Address Unknown 67-xx-xx (01) The Search for Anthony Atwell

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Address Unknown 67-xx-xx (01) The Search for Anthony Atwell"

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Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: Address Unknown 67-xx-xx (01) The Search for Anthony Atwell
Release Date: May 6, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, host Henry Simon delves into a mysterious disappearance from the prestigious Royal Guard. The dramatized narrative, crafted by Ross Napier, weaves a tale of intrigue, personal conflict, and tragedy centered around Anthony Atwell, a dedicated young guard whose sudden vanishing sets off a complex investigation.

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Setting the Scene

The story begins with Henry Simon introducing the allure of London’s iconic landmarks, painting a vivid picture of Buckingham Palace and the ceremonious Changing of the Guard. This backdrop not only highlights the grandeur of the Royal Guard but also underscores the gravity of Anthony Atwell’s disappearance.

"There's no ceremony that can ever be surpassed," Simon marvels at the guards' discipline and appearance, setting the stage for the significance of Atwell's role and subsequent disappearance. (01:29)

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The Disappearance of Anthony Atwell

The tranquility of palace guard duties is shattered when Anthony Atwell, at the age of 24, vanishes from his post without trace. The initial shock is palpable as Sir Robert Atwill, Anthony's father, seeks Henry Simon's expertise to locate his missing son.

Sir Robert Atwill: "Henry, I am at the end of my tether. You're the one man I know can help me." (03:16)

Through their conversation, it's revealed that Anthony's disappearance occurred on a Tuesday afternoon while he was on duty, precisely around 3:00 PM at Buckingham Palace. Notably, he wasn’t seen leaving in his full uniform, only his trousers and boots were later found abandoned, suggesting a deliberate act of desertion.

Sir Robert Atwill: "He appeared to have deserted his post without being spotted by anyone." (04:49)

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Character Insights and Personal Life

As Henry Simon probes deeper, insights into Anthony’s personal life emerge. He had a promising cricket career and was well-regarded in the Royal Guard, serving diligently for two and a half years. However, personal turmoil surfaces through his relationship with Felicia Howarth, a woman whose involvement complicates the investigation.

Sir Robert Atwill: "He kept it a secret from me. Never spoke of it again." (07:00)

Felicia's turbulent relationship with Anthony reveals a pattern of brief, intense romances, hinting at potential motives behind his disappearance. The narrative highlights Anthony's susceptibility and Felicia’s volatile nature, setting up a complex dynamic that intertwines personal and professional spheres.

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The Investigation Unfolds

Henry Simon enlists the help of Agent Paul Study to investigate Anthony's disappearance. Study, burdened by other cases, is initially reluctant but becomes determined as connections to similar age-group disappearances emerge.

Despite their efforts, initial leads prove fruitless, leading to a temporary shelving of the case. However, a pivotal phone call from Felicia Howarth reignites the investigation, bringing new urgency and direction.

Felicia Howarth: "I think he's on his way here now." (22:27)

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Interrogations and Revelations

The investigation takes a critical turn with the interrogation of Felicia Howarth and Harry Gordon, a close friend of Anthony and Felicia. Felicia’s aggressive demeanor and fragmented recounting of events cast suspicion on her involvement.

During her interaction with Paul Study, Felicia reveals her intention to sue Anthony for assault, describing a violent encounter that coincided with Anthony’s disappearance.

Felicia Howarth: "When he heard her voice on the other end of the line, he couldn't bring himself to talk to her. So he hung up." (25:05)

Harry Gordon provides an alibi, detailing the night of the incident and his own confusion during the confrontation. His testimony adds layers to the investigation, revealing conflicting perspectives and complicating the search for truth.

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Climactic Conclusion

The episode builds to a somber climax as news breaks of Anthony Atwell’s body being discovered in the river. The coroner’s inquest records a verdict of accidental death, but lingering doubts about the circumstances surrounding his demise remain.

Ross Napier (Narration): "A tragic fate for a young man with so promising a future and brought about solely by the vicious spite of the woman he loved." (26:10)

Henry Simon concludes the episode with a reflective tone, emphasizing the irreversible loss of Anthony and the lingering questions about the true nature of his disappearance.

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Notable Quotes

• Henry Simon: "The changing of the guard is a capacity I have yet to see equalled anywhere in the world." (01:29)

• Sir Robert Atwill: "Disappeared completely." (03:25)

• Paul Study: "I tell you, Chief, I'm so fed up with these young bloods and their tragic affairs, I feel like jumping off London Bridge." (09:21)

• Felicia Howarth: "Every time I take a bath I can count on someone arriving in the middle of it." (12:01)

• Harry Gordon: "That really showed her up in her true light." (17:43)

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Conclusion

Address Unknown 67-xx-xx (01) The Search for Anthony Atwell masterfully blends suspense and drama, exploring themes of duty, personal conflict, and the tragic consequences of tumultuous relationships. Through rich character development and a meticulously crafted narrative, the episode leaves listeners pondering the intricate web of motivations and emotions that lead to Anthony’s untimely death.

As Henry Simon bids farewell, the episode stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring quest for truth in the face of mystery.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Transportation Security Administration]

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[Henry Simon]

This is Henry Simon bringing you another story from my files here at the Missing Persons Bureau.

[Ross Napier]

In these stories of the Missing Persons Bureau, dramatized for Henry Simon by Ross Napier, names and addresses have, for obvious reasons, been changed. In one moment, the search for Anthony Atwill, address unknown, SA and here again is Henry Simon.

[Henry Simon]

There are many attractions for the tourists in London. Indeed, almost as many attractions as there are tourists, which is something that can be said of no other city, with, of course, the possible exception of Rome. There's Buckingham palace itself, Clarence House and the palace of St. James. There's St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. There's the Old Bailey, the Law Courts, the British Museum. These to mention only a few. But of all the attractions which London offers, there would surely be none to compare for color and splendor, for pomp and ceremony, with the changing of the guard. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this grand old custom is the carriage of the guards themselves. Many as the time. I've watched them, fascinated, marveling at their bearing, their capacity to stand a rigid attention almost without batting an eyelid for hours at a time. Their bearskins or busbys heavy upon their foreheads, their buttons braid and boots flashing be the skies gray or blue. It's a capacity I have yet to see equalled anywhere in the world, and a ceremony that can never be surpassed. Oddly enough, I'd been held up in a traffic jam near Buckingham. Paris, brought about by the changing of the guard on the very morning that I was visited here in my office by Sir Robert Atwill, an old friend and fellow club member of mine whose son I knew to be a member of the Royal Guard, and of whom, needless to say, Sir Robert was extremely proud. He was waiting for me in the outer office when I arrived, and from the look on his face, I knew at once that something was wrong.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Henry, I am at the end of my tether. You're the one man I know can help me.

[Henry Simon]

Help you? In connection with what?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Oh, me son, Anthony. He's disappeared. Disappeared completely.

[Henry Simon]

I think perhaps you'd best sit down, Robert. Try to relax a little. Perhaps a brandy might help.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

No, no, no, no, no, no. It'll be all right. Just a bit upset, you know.

[Henry Simon]

It's.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

It's all come as rather a shock. You. You've Met Anthony, of course.

[Henry Simon]

Yes, yes, a number of times. It must be almost three years since I last saw him. See, now, I believe it was that day he scored the century for Cambridge against Oxford. Wonderful. Not that I don't recall ever seeing a hundred rounds put up on that board in quicker time.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Yes, he could have played for England, that boy, if he'd put his mind to it.

[Henry Simon]

Well, there's still time. He's only. What is it? 24, 25.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Henry, I don't think you can have heard what I said. I said he's disappeared. Gone.

[Henry Simon]

Yes, I heard you.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Well, then, why talk about cricket? Hang it all, I mean to say.

[Henry Simon]

Because you're quite obviously in a very highly agitated frame of mind, knowing as well as I do. I realize it's quite useless trying to pry information from you while you're in such a state. Moreover, I'm doing my very best to place the boy in my own mind. Now then, just take things calmly and tell me exactly what's happened. When did he disappear and how?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

It was last week on a Tuesday afternoon. He was on duty at the Palace.

[Henry Simon]

Buckingham Palace?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Yes. And shortly after 3:00, he was found to be missing from his post.

[Henry Simon]

By whom?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

One of the constables on duty, who in turn, of course, reported it to a palace official.

[Henry Simon]

He wasn't seen leaving?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Apparently not.

[Henry Simon]

Surely in that uniform he couldn't very well have walked away without being spotted by someone.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

That's exactly what he appears to have done. Not in his uniform. His bearskin and coat were later discovered in a sentry box. Oh, of course. Whatever happens, it means the end of his career in the guards. All probability, will be court martialed, perhaps even put in prison.

[Henry Simon]

The boy may have suffered some form of mental lapse. He might not have been responsible for his actions.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Responsible or not, he'll be held to account for them. No excuse will be taken into consideration. And even if the court martial's a mere formality, his dismissal will be automatic.

[Henry Simon]

What steps have been taken so far by his superiors?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

None, so far as I know. Except that he's been posted as a deserter. Matter's been hushed up as much as possible. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that the civilian authorities have been alerted to be on the lookout for him. There's so much red tape attached to these things, it's. It's quite impossible to know what course they'd adopt.

[Henry Simon]

Tell me a little about the boy. Was he happy in the guards?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

He appeared to be perfectly happy.

[Henry Simon]

How long has he been in the service?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Two and a half years.

[Henry Simon]

And his record?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Dauntless couldn't have been better.

[Henry Simon]

Now regarding his personal life, has he suffered any kind of emotional upsets of late?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Not that I know of, no. He got himself involved with some girl a few months ago. When I understood, that was all over now.

[Henry Simon]

Now what exactly do you mean by involved?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Well, at one point he was talking of getting engaged. I didn't take it seriously, of course, knowing his weakness for falling in and out of love. But even so, I remember it rather shocked me at the time.

[Henry Simon]

Did you meet this girl?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Yes, once.

[Paul Study]

Brought her home.

[Henry Simon]

Were you impressed or otherwise?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Most decidedly unimpressed. Didn't care for her in the least.

[Henry Simon]

Why not?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Oh, she was showy for one thing. Not intensely attractive. Quite beautiful in fact. But cheap and rather vulgar. Moreover, she drank far more than was good for her. On this particular occasion she was three parts under.

[Henry Simon]

Oh, I see.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Yeah. Not at all the type of girl I'd choose for a daughter in law.

[Henry Simon]

Didn't visit you a second time?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Certainly not. I told Anthony if she ever set foot in the place again, there'd be the devil to pay.

[Henry Simon]

Well, how did he take that?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Quite well actually. He was rather put out himself with the way she behaved. Still, he said he didn't blame me for reacting as I did.

[Henry Simon]

Did he continue to keep company with her?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

He did. He kept it a secret from me. Never spoke of it again.

[Henry Simon]

I see. Has there been anyone since?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Not as far as I know. Which is quite surprising really. As I said before this other creature appeared on the scene, he was always forever losing his heart to someone.

[Henry Simon]

When did you last see him? Before he disappeared?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

On the previous Sunday he was off duty and we took the opportunity of visiting the grave of his mother, God rest him.

[Henry Simon]

How did he see him then?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Very quiet. Subdued. In the circumstances that was natural enough. I was the same way myself. Poor Vera. I don't think either of us have ever been the same since she died.

[Henry Simon]

Must be five years ago now.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Almost seven. Anthony was just 18 at the time.

[Henry Simon]

Have you been seeing much of him lately?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Not a great deal. Two or three times a month perhaps. No more.

[Henry Simon]

Relations were in no way strained between you?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Oh, not unless he was harboring a secret grudge regarding me. Disapproval of Felicia.

[Henry Simon]

Felicia?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Yes, that was her name. Felicia Howarth.

[Henry Simon]

Oh, I see. You haven't thought of checking with her at all? I suppose.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

I've been so upset. Haven't got a check in with anyone. Even so, she's the last person I'd approach.

[Henry Simon]

How long have they been Keeping company when you met her?

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Two months perhaps. Not that long. You seem to be placing a great deal of importance in what to my mind was a relatively trivial affair.

[Henry Simon]

Well, perhaps it's just that in nine cases out of ten of this character, there's always a woman involved.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Oh come, Henry, surely you don't have guardsmen disappearing every other day.

[Henry Simon]

Anthony's a guardsman has no bearing at all on my thoughts. At the moment I'm thinking of him simply as a young man who has, as you yourself said, a very definite susceptibility of the opposite sex.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Any tall man. At his age I was much the same.

[Henry Simon]

Not quite. If I recall correctly, at his age you were married.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Well, I was fortunate enough to meet the right woman.

[Henry Simon]

Exactly. Therein lies the difference. From what you tell me, Anthony has met the wrong one. Following Sir Robert's departure, I sent for Agent Paul Study, with whom I discussed the case in detail. As it happened, Study was also working on two other cases at the same time. Both of them, curiously enough, involving young men in roughly the same age group as Anthony Atwill. It was therefore only to be expected that he should be very reluctant to take on a third.

[Paul Study]

I tell you, Chief, I'm so fed up with these young bloods and their tragic affairs, I feel like jumping off London Bridge.

[Henry Simon]

Well, there's no guarantee whatever that Atwill's disappearance is connected in any sort of way with a love affair. But the indications are certainly present.

[Paul Study]

You know, I've always wanted to see one of those characters do something crazy.

[Henry Simon]

What characters?

[Paul Study]

Ah, those bare skinned guys. The way they stand there like marble statues. A spaceship from Mars could land right at their feet and they wouldn't turn a hair. I've often been tempted to try tickling one in the ribs.

[Henry Simon]

I wouldn't advise it if I were you. You have to find yourself behind bars very smartly.

[Paul Study]

That's why I said I'd have liked to have seen this happen. The guy suddenly whip off his coat and top knot, chuck him in the sentry box and stroll off.

[Henry Simon]

I dare say quite a number of people would have liked to have seen that happen. Fact. That means of course, that no one did. No one we know of, at any rate.

[Paul Study]

I guess he'll really have the book thrown at him when he finally turns up.

[Henry Simon]

Yes, indeed, Very dodge book at that.

[Paul Study]

Those boys even get punished for fainting on parade. Let alone strolling off and leaving the palace unattended.

[Henry Simon]

Well, not unattended exactly, but less attended than usual, as I imagine he's in for quite a rap over the knuckles, whatever his excuse may be. But for the moment of course, that's quite beside the point. Our job is to find him regardless. And I think that our best bet is to set the ball rolling by checking with his Howarth girl.

[Paul Study]

Uh huh. Who is she exactly?

[Henry Simon]

Well, from what I gather, she comes from quite a prominent family. Her father's a Member of Parliament, her mother's apparently quite closely related to a baronet.

[Paul Study]

Sounds like she might be a bit of a throwback.

[Henry Simon]

Well, from Sir Robert's description of her it does indeed. He doesn't know the family at all himself, but he knows of them. And he's heard from a reasonably reliable source that they've broken off all relations with her.

[Paul Study]

Where does she hang out? Any idea?

[Henry Simon]

He seemed to think she had a flat somewhere in Sloane Square, so I checked it in the phone book and oh yes, here we are. How, Ms. Felicia? A6 Aldershot mentions Grover Road. It was a pre war block not very far from Sloane Square station. Taking a lift to the second floor, Study made his way along a narrow carpeted passage to a door marked six at the far end. In all he knocked four times and was just preparing to retrace his footsteps back along the passage when the door opened and he found himself confronted by a slim young woman in a flame coloured bathrobe. Her dark hair was wet and hung limply at her shoulders. Her feet were bare and she wore no makeup. Yet there could be no doubting that she was an uncommonly beautiful girl, despite the look of annoyance which clouded her features.

[Felicia Howarth]

Every time I take a bath I can count on someone arriving in the middle of it.

[Paul Study]

Pardon me, I. It wasn't planned.

[Felicia Howarth]

Who are you? What do you want?

[Paul Study]

Well the name is Study. I'm from the Missing Persons Bureau. If you're Felicia Howarth, I want that we should have a few brief minutes of chat.

[Felicia Howarth]

About what?

[Paul Study]

Well, a friend of yours, Anthony Atwell.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Oh.

[Felicia Howarth]

Well in that case you'd better come in.

[Paul Study]

Thanks.

[Felicia Howarth]

Well, what about Anthony?

[Paul Study]

Seen him around lately?

[Felicia Howarth]

Not for a week or so. Why?

[Paul Study]

Because he's missing.

[Felicia Howarth]

You don't tell me.

[Paul Study]

Uh huh. Any idea where he might be?

[Felicia Howarth]

Not the slightest. But when you find him, you might contact my solicitors.

[Paul Study]

Why?

[Felicia Howarth]

Because I intend suing him, that's why.

[Paul Study]

Suing him for what?

[Felicia Howarth]

Assault.

[Ross Napier]

Henry Simon returns to continue this story in just a moment. And here again is Henry Simon.

[Henry Simon]

Somewhat taken aback. Studies stared hard at the young.

[Transportation Security Administration]

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[Henry Simon]

Who met his gaze unflinchingly running a carefully manicured hand through her limp hair as she did so, the corners of her mouth registering faint amusement at the agent's obvious surprise.

[Felicia Howarth]

You look a little shocked, Mr. Starry.

[Paul Study]

That's putting it mildly. Assault's a pretty serious charge.

[Felicia Howarth]

No more serious than the damage he might have done me if he hadn't been stopped when he was.

[Paul Study]

Stopped? By who?

[Felicia Howarth]

Harry Gordon, a friend of mine. We were walking along the street, minding our own business, when suddenly Anthony appeared in front of us. He called me a filthy name and knocked me down. I fell on the pavement and skinned my elbow. It all happened so quickly. It was over before I'd had time to draw breath. Then when Harry turned to grab him, he ran away.

[Paul Study]

Now, when was this?

[Felicia Howarth]

Last week. Swelling in my jaws, almost gone up. But you should have seen it a few days ago.

[Paul Study]

What day last week?

[Felicia Howarth]

The Tuesday afternoon, around 3:00.

[Paul Study]

And that's when he was found missing from his post?

[Felicia Howarth]

Well, he. He wasn't in uniform, just the trousers and the boots.

[Paul Study]

Whereabouts did it happen?

[Felicia Howarth]

In the mall, about. Oh, about halfway along.

[Paul Study]

Going towards the palace or away from it?

[Felicia Howarth]

Away from it. We were actually coming from Victoria.

[Paul Study]

So you did pass the Palace?

[Felicia Howarth]

Yes.

[Paul Study]

Did you happen to see Atwell on guard?

[Felicia Howarth]

Well, I wasn't looking for him.

[Paul Study]

Obviously he saw you.

[Felicia Howarth]

Well, the next time he sees me, it'll be in court.

[Paul Study]

You and he were pretty chummy at one stage, weren't you?

[Felicia Howarth]

We went out a bit together, yes.

[Paul Study]

When was the last time?

[Felicia Howarth]

Oh, two, perhaps three weeks ago.

[Paul Study]

Hmm. Were you seeing each other regularly before that?

[Felicia Howarth]

Every day. Now.

[Paul Study]

According to his father, he broke things off with you a couple of months back.

[Felicia Howarth]

That old fogey wouldn't know what year it was.

[Paul Study]

You weren't engaged to be married by any chance?

[Felicia Howarth]

Why do you ask that?

[Paul Study]

Just curious.

[Felicia Howarth]

Well, as a matter of fact, we were. We kept it quiet from the old boy, but I was wearing his ring for over three months.

[Paul Study]

Up till the time he beat you up.

[Felicia Howarth]

I'd taken it off a week or so before.

[Paul Study]

Why?

[Felicia Howarth]

Oh, he began to bore me. I. I decided I didn't want to get married after All.

[Paul Study]

And you returned the ring?

[Felicia Howarth]

No, I hadn't got around to it.

[Paul Study]

But you had broken the engagement?

[Felicia Howarth]

More or less. It was sort of up in the air.

[Paul Study]

And meanwhile you were going around with this Harry Gordon, huh?

[Felicia Howarth]

Harry and one or two others. I always did enjoy variety, I guess.

[Paul Study]

You realize you probably wrecked Atwell's life.

[Felicia Howarth]

You're breaking my heart.

[Paul Study]

Well, I guess that's something anyway.

[Felicia Howarth]

What?

[Paul Study]

I was beginning to wonder if you had one.

[Henry Simon]

It transpired that prior to his taking an interest in Ms. Howarth, Harry Gordon had been a friend of our quarry's for many years and was known to Sir Robert as quite a decent and reliable young man. This description was duly found to be apt enough when Study visited Gordon in his Curzon street apartment that same evening. Tall and well built with wavy fair hair, he proved to be both friendly and polite.

[Harry Gordon]

Please, Mr. Study, when you speak of my association with Felicia, I'd be obliged if you do so in the past tense. I haven't seen her since the day of the trouble with Anthony and I have no intention of contacting her again.

[Paul Study]

How long were you keeping company?

[Harry Gordon]

Oh, a few weeks, while she was.

[Paul Study]

Still engaged to Atwell.

[Harry Gordon]

I knew nothing about that. She took care not to let me see any ring.

[Paul Study]

But you, you knew she was going steady with him?

[Harry Gordon]

Vaguely, yes. But. Well, I got tangled up with her without quite realizing it.

[Paul Study]

Now it's all over completely because of the trouble with that will.

[Harry Gordon]

That really showed her up in her true light.

[Paul Study]

I kind of like to hear your version of that story. What happened exactly?

[Harry Gordon]

Well, I'd arranged to meet her at a pub over in Victoria around two. When I got there she was tight and she insisted on having a few more drinks. Then she suggested we walk back to town to give her a chance to sober up. I didn't know what her game was then, but I soon found out. You see, we had to go past Buckingham palace and Anthony was standing guard at the front gate. Well, she must have known he was there because she made a point of going right by him directly I spotted him. I tried to get her away and that's when she turned on her act. She suddenly grabbed hold of me and started kissing me right in front of him. Apart from anything else, I've never been so embarrassed. I just grabbed her by the arm, propelled her across the street and set off along the Mall as fast as I could walk. By this time she was laughing and singing at the top of her voice. I tried to hail a cab, but there wasn't a vacant one. To be had. Well, we must have been about a hundred yards along from St James palace when suddenly Anthony bore down on us. His face was white with rage and he was trembling all over. He said he was going to take her home, but the moment he touched her arm, she started spitting like a wildcat. Then she tried to kick him, lost her balance and fell in the gutter. Well, for a second or two, he just stood there looking down at her. And she was screaming and swearing at him for all she was worth. Then he turned on his heel and walked away. The last I saw of him, he was heading across the park. And that's when I finally managed to get a cab. So I bundled her in and told the cabbie where to drop her. And that's the whole story.

[Paul Study]

According to her, Atwell knocked her down. She says she intends to sue.

[Harry Gordon]

Just let her try. I'll be the first to get up and tell the court what really happened.

[Paul Study]

You know, I don't get the point of it. Why would she want to pull a stunt like that?

[Harry Gordon]

I wouldn't know. Frankly, at the time, I think she was too drunk to know herself.

[Paul Study]

Yeah, well, if it was her intention to ruin the guy, she did a mighty fine job. Even as things stand, is in one heck of a mess. But when this gets out, he'll be finished for good.

[Henry Simon]

Returning to the office, Study reported his progress, if such it could be called. In reality, we were no further advanced than we had been before. Indeed, we were a good deal worse off because we had exhausted our only leads and had nothing at all to show for them. In view of this, we had no option except to push the case to one side in favour of other more fruitful investigations. It was purely a temporary shelving in the absence of pertinent information. But it was difficult for me to explain this to Sir Robert, who appeared to be of the belief that we were abandoning the search altogether. As it happened, the case was opened abruptly some two days later, when shortly before five in the afternoon, Study received a phone call.

[Paul Study]

Yes? Missing Persons Bureau. Study speaking.

[Felicia Howarth]

Felicia Howard here, Mr. Study.

[Paul Study]

Ah. And to what do I owe this doubtful honor?

[Felicia Howarth]

Would you come over right away?

[Paul Study]

Over where?

[Felicia Howarth]

To my flat.

[Paul Study]

Why?

[Felicia Howarth]

Because I'm scared. When I got home earlier, the caretaker told me a man phoned this morning wanting to know where I was. Apparently he had rung my flat and couldn't get an answer. So he wouldn't leave his name. Said he'd call back.

[Paul Study]

Huh.

[Felicia Howarth]

I'd only been in about 20 minutes. The phone rang. I answered it. And the line went dead. There was someone at the other end. I know that. They hung up in my ear. I think it was Anthony, Mr. Study, checking to see if I was home. I think he's on his way here now.

[Paul Study]

So you want me to come over and protect you, huh? In case he gets violent.

[Felicia Howarth]

I phoned Harry Gordon that he wouldn't come. The low down swine. It's all his fault anyway. He's to blame for the whole thing. And he has the hide to say he hopes Anthony wrings my neck.

[Paul Study]

The big bad wolf. Now open up or I'll huff and I'll puff.

[Felicia Howarth]

Just a moment. Oh, Mr. Stardy, I'm so glad you've come. I've been sitting here waiting, scared sick. There's no one I can turn to now, only you.

[Paul Study]

If you're the wronged party in this deal, as you claim, how come you're so squeamish?

[Felicia Howarth]

I've been thinking things over. He's quite mad. He must be. When you came here before, there was something I didn't tell you.

[Paul Study]

I figured there might be.

[Felicia Howarth]

When he found out about Harry, we had a dreadful scene. He told me if he ever caught us together, he'd kill me.

[Paul Study]

This was before the other business the previous evening. Yet you deliberately went out of your way to let him see you crawling all over the guy in public.

[Felicia Howarth]

I've been stewing about it. I had too much to drink. I didn't know what I was doing. I just wanted to show him I wasn't bothered by his threats but that I'd do as I chose.

[Paul Study]

You're bothered plenty now.

[Felicia Howarth]

Wouldn't you be if you were in my shoes, beautiful.

[Paul Study]

If I was in your shoes, I'd cut off my feet.

[Felicia Howarth]

Please, Mr. Study, don't joke. I'm telling you, he's out of his mind.

[Paul Study]

Well, he hasn't shown up yet.

[Sir Robert Atwill]

Maybe he's not.

[Felicia Howarth]

That'll be him now.

[Paul Study]

Soon see. Well, hi, Gordon.

[Felicia Howarth]

Harry, what are you doing here?

[Harry Gordon]

You invited me, remember?

[Felicia Howarth]

You said you wouldn't come.

[Harry Gordon]

That was two hours ago. I've had time to change my mind.

[Paul Study]

You look pretty shaken. Something wrong?

[Harry Gordon]

After Felicia phoned me, I rang Sir Robert and told him about the mysterious phone call she'd received. I thought he might like to know in case Anthony did show up.

[Paul Study]

Yeah.

[Harry Gordon]

It wasn't Anthony who rang. It was the old chap himself. He wanted to ask her if she'd heard anything. But when he heard her voice on the other end of the line, he couldn't bring himself to Talk to her. So he hung up.

[Felicia Howarth]

You mean it was that old fool all the time?

[Harry Gordon]

That's right. He phoned this morning and you weren't in. So he spoke to the caretaker. Then he called back this afternoon.

[Felicia Howarth]

And to think I've been worrying myself silly.

[Harry Gordon]

You've a lot more than that to worry about.

[Felicia Howarth]

What do you mean?

[Harry Gordon]

It came over the radio not half an hour ago.

[Felicia Howarth]

Over the radio?

[Harry Gordon]

A News bullet. At 3:20 this afternoon, the body of a man was pulled out of the river. It was estimated by a police doctor that he'd been in the water for at least a week. He carried no identification, but it didn't take them long to trace him. The clothes he was wearing, the boots. Part of a uniform.

[Felicia Howarth]

Oh no.

[Harry Gordon]

The uniform of the Royal Guard.

[Ross Napier]

Henry Simon returns to conclude this story in just a moment. And here again is Henry Simon.

[Henry Simon]

The body of Anthony Atwill was formally identified by his father and at the subsequent coroner's inquest. In the absence of proof to the contrary, a verdict of accidental death was recorded. It is not known just when Anthony Atwill died, but it is presumed that he entered the river within a matter of hours following his encounter with Phydisha Howarth and Harry Gordon. A tragic fate for a young man with so promising a future and brought about solely by the vicious spite of the woman he loved. And now this is Henry Simon, as always, inviting you to meet me here again and for the present bidding you au.