21st Precinct 53-08-04 (005) Case of the Sailor's Family

Summary

Podcast Summary: "21st Precinct 53-08-04 (005) Case of the Sailor's Family"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of family listening before television. Featuring classic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: 21st Precinct 53-08-04 (005) Case of the Sailor's Family
• Release Date: June 16, 2025

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Setting the Scene

The episode immerses listeners into the bustling environment of New York City's 21st Precinct, a central hub for police activity. Captain Frank Kennelly introduces himself and his team, emphasizing the responsibility they bear for the safety and security of the dense population they serve.

Frank Kennelly (00:05): "Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st."

Introducing the Main Characters

• Captain Frank Kennelly: The authoritative and dedicated leader of the 21st Precinct.
• Lieutenant Kenneth Gorman: A diligent officer involved in the initial reporting.
• Sergeant Klein: Frank’s trusted Sergeant, responsible for on-ground operations.
• Patrolman Joe Rawlins: A sailor returning from a Mediterranean cruise, seeking help to find his missing family.

The Missing Persons Case Unfolds

The narrative kicks off on a rainy Sunday morning. Captain Kennelly receives a distressing call from Joe Rawlins, a sailor who has just returned to New York after a two-month cruise. Rawlins discovers that his family home at 631 York Avenue has been burned down three days prior, and his wife and two-year-old child are missing.

Joe Rawlins (03:09): "I can't find my family, Lieutenant."

This alarming revelation propels Captain Kennelly into action, initiating an urgent investigation to locate Rawlins' missing wife, Doris, and their child, Josephine.

Investigative Procedures and Challenges

Captain Kennelly meticulously reviews the initial reports regarding the fire. Despite uncovering that five individuals perished in the blaze, including a city fireman and several tenants, none match the description of Rawlins' family.

Frank Kennelly (04:27): "There were some people killed. What's your name?"

Joe Rawlins (04:30): "Sailor Rawlins. Joe Rawlins."

The investigation reveals two additional unidentified bodies—a woman and a child—whose descriptions do not align with Rawlins' family. This discrepancy leads to further inquiries, including checking with the Missing Persons Bureau and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Frank Kennelly (08:03): "They were burnt beyond recognition, Joe."

Joe Rawlins’ Personal Turmoil

As the investigation stalls, Joe Rawlins grapples with the distressing possibility that his family may not be among the deceased. His interactions with Captain Kennelly reveal his desperation and determination to uncover the truth.

Joe Rawlins (05:55): "Thanks a lot. You don't know what a relief it is, captain."

In a pivotal moment, Rawlins contacts his wife, Doris, only to discover she resides safely in St. Louis for a medical operation, completely unaware of his current predicament.

Joe Rawlins (24:37): "Yeah, honey, it's me, Jo. You should have wrecked me because she's in St. Louis."

This revelation suggests that the missing Doris and Josephine may be alive, yet their whereabouts remain elusive, deepening the mystery.

Climactic Revelations and Tension

Determined to resolve the case, Captain Kennelly and his team scrutinize all available information, including dental charts and possible change of address records. Despite thorough efforts, the descriptions of the unidentified victims at Bellevue Morgue do not match Rawlins' family.

Frank Kennelly (20:02): "Missing Persons Bureau says there's only one possibility. That's to send to San Diego to our old dentist and get a chart of the work she's had done."

Joe Rawlins becomes increasingly restless and agitated, suspecting that his family's fate is more complex than reported. His insistence leads to a tense showdown between his expectations and the official findings.

Joe Rawlins (20:45): "I've been asking for it straight all day. Nobody gives me an answer without a hedge."

Resolution and Aftermath

As the investigation reaches a standstill, Joe Rawlins confronts the heartbreaking reality that the bodies found may not be his family. In a moment of emotional turmoil, he attempts to reconcile the conflicting information by reaching out to Doris, only to learn of her absence during the time of the fire.

Joe Rawlins (24:53): "No, nothing like that. This is really very funny. It's a riot."

Faced with the uncertainty of his family's fate, Rawlins contemplates informing Doris's mother, highlighting the personal costs of such tragic events.

Joe Rawlins (22:21): "It's got to be done."

Closing Reflections

The episode culminates with Captain Kennelly reflecting on the relentless and often heart-wrenching nature of police work in a sprawling metropolis like New York City. The episode underscores themes of loss, desperation, and the painstaking efforts of law enforcement to bring clarity to chaotic situations.

Narrator (26:19): "A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry-go-round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone."

Notable Quotes

• Frank Kennelly (00:05): "Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st."
• Joe Rawlins (03:09): "I can't find my family, Lieutenant."
• Frank Kennelly (20:02): "Missing Persons Bureau says there's only one possibility. That's to send to San Diego to our old dentist and get a chart of the work she's had done."
• Joe Rawlins (24:37): "Yeah, honey, it's me, Jo. You should have wrecked me because she's in St. Louis."
• Narrator (26:19): "A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry-go-round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone."

Conclusion

"Case of the Sailor's Family" masterfully blends procedural police work with deeply personal narratives, illustrating the intricate dance between duty and human emotion. Through Captain Kennelly's leadership and Joe Rawlins' quest for his missing family, the episode paints a poignant picture of life in the city's underbelly, where every call could unveil a new story of tragedy or resilience.

Transcript

[Frank Kennelly]

21St Precinct. Sergeant Klein. A what? How do you know something's wrong? How many days haven't you seen him? How do you know he's been in the apartment all that time? You are in the muster room at the 21st Precinct, the nerve center. A call is coming through. You will follow the action taken pursuant to that call from this minute until the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st Precinct. Do you have a key to get in? What makes you sure? It's been bolted from the inside. All right. I'll send the officers around to have a look. Where can they find you? All right, just stay there. I'll send them right over. 21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the east river wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes and their property is my job. My job and the job of the 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kennelly, Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in Command of the 21st.

[Narrator]

What makes a city? Not buildings, not subways, not business. People make a city. From dawn to midnight. From midnight to dawn. The rich and the poor and the good and the bad pour their lives together and stir up the city as in the 21st, seven days a week.

[Frank Kennelly]

It was Sunday morning and raining. I was on patrol when the chief inspector visited the precinct in response to a radio signal. I returned to the house and conferred with the chief inspector, the commander of the uniformed force, for 35 minutes regarding conditions in the precinct. When the chief rose to leave, I walked outside with him to his car. It had stopped raining. Then I returned to the muster room and went around behind the desk to read the entry made in the blotter by Lieutenant Kenneth Gorman. Concerning the visit to the precinct by the chief inspector.

[Joe Rawlins]

That all right, Captain?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yep.

[Joe Rawlins]

He walked in here big as life.

[Frank Kennelly]

Well, you've got to expect it, Ken. He's not gonna call and tell you he's coming.

[Joe Rawlins]

Have enough A day after I come back. My vacation, Captain, could have waited until the night.

[Frank Kennelly]

Where'd you go, Ken? Maine.

[Joe Rawlins]

You like lobster, Captain?

[Frank Kennelly]

Who doesn't?

[Joe Rawlins]

You ought to go up the coast of Maine.

[Frank Kennelly]

You never had such lobster. Listen, I heard they never heard of a broiled Lobster in Maine. The only way they fix them is boiled. Is that right? Yeah.

[Joe Rawlins]

All these places have this great big kettle. You gotta pick out the lobster you want from a little pen. Man, they're all crawling around live. They take it and they dump it right in the kettle. And gee, guess how much we'll lobster dinner for my wife, myself and the two kids and big lobsters.

[Frank Kennelly]

Captain. How much? 550.

[Joe Rawlins]

No kidding.

[Frank Kennelly]

Come in.

[Joe Rawlins]

Sir.

[Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir. What's on your mind? Sell.

[Joe Rawlins]

I can't find my family, Lieutenant. What do you mean you can't find them? I'm on a cruise to St. Paul. We've been cruising the Mediterranean for two months. We just stopped at Brooklyn Navy Yard this morning. I can't find them.

[Frank Kennelly]

Were they supposed to meet you, son?

[Joe Rawlins]

No, no, sir. They didn't even know I was coming. You see, we live in New York. I just came home and went to the house. It was burned out. Wasn't anybody there. There was a fire three days ago. Somebody told me was 631 York Avenue.

[Frank Kennelly]

21St Precinct, Sergeant.

[Joe Rawlins]

And the whole building's boarded up. It's really burned down.

[Frank Kennelly]

All right, 18. Just a second. Hold on.

[Joe Rawlins]

I can't find them. I don't know where they went.

[Frank Kennelly]

Hey, lieutenant.

[Joe Rawlins]

Yes?

[Frank Kennelly]

Eisman's ringing in.

[Joe Rawlins]

You said let you know Eisenwith holding up that notification election in Navner for the 44. The card's still sitting here. Yes, I was just wondering if you knew anything about it.

[Frank Kennelly]

What about the notification?

[Joe Rawlins]

It's got me worried.

[Frank Kennelly]

Worried to death. Did you ask around, any of the neighbors?

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, yes, sir. I asked around. Nobody's in the building. It was burned out.

[Frank Kennelly]

Keep on trying that.

[Joe Rawlins]

It's Sunday and the stores there all closed.

[Frank Kennelly]

What do you mean? Your family, your parents.

[Joe Rawlins]

I know, sir. My wife and my baby.

[Frank Kennelly]

Oh.

[Joe Rawlins]

Did you ask any of the neighbors in the other buildings? Well, there isn't anybody living in the houses on either side anymore. They're getting ready to make a housing project there. And besides us, there were only five or six families left in our house. Hey, listen, do you remember the fire? A man over there told me there were some people killed. Do you remember that?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yes, there were some people killed. What's your name?

[Joe Rawlins]

Sailor Rawlins. Joe Rawlins.

[Frank Kennelly]

You run the cruise of St. Paul?

[Joe Rawlins]

Yes, sir. Gun is my second class. Hey, listen, who was killed? Not my wife and baby. I don't remember the name. Rawlins? I don't think so. Well, could you check?

[Frank Kennelly]

We're going to right now. I'll tell you what you do?

[Joe Rawlins]

Listen, how many people?

[Frank Kennelly]

Five. Five?

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, God.

[Frank Kennelly]

Well, one of them was a city fireman. The others were tenants.

[Joe Rawlins]

I gotta know. How soon could I know?

[Frank Kennelly]

Well, I'll tell you what you do, son. I'm Captain Kennelly.

[Joe Rawlins]

Yes, sir.

[Frank Kennelly]

And that's my office right across the room there. It'll take a little while to look up the reports. Why don't you just have a seat in my office until we find him?

[Joe Rawlins]

That's all right. I don't mind.

[Frank Kennelly]

It'll take a few minutes, Joe. Just go ahead and sit in there. I'll be right in.

[Joe Rawlins]

Yes, sir. All right.

[Frank Kennelly]

I asked Sergeant Klein to get out the aided case cards and the unusual occurrence report for the fire at 3:30 in the morning, two days before. It took a few seconds, not a few minutes, but I wanted the chance to read over the reports before I spoke to the sailor again. I read them and gave Sergeant Klein and Lieutenant Gorman instructions to call the Missing Persons Bureau and the Office of the Chief Medical examiner to get more information concerning their subsequent investigations. Then I walked across the muster room to my office. All right, Joe. Anyone killed, their names weren't listed among the victims? No. Rollins' oh, man. Sit down, son.

[Joe Rawlins]

Yeah, thanks. Thanks a lot. You don't know what a relief it is, captain.

[Frank Kennelly]

I know. Have a cigarette, Joe. Thanks.

[Joe Rawlins]

Thanks. Well, where are they? Where could they have gone?

[Frank Kennelly]

Well, that's what we'll have to find out. You have any other family in New York?

[Joe Rawlins]

No, sir. My folks are dead. Both of them. You see, that was originally their flat there. I was based out in San Diego when I got married and my father died. And then about a year later, my mother. I was about ready for sea duty again and I was transferred to the Atlantic Fleet. So Doris and me, that's my wife, Doris, we decided the best thing would be to take over my mother's flat.

[Frank Kennelly]

Well, sounds like it was a good idea.

[Joe Rawlins]

Yes, sir. So we brought the baby on east. That was. That was just the beginning of May.

[Frank Kennelly]

How about any close friends she could be staying with?

[Joe Rawlins]

Well, I wouldn't have any close friends. You see, I'd been gone for three or four years and I just drifted apart from any friends I'd stay. As far as Doris is concerned, I don't know. I shipped out just a couple of days after we moved back here. I don't know if she made any friends or who.

[Frank Kennelly]

Does she have any family here?

[Joe Rawlins]

No, sir, not in New York. Her folks live in San Diego. Just outside of San Diego. She's got a Sister in Missouri.

[Frank Kennelly]

Where in Missouri?

[Joe Rawlins]

St. Louis. And her sister's married to a fellow in the insurance business in St. Louis. Got a good job. I don't know where she could have gone. Beats the living daylights out of me.

[Frank Kennelly]

How about her sisters in St. Louis?

[Joe Rawlins]

No, I don't think so, Captain. It's too far and, well, they only got a small place. Three kids of their own. I don't think so. I'm sure that was a pretty bad fire, wasn't it? The building really looked wrecked.

[Frank Kennelly]

Yeah. They don't know how it started. Short circuit, they think. What floor did you live on, Joe? Fourth floor.

[Joe Rawlins]

Fourth floor and the front. I wonder if she got anything out of there. I had a ball signed by Babe Ruth. I'd hate to lose that. They're getting rare.

[Frank Kennelly]

How old is your baby? 2.

[Joe Rawlins]

She'll be 2 next month. Want to see a picture?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, sure.

[Joe Rawlins]

She's the cutest little thing. Josie, that's after me. Josephine's her real name.

[Frank Kennelly]

She is cute. Is that your wife?

[Joe Rawlins]

Yes, sir. That guy.

[Frank Kennelly]

Oh.

[Joe Rawlins]

You know where I took that? We had to change buses in Columbus, Ohio. I took that on the state capitol grounds. They got squirrels out there so tame, they just walk up and take peanuts right out of your hand.

[Frank Kennelly]

Honestly, about how tall would you say Doris is?

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, I don't know. About five, one, five, two, something like that. I don't know.

[Frank Kennelly]

How much would you say she weighs?

[Joe Rawlins]

About 110, I guess. Why?

[Frank Kennelly]

No reason.

[Joe Rawlins]

Well, it must be a reason. It's something you're not telling me, isn't there?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yo. Listen to me. We think everybody in that building was accounted for.

[Joe Rawlins]

Who was killed? Who was killed? Beside the firemen, I mean. There was five.

[Frank Kennelly]

Who? Well, there was an elderly couple who lived on the second floor.

[Joe Rawlins]

Who else?

[Frank Kennelly]

And, Joe, that's why I asked you the question.

[Joe Rawlins]

I don't think it's them who's not them?

[Frank Kennelly]

Well, there were two unidentified bodies. Yeah, a woman and a child.

[Joe Rawlins]

Don't kid me now. Tell me the truth.

[Frank Kennelly]

I am telling you the truth. They were burnt beyond recognition, Joe. But the medical examiner's report says the woman weighed about 150 and was 5 6.

[Joe Rawlins]

She's smaller than that, Doris.

[Frank Kennelly]

Much more. I know. And the child? They think it's a boy. About four, they think?

[Joe Rawlins]

Aren't they sure?

[Frank Kennelly]

Well, they were pretty badly burned, Joe.

[Joe Rawlins]

Well, if they're not identified, who could they be? Somebody must know them.

[Frank Kennelly]

Joe. Where are they? Look, Joe, our report was written the morning of the fire. The Missing Persons Bureau took Over the investigation two days ago. Bodies have probably been identified by now. I've got my men out there checking. They don't answer the description of your family.

[Joe Rawlins]

Well, where is my family?

[Frank Kennelly]

Where are they? Come in. Captain, can I see your minutes? Yeah, sure. I'll be out.

[Joe Rawlins]

Don't keep anything from me. Don't keep anything from me now.

[Frank Kennelly]

Yes, Sergeant? We checked both the medical examiner and the detectives in the Missing Persons bill. Yeah? And Bobby said a woman and a kid are still in Bellevue Morgue. Neither of them have been identified yet. They say it's been impossible to get a readable fingerprint off either of them. The descriptions don't fit the ones Joe gave me. It's hard to tell in these burn cases, Captain. Descriptions don't mean much. I know. He says his wife has a sister in St. Louis. Ask Missing Persons if they know about the sister. Yes. A woman and a child, unidentified in the morgue. A woman and a child missing after a fire. Two and two, Captain. All right, get back on the box. Yes.

[Joe Rawlins]

It's them, isn't it? That's what he told you.

[Frank Kennelly]

No, that's not what he told me.

[Joe Rawlins]

Well, then where are they? What happened to them?

[Frank Kennelly]

We haven't any idea, Joe, but we're sure going to find out. A little before noon that Sunday, I put out a call for the patrol Sergeant, Timothy Waters. He was instructed to come by the station and pick up the sailor. Together they drove over to the burned house and sought out the patrolman on post. Inquiries were made among residents in all the nearby buildings to determine whether they had any knowledge of the whereabouts of the woman and child. Meanwhile, at the precinct house, the desk officer, Lieutenant Gorman, the man on the Boxer, Sergeant Klein, and Patrolman Ryan, the 124 man, were making telephone inquiries to the homes of all neighborhood merchants who might have done business with the woman.

[Joe Rawlins]

You don't remember her? Mrs. Rollins?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yeah. Sorry.

[Joe Rawlins]

She never came in your store, huh?

[Frank Kennelly]

All right. Thank you.

[Joe Rawlins]

No luck there either, Captain.

[Frank Kennelly]

You know what? I think we ought to try, ken.

[Joe Rawlins]

Yes, sir.

[Frank Kennelly]

Mrs. Rollins and the child were both Navy dependents. If they got out of the building, and if either of them were injured to any degree, she might have hopped in a cab and gone right to the Brooklyn Naval Hospital of St. Alban.

[Joe Rawlins]

I said it's possible, Captain. That's where Navy people would head.

[Narrator]

Shall I call them?

[Frank Kennelly]

No, you better call CB Instead of direct. They might want to make the inquiry through the Shore Patrol. I don't know, Sergeant. Yes, sir. Listen, Sergeant, I want you to. Captain, oh, yes, sir. Hello, Ms.

[Joe Rawlins]

Crows?

[Frank Kennelly]

This is Sergeant Klein of the 21st Precinct. You own the grocery store at 619 York Avenue?

[Joe Rawlins]

No, no, no, it's all right.

[Frank Kennelly]

Nothing's wrong. We just want a little information. You remember that fire in the building at 631 York?

[Joe Rawlins]

Yeah, that's right.

[Frank Kennelly]

We're looking for a woman and a child who've been missing since then. Her name is Rawlins. Rawlins. R A W L E N S E. Mrs. Doris Rollins? Yeah, that's the one.

[Joe Rawlins]

Does she do business in your store?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yeah. I see.

[Joe Rawlins]

In case either the woman or the child was admitted.

[Frank Kennelly]

About 5, 2 or 3, 110 pounds, 22 years old, very pretty. You get back to her now. A blonde. She has a little girl, two years old. You don't know her? Never saw her. All right. Thanks, Mr. Crows. I'm sorry to have disturbed you. Goodbye. Nothing, Captain. I called CB Captain.

[Joe Rawlins]

I'll make inquiries.

[Frank Kennelly]

All right. Who'd you talk to upstairs? Sergeant Whitey Howard. Captain said he'd try to locate Lieutenant King and have him go in. Okay. When did CB say they get back to us again? Right away.

[Doris Rawlins]

Kelsey, is this where I report something?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yes, ma' am.

[Joe Rawlins]

Can I help you?

[Doris Rawlins]

My car's gone.

[Joe Rawlins]

Where'd you park it, man?

[Doris Rawlins]

On 64th street, right near Park Avenue. I just gone for a few minutes to take some flowers up to my friend.

[Joe Rawlins]

Was it locked?

[Doris Rawlins]

Well, of course it was locked.

[Joe Rawlins]

I got the keys, the doors and windows too.

[Frank Kennelly]

Oh, everything.

[Doris Rawlins]

I was just gone a few minutes.

[Frank Kennelly]

You're sure you didn't park it someplace else?

[Doris Rawlins]

Of course not. I parked it right in front of a building.

[Joe Rawlins]

Right in front it was gone, Sergeant. Who's catching upstairs?

[Frank Kennelly]

They're all out, Lieutenant. They're busy with the safe and Lost Squad and a couple of burglaries we had last night.

[Joe Rawlins]

You see that door back there?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Joe Rawlins]

The detectives are all out, man. You go through that door and talk to the officer.

[Frank Kennelly]

He'll take a report on it.

[Doris Rawlins]

Can I give you the report?

[Frank Kennelly]

Oh, no, ma' am. He'll take it.

[Joe Rawlins]

He's got the proper form.

[Doris Rawlins]

Through the door.

[Joe Rawlins]

That's all.

[Doris Rawlins]

Thank you very much.

[Frank Kennelly]

21St Precinct, Sergeant Klein. Hey, Captain Canelli.

[Joe Rawlins]

Who is it?

[Frank Kennelly]

Lieutenant King? No, sir, the division captain. All right, I'll take it right here. Go ahead. Captain Canelli.

[Joe Rawlins]

Hello.

[Frank Kennelly]

Ben Yan. Tomorrow night? Yes, I'm working my night too. All right, sure. What? 21st Precinct, Sergeant Klein. The chief will be back at 10. Yes, he's here, sir, but he's on the Phone. Okay, Ben. I'll see you. Bye. Hold on. Lieutenant. Lieutenant King calling in, Captain. Sergeant. Leave a note on my desk. I'm the covered division between 7 and 10 tomorrow night for the deputy chief. He's got a PAL meeting at the The Wall off yet. All right, I'll take Lieutenant King. Captain Canary. Hello, Matt. Did Whitey Howard tell you what we've got about the sailor? Yeah, well, the poor kid's about half crazy over it. No, neither can I. Listen, it's better than even money that those two bodies down in the mall are his wife and baby. But there's two things you can do for me. You've got the connection. Well, it just involves a couple of phone calls. Yeah. One is I'd like you to get hold of the postal inspectors and have them get us into the Lenox Hill post Office on East 70th. We're interested in knowing if she left a change of address card. Yeah, okay. Well, that's fine, ma' am. Yeah. The other is to check your source at Con Ed and see if she ordered electric service at another address before or after the fire. Thanks, man. I certainly appreciate it.

[Joe Rawlins]

Yeah.

[Frank Kennelly]

I'm sorry to bother you at home. Okay, we'll wait for your call. Go along.

[Joe Rawlins]

Will we be able to manage it, Captain?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, I can. He'll get right on it.

[Joe Rawlins]

Well, I hope I'm wrong, but I think we're all just wasting a lot of time.

[Frank Kennelly]

In another half hour, Sergeant Shea returned to the station house with Joe Rollins. The sailor stood by dejectedly as Sergeant Waters reported to me that he and the patrolman on post had interviewed tenants, neighbors and merchants. They all knew Mrs. Rollins and the child on site. Some had recalled seeing them on the afternoon and morning before the fire. Not one remembered seeing them on the street during the fire. More important, not one remembered seeing Mrs. Rawlins the afternoon following the fire. When most of the tenants gathered at the scene in the hope of salvaging some of their belongings. Sergeant Waters resumed patrol and left Joe Rollins sitting in my office. I read accumulated reports and approved the list of cabaret to be inspected by the patrol sergeant. That night, Ellen called and I made arrangements to meet her in midtown for dinner. Then I went back to reading and signing reports. Finally, the sailor raised his head.

[Joe Rawlins]

Captain.

[Frank Kennelly]

Yes, Joe?

[Joe Rawlins]

Where they got them?

[Frank Kennelly]

Where have they got what?

[Joe Rawlins]

The bodies.

[Frank Kennelly]

At the morgue. Bellevue.

[Joe Rawlins]

I want to look at them.

[Frank Kennelly]

They're burned beyond recognition, Joe.

[Joe Rawlins]

I want to see them. I want to see if they're mine.

[Frank Kennelly]

Wouldn't do you any good.

[Joe Rawlins]

I Want to see them? I can tell.

[Frank Kennelly]

Missing Persons Bureau says there's only one possibility. That's to send to San Diego to our old dentist and get a chart of the work she's had done. Now, why are the dentists the first thing in the morning?

[Joe Rawlins]

I can't wait that long. I want to see them now.

[Frank Kennelly]

All right, Joe. I'll take you to see them. I went out into the muster room and told Sergeant Klein to radio for Patrolman Farrell to drop his recorder on post and drive the car to the precinct house. Lieutenant Gorman told me that CB had called back to report that neither Mrs. Rawlins nor the child had been admitted to St. Albans or Brooklyn Naval Hospital. There was no word yet on the two important lines sought after by Lt. King, commander of the 21st Detective Squad. When the car arrived, Patrolman Farrell drove us down to the Bellevue morgue. On the way in, we were met by Detective Anthony Trinker of the Missing Persons Bureau. Detective Trinker had handled the investigation of this case along with the office of the Chief Medical Examiner. He took us inside the mortuary. Joe's face was firm and expressionless. All right. That one. Arthur. Okay, Arthur, over here now. All right.

[Joe Rawlins]

They don't even look like people.

[Frank Kennelly]

All right, Arthur. Thank you. Let's go this way, huh?

[Joe Rawlins]

Not even like people.

[Frank Kennelly]

This was your idea, Joe. Who? There. Have a seat over there, Captain. Nice. Tony. Joe.

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, it's all right.

[Frank Kennelly]

I told you identification would be impossible. I don't even know if we can identify the woman through dental charts or X rays. As far as the child's concerned, we can't even tell for sure whether it's a boy or girl. That's how bad things are. Tony, you estimated the weight of the woman at 150 or so. And the height? Five foot six. The child you said was about four years old, probably a boy. Those descriptions don't match up with Joe's family. I know they don't. Burn cases can have peculiar results. Some of the victims appear larger, some smaller, some the same size. It depends on a lot of factors.

[Joe Rawlins]

Look, I don't care about factors. Give me facts, that's all.

[Frank Kennelly]

Facts. You want it straight, Joe?

[Joe Rawlins]

I've been asking for it straight all day. I've been asking for it straight. Nobody gives me an answer without a hedge.

[Frank Kennelly]

All right? It's as simple as this. If that isn't your family, where are they?

[Joe Rawlins]

I can answer that one. I know where they are.

[Frank Kennelly]

Detective Trinker told me he would not file his final report until after he received the dental charts and X rays from San Diego. We walked back out to the car and rode uptown to the 21st in complete silence. Even the radio was quiet. Only four calls came over from 30th street to the house. Inside the muster room, Lieutenant Gorman told me that Lieutenant King had called. Both of his lines fizzled. Con Ed showed no change order and electric service for Mrs. Rollins. Nor had she filed a change of address card. At the East 70th street post office was 4 o' clock. I turned out the platoon for the night tour. Joe Rollins stood in a corner. He watched blankly as I spoke to the men. He didn't seem to notice them as they marched out the door. He followed them out. I went after him. Joe. Where you going, Joe?

[Joe Rawlins]

I don't know. Back to my ship, I guess. I won't bother you anymore, Captain.

[Frank Kennelly]

Wasn't any bother, Joe. It's the job. But I'm worried about you.

[Joe Rawlins]

You don't have to worry about me, sir. I'll be all right. The only thing is how to let her mother know. How can I break the news to them?

[Frank Kennelly]

It's got to be done.

[Joe Rawlins]

They're such nice folks. It's just a shame. A shame.

[Frank Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Joe Rawlins]

Gotta let her sister know too, you know. We stopped there for a day on the way from the coast. She showed us a real time in St. Louis. Oh, we sure did have fun. We laughed and carried on. Everything was so funny. Very funny.

[Frank Kennelly]

Now, you gotta give these things time.

[Joe Rawlins]

I think maybe I'll call her sister and then let her sister call her mother. That's the best thing, huh? I'll do it right now. It's on my mind. It's the only way. Get it over with. Have you got a phone in there in that candy store?

[Frank Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, just one more favor, captain. You come with me while I call.

[Frank Kennelly]

Just so I don't get cold feet, all right?

[Joe Rawlins]

That's what I'm afraid of.

[Frank Kennelly]

I'll get cold feet. Go ahead. I'll get some change.

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, that's all right. I got lots of change.

[Frank Kennelly]

All right.

[Joe Rawlins]

I'll leave the door open.

[Frank Kennelly]

All right? Sure, if you want.

[Joe Rawlins]

I got a sister's number in my wallet. You know, in case of Emergency.

[Frank Kennelly]

You dial 21 1. That's long distance.

[Doris Rawlins]

Your call, please.

[Joe Rawlins]

I want to call St. Louis, Missouri. Evergreen 9970.

[Doris Rawlins]

St. Louis, Missouri. Ralph, what number you calling from, please?

[Joe Rawlins]

El Dorado 545-993155.

[Doris Rawlins]

Tandem dial. Two letters plus a number.

[Joe Rawlins]

I don't know how I'm gonna say it.

[Doris Rawlins]

Captain, deposit $1.50 for three minutes, please.

[Joe Rawlins]

Yes, ma' am. 25, 75.

[Doris Rawlins]

Thank you.

[Joe Rawlins]

They're ringing. I should have thought of what to say. I don't take anybody's home, Captain.

[Frank Kennelly]

Let them keep ringing.

[Doris Rawlins]

Hello?

[Joe Rawlins]

Hello, this is Doris.

[Doris Rawlins]

Who is it? Joe?

[Joe Rawlins]

Yeah, honey, it's me, Jo. You should have wrecked me because she's in St. Louis.

[Doris Rawlins]

Well, when'd you get in?

[Joe Rawlins]

What are you doing in St. Louis? I got in this morning.

[Doris Rawlins]

We came about three days ago.

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, dear, it's good to hear you, Baby, you don't know how good. Hey, what are you doing there?

[Doris Rawlins]

Bill wired me to down here to have an operation.

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, yeah?

[Doris Rawlins]

No one to take care of the kids, so I just left in an hour's notice.

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, how is she?

[Doris Rawlins]

Oh, she's getting along fine. I didn't expect you till September 1st, Joe. I'm sorry.

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, it's all right, baby. It's all right. How's Josie?

[Doris Rawlins]

Wonderful. Getting bigger every day. She just loves her cousins. How do you feel?

[Joe Rawlins]

Oh, fine. Just fine. Hey, listen, I got some big news for you.

[Doris Rawlins]

You made teeth?

[Joe Rawlins]

No, nothing like that. This is really very funny. It's a riot. The house burned down.

[Doris Rawlins]

The husband. Joe, what are you talking about?

[Joe Rawlins]

Look, I'll explain it to you when I get there. No. Kiss everybody for me. I'm taking the next plane. I'll wire you from the airport.

[Doris Rawlins]

Joe, what about the house?

[Joe Rawlins]

I missed the plane, baby. I'll tell you when I get there. Goodbye.

[Frank Kennelly]

Thank God, Joe. I'm happy for you.

[Joe Rawlins]

I'm pretty happy for myself. Except who are the woman and child down there?

[Frank Kennelly]

You've got your problem worked out, Joe. Let us worry about this one. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein. A truck ran into what? A store. Where is this? Where? 622. Speak into the phone, please.

[Joe Rawlins]

Just jump the sidewalk.

[Frank Kennelly]

Is anybody hurt? How many people hurt? Speak a little louder, will you, please? What did he do? And so it goes. Around the clock, through the week, every day, every year, a police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone.

[Narrator]

21St Precinct. A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolman's Benevolent association, an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York. Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Kennelly. John Sylvester as Joe. Featured in tonight's cast were Gene Gillespie and Andy Strickland. Lawson, Zerby, Santa Sotega and Bob Simon. Written and directed by Stanley Nist. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Art Hannah speaking.