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1001 Radio Crime Solvers
THE MONOPOLY MATTER and THE BARTON BAKER MATTER YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR
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For over twelve years, from 1949 through 1962 (including a one year hiatus in 1954-1955), this series recounted the cases "the man with the action-packed expense account, America’s fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar". Johnny...
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The refreshing, delicious treat that gives you chewing enjoyment presents for your listening enjoyment. John Lund as Johnny Dollar. This is Maud. Mr. Dollar, Mr. Brandt just stepped into the office. Oh good, I'll connect you. Hello, Johnny. I'm sorry I was out when you called, Mr. Brant. Your secretary mentioned a fire you wanted me to look into. That's right. We got the report about a half hour ago. If you hurry, you can be there when the fire inspector decides the cause. How serious is it? I don't know. I couldn't learn whether anybody was in the building or not. It's a recreation club on the outskirts of Waterbury. The Monopoly Trent Street. Okay, Mr. Brandt, I'll take a run out and let you know what I find. The makers of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum bring you John Lund in another adventure of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Friends, the makers of Wrigley's Spearmint Gum present these weekly adventures of Johnny Dollar because they know that millions of you enjoy Johnny Dollar. That's true of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum too. It's enjoyed by millions. Day in and day out, people find that chewing on a smooth, delicious piece of Wrigley Spearmint Gum somehow makes time pass more pleasantly, whether you're working, driving, shopping or just taking things easy. That good tasty chewing gives you enjoyment and satisfaction. So always keep a package of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum handy. And whenever you want a refreshing, delicious treat, chew a steak. You'll like it. You really will. Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar to Corinthian All Risk Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the monopoly matter. Expense Account Item 1, $26.70 Car Rental and mileage between my Hartford apartment and what was left of the Monopoly Club in water. Mitchell. Where's Mitchell? Over here. Jeff Mitchell. We're losing pressure at number three. Take the chance for number three. Hey, you men. That walls. Go. Come out of there. Get out of there. An hour and a half after I got there, the fight was pretty well over. Just a couple of men with a high pressure hose putting the final touches to a few smoking timbers. Hey. Hey, you there. I'll let you through the road. I'm from the insurance company that covers this place. Huh? You carrying credentials? Yeah. See him? Yeah, yeah. Okay. Here. You have to be careful. Has the fire inspector shown up yet? Yeah, that's him over there. One walking away from the two men. Captain McCready. Okay, thanks. You're welcome. Over here. Captain McCready? Yes. My name is Dollar. I've been hired by the insurance company to investigate the fire. Come along. The men who answered the call first tell me it broke out inside on the ground floor. Anybody in the building? Not that we know of. No report of anybody. Now, let's see. The window's over there. Smoke was reported coming out of there first. Yes, sir. Have a couple of men bring axes over here. William. Yes, sir. Do you specialize in fire cases, Mr. Dollar? No, but I've worked with you. Well, here we have a new building, not over five or six years old that had passed all fire inspections when it got a license to operate as a place of public assembly. What do you want? Oh, you'll find some sash weights over there at the base of the wall. That's where a window was. Clear the debris down to the cement in a triangle. With that as the point spreading this way. Yes, that must be here. You looking for anything special, captain? Point of origin. Smoke was spotted first coming out the window. Was it open? And if so, why? Yeah, cold weather like this. Was the club operating? No, it didn't open till 2 in the afternoon. We got the alarm at 11am you know anything about this Gerald Hobson who owns the place? Nothing yet. He was here, but before I was, he went home. Let's go over here and see what the men find, if anything. What we found pointed without a doubt to arson. Bits of broken bottles, the remnants of unburned cloth. Charred as the evidence was. The cause of the fire was fairly obvious. We used to call them Molotov cocktails. Bottles filled with gasoline or oil with a piece of cloth for a wick. One or more evidently had been thrown in through the window. And the damage to the frame building was over 90%. The closest neighboring building was a garage almost 100 yards away. We questioned the people there and then Captain McCready went back to his office. I looked up the owner of the Monopoly Club, Mr. Gerald Hobson from the insurance company. Yes. Looking into the cause of the fire. Oh, of course. Well, come in. Thanks. May I take your code? Oh, I won't be here long. I'll keep an eye. Well, just come into the other room and sit down. I looked for you out at your building, but I guess you'd left before I got there. Yes, I. I was there, of course. Bob at the garage, he called me about the fire. He's the one that reported. Yes, I talked with him and I went right out. But my nerves aren't what they were once. Fire is such a terrible thing. I didn't know what to do. When I asked one of the firemen, officer, and he told me to go home, that people want to know where to find me. Did they save anything? Nothing but the foundations and some plumbing. Oh, well then thank heaven for the insurance. I don't suppose you share my feeling about that. You've paid the premiums, Mr. Hobson. Now I'd like you to answer some questions about your club. Yes, of course. I understand it was a licensed place of public amusement. What kind of amusement? When we specialized in Monopoly. In what? The game, you know. Oh, sure. Well, we have a great many factory workers in Waterbury. Well, I started the Monopoly Club almost, oh, must have been three years ago. To offer them harmless entertainment and relaxation. The game was quite popular. Enabled them to play financier, you know. Oh, yeah, I remember the game. Did you buy and sell and try to amass a fortune? We ran month long tournaments and. Oh, I tell you, some of the fortunes were astronomical. Well, it was just billions. Was there any other amusement offered? Well, I had a few tables for the card players. It was soft drinks and candies. Mr. Hobson, I want you to understand that I'm not a police officer. Anything you tell me will be kept in confidence. Oh, yes, of course. Did you run any gambling games? Why, of course not. My club was a decent legal establishment. The members were good, everyday working people. And your income came solely from memberships? From memberships and retail sales. I don't like your information, not one bit. I'm looking for a reason why somebody should have set fire to your building. That's why the gambling possibility crossed my mind. Heavy losses could drive somebody to it. Yes. You were absolutely sure that the fire was not accidental? The fire inspector, Captain McGreedy, seemed entirely satisfied. I saw the evidence too. Have you spoken to the police about this, Mr. Dallag? I know I haven't. Why do you ask? Well, a man came to see me a week before last, on Monday. It wasn't. I was just opening up the curtain, so I was the only one there. It was one of those protection rackets, and he demanded money and made threats. You told the police about it? Of course. Immediately. What did you say to this? Well, I gave him a hundred dollars to get rid of him. That was to be the fee per month, as he put it. I'd better cooperate and keep my mouth shut, or he'd put me out of business for good. Well, did the police come to see you? Yes. Two officers came right out to the club. I told them I'd rather meet them someplace else, but they said the faster they got on his trail, the quicker they'd find him. Well, they didn't find him at all. And if somebody threw gasoline into my place, it stands to reason that that man must be the one. Mm. Well, if you let me use your phone, Mr. Hobson, I'll call Captain McCready. We'll see what we can make out of this. Yes, of course. It's right out here in the hall. Yes. Oh, I'm sorry I missed your phone call, Dollar, but I had a meeting with Chief Blair. Oh, it worked out fine. Captain Gave me time for a sandwich. Good. Oh, Sergeant Winnick of the Police Bunko Squad came over. He just stepped out of the room for a moment. I'm naturally requesting an investigation from the city fire attorney. But now with the possibility of extortion, the police can start their own right away. That'll speed things up. Do you have anything else? Well, the lab isn't finished with the evidence yet, but so far there are traces of three bottles. Oh, Sergeant Winnick, this is Mr. Dollar. How are you, sergeant? Nice to know you, Mr. Doller. Now, sit down. You. You talked to this Mr. Hobson? Yeah. How did the subject of this man and his threat come up? When I told him how the fire started, Hmm. I don't know what to make of it. I got out the report on that call we made at his club. Two of our men were there 15 minutes after he phoned. Hobson's description of the man had been radioed to every squad car on the streets. You didn't get any place, Emmett? No. We haven't had a complaint from anybody else in town on anything like it. If a protection racket was building, you'd think we'd get more than one call, wouldn't you? You think Hobson's report was untrue. Then we closed the investigation on the theory that a tranche had taken him for 100 bucks on a protection scam. Now I'm. I'm not so sure. You haven't checked on Hobson? Not yet, but I think we should. I'd be glad to have you along. Well, thanks. And I guess we don't have to take up any more of the captain's. Arson cases are among the toughest to crack. You're faced with the fact that the fire usually destroys the implicating evidence. But there was some evidence that the fire could not destroy. I faced Gerald Hobson with it that night. It was nice of you to come back, Mr. Dollar, to trouble yourself like this. You probably won't appreciate it when you've heard me out. Was that so? Why not? Well, to put it bluntly, you're under suspicion of setting the torch to your club, Hyman's. Oh, are you out of your mind? What's the meaning of this? I spent most of the afternoon with the police. Sergeant Winnick investigated your complaint a couple of weeks back. Your story of the protection threat didn't seem to hold up. Now, let me understand this. They think I was lying about that man. Oh, I don't think they'd say so, but they do. Then why aren't they here? Because they're a lot more cautious than I am. Maybe I'm overstepping my bounds by coming, but I like to have things out in the open. I want to show you what's stacked up against you if you try to press a claim against the insurance company. Oh, yes, of course. I'd forgotten. Your sole interest is in saving your company's money. Oh, yeah, it's by hook or crook. I'll be your best witness if the situation clears up in your favor. But I did some snooping. I looked into some of your financial affairs. Get out of here. Sure, sure. This is your castle, Mr. Hobson. This kind of privacy, I have no right to invade but the fact that $18,000 would save your financial neck is not private information any. Well, that's where I left it and drove the 25 miles back to Hartford in my apartment. And that's where it stayed until the phone interrupted my first cup of coffee the next morning at 10:30. Johnny Dollar, Sergeant Winnick in Waterbury. Oh, yeah, Sergeant. What's new? Did you jump on Hobson last night like you said you were going to? Yeah, I needled him a little. You should have saved it. The picture's changed. Hobson's story is on the level. Oh, well, I've been wrong before. Another protection threat about 20 minutes ago in a bowling alley at 783 Sheraton. It ended in a shooting. One man dead, another wounded. If you're coming over, I'll meet you there. Yeah, thanks for the call, Sergeant. I'll get started right away. Friends. Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum is a refreshing, delicious treat you can enjoy just about any time. Even when you're busy working. You can slip a stick of Wrigley Spearmint in your mouth and enjoy that pleasant chewing. The lively, full bodied spearmint flavor crack cools your mouth and freshens your taste. The good smooth chewing helps relieve pent up tension, gives you satisfaction. As a result, you seem to feel more relaxed and get more enjoyment out of what you're doing. So enjoy chewing Wrigley Spearmint Gum while you work and at other times, too. Get a few packages next time you're at the store. That's Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Healthful, refreshing, delicious. And now, with our star, John Lund, we bring you the second act of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. All right, come on. You made some time, Dollar. Yeah, I like traffic. Any other developments? Come on inside. The dead man was a bystander. They just took his body down. The old timer over there is Con Robleski. He owns the place, shot one of the toughs. He's pretty upset. There were two of them? Yeah. The other one made a run me for a long time. I am good man. Where is Officer Du? You don't have anything to worry about, Mr. Ry. Who. Who is this? He's not a policeman. He's Mr. Dollar, a friend of mine. I'm sorry to hear about your trouble, Mr. Robleski. So much trouble in the world. Why there be this in my city, But I have rights. I shoot this man, but I don't do wrong. Yeah, that's what I understand. They were threatening you, weren't they. They say I am foreigner. They say I pay them to work in my city. I say, no, he said he fixed my place like he fixed some other. The Monopoly Club. Was that the name? Yes. I do not know this place, I tell him. They say, you stupid old man, you get burned down. Then my friend Carl come in. He say, loud, what is? He knew something was wrong. He see me mad. They turn to him. I open drawer for guns. Carl come close to fight. Then this other, he has gun and he shoot Carl. Then this other, he turn to me and I shoot. But the one that shot Carl got away. He run. Now they say Carl is dead for trying to help me. It's wrong, my friend, to be dead. Why, this be. This be good world. Why so much trouble for people? Oh, why too much trouble. I take it they came in while he was opening up. Yeah, that's right. He was alone, just about like Hobson's Club. The wounded man, was he conscious? Yeah, suffering from shock. So he wasn't worth anything. According to his wallet, he's Paul Lom with an address in Chicago, 21 years old. Anybody spot the other one? A newsboy across the street saw him come out and run south. Not much of a description, but it fit what Robleski gave us. Roads and railways ought to be covered by now. Yeah, they were stopping cars when I came in. Yeah, Lieutenant Glass is in charge. The old war horse can get things done in a hurry if he feels like it. I better get that car out of the middle of the street. Yeah. Loners over at Central Emergency Hospital. We might as well go over there and wait till they can make a statement. They tell us you're strong enough to talk, loner. They told me to, but I don't see no reason to. You're doing plenty of talking in the bowling alley, from what we hear. I don't remember. I don't blame him. Pushing an old man around like that must be something you'd really want to forget. Go start up a parish someplace, will you? How many times have you been arrested, Lawler? What difference does that make? After hearing you blab while you were passed out, they want to see how many lies you'll tell now. I didn't pass. You just don't remember. You know what time it is now? I don't care what time it is. It's after 4. You were out for over an hour. You don't bluff very good. Your wife's name is Edith. How's that for bluffing? Where is your wife? I'll leave Me alone. I hurt. The doctor said you were in good shape. It's a laugh. If you weren't, he wouldn't have let us in here. Where's your wife? I don't know. Look, you're wasting your time. I don't want to talk and I won't. That old man you shot is dead. Did you know that? Didn't shoot nobody, right? I didn't have a gun. It was right there on the floor beside you. You're a dirty, stinking liar. I didn't have a gun. The guy that was with me, that was his gun. He shot the old man. And you know, the report says you were there alone. That's a lie. Who was with him? Guy I teamed up with. I don't know his name. If you can prove that, it might make a difference. Can you prove it? It's true. That. That old guy, that Robleski, he knows it. He said you were alone. It's a lie. You're lying. He said it. He's lying. Why should we lie? To frame me? I didn't kill him. Why should Robleski lie? I don't know, but he is. And if you guys want it, you can make him say he's lying. Maybe he wants to be sure somebody gets the electric chair for killing his friend. As long as we've got you, you all right? He knows I had a partner. My partner did most of the talk. Who was your partner? I don't know. Robleski says you talked to him. I didn't. I tell you I didn't. Burt Lucas did the talking. Yes, Bert. Dirty rotten. Take it easy, loner. You knew Lucas was with me. Now we know. Oh, Sergeant, that's a little more. Yeah. I'll get verification of Lucas name and description over to the radio office if you hang on here. Oh, Mr. Hobson, come on in. Oh, I'm sorry to take so long. That's all right. The white end. You remember Mr. Dollar? Oh, yes. I'll meet you in my office, Donna. Yeah, I'll get there as fast as I can. Well, I owe you an apology, Mr. Hobson. Oh, no, no, please, no. It's your job to look into things. I. I shouldn't have lost my temper. Thanks. Now, will you take a look at this man? Well, yes, that's he. The one you gave the hundred dollars to. No, no, I've never seen this man. You're sure? Yes, I'm positive. Did Lucas do the talking at the Monopoly Club, too? Loner. They didn't have to talk much with this jerk. Oh, no. Never mind. Mr. Hobson, who touched off the building, you or Lucas? Or both of you? What's the difference? I want to know. I don't see what difference it makes now, but we both did. We did it because this jerk Hobson here went to the cops. Bert should have squeezed 500 out of you, then we'd been out of this time. That's all for now, Mr. Hobson. We'll call you down again when we pick up his partner. Well, that'll take some doing. Bert's still on his feet. That puts him way out of your client. He's a vicious type of person. Yes. Here, this way. Oh. Oh. Oh, Mr. Donner. Yes. I will contact you later, Mr. Hobson. Yes. Thank you. Yes, nurse. Thank you. Maybe you better take this call. I've been trying to reach Sergeant Winnick, but he's not in his office yet. Well, sure. What is it? It's Lona's wife. She wants to talk to somebody who's seen her husband. Oh. Where can I take it? Right over here. Okay. Hello? Hello? Hello? Who is this? This is Johnny Dollar, Mrs. Lawler. How. How is he? Oh, he's all right. He's gonna make it fine. When did you see him? I just left him. We. We talked about you. Where are you now, Mrs. Loner? I'm just down the street. I started out to come right down to see him when I read it, but when I got close, I. I got scared. You have nothing to be afraid of, have you? People will ask me questions, and I'm not gonna lie no more. You'll think it's wrong, but I know it's right. Of course it is. Could I meet you someplace? Oh, no. But if you'll wait outside the door for me so I won't have to talk to those men who don't care about anybody. I'll be there. Mr. Dollar. I. I don't know what I'm thinking, but I always knew that something as bad as this was gonna happen. I always knew when it happened, I'd have to do something. The fellow who was with him is named Bert Lucas. Yeah. We learned that the police here phoned the police in Chicago and learned about him and about you and about how you and your husband left. They weren't sure Bart Lucas was here, but we found out from your husband. I. I know where Burt Lucas is hiding. Where? I. I can't tell you by streets and roads, but in a car, I could tell you how to drive there. How can you be sure he's There. He came by where we live after he got away from that trouble this morning. He didn't know Paul was hit. He said him and Paul got separated and he was going out to that place that got burned down. The monopoly club. I'm killing him when I tell you this. Not necessarily, Mrs. Loner. Oh, yes, I am. He knows he killed that man. He told me so. He said he'd never give himself up, but I don't care. He's in a cellar out there. That's where he is. He was gonna wait till dark, but he's in a cellar out there. 73 calling car 73. Ignore previous call and return to your station. Car 55. Oh. What is your present location? Car 5O proceeding west on Trent street between Hudson and Pine. Proceed to the monopoly club and standby. Monopoly club. Roger. Now. That's Burnett's car. Yes. Three men with him. Lucas may be hearing these guys. Any more might scare him out. Yeah, I think we better move in. I'll leave one man here with a search lights in case we need him. Hi, Burnett. You have a Thompson? Two of them, sergeant. Good. When it's dark, he may try to run for it. Leave one of your men here in case we need some light. Right. Hillary, get the search trained on the wreckage and be ready if we need it. You've been here before, $I haven't. I didn't spot any cellar. All right, two Thompsons on each end. And we'll move straight in quickly until we get to the wreckage. He's on any stairway to the cellar. Must be one of those two corners of the back wall there. Uhhuh. They must hear us. For now. I'm gonna give him a call. Lucas. Come on out, Lucas. Let's move forward. Really? He hit one of your men. Get down. Get down. Vernon really's hit, sergeant. How bad? In the stomach, sergeant. He's passed out. I saw the muzzle flashes, sergeant. Back there where you can see that timber at an angle. I thought it was farther to the left. Hillary, light. Burnett, cover me. Right. All right, Lucas, come on out before you blast it out. He won't come out, sergeant. He's in too deep. There he goes. Lucas, stop. You'll lose him. Expense Account, Item 2. $35.50 Miscellaneous Food, Extra Mileage, Etc. Etc. Expense Account. Total $62.20. Yours, Trudy. Johnny Dollar. Remember, friends, Wrigley's spearmint chewing gum is a refreshing, delicious treat you can enjoy just about anytime. Chew a few sticks of Wrigley spearmint during the day and see how the good chewing helps keep you feeling fresh and alert. The lively, full bodied flavor of Wrigley Spearmint Gum cools your mouth, freshens your taste and sweetens your breath. The chewing itself gives you a nice little boost, helps you keep going at your best. Millions of people get real chewing enjoyment out of Wrigley's Spearmint Gum every day, and we know that you'll enjoy it too. Get a few packages and always keep some handy. That's Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Healthful, refreshing, delicious Foreign Dollar Brought to you by Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum stars John Lund in the title role and was written by Gil Dowd with music by Eddie Dunsteader. Featured in tonight's cast were Sammy Hill, Bill Johnstone, Stacy Harris, Parley Bear, herb Butterfield, Howard McNear, Joe Duvall, and Jeanette Nolan. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar is produced and directed by Jaime Del Valle, the makers of Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. Hope you enjoyed tonight's story of Johnny Dollar and that you're enjoying delicious Wrigley Spearmint Gum every day. This is Charles Lyon inviting you to join us again next week at this same time when from Hollywood, John Lund returns as yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is the CBS Radio Network. Would you guys consider anything less than the championship to be a failure from this year? I wouldn't say anything is a failure, especially because we all grow every day. Obviously the goal is a championship. There's no doubt in that. And that's the goal. We want to win a championship. I'm Christina Williams, host of the podcast in case you missed it with Christina Williams. The WNBA playoffs are here and I've got the inside scoop on everything from key matchups and standout players to the behind the scenes moments you won't find anywhere else. It's really, really hard to be the champions, but we have to remember how it feels and embrace the new challenge that we have for all the biggest stories in women's basketball, plus exclusive interviews with the game's brightest stars. So to be here, I think it's one that we definitely don't take for granted. But we also know, you know, that's just one stop along the way and we're hoping to, you know, make it run. So listen to In Case youe Missed it with Christina Williams, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and entertainment on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You know how taking Care of your headspace means tackling the stuff that stresses you out. Well, for me, that's money. Finances can weigh heavy on your mental health. That's why Experian is my bff, my big financial friend. The Experian app helps me check my FICO score, shows me ways to save, and matches me with credit cards. And here's the best part. Cards labeled no Ding Decline won't hurt your credit scores if you're not initially approved. It feels good knowing my finances are finally under control. And honestly, that's peace of mind you can't put a price on. Download the Experian app today for free. Applying for no Ding Decline cards won't hurt your credit scores if you aren't initially approved. Initial approval will result in a hard inquiry which may impact your credit scores experience. For your listening enjoyment. John Lund as Johnny Deller. Johnny Maxwell. Johnny. Oh, hello. I got a job for you. We insure Frank Meadows, lives in Newport, California. He was killed last night. Oh, is that. How long will it take you to pack to catch a plane? Oh, it's. Look up Lieutenant Sullivan, Newport Police. When you get there, Johnny. Yeah. Have a good trip. Yeah, I'll try. Mr. Maxwell, right now I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to pass on a thought which incidentally, concerns time. According to the Bible, to everything there is a season at a time to every purpose under the heaven. We all agree on that, I'm sure. And we'll also agree that the regulation of time also depends on the season. For example, did it ever occur to you who decided where our four time zones in America should be exactly? Well, back maybe 75 years ago, there were about 150 different time zones which were set up according to the whim of the local inhabitants. Most of the time was called sun time, and there could be 15 minutes difference between the clocks of two towns only 10 miles apart. So to get rid of the confusion, the Interstate Commerce Commission was established. It divided the United States into four standard time zones so that railroads, planes, buses and the mail could run on schedule. Of course, if a city wants to go on daylight saving time during the summer, that's a decision which is made locally. The standard time remains the same everywhere else. But setting the nation's clocks isn't the only job of the Interstate Commerce Commission. However, it also makes rules and regulations for the various means of transportation which go from one state to another. It sees that railroads, truck lines, barges and boats operate safely, charge reasonable rates and give good dependable service. It also protects Trucks and bus drivers from working such long hours that they might fall asleep while they're driving. The Commission also demands that trains, engines and machines have safety and stop devices. It is in itself a safety device to assure every one of us freedom from danger as we travel about our country. Expense accounts submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to Home Office Universal Bonding and Indemnity Company, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the Barton Baker matter. Expense Account, Item 1, $195.80 Plane Fare and incidentals from Hartford to Los Angeles. I arrived at International Airport at 11 the morning of the 26th and rented a car there. An hour later, I was pulling into Newport, a sea town not far down the coast. At the police station, I met Lieutenant Solomon and we discussed the case. Frank Meadows ran a boat chartering service. Did you know him? Yeah. Excuse me. Open a window. Sure. It's been hot the last couple of days. Like a cold drink or something? No. No, thanks. Well, we got a report on the shots. And when we got there, Frank was dead. Shot three times? He had a gun. Been fired twice. I obviously shot it out with somebody. Any suspects? His partner, Dave Geller, owned the boat with Charlie. What makes you think Geller did it? I don't know for sure, but he's missing, disappeared. Nothing else? No. That's the only thing we've got to go on. Any reason why Geller would kill Meadows? None that we know of. I know Dave as well as I did Frank. They always seem to get along. Never heard of any argument, but you know how those things are. A couple of guys get along fine for years and then some little things. Yeah? Yeah. Might be a woman. Just a woman. Or some particular woman. Frank has a wife. And Geller? No, he's not married. What's Mrs. Meadows like? Well, you gotta talk to her anyway, don't you? Yeah. Then you can see for yourself. I'd say she was a kind that might cause a lot of trouble under the right circumstances. But that's only a personal observation. You might not think so at all. Here's the address. Well, thanks, lieutenant. I'll let you know. Do that. 10 minutes. I was pulling up to a pleasant little house that faced the bay. Mrs. Meadows met me at the front door. I don't generally make snap judgments, but at first sight I was inclined to go along with the lieutenant. Mrs. Meadows was very attractive. Tan, blonde and could have been in mourning. But I doubted it, even though her tight bathing suit was black. I introduced myself and she showed me into the living room. Sit down, Mr. Dollar. Thank you. You'll have to forgive me. I've been getting some sun. Oh, I don't mind. I'd like to live in a bathing suit during the summer. Surprised the beach isn't more crowded. You're from the insurance company? That's right. I was sent out to investigate your husband's death. I'll be glad to help any way I can. I'd appreciate it. How much was my husband insured for? Don't you know? I have no idea. I knew he had insurance. I never knew how much. 25,000. That much should buy you a lot of son. When will I get it? Well, in a case like this, a murder has to be a complete investigation. And it's generally considered proper to bury the deceased before issuing a check. By the way, when is the funeral? It was this morning at 8 o'. Clock. What do they do, Dump him off a surfboard? I don't think I like that, Mr. Dollar. Oh, I'm just being a little sadistic. I always get that way when I see someone so broken up. Would it be better if I stayed in the house for a week and wore a black veil? Oh, no, no. But a little emotion would seem more natural. Would it help if I cried? Help who? Mr. Dollar, my husband's dead. Anything I might do wouldn't bring him back. If you don't approve, I'm afraid that's just too bad. Who do you think killed your husband? I have no idea. The police suspect his partner. I guess it's possible Dave's missing. Can you think of any reason why Dave would kill your husband? They didn't get along too well. Lt. Solomon says they got along just fine and I say they didn't. I think I know more about it than Lieutenant Solomon. Okay. Suppose you tell me why they didn't get along. They just didn't. They disagreed a lot. Over anything specific? Not particularly the boat things in general. They'd known each other for years, been partners for nearly 10. Friendships were thin. Sometimes before they left on the trip, they had an argument. About what? Frank didn't tell me. Just came home and said he'd had a fight with Dave. The next morning they left. Following morning? When they returned, Lieutenant Solomon called me and said Frank had been killed. Where did they go? Down the coast after Yellowtail. Who charted the boat? No one. They went alone. Well, thank you, Mrs. Meadows. If you happen to hear from Dave, get in touch with the police, will you? It was going on 4 o' clock when I left, Mrs. Meadows standing in the doorway in her black bathing suit. I drove to a motel on the bay and was shown to my room where I called Lieutenant Solomon. I wanted to take a look at the boat. You'll find it at Carlson's Landing. The J. Bell. Mrs. Meadows says her husband and Geller went fishing for yellowtail. Yeah? They catch any? They did. They didn't bring them back. No fish on the boat. Maybe they didn't really go fishing. Got any ideas? No, not a one. Just a guess. Trying to create a motive. What do you think of Mrs. Meadows? Oh, very attractive. But not a good enough motive. I didn't say that. I was just trying to come up with a better one. If you do, let me know. After meeting Mrs. Meadows. It won't be easy, you having a watch. If Dave Geller tries to contact her, we'll know about it. Hey, where's a good place to eat? You like seafood? Oh, by the ton. Find a restaurant right next to your motel. Via Marina. Steamed clams are great. Lieutenant, you have just created a glutton expense account. Item 2, $6.50 for a seafood dinner. While the bucket of clams digested, I drove to Carlson's Landing, where I located the J. Bell, Meadows and Geller's trim little fishing boat. A full moon was out over the Pacific, and the J. Bell rocked gently with a motion of the tide. The landing was deserted except for a big gray cat that scurried onto one of the other boats as I walked past. I stood looking at the J. Bell for a minute, listening to the sounds of the ocean. Then I climbed above. The hatch leading below to the cabin was unlocked. So I opened it and went down the short ladder. The moonlight sifted in through the starboard porthole, but the rest of the cabin was in pitch darkness. I fell around for some kind of light. Stay right where you are. Huh? Don't move. I got a gun, okay? I can see you. If you move a finger, I'll kill you. Okay, okay. I'm not moving. Well, what happens? Do we stay here all night? No. Better take a look at you. I don't want to make a mistake. Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Light switch is right behind you. To your left. But keep facing me. Just reach back. Thought so. You thought so what? Baker sent you? Baker? You're not a cop. I know the cops in town. You must be Dave Geller. You know I'm Geller? Look, my name is Dollar. I'm an insurance investigator. Sure. I'll show you my credentials. Keep your hands at your side. I'm telling you the truth. I work for the Universal Bonding and Indemnity. Your ex partner was insured with this. Turn around. Put your hands over your head. Look, I'm telling you. Look, I'm not kidding, mister. Okay, now put them out in front and lean on the bulkhead. My wallet's in the inside left coat pocket. Insurance investigators always carry guns? Well, most of them take them off when they go to bed. That's very funny. I'm glad you liked it. You'll find the permit for the gun in the wallet. And the wallet is still in my ins. You satisfied? Turn around. Keep your hands up. You saw the identification? Okay, sir. You're an insurance investigator. Still doesn't help me. Just what kind of help were you expecting? None. I mean, now I gotta do something with you. Can't let you go back to the police and tell them you found me. They'll mail you sooner or later. They want you for murder. Yeah, I know. Why did you kill him? I didn't. Then what are you hiding for? That's none of your business. All right. Now we're back to me. What happened? We'll just have to stick around for a while. Sure. Hold it. What's the matter? Somebody's coming. Turn off that light. Quick. You just stay where you are and don't make a sound. Probably the police. If it is, you're gonna take me out of here for the guy who was in a. Shut up. He's right outside the boat. Good night. Yeah, I thought so, too. Maybe your answer's right. Listen, I can only say it once. Something happens to me. Get to Bernie's Garage, understand? Bernie's Garage. Come aboard. What do I do at Bernie's Garage? I don't know why I'm trusting you, but I gotta trust somebody. Tell Bernie I sent you asking for the toolkit. The toolkit. And I didn't kill Frank. Look out. I'm going topside. He went up the ladder and out on deck, holding his gun in front of him. I thought about trying to stop him, but he moved too fast. And besides, he had my gun stuck in his belt. I was going up the ladder when the shooting started. And being a practical man, I stopped halfway up and ducked. After a moment, I looked up through the hatch and there, standing in the moonlight was a tall, thin man dressed in a white suit. He was holding a gun pointed right at my head. Well, good evening. Who got killed? Your friend, Mr. Gilla. And now it looks like. Your turn, Mr. Dollar. Johnny Dollar. How do you do. My name's Baker. Barton W. Baker. You know, many great men have attained the highest office in our land. The presidency of the United States. Can you guess the name of this man? He was descended from an English family which landed in Plymouth in 1624 and was a native of Ohio. In the late 1880s, he was a newspaper editor in that state, and as senator in 1900, he opposed federal control of food and fuel. As president, he supported Prohibition and backed the 19th Amendment, which gave women the voting privilege. His administration also saw the establishment of the national budget system. If you don't have his name by now, here's another clue. During his presidency, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated. Who was he? Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States. His life is part of your American heritage. And now, with our star, John Lund, we bring you the second act of yours truly. Johnny Dollar. The tall, thin man in the white suit who called himself Baker, came down the ladder into the cabin. He flipped on the lights again and stood facing me, a half smile twisted on his lips. We said nothing. After a moment, another man appeared at the hatch and called down to the white suit. He's dead. What'll I do with him? Throw him in the ocean? Actually, I had no desire to kill Mr. Geller. But you forced yourself. Petty offered his cooperation. He would be alive this minute. He's in the water. But those shots are sure to bring somebody. And we must expedite matters as quickly as possible. Mr. Dollar, where is the toolkit? The tool kit? Oh, come, Mr. Dollar. The shooting has forced me to a tight schedule. I want to know what Geller did with the tool. Look, I don't know what you're talking about. Hank. Yes, sir. Now, wait a minute. As you can see, Mr. Dollar, I mean to have the information one way or another. Look, one moment, Hank. Mr. Dollar. I was prepared to offer the late Mr. Geller $5,000 for the tool kit. I'll make you the same offer. It's a good offer, but how can I give you something I don't know anything about? 10,000. I don't know anything about a toolkit. You've been with Mr. Gillar? Sure. I can't believe you were discussing the weather. Hardly. I'm an insurance investigator. I'm investigating Frank Meadows murder. Can you prove it? Certainly. I. Oh, nothing wrong. My wallet is in Geller's pocket. An up lying. I think Geller sent for you and told you where he hid the toolkit. Not. I found Geller hiding on the boat. He pulled a gun on Me and I. Time is too short, Hank. Look, I'm telling you to. Where is it? I don't know. The toolkit, Mr. Dollar. I don't know anything about it. Baker's handyman beat me until I was asleep, trying to make me give up the information. Geller had passed on a few minutes before he was killed. I don't know how long I was out. When I came to, I could hear breakers. I was lying on the beach, looking up at the big moon and feeling my head throb as though it was stuck on the end of a drumstick. I managed to sit up and look around. I had no idea where I was, but a long groove in the sun that stretched away from me showed clearly that I'd been dragged from the street several hundred feet behind me. I stumbled to my feet, and that's when I saw her. Walking along by the water, headed my way. Her soft blonde hair blowing in the casual breeze. She was barefoot and wearing white shorts and a terry cloth shirt. I guess it was a little cool for the black bathing suit. She stopped when she saw me. Oh. Good evening. Hello, Mr. Tower. You're bleeding. Yeah. Yeah, it happens sometimes. What are you doing out here? I'm waking up. What are you doing? I was just taking a walk. But, you know, your face, it's all bruised. How far is your house? Down the beach, about a mile. You think you could scare up some iodine? Yes. Come on. Oh. Still a little dizzy. Here, put your arm around me. Better? Much. I leaned on Mrs. Meadows while she steered me toward her house. Her hair smelled clean and fresh with just a touch of perfume in the house. She found the iodine and touched up the sore spot. This will hurt. Oh, sorry. All right, I'll make it. What in the world happened? You know a man named Baker? Baker? Well, no. Runs around with a handyman named Hank? No, never heard of him. I found Dave Geller tonight. Where? On the J Bell. On the J Bell? Why would he go there? Best place to hide. Last place the police would look. Did he do this to you? Oh, no. Hank did. With Baker's blessings. But why? Well, I don't know. I'm not sure. When I found Geller, he was hiding on the J Bell. He pulled a gun on me, and Baker and Hank showed up and it turned into a shooting match. Do you know anything about some kind of a tool kit? Tool kit? I know it sounds silly, but Geller got killed for it. I nearly took the same trip because of a tool kid. I don't see what before Geller got killed. He told me to go to Bernie's Garage. That was on Maple Street. He told me to tell Bernie that he sent me and to ask for the toolkit. I still don't understand what's so important about a toolkit. I don't know, but something is. Your husband was probably killed for the same reason. What are you going to do? Go over to Bernie's Garage and take a look at this tool kit. Do me a favor, Suit me. Call Lieutenant Solomon and tell him where I've gone. Tell him to meet me there. All right. Oh, I haven't got a car still down at the landing. Use mine. I'll get you the key. Thanks. I drove her car over to the garage on Maple street, parked it and got out. The garage was open and the sign over the door read 24 hour service. I went in and found a mechanic stretched out on a bench, sound asleep. Hey. Hey, come on. Come on, wake up. Okay, okay, I'm up. No, I'm awake. Yes, I'm really knocking it off. Where can I find burning. You just woke him up. Dave Geller sent me over, that's all. Yeah, he said to pick up the toolkit. He did, eh? Yeah, he did. Now, where's the tool kit? How do I know who Dave sent you? Because I said he did. Something so important about a tool kit? Heck, no. But when Dave left it here, you said, be sure and don't give it to no one except him. I can't just hand it over to you car. Just tell me Dave sent you. You better have Dave call me. He'd have a hard time talking with his mouth full of water. What, you mean he was killed and dumped in the bay. Now, Lieutenant Solomon will be here in a few minutes, so wheel out that tool kit. Dave was killed. That's right. First Frank and Dave. The tool kit, huh? Well, what's the matter? You a cop? No, I'm not a cop. I'm sorry. I'm an insurance investigator. I'm investigating two murders. Frank Meadows and Dave Geller. Insurance investigator. That's kind of like a cop, ain't it? Everything but the feet. Got any identification? Now, look, are you going to get that tool, kid, or do I have. Okay, okay. No, no, don't. Don't have to keep up. I. I'll get it. Looks like somebody got kind of up with you. Yeah, kind of. I got it sold in the parts department. How come you're so interested in a bunch of tools? Have you seen them? No. Boxes locked tight. There it is. It's plain old tool. Kids. Yeah. You got something? I can bust this lock. Crowbar coming. Well, maybe we better wait for Lieutenant Solomon. If you ain't got a key, I. Get me that crowbar. Okay, okay. It's against my principles. If Dave wanted you to pick up the kid, he should have called. He's dead, remember? Oh, yes. Do you know who killed him? Man named Baker. Here's your bar. Thanks. Baker. Baker. Never heard of. I listened to lid and looked in. I couldn't have been more surprised because there in the box was exactly what I didn't expect to find. Tools. About 50 of them, all sizes, brand new. All the tools were painted black. But on the handle of a large wrench there was a small space that had been scraped down to the metal. I picked the wrench up and looked at it most closely. Took out a pocket knife and scraped some shavings from the metal. I stood up and held the shavings under the lights. And then I understood a whole lot of things. The shavings were solid platinum. Hey, mister, you got businesses. We meet again, Mr. Dollar. It was Barton W. Baker, complete with white suit, gun and bodyguard. He looked at the platinum wrench I held in my hand, smiled and moved slowly across the room. Guard me. I. I couldn't help it, miss you. They held a gun on me and made me take him back here. Take the old man out from the garage, Hank, and guard him until I'm finished with Mr. Dollar. Yes, sir. Furnish, Mr. Er. Old man. Well, Mr. Dollar, you were lying to us. I thought so. That's why you let me live? So I'd lead you here. Precisely. The tools are platinum. A thought. But you knew that. Geller just told me where to find them. I had no idea what they were. Well, I'm afraid your curiosity will be short lived. I kind of thought that was the way it was. You killed Frank Meadows because he discovered the secret of the tool? Yes. If he had simply picked me up and landed me as he was paid to do. I take it you're an alien, Mr. Baker? Correct. Would I know your government, Mr. Baker, unless you happen to be deaf, dumb and blind. Now, if you'll just proceed with me back to the garage. One more question. Yes? How did Dave Geller get hold of the kit? He and Meadows were offered a large sum of money for picking me up on the other side of the border. Aboard the boat, Geller grew suspicious of the kit, and knowing that I could not possibly notify the authorities of its theft, he forced me at gunpoint. To go ashore and leave the kit with him. Fortunately, I got to a phone and notified our operatives in Los Angeles. They missed the boat when it ducked and killed medals. But Geller escaped. Correct. Now, Mr. Dollar, I'm in a great hurry. Well, I missed another shooting, but so did Baker, for that matter. When Hank yelled, Baker turned just enough to give me a chance to swing the heavy platinum wrench. What's it all about, Dower? I thought you'd Never get here, Lieutenant. Mrs. Meadows called and had to get right over. You know something? I think you owe her an apology. Okay, so she'll get an apology after you tell me who the guy on the floor is and who the guy was I had to kill in the garage. Here, have a platinum wrench. A What? Yeah. Yeah. Mr. Baker is going to have one very expensive headache. On the way over to my motel, I explained the events to Solomon, who did a little mumbling and shaking himself. Then, after a fresh shower and a change of clothes, I went over to Mrs. Meadows and expressed my most heartfelt thanks. Expense account item three, $176.85. Motel bill and exposure expenses for the next two days while I hung around Newport, resting up. I saw Mrs. Meadows a few times before I left, but some reason, I didn't get much of a tan. Expense account items 5 and 6, $225. Car rental, plane fare and incidentals back to Hartford. Expense account total $604.15. Oh, yes, Barton Baker comes up to trial on illegal entry, smuggling and three counts of espionage. I hope he enjoys his stay in the usa. Yours truly, Johnny Dallas. Whatever team Phi is on has a chance to win a championship. I'm Kristina Williams, host of the podcast in case you missed it with Christina Williams. The WNBA playoffs are here, and I've got the inside scoop on everything from key matchups and standout players to the behind the scenes moments you won't find anywhere else. It's really, really hard to be the champions. But we have to remember how it feels and embrace the new challenge that we have. So listen to In Case youe Missed it with Christina Williams, an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and entertainment on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. From the Cascades to PDX to your kitchen, we recycle like we live here. That's why governments, brands and recycling companies are all joining together to bring change to make recycling better. As in trusting that your recyclables end up in the right places. To be made into new things and having brands help fund the cost of recycling. You can find the Latest updates at recycleon.org Oregon From Mount Hood to the bin under your desk, together we can do this.