THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER and THE LONESOME LADY CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATOR JEFF REGAN

Summary

1001 Radio Crime Solvers: "The Prodigal Daughter and The Lonesome Lady"

Podcast Information:

• Title: 1001 Radio Crime Solvers
• Host: Jon Hagadorn
• Episode: The Prodigal Daughter and The Lonesome Lady - Confidential Investigator Jeff Regan
• Release Date: July 20, 2025

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Introduction to the Case

In this captivating episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, listeners are introduced to Jeff Regan, a seasoned private investigator operating under the auspices of the International Detective Bureau, led by the enigmatic Anthony J. Lyon. The story unfolds with Jeff being approached by Mr. Daniel Carter, a distressed father desperate to locate his missing daughter, Patrice Carter.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Regan (01:26): "Here's the kind of adventure you've been waiting to hear. Hard-boiled action and mystery with radio's most exciting private detective, Jeff Regan."

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Case Assignment: The Missing Daughter

Jeff Regan meets with Mr. Carter, who explains the dire situation. Patrice vanished five years ago following her mother's death, a period during which Mr. Carter admits his inability to be a supportive father. Desperate for her return, he offers a substantial $2,000 fee for her safe return.

Notable Quotes:

Mr. Daniel Carter (03:40): "I've never heard from her, Mr. Regan, since she left. I don't know where she is, but I... I want her back."

Jeff Regan (04:03): "Two thousand bucks. That figures."

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Journey to New Orleans

Equipped with clues pointing to New Orleans—including a presumed boyfriend—Jeff travels to the Roosevelt Hotel, a known hub for various encounters. Upon arrival, he senses something amiss when he meets a suspicious man pretending to be part of the Delta Cotton Growers convention.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Regan (06:08): "He was talking real sincere and bent over to make a gesture. Well, well, well."

---

Unraveling the Mystery: The Deception Revealed

Jeff's investigation takes a dark turn when he discovers what appears to be Patrice Carter's lifeless body. However, a conversation with Patrice's roommate, Janice King, reveals unsettling truths. Janice hints that the real Patrice has met an untimely death due to leukemia and suggests that the person buried as Patrice is an imposter, hinting at a fraudulent scheme to collect on Patrice's trust fund.

Notable Quotes:

Janice King (09:53): "She's where he can't bother her anymore. She's where he can't ever see her. Tell him that when you go back."

Jeff Regan (09:24): "Patrice Carter wasn't the type to do a striptease for a living."

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Confrontation and Realization

As Jeff delves deeper, he confronts the implications of Janice's revelations. It becomes evident that Mr. Lyon orchestrated the entire scenario to manipulate both Jeff and Mr. Carter for personal gain. The revelation that the deceased was not Patrice but another individual, Janice King, unravels the deceit aimed at exploiting the trust fund meant for Patrice.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Regan (22:04): "Don't believe what people say. Don't believe what death certificates say."

Jeff Regan (27:19): "You fell for the whole thing."

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The Final Showdown

Determined to expose the fraud, Jeff confronts Melody—who has been masquerading as Patrice—to confront the truth. In a tense exchange, Melody reveals her true identity and the extent of the deception, revealing that she manipulated Jeff to secure the financial benefits intended for Patrice.

Notable Quotes:

Melody (57:06): "I'll do anything. You can let me go. You can. You can. You will."

Jeff Regan (58:14): "She'll get about 10 years, I guess."

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Resolution: Justice Served

In the climactic conclusion, Jeff exposes the fraudulent scheme, leading to legal repercussions for those involved. The episode underscores themes of trust, deception, and the lengths individuals will go to for financial gain. Jeff reflects on his role and the morally gray areas of his profession, leaving listeners contemplating the complexities of justice and personal motives.

Notable Quote:

Jeff Regan (28:38): "He doesn't care whether it's homicide or arson or a lost daughter or just people getting kicked around. He makes money on it. I help him."

Jeff Regan (58:17): "If Mr. Lyon hadn't had that contract with AIC, would you have turned her in?"

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Characters and Cast

• Jack Webb as Jeff Regan, Investigator
• Wilms Herbert as Anthony J. Lyon
• Lorette Philbrandt as Melody
• Betty Lou Gerson as Red
• Lou Krugman as Conover
• Theodore von Eltz as Mr. Daniel Carter
• Eve McVeigh as Patrice Carter
• Harry Lang as [Character not specified in transcript]

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Conclusion

"The Prodigal Daughter and The Lonesome Lady" serves as a compelling narrative that immerses listeners in the gritty world of private investigation. Through Jeff Regan's journey, the episode highlights the intricate interplay between truth and deception, ultimately delivering a satisfying resolution that reinforces the enduring allure of classic detective storytelling.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductory, and concluding remarks to focus solely on the narrative and character developments within the episode.

Transcript

[Jeff Regan]

Hey, prime members, are you tired of ads interfering with your favorite podcasts? Good news.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

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[Jeff Regan]

The largest catalog of ad free top podcasts included with your prime membership. To start listening, download the Amazon Music app for free or go to Amazon.com ADFreePodcasts that's Amazon.com ADFreeP Podcasts to catch up on the latest episodes without the ads. This is one of the most spectacular venues with all kinds of character and hospitality scenery. These people in this kitty Task valley, they love when you come to see what they have to offer.

[JJ Harrison]

I'm JJ Harrison, Ellensburg rodeo clown, and I want to invite you to the rodeo. Come hang out with us in Ellensburg. Great rodeo, great time. Two performances on Saturday. One is the Extreme Bulls of the Year event. Do not miss The Ellensburg Rodeo, August 29th through September 1st. We'll see you there.

[Jeff Regan]

My name's Jeff Regan. I'm the Lion's eye, his private eye. I work for Anthony J. Lyon, head of the International Detective Bureau. He doesn't care where the money comes from just so long as it comes to him. He cashes in on trouble and for him, it pays off. For me, it's work.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

Here's the kind of adventure you've been waiting to hear. Hard boiled action and mystery with radio's most exciting private detective, Jeff Regan. So stand by for trouble and suspense in tonight's story of the prodigal daughter. And now here's Jack Webb as Jeff. Reg.

[Jeff Regan]

This is the way it started. Melody was sitting in the outer office wearing her horn rimmed glasses. That told me that the client was in with a lion. I smiled at her and she blinked back, rolled her eyes toward the lion's den.

[Melody]

He's polite today.

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, I know. On the phone I was. Jeffrey, no. Yeah.

[Melody]

Why do you stand for it?

[Jeff Regan]

I wish I knew. Melody, buzz me in, will you?

[JJ Harrison]

Yes. Melody.

[Melody]

Mr. Regan.

[JJ Harrison]

Dear.

[Melody]

Now, Mr. Lyon.

[JJ Harrison]

Oh, well, send him in, send him in. We're waiting.

[Jeff Regan]

Good luck. Thanks.

[JJ Harrison]

Ah. Jeffrey. Jeffrey, my boy, my boy. Come in, come in. There's someone here I want you to meet. Now then, Jeffrey. Mr. Carter, this is Mr. Jeffrey Regan, one of my very best men. Jeffrey, this is Mr. Daniel Carter.

[Jeff Regan]

How do you do?

[JJ Harrison]

How do you do, Mr. Regan? Mr. Lyon has assured me that you're a discreet young man. Well, I owe you a soul of discreetness, Mr. Carter. International Detective Bureau is ethically bound to employ sympathetic, understanding personnel as well as alert, productive operators. I hope that's true, Mr. Lyon. In my publishing business, I never had the occasion to settle my trust on any one person. Very delicate situation, Jeffrey. Yeah, go ahead, Mr. Carter. Everything said in this room is in the strictest confidence. Well, I want you to know that it wasn't easy for me to come here. It's. It's admitting defeat. In a way. Patrice is my daughter. Five years ago, she walked out. Oh, I. I can understand, in a way. When her mother died, I started sending her away to schools. I. I was no companion for her.

[Jeff Regan]

Have you heard from her at all? Do you know where she is?

[JJ Harrison]

I've never heard from her, Mr. Regan, since she left. I don't know where she is, but I. I want her back.

[Jeff Regan]

Mr. Regan, I can see how you feel.

[JJ Harrison]

International is in business to make people happy. Now, I've offered Mr. Lyon a two thousand dollar fee if he can find my daughter.

[Jeff Regan]

Two thousand bucks. That figures.

[JJ Harrison]

Now you can trust International to find your daughter and bring her back. Well, then I. I guess that's all, Mr. Regan. I. I'll go now. You'll let me know as soon as you find anything? Of course. Of course. Then good day, gentlemen. Trust International, Mr. Carter. Good day. Here's your ticket. You leave on the Sunset Limited at 1.45 today.

[Jeff Regan]

I do.

[JJ Harrison]

You're going to New Orleans to pick up that dame and bring her back. She was 19 when she left home. And any dame who's 19 has a boyfriend next door. I found out that much in two phone calls. The boyfriend hasn't heard from her in over a year. But that means she's got another boyfriend down there. Here's the New Orleans address.

[Jeff Regan]

You knew all this?

[JJ Harrison]

Here's a picture of him. She's just been staying away from the old man. This is going to be a nice piece of change. Two grand for bringing her back. Posh expenses.

[Jeff Regan]

How do you know she'll come back with me? She walked out all alone. That means she wants to be all alone.

[JJ Harrison]

Maybe we could make another thousand. If some nosy newspaper guy just happens to get tipped and wants money to keep quiet.

[Jeff Regan]

You're crawling with ethics, aren't you, Melody?

[JJ Harrison]

I'll give you some travelers, chicks.

[Jeff Regan]

Sympathetic, understanding.

[JJ Harrison]

Better pack some things before you miss your trade.

[Jeff Regan]

Just in business to make people happy.

[JJ Harrison]

I want to be happy, too. Beat it. Call me if you run into any trouble.

[Jeff Regan]

Good to see you.

[JJ Harrison]

Listen, them cotton boys are here.

[Melody]

The most delicious oysters. And the kitchen had to go racing.

[Jeff Regan]

Two days later in New Orleans at the Roosevelt Hotel, home of the original Ramos gin fizz. I figured it'd take a lot of fizz to pull away that southern heat. But everybody in the lobby seemed cool enough in linens, tropicals and seersuckers except me and a big perspiring man leaning against the CNS ticket counter. He smiled when he saw me and came across the lobby holding out his hand. Well, well, well.

[JJ Harrison]

I'm certainly glad to see you. We thought you'd never get here. Nice trip?

[Jeff Regan]

Was all right.

[JJ Harrison]

See, the rest of the boys are headquartered in 8 10. They're mighty anxious to meet you.

[Jeff Regan]

They are?

[JJ Harrison]

Mighty anxious. The Delta cotton growers are going to make it or break it at this convention. Now I want him.

[Jeff Regan]

He was talking real sincere and bent over to make a gesture. The accent was phony, but the bulge inside his double breasted gabardine coat was real enough. It was a.38 automatic.

[JJ Harrison]

I say I'll take you up right now.

[Jeff Regan]

Why don't I meet you up there later, huh?

[JJ Harrison]

Well, all right, if you'd rather. That's room 8 10. I'll go out and get a bite and eat you.

[Jeff Regan]

You do that. About an hour. Clerk.

[JJ Harrison]

Yes, Mr. Regan?

[Jeff Regan]

How long have the Delta Cotton growers been in town?

[JJ Harrison]

The Delta Cotton Growers had their convention last May.

[Jeff Regan]

Last May? Yes. Who's registered in room 810?

[JJ Harrison]

Well, we have no 8 10, Mr. Regan.

[Jeff Regan]

That's what I thought. Thanks. What do you do with a big man, a phony accent? 38 automatic and no Delta Cotton Growers convention. You tell me. Two hours later, in a fresh shirt and a wrinkled suit, I was still working on that one as I climbed the stairs to the Ursuline street address where Patrice Carter lived. It was one of those dirty, unpainted apartment houses in the French Quarter full of heat and low watt light bulbs. The girl who opened the door was tall, black haired, wore a black dress. The picture lion had given me of Patrice Carter was a blonde.

[Melody]

Yes?

[Jeff Regan]

My name's Regan. I wonder if I could see Patrice Carter.

[Melody]

Patrice. You're a friend of hers.

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah. I'm from Los Angeles.

[Melody]

How do you do, Mr. Regan? I'm Janice King, Patrice's roommate. Please come in.

[Jeff Regan]

All right.

[Melody]

Right this way.

[Jeff Regan]

Maybe it was because the two big rooms I followed her through were dimly lit. Or maybe it was the sweet, sick smell of flowers, I don't know. But perspiration began to trickle down my back and I braced myself when Janice King opened another door.

[Melody]

Here you are, Mr. Regan.

[Jeff Regan]

She was young, lovely and blonde, with a burning candle at her head and feet. Lying in state, very dead. Patrice Carter. I just stood There in that dark room, and I looked down at her. I think there were other people in the room feeling the same as me and thinking same thoughts. I must have stayed that way for five minutes. And then I felt Janice King touch my arm.

[Melody]

Did you know Patrice very long?

[Jeff Regan]

No, I didn't.

[Melody]

She asked to have it this way. I know how you must feel being a friend, Mr. Regan.

[Jeff Regan]

Look, Ms. King, I didn't know her at all. And I didn't know that she was passed away. I'm a private investigator. I was hired by Daniel Carter to locate his daughter.

[Melody]

Daniel Carter?

[Jeff Regan]

You knew that she had a father?

[Melody]

Yes, Mr. Regan, I knew. She told me about him. She told me everything. Oh, you aren't the first one who's been here looking for her. There have been others. Detectives and lawyers trying to get her to go back.

[Jeff Regan]

Carter knew she was here.

[Melody]

If he'd loved her for just one unselfish moment, she'd never have left him. Well, Mr. Regan, she's where he can't bother her anymore. She's where he can't ever see her. Tell him that when you go back. Tell him she's going to be buried tomorrow. Tell him he can stop hiring lawyers and detectives to find her. Why don't you take him a copy of her death certificate? That ought to satisfy him.

[JJ Harrison]

Now get out. Get out.

[Jeff Regan]

Well, the whole thing had looked too easy right from the beginning. I took her advice and I went down to the morgue to get the dope on Patrice Carter's death. There was one white coat there, a little man with a bald head who introduced himself as Oliver Figg.

[JJ Harrison]

So you're from Los Angeles. So how are things in Los Angeles? What'd you say your name with Regan?

[Jeff Regan]

International Detective Bureau. Came here to locate a girl named Patrice Carter. I just came from her apartment.

[JJ Harrison]

Mm. And she's dead.

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, I know.

[JJ Harrison]

How might I wiggle herself to death? Did a dandy strip number at Joe Glorioso's joint.

[Jeff Regan]

Stripper?

[JJ Harrison]

Yeah. You got him in Los Angeles. Ain't you seen that Carter dame? Lots of times. Great.

[Jeff Regan]

Well, I thought maybe you could give me a copy of the death certificate. I gotta take something back with me.

[JJ Harrison]

Sure. Sure. Glad the door. She was a real girl. Shame. Dirty shame. So, how's things in Los Angeles? Let's see. Blankie. No, not the same guy. Blackley. Blacker. Homicide. They fished him out of the river. Mississippi mud. Get it?

[Jeff Regan]

Got it.

[JJ Harrison]

Yeah. How those things in Los Angeles. Here you are. Carter. Patrice Carter. 7:31 Ursuline. Mm. Coroner's report refer to Dr. Emmett Swazi? Yeah, same. Died three days ago of leukemia.

[Jeff Regan]

Let me see that.

[JJ Harrison]

Sure.

[Jeff Regan]

Leukemia. Then she knew.

[Melody]

Sure.

[JJ Harrison]

You get tipped plenty in advance on leukemia. Any doctor will tell you almost to the day.

[Jeff Regan]

Nothing else mean?

[JJ Harrison]

Was there something fishy about it? Nah, old culture. So how's things in Los Angeles?

[Jeff Regan]

Any relatives?

[JJ Harrison]

None listed.

[Jeff Regan]

Well, that's it, I guess. Can I have a copy?

[JJ Harrison]

Sure, sure. Take that. We got funny more. Lots of people want death certificates for legal reasons. I once knew a guy who saved them like cigar bands or stamps. One whole wall of his bedroom papered with nothing but death certificates. Imagine all homicide. So how's things in Los Angeles?

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, this is fine, Oliver.

[JJ Harrison]

See you around. Glad to hear things are better in Los Angeles.

[Jeff Regan]

Well, there wasn't anything more to do after that but go back to the hotel and try to get a reservation out of town. When I asked for my key, the clerk passed me three printed messages telling me that a Mr. Lyon of Los Angeles had been calling. When I got to my room, he called again.

[JJ Harrison]

Regan, is that you? Where you been?

[Jeff Regan]

Keep your shirt on.

[JJ Harrison]

Come on, tell me, did you see her?

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, I saw her.

[JJ Harrison]

What'd she say? She gonna play ball? How soon are you coming back?

[Jeff Regan]

She didn't say anything. And we aren't coming back.

[JJ Harrison]

What do you mean?

[Jeff Regan]

She's dead.

[JJ Harrison]

What?

[Jeff Regan]

D E A D? Dead?

[JJ Harrison]

She can't do that.

[Jeff Regan]

It happened three days ago. Leukemia.

[JJ Harrison]

Now wait a minute. Old man Carter's paying us $2,000 to bring her back.

[Jeff Regan]

They're gonna bury her tomorrow morning and they don't want any interference. She was laid out. Her roommate laced me up and down for working for the old man. Name of Janice King. Good looking brunette.

[JJ Harrison]

I told Carter we'd bring back his daughter and we will. There's 2,000 bucks in this, and you know how I feel about money.

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, I know.

[JJ Harrison]

So get busy.

[Jeff Regan]

Now look, I've done a lot of dirty, rotten things for you. But he's an old man and he's sick and I'm.

[JJ Harrison]

And he doesn't wear dark glasses because it's a sunny day. He's almost blind. Now go on over and get that roommate and bring her back. He'd never know the difference.

[Jeff Regan]

I won't do it.

[JJ Harrison]

Offer her 500 bucks to come here and pose as Patrice Carter for a week and she could take a powder. I won't do it. I'm calling Carter first thing in the morning and telling him you found his daughter and that you're on your way Back to Los Angeles. I won't.

[Jeff Regan]

Do it.

[Melody]

French Quarter sure is something. Say, why don't that piano player play?

[JJ Harrison]

Honey, let me take you away from all this. Come on, let's not argue anymore.

[Jeff Regan]

It was in the French Quarter. They served a thing called a Sazerac and promised a very good floor show at 1 o'. Clock. I sat there watching the piano player and feeling kind of sorry for myself. I figured I had more trouble than anybody else, so I had three for Regan. It was about then a tall redhead with a long cigarette holder eased off her stool at the other end of the bar, patted a bald headed guy on the head and came over my way. She gave me time enough to get a whiff of her perfume and then leaned into me.

[Melody]

Danger.

[Jeff Regan]

Mm.

[Melody]

Me too. I'm the new headliner. I'm gonna dance pretty soon. You ain't antisocial, are you, mister?

[Jeff Regan]

No, Red. I'm just lonesome for home.

[Melody]

Where's that?

[Jeff Regan]

Los Angeles.

[Melody]

Hey, that's a good town.

[Jeff Regan]

And what are you doing here?

[Melody]

Work. I'm the new stripper.

[Jeff Regan]

Oh, yeah, you told me.

[Melody]

That's a tough racket. Pick him up and put him down. Put him on, take him off. 10 years now.

[Jeff Regan]

How about drink?

[Melody]

Nah, never when I'm working. Later, maybe.

[Jeff Regan]

Maybe.

[Melody]

Are you sure you ain't antisocial? I look all right, Don't. I mean I ain't slipping.

[Jeff Regan]

Give me no hard feelings, Red. I just want to see your face.

[Melody]

You crazy or something?

[Jeff Regan]

Come on. Stand still now in the light.

[Melody]

What's the matter? Something wrong with me?

[Jeff Regan]

Well, not a thing. Not a thing, baby. You're just fine. How long did you say you've been dancing?

[Melody]

I've been dancing 10 years.

[Jeff Regan]

Let go. Hold still. That makeup, you wear it all the time.

[Melody]

I have to in my business. You had me scared there for a minute. You oughtn't to grab hold of a girl like that.

[Jeff Regan]

Red, you mind if I ask you a personal question?

[Melody]

Well, now, wait a minute. I just met you.

[Jeff Regan]

No, it's about your face.

[Melody]

What's the matter with my face?

[Jeff Regan]

It's beautiful.

[Melody]

Oh, I see a girl.

[Jeff Regan]

That grease paint and makeup. Using it heavy like that for a long time, it's hard to get off, huh?

[Melody]

Oh, can't ever get all of it off. When you've been in the business as long as I have, always gonna have some of it on.

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, that's what I thought.

[Melody]

Is that what you wanted to ask me?

[Jeff Regan]

That's it.

[Melody]

Well, you can get more personal than that. You're a Little screwy, but I like you.

[Jeff Regan]

Not like you, Rhett. Thanks.

[Melody]

Hey, where you going? What about the drink? After my number.

[Jeff Regan]

Rain check. Me Red. I got things to. I had to go back to Janice King's apartment. It was a sticky, sick kind of New Orleans night. From one lighted street, I turned off on Ursuline, a darker, dirtier street. I stopped right in the middle of the block. All kinds of people have followed me at one time or another. And I followed all kinds of people. But this had a professional feel to it. Stood there listening, remembering my automatic and my suitcase back at the hotel. It only took him a second. He was a professional, all right. All I could see was well pressed, gabbarding, two arms and a hand painted tie. The next thing was a gun butt carefully wrapped in a white linen handkerchief, settled slowly against the side of my head. One of the well pressed arms reached over and held me under the shoulders. I yelled at the top of my lungs, but there wasn't any noise. Regan of International was out, as cold as a can of fear.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

We'll return to Jeff Regan, investigator, in just a moment. An easy way to save for future security is by a payroll deduction for savings bonds. Or if you're not paid on a salary basis, you can purchase savings bonds at your nearest post office, bank or Savings and Loan association office. Now is the time to ask your employer to start deducting for savings bonds or to buy a bond on your own. If no other plan is feasible, your bank will deduct enough each month from your savings or checking account to buy a savings bond for money. In the future, buy United States savings bonds. You'll be glad you did. And now back to the story of the prodigal daughter and Jeff Regan, investigator.

[Melody]

Honey, I declare, you amazed me when you look at that. Oh, isn't that awful? Him all dressed up.

[JJ Harrison]

John, we won't pay any attention to him, honey.

[Jeff Regan]

The next thing I knew, a man in a straw hat and a polo shirt was kneeling down beside me, carefully smelling my breath.

[JJ Harrison]

Easy. Easy now, buddy, easy. You've been making whoopee. Yep. That Sazrak will do it every time. You know, you folks visiting down here ought to be more careful. Get your suit all dirty.

[Jeff Regan]

It hit me on the side of the head. Mm.

[JJ Harrison]

Sometimes the side of the head, sometimes the back. No difference at all. Always wind up in same place. On the street somewhere. Had enough for the night?

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, plenty.

[JJ Harrison]

Mm. I'll take you to your hotel, huh? That's my cab. I nearly ran over you your first trip yeah, well, you know better next time. Easy now.

[Jeff Regan]

Did you see my friend? Big man, Gabardine suit.

[JJ Harrison]

See? Nobody want to look for him.

[Jeff Regan]

Later.

[JJ Harrison]

See? What you hunting for?

[Jeff Regan]

My wallet.

[JJ Harrison]

Somebody take you?

[Jeff Regan]

No, nothing's missing. Everything's right here. Mm.

[JJ Harrison]

Honest town.

[Jeff Regan]

Oh, yeah, you're so right.

[JJ Harrison]

Well, you feel better when you get back to your place?

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, sure, sure. It wasn't quite right. I didn't feel better until the next morning when I got a telegram and read. Found out Carter's broke. Come back. Forget the whole thing. Lion. And that was the first good news I'd had in three days.

[Melody]

Oh, it's you. What are you doing here? She's buried. Gone.

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, I know. I came back to see you.

[Melody]

Wait a minute. You can't come in here.

[Jeff Regan]

I just did.

[Melody]

What do you want now?

[Jeff Regan]

You.

[JJ Harrison]

Yes, you.

[Jeff Regan]

I was hired to come to New Orleans and bring Patrice Carter back to Los Angeles.

[Melody]

She's dead and buried, and you know it.

[Jeff Regan]

That's what you say. That's what a death certificate says. There's only one thing I learned lately. Don't believe what people say. Don't believe what death certificates say.

[Melody]

I don't know what you're trying to do, but.

[Jeff Regan]

Ah, stop it, will ya? I know you're Patrice Carter. And I know the girl who was buried yesterday was the real Janice King. And I know somebody's trying to make a monkey out of you and a monkey out of me. Now, listen to me. If. If I have to, I can have that body exhumed. I can go into fingerprints and birthmarks. You and a lot of things, but I don't think I'll have to. You see, Patrice Carter wasn't the type to do a striptease for a living.

[Melody]

You're just trying to make something out of nothing. I'll call the police and have them arrested.

[Jeff Regan]

Last night I ran into the redhead who took her place. She told me what a tough life it is. 10 years of wearing grease paint can be kind of rough on your skin. The dead girl I saw had those kind of marks. The girl I'm looking for couldn't have been in the business that long.

[Melody]

Why don't you leave me alone, Aya?

[Jeff Regan]

I don't know who talked you into a thing like this, but it's all wrong. He's an old man now. He's broke and lonely, and he wants to see you. I don't know what your differences are, but I want to take you back. What do you say?

[Melody]

He was so off. He hated. I know he did I never want to see him again.

[JJ Harrison]

What's he been telling you, honey?

[Jeff Regan]

Tim.

[Melody]

Oh, Tim, he knows everything.

[JJ Harrison]

He doesn't know anything.

[Jeff Regan]

They'll never know anything. Miss. Your boyfriend? He had a phony accent when he tried to shake me down in the hotel lobby.

[JJ Harrison]

Get out of here, Regan.

[Jeff Regan]

I played ball and you had to quit trying. It all fits now. This guy's been holding your hand for the last year. He's been real sympathetic at me.

[JJ Harrison]

Get out before I throw you out.

[Jeff Regan]

He told you how to trade names with that poor kid who was dying of leukemia. He told you to send me to that morgue for a death certificate. And he dropped me in the gutter last night to make sure I had it. You know, why don't I send us.

[JJ Harrison]

Carrots to babies off Is not.

[Jeff Regan]

He's a private detective from Los Angeles who's been getting paid to make love to you.

[Melody]

No.

[JJ Harrison]

No reason. I told you to shut up.

[Jeff Regan]

Oh, he was good at the side street work, but this was an apartment and he didn't have enough room to move fast. I let him have the top of my head under his chin for a starter, and then I took a lot of feet in my face. But when he started across the carpet pulling for that. 38, I saw my chance. She stood there and watched him go down.

[Melody]

It's not true. It's not true.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

You.

[Melody]

You're just here to make more trouble for me. You're just here to make.

[Jeff Regan]

Am I? I thought I recognized the touch. Here. Here's his wallet. Look for yourself. Here, catch. Timothy Conover, Private Investigations. Well, come on, kid. I'll take you back home.

[Melody]

You're back. How was New Orleans?

[JJ Harrison]

I would.

[Melody]

Oh, I didn't know you had someone with you.

[Jeff Regan]

I'll see you later, Melody. The lion in?

[Melody]

Oh, yes, but I wouldn't go in. He's in a bad mood.

[JJ Harrison]

Uh huh.

[Jeff Regan]

What else? Come on, Pat. Regan.

[JJ Harrison]

So you finally got back, did you? I suppose you run an expense account? That'd choke a horse, let me tell you that. It's all coming out of your salary. We didn't make a nickel on that Carter thing. And who's this?

[Jeff Regan]

Patrice Carter.

[Melody]

How do you do, Mr. Lyon?

[JJ Harrison]

I thought I told you to leave her down there because that old schmo was giving us the run around and hasn't got a nickel to his name. Besides, she's dead. Yes, she's dead.

[Jeff Regan]

That's right. Here's a death certificate to prove it. Now listen to me before you blow the rest of your cylinders. I went To a lot of trouble to bring this girl here.

[JJ Harrison]

Well, you can send her back where she came from, and I'll take her.

[Melody]

Fare out of your salary on the plane coming back. Mr. Reed explained a great many things to me about myself and about you, Mr. Lyon.

[JJ Harrison]

Well, I wish you'd explain something to me.

[Melody]

When I was a baby, my father placed a trust in a large holding company under my name. $50,000. And I can claim it anytime after my 21st birthday.

[JJ Harrison]

Yeah. How old are you now?

[Melody]

Old enough, Mr. Regan. Found out that much, I made a.

[Jeff Regan]

Phone call to Dun and Bradstreet. Know a lot of things.

[JJ Harrison]

Go on, go on.

[Melody]

Nothing more, Mr. Lyon. Except I claimed that trust today. And I'll be glad to pay you the $2,000 fee that my father promised you.

[Jeff Regan]

Well.

[JJ Harrison]

Well, now, that's very generous of you, Ms. Carter. International Detective Bureau is proud to have had a small part in bringing you and your estranged father together.

[Melody]

I'm not going Back to him, Mr. Lyon. I don't want to see him.

[JJ Harrison]

Now, now, my dear, you're upset.

[Jeff Regan]

Leave her alone, Lion. Now, look, I tussled with a private detective named Conover down in New Orleans. He'd been hired by old man Carter to convince Pat that she should switch names with a burlesque girl who was dying of leukemia. Conover does a good job. When the girl dies, Conover wires Carter, Carter comes to you, you call me in and hustle me off to New Orleans, where, according to a perfect setup, I find a phony Patrice Carter dead. I bring back a death certificate, which you turn over to Carter. And then he walks right down and collects that trust fund, which reverts to the original maker only on death.

[JJ Harrison]

And him with that story about being old and lonely and wanting only to see his daughter, telling me he'd pay me a $2,000 fee. Why, that dirty crook. He's no better than I am. He tried to make a sucker out.

[Jeff Regan]

Of me, he did. You fell for the whole thing.

[JJ Harrison]

Trust fund in your name. Well, young lady, you can sit right down here at my desk and make out your check. And then I think that as long as you're in town, you might just drop over and see your old father. International detective. You're always in business to make people happy, that's all.

[Melody]

Did everything come out all right?

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, I guess so. She's writing a check. That's what he wants. Cigarette? Yeah, thank you.

[Melody]

Why do you do it, Jeff?

[Jeff Regan]

Hot in here, isn't it? The air feels good. Makes you clean. He doesn't care whether it's homicide or arson or a lost daughter or just people getting kicked around. He makes money on it. I help him.

[Melody]

He didn't answer me. Why do you do it?

[Jeff Regan]

I don't know, Melody. I don't know.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

Remember, an easy way to save for the future is to buy United States Savings Bonds. You can buy bonds at your nearest post office, bank or savings and loan association. Or you can ask your employer to start deducting for a bond a month on the payroll savings plan. A bond a month is good security for the years to come. For money in the future, buy United States Savings Bonds now. You'll be glad you did. Jack Webb is featured as Jeff Regan, investigator. With Wilms Herbert as Anthony J. Lyon and Lorette Philbrandt as Melody. Tonight's cast included Betty Lou Gerson as Red, Lou Krugman as Conover, Theodore von Eltz as Mr. Daniel Carter, Eve McVeigh as Patrice Carter, and Harry Lang as.

[JJ Harrison]

How's things in Los Angeles?

[Anthony J. Lyon]

Remember, at CBS same time next week for Hard Boiled action and mystery with radio's most exciting private detective, Jeff Regan, as he tells the story of the Lonesome Lady. Jeff Regan, investigator, is written by E. Jack Newman, produced and directed by Gordon T. Hughes with original music by Del Castillo. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Jeff Regan]

My name's Jeff Regan. I'm the Lion's eye, his private eye, gumshoe, peeper, Seamus, whatever you want to call it. I work for Anthony J. Lyon, International Detective Bureau. He's a guy who likes to make money, but when he makes money, I get into trouble.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

Here's the kind of adventure you've been waiting to hear. Hard boiled action and mystery as told by Jeff Regan, investigator. So stand by for trouble. Stand by for suspense. Stand by for adventure in tonight's story, the Lonesome Lady. And now here's Jack Webb as Jeff Regan.

[Jeff Regan]

Well, this is the way it started. Everything was routine. Melody was at her typewriter working on the usual sheet of paper backed by the usual four carbons. Routine. The smell of the Lion's 50 cent cigar hung in the room. Routine. And the air conditioning was out of order. All routine. I looked over Melody's shoulder and read the memo. Attention, International Detective Bureau. Anthony J. Lyon from the American Insurance Company Claims Division.

[Melody]

Here you are. Keep the original for yourself and give the others to Mr. Lyon. I guess you're going to be on.

[Jeff Regan]

This beautiful thing, you. Jeff.

[Melody]

Jeff. Jeff. Jeff.

[JJ Harrison]

Don't do that.

[Jeff Regan]

Somebody might, won't you?

[Melody]

Mr. Lyon will tell you all about it.

[Jeff Regan]

New boyfriend, huh?

[Melody]

Mr. Lyon waiting for you.

[Jeff Regan]

Okay, I'll talk to you later.

[JJ Harrison]

Reagan. Ever hear of a guy named John Arenzo?

[Jeff Regan]

Nope.

[JJ Harrison]

A doctor named Maurice Wade?

[Jeff Regan]

Nope.

[JJ Harrison]

French dame named Marie Rochelle Fortier?

[Jeff Regan]

Nope. Should I?

[JJ Harrison]

Maybe. I don't know yet. It's all routine stuff on that American Insurance Company contract. They want us to do a little work for him. Their claim man came in about an hour ago all excited about Renzo. He kicked off early this morning.

[Jeff Regan]

I can't very well meet him.

[JJ Harrison]

There's a time and a place for wisecracks, and this isn't it.

[Jeff Regan]

It figures.

[JJ Harrison]

Lorenzo kicks off and the American Insurance Company's gonna have to kick in with $35,000 to his beneficiary. And that's Marie Rochelle Portier.

[Jeff Regan]

No relation. Girlfriend, I guess it's almost a bank buster for aic. So you want me to see her?

[JJ Harrison]

No. It'd be ticklish if it turns out to be legitimate. Now, you better look at the other angles before you see her. If AIC has to pay off to that dame, we might just as well say goodbye to their business. I can't stand much treatment like that.

[Jeff Regan]

You mean you want me to find a way for him to get out of it?

[JJ Harrison]

I didn't say that. If it's legitimate, they'll pay.

[Jeff Regan]

That's nice.

[JJ Harrison]

What I want you to find out is how a guy carrying $35,000 worth of life insurance winds up croaked in a hotel on Main street with two dimes and three pennies sitting on the dresser.

[Jeff Regan]

It could happen.

[JJ Harrison]

Sure, it could happen. But you find out why it could happen. Rental's worth 23 cents alive and $35,000 dead. And the county's gonna have to plant them. The insurance company doesn't like it and I don't like it.

[Jeff Regan]

How'd he die?

[JJ Harrison]

Well, the coroner says it was a hard job.

[Jeff Regan]

Insurance company?

[JJ Harrison]

Insurance office says Renzo applied for the policy three weeks ago. It was approved 10 days ago and he kicks out today. Everything's fine on paper.

[Jeff Regan]

So what am I supposed to do?

[JJ Harrison]

Find out what isn't fine. About what? That physical Renzo passed. Now you can start with the insurance doctor named Amari's Wade. Get on him first and call me if you run into any trouble.

[Jeff Regan]

The place I was looking for turned out to be a brand new three story building on Wilshire Boulevard. In the hall, I could still smell wet plaster and cement. There was one name on the neon Lighted Directory. Dr. Maurice Wade, Internal Medicine. Diagnosis and the numbers? 310. The sign on the Self service elevator said do not use. So I climbed the three flights of marble stairs. The first door at the top was 3:10 enter. I entered. A blond girl in a white uniform sitting at a small desk. Smiled up at me through sharp white teeth. Showed me one well shaped leg and two well manicured hands. All routine stuff.

[Melody]

How do you do? Have you an appointment?

[Jeff Regan]

No, I don't. I was hoping I could see Dr. Wade without an appointment.

[Melody]

Well, that's almost impossible. He's so busy these days. I'm Ms. Porter as nurse. Perhaps I can help you.

[Jeff Regan]

My name's Regan, but I'm afraid I'll have to see him. Oh, oh, if you don't mind, I'll just stick around and wait for him.

[Melody]

Oh, he isn't in just now. And I was just about to go to lunch, Mr. Regan.

[Jeff Regan]

Well, that's fine. We'll go together.

[Melody]

Dr. Wade will be in at 2 o'. Clock. You can come back then.

[Jeff Regan]

I get it. 2 o'. Clock. It was right then that my day began to change. I stepped outside the office door and walked over to the brand new stairway of that brand new building. Now get this. I stopped a minute because I thought I heard somebody opening the doctor's door. I turned around to take a look when I felt something brush my arm. The stairway suddenly turned upside down and began to walk up me. There was a lot of noise all around and I was trying to yell for somebody to shut it off. It got louder and louder and louder. It was then I decided this wasn't routine. Thanks for helping me tote him upstairs. He'll be all right now. I'll take care of him.

[JJ Harrison]

He'll be all right. He'll be all right.

[Jeff Regan]

I was lying on a leather couch in a hoink. The old a tall thin man with a hooked nose seemed to be running things. He was waving an arm at a vague crowd of people near the door. Then somebody I couldn't see shoved a bottle under my nose. Give him a whiff of that.

[Melody]

There you are.

[Jeff Regan]

I think you'll be all right now. Now then. Can you hear me, mister? No. Don't try to move yet. Nothing broken. But you had quite a tumble for yourself, my friend. Quite a tumble. You might have been killed. That's what I was thinking. Somebody shoved me. What's that? I was shoved. That's crazy. I was on the second landing when you come falling down. Wasn't anyone around. Why'd anyone want to shove a man down a flight of steam? I don't know. You just plumb Bruised and battered, mister, when you get to thinking about it, you just got dizzy from the heat or something. How didn't you? Maybe I'll show you. Mary, hand me that like a good girl.

[Melody]

Here you are.

[Jeff Regan]

Here, try a little of this. Thanks. That help? Yeah.

[JJ Harrison]

Have another.

[Melody]

You want me to call you a taxi, Mr. Regan?

[Jeff Regan]

No, thanks. I got a car out in front of you. Better you rest up a minute or two longer, friend. My name's Wade, Dr. Wade. This is my office. Wade. You're the man I came to see. Well, I don't believe I know you. You one of my patients?

[Melody]

Oh, this is Mr. Regan, doctor. I explained that you took patients only on appointments.

[Jeff Regan]

Well, as long as you're here, Mr. Regan, what can I do for you? I'm not a patient. I been retained by the American Insurance Company to investigate a claim concerning a former patient of yours. Man named Arenzo, a private investigator. We're checking on a policy that was issued on him. You were the examining doctor? You don't represent the district attorney's office or anything like that? No, I don't. I'm with the International Detective Bureau. You don't have a warrant that says I have to show you my files? No, I don't. I thought that as long as you were employed by the insurance company and you conducted the examination that you give me back my bottle, Mr. And then you can get on out of my office and get out fast. If I'd have known you was something like that, I wouldn't have drug you up here in the first place. Now, get on out of here before I throw you out. Well, you can see how things stood between Dr. Maurice Wade and me. I walked out of the place with as much dignity as I had left. I had other plans. There were other files to look at and other people in the city I could talk to. Detective Sergeant Salvatore Windetti. Morgue was sitting in his office, chewing on a cold cigar, reading a Traffic Bureau memorandum on the new liability laws. Well, well, well, well, well, if it isn't Jeffy the Regan.

[JJ Harrison]

How are you, Jeff boy? I haven't seen you in a long time. Pull up a chair.

[Jeff Regan]

What happened? Fell down a flight of stairs. You ought to be more careful. Lots of people get killed doing things like that. So, what can I do for you, Sally? I want you to find out about a man named John R. Renzo for me. He died this morning, and your office is handling it. Renzo. Renzo. Renzo. Johnny Renzo. Johnny Renzo. Yeah, sure. We got him in the icebox. Now, Want to see him handle it myself? No. No thanks. I know he's dead. What else? Well, never really a bad actor. Never really a good one either.

[JJ Harrison]

Mind you, all the boys in the beat knew him.

[Jeff Regan]

Why? Come on, tell me some more. He made Lincoln Heights jail about nine.

[JJ Harrison]

Months out of 12 on a vag rap.

[Jeff Regan]

One thing or another. Routine vagrancy. Just one of our lazier citizens. So he's dead now. So what's to her? He was insured for $35,000. Yep, that's what I'm thinking. So somebody's mighty glad to see little Johnny dead. Who gets it? Her name's Marie Rochelle Portiere. No relation.

[JJ Harrison]

Hot time in the old town tonight for her.

[Jeff Regan]

Mm, mm. Tomorrow night. The insurance company has 24 hours to investigate. Ah, that's what you're doing. All right, Regan, what else? Well, you got the coroner's report? Oh, sure, sure. Right here. Came in an hour ago.

[JJ Harrison]

It was a heart job.

[Jeff Regan]

You sure?

[JJ Harrison]

Positive.

[Jeff Regan]

No one deader than Johnny Renzo. Was bound to happen the way it did sooner or later. Was he an old man? 45, 50 maybe.

[JJ Harrison]

You can never tell on that kind.

[Jeff Regan]

But all of us around here knew it. Knew what? That his sticker's been bad for years. Every time he made the Heights, it'd give him a soft job.

[JJ Harrison]

Couldn't take a chance.

[Jeff Regan]

Hey, look, Sally, are you telling me it was chronic heart condition? I'm telling you it was a chronic heart condition. Well, I need that telephone. Not this one. Only inside calls.

[JJ Harrison]

Try.

[Jeff Regan]

Try the one across the street.

[JJ Harrison]

Hello?

[Jeff Regan]

This is me. I ran into some trouble.

[JJ Harrison]

What kind of trouble?

[Jeff Regan]

Well, you. You'll have to get me a warrant or something so I can get in that doctor's office.

[JJ Harrison]

What?

[Jeff Regan]

He wouldn't play ball. He threw me off. Now, the coroner's report shows that Renzo has a chronic heart condition.

[JJ Harrison]

Then he never should have passed a physical.

[Jeff Regan]

I thought that'd get through to you, but we'll have to find out what's in that doctor's office before we can do anything about it. Now look, get a hold of one of those double breasted lawyers and rig up a thing, will you?

[JJ Harrison]

Hey, Melody, get my lawyer on the phone. It may take the rest of the day to get you in there legally and we haven't got the time, so get busy.

[Jeff Regan]

I just told you, I can't get in. If I can't get in, I can't get in. I hung up the phone, stepped out of the booth and crawled into my car. I was sitting there fumbling with the keys. Wondering how I was going to get to those files when somebody else figured it out for me. He was a big man in a brown sport coat.

[JJ Harrison]

Take it easy, pilgrim. I just want to talk to you a minute.

[Jeff Regan]

That's tough, pilgrim, because I don't want to talk to you. I've had a busy day and I.

[JJ Harrison]

I wouldn't try anything like that, pilgrim. I just got here. I know lots of fools. Come on, this one's just basic. I can tear your arm right off if I have to. Wise up, Seamus. I'm here on business.

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah? What kind of business?

[JJ Harrison]

You just been in to see one, Daddy.

[Jeff Regan]

Sure, I've been in to see him. He's a friend of mine. Why the muscle act?

[JJ Harrison]

Just to make sure you don't start hollering your brains out or something. Okay, so what did he say? Ooh.

[Jeff Regan]

What'd he say? About what?

[JJ Harrison]

You know what, Renzo?

[Jeff Regan]

Well, the county's gonna bury him.

[JJ Harrison]

More, Seamus. Keep talking. Only makes sense.

[Jeff Regan]

He's dead for good.

[JJ Harrison]

Oh, more.

[Jeff Regan]

He died of a heart attack this morning. Somebody gets 35,000 bucks because of it.

[JJ Harrison]

And you've been seeing people at Dr. When that he next on your list?

[Jeff Regan]

Maybe. Is that what you want to know?

[JJ Harrison]

Yeah. You're a good boy, Regan. Now, here's what you want to know. You forget everything you know about anything. You don't say a word to nobody.

[Jeff Regan]

No one.

[JJ Harrison]

Understand? No one. Not even your own mother. Just forget it.

[Jeff Regan]

Right. No.

[JJ Harrison]

Remember, not a word to anybody.

[Jeff Regan]

Or else I wonder if you do as good without a gun. I'll see you later, pilgrim.

[JJ Harrison]

Sure you will. Sure you will. But in case we miss connections, and so as you won't forget me, here's something to remember me like. Ooh. So long, pilgrim.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

We'll return to Jeff Regan, Investigator, in just a moment. The Army Nurse Corps Reserve still has commissions available. If you're a graduate registered nurse between the ages of 21 and 45, you may be eligible for a commission in the Army Nurse Corps section of the Regular Officers Reserve. Those who meet the high standards and qualify to serve with this fine organization may elect active or inactive status. Nurses requesting inactive status will continue with civilian nursing but stand ready to serve in time of emergency. In addition, they have the opportunity to take advantage of special training courses. Nurses who request active status enjoy the same pay and privileges as all other officers. Graduate work is provided at the Army's most modern teaching centers, and the nurses obtain educational experiences that benefit them in both civilian and military nursing. Now, if you believe you Qualify for a commission in the Army Nurse Corps Reserve. Apply to the adjutant general, Washington, 25 DC. That's the adjutant general, Washington, 25 D.C. and now back to the story of the lonesome lady and Jeff Regan, investigator.

[Jeff Regan]

This wasn't a routine either. It was brass knuckles. A big man in a brown sport coat in the front seat of my car. I guess I fell onto the horn into my steering wheel. I couldn't seem to sit up straight and get away from the noise.

[JJ Harrison]

Hey. Hey, what's the trouble, Claire?

[Jeff Regan]

Hey, don't you like peace and quiet?

[JJ Harrison]

Hey, come on, sit up. What happened to you?

[Jeff Regan]

I don't know exactly. I don't know.

[JJ Harrison]

Gee, your face is cut up a little bit. You have an accident or a smash up?

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, something like that.

[JJ Harrison]

You want me to call a cop?

[Jeff Regan]

Oh, no, I'll handle this myself.

[JJ Harrison]

Yeah, but don't you think you ought to go home and get some rest? Maybe you ought to find yourself a sawbone or something.

[Jeff Regan]

Huh?

[JJ Harrison]

Maybe you ought to find yourself a doctor to kind of fix you up.

[Jeff Regan]

You're right. You're absolutely right.

[JJ Harrison]

Yeah, that's a good boy. You take care of yourself, Jim.

[Jeff Regan]

Oh, if you were says doctor on the door, doesn't it? The office is still open, isn't it?

[Melody]

Yes, But I thought Dr. Wade told you that he didn't want you here.

[Jeff Regan]

I heard him, but this is different. If he doesn't see me now, I'll phone the state medical board and the lawyer and anybody else who's handy and make him a first class. Simon Legree for refusing me emergency treatment. Out him. Out.

[Melody]

Well, you're hurt, Mr. Regan. Please, sit down. Sit down right here.

[Jeff Regan]

Where's your doctor, lady?

[Melody]

He isn't in here. He's already gone for the day. Let me see what happened?

[Jeff Regan]

You tell me, lady. I'm just a peaceful citizen looking for a doctor.

[Melody]

Sit still. That's a nasty bruise on your forehead.

[Jeff Regan]

Yeah, I got some better ones. Where a man tried to cave in all my ribs.

[Melody]

Hold still. Lift up your face to the light. That's better. Oh, tender.

[Jeff Regan]

Mm.

[Melody]

First the stairs, now this. You've had quite a day, Mr. Regan. Maybe you ought to quit. Hold that right there while I touch up this cut on your chin.

[Jeff Regan]

E.

[Melody]

Who'd you say you worked for?

[Jeff Regan]

International Detective Bureau.

[Melody]

I'd resign if I were you. They're working you too hard.

[Jeff Regan]

What's happened lately isn't exactly routine.

[Melody]

What happened lately?

[Jeff Regan]

Well, I found out that the man who died this morning had a chronic heart condition and he should have Never been insured. Your doctor's in this up to his ears for passing him.

[Melody]

Go on.

[Jeff Regan]

A big man in a brown sport coat doesn't want anybody to look into anything.

[Melody]

He's the one who did this.

[Jeff Regan]

That's right.

[Melody]

That should hold you.

[Jeff Regan]

Thanks.

[Melody]

Oh, wait a minute. Where do you live? Your address. I'm coming over to your place tonight.

[Jeff Regan]

You are?

[Melody]

If what you say is true, my doctor is going to get 5 to 15 in San Quentin for doing a fix on an insurance examination. And I might be dragged into it, and I wouldn't want that to happen.

[Jeff Regan]

So?

[Melody]

So I'm digging up that file and bringing it over to your place and we'll see what's what.

[Jeff Regan]

Why not look at it right now?

[Melody]

Isn't here. We just moved to this place three days ago and half the stuff is still in the old office.

[Jeff Regan]

All right, I'll buy that. Try 1720 North Taft, 308 in about two hours. Why so long?

[Melody]

You need some rest. Besides, your shirt's bloody. What was that name?

[Jeff Regan]

John R. Renzo. R, E, N, Z, O.

[Melody]

All right, you can expect me. Feel better now?

[Jeff Regan]

Much better. You know, you freeze me, lady. Your boss throws me out. You fix me up. You help me. Maybe I wouldn't have fallen down those stairs if you hadn't sent me out to eat alone.

[Melody]

Call me Mary if you like.

[Jeff Regan]

I thought it'd be something like that. Mine's Jeff. I've had a hard day, Mary.

[Melody]

I know. But maybe it'll be a better day from now on. Jeff. You know, I had a feeling I was gonna like you.

[Jeff Regan]

It was just about then that I remembered the beneficiary. She was my last call. I bucked beach traffic out Wilshire and pulled up in front of the Beverly Hills address. Lyon, given me a row of brass mailboxes on the outside of a four unit court. Told me that Marie Rochelle Fortier lived there. The man in overalls watering the lawn blinked at me, frowned at the cut on my chin, pointed to his own and shook his head. I nodded back, wondering what Marie Rochelle, or whoever she might be, whatever a racket might be, looked like, I found out. Yeah, it was the big man without his brown sport coat. This time it was swimming trunks and he looked as big as the Super Chief. I threw my whole arm into his face. He staggered backwards into the room, trying to get his balance. I let him have another one in the stomach. He was out of condition. One more and his chin was cut. He went down, taking a lamp, a card table and a glass of Warm lemonade with him. Yeah. It's real good to see you again, pilgrim.

[JJ Harrison]

All right, Seamus. All right, you, you're the champ.

[Jeff Regan]

Come on, get up. Get up. I might have known I was gonna find you here. Where's your girlfriend?

[JJ Harrison]

No, no, no, just a minute.

[Jeff Regan]

I said, where is she?

[JJ Harrison]

In.

[Melody]

Around.

[JJ Harrison]

Ain't no one around but me. Honest.

[Jeff Regan]

Okay, you give it to me.

[JJ Harrison]

What are you talking about?

[Jeff Regan]

I've met citizens like you before. Now, come on, make it straight.

[JJ Harrison]

Oh, all right, all right. Oh, you busted my head. I'll make it straight. Marie's my girlfriend. She calls me today, tells me what you look like, tells me where you'll be, tells me what to do. I do it. She knows who an insurance stick will go to.

[Jeff Regan]

All right, come on.

[JJ Harrison]

Catch you at the moy. You're nosy. She says to rough you up a little bit. Make you forget what you're doing for a while. Find you like she says and do what she says and nothing personal in it.

[Jeff Regan]

What about the doctor? He split with you and her.

[JJ Harrison]

Ain't no doctor in on it. Just me and Marie.

[Jeff Regan]

How'd she fix it for Renzo to get insured?

[JJ Harrison]

I don't know. She's got connections. She gets around.

[Jeff Regan]

All right, smart guy. Come on, spell honest.

[JJ Harrison]

Honest. That's it, Shammas. That's all? That's all there is to it. We worked it a couple of times before. I don't know how she fixes it, but she does. I do all the heavy work and we get along fine. Then somebody gets excited and I have to cool them off for a time. But. But. Oh, that's it. Straight on this. Hey, what are you doing?

[Jeff Regan]

Shut up.

[JJ Harrison]

Well, now, don't call the cops. Give me a break, will you?

[Jeff Regan]

Will you shut up?

[JJ Harrison]

Lion, it's me, Regan. Where have you been?

[Jeff Regan]

I'm calling from the address of Marie Rochelle Portier.

[JJ Harrison]

I told you not.

[Jeff Regan]

There's a big ape here who roughed me up today, trying to put me out of commission.

[JJ Harrison]

I don't care about that. We have only 12 hours.

[Jeff Regan]

Come on out and pick him up and get a statement for a warrant.

[JJ Harrison]

Warrant for who?

[Jeff Regan]

For Marie Rochelle Portier. This monkey can give you enough to have her picked up. She's the one we want.

[JJ Harrison]

You sure about that? I found out that the doctor who wouldn't let you into his office is in a lot of trouble. Got a wife suing him for divorce.

[Jeff Regan]

And he might try. Here dame we want. As soon as you get a warrant on her, it'll make that insurance Policy invalid.

[JJ Harrison]

I still don't trust that doc. It's early yet. Why don't you hop over? You bringing the cops out here? Look, Shammas. I got a little dough on it. It'd come to more than the 10 a day and expenses you're getting if you.

[Jeff Regan]

Stay here. Pilgrim, I'm tired. I'm going home.

[Melody]

I've been waiting for you. Forget about me?

[Jeff Regan]

No.

[Melody]

The janitor let me in. I told him you were my brother.

[Jeff Regan]

That's nice.

[Melody]

You didn't come straight home and get some rest?

[Jeff Regan]

No, I had a couple of things to do first.

[Melody]

Sit down. I fixed you a drink. Good hot day and all.

[Jeff Regan]

Thanks. Now, tell me about your doctor. Some things I know already. His wife suing him for divorce, trying to get every penny he's got. He doesn't like me.

[Melody]

That's it.

[Jeff Regan]

Or maybe he just doesn't like any private detective. Or anybody else who might be working for his wife, huh? Maybe if I can spot a man who's being taken to the cleaners. He's one. He's pretty touchy these days about all the trouble she's probably caused him.

[Melody]

What's this got to do with us? The stars are coming out.

[Jeff Regan]

Just straightening out. Well, if that's the way things are with him, then my job's finished.

[Melody]

Good. Now we can relax. You've been working much too hard, Jeff. Put your arms around me. Feels good. Good to have arms around you in a big city like this. Such a big city. So many people. You're nice, Jeff. Sometimes it's so lonely. And sometimes it's like this.

[Jeff Regan]

Sure, sure.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

Marie, darling.

[Jeff Regan]

Marie. Port Here. Mary Porter. It's all the same to me. No, don't reach for it, lady. I took it out of your purse.

[Melody]

You.

[Jeff Regan]

Beatrice. I know I tricked you. I've been wanting to trick somebody ever since you shoved me down that flight of stairs this morning. Ever since you shagged your big boyfriend onto me.

[Melody]

I'll kill you.

[Jeff Regan]

I'll kill you. Not today you won't. I'm not insured. All right, take it easy.

[Melody]

Oh, let me go, Jeff. Let me go, please.

[Jeff Regan]

You were so lonely in the big city that you just sat down and pass time making out phony medical reports and counting the insurance checks that you collected on bad bets.

[Melody]

Oh, please, Jeff, I. Oh, just let me go, please.

[Jeff Regan]

So you have me thinking that a doctor's phony when the only thing that's bothering him is a wife and a divorce.

[Melody]

Oh, Jeff, listen to me.

[Jeff Regan]

And when I start getting close, you try to scare me off. And when I get really close, you figure to drop over and put on a good act.

[Melody]

Oh, Jeff. Jeff, listen to me. They'll send me to prison. They'll make me grow old and ugly there. Oh, Jeff, please.

[JJ Harrison]

Please let me go.

[Melody]

I'll do anything. You can let me go. You can. You can. You will.

[Jeff Regan]

Oh, please. Me again. You got that warrant?

[JJ Harrison]

Yeah. He spilled. Where we gonna find that Dave? She's probably skipping.

[Jeff Regan]

Oh, no. She's at my place. Get somebody over quick. Will you please? Get him over while she's still. Well, I told it all to the lion, and he told it all to the American Insurance Company. And they renewed our contract. She's being arraigned next Monday. What happens after that is up to the jury. Melody had a question.

[Melody]

Jeff. What do you think they'll do to her?

[Jeff Regan]

She'll get about 10 years, I guess.

[Melody]

If Mr. Lyon hadn't had that contract with AIC, would you have turned her in?

[Jeff Regan]

Sure I'd have turned her in. It's my job, innit? It's a big city. A lot of lonesome people down there.

[Melody]

They allowed her one call when they took her to jail. She called here asking for you, Jeff. Why did she do that?

[Jeff Regan]

I don't know, Melody. I don't know.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

The easiest way to save for the future is to buy United States Savings Bonds. Your nearest post office, bank or savings and loan association can accommodate you. Or you can buy bonds on the payroll savings plan. Just ask your employer to start deducting for a bond a month. A bond a month is good security for the years to come for money in the future. Buy United States Savings Bonds.

[JJ Harrison]

Now.

[Anthony J. Lyon]

You will be glad you did. Jack Webb has starred as Jeff Regan with Wilms Herbert as Anthony J. Lyon. Eve McVeigh was heard as Mary Porter, and Ken Christie is the big man. It's cbs, same time next week for Hard Boiled Action and Mystery with Jeff Regan, Investigator, as he tells the story of the lady with the golden hair. Jeff Regan, Investigator is written by E. Jack Newman, produced and directed by Gordon T. Hughes, with original music by Del Castillo. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting.