Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Twin Trouble Matter 05/17/1959

Summary

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Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: "The Twin Trouble Matter" (05/17/1959)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: October 20, 2025
Original Show Air Date: May 17, 1959
Featured Detective: Johnny Dollar, "America’s fabulous freelance insurance investigator"
Case: The Twin Trouble Matter

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar," entitled "The Twin Trouble Matter," delves into a deeply personal case involving blackmail, family loyalty, and the threat of deadly violence. Johnny Dollar is recruited to protect Adam Reed, the twin brother of his business contact George Reed, after Adam is targeted by a vengeful ex-con seeking both money and retribution. The story weaves together themes of family, redemption, and the lengths one must go to keep past mistakes from destroying present lives.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. The Call to Action [01:44–03:24]

• Johnny Dollar (narrator and investigator) receives an urgent bodyguard assignment from George Reed, an insurance executive at Floyd’s of England.

  • Johnny, expressing reluctance, quips about the dangers of bodyguard duty:
    -- “Every time I handle one of them, it ends up with my own life being in danger.” (02:03)

• George Reed explains the case is personal—his own twin brother, Adam, is in grave danger.

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2. Background: Adam’s Trouble & the Blackmail Scheme [03:24–08:13]

• At George’s office, the full story emerges:

  • Adam Reed came to America, was duped by crooked stockbrokers (Shockley and Baron), then helped convict them after discovering their racket.
  • Adam served some time but rebuilt his life, establishing a legitimate brokerage and raising a family.
  • Now Shockley, recently released, is blackmailing Adam—demanding $75,000 or he’ll reveal Adam’s past and then “make it look like suicide” (07:01–07:19).
  • The threat is not only to Adam’s reputation but also to his life, as well as the well-being of his critically ill wife and two college-aged children.

• Johnny observes the complexity:
  -- “No matter what he does, he loses.” (08:07)

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3. The Meeting at the Reeds’ Home [09:11–12:10]

• Johnny Dollar and George drive to Adam’s Montclair home.

• Johnny is struck by the twins’ identical appearance:
  -- “I’ve never seen two people look so much alike.” (10:07)

• They learn Shockley has demanded an immediate "down payment" and is planning a meeting that evening.

• Tension builds as Adam refuses to pay and George insists on standing up to Shockley, even threatening violence.

• Johnny devises a plan to eavesdrop on the call from Shockley and sets up for the confrontation.

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4. The Sting: Shockley’s Instructions and a Race Against Time [13:25–15:45]

• Phone Call from Shockley:

  • Shockley calls with explicit instructions: Adam is to meet him alone at Cedar Knoll, a remote location, with $10,000 as proof of good faith.
  • The threat is made clear: “If there’s anybody with you, somebody’s going to die.” (14:34)

• George, overwhelmed, grabs Adam’s gun and rushes to confront Shockley himself.

• Johnny, fearing for George’s safety, tries to race to Cedar Knoll ahead of him, navigating police-filled roads and taking a risky shortcut.

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5. The Showdown at Cedar Knoll [15:45–19:16]

• Johnny arrives stealthily and discovers Shockley and Baron are both there and heavily armed.

• As George confronts them, the twins’ plan is nearly unraveled by subtle differences in speech—but George seizes a brief advantage, ordering Shockley and Baron to surrender.

  • Notable Quote:
    -- "No, he talks differently. This is his twin." (17:52)
  • Memorable Standoff:
    -- “He shoots at you, I get him. He shoots at me, you get him. That’s right.” (18:17)

• A struggle ensues, shots are fired, and Johnny intervenes just as George is overpowered. Shockley and Baron attempt to flee.

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6. Climax and Resolution [19:16–20:59]

• Johnny reveals he sabotaged their car’s brakes:
  -- “They’re not going anywhere, George. By the time they get rolling down that hill… they have no brakes.” (19:45)
• Shockley and Baron escape by car, only to lose control on the steep hill, resulting in a fiery crash.
• The threat is neutralized without Adam's past coming to public light.
• Johnny reflects on reporting to the police, debating whether to reveal Adam’s name—ultimately deciding to protect the family’s reputation.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• George Reed (on the personal stakes):
  -- “It’s my brother, Johnny. My own brother.” (02:44)

• Johnny Dollar (on blackmail’s double threat):
  -- “If Adam’s death is called suicide, his policy will be void. His wife and kids will get nothing.” (07:19)

• Shockley (on the phone, to Adam):
  -- “Just be sure that you're alone. Because if you're not, somebody's going to die. Adam, it won't be me, but if there's anybody with you... you understand?” (14:34)

• Johnny Dollar (describing Adam & George):
  -- “You know something? I’ve never seen two people look so much alike.” (10:07)

• Johnny Dollar (resolving the case):
  -- “They’re not going anywhere, George... By the time they get rolling down that hill, they have no brakes.” (19:45)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|------------------------------------------------| | 01:44 | Johnny receives the case from George Reed | | 03:52 | Revealing Adam's backstory and the blackmail | | 06:09 | Details on Adam's family and what's at stake | | 07:19 | The insurance angle and consequences discussed | | 09:11 | Johnny and George arrive at Adam’s home | | 13:25 | Shockley’s threatening phone call | | 15:29 | Johnny races to intercept at Cedar Knoll | | 17:52 | Standoff—identity confusion between twins | | 19:45 | Johnny’s sabotage foils the criminals’ escape | | 20:59 | Johnny’s final reflection and wrap-up |

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Tone and Style

This episode features Johnny Dollar’s signature blend of dry wit, determined professionalism, and underlying compassion. The dialogue is tense but interspersed with Dollar’s world-weary asides and the urgent earnestness of the Reed brothers, while the criminals’ lines drip with veiled menace.

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Final Thoughts

"The Twin Trouble Matter" is a classic Johnny Dollar caper—a blend of high-stakes insurance investigation and personal redemption, made all the more real by Johnny’s unwavering loyalty to his clients and the palpable tension between all parties. The twist on mistaken identity and the theme of family sacrifice make this a particularly memorable episode.

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Transcript

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Greetings, naturopathy. Dr. Dennis Black here, founder of Rough Greens. And if only dogs could talk. I think a lot of them would say, hey, thanks for the love, but this food, it's not working for me. The truth is they'd be right. Because most dog food, wet or dry, is cooked at such high temperatures that every live nutrient in it is destroyed. And what you're left with is dead food bulked up with fillers and sprayed with artificial flavors. That's not what dogs need. But when you add back in the live vitamins, omega oils and antioxidants, you're in Rough Greens. Your dog would say something different. Like they'd say, wow, this is delicious. Or sluggish dogs might say, hey, let's go for a walk. Older dogs might say, I feel like a puppy again. It's not magic, it's biology. Don't just imagine it, see it in your dog. I'll send you a free Jumpstart trial bag for your dog. You just cover the shipping. Go to roughgreens.com use discount code talk. That's Ruff Greens Discount code talk. If you dog could only talk, they'd say thank you.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us.

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On YouTube, and thank you for [e-mail] from Hollywood.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

It's time now for Johnny Dollar. Johnny.

[George Reed]

This, this is George Reed.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Well, hiya George. What's troubling Floyd's of England this time?

[George Reed]

Johnny? One of our clients. Only quite frankly, he's far more than just a client. Oh yes, his life is being threatened.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Oh, George, you know I hate these bodyguard assignments. Every time I handle one of them, it ends up with my own life being in danger.

[George Reed]

I fully realize.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah, one of these days my luck may run out.

[George Reed]

Heaven forbid.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Nonetheless, if somebody needs protection, why don't you just call in the police?

[George Reed]

There are certain, well, confidential aspects of this case, but. Well, if any sort of publicity can be avoided. Johnny, if it can any way help to minimize the danger to yourself, I'll gladly go along with you on this one.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

You, you mean literally Physically go along with me.

[George Reed]

Yes.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Well, now, George, that's not the way I usually like to work.

[George Reed]

I know, but as I told you, this involves a man who is more than just a client.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah. Just what does that mean?

[George Reed]

It's my brother, Johnny. My own brother. Oh, yes.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Okay, George, I'll be able to see you.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Bob Bailey, in the exciting adventures of.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

The man with the action packed expense Account.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dallas.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Expense account submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar. New Floyd's of England, North American office, Hartford, Connecticut. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the twin trouble matter Expense account out of one A$20 for a taxi over to George Reed's office at Floyd's of England in downtown Hartford. I found him pacing the floor waiting for me. And needless to say, he didn't waste any time getting down to business.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

As I told you over the phone, Johnny, this matter involves my brother, my twin brother, Adam.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Oh, you're a twin?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yes, we're identical in every way, except perhaps for our manner of speaking.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Why is that? Well.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Well, you see, Adam completed his education at the University of Dublin, whereas I stayed on in England, then did postgraduate work over here.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Oh, I see.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

About 18 years ago, Adam and his wife came here to the United States.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Is he also with some branch of Floyd's of England? No, Johnny.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Adam owns a small brokerage office down in Newark, New Jersey. He lives in a nearby town called Upper Montclair.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

So tell me, has this business of his anything to do with the threat against his wife?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Everything, I'm afraid.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Now, don't tell me. He went around selling a lot of worthless stocks and bonds and now somebody wants to get even with him.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Of course not. Adam is a completely honest, reliable dealer in legitimate security.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Then what's the trouble?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Well, you see, when he first arrived in this country, he traveled around quite a bit. Not only sightseeing, but looking for a good business connection, I guess. While on the west coast, he met two men, Shockley and Baron, independent stockbrokers. They seemed to like him, immediately offered to take him in with them. Since his funds were beginning to run out. He jumped at the chance, naturally. But Johnny, it turned out that they were swindlers of the worst possible sort. Dealing in completely worthless securities. Yes, because of his lack of familiarity with American manners and methods. It took Adam quite a while to catch on, but when he did. George.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

George, I'm way ahead of you.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

What?

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

When he finally got wise to them, he called in the law. So they got sent up the River. Including your poor, misguided brother. And now.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yes, Johnny, it was Adam's information, his testimony, that brought the whole foul operation into the open. As a result, of course, his prison term was a relatively mild one.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

I didn't know there was such a thing. But now that the others are free, they're out to get him.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

At least the one named Shockley is. It's he who has contacted Adam with this impossible proposition.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

When did he and Baron get out of the clink?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

About two weeks ago.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

I see. So, what's the proposition Shockley has made your brother, Johnny?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Adam has spent the past nine years, ever since he was released, out there building up this small brokerage office here in the East. Now he and his wife are finally beginning to reap the fruits of their labors. Children? Two fine, upstanding kids are in college over in New York State, so. But if it were ever to become known that he once served a term in prison for participation in a stock swing.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Kind of pull the rug right out from under him, wouldn't it?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

It would completely ruin him, Johnny. And it would probably kill his wife.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

What?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Dad, this nine years of struggle, of trying to make up for that one mistake has been just as hard for her as it has for him. Right now, she happens to be in the hospital with a serious heart condition.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

I see. Is she the beneficiary of his insurance?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yes, she. And then, of course, the children.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

All right. Now, what is this proposition that Shockley has made?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

He's demanded $75,000. 70? Wow. Yes. Unless Adam pays it in cash in unmarked bills. Shockley will release to the papers anonymously, of course. Well, he'll tell them all about Adam's unfortunate part in that stock selling racket years ago.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Which means that if Adam had a single customer left inside of a week, it'd be a miracle.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Then Shockley says after he's ruined him, he'll kill him.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

He'll what?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Unless he pays this money, of course. He'll make it look like suicide after all, under the circumstances. Well, you know, the ruined businessman.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah, I do know. Sure. There'll be no reason for anyone to think it isn't suicide.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Exactly.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Wait a minute. That's the insurance angle, isn't it? Yes. If Adam's death is called suicide, his policy will be void. His wife and kids will get nothing.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

And if this man Shockley is as clever as Adam says he is, he'll do it in such a way that any court in the land will call it suicide. George, I.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Well, I Just can't believe it. And yet, I suppose he's told Adam.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

That he's already got away with this sort of thing once before. Before Adam knew him.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

But why doesn't he call in the police, the FBI, if this man already has a criminal record? No. Well, maybe the other one, Baron, is still working with him.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

No, Johnny, don't you see? Don't you see? He doesn't dare.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah, I guess you're right. If he called in the cops, the publicity would be just as bad, just as ruinous to him as if Shockley were to shoot off his mouth through the papers.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yes, Johnny, if he goes to the police, he'll only bring his business crashing down on his own head.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah, George, your brother's in a pretty bad spot. No matter what he does, he loses.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

If he pays off. $75,000. But who knows whether that one payment.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Would be the end. Well, of course it wouldn't.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

But if he doesn't, don't you see? It means not only his business, his wife, his children, but his own life.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

I know, I know.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

If it were me alone, a bachelor with nobody else to think about. But with Adam, Johnny, he couldn't do it. He might as well cut his own soul.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

So we'll have to do something about it. What, Johnny?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

What can we do?

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

George.

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[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

I wish I knew. It was obvious this was to be more of a personal affair than business, in spite of the insurance policy involved. So for once, I decided to forget padding out the old expense account. Okay, then. Item 2, 4, 35. A tank full of gas from my own car. It was after business hours by the time he got down to Jersey, so instead of trying to catch Adam Reed in his office, George phoned ahead and we went directly to his home on Highland Avenue and Upper Montclair. George stood beside me when the front door was open. And you know something? It was like looking at George in a mirror.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yes. Good night, George.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Even their clothes were alike. Hello, Adam. Yeah, these twins were certainly identical, except for the slight difference in their manner of speech.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Adam, this is the Man I told you about on the phone. The man I hope can somehow help you. Johnny Donner. Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

How are you, Mr. Reed? And excuse me for staring.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Oh, it's quite all right, daughter. Quite understandable. And please call me Adam, if you don't mind.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Sure, but so help me, I've never seen two people look so much alike. You know something?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

What, Johnny? What are you thinking?

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Oh, just a wild, crazy idea, Adam. George, this perfect similarity might.

[George Reed]

Nah.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Well, we'll see.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Well, now, wait. Maybe you have an idea there.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

No, no. Look, George, forget all about it. Come on, let's go inside where we can talk about this thing.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

I'm in complete agreement. $Because we have no time to waste. If there's anything you can do about it.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Why do you say that? Adam?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

I've heard from Shockley again. This morning. After the last time I talked to George, he called me at the office. I'm afraid I didn't get as much business done today as I might have liked. Then I left as early as I could. I went to the bank and called on my wife at the hospital. She's very seriously ill, sir.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yes, so I understand.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

I've not yet had the heart to tell her about this whole ungodly affair.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

And I can't say that I blame you.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yet. What difference would it make? Whatever happens, whatever this man does to me, it's bound to affect my poor. My darling. It's a terrible thing, Darling.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Now, this phone call today. Yes?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yes. Shockley says that he's coming here tonight.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Tonight?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yes.

[George Reed]

Uh.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Oh, with my car out front.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

That's why I stopped at the bank today. He says he must have $10,000 as a sort of down payment as evidence of my good faith.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

10,000?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Well, I say that he won't get it.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Oh, now, wait a minute, George.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

No, Johnny tell you I won't let Shockley get away with this.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

George, if he comes here tonight and.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Demands that money, I'll kill him rather than let Adam give him a single cent.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Listen, will you?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

I told you, Johnny, with me it doesn't mean a thing. But with Adam, his wife, his children.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

You think he'd come in here with my car out front?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

If he does, I want to be ready for him. Give me your gun, Johnny. George, this whole rotten thing has gone too far. I tell you that if I have to, in order to stop it, I.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

No, Adam, wait. Is there an extension phone?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

In the next room, in the library. But dollar if it's Shockley and he.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Hears you pick it up, he won't if we do it right now, wait till I call to you, then pick it up immediately. I'll do the same on the other end. Yes.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

All right.

[George Reed]

$Can you hear me?

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

All right.

[Dr. Dennis Black]

Greetings, naturopathy. Dr. Dennis Black here, founder of Rough Greens. And if only dogs could talk. I think a lot of them would say, hey, thanks for the love. But this food, it's not working for me. The truth is, they'd be right. Because most dog food, wet or dry, is cooked at such high temperatures that every live nutrient in it is destroyed. And what you're left with is. Is dead food bulked up with fillers and sprayed with artificial flavors. That's not what dogs need. But when you add back in the live vitamins, omega oils and antioxidants are in Rough Greens. Your dog would say something different. Like they'd say, wow, this is delicious. Or sluggish. Dogs might say, hey, let's go for a walk. Older dogs might say, I feel like a puppy again. It's not magic. It's biology. Don't just imagine it. See it in your dog. I'll send you a free Jumpstart trial bag for your dog. You just cover the shipping. Go to rough greens.com use discount code talk. That's Ruff greens discount code talk. If your dog could only talk, they'd say, thank you.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Now.

[George Reed]

Yes? Are you alone, Adam? I'm alone. Shortly. You haven't called in the police? You know as well as I do what that would mean. The publicity. I'm glad you realize that. But I don't trust you, Adam. What? So instead of my coming to your home, you're going to meet me? You've got the 10,000 for me? I have. All right. Cedar Knoll, about seven miles north of here. Do you know the place? Yes. Cedar Knoll. There's a little shack on top of it. Empty. Get into your car. Your own car, Adam. I'll recognize it. Meet me there. Very well. Shantley. Just one thing. Yes? Just be sure that you're alone. Because if you're not, somebody's going to die. Adam, it won't be me, but if there's anybody with you. You understand, Adam? I understand. Cedar know.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Aha. Well, Adam, it sounds as though your man Shockley is as clever as you seem to be. So where's George Oliver?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

He listened to the phone next to my ear.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

As soon as Shockley named the meeting place, George took the gun out of my desk and left.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

He what?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

He's going up there to kill Shockley.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Unless I Can stop him, madam. He's going up there to get murdered. Where is it, Adam? The cedar knoll, where Shockley will be.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Here, daughter, I can show you on a map here. It's 15 or 16 miles from here.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Shockley said it was only about seven.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Then he must have been somewhere along the way when he called.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Means he'll get there long before George can.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yes. Look now, here it is on the map.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah, I see. Straight up 23 and west of Pompan Plains. Yes. All right. Now, George took your car. What kind is it? That little coupe I saw out in the street.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

That's it.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Oh, fine. There are 10 million of them on the highway, all alike. What's the license number? Well, come on.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

I don't know. I don't remember it.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Then, Adam, all I can do is try to get there before George does. Before he gets himself killed. Traffic was heavy, and I don't know why, but Highway 23 was lousy with police patrol cars. I wanted to stop one of them, tell him to come along with me. But this was one case where I couldn't. So instead, I drove within the speed limit. Except for a cutoff above Mountain View where I could open her up for a few miles before getting back on the highway. I probably bypassed George as well as the highway traffic. But the important thing was for me to get there first. That's why I left 23 again. Took the curving, narrow, but much shorter back road to Cedar. No. Finally I could see the knoll. A sort of big mound. A high, barren hill. I could see the little building on top of it in silhouette against the moonlit sky. And I could see a car parked up there. A big sedan. So Shockley had arrived and was waiting there at the bottom of the knoll. I pulled off to the side, cut the engine, doused the lights and went the rest of the way on foot. As I slowly approached the shack through a drawn window shade, I could see a light in it waving around like a flashlight. And the shadow of a man. No, wait. For a moment there, there were two of them. Two shadows. That meant Shockley wasn't alone. And knowing they'd be well armed, both of them killers, well, this whole thing might not be so easy. Yet somehow I had to keep them from hurting George. Yeah, and killing Adam. Slowly, cautiously, I edged over to their car. I slid down under it and went to work with my pocket knife and a small piece tubing near one of the wheels. It was slow and awkward there in the dark under that low hung car, but it Was the one thing I knew, it was George. And of all the times the pick. With me sprawled out under that sedan, unable to even pull out my gun.

[George Reed]

Just stay out there, Adam.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

We'll take the money and be on our way. Oh, no, you won't, Shockley. This is our. You'll take.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Watch him shot. He's got a gun.

[George Reed]

Yes, and I'll kill both of you if I have to.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Mr. Than, this isn't Adam Reed here.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

He is.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

No, he talks differently. This is his twin.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

It's George.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

You're right, Shockley. And I'm here to put a stop to this nefarious scheme of yours.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Well, listen to the fancy talk. Of course it isn't Adam, so it must be George. And George my name.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

No, don't move. Just drop your guns, both of you. Mr. Baron, I'm afraid that Mr. Reed, Mr. George Reid has the advantage of us.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah, well, listen. He shoots at you, I get him. He shoots at me, you get him. That's right.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

I'll kill at least one of you. So under the circumstances, I'm afraid there's only one thing we can do.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Yeah, what?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Hand over our guns to him.

[George Reed]

So here you are, George.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

I yanked myself out from under the car and just in time to have George land right square on top of me. Before I could push him away and get to my feet, he was out like a light. And both shot me in his power. On top of me. I never get off the ground. Shoot him, Charlotte. Throw his head on. You had enough? You had enough, mister? Get away, Shock.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Let me shoot him.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

No, but listen, we've got to get out of here. Those shots he got off, the cops.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Will be coming up from the highway.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

To see what they were. But don't you see? If we leave him here. We've got to.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

But we're not leaving this state until.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

We kill his brother. Come on. No, you wait. You want some more?

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Never.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Get away. Oh, no. Use that car.

[George Reed]

Kill yourself.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Stop dead. Come on, Barry. No. Listen, you let it all.

[George Reed]

Come on.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Okay. Okay. Take the back road down the hill. Yeah. Are you. Are you okay, George? Yes, Johnny, I bless you. They got away. They'll go down. They'll kill Adam. They're. They're not going anywhere. George. What? I cut the brake fluid line. They have no brakes. By the time they get rolling down that hill. Good heavens, no, George. They're not going anywhere. By the time the highway police got to the scene of the crash, they're on the back row. And of course, that car exploded and Burned. They had forgotten all about the gunshots, if they'd heard them at all. So George and I were able to leave by the main road unmolested. At the bottom of the hill, I picked up my own car without attracting attention. I suppose I'll have to make some sort of report to the police. But I don't see any reason why I should have to reveal the name of the man they were out to get, do you? It's certainly too late to need anyone to bring charges against them. As for the expense account. So what's a couple of gallons of gas in so good a cause? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Now here's our star to tell you about next week's story.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Before I do, I just want to say thanks to all you good people who write in to tell me how much you like the show. It may seem like a little thing to you, but it means a great deal to all of us. Believe me. I'll answer your letters just as fast as I can get around to them. But you'll just have to be patient if it takes a little time. Now, as for next week, well, I suggest you read the Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe. Then join us, won't you? Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Dailey, originates in Hollywood and is written, produced and directed by Jack Johnstone. Heard in our cast were G. Stanley Jones, Alan Reed and Frank Driscoll.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Be sure to join us next week.

[Adam Reed / Narrator]

Same time and station for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Dan Coverley speaking.

[Johnny Dollar (Narrator)]

Frank Love Joy stars in the hair raising psychological thriller A Friend of Daddy's. As suspense follows next on the CBS Radio Network.