Adventures in Odyssey

Jason Whittaker: Look, I want to talk to you about the tunnel downstairs.

Jack Allen: The tunnel? Oh, yes, the tunnel formerly used for the Underground Railroad. Fascinating, isn't it? I've been doing some research on it.

Jason Whittaker: Good, because I want your help. I was thinking that since it's such a remarkable find, we should open it up as an attraction.

Jack Allen: I'm afraid if we do anything with this tunnel, it's going to lead to trouble.

Jason Whittaker: Fortunately, I haven't done anything yet. Oh, except a city inspector is coming around this morning to check for safety and stuff. But that won't mean we have to do anything else.

Jack Allen: I wish we'd talked before you called anyone about it.

Professor Borovril: Good afternoon, I am Professor Borovril.

Penny Wise: Good afternoon. What can I do for you?

Professor Borovril: I'm here as a consultant to the state, as an inspector. I believe you have a tunnel?

Jason Whittaker: Oh, yeah, the tunnel. That's right. A state inspector?

Professor Borovril: I'll explain later. Please be so kind as to tell him that we're both here.

Jason Whittaker: Both?

Professor Borovril: Yes, Professor Borovril and Philip Glassman. It's nice to see you again.

Jellyfish: Okay, let me get this straight. You started up the Israelites again to counter the Bones of Wrath, but now you've disbanded them again? I don't believe it.

Jack Allen: So you're taking over the Israelites. Yeah, well, I can't stop you anymore than I've been able to stop you from anything you've done over the past few months.

Penny Wise: Did your analysis come up with anything?

Professor Borovril: Only that the walls are lined with a very unusual substance that needs further research. It's most intriguing.

Philip Glassman: The land Whit's End sits on is owned by the city. The building belongs to you. That's all. So if the state tells the city that we need to investigate a tunnel under their land, we will investigate the tunnel.

Jason Whittaker: Tom Riley will never let it happen.

Philip Glassman: My guess is that Tom Riley will have much bigger problems than this to deal with. Much bigger problems. I want you to call Billy McPherson and set up a meeting with the whole gang. We've got a lot of work to do.

Penny Wise: Okay, but where's Jack?

Jason Whittaker: Jack's gone. This note is his resignation.

Penny Wise: What?

Jason Whittaker: Jack won't be working at Whit's End anymore.

Penny Wise: Good morning, Mayor Riley.

Tom Riley: Well, what's on the to-do list today?

Penny Wise: You have a 9:30 brunch with the Odyssey Women's Club, a 10:15 brunch with the Odyssey Youth Council, an 11:00 AM brunch with the Odyssey Historical Society, and a noon lunch at the Chamber of Commerce.

Tom Riley: Good night. If I keep going to all these brunches, I'm going to lose my girlish figure.

Penny Wise: Sir?

Tom Riley: Just a joke, Penny.

Penny Wise: Of course, sir. After lunch, you'll meet with the City Council from one till three, then you're scheduled to speak to the Farmers Bureau sometime after four.

Tom Riley: Sounds like a busy day. Anything else?

Penny Wise: Yes, sir. Dale Jacobs is waiting in your office.

Tom Riley: Dale?

Penny Wise: Yes, sir, from the Odyssey Times.

Tom Riley: Oh, I know who he is. I've been friends with him for years. What does he want?

Penny Wise: He wouldn't say, but he did make it clear that he's not here for an interview.

Tom Riley: I see. Well, I'd better not keep him waiting then. Hold my calls, Penny.

Penny Wise: Yes, sir.

Tom Riley: Dale.

Dale Jacobs: Hello, Mr. Mayor.

Tom Riley: No, don't get up. Penny told me you were in here. What's up?

Dale Jacobs: Well, there's really no easy way to do this, so I guess I should just get right to the point. I'm sure you recognize this.

Tom Riley: Well, yeah, it's a list of people and companies who contributed money to my campaign for mayor.

Dale Jacobs: Do you know everyone on this list?

Tom Riley: Well, not everyone. It's a big list, Dale.

Dale Jacobs: Do you know this one right here? The RBG Foundation.

Tom Riley: Oh, yeah. If I remember right, it's an organization that contributes money to political campaigns. They gave money to me and to Bart Rathbone. At least that's what Bernard Walton told me. As my campaign manager, all that went through him.

Dale Jacobs: I see.

Tom Riley: Now, we released all this information to the press during the campaign, Dale. It all checks out.

Dale Jacobs: Not all of it, Tom.

Tom Riley: What do you mean?

Dale Jacobs: I was working late in my office two nights ago when someone slid this under my door. "Check out RBG contributions to Riley campaign." So, we checked them out. Tom, the RBG Foundation owns Edgebiter Chemical Company.

Tom Riley: What? Then you didn't know? Of course I didn't know. We never would have taken money from them if I had.

Dale Jacobs: Well, that's what I thought, which is why I'm here unofficially. But you realize this makes you look like you were bought off by Edgebiter.

Tom Riley: But what about all the evidence? The videotape of the two guys from the Environmental Detection Agency who admitted that they were planting chemicals on my farm, and the test Eugene ran that showed it was clean.

Dale Jacobs: Well, I hate to say it, Tom, but all that could have been faked by Edgebiter.

Tom Riley: Faked?

Dale Jacobs: I didn't say it was, but it isn't outside of the realm of possibility. At least that's what the voters might think.

Tom Riley: Now, wait a minute. I just told you that the RBG Foundation contributed to Bart's campaign too. Now, why would they try to buy both of us off?

Dale Jacobs: Tom, there's no evidence that RBG gave anything to Bart.

Tom Riley: What?

Dale Jacobs: We checked his records. But it really doesn't make any difference. Bart didn't win. You did. That's all that matters to the public.

Tom Riley: Does that mean you're going to print this in the Times?

Dale Jacobs: No, not until we have something more substantial. But that's why I came here, to tell you that we are looking and that most likely we're not the only media outlet that got this information.

Tom Riley: Oh, no. You mean whoever gave this note to you may have also given it to—

Bryan Dern: The Cryin' Bryan Dern show. And I say it's outrageous, outrageous that the mayor of our town, the man we voted into office because of his so-called integrity, may be guilty of buying the election with funds from big business.

With me is former mayoral candidate Bart Rathbone. Bart, what's your take on this?

Bart Rathbone: My take? Hey, I didn't take anything. It was Riley that did the taking.

Bryan Dern: No, Bart. I meant what do you think about all of this?

Bart Rathbone: What do I think? What do you think I think? I think it's terrible, that's what I think. What do I think? Right.

Bryan Dern: And well said. I mean, if this isn't proof positive that Riley isn't fit to serve as mayor, then I am a monkey's uncle.

Bart Rathbone: Again, well said. Especially the monkey part. Yeah.

Bryan Dern: But when we phoned City Hall, Riley said he didn't know anything about it. Don't you believe him?

Bart Rathbone: Of course I don't believe him. And even if I did, it wouldn't matter because what I believe doesn't make him innocent or guilty. What makes him innocent or guilty is the evidence, and I think we all agree that the evidence is clear.

Bryan Dern: Meaning?

Bart Rathbone: Meaning he's guilty. Weren't you listening?

Bryan Dern: Yes. So, what do you think should happen now?

Bart Rathbone: Riley should come clean and confess, admit he did it, and resign. But let's be realistic for a moment. Do you really think he'll resign? If he doesn't, then we should make him.

Bryan Dern: So you're talking recall?

Bart Rathbone: No, I'm talking about kicking Riley out of office. You aren't listening, are you?

Bryan Dern: Thank you, Bart Rathbone. Well, Odyssey, you've heard our opinion. Now it's up to you. What will it be: resignation or recall? The phone lines are open. Call now.

Penny Wise: Mayor Riley?

Tom Riley: Penny?

Penny Wise: It's late.

Tom Riley: Oh, I'm sorry, Penny. Well, you go on home.

Penny Wise: Actually, I wasn't really concerned about me. Can I get you anything?

Tom Riley: Not unless you can replace this day.

Penny Wise: I'm good, sir, but not that good. I'm so sorry, Mr. Riley.

Tom Riley: It's all right, Penny. Now, you go on home and I'll see you tomorrow.

Penny Wise: Yes, sir.

Tom Riley: Lord, I know you have a plan in all this, and if you don't want to show it to me, that's okay. But I sure wish you would. Penny, I said it's all right. Go on home.

Richard Maxwell: She did.

Tom Riley: I don't believe it. Richard Maxwell.

Guest (Male): Take an adventure into the past. Hop into Whit's coolest invention with the Imagination Station book series. Each book brings the Bible and other historical events to life.

With the Vikings, David and Goliath, the Revolutionary War and more, you'll have a blast while learning how to follow Christ even when times get tough. Find the series and start your next adventure at theimaginationstation.com. That's theimaginationstation.com.

Tom Riley: Richard Maxwell. I should have known. Whenever there's trouble in Odyssey, you're never very far away.

Richard Maxwell: There's nothing like having a reputation.

Tom Riley: Yeah, well, I want you and your reputation out of here. Or maybe I should call your parole officer.

Richard Maxwell: Mr. Riley, wait. I know I'm not your favorite person in the world, but please listen to what I have to say.

Tom Riley: All right. I'm listening.

Richard Maxwell: I've been keeping an eye on Odyssey for the past few months and—

Tom Riley: You've been living here a couple of months?

Richard Maxwell: No, I've been observing from a distance.

Tom Riley: Why?

Richard Maxwell: Call it a hobby. Anyway, I've been following what's going on here and I have my suspicions about who's behind it all.

Tom Riley: Now that you're back in town, I think I know who's behind this. What are you really up to, Maxwell? Why are you here?

Richard Maxwell: To warn you.

Tom Riley: Warn or threaten?

Richard Maxwell: Warn. You need to be careful, Mr. Riley. Very careful. I think something big is going on. And as soon as I have the evidence to prove it—

Tom Riley: Well, I thank you for the advice, and now I thank you to leave.

Richard Maxwell: Yeah, sure. See you around, Mayor Riley.

Philip Glassman: Yes, sir, everything is going according to plan. We leaked the information to the media two days ago and just as you anticipated, today that loudmouth Bryan Dern blasted Riley on his show.

Now, Riley denied everything, of course, but that just makes him look all the more guilty. Yes, sir, everything is falling into place for your arrival. Just a few more days, I'd say. I'm staying at Le Hotel Odyssey if you need to contact me, room 233.

Well, thank you, sir. Thank you very much. And if I may say so, I really— Hello? Hello? Who is it?

Jellyfish: Room service, Mr. Glassman.

Philip Glassman: Room service? I didn't order any room service.

Jellyfish: I can't believe you fell for that. It's the oldest trick in the book.

Philip Glassman: Jellyfish, are you out of your mind? Get in here. What are you doing? We can't be seen together. Do you know how dangerous this is?

Jellyfish: Cool your jets. No one saw me.

Philip Glassman: How can you be sure? You may have been followed.

Jellyfish: In this town? They roll up the sidewalks at dinnertime. Hey, trust me, I wasn't followed.

Philip Glassman: Why are you here?

Jellyfish: To give you a little update.

Philip Glassman: Oh, then you found out who's been undoing the Bones of Wrath?

Jellyfish: Oh, yeah. It's another gang. They call themselves the Israelites. Bunch of do-gooder kids. Their leader is this guy named Billy McPherson and Whit's End is a part of it, too.

Philip Glassman: Jack Allen is behind this?

Jellyfish: Or was. Allen and Jason Whittaker had some sort of a falling out. Now Jason's in charge and Jack Allen has quit.

Philip Glassman: Quit? He's left town?

Jellyfish: Nah, he's still living at Whittaker's house. He just isn't working at Whit's End anymore.

Philip Glassman: Well, this is better than we could have hoped. Jason is so easy to control. I mean, he's already invited the state government into Whit's End and with the phony Edgebiter evidence we planted against Riley—

Jellyfish: This town is as good as ours.

Philip Glassman: Well, don't get greedy. Remember who we're working for.

Jellyfish: Okay, okay. So, what's next?

Philip Glassman: Well, I'm having some recall petitions manufactured. I'll need you and the Bones to take them out and get a few legitimate signatures on them. I'll handle the rest.

Jellyfish: Right. Then what?

Philip Glassman: Then just keep doing what you've been doing.

Jellyfish: That'll be no problem.

Philip Glassman: Good. Now get out of here. I have a phone call to make.

Jellyfish: Hey, I'm as good as gone.

Philip Glassman: Don't let anyone see you. Hello, sir. Yes, it's me again. I know I just called, but I have some great news for you.

Jellyfish: Excuse me. My fault. Well, well. Maxwell.

Richard Maxwell: How are you doing, Jellyfish?

Jellyfish: Fine. I'm fine. What are you doing here?

Richard Maxwell: You mean Odyssey? This is my hometown.

Jellyfish: Oh, yeah, right. I remember you saying something about that. What brings you to these parts?

Richard Maxwell: Well, you know, business.

Jellyfish: Hey, Maxwell, I always wondered what happened to you. When did you get out of jail?

Richard Maxwell: About six months after you did. I got time off for good behavior.

Jellyfish: You're kidding. You? You were always Mr. Bad Guy.

Richard Maxwell: Not always. Just when I was set up.

Jellyfish: Set up?

Richard Maxwell: I'm sure you're familiar with the phrase. I always got blamed for everything bad that happened at Campbell County Detention Center. But the funny thing is, when you left, the bad things stopped.

Jellyfish: Well, it's nice to know you cleaned up your act.

Richard Maxwell: Yeah, isn't it? But there's one thing that hasn't changed, Jellyfish.

Jellyfish: Really? What's that?

Richard Maxwell: I never forget. See you around, huh?

Jellyfish: Yeah. See you.

Bart Rathbone: Rodney. Rodney. Rodney, wake up.

Rodney Rathbone: Come on, a little kiss, Ginger.

Bart Rathbone: Ginger? Rodney, will you wake up?

Rodney Rathbone: Hey, what? Pop?

Bart Rathbone: Come on.

Rodney Rathbone: What'd you wake me up for? I was just about to get a kiss.

Bart Rathbone: Never mind a kiss. How can you sleep at a time like this?

Rodney Rathbone: You mean 2:00 in the morning? That's when I'm usually asleep.

Bart Rathbone: That is no excuse.

Rodney Rathbone: What's the matter, Pop? You're sweating like a pro basketball team at the playoffs.

Bart Rathbone: Well, you'd be sweating too if I told you what happened.

Rodney Rathbone: What? What?

Bart Rathbone: I just got off the phone.

Rodney Rathbone: The phone? What kind of creep would call at this hour?

Bart Rathbone: Will you be quiet? It's not when I got the phone call, it's what the call was about.

Rodney Rathbone: So, what was it?

Bart Rathbone: It was our contact. You and the Bones need to get people to sign Recall Riley petitions over the next few days.

Rodney Rathbone: You woke me for that?

Bart Rathbone: No, there's one other thing. He's coming.

Rodney Rathbone: He? He who? Who do you think? Him.

Bart Rathbone: Him.

Rodney Rathbone: Oh, him. That he?

Bart Rathbone: Yeah.

Rodney Rathbone: But we've been doing our jobs. Everything is going good.

Bart Rathbone: I know. That's why he's coming. Apparently, it's time.

Guest (Male): Hey, you over there. I have a special invitation just for you. It's an invitation to the super cool Secret Club. Well, it's not really a secret. Actually, I'm trying to tell everybody about it because it's so amazing.

What is it? The Adventures in Odyssey Club, of course. When you join, you'll get access to over a thousand episodes. Some of them are even club exclusives. You'll get behind-the-scenes content and devotionals and games and a free subscription to Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Magazine.

Sorry, I'll slow down now. I just get so excited talking about Adventures in Odyssey Club. Well, if you want to see what it's all about, head over to adventuresinodyssey.com. Don't be shy. That's adventuresinodyssey.com.

Guest (Male): Join Patrick and Beth on an adventure they'll always remember and discover the history Americans should never forget. Get all three books in the American Revolution book series from the Imagination Station at theimaginationstation.com.

Beth and Patrick deliver a secret message to Paul Revere, but they're captured by the British on the high seas and end up in the British camp in the most pivotal battle of the Revolution. As kids discover the exciting God story behind the history, collect all three Imagination Station books and corresponding curriculum on the American Revolution at theimaginationstation.com. Theimaginationstation.com.

Chris: Want to contact us about the episodes you're hearing? Visit our website at adventuresinodyssey.com or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY, with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

Jack Allen: Okay, okay, hold your horses. I'm coming. Mr. Allen? Yes? I'm Richard Maxwell. Yes? That doesn't mean anything to you?

Richard Maxwell: Well, should it?

Jack Allen: No. I'm just not used to having people not react when they hear my name.

Richard Maxwell: I'm afraid I don't understand.

Jack Allen: It's a long story. Listen, I'm an acquaintance of Whit's. And from what I understand, you and he—well, you look at things the same way. Is that true?

Richard Maxwell: Well, that depends on what we're looking at, I suppose.

Jack Allen: Whit would always listen to people despite their reputations. Will you?

Richard Maxwell: Try me.

Jack Allen: This drive to recall Mayor Riley during the past week and all of the other things that have been going on around town—the vandalism and everything—I believe it's all connected.

Richard Maxwell: Why do you think that?

Jack Allen: I've been doing a little investigating and I've turned up some evidence that supports that conclusion. Not only that, but I think I know who's behind it all.

Richard Maxwell: Really? Who?

Jack Allen: I don't want to say yet, not until I have solid proof.

Richard Maxwell: I see. Well, why don't you go to the authorities with what you do know?

Jack Allen: That's why I'm here. I tried to go to the highest authority, Mayor Riley, but he won't listen to me.

Richard Maxwell: Why not?

Jack Allen: Several years ago, I did some things around town that I'm not very proud of. One of those things was burning down Tom Riley's barn.

Richard Maxwell: You're joking.

Jack Allen: I wish I was. Like I said, it's a long story. The point is, Mr. Riley still holds a grudge. But the information I have can really help.

Richard Maxwell: And you want me to get him to listen to you?

Jack Allen: Will you?

Richard Maxwell: One condition.

Jack Allen: Name it.

Richard Maxwell: On the way over, you tell me everything you know, including the long story.

Jack Allen: Deal. I'll get my coat.

Tom Riley: That's the bottom line, Dale. I am not resigning this office.

Dale Jacobs: Isn't there anything else you could tell me, Tom?

Tom Riley: Only what I've been telling you all week. I didn't know that Edgebiter Chemical Company was a contributor to my campaign.

Dale Jacobs: That's wearing pretty thin.

Tom Riley: The truth is the truth. Dale, can you hold on for just a minute? Penny's buzzing me.

Dale Jacobs: Sure, Tom.

Tom Riley: Yes, Penny. What is it?

Penny Wise: I'm sorry to disturb you, Mr. Mayor. Jack Allen is here to see you.

Tom Riley: Oh, well, go ahead and send him in.

Penny Wise: Yes, sir.

Tom Riley: Dale, are you still there?

Dale Jacobs: I am.

Tom Riley: Was there anything else you wanted to ask?

Dale Jacobs: A word or two about the recall drive would be nice.

Jack Allen: Hello? Anyone home?

Tom Riley: Oh, hi, Jack. Just a second. Well, naturally, Dale, I wish it wasn't happening. This job is hard enough under normal circumstances. When you add to it the threat of being replaced, it's a real pressure cooker.

Dale Jacobs: Today is the deadline to turn in the recall petitions. Do you think the "Oust Riley" people will collect enough signatures?

Tom Riley: I hope not. I'd like to think the people of this town have known me long enough to trust that I wouldn't deliberately do something like this. Any other questions?

Dale Jacobs: No, I guess not. Thanks for your time, Tom. And I really do hope everything goes well with you.

Tom Riley: Thanks, Dale. I appreciate it. Bye. Keeping you jumping, huh?

Jack Allen: Oh, you know the press. Could you use some help?

Tom Riley: Thanks, Jack, but I don't know what you can do.

Jack Allen: I wasn't talking about me.

Tom Riley: Who then?

Jack Allen: Me.

Richard Maxwell: Maxwell.

Tom Riley: I told you I didn't want to see you again.

Richard Maxwell: Mr. Riley, if you'll just listen—

Tom Riley: I don't want to hear it.

Jack Allen: Tom, you don't understand.

Tom Riley: No, Jack, you don't understand. I don't know what he's been telling you.

Jack Allen: He's told me everything, Tom.

Tom Riley: Everything? Well, did he tell you how he burned down my barn and almost killed my horses and me? Did he tell you that, huh?

Jack Allen: Yes, he did.

Tom Riley: Well, then you know he can't be trusted. How could you bring him here like this?

Jack Allen: Because of what else he told me. About what's been happening around here with the vandalism and the drive to recall you. Listen to what he has to say, Tom. Please.

Tom Riley: I have already heard what he has to say. He's playing detective, but he doesn't really know anything, right?

Richard Maxwell: I know who's behind the vandalism. At least I'm pretty sure.

Tom Riley: Who? You?

Richard Maxwell: No, not me. He goes by the name of Jellyfish. I knew him in the Campbell County Detention Center. His specialty is vandalism. He's here in town. I'm also fairly certain that he's tied in with Philip Glassman somehow.

Tom Riley: Glassman? How do you know that?

Richard Maxwell: He's staying at Le Hotel Odyssey. That's where I bumped into Jellyfish.

Tom Riley: So you're saying Glassman hired this Jellyfish person to vandalize the town just to make me look bad?

Richard Maxwell: Not exactly. I don't think Glassman is the guy in charge.

Tom Riley: Then who is?

Richard Maxwell: Regis Blackgaard.

Tom Riley: Blackgaard?

Richard Maxwell: I've been tracking him ever since I got out of jail. I followed him to Chicago where he had that run-in with Whit and Connie. After that, I lost him.

But this has his handwriting all over it. I know he's connected to it somehow. I know it. And that's why I'm here: to stop him.

Tom Riley: Don't you mean to help him?

Richard Maxwell: No, sir. I mean stop him. It's the least I can do. Look, I know my words aren't enough to get your forgiveness, but maybe my actions will be.

Tom Riley: The only action I want to see you take is to get out of town. If you really want to help, that is the best thing you can do.

Richard Maxwell: I'll think about it. Thanks for your help, Mr. Allen.

Jack Allen: Richard, wait. Tom, he came here to help.

Tom Riley: Help? He doesn't know the meaning of the word. Trust me, Jack. It's good riddance.

Jack Allen: But Tom, I think—

Tom Riley: Hold on, Jack. What is it, Penny?

Penny Wise: Councilman Bonsel to see you, sir.

Tom Riley: Send him in.

Hank Bonsel: Hello, Tom. Jack.

Tom Riley: I take it this isn't a friendly visit?

Hank Bonsel: No. We got the recall petition, Tom. It had more than enough names to warrant a vote by the Council.

Jack Allen: I don't believe it.

Hank Bonsel: We didn't want to do it, Tom. Not just because we're all friends, but recalling a public official isn't something we should do lightly.

Tom Riley: I understand, Hank. What was the outcome?

Hank Bonsel: We voted three times. And in each case, the result was the same: four to three in favor of a recall.

Tom Riley: In favor?

Hank Bonsel: The Council will meet later this week to determine when the election will take place. I just wanted you to hear it from me first.

Tom Riley: Thank you, Hank. I appreciate it.

Hank Bonsel: I'm sorry, Tom.

Tom Riley: Well, I'm not. I welcome the chance to clear my name and restore my reputation. If a fight is what they want, then a fight is what they're going to get.

Chris: Tom Riley kicked out of office? Will he find out the truth about the Edgebiter Chemical Company scandal? And what about Richard Maxwell?

Is he right? Is Dr. Blackgaard behind the vandalism and everything going on here in Odyssey? And if so, why? What does he want?

You know how to get the answer to all these questions? Right. Tune in next time. Meanwhile, if you want to write, just send your card or letter to Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995.

Or in Canada write to Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3. And when you do, ask about how you can get your own copy of today's episode. It's called "Hard Losses". That address again is Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995.

Adventures in Odyssey's a presentation of Focus on the Family. "Hard Losses" was written and directed by Phil Lollar. Our production engineer was Bob Luttrell, and our executive producer, Chuck Bolte. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.