The Falcon: TCOT Faded Rose 07/06/1953

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives

Episode Title: The Falcon: The Case of the Faded Rose (07/06/1953)
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Original Broadcast Date: July 6, 1953
Summary Date: February 26, 2026

Overview

In this episode, listeners are treated to a classic whodunit featuring Mike Waring, better known as "The Falcon." The episode follows Waring as he investigates the case of Nancy Ford’s mysterious suicide, which soon spirals into a web of deception, blackmail, and murder. With a host of suspects—from rival private detectives to jilted lovers—The Falcon must navigate lies and deadly intentions to unmask a killer before he becomes the next victim. The episode maintains the sharp wit and brisk pacing characteristic of golden age radio detective shows.

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Key Discussion & Plot Points

1. The Case Opens: Rival Detectives and a Fatal Discovery (00:00 – 04:50)

• Phil Stacy, a rival private eye, is on Nancy Ford's trail with his associate, Tony Marino.

• Discovery: Nancy Ford is found dead in her room—apparent suicide.

  “Yeah, she committed suicide this afternoon. I'm sorry, but that's how things work out sometimes.” – Phil Stacy (03:40)

• Nancy’s sister, Carol Ford, becomes determined to find "the man responsible" for Nancy’s fate: Duke Mantell.

  • Carol ominously declares:

    “Perhaps he can join her in death.” – Carol Ford (04:17)

2. Deceptions & Double-Crosses (04:50 – 11:00)

• Carol adopts an alias and arranges to meet Mantell at the Central Park Boathouse.
• Phil Stacy shakes down Duke Mantell for hush money, warning him that Carol intends revenge.
  • Mantell offers payment, but Stacy only wants cash:

    “Don’t be funny. I only got 120 on me.” – Phil Stacy (07:20)

• Mantell approaches Mike Waring (The Falcon) for "help"—claiming he’s being blackmailed by a woman, and asks Waring to impersonate him at the payoff.

3. The Setup in Central Park (10:23 – 12:00)

• Waring agrees to the ruse, meets Carol at the Boathouse as Mantell, but is shot by an unseen assailant. He later regains consciousness in a hospital.

  “Here I pretended to be Duke Mantell and received a slug for my pain.” – Mike Waring (11:05)

• Waring and Sergeant Corbett piece together that someone tried to kill Mantell, mistaking Waring for him.

4. The Web of Motives: Blackmail, Betrayal & Attempts at Murder (12:00 – 17:00)

• Waring confronts Mantell, believing he was set up to be killed in place of Mantell.
• Phil Stacy reappears, leveraging knowledge for more money—ultimately revealing that Carol Ford is seeking revenge.
• Carol admits she once sought to kill Mantell but claims she tried to stop the hit.

  “I did arrange to have Mantell killed. But later I thought it over and tried to call off my man.” – Carol Ford (16:18)

• Timeline confusion: Carol’s hired hitman couldn’t have been the shooter, as Waring was attacked before the scheduled hit.

5. The Murder of Mantell & Final Revelations (17:44 – 24:34)

• Mantell is killed by Jackie Winters, an enforcer sent by Stacy, after a tense shakedown.

• Sergeant Corbett brings Waring in as a murder suspect—tipped off by Carol Ford.

  “That gives you an even stronger motive to kill him.” – Sergeant Corbett (19:39)

• Waring deconstructs the plot:

  • Stacy orchestrated the Central Park shooting, thinking Waring was Mantell.
  • After realizing his mistake, he sent Jackie Winters to finish the job.
  • Stacy tried to frame Carol Ford by advising her to flee, heightening suspicion.
  • Motive for Stacy: Revenge for being roughed up by Mantell and professional jealousy.

• Waring’s deduction:

  “There were three reasons. One, he was on top of every play. ... And then that final bit of his telling you to skip town. He just wanted you to incriminate yourself.” – Mike Waring (24:04)

• Final twist: Waring humorously notes he’s glad Carol isn’t the killer; otherwise, he might have ended up with Sergeant Corbett instead.

  “Well, you were the only woman in the case. And if you were guilty, I'd have had to wind up with Sergeant Corvit. Believe me, angel, it works out much better this way.” – Mike Waring (24:19)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Phil Stacy’s Cynicism:
  "There's one thing you learn working as a private detective. Competition can be the death of Trey." (00:20)

• Carol’s Ruthless Vow:
  "I'm going to see to it that if my sister couldn't have him in life, perhaps he can join her in death." (04:17)

• Waring’s Trademark Wit After Being Shot:
  "Here I pretended to be Duke Mantell and received a slug for my pain." (11:05)

• Stacy’s Manipulation:
  "He just wanted you to incriminate yourself." – Mike Waring (24:04)

• The Classic Detective Wrap-Up:
  "There were three reasons. One, he was on top of every play. ... And then that final bit of his telling you to skip town." – Mike Waring (24:04)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:00–04:50: Introduction to characters, discovery of Nancy Ford’s suicide
• 04:50–11:00: Carol’s plotting, Mantell’s panic, Waring is hired
• 11:05–12:00: Boathouse rendezvous; Waring shot, police involvement
• 12:00–17:44: False confessions, double-crosses, attempted murder of Mantell
• 17:44–21:40: Mantell’s murder; Waring becomes a suspect
• 21:40–24:34: Confrontation, wrap-up, and the unmasking of Phil Stacy as the real killer

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Tone and Style

• Language: Snappy, hard-boiled, laced with classic detective banter
• Pacing: Brisk, with frequent twists and overlapping schemes
• Mood: Noir atmosphere, laced with dry humor and tension

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Conclusion

The Falcon: The Case of the Faded Rose is a tightly-plotted gumshoe mystery with all the trimmings of a Golden Age radio drama: hard-luck detectives, vengeful femmes, underworld toughs, and misdirection galore. With signature rapid-fire dialogue and a satisfyingly twisty denouement, the episode exemplifies what makes old-time radio detective fiction so enduring. The episode concludes with Mike Waring clearing his name, catching the true mastermind, and earning a wry laugh from the audience.

Listeners old and new will appreciate the taut writing and pulpy atmosphere of this classic.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] now we invite you to listen to the adventures of the Falcon as Mike Waring solves the case of the fated rose. There's one thing you learn working as a private detective. Competition can be the death of Trey. As a case in point, I give you Phil Stacy. Mr. Stacy is the pudgy little character mounting the third floor stairs of the Bell Bar, a shabby, roomy house on New York's west side. He's a private detective, too, but Stacy's got the edge on a boy like me. He carries along his own personal Watson. Only this one goes under the name of Tony Marino. Sure this the right girl, Tony? Absolutely, Mr. Stacy. I show the picture to the janitor. It says it's a monthly Ford on it when she get here on the floor. All right. Chicks. Wonder if I could hit her sister for another hundred, huh? Skip it. Where do we go from here? Still outdoor. Down the hall. She's in now. Yeah, I followed her here from the pawn shop. What pawn shop? Hold on, Sir Evan. She bought a gun, right? You idiot. Why didn't you tell me that before? Oh, what difference is it? Hey, you stupid. Never mind. Is this it? Yeah. Ms. Ford. You sure she's in? What do you want her to do? Swear on her bottle? Ms. Ford, my name is Phil Stacy. I'm working for your sister. Listen, Nancy, you got your sister crazy with worry. Now, if you open this door. What was that? That's what you think. Give me your hand. Look, stick to nothing. Put your shoulder to it. Now. One, two, cut out. Oh, no. I wasn't gonna fish it, Dave. That's a. This question of the year. Find the phone and call assist Carol Ford. No, no. On second thought, just call the cops. I'll handle sis. Who's that?

[B]

Carl Ford.

[A]

Oh. Oh, come in, come in. I wasn't expecting you this early.

[B]

I came as soon as I got your call.

[A]

Well, sit down. Sit down, would you? Would you like something to drink?

[B]

No, thanks.

[A]

Sure? I got some vodka, a little orange juice.

[B]

Look, Mrs. Stacy, this isn't a social call, so I'd like to get right down to business. You told me you found my sister.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, I did. One of my boys traced her to Chicago. Let me see. Yeah. March 14th. She grabbed the California Limited from Los Angeles. She met this guy at the depot. And to.

[B]

I'm not particularly interested in details. Where's Nancy now?

[A]

Well, she. She got to New York on a 12.

[B]

Where is she now?

[A]

Well, that raises a peculiar point.

[B]

You've lost track of her?

[A]

No. No, not exactly. As a matter of fact.

[B]

Well.

[A]

Well, I don't know how to say this, Ms. Ford but this guy your sister ran away with must have given her a bad time. You know how young girls are. Probably. Promise.

[B]

Are you. Are you trying to tell me she's dead?

[A]

Yeah. Yeah, she committed suicide this afternoon. I'm sorry, but that's how things work out sometimes.

[B]

Yes, they do, don't they?

[A]

Well, I must say I admire the way you're taking them.

[B]

Would it help Nancy if I got hysterical?

[A]

No, I guess not. Look, if there's any way I can help.

[B]

Yes, there is. What was the name of the man who was responsible?

[A]

Well, I wouldn't exactly say I would.

[B]

Who is he?

[A]

His name is Duke Mantell.

[B]

Have you any idea where this Mr. Mantell can be found?

[A]

Yeah, he's got a room at the Haywood. Why?

[B]

Well, I'm going to see to it that if my sister couldn't have him in life perhaps he can join her in death. Thanks for your assistance, Mr. Stacy. Just nail my bill to the hotel. I'd like to speak to Duke Mantell, please.

[A]

You are. Now,

[B]

you don't know me, Mr. Mantell, but I'm a friend of Jane Smith.

[A]

Jane Smith? I never heard of her.

[B]

I was sure you'd say that. Jane warned me you knew so many girls, her name would probably mean nothing.

[A]

What's yours?

[B]

Carl Lakeland.

[A]

What can I do for you, honey?

[B]

Well, Jane made me promise that when I got to New York I'd give you a call.

[A]

That was nice of him.

[B]

I know you'll find I'm shameless, but I do want to meet you. Jane told me.

[A]

Well, never mind. Go on. What were you going to say?

[B]

I'll tell you when I see you.

[A]

There I go again. You must think I'm awful. No, I think you're wonderful. I like a girl who speaks right up. You doing anything tonight?

[B]

Not a thing. But we meet at the Central Park Boathouse at nine.

[A]

Why, then?

[B]

It's such a romantic spot.

[A]

Okay. The Boathouse it is.

[B]

Till nine.

[A]

Hey, wait a minute. Carol call. I know you.

[B]

Don't Worry about that, Mr. Mantel. I'll know you. With all I've heard, I couldn't possibly miss.

[A]

Yeah, I eat this. Mantel? That's right. I like you to have one of my cars. Phil Stacey, licensed private investigator. So? So I got a proposition for Buster. I got a date. I wouldn't keep it if I was you. What are you talking about? Would you have him have a cigarette? Annie? Yeah. Anybody have a girl named Nancy Ford? No. That's funny, because she committed suicide yesterday over some guy. Duke's tell. Yeah. I figured he must have given her a real song and dance about the little rose covered cottage. And when he wouldn't perform, she blew her brains out. How do you know so much about it? When you saw my card. I'm a private dick. Who hired you? Her sister. She don't like you. Duke, I'm worried. Well, you would be if you knew what I do. Such as? No, I'm not spilling unless I get paid. I want 500 bucks. How do I know it's worth it? You like living? Go on. Well, 500 bucks will guarantee it. Will you take a check? Don't be funny. I only got 120 on me. Yeah? When will I get the rest? Tomorrow, if your information is legit. All right, fog it over. 350, 120. All right. Well, like I said, when Carol Ford left my office. She hinted she was gonna take care of you. She was just talking. No, not her. This is one little girl who believes in action. I tailed her when she left. She went down to a gin Mill on 34th Street. And she saw a fellow named Jill Milo. Who's that? Hood. They had a nice long talk. What makes you think I was the subject? I got good long ears. Then she went to a phone booth, and who do you think she called? Me. That's right. All right, Stacy, let's have that. Do what? That 120 I just gave you. Wait a minute. I can't afford to. Hey, shut down. Little chisel. Who do you think you would damage? Come on, hand it over before I break every bone in your body. I promise you won't be able to talk for a week if you don't quit. Stacey. What do you say? Do you want some more? No, no, no. I knew you'd see the light. Now, make it fast. Stacy, I got a call to make. Just a second. Yeah? I'm looking for Mike Waring. Who wants him? Duke Mantel. Duke Mantel? He'll know. I'm an old buddy of his from Chicago. Funny, he never mentioned your name. Does he tell you everything? Practically. You might say we're inseparable. You're not the Falcon. Wanna bet? Gotta talk to you. Why did you claim to be a friend of mine? Well, they told me you were A tough man to see. Can't be that tough. You made it on the first try, of course. Just kidding. I hope you're not sore. Me? No. I can go along with the gag. Come on in. Thanks. Sit down. Don't mind if I do. I hear tell you're the finest private dick in these parts. Is that what you're here, Tell? Mm. So when this little problem came up, I figured you were just the boy to handle it. What problem? You see, a couple of years ago, I got involved in a mess. Nothing illegal, you understand. But if the papers got a hold of it, it might be kind of embarrassing. Why? Well, I'm about to be married to a dame whose family is real social registered. This might put the kibosh on the deal. You're being blackmailed? That's right. Who's behind it? Got no idea. I'm supposed to meet this party in front of the Central park boathouse at 9 tonight. She asked me to bring a thousand bucks. She? Yeah, it's a girl you're not gonna pay off. How would you handle it? I'd latch onto her and turn her over to the police. Okay, why don't you? Why don't I watch? Latch on away. You show up in my place. Why should I? Well, with your experience, you know exactly what to do. I don't, I guess. If you're scared. Why scared? Well, in one breath you tell me the only thing to do is grab the dame. Then when I offer you the job, you turn it down. Look, Mantel, I don't know what you're up to, but I told you I'm being blackmailed and I want you to handle it. Well, it's against my better judge. I knew I could count on you. I'm staying at the Haywood. After you get through in the park, give me a jingle. Excuse me, dad.

[B]

Did you see a gentleman around here about your side?

[A]

Won't I do?

[B]

I'm afraid not.

[A]

You wouldn't be hunting rebuke Mantel, would you?

[B]

How would you know?

[A]

Who should know better?

[B]

You mean you?

[A]

That's right.

[B]

I don't believe it.

[A]

Why not? You're nothing like I met is anybody. You're quite the philosopher, aren't you?

[B]

Suppose I told you I was Nancy's sister.

[A]

I wonder if she'd boast about it.

[B]

How can you have the nerve to stand there and talk like that?

[A]

I wouldn't be so moral. After all, you're a blackmailer.

[B]

I'm a what?

[A]

Well, didn't you come here?

[B]

I came here for Only one reason, and that's the mantel.

[A]

Mr. Mantel. Well, mom always told me I get into trouble pretending to be what I ain't. Here I pretended to be Duke Mantell and received a slug for my pain. But the next thing I knew was some two hours later when I heard bells ringing in the distance. I knew I couldn't be in heaven because there was no angel bending over me. How do you feel, pal? Sergeant Corbett? Yeah. Where am I? What happened? Which do you want me to answer first? Wait a minute. It's all coming.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

Hey, you better watch it, fella. One of these days, the government's gonna claim you for a defense project. Well, you got enough lead in you to build a B29. Where is she? Where's who? The brunette I was talking to. There was nobody around when we found you. What's her name? I don't know. I didn't get it. What was it, a pickup? No, I had an appointment to meet her. She the one who plugged you? No. The shot came from the other side of the boathouse. I think it might have been her husband. I tell you, it was nothing like that. She thought I was a boy named Duke Mantell. Well, if your purpose was to confuse me, Mr. Waring, you succeeded. This Mantel claimed someone was shaking him down. I was to pose as him and meet the blackmailer. When I showed, there was this gal. Well, what were you expecting? Nothing like what I got. You have no idea who she is? Not at all. But I'm going to find out. Hey, wait a minute. You can't leave like that. You're forgetting something. I can't see what. Your pants. You better wear them tonight, baby. It's awful cold outside. Yes? Hello, Mantel. Remember me wearing. That's right. What happened? What didn't? You might be interested in learning. I kept that date for you last night. It was a nice piece of work. What are you talking about? Setting me up for a clay pigeon. Setting you up? Yeah. Someone who thought I was you. Took a shot at me. Can't believe it. Would you like me to bleed a little to prove it? There must be some mistake. Yeah. It was all mine. I should have spotted that blackmail story of yours for a phony. You knew someone was gunning for you. Now, who was it? What difference does it make? What difference does it make? Maybe you don't think much of breathing, but I kind of like it. And I resent anyone trying to break me of the habit. Now, who's the girl? None of your business. We'll see about that. Get your coat. I'll talk like a chance. I wouldn't try that again if you didn't have that arm in a sling. Don't let that stop you, Duke. It won't. You see what I mean? Yeah. Yeah, I see. Now, what do you intend to do with that gun? Well, I'm a funny kind of a guy. Wearing. While I might have objections to slugging a cripple, I got none to plugging one. Now get. Hey. Wearing. Who the devil. Wait a minute. It's not Phil. Stacy. Yeah? What happened to your push? Oh, I had a little accident. You mind if I join you? I certainly do. No, you don't want to talk like that. We're frankly fraternity brothers. I don't remember asking you to sit down. What happened to your shoulder? Look, Stacy, if you're not out of here, how would you like me to put you in touch with the girl who's responsible? What are you talking about? Well, you met a dame last night in Central Park. How would you know she was my client. Say that again? You heard me. She came to me a couple of weeks ago. She wanted me to locate a kid's sister. Seems she ran away with some guy. Duke Mantel. Yeah. When he wouldn't make for the ring department, she committed suicide. When I reported that to like client, naturally she was quite miffed. She spoke about getting even. Who is she? Wouldn't she like to. Now, that's why I asked. Is it worth a couple of bills? Yeah. No way. For D. You'll have to trust me. Ah, I got hung up once that way. I want Dash on the line. Okay. Now, what's your name? Carol Ford. You'll find her at the Belmar. I don't know for how long though. So if I were you, pally, I'd get on my horse.

[B]

Yes?

[A]

Hello, Carol. Remember me?

[B]

I can't say that I do.

[A]

Maybe that's because it was dark out the last time we met.

[B]

The Duke Mantell?

[A]

No, no. My name is Mike Waring. It's a long story, angel. And I just as soon sit while I tell him I was working for Mantell. He claimed he was being blackmailed and he asked me to pose for him at the payoff.

[B]

He was lying.

[A]

So I've discovered you arranged to meet Mantell so someone could plug in.

[B]

That's a lie.

[A]

I got the story from Phil Stacy. Now, who's the boy you hired?

[B]

All right, Mr. Waring, I'll tell you the truth.

[A]

It's about time someone did.

[B]

I did arrange to have Mantell killed. But later I thought it over and tried to call off my man.

[A]

What happened?

[B]

I couldn't reach him. That's why I showed up at the park early, to warn you.

[A]

I don't believe it.

[B]

Don't be a fool. If I'd warned, if I'd wanted you killed, I wouldn't have been there at all.

[A]

Nevertheless, your boy took a shot at me.

[B]

Couldn't have. He was due to meet me at 9. You were shot at 8:30.

[A]

It doesn't make sense. If your boy didn't do it, then who did?

[B]

What about Mr. Mantell?

[A]

What about him?

[B]

Suppose Duke was the one who shot you.

[A]

What would be the point?

[B]

So I'd get the credit? That would dispose of me and leave him free to go on his way.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. If you got sent up for knocking me off, that might suit him fine.

[B]

What do you think?

[A]

I think if there's anything to your theory, Mr. Mantell and I ought to have another chat. Only this time, I'll have the gun. Come on, Carol. I'll be seeing you. Just a second. You Duke Mantel? That's right. Well, I must say it is a pleasure. Who the devil are you? Jackie Winters is my name. Well, whatever you're selling. I'm not selling anything, Mr. Mantell. No? I'm giving these away, and for free. What's the idea of the gun? Well, I thought you might be interested in my merchandise. Now, there's a certain somebody in town that's awful peeved at you.

[B]

And I can't lie to say as

[A]

I blame the party either. Why don't you get a copy of how to Win Friends and Influence People? What's the use of Cat Reeb? All right. A shame, cuz. Ain't time for you to lie now, look what it is. Maybe we can work out a deal. I'll give you a thousand bucks for that gun. Are you trying to bribe me? 2,000. Well, I've never been so insulted in all my life. 2500. It's my last offer. Honestly.

[B]

You.

[A]

You got it on you? Yeah. Time to get my coat. No, no, just let me. Now, listen, what is. What pocket do you keep to walk? Oh, Mr. Man there, I'm surprised at you. You tried to take advantage of. Now, look, I can explain. That gun. You told me your wallet was here. It just goes to prove now you can't trust a Yankee. Just a minute. Hiya, Mike. Sergeant Corbett. You busy? Yeah, I was just going out. Well, why don't we go together? No, no, this is One little job. I didn't. What's the idea? Oh, just wanted to see if you were loaded. Look, sergeant, this isn't like you. What's on your mind? You went over to see Duke Mantell tonight, didn't you? Yes. What happened? Nothing. You take a bullet intended for him and try to tell me nothing happened? I had no choice. He pulled the gun. What's yours? What are you getting at? Mantell was murdered an hour ago. You're kidding. Oh, that must mean you're stuck for Nancy. I don't know anything about us. Lieutenant Coram thinks you do. That idiot. Well, you're promoting him. Last week he was only a jerk. Well, if he thinks I killed Mantell. That he does. Crazy. Why should I? Well, Duke sets you up for a cray pigeon. I gave up that idea. For what? Suppose Mantell was behind the plot all along. Suppose he was the one who took a shot at me. What would be the point to frame Carol Ford? If I were you, Mike, I'd stick to the original story. If he was the one who plugged you, that gives you an even stronger motive to kill him. No, I only. No, don't say another word. I know talk is cheap, but your dialogue can cost you your life. Now, let's go. In a moment, we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon. Now, back to the Adventures of the Falcon. I guess there's no pleasing some people. But when Sergeant Corbett nominated me for the position of Killer of Duke Matt, my own clients, I tried to decline the honor. But Corbett felt sure his superior, Lieutenant Coram, wouldn't hear of it. Boy, I'd certainly hate to be in your shoes when Coram gets his hands on you. Sergeant, you can't be serious about this. Oh, I wish there was some way I could convince you, but you know I couldn't kill anybody. Why, sure. But go try to convince Lt. Coram. Wait a second. What made Coram pick on me? He got a tip from a girl named Carol. From Ford? Seems you were up to see her. And when you left, you threatened dire consequences for one Duke Mantell. Naturally, I rushed over to give him protection. And when you got there, he was dead? That's right. On relaying this to my superior officer, he immediately jumped to the conclusion that you were responsible. He's crazy. I agree. But what can I do? So in the final analysis, Carol Ford is the one I have to thank for this. That's who you got to thank. You suppose we could drop over and see her before we hit headquarters? Well, I don't know it's out of the way. Don't worry, Sergeant. I'm sure Carol will make it worth your while.

[B]

Yes?

[A]

Hello, Ms. Ford. Mr. Whing and company line, have we come in?

[B]

I most certainly.

[A]

I wouldn't be too strenuous to my objections, Angel. This gentleman is with the police.

[B]

Does he have a warrant?

[A]

I don't need one.

[B]

Now, look here.

[A]

Yeah, look. Hi, Jeff. Well, if it isn't Phil Stacey. What are you doing here?

[B]

It's none of your business.

[A]

Maybe I can guess. He came up here with some advice. Is there anything wrong with that? That all depends. Now, purely as a guess, I'd say you were tipping her off to skip town.

[B]

How would you know that?

[A]

Well, he probably showed you that the murder of Duke Mantell might have the cops around asking embarrassing questions. Question. It looks like I was right. Yeah. Too bad your timing was off. I'm sorry, Ms. Ford. You should be. If you were 20 minutes earlier, we would have missed her. Look wearing. You got the wrong angle on this if you think she's responsible for Duke Mantell's murder. No, I don't. I assume that's because you wanted to. Look, Mike, you know what you're talking about. I think so, Sergeant. Just ask yourself this question. What would you have thought if you found Ms. Ford? Well, that she was guilty. Which is just what Stacy wanted you to think. What are you babbling about? You killed my nut. If I am, it comes from dealing with squirrels like you. All right. Sorry. Then take him to his cage.

[B]

I'm afraid I'm completely baffled.

[A]

Well, move over, Carol. You've got company. Why did you tip off the police that I headed in for Duke Mantell?

[B]

I didn't want to see you make the same mistake I almost made.

[A]

I see. Well, I don't.

[B]

I can't believe Stacy was responsible for Mantel's murder.

[A]

You better. If he didn't do it, then by a process of elimination, it has to be used.

[B]

In that case, I'm glad you settled on him.

[A]

But he had no motive. It was that pasting Mantel gave him when you left the office making threats. He tipped off Mantel expecting to be remunerated. All he got for his pains was a shellacking. A guy like Stacy takes a thing like that personally.

[B]

Then he was responsible for shooting nephew at the park?

[A]

That he was. He thought I was Mantell. Then we need to scavenge his mistake. He sent a friend of his named Jack Winters to remedy it. He felt sure he'd never be suspected.

[B]

What made you big on him?

[A]

There were three reasons. One, he was on top of every play. When it looked as though I came to a blind alley. He came up with your name. And then that final bit of his telling you to skip town. He just wanted you to incriminate yourself.

[B]

He said there were three reasons. You've only given two.

[A]

Well, you were the only woman in the case. And if you were guilty, I'd have had to wind up with Sergeant Corvit. Believe me, angel, it works out much better this way.