This Is Your FBI:The Serviceman's Fraud 10/26/1945

Summary

Podcast Summary: "This Is Your FBI: The Serviceman's Fraud (10/26/1945)"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode: "This Is Your FBI: The Serviceman's Fraud"
Original Air Date: October 26, 1945
Podcast Release Date: September 14, 2025

---

Overview: Main Theme and Purpose

This episode of "This Is Your FBI" centers on post-war America and the challenges facing returning servicemen—particularly the schemes and frauds that prey on veterans’ benefits and patriotic sentiment. Through dramatization, it exposes the dangers of fascistic organizations operating stateside, the fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable veterans, and the FBI's relentless pursuit of justice.

---

Key Discussion Points and Episode Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: The Fraudulent Organization (00:50–06:01)

• Backdrop: The story opens with Martin Bessemer organizing the "United Brotherhood of America," an ostensibly patriotic group with underlying fascist and racist motives, targeting WWII veterans.
• Characters Introduced:
  • Martin Bessemer: The manipulative leader seeking power and influence.
  • Frank Kingston: The cunning business manager, orchestrating the fraud.
  • Lila: The secretary, complicit in the scheme but motivated by personal gain.

Notable Quote:

"The more suckers who feel that way, the more money in the bank for us."
—Frank Kingston (03:26)

2. The Hook: Preying on Veterans (06:01–07:00)

• Scheme Unfolds: The organization sends out mass mailings to veterans, promising bonuses and a brotherhood belonging—playing on post-war uncertainties.
• Veteran's Response: Eddie Butler, a war veteran, discusses the shady letter with his girlfriend and recognizes its racial and fascist undertones.

Memorable Moment:

"It's from a gent named Martin Bessemer... the United Brotherhood is an organization restricted to members of the Caucasian race. That's a fancy way of saying Aryans."
—Eddie Butler (07:00)

3. Eddie’s Resolve: Exposing the Group (07:16–08:38)

• Moral Outrage: Eddie is angry that such groups exist and vows to investigate by joining them.
• Personal Stakes: Conflict between Eddie and his girlfriend highlights how these organizations divide communities.

"As long as there are weasels like this Martin Bessemer around, it's not over... all that fighting was for nothing."
—Eddie Butler (07:57)

4. The FBI Investigation Begins (08:52–10:09)

• The FBI, already aware of Bessemer's history, spots the fraudulent bonus offer as their means to bring him down legally.
• Investigators: Agents discuss Bessemer's long record and evaluate their strategy for prosecution.

Notable Quote:

"Maybe this letter is what we've been waiting for."
—FBI Agent (09:26)

5. The Conspirators Turn on Each Other (10:09–12:17)

• Pressure Rising: With the FBI closing in, Frank, Lila, and Bessemer argue over how to escape with the stolen funds.
• Violence Erupts: A heated confrontation leads Frank Kingston to murder Bessemer to cover their tracks.

Memorable Moment:

"[You] cheap gangster... uneducated scum that'll do anything for money."
—Bessemer, moments before being killed (12:01)

6. Framing the Veteran (13:32–15:43)

• Frame-Up: Lila plants evidence to incriminate Eddie Butler when he arrives to investigate.
• Eddie’s Shock: He is lured into the scene moments after the murder, handed the gun, and framed as the killer—Lila calls the FBI agent as a “witness”.

7. The Investigation & Interrogation (18:16–21:23)

• Eddie Questioned: Agent Sherman doubts Eddie’s guilt despite evidence and undertakes a thorough investigation.
• Eddie’s Dilemma: Despite denying the murder, Eddie openly admits his hatred for Bessemer’s ideology, reflecting postwar disillusionment.

"Suppose I really had shot Bessemer? He was a fascist... Bessemer wasn't any different—except maybe he was born here."
—Eddie Butler (19:52)

8. Unraveling the Scheme (21:27–23:58)

• Forensic Breakthrough: The FBI traces the forged check and murder weapon to Frank Kingston and Lila.
• Description Matching: The agents connect witness descriptions and physical evidence, tightening the net.
• The Old Bellboy Trick: The FBI plans a sting—posing as hotel staff to confront Lila and induce a confession.

9. Resolution: Justice Served (24:04–26:06)

• Sting Operation: Lila, angered at being double-crossed by Kingston, confesses to the bellboy (FBI agent), implicating Frank in murder.
• Closure: Both conspirators are arrested, tried, and convicted of first-degree murder, clearing Eddie’s name.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Perpetual Fight Against Fascism:

  "For the FBI, the war, the fight against fascism is not over. In a sense, it still goes on because the fight against democracy still goes on, not only overseas, but right here in this country..."
  —Narrator (00:50)

• On the Corrupting Power of Money:

  "This letter? Yeah. It's gonna mean a killing for us and the finish for him."
  —Frank Kingston (05:33)

• On American Ideals:

  "There's little difference between such men and the enemies across the seas... for they are criminals themselves. In the end, they will be caught—because their crimes are crimes against the people, against the government, against the FBI."
  —Narrator (26:06)

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:50: The fraudulent organization and Bessemer's pitch to veterans
• 03:26: Frank and Lila’s cynical view of their scam
• 07:00: Eddie recognizes the racial agenda in Bessemer's letter
• 09:26: The FBI zeros in on a chargeable offense: promising an unpaid bonus
• 12:01: Murder of Bessemer by Frank
• 15:13: Eddie is framed by Lila
• 19:52: Eddie’s powerful interrogation statement about fascism
• 23:09: Forensic evidence links Frank Kingston to fraud and murder
• 24:04–26:06: FBI trick leads to Lila’s confession and case resolution

---

Summary Tone & Language

The episode maintains a suspenseful, morally assertive tone, reminiscent of classic noir radio dramas and government propaganda. Its language is direct, patriotic, and tinged with urgency, especially regarding the threats of fascism and the importance of vigilance against fraud.

---

Conclusion

This episode deftly combines the drama of a classic murder mystery with social commentary about the dangers facing returning veterans and the persistence of fascist ideology at home. By highlighting both the cunning of criminals and the determination of the FBI, it delivers a clear message: vigilance and justice are crucial for preserving democracy.

Final Note:
The episode closes with a warning that American values are threatened not just externally, but internally, by those who exploit division and greed. The FBI’s diligent work assures listeners that such threats will be met with determined resistance.

Transcript

[Frank Kingston]

Ever wonder what life is like with a phantom screen? It's magic. It is. Oh, wow. Wow, wow.

[Lila]

Wow, wow, wow, wow.

[Frank Kingston]

Why is that?

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

This is amazing.

[Frank Kingston]

Retractable screens for your home make life better.

[Commercial Announcer]

Visit phantom screens.com podbean your message amplified.

[Frank Kingston]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Commercial Announcer]

Podbean.

[Frank Kingston]

Pod Bean.

[Commercial Announcer]

Pod Bean. Pod Bean. The AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Frank Kingston]

To launch their podcasts.

[Commercial Announcer]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

My school uses Podbean.

[Frank Kingston]

My church too.

[Commercial Announcer]

I love it. I really do.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we.

[Frank Kingston]

Bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

You for [e-mail] the Equitable 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. To your FBI, you look for national security and to the Equitable Society for financial security. These two great institutions are dedicated to the protection of you, your home and your country. Tonight's file, the serviceman's fraud. The war is over and the fighting men are coming home. But for the FBI, the war, the fight against fascism is not over. In a sense, it still goes on because the fight against democracy still goes on, not only overseas, but right here in this country, in a midwestern state, for example, where a thin white haired man named Martin Bessemer was trying to form an organization called the United Brotherhood of America. Bessemer made his speeches in a large hall and in his audiences were many veterans of our war against fascism. Directly behind this hall he had his offices, a large outer reception room and a small inner office used only by Bessemer, by his red haired secretary and by his business manager, a hard, quiet faced man called Frank Kingston.

[Frank Kingston]

Leila, you finished typing that letter?

[Lila]

It's right over there.

[Frank Kingston]

Oh, okay.

[Lila]

When's Bessemer gonna sign it?

[Frank Kingston]

As soon as he finishes rousing the rabble. Oh, you know, baby, a million copies of this order open, a few thousand vets with plenty of separation pay.

[Lila]

They could all hear him talk. Know something funny, Frank? I listened to him the other day.

[Frank Kingston]

And you almost believed him. Almost.

[Lila]

If I'd had my purse, I would have handed over the membership fee and joined up.

[Frank Kingston]

The more suckers who feel that way, the more money in the bank for us.

[Lila]

For us.

[Frank Kingston]

Yeah, we're at it together, baby.

[Lila]

Frank huh? When are you gonna get him to sign that check?

[Frank Kingston]

I told you.

[Lila]

When the time comes. Yeah, and I told you I'm not gonna sit around here waiting for dollar bills to start.

[Frank Kingston]

Hello, Mr. Bessemer. Hello, Frank. Hello, Lila, my dear.

[Lila]

Hello, Mr. BessemeR.

[Frank Kingston]

I've been working hard today, haven't you?

[Lila]

Pretty hard.

[Frank Kingston]

Well, I'll take your dinner tonight and make sure you're getting enough to eat. Oh, here's the letter we drew up, Mr. Bessemer. Ah, thank you. The United Brotherhood of America has a particular appeal for our veterans. I realize their plight and promise to give every honorably discharged man who joins the Brotherhood a battle bonus amounting to. I've never promised anything of the kind, Frank. Well, there are a couple of million vets waiting for somebody to lead them someplace. Mr. Bessem, you know vets with DOE. You want to get him to join, don't you?

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Naturally.

[Frank Kingston]

Then sign here. Oh. Now, look, you hired me to boost your membership. Sign here, Kingston. Nobody tells me what to do. Nobody. Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Bessemer. I didn't mean to sound as though I were giving orders. Just thinking that if we can pull in the vets, the organization ought to get big enough to swing your election at the state legislature, maybe even Congress. Hmm? Well, in that case, let me have your pen, Frank. Okay. Here. Thanks. There we are. I'll pick you up about six, Lila.

[Lila]

Okay.

[Frank Kingston]

Goodbye, my dear.

[Lila]

Bye.

[Frank Kingston]

Goodbye, Frank. Goodbye.

[Lila]

Now, he'll pick me up at 6.

[Frank Kingston]

So what?

[Lila]

So we'll have dinner, and he'll slobber over me again.

[Frank Kingston]

All right.

[Lila]

All right. Nothing. What kind of a guy are you to let someone else take your.

[Frank Kingston]

You won't be bothered much longer. No, no. Our friend just signed his last will and testament.

[Lila]

This letter?

[Frank Kingston]

Yeah. It's gonna mean a killing for us and the finish for him. How? Well, it's gonna hook a lot of poor fish, baby, but it's also gonna make somebody start an investigation.

[Lila]

For instance?

[Frank Kingston]

I don't know. But when they come around, we're gonna be gone, and Mr. Martin Bessemer is gonna be left holding the bag. Foreign.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

It'S easier to get a mailing list of veterans, and it's easy to stir up some of those veterans. The end of the war doesn't mean peace for the country. It means a period of transition, reconversion, change. Many fighting men who have come home want that period to be swift and sure and right. So when they read a letter like Martin Bessemer's, many veterans get excited. Some Want to join his organization. And some. Some react the way a boy like Eddie Butler did. Eddie is calling on his girl.

[Lila]

Sorry I kept you waiting, Eddie. Like my new dress?

[Frank Kingston]

Huh?

[Lila]

I asked you if you liked my new dress.

[Frank Kingston]

Oh, yeah, yeah. New, isn't it?

[Lila]

Eddie, when we get married, my clothes will.

[Frank Kingston]

That bird ought to have his head handed to him.

[Lila]

What are you talking about?

[Frank Kingston]

I'm sorry, honey. This letter came this afternoon. I didn't get a chance to read it.

[Lila]

You read it. Now put it away.

[Frank Kingston]

Look at it.

[Lila]

I don't want to.

[Frank Kingston]

It's from a gent named Martin Bessemer. He's the head of an outfit called.

[Lila]

The United Brotherhood of American Wars. I know.

[Frank Kingston]

How do you know?

[Lila]

My brother Bobby got one this morning.

[Frank Kingston]

What'd he say?

[Lila]

Oh, I don't know. Said he wants to join.

[Frank Kingston]

Join this?

[Lila]

Yes.

[Frank Kingston]

Well, he can read. Candy, listen to this. The United Brotherhood is an organization restricted to members of the Caucasian race. That's a fancy way of saying Aryans.

[Lila]

All right, Eddie.

[Frank Kingston]

And this juicy little warning that we veterans have to rise up and throw the farmer.

[Lila]

All right, but, Nora. Don't you give me that letter.

[Frank Kingston]

Nora.

[Lila]

I'm sorry.

[Frank Kingston]

I don't get it, honey.

[Lila]

I don't get you.

[Frank Kingston]

Me?

[Lila]

Eddie, sit down. No, here by me.

[Frank Kingston]

Okay.

[Lila]

Darling, I know it was pretty bad overseas and you went through a lot. But you're home now, darling, and the war is over.

[Frank Kingston]

The fighting's over. You mean what? As long as there are weasels like this Martin Bessemer around, it's not over. Look, honey, I get mad, but don't try to chalk it up to combat fatigue or anything like that. I get mad because I see that maybe there's a chance all that fighting was for nothing.

[Lila]

Eddie, that's silly.

[Frank Kingston]

Silly? Yeah. And your kid brother joins a peachy little group restricted to members of the Caucasian race.

[Lila]

He's a kid, and it's a small, unimportant organization.

[Frank Kingston]

There are a couple of million kids and plenty of these small, unimportant organizations for them to join.

[Lila]

Eddie.

[Frank Kingston]

No, I am mad.

[Lila]

I don't like it, Nora.

[Frank Kingston]

I don't like that it's going on and we let it go on.

[Lila]

What can we do?

[Frank Kingston]

I know what I'm gonna do. What? I'm gonna join Mr. Bessemer's little restricted bunch.

[Lila]

What?

[Frank Kingston]

It'll get me into one of his meetings so I can find out what he's up to. If he's up to what I think he is. Mr. Martin Bessemer better watch out.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Martin. Bessemer did not know that the FBI had been checking on his activities. But he'd been smart enough to stop just short of a violation for which he could be arrested. And now one of his letters come to the FBI's attention.

[Frank Kingston]

Martin Bessemer. Yeah. According to the files, Dan, he's been spreading his poison since 1937. He was mixed up with a bun, but he went into hiding as soon.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

As we invaded North Africa.

[Frank Kingston]

Smart boy. Uh huh. But now he's out again. We've never been able to get anything on him. Even this new organization he's trying to get started has a bonafide set up legally.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Well, maybe this letter is what we've been waiting for.

[Frank Kingston]

I think it is. As a matter of fact, I think he's bitten off more than he can chew in this one sentence right here. Look, he promises to give every honorably discharged man a battle bonus. Yeah, probably sucked in a lot of members that way. But if he can't pay off, we can put him out of business, right? Beats me how a rat like that can keep going anyway. I wonder that someone doesn't get so mad at him that. Well, let's get moving. We'd better take a good look at Mr. Martin Bessemer's books.

[Lila]

Well, it's about time you showed up.

[Frank Kingston]

I've had my hands full, Lila.

[Lila]

Who was she?

[Frank Kingston]

Oh, stop being cute. I just had a big session with some vet named Eddie Butler. He's helped to knock Bessemer's block off.

[Lila]

I know he was here before, but we've got a bigger problem.

[Frank Kingston]

What do you mean?

[Lila]

I had a visitor. A gentleman named Sherman.

[Frank Kingston]

Sherman?

[Lila]

From the FBI?

[Frank Kingston]

What did he want?

[Lila]

To look at the books.

[Frank Kingston]

You didn't let him?

[Lila]

No, but he said he'd be back at three.

[Frank Kingston]

It's almost that now.

[Lila]

I know. What are we gonna do, Frank?

[Frank Kingston]

It's gonna be all right, Nick.

[Lila]

It says here, I tell you, it's.

[Frank Kingston]

Gonna be all right. All this means is that we clear out a little ahead of schedule.

[Lila]

Without the money?

[Frank Kingston]

With the money.

[Lila]

Well, he hasn't signed that check yet.

[Frank Kingston]

You will. Hello, Lila, my dear. Hello, Frank. Oh, I'm GLAD you're here, Mr. Bessemer. Anything wrong? Well, yes. We've gotten some disturbing news. What? Well, the FBI was here to look at our books. The FBI? Why? Well, I guess it's because of that last letter you sent out. One where you promised the boys a battle bonus. You see, if they look at our books and find that you can't pay that bonus, they could send you up for fraud. Go on. Well, I've got a check here already for your signature, Mr. Bessemer. It's for the money in our account. Well, what do you plan to do with it? We can take the money and run. Take it and run? Yeah. You cheap gangster. Don't be so easy with your hands, Mr. Bessemer. You've got everything ready, haven't you? You knew this was coming and you planned for it. So what? You cheap little racketeer. Easy, Bessemer. Uneducated scum that'll do anything for money.

[Lila]

I warned you.

[Frank Kingston]

You are scum. You're from the slums and your parents were. Now maybe you'll keep your hands to yourself.

[Lila]

Dead Frank.

[Frank Kingston]

I don't care.

[Lila]

What are you gonna do?

[Frank Kingston]

What are we gonna do? You mean what? We're in it together, baby. Remember? And we're good. What's the matter?

[Lila]

Somebody's in the outer office.

[Frank Kingston]

Huh?

[Lila]

I heard him.

[Frank Kingston]

See who it is. Just open that door, Craig.

[Lila]

Frank.

[Frank Kingston]

Go on. Ever wonder what life is like with a phantom screen? It's magic. It is. Oh, wow. Wow, wow.

[Lila]

Wow.

[Frank Kingston]

Wow. Wow, wow, wow. What is that? This is amazing. Retractable screens for your home. Make life better.

[Commercial Announcer]

Visit phantomscreens.com podbean your message amplified.

[Frank Kingston]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Commercial Announcer]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Frank Kingston]

To launch their podcasts.

[Commercial Announcer]

Use Podbean to record your podcast.

[Frank Kingston]

Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Commercial Announcer]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

[Frank Kingston]

Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Commercial Announcer]

Launch your podcast podcast on Podbean today.

[Lila]

It's that boy.

[Frank Kingston]

What boy?

[Lila]

That veteran, Eddie Butler. The one who wanted to knock Bessemer's head.

[Frank Kingston]

We're both thinking the same thing, baby. Frank, it'll work. Come on. Help me lift Bessemer's body behind the desk.

[Lila]

Why?

[Frank Kingston]

You don't want the kid to see him when he walks in?

[Lila]

No.

[Frank Kingston]

Where's that check?

[Lila]

Here. What are you gonna do?

[Frank Kingston]

Get out the back door into the bank before it closes.

[Lila]

Well, the check's not fine.

[Frank Kingston]

That's okay. I know his signature.

[Lila]

Frank.

[Frank Kingston]

Stop worrying, baby. I'll get in touch with him and let you know where I am.

[Lila]

You won't forget?

[Frank Kingston]

We're in it together, aren't we?

[Lila]

Yeah, we're in it together, all right.

[Frank Kingston]

Okay. Here.

[Lila]

What?

[Frank Kingston]

Take my gun. You know what to do with it, don't you?

[Lila]

Yeah.

[Frank Kingston]

So long, baby.

[Lila]

Mr. Butler?

[Frank Kingston]

Yeah?

[Lila]

Come in, won't you?

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Thanks.

[Lila]

You're waiting to see Mr. Bessemer?

[Frank Kingston]

Yeah. I saw him come in here and then say, did I hear a couple of shots?

[Lila]

Shots? Why, no. Not from here or what? You must have heard.

[Frank Kingston]

What's the matter?

[Lila]

Look behind the desk, huh?

[Frank Kingston]

Holy Bessemer.

[Lila]

And isn't this yours?

[Frank Kingston]

What?

[Lila]

This gun. Here, take it. But it's yours, isn't it? No. Oh, yes, it is. Come in. Oh, Mr. Sherman, I'm so glad you're here. This man just shot Mr. Bessemer.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

We momentarily close the Equitable Society's presentation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation file on the serviceman's fraud. We will return to this case in just a moment. There's something about the name of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States that seems to arouse quite a lot of interest. Again and again, people say to us, by the way, why is the Equitable Society called a society? Well, that question is easily answered. The Equitable Life Assurance Society is called a society because it is a society in every sense of the word. It is an association of men and women who share the conviction that contentment and security depend on practicing the basic American virtues of thrift and self reliance and cooperation. We, who are members of the great Equitable Society family know that it isn't enough to work for ourselves alone. We know that we do better when we lend each other a helping hand. And that is why we have joined forces in the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States. We have combined our dollars into a common protective fund which gives each of us far more security than he could attain by his own unaided efforts. The fact that three and a quarter million Americans think this way and have become Equitable Society members gives our organization tremendous stability and safety. At the same time, the fact that this is a society means that we individual members receive personal consideration and warm, friendly attention in all our dealings with the management. Finally, we have the satisfaction of knowing that our premium dollars are constantly invested in ways that benefit the entire nation. For by serving its members, the Equitable Society serves America. And now back to the file on the serviceman's fraud. A murder is committed. A murder that's buried in the back pages. Because the victim is seemingly unimportant, the killer seems to be unimportant, too. Seems to be a boy named Eddie Butler. A boy with a motive, with a gun marked with his fingerprints. A boy who is actually seen by an eyewitness. The case seems open and shut Seems to be as simple as abc. Nevertheless, the FBI, working with local police, investigates and investigates thoroughly.

[Frank Kingston]

You say Butler was here earlier, miss?

[Lila]

Oh, yes. He was raving about getting hold of Mr. Bessemer and knocking his head off.

[Frank Kingston]

But you got rid of him.

[Lila]

I thought I did. But then he came back about an hour ago. He just stormed in here and made a wild speech. And then he took out his gun and fired.

[Frank Kingston]

That was a few minutes before three.

[Lila]

Yeah. I feel sorry for the kid, but that happened.

[Frank Kingston]

What happens?

[Lila]

Those boys are trained to kill. They go overseas and do a lot of killing, and it just gets in their blood. They come home, see something they don't like, so they kill.

[Frank Kingston]

Is that what Mr. Bessemer thought? Why, it sounds like something he might have said. I guess you liked Mr. Bessemer?

[Lila]

No, but it was a job, Mr. Sherman.

[Frank Kingston]

You didn't mind working for a man like that?

[Lila]

Well, I. I'm sorry.

[Frank Kingston]

It's really none of my business. If there's anything else we want, I'll let you.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

A murder is committed. But it was a letter which brought the FBI to this case. A letter involving a plan to defraud veterans. And so the books of the organization called the United Brotherhood of America are turned over to a special agent, while the agent in charge aids the local police to follow up the murder. Follow it up by sending the gun in the case to the FBI laboratory in Washington. Followed up by interviewing Eddie Butler in his cell.

[Frank Kingston]

Doesn't make any sense, Mr. Sherman. The murder, none of it. You know, I was thinking. Suppose I really headshot Bessemer? He was a fascist. In the army, they taught us what a fascist is. And overseas we saw him and killed some of them. Bessemer wasn't any different, Mr. Sherman, except maybe he was born here. Don't try to make any sense out of that, Eddie. Go out of your head. I think I'm going out of my head anyway, Mr. Sherman. I didn't kill Bessemer. But I'm glad he was killed. And even if it hangs me, I'll keep saying that. So maybe I am out of my head. Eddie, you're sure there wasn't anybody else in that office when you walked in? Just a girl. What about earlier? I thought I saw that guy go in, but I don't know. What guy? Some gent who'd been trying to get rid of me. What was his name? I don't know. What'd he look like? Oh, pretty solid. Little taller than me. Kind of a thin, hard face, dark hair. That's All I remember. And you don't know who he was? Well, he said he was Bessemer's business manager. Business manager? Yeah. Thanks, Eddie. Thanks very much. What'd you get out of the books, Dan? Oh, pretty much what we figured. Bessemer couldn't have paid off that battle.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Bonus if he stood on his head.

[Frank Kingston]

Not that he had any intention to. Of course not.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Matter of fact, all the money was.

[Frank Kingston]

Drawn out of the bank. When?

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

About one minute before three. The teller remembered because he was ready to close up.

[Frank Kingston]

Bessemer was dead by then? Sure, but I don't know who the man was who cashed the check. Probably countersigned with a phony. That's what I figured. The checks on its way to the lab. Good. I got a description of him, though. Slightly over medium height, dark hair, thin face. Say, that sounds like the same man Butler described. Really? Yeah. This is beginning to make sense, Dan. There's somebody else in this. Somebody who was possibly double crossing Bessemer. Somebody who possibly murdered Bessemer or helped the girl.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Murder.

[Frank Kingston]

Hello? Chairman speaking. Yeah? Yeah. Where? Thanks. What was that? Report just came in on the gun. Serial number was fired off, but the lab got it anyway.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Could they trace it?

[Frank Kingston]

Well, the last place they traced it to was a pawn shop over on the south side.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Now, look, we don't want to arrest.

[Frank Kingston]

You for selling the gun. We just want to know who you sold it to. I told you, I don't know his name. What did he look like? He was, oh, a little shorter than you. Dark, kind of. Wait. What? I just remembered. His name was Frank. That's what she called him. Frank. That's what who called him?

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

The girl who was with him.

[Frank Kingston]

A very pretty girl with red hair. Here's a report on the check, Dan.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Was it a forgery?

[Frank Kingston]

Sure. Same guy who countersigned it, forged it. What's his name? Kingston. Frank Kingston. We have a lead on where he's hiding. Williams traced a call. The girl made him last night. Well, let's get him then. Yeah, there's a catch. What? We can probably hold him on fraud, forgery, larceny. But how do we get him on murder? Yeah, as long as that girl sticks to her story, we're. You know, if there were only some way of getting one of them to double cross the other. Say, I have an idea. What's that? The old bellboy trick. It might work. They've never seen you. So if we can get that girl over to Frank Kingston's apartment tonight.

[Lila]

Isn't there anybody to run this Elevator. Hey, hey, isn't there anybody?

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Take it easy, lady.

[Lila]

Who are you?

[Frank Kingston]

Bellboy, clerk? Elevator boy. What do you have?

[Lila]

Now, since this is an elevator, what did you think?

[Frank Kingston]

Sorry you had to wait. We had a lot of checkouts today.

[Lila]

Dump like this, I'm not surprised.

[Frank Kingston]

What floor?

[Lila]

Five.

[Frank Kingston]

Five?

[Lila]

Yeah. Do you mind?

[Frank Kingston]

No, I don't mind. Only I don't think there's anybody up there.

[Lila]

What?

[Frank Kingston]

Well, There was only two people.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

5O, three. She checked out this morning. And 5:14.

[Frank Kingston]

He checked out a few minutes ago.

[Lila]

5:14. Couldn't have. I just spoke to him on the phone.

[Frank Kingston]

Yeah, I know.

[Lila]

How do you know?

[Frank Kingston]

Also worked the switchboard. Lady calls. And two minutes later, 5:14 calls to say he's checking out.

[Lila]

I don't believe you.

[Frank Kingston]

Well, see for yourself. It's right over here.

[Lila]

He checked out?

[Frank Kingston]

No. It's open.

[Lila]

Frank. Frank.

[Frank Kingston]

See? What'd I tell you?

[Lila]

So he's gone?

[Frank Kingston]

Sure.

[Lila]

Oh, that's great. That's just dandy. Little Frankie's gone for a walk. With his pocket stuffed with money. That's beautiful.

[Frank Kingston]

Something wrong?

[Lila]

No, nothing's wrong. Everything's fine. Where's your phone?

[Frank Kingston]

What are you gonna do?

[Lila]

Call the police? That man who checked out murdered Martin Bessemer. I saw him do it.

[Frank Kingston]

I don't think he'll get very far. Miss.

[Lila]

Mr. Sherman?

[Frank Kingston]

He's still downstairs waiting for you.

[Lila]

Downstairs?

[Frank Kingston]

Sure. This is six fourteen Lila Six. But, but this elevator boy also house detective and FBI.

[Lila]

So that's the way it is.

[Frank Kingston]

Yeah. What do you think Frank is going to say when he hears the news?

[Lila]

I think. I know. He'll say, we're in it together, baby.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

Frank Kingston and his female accomplice were tried and convicted by local authorities on the charge of first degree murder. Kingston's death reminds us that there are men in this land who say they are Americans, who perhaps think that they are Americans, and yet speak openly and loudly against the principles of freedom and equality, the principles of democracy. There's little difference between such men and the enemies across the seas whom we have conquered. There's little difference between such men and the criminals they so often employ. For they are criminals themselves. In the end, they will be caught because their crimes are crimes against the people, against the government, against the FBI. You'll hear about next week's case in just a moment. Tonight, will you join the Equitable society in a salute to an industry which shares the responsibility of passing on the wisdom of the world from one generation to another. An industry which makes possible the great system of Free education for everyone, which is one of the foundations of our American democracy. Yes. A salute of gratitude to the book publishing industry of the United States. During the war, the publishers rose to the emergency and supplied over 90 million specially manufactured paper bound books to the armed forces. Almost 800 titles, about eight books for every serviceman or woman. Now that peace is here, we will look to the book publishers for more than 10,000 new titles each year. These will range from the scientific works which carry forward the torch of progress to the fiction which relaxes you in your hours of leisure. For many years, funds of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States have been invested in the book publishing industry. In fact, Equitable Society funds have been a consistent factor in the growth and development of most of the great industries on which America depends for full employment and continued prosperity. Just as Equitable Society dollars were fighting dollars in wartime, so at all times they are security dollars for you, your home and your country. Next week we will bring you another thrilling story from the files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The file on the desert dict. The incidents used in tonight's Equitable Society's broadcast are taken 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. Programs in this series of particular interest to service men and women are broadcast overseas through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. Tonight, the music was under the direction of Leith Stevens. The author was Arthur Lawrence. Your narrator was Reed Hadley, who appears through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox. This is your FBI. It's a Jerry Devine production. This is Dick Joy speaking for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States and inviting you to tune in again next week at this same time. For this is your FBI.

[Frank Kingston]

Folks.

[Narrator/Reed Hadley]

The Equitable Society reminds you that tomorrow is Navy Day. We'd like to take this moment to say thanks, Navy, for a job well done. The US Navy played a tremendous part in beating the Japanese. It was the tiny Pacific Fleet that stopped the enemy offensive at Midway. Navy ships turned the tide of the war in the furious night battles off the Solomons. Halsey's powerful Third Fleet crushed the Jap Navy in the battles of the Philippine Sea, making it possible for American warships and planes to blast enemy cities at will. Throughout the war, the Navy has spearheaded victory. Men of the Navy deserve the gratitude of their countrymen. One of the best ways Americans can show their appreciation is by guarding the goals for which these men fought. By maintaining a strong peacetime Navy. This is the American Broadcasting Company.

[Commercial Announcer]

Discover a smarter way to manage your law firm with filevine no, we're not filing Vines unless Tarzan got his law degree. We're revolutionizing how legal teams operate. Filevine is your all in one solution for managing new leads business analytics, accounting, billing and comprehensive case management. Imagine having all your firm's needs streamlined in one place, giving you more time to focus on what truly matters your clients. With filevine, you can easily track and manage your cases from start to finish, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. Our platform offers robust tools that help you analyze business performance and optimize your operations. Whether you're handling billing or diving into detailed analytics, filevine has you covered. Ready to transform your practice? Start your free trial now by visiting filevine.com Experience the ease and efficiency of a system designed specifically for the legal industry. Filevine where your firm's success is just a click away.