The Falcon: The Case of the Puzzling Pinup 11/19/1950

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | "The Falcon: The Case of the Puzzling Pinup" (11/19/1950)

Introduction

In the December 12, 2024 release of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are treated to an enthralling episode titled "The Falcon: The Case of the Puzzling Pinup". Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this episode features Les Damon reprising his role as the suave detective, The Falcon. Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, the story weaves a complex web of deception, murder, and investigative prowess. This summary delves into the key plot points, character dynamics, and pivotal moments that make this episode a standout in old-time radio detective fiction.

Plot Overview

The narrative kicks off on a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon in New York's West Side, only to quickly spiral into mystery and intrigue. The episode opens with a tense scene where Charles Sylvester Braden II forcefully confronts his partner, Pat Brooks, in room 413 of a rooming house. The confrontation escalates swiftly, leading to what appears to be Pat's suicide by gunshot.

Notable Quote:

"I was down in the basement fixing the border when I heard the shots of Mr. Shelley. So right away I got on the phone and called your newspaper." – (00:10)

However, suspicions arise when the janitor, Walter Shelley, reports the incident. The local Gazette, represented by Mr. Wingate, dismisses the event as another trivial suicide in a bustling city, but inconsistencies begin to surface as photos of the deceased Pat with a gun in hand are sent to the Gazette, raising questions about the true nature of her death.

Key Characters

1. The Falcon (Les Damon): A charismatic and astute private detective known for solving complex cases that baffle others.
2. Charles Sylvester Braden II: Initially presented as a distraught partner to Pat Brooks, his actions suggest deeper layers of involvement in the unfolding mystery.
3. Patricia Brooks: The seemingly tragic figure whose apparent suicide becomes the central enigma of the episode.
4. Walter Shelley: A janitor whose hasty reporting of Pat's death hints at potential foul play.
5. Mr. Wingate: The opportunistic editor of the Gazette, eager to exploit sensational stories.
6. Mike Waring: Introduced as one of New York's top private detectives, later revealed to have a pivotal role in the case.
7. Laura Allen: A mysterious woman intertwined with the central characters, whose actions catalyze critical turning points in the investigation.

Major Plot Points

1. The Suspicious Death: Charles Braden's aggressive confrontation with Pat Brooks in room 413 raises immediate red flags. Pat's apparent suicide is further questioned when photos depicting her holding a gun are sent to the Gazette.

   Notable Quote:

   "You know, some big fish are dangerous. And take it from me, this one's a man killer." – (15:45)

2. The Mysterious Photographs: Photos of the deceased holding a gun contradict the police's findings, suggesting that Pat may not have acted alone, or at all, in her demise. The value and content of these photographs add layers to the mystery.

3. Introduction of Mike Waring: Walter Shelley contacts Mike Waring with a proposition involving valuable photographs. Waring's involvement introduces a new dimension to the case, intertwining journalistic ambition with detective work.

4. Twists and Betrayals: As the investigation progresses, multiple characters' motives and alibis are scrutinized. The supposed suicide is re-examined, revealing potential murders and hidden agendas. The discovery of the missing envelope under a radiator becomes a critical clue leading The Falcon closer to the truth.

   Notable Quote:

   "If you want to be convinced." – (37:30)

5. Climactic Confrontation: In a high-stakes encounter, The Falcon confronts Mr. Wingate, unveiling his manipulative tactics and ulterior motives. The intricate play of deception culminates in the revelation of Wingate's true intentions and connections to the murders.

6. Resolution and Revelation: The episode concludes with The Falcon piecing together the puzzle, exposing the intricate scheme behind Pat Brooks' death and the valuable yet deceptive photographs. The true culprit's identity and motives are unveiled, providing closure to the tangled narrative.

Key Scenes and Insights

• Initial Confrontation (00:45): The intense argument between Braden and Pat sets the stage for the ensuing mystery, highlighting Braden's volatile nature and desperation.

  Notable Quote:

  "But that's only temporary. Some efficiency expert has dropping around to demonstrate that if I plan my work properly, I'll have time to kill." – (00:30)

• Walter Shelley's Involvement (10:15): Shelley’s role as the janitor who reports the incident introduces a critical eyewitness whose observations add credibility to the suspicion of foul play.

• The Envelope Clue (35:20): The discovery of the envelope containing the valuable photographs is pivotal, acting as the linchpin that ties various characters and motives together.

• Fingerprint Revelation (50:45): The absence of fingerprints on Laura Allen's telephone suggests tampering or premeditated actions by the murderer, showcasing the intricate detective work pursued by The Falcon.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Charles Braden II:

  "I'll have to give you one last chance." – (03:10)

• Mr. Wingate:

  "Are you back again, Lieutenant?" – (28:15)

• Mike Waring:

  "I saw it. Take a blind man to miss a cannon that size." – (25:50)

• Laura Allen:

  "I've got to tell you. I killed Walter Shelley." – (44:30)

• The Falcon:

  "You certainly hide your grief well." – (55:20)

Themes and Insights

"The Case of the Puzzling Pinup" delves into themes of deception, the quest for truth, and the moral ambiguities faced by individuals when faced with greed and ambition. The episode underscores the importance of meticulous investigation and the perilous consequences of unethical actions. The interplay between journalistic integrity and detective work offers a nuanced commentary on the pursuit of sensational stories versus factual truth.

Conclusion

Choice Classic Radio Detectives delivers a masterfully crafted episode with "The Falcon: The Case of the Puzzling Pinup", blending suspense, intricate plotting, and compelling character development. Les Damon’s portrayal of The Falcon stands out as a beacon of justice navigating the murky waters of deceit and corruption. For fans of old-time radio and detective stories, this episode offers a captivating journey through the Golden Age of Radio's best detective work.

Whether you're a long-time aficionado or a newcomer to old-time radio, this episode promises an engaging and immersive experience, showcasing the enduring allure of classic detective narratives.

Transcript

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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 donating at choice classicradio.com hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Phyllis, I'm glad you called. You'll have to give me a rain check, angel. I'm all tied up. But that's only temporary. Some efficiency expert has dropping around to demonstrate that if I plan my work properly, I'll have time to kill. This is Ed Hurley. He friends inviting you to listen to the adventures of the Falcon starring Les Damon. You met the Falcon first in his bestselling novels. Then you saw him in his thrilling motion picture series. Now join him on the air when the Falcon solves the case of the puzzling pinup. Now the case of the puzzling pinup. It's Sunday afternoon in New York, and a young man named Charles Sylvester Braden II breaks all records, dashing up the steps of a small rooming house in New York's west side. And when he gets to the top floo. He begins hammering on the door of room 413. Come on, Pat, open up. Who is it? You know who it is. Now open up. Go away, Charles. No, no, you can't send me away like this. I've got to talk to you. All right, just a second. Lock it. Oh, it's all right. Nobody will disturb us. I said lock it. Look, Charles, you're not well. Don't you believe it for a second. Don't you see, Pat? It was just a scheme to keep us apart. But I fooled them. Charles, please don't lock that door. What's the matter, Pat? Don't you Trust me either. Of course I do. It's just that I don't like to see you so upset. Look, I've got an idea. What are you doing with that phone? I was just going to call your father. Put it down. But, Charles. Put it down. So you're working with him, too? No, I'm not. Then prove it. Marry me. You're insect. What did you say? Nothing. Charles, you're lying. You were going to say I was insane. I wasn't. I swear. I'll give you one last chance. I've got a car downstairs. Will you come with me? Look, Charles. Answer me. But, darling. All right, Pat. You had your opportunity. What are you doing with that gun? I gave you your chance, Pat. You'll have to admit that. Darling. Now listen to me. I've changed my mind. How do I know that you won't change it again? Charles, you can't do this. They'll hang you. No. No, they won't. You see, I'll be dead. No. Yes. You don't think I'd let you go without Charles? Please. Don't be afraid, Pat. I'll be right by your side. Goodbye, darling. Well, I was down in the basement fixing the border when I heard the shots of Mr. Shelley. So right away I got on the phone and called your newspaper. Anybody else here in Driscoll? Oh, no, it wasn't nobody else home. What about the cops? Why? Ain't notified them yet. You know, that was smart, Driscoll. We'll take care of you. All right. Where do we go now? It's this room here. Okay, Open the door. Well, what are you waiting for? Your editor, Mr. Wingate, said you'd have a little present for me. Oh, yeah? Yeah. Well, I'll give you 50 when we get inside. But Mr. Wingate promised me 100. Okay, here it is. Oh, thanks. Now, where's your pass key? Shut that door. What's the girl's name? Patricia Brooks. You know the guy? No. Pull up the shade. I want to get a good look at his pussy. Holy smoke. What's the matter, Mr. Shelley? Well, you know who this is? Charles Sylvester Braden ii. Who? Want to skip it? Hand me some flash bulbs. They're in a case by your feet. Oh, okay. You know, something tells me these shots are going to be every bit as sensational as Mr. Braden's. Tom. Hi, Mr. Wingate. Hello, Shelley. I'm sorry that tip didn't pay off. The way the janitor spoke on the phone. I thought we had something. Huh? What are you talking about, boss? The yarn I sent you out on. Whole story just came over the ticker. Cops are just there. Too bad. There was nothing to it. Nothing to it? Do you realize? Look, Shelley, maybe in the hick town you come from, a pretty girl committing suicide is big news. But in New York, it happens every day in the week. Yeah, but what about. Well, what about what? Well, what did the cops find? The same thing you did. Dead girl named Pat Brooks, holding a gun in her hand. Nothing else? What are you getting at? Should there have been anything else? No, no, of course not. Where are your pictures? Pictures? That's what I sent you there for, remember? Where are they? They ain't. You see, I forgot to take a long film. You what? I'm sorry, boss. I feel like an awful jerk. Okay, forget it. At least there was no harm done. But it'll teach you to be more careful in the future. Oh, yeah, Yeah. I Learned my lesson, Mr. Wingate. I bet I'll pick up plenty from an experience like this. We're in the money. We're in the money. Yes, I'd like to see Mr. Charles Braden Sr. Please. I'm afraid that's impossible. Mr. Braden's only son died yesterday in an automobile accident. Yes, I know. I read all about it. But I still think he'll see me. Tell him it's Walter Shelley of the Gazette. Who is it? Laura, it's me, Braden. I'm the guy you spoke to on the phone this morning. Yes, yes. Won't you come in, sir? Thanks. This is the young man I've been telling you about, Laura. Yes, So I gather. Ms. Allen is my secretary, Mr. Shelley. Good enough. Well, now, suppose we get down to business. You told me you had some pictures I might be interested in. That's right. May I see them, please? Sure. Here they are. Very interesting. Like a drink, Mr. Chalet? Well, thanks, Dolphins. Well, here's to what we all want. I'll join you in that, too. Had time to look at those pictures yet, Mr. Braden? Yes, indeed. Notice anything peculiar about them? I presume you mean that one of the bodies is that of my son, Charles. Yeah, and he's holding a gun. So? So when I heard that the cops only found one stiff, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that you must have taken care of the other by bribing the janitor of the building. But why should I do that? Look, let's stop kidding each other, Braden. The guy with your name couldn't stand the disgrace. You wouldn't want to go through life known as the father of a murderer. There's something in what you say, Mr. Shelley. How much do you want? Ten grand for the set of pictures you've got in your hand. And how much for the negatives? Negatives? Oh, come, come, come. You mustn't take me for a child, Mr. Shelley. I'm aware of the elementals of photography. Now, where are those negatives? Cut it up, Brady. You're choking. Where are they? Give me a chance. All right. You could have killed me then. The negatives, please. Yeah, sure. Got them right here in my pocket. I'd advise you to put away that gun, sir. They're not as smart as you think. Apparently not. Wouldn't I be a chump to keep those negatives on me? Oh, no. You're going to pay for them, mister, and pay through the nose. Hello? I'd like to speak to Mike Waring, please. Who's calling? Walter Shelley. Who? Walter Shelley. I'm a reporter on the Gazette. What can I do for you? You mean, what can I do for you? I understand you're one of the best private dicks in New York. Where do you understand that from? All the usual reliable sources. Don't they call you the Falcon? Only when they can't think of anything worse. Look, will you be home for the next half hour? Why? Well, I'd like to come around, drop a fortune in your lap. Why? Well, let's just say it's only a few weeks before Christmas and I like to play Santa Claus nice and early. I'll be seeing you, Eric. Now back to the adventures of the Falcons. Fifteen minutes have passed since Walter Shelley called Mike Waring with a promise to drop a fortune in his lap. Now we find Mr. Shelley as good as his word. Yes? You're Waring? That's right. I'm Walter Shelley. Oh, you're ahead of schedule. Come on in. Thanks. You said something on the phone about dropping a fortune in my lap. And I never lied. Catch. What's this? Just what I promised. In that envelope are pictures worth half a million. What makes them so valuable? The pose. Oh, you interested? Go on. This party will pay off plenty wearing. I know, I've already seen them. We've got all the angles covered. We got a partner. Of course, that means we'll have to split three ways, but it's worth it. Now, this partner of mine has a swell end. See, what we need is someone to handle the detail work. Tried another guy, but he couldn't see it. What made you come to me with a swindle like this? Look, you don't have to take that tone with me Wary. No, I don't. All right, now get up. Hey, what's going on in here? Mr. Waring, I was cleaning the hall and I heard a fuss. No, it's nothing serious. George, will you get rid of this for me, huh? Character on the floor. Throw him out. Oh, come on, buddy, get up. Come on, pal. I have Mr. Waring. Yeah, I think there's something matter with him. I know. He ran into my fist. No, no, I, I I mean, I can't feel his heartbeat. What? Yeah, I think you killed him. All right, Waring, let's have the truth now. And don't give me any more stuff about pictures, because we didn't find any. You didn't? No. Why'd you kill Shelly? I tell you, I didn't kill him. Lieutenant, you admit you slugged him? Look, Webster, I may brag now and then, but I'm still no Joe Lewis. What do the autopsy report say? It hasn't come in yet, but what are they waiting for? Hey, Lieutenant, open up, will you? What do you want, Sergeant? There's a Mr. Wingate to see Waring. Wingate? Well, tell him to beat it. Waring isn't having any visitors. I've got a court order here, Lieutenant. Maybe you'd like to look at it. Yeah, I see that. Hey, what seems to be all right now? Open it up, Sergeant. You can have five minutes, no more. Fair enough. Hello, Waring. Who are you? At the Wingate still means nothing. I hold down the slot on the Evening Gazette. Shelley worked for me until he came to me this morning with an idea how he could make some easy doughnut. Wait a minute. You must be the guy he told me you talked to before he came to see me. That's right. I threw him out. What are you doing here? Well, when the story came over the ticker, I thought there might be something I could do for you. Why should you? I want this story for my paper exclusively, and I'm willing to pay for it. Okay, Wingate, you got yourself a deal. Do you know what was on those pictures of Shelley's? No. Did he mention any names? Not a one. Well, it doesn't matter. Here are my keys. The superintendent of my building is a character named George Kennedy. Check with him and see what he did with the envelope and bring it back to me. Haven't the police got it? No. The lieutenant told me they didn't find a thing. They may have been brushed aside in all the excitement. Well, it doesn't sound like much to go on, but keep your Fingers crossed, kiddo. I'll do what I can. Okay, Waring, on your feet. Are you back again, Lieutenant? Yeah. Get your things and get out. How come? I'm being released. The autopsy on Shelly clears you. What was it, heart attack? No, poison. He got it in the drink about six hours before it came to your place. Well, tough luck, Lieutenant. I know how you must feel. Can I use your phone? Sure. There's a pay phone right over there. Thanks, Webster. Maybe I can do as much for you sometime. Don Waring. Yeah, don't use any slots. Hello? That's you, George. Oh, hi, Mr. Waring. Say, is Mr. Wingate there? Oh, sure. You want to talk to him? No, I'll see him later. What did you do with the pictures? We didn't find them. Well, they can't have disappeared. They were on my desk before I slugged Shelly. We ain't there now. We've practically taken the place apart. Oh, I stopped wrecking the joint. I'll be right over. That's no use, Mike. We've looked in the desk already. Yeah, he's right, Mr. Waring. We went over everything with a fine tooth comb. Well, I don't get it. Now, George, you're sure when the police removed Shelley's body, they didn't take anything? I'm positive. I was here every minute of the time. Yeah, we might as well give up, Mike. Now, wait a second, Wingate. Shelly was standing right where you are when he tossed that envelope in my lap. When I got up to throw him out, it must have fallen to the floor. I don't see what difference that makes. Well, I could have kicked it over there and then that kick. Hey, wait a minute. What's that under the radiator? Whatever you are, George, you're certainly no detective. Is that the envelope? Must be. Well, let's get a glimpse of a half million bucks worth of pictures, huh? He was robbed. What's the trouble? Well, look. Picture of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Brooklyn Dodgers? Yeah. Now you tell me, who would pay a half a million bucks for a still shot of that group when you could go see them in action for a buck and a quarter? You Hear that, Mike? 3:00am I don't care. I'm not leaving until I make head of tail of these pictures. What makes him worth all that money, Wingate? Ah, Shelley must have been crazy. Well, then why was he murdered? Come in. I hate to disturb you, gentlemen, but I'm looking for Mike Waring. Well, you've come to the right place. Are you Mr. Waring? What's your name? My friends call me Laura Allen. I bet you've got a million of them, angel. So I can't understand why you should be looking for new ones at this hour. I'm looking for something else, Mr. Waring. Podbean, your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast. Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. We're here to get you covered. Browse quality health insurance plan's. No sales tactics included. At oregonhealthcare.gov you can browse plans from trusted insurers and compare benefits to choose the best options for your family. We have free guidance available if you need us. We know the ins and outs of insurance can be frustrating. We'll help you get the coverage that works for you and fits your budget. Visit oregonhealthcare.gov to get started today. What do you want for them? What do I want for what? The pictures. What pictures? Don't give me that. Shelley had them before he died. He hasn't got them now. So who does that leave? Me? Yes. What's your price? I suppose I said I didn't care to do business. It won't do you any good if you see what I mean, Mike. Don't worry, Wingate. I saw it. Take a blind man to miss a cannon that size. Look, would you mind pointing it elsewhere? Laura? What's the matter, Mr. Waring? Does it make you nervous? Yeah. I don't know what's come over me these past few days, but I can't seem to keep the thing on my stomach, particularly. Gun. Come on, Eagle. Drop it. Oh, nuts. Get it, Wingate. Okay, it's got. Well, now, what are you going to do with me? Nothing. You can leave whenever you like, Angel. You mean you're letting me go? Sure. I'm a sport. I always throw the little ones back. Just what are you fishing for, Mr. Waring? The big one. Well, I wouldn't if I were you. You know, some big fish are dangerous. And take it from me, this one's a man killer. Good night, Angel. Shouldn't let her get away, Mike. Why not? That little lady wasn't going to tell us anything except what she wanted to. Yeah, but remember what Shelley Said about a partner. You think that girl. Well, don't you? You know something? Wingate shall write. Well, she's already gone down the ele. Hello, Laura. Oh, Mr. Braden. Rice. What are you doing in my apartment? My dear girl, I think the answer's fairly obvious. I was waiting for you. I told you that if I had anything to report, I'd let you know. Well, you can hardly blame me for being anxious, Laura. Now, where are the pictures? I didn't get them. You know, my dear, I find that very difficult to believe. You're such a very determined young lady. Well, I ran into a very determined young man. And yet Mr. Waring let you get away. Yes, and don't ask me why, because I don't know. You must be tired, my dear. You're quite right, Mr. Braden. I am tired. I'm tired of trying to protect your precious name. Why don't you pay off and let it go at that? I don't like to hear you talk that way, Laura, but knowing you as I do, I'm sure you'll never let this little conversation go any farther. Hello. Is that you, Wearing? Uhhuh. This is Laura. Who? Laura Allen. You remember? Oh, sure. Listen, Wearing, there's something I've got to tell you. Where do you live? At the rainy apartments. But before you come, I want you to know that I killed Walter Shelley. Oh, you admit it. Well, if you want to be convinced. Oh, hello, Laura. Laura. And that's all I know. Wingate. Right after I heard the shot, I grabbed a cab and started over here. Then I remembered my promise to you, so I detoured over to your office to pick you up. I appreciate it, Waring. Hey, what floor do we get off on? Right here. The floor. Okay. Must be down this way. Oh, here it is. Laura Allen. Uh. Oh. Unlocked. Yeah. So she did commit suicide after all. It seems so. Hey, what do you make of this silver cigarette case? Silver, nothing. This is platinum, huh? Yeah. They don't hand these out on push carts. Here. Look at the engraving. Can you make it out? Yeah. To Laura Allen from the tyrant Charles Braden senior. Charles Braden senior. Hey, this girl moved in the big leagues. That's all right. If she was in Braden's employ, then he's the boy who's interested in the pictures. And she was working hand in glove with Shelley. Yeah, but why would Braden want a picture of the Brooklyn Dodgers? He didn't. The pictures we found must have been phony. Say, wait a minute. Wasn't his son in some sort of a mess recently? Well, he Got killed in an automobile accident. Well, that's too pat. Brayden's hiding something. Who are you calling? The police. Well, make it snappy. I want to phone my paper. Hey, wait a minute. What's the cello? I just thought of something. I heard the shot that killed Laura over the phone, Sal. Well, if she died instantly, who hung this receiver back on the hook? Yeah, but that means. Yeah, go on, say it, Wingate. She was murdered. But you said she talked to suicide. Someone could have forced her to by holding a gun in her back. Who? That's what I intend to find out. Now, look, I want you to get a fingerprint expert up here. What for? The killer made one blunder when he put the receiver back on the hook. Isn't it possible he made another? I don't follow you. Maybe he left his prints on the instrument. Got any idea where we can find an expert at this time of night? Oh, he got one down the paper. Swell. Get him, Wingate. Well, I'll meet you later. Make it Mr. Braden's. Something tells me he'll probably be very interested in the results. Mr. Braden? Yes? My name is Waring. Oh, come in, won't you? Thank you. You were a friend of Walter Shelley's, I believe. Well, I wouldn't say that. Strange that he entrusted his most precious possessions to you. I don't think I understand you, Mr. Braden. I'm referring to the pictures, Mr. Waring. Oh, that. Yes, that. May I troubled you for them. And the negatives, of course. What's in it for me? Well, I could promise you any number of things. Yes, but they'd be just that, promises. You see my point? Oh, yeah. You don't have to draw me a diagram. No, I had only to draw a gun. All right. Put that thing away. Braden, you're forgetting something. I can't imagine what. What's going to happen when the police discover you killed Shelly and Laura? Shelly and Laura? Well, I hardly think there's any danger of that. Maybe I can prove you're wrong. I beg your pardon. I think that call is for me. May I? Certainly. Go right ahead. Thank you. Hello? Hello. Is that you, Mike? Yeah. How'd you make out, Wingate? Did they finish checking those fingerprints? Yes, but there wasn't a single print on it. Oh, that's wonderful. What's the matter with you, Mike? Can't you hear me? Didn't miss a word. Now, come up here and bring that report with you. You look pleased. Yes, I am. Whose fingerprints do you suppose they found on Laura's telephone Nobody's what? You'll forgive me, sir, but I'm afraid I've been guilty of eavesdropping. Oh, you'll never hear anything nice about yourself that way. Perhaps not. But then, Mr. Waring, I'm not a very nice person. I think you're going to find that out. Now, back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Two minutes ago, Charles Braden Sr. Told Mike that he wasn't, quote, a very nice person, unquote. And judging by the gun he keeps trained on Mike, Mr. Braden believes in telling the truth. Really, Mr. Waring, you don't know how this pains me. Well, I'd never guess it, Braden. You certainly hide your grief well. And you, sir, you're fierce. Oh, that's where you're wrong. I don't believe you're going to shoot. Tell me, Mr. Waring, what is your purpose in glancing at that window every five seconds? Frankly, I find it very distracting. That was my purpose. All right, Wingate, grab him. Nice work, Wingate. Now give me the gun. Okay. Here you are. Now phone police headquarters. No, no, my paper comes first. Well, any way you like. But don't forget the cops. I. I don't suppose there'd be much point in appealing to your better nature. Oh, I don't know. What do you think, Wingate? No, I'm just an innocent bystander wearing. You better leave me out of this. Well, that's impossible, friend. You've got a lot to say. You mean because I saved your life? No, because you killed Shelly and Laura. What are you babbling about? Murder, Wingate. I'm just wondering who's going to cover your execution for the Gazette. Gee, I don't get it, Mr. Waring. You mean Mr. Wingate actually killed Shelly and the girl? Yes, actually, George. Yeah. But why? Those pictures? The ones we found in your apartment? No, no. The ones the police found in Wingate's apartment. He got them from my place before he even called you. Then he planted those phony shots and waited for me to make my great discovery. Yeah, well, why did he do that? Because he knew I wouldn't stop looking until I found a set of pictures, so he made things easy for me. Well, I still don't understand why he killed Shelley. He was Shelley's partner. Wingate? Mm. He was in from page one, but he got greedy and wanted the whole piece. So he poisoned Shelley and waited for the pictures to drop in his lap. Instead, they dropped in yours. Well, that he couldn't figure on, but he did okay as it was. Well, why did he kill Laura? Well, he had good reason for that. First, he forced her to confess to Shelley's murder. Oh, he thought that would leave him in the clear. If she committed suicide, then the case was closed and he could go ahead and blackmail Braden safely. Well, how did you know he was the killer? Remember I told you I sent him to check the fingerprints on Laura Allen's phone? Yeah, and he said there weren't any. Well, that's what gave him away. Well, I don't see why. Ain't it possible the killer wiped off his own prince? Yes, sure, but what happened to mine? I handled the phone after the murder when I was going to call the police. Oh, now, does that answer all your questions? Well, all but one. What's that? Look, Mr. Waring. What was on those pictures anyway? Ah, you'll never know, George. Oh, come on, come on, break down, Mr. Waring. Must have been pretty hot stuff, huh? Oh, yes, indeed. They were some of the hottest shots I'd ever seen. Why, just to handle them would blister your hand. Yeah, but were they? Well, they were 8 by 10 blow ups of the Chicago Fire. Good night, George.