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

Summary

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

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: ABC Mystery Time - [Masters Of Mystery] - Four Time Loser
Release Date: January 28, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Four Time Loser", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a masterfully crafted mystery melodrama. Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, the story delves into themes of redemption, betrayal, and the inescapable shadows of the past. Written by Sydney Sloan and brought to life through rich soundscapes and compelling dialogue, "Four Time Loser" promises an enthralling journey for aficionados of classic radio dramas.

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Plot Overview

George Coombs, a man with a troubled past, has seemingly rebuilt his life after escaping a life sentence in prison twelve years prior. Proud of his honest accomplishments, George's world is turned upside down when Matt Howard, an old cellmate and friend, resurfaces with a sinister agenda. Matt demands payment to keep George's criminal past concealed, threatening to expose him unless his hefty demands are met.

As George grapples with Matt's extortion, his personal life becomes entangled with further complications involving his fiancée, Helene Anderson, and his wife, Gladys. The tension escalates when Matt's actions lead to a series of desperate measures, culminating in a tragic accident that forever alters George's destiny.

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Character Analysis

George Coombs

George embodies the struggle between his desire for a peaceful, honest life and the inescapable pull of his former existence. His internal conflict is palpable as he navigates threats from Matt while trying to maintain his relationships and integrity.

Matt Howard

A menacing figure from George's past, Matt represents the consequences of a life steeped in crime. His return serves as the catalyst for the unraveling of George's carefully constructed facade, showcasing the relentless nature of unresolved pasts.

Helene Anderson

Helene is George's fiancée, whose presence adds emotional depth to the narrative. Her interactions with George highlight the personal sacrifices and risks involved in trying to start anew amidst external threats.

Gladys

George's wife, Gladys, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. Her support and eventual involvement in desperate plans underscore the strains that external pressures can place on personal relationships.

Detective Hamilton

As a representative of law enforcement, Detective Hamilton brings the story to its inevitable conclusion, tying together the threads of deception and the quest for truth.

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Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

1. The Unexpected Visitor ([01:50] - [03:08])

Scene: George is unexpectedly confronted by Matt Howard, who insinuates a familiarity that George initially denies.

Notable Quote:

Matt Howard: "What's the matter, George? Don't you know your old friends?"
[02:23]

Insight: This encounter sets the stage for the central conflict, revealing Matt's knowledge of George's past and his intent to leverage their history for personal gain.

2. The Confrontation and Blackmail ([05:23] - [08:35])

Scene: Matt demands money from George, escalating the tension as George contemplates the implications of his possible exposure.

Notable Quote:

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."
[06:16]

Insight: Matt's leverage over George is evident as he manipulates George's fear of exposure, compelling him to consider drastic actions to safeguard his new life.

3. Helene's Realization ([09:35] - [12:30])

Scene: Helene becomes suspicious of George's interactions and confronts him about Matt's true intentions.

Notable Quote:

Gladys: "What if you turned him into the police?"
[10:04]
George Coombs: "There are two things one can do about a blackmailer. You can go on paying. And the other?"
[10:11]

Insight: This exchange highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas George faces, as well as the strain it places on his personal relationships.

4. The Desperate Plan ([18:02] - [18:20])

Scene: Faced with no other options, George and Gladys devise a plan to eliminate Matt to end the blackmail threat.

Notable Quote:

Gladys: "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 chance."
[18:11]

Insight: The desperation of the characters reaches its peak as they resort to extreme measures, underscoring the depth of Matt's control over George.

5. The Climactic Conclusion ([19:00] - [21:05])

Scene: After Matt's accidental death, George believes he has secured his alibi. However, Detective Hamilton uncovers the truth, leading to George's arrest.

Notable Quote:

Narrator: "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 a habitual criminal? A four time loser."
[20:09]

Insight: The culmination of George's efforts to escape his past ironically leads to his downfall, emphasizing the inescapable nature of one's history and the futility of running from it.

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Themes and Insights

"Four Time Loser" delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes such as:

• Redemption vs. Past: George's struggle to leave his criminal past behind juxtaposed with Matt's inability to let go.
• Trust and Betrayal: The fragile nature of trust is tested through George's interactions with Matt and the strains it places on his relationship with Helene.
• Desperation and Morality: Faced with extreme circumstances, characters grapple with moral choices that ultimately define their paths.

Sydney Sloan's narrative prowess shines through, weaving a tale that is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant, capturing the essence of classic radio dramas while addressing timeless human conflicts.

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Conclusion

"Four Time Loser" stands as a testament to Harold's Old Time Radio's dedication to preserving the rich tradition of Golden Age radio dramas. Through its intricate storytelling, memorable characters, and poignant themes, the episode offers listeners a captivating experience that resonates long after the final scene. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to old-time radio mysteries, this episode promises an engaging and immersive journey into the shadows of human ambition and the relentless pursuit of redemption.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Now for the best in mystery. Tonight on Masters of Mystery, an exciting melodrama titled Four Time Loser. Printed live from New York is written by Sydney Sloan. A man with the 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]

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.

[Gladys]

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]

Anybody we know, Gladys?

[Gladys]

I've never seen him before.

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

Oh, well, send him in.

[Gladys]

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

[Matt Howard]

Thanks.

[George Coombs]

Won't you sit down?

[Matt Howard]

Don't mind if I do, George.

[George Coombs]

Well, now, what can I do for you?

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

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 Deal.

[George Coombs]

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 lamb? Five. Caught one getting away. Don't tell me you don't recognize your old cellmate. Benny.

[George Coombs]

Matt Howard.

[Matt Howard]

That's right, Benny.

[George Coombs]

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]

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]

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

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

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

[Matt Howard]

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]

$500.

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

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

[Helene Anderson]

Hello, George.

[George Coombs]

Oh, Elaine.

[Helene Anderson]

You sound awfully surprised.

[George Coombs]

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

[Helene Anderson]

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

[George Coombs]

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

[Matt Howard]

Well, don't bother, cuz I'll call for you.

[Helene Anderson]

Matter of fact, I'm downstairs in the lobby right now.

[George Coombs]

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

[Helene Anderson]

George. Is anything the matter?

[George Coombs]

No, dear, no. Some business I have to take care of. Not another woman, I hope. No, dear, not another woman.

[Helene Anderson]

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

[George Coombs]

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

[Helene Anderson]

Will be right up.

[George Coombs]

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

[Matt Howard]

All right, Benny. Right on time.

[George Coombs]

Come in, hurry.

[Matt Howard]

Thanks.

[George Coombs]

We've got to make this fast, Matt.

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

Yes, I've got it.

[Matt Howard]

Good. Hand it over.

[George Coombs]

Wait. I want to make a proposition to you.

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

It does.

[Matt Howard]

What's the caper?

[George Coombs]

I've got the 500 for you and more.

[Matt Howard]

Keep talking.

[George Coombs]

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

[Matt Howard]

Oh, yeah?

[George Coombs]

5,000. Matt.

[Matt Howard]

You know, George, you ain't leveling with Me, I swear. All that?

[George Coombs]

Sure.

[Matt Howard]

You ain't got more than five GS? I know that. But you got hidden assets, like they say.

[George Coombs]

Hidden assets?

[Matt Howard]

Ah, you played it very smart, Judge. 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]

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]

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]

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]

Matt, give me a break, will you?

[Matt Howard]

Isn't you going to open the door?

[George Coombs]

Yeah.

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

Oh, Helene, this is Matt Howard. Matt, Helene Anderson, my fiance. How do you do?

[Matt Howard]

Oh, well.

[Gladys]

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.

[Gladys]

Schoolmates in a way I didn't know.

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

What?

[Gladys]

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.

[Gladys]

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

[Matt Howard]

Well, it's up to George.

[George Coombs]

Yes, why don't you, Matt? Yes, The. The more the mercy.

[Gladys]

Your friend made a very interesting dinner companion.

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

What did he come to say to foot for business?

[George Coombs]

He's some sort of a promoter or something.

[Gladys]

And what does he have on you?

[George Coombs]

Why, I. I don't understand you. Elaine. He's an old friend from school.

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

Don't lie to me.

[George Coombs]

Oh, forget it, please, will you?

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

Very well. My name is not George Coombs.

[Gladys]

Go on.

[George Coombs]

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?

[Matt Howard]

Go on.

[George Coombs]

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 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 it. The rest you know.

[Gladys]

Is that all?

[George Coombs]

Well, isn't that enough? Yes. Well?

[Gladys]

Well.

[George Coombs]

I love you, Helene. I should have told you sooner, but I was afraid.

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

He wants money, lots of it.

[Gladys]

Well, then give it to him.

[George Coombs]

But you don't understand. It'll never stop. He knows we're going to be married. He knows you have me.

[Gladys]

What if you turned him into the police?

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

Well, then, what can you do?

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

And the other.

[George Coombs]

The other? I don't want to think of that yet. I didn't see much of Helene for the next few days. Pretended that my job kept me too busy. It was actually my dread of facing her, of 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.

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

What for?

[Gladys]

He wants a job.

[George Coombs]

A job? Are you certain?

[Gladys]

Yes. Why?

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

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.

[Gladys]

You trying to tell me I've been jilted?

[George Coombs]

Well, suppose we went ahead and got married. Every morning you'd have to face.

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[George Coombs]

The inevitable fact that it might be our last day together.

[Gladys]

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]

But darling, this.

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

Don't say it, Helen. Shh. Wait. The head waiter's coming this way. Oh.

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

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

[Helene Anderson]

George Coombs?

[George Coombs]

Yes. This is Detective Hamilton. You know, we met when you and Ms. Anderson were @ the police benefit show. Yes, sure, Hamilton. I remember you. What is it? Well, it's kind of ridiculous and I hate to bother you, but we picked up a man early this evening. Yes, yes, go on. Well, he says he knows you. What's he wanted for? Suspicion of murder. What's his name? Howard. Matt 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 so. I. I'll be right over, Hamilton. Well, that isn't necessary. All you have to do is. I'll be right over.

[Gladys]

What is it, George?

[George Coombs]

It happens. Matt Howard killed a man last night. He wants me to give him an alibi.

[Gladys]

What are you going to do?

[George Coombs]

I'm going over to police headquarters.

[Gladys]

And are you going to give him an alibi?

[George Coombs]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Matt Howard]

Hi, pal. I knew you'd go to bat for me. Oh, fool.

[George Coombs]

You stupid, stir crazy fool.

[Matt Howard]

All right, all right. So I made a mistake. I didn't mean to kill him.

[George Coombs]

You didn't mean to? This weren't so tragic. It'd be funny.

[Matt Howard]

I said I Was sorry and everything's okay now. You gave me my alibi.

[George Coombs]

I haven't given any alibi.

[Matt Howard]

I see. But you will, won't you, baby? You'll say I was with you last night. Because if you don't.

[George Coombs]

I know, I know. How did it happen?

[Matt Howard]

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 roll.

[George Coombs]

200 left out of the 5,000.

[Matt Howard]

Yeah, while I was sore, I remember the guy says he's closing the game up at 11 o'clock.

[George Coombs]

So you went back and killed him.

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

I do, 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 York.

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

I mean it, Matt. The river's dried up. The feast is over. There's no more dough. That's all I have.

[Matt Howard]

What about your rich girlfriend? After you marry her?

[George Coombs]

There's not going to be a marriage. We washed the whole deal tonight.

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

Maybe.

[Matt Howard]

Why, I ought to kill you.

[George Coombs]

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

[Matt Howard]

Oh, okay, Bunny. I shouldn't have tried that with you.

[George Coombs]

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

[Matt Howard]

All right, brave boy. I'm calling you bluff. I'm playing this game my way. And here's the cards. You're going to 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. Don't move.

[George Coombs]

Well, Ms. Coombs, five minute visiting time is up.

[Matt Howard]

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

[George Coombs]

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

[Helene Anderson]

Elaine.

[George Coombs]

Oh, yes.

[Helene Anderson]

You gave him his alibi, didn't you?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[George Coombs]

Well, how did you find out so quickly?

[Helene Anderson]

He called me.

[George Coombs]

He called you? Yes.

[Helene Anderson]

And he's coming here to my house.

[George Coombs]

What does he want?

[Helene Anderson]

I couldn't quite make out something about Patching things up between us. What'd you tell him?

[George Coombs]

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

[Helene Anderson]

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

[George Coombs]

Our chance?

[Helene Anderson]

Are you coming here or will I have to do it alone?

[George Coombs]

I'll be right out.

[Matt Howard]

Mr. Coombs is here, Ms. Anderson.

[Gladys]

Oh, thank you, Edwards. Hello, darling.

[George Coombs]

How are you?

[Matt Howard]

We're all ready to go, Ms. Anderson. The car is in the driveway.

[Gladys]

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

[Matt Howard]

Good night, miss. Good night, sir.

[George Coombs]

Good night. You're sending all the servants out?

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

He's taking no chances, is he?

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

It won't work, Helena. We can't do it.

[Gladys]

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

[George Coombs]

Oh, no. It won't work.

[Gladys]

Now, listen to me. Just listen, George. We can put his body in your car, take him to the family front.

[George Coombs]

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

[Gladys]

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 chance.

[George Coombs]

Matt Howard has to die. But I won't have you involved. I'll do it myself. It took me less time to get back to the center of town than it took to get to Helenes. 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.

[Helene Anderson]

He's here, George.

[George Coombs]

I must have missed him on the way. Don't do anything. Send him back to town.

[Helene Anderson]

All right.

[George Coombs]

How did he come out? Taxi.

[Helene Anderson]

Rented car.

[George Coombs]

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. Slowly I overtook him, pulled alongside. I could see his face strained with white fear as 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. Scene the Lights were all out in Helene's house when I got there. She'd probably gone to 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. Edwards saw me come in and now he sees me leaving. Hello, Edwards. Good movie?

[Matt Howard]

Oh, yes, sir. Are you leaving?

[George Coombs]

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

[Matt Howard]

Good night, sir.

[George Coombs]

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 the knowledge that I'd get my first good sleep since Matt Howard came to Satorford. I couldn't have been asleep for more than an hour when I was awakened by someone knocking on my door. 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 checks 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 Helen talking on the phone to me. In fear or panic, he killed her. Whatever happened, Elaine 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 loser.

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