ABC Mystery Time - [Masters Of Mystery] - Four Time Loser

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: ABC Mystery Time - [Masters Of Mystery] - Four Time Loser

Release Date: December 27, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
This episode features a gripping melodrama, "Four Time Loser," from the Masters of Mystery series. It delves into themes of guilt, blackmail, and the lengths one man will go to in order to keep his criminal past hidden as he struggles for a chance at redemption and normal life.

---

Main Theme and Purpose

"Four Time Loser" explores the turmoil faced by Bennett Deal—now living as George Coombs—a former convict trying to escape his criminal past and build an honest future. The drama highlights the cost of secrets, the specter of blackmail, and the ultimate price paid when one's past is never truly left behind.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Protagonist and Premise

[01:30]

• George Coombs, formerly Bennett Deal, has painstakingly built a new, respectable life after escaping from prison 12 years prior.
• His contentment is disrupted when his secretary announces an insistent visitor.

2. The Threat Emerges: Matt Howard's Arrival

[02:13] – [04:01]

• Matt Howard, George’s former cellmate, corners George with knowledge of his real identity.
• Matt threatens to expose George’s past unless he’s paid hush money:

  “No mistake. But if this will jack up your memory, what happened 12 years ago, April 5, remember? Cell block D, tier 18, cell 6. ... Don't tell me you don't recognize your old cellmate.”
  — Matt Howard ([02:42])

3. The Blackmail Escalates

[05:19] – [06:50]

• George tries to negotiate, offering $500; Matt ups the ante to $5,000 and hints at extorting more, leveraging George’s impending marriage to wealthy Helene Anderson.

  “You see, George and me was talking over old times. Schoolmates, in a way.”
  — Matt Howard (covering for George) ([07:12])

4. Helene Confronts George

[08:02] – [10:27]

• Helene suspects something is wrong and presses George to tell the truth.
• George admits his real identity and criminal past:

  “My name is not George Coombs. ... Bennett Deal, convict 63290. ... In prison for the first time I had a chance to learn something... But what chance would an old ex-con have to start life over at 50?”
  — George Coombs ([10:10])

5. The Dilemma: Pay, Flee, or Murder

[11:41] – [13:30]

• George debates whether to keep paying, flee, or confront Matt. Helene offers unwavering support, even suggesting a drastic solution as the blackmail becomes intolerable.

6. The Situation Unravels

[13:55] – [17:24]

• Now jobless and desperate, Matt commits murder and seeks an alibi from George, holding his past over him:

  “You'll say I was with you last night. Because if you don't...”
  — Matt Howard ([15:09])

• George capitulates, giving Matt an alibi to protect himself.

7. Helene's Desperation and Conspiracy

[18:00] – [19:19]

• Helene actively plots with George to rid themselves of Matt, showing her willingness to go to any length:

  “We've got to do it. We'll do it together. I've got Dad's revolver. I'm not afraid. And it's our last chance.”
  — Helene Anderson ([19:10])

8. Climax: Accident and Tragedy

[20:00] – [21:55]

• George tries to confront Matt but instead causes a car accident, resulting in Matt's death, which appears accidental. George thinks his troubles are over.

9. The Final Twist: Helene’s Death

[22:00] – [24:05]

• Detective Hamilton awakens George with news of Helene’s murder—she has been strangled, and George is the prime suspect.
• George realizes Matt must have killed Helene in a panic, just before his own fatal accident.

10. Irony and Fallout

[24:15]

• The story comes full circle: although George's blackmailer is dead, he stands accused and condemned, his past used against him in a courtroom.

  “The irony of the situation is that Matt's death was put down as accidental. Well, the jury is out now. They won't be out long. As the prosecutor said in his closing speech, what can you expect from an habitual criminal? A four time loser.”
  — George Coombs (final monologue, [24:05])

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Matt's Recognition:

  "But if this will jack up your memory, what happened 12 years ago, April 5, remember?"
  — Matt Howard ([02:42])

• George’s Confession:

  "I was in for life. A fourth offender under the law. I'm not defending myself. I wasn't framed. I deserved what I was getting."
  — George Coombs ([10:27])

• Helene's Resolve:

  “All my life I've gotten the things I wanted... And I want you. I want to marry you.”
  — Helene Anderson ([13:14])

• Confrontation with Fate:

  "Matt Howard has to die. But I won't have you involved. I'll do it myself."
  — George Coombs ([19:19])

• Ironic Climax:

  “The irony of the situation is that Matt's death was put down as accidental. ... As the prosecutor said in his closing speech, what can you expect from an habitual criminal? A four time loser.”
  — George Coombs ([24:05])

---

Timeline of Critical Segments

| Timestamp | Content | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:30 | George’s peaceful life interrupted by Matt’s arrival | | 02:42 | Matt threatens George with exposure | | 05:19 | First blackmail payment and Matt’s escalating demands | | 08:02 | Helene confronts George and learns the truth | | 10:10 | George’s full confession | | 13:55 | Matt commits murder, demands alibi from George | | 15:09 | Matt’s continued threats | | 18:00 | Helene and George plot to end Matt’s menace | | 20:00 | Matt’s fatal accident | | 22:00 | Helene is murdered; George accused | | 24:05 | George’s bleak final reflection (“four time loser”) |

---

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully combines suspenseful storytelling with psychological tension, embodying the darkness often explored in Golden Age radio mysteries. The tragic irony of George’s fate—haunted and undone by his own history—is a powerful commentary on the struggle for redemption and the limits life imposes on those with a criminal past.

Listeners are left with the chilling message that sometimes the past cannot be outrun, and that secrets, when uncovered, can destroy even the best-laid hopes for a new beginning.

---

Transcript

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores.

[T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer Speaker]

Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[Narrator]

It Mystery time. Time now for the best in mystery. Tonight on Masters of Mystery, an exciting melodrama titled Four Time Loser. Live from New York is written by Sydney Sloan. A man with a guilty secret sometimes pays a heavy price to keep his past from being exposed. And when he's playing for high stakes, he's sometimes willing to kill. Masters of Mystery brings you tonight's thrilling story, Four Time Loser.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

It's a strange and terrible experience to be sitting in your office on a bright autumn afternoon, free from worry, proud of your honest accomplishments. And then to have your secretary come in and inform you that your little dream of security is just that. A dream.

[Elaine / Secretary]

There's a man waiting to see you, sir. He says he's an old friend, but he won't give his name.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Anybody we know, Gladys?

[Elaine / Secretary]

I've never seen him before.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Well, probably someone who wants to sell me insurance. Tell him to leave his name. We'll get in touch with him.

[Elaine / Secretary]

I've already told him that, Mr. Coombs, but he's very persistent.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Oh, well, send him in.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Yes, Mr. Coombes. Mr. Coombes will see you now.

[Matt Howard]

Thanks.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Won't you sit down?

[Matt Howard]

Don't mind if I do, George.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Well, now, what can I do for you?

[Matt Howard]

What's the matter, George? Don't you know your old friends?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage.

[Matt Howard]

I sure have, Mr. Coons. Or maybe I should have said Mr. Deal, eh, Bennett?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Deal. I'm afraid I. I don't know you. You. You probably made some mistake. Now, if you don't mind, I'm very busy.

[Matt Howard]

No mistake. But if this will jack up your memory, what happened 12 years ago, April 5, remember? Cell block D, tier 18, cell 6. Can you forget? Six cons on the land? Five caught, one getting away. Don't tell me you don't recognize your old cellmate.

[Narrator]

Benny.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Matt Howard.

[Matt Howard]

That's right, Benny.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

My name is George. George Coombs.

[Matt Howard]

Sure, sure. Coombs. You're a wise baby, Coombs. I gotta hand it to you. You see, I've been keeping tabs on your career for over a year now. I seen your picture in the paper. Attending a benefit with some society name. I recognized you, love.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

You recognize me?

[Matt Howard]

Ah, don't worry. I don't think nobody else would. You've changed a lot. Hairs, gray at the sides, glasses. You're heavier now, taking on some weight.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I've been lucky for 12 years till you came along.

[Matt Howard]

Man, you're still lucky, baby. You don't think I'd sing on an old pal, do you? What, and spoil your chance tonight at Anderson Day with all that dough? What kind of a hair do you think I am?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

What kind are you? I noticed the shakedown. Now, how much?

[Matt Howard]

Ah, Mary. Bernie, you hurt my feelings. But if you want to play it like that, let's make it five yards to start with.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

$500.

[Matt Howard]

You wouldn't want an old friend to look shabby, would you?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

All right. Meet me at my apartment tonight. I'll have the money for. Hello?

[Helene Anderson]

Hello, George.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Oh, Elaine.

[Helene Anderson]

You sound awfully surprised.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Yes, I. I was expecting someone else, darling.

[Helene Anderson]

Well, have you forgotten you were taking me to dinner tonight?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

No, no, no, of course I haven't, Elaine. I haven't forgotten. I'll pick you up in 15 minutes.

[Helene Anderson]

Well, don't bother because I'll call for you. Matter of fact, I'm downstairs in the lobby right now.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Well, wait for me down there. Do you mind? I'll be right down.

[Helene Anderson]

George. Is anything the matter?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

No, dear, no. Some business I have to take care of.

[Detective Hamilton]

Not another woman, I hope.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

No, dear, not another woman.

[Helene Anderson]

Well, then you won't mind my coming up and seeing for myself, will you?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Helene, please, if you don't mind, I.

[Helene Anderson]

Will be right up.

[Matt Howard]

Hello.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Hello. Wait a minute. She couldn't have come up that quickly. That must be Matt.

[Matt Howard]

All right, Benny, right on time.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Come in, hurry. Ah, thanks. We've got to make this fast, Matt.

[Matt Howard]

That's the way I like it. Got the money?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Yes, I've got it. Good.

[Matt Howard]

Hand it over.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Wait. I want to make a proposition to you.

[Matt Howard]

I'm always open to a proposition if it favors me.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

It does.

[Matt Howard]

What's the caper?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I've got the 500 for you and more.

[Matt Howard]

Keep talking.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I'll give you 5,000. But you've got to get out of Staford and never come back here. You've got to forget you ever saw me.

[Matt Howard]

Oh, yeah?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

5,000.

[Matt Howard]

Matt, you know, George, you ain't leveling with me. I swear all that. Sure you ain't got more than five GS? I know that? But you got hidden assets, like they say.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Hidden assets?

[Matt Howard]

Ah, you played it very smart. George engaged to marry the Anderson Manufacturing Company. Helene Anderson will be worth five to seven million bucks when her old man cashes in his chip.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

What are you getting at?

[Matt Howard]

Look, baby, I did 15 years in stir. You know what that is? I did 12 more years than you did. And the way I see it, you oughta want to see an old pal get ahead in the world. You've been lucky. How about sharing a little of it?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I'm willing to give you.

[Matt Howard]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You said five GS. Thanks. I'll take it as a down payment.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

That's your final word.

[Matt Howard]

Now, Benny, you have the final word. You decide. Pay off or go back. You name it. Somebody at the door.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Man, Give me a break, will you?

[Matt Howard]

Is you going to open the door?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Yeah.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Well, where is she? Where's the other woman?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Oh, Helene, this is Matt Howard. Matt, Helene Anderson, my fiance.

[Matt Howard]

How do you do? Hello.

[Elaine / Secretary]

So you're the reason George forgot his dinner engagement with me.

[Matt Howard]

Yeah. You see, George and me was talking over old times schoolmates in a way I didn't know.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Well, Matt, I. I guess we'll have to break it up now. Come in and see me at my office tomorrow and we'll.

[Elaine / Secretary]

George, aren't you going to ask Mr. Howard to have dinner with us?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

What?

[Elaine / Secretary]

That's a fine way to treat an old friend.

[Matt Howard]

Well, you see, I guess George wants to be alone with you, Ms. Anderson.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Nonsense. George gets bored with this conversation. Do come along with it.

[Matt Howard]

Well, it's up to George.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Yes, why don't you, Matt? Yes, The.

[Matt Howard]

The more the mercy.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Your friend made a very interesting dinner companion.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

George through man. Oh, yes, he's interesting, all right.

[Elaine / Secretary]

What did he come to say to business?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

He's some sort of a promoter or something.

[Elaine / Secretary]

And what does he have on you?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Why, I. I don't understand you. Helene, he's an old friend from school.

[Elaine / Secretary]

I'm not that stupid. Mr. Howard's schooling has been few and far between.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Well, he's a little rough and crude maybe, but.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Darling, please drop that pose. Matt Howard knows something about you, something that you want to hide and keep hidden.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Elaine, you're wrong. That's how it goes.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Don't lie to me.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Oh, forget it, please, will you?

[Elaine / Secretary]

I can't. I've got to know, George. I've got to know right now.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Very well.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores.

[T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer Speaker]

Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits, plan features and taxes if these vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[Shopify Announcer]

Starting a business can be overwhelming. You're juggling multiple roles. Designer, marketer, logistics manager. All while bringing your vision to life. But for millions of businesses, Shopify is the ultimate partner. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Build a stunning online store with Shopify's ready to use templates. Boost content with AI powered product descriptions, page headlines and enhance photography. Marketing is easy with built in tools for email and social media campaigns. Plus Shopify simplifies everything from inventory to shipping and returns. If you're ready to sell, you're ready for Shopify. Turn your big business idea into With Shopify on your side, sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com try go to shopify.com try shopify.com try.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

My name is not George Coombs.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Go on.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I was up to 12 years ago. Bennett Deal convict 63290. I escaped prison with five other men. They were caught. I wasn't. You want to hear more?

[Elaine / Secretary]

Go on.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I was in for life. A fourth offender under the law. I'm not defending myself. I wasn't framed. I deserved what I was getting. But in prison for the first time I had a chance to. To learn something, to study, to read. And it opened up a whole new life to me. I worked hard to improve myself, to be somebody. But what chance would an old ex con have to start Life over at 50? When the opportunity for escape presented itself, I jumped at it. Well, I was lucky. I got away, came here to save of it. The rest you know.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Is that all?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Well, isn't that enough?

[Matt Howard]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Well.

[Helene Anderson]

Well.

[Elaine / Secretary]

I love you, Elaine.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I should have told you sooner but I was afraid.

[Elaine / Secretary]

You're afraid now, aren't you? That's what Matt Howard is holding over your head.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

He wants money. Lots of it.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Well then give it to him.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

But you don't understand. It'll never stop.

[Matt Howard]

Stop.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

He knows we're going to be married. He knows you have me.

[Elaine / Secretary]

What if you turned him into the police?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Well, I'd go back with him this time forever. I'd never get out.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Well, then, what can you do?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

There are two things one can do about a blackmailer. You can go on paying.

[Elaine / Secretary]

And the other?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

The other? I don't want to think of that yet. I didn't see much of Helene for the next few days. I pretended that my job kept me too busy. It was actually my dread of facing her was seeing that unasked question in her eyes. What was I going to do about Matt Howard? She called finally and asked me to meet her for dinner.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Our friend Matt was over at the plant this afternoon. He got in to see dad by using your name.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

What for?

[Elaine / Secretary]

He wants a job.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

A job? Are you certain?

[Elaine / Secretary]

Yes. Why?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

It's very strange. With $5,000 of my money in his pocket and the prospect of getting more, Matt Howard goes job hunting.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Would there be any harm in your vouching for him with Dad?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

I don't know. Suppose he is planning some shady deal? Helene. Suppose he does something which might point the finger at me. Or worse, involve you? Helene, the best thing for you to do is to forget the whole business and me along with it.

[Elaine / Secretary]

You trying to tell me I've been jilted?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Well, suppose we went ahead and got married. Every morning you'd have to face the inevitable fact that it might be our last day together.

[Elaine / Secretary]

I'd face that. You see, George, all my life I've gotten the things I wanted. Maybe I've been a spoiled brat, but I'm too old now to change my ways. And I want you. I want to marry you.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

But, darling, this is.

[Helene Anderson]

Wait, wait.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Now listen to me. If Matt Howard is in the way, if he is keeping us from what we want.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Don't say it. Helen. The head waiter's coming this way. Oh?

[Elaine / Secretary]

He's motioning that you've got a phone call.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Oh. Oh, I see. Well, pardon me, dear. I'll be. I'll be right back.

[Matt Howard]

Hello?

[Detective Hamilton]

George Coombs?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Yes.

[Detective Hamilton]

This is Detective Hamilton. You know, we met when you and Ms. Anderson were @ the police benefit.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Show. Yes, sure, Hamilton. I remember you. What is.

[Detective Hamilton]

It? Well, it's kind of ridiculous, and I hate to bother you, but we picked up a man early this.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Evening. Yes, yes, go.

[Detective Hamilton]

On. Well, he says he knows.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

You. What's he wanted.

[Detective Hamilton]

For? Suspicion of.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Murder. What's his.

[Detective Hamilton]

Name? Howard. Mass. Howard says he was with you last night at the time a man was killed. Now, it's obvious that he's lying, and all I want you to do is to say.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

So. I. I'll be right over.

[Detective Hamilton]

Hamilton. Well, that isn't necessary. All you have to do.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Is. I'll be.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Right. What is it.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

George? Happens Matt Howard killed a man last night. He wants me to give him an.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Alibi. What are you going to.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Do? I'm going over to police.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Headquarters. And are you going to give him an.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Alibi? I don't.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Know. I don't. Hi.

[Matt Howard]

Pal. I knew you'd go to bat for.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Me. Oh, fool. You stupid. Stir cratey.

[Matt Howard]

Fool. All right, all right, so I made a mistake. I didn't mean to kill.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Him. You didn't mean to. This weren't so tragic and it'd be.

[Matt Howard]

Funny. I said I was sorry and everything's okay now. You gave me my.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Alibi. I haven't given any.

[Matt Howard]

Alibi. I see. But you will watch your baby. You'll say I was with you last night. Because if you.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Don'T. I know, I know. How did it.

[Matt Howard]

Happen? Well, things is pretty dull. So I get into this crap game. My work is bad. By 9 o', clock, I'm rubbing together in my pocket two C notes, the tag end of my.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Roll. 200 left out of the.

[Matt Howard]

5,000. Yeah, well, I was sore. I remember the guy says he's closing the game up at 11 o'.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Clock. So you went back and killed.

[Matt Howard]

Him. I was identified as one of the guys in the game. But they really got nothing on me. If you gave me the alibi I do.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Matt. That would square us off for good, wouldn't it? We'd be quits from now on. You could grab the next train for New.

[Matt Howard]

York. Grab the next train for New York, he says. You're a funny guy, Benny. Funny? Like them comics on the radio, I.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Mean. The river's dried up. The feast is over. There's no more dough. That's all I.

[Matt Howard]

Have. What about your rich girlfriend? After you marry her, there's not gonna be a.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Marriage. We watched the whole deal.

[Matt Howard]

Tonight. You done this on purpose. You done it to cheat.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Me?

[Elaine / Secretary]

Maybe.

[Matt Howard]

Why? I ought to kill.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

You. You ought to kill me? All right, get.

[Matt Howard]

Up. Get up. Okay, buddy. I shouldn't have tried that with.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

You. Get this through your head, Matt. You can't blackmail me anymore. I've got as much on you as you have on.

[Matt Howard]

Me. All right, brave boy. I'm calling you bluff. I'm playing this game my way. And here's the cards. You're gonna tell the cops I was with you last night. I'm staying here and you're gonna marry the Anderson Doe. You like the hand? I got nothing to lose you. Have you all.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Moved? Well, Ms. Coombs, five minute visiting time is.

[Matt Howard]

Up. I'm glad you come in, Chief. Mr. Coombs just been checking with me on the time I came over to see him last.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Night. What goes, Mr. Coombs? I guess he does, Hamilton. I'm giving him his alibi. Hello.

[Elaine / Secretary]

George.

[Matt Howard]

Elaine. Oh.

[Helene Anderson]

Yes. You gave him his alibi, didn't.

[Matt Howard]

You?

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Yes. Well, how did you find out so.

[Helene Anderson]

Quickly? He called.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Me. He called.

[Elaine / Secretary]

You?

[Helene Anderson]

Yes. And he's coming here to my.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

House. What does he.

[Helene Anderson]

Want? I couldn't quite make out. Something about patching things up between us. What'd you tell.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Him? I told him we had a bus stop. But, Helene, you shouldn't have told him he could come out.

[Helene Anderson]

There. Don't you see, George? This is our.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Chance. What.

[Helene Anderson]

Chance? Are you coming here? Or will I have to do it.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Alone? I'll be right out. Mr. Coombs is here, Ms.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Anderson. Oh, thank you, Edwards. Hello, Diane.

[Matt Howard]

Elaine. We are all ready to go, Ms. Anderson. The car is in the.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Driveway. That's fine, Edwards. I hope you enjoy the picture. Good.

[Matt Howard]

Night. Good night, miss. Good night.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Sir. Good night. You're sending all the servants.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Out? Matt's orders. He wants to see me in private. He knows that dad left for Detroit this.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Afternoon. He's taking no chances, is.

[Elaine / Secretary]

He? He's taking a big chance, George. Bigger than he.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Knows. It won't work, Helene. We can't do.

[Elaine / Secretary]

It. We can. Nobody knows he's coming here. Nobody but you and.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Me. No, it.

[Elaine / Secretary]

Won'T. Now, listen to.

[Helene Anderson]

Me. Just listen.

[Elaine / Secretary]

George. We can put his body in your car, take him to the family.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Front. No, no, no. I don't want you mixed up.

[Elaine / Secretary]

In. We've got to do it. We'll do it together. I've got Dad's revolver. I'm not afraid. And it's our last chance. It's our only.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Chance. Matt Howard has to die. But I won't have you involved. I'll do it myself. Less time to get back to the center of town than it took to get to Helene's. And when I got to the business district, I parked the car on a dark side street and went into a drugstore and called Matt Howard's hotel. They told me he was out. I called.

[Helene Anderson]

Helene. He's here.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

George. I must have missed him on the way. Don't do.

[Matt Howard]

Anything. Send him back to town.

[Helene Anderson]

But. All.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Right. How did he come out?

[Helene Anderson]

Taxi. Rented.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Car. Good. Send him back to town. I went back to the road. He'd have to take. It was late and there was no traffic. I parked and waited. I must have waited about half an hour. Then I saw it coming. His car. I switched on my ignition, started my car. He went past. I started after him. Slowly I overtook him, pulled alongside. I could see his face, strained with white fear. He hunched over the wheel. Then I cut in front of him. I got out of my car and looked at him. He was dead. He'd swerved to avoid hitting me and crashed into a concrete embankment. My car wasn't even scratched. We hadn't been seen. The lights were all out in Helene's house when I got there. She probably gone to bed. Bed, I thought. I rang the bell. No answer. I was getting back into my car. Edwards and the servants drove up. What a break. My alibi completed if I need one. Edward saw me come in and now he sees me leaving. Hello, Edwards. Good.

[Matt Howard]

Movie? Oh, yes, sir. Are you.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Leaving? Yes, Edwards. Ms. Anderson has just gone to bed. Good.

[Matt Howard]

Night. Good night.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Sir. I never felt better in my life. Matt's death would look like an accident. If there was any question I had a perfect alibi. I climbed into bed with an knowledge that I get my first good sleep since Matt Howard came to the. I couldn't have been asleep for more than an hour when I was awakened by someone knocking on my door. Why, who's there? It's me, Hamilton. Open up. Oh, wait a minute. That's all a fuss. Hamilton. Mr. Coons, I must warn you, everything you say now can be used against you. Sounds serious. Yes, it is. Murder. Murder again. Is this your idea of a gag, Hamilton? Where were you this evening after you left me at my fiance's home? You know Helene Anderson? Yes. That check's all right. You left at what time? By about 11:35. Edward the butler saw me. That's it, Mr. Coombs. Well, fine. Now will you please go away and let me get some sleep? I'm sorry, Mr. Coons, I'm going to have to hold you for murder. But me? Who did I murder? Your fiance. Helene Anderson, strangled to death. There it is. My story. Matt must have overheard Helene talking on the phone to me. In fear or panic, he killed her. Whatever happened, Elaine's dead. I don't care much what happens to me. Now. The irony of the situation is that Matt's death was put down as accidental. Well, the jury is out now. They won't be out long. As the prosecutor said in his closing speech, what can you expect from an habitual criminal? A four time.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Loser. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular.

[T-Mobile Legal Disclaimer Speaker]

Stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits, plan features and taxes if these vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly credits. Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Required Honey, this is it. Shot clock winding down, trailing by.

[Optimum Fiber Announcer]

Two when you can't miss the last shot and neither can he. Don't take slow for an.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Answer.

[Optimum Fiber Announcer]

Switch to Optimum Fiber, the fastest and most reliable fiber Internet starting at just $40 a month. Call 8884 optimum or visit optimum.com.

[George Coombs / Bennett Deal]

Today. What went through your head on the last.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

Shot? It all happened so.

[Optimum Fiber Announcer]

Fast. Optimum don't take slow for an answer, turn to ply the optimum.com for.