21st Precinct 55-01-19 (080) The Notes

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "21st Precinct" – Episode: "The Notes" (Aired January 19, 1955)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: 21st Precinct 55-01-19 (080) The Notes
Theme: A behind-the-scenes look at daily police work in 1950s New York City, this episode revolves around a suspected case of counterfeiting, showcasing the methods and human stories within the 21st Precinct.

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of "21st Precinct" dramatizes a counterfeiting case that begins with a seemingly routine dispute over a $20 bill and unfolds into a broader investigation involving the Secret Service. The story highlights the investigative rigor, legal nuances, and human drama inherent in police work, providing listeners a window into both the technical and emotional dimensions of law enforcement in mid-century New York.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Routine Dispute Escalates ([00:34] – [05:00])

• Setting: Captain Frank Kennelly, commander of the 21st Precinct, describes a quiet day disrupted by a street altercation outside a local store.
• Incident: Harry Silken, a stationary store proprietor, accuses a young woman, Gloria Combs, of paying for cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill.
  • Tension: Gloria denies any wrongdoing, insists her money was real, and feels humiliated by the public confrontation.
• Key Process: Captain Kennelly intervenes, asks Gloria to empty her purse, and methodically checks her belongings for further counterfeit notes.

2. Police Protocol and Investigation ([05:00] – [12:26])

• Search and Verification: Gloria continues to defend herself but is cooperative under protest. The officers check her identification and the rest of her cash but find nothing further suspicious.
• Initial Resolution Offered: Gloria suggests simply returning the $20 to avoid trouble, but the Captain insists on proper process due to the legal implications.
  • Quote:
    • Gloria: “Rather than stand here and be humiliated, I’ll just give him the $20. I just know that the $20 bill I gave him was fine.” ([07:21])
• Beyond the Store: The police take Gloria and Harry Silken to the precinct. The Secret Service is notified and called in, as required in counterfeit currency cases.
• Legal Note: Captain Kennelly explains the jurisdictional boundaries and role of the Secret Service in such cases.

3. Interrogation & Gloria’s Story ([12:26] – [18:36])

• Secret Service Agent Moss: Contacts the precinct and requests Gloria be detained until he arrives.
• Interview: Gloria is questioned about her background, her recent move to New York from Indianapolis, and financial details (she had brought about $250 in cash).
  • Memorable Moment: Gloria, eating a sandwich during questioning, fusses over the lack of mustard, underscoring her nervousness and the reality of her predicament.
    • “They didn’t put any mustard on this sandwich? I specifically asked for mustard.” ([13:41])
• Piecing Together Origins: Under questioning, Gloria surmises she got the bill from change at a local grocery back in Indianapolis, theorizing an innocent mistake.
  • “I mean, after all, if it just happened to be, all that happened was somebody gave it to me and I didn’t know it…” ([10:09])

4. Revelation and Confession ([18:36] – [22:41])

• Agent Moss Arrives:
  • Instantly questions Gloria’s identity, revealing he suspects her true name is Annette Squidgio and she may be part of an ongoing Chicago-origin counterfeiting operation.
  • Dramatic Quote:
    • Moss: “Gloria Combs, huh? Yes, sir. That name is as phony as this $20 bill.” ([20:12])
• Confrontation: Faced with evidence and direct accusation, Gloria finally breaks and admits to her true identity and involvement.
  • She reveals a partnership with her husband, Phil Squidgio, in “shoving” (distributing) counterfeit notes.
    • Moss: “Her husband calls her over, and they meet. He gives her another note and she goes into another store...if the person spots the counterfeit, she pleads a mistake.” ([21:19])
• Strategy: The pair’s operational method is described—Annette makes small purchases with counterfeit bills in stores, moving around, with her husband watching from outside.

5. Sting Operation and Arrest ([22:41] – [27:33])

• Annette Cooperates: Provides limited information about her husband’s car parked at a nearby garage.
• Stakeout: Detectives and Secret Service set up a sting outside the garage, eventually spotting and arresting Phil Squidgio as he returns for the vehicle.
  • Memorable Quote:
    • Detective Moss: “What you’re looking for, Morse? A roll big enough to choke a horse.” ([27:12])
  • Exchange highlights both the tension and the somewhat world-weary humor of the seasoned detectives.
• Resolution:
  • Annette is charged and searched by a policewoman—no further evidence found.
  • Phil is apprehended thanks to Annette’s reluctant cooperation.
  • The operation is framed as a significant result, potentially ending a counterfeiting headache in the city.

6. Reflections on Police Work ([27:41] – [28:19])

• Closing Message: The episode closes with a reflection on the perpetual, all-hours work of the NYPD:
  • “...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.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Gloria’s Frustration:
  • “I know I didn’t give him that $20 bill…I just know it. I gave him a good win. I’m sure of it. But rather than stand here and be humiliated, I’ll give him the $20.” ([07:21])
• Captain Kennelly on Process:
  • “Suppression of all counterfeiting…is the job of the United States Secret Service…In accordance with the sections of the manual of procedure relating to such cases, I took the counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve note into my possession...” ([08:24])
• Agent Moss’s Reveal:
  • “Gloria Combs, huh? Yes, sir. That name is as phony as this $20 bill.” ([20:12])
• Annette’s Confession:
  • “All right, if you want it straight…Me and her husband, Ms. Phil Spriggio, been shoving this stuff from Chicago on East. He made a good tent camping.” ([20:59])
• Squad Banter at Arrest:
  • “What you’re looking for, Morse? A roll big enough to choke a horse.” ([27:12])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:34 | Incident introduced; counterfeit bill dispute in the street | | 04:10 | Search of suspect and her purse begins | | 07:21 | Gloria offers to pay the $20 back to resolve the conflict | | 08:24 | Captain explains Secret Service’s role and procedures | | 10:09 | Gloria’s confusion about her “suspect” status | | 13:41 | Interrogation and personal background; sandwich/no mustard | | 16:24 | Gloria explains origin of her cash | | 20:12 | Agent Moss confronts Gloria on her false identity | | 20:59 | Annette (Gloria) confesses her role in the counterfeiting | | 22:41 | Annette gives up location info about Phil’s car | | 25:03 | Detectives set up sting at the auto garage | | 27:12 | Arrest of Phil Squidgio | | 27:41 | Closing remarks about the life and randomness of a precinct |

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Tone & Atmosphere

• Authentic & Procedural: The episode maintains a formal, procedural police tone, with calm but persistent questioning and clear explanations of every action.
• Human & Nuanced: Moments of vulnerability (Gloria’s embarrassment, small talk about mustard) bring emotional depth and realism.
• World-weary Humor: Quips by the detectives especially during the stakeout and arrest, add moments of levity.
• Reflective: The closing underscores the ongoing pressures and unpredictability of law enforcement.

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Conclusion

"The Notes" offers a riveting portrait of mid-century police work, balancing methodical procedure with the emotional realities faced by both suspects and law enforcement. As the detectives move from suspicion to confession to resolution, the episode demonstrates how chance, skill, and the complexities of human nature intertwine in the pursuit of justice.

Memorable for:

• Its mix of tension, vulnerability, and understated humor
• The authentic portrayal of 1950s NYPD practices
• The multi-layered story—from minor street incident to major criminal takedown

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For those who missed the episode, this summary captures the main twists, key procedures, and memorable exchanges, giving a window into both the world of 21st Precinct and the classic style of Golden Age radio crime drama.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

21st Precinct. Cagging waters. Yeah, that's right. We've got it here, Agent. What did you say your name was? Yeah, we've got the note here, too. It was a 20. Yes, sir. Let me connect you with the commander. You are in the muscle room at the 21st Precinct, the nerd 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. All right, we'll hold the suspect here. What time will he be here? Okay. Yeah. All right.

[C]

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 homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct.

[B]

The 21st. 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kelly. Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in command of the 21st. I was working my day tour, 8am to 6pm it was a quiet morning in the precinct until 11:10 when Lieutenant Gorman, the desk officer, rang into my office to inform me that the second alarm had hit on a fire on York Avenue. Before a car could come by the house to take me to the scene, the third alarm had hit when I arrived. The fire, which was in a dry cleaning plant, was under control. The fire officer in charge told me that he had ordered the third alarm turned in as a precautionary measure because of the highly combustible material in the place and the proximity of the blaze to a public school. The fire was out at 12:10 and I returned to the station house to clean up my paperwork. At 12:35, I went out into the muster room, signed the blotter and walked out the front door of the station house to take my meal in a restaurant on Lexington Avenue. As I turned the corner into Lexington Avenue, I saw a man in shirt sleeves holding on to the arm of a young woman. He struggled to get away as I hurried towards them. All right. What's the trouble here? My glad to see you all right. What's the matter?

[D]

Holding my arm. Please.

[B]

I'd let it go, Mr. Sokins. You won't run away.

[D]

I don't even know what I'm supposed to have done.

[B]

Daily counterfeit money. That's what they did. Call U.S. attorney. Look at this, Captain. Just look in. Does this look real to you? Did you give him that $20 bill?

[D]

I don't know whether I gave him that one. I gave him a twenty dollar bill. I went in both types of cigarettes.

[B]

You bet you like you gave it to me. Where else would I have gotten it? When did this happen? Just now, Captain. Just this minute. We better get inside your store and talk this over. Mr. Silken, you're standing out here in your shirt sleeves. It's kind of cold. Yeah, it is.

[C]

I'll agree with you.

[B]

All right, let's go in.

[D]

I don't see why I have to go anyplace.

[B]

You better come inside. Has she been a customer before? I never seen her in my life, Captain.

[D]

I don't have to be a customer. I wanted a pack of cigarettes. I walked into a stationary store. I'd be a regular customer to buy

[E]

a pack of cigarettes.

[B]

All right, let's do it.

[D]

What would I be doing with that?

[B]

I don't know, but I'm not gonna get stuck for it. Now. What happened? Well, I was right there, Captain. I was behind the counter and she came in and she gave me this pony.

[D]

I did not give you a pony, Bill.

[B]

Why you call this. Look at it. Why didn't you notice it at the time?

[D]

No.

[B]

Why did you wait until she got out on the street?

[D]

That's what I'd like to know.

[B]

Because she was talking to me. She was talking to Blue Street.

[D]

I was just asking the best way to get to the Bronx from here.

[B]

Yeah, and I keep telling her, but she don't understand. And I keep telling her again. Meantime, she's got the cigarettes and I'm making change for the 20. Well, search the Captain. Search her right now. I bet she's got a fist for loving with.

[D]

Now, how now, why do I fix?

[B]

I can't do that.

[E]

No.

[B]

Or something. Now, this 20 is separately set. You can see that. Anybody can see that.

[E]

All Right.

[B]

Now, just a second. We get it straightened out. I'm willing to get it straightened out, don't I? What's your name, Ms. Gloria Com. Where do you live?

[E]

216 Perry Street.

[C]

In Greenwich Village?

[E]

Yes.

[C]

What are you doing in this neighborhood?

[B]

The path looks so plenty on me. That's what you.

[D]

I was not. I was on my way to the Bronx.

[B]

Well, this is a long way from the Bronx.

[D]

I know it is. I took the wrong train at 14th Street.

[E]

Somebody told me I should have gotten the 8th Avenue subway instead of the Lexington Avenue subway.

[D]

So I got off and I came up and I was going to take the crosstown bus to get the 8th Avenue. That's why I got off here.

[C]

What are we going to do in the Bronx?

[E]

On my way to see somebody.

[B]

Got a job. And on your way you got to stick me for $20.

[D]

I did not.

[B]

You did come in here and buy a pack of cigarettes?

[E]

Yes.

[B]

And you did give him a $20 bill?

[D]

Yes, of course I did. I gave him a good $20 bill.

[B]

You gave me this.

[D]

I did not. Well, I.

[B]

All right, now, Ms. Combs, would you mind opening your purse and emptying the contents out on the counter?

[D]

Do I have to now?

[B]

Now we'll see something. No, you don't have to, but it would help.

[E]

You want to see if I have

[D]

any counterfeit in my purse? Is that the idea? If I have any more of those.

[B]

That's part of it, yes.

[D]

Well, I don't.

[B]

Why don't you show us?

[D]

Well, all right.

[E]

If that'll get it straightened out, it'll help keep it. Ridiculous.

[D]

Perfectly ridiculous.

[B]

You see, there's the change in the 20, Captain, that I gave her. But you didn't even have time to put it in the wallet. She was in such a hurry. All right, you can put those back in your bag. The lipstick and the comb and the cigarettes. Would you mind opening up your compact?

[D]

There's nothing in there except powder and a powder pack.

[C]

Well, would you mind opening it up anyway?

[D]

All right.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

Put that back in your purse.

[B]

Look in the wallet, Catherine. We'll get to it. Let's see inside. Your change first.

[E]

There's nothing but change in there.

[B]

Well, let's see.

[E]

All right, more.

[B]

You have any identification in your wallet?

[E]

Well, I got this card in case it gets lost.

[B]

You have a driver's license?

[E]

I don't drive.

[B]

Do you have any other identification?

[E]

No, that's it.

[D]

This is good enough, isn't it? That's the identification I've got.

[C]

All right.

[B]

Can we See what bills you have inside your wallet.

[D]

I don't see why I have to go through all this. I mean, honest to goodness, this is

[B]

why you have to go through it, young lady, because you get me to set that one.

[D]

I did not.

[B]

Let's see the bills that you have inside the wallet.

[C]

For money.

[B]

Empty everything out of your wallet, if you don't mind.

[E]

I don't have much.

[B]

How much is that solid?

[E]

5, 6, 7, 8, $9.

[D]

Now, look, I know I didn't give

[E]

him that $20 bill.

[D]

I. I just know it. I gave him a good win. I'm sure of it. But rather than stand here and be humiliated, I'll give him the $20. I'll. I'll just give it to him.

[B]

Well, that's.

[C]

That's a fair proposition.

[D]

I have the change from the $20 and $9 more, and I'll give him back his 20. I just know that the $20 bill I gave him was fine. It was perfectly good.

[C]

I'm willing.

[B]

I'm willing to let it go with that Captain. I don't want to cause her any trouble. It's just that I don't see why I should get stuck with a fifth. It's not that easy, mister.

[C]

It's simple enough to me if that's what she wants to do.

[B]

Ms. Combs, when you came in here and bought a pack of cigarettes, you had $9 in the $20 bill. You had $29, right?

[E]

Yes, that's right.

[B]

Why didn't you pay for the cigarettes with a $1 bill instead of the 20?

[D]

No, no, I just did. There's no law against changing a 20, is there?

[B]

No. Oh, Harry, take that pen and write your name and address across the face of the bill.

[C]

What for it?

[B]

Just so you can identify it later. Oh, I can identify it. Go ahead. Write your name there.

[C]

All right. If you say so.

[B]

I just don't want to spoil it. If it wasn't worth anything in the first place. You can't spoil it. Suppression of all counterfeiting of United States notes, coins, securities and all other obligations of the federal government is. Is the job of the United States Secret Service, one of the several law enforcement agencies of the Treasury. In accordance with the sections of the manual of procedure relating to such cases, I took the counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve note into my possession From Harry Silken, the stationary cell proprietor, and requested the young woman he claimed passed it on him accompany me to the station house. There. When we walked into the Mushroom, Sergeant Waters was sitting in a seat. Desk officer and Patrolman Mercado was on telephone switchboard unit. All right, step right up to the desk family, Captain.

[D]

I mean, what's this all about?

[E]

You.

[D]

You're not arresting me, are you?

[B]

No, you're not under arrest. Where is Lieutenant Gorman, Sergeant?

[C]

Taking his meal.

[B]

Oh, well, Harry, Stan claims this young woman passed a counterfeit twenty dollar note on him.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[D]

I did not. I gave him him a perfectly good $20 bill.

[B]

Ring down to CB and tell them to notify the Secret Service. Yes, sir. Have you got the notes, Captain? Yes, Mikado. Give me CB on here.

[D]

I think that's awful. Causing such trouble for someone who comes

[E]

into his store a customer.

[B]

Well, we'll get it straightened out.

[D]

I Hope so.

[B]

Hello, C.B.

[E]

i only hope so.

[B]

Dodging Waters at the 21st. Did you notify the Secret Service that we're holding a counterfeit $20 note in the.

[D]

A suspect? Is that what I want?

[B]

Okay.

[D]

A suspect.

[B]

Yeah, well, that's the general description for you.

[D]

I mean, this is a fine.

[E]

How do you do?

[D]

I know I didn't give him any counterfeit money. I. I swear it. And even supposing it just happened to be. I'm just supposing then all that happened was somebody gave it to me and, and I didn't know it and here I am in a police station under arrest.

[B]

You're not under arrest.

[D]

Well, at least I'm a suspect. Whether that's what he called me, a suspect. I don't want to be a suspect. I really don't.

[B]

Captain, here's Lieutenant Kingston. All Matt. Hello, Captain. This is Ms. Gloria Combs. Lieutenant King.

[C]

Ms. Combs.

[D]

How do you do?

[B]

Lieutenant King is commander of the 21st Detective Squad. What's the trouble, Captain? You know Harry Silken was a stationary, sir? Yeah. He claims Ms. Combs used a twenty dollar counterfeit note to buy a pack of stuff cigarettes. Is that the note? Yeah.

[C]

Take a look at it.

[D]

Yeah, I bought a pack of cigarettes with a $20 bill, but I don't know whether it was that one or not.

[B]

Looks pretty good until you look close.

[C]

I guess that's the idea.

[B]

Sergeant, did you notify the Secret Service? Yeah, Lieutenant. We'll see.

[D]

Be I'd like to know what happens to me. After all, I can't stay around here all the time. I have things to do. You know, you just can't hold somebody in here with no reason at all. I mean, after all, it won't be too long. It's been too long already.

[E]

I was so embarrassed on the street there and then. Coming to the police station like this,

[D]

I don't see what I did.

[B]

Anyway, I'll tell you what you did. You had $9 and lots of change in your pocketbook, and you used that 20 to buy a pack of cigarettes.

[D]

Well, that's. I mean, you're not going to hang me over something like that.

[B]

No, but you came pretty close to hanging yourself.

[C]

You are listening to 21st Precinct, a factual account of the way police work in the world's largest city. People who smoke for relaxation are the most liable to relax themselves to death by smoking in bed. In spite of frequent warnings. Some people go right on doing it and getting away with it until that warning one time, that's all it takes. They relax themselves to sleep, leaving unguarded cigarettes to smolder, to start fires, to claim their lives. Never smoke in death. It's fatal. Too often for gambling. Now back to 21st Precinct and Captain Canelli.

[B]

Within five minutes, Sergeant Waters, acting as desk officer, received a telephone call from Agent Theodore Moss of the United States Secret Service Service Treasury Department, which had been notified by the Communications Bureau. Sergeant Waters transferred the call to me, and I informed Agent Moss of exactly what had happened. He asked me to describe the counterfeit bill to him over the phone. I did. It was a $20 note on the Federal Reserve bank of Chicago. It appeared to be a reproduction from a photo engraving. I gave him the serial number, the check letter, the safe plate number, the back plate number and the series in this year. He told me that he was familiar with this counterfeit, that it had appeared in some quantity in the Chicago area and on the west coast, but it was beginning to turn up with some frequency in the New York area. He said he would come uptown to the station house immediately and ask that we detain the young woman, Gloria Combs, so he could interrogate her. While we waited for the Secret Service agent to arrive, I took her upstairs to Lt. King's office in the 21st Detective Squad on the second floor. She complained that she was hungry, and I sent her the luncheonette around the corner for sandwiches. As she ate, Lt. King continued the effort to get some information from her. And how long have you lived at 316 Perry Street?

[D]

They didn't put any mustard on this sandwich? I specifically asked for mustard.

[B]

Yeah, well, that happens sometimes.

[E]

I guess it's better than nothing.

[B]

I asked you how long you lived.

[C]

316 Perry.

[E]

Oh, we're lost.

[F]

I'm going to pull over and ask that man for directions. Hi there. We're looking to get to the campground.

[G]

Well, you're going to take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[F]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[G]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge so the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions Actually can you

[F]

point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[A]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores. Best mobile network based on analysis by Oogle of speed test intelligence data 2H 2025 bigger network the combination of T T mobiles and US Cellular's network footprints will enhance the T mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. CT mobile.com for details.

[C]

What have you got there? An apartment?

[E]

You want to call it that? It's really just a furnished room. Very tall in the apartment.

[C]

Where did you live before that?

[E]

Before 3:16 K. Excuse me.

[C]

Yes?

[D]

That's as long as I've been in the New York.

[C]

Where'd you come from?

[D]

In Gamapas.

[C]

Are you working?

[D]

Well, I haven't been. That's why I was going to the Bronx to see about this job. There was just adding a paper for a coupon chapter. That's exactly what I did back home so I thought that would be ideal.

[E]

This is really kind of dry without mustard. I mean they could have at least put a little butter on it.

[C]

Have you been working since you got to New York?

[D]

I really haven't looked.

[C]

What have you been living on?

[D]

Well I have my shade and I

[E]

worked back home for a year without a vacation so I had this vacation loan too. I mean I'm entitled to a vacation. Don't think so I go look for a job.

[B]

Why did you come to New York

[C]

in the first place?

[E]

To be honest with you, there's this boy from back home, he's in the coast guard and he's facing here.

[D]

I mean he's on a boat when

[E]

the boat comes in of course comes into New York we're thinking of getting married.

[D]

This is really getting very silly I mean to be sitting in a police station like that's all because that fake Mary man's word I didn't give him any counterfeit money. Where would I Get it?

[C]

You said you had little money when you came to New York.

[B]

How much did you have?

[E]

What kind of personal.

[B]

We're just trying to find out where that bill came from. Oh, how much did you have?

[E]

Well, after I got my tickets, it was about $250. I mean close to that one way or the other.

[C]

You had that much cash when you came to New York?

[D]

About.

[B]

Did you deposit the $250 in the bank when you got here?

[D]

No, I didn't deposit it. I thought I'd needed to live on there.

[E]

I've been using it to live on. What's the use of depositing it when I'd have to take it right out?

[B]

Were there $20 bills in that $250?

[D]

Sure, there were $20 bills. There were twenty dollar bills and tens.

[B]

And then you must have brought this

[C]

$20 bill from Indianapolis.

[D]

I don't know.

[E]

I guess so. Only I'll keep track of every bill. How do you like that?

[D]

I know where I got it. Well, when I quit my job and

[E]

got my last paycheck it was for the last week of work and two weeks vacation pay. It was a pretty big check. I mean, it was about $150.

[D]

Yeah, well, I was getting ready comes New York and I owed this little building of grocery.

[E]

Grocery store. So I gave him a check and

[D]

he took out the amount for a

[E]

little bit and gave me the rest. About 135. 140 he gave me.

[D]

That's why I must have got it.

[E]

How do you like that? Didn't do anything like that to me.

[D]

He's a friend of mine.

[B]

Well, maybe he didn't realize it.

[E]

You know what I like about sounded New York. We're just such good vibrant.

[D]

I mean, they. They don't put so much meat on

[E]

as they do back home. But I like the rye bread.

[B]

Yeah. 21st Squad, Lieutenant King. Yes, he's here, Captain.

[C]

Second water's on the line, please.

[B]

Okay, thanks. 21st Precinct. Captain Kelly, Rock and Water. Captain, Agent Mark of the Secret Service is down here at the desk. Okay, ask him to come up. He wants to know if he can meet you out in the Harford. All right. Outside the squad office at the head of the stairs. Yes, I'll tell them.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

It's Mossy.

[C]

Good.

[D]

Ma, please. Is that.

[B]

That means it's the Secret Service man.

[D]

My goodness, this is a lot of trouble, isn't it? All I did was buy a pop of cigarette.

[B]

He coming up, Captain? Yeah. Got to meet him out in the hall. I'll take him home. Yes.

[D]

I can't help if that fell out, Linden. Appreciating that $20 bill.

[B]

I'll be right back.

[D]

Crap. Help. Dr. Lockar. That's not my fault.

[C]

Mr. Moss?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

You Captain Caneli?

[B]

That's right.

[C]

I'm glad to know you, Captain. Thanks for helping us out.

[B]

It's all right. Here's that note you sell.

[C]

Oh, yeah,

[B]

yeah.

[C]

That's the cargo stuff, what I told you about it. How about the girl? What did she have to say for herself?

[B]

Well, we've been talking to her. She says she brought about $250 in cash from Indianapolis a month ago. That's why she thinks she might have gotten it.

[C]

She didn't have any more in it?

[B]

No. Wasn't any more in her pocketbook. What she had in there was just what I told you from the twenty and nine dollars more. Of course, there's a possibility there might

[C]

be some more hidden in her clothing.

[B]

But we'd have to book her and

[C]

get a police woman up here to search her. Want to go in? Yes. Okay. That way.

[B]

Are they keeping you fellas busy down there?

[C]

Well, they've been getting busy since the 20s began to showing.

[B]

Captain Canelli, come in. Go ahead, Mr. Moore.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

Lieutenant King. Mr. Theodore Moss. Mark.

[C]

Glad to know you look on us.

[B]

And this is Ms. Gloria Combs, Agent Moss of the United States Secret Service.

[E]

How do you do?

[C]

Gloria Combs, huh? Yes, sir. That name is as phony as this $20 bill.

[E]

No, I gave you that idea.

[D]

I mean, that's my name. Gloria Combs.

[C]

When did you change it to Manette Squidgio?

[D]

Me?

[C]

Yeah, you.

[D]

My name has always been Gloria Combs. I mean, I don't. I don't look into the idea of something else.

[C]

This does respect him. Oh, where'd Phil have he come to New York with him? Now, look, Annette, let's not waste any more time. You've been lying to these officers all morning. I know all about you, so let's have it straight.

[E]

All right, if you want it straight. Where can I put this? He's a very good family. Thank you very much.

[C]

Me and her husband, Ms. Phil Spriggio, been shoving this stuff from Chicago on East. He made a good tent camping.

[E]

Wasn't his fault. It was that stationary store. Man kept screaming, came out on the

[D]

side and grabbed me.

[C]

Where Phil?

[B]

He gave an address. 316 Perry Street.

[C]

Well, he's not there. You can count on that. Isn't that right, Annette?

[E]

He's not there.

[C]

I tell you how they've been Working this, her husband's got to take it down to some fine points. He gives a one counterfeit note, just one. She goes into the store and he waits across the street. She makes a small purchase and gets changed. Most of the time it works. He comes out, walks down the block. Her husband calls, is over, and they meet. He gets another note and she goes into another store.

[E]

Well, not so close to the first one. Pretty far away.

[C]

Well, the idea is that if the person she tries to show the counterfeit on screen, she a mistake and gives back the money. Usually they take the money back. They ever do call the cops on them. She's got no more counterfeit on a person. She rolls those sad eyes and say she made a mistake or somebody gave her the bill or some long, sad story like that, and she winds up hitting the brick. Didn't work this time. Better than that.

[E]

No, it didn't.

[C]

Where'd you get that name, Gloria Combs?

[E]

I don't know. Just decided it was a nice name.

[C]

Where are we going to find films?

[E]

I don't know.

[C]

Now, look, Annette, we're not going to waste any more time with you. Where are we going to find him?

[D]

I don't know.

[E]

I have many ideas.

[C]

Want to see you across the street.

[B]

When you went into that stationary store there, you think he saw the man come out of the store after you?

[E]

I guess so. I mean, that's.

[D]

That's what he's supposed to be over

[E]

there for, to watch and see what happened.

[B]

You think he saw me?

[E]

Yes, I'm sure he did.

[B]

Well, where is he?

[E]

I don't know.

[B]

Now, look, you're in here, he's out there. You love him enough to take all this by yourself?

[E]

I love him. I love him plenty. I mean, he's my husband.

[B]

Yes, but what kind of marriage would it be with you in and him out?

[C]

It wouldn't be any kind of marriage

[B]

at all, would it? Where can we find him?

[E]

Well, I don't know that exactly. I know we can find his car.

[B]

Where do you.

[E]

He left it over there to be sick. Not very far from here.

[C]

On what street?

[E]

I don't know exactly. What street is the next one after the street was the elevator train.

[C]

Second Avenue?

[E]

Yeah, I think so. Second Avenue.

[C]

Where on Second Avenue?

[E]

I don't know. I mean my desk.

[C]

You saw it.

[E]

All right, so it's a shame this is gonna bust up.

[C]

Well, don't worry about it. You'll do for a long separation anyway.

[B]

The counterfeiting suspect, an expert, Joe, alias Gloria Combs, was taken Downstairs and put in the detective squad car. After driving down 2nd Avenue twice between 79th and 57th Streets. He finally pointed out an auto repair shop. Lt. King and Agent Mark went into the place and talked to the police proprietor. A car answering the description given by Annette had been left for repair and promised. At 5pm a plant was put on the place. By detectives of the 21st Squad and secret Service agents. The suspect in custody was returned to the station house. And booked on charges of Violation of Title 18, Chapter 25, United States Code. A policewoman arrived from the 19th Precinct and searched the prisoner. No additional, additional evidence was found on her person. Federal law puts certain restrictions on the action of government law enforcement officers. In making an arrest and searching the suspect without a warrant. These restrictions do not apply to New York officers operating under state law. If they have reason to believe the suspect guilty of a crime. It was planned, therefore, that detectives make the arrest of Phillips Figgio. With Secret Service agents assisting. Lt. King and Agent Moss were sitting in a parked car just up the

[C]

block from the garage.

[B]

Other detectives and agents were planted across the street and down the block. The suspect had not shown up by 5pm At 5:20 he had still not arrived.

[C]

What time does this fellow close up the garage? He said. Heavy tall.

[E]

That

[C]

said he told him the car

[B]

would be ready by five.

[C]

And then he close it at six. Just silly. That makes sense. We forget about the car and that show up. We make this collar. It'll cure an awful lot of headaches, huh? You telling me stop and hang that paper all over New York? We got the press in the place back in Chicago. About six weeks ago. Phil and his wife made a buy of this kind of pictures. About three days before we got the place.

[B]

What do they have to pay for this for?

[C]

Well, the information we get shows they made a pretty good buy. $0.30 on a dollar. They bought a thousand of them. Look at the man coming. Brown coat, brown hat. Is that him cycling? It's a little closer. Yeah, it looks like him. Yeah. Going in the garage. All right, let's go. Yeah, that's him. That's him for sure. Okay, let's get him. Okay, There he is. Cal, I want to talk to you. Me Police Officer Hostel Listen, what's the idea?

[B]

Up against that car.

[C]

Lean over there.

[B]

Well, that's McG. Me lean up against them.

[C]

All right, hold still. I want to know what this is all about.

[B]

Let's find out what this is all about.

[C]

What you're looking for, Morse? A roll big enough to choke a horse.

[B]

Yeah, all right, straighten up. Come on, straighten up. Okay, take it easy.

[C]

What did you come back for, Phil? Didn't you know she'd tell us we'd be waiting? I don't know. You got me.

[B]

I know why. We already lost a wife today.

[C]

Losing his wife and his car on the same day would be just too much.

[B]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters. Yeah? Well, who is it? His wife or do they live there? Can somebody stop him from beating her up? 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.

[F]

We're lost. I'm gonna pull over and ask that man for directions.

[A]

Hi there.

[F]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[G]

Well, you're going to take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[F]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[G]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge. So the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions.

[F]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[A]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out. Plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores. Best mobile network Based on analysis by Oogle of Speedtest Intelligence data 2H2025 bigger network. The combination of T Mobile's and US Cellular's network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.