“Sam!” Prince Stephen said, smiling broadly. “Welcome home, my friend!”

Sam Benedict, the prince’s chief of security, stopped and bowed respectfully.

“Your royal highness,” Sam said.

“I assume you settled everything in Egypt?” Stephan asked, motioning for Sam to sit. “I know Stephanie’s plane arrived this morning, but she mentioned that you had stayed behind to tie up loose ends?”

“Well, I wanted to make sure Inspector Valsan and his men were formally charged before I left,” Sam said. “While I certainly trust the Egyptian government to handle the case, I needed to be certain justice would be served. However, since Egypt’s punishments tend to be harsher than ours, I don’t think Valsan or his men will see the light of day for many years to come – if ever.”

“Good!” Stephen said. “I want you to know how grateful I am to you for sending my daughter home safely. Once again, you have saved us from great tragedy.”

“It was my pleasure,” Sam said, fidgeting uncomfortably. “However, I did want to discuss the future with you, if I may.”

“Of course, my friend,” Stephen said, curious. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, to be honest, this trip made me realize how deeply the years are settling on me, Stephen,” he said. “I think it may be time to leave the security of the royal family to someone younger and more energetic than I.”

Stephen’s face fell.

“Oh, Sam,” he said. “First Bix, now you! Am I to lose all my most faithful friends? Why do you have to resign? Couldn’t you simply take a more supervisory role?”

“Stephen, I have served the Marchand family for nearly 40 years,” Sam replied. “I understand how difficult these changes might be for you, and I’ll do whatever I can to make the transition easier for you. But this is a choice I needed to make, and I hope you’ll support me, for the sake of all we’ve been through together. I even have a suggestion for my replacement -- Thomas Fiennes. You might remember him from ...."

“The investigation of Elizabeth’s abduction,” Stephen said. “Yes, he seemed quite capable.”

“He is, Stephen,” Sam said, nodding. “He was just out of the academy during that investigation, and has only distinguished himself further since then. In fact, he has done a great job running our intelligence operations. I’ve never met a man with better instincts. He’ll be a worthy successor.”

“But he’s not YOU,” Stephen said, then softened. “However, I certainly understand your desire to leave on your own terms. It’s something I envy. Of course, you have my support. Begrudgingly, but you have it, my dear friend. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m due at Prince George’s for some medical tests."

Sam frowned as they both stood.

“Nothing serious, I hope,” he said.

“I’ll be fine, Sam,” Stephen said.

“Very well, then,” Sam replied. “I’ll let you know the transition schedule as soon as I’ve put it together.”

CHAPTER 1 | BEGINNING OF PART 4 | PREV | NEXT

Series Premiere

Sam Benedict - Hannigan - NBC - September 15, 1962

Legal Drama

Running Time: 60 minutes

Written by E. Jack Neuman

Produced by E. Jack Neuman

Directed by Boris Sagal

Stars:

Edmond O'Brien as Sam Benedict

Richard Rust as Hank Tabor

Joan Tompkins as Trudy Wagner

Gene Raymond as James Hannigan

Lloyd Bochner as Judge Bentham

Katharine Bard as Patricia Hannigan

Tammy Marihugh as Bridgette Hannigan

Sandy Kenyon as Hank

John Alderson as George Washington

Emily McLaughlin as Juror

Donna Douglas as Francine

Robert Brubaker as Fallberry

Arthur Hanson as Prosecuting Attorney

Larry Thor as Jury Foreman

Edgar Stehli as Barney Tibbets

Jess Kirkpatrick as Court Clerk

Dick Cherney as Baliff