Episode 2: Fodor's Guide to Monte Carlo, Chapter 2

Monaco is the playground of the wealthy and privileged. Packed in less than a square mile of glistening coastline, It is one of the densest populations in the world while also possessing the most millionaires per capita. A place where you literally rub elbows with the rich and famous. But there are two truths I've learned over my many years of globe trotting. One you don't have to be rich to travel well. And two, travel is the only thing you can spend money on that actually makes you richer.

I'm sorry about your friend, Jane. I didn't have the chance to meet Fabian, but he was a valued asset and a brave man. He gave his life to secure that microphone. We're gonna make sure his death was not in vain. Fortunately we have a lead. The assassin knocked over an elderly janitor during his escape.

Was he able to id the killer.

He's refusing to speak to authorities. Casino Securities holding Hi until the police arrived, but Martin got us access to speak with him. Martin told me you were the best interrogator he had during the war.

That was a long time ago.

No, I'm sure it's like riding a bicycle.

You seem awfully young for this type of work. How old are you?

Let me guess, what's a smart, attractive girl like you doing in a job like this? What should I be barefoot and pregnant somewhere instead?

You clearly haven't met my wife. I've got no problem with women in the workplace. I mean, why the CIA.

Maybe I wanted to see the world and meet new and interesting peace who want to kill you? Occupational hazard?

I'm guessing Martin didn't find you at finishing school. How'd you two meet the Peace Corps?

Actually, I was looking to change the world. Martin offered me that chance.

A slight contradiction.

The world is filled with contradictions. My parents worked for the Red Cross, so I grew up on the road like you. When I was seven, I caught the Measles say to leave me behind. Their ocean liner hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank, killing everybody on board, including my brother and sister.

I'm sorry, that's horrible.

Martin was a friend of the family. After I graduated college, he showed me evidence that the ship did not hit an iceberg but a Soviet torpedo. The KGB covered the whole incident up and the rest of the world didn't want to start World War three over it. My entire family was murder trying to save lives. How's that for contradiction.

We're taking y'all have our motivations, and Martin is great at finding them. Speaking of what do we know about the witness.

He's an undocumented worker, no paperwork or ID. It's probably too scared to speak to the authorities. We're holding him in a private room.

Causino Montlo, keep the change, I see, state your business Martin's ANDAs MHM.

Has he said anything yet not?

The world just listens to the I.

Appreciate you babysitting. Why don't you boys step outside for a cigarette while we talk to the gentleman.

Yes, sire, Cherie hele Vien, he's all yours.

Jane, good evening, sir. My name's Geen. I'm here to ask you a few questions. Do you speak English, Deutsch, Galliano, cattle in all right? Perhaps you need a little encouragement.

Isn't a knife a little rush?

Are not looking for a knife? Looking for this?

A bottle?

Opener, Hand me that bottle. It's probably nothing to write home about, but I doubt anyone will miss it. But nothing stimulates conversation like a glass of wine. I once got an SS officer to confess his battalion's position over a nice Cabernet wine. Fine wont graci yine yine, yine yine, Yes, of course, Rebecca. Check his out left forearm.

There's a tattoo a number. He was in a concentration camp.

Nobody has made poor through charity. Sadakatuka?

What does that mean?

It's a Yiddish proverb. He's speaking Schwadiit a mixture of Hebrew and the local Oxetan dialect. It was spoken by French Jews in the region for hundreds of years, but now it's mostly a dead language after the Nazis wiped out entire villages. This man's not a hostile witness, just scared and confused. Give me five minutes alone with him and I'll see what he knows.

He's all yours. I'll be outside.

If every single retins, there.

Shouldn't be much longer. Mind if I buy a smoke messy done already it was.

A middle aged white male, medium height, blonde hair, blue eyes, and a hairlip. Take that to the authorities and have them scour the city.

There's not enough manpower and we don't have enough time. There's less than two thousand locals in Monte Carlo, but over fifty thousand tourists visiting for the Grand Prix. So I bet he's hiding in the tourist population. It's a needle in a haystack.

I've got an idea how we can cover more territory. Follow me, where are we going to consult? My own sources. For any traveler, it's easy to get lost in the bright lights of a new city, to be seduced by the security and comforts of the straight and narrow. But to truly discover a place, you must be willing to leave the beaten path and explore the darker corners, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. A premois la de LUGEI.

Wow, what is this?

Place, the Pompadil, greatest speakeasy in Monte Carlo, where the people that really run this city come to play. The valets, waiters, bus boys, pool boys, bartenders and cabaret dancers. They're the first to know anything, and the best at keeping secrets.

Isn't that the waiter from the hotel sure is.

Escuse him, Dominique. Can I speak with you a moment, Monsieur d'Or. Of course, we were just toasting in fabian zoo. He's a tragedy felt by all of us. That's why I'm here. A witness saw white male, blonde hair, blue eyes and a hairlift leave the murder scene. We think he's hiding amongst the tourists, so I figured i'd ask the eyes and ears of the city if anyone could find him. It's the people in this room.

We give me.

Yes.

It helps to know people in low places.

The service industry is the backbone of this city. They find what falls between the cracks. Monsieur d'Or. Fancois works valet at the hotel Armitage, and he's seen a man staying there that feeds the description. Thank you, Monique, can I offer oh? It is a pleasure just bring Fabian's killer to justice.

Impressive lead. Let's head straight to the Amitage.

Why us, you've got an ID and a location. Call the Monico police and have them search the hotel so they.

Can screw it up and scare them off, and based on what evidence the word of a drunk valet. Sorry, Jean, We're not done yet, not by a long shot.

We're here, So what's the plan.

Find out his room number, confirm his identity, make the arrest.

I know the Hermitage night manager. He's a real stuck up, self important asshole. Don't expect any cooperation from him.

Oh don't worry. I've got my own means of persuasion, and it doesn't require a bottle of wine.

In that case, I volunteer to stake out the bar. You'll know where to find me.

Bon soolie, madame?

How many sist to do?

Hi there, I'm looking for my husband and I was hoping you could help.

Of course, what this this nana and room numbell? Oh?

Well, that's just the thing. I'm his wife and I know he's here, but probably checked in under a different name because he is with her. Hmm. Tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, hairly, if you would just direct me to his room, I would be so grateful. I'm a real generous tipper.

That's very generous, madame.

But it is strictly against hotel policy to reveal the room number.

I guess then why don't you just let me take a peek at the guest list?

Impossibly in Paul See.

I'm sorry, I don't know what's coming in to me. I've just traveled all this way and I know he's here, and so I would I would hate to see him in the lobby of this.

Of this beautiful hotel and and you know, make a scene or something like that, because because if I see him with her, I'm just gonna start yelling and screaming and oh my god, the Lord.

Knows what I might to my dam Please conduct.

Oh you don't want to seem like that in the middle of your swanky, fancy little hotel, do you, or are you protecting them?

Is that what men like you do protect other cheated, scumback assholes who come here to this fancy hotel hot in their horse Well, you profit on the misery of others, madam.

Please, I would desist you if I could, but hotel policy strictly prevents me from conducting such actions, regardless of my no desios not to mention. We have hundreds of guests here at a hotel, and I have not seen the gentleman in question. I must ask you to lead the establishment. I'll be forced to call hotel security to escort you out.

Fridge, did you find him?

You're right? That manager's a total asshole. Is guarding the guest list like Fort Knox.

So your feminine wiles have failed. Got a plan?

B Well, I guess if we can't get to him, he'll just have to come to us.

And how are we going to do that?

Let me know if the bartender turns around.

You can't be serious. Not the fire alarm.

Right?

Follow me?

If he's here, we'll see him. Used to hear and watch the entrance. I'm gonna go check the other fire exits.

Wait or there the guy in the tuxedo leaving the stairwell. He fits description?

Holy shit, that's him. Where's it going in such a hurry?

Why don't you arrest him and find out?

Very funny? Come on, let's follow him. Looks like he's heading for the casino.

Did we lose him?

There?

He is by the roulette table.

Looks like he's placing some bets.

Let's get a closer look, would you.

He's betting on twelve different numbers, No more bits. Why are you staring like that?

I memorizing the numbers. They must mean something.

Just so happens. I've got a photographic memory.

Twelve winner, he won?

Where'd he go?

Shit?

I was too distracted by the numbers. Go check the bathroom. I'll cover the exit. Hoad on, hold on, excuse him?

What?

Ah, wow, my dam have a wonderful leaving.

Excuse me. I'm looking for my brother. He is a medical condition and I think he may have just come by here. He's tall, blonde in a tuxedo.

No, ma, dam I'm sorry. Shit, shit, nothing in the bathroom, no sign of him.

Damn it. We lost him.

What kind of guy leaves a roulette game without collecting his winnings?

A guy who's after bigger prizes. Those numbers were a signaling meant something more important to him than money. It could be anything phone number, bank account, passport, or cipher to some encryption.

So now what.

Now? You go home to VLASTA. It's late and we don't want your wife getting suspicious do we I'm gonna go back to case the hotel than reporting to Martin. He won't be happy. No microfilm to share with the NATO Allies tomorrow, and the killer is still on the loose.

First staged in nineteen twenty nine, the Monaco Grand Prix is the premiere motor sporting event in the world. Twenty racers who pilot the pinnacle and automotive innovation, speeding through the streets of the Principality at breakneck speeds, rocketing around the two mile course through hairpin turns and high speed tunnels to cross the finish line and win the checkered flag.

They're so loud I cannot lea on myself.

Think, hello, Jem, what is going on with you? You've been writing the same paragraph for an hour.

There are only so many letters in the alphabet. Sorry, I just keep going over last night in my head. I can't stop thinking about Fabian Melanchick.

Can't work like this. Go back to the room and get some rest. I can take the photos and meet the publisher. You can write the race chapter later.

Wait, what did you just say?

I said, do you should take a break?

And no? Before that letters in the alphabet, I was joking that you were taking so long to choose them. That's it?

What's it?

Are you all right?

I will be I'm gonna go back to the room. I'll meet you there later. Be safe. You're brilliant.

Get some rest.

Rebecca Martin, are you there? It's Jane. It's important, Geane.

What's going on? Are you all right?

Did you catch the killer yet?

He never came back to the hotel. We've got the whole police force out looking for him, and right now Martin is meeting with the ambassadors, unfortunately without the microfilm.

Well, the good news is the killer doesn't have it either. I figured out what the numbers mean on the way over.

The numbers on the roulette wheel.

You got a pen. It wasn't a cipher code or coordinates. It was a language. Cyrillic look there are thirty three letters in the alphabet. You assign each letter a number from the Roulett wheel and scramble the letters.

It spells missing in Russian. They don't have the microfilm either.

That's right, and I know where Fabian may have hit it.

Then what are we waiting for? I've got a vespa parked outside.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral, also known as cat Bral de nocred Dame i Macule, was built on the site of the first parish church in Monaco circa twelve fifty two. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas. After that church was destroyed, the cathedral was built in eighteen seventy five and consecrated in nineteen eleven. Since its construction, the cathedral has been the site of royal events from birth to death, royal christenings, weddings and funerals,

More, we're here Church of Saint Nick.

Let's go inside.

It's locked up closed for race day.

I was hoping you could pick a lock. See the priest entrance over there.

Back.

Guess that's one way to do it.

Oh, this place is huge. What are we looking for?

When Fabian was dying, his last words were prey to Saint Nicholas. For me, I didn't think anything of it at the time. But Fabian wasn't a devout man. He was a clever man, though, and he knew his history. He would know something, wouldn't be disturbed.

What about this marble throne.

That's the great altar made from Carrera marble. Too popular. Hmmm. In the corner there's one of the most historic and important pieces in the cathedral.

It's beautiful. The painting is attached to the altar.

It's a retable created in fifteen hundred by local Renaissance painter Ludovico Brea in Saint Nicholas's honor. That's Nicholas seated at the center. So if I I was to pray to him. As Fabian requested, I would get down on one knee, just as I thought. This panel is loose boila the microfilm.

Holy shit, it's a dead drop. Let me see that.

Not so fast. I want to know what's on this film first. What is so important that I'm risking my life after Fabian already lost his.

You know, I can just take it right. Fourth degree black Belta in all fine, it's maps, Pathfinder maps, Pathfinder. That's the Soviet code name. We're not sure if it's a person or a covert KGB unit, but it's the most effective weapon the Soviets have in this Cold War. Our sources inside the Kremlin say Pathfinders created detailed maps of every metropolitan city in the world that include government buildings, military installations, diplomatic missions, power grids, even soft targets like

These maps could be the key to stopping World War III, or the key to winning it. Don't move or I'll shoot. Please, we're unarmed. There's no need for violence. I assure you, who do you work for? How did you find me the casino?

You are more obvious than a neon billboard.

This is all a misunderstanding. I'm just a travel writer and name's Eugene Fodor. I was a friend of Fabian's. He had invited me for the race Flyer.

He's been holding me hostage. He works for the CIA. Save me?

Wait?

What k.

Not so tough?

Without your gun?

Are you?

I don't play with little girls.

Prob the gun and run, Gene go.

Just sorry, so sorry, thank God, please help.

That man is chasing me, so to all myself. I even did the on this point. I screw it, s Sisto set. Now there's a guy on the race.

Oh god, oh ship.

In another wire?

Oh these guys wait, wait, wait, look down. The first guy made it across the tract. The second guy wasn't so lucky. That's gonna take a while to clean up.

Bonjour a, May I help you, Madame Velasta Phodor.

I'm meeting a guest for Tea.

He's just arrived right this way, ah, missus Phodor, Martin Blanding Perman Next Industry is such a pleasure to finally meet you.

Is Eugene not joining us?

He's not feeling well, resting back at the room. Do you know my husband?

In truth?

For many years I knew Jan during the war, and this was intended to be a surprise. I was his commanding officer in fact.

Oh, so you knew Fabian too.

I did Fabian, and I thought we'd surprise Jean. But the past days events clearly changed those plans.

Yes, it's awful. Sounds like you and Jane have a long history.

I knew Jene's father as well. I served with him in the OSS. He was a close friend and the best geographer and strategist we had in intelligence. Did you know he helped plan the Norman the invasion we'd even chosen a different beach had to land in, pointed out the geographical disadvantages. Without him, we might all be speaking German now.

I wish I could have met Jean's father. He sounds like an impressive man, as is your husband.

But please don't be mistaken. While I have a personal connection to your husband, my company's interests in your travel guides is purely professional. I truly believe with perm Index's help, your travel guides can be on every bookshelf and every hotel in the world.

I'm all yours. Oh, I'm so sorry, Jean. What's going on?

I was looking for you in the grandstand and then you weren't in the room, so I got worried. But I remembered you had the meeting Martin. What are you doing here?

Martin is the new publisher.

Sorry, Jean, I meant to surprise you with Fabian. But the truth is we've been watching the two of you for years, and I see a tremendous opportunity with your company. It's the jet set agent. People want to see the world. Who better than the two of you to guide them.

He is authoring distribution, of course he is.

Martin's a great salesman. Yeah, just better make sure you know what you're buying. Honey, would be so kind as to let me speak with Martin privately. Just a couple war buddies catching up, Gina.

Are you sure you're all right?

Perfectly fine. I'll meet you back at the hotel.

Boys will be boys. I guess a pleasure to meet you, Martin. I look forward to next time.

Let's do it, my dear. You're a lucky man, I know so what the hell are you doing? I said, to keep her out of it.

Fabian and I were going to explain last night.

What that You've been manipulating us for months. I should have know the moment I saw you. Fabian didn't invite me here to see him. He invited me here to see you.

You are extremely important to the CIA, Jean, Fabian and I wanted to approach you together, but before we did, I had to make sure you could see how this relationship would be mutually beneficial. We have the capital and the connections to build your books into a massive global brand. I'm not only here asking for your help. I'm offering to make your dreams a reality.

I told you last night, I'm not a spy.

You don't have to be. Just be who you are. The greatest travel writer in the world. Think of it. You speak multiple languages, understand cultures and customs, can move freely and conduct surveillance without suspicion, have contacts around the world, all the necessary ingredients for the perfect spy. All you have to do is what you do best and.

End up like Fabian. I was almost killed today.

Fabian died for something he believed in. He believed in freedom. He believed in democracy, he believed in you. This world is on the brink of nuclear war, Gene. If that happens, no one is safe.

And what about Vosta.

Last would never have to know, so you can focus on growing your business safe and protected. She would have everything she wants.

No. Thanks, appreciate the offer, but we're gonna have to decline. Our business is doing just fine and we're not looking at any complications. But here's your microfilm, and you'll find Fabian's killer spread across that you came to port. Rebecca can confirm both with you the film.

Jeane, you're a genius.

Fabian was the genius. I was just being a good friend. From now on, stay away from me and my wife. You need more help finding something in Monte Carlo. Buy our guidebook, Jeane.

There's more you should know. It's about your father.

My father is dead. What if he wasn't? What manipulative bullshit?

Is this bullshit? Sit down and I'll show you. You want to know what Fabian died for, Take this loop and see for yourself.

I suppose I am curious. Tell me what you see. It's a map London, incredibly detailed subway line, gas mains bridge and tunnel schematics, military installations, diplomatic missions. Oh my god, they're playing an attack on London.

Now look at the rest of the role.

More maps, more cities, Berlin, Rome, Paris, the.

KGB's next targets. These Pathfender maps are so top secret any Soviet soldier who lost one would be shot on site. I'm guessing Fabian wasn't the only one who died smuggling them out. But Fabian didn't just die to share them with the world. He died to share them with you. Take a closer look at the key in the Berlin map, the symbols.

There's a discrepancy in the symbology, all right, someone hit letters initials. My father's initials his secret signature. He and I developed it during the war to verify the authenticity of classified documents. Is this a trick? My father was killed in a bombing rate outside Munich. They buried his body with military.

That's what the Soviets wanted us to believe.

He's still alive. You think he's the Pathfinder.

In truth, we suspected it for years, but never had the proof until now. I'm sorry to have to tell you like this Gene, you can't be serious. Towards the end of the war, the OSS ran a program called Operation paper Clip to bring the best Nazi scientists and nuclear engineers to America to prevent their knowledge from getting into Soviet hands. You believe your father was recruited by the Soviets in a similar operation as a means to gain a strategic military advantage.

My father was a hero. He helped the Allies win the war.

He was Jane, but he's also been at the center of every communist revolution in the past fifteen years.

It's a lie.

Fabian thought you'd say that he knew how much you loved your father and how hard this would be. He only agreed to approach you once we had the evidence. Fabian sacrificed his life so you would know the truth. No one understands these maps or the man who made them better than you. Help us bring him in, Gene, help us win this war.

Oh man, you're good Martin. You always know just the right buttons to press. Fine, I'll help, but if I do this, I do it on my terms. No handlers, no bureaucracy. I work with you and you alone, and I want Vlosta protected. You have my word, and if you're right, we bring my father in alive. No court martial, no military tribunal. He gets a fair trial and a court of law agreed. Good, and I have some other conditions too. You might want to get a pen.

Glad to see they're not scraping you off of turn four. I'mlike our assassin, Becca, you are right.

I checked back at the room. You weren't there.

I was just dealing with the authorities. They're calling it a suicide to avoid frightening the tourists and the precess too focused on the Grand prix to care good.

But unfortunately, without the evidence imminent Soviet threat, the NATO officials refuse to sign the peace treaty. Without Fabian's intelligence, there's no way to convince them. But now we have the maps, yes, and I'm gonna need you to deliver them to MI six.

Immediately pack your bags, Eugene, We're heading to London.

Wait, hold the train.

Where the hell have you been? The train's about to leave.

Sorry, got delayed, but I picked up some reading material for the trip. Check this out.

You got the contract from Martin.

It's everything. We've been working for the money to set up an office in New York, hire more writers, expand to South America, Africa, the Far East, worldwide distribution. You're right, this is the chance to build a global brand. But only if my partner agrees.

Yes, yes, yes, you won't regret this gene. It's going to change everything. Come on, let's get on board.

Why do we travel? What compels us to the next horizon? Is it the desire to escape, to discover, to reinvent? Or are we just in search of something we can never find. Travel takes us places we've never been, introduces new tastes, new sights, new sounds. But travel is never about losing yourself. It's about finding yourself. For we can travel to the furthest corners of the earth in search of what we need, but we must return home to find it.

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