The Last Chance Detectives

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to a special presentation of Adventures in Odyssey, The Last Chance Detectives. Please keep in mind that Last Chance is aimed at a little older audience than Odyssey and may be intense for younger listeners under the age of 10. So kids, make sure your parents are listening with you, okay? And now sit back and enjoy The Last Chance Detectives.

Brian: Previously on The Last Chance Detectives, we go back 40 years to a mystery that was never solved. Buddy Lewis and the Cats, the famous rock trio, were on their way to New York City. Their plane disappeared. No one knows what became of them, until...

Ray Barnett: Listen, I'm willing to offer a reward to anyone who finds Buddy's plane.

Brian: The Last Chance Detectives are on the case. And after hours of searching the Arizona desert...

Mike Fowler: Hey, they found Buddy's plane! Hi, my name is Mike Fowler. When I was six years old, my dad was my hero. As a fighter pilot, Dad went on dangerous missions. One night, he didn't return. They never found him. So now I work on my detective skills, and one day, I hope to find my dad. My clubhouse is a B-17 bomber. My three friends and I solve mysteries in the town of Ambrosia. Together, we're the Last Chance Detectives.

Bret: Mystery meets tragedy here in the desolate sands of Arizona. This morning, a man and four kids headed out to find the missing plane of Buddy Lewis. But what they found was more than they bargained for.

Guest (Female): Local authorities have banned media from the site, but we do have word that there was a cave-in of some sort, and that two boys are trapped inside the actual crash site.

Guest (Male): That's right, Bret. And if this is indeed the actual plane of Buddy Lewis, this could be one of the finds of the century. Now, earlier we talked with a Buddy Lewis fan about the possibility that...

Bill Brannon: Charlie! Coming, sir. Let's see. Now, a cave-in has trapped two kids. Oh wait, did she say they were boys? I was looking all over for you, sir. Where is it? Mountain Spring Gourmet Water. I checked the label myself. Wait, aren't you on the air in 10 seconds? 10 seconds, Bill. How can people live in this forsaken desert? Nothing to do around here but sweat. And five, four, three, two...

Hey, I'm Mother Three-in-a-Row, back-to-back, back-to-back Buddy Lewis with Bumpin' Bill Brannon here in beautiful, balmy Ambrosia, Arizona. It's coast-to-coast with the most time. Broadcasting live from the Last Chance Gas and Diner.

Yeah, I know everybody, this is not my regular time on the air, but we have got something amazing to share with you. Oly's Radio Network has inside information that Ray Barnett, the former manager of Buddy Lewis and the Cats, may have found Buddy's missing plane after 40 years. But now, a cave-in at the site has trapped two kids. I have got Ray on the line with me right now. Ray, are you there?

Ray Barnett: Yeah, I'm here.

Bill Brannon: Is it true you found the plane, Ray? The missing plane of Buddy Lewis?

Ray Barnett: It's just the front section. Now, the rest was probably destroyed in the '60s when I understand they were doing bomb testing in this area.

Bill Brannon: I see. So, what do you think you'll find inside this plane?

Ray Barnett: Actually, Bill, I'm focused on those kids right now. I hope they're still alive.

Mike Fowler: Spence. Spence! Hey, Spence, you okay?

Spence Williams: I think I've got a subdural hematoma in my temporal region.

Mike Fowler: Yeah, you got a pretty nasty bump on your head, too. Hey, come on. While we're trapped here, we might as well look around, right?

Spence Williams: No, I think we should stay put. Better chance for them to rescue us. May I have my flashlight back, please?

Mike Fowler: Here. Hey, you know what? This isn't a cave. It looks like an abandoned mine. See? Those are tracks for the carts to haul out stuff.

Spence Williams: Stay put. That's what I recommend.

Mike Fowler: Okay, we'll compromise. We'll stay here and we'll dig through the dirt.

Spence Williams: Why?

Mike Fowler: There's a plane behind here. It could be one of the most famous planes in history, right?

Spence Williams: I can't see much without my glasses, but I can dig.

Mike Fowler: Thanks, Spence. There it is! It's the nose of the plane. Wow! This is it, Spence. We found the missing plane of Buddy Lewis. Looks like some sort of cargo door. Help me open it. Cool! What's in there?

Spence Williams: Looks like old suitcases and stuff.

Mike Fowler: Hey, let's open them up and see what's inside.

Sheriff Smitty: You're right, Pop. Those boys might be running out of air. Just take your backhoe in from the right, you should be able to get a good angle on it.

Pop: I'm on it.

Sheriff Smitty: You're clear.

Mike Fowler: Shh. What's that?

Spence Williams: I feel a breeze. Air current.

Mike Fowler: Yeah, which means this tunnel is connected to at least one more opening, probably more. Based on those tracks we saw, this used to be some sort of a mine. My theory is that the plane hit the side of the hill and the mine collapsed around it.

Spence Williams: So we might find a passageway out of here?

Mike Fowler: Theoretically. Although I suggest we stay here. Don't want to fall down an old mine shaft in the dark.

Spence Williams: Right.

Mike Fowler: Hey, let's open one of these duffel bags and see what's inside. After 40 years. You do the honors.

Spence Williams: All right, here goes. Are these what I think they are?

Mike Fowler: Reel-to-reel tapes. Hey, there's got to be 10, no, 12. 12 tapes in here, Spence. You know what this means?

Spence Williams: We may have discovered the lost music of Buddy Lewis and the Cats. Songs that were never released.

Mike Fowler: This could change everything. Whoa. Was that a gust of wind, maybe?

Spence Williams: Yeah, that's what they always say in the movies.

Mike Fowler: Hey, that's not the wind. There's something or somebody in the mine. Shh. It's coming closer.

Pop: We broke through! Stand back, everybody stand back.

Sheriff Smitty: Hey, there's somebody in there. They're coming out.

Pop: Mike! Spence!

Mike Fowler: Pop!

Bret: Mike Fowler, what did you see in there?

Mike Fowler: I saw the plane.

Sheriff Smitty: I'm sorry, but these boys are not doing interviews with the media right now. I told your mother to stay in my car. I'll escort you two over to there now. Come on, you don't have to say anything.

Guest (Male): Hey, what's in your hand there? Is that a reel-to-reel tape?

Guest (Female): Did you see the plane?

Mike Fowler: Yeah, we saw it. And we found this reel-to-reel tape, and there are 11 more just like it.

Ray Barnett: Sheriff! Sheriff! I've got to get inside and get those tapes.

Sheriff Smitty: Nobody's going in there, and those are my strict orders. Not until we determine if it's safe.

Ray Barnett: But Sheriff, I've waited 40 years!

Sheriff Smitty: No, and no discussion. Now please excuse me. These boys need to get home.

Bill Brannon: Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to listen to history unfold right before our eyes. The moment everybody has been waiting for. Here to introduce this event is Ray Barnett, former manager for Buddy Lewis and the Cats.

Ray Barnett: Thank you! Thank you very much! But please, first let me say how thankful I am that the two very brave boys who discovered the Buddy Lewis tapes are perfectly safe right now. As a matter of fact, we have them with us here tonight. Mike Fowler and Spence Williams!

And I want to let you know that once I get access to the rest of those tapes, I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure Buddy's last songs play on the radio, to preserve the rich legacy of Buddy Lewis and the Cats.

All right, I guess I should tell you what's on this tape that was retrieved from Buddy's plane, but I'm not going to. I'm going to play it for you! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the lost title track from Buddy Lewis and the Cats' final album, "I Think I'm in Love."

*(Buddy Lewis song plays)*

If you'd like to hear the entire cut, you'll just have to buy the single. I've signed an agreement with Blue Moon Records to release copies into stores within a month. After we get the rest of those tapes, we'll release another single every month until the end of the year, when we compile it all into one CD. The farewell album of Buddy Lewis and the Cats!

Mike Fowler: Hi, Pop.

Pop: Hey, Mike.

Mike Fowler: Picked up the mail for you.

Pop: Thanks. Oh, bills. Looks like the extra money we got from Bop and Bill is already spent.

Mike Fowler: I'm going to head back to the kitchen.

Pop: I saved a sausage biscuit for you.

Mike Fowler: I was hoping you would.

Pop: Mike?

Mike Fowler: Yes, sir.

Pop: I got your letter. Mike, I'm sorry, but you can't do this. I mean, your heart is in the right place, but this is way too much money.

Mike Fowler: No, I already talked to Mom. She's fine with it. And the Last Chance Detectives had a special meeting last night. The vote was unanimous. The reward money we're getting from Mr. Barnett will help us keep the Lady Liberty. You got your B-17 back, Pop.

Pop: You kids. I don't know what to say. Thank you.

Mike Fowler: And thank you for the biscuit. Oh, I got to meet the other guys at the Sheriff's office. Some kind of big news conference. Bye!

Pop: Bye! Thank you for the biscuit.

Brian: Find fun for your kids just a click away! And now, Adventures in Odyssey! The Adventures in Odyssey Club, where your eight to twelve-year-old can find trusted, faith-building entertainment in a safe online club. It features almost every episode ever, plus special monthly club-only episodes and content, and a Focus on the Family Clubhouse Magazine subscription. Sign up today! Just go to aioclub.org/radio.

Sheriff Smitty: Remember that this is only the first part of the investigation. There's not much left of the plane itself, except for the nose section and the front cargo hold.

Guest (Male): Sheriff, what about any remains?

Sheriff Smitty: At this point, no human remains have been recovered.

Guest (Female): Yeah, Sheriff, how about the tapes? How many were there? And where are they now?

Sheriff Smitty: Hold it. Now I've got a complete rundown of everything we've found. My assistant is passing out a list of those items now.

Ray Barnett: The tapes. What about my tapes?

Sheriff Smitty: We have not found any tapes at this time.

Ray Barnett: What? I can't believe this!

Bill Brannon: Were they stolen?

Guest (Male): Wasn't the area secured?

Guest (Female): Was the boy lying?

Sheriff Smitty: I'm going to stand by my statement as it is.

Spence Williams: Mike, you better get lost before they find out you're here.

Mike Fowler: I'll just tell them the truth.

Spence Williams: The media will eat you alive. They'll dig into your past, look through your trash can, and investigate your tax records.

Mike Fowler: I don't pay taxes.

Spence Williams: See? You're in trouble already!

Mike Fowler: This is ridiculous.

Guest (Male): Hey! Hey kid!

Bill Brannon: It's the kid! Hey kid!

Spence Williams: I told you, run, Mike, run!

Mike Fowler: Ben? Ben!

Ray Barnett: Mike Fowler.

Mike Fowler: Oh, Mr. Barnett. Man, am I glad to see you here.

Ray Barnett: Slick.

Mike Fowler: I'm sorry, what?

Ray Barnett: You're a pretty slick kid, Mike. So, what's the game? Holding out for more money? Found a better offer?

Mike Fowler: You think I stole the tapes?

Ray Barnett: You're not getting any of that reward money until we sort out a few things. You said you saw the tapes in the cargo hold, now did you?

Mike Fowler: Yeah, I saw them. I wasn't lying.

Ray Barnett: Then why didn't the Sheriff find them?

Mike Fowler: I don't know.

Ray Barnett: So help me, kid. If you and the Sheriff are in some sort of scam together, I'll make sure you spend the rest of your days in court or in prison.

Mike Fowler: No, I didn't steal the tapes, and neither did Sheriff Smitty.

Ray Barnett: Someone told me you were a moral person.

Mike Fowler: Well, I try to be.

Ray Barnett: Look at it, Mike. To everybody else, to you, to the world, those tapes are worth a whole lot of money. And I sure could use them myself. But it's much more than that, Mike. You see, those tapes are the last connection I have with Buddy. And I know he'd want me to have them. You see, I wasn't just his manager. I was his best friend.

Mike Fowler: I'm sorry.

Ray Barnett: Then can you tell me where Buddy's tapes are?

Mike Fowler: No, because I don't have them. I'm telling you the truth.

Ray Barnett: Then why did you run from the media?

Mike Fowler: Well, I got scared.

Ray Barnett: Look, those tapes belong to Buddy and me, and I'm going to find them, one way or another.

Ben: So, no reward money?

Mike Fowler: Well, I asked, but he said he couldn't believe I'd stoop so low as to try to collect now.

Winnie: Let's just drop the whole thing. I never liked this case anyway.

Mike Fowler: No, we don't have a choice, Winnie. I've got to clear my name. And we've got to save this plane. We've got an important case on our hands. If we find the tapes, we'll get the reward money. And if Mr. Barnett refuses to give us the reward, well then we can always just sell the tapes.

We've got a case to solve here. First step, we go back to the mine and we look for clues. Who's with me?

Winnie: Mike, this is too dangerous. You and Spence almost got killed in that cave-in.

Arnie: And I'm not too crazy about those spooky Chiquita ghost thingies, okay?

Winnie: Shindies. I agree, this isn't a good idea.

Mike Fowler: I can't believe you guys. I can't believe I'm hanging around a bunch of quitters. This is a case to beat all other cases we've ever had. Yeah, it's tough, maybe even dangerous, but we love this plane. And without it, she's gone forever. So one last time, who's with me?

Spence Williams: Um, I have an idea.

Mike Fowler: Okay, shoot.

Spence Williams: There was something or somebody in that mine with us. Remember those weird sounds?

Mike Fowler: Yeah.

Spence Williams: What if someone got in there, another entrance or something, and stole the tapes?

Mike Fowler: Okay, I'm tracking with you.

Spence Williams: Okay, there's only one person I know of who knows the area so well he'd spot anything unusual like that. Crazy Carl.

Mike Fowler: Okay. So how about Winnie and Ben talk to Crazy Carl, and you and I go back to the mine, see what we can find? Good job, Spence. Winnie, Ben, you check out Crazy Carl. Spence, you come with me. All right, Last Chance Detectives, let's go!

Guest (Male): Have you ever wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes of Adventures in Odyssey? Well, now you can with the official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast! This program, available only online, includes questions and answers with the producers.

Guest (Male): Can Mr. Whittaker dance?

Guest (Male): Actor interviews.

Guest (Female): Hi, this is Katie Leigh.

Guest (Male): Hi, this is Jordan.

Guest (Female): Courtney Brown.

Guest (Female): Lauren Shaffel.

Guest (Female): Aria Curzon.

Guest (Male): And even a few surprises.

Guest (Male): We actually have a video clip of Mr. Whittaker dancing!

Guest (Male): Enjoy the official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast today by visiting whitsend.org.

Winnie: Here we are. El Dorado Silver Mine. You can barely read the sign anymore. There you go, Rowan. We won't be gone too long. Good girl.

Ben: Hold it. El Dorado? Isn't this the place they call Ghost Camp?

Winnie: We always called it something else. Maybe I'm thinking of some other town. So, what do you guys call this place?

Winnie: Death City.

Ben: Okay. Well, I think I have enough clues now. Let's go home.

Winnie: Not until we find Crazy Carl.

Ben: Sure, let's find the crazy man in the city of death with the double-chin thingies running around.

Winnie: Shindies. And we'll start with that old shack on the hill. Come on. I don't like this place. I don't like this case. I don't know why I'm here.

Winnie: Well, to protect me, remember? My hero.

Ben: But why Crazy Carl? I mean, why can't we talk to a sane person?

Winnie: Ben, I think Mike's got a good hunch. Carl wanders all over this area looking for quartz and special rocks, that kind of stuff.

Ben: How do you know?

Winnie: He sells them to my grandma's gift shop. If there's anything going on around here, he just might know. Shh! What's that? Listen! It's the ghost of Buddy Lewis!

Ben: Oh, don't be a goon. It's Crazy Carl. Although I didn't know he could play like that. Wow!

Winnie: Hello? Mr. Carl?

Ben: Crazy!

Winnie: Ben, don't call him that. We know you're in there. We heard you playing. I can see him through the window.

Ben: Get away from there!

Crazy Carl: You're on private property!

Winnie: We just wanted to ask you a few questions.

Crazy Carl: No! Go away! Now! Or I'll get the Sheriff! Go!

Mike Fowler: The entrance is blocked, and it looks like the Sheriff called in some reinforcement. Well, let's go back to the quad, Spence.

Spence Williams: What? No way! Look, it's only one deputy. Um, you create a diversion, then I'll slip inside.

Mike Fowler: Mike, we need to go back.

Spence Williams: Spence, to make an omelet, you got to break a few eggs.

Mike Fowler: That sure doesn't sound like the Mike I know. What about what the Bible says? You know, obeying authority and all that.

Spence Williams: Look, I'm not going to get into a debate about philosophy and ethics, okay? We're doing the right thing here, trying to learn the truth. Hey, I know what the real problem is. You're afraid of those shindies that Winnie was talking about.

Mike Fowler: It just doesn't feel right.

Spence Williams: Oh, so now you admit it. You wait until we get all the way here, almost all the way to the plane, and then you chicken out on me?

Mike Fowler: But...

Spence Williams: No, it's time to grow up, Spence. Time to stop being a coward.

Mike Fowler: You know what? I'm going back.

Spence Williams: Spence! Great.

Hey, Spence, wait up.

Mike Fowler: What?

Spence Williams: Hey, I really didn't mean that part about being a coward, okay?

Mike Fowler: No, it's not okay. I don't know what's happened to you lately. You've changed.

Spence Williams: Me? Changed?

Mike Fowler: Yeah, ever since we took this case.

Spence Williams: Look, there's a lot at stake here.

Mike Fowler: Mike, I never wanted to go in that cave in the first place, but I did because I was worried about you. I thought you needed someone to watch your back.

Spence Williams: Well, I'd do the same for you.

Mike Fowler: I'm not so sure anymore. Come on, Spence. Winnie was right. We could have both died in that cave-in. Then you have the nerve to give me a guilt trip for not going in the cave again?

Spence Williams: Okay, okay, maybe I was being a little pushy.

Mike Fowler: A little? And for what? It sounds like you're more interested in that airplane than you are about your friends.

Spence Williams: Spence, that's not it.

Mike Fowler: We all care about the Lady Liberty, but you seem obsessed. What's gotten into you?

Spence Williams: Well, I guess it's because it's my fault.

Mike Fowler: What? What do you mean?

Spence Williams: Pop's having to sell the B-17 because of me.

Mike Fowler: Can't blame yourself. It's the government that's forcing him to upgrade.

Spence Williams: No. Pop saved enough money for that. Took him years, but he did it. Last year, the kitchen caught fire.

Mike Fowler: You started the fire?

Spence Williams: No, something about the wiring. But when Pop went to his insurance company to get the money to rebuild, they told him his policy had expired.

Mike Fowler: Ooh, that's tough. But how is that your fault?

Spence Williams: Well, Pop asked me to drop the insurance premium in the mail, but I forgot. Found it where I left it, in the bottom of my backpack. Now because of me, Pop's going to have to sell his favorite plane. I've been ashamed to tell anybody. Come on, let's head back. Mike?

Mike Fowler: Shh. Look around. Do you hear anybody? See anybody?

Spence Williams: No. Should I?

Mike Fowler: Then tell me this: Who put this paper bag on our quad?

Spence Williams: What? Where'd it come from?

Mike Fowler: Open it. Whoa! A reel-to-reel tape!

Brian: So who put the tape on the quad? Now that's just a little weird. Hi, I'm Brian, and we're curious to know what you think about today's show. You're always welcome to write us. Our address: The Last Chance Detectives, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995. In Canada, that's PO Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3.

You can also log on to lastchancedetectives.com. And if you'd like a copy of today's show, just mention the title, "Mystery of the Lost Voices, Episode 6." Now, here's what's ahead on The Last Chance Detectives.

Spence Williams: Mike, you got to hear this. I just found something that could break this case wide open.

Winnie: What if Crazy Carl took the tapes? Hid them in his cabin?

Crazy Carl: I get Smitty. He arrests you, he arrests you all!

Brian: The Last Chance Detectives is a presentation of Focus on the Family, created by Robert Vernon. "Mystery of the Lost Voices" was written by John Fornoff and Robert Vernon, directed by John Fornoff. Mike was played by Adam Wylie, Winnie was Mae Whitman, Spence was AJ Noel, and Ben was Daryl Sabara.

Our cast included Jess Harnell, Steve Kanaly, Jim Custer, Townsend Coleman, and Pat Musick. Engineered by Jonathan Crow, sound design by Gaph Digital, and our producers were John Fornoff and Bob Hoose. Hope you enjoyed today's show. You're always welcome back for another mystery adventure of The Last Chance Detectives.