly's party.  On the train home from prison,  Martin met old friend Victor, who was returning to Monticello from  Seattle.  Martin was forced to admit his incarceration when Victor  insisted they go to the Club Car for drinks.  Victor took a powder after the news.  Virgina bumped into Peter in a professional building and  became suspicious when he avoided her questions about why he was there.  Virginia pretended to leave but followed her husband to John H.  Phillips Investment Company.  Hester worried that Martin will feel unloved by Bebe, who left for Polly's party rather than wait for her  father's arrival.  Martin couldn't hide his disappointment over Bebe's  absence and lamented she probably hates him.  Hester tried to console  Martin who stated he probably should have remained in prison.  Martin  was reduced to tears when Bebe came back home, birthday present still in hand, and told Martin how much she loves him.


DECEMBER 23, 1957  (EPISODE# 451)
Martin insisted he'll support his family when Hester informed him her  publishing company job is still open.  Virginia met with her brother  Nathan Porterfield, who dislikes Peter.  Virginia admitted she thinks JH Philips is Peter's mysterious sponsor.  Martin was disappointed that  friend Louie Turner hired his wife's kid brother Clarence as the master-mechanic.  Louie offered Martin a position as Clarence's apprentice, and Martin reluctantly accepted.  Martin complained to  Hester about once a con, always a con", then considered applying for a  job at Mitchell Automotives, since Jim Mitchell has a reputation for  hiring ex-cons. 


DECEMBER 24, 1957 (EPISODE# 452)
Phillips dispatched Ollie to San Francisco to get one of Fitzsimmons  boys out of a jam.  Phiilips told Ollie that Dalton unwittingly got his  first payoff in the Clark Cemical stock transaction, now they've got  something to hold over Dalton's head.  Phillips warned Ollie they've got trouble with McGinnis, a Monticello News reporter who wants to do an  expose on the election.  Ollie offered to take care of McGinnis, but  Phillips insisted he'll handle it personally. Martin had his first  meeting with parole officer Paul Sims.  Virginia acted unimpressed when  Peter gave her an expensive fur coat for Christmas, then she asked if it was financed by JH Phillips.  Virginia called Peter a fool after her  warned her to keep her nose out of his busines with Phillips. When Ollie broke his date with Sybil to leave town, she warned she'd find a new  playmate, then hinted he might be Peter Dalton. Sims laid down the rules of Martin's parole and told him to stop feeling sorry for himself.   Peter blew off Virginia and Nate's Christmas party and invited Sybil to  dinner.


DECEMBER 25, 1957  (EPISODE# 453)
Sara gave Mike an engraved gold cigarette case for Christmas, while Sara received a sexy nightgown/negligee set. Martin glowered when Bebe  showed more excitement over a wrist watch from Mike and Sara than the  practical winter coat Hester gave her.  Paul Sims' arrival deterred  Martin from taking Bebe to the Harper home so that she could attend the movies with Billy.  Bebe fled the room in tears.  Sims chastised Martin for taking a message from a fellow prisoner to his wife.  Sims offered  to drop off Bebe at the Harper home.  Mike and Sara teased Willy about  the jack-in-the-box he bought for Rose Marie's baby. Willy told Mike  he's tracking Ruth Sherman, in hopes she'll confess that the  photographed kiss between her and Thompson was rigged. Winston offered  unlimited financial support to get Dalton out of office and agreed to  hire an investigator named Harrington to find Ruth Sherman. While  looking at the star atop the Christmas tree, Martin told Hester he loves her and vowed he'd make a new life for them.


DECEMBER 26, 1957  (EPISODE# 454)
Willy informed Mike that Harrington found Ruth Sherman living in a nice  apartment in Monticello.  Clarence was cold and defensive to Martin  their first day of work.  Ruth Sherman admitted to Willy she set up  Bruce Thompson and vowed to make things right.  Martin made Clarence  look foolish when he repaired a car Clarence had been working on all  day.  Clarence accused Martin of making him think the car wouldn't  start, then fixed it to make him look like an idiot in front of Louie. Mike insisted to Willy that Ruth Sherman's confession isn't enough to expose Dalton's backer.  Mike plotted to have Lillian Brill plant a news item about Thompson and Sherman in the Monticello Daily, in hopes it will draw out the person who paid off Sherman. Louie told Clarence to  lay off Spode, but Clarence warned Louie will be sorry for hiring an  ex-con.


DECEMBER 27, 1957  (EPISODE# 455)
Jack asked Sara and Mattie to keep an eye on Betty while he's on  business in Edgewater.  Sara lamented to Mattie that Jack never learns  his lesson after he talked about getting a house with his $25 per week  raise.  Mike received a call from Audrey Veniard, a photographer who  stated she has business with the DA's office.  Veniard informed Mike and Willy that she got a picture of a man at Dalton's election rally, then  he broke her camera.  With Winston's offer of unlimited funds in mind,  Mike paid Veniard $150 for the picture.  Bebe cried when Martin told her she can't take dancing lessons with Billy Harper because they can't  afford it.  Martin silently wished he'd stayed in prison since things  seem even worse with him home.


DECEMBER 30, 1957  (EPISODE# 456)
Mike showed Audrey Veniard's photo to Sara, but neither recognized the  man at the election rally.  Mike insisted the photograph will lead them  to Dalton's backer.  Clarence was mad when Martin replaced a minor part  on a truck rather than installing an expensive new transmission.  Martin insisted they run an honest business. Clarence lied to Paul Sims that  Martin isn't a good worker and probably won't last long in the job.  Hester lied to Sara that things with Martin are just fine, but then she  broke own in Sara's arms.  Sara advised Hester to shower Martin with  confidence in his abilities.  While holding a wrench, Martin approached  Clarence and wanted to know what he told the parole officer.  Martin threatened to hurt Clarence if he ever tries to louse up Martin again.


DECEMBER 31, 1957  (EPISODE# 457)
Hank Muller visited Hester and offered to pay for demographic  information about her former book customers.  Hester impulsively refused but agreed when Hank suggested she tell Martin the money came from back commissions. Phillips plotted to have reporter McGinnis arrested,  request Peter to release him, then put the screws to Dalton when he refuses.  Jim Mitchell told Phillips he needs an ex-con who's also a  good mechanic to work in his garage.  Phillips suggested hiring Martin  Spode.  Mike silently delighted over Dalton's sweaty reaction to Audrey  Veniard's photograph of the man at the election rally.    Phillips vowed he'll make Dalton prosecute or release any person Phillips wants then  phoned a salivating Peter with a "hot" investment tip.   Martin boiled  when he walked in on Hester and Hank giggling uproariously.  Hester  tried to soothe Martin, but he left.  Hester threw Hank out of the  apartment and instructed him to never come back.  Phillips' instinct  about Peter's greed was on the money when Dalton arrived in 26 minutes.  Jim Mitchell stopped by the Spode apartment with a job offer.  Although Hester was skeptical,  Mitchell badgered her into encouraging Martin to accept the job.