Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Virtuous Mobster Matter 06/22/1958

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar: The Virtuous Mobster Matter
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Original Air Date: June 22, 1958
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio

---

Introduction

Choice Classic Radio presents one of old time radio’s most intriguing detective stories in this episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Titled "The Virtuous Mobster Matter," the episode delves into Johnny Dollar's investigation intertwined with past alliances and present dangers. The narrative is rich with suspense, betrayal, and unexpected twists, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio’s detective dramas.

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Act One: Unsettling Developments

The episode opens with Johnny Dollar receiving a call from his old friend, Lefty, who expresses concern over their mutual acquaintance, Joe Picatello. Lefty reveals that after purchasing the Caraway plantation in South Carolina, they intend to secure new insurance for the property. However, Johnny senses something amiss when Lefty admits that Joe has been unresponsive despite multiple attempts to meet.

Notable Quote:

Lefty: "There's something wrong about it, Johnny. And if I was you, I'd come down here and find out."
[02:45]

Suspecting foul play, Johnny decides to take matters into his own hands, planning to visit Georgetown to investigate Joe's sudden disappearance. This decision sets the stage for the ensuing mystery, hinting at deeper connections between Johnny, Lefty, and Joe.

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Act Two: The Confrontation at Georgetown

Johnny's journey leads him to Georgetown, South Carolina, where he documents his expenses and proceeds to Joe Picatello's office. Upon arrival, Johnny knocks but receives no response. The situation grows tense as he notices suspicious activities inside the darkened building.

Johnny confronts Joe, only to be met with hostility and aggression. A struggle ensues, and Johnny ends up seemingly beaten by Lefty and Flippy, Joe’s associates. However, in a dramatic twist, Johnny discovers that the assailants are impostors impersonating Joe and his friends. This deception raises suspicions about who is truly behind the attacks.

Notable Quote:

Johnny Dollar: "I can't believe it, but I could see him in the light from the street."
[14:39]

As Johnny regains consciousness, it becomes clear that a deeper plot is unfolding. The appearance of Shep Lock, known as "the Twin," introduces a new layer of complexity, revealing that the true criminals have orchestrated the attack to discredit Joe.

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Act Three: Unmasking the Truth

The final act intensifies the conflict as Johnny confronts the real Joe Picatello and the twin betrayals by Lefty and Flippy. In an intense dialogue, Joe explains his predicament, revealing that he was used as bait by the Secret Service to lure out the real criminals, Shep and Willie. This revelation exposes the manipulation by law enforcement and the intricate web of alliances and betrayals.

Johnny navigates the hazardous situation, managing to turn the tables on the impostors. The resolution sees Johnny surviving the ordeal, gathering crucial evidence, and ultimately bringing the true culprits to justice.

Notable Quote:

Joe Picatello: "He knew that'd flush them out. Get Shep and Willie out. Looking for me. Gunning for me."
[21:15]

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Conclusion

"The Virtuous Mobster Matter" stands out as a compelling episode that masterfully blends suspense, character development, and plot twists. Johnny Dollar's unwavering determination and keen investigative skills shine through as he unravels the conspiracy against him and his old friend Joe. The episode underscores themes of loyalty, deception, and the thin line between right and wrong.

Notable Quote:

Johnny Dollar: "In this insurance business, you never know what you'll run into."
[23:21]

Listeners are left with a vivid portrayal of Johnny Dollar’s resilience and the complexities of navigating a world where past alliances can resurface with deadly consequences.

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Key Takeaways

• Complex Relationships: The episode highlights the intricate relationships between Johnny, Lefty, and Joe, emphasizing how past associations can impact present circumstances.

• Deception and Betrayal: The use of impostors and the revelation of Joe's predicament showcase the pervasive nature of deceit within the narrative.

• Detective Ingenuity: Johnny Dollar exemplifies the quintessential detective, using his wit and resourcefulness to uncover the truth amidst chaos.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lefty: "There's something wrong about it, Johnny. And if I was you, I'd come down here and find out."
  [02:45]

• Johnny Dollar: "I can't believe it, but I could see him in the light from the street."
  [14:39]

• Joe Picatello: "He knew that'd flush them out. Get Shep and Willie out. Looking for me. Gunning for me."
  [21:15]

• Johnny Dollar: "In this insurance business, you never know what you'll run into."
  [23:21]

---

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar continues to be a cornerstone of old time radio detective stories, and "The Virtuous Mobster Matter" encapsulates the essence of the genre with its engaging plot and memorable characters. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Johnny Dollar’s adventures, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world of radio detective fiction.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know, when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You, you'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code SPACE80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code SPACE80 at talk. Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time.

[Announcer]

Radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] from Hollywood. It's time now for.

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar.

[Lefty]

Hi there, Johnny. This is your old pal Lefty.

[Johnny Dollar]

Lefty, for sure.

[Lefty]

You remember Lefty sta. You know, down here in Virtue.

[Joe Picatello]

Virtue.

[Lefty]

V I R G U V U. South Carolina. Oh, sure, yeah, you remember me and the boys, we occupy this Caraway plantation down here on the PE River.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, sure, of course. Listen, are you having trouble again with old man Caraway?

[Lefty]

Oh, no, sir, not a bit. And you know how we stopped them, me and the boys, from making trouble for us? Oh, Lefty, we bought them out, that's how. Yeah, we give them 100 GS for the place. Cash money. Now we own a whole entire plantation.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, good for you. But now what's your problem?

[Lefty]

Well, Johnny, we fixed this place up real nice. Since you've seen it, you know, we spent a lot of dawn.

[Johnny Dollar]

So?

[Lefty]

So we want to buy a lot of new insurance on it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, well, then hop on over to Georgetown and see your old friend Joe Picatello about it.

[Lefty]

Old friend, huh?

[Johnny Dollar]

After all, he's your insurance agent.

[Lefty]

Yeah, Is he?

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, sure, of course he is. Didn't he send you all the other insurance?

[Lefty]

You.

[Johnny Dollar]

Lefty. Has something happened to Joe?

[Lefty]

Yeah, I don't know what it is?

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean?

[Lefty]

Well, that's just it. I don't know. I. I talked to him on the phone, asked him to come out here. He says okay, but he don't come.

[Johnny Dollar]

You think somebody's knocked him off?

[Lefty]

Then I call him again. He says okay again. He'll be right over. But he still don't come.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, have you gone over to Georgetown to see him? To see. What's the matter?

[Lefty]

Five, six, maybe even half a dozen times. But every time he ain't there.

[Johnny Dollar]

Lefty, I don't get it.

[Lefty]

That's what I'm trying to tell you. There's something wrong about it, Johnny. And if I was you, I'd come down here and find out.

[Johnny Dollar]

You know something? I think you're right.

[Announcer]

Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account. America's fabulous freelance insurance investigators.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Announcer]

And now, act one of yours, truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar. To the Continental Insurance Company home office, New York, New York. Following is an account of expenses incurred during my investigation of the virtuous mobster matter. Expense account item one, $7.85. Train to New York City and taxi to the office of Continental Insurance Company. Fortunately, my contact there, Ben Orloff, was in.

[Announcer]

Come in, Mr. Duller. Come in.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks. How are you?

[Announcer]

Sit down.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thanks. Now, Mr. Orloff, wait a minute.

[Announcer]

Don't tell me you never received that check for your services down in South Carolina.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, yes, I got that.

[Announcer]

Why, I had that mailed out to you nearly two months ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, I said I got it. I. Oh.

[Lefty]

Oh, good.

[Announcer]

Incidentally, I thoroughly enjoyed your report on that case. The Village of Virtue matter, you called it.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes.

[Announcer]

So why a group of ex gangsters should decide to settle in a town called Virtue, I'll never understand.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, they.

[Announcer]

Were they really behaving themselves, as your report indicated? Or have they been using that old plantation for a sort of hideout?

[Johnny Dollar]

Their records have been cleaned down there for over 20 years now.

[Announcer]

Is that so? Well. Well, maybe the answer to organized crime is to give all those fellows a nice, quiet plantation to. I must say that when our agent down there, Joseph Picatello.

[Johnny Dollar]

It's about Joe that I've come to talk to.

[Announcer]

I must say that I was a bit concerned when I found Joe had sold policies to characters like Lefty Stemper and Bully Magoon and Flippy Lackavis.

[Johnny Dollar]

Mr. Arlo.

[Announcer]

Why, those were the very sort of men that Thomas E. Dewey chased out of New York when he was DA. Some years ago, Mr. Arlott. That was before Dewey became governor, you know, so naturally, I. What were you going to say about Joe Picatelli?

[Johnny Dollar]

Have you heard from Joe recently?

[Announcer]

No. No, I don't think I have, now that you mention it, because I just.

[Johnny Dollar]

Talked over the phone.

[Lefty]

Wait.

[Announcer]

You must understand one thing, Mr. Donnell.

[Johnny Dollar]

What's that?

[Announcer]

Our office down there in Georgetown is probably the smallest one we have in the whole country. Joe really doesn't handle much business for us, you know.

[Johnny Dollar]

Yes, I understand. I understood that when I talked to him in April.

[Announcer]

If it weren't for those. Those mobsters over in virtue.

[Johnny Dollar]

Those mobsters, Mr. Arlo?

[Announcer]

Well, if it wasn't for them and some of the townspeople to whom we've issued policies, I'd. Mr. Donner, has something happened to Joe Piccatello?

[Johnny Dollar]

That's what I want to find out.

[Announcer]

Because now that I think about it, It's. Excuse me, Ms. Bailey.

[Joe Picatello]

Yes, Mr. Orloff?

[Announcer]

Did you ever get a reply on the harmon policy from Mr. Picatello in our Georgetown office?

[Lefty]

No, sir.

[Joe Picatello]

I've written Mr. Picatello several times now.

[Announcer]

Thank you, Dollar. We wrote Joe about that Harmon matter over four weeks ago.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, didn't it occur to you to phone him and find out why he hasn't answered you?

[Announcer]

But it involves such a small policy that. Yes, perhaps I better try to call him. Miss Bailey, wait.

[Joe Picatello]

Yes?

[Announcer]

Nothing.

[Lefty]

What?

[Announcer]

I said nothing. Well, Mr. Dollop.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, Mr. Orloff, if something has happened to Joe Picatello. Well, look, instead of spreading the alarm, how about if I quietly run on down there?

[Announcer]

But have you reason to believe something wrong has happened to him?

[Johnny Dollar]

Only from what his clients down there at the plantation have told me over the phone.

[Lefty]

You.

[Announcer]

You think perhaps some of his old gangland enemies have got to him after 20 years?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know. But if you'll okay my expense account, I'll go down there and see.

[Announcer]

Well, now, Mr. Dollar.

[Johnny Dollar]

And if you won't, I'll go down there anyway.

[Announcer]

But there's the danger too. This might be a very dangerous. Let me. Let me hear from you. As soon as you can, Mr. Dollar. Act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment.

[Reba]

And now for another episode in the life of Sergeant Donald Bellwether, my husband. Oh, Donald, it's your pouring, isn't it? Can you see all right?

[Lefty]

Oh, yeah, I can see. Windshield wipers are operating with mechanical perfection. You notice there are no more streaks.

[Announcer]

Either, since I put on the new rubber blade.

[Reba]

You know, I think every driver should have his windshield wipers in good order. It's much safer. It would be much safer if everyone would slow down during wet weather. Like my husband is doing right now.

[Lefty]

Just being cautious, Reba.

[Announcer]

We don't want an accident in this downpour.

[Reba]

We don't want an accident anytime.

[Lefty]

Yeah, that's for sure.

[Reba]

Well, the experts say that accidents just don't happen. Something causes accidents, and that cause can be prevented. By the way, dear, in what kind of weather do you think most accidents occur?

[Lefty]

Care? Oh, I'd say in rain or snowy weather.

[Announcer]

Or in slippery weather when visibility isn't impaired.

[Reba]

That's the wrong answer, dear.

[Lefty]

Wrong? Hey, are you. Are you serious?

[Reba]

Statistics show that 8 out of 10 accidents occur when the weather is clear or with a cloudy overcast.

[Lefty]

Are you positive? I wonder why.

[Johnny Dollar]

But.

[Reba]

Oh, here's our house.

[Lefty]

Oh, yeah. Okay. Now, you sit right here, Reba.

[Announcer]

I'll get out with the umbrella, and then I'll come around and open your door.

[Reba]

All right, honey.

[Lefty]

I wonder why.

[Reba]

Wonder why what?

[Lefty]

Why 8 out of 10 accidents happen in clear weather.

[Reba]

Oh, well, I don't know for sure, Sergeant, but I do know that you drove very carefully tonight in the rain.

[Joe Picatello]

Thanks.

[Reba]

Now, if everyone drove as carefully during clear, dry weather, there'd be less accidents.

[Lefty]

I'm sure that must be it. People automatically get cautious in the rain and snow. Hmm. Too bad they don't stay that way in good weather.

[Reba]

You will, won't you? I mean, drive safely in good weather, too.

[Joe Picatello]

I promise.

[Reba]

That's my Donald. That's my doll.

[Announcer]

And now, act two of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the Virtuous Mobster. Matter.

[Johnny Dollar]

Expense account, item 2, $28 even transportation and incidentals. New York City to Georgetown, South Carolina. It was late when I pulled into the prosperous little Southern community. And it was dark. Pitch dark. Item 3. 50 bucks deposit on a rental car. Item 4, 70 cents for a sandwich and a Coke at an all night diner. Then I drove over to Joe Picatello's on a side street near the park. The small frame building that served as both office and living quarters for Joe was dark, but in the hope he might be asleep in his little apartment up above, I knocked. No answer until I was about to turn and go back to my car. There was a sound of a door slamming somewhere inside, but still no light showed. I knocked again. Then, faintly, I heard footsteps approaching. But why hadn't Joe turned on a light in there?

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, what do you want?

[Johnny Dollar]

Joe?

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah?

[Johnny Dollar]

Joe, open up. It's Johnny Dollar.

[Joe Picatello]

Johnny who?

[Johnny Dollar]

Johnny Dollar, Insurance investigator. You know, Investigator.

[Joe Picatello]

That's what you said.

[Johnny Dollar]

Are you kidding? What's the matter with you, pal? Open up.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, sure.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hiya, Joe. What's the idea of no lights in here? You forget to pay your bill or something?

[Joe Picatello]

Maybe. What do you want? What Investigative said. Willie. Did you hear that, Willie?

[Lefty]

Yeah, I heard.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hey, what is this?

[Joe Picatello]

Don't move.

[Johnny Dollar]

Huh? Oh, no, you don't.

[Joe Picatello]

All right, Willie. I got his gun. I hit him. Again.

[Lefty]

Yeah.

[Joe Picatello]

Again.

[Lefty]

Once more. Okay. Okay. There he is. I'd like a light.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah.

[Lefty]

What do you want I should do with him now?

[Joe Picatello]

You crazy, Willie? You mean you don't know?

[Lefty]

Okay, but if I blast him here.

[Announcer]

It'S gonna make a lot of noise.

[Lefty]

And if anybody listen. Hey, it's a car coming down the street.

[Joe Picatello]

Investigator, you said he wouldn't be working alone. Come on, out the back way.

[Lefty]

But I thought it was going to get out of here.

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail] plantas plantas y mas plantas.

[Lefty]

In Country Farm and Garden, Aqui, miso.

[Johnny Dollar]

And Yakima in La Venida, Washington.

[Lefty]

Deselas mimientos must be cantes del mundo as the las flores mas her mosas lot tenemos todo calatisado Jalapeno Roma y super chile en existencia todo los dias un paquete de cuatro vegetales cuestas solo tres dores Conventin nuevecentavos vena Country Farm and Garden para todo tus vegetales tomates, cebollas, pimientos y pepinos. Siempre in existencia and country farm and.

[Johnny Dollar]

Garden and Avenida Watson and Yakima.

[Lefty]

I don't see no lights on, Lefty. Maybe Joe's went to bed. If he's there, he didn't answer the phone when you called him. Listen, Flippy, Johnny Dollar told me I should come down here and look for Joe myself. So come on, we'll see. Whatever you say, Lefty. Only I thought that Johnny was coming down here himself. Huh? Hey, look, this door's open. Yeah, yeah, you. You look what I stepped on. Joe. Joe. What happened here? That ain't Joe. It's Johnny Dollar. Johnny. Hey, you're right, Flippy. Somebody must listen. Get away. Oh, Johnny. Johnny. Johnny, it's me. It's me, Lefty. Lefty and me, Flippy. Johnny. Okay. You all right? Yeah, I Holy. Who done this to you?

[Joe Picatello]

Johnny?

[Lefty]

Yeah, we'll motorize him. Hey, Flippy, turn on some lights. Yeah, yeah, sure. What hell happened in here? You know who done this to you? Johnny.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Lefty]

Hey, come here, Flippy. Help me lay him up on the sofa. Easy, easy.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, easy.

[Lefty]

Here.

[Joe Picatello]

Now.

[Lefty]

Johnny, listen to me. Who, Johnny? Who?

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Lefty]

Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

I can't believe it, but I could see him in the light from the street.

[Lefty]

Who?

[Johnny Dollar]

Joe.

[Lefty]

What?

[Johnny Dollar]

Joe Pigatello.

[Lefty]

Smokey Pigatello done this to you?

[Johnny Dollar]

Another guy with him called him Willy.

[Lefty]

Willy the Lump. Why? Why did he do it?

[Johnny Dollar]

I don't know. Acted very strange when he came to the door.

[Lefty]

But I don't get it. He was my pal. He was your pal Willie the Lump with him. That's what I don't get. That means he's went back. That's what it means. He's went back to the old racket. Dope smuggling. Oh, no, no. Yeah. Him and Willy the Lump was partners in the old days. But 20 years Joe's been straight lefty, like you and me and Bully. Yeah, for 20 years, you and me and bully. The only guns we ever used was for hunting, for killing snakes. But not no more.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean, Lefty?

[Lefty]

Joe Picatello done this to you, Johnny Means only one thing. There's only one thing we can do. No, he's right, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no, Lefty.

[Lefty]

Yeah, Johnny. First we take you back to the plantation where you get all right again.

[Johnny Dollar]

Oh, no. Listen to me.

[Lefty]

Then we find Joe Picatello. Flip. And bullying me. And when we do, huh?

[Joe Picatello]

Well, now, what are you punks doing here, huh?

[Lefty]

Hey, Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

That's right. Who'd you expect? And what's the big idea?

[Lefty]

All right, don't move, because, Joe, I'm gonna blast your head off.

[Announcer]

Act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. In a moment. Do you know who said, every individual in society has certain powers, rights and privileges which no other individual can justly abridge or destroy? Those words were written by Noah Webster, the man who compiled America's first great dictionary. Mr. Webster knew that if the country which he had seen come into being were to succeed, the rights of the individual have to be protected. Each person is entitled to certain basic rights, powers and privileges which must not be taken away because of the whim of someone with greater power in the United States. The individual is important. Regardless of his wealth, power or position. The importance of the individual is closely linked to the American tradition. Remember the words of Noah Webster. They are part of your American heritage. The rights and privileges of the individual must be preserved. And now, act three of yours truly, Johnny Dollar and the virtuous mobster.

[Johnny Dollar]

To say the atmosphere was tense there in Joe Picatello's office in Georgetown, South Carolina, would be the understatement of the week. After the beating I'd taken from the ex gangster and one of his pals, my old friends Lefty and Flippy had come in that found me there. And they couldn't understand why Joe had done this to me.

[Lefty]

Unless it means he's went back. That's what it means. Went back to the rackets. Oh, Willie the Lump was with him. Him and Willie was partners in the old days. Dope. Not so.

[Johnny Dollar]

The two of them swore to get Joe. And then suddenly we looked up to see someone standing in the doorway.

[Lefty]

It's Joe.

[Johnny Dollar]

It was Joe Picatello.

[Joe Picatello]

That's right. Now, who'd you expect? What the.

[Lefty]

All right, don't move because Joe, I'm gonna blast your head off.

[Joe Picatello]

Oh, now put that thing down, Lefty.

[Lefty]

Don't move.

[Joe Picatello]

What is it, Slippy, A gag or something?

[Lefty]

Is it a gag what you've done to Johnny Dollar, huh, Johnny? I said one move and I'll give.

[Joe Picatello]

It to you, Johnny.

[Lefty]

Turn around, Joe, or I'll shoot you in the back, you dirty.

[Joe Picatello]

What did they do to you, Johnny?

[Johnny Dollar]

Listen, Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

Lefty. Flippy, I'll kill you for this.

[Lefty]

What are you talking about, you dirty rat?

[Johnny Dollar]

Wait, Lefty.

[Lefty]

Johnny's my pal. Like you used to be before you went back in the rackets.

[Joe Picatello]

Went back in the racket?

[Lefty]

Yeah, yeah, with that dope hound with Willie the Lump.

[Joe Picatello]

What do you know about Willie The Lump.

[Lefty]

Plenty, now that you're back with him.

[Joe Picatello]

You're crazy.

[Lefty]

It's no good, Joe. Because Johnny recognized you. You and Willie the Lump when you waked them over.

[Joe Picatello]

Can I tell you that I had 20 years?

[Lefty]

You and Bully and Flippy and me, we showed we could do it straight. We could be respectable. Me and the boys at the plantation, you down here. But now you spoiled it. You ruin it for all of us.

[Joe Picatello]

Look, will you listen?

[Lefty]

Don't move. We made a deal, you and me and the boys, 20 years ago. If anybody slips, anybody breaks up our respectable life, you gotta go. Was that the deal?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, that was the deal. But you don't know what you're talking about when you say I'm going back.

[Lefty]

All right. So you your lousy scum, you not only go back, you do this to Johnny Dollar, my friend. The guy who believed in us, Lefty. So for that you gotta go.

[Announcer]

Lefty.

[Lefty]

Listen, Joe. Right, Lefty.

[Johnny Dollar]

Give me your gun, Lefty.

[Lefty]

No, Johnny. That was the deal.

[Johnny Dollar]

You ever use a gun on a man, you'll go up for the rest of your life.

[Lefty]

Johnny, it's for you. I'm killing him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Hand it over, Lefty. Okay.

[Lefty]

Thanks.

[Johnny Dollar]

You see, it wasn't Joe who worked me over. I thought it was. It looked like him, it sounded like him.

[Lefty]

Then it was him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Look at his hands, his face, his clothes. Is this the man I fought with in here five minutes ago? Sure, maybe I did get the worst of it with two of them on top of me. But believe me, I cut them off some, too.

[Joe Picatello]

He's right, Lefty.

[Lefty]

Yeah, but then I don't. Look if it wasn't him. The Twin. The Twin.

[Joe Picatello]

You're right, Lefty. It must be the Twin.

[Lefty]

The Twin. Here.

[Johnny Dollar]

All right, boys, let me in on it too, would you?

[Lefty]

Shep Lock, or the Twin, they called him. That's what the law called him. Call him and Joe the Twins. Cause they looked like each other, they talked like each other. There was always the alibi for each other. But what's Shep lalanco doing here?

[Joe Picatello]

I. I can't tell you, Flippy. Not yet.

[Lefty]

All right, Joe. All right. I believe you. About not working over Johnny here because of what he says about. Well, about, you know, me mused up. But if you and Shep are back in the racket.

[Joe Picatello]

I'm not, Lefty. That's straight.

[Lefty]

No. All right, then tell me where you been.

[Joe Picatello]

I can't tell you.

[Lefty]

Three, four weeks now. We don't know where you are. The insurance company don't Know where you are? Well.

[Joe Picatello]

I can't tell you. Now, listen.

[Lefty]

You listen.

[Joe Picatello]

You listen. If Shep and Willie have been here, they'll be coming back.

[Lefty]

Why?

[Johnny Dollar]

Yeah, Joe. Why?

[Joe Picatello]

I can't tell you. I can't tell you. All right, listen.

[Lefty]

Well, listening, Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

The secret save us, huh? Well, after those killings up in Baltimore.

[Johnny Dollar]

During that smuggling job.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, Johnny, they knew. The twins, Shep, Blocko and Willie. Well, the boys in Washington knew they did it, but they didn't know where to find him.

[Johnny Dollar]

Well, go on, Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

So they spread the way the Secret Service spread the way that I knew where Shep and Willie were, that I would lead them to him.

[Lefty]

You knew where they was, huh?

[Joe Picatello]

No. But the law boys knew that'd flush them out. Get Shep and Willie out. Looking for me. Gunning for me.

[Johnny Dollar]

And the Secret Service didn't keep you undercover?

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, until today, back in Washington.

[Lefty]

But I talked to you on your phone right here.

[Joe Picatello]

Oh, the line was rigged through to.

[Johnny Dollar]

Washington, you said until today, Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah. Cause Shep and Willie didn't show. The law boys had to make them show.

[Johnny Dollar]

So then they sent you here as living bait.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah.

[Johnny Dollar]

And they passed the word that you'd be here.

[Joe Picatello]

That's it, Johnny. That's why Shep and Willie were waiting here when you came. That's why they'll come back now that I'm here.

[Lefty]

Boy, you stuck your neck out for the sake of going straight.

[Joe Picatello]

I couldn't help myself. The Secret Service rigged it on me. Guy named Phillips. But now you're all in it. So flippy. Turn out the lights.

[Lefty]

Yeah, let's get out of here.

[Johnny Dollar]

What? Oh, listen.

[Lefty]

We was crooks, but never killers. But it's killers that's coming to get Joe.

[Johnny Dollar]

What do you mean, Lefty?

[Lefty]

But they won't. And they won't get you, Johnny.

[Johnny Dollar]

Sorry, Lefty. I can't move.

[Lefty]

Then we're staying for you and Joe.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, right.

[Lefty]

So turn out the lights for me.

[Joe Picatello]

You're too late, boys.

[Lefty]

Ship to the Twin.

[Joe Picatello]

That's right. Your old pal Shep Larko. Keep a ride on him, Willie.

[Lefty]

Don't worry, Shep.

[Joe Picatello]

Investigator, huh, Dollar Only at Secret Service, ain't it?

[Lefty]

Is it?

[Joe Picatello]

I knew we should have killed you when we had you, $. But we thought these boys driving up was reinforcements. Reinforcements? We should have known the Secret Service wasn't that bright. All right. Will he frisk him while I keep this gun on him?

[Lefty]

Sure.

[Joe Picatello]

None of you try not dollar. We got his gun.

[Lefty]

Oh, okay.

[Johnny Dollar]

Just what do you intend doing, Shep?

[Lefty]

They're clean ship.

[Joe Picatello]

What do you think? All right. Joe gets it. First. Put your gun up close so it don't make no noise. Go ahead, Willie.

[Johnny Dollar]

Y.

[Lefty]

You got them both. And I thought you couldn't move.

[Joe Picatello]

Yeah, boy. Thanks, Johnny. Thanks.

[Johnny Dollar]

Thank Lefty for giving me his gun when I asked for it. Joe. Oh, hey, look. Any of you guys know a good doctor? Yeah. I've said it before and I say it again. In this insurance business, you never know what you'll run into. Expense account total, including a flock of medical expenses and the trip Back to Hartford, $174 even. Yours truly, Johnny Doll.

[Announcer]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, starring Bob Bailey, originates in Hollywood and is produced and directed by Jack Johnstone, who also wrote today's story. Heard in our cast were Gene Tatum, Jack Crucian, Les Tremaine, Billy Halep, Frank Gerstel and Gil Stratton, Jr. Be sure to join us next week, same time and station, for another exciting story of yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This is Roy Rowan, spe.

[Joe Picatello]

Sam.

[Lefty]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar has been a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.