This Is Your FBI: Flowers for the Corpse 06/14/1946

Summary

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Podcast Summary: This Is Your FBI: Flowers for the Corpse (Aired 06/14/1946)

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode of "This Is Your FBI," titled Flowers for the Corpse, presents a suspenseful story of a jewel theft ring, a greedy florist, and dedicated FBI agents determined to apprehend criminals operating under the guise of a legitimate business. The episode spotlights federal law enforcement’s perseverance and ingenuity in tackling organized crime, while weaving an intricate tale of double-crossing, deception, and eventual justice—all wrapped around the unassuming front of a suburban greenhouse.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Greenhouse and Sudden Prosperity (02:14–04:11)

• Merle Sheridan and his Aunt Kathy run a previously average-performing greenhouse, now seeing sudden, unexplained financial success.
• Merle is apprehensive about their top customer, Mr. Durham, despite Aunt Kathy’s trust in him.
  • Notable Quote (Merle, 04:08): “I appreciate him, darling, but I don't trust him.”

2. Durham’s Visit—The Emerald Transfer (04:14–05:33)

• Mr. Durham (secretly a jeweler fencing stolen goods) arrives, responding to Merle’s telegram about a “rare” tulip bulb.
• The bulb is revealed to have a secret compartment—hiding a stolen 20-carat emerald.
  • Memorable Exchange:
    • Durham (04:52): “Good Lord.”
    • Merle (04:54): “Sharon, does it please you?”
• The transaction is tense, with distrust evident and negotiations for shares and taxes sparking bitter banter.

3. FBI Investigation Begins (06:00–06:56)

• Agents Craig and Hyland are briefed on a series of nationwide jewel robberies, with stolen goods not turning up locally—indicating distribution through a broad fence network.
  • Quote (Craig, 06:50): "Maybe none of this stuff will ever turn up in our particular bailiwick. But we've got to go on the assumption that it will."

4. The Fencing Scheme Turns Sour (07:20–08:25)

• Over the phone, Merle confronts Durham for skimming money under the ruse of taxes. Distrust peaks, and Merle insists on new transactional rules: immediate cash payment, fixed prices, and no negotiation.

5. FBI Hot on the Trail (09:00–09:39)

• The FBI, through insurance alerts, tracks the stolen emerald to Mrs. V.A. Madison, unwitting buyer from Durham.

6. Double-Crosses at the Greenhouse (10:08–12:27)

• Durham meets Merle for another exchange but is tricked out of $4,000 as Merle "evens the score."
• Durham threatens to turn Merle in and storms off, declaring he’s “getting out of this business” (11:55–12:02).
• Aunt Kathy asserts that “you're not going to make trouble for us” (12:04), foreshadowing drastic measures.

7. Breakthrough: FBI’s Flower Clue (16:13–18:23)

• Agents Craig and Hyland question Durham’s secretary (Aunt Kathy, under alias), linking the greenhouse to the fencing operation via unique hollow tulip bulbs.
  • Memorable Moment (Hyland, 17:23): “Take hold of the roots at the bottom and pull… the bulb is hollow inside.”

8. Murder and Threats Escalate (18:20–21:01)

• Merle and Aunt Kathy plot to dispose of Durham’s body and escape, but are interrupted by new customers—one of whom is Agent Hyland, undercover.
• The ruse fails when Merle grows suspicious. Hyland’s confrontation leads to his capture, as Aunt Kathy draws a gun (20:36–20:39).
  • Intense Moment: “You'd better put your hands up, Mr. FBI.” —Aunt Kathy (20:36)

9. The Language of Flowers: Hyland’s Secret Message (23:37–25:10)

• In captivity, Hyland cleverly leaves behind a bouquet arranged to tell the FBI his predicament:
  • Verbena—"pray for me" (he’s in danger).
  • Milkwort—"hermitage" (isolated cabin).
• Merle dismisses this as futile, believing they can’t be traced.

10. The Climax: Rescue and Resolution (25:44–26:16)

• As Aunt Kathy and Merle prepare to dispose of Hyland, FBI agents barge in, preventing further violence.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Hyland (25:48): “Craig, am I glad to see you.”
    • Craig: “We finally figured out your message, Hyland, but we were afraid we'd be too late.”

11. Justice Served: Aftermath (26:16–27:35)

• Aunt Kathy is convicted of murder and receives a life sentence; Merle is sentenced for his role in fencing.
• The bust leads to further arrests within the jewel theft ring, reinforcing the episode’s moral: persistent law enforcement inevitably triumphs over organized crime.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Durham on Risk (05:15): “I've spent nearly 20 years building my business. And if I'm caught in just one of these transactions... what happens to the house of Durham? And where am I?”
• Aunt Kathy Plotting (18:42): “We'll drive up to the cabin tonight, lock the body in the car and roll it into the lake.”
• Flower Coding (25:10): “Surely you know the language of flowers. The verbena meant pray for me... and the milkwort means hermitage, which they could easily translate into this isolated cabin of yours.”
• Craig on Law vs. Crime (26:16): “No matter how cunning the methods of the one [criminal], they are no match for the unrelenting vigilance of the other [law].”

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Key Segment Timestamps

• [02:14]–[04:11]: Introduction of Merle, Aunt Kathy, and Durham.
• [04:14]–[05:33]: The emerald handoff in the hollow tulip bulb.
• [06:00]–[06:56]: FBI agents outline the scope of the jewel crime spree.
• [09:00]–[09:39]: FBI gets a lead from the insurance company.
• [10:08]–[12:27]: Merle tricks Durham; Durham threatens to go to the police.
• [16:13]–[18:23]: Agents discover the tulip bulb secret.
• [18:20]–[21:01]: Hyland's undercover visit leads to his capture.
• [23:37]–[25:10]: Hyland’s flower clue.
• [25:44]–[26:16]: Hyland’s rescue and episode resolution.

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Tone and Atmosphere

• Language: Crisp, classic detective dialogue; witty, sometimes sardonic exchanges among criminals.
• Atmosphere: Tense, suspenseful, punctuated by moments of dark humor and old Hollywood melodrama (flowers-to-hide-jewels motif adds unusual, memorable flair).
• FBI perspective: Clinical, patient, and ever-vigilant; determined to methodically outsmart the criminals.

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Conclusion

“Flowers for the Corpse” is a textbook This Is Your FBI episode: crime flourishes under cover of ordinary life, but persistent, detail-oriented investigation wins. The language of crime, flowers, and human greed is deciphered not just by clues, but through human nature and teamwork—themes as resonant today as they were in the 1940s’ golden age of radio detective stories.

Transcript

[Mazda Car Dealer Announcer]

Remember 1981, car payments were 200, maybe $300 a month. Yeah, we missed that during our 45th anniversary. We're not bringing back the 17% interest rates or the hairstyles, but we are bringing back something better. Payments that actually make sense. Drive home a new Mazda with modern tech, safety and reliability with real offers that work today. Enter to win $4,500 for you and $4,500 for a local nonprofit. Stop by any McCurley location to enter. No purchase necessary. McCurley Mazda. Your way home.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

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

[Radio Announcer / Program Host]

you for [e-mail] the Equitable Life Assurance Society presents this is your FBI. This is your FBI. An official broadcast from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Presented as a public service by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. And the Equitable Society's representative in your community. Later in tonight's program, our sponsor, the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. Will have a special announcement for homeowners, future homeowners as well as present. Please have a pencil and paper handy. This is America's finest plan for home ownership. And it offers so many advantages in economy and security. That you will surely want to write down the instructions for getting further information. Get ready for the good news on America's finest plan for home ownership. Tonight's FBI file. Flowers for the corpse.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

Professional thieving is a business, and some forms of it. Just as some forms of legitimate business. Are conducted on a nationwide scale. With accomplices in major cities throughout the country. Acting as sales outlets for the stolen goods. But your FBI, one of whose jobs it is to smash these rings, also operates on a nationwide scale. And no matter how cunning the methods of the one. They are no match for the unrelenting vigilance of the other. And it is inevitable, as illustrated in tonight's case from the files of your FBI. It is inevitable that sometime at some point, the twain shall meet. The greenhouse floral business operated by Merle Sheridan and his widowed aunt. In the suburbs of a large Midwestern city. Had, until a few months ago, produced only a modest income. Then it began to prosper smartly. But at the moment, this sudden financial success means nothing to Merle Sheridan. He stands forlornly in his greenhouse, contemplating a flower.

[Aunt Kathy]

Merle. Oh, Merle.

[Merle Sheridan]

Yes, Aunt Kathy.

[Aunt Kathy]

I thought you were coming into the house for lunch.

[Merle Sheridan]

I was.

[Aunt Kathy]

Is something wrong?

[Merle Sheridan]

Yes, it's this virus.

[Aunt Kathy]

Oh, what about it?

[Merle Sheridan]

I'm convinced it deliberately committed suicide.

[Aunt Kathy]

But I thought it was doing so well.

[Merle Sheridan]

It was.

[Aunt Kathy]

Well, perhaps you can revive it.

[Merle Sheridan]

I wouldn't give the stupid thing another chance.

[Aunt Kathy]

Oh, look, look. Isn't that. Isn't that Mr. Durham outside?

[Merle Sheridan]

Oh, yes, I'm sorry to say.

[Aunt Kathy]

Why, Merle, he's our most profitable customer.

[Merle Sheridan]

I appreciate him, darling, but I don't trust him.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Well, good morning.

[Merle Sheridan]

Good morning.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

I would have gotten here sooner, but traffic in the city was extraordinarily heavy.

[Merle Sheridan]

Mr. Durham?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Yes?

[Merle Sheridan]

You obviously received my telegram.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Oh, yes. You said you had a rare variety of tulip bulb that I might be interested in.

[Merle Sheridan]

Correct? Yes.

[Aunt Kathy]

I'll watch the office now.

[Merle Sheridan]

Very well. Aunt Kathy,

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

may I see the rare specimen?

[Merle Sheridan]

Certain a. Here we are.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Well, let me look at it.

[Merle Sheridan]

Be impatient. I'll handle it. Here, cup your hand.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Very well.

[Merle Sheridan]

That's it. Now I shall pull its false bottom out by the roots thusly and.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Good Lord.

[Merle Sheridan]

Sharon, does it please you?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Why, it's one of the most beautiful emeralds I've seen.

[Merle Sheridan]

It's the late property of some plushy dowager. I'd say it's.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

It's at least 20 carats.

[Merle Sheridan]

And Kathy and I will settle for 25,000.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Well, I'll.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

I'll do the best I can.

[Merle Sheridan]

You'll probably sell it for twice that. But remember, you will still get only your usual 1/3 share.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Now, look here, Sheridan.

[Merle Sheridan]

I've told you before, you're entitled to a larger share.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

I know this is a precarious enterprise

[Radio Announcer / Program Host]

for all of us.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

But I've spent nearly 20 years building my business. And if I'm caught in just One of these transactions, 1. What happens to the house of Durham? And where am I?

[Merle Sheridan]

Aunt Kathy and I will see to it that you have fresh flowers in your cell every day.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Now see here.

[Merle Sheridan]

That's enough. Just dash on back to the house of Durham. Oh, dear. And do the best you can. For one third.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

The same morning in that city's field office of the FBI agent in charge, Craig was sitting at his desk when Special Agent Hyland entered from the Teletype room.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Good morning, Mr. Craig.

[Merle Sheridan]

Hello, Hyland.

[FBI Agent Craig]

What have you got there?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Special bulletin to all field officers from Washington.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

Oh, what's up?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

A series of jewel robberies. Three cities along the eastern seaboard, one right after the other.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Sounds like the work of one gang.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Yes, here's the bulletin. None of the stuff is turning up in the cities where it was stolen. So the police figure the gang is fencing it out around the country.

[FBI Agent Craig]

I don't see any description of the stuff here.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

There's a follow up teletype coming in. Quite a long list.

[FBI Agent Craig]

I see.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

I don't imagine any of the stones are in their original mounting now though.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

No.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Jewel gangs are usually smart enough to unmount the stones before trying to dispose of them. They're harder to identify that way and

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

reduces the chances of finding them to about one in a million too.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Don't be so pessimistic. You said there's quite a long list of it, right?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Yeah, but I also.

[FBI Agent Craig]

All the FBI has to do is find just one piece of the jewelry or just one of the stones.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

But the tough part is finding that one stone.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

I know.

[FBI Agent Craig]

And maybe none of this stuff will ever turn up in our particular bailiwick. But we've got to go on the assumption that it will. So let's get busy.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

What?

[FBI Agent Craig]

First for start, let's alert the police, all pawn shops and all insurance companies which insure jewelry.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Right.

[Merle Sheridan]

Hello.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Hello, Sheridan.

[Merle Sheridan]

Oh, hello, Durham.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

I've just deposited my personal check for $20,000 to your bank account.

[Merle Sheridan]

For what?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

I sold the stone for 30,000 and kept my 1/3 10,000. Isn't that good news?

[Merle Sheridan]

No.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Why not?

[Merle Sheridan]

A little birdie told me you collected $6,000 more as federal luxury tax. Well, didn't you?

[FBI Agent Craig]

Yes.

[Merle Sheridan]

Then deposit $4,000 of it to my account at once.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Now look, the tax money belongs to the government.

[Merle Sheridan]

You're not paying taxes on stolen gems and you know it.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Sheridan, I told you I wanted more than one third share. And I'm keeping that $6,000 as a bonus until you're ready to revise our agreement.

[Merle Sheridan]

What kind of flowers do you want?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Never mind threatening me.

[Merle Sheridan]

Listen, Durham. Well, all right. Keep your bonus.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

That's just.

[Aunt Kathy]

What? What?

[Merle Sheridan]

I've just decided that from now on we're going to do business on a different basis.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

What do you mean?

[Merle Sheridan]

I'll fix the amount that Aunt Kathy and I are to have and you pay it to us in cash on the spot. Then whatever you sell the article for later is your business. How's that?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

But what if I don't agree with your price?

[Merle Sheridan]

You can take it or leave it.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Very well.

[Merle Sheridan]

Good. And we'll start tomorrow. Tomorrow? I'll have an article by then that will be worth $10,000 to Aunt Kathy and me. So bring that much cash with you. You will not be obligated to buy. Just be prepared to. And make it about 1 o'. Clock.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

I'll be there.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

You sent for me, Mr. Craig?

[FBI Agent Craig]

Yes, Island. You were kind of pessimistic yesterday, weren't you? About our chances of ever finding any of those stolen jewels?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Well, yes.

[FBI Agent Craig]

I've just had an interesting telephone call.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

You don't mean one of them has turned up already?

[FBI Agent Craig]

One of the stolen jewels described on that list was a 20 carat emerald, wasn't it?

[Merle Sheridan]

Yes.

[FBI Agent Craig]

An insurance company that we alerted yesterday just phoned a report that they'd been asked to insure a 20 carat emerald.

[Merle Sheridan]

What?

[FBI Agent Craig]

It was brought to them by Mrs. V.A. madison. Her husband is the head of the power and light company.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

I know, but you don't think that either he or his wife are buying a stolen emerald?

[Merle Sheridan]

No.

[FBI Agent Craig]

They wouldn't have to know it had been stolen. He purchased the emerald yesterday.

[Merle Sheridan]

Where?

[FBI Agent Craig]

Why don't you go ask him?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

I'm on my way now.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Good afternoon, ma'.

[Radio Announcer / Program Host]

Am.

[Aunt Kathy]

Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Durham. What can I do for you?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

I have an appointment with your nephew.

[Aunt Kathy]

Oh, yes. He's back in the greenhouse. Shall I go?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

No, no, I'll find him. Sheridan. Sheridan.

[Merle Sheridan]

Don't shout, Mr. Durham.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Sheridan. You said you'd have an article for me to look at.

[Merle Sheridan]

That's right, I did. Well, I also told you it would cost you $10,000 in cash.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Provided I want to buy it.

[Merle Sheridan]

Are you prepared to? Certainly. I don't see anything green. That isn't a plant, old boy.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

All right, here's the money.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Look at it.

[Merle Sheridan]

How much is there?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

$10,000.

[Merle Sheridan]

I can't afford to trust you anymore. It's much too expensive.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Well, here. Count it yourself.

[Merle Sheridan]

I'd be delighted.

[Mazda Car Dealer Announcer]

Remember 1981, car payments were $200, maybe $300 a month. Yeah, we missed that during our 45th anniversary. We're not bringing back the 17% interest rates or the hairstyles. But we are bringing back something better. Payments that actually make sense. Drive home a new Maz Modern tech, safety and reliability. With real offers that work today. Enter to win $4,500 for you and $4,500 for a local nonprofit. Stop by any McCurley location to enter. No purchase necessary. McCurley, Mazda, your way home.

[Merle Sheridan]

All hundreds.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Each of those packages contains $1,000.

[Merle Sheridan]

Fine, then I'll take four of them, huh? Here, you may have the rest back.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

What are you doing?

[Merle Sheridan]

Just evening the score, that's all. What? My dear fellow, you held out $4,000 on me yesterday, didn't you?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Oh, I get it. This was all just a trick.

[Merle Sheridan]

Rather clever one, don't you think?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Give me back that money.

[Merle Sheridan]

Not a chance, old dear. Now I must look after the petunia. Will you please go away before I sic the snapdragons on you?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Either you give me back that money this minute, Sheridan.

[Merle Sheridan]

Or you'll do what?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

I'll tell the police that you commissioned me to sell a 20 carat emerald for you yesterday.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Really?

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

And after I had innocently incriminated myself, you confessed that it was stolen and offered me more stolen jewels to get rid of.

[Merle Sheridan]

That would be very unwise.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Look, I want to get out of this business anyway. You keep the $4,000. I'm going to the police.

[Aunt Kathy]

Just a minute, Mr. Durham.

[FBI Agent Craig]

What?

[Aunt Kathy]

You are not going to make trouble for us.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Get out of my way.

[Aunt Kathy]

Sorry.

[Merle Sheridan]

Thank you, Aunt Kathy. You're so consider.

[Radio Announcer / Program Host]

And now, before the FBI file on Flowers for the Corpse resumes as it will in just a moment, here's that important message for homeowners and home buyers. This week at the Equitable Life Assurance Society, I heard the inspiring story of a young hero who gave his life trying to save someone else's home. Trying to save people trapped in a burning building. Not long before his death, this gallant young man had started to purchase a home for his own family under the Equitable Society's Assured Home Ownership Plan. Thanks to his foresight, his widow didn't inherit a mortgage. She inherited a home she now owns free and clear. You see, the Equitable Society's Assured Home Ownership Plan offers home buyers these five important 1. The mortgage is cancelled, paid off in full if owner dies. And besides, every dollar previously paid on principal is returned in full to the widow along with a canceled mortgage. Two, A special cash fund is built up, ready to be used if financial emergencies threaten the home. 3. This cash fund increases as the mortgage shrinks. It can be used to shorten the term of the mortgage. Pay off a 20 year mortgage, for example, in as little as 14 years, saving six years interest. 4. Mortgage interest not at 6%, not at 5%, but at only 4%. 5. Liberal allowance to cover title search, lawyers fees and other closing costs. No broker's commission or bonus charges. Frankly, there is no other plan like this anywhere. The Equitable Society calls it America's Finest plan for home ownership. It protects you against the two major hazards of home death and hard times. So if you're planning to buy or build a house, or if you now own a home, get complete information on the Assured Home Ownership plan from your Equitable Society representative. That's the Equitable Society equi T A B L E The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. And now back to the FBI file. Flowers for the corpse.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

Professional jewel thieves and their accomplices, so often glamorized by authors of mystery adventure fiction and endowed with almost supernatural talents, are neither glamorous nor supernatural to your FBI or to law enforcement agencies cooperating in their capture. To them they're just another lot of criminals. Just another patch of scum fouling the waters of decent society and just as vulnerable as any other kind of criminal. At about the time the jeweler Durham was making his fatal visit to the Sheraton Greenhouse, Special Agent Hyland of the FBI was concluding his visit to VA Madison, purchaser of the stolen emerald. A little later, accompanied by agent in charge Craig, he visited Durham's office.

[Aunt Kathy]

I'm sorry, but Mr. Durham isn't in.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Are you his secretary?

[Aunt Kathy]

Yes.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Well, then perhaps you can help us. We're special agents of the FBI.

[Aunt Kathy]

The. The FBI?

[Merle Sheridan]

That's right.

[Aunt Kathy]

But. But what?

[FBI Agent Craig]

It's about a stone which Mr. V.A. madison purchased here a couple of days ago. A 20 carat emerald.

[Aunt Kathy]

What about it?

[FBI Agent Craig]

Mr. Durham told Mr. Madison he had obtained the stone through the liquidation of an estate that same day.

[Aunt Kathy]

Yes, that's true.

[FBI Agent Craig]

We've just checked and there is no record of any such estate liquidation.

[Aunt Kathy]

What?

[FBI Agent Craig]

The emerald exactly fits the description of one stolen in an eastern city recently.

[Aunt Kathy]

Good heavens. There must be some mistake.

[FBI Agent Craig]

I'm afraid the mistake is Mr. Durham's in knowingly receiving and disposing of stolen goods. Now, where did he really get the emerald?

[Aunt Kathy]

I don't know.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Has he gotten other stones the same way?

[Aunt Kathy]

Well, yes. I mean, that is how you're convinced

[FBI Agent Craig]

Mr. Durham is dealing with agents of

[Merle Sheridan]

a ring of jewel thieves, miss?

[Aunt Kathy]

Well, if he is, I don't know it. They don't come here.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Yeah.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

I found this on Durham's desk.

[FBI Agent Island]

What?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Flowers are my hobby, you know. And this is a Dutch variety of tulip bulb.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Well, what about it?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Well, it's not only an odd place for a tulip bulb to be, but this is a very odd bulb.

[FBI Agent Craig]

What do you mean?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Take hold of the roots at the bottom and pull. That's it.

[Merle Sheridan]

Well, what. Why, the.

[FBI Agent Craig]

The bottom comes out.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Yeah. And the bulb is hollow inside.

[Merle Sheridan]

Oh, for the love of Pete.

[FBI Agent Craig]

What do you know about this, Miss?

[Aunt Kathy]

I didn't know that about it.

[FBI Agent Craig]

What do you mean?

[Aunt Kathy]

Well, I mean Mr. Durham buys a lot of tulip bulbs.

[FBI Agent Craig]

From whom?

[Aunt Kathy]

A greenhouse out in Millville.

[Merle Sheridan]

Yes.

[Aunt Kathy]

Every time they have some of a certain special variety, they let Mr. Durham

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

know I'll say it's a special variety.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Sounds like the florist could be the fence.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Sure, and hides the stuff in hollow tulip bulbs.

[FBI Agent Craig]

What's the name of that greenhouse, miss?

[Aunt Kathy]

It's Sheridan's Highland.

[FBI Agent Craig]

I'll stick here and wait for Durham. Right. And since you speak the flower language,

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

I'll get out there and start speaking it right now.

[Merle Sheridan]

And Kathy?

[Aunt Kathy]

Yes?

[Merle Sheridan]

I think we should be getting out of here, Merle.

[Aunt Kathy]

Running away is just the thing not to do, darling.

[Merle Sheridan]

After all, you have committed a murder. And I believe there's a law against that sort of thing.

[Aunt Kathy]

But closing up the greenhouse and running away would immediately pin suspicion on us.

[Merle Sheridan]

Then what is your idea, my sweet?

[Aunt Kathy]

To dispose of Durham's body and his car.

[Merle Sheridan]

How, when and where?

[Aunt Kathy]

We'll drive up to the cabin tonight, lock the body in the car and roll it into the lake.

[Merle Sheridan]

Aunt Kathy, you're a genius. I would never have. Wait.

[Aunt Kathy]

What's the matter?

[Merle Sheridan]

Someone just drove up.

[Aunt Kathy]

What of it? Probably a customer.

[Merle Sheridan]

He's no regular customer. I've never seen him before.

[Aunt Kathy]

Well, we can't turn him down because of that.

[Merle Sheridan]

Suppose I have to take him back in the greenhouse?

[Aunt Kathy]

He won't know there's a body hidden under the benches. Unless you tell him.

[Merle Sheridan]

Oh.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

How do you do?

[Aunt Kathy]

Hello. What can we do for you?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

I'd like to get a few tulip bulbs, please.

[Merle Sheridan]

Some what?

[Aunt Kathy]

Tulip bulbs, Merle.

[FBI Agent Island]

Oh.

[Merle Sheridan]

Oh, yes. Well, if you'll tell me what kind you want, I'll go back in the greenhouse.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

That's all right.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

I'll come with you, if I may.

[Aunt Kathy]

Well, take the gentleman back, Merle. I'll watch the office.

[Merle Sheridan]

Come this way, please.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Surely.

[Merle Sheridan]

After you.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Thank you.

[Merle Sheridan]

Any particular variety you're interested in?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Pride of Harlem is my favorite Dutch bulb.

[FBI Agent Island]

Oh.

[Merle Sheridan]

Oh, yes.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

The reason I came here. A friend of mine who trades with you recommended your place to me.

[Merle Sheridan]

Who's that? Pardon? Your friend, I mean.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

The jeweler, J.P. durham.

[Merle Sheridan]

Just a minute.

[FBI Agent Island]

Yes?

[Merle Sheridan]

Who are you and what do you want here?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Well, I don't understand.

[Merle Sheridan]

You're lying to me. You're no friend of Durham's. And you didn't come here to buy tulip bulbs.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

You're making my work awfully easy for me, Mr. Sheridan.

[Merle Sheridan]

What?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

So I may as well admit now that I'm not a friend of Durham's. I'm a special agent of the FBI FBI? And I'm not concerned with the bulbs themselves. But the jewels that you conceal inside some of them.

[Merle Sheridan]

Look here.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Furthermore, I'd like an Explanation for what looks like blood on the floor over there. Also, the car outside with the monogram JPD on the door.

[Aunt Kathy]

You'd better put your hands up, Mr. FBI.

[Merle Sheridan]

Thanks again, Aunt Kathy.

[Aunt Kathy]

Merle, I think we'll have two passengers in that car up at the lake tonight.

[FBI Agent Craig]

What time is it, Brian?

[FBI Agent Island]

5:35. Why?

[FBI Agent Craig]

Hyland should have reported back here by now.

[FBI Agent Island]

Maybe he had trouble finding the place.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Shouldn't have had too much trouble. He knew the name of the town or the name of the greenhouse owner.

[FBI Agent Island]

Well, maybe he wasn't in and Hyland is waiting for him. There wouldn't be any sense in calling us unless he had some information.

[FBI Agent Craig]

No, perhaps you're right, but.

[Merle Sheridan]

But what?

[FBI Agent Craig]

I don't like the whole setup.

[FBI Agent Island]

What do you mean?

[FBI Agent Craig]

Well, in addition to not hearing from Hyland, we can't find Durham.

[FBI Agent Island]

I'm not exactly crazy about that part of it myself.

[FBI Agent Craig]

He's mixed up in this, and if he's running out, I don't want to give him too much of a lead.

[FBI Agent Island]

If he's running out and the man who owns the greenhouse isn't in, maybe they're both taking the trip together.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Yeah, well, one thing is sure.

[Merle Sheridan]

What's that?

[FBI Agent Craig]

We're not doing anybody any good sitting around here. Let's get out to that greenhouse.

[Aunt Kathy]

Merle, did you get Durham's body in the car?

[FBI Agent Island]

Yes.

[Merle Sheridan]

I didn't realize my own strength is.

[Aunt Kathy]

Is there anything else we have to do?

[Merle Sheridan]

Not that I can think of.

[Aunt Kathy]

Well, then I think we'd better be going. It's a long drive to the cabin and the FBI is no 1 man organization, you know.

[Merle Sheridan]

What do you mean?

[Aunt Kathy]

Well, they'll be sending some other men along to look for this one when he doesn't show up.

[Merle Sheridan]

You're right. I'll be ready to go in a minute.

[Aunt Kathy]

What are you doing there, Mr. FBI?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Nothing. Just rearranging some of the flowers.

[Aunt Kathy]

What are you doing that for?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Well, I'm rather fond of flowers myself, and the colors you had in this centerpiece bothered me.

[Merle Sheridan]

We're not interested in what bothers you.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

I always heard that they allowed the condemned man to do what he liked during the last hours.

[Merle Sheridan]

Stop fixing those flowers, Merle. What?

[Aunt Kathy]

Did you check the gas and oil in Durham's car? It won't be a very good idea to be stopping anywhere with our passengers.

[Merle Sheridan]

Everything is taken care of. Let's go.

[FBI Agent Island]

Hmm. They sure seem a deserted tree. Yeah. Got your flash right here.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Let's see if we can get in the greenhouse and have A look around. Try this door here.

[FBI Agent Island]

Oh, doesn't bother to lock up anyway.

[FBI Agent Craig]

No. Throw your light around. Come on, let's take a walk down this aisle and see what we can.

[FBI Agent Island]

Craig. Yeah?

[Merle Sheridan]

Look.

[FBI Agent Island]

Yeah.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Looks like blood.

[FBI Agent Island]

I hope it's not Highland's blood.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Wait a minute. Shine your light over there.

[Merle Sheridan]

What is it?

[FBI Agent Craig]

Highland's identification card.

[FBI Agent Island]

What?

[FBI Agent Craig]

It was lying on the table with this bunch of flowers.

[FBI Agent Island]

Say, those flowers seem to be arranged in a special way.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Yes, and I've got a hunch it's supposed to mean something.

[FBI Agent Island]

You think Highland managed to leave us some kind of clue?

[FBI Agent Craig]

Yes, he knew his flowers. And flowers have special meanings. What kind of these?

[FBI Agent Island]

I think one of them's a verbena.

[Merle Sheridan]

Yeah.

[FBI Agent Island]

Yeah, my wife planted something to make a border.

[FBI Agent Craig]

Let's get on the phone and call the Daily Journal's library and find out what a verbena means.

[FBI Agent Island]

Right.

[FBI Agent Craig]

If that doesn't tell us enough, we'll find out what these others mean and

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

get the whole story.

[Merle Sheridan]

This is getting to be a bore.

[Aunt Kathy]

Now, Merle, just relax. After all, we can't roll a car and two bodies into the lake as long as that. That moonstruck couple is parked down there.

[Merle Sheridan]

Well, you'd think they would have had enough smooching in two hours.

[Aunt Kathy]

Wait a minute. I believe that. Yes, they are. They're driving off now.

[Merle Sheridan]

Thank heaven.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Well, Mr. FBI, I think I know what you mean.

[Aunt Kathy]

You'll please walk out of the cabin to the car and get in beside the late Dr. Durham.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Well, I guess the message I left for my associates to find has failed me.

[Aunt Kathy]

What do you mean?

[Merle Sheridan]

What message?

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

The flowers. You made me drop my identification card. You didn't see me drop what? Surely you know the language of flowers. The verbena meant pray for me. That was to let them know I was in your power. And the milkwort means hermitage, which they could easily translate into this isolated cabin of yours.

[Merle Sheridan]

Very clever. But I'm afraid they wouldn't know where this cabin is.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Your friends and neighbors do. And they'd gladly cooperate with the FBI.

[Merle Sheridan]

Then, Aunt Kathy, I'd say let's get this over with and move away from here.

[Aunt Kathy]

Yes.

[Merle Sheridan]

Get up from there and start for the door.

[Mazda Car Dealer Announcer]

Okay.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

Stop that gun.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

Craig, am I glad to see you.

[FBI Agent Craig]

We finally figured out your message, Hyland, but we were afraid we'd be too late.

[FBI Special Agent Hyland]

It is too late for Durham, and it could have been for me. Unless. Well, do you know what? Smooching is fine. I'm very thankful for it.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

Tried on the more serious charge of murder. Merle Sheridan's aunt was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Her nephew received a long term in a federal penitentiary for receiving and disposing of stolen goods. And the arrest of these two led eventually to the apprehension of the gang of jewel thieves all of whom are now serving prison terms. Yes, professional thievery is a business operating sometimes on a nationwide scale. But likewise, the law operates on a nationwide scale. And no matter how cunning the methods of the one they are no match for the unrelenting vigilance of the other. And it is inevitable, always, that sometime, at some point, the twain shall meet.

[Radio Announcer / Program Host]

Next week, another thrilling case from the files of your FBI. We'll tell you about it in just a moment. But first let me refresh your memory on the more important features of the Equitable Society's Assured Home Ownership Plan. Remember that the mortgage interest is only 4%. Remember that if the owner dies, the widow owns the home without any mortgage at all. Yes, the Assured Home Ownership Plan is practically foreclosure proof. To get the full story, talk to an Equitable Society representative in your community. Ask him for literature that gives all details. You'll find him in your local phone book under the name Equitable Equi. T A B L E. The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Craig]

Next week we will bring you another colorful story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Friendly Killers.

[Radio Announcer / Program Host]

The incidents used in tonight's Equitable Life Assurance Society's broadcast are adapted from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. However, all names used are fictitious and any similarity thereof to the names of persons living or dead is accidental. Tonight, the music was composed and conducted by Frederick Steiner. The author was Frank Farey's and your narrator was Dean Carlton. This is your. FBI is a Jerry Devine production. Now, this is Carl Frank speaking for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and the Equitable Society's representative in your community and inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time when the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States will bring you another colorful story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Friendly Killers. On this is your fvr. Have you ever been hungry? Really hungry. So hungry that it hurts. It's an unpleasant sensation, even for a few hours. Well, imagine how it is to feel that way month after month. To live for years on a starvation diet. And then remember that right now 500 million people in the world are desperately hungry. Millions of them will die unless we send them whatever food we can spare. Support your local food collection campaign or send a contribution direct to Emergency Food Collection New York City. That's Emergency Food Collection New York City. Give so the starving may live.

[Narrator / FBI Agent Durham]

This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.