Episode 1: Fodor's Guide to Monte Carlo, Chapter 1

Monaco is the smallest, most densely populated country in the world and also the wealthiest. Less than a square mile of glistening coastline, filled with gorgeous beaches and gorgeous people. It is known as the playground for the rich and famous, but you need not be either to truly appreciate its wonders. Whoa hey, what the heck? Lady? Can't you see I'm writing here.

If you don't come to the water, the water comes to you. Now, put the pen down and stop ruminating on the wonders of the modern day bikini. This is supposed to be our anniversary vacation, not just another work trip.

Need I remind my wife it's the writing that allows us to afford vacations like this.

Ah, wishful thinking? My husband?

Is that so you man?

Always so delusional? Everyone knows it's my photos sell our books. It's simple math. Actually, how many words does a picture worth?

The number is failing me.

And by the way, darling, nit I remind you, we can't actually afford vacations like this until I close the deal for our new publishing contract. Fortunately, your old army friend is the hotel concierge, proving once again, it is not what you know?

But who oh? Is that so?

Well?

Then let's see how much the photographer likes to get wet herself.

Hey, don't you dare? Let me put my camera down?

First, camerade on first?

Oh this water, it's so clear, it's like swimming in glass.

Remember our first anniversary when we skinny dipped in the Amazon.

I'm just glad the piranhas didn't get you. You are as naked as the natives, King of natives. I saw you observing the local girls. Would you prefer me better in one of those skimpy bikinis that are all the range.

I must admit the new fashion is hard to miss. But you, my love, I prefer you and nothing at all.

Oh, genius slimer, Who is that a Piranha?

Happy anniversary, my love? And to Unia Moore, m.

It's it's you.

I think that Bill Hoop is waving at us.

How may we help you? Monsieur Delo has sent me to deliver a mess o.

He invites you and your wife to an evening cocktail on the South.

Tell us, really now, I thought we might have other plans.

It's your war body, not mine. A tribia tell mis Si Devroux, we look forward to it's messy.

And there goes his tip.

Gee.

The palatial Hotel de Peri is the crown jewel of Monte Carlo, a five star resort that takes its shining crown very seriously. Every element the epitome of taste and luxury. Set within a beautiful bell of poc Era building erected in eighteen sixty four. It is on the grand terrace where guests gather to see and be seen.

Oh my god, look at these hotel guests. It looks like they're out of a Morney painting. I hope I remember my manners.

I wouldn't worry about that. When I first met Fabian, he was scavenging out of a vishy landfill outside Paris.

I guess he has come a long way since then.

Monsieur monsieur Madame Fodor, welcome the Hotels Paris. Oh, you're so glad to have you.

Jonas Vlasta, may I introduce Fabian Devereaux, my old friend and the concierge at this fine establishment.

Messiersieur Devo, your hotel is incredibly gorgeous and we greatly appreciate the invitation your beauty.

Only a Nancis is setting, Madame, beauty soradiant. It eclipses the appearance of your humble husband's here.

What is it?

Your Americans say, is the face of the writer.

And you have the face of a constipated frog's crine. I missed you, you buffoon. It's been too long.

Garson, A bottle of our finest and golden champagne and three glasses.

Madame.

I apologize for my email, but I missed my friend for too long. Now please come join me.

We have much to discuss.

No aboutogy necessary, yea.

Perfect to a long and passionate marriage. Mm hmmm.

That champagne is incredible.

Don't pern young If I'm not mistaken.

You never my friend. I used to have the finest ballads in other land, and the memory too match. This man knows every crape on the vine and every bottle in the cell.

It does come in handy at a party.

I love you know. This winter is extraordinarily for even there's a growing season. It began with a reasonably cool spring, which is slow but successful. But bursts before flowering see summer months were consistently warm, with every reaching the sizzling eyes that can suffocate the crape. The idellic condition continued long and to the other. I'm allowing an easy the successful harvest of a healthy crop one of their final seasons ever.

Oh, he dances on the town, truly magical.

A toast to our friend Fabian mercy.

Hospitality, speakinglish, Please, I must practice since your Chris Kelly becomes a princess Grace, Your Americans arrive on the shows of Monaco by a thousand, screaming of meeting Prince Charming and becoming royalty.

Well, you've done a terrific job of treating us as such. Fortunately I've already met my Prince Charming.

I'm glad the accommodation suit you, madam. We see monical cramp re taking place tomorrow and recent fire at the Hotel Metropolio are completely over books. But to disappoint some powerful people.

We appreciate you not evicting us. We're planning an entire chapter on the Grand Prix in the next edition, the greatest.

Race in the world right outside your doorstep. Truly incredible.

Yes, what you hear now is roaming up for tomorrow, studying every turn on the cause and bump on the street.

Oh, I can't do wait. I brought special speed lenses to capture.

All the actions.

I make sure you have the best view in the house. How is it travel guide business? I see more of your books hands is or does in the Bible itself?

We're in twenty seven countries now, but our current publisher barely gives us time to stand still.

Fortunately, our contracts running out and losted negotiating with a new publisher for months.

So you write the books and place the business. I understand now. It's a wise man who is a wise ocal.

Man, then jeans a bona fide genius.

That's right, honey.

I'm actually meeting the CEO for the first time tomorrow to go over the final details. He's in town for the race. Probably writing it off is a business expense, but if it goes through, we'll have an.

Office in New York and even a small stuff.

Hasn't it seems we have even more to sell.

Your special guests.

Mercy Francois Abioto, My apologies, but our next toust we have to it's the French ambassador and his family have just rife. Enjoy your stay. I see you tonight for dinner.

Yeah.

Well, I'll see. So what's Fabian's story?

It seems like nothing's changed in years. Why not wife and kids?

The only children Fabian likes are the ones he's day.

Remember the girl he brought to her wedding.

The wine was older.

Than she was and less intoxicated.

Don't judge him too harshly. He had a family once, but lost them during the war.

Oh you never told me.

I never met them, and Fabian doesn't talk about it.

You men in your war secrets. Oh how did it happen?

In air strike? Fabian was French resistance. When the Nazis caught them trying to escape Paris. They sent Fabian to a pow camp and his wife and son to a concentration camp.

Oh, no one survived.

Fabian helped them win the war, but it cost him everything. The front of the Hotel de Paris opens onto a grand plaza with beautiful views of the ocean, calling to its well heeled guests, arms laden with shopping bags from the nearby couture shops, each label a beacon of class and status.

Welcome to the Hotel Literary.

In honor Monsieur Ambassador.

We appreciate the last minute accommodation.

Well, it is our pleasure as you and your family have we been anticipating your arrival. After you get settled in, perhaps I can give you itself. You want cellar. It is the largest in the world, and you are quite sick on air.

Why don't we go?

Now?

That was not that nice at present?

Maybe right this way, you see, Ambassador, you would never know that didn't beneath a flower garden. We possess the largest ruine cellar in the world. It has his undreds of the thousands of a battle from every vintage.

That is call incredible.

An underground labarrel filled with fine wine. Pleas I would not man getting lost in.

During our most recent World war, the hotel employee sealed off this section with seven rows of bottles, adding twenty thousands of the most precious bottle from the Nazi. After the war, Churchill himself came to celebrate the reopening abouttle of eighteen eleven vintage R was enjoyed to Max the occasion.

Winston did always enjoy his roalm.

So you see, Ambassador, this is how good at keeping secrets. May I introduce another.

Sure Till Margo seventeen eighty seven, A shame. Even the best Bordeaux on the last fifty years, eh cripe is lack.

A man starts young and sweet, turns to alcohol with majority, then goes to a warren old.

Age ortn blending here on the behalf of the US government. Thank you for joining us, Ambassador. I hope you've said uncomfortably.

Fabian has been educating me on the fan their points of the Oden.

Please review this file, Ambassador. What we're proposing is a multilateral treaty that would place Algerian peacekeeping under NATO oversight, providing a ceasefire in the war to allow time for peace talks.

I was told presented this from England, Italy and Portugal will also be attending this meeting in support of the twenty.

They've arrived in Monte Carlo in secret, and we prepare to meet during the Grand Prix to avoid detection at Grande de Vergon Tibichure.

I was told you also have evidence of an imminent Soviet threat to the West down Europe.

The intelligence will be presented at the meeting. It will leave no doubt the Soviet threat is very real and extremely dangerous.

You idiots, what's what you're doing do you want to kill us all?

Sorry, sir, operationality is underway. The ESSs for fuselage USIP and camouflaged according to your orders and hidden with the farm equipment. And all these soldiers are dressed in civilian clothes and quarantined below deck.

Good and no more speaking of Russian English only you are now a Norwegian cargo ship with a Canadian crew.

You remember that, yes, sir.

Once the rest of the cargoes loaded, burn the manifest only you know the contents of the cargo.

And burn, Sir, I must ask do the nuclear warheads posing risk to the soldiers.

Only if they are discovered, and they must not be discovered. You are responsible for their safe delivery, and after leaving port there will be no further contact.

And said, just one more thing, what is our final destination? The captain has been requesting.

Cuba, Havana, Cuba.

In addition to Hotel de Paris's luxurious accommodations and first class service, make sure not to miss a chance to dine at their Michelin starred restaurant, the most prestigious in all of Monaco, where deals are made, celebrities are satiated and French cuisine is at its.

Peak, as is the chef's personal because it's what is its translation. Ah, yes, he sweats from the body's.

Fabon.

You are so silly, Gine. I was just telling your beautiful life.

How I envy the life.

Of a hobble writers.

A foots of people, hotels so fabulous. Is that how you met Fabian? Oh no, not this story again.

I met Geane under slightly less accommodating circumstances one and more a prison camp in de Vous.

I'm sorry I did not know.

I served with the US Army as a frontline translator during the war. We were captured and brought to the camp, cold and starving. Fabian taught me how to survive on k rations and merleau.

Is this man so modest truses? It was Gene who saved my life. He orchestrated a prison escape. I waited until a moonless night and escorted an entire battalion of bows from behind enemy lines. It's only his knowledge of the land is his guid. Every night in that camp I prayed to Saint Nicholas, who's faces GESU dear on my necklace. A miracle turns out Eugenia It's the only miracle work I needed.

You're still wearing that rusty medallion around your neck, you superstitious bastard.

It's got missus far.

In Colbert, how did you do it?

Eugene means a genius. This an netlas In, said Brine.

Just the family business. My father was a cartographer. He never taught me how to ride a bike or fly a kite. But I could tell you the streets of Morocco or the canals of Amsterdam like the back of my hand.

It was the best place to buy a me leuto, even a camo for set matter.

Then he'll bargain with the street vendor in seven languages.

What can I say?

I'm well traveled, crize, impress your mom a true Renodson's man.

Oh, don't get too impressed. Let's see if Moselfodo Hill can guide us to the casino. It's time to try a luck.

I think I can manage it right this way, Miss I mean.

But a miss to please ab Please.

Let's chance as well not to place.

Oh no, mother, Chris, no, thank you so much. Let's cruel.

Maybe you're leslie.

Say that, madame, And no more beds, ladies and gentlemen, no more beds please. Oh we're twenty four, willow.

One.

I'm not sure I can take much more of this winning.

It's giving me a headache.

I'm going to pattern my nose.

I'll watch your chips, darling.

Last time you go to let toilette momenta doin you oof?

Great? Lead away.

And let's cigar. My friend, you've come a long way from my fox early into them in my phone.

Much has changed, but not everything, it seems. While we've gotten older, your girlfriends have an aged today.

My fountain of you, they give me hop for ze will. Meanwhile, Nutu still look like on Imun's. I guess life on zero and Suzu.

We are in a great place right now. Oh I know I've lost to once more. Yes, this contract she's negotiating is good business, but for her it's about something else, settling down and planting roots.

And he wants that too.

Of course, who wouldn't thriving business, growing family, not living out of a suitcase. But this is the only life we've ever known, and.

You feel change, my friend, joy shock always have been. I'm afraid if you stopped moving forward.

Guess I'm more like my father than I thought speaking of your father.

I have a confessional to make.

In truth.

I invite you here for a reason. There's something very important, show you. It's top secret.

In fact, what is it?

Something I've kept very safe? Gene, you see that man? It's a buccle hot table. Has he been following us?

I don't think so. Not sure everyone's dressed the same in here. You're sounding paranoid, Buddy, Is everything okay? It will be.

I have to see Race. We can't Tokyo. Meet me at my office in an hour. I explain everything.

You're leaving right now. What about your date?

I drive it will make sure she gets home safely. Modern women, I love a good mystery ladies and get them all bets fitful jo.

Should we give it a go?

Sure you're back, But where's the girl?

I think I lost her by the black jack tables? Where's Fabian going? Hiding from her too?

He had to run. I'm gonna meet him for a night cap later. Hold on, hold on, Oh my god, he's been shot in the stomach. Somebody get an ambulance. Hold on, Buddy, help us on the way. It's gonna apply pressure. Ray, don't talk, just breathe right say, Nick, he's going into Pardiac arrass. Come on, Davian, breathe.

Please, please gone, Please, he's gone, Stelling, he's gone.

Monica is one of the safest places you can travel as a tourist. One police officer for every twenty three residents. That's more police per capita than any country in the world, and well trained, selected from the French Police Force before going through an additional two years of intensive training, and

Jean, the attention the detective is coming.

Good evening, mister and missus Vodor, thank you for sticking around, and Detective Reno with the Monico police.

You were a friend of the victim and the witness to the crime.

No, not a witness. We heard the gunshots and found Fabian wounded and dying.

Have you caught a shooter yet not yet, we are working on it. You are also staying at the hotel as guest of the victim.

Yes, he invited us. He was an old friend.

Wait are we suspects?

No, madam, But this was no random act of violence.

Fabian's office at the Hotel de Perrie was also ransacked and he's safe opened.

We believe the killer was after something.

Did your friend mention Esratte perhaps a clue as to why someone might want to arm him?

No?

Nothing. Everyone loved Fabian. He was a great man, a great friend, and the idea of what was in this safe Now he just invited us with the grand prix.

Very well, that's awful now, but please remain at the hotel intel further notice in case we have more questions.

Of course, what are the police doing.

They should be searching the entire hotel and every inch of this city.

This is the biggest tourist weekend of the year. The last thing they want to do is scare the guests.

Oh, I can't believe we were just having dinner with him a few hours ago.

What do something like this, even in the most beautiful places, will do the most horrible things.

Are you all right, darling? I know what he meant to you.

It's just what he said before he died. It's like he knew he was in danger.

It's not your fault, Gine.

You did all you could to save him.

Who knows what Fabian had gotten himself into, maybe even a jealous boyfriend.

Maybe.

Why don't you wash up and get some rest.

It's been a long night.

I can't not yet you go to bed. I think I'm gonna go get a drink at the bar downstairs. Clear my head?

Hmm you want me to join you?

It's fine, you get some sleep.

I won't be long, I thought, monsieur, See what do I owe you on the house for Fabian?

For Fabian?

No, no, no, to Atros?

Did you.

Bomb Exclo?

Shut up and take that bullshit outside?

Oh my goodness, what.

Was that all about?

I may not speak French, but I sure know what a bar fight looks like.

More terrorist attacks in Paris. The Algerian War is turning the French against one another.

And here I thought Paris was supposed to be the city of love. So loud down here. Perhaps we could finish these drinks upstairs.

Sorry, I'm married.

Oh I know, happy anniversary. Blast is a beautiful woman.

You're a very lucky guy.

Excuse me? Do I know you?

No?

But I know you.

Eugene Fhodor born in Leava, Hungary, currently lives in Paris, France, studied at the Serbon speaks eleven languages, and served with the OSS of the United States Army during World War Two. Husband of Lastazobela, citizen and refugee of Communist Czechoslovakia.

Okay, you've got my attention. Who are you and what do you want?

I'm a friend of a friend, and that friend is waiting upstairs to join you for a drink. He said. When you last toasted, it was over a bottle of genevert on the banks of the Muse River.

Colonel Blanding, follow me, Gene Fodor. It's so good to see you. I only wish it were under different circumstances. Can I offer you a drink?

Colonel Blanding, Sir, how'd you know I was here?

It's just Martin now, and I was also here at the invitation of Fabian. He was a good friend. We worked together for many years. I was with him just yesterday.

So you're in the hotel business. I never imagined you out of uniform.

Not hotels. Fabian and I worked together in a different capacity. I run an international trade organization called permandex with corporate interests around the globe. But Fabian and I served a singular interest.

The CIA.

You're telling me Fabian was a spy.

An asset, one of the best we had. His position at the hotel gave us access to intelligence that saved hundreds of lives, perhaps more cost him his own. We think it was the Red Hand, a KGB death squad deployed to perform targeted attacks to incite communist revolution, and they've set their sights on overthrowing the French government in Algeria.

What's that got to do with Fabian or the CIA.

The Red Hand has already subverted governments in Vietnam, Korea, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. If they gain a foothold in Africa and destabilized NATO, they won't be long before they're at our shores.

That's insane. You're talking about World War three? Why are you telling me all this?

Because I trust you, and Fabian trusted you. We've received intel that the Red Hand are planning to assassinate the French ambassador during the Grand Prix tomorrow as a message to the world. We believe that same assassin killed Fabian for this information he held.

You mean, what was in the safe?

Fabian received top secret intelligence concerning the Soviet operation microfilm that proved their plots and revealed their targets. Whoever killed them also ransacked his apartments, so we believe they still haven't found what they're looking for.

Then you better find it first. Tell me you've at least identified the killer.

Not yet, but we will and they will be brought to justice.

And allow me to formally introduce Rebecca Ralston, my assistant and one of the agency's best.

We've met charming, But what I don't understand is what any of this has got to do with me.

More than you know. But right now we really need your help, Gene. You were my best field scout and frontline interrogator during the war, and the clock is ticking on cat this killer before he strikes again.

I'm not a spy or a soldier, not anymore.

I don't need a soldier. I need a travel writer. No one knows the city or the people that run it. Better help us bring Fabian's killer to justice. If we don't, more blood will be shit.

All right, I'll do it for Fabian just one night and Vlosta never finds out.

I'll make sure she's protected. Rebecca will assist you. She's a fourth to three black belt, proficient in a variety of weapons and trained and counter terrorism tactics.

Impressive, A liberated woman, liberated and lethal. All right, then, Rebecca, We've got a killer hiding in a country smaller than Central Park. Where do we start with the microfilm?

We find that microfilm? We find the killer.

Fodor's Guide to Espionage is created by Lars Jacobson, written by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaglain, and directed by Sabrina Jaglain, produced by Lars Jacobson and Sabrina Jaguline, and executive produced

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