The Falcon: The Case of the Fatal Fix 05/04/1952

Summary

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Podcast Summary

The Falcon: "The Case of the Fatal Fix" (Original Air Date: May 4, 1952)

Main Theme:
This episode of The Falcon delves into the tangled web of crime, corruption, and murder as private detective Mike Waring—known as the Falcon—investigates the suicide of Danny Hickok, eventually uncovering a crime syndicate’s inner workings and the true identity of its enigmatic leader, “the Greek.” The case explores familial failure, criminal ambition, and the fatal consequences of getting mixed up with the wrong crowd.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Opening Gambit: Family Trouble and a Fateful Note

• [01:23] Danny Hickok is confronted by his father, William, about both a suspicious note signed "the Greek" and a large amount of money.
  • Tensions run high; Danny is evasive and hostile, indicating deeper trouble.
  • Quote:
    • “Don’t ever try that again. Cause father or not, the next time I’ll let you have it. I mean it.” (Danny Hickok, 02:22)
• Police Sergeant Corbett arrives, revealing that Danny is a suspect in George Pulaski's murder, allegedly for the Greek.

2. Death in the Penthouse: A Tragic Turn

• [03:37] Gunshots are heard; Danny is found dead—apparent suicide—leaving William devastated and full of guilt.
  • William enlists the Falcon to discover the Greek’s identity and motives.
  • Quote:
    • “It’s all my fault. If I’d done a better job, he wouldn’t have turned out this way.” (William Hickok, 04:18)

3. Following Leads: From Bartenders to Brooklyn

• [05:18] Mike Waring seeks out Joey Wilson, a bartender with underworld connections.

  • Joey suggests potential contact with the Greek through Alvin Myers but reluctantly gives up information only after being pressured.

• [07:33] Mike receives a mysterious phone call from an informant, pointing him toward Alvin Myers, who, it’s hinted, might crack under questioning.

4. Red Herrings and Character Comedy

• [08:12] Waring visits Myers, who denies being the Greek and steers suspicion elsewhere.
• [10:29] Waring pursues another lead: Vincent Romeo, a seemingly innocent retiree in Brooklyn, enjoying family life and homemade wine. The segment features lighthearted banter and comic relief, painting Romeo and his wife as unsuspecting about any criminal activity.
  • Quote:
    • “This one has got a broken spring. I tell Papa is to fix it, but all the time he listens to ball games on the radio.” (Mrs. Romeo, 10:48)

5. Realization and Murder

• [15:49] After fruitless avenues, Waring realizes, upon reviewing minute details, that Vincent Romeo must be the Greek, since only he could have known about Danny's criminal ties.
  • But the revelation is too late: Romeo is found murdered.

6. Suspicion Turns to William Hickok

• [17:13] The police, led by Sgt. Corbett, suspect William Hickok, who lacks an alibi.
  • Quote:
    • “We’ll leave that for a jury to decide. Haskell, we’re through here. Book him.” (Sgt. Corbett, 19:10)
• Waring vows to prove Hickok’s innocence.

7. Closing the Net: Myers Unmasked

• [19:55] Waring confronts Alvin Myers, suspecting him of orchestrating the killings to take over the Greek’s criminal empire.

• [21:24] Interview with Mrs. Romeo affirms her ignorance of her husband’s double life—a classic trope in noir fiction.

• [23:00] A panicked Myers calls police for protection, claiming someone is after him; when police respond, it’s clear the threat was fabricated.

• [25:35] Waring hypothesizes Myers set up both Romeo and Hickok, using anonymous tips and a staged attack to deflect suspicion. He exposes that Myers was both informant and culprit, motivated by ambition.

  • Notable exchange:
    • “Someone, let’s call him Mr. X, knew Hickok wanted to locate the Greek, so he made it real easy for me. Why? Because he planned to kill the Greek himself, and he figured if Hickok knew the Greek’s whereabouts, my client would get the credit.” (Mike Waring, 26:43)

8. Resolution: The Double Life of Vincent Romeo

• [28:12] The episode wraps with Waring and Corbett discussing the surprising case: Romeo as the unsuspecting Greek and Myers’ elaborate scheme to advance in the criminal hierarchy.
  • Quote:
    • “Just a classic case of a man leading a double life. Only he did it real well.” (Mike Waring, 28:17)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Family Guilt:
  • William: “It’s all my fault. If I’d done a better job…” (04:18)
• Waring’s dry wit:
  • “Don’t let the sound effects fool you, Joey. They’re only pebbles.” (Mike Waring, 05:58)
• Mrs. Romeo’s comic relief:
  • “Sit down… No, no, no, take the other chair. This one has got a broken spring. I tell Papa is to fix it, but all the time he listens to ball games.” (10:48)
• Waring’s deduction:
  • “He must be the Greek. Holy cow. I’ve got to see Sergeant Corbett.” (16:40)
• On criminal ambition:
  • “Like Caesar, he was ambitious. He thought he could do a better job heading the rackets than the Greek.” (Mike Waring, 27:57)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:23–03:45 – Confrontation in Danny Hickok’s penthouse and suicide
• 04:10–05:18 – William hires the Falcon
• 05:18–06:15 – Falcon questions Joey Wilson
• 07:33–08:18 – Mysterious phone tip about Alvin Myers
• 10:29–11:45 – Comic sequence with Vincent and Mrs. Romeo
• 15:49–16:40 – Falcon’s realization; focus shifts to Romeo
• 17:13–19:19 – William Hickok arrested, Falcon’s vow
• 19:55–21:06 – Confronting Myers, suspicion mounts
• 23:00–24:15 – Myers’ phony attempt on himself
• 26:43–27:34 – Falcon confronts Myers, lays out the scheme
• 28:12–28:33 – Discussion of double life, case resolution

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Tone & Original Style

The episode is hard-boiled yet laced with dry wit, character-driven repartee, and classic detective-story pacing. The humor of Mrs. Romeo and Waring’s wisecracks contrast with the grim world of crime and the themes of double identities and betrayals.

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Summary

In “The Case of the Fatal Fix,” the Falcon unravels a knot of personal tragedy, organized crime, and calculated deception. What begins with a suspicious note and a father's worry ends with the unmasking of a hidden criminal empire and the exposure of a Machiavellian traitor in its midst. The episode masterfully blends suspense, noir atmosphere, and snappy dialogue, reminding listeners that in the shadowy world of detective stories, nothing—and no one—is ever quite what they seem.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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].

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Hello?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, this is the Falcon speaking.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Oh, Irene, I'm glad you called.

[Mike Waring]

Now you'll have to cancel me out tonight, angel. Some boy I know thinks he can get away with murder and I've got to prove that if he leaves a body behind, it's bound to be a dead giveaway.

[Narrator]

Once again, the National Broadcasting Company brings you the transcribed Adventures of the Falcon starring Les Damon. The Adventures of the Falcon dedicated to private investigators everywhere. Those hard hitting detectives who like Mike Waring, risk their lives to aid law enforcement agencies. So join him now when the Falcon solves the case of the fatal fix. It's late afternoon in New York and a young man named Danny Hickok steps out of the elevator and jauntily strides toward the penthouse suite on the 28th floor of the Belmont. Yes, Danny's come up in the world, but right now he's in for a letdown.

[William Hickok]

Hello, Danny.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

How'd you get in here?

[William Hickok]

I told the desk clerk I was your father.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

You got your nerve.

[William Hickok]

Why isn't it true?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Don't blame me. What do you want?

[William Hickok]

I got a call this morning from the police. Well, have you any idea why they're looking for you?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I must overpart.

[William Hickok]

You're lying.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Look, I don't have to take that from you.

[William Hickok]

You're going to take a lot more. I found this note on your dresser. Look up George Pulaski. It's signed the Greek.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Give me that.

[William Hickok]

Is that the same Pulaski who was murdered last night?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I wouldn't know.

[William Hickok]

Now look, Danny, you've got to tell me everything.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

There's nothing to tell.

[William Hickok]

There is if you believe the Morgan Committee. According to them, the crime syndicate in this country is headed by a man called the Greek.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

So?

[William Hickok]

So how come he writes you notes? And how come I found this money in your drawer?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Because you're nosy.

[William Hickok]

There's $8,000 in this roll, Danny. Where did it come from?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

None of your business.

[William Hickok]

Why, you little punk. Who do you think you're talking to?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Don't ever try that again. Cause father or not, the next time I'll let you have it. I mean it.

[William Hickok]

Well, I'm going to get the truth if I have to.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Sorry, gents, but I did knock Mr. Hickok in the house.

[William Hickok]

There's two of them.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, the one I want is Danny.

[Mike Waring]

That's Me?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Glad to know you, Danny. Wonder if you'd mind taking a little ride with me. Who the devil are you? Oh, that's right. I haven't introduced myself. My name's Corbett. Sergeant James Corbett to give my full billing. If you'd like to see my shield.

[William Hickok]

Never mind.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

What's the beef? Well, to make a long story short, a fellow named George Pulaski was knocked off last night. So? So we got a tip. You did it for the Greek. Oh, you're crazy. I've been accused of that before.

[William Hickok]

There must be some mistake.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

And where'd he get the DOE to run this place?

[William Hickok]

I gave it to him. I'm his father.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

It won't wash. Mr. Hickok, we checked on you too.

[William Hickok]

I tell you, you're wrong. I'm the one you want.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Who asked you to butt in?

[Alvin Myers]

Shut up.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Don't do me any favors. Look, sergeant, there's an easy way to settle this. I got the proof in the bedroom. Hey, wait a minute. Where are you going to get it. Hold it, Danny. All right, fella, come on out. I'm warning you. You're not out of there by the time I got.

[William Hickok]

What was that?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

That's what it sounded like. Give me a hand. You don't think.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

One, two, three.

[William Hickok]

Danny.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Sorry, Mr. Hickok. You better wait outside. I gotta call the Coron.

[William Hickok]

That's the story, Mr. Waring. After the sergeant and I broke down the door, we.

[Mike Waring]

You found Danny?

[William Hickok]

Yes. I still don't understand why he did it.

[Mike Waring]

It's pretty obvious. He was working for the Greek and he knew it was the chair once they nabbed him.

[William Hickok]

It's all my fault. If I'd done a better job, he wouldn't have turned out this way.

[Mike Waring]

Who's to say?

[William Hickok]

I am. I want your help so's I can make it up to him.

[Mike Waring]

Well, isn't it a little late? Well, better late than never.

[William Hickok]

I want you to find the man.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

They call the Greek.

[Mike Waring]

Find the Greek?

[William Hickok]

Yes. I want to know who and what he is.

[Mike Waring]

So do the police. They've been trying to identify him for years.

[William Hickok]

Danny knew.

[Mike Waring]

Well, he certainly isn't going to spill it now.

[William Hickok]

There must be some way.

[Mike Waring]

No, no, forget it.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I told you. I know.

[William Hickok]

The police have been trying to run him down for years. Well, maybe they're making the same mistakes over and over again. That should make it easier for you.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, I wouldn't know where to start.

[William Hickok]

I don't care about the where. The important thing is when. And here's $500 to do it now.

[Mike Waring]

The bartender is Joey Wilson. Whatever. Mind. I see him. Hello, Joey.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, what did I do to rate this, huh?

[Mike Waring]

You're just lucky, I guess. Mind if I join you?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I certainly do, Warren. I'm particular about the people I'm seen with.

[Mike Waring]

Well, obviously I'm not.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

What do you want?

[Mike Waring]

Little conversation.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I haven't got time.

[Mike Waring]

You better change your mind, Joey. You'll find yourself with nothing else but about 10 years worth. That littered at Sing Sing. Cops are still looking for the party. Who fixed that Bryson jury.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I don't know nothing about it.

[Mike Waring]

My mistake. I heard you did it for the Greek.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, you got rocks in your head?

[Mike Waring]

No. Don't let the sound effects fool you, Joey. They're only pebbles. Where can I find the big boy?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I ain't got the slightest idea.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, let it be. Like you say, too bad. I gotta talk to the cops.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Wait a minute. Yeah? I tell you, I don't know who the Greek is.

[Mike Waring]

You can start me up the ladder.

[William Hickok]

Go on home.

[Mike Waring]

What for?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Wait for a phone call.

[Mike Waring]

You going to make the first contact for me?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I'm not saying yes. I'm not saying no. Just go home and wait.

[Mike Waring]

And I'll give him 10 more minutes. If he doesn't call by then. Hello?

[Unknown Informant]

I'd like to talk to Mike Waring, please.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Who is this?

[Unknown Informant]

Never mind. You Waring?

[Mike Waring]

That's right.

[Unknown Informant]

Understand you're trying to locate the Greek.

[Mike Waring]

You understand correctly.

[Unknown Informant]

You know what'll happen to anyone who fingers him for you.

[Mike Waring]

You don't have to worry. This is business.

[Unknown Informant]

He's got enough now to keep him occupied.

[Mike Waring]

Then why did you call?

[Unknown Informant]

I need a stake.

[Mike Waring]

I'll pay you 500 bucks for the genuine article. What?

[Unknown Informant]

I don't know who the Greek is, but I got an idea who does.

[Mike Waring]

You mean I have to do some more climbing?

[Unknown Informant]

Yeah. So if you got a bad heart, I'd watch those steps. You still interested?

[Mike Waring]

Let's have it.

[Unknown Informant]

How would I get the dough?

[Mike Waring]

How would you suggest?

[Unknown Informant]

Mail it to Willie Smith, carry general delivery.

[Vincent Romeo]

Fair enough.

[Unknown Informant]

I got your word?

[Mike Waring]

Yep.

[Unknown Informant]

Well, if I was you, I'd see a man named Alvin Myers. She's got a place at the Beaumont.

[Mike Waring]

What makes you think he knows the.

[Unknown Informant]

Greek if he don't? Nobody does. This Myers is a chubby party. I think he'll spell if you put it to him the right way.

[Mike Waring]

And what exactly is the right way?

[Unknown Informant]

Look, I can't write the script for you just giving you Myers. From there on, you're on your.

[Alvin Myers]

I guess I'm not very bright, Mr. Waring. But I'm still rather puzzled at the reason for this visit. Mind you, I've enjoyed it.

[Mike Waring]

Well, thanks. But I was told Alvin Myers could put me in touch with the Greek.

[Alvin Myers]

You were told by whom?

[Mike Waring]

A mutual friend.

[Alvin Myers]

That's rather vague.

[Mike Waring]

It'll have to do.

[Alvin Myers]

And just why do you want to contact the Greek?

[Mike Waring]

I've got a deal for him.

[Alvin Myers]

Tell me something, Mr. Waring, do I look weak minded?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Alvin Myers]

Well, you must think so to come here with that story.

[Mike Waring]

What's wrong with it?

[Unknown Informant]

Everything.

[Alvin Myers]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you're a private detective.

[Narrator]

I am.

[Alvin Myers]

Currently, you're employed by one William Hickok.

[Mike Waring]

Where'd you hear that?

[Alvin Myers]

Well, aren't you?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Alvin Myers]

Isn't that strange? I wonder where I got the idea.

[Mike Waring]

I wonder too.

[Alvin Myers]

Well, I was given to understand shortly after his son committed suicide. Mr. Hickok came to you with a request that you find the Greek. For some unknown reason, he thinks our mysterious friend was involved.

[Narrator]

He was.

[Mike Waring]

Danny was working for him.

[Alvin Myers]

That's only your opinion.

[Mike Waring]

The police share it with me and I've got a feeling I'm accomplishing something they didn't.

[Unknown Informant]

Oh, really?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. I think I'm talking to the Greek right now.

[Alvin Myers]

That's the funniest thing I've heard yet.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you're easily amused. Are you the Greek?

[Alvin Myers]

Oh, don't be ridiculous.

[Mike Waring]

Well, we'll soon find out. My informant led me to believe you don't like being manhandled.

[Narrator]

What?

[Mike Waring]

He thought you might crack under a little pressure.

[Alvin Myers]

He wouldn't dare.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you shouldn't have said that, Myers. Are you the Greek? I asked you something. No. Well, answer me. Are you the Greek?

[Mrs. Romeo]

No.

[Mike Waring]

But you know who he is.

[Alvin Myers]

On my word.

[Mike Waring]

He'Ll kill me. You better talk now. Who is he?

[Alvin Myers]

His name is Vincent Romeo.

[Mike Waring]

Romeo?

[Alvin Myers]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Where does he live?

[Alvin Myers]

In Brooklyn, on Sycamore.

[Mike Waring]

Now that's one for the book. Listen, Myers, if you're tossing me a curb, I'll be back. And believe me, you'll enjoy my next trip to the plate even less.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Yes, please.

[Mike Waring]

I'd like to see Mr. Romeo.

[Vincent Romeo]

Oh, sure.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Papa. Papa.

[Vincent Romeo]

What's the matter, though?

[Mrs. Romeo]

Some man wants to see you.

[Vincent Romeo]

Why you make him wait outside. Tell him come in.

[Mrs. Romeo]

You like to come in, Mr.

[Mike Waring]

Wearing?

[Mrs. Romeo]

Papa, he'll be right out.

[Mike Waring]

Okay.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Sit down.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Oh, no, no, no. Take the other chair. This one has got a broken spring. I tell Papa is to fix it, but. But all the time he's too busy. Yes, all the time he listens to ball games on the radio all day. He's dodges, dodges, dodges. Hey, you a friend of Papa?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I wouldn't say that exactly.

[Mrs. Romeo]

I thought maybe you know him when he was in the ice business.

[Mike Waring]

Ice business? Sure.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Papa used to have a big company. Three trucks.

[Mike Waring]

Now wait a minute.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Something wrong?

[Mike Waring]

I'm beginning to think so.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Oh, Papa, this is Mr. Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Mike Waring.

[Vincent Romeo]

Mike Waring. Let me see. Don't I know this name from someplace? Sure, you private detective.

[Mike Waring]

That's right.

[Vincent Romeo]

Rosa, you know who this is? He's a falcon.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Oh no.

[Vincent Romeo]

Remember we read about them in the papers.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Oh, my, my.

[Vincent Romeo]

Maybe he like a little wine.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no, no, no thanks.

[Vincent Romeo]

Oh, please try. Rosa make it herself. Mama, some vino for Mr. Well, sure.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Oh, really, Mrs. Oh, it's no trouble.

[Vincent Romeo]

Wait till you taste. Rosa makes the best wine anybody in the whole United States.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, I'm sure she does.

[Vincent Romeo]

But look at me all the time. I know even ask what I can do for you.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I got a proposition for the Greek.

[Vincent Romeo]

You got a proposition for, huh?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

The Greek?

[Vincent Romeo]

No, Stan.

[Mike Waring]

Didn't you ever hear about him? He's supposed to head the rackets in this country.

[Vincent Romeo]

Oh, sure, I remember. They talk about him on the radius. A very bad man. Very bad man.

[Mike Waring]

You know anything about him?

[Vincent Romeo]

Just what I hear. Mama don't let me listen too much, she says. Bad for my heart.

[Mike Waring]

Even the ball game, he's still talking.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Hey, you tried this, Mr. Waring. I got the one for you too, Papa.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

For such a little one, it's more than enough.

[Mrs. Romeo]

You know what the doctors say.

[Vincent Romeo]

All right, all right. Well, Mr. Waring, you help? Yes, sure.

[Mike Waring]

Salud. It's wonderful, you hear?

[Vincent Romeo]

Mama, he lied.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Last year is much better.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, we can't believe that. By the way, Mr. Mayo, your wife tells me you were in the ice business.

[Vincent Romeo]

That's right. I retired four years ago. My son and Jimmy, he run the business, you know.

[Mike Waring]

You ever hear of a man named Danny Hickok?

[Vincent Romeo]

No.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Oh, sure we do. Papa. You remember we read about him in the paper last week.

[Mike Waring]

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Vincent Romeo]

He's a young fellow who kill himself in a hotel.

[William Hickok]

His father find him, poor man.

[Vincent Romeo]

It's his own fault. Ross, if he bring a boy like we bring up Jimmy, he don't go down to killing people.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you never know. Anyway, this Hickok was supposed to be on the Greeks payroll, I understand. Yeah, well, that makes two of us. As I was told, you were the Greek.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Me?

[Vincent Romeo]

Who says such a thing?

[Mike Waring]

Well, doesn't matter.

[Vincent Romeo]

You got to tell me. I sent my boy Jimmy to bid him up. Now, Papa, you hear what he say?

[Mike Waring]

All right, all right, all right. It was just a joke. Forget it.

[Vincent Romeo]

You go already.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, I got to.

[Mrs. Romeo]

But you don't. Finish your wine. You know, like.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, yes, yes, sure I do. But I've got to get back to work. I'm sorry if I put you to any trouble.

[Vincent Romeo]

Was no trouble at all. Maybe you come to Brooklyn again someday.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, sure, if the Dodgers win the penalty.

[Vincent Romeo]

What you may name. Are you there?

[Mike Waring]

She.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Such a nice man.

[William Hickok]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Romeo]

I wish Jimmy could see him.

[Vincent Romeo]

Hey, Rose, I think I smell something burning.

[Mrs. Romeo]

My chicken. Catch. Authority.

[Mike Waring]

A B4 21 1.

[Vincent Romeo]

Yeah, Joey.

[Unknown Informant]

That's right.

[Mike Waring]

What's the name of that new boy from Toledo? What boy?

[Vincent Romeo]

The one who knows all about manhunting.

[Unknown Informant]

Oh, Monty Stevens.

[Vincent Romeo]

Tell him to get in touch with the Greek.

[Mike Waring]

I got a little job for him.

[Narrator]

Summer is just around the corner on the calendar. This year we're getting a lucky break too, because there are three three day holiday weekends. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. For most of us, that's fine. But we should always keep in mind that these long weekend holidays will be tragic times for some of us who start out gaily to enjoy them. For instance, last year over the Labor Day weekend, which always lasts three days, the average was 153 deaths a day in traffic mishaps. So take a lesson from the figures and at all times, and particularly on long holiday weekends, drive as though your life depends on it.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

It does.

[Narrator]

And now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. An hour has passed since Mike Waring's meeting with Vincent Romeo. And now at Mike's apartment, he unhappily sums up the matter for his client.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's the story, Hickok. It's a bum steer. When I got to Brooklyn, I found this couple and more wonderful pair you never met.

[William Hickok]

And this Romeo wasn't the Greek?

[Mike Waring]

No. Myers was pulling my leg.

[William Hickok]

Well, where do we go from here?

[Mike Waring]

Where can we go? Every lead I had petered out.

[William Hickok]

What about Alvin Myers? Why don't you see him again?

[Mike Waring]

No, no, I wouldn't be any use. He'd be ready for me now. No, it just looks as though. Say, wait a minute. Did you see the newspaper accounts of your son's suicide?

[William Hickok]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I read them all religiously. There was very little there. All it said was when you and Sergeant Corbett broke down the door, you found Danny. We did. And there was nothing about your son. Committing suicide because he was implicated in the murder of Pulaski. Well, well, Romeo knew that. He knew Danny was a gunman.

[William Hickok]

How could he? I didn't know it myself.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, that's just it. He must be the Greek. Holy cow. I've got to see Sergeant Corbett.

[William Hickok]

Well, then you won't be needing me anymore.

[Mike Waring]

Well, he might want to talk to you.

[William Hickok]

I'll be easier to find than the Greek. So long, Waring. And thanks again. You've been more help Than you.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Oh, that you, Haskell?

[Mike Waring]

Surprise. It's me.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Oh, I knew my luck couldn't last. Now look, Mike, I just got a flash on a murder, so if you don't mind.

[Mike Waring]

You know, if someone heard you, they'd think you didn't want me around.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Yeah, well, they'd be right.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I suppose I told you I discovered the identity of the Greek.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

You what?

[Mike Waring]

I spoke to him a couple of hours ago.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

And you're just telling me.

[Mike Waring]

Well, it didn't dawn on me till later.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, who is he?

[Mike Waring]

You'd never guess. First of all, he isn't Greek. And where do you suppose he lives?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

In a luxurious duplex on Park Avenue.

[Mike Waring]

Wrong again. In a two family house in Brooklyn. On Sycamore. On Sick.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Name wouldn't be Vincent Romayo, would it?

[Narrator]

How did you know?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

He was murdered 15 minutes ago.

[Mike Waring]

You're kidding. Sure.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

That's what the city pays me for, to make jokes. Who else knew Romaya was a Greek?

[William Hickok]

No one.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

You sure?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I figured it out while I was talking to Hickok.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

That does it. What?

[Mike Waring]

You're out of your mind.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, he had a motive, didn't he? I say after you left him, Hickok went over to Brooklyn and gave him a belt. Hey, that's a good one, Hickok.

[Mike Waring]

Belt. You were right when you said the city wasn't paying you to make jokes, Noel.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I'm not joking. Five will get you ten Hickok's our boy.

[Mike Waring]

You got a bet.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

And here's where I collect.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Haskell, get a 37 out on William Hickok. I want him picked up immediately. I give you my word, Sergeant.

[William Hickok]

I don't know anything about Romayo's murder.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you knew your son was working for the Greeks. Yes.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

You felt he was responsible for his suicide.

[William Hickok]

Yes, but I didn't kill him.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

When did you leave Waring's apartment?

[William Hickok]

It must have been around three.

[Mike Waring]

It was closer to two.

[William Hickok]

Thanks.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Where'd you go from there?

[William Hickok]

Home.

[Mike Waring]

Anybody see you?

[William Hickok]

No, I live alone.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

So you've got no alibi.

[William Hickok]

I don't need one.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

We'll leave that for a jury to decide. Haskell, we're through here. Book him.

[Mike Waring]

Listen, Hickok, I'll get you out of this.

[William Hickok]

I wish you wouldn't wearing. You've done enough for me already.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I had to tell him.

[William Hickok]

Sure you did.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

He know something, Mike. I don't think he likes you.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I don't blame him. But he didn't kill the Greek.

[Unknown Informant]

No?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Then who did?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I have no idea. As long as I found the Greek, maybe I can find his killer. I'll be seeing you, Sergeant.

[William Hickok]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Myers. Remember me?

[Alvin Myers]

Unfortunately.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you might invite me in.

[Alvin Myers]

I might, but I don't think I will.

[Mike Waring]

You're doing me an injustice.

[Alvin Myers]

Now get out.

[Mike Waring]

I just want to thank you. I found the Greek.

[Alvin Myers]

You saw Romeo?

[Mike Waring]

A couple of hours before the police did.

[Alvin Myers]

Did they pick him up?

[Mike Waring]

Literally? According to what I hear, they had to use a sponge.

[Alvin Myers]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

He was in a million pieces. Someone took a shotgun to the man.

[Alvin Myers]

How shocking.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, well, I imagine it doesn't make you feel too badly. With the Greek out of the picture, what becomes of his empire?

[Alvin Myers]

I have the vaguest notion.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I've got a feeling you're the crown prince. Naturally, that makes you a suspect.

[Alvin Myers]

Oh, you're insane.

[Mike Waring]

Well, then who do you suggest?

[Alvin Myers]

What about your client?

[Mike Waring]

Hickok? Yes. Well, when I collect a fee from a man, naturally I like to give him the benefit of any doubt.

[Alvin Myers]

And you wouldn't be above involving an innocent party?

[Mike Waring]

Of course not. Got any suggestions?

[Unknown Informant]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I have. I think you'd look lovely in a frame.

[Alvin Myers]

You wouldn't dare.

[Mike Waring]

Look, you said that once before. Remember what happened?

[Alvin Myers]

Don't touch me.

[Mike Waring]

Who else knew Romaya was the Greek?

[Alvin Myers]

What about his wife?

[Mike Waring]

Don't be ridiculous. I met the woman.

[Alvin Myers]

You met him too, and he had you fooled. Well, didn't he?

[Mike Waring]

Well, you got a point there, Myers. Let's hope for your sake I don't get stuck on it.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Poor Papa. Why they do such a thing? Why they do it?

[Mike Waring]

All right now, Mrs. Romayo, you've got to control yourself.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Papa never hurt anybody. You see him, Mr. Waring. He was a good man.

[Mike Waring]

Well, let's open the question.

[Mrs. Romeo]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Look, Mrs. Romeo, how much did you know of your husband's affairs?

[Mrs. Romeo]

Everything.

[Mike Waring]

Well, the police believe your husband was the Greek.

[Mrs. Romeo]

That's crazy. He was no Greek. You don't believe these stories, Mr. Waring, I tell you, Papa was a good man.

[Mike Waring]

Did he ever go out at all?

[Mrs. Romeo]

No, he had a bad heart.

[Mike Waring]

Well, did strange people ever come to the house? Never.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Only relatives and friends.

[Mike Waring]

Well, then he must have transacted all his business over the phone.

[Mrs. Romeo]

It's not true.

[Mike Waring]

Look, Mrs. Romayo, you've got to face the facts.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Papa was a good man to go to church every Sunday.

[Mike Waring]

Sure, that left him six days a week to get into trouble.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Get out.

[Mrs. Romeo]

Now, Mrs. Ro, you say bad things about Papa. Get out. And don't ever come back.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Oh, no.

[Unknown Informant]

Yeah?

[Mike Waring]

I've got to talk to you, Corbett. Just been out to Brooklyn to see Mrs. Romeo. Yeah?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

That makes it a double header for you today. Hey, you ought to be playing with the Giants.

[Mike Waring]

Listen, I'm serious. So am I.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

They could use an outfielder. What'd you learn?

[Mike Waring]

Nothing. I'd swear she never knew her husband was mixed up in the rackets.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

It doesn't make any difference. Hickok killed Romeo.

[Mike Waring]

I don't believe it.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, who else is in the picture?

[Mike Waring]

Well, no one excepted. Hey, wait a minute. What do you think of Alvin Meyers?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

What do you mean, what do I think of him?

[Mike Waring]

He was real close to the Greek. So close he may have been the only one who knew his real identity.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Now you're reaching, pal, I tell you.

[Vincent Romeo]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

Call for you, Sergeant.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I'm busy.

[Vincent Romeo]

It's Alvin Myers.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

I don't care.

[William Hickok]

It's who?

[Vincent Romeo]

Alvin Myers. He said it was very important.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, put him on. It's Myers.

[Mike Waring]

Speak of the devil. Go ahead, please.

[Alvin Myers]

Sergeant Corbett?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

That's right.

[Alvin Myers]

This is Alvin Myers. I demand police protection.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

What's the trouble?

[Alvin Myers]

There's someone lurking around my apartment. Just a few minutes ago.

[Mike Waring]

Hello?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Myers? Myers.

[Alvin Myers]

What's wrong?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Something's gone dead, and I don't think it's the phone. Let's go see for sure.

[Narrator]

There's a price tag on almost everything. The price tag on speed violations last year was 15,000 killed and 500,000 injured. This year, thousands of lives can be saved if you and millions of other motorists come to the sober realization that speed is the biggest killer on the highways and resolve to slow down before you or someone else pays the price that must be paid for it. At all times, drive as though your life depends on it.

[Mike Waring]

It does.

[Narrator]

Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Fifteen minutes have passed since Alvin Meyers phoned Sergeant Corbett and demanded police protection. Apparently, he needed it for right in the midst of the call, there was a shot. And now outside Myers apartment.

[Mike Waring]

It's locked.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

What'd you expect? Get out of my way. This one ought to do it.

[Mike Waring]

You hear that?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Hit those lights. Myers, you all right?

[Mike Waring]

We better call a doc.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Yeah, I'll take care of it. See what you can do for him.

[Mike Waring]

All right. All right, now, take it easy. You'll be okay. Where does it hurt? Maybe I can eat. Hey, Sergeant, wait a minute. Hold the phone.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Yeah, what's the matter?

[Mike Waring]

There's nothing wrong with him.

[Alvin Myers]

I'm hurt.

[Mike Waring]

That's your imagination. And bullet missed you by a mile.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

What are you talking about?

[Mike Waring]

Look at that hole in the ceiling. The slug ended there, and it certainly didn't go through him first.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, then he just fainted.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, he's just a great big sissy.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Come on, Myers, on your feet.

[Alvin Myers]

Let me alone.

[Mike Waring]

I'll leave you alone. What happened here?

[Alvin Myers]

I don't know.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Don't give us that. Who fired that shot at you?

[Alvin Myers]

I tell you, I don't know. My back was to the window.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, do you have any idea who might want to kill you?

[Unknown Informant]

No.

[Mike Waring]

I have. It's obvious. This is tied up with the Greeks. Murder.

[Alvin Myers]

How ridiculous.

[Mike Waring]

Well, it doesn't make sense otherwise.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Doesn't make sense, period.

[Mike Waring]

All right, now, let's take it from the beginning. First, Hickok's son commits suicide. And Hickok asked me to find the Greek.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Which you did.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, but only because Meyers here help me.

[Alvin Myers]

That's not true.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Shut up.

[Mike Waring]

It wasn't that simple, sergeant. Before I got my lead to Myers, I did a lot of legwork. My first contact was Joey Wilson.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, did he give you Myers?

[William Hickok]

No.

[Mike Waring]

He told me to go home and wait for a phone call. And about an hour later, it came.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Who was it?

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's just the trouble. He wouldn't leave his name. But he told me Myers could put me in touch with the Greek.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Hey, sounds like he had a grudge against Myers.

[Mike Waring]

Well, he claimed he was doing it for Doe. But you don't believe it? No. I got a hunch. When we latch onto my mysterious phone caller, we'll be home. You got any idea who it could be, Myers?

[Alvin Myers]

None at all.

[Mike Waring]

Well, it must be someone real close to you. He knew of your business relationship with the Greek.

[Alvin Myers]

I don't see how there was none.

[Mike Waring]

Look, sergeant, could you leave us alone for a couple of minutes?

[Alvin Myers]

Don't you dare.

[Mike Waring]

All right, then start talking. Who killed the Greek?

[Alvin Myers]

I was under the impression it was Mr. Hickok.

[Mike Waring]

Well, Hickok couldn't have taken that shot at you. He's in jail. Then who did I submit it was my mysterious phone call.

[Alvin Myers]

Oh, that's Absurd.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

What are you getting at, Mike?

[Mike Waring]

Someone, let's call him Mr. X, knew Hickok wanted to locate the Greek, so he made it real easy for me. Why? Because he planned to kill the Greek himself. And he figured if Hickok knew the Greek's whereabouts, my client would get the credit.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Where's that get us? We don't know who this Mr. X is.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, sure we do. Don't we, Myers?

[Unknown Informant]

Do we?

[Mike Waring]

Well, you should. It was you, huh?

[Alvin Myers]

That's very amusing.

[Mike Waring]

You were my mysterious informant. Screwy as it sounds, you put me in touch with yourself.

[Unknown Informant]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Yes. It was a nice piece of work you did. And you'll probably get the chair for it. And believe me, it couldn't happen to a more deserving character.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Oh, I don't get it. I don't get it at all, Mike. Why'd Myers go through that whole routine?

[Mike Waring]

What do you mean, routine? For instance, that business of the phone call. Well, he had to work it that way, Sergeant. He had to make it look as though he divulged the identity of the Greek under pressure. Naturally, we'd be suspicious if he volunteered the information. And once Hickok knew who the Greek was, then Myers could safely kill him.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, I still don't see his motive.

[Mike Waring]

Like Caesar, he was ambitious. He thought he could do a better job heading the rackets than the Greek.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

And that phony attempt on himself was.

[Mike Waring]

Designed to take the heat off. He knew we were bound to get back to him sooner or later. This way, he beat us to the punch. Yeah, he had it all figured out.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, I wish I couldn't.

[Mike Waring]

What bothers you, little man?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

For one thing, Romayo, he doesn't add up.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, sure he does. Just a classic case of a man leading a double life. Only he did it real well.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

You think his wife knew?

[Mike Waring]

No, she convinced me that he was legit. Now, does that take care of all your questions?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Yeah. Thanks a lot.

[Mike Waring]

Hey, wait. Wait a minute. What about the check?

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Well, since you took care of finding.

[Mike Waring]

The Greek and you took care of his killer, I think you deserve the.

[Sergeant James Corbett]

Honor of taking care of that, too. Good night, Mike.

[Narrator]

The Case of the King of Hearts. The Case of the King of Hearts. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon. When Mike Waring learns that even when you play your cards right, sometimes the game can be murder. The Adventures of the Falcon are based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake. Produced and transcribed by Bernard L. Shubert Written today by Eugene Wang and directed by Richard Lewis Les Damon was starred as the Falcon, with Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbin. This program came from New York. Fred Collins speaking.