If there is one thing the seasoned traveler knows, it's there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. It is important to be prepared for all occasions while traveling if one wants to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, and I always recommend bringing an extra pair of knickers, as you never know if there will be a change
of plans or extended stay ahead. Thankfully, many luxurious hotels such as The Savoy can provide you with the necessities if something was left behind or your stay becomes unexpectedly extended.
I am sorry for dropping on of this on Eugene.
Now, Charles, I'm glad you told me.
I just couldn't risk letting you know. Walda. Hollis is our prime suspect until you eard his trust and until you are alone.
The director general of m I five a KGB informer, the implications would be tectonic. But Charles, forgive me for asking, how do I know you're telling me the truth? How do I know you're not the Soviet mole and just using me to frame Roger?
You always were the most clever American I knew. Thanks for the flattery, But Martin mentioned you might say that part of what makes you good for this line of folk as reluctant as the auto embrace it. So Marton sent me this message.
What is this?
It's an encrypted single play record. Listen to it with this earpiece, otherwise it sounds like gibberish. And once it's played, the lax degrades and the races without a choice.
Incredible. I'm still not used to all this spycraft stuff.
Go ahead and.
Listen, Gene Martin here, I wanted you to hear this directly from me. We've been tracking Roger Hollis for years and believe he is helping to cover up and facilitate an espionage group secretly working for the Soviets that we are calling the Portland Spy Ring. Up until now, Roger
has been outstanding covering his tracks. But a couple of months ago, Polish spy Michael Goldnevsky told his handlers at the CIA that there was a Russian spy working for the Navy who had been in Warsaw in nineteen fifty two, and it was called Horton. As Horton claims, he has access to the advanced sonar plans at the HMS Dreadnought, which is, as you know, the world's first nuclear submarine.
When I informed Charles, who I presume you were sitting with, of all this, he helped identify Horton as the British officer Harry Houghton, who works at the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment on the Isle of Portland and may have access to the top secret designs. He cannot be trusted as we cannot risk the Soviet stealing another Manhattan project from under our noses. I want you and Rebecca to conduct surveillance on Houghton and make sure those plans don't get
into Soviet hands. Now this tape is about to expire. As it ends, Rebecca knows how to reach me if ever needed. Good luck and stay safe.
Well that was sobering. When do we begin this investigation?
If it's okay with you, I'll get you with the file on Howden in the morning so we can treat you and bloss it a sumptuous English dinna. You certainly deserve it.
I suppose the state of the world can wait one evening. One thing I will never understand is British food ivy in cuisines all over the world, and while some are more suited to an American palette than others. The true absurdity of British food, not to mention the names, confounds me. They proudly stand behind black pudding, which sounds about as unappetizing as it looks, and what gives it its darkened hue, congealed blood. Let's not forget spotted dick steak and kidney pie,
shepherd's pie and a Yorkshire pudding. These items may sound like a dessert to the untrained ear, but will most assuredly have a kidney or intestine hiding in their somewhere.
Hello Artu Jean, Sorry, darling, what is it? I was just asking how you enjoyed dinner. You are on characteristically quiet.
Around an old friend.
Was I sorry? I just wanted you to get to know them.
I suppose did something happen over drinks with Charles before dinner.
No, nothing like that, guess I just have work on my mind. Martin left a message I listened to before dinner requesting I cover practically all of London, everything from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. I've been mapping out the best plan of attack in my head to make sure I cover it all tomorrow.
He sure has us off to a running start. I still have plenty of paperwork to get through, though I did make plans at Anne to go shoving at Harriet's tomorrow.
Good you deserve it, and said.
I am the chief editor of an international travel brand.
I have to start dressing like it.
Oh did she Well? Save the receipts and Martin can write it.
Off them five star hotels and shopping sprees. Who know the travel business could be so fun?
Sure, Bes sleeping on top of a train to Delhi. Although you do look sexy and a sorry.
Hmm, I still have to work on that belly dance for you. It is nice to be around another working woman, someone who enjoys being a wife but also has her own career.
You both are a rare and wonderful breed.
She must see a lot of interesting things at the Foreign Office. She's in the information research department.
Yes, and Charles mentioned she's in publishing too. As a matter of fact, helped Orwell's Animal Farm become a best seller around the world. Orwell's wife gave them the license. A unique way to be involved politically while not being directly in politics.
It's admirable. I support fighting for a good cause, but I would fear the danger and cost of working for any government. I've seen firsthand how government can turn against you, right. But I admire her far nonetheless, and.
I'm sure you will have fun tomorrow while I am running all over town like a madman. Good morning, Rebecca, how was your night?
Would have been nicer if I was staying at the Savoy? But I did meet Charles this morning for some bangers in mash and some light reading.
Is that the file on the suspect?
That's right? Meet Harry Houghton or nineteen oh five in Lincoln, England. Left school at fourteen to become an errand boy and later joined the Royal Navy. By the end of the Second World War, he was a Chief Petty Officer. Then after the war he joined the civil Service until nineteen fifty one, when he was sent to the British Embassy in Poland, where he joined the staff of the Naval Attache.
What brought him back home?
While abroad he started dabbling in the black market, innocently enough, with CoFe at first, before moving on to medical trucks. During this time, Houghton's wife complained of domestic abuse and there were concerns that he was mixing with the uh wrong people. In nineteen fifty two, he was ordered home shortly after he and his wife divorced.
Doesn't sound like the most stable or trustworthy guh When did he start up the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment in Portland.
He was appointed to the AUWE in nineteen fifty five, but only a year later he lost access to restricted information after he took secret papers out of the strong room without the consent of his superiors.
So he has a history of sticky fingers. But if his access was restricted, how could he get the sonar panels for the Dreadnoughts.
He must have an accomplice. Take a look at these photos.
Who is this woman you circled?
Ethel g his girlfriend and coincidentally a file clerk at the Admiralty. Her background check came back spick and spam, no arrests, no marriages, not even a traffic violation. She was living the life of a spinstress, spending all of her spare time looking after her aging relatives until she started dating Houghton in nineteen fifty.
Six, right after Houghton lost his access to classified documents very convenient exactly, people will do crazy things for love.
Every month, Houghton and Gee take a trip to London, where they check into Clarridge's hotel as a married couple under the same name.
Claragees is not exactly what I'd consider affordable on a government salary, and it.
Just so happens their book this very weekend.
Man, I guess we better go observe this lovely couple to make sure they don't get into any trouble my thoughts exactly. Claradges is a five star hotel at the corner of Brook Street and Davy Street in Mayfair, London, but it wasn't always as grand as it is today. It began as a single house which James Myivart turned into a hotel in eighteen twelve. William and Mary and Claridge took over the business in eighteen fifty four an
ambitiously expanded it into the adjoining five buildings. It was officially renamed Clarages in eighteen fifty six, but this was just one more stop on the hotel's journey. In eighteen ninety three, Clarages was bought by Richard Doyley Cart the man who also owned the Savoy. He had Clerages redesigned by C. W. Stevens, who had been responsible for redesigning Herod's Opulence was his mantra. During this refurbishment, the existing building was pretty much knocked down and rebuilt, and the
hotel is no stranger to famous visitors. Several exiled royal families and heads of state spent part or all of the Second World War staying at Clarages, having been removed from their homelands. On the seventeenth of June nineteen forty five, Sweet two twelve, at Clarages was even temporarily declared Yugoslavian territory. The King of Yugoslavia was one of those exiled as a result of the war, and he wanted his impending
child born on home soil. Rumor has it that soil from his home country was delivered and placed under the bed for the birth of Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia. Even Winston Churchill and his wife temporarily moved into the Penhouse, and over the years their hotel's lavish ballroom has played host to many royal parties.
Jean I just spoke with my contact. He confirmed the Hounton's checked in last night and have yet to leave the room.
So what we just continued to camp out in this lobby until they leave. Good thing. I brought my notepad to do some writing.
We might not have to wait as long as you think.
Look, oh my god, finally it's them.
Come on, let's go, but keep your distance. Others might be watching too. Looks like they're heading to Oxford Street for.
Some shopping, which once again doesn't fit with a government's salary.
Let's cross the street. I can track them through my telephoto lens.
Oxford Street is home to around three hundred designer boutiques that welcome up to a half a million visitors a day. Many consider it to be London's main shopping street, but that's not all it's known for. Oxford Street is also famed for its mentions in the novels of Charles Dick.
Gee jem le've stopped in a store. Looks like they're meeting with a man.
Can you see through the window.
Yes, Houghton is handing in the plastic shopping bag he was carrying, and he's being handed in an envelope.
It's an exchange. I bet I know what's in the envelope?
I bet I know what's in the bag. The man is leaving with it. We stick with him.
What about Houton and g.
We know where to find him. But if that bag contains the nuclear sub designs, we can't let them out of our sight.
Do you still see him?
He's there, entering into Midlands Bank.
What should we do?
I'm going to go inside and keep an eye on him. You go call Charles on the payphone and give him an update. Then you're gonna stay out here and keep watch.
Got it? Hello, Charles, It's Jane. I'm with Rebecca. We were tracking Houghton until he made an exchange with a man, presumably with secret information. And now that man just walked into Midland's Bank.
Wonderful. I'm just around the colon for mid Stay put, I'll think there.
She'll be.
Welcome to Midlands Bank. How may I help you?
Just meeting my wife? Thanks? Where is he he.
Went with the manager of the safety deposit boxes in the back? Did you reach Charles?
He's on his way.
Good there, that's our guy. He's exiting now, but.
He's empty handed. What do we do?
You wait for Charles and try to figure out what was in that safe deposit box. I'll follow the target, all right.
Be safe, Charles over here where you see he left empty handed and Rebecca's following. But whatever he was carrying must be in a safety deposit box. Now, you're a government agent, demand they give you access. National security depends on it.
I would po Technically we don't have the legal authority to examine the box, but sometimes it's a not to just pretend that you do. Follow my lead.
Hello, sir, how may I help you?
I need to speak with the manager immediately, of course, sir, one moment.
Yes, sir, I'm the bank manager or maybe a service.
I'm Charles Elwell and my five security officer, and this is my partner. Here's my idea in band what seems to be the murder we have reasonably a bomb may have just been deposited in your bank. I don't want to cause a panic, but we need to open the box immediately.
Unfortunately, that would be a violation of bank policy.
With all due respect, if the bomb goes off and you knew about it, not only will any lives be on your head, but there will be hundreds of clients that won't be happy. With their destroyed property. I'm guessing some pretty powerful people in those boxes, and I hate to be the one to disappoint them.
Right, Yes, there are exceptions to every rule, I suppose. Please, gentlemen, right this way. The last deposit was in box five eighteen.
Very good. Please open it up.
Perhaps for your safety you should give us a moment.
We will let you know if this further danger.
Yes, of course, sir, thank you.
The name on the box is Gordon Lonsdale. Do you know him? I've heard not.
I don't hear anything ticking, though, so let's open it up. These are cameras, miniature versions of the miners and practical.
Models, and a ronson cigarette lighter.
Let me see that that's got a hold out center filled with one time pads and.
A pathfinder map key. But what do those numbers mean?
It's an encryption technique where a single use pre shared text is paired with the one time pad. Then each character of the text is encrypted by combining it with the corresponding character from the pad using modular edition. It's impossible to decrypt without all the elements.
And since we don't have the pre shared key, we don't know what the messages mean.
Right, I'm going to bring this evidence back into the office and see what I can dig up on Lonsdale. Hopefully Rebecca still INA's tail. You go back to the Savoye and wait for Rebecca on Me to contact you.
You got it just in time for tea. High tea is one of the most revered English traditions, and London's elegant hotels excel at this practice. The centerpiece is, of course, tea combined with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes, served around four pm. It is intended to fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner. There are both savory and sweet elements, and it is not uncommon to add a
glass of champagne to the proceedings. The practice was cemented by Anne, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, who insisted that all crusts were cut off the sandwiches, which you will still see today.
Gin, I think that's enough cucumber sandwiches.
Oh sorry, hungry, I guess and distracted.
As much as I love enjoying high tea with you, are you sure Rebecca doesn't mind and wandering around London herself.
She's shooting Tower Bridge and Piccadilly Square, two places I could write about in my sleep. No need for me to slow her down.
The must admit I am eager to see her work. Hopefully it's much better than some of the writing samples Martinson. Some of these kids could barely complete a coherent sentence.
We do not have to hire anyone who is not up to your standards, my dear. But so far Rebecca seems quite capable.
Well, I hope her photos will mister photos.
So there's a call for you in the lounge. Thank you. I'm sure it's just Martin checking in. Be right back.
Hello, Jean, it's Rebecca. I followed the man twin antiquarian bookshop at forty five Cranley Drive in roy Slip, London. He's been meeting with the owners for the better part of an hour. I'm waiting at a cafe across the street.
What did you learn?
His name is Gordon Lonsdale. And we found a trove of spy stuff in the safe deposit box, but it was all encrypted, so Charles took it back to the office. This guy is definitely trouble.
Wait, he's finally leaving. I'm going to keep tailing him I'll leaveoard at the hotel if there's any more to report, okay.
And I'll go check out the bookshop. Who knows, Maybe they want to start carrying some travel.
Guides, was it Martin?
Yes, he asked me to add a section on the London pubs for the young crowds.
Not a bad idea.
I'm gonna go meet Rebecca for a couple hours. Do you mind?
No?
No, go on see you later. Hello, welcome. Is there anything I can help you with? Just browsing? You have an incredible shop.
Thank you.
I'm actually a writer myself, Eugene Fodor, a Fodor's Travel Guides. Perhaps you've heard of.
Me, uh fright now, but it's a pleasure to mate you. I'm Peter Kroger and this is my wife, Helen. Please let me know if he can help you find anything your accent.
You're also not from England, are you?
That's correct? Where from New Zealand?
Ah? You are far from home. Wonderful place. As a travel writer. I've been a couple times, but I'm not sure many around here have been there. Not many. You're the first. Actually, I just love the very topography. Tell me what region are you from? H the north, so near the fjords? Yes, Or are the beaches in the north and the fjords in the southwest?
Well, it's been a long time since we were there. Are you looking for anything in particular today?
I was actually just curious if you were interested in selling travel guides.
Unfortunately not, We only deal in the classics.
I understand. Well, that's a beautiful binding machine back there. Do you do your own repairs?
Yeah, most of the books we receive need heavy work. We fix them up before reselling.
Looks like you do a lot of international business as well. This pox is prepared for Poland.
Yes, we ship all over the world. But we're actually about to close for the day. If there's nothing else we could help you with.
Oh, of course, sorry to have kept you open. You have a lovely store.
Thank you very much.
Savoy Hotel, How may I assist you?
Hello? This is Gene Fodor in Room thirty four. Are there any messages for me?
Hello mister fall at one moment please, Yes, there is a message from a miss Rebecca Ralston. She asks for you to meet her at the Old Vic Theater for this evening's performance. She says she has left a ticket for you at the box office.
Great thank you. The Old Vic Theater was established in eighteen eighteen as the Royal Cobird Fever and renamed in eighteen thirty three the Royal Victoria Theater. In eighteen seventy one it was rebuilt and reopened as the Royal Victoria Palace, but had already been affectionately known as the Old Vic for quite some time. The Old Vic is the crucible of many of the performing arts companies and theaters in London and played an integral role in bringing high art
to the masses. Its first claim to fame was in bringing legendary actor Edmund Keane south of the River in eighteen twenty four to play six Shakespearean plays in six nights. Later in its history it continued to expand at Shakespearean repertoire with the Old Vic Company. In nineteen twenty nine, the theater was badly damaged during the Blitz, but in nineteen forty four the company was re established as the New National Theater Company under the artistic direction of Sir Lawrence Olivier.
Hey, Gene nice say it's huh. I love the boxes so private.
Rebecca, where have you been? The show's almost over.
Look over there here you can use my binoculars.
That's Houghton and.
G And look who's sitting beside them.
It's Lonsdale.
Charles got the report back on him. Lonsdale is in London on a Canadian passport, but we have reason to believe he's really a KGB agent with a non official cover. My guess is they're using the play as an exchange location so Lonsdale can return the top secret documents after copying them. No one's going to notice they're missing.
Then we have to stop them. Where's Charles?
Everything's already in place. Charles and his team are waiting to make the arrest until after the show to avoid a scene, but as soon as that last act finishes, it is curtains for them.
The mountain or tie.
How any minute, Let's go watch the grand finale.
U three, all the flaw and hands.
Behind your head, I surrender, don't shore.
You are on the arrest.
Well that's one performance the audience didn't expect.
Let's go meet Charles in the lobby.
Hey, Charles, that was quite the encore.
H hope you both enjoyed it. Goodn't have done it without you?
What did you get on them.
Everything got them red handed with the nuclear submarine plans and thousands in cash. When we told Gay they were being charged with espionage and trees into the British Empire, she confessed immediately. We got them a hook line and sinker. Just look at all this evidence.
What's that old book you're holding there?
This it was found on long stale, just some first edition he was kidding. I'm not sure if it has any significance.
I think I might know where it was purchased.
May I, of course, Jean, that's evidence.
It's more than that. Look is that a microtot?
My god, it's a miniature vision of the one time pad we found. I guess now we know how they were getting the messages out safely? But who has the key?
I have an idea who might know?
And what are we waiting for?
What is the meaning of this?
Who are you and what do you want?
Mister and missus Kroger. My name is Charles Elwell and I'm an officer of the British government here on a matter of national security.
This is an antique bookstore.
Yes, and we found one of your books on the suspect of us today. It's some incriminating evidence bound into its spine. We're going to have a look around and take you into custody to answer some questions.
Of course, mind if I stoke the fire before we go, Otherwise this place will be freezing when we return.
Stop right that I do, Mind, madam, hand me your purse? What is this? A tale comparer tin with a hidden compartment for a micro adult rereader? Smart? Not smart enough?
Take him away, Charles? Mind if for Becca and I take a look around, be my guest. Come look at this. It's a battery with a removable top. Look at that. It's thousands of dollars.
And a radio transmitter.
Follow that chord.
There must be an antenna somewhere.
It's leading upstairs where they live.
Their afallmand is above the store.
And into the attic.
And bingo, good lord.
That antenna must be seventy five feet at.
Least strong enough to reach Moscow. Can we play the transmission? Yes, one second, it's a short burst transmission. Try slowing it down.
They they n s oh, it's the code, the pre key for the one time.
Pat Incredible, it all makes sense. Howton and Geese stole the top secret documents and delivered them to Lonsdale, who turned them into micro dot code and delivered it to the Croakers, who then shipped the micro dots to the Soviets in the binding of the books, before transmitting the key code on a short burst radio transmission.
A very clever and sophisticated operation, and the namely stunted us nearly. Congratulations, Geane, you just helped expose one of the biggest spy rings in British history.
I'm going to go report to Martin. He'll be pleased.
Send him off attitude. How about you, Jene, have time if I cellibratory drink?
Sure I could use a drink.
I know a good pub I d on the corner of Pine Toon. Say you are right, Chap. You seem awfully quiet for someone who just exposed an international aspiring.
Sorry, that's just doesn't it make you think? Houten and Kroger they used these women, manipulated and ruined them, made them risk their lives for their missions, and sent them to prison, all because they loved the wrong man.
Don't go too sorry for them. These women aren't victims, They're co conspirators. They made their own choices.
I just can't help but worry. If I were to bring Vloca into this world, even let her know what was going on, I'd be making the decision for her. These women all chose love, and it cost them everything. I can't force Flosta to make that same choice.
No one is asking you to. But believe me, and is my wife. She loves and trusts me. But she is no. But it's fool Everyone makes their own choice in the end, I'm not so sure. Well, what I am sure about is those KGB mills won't be testing Vodkas to night. All the rest can wait till tomorrow.
Good morning, Darling. I ordered room service, figured you must need it. After getting back so late, I didn't even hear you come to bed.
Is that coffee I smell? This is great?
So I was last night long.
I guess I can't keep up with the young crowd anymore. I'm much happier spending time with my loving wife.
Nevertheless, long these days, does it? Hello?
Oh?
Hi, Rebecca, Yeah, come on up. Rebecca's bringing up some negatives. So I finally get to see what you've been up to.
I'll get it.
Good morning, Rebecca, morning boss and boss.
Gee.
This room is nice? Oh coffee? Oh, what I wouldn't give for anything that isn't tea. It just tastes like dirty water to me.
Please help yourself.
Thank you.
Oh and here, Wow, that's a lot of photos.
Martin wants you to approve the photos for Monte Carlo immediately so we can have it in print before the end of the summer travel season.
But I should get right to work.
Then.
I had my loop and light box shift to the hotel. I'll go set it up in the other room while you enjoy your breakfast. Shouldn't take long.
Any updates from Martin?
Yes, I just got through reports back this morning. This CIA identified Lonsdale as the KGP agent conon Moulodi, and we sent fingerprints of the Krogers to the FBI, who matched them to Lona and Morris Cohen, two of the most wanted Soviet spies in America.
Weren't they the ones that stole the nuclear plans for the Manhattan Project and delivered them to the Soviets the.
Very same they've been wanted it on the run for years.
Any news on Roger hollis.
Well, now that we have him, Lonsdale, I mean, Malodi is singing like a canary, But he doesn't seem to know anything specific on his British handler. There was never any direct contact. All exchanges were made through dead drops and double blinds, So no news on Roger Hollis yet. But Melodi did have information to share on Pathfinder.
Oh.
Among the micro dots they found on him were Pathfinder maps of Rome. Malodi said the maps are of hidden weapon cachets left from Operation Gladio that are now being used for Soviet terrorist attacks in Italy.
And what his Operation Gladio?
It was a top secret program to create hidden safe houses, ammunition deposts and weapon cache is meant to supply a leaf behind army in case the Soviets attacked Western Europe after World War Two. Your father was the chief architect of the operation, and no one can interpret these maps better than you.
Let me guess Martin's sending us to Italy.
We leave for Rome tomorrow. Martin will provide details for the mission on the way.
Guess I better tell I've lost it a packer bags again. Fortunately she absolutely loves Italy andiamo Roma.
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 Jagulain, and executive produced by Noel Brown for iHeartRadio, Fodor's Guide to Espionage stars Ethan Korn as Eugene Fodor, Lelia Symington as Vlosta Fodor, and Jackie Emerson as Rebecca Ralston, with additional performances by Chase Mullens, George Rivera, Matt Linton, Dylan McCollum, Gabe Greenspan,
Chris Cappel, Duncan Kaladine Dana Melanie, Alex Gombadi, Noam Thomashoff, Katrina Aaron, and Simon Jagulain. Sound design and editing by Chris Childs. Original theme song by Jack Blavelt and Chris Childs, with additional scoring by Chris Childs. Sound engineering by Chris Sek. Fodor's Guide to Espionage is an iHeartRadio production. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.