Post by Rick Henry on Aug 6, 2006 3:19:06 GMT -5
As I've mentioned prior to posting this chapter, this one is a real shocker. Some of the story line becomes very involved. I suggest you read with caution.
Friday October 5, 1979
From the prompting of her manager, Jerry Weintraub, Karen decided she should tell the world about her pregnancy with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show.
"Johnny," Jerry told Karen, "Is well respected by the public. This would be the perfect venue for you to come out with your pregnancy."
Karen agreed but added, "I'd like to do a People Magazine feature.
"For this to be effective," Jerry spoke, "The Tonight Show appearance and People magazine feature should both hit the public on the same day or at least the same week."
"Yes, you have a point," Karen agrees, "This way any and all rumors and speculations will be quashed immediately."
With this decision Jerry quickly got on the phone to contact People Magazine. Jerry seems to have friends in almost every avenue of the entertainment world so it's easy for Jerry to get last minute bookings. Karen Carpenter is one who people will jump through hoops and make room for even if there isn't any room. Next Jerry called Johnny Carson. Jerry and Johnny are old friends. They go way back to the late 50's when Johnny was a writer for the Red Skelton Show. They enjoyed a brief conversation as Jerry explained that Karen had big news to share with the world. It took hardly any convincing for Johnny to agree as Karen is one of Johnny's all-time favorite singers. Johnny commented on how beautiful her voice is. Jerry mentioned he wanted this to coincide with the People Magazine issue which will hit the stands on October 16. Johnny said, "It's a date Karen is set for October 16th."
Tuesday October 9, 1979
"Love Makin' Love To You" tops the chart in it's sixth week. Last week it was #3. The song is also #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart - this is it's second week at #1 on the AC chart.
Karen's solo album is at #2 (in it's ninth week on the chart) up from last week's #8.
"The Singles 1969-1973" jumps from last week's #173 up to #167 - now in it's third week after re-entering the chart.
Karen received more great news to day. The RIAA certified Karen's solo album GOLD.
The following is the chart of Top 15 Albums for October 9, 1979
15. Million Mile Reflection - Charlie Daniels Band
14. Volcano - Jimmy Buffett
13. Rust Never Sleeps - Neil Young
12. Dionne - Dionne Warwick
11. Bad Girls - Donna Summer
10. First Under The Wire - Little River Band
9. Breakfast In America - Supertramp
8. Off The Wall - Michael Jackson
7. Head Games - Foreigner
6. Slow Train Coming - Bob Dylan
5. Candy-O - Cars
4. Get The Knack - The Knack
3. Midnight Magic - Commodores
2. Karen Carpenter
1. In Through The Out Door - Led Zeppelin
Wednesday October 10, 1979
Today Karen phoned Patrick (the baby's father) to inform him that she would be on television and that there were other matters which needed to be taken care of.
"Hi Patrick, it's Karen Carpenter."
"Yes, Karen how can I help you?" Patrick said in a shallow tone of voice.
"Patrick," Karen spoke carefully, "Werner has advised me that since you have stated you do not want to be a part of this baby's life that you should sing a legal waiver relinquishing your parental rights. I don't want to have to do this but maybe it's the best thing to do considering the circumstances."
"No problem Karen," Patrick stated in a cold manner, 'Just send the papers to my lawyer and I'll sign."
"There's one more thing Patrick," Karen said as she took a deep breath.
"Yes, what is it," Patrick responded in a ho-hum manner.
"I want to tell you why I'm pregnant," Karen says.
"Ummm... I think I know why," Patrick answers, "Listen Karen I don't want any apologies or explanations. I just want to sign your papers and move on."
"No, you don't understand," Karen says as Patrick cuts in and says, "No, Karen really. Let's not go there. Goodbye." Then he hung up on her.
Later on in the day Karen met a reporter for People Magazine. The interview took only about two hours. He also took a few photos of Karen in her condo. She was cozily dressed in a brown and yellow sweat suit with matching yellow shoes and cushy brown socks. She was perfectly color co-ordinated. She also gave him a few photos from a recent photo shoot. The reporter told her that it had already been scheduled for her article to be the cover story."
Tuesday October 16, 1979
"Love Makin' Love To You" spends it's second week at #! (now in it's seventh week on the chart). It's again #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart for a third straight week.
Karen Carpenter solo reaches #1 on the album chart knocking led Zeppelin's "In Through The Out Door" from the top spot after seven weeks. KC solo is now in it's tenth week on the chart.
"The Singles 1969-1973" moves up to #164 from last week's #167 and now in it's fourth week after re-entering.
This week's RIAA certifications:
"Love Makin' Love To You" - GOLD
"Karen Carpenter" (solo) - PLATINUM
"The Singles 1969-1973" - Quadruple Platinum
Today Karen received her copy of People Magazine. Frenda Leffler brought it to her. the cover sported a vivacious looking Karen with the headline reading "America's Sweetheart is a Woman Now".
Karen and Frenda drove into Burbank where the Tonight Show is filmed. Karen was wearing a full length pale teal colored evening gown. It was fashioned after a 30's style she saw in a picture a few weeks ago, and was designed specifically for her by up and coming designer Gianni Versace. He took such care to design a gown which fit Karen's youthful pure yet "I'm a woman" attitude. She wore white medium heeled closed toe pumps and a string of white diamond shaped beads weaved through her hair, which had hints of auburn highlights. Karen looked absolutely stunning.
Before the show was taped Jerry Weintraub went over what was going to be discussed with Karen and Johnny. There wasn't much room left for spontaneity. Though, Jerry, Karen and Johnny all knew there would be a good amount of joking around as the one and only Johnny is able to do.
When it came time for Karen to appear Johnny introduced her while holding up a copy of her album. Karen came out on stage and performed her currently #1 hit "Love Makin' Love To You". The audience went wild over the song and gave her a roaring applause.
After she finished she sat down on the small sofa next to Johnny. she complimented her on her performance and said he heard it on the radio three times today. Karen commented back by saying, "That's all," and made a funny face. The audience chuckled at her comment.
Johnny started by saying, "Karen, you're here tonight because you have some news to share with us."
"Yes, I do Johnny," Karen says, "It's big news."
Johnny chuckled and said, "Last time someone had big news on this show, I was bitten by a monkey."
The audience laughed loudly.
"Well Johnny," Karen commented with a giggle, "There aren't any monkeys involved in my news. Er well I guess it depends on how you look at it."
Johnny looks at Karen with bewilderment and says, "Oh no!"
Karen says, "No, no, no, no" waving her hands and laughing, "Don't worry there aren't any monkeys."
"Okay, Karen tell us," Johnny says, "What's your big news?"
"well Johnny," Karen speaks vivaciously, "I don't know any other way to say it so I'm just going to come out with it."
"You're coming out?," Johnny asks with a chuckle.
The audience remains quiet.
"No, no," Karen says laughing, "No, Johnny, I'm not coming out. Or what I mean is I'm straight. Not that there's anything wrong with coming out or anything like that. I have a few friends," Karen hesitates and then slaps Johnny on the shoulder, "Johnny," she shrieks, "Now stop it you're turning my words around."
At this point the audience is laughing vigorously as Karen tries to get herself out of this tangled conversation.
Johnny laughing says, "Okay, Karen... but you're so cute when you get flustered."
The audience chuckles.
"Okay, Johnny I'm just going to come right out, the audience chuckles as Karen speaks, "I'm just going to come right out with this. I'm two and a half months pregnant."
Half of the audience applauses and the other half gasps.
"Congratulations Karen!" Johnny says jubilantly.
"Thank you Johnny," Karen answers with sincerity.
"So, fill us in on the happy event," Johnny nods toward Karen.
"Well, Johnny," Karen continues speaking, "I'm going to be a single parent.
The audience remains silent with maybe a handful clapping.
"You've got a tough job ahead of you," Johnny says.
"Yes, it will be an adjustment," Karen says, "I am so excited and completely ready for this wonderful challenge."
"Well, if anyone can juggle being a superstar and a single mom," Johnny says, "It's you Karen."
"And I have tons of help," Karen says, "There's Richard, mom, dad, Frenda. Frenda's going to be the baby's God Mother."
"Can you tell us anything about the baby's father?" Johnny asks.
"Johnny," Karen says, "Unfortunately the baby's father and I have broken up. He left me. We had been in the process of splitting up and my pregnancy just complicated things all the more. The dad is Patrick Benjamin."
"He's quite a prolific producer," Johnny says, "He just finished working on the upcoming Roxy Music album. He's scheduled to be on my show next month when the album comes out."
"Yes, he is a talented man," Karen says, "But, I have to confess something I haven't told anybody yet, not my doctor, my family or Patrick. Well, I tried telling Patrick."
"Aw...," Johnny says, "Even bigger news," He raises his eyebrows and looks at the audience.
"Yes, Johnny," Karen says, "Even bigger news."
"Where's the monkey?" Johnny says as he looks around.
The audience laughs.
Karen chuckles waving at Johnny, "No monkeys," she screams out over the audiences laughter.
"Okay, back to your news," Johnny says.
"Well Johnny, Karen speaks cautiously, "I want to let this out because I want to set the story straight. I'm not proud of this, but I purposely let myself get pregnant. I told Patrick I was on the pill. But, I wasn't."
"You obviously knew there most likely would be circumstances to pay," Johnny mentioned.
"Yes, I was well aware of what might happen," Karen said, "And I prepared myself for the worst case scenario. I had been wanting to have a child for the past four years now. I didn't want to be having my first child when I'm forty. I want to be a relatively young parent when my kid is a teenager. I want to be able to play softball and go swimming with my kid."
"Is a reconciliation between you and Patrick possible?" Johnny asks.
"Well, Johnny you know I've always said never say never, Karen says, "But in this case I don't think that will be happening."
"You sure seem to be in good spirits," Johnny comments, "and you're the picture of perfect health."
"Why thank you Johnny," Karen says gleefully, "I guess pregnancy agrees with me."
"With that," Johnny announces, "We must cut to a commercial. But when we come back Karen will perform another song from her fabulous solo album." Johnny holds up a copy of her album for the audience to see.
When the show comes back Karen performs a mysteriously dark and soulful rendition of "Midnight", with special guest Russell Javors (from Billy Joel's band) picking out some slick jazz chords on the electric guitar. When the song ended the audience gave Karen a roaring standing ovation. Karen took a bow and said thank you and then waved goodbye to the audience as she left the stage.
One more time Johnny held up Karen's album and said, "That was my special guest, the proud soon to be mother, Karen Carpenter. We love you Karen."
The audience cheers with applause one more time.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 1979
It's 9:30 a.m. and Karen is wakened by her telephone ringing. Karen didn't want to get up so she stayed there in her bed letting it ring. Eight rings, nine rings, ten rings, eleven rings, twelve rings. Karen finally decides to get up and answer it. Once she heard it was her cousin Joannie, Karen perked up and was glad she answered it. Joannie called to let her know that she and her husband were going to be in San Diego that weekend and would arrive tomorrow afternoon.
Karen suggested meeting at her condo and then going out to Pips tomorrow evening for dinner. Karen said she could arrange to have a helicopter sent to San Diego to pick them up and bring them back to L.A. Joannie said her husband would be unable to join in, but she would still want to meet for dinner.
Now 10:15 a.m. Karen got dressed and put her hair in a flower printed scarf and covered her face with sunglasses. Karen used this as a disguise when she didn't want to be recognized.
11:00 a.m. Karen was starved so she drove to a nearby Co-Co's for a Cobb Salad and lemonade.
11:20 a.m. While Karen was eating a tall and vaguely familiar looking young man walked up to her table and said, "Hi Karen."
Karen looked up at him and asked, "Do I know you?"
He answered, "yes, I'm Bill Carlie. We met in March at a party in Malibu."
"Oh yes," Karen exclaims, "You work with Capitol Records."
"Used to," Bill answers, "Work with Capitol Records. I've retired. I'm a philanthropist. I invest in worthy causes."
"Wow," Karen says, "How neat. You've got to be the youngest retiree I know." They both laugh, but Karen was impressed by this.
"Please have a seat," Karen invited him, "Join me, I would love the company."
"Sure," Bill sits down across from Karen in the booth.
Bill ordered a bowl of Potato soup with garlic bread and a cup of coffee.
"What an interesting coincidence to run into you," Karen said.
"Yes, it is," Bill answered, "I'm funding a charity benefit for orphaned children and one of the main organizers lives here in Century City. I was running early and decided to pop in here for a quick bite to eat."
"Well, I'm glad you did," Karen says, "it's great to see you."
The two continued with friendly somewhat flirtatious conversation while they ate their lunch.
When they finished Bill took the check to pay for the lunch. Karen, of course argued, to pay for her share. Bill wouldn't see to it and insisted on paying. Karen chuckled and blushed as she thanked him for lunch.
Bill walked Karen to her car. Before she got into her car she once again thanked him for the lunch and good company.
Once in her car Karen turned the key to start it. But, the engine wouldn't start. She tried again, but nothing.
Karen got out of her car and said to Bill, who was still standing there outside of her car, "Can you take a look at my car. It was driving perfect this morning. I don't understand it."
"Yeah sure," Bill answered, "No problem."
Karen waited on the sidewalk while Bill got into her car to check it out. One minute later Bill steps out of the car, without even trying to start it.
Karen looks confused at this and shrugs her shoulders.
"You're out of gas," Bill says.
"That's impossible." Karen exclaims, "I filled the tank last night."
"I don't know what to tell you," Bill says, "But it is empty."
"Okay, okay," Karen says, "There's a gas station about three blocks from here. Can you drive me there?"
"My car's just right over here," Bill says pointing at his car, "I've got a gas can. Come on let's go, it'll be fun."
"Okay," Karen playfully answers.
Bill holds the door for Karen as she gets into his car.
The two drive off toward the gas station.
Karen was talking about odd it was that her car was out of gas. It just didn't make any sense.
As Karen was talking Bill interrupted her, "Can you reach for my coat in the back seat? I've got to show you the newest picture of my niece."
"Oh, I love children," Karen said as she twisted toward Bill to reach in the back seat.
While Karen was bent forward and facing Bill he took his handkerchief from his pocket and forcefully covered Karen's mouth and nose with it. It had a light does of chloroform on it.
Karen struggled for a few seconds, but then quickly passed out. Bill had already pulled over on a small residential street before the struggle happened. He said out loud to her, "my precious angel, now you are mine."
Bill continued driving until he reached a small somewhat run down apartment building in West Hollywood - not too far from A&M Records. He drove around to the back of the apartments and parked there. He got out of his car and went around to the trunk and pulled out a tire iron. While Karen remained passed out in his car he ran to his apartment, which was right there at the back of the building, and unlocked the door and left it open. He set the tire iron down and went back to get Karen. He opened the passenger's door and said, "I'm back for you sleeping beauty," as he lifted the 125 pound Karen and carried her as if he were carrying his bride over the threshold.
Once inside he sat her on a wooden chair and tape her arms and legs to it with duct tape. After he finished taping her to the chair he grabbed the tire iron and sat down across from her. "Now, you're all mine," He said as he sat there staring at her.
He sat there waiting for forty five minute until she finally woke up.
When Karen first opened her eyes everything was foggy and she was disoriented.
"Uhhh... where am I?" Karen said with a groan.
"You're home sweetheart," Bill answered dryly.
"Uh, home," Karen said as she looked around, "This isn't my home," she looked around more and things came into focus. "Bill," she screamed, "What is this? Why am I taped to this chair?"
"You're finally mine Karen," Bill answered her, "I've brought you home."
"This is not my home," Karen said angrily, "Let me out of here."
"Oh no Karen you are wrong," Bill said, "This is your home. I need you to understand that. This is your home." As he said this Bill took the tire iron and pounded the carpeted floor with it. This action alarmed Karen and her eyes grew wide as she tried to jump back away from him.
"Now, Karen, where are you," Bill asked with a crazed look in his eyes.
Karen with tears streaming down her face pleased, "Please don't hurt me. Please let me go. Please."
Bill looked at her with a calm lifeless stare and with a determination in his voice her, "Where are you Karen? Answer me." Again he struck the ground with the tire iron - with more force this time.
Reluctantly and with tears Karen answered, "Home, I'm home."
"That's right sweetheart," Bill said, "Very good Karen. Forever home with me. You will never leave."
Bill got up and walked toward the other end of the room. He looked up and down the empty wall then turned back and looked at Karen with fiery eyes.
Karen looked at his face and in a moment he looked like Charles Manson to her.
"When I saw you on TV the other night," Bill said with his teeth clenched, "You looked so beautiful, but you had to start talking about that man's baby. I just knew that you were suffering. I knew that you needed me. I knew that I would be the only one who could take care of you. I will take care of that man's baby Karen."
Karen tried to hide her fear as he spoke. But she couldn't. She was so scared that she was shivering to the bone.
"I remember about five or six years ago you sang that song, "Bill continued speaking in a rant, "You sang 'A Song For You'. I knew you were singing that song right to me. I know you wrote that song only for me."
"I didn't write it," Karen said in a shaky muffled voice, "Leon Russell wrote it."
"What?," Bill growled back at her.
"Leon Russell wrote it, not me," Karen answered loud enough for him to hear.
"No Karen," He said as he violently swung the tire iron against a lamp shattering it to pieces. "You wrote that song and you wrote it for me. there is no other way," He demanded.
Karen sat there stunned and hushed.
"Now tell me, I am right," Bill demanded.
"You are right. I wrote it for you," Karen answered.
Bill, now smiling, sat back down across from Karen.
"Okay, Karen," Bill continued speaking, "Let's think this out. You don't have to panic. I have everything under control. I've got it all planned out. It's all up here," Bill says as he points to the temple of his head.
"What do you have planned out?," Karen hesitantly asked.
"That man's baby," He answered, "I've got it all planned out."
"Please, please," Karen said, "Don't hurt my baby."
"I'm going to take care of that baby," He said.
Looking at his watch, Bill put the tire iron down. "It's three o'clock and that baby is going to get hungry. I have to take care of it."
Bill walked over to the front door and grabbed his windbreaker.
"I'm going to be gone 45 minutes. I'm getting a few things for that baby. You stay put," Bill commanded of Karen.
Before he left he took the roll of duct tape and secured Karen a little tighter to the chair. As he left he let her know that the door was locked with a double keyed deadbolt so she wouldn't be able to get out. He also pointed at the bars on the outside of the living room windows and told her there was no way out.
After he left, Karen figured she had only 20 minutes to escape. She waited several minutes to make sure he was gone.
It was uncomfortable, but Karen was able to standup with the chair taped to her. She discovered she could hop, so she hopped over to the kitchen and went toward one of the drawers. It was difficult but she managed to open the drawer with one of her pinky fingers. She tried grabbing a knife or fork or anything that was sharp. But because of the way her hands were taped she couldn't grab onto anything. She grew frustrated as she tried to figure out a way to get lose.
As she moved she heard the chair creek a little. This gave her the idea of trying to break the wooden chair. The chair was solidly built, but she figured somehow she could break it. Karen looked around and decided the only way she could do it was by throwing herself against the wall. Karen clenched her teeth and closed her eyes as she hopped toward the wall and let herself fall toward it. The chair creaked more and bent a little. With a real determination Karen got up and hopped toward that wall and with more force she fell into the wall. This time the chair broke into a few pieces. Karen was still taped to the chair, but now her arms and legs were separated and she was able to walk to the kitchen and get a knife to cut herself loose.
The first thing she did was run toward the front door. Though with the double keyed deadbolt she was unable to open the door. She couldn't get out. Next she looked around at the small studio apartment. There was only a living room, kitchen and bathroom. All the windows had bars on them. Karen was trapped, there really was no way out.
She knew Bill would go into a rage and hurt her if he came back and found her loose. So, she looked around again. This time she walked into the bathroom and opened the shower door. There it was a small window inside the shower. It was only about a foot and half in height and three feet wide. But she figured she could crawl out the window. She went back into the lving room and took the tire iron and broke the window out. She knew it would be a tight squeeze but she pulled herself up to the window. She was reluctant to crawl out for fear she would cut herself on the sharp edges of glass sticking up. She took the tire iron again and smoothed down the sharp edges. Now she was able to attempt to crawl out the window. First she stuck her head through but this didn't work. So she grasped her hands together and lead with her hands out first and then followed with her head. Karen was able to slowly crawl through the window. She was so relieved. She took a deep breath. She escaped.
Now she was in Bill's small patio yard. From there she managed to climb up over the fence and was out of there. She looked around to make sure Bill wasn't anywhere around and she ran toward to front of the apartment building to the manager's office. Her hair was disheveled, her blouse and pants were torn and she was bleeding on her arms and face.
"Please Mister," she said to the man in the office, "Call the police. I just escaped from a man who drugged me and held me hostage in his apartment."
The man didn't recognize her, but it was obvious that she just endured some sort of violent ordeal. So, he called the police for her.
This story will be continued in the next chapter...
Friday October 5, 1979
From the prompting of her manager, Jerry Weintraub, Karen decided she should tell the world about her pregnancy with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show.
"Johnny," Jerry told Karen, "Is well respected by the public. This would be the perfect venue for you to come out with your pregnancy."
Karen agreed but added, "I'd like to do a People Magazine feature.
"For this to be effective," Jerry spoke, "The Tonight Show appearance and People magazine feature should both hit the public on the same day or at least the same week."
"Yes, you have a point," Karen agrees, "This way any and all rumors and speculations will be quashed immediately."
With this decision Jerry quickly got on the phone to contact People Magazine. Jerry seems to have friends in almost every avenue of the entertainment world so it's easy for Jerry to get last minute bookings. Karen Carpenter is one who people will jump through hoops and make room for even if there isn't any room. Next Jerry called Johnny Carson. Jerry and Johnny are old friends. They go way back to the late 50's when Johnny was a writer for the Red Skelton Show. They enjoyed a brief conversation as Jerry explained that Karen had big news to share with the world. It took hardly any convincing for Johnny to agree as Karen is one of Johnny's all-time favorite singers. Johnny commented on how beautiful her voice is. Jerry mentioned he wanted this to coincide with the People Magazine issue which will hit the stands on October 16. Johnny said, "It's a date Karen is set for October 16th."
Tuesday October 9, 1979
"Love Makin' Love To You" tops the chart in it's sixth week. Last week it was #3. The song is also #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart - this is it's second week at #1 on the AC chart.
Karen's solo album is at #2 (in it's ninth week on the chart) up from last week's #8.
"The Singles 1969-1973" jumps from last week's #173 up to #167 - now in it's third week after re-entering the chart.
Karen received more great news to day. The RIAA certified Karen's solo album GOLD.
The following is the chart of Top 15 Albums for October 9, 1979
15. Million Mile Reflection - Charlie Daniels Band
14. Volcano - Jimmy Buffett
13. Rust Never Sleeps - Neil Young
12. Dionne - Dionne Warwick
11. Bad Girls - Donna Summer
10. First Under The Wire - Little River Band
9. Breakfast In America - Supertramp
8. Off The Wall - Michael Jackson
7. Head Games - Foreigner
6. Slow Train Coming - Bob Dylan
5. Candy-O - Cars
4. Get The Knack - The Knack
3. Midnight Magic - Commodores
2. Karen Carpenter
1. In Through The Out Door - Led Zeppelin
Wednesday October 10, 1979
Today Karen phoned Patrick (the baby's father) to inform him that she would be on television and that there were other matters which needed to be taken care of.
"Hi Patrick, it's Karen Carpenter."
"Yes, Karen how can I help you?" Patrick said in a shallow tone of voice.
"Patrick," Karen spoke carefully, "Werner has advised me that since you have stated you do not want to be a part of this baby's life that you should sing a legal waiver relinquishing your parental rights. I don't want to have to do this but maybe it's the best thing to do considering the circumstances."
"No problem Karen," Patrick stated in a cold manner, 'Just send the papers to my lawyer and I'll sign."
"There's one more thing Patrick," Karen said as she took a deep breath.
"Yes, what is it," Patrick responded in a ho-hum manner.
"I want to tell you why I'm pregnant," Karen says.
"Ummm... I think I know why," Patrick answers, "Listen Karen I don't want any apologies or explanations. I just want to sign your papers and move on."
"No, you don't understand," Karen says as Patrick cuts in and says, "No, Karen really. Let's not go there. Goodbye." Then he hung up on her.
Later on in the day Karen met a reporter for People Magazine. The interview took only about two hours. He also took a few photos of Karen in her condo. She was cozily dressed in a brown and yellow sweat suit with matching yellow shoes and cushy brown socks. She was perfectly color co-ordinated. She also gave him a few photos from a recent photo shoot. The reporter told her that it had already been scheduled for her article to be the cover story."
Tuesday October 16, 1979
"Love Makin' Love To You" spends it's second week at #! (now in it's seventh week on the chart). It's again #1 on the Adult Contemporary Chart for a third straight week.
Karen Carpenter solo reaches #1 on the album chart knocking led Zeppelin's "In Through The Out Door" from the top spot after seven weeks. KC solo is now in it's tenth week on the chart.
"The Singles 1969-1973" moves up to #164 from last week's #167 and now in it's fourth week after re-entering.
This week's RIAA certifications:
"Love Makin' Love To You" - GOLD
"Karen Carpenter" (solo) - PLATINUM
"The Singles 1969-1973" - Quadruple Platinum
Today Karen received her copy of People Magazine. Frenda Leffler brought it to her. the cover sported a vivacious looking Karen with the headline reading "America's Sweetheart is a Woman Now".
Karen and Frenda drove into Burbank where the Tonight Show is filmed. Karen was wearing a full length pale teal colored evening gown. It was fashioned after a 30's style she saw in a picture a few weeks ago, and was designed specifically for her by up and coming designer Gianni Versace. He took such care to design a gown which fit Karen's youthful pure yet "I'm a woman" attitude. She wore white medium heeled closed toe pumps and a string of white diamond shaped beads weaved through her hair, which had hints of auburn highlights. Karen looked absolutely stunning.
Before the show was taped Jerry Weintraub went over what was going to be discussed with Karen and Johnny. There wasn't much room left for spontaneity. Though, Jerry, Karen and Johnny all knew there would be a good amount of joking around as the one and only Johnny is able to do.
When it came time for Karen to appear Johnny introduced her while holding up a copy of her album. Karen came out on stage and performed her currently #1 hit "Love Makin' Love To You". The audience went wild over the song and gave her a roaring applause.
After she finished she sat down on the small sofa next to Johnny. she complimented her on her performance and said he heard it on the radio three times today. Karen commented back by saying, "That's all," and made a funny face. The audience chuckled at her comment.
Johnny started by saying, "Karen, you're here tonight because you have some news to share with us."
"Yes, I do Johnny," Karen says, "It's big news."
Johnny chuckled and said, "Last time someone had big news on this show, I was bitten by a monkey."
The audience laughed loudly.
"Well Johnny," Karen commented with a giggle, "There aren't any monkeys involved in my news. Er well I guess it depends on how you look at it."
Johnny looks at Karen with bewilderment and says, "Oh no!"
Karen says, "No, no, no, no" waving her hands and laughing, "Don't worry there aren't any monkeys."
"Okay, Karen tell us," Johnny says, "What's your big news?"
"well Johnny," Karen speaks vivaciously, "I don't know any other way to say it so I'm just going to come out with it."
"You're coming out?," Johnny asks with a chuckle.
The audience remains quiet.
"No, no," Karen says laughing, "No, Johnny, I'm not coming out. Or what I mean is I'm straight. Not that there's anything wrong with coming out or anything like that. I have a few friends," Karen hesitates and then slaps Johnny on the shoulder, "Johnny," she shrieks, "Now stop it you're turning my words around."
At this point the audience is laughing vigorously as Karen tries to get herself out of this tangled conversation.
Johnny laughing says, "Okay, Karen... but you're so cute when you get flustered."
The audience chuckles.
"Okay, Johnny I'm just going to come right out, the audience chuckles as Karen speaks, "I'm just going to come right out with this. I'm two and a half months pregnant."
Half of the audience applauses and the other half gasps.
"Congratulations Karen!" Johnny says jubilantly.
"Thank you Johnny," Karen answers with sincerity.
"So, fill us in on the happy event," Johnny nods toward Karen.
"Well, Johnny," Karen continues speaking, "I'm going to be a single parent.
The audience remains silent with maybe a handful clapping.
"You've got a tough job ahead of you," Johnny says.
"Yes, it will be an adjustment," Karen says, "I am so excited and completely ready for this wonderful challenge."
"Well, if anyone can juggle being a superstar and a single mom," Johnny says, "It's you Karen."
"And I have tons of help," Karen says, "There's Richard, mom, dad, Frenda. Frenda's going to be the baby's God Mother."
"Can you tell us anything about the baby's father?" Johnny asks.
"Johnny," Karen says, "Unfortunately the baby's father and I have broken up. He left me. We had been in the process of splitting up and my pregnancy just complicated things all the more. The dad is Patrick Benjamin."
"He's quite a prolific producer," Johnny says, "He just finished working on the upcoming Roxy Music album. He's scheduled to be on my show next month when the album comes out."
"Yes, he is a talented man," Karen says, "But, I have to confess something I haven't told anybody yet, not my doctor, my family or Patrick. Well, I tried telling Patrick."
"Aw...," Johnny says, "Even bigger news," He raises his eyebrows and looks at the audience.
"Yes, Johnny," Karen says, "Even bigger news."
"Where's the monkey?" Johnny says as he looks around.
The audience laughs.
Karen chuckles waving at Johnny, "No monkeys," she screams out over the audiences laughter.
"Okay, back to your news," Johnny says.
"Well Johnny, Karen speaks cautiously, "I want to let this out because I want to set the story straight. I'm not proud of this, but I purposely let myself get pregnant. I told Patrick I was on the pill. But, I wasn't."
"You obviously knew there most likely would be circumstances to pay," Johnny mentioned.
"Yes, I was well aware of what might happen," Karen said, "And I prepared myself for the worst case scenario. I had been wanting to have a child for the past four years now. I didn't want to be having my first child when I'm forty. I want to be a relatively young parent when my kid is a teenager. I want to be able to play softball and go swimming with my kid."
"Is a reconciliation between you and Patrick possible?" Johnny asks.
"Well, Johnny you know I've always said never say never, Karen says, "But in this case I don't think that will be happening."
"You sure seem to be in good spirits," Johnny comments, "and you're the picture of perfect health."
"Why thank you Johnny," Karen says gleefully, "I guess pregnancy agrees with me."
"With that," Johnny announces, "We must cut to a commercial. But when we come back Karen will perform another song from her fabulous solo album." Johnny holds up a copy of her album for the audience to see.
When the show comes back Karen performs a mysteriously dark and soulful rendition of "Midnight", with special guest Russell Javors (from Billy Joel's band) picking out some slick jazz chords on the electric guitar. When the song ended the audience gave Karen a roaring standing ovation. Karen took a bow and said thank you and then waved goodbye to the audience as she left the stage.
One more time Johnny held up Karen's album and said, "That was my special guest, the proud soon to be mother, Karen Carpenter. We love you Karen."
The audience cheers with applause one more time.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 1979
It's 9:30 a.m. and Karen is wakened by her telephone ringing. Karen didn't want to get up so she stayed there in her bed letting it ring. Eight rings, nine rings, ten rings, eleven rings, twelve rings. Karen finally decides to get up and answer it. Once she heard it was her cousin Joannie, Karen perked up and was glad she answered it. Joannie called to let her know that she and her husband were going to be in San Diego that weekend and would arrive tomorrow afternoon.
Karen suggested meeting at her condo and then going out to Pips tomorrow evening for dinner. Karen said she could arrange to have a helicopter sent to San Diego to pick them up and bring them back to L.A. Joannie said her husband would be unable to join in, but she would still want to meet for dinner.
Now 10:15 a.m. Karen got dressed and put her hair in a flower printed scarf and covered her face with sunglasses. Karen used this as a disguise when she didn't want to be recognized.
11:00 a.m. Karen was starved so she drove to a nearby Co-Co's for a Cobb Salad and lemonade.
11:20 a.m. While Karen was eating a tall and vaguely familiar looking young man walked up to her table and said, "Hi Karen."
Karen looked up at him and asked, "Do I know you?"
He answered, "yes, I'm Bill Carlie. We met in March at a party in Malibu."
"Oh yes," Karen exclaims, "You work with Capitol Records."
"Used to," Bill answers, "Work with Capitol Records. I've retired. I'm a philanthropist. I invest in worthy causes."
"Wow," Karen says, "How neat. You've got to be the youngest retiree I know." They both laugh, but Karen was impressed by this.
"Please have a seat," Karen invited him, "Join me, I would love the company."
"Sure," Bill sits down across from Karen in the booth.
Bill ordered a bowl of Potato soup with garlic bread and a cup of coffee.
"What an interesting coincidence to run into you," Karen said.
"Yes, it is," Bill answered, "I'm funding a charity benefit for orphaned children and one of the main organizers lives here in Century City. I was running early and decided to pop in here for a quick bite to eat."
"Well, I'm glad you did," Karen says, "it's great to see you."
The two continued with friendly somewhat flirtatious conversation while they ate their lunch.
When they finished Bill took the check to pay for the lunch. Karen, of course argued, to pay for her share. Bill wouldn't see to it and insisted on paying. Karen chuckled and blushed as she thanked him for lunch.
Bill walked Karen to her car. Before she got into her car she once again thanked him for the lunch and good company.
Once in her car Karen turned the key to start it. But, the engine wouldn't start. She tried again, but nothing.
Karen got out of her car and said to Bill, who was still standing there outside of her car, "Can you take a look at my car. It was driving perfect this morning. I don't understand it."
"Yeah sure," Bill answered, "No problem."
Karen waited on the sidewalk while Bill got into her car to check it out. One minute later Bill steps out of the car, without even trying to start it.
Karen looks confused at this and shrugs her shoulders.
"You're out of gas," Bill says.
"That's impossible." Karen exclaims, "I filled the tank last night."
"I don't know what to tell you," Bill says, "But it is empty."
"Okay, okay," Karen says, "There's a gas station about three blocks from here. Can you drive me there?"
"My car's just right over here," Bill says pointing at his car, "I've got a gas can. Come on let's go, it'll be fun."
"Okay," Karen playfully answers.
Bill holds the door for Karen as she gets into his car.
The two drive off toward the gas station.
Karen was talking about odd it was that her car was out of gas. It just didn't make any sense.
As Karen was talking Bill interrupted her, "Can you reach for my coat in the back seat? I've got to show you the newest picture of my niece."
"Oh, I love children," Karen said as she twisted toward Bill to reach in the back seat.
While Karen was bent forward and facing Bill he took his handkerchief from his pocket and forcefully covered Karen's mouth and nose with it. It had a light does of chloroform on it.
Karen struggled for a few seconds, but then quickly passed out. Bill had already pulled over on a small residential street before the struggle happened. He said out loud to her, "my precious angel, now you are mine."
Bill continued driving until he reached a small somewhat run down apartment building in West Hollywood - not too far from A&M Records. He drove around to the back of the apartments and parked there. He got out of his car and went around to the trunk and pulled out a tire iron. While Karen remained passed out in his car he ran to his apartment, which was right there at the back of the building, and unlocked the door and left it open. He set the tire iron down and went back to get Karen. He opened the passenger's door and said, "I'm back for you sleeping beauty," as he lifted the 125 pound Karen and carried her as if he were carrying his bride over the threshold.
Once inside he sat her on a wooden chair and tape her arms and legs to it with duct tape. After he finished taping her to the chair he grabbed the tire iron and sat down across from her. "Now, you're all mine," He said as he sat there staring at her.
He sat there waiting for forty five minute until she finally woke up.
When Karen first opened her eyes everything was foggy and she was disoriented.
"Uhhh... where am I?" Karen said with a groan.
"You're home sweetheart," Bill answered dryly.
"Uh, home," Karen said as she looked around, "This isn't my home," she looked around more and things came into focus. "Bill," she screamed, "What is this? Why am I taped to this chair?"
"You're finally mine Karen," Bill answered her, "I've brought you home."
"This is not my home," Karen said angrily, "Let me out of here."
"Oh no Karen you are wrong," Bill said, "This is your home. I need you to understand that. This is your home." As he said this Bill took the tire iron and pounded the carpeted floor with it. This action alarmed Karen and her eyes grew wide as she tried to jump back away from him.
"Now, Karen, where are you," Bill asked with a crazed look in his eyes.
Karen with tears streaming down her face pleased, "Please don't hurt me. Please let me go. Please."
Bill looked at her with a calm lifeless stare and with a determination in his voice her, "Where are you Karen? Answer me." Again he struck the ground with the tire iron - with more force this time.
Reluctantly and with tears Karen answered, "Home, I'm home."
"That's right sweetheart," Bill said, "Very good Karen. Forever home with me. You will never leave."
Bill got up and walked toward the other end of the room. He looked up and down the empty wall then turned back and looked at Karen with fiery eyes.
Karen looked at his face and in a moment he looked like Charles Manson to her.
"When I saw you on TV the other night," Bill said with his teeth clenched, "You looked so beautiful, but you had to start talking about that man's baby. I just knew that you were suffering. I knew that you needed me. I knew that I would be the only one who could take care of you. I will take care of that man's baby Karen."
Karen tried to hide her fear as he spoke. But she couldn't. She was so scared that she was shivering to the bone.
"I remember about five or six years ago you sang that song, "Bill continued speaking in a rant, "You sang 'A Song For You'. I knew you were singing that song right to me. I know you wrote that song only for me."
"I didn't write it," Karen said in a shaky muffled voice, "Leon Russell wrote it."
"What?," Bill growled back at her.
"Leon Russell wrote it, not me," Karen answered loud enough for him to hear.
"No Karen," He said as he violently swung the tire iron against a lamp shattering it to pieces. "You wrote that song and you wrote it for me. there is no other way," He demanded.
Karen sat there stunned and hushed.
"Now tell me, I am right," Bill demanded.
"You are right. I wrote it for you," Karen answered.
Bill, now smiling, sat back down across from Karen.
"Okay, Karen," Bill continued speaking, "Let's think this out. You don't have to panic. I have everything under control. I've got it all planned out. It's all up here," Bill says as he points to the temple of his head.
"What do you have planned out?," Karen hesitantly asked.
"That man's baby," He answered, "I've got it all planned out."
"Please, please," Karen said, "Don't hurt my baby."
"I'm going to take care of that baby," He said.
Looking at his watch, Bill put the tire iron down. "It's three o'clock and that baby is going to get hungry. I have to take care of it."
Bill walked over to the front door and grabbed his windbreaker.
"I'm going to be gone 45 minutes. I'm getting a few things for that baby. You stay put," Bill commanded of Karen.
Before he left he took the roll of duct tape and secured Karen a little tighter to the chair. As he left he let her know that the door was locked with a double keyed deadbolt so she wouldn't be able to get out. He also pointed at the bars on the outside of the living room windows and told her there was no way out.
After he left, Karen figured she had only 20 minutes to escape. She waited several minutes to make sure he was gone.
It was uncomfortable, but Karen was able to standup with the chair taped to her. She discovered she could hop, so she hopped over to the kitchen and went toward one of the drawers. It was difficult but she managed to open the drawer with one of her pinky fingers. She tried grabbing a knife or fork or anything that was sharp. But because of the way her hands were taped she couldn't grab onto anything. She grew frustrated as she tried to figure out a way to get lose.
As she moved she heard the chair creek a little. This gave her the idea of trying to break the wooden chair. The chair was solidly built, but she figured somehow she could break it. Karen looked around and decided the only way she could do it was by throwing herself against the wall. Karen clenched her teeth and closed her eyes as she hopped toward the wall and let herself fall toward it. The chair creaked more and bent a little. With a real determination Karen got up and hopped toward that wall and with more force she fell into the wall. This time the chair broke into a few pieces. Karen was still taped to the chair, but now her arms and legs were separated and she was able to walk to the kitchen and get a knife to cut herself loose.
The first thing she did was run toward the front door. Though with the double keyed deadbolt she was unable to open the door. She couldn't get out. Next she looked around at the small studio apartment. There was only a living room, kitchen and bathroom. All the windows had bars on them. Karen was trapped, there really was no way out.
She knew Bill would go into a rage and hurt her if he came back and found her loose. So, she looked around again. This time she walked into the bathroom and opened the shower door. There it was a small window inside the shower. It was only about a foot and half in height and three feet wide. But she figured she could crawl out the window. She went back into the lving room and took the tire iron and broke the window out. She knew it would be a tight squeeze but she pulled herself up to the window. She was reluctant to crawl out for fear she would cut herself on the sharp edges of glass sticking up. She took the tire iron again and smoothed down the sharp edges. Now she was able to attempt to crawl out the window. First she stuck her head through but this didn't work. So she grasped her hands together and lead with her hands out first and then followed with her head. Karen was able to slowly crawl through the window. She was so relieved. She took a deep breath. She escaped.
Now she was in Bill's small patio yard. From there she managed to climb up over the fence and was out of there. She looked around to make sure Bill wasn't anywhere around and she ran toward to front of the apartment building to the manager's office. Her hair was disheveled, her blouse and pants were torn and she was bleeding on her arms and face.
"Please Mister," she said to the man in the office, "Call the police. I just escaped from a man who drugged me and held me hostage in his apartment."
The man didn't recognize her, but it was obvious that she just endured some sort of violent ordeal. So, he called the police for her.
This story will be continued in the next chapter...
to see what you come up with, Rick. It is almost as good as a movie, really. 
