Becker House Detective - Hotels Are My Life

Summary

---

Harold's Old Time Radio — "Becker House Detective: Hotels Are My Life"

Date: March 14, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Summary by Request

---

Episode Overview

This episode features a full-cast dramatization of "Becker House Detective: Hotels Are My Life," an original story done in the classic radio style, set in the "Queen of the Rockies" hotel. Blending mystery, humor, and period detail, it follows house detective Becker as he unravels the overnight theft of a guest's jewel necklace—uncovering workplace tensions and personal loyalties along the way.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Life at the Queen of the Rockies (01:20)

• The show opens with Becker, the hotel’s house detective, reflecting nostalgically about being part of the staff—his sense of belonging, and the pride he takes in his job.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Every once in a while, when I need to believe I’m really part of something, I pass by and take another look [at the staff photograph]… That’s me, Becker. The tiny patch in the back row… this is my home." — Becker (01:20)

2. The Necklace Incident (02:06–04:00)

• Mrs. Armstrong, a hotel guest, comes to retrieve her valuable diamond and ruby necklace, which was being held in the hotel safe.
• The necklace is discovered missing, and Mrs. Armstrong faints.
  • Tension among the staff surfaces, particularly between Becker, Mr. Hickey (the manager), and Mr. Lewis (assistant manager).

3. The Investigation Begins (04:05–07:56)

• Sergeant Drake leads the criminal probe, but suspicion quickly falls on Mr. Hickey, as he insists on being the only one with the safe’s combination.
• Becker, however, doubts Hickey is the thief, sensing the manager’s pride and dedication to the hotel.
  • Notable Exchange:

    "You know, Becker, this hotel is my life. I’d resign before I harmed her in any way."
    — Mr. Hickey (07:16)

4. The Unreliable Register (05:31–06:36)

• Becker learns the valuables register is incomplete—there’s no full description or signature for Mrs. Armstrong's necklace.
  • Mr. Lewis admits Mr. Hickey’s pride made it hard to question him about procedure lapses.

5. Interrogating Mrs. Armstrong at the Tea Dance (08:31–10:28)

• Becker interviews Mrs. Armstrong, who remains composed and unflappable, emphasizing her independence and unsentimentality.
  • Notable Quote:

    "I’m a woman alone, Becker. I can’t afford to be sentimental." — Mrs. Armstrong (09:40)

• She hints at insurance, and while the police suspect Hickey, she does not.

6. Echoes from the Past—Insurance Investigator Arrives (12:02–13:36)

• Mr. Hawkins from Continental Insurance enters, revealing Mrs. Armstrong previously lost (and insured) a nearly identical necklace at the Hotel MacDonald in Ottawa.
• Both Mrs. Armstrong and Mr. Hickey had connections to that hotel, raising questions about possible collusion or a pattern.

7. The Staff Dynamic & Tensions (14:09–15:40)

• Becker uncovers more workplace tension via Ms. Watts (the switchboard operator):
  • Mr. Lewis was acting manager before Hickey’s arrival, and resents always being “a bridesmaid, never a bride.”
  • Reveals Hickey and Mrs. Armstrong had past history at the Hotel MacDonald.

8. Motives and Confessions (16:05–17:54)

• Mrs. Armstrong reveals she had the lost necklace recreated after the first was stolen.
• She also confesses to a past romance with Mr. Hickey, but denies any conspiracy.
  • Notable Quote:

    "A few years ago… Mr. Hickey and I had a short intrigue, quite sweet, although it ended badly. Now he thinks I’m a loose woman." — Mrs. Armstrong (17:23)

• Becker articulates his loyalty to Hickey, rooted in gratitude for being hired during hard times.

9. The Trap—Setting Up the Real Culprit (19:51–25:08)

• Becker cleverly arranges for Hickey to write the safe’s combination twice, one with an intentional mistake—a trick to see if anyone else could open the safe without checking the numbers.

• At the planned safe-opening, the necklace is found back in the safe, seemingly incriminating Hickey.

• Becker reveals the true culprit by showing that only someone who already knew the combination (Mr. Lewis, the resentful assistant manager) could have missed the planted error—proving he’d planted the necklace to frame Hickey.

  • Notable Exchange:

    "The trick to tying a fly is to make it look so real that the fish doesn't notice the one wrong detail… The hook, Mr. Hickey."
    — Becker (20:50–20:59)

  • Becker to Hawkins & Hickey:

    "Anyone who opened the safe from this paper… had to know the combination already." — Becker (23:17)

• Mr. Lewis confesses his resentment:

  • "You've humiliated me for far too long. There's one thing I do not regret: it's that I scared you silly. I wish I'd done more." (23:52)

10. Resolution & Reflections (25:08–26:29)

• Mr. Lewis will be let go; Mr. Hickey is exonerated.

• Becker muses on his complicated feelings about working for Hickey—a difficult boss, but someone who is wholly devoted to the hotel.

  • Reflective Quote:

    "He was pompous, he was condescending… So why do I continue working for him? …But I think of that moment sometimes when he told me the hotel was his life and that he’d resign before he ever did anything to hurt her. I believe that’s true." — Becker (25:53–26:29)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "So you're in logging, Mr. Schaefer. I hope you're planning to leave us a few trees." — Mrs. Armstrong (08:45)
• "No, I can't say I'm his friend, Mrs. Armstrong. But I do believe he's innocent." — Becker (17:01)
• Becker’s fly-tying metaphor as a detective maneuver (20:50–20:59)
• Lewis’s final outburst: "At least I shall never have to listen to another condescending syllable from you again." (23:52)
• "You cheated. To prove my innocence. I never thought you were guilty. I’m touched." — Mr. Hickey and Becker, post-reveal (24:45)

---

Important Timestamps

• 01:20 – Becker’s opening reflection on the hotel staff
• 02:55–03:43 – Necklace discovered missing
• 07:16 – Mr. Hickey’s devotion: “This hotel is my life…”
• 09:30–10:28 – Mrs. Armstrong and Becker at tea dance
• 12:06 – Insurance investigator Hawkins arrives
• 14:09–15:40 – Staff gossip and rivalry with Mr. Lewis
• 16:05–17:54 – Mrs. Armstrong’s confession, Becker’s loyalty
• 19:51 – Becker confronts Lewis
• 20:50–21:01 – Becker outlines his detective 'trap'
• 23:14–24:05 – Safe is opened, the plot revealed
• 25:53–26:29 – Becker’s closing reflection

---

Podcast Tone & Style

The episode maintains a classic, moody Golden Age detective story feel—wry, laconic narration from Becker, formal and occasionally acerbic exchanges among the hotel staff, and crisp, period-accurate dialogue. Emotional undercurrents are kept subtle but resonant, focused on themes of loyalty, pride, ambition, and the unseen dramas of daily work life in an old, storied hotel.

---

This summary provides a standalone, detailed guide to the episode's story, characters, and central themes, preserving the radio play’s classic tone and sharp dialogue.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Did you know you can save up to 70% on the best brands just by shopping at from rebel.com we're talking about strollers, car seats, high chairs, espresso machines, cookware. Everything you need for way less. Here's how it works. Every single day, Rebel drops thousands of new products on the site for up to 70% off. It is a constant stream of endless deals from top brands like Uppababy, Nuna, Baby bjorn, Breville, Nespresso, KitchenAid, Le Creuset and more. But you have to act fast because every deal is one of a kind. So if you see something you love, make sure you add to cart fast. So stop paying full price when you don't have to. Whether it's baby gear, kitchen upgrades, or a treasure for your home you didn't know you needed, Rebel has it for way less. Up to 70% less. Shop from rebel.com and save big.

[Becker]

A couple of months ago, they sent out the official photographer from Toronto. I was assigned to show him around to find the pictures that were going to sell the Queen of the Rockies back east. One of the last photographs he took captured the entire staff on the front steps of the hotel. Pretty impressive. Of course, now it's hanging in an alcove where nobody's likely to see it. But every once in a while, when I meet to believe I'm really part of something, I pass by and take another look. That's me, Becker. The tiny patch in the back row. I'm the house detective. And this. This is my home.

[Mr. Hickey]

No, no, Becker. I'm not suggesting that you should spy on your fellow employees. However, should you hear anything, by the

[Becker]

way, I'll report it.

[Mr. Hickey]

That's all I'm asking.

[Becker]

If it represents a threat to the hotel or the workers or the guests.

[Mr. Hickey]

But it is not always up to us to judge what it represents, Becker. That the president of.

[Narrator]

What?

[Mr. Hickey]

Hasn't anyone ever taught you to knock? How do you ever expect to manage your own hotel if you can't learn the simple? One knocks and waits for an invitation before one enters a superior's office.

[Mr. Lewis]

Excuse me, I didn't realize.

[Mr. Hickey]

There's Nothing to realize, Mr. Lewis. It is a simple courtesy. And as assistant manager.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Excuse me. Were you going to announce me, Mr. Lewis?

[Mr. Hickey]

Mrs. Armstrong.

[Mr. Lewis]

Mrs. Armstrong will take care of the lady.

[Mr. Hickey]

Mr. Lewis. Yes, sir.

[Becker]

Would you like me to step off?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

No, not on my account. I've only come to retrieve my necklace.

[Mr. Hickey]

Your necklace? Yes, yes, right here in the safe.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

I think that's where you put it.

[Mr. Hickey]

Oh, yes, yes. You're planning to grace us with your presence at the tea dance.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Then you should be a detective, Mr. Hickey.

[Mr. Hickey]

Oh, I doubt that Becker would agree with you.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Becker?

[Mr. Hickey]

Mr. Becker is our house detective, ma'.

[Mr. Lewis]

Am.

[Becker]

Yes.

[Mr. Hickey]

Now, the necklace. If you'll stand back, Becker. Absolutely crucial we keep the combination secret. Of course.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Goodness. I'll have to be careful around you, Mr. Becker.

[Mr. Hickey]

And here we are.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Thank you.

[Mr. Hickey]

Now, Becca, if you'll escort Mrs. Armstrong to the front desk, Lewis can complete the paperwork.

[Becker]

Don't you think you should check the box first?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Well, that hardly seems necessary.

[Becker]

Oh, no, no.

[Mr. Hickey]

He's absolutely correct. Rules should be observed, Mrs. Armstrong.

[Ms. Watts]

Of course.

[Mr. Hickey]

I must say, I'm looking forward to.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

They're gone. They're gone. Oh, my God.

[Mr. Hickey]

Oh, she's fainted.

[Becker]

She's out for the count. Come out here, Sergeant. Clear the cobwebs out of your head. Hotel air can get very stuffy.

[Mr. Hickey]

You're dodging me, Becker.

[Becker]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Hickey]

I asked if Hickey was behaving suspiciously.

[Becker]

You really suspect Hickey, Neil?

[Mr. Hickey]

I don't have much choice. He admits he put the necklace in the safe and he appears to be

[Becker]

the only one who could have removed it.

[Mr. Hickey]

Why on earth is he the only one with the combination? Anyway?

[Becker]

It's a badge of office to him.

[Mr. Hickey]

But what if someone needs something and he's not around?

[Becker]

Well, they simply have to wait. As far as Hickey's concerned, the manager holds the combination to the safe and that's it. Case closed. It's likely to close his case, that's for sure. Hickey didn't do it.

[Mr. Hickey]

Now, what makes you say that?

[Becker]

I was there, remember? He was as surprised as she was.

[Mr. Hickey]

Well, when you find something a bit more substantial, let me know. In the meantime, Mr. Hickey is our prime suspect.

[Becker]

I wasn't entirely open with Sergeant Drake. The truth is, Hickey had seemed quite agitated. But agitated was one thing and being a jewel thief was another. It just didn't sit right. Hickey had too much pride in running the hotel to allow for anything so messy. No, whatever was bothering him that morning wasn't in the safe. Afternoon, Mr. Lewis. Echo order over here to see the valuables register.

[Mr. Lewis]

Of course. Right over here.

[Ms. Watts]

I'm calling for you now, sir.

[Mr. Lewis]

It's a terrible thing, isn't it?

[Becker]

What?

[Mr. Lewis]

It's jewel theft, Mr. Hickey suspected. Ridiculous, I think. Here you are.

[Becker]

How exactly does this work?

[Mr. Lewis]

Very simply. One records the date, the name and room number of the guest here, the description of the object which we're putting in the Safe goes on the right here. Then the manager signs the book and issues a receipt.

[Becker]

And this is the entry for Mrs. Armstrong?

[Mr. Lewis]

That's correct.

[Becker]

Seems a bit sketchy.

[Mr. Lewis]

There's no description, no signature. Totally inadequate, I'm afraid, because sometimes these things happen.

[Becker]

What things?

[Mr. Lewis]

Well, as you can see, I was registering Mrs. Armstrong's valuables.

[Becker]

The necklace?

[Mr. Lewis]

I believe so. I didn't actually see the necklace when Mr. Hickey came out and insisted on taking over.

[Becker]

But he didn't complete the registration?

[Mr. Lewis]

No. He took Mrs. Armstrong into his office. He probably assumed that the registration had been completed.

[Becker]

And you didn't think to point out that it hadn't?

[Mr. Lewis]

Mr. Hickey doesn't like to have things pointed out to him. I think you know that, Mr. Becker.

[Becker]

Does Mr. Hickey often invite guests into his office?

[Mr. Lewis]

Not that I've noticed.

[Becker]

Is there anything else you noticed, Becca? I thought I heard you.

[Mr. Lewis]

Come in, will you?

[Becker]

Right away. Thank you, Mr. Lewis.

[Mr. Lewis]

Mr. Becker. Come in. Come in.

[Mr. Hickey]

And close the door. I'm not sure I approve of your gossiping with Mr. Lewis, Becker.

[Becker]

Just looking around.

[Mr. Hickey]

I think I'd rather you weren't looking around. There's really no need.

[Becker]

Perhaps you don't understand.

[Mr. Hickey]

I understand that very well. But I'm prepared to stand on my reputation.

[Becker]

That may not be enough. This Mrs. Armstrong.

[Mr. Hickey]

That's exactly my point. An investigation of the manager can only spawn gossip and rumors.

[Becker]

I'm not going to repeat anything you.

[Mr. Hickey]

You know, Becca, this hotel is my life. I'd resign before I harmed her in any way.

[Becker]

Yes, I believe that.

[Mr. Hickey]

I give you my word, if I KNEW Anything about Mrs. Armstrong that had any bearing on the present situation, I would let you know, Mr. Hickey. But I do not.

[Becker]

And that's it?

[Mr. Hickey]

That's it.

[Becker]

Okay. If that's what you want. Tell me about the necklace. What does it look like?

[Mr. Hickey]

I don't know.

[Becker]

What? I don't know.

[Mr. Hickey]

It was in a box.

[Becker]

And you didn't ask to see it?

[Mr. Hickey]

Sometimes the guests must be respected, Becker.

[Becker]

The guests must be respected. Sometimes I wanted to strangle that man. Mr. Hickey doesn't like to have things pointed out to him. As a result, no one actually saw Mrs. Armstrong's missing necklace. It was obviously time to talk with the lady herself. But that wasn't going to be so easy. Mrs. Armstrong informed me she had no interest in discussing the matter further. And necklace or not, she had much more enjoyable plans for the afternoon.

[Mr. Hickey]

So

[Becker]

I must admit I could think of better places for a private conversation than a Wednesday afternoon tea dance. But as Mr. Hickey had said, the guests must be respected.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

So you're in logging, Mr. Schaefer. I hope you're planning to leave us a few trees around the hotel.

[Becker]

Oh, there's plenty to go around.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

And is it very profitable?

[Mr. Hawkins]

Profitable, ma'?

[Mr. Hickey]

Am?

[Mr. Hawkins]

It's a gold mine.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Oh, how exciting.

[Becker]

May I come in, Mr. Becker? I'm not sure the.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Perfectly all right, Mr. Schaefer. Thank you.

[Mr. Hawkins]

As you wish.

[Public Service Announcer]

Me.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Till later. Shall we?

[Becker]

Of course. I apologize if I interrupted.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

You're a very persistent man, Mr. Becker.

[Becker]

Yes, I am.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Perhaps we should sit this one out there.

[Mr. Hickey]

Closer, please.

[Becker]

Is this acceptable?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Perfectly. Thank you.

[Becker]

Let's start with the necklace.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

A diamond and ruby choker valued at $40,000, give or take.

[Becker]

You're very calm about it.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

They're insured.

[Becker]

No sentimental value.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

I'm a woman alone, Becker. I can't afford to be sentimental.

[Becker]

I see. Do you have any idea who the thief might be?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

The police suspect Mr. Hickey.

[Becker]

Do you?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

No.

[Becker]

Why not?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Mr. Hickey has always been most obliging.

[Becker]

You've known Mr. Hickey for some time, then?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Since I arrived.

[Becker]

But it does appear that he's the only person who could have stolen your necklace.

[Mr. Lewis]

Unless.

[Becker]

I don't suppose there's any possibility that it was not actually in the box. Because it turns out that no one except you actually saw it.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Anyone could have looked. At any time, yes.

[Becker]

Wonder why they didn't.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Perhaps we should return to the floor, Becca. I think I prefer dancing with my feet.

[Texas Tourism Announcer]

Call in all sightseers and selfie takers. Welcome to Texas, where a day on our hiking trails will lead to a lifetime of memories. And family road trips become family legends where thrill seekers make a splash into spring fed pools and picky eaters will clean their plates. This is your invitation to visit Texas and see it for yourself. Visit traveltexas.com and plan your family's trip today. Let's Texas.

[Public Service Announcer]

In a world of endless notifications, there could be an important one you're missing. Your kidneys may be signaling an SOS with high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Your kidneys could be warning you of early signs of damage, which may put you at higher risk for events like heart attack or stroke. But there's a simple test that can help spot a hidden signal. Ask your doctor about a urine test called UACR to help detect kidney disease and heart risk early. To learn more, visit detectthesos.com today.

[Becker]

The next day, Mr. Hickey was in the quaint Victorian phrasing of the governor's Sent home to await the outcome of the investigation. Over the weekend, a blanket of silence settled down on the hotel. For the guests, of course, it was business as usual. But on the back stairs, people talked in whispers or burst into surprising fits of laughter. No one knew what was going to happen next, but it wasn't long before I was to find out.

[Mr. Lewis]

Come in. Megan, I'd like you to meet Mr. Hawkins.

[Becker]

Mr. Hawkins.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Becker. I wondered if it would be you.

[Mr. Lewis]

You know each other?

[Becker]

Know him?

[Mr. Hawkins]

Becker here was the best damn mountain guide in the province. Well, this is going to be more enjoyable than I'd imagined.

[Becker]

What is?

[Mr. Lewis]

Mr. Hawkins is with Continental Insurance.

[Mr. Hawkins]

We're investigating the Armstrong claim. Hell, if I knew you were the man on the spot, I could have saved myself the trip.

[Becker]

I don't know. I haven't got a whole lot to report.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Then I'll fill you in in some of the insurance background, and we'll see where we go from there.

[Becker]

Sounds good.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Oh, it is. Four years ago, a diamond and ruby necklace disappeared from the Hotel McDonald.

[Mr. Lewis]

That's the Macdonald in Ottawa.

[Mr. Hawkins]

That necklace was never recovered, and the insured was very generously compensated.

[Becker]

I assume you've guessed Mrs. Armstrong.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Precisely. Mrs. Armstrong. Now another of her necklaces has disappeared. That sounds like the same necklace to me.

[Becker]

As far as I know, nobody's actually laid eyes on it.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Which suggests a connection between Mrs. Armstrong and Mr. Hickey.

[Becker]

Oh, I haven't found anything.

[Public Service Announcer]

Keep looking.

[Mr. Hawkins]

You'll find it. It's got to be there somewhere.

[Becker]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Now, Mr. Lewis, let's have a look in the safe.

[Mr. Lewis]

Oh, I'm afraid That's impossible, sir. Mr. Hickey's the only person with the combination.

[Becker]

What?

[Mr. Hawkins]

Aren't there procedures?

[Mr. Lewis]

Mr. Hickey ignores them.

[Mr. Hawkins]

But you have asked for it back.

[Mr. Lewis]

I didn't feel I had the authority.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Well, you're now the acting manager, Louis. You have the authority. So get that combination back by tomorrow morning.

[Mr. Hickey]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Lewis]

Very good.

[Mr. Hawkins]

See you in the morning, Becker.

[Becker]

Mr. Hawkins. Acting manager. Well, congratulations.

[Mr. Lewis]

Thank you. It's not actually announced yet, but now this matter of the combination. Would you see to that, Becker?

[Becker]

Me?

[Mr. Lewis]

Well, you're the man on the spot. Besides, I think you'd agree that it could be a sensitive request coming from the new manager.

[Mr. Hickey]

Acting, of course.

[Mr. Lewis]

Of course.

[Ms. Watts]

Hotel switchboard. Yes, sir. It's a quarter of ten. Thank you, sir. Good night. Oh, Mr. Becker. What have you got there?

[Becker]

The registers for the past two years.

[Ms. Watts]

Looking for something particular?

[Becker]

Someone. But I didn't find her.

[Ms. Watts]

Mrs. Armstrong.

[Becker]

Perhaps I should be talking to You?

[Ms. Watts]

I was a bit surprised that you didn't. After all, I was sitting right here when that woman arrived and. And Mr. Hickey knew her for the hussy she was the minute he saw her. Imagine dancing the afternoon after your jewels are stolen.

[Becker]

Do you think he recognized her?

[Ms. Watts]

Absolutely. He even warned Mr. Lewis.

[Mr. Hickey]

Warned?

[Ms. Watts]

After she left, he warned him. Of course, it wasn't the best time. Mr. Lewis was in quite a temper.

[Becker]

I never noticed that Mr. Lewis had a temper.

[Ms. Watts]

Well, you've got to know how to recognize it. He gets all broody, quiet. Of course, it's worse since Mr. Hickey arrived.

[Becker]

Mr. Lewis was here before Mr. Hickey?

[Ms. Watts]

Lord, what, you don't know? Of course he was. He was the acting manager, just like he is now.

[Becker]

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.

[Ms. Watts]

You mustn't make me laugh. Good evening. Hotel switchboard. I'm afraid the kitchen's closed, madam. Good night. Now, where were we?

[Becker]

You were telling me how Mr. Lewis changed when Mr. Hickey arrived here. Do you happen to know where he came from?

[Ms. Watts]

Oh, that's easy. The Hotel MacDonald in Ottawa. Mr. Hickey was assistant manager at the Hotel McDonald.

[Becker]

Any lawyer will tell you there's nothing worse than asking the wrong question and getting an answer you didn't bargain for. True. I'd found a link between Mr. Hickey and Mrs. Armstrong. Hawkins would be pleased. And Ms. Watts had given me a hussy and a passed over assistant manager to think about. Which is considerably more than I'd had before.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Yes, it's true. The McDonald lost a necklace of mine. It should have taught me, I suppose. And that necklace was diamond and ruby choker.

[Becker]

Sounds like the same.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

It was identical. I had it copied.

[Becker]

A copy. Not quite the same.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

I never found anything that looked as good on me. Could we finish this in the morning?

[Becker]

Becker, did you know that before he came here, Mr. Hickey was the assistant manager at the McDonald?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Indeed.

[Becker]

There's an insurance investigator who's going to find that pretty incriminating.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

I think you'll find that Mr. Hickey left the McDonald's some months before they lost my necklace.

[Becker]

How'd you know that?

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Check it up if you like.

[Becker]

Look, Mrs. Armstrong, if there's any suspicion, any suspicion at all, Hickey's finished. Do you know what that will mean to him? This hotel is his life.

[Ms. Watts]

So?

[Becker]

So if you know something, now's the time to tell it. And I'm the person to tell it, too. I just might be able to.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

Are you really his friend, Becker?

[Becker]

No, I can't say I'm his friend, Mrs. Armstrong. But I do believe he's innocent.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

I'm not sure that's enough.

[Becker]

Mr. Hickey hired me for this job when I was so low, nobody in their right mind would have hired me as a hitching post. I owe him for that, and if it's possible, I'm going to repay him.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

A few years ago, when he was assistant manager at the McDonald and somewhat younger, Mr. Hickey and I had a short intrigue, quite sweet, although it ended badly. Now he thinks I'm a loose woman.

[Becker]

Which is why he invited you into his office that day. He was protecting his assistant manager, Lewis.

[Mrs. Armstrong]

He almost jumped out of his skin when he saw me at the desk. Sad, isn't it?

[Mr. Lewis]

It's very late, Mr. Becker.

[Becker]

There's just a couple of things I'd like to check.

[Mr. Hickey]

Sit down, then.

[Becker]

Whiskey in the office?

[Mr. Lewis]

It's one of the privileges of management. Does it make you uncomfortable?

[Becker]

No.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Go ahead.

[Becker]

So you enjoy being acting manager?

[Mr. Lewis]

Well, I haven't really had time to tell.

[Becker]

But you've been acting manager before?

[Mr. Lewis]

For a short period.

[Becker]

Hickey's a few years younger than you, isn't he?

[Mr. Lewis]

A few.

[Becker]

It's always like that. You carry the can for them, and then they send out a kid from Ottawa to take over.

[Mr. Lewis]

Mr. Hickey's been an excellent manager.

[Becker]

Until now, that is.

[Mr. Lewis]

You feel he's involved in this, don't you? Well, it's certainly possible.

[Becker]

It's also possible that someone might benefit from making it look that way.

[Mr. Lewis]

I hope you're not suggesting I had something to do with this.

[Becker]

Well, sometimes you've got to try a few paths before you find the right one.

[Mr. Lewis]

Well, then I suggest you try another.

[Becker]

Right. Oh, you're right. I hope you understand. I had to. No hard feelings?

[Mr. Lewis]

None. I appreciate your loyalty to Mr. Hickey. I hope you show the same loyalty when I'm the manager, which I suspect

[Becker]

will be quite soon. Oh, I wouldn't hold your breath on that one.

[Mr. Lewis]

Why's that?

[Mr. Hawkins]

Hickey will be back.

[Becker]

Unless they find the jewels in his pocket, that is. He's got a lot of influence.

[Mr. Hickey]

I don't know.

[Becker]

How do you think he got the job in the first place? There's something about a man who offers a whiskey to an ex drunk. Something a bit sadistic. You don't want to trust him. And you know you're not going to enjoy working for him. He was a cool customer, though, Lewis. And if he had a temper, he was keeping it well under wraps. But temper's one thing. And ambition's another. I was betting he didn't have the same control over that.

[Mr. Hickey]

It's 11:30, Becker.

[Becker]

You were asleep.

[Mr. Hickey]

No, I won't stay long. I suppose you've got more questions.

[Becker]

I've actually come for the combination to the safe. Ah. Final blow.

[Mr. Hickey]

Lewis thinks I'm hiding something, does he?

[Becker]

It's not Lewis. It's Sam Hawkins.

[Mr. Hickey]

Hawkins. I'm Impressed. No, honored. I. What am I going to do, Becker?

[Becker]

Hawkins is just being thorough.

[Mr. Hickey]

Yes, yes, yes, of course. And Lewis.

[Becker]

Well, you know Lewis better than I do.

[Mr. Hickey]

He's an envious little man, Becker. I've never trusted him. It occurred to me that. But he couldn't, could he? Oh, excuse me. I'll write out the combination for you.

[Becker]

I'd like you to write it out twice, Becca. On two separate sheets of paper. You don't need to show me. But there's a trick.

[Mr. Hickey]

What are you up to, Becker?

[Becker]

We're going to tie a fly.

[Mr. Hickey]

And the trick.

[Becker]

The trick to tying a fly is to make it look so real that the fish doesn't notice the one wrong detail.

[Mr. Hickey]

Which is?

[Becker]

The hook, Mr. Hickey.

[Mr. Hickey]

The hook.

[Mr. Lewis]

Admirably on time, Becker.

[Mr. Hickey]

I'm impressed.

[Becker]

New days, Mr. Lewis. Mr. Hawkins.

[Mr. Lewis]

And you have the combination?

[Becker]

Signed, sealed and delivered.

[Mr. Lewis]

Thank you.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Take your time, Mr. Lewis. This is a solemn moment.

[Ms. Watts]

Oh.

[Mr. Hickey]

Oh, excuse me, I. I should have knocked. Mr. Hickey.

[Mr. Lewis]

Good morning.

[Mr. Hickey]

We were about to open the safe. Yes, well, don't let me stop you. I've just got a few things to pick up. Morning, Becker.

[Becker]

Mr. Hickey.

[Mr. Hickey]

Mr. Hawkins. I thought we'd be seeing you. Go ahead. Go ahead.

[Mr. Lewis]

I'm not sure.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Get on with it, Lewis.

[Mr. Lewis]

Well, there's no reason to be rude.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Will you please open the safe, Mr. Lewis?

[Becker]

Right away.

[Mr. Hickey]

Right.

[Becker]

Left.

[Mr. Hickey]

Right onto left.

[Becker]

That's it.

[Mr. Hickey]

Excellent.

[Mr. Lewis]

Well, ready for inspection, Mr. Hawkins. I'm returning the combination to you, Mr. Becker.

[Becker]

You don't want it?

[Mr. Lewis]

Only if I were confirmed in my post. I'm sorry, Mr. Hickey.

[Mr. Hickey]

It's quite all right, Mr. Lewis. Eureka.

[Mr. Hawkins]

One diamond and ruby choker. I've got you, Hickey. I knew I had the minute you walked through that door. You just couldn't stay away.

[Mr. Lewis]

I'm sorry, Mr. Hickey.

[Mr. Hawkins]

What do you think, Becker? The perfect place to hide the goods. Right back where they came from. You've outsmarted yourself, Mr. Hickey.

[Mr. Hickey]

Well, if I had put them there, I would agree with you.

[Mr. Hawkins]

What do you mean, if? You're the only one with a combination.

[Becker]

Not quite.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Yes, yes, I know you have it, Becker.

[Becker]

The truth is, I don't have it.

[Mr. Lewis]

More games, Mr. Becker?

[Mr. Hickey]

What's this about?

[Becker]

Did you know that Mr. Lewis was the acting manager before Mr. Hickey arrived? Imagine how he felt when he was replaced.

[Mr. Lewis]

This is nonsense.

[Becker]

But an obvious motive, with Mr. Hickey accused of theft.

[Mr. Hawkins]

But Mr. Hickey was the only one with the combination.

[Becker]

Exactly what I thought. Until it occurred to me that the man who was acting manager when Mr. Hickey arrived might also never. So last night I suggested to Mr. Lewis that it might be necessary to actually find the necklace in Mr. Hickey's possession. That is, if we really wanted to get rid of him for good. Later that night, when I went to pick up the combination from Mr. Hickey,

[Mr. Hickey]

he asked me to write it out with one number changed.

[Becker]

Anyone who opened the safe from this paper, the paper I gave you, Mr. Lewis, had to know the combination already. Had to know it so well that he never really looked at the figures.

[Mr. Hickey]

That's ridiculous.

[Becker]

It was a risk, I admit.

[Mr. Lewis]

Let me see that.

[Becker]

Be my guest.

[Mr. Hawkins]

Very nice, Becker.

[Mr. Lewis]

This isn't the combination Exactly. But Mr. Hickey could still have placed the necklace in the safe.

[Becker]

He was with me all night.

[Mr. Hawkins]

I think you owe this man a debt of gratitude, Hickey.

[Mr. Hickey]

Yes, it's very satisfying when one's staff performs up to expectations. Now, as for you, Mr. Lewis.

[Mr. Lewis]

Don't say a word, Mr. Hickey. You've humiliated me for far too long. There's one thing I do not regret. It's that I scared you silly. I wish I'd done more. But at least I shall never have to listen to another condescending syllable from you again.

[Mr. Hickey]

Just a few more, Mr. Lewis. Your services will no longer be required. Becca, I think you'd better call Sergeant Drake. There is one thing I don't understand.

[Becker]

What's that?

[Mr. Hickey]

I wrote out two copies of the combination, one of them correctly, which I gave to Louis. No, you gave him the one with the number changed.

[Becker]

Oh, not at first. I couldn't count on him missing the mistake, so I actually gave him the correct combination. He opened the safe, he returned it. Then when he asked to see it again, I substituted the one you changed. He assumed, as anyone would, that he'd simply corrected the mistake without noticing.

[Mr. Hickey]

You cheated. To prove my innocence, I never thought you were guilty. I'm touched.

[Becker]

But I never thought you'd have a fling with a guest either.

[Mr. Hickey]

I beg your pardon?

[Becker]

That's the kind of thing that comes to the surface when we begin to spy on people. If you know what I mean, whatever

[Mr. Hickey]

are you talking about, Becker?

[Becker]

And that's as much of a thank you as I ever got from Mr. Hickey. By the next day, he was his usual self. And by the end of the week, I was beginning to agree with Lewis's assessment of his character. He was pompous, he was condescending, he was officious. So why do I continue working for him? I'm not sure. But I think of that moment sometimes when he told me the hotel was his life and that he'd resign before he ever did anything to hurt her. I believe that's true. The Queen really is his life. And I respect that. It's important.

[Narrator]

The sun's shining, birds are singing, and all feels right in the world.

[Public Service Announcer]

Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed. In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression, no matter the season or time of year.

[Narrator]

At the American Psychiatric association foundation, our vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all, because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round.

[Public Service Announcer]

Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more.