Big Guy - Patent Leather Bag

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Big Guy – Patent Leather Bag

Date: March 14, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features "The Big Guy: Patent Leather Bag," the final story in the current series about Joshua Sharp, a detective who is both a single father to Josh Jr. and Debbie, and a professional sleuth. The episode weaves together themes of integrity, the complexities of promises, and crime investigation in a classic Golden Age radio mystery.

Joshua Sharp is confronted with a theft accusation against his kids, a neighbor's mysterious death, and a tangled web of secrets involving blackmail, a stolen handbag, and murder. The story culminates in a lesson about the limits of absolute honesty and the nuanced responsibilities of keeping one's word.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Establishing Family Values and the Mystery of the Black Eye

• The episode begins with Joshua emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s word to his children.
  • Quote (01:00) — Joshua: "If you can't keep a promise, don't make a promise. But once you've given your word, be bound by it. Keep it no matter what."
• Breakfast is interrupted by the discovery that Josh Jr. has a black eye, received from another child, Tubby Denton, which he did not retaliate against due to a promise made to his father.
  • Quote (03:31) — Joshua: "So that's why you didn't. Well, I'm proud of you, son. I'm very proud of you."
  • Insight: Sets up the key moral framework (the importance and complications of promises) and foreshadows later dilemmas.

2. The Accusation: Mrs. Jessup’s Missing Handbag

• Mrs. Jessup, the landlady, accuses Josh and Debbie of stealing her patent leather handbag, citing circumstantial evidence: they were the only ones in the building.
  • Quote (05:01) — Joshua: "I hope you're prepared to say more than that, Mrs. Jessup."
  • Quote (06:56) — Joshua: "Now look, if they touched anything of yours, you'll have it back in the next minute and a half. But I'll stake my life they know nothing about it."
• Joshua is fiercely defensive of his children but resolves to get to the truth.

3. Investigation and the Puzzling Evidence

• Joshua questions his kids, who steadfastly deny entering Mrs. Jessup’s apartment or taking the bag.
• The arrival of a delivery boy with a COD package for a hunting knife and sewing kit ordered by the children, paid with a $5 bill, deepens suspicion.
  • Quote (10:43) — Joshua: "Why. Why, it's. It's ours, Daddy."
  • Insight: The origin of the $5 becomes a point of contention, linking it to the missing money from Jessup's bag.

4. Mrs. Jessup’s Collapse and Death

• Joshua confronts Mrs. Jessup; the stress results in her sudden collapse (12:18).
  • Quote (12:18) — Joshua: "She had fallen at full length on her parlor rug, her eyes rolled back and her arms and legs stiff and rigid."
• Dr. Maryvale arrives, asks to be left alone with her, and soon after, pronounces her dead from a heart attack (15:19).
  • Insight: Subtle hints are dropped about Dr. Maryvale's true involvement.

5. The Deeper Mystery: Leads and Murders

• A mysterious informant, Matt Bowden, offers information about Mrs. Jessup for $120 but is murdered before he can speak (17:22).
  • Quote (17:46) — Joshua: "The bullets had come blazing down from the dark, rickety balcony that ringed the rutly lobby and Bowden crashed to the unswept floor at my feet and died there."
• A call with Dr. Huddleston, Jessup’s actual physician, reveals Mrs. Jessup had no history of heart problems, casting suspicion on Dr. Maryvale/Lindsay (21:00).

6. Piecing It Together: Broken and Bent Promises

• Joshua confronts his children again, convinced they witnessed someone enter Jessup’s flat.
• The kids reveal they gave their word not to reveal having seen the man—he paid them $5 for their silence.
  • Quote (23:45) — Debbie: "Well, didn't you say that your word is your bond and that once you give it, you should stick by it, no matter what it means."
  • Quote (24:05) — Debbie: "We didn't know. He came up the stairs and saw us and said he'd give us $5 if we give our word never to say we saw him. And we gave our word."
  • Insight: The central dilemma of the episode—when (if ever) is it right to break a promise?

7. The Big Reveal & Showdown

• Dr. Maryvale, revealed to actually be John Lindsay (a disgraced doctor/ex-con), is confronted by Joshua.
  • Quote (24:21) — Joshua: "I've known that you murdered Mrs. Jessup, Dr. Merivale."
  • Quote (25:17) — Maryvale/Lindsay: "I don't relish this or anything I've had to do. But it's been forced on me. You wouldn't really kill again. What choice have I?"
• A gun is pulled, but the children and Joshua distract him, leading to his unsuccessful escape and arrest (25:30).

8. Resolution and Moral Reflection

• The children struggle with guilt about breaking their word, and Joshua explains the exceptions to integrity when a promise enables harm.
  • Quote (26:19) — Joshua: "It's all right for you to tell. It was the only thing to do."
  • Quote (26:32) — Joshua: "Circumstances alter cases, son. That is, in some degree, it depends on who you give your word to."
  • Quote (26:43) — Joshua: "You want to know something else that's hard to understand? ... How I ever managed to get two wonderful kids like [you]."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If you can't keep a promise, don't make a promise. But once you've given your word, be bound by it. Keep it no matter what." – Joshua Sharp (01:00)
• "I'm proud of you, son. I'm very proud of you." – Joshua, learning Josh Jr. kept his promise (03:34)
• "There are some times when you should break a promise." – Joshua Sharp, on life’s complexities (26:23)
• "Circumstances alter cases, son. It depends on who you give your word to." – Joshua Sharp (26:32)
• "How I ever managed to get two wonderful kids like..." – Joshua Sharp, finale reflection (26:43)
• The children’s guilt and relief upon learning that sometimes justice or safety outweighs an absolute promise.

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Timestamps of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------| | 01:00 | Joshua’s code on promises and family values | | 05:01 | Mrs. Jessup accuses the kids | | 10:25 | Delivery boy and the $5 question | | 12:18 | Mrs. Jessup’s collapse | | 17:46 | Murder of Mac Bowden | | 21:00 | Dr. Huddleston reveals real medical history | | 23:45 | The children’s secret and the promise dilemma | | 24:21 | Confrontation with Dr. Maryvale/Lindsay | | 25:30 | Showdown and Mary's arrest attempt | | 26:19 | Joshua explains exceptions to promises | | 26:43 | Emotional family wrap-up |

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Tone and Language

The script features snappy, witty, and warm period dialogue. Joshua’s narration moves from gentle wisdom with his children to hard-nosed, direct confrontation with suspects. The children are earnest, inquisitive, and innocent, adding emotional stakes to the mystery. The episode balances suspense, morality, and tender domestic moments, encapsulating the storytelling style of classic radio drama.

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Closing Thoughts

"The Big Guy – Patent Leather Bag" masterfully blends a whodunit with a moving meditation on personal ethics. The interplay between Joshua and his children brings heart to the procedural, while the twisty plot keeps listeners engaged. Ultimately, the story illustrates how integrity can be tested—and sometimes must bend—in pursuit of greater truths.

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Transcript

[Joshua Sharp]

From New York Times best selling author James Rollins comes a gripping standalone thriller framed for murder and on the run. A group of students must decode an ancient diary that promises immortality. Trust no one. Available now.

[Debbie]

Tell us again, Daddy. Tell us again.

[Joshua Sharp]

Oh, no, not again.

[Debbie]

Please, Daddy, how tall are you? Tell us how tall.

[Joshua Sharp]

Well, I'm 25 in my stocking feet.

[Debbie]

How big? Your shoes. What size do you wear?

[Joshua Sharp]

Size 902 in a triple Z.

[Debbie]

That's our daddy. The Big Guy.

[Joshua Sharp]

NBC presents the Big Guy in the final story of the current series of adventures of a very unusual detective, Joshua Sharp. Joshua Sharp works for his clients on a strictly cash basis to provide for the needs of his nearest and dearest, Josh Jr. And his daughter, Debbie. To these two, Sharp is both father and mother. To his clients, he is a good detective. To Josh and Debbie, he's the friendly magician, the fabulous hero, the giant among giants. The Big Guy. Tonight's adventure with the Big Guy, the case of the patent leather bag. One thing I've always emphasized to my kids has been the importance of keeping their word. If you can't keep a promise, don't make a promise. I've always told them. But once you've given your word, be bound by it. Keep it no matter what. I didn't expect Josh and Debbie at their age to latch onto it too thoroughly. My idea was to plant the seed by repetition so it would take root and flower at some later date. Certainly, I was unprepared that morning at breakfast when I suddenly noticed the enormous black eye that had blossomed on my son and heir now.

[Debbie]

It's all right, Daddy.

[Joshua Sharp]

Josh, where in the world did you get that?

[Debbie]

There's nothing to worry about.

[Joshua Sharp]

Maybe not for you and me, Debbie, but it's Josh's eye.

[Debbie]

Well, I put a little piece of beefsteak on it.

[Joshua Sharp]

A shiner like that deserves a pound of beefsteak. Who gave it to you, son?

[Debbie]

A kid.

[Joshua Sharp]

What kid?

[Debbie]

Just a kid. Now tell the truth, Josh, for that horrid little Tubby Denton.

[Joshua Sharp]

Tubby Denton?

[Debbie]

The fat one with the stick out teeth in front of.

[Joshua Sharp]

Oh, the druggist boy?

[Debbie]

Yeah, the druggist boy. He just walked up to Josh. I was watching Daddy, and he hit him in the eye. Just like that. For nothing.

[Joshua Sharp]

I see. Well, son?

[Debbie]

Well, what?

[Joshua Sharp]

How does Tubby look?

[Debbie]

He never did look very good to me.

[Joshua Sharp]

No, I. You know what I mean.

[Debbie]

No, I don't.

[Joshua Sharp]

What did you do to him?

[Debbie]

Nothing.

[Joshua Sharp]

Huh?

[Debbie]

I didn't do anything to him.

[Joshua Sharp]

You mean you let another kid paste you like that and get away with it?

[Debbie]

Yeah.

[Joshua Sharp]

Why? Josh, I. I'm surprised at you.

[Debbie]

You are?

[Joshua Sharp]

Of course I am. Did you expect me to be anything else?

[Debbie]

Yes, sir. I did.

[Joshua Sharp]

Well, what?

[Debbie]

You remember, Daddy?

[Joshua Sharp]

Remember What?

[Debbie]

Last week, Mrs. Tyler called up because Josh had punch Willie Tyler in the nose and she threatened to tell the police officer.

[Joshua Sharp]

Yes, I remember that.

[Debbie]

And you made Josh promise not to have any more fights with anybody ever. Oh, under no circumstances, you said.

[Joshua Sharp]

I did make you promise that, didn't I, Josh?

[Debbie]

You mean you didn't remember.

[Joshua Sharp]

Oh, of course. Sure, I remember. So that's why you didn't. Well, I'm proud of you, son. I'm very proud of you. But I was also late to work, so I kissed my two goodbye and hurried down the steps. I made a mental note that I must reopen the subject of fights and make a clear distinction between unprovoked aggression and justified self defense. I was just hurrying along the second floor corridor, I remember when I looked up and saw Mrs. Jessup standing. Standing in her open door, looking at me with a worried frown. Mrs. Jessup was a widow and our landlady. And I stopped short at that look on her face and asked her if there was something I could do for her. She answered my question with a question.

[Debbie]

Why don't you just return it, Mr. Sharp? I'm not a one to make trouble.

[Joshua Sharp]

What's that, Mrs. Jessup?

[Debbie]

Well, there's no point making mountains out of mole hills, I always say.

[Joshua Sharp]

I don't quite understand.

[Debbie]

It's all right, Mr. Sharp. Kids will be kids. I guess we've all done worse things ourselves. If we could remember back.

[Joshua Sharp]

Worse things? Worse things than what?

[Debbie]

Now, don't get yourself all overwrought. Mr. Sharp wasn't worth a lot. Just an old patent leather handbag.

[Joshua Sharp]

Patent leather handbag?

[Debbie]

Just junk, really. Wouldn't be seen dead carrying it around. But. Well, that's not it, you know. It's the principle of the do.

[Joshua Sharp]

I understand you're trying to say my children stole a handbag.

[Debbie]

Well, I. I don't like to say.

[Joshua Sharp]

I hope you're prepared to say more than that, Mrs. Jessup.

[Debbie]

Now, it was just as much my fault as it was theirs. They play up and down these steps all day. And I should have known enough not to go out and leave my door open.

[Joshua Sharp]

Listen, Mrs. Jessup, you can leave your door open anytime you please, day and night. Josh and Debbie would never walk into your apartment.

[Debbie]

Well, I know you believe that, and it's a credit to you, Mr. Sharp, but. Well, the fact remains that they did.

[Joshua Sharp]

You mean you accuse my kids?

[Debbie]

I'm not accusing anybody.

[Joshua Sharp]

You needn't be afraid of lawsuits, ladies. That's not the point at all. I don't think in terms of libel and slander. It's understandable that a person can make an innocent mistake.

[Debbie]

I'm not making a mistake, innocent or otherwise.

[Joshua Sharp]

And I want details. Cold details with no more face saving hypocrisy.

[Debbie]

All right then, you can have them. Mr. Sharp. I left the house yesterday afternoon at 3 o'. Clock. There was nobody here. Not a soul anywhere on any of the floors except those two kids of yours. And they were playing here in this hall.

[Joshua Sharp]

Go on.

[Debbie]

Well, a little after five I got back and the handbag was gone.

[Joshua Sharp]

So?

[Debbie]

Well, how much more do you want?

[Joshua Sharp]

That's your case against my kids.

[Debbie]

Well, I don't expect a father to believe bad things about his children.

[Joshua Sharp]

I wouldn't believe bad things about a three time loser on evidence like that.

[Debbie]

I tell you, there wasn't another soul in the house.

[Joshua Sharp]

There must have been.

[Debbie]

But there wasn't.

[Joshua Sharp]

Well, what about the janitor?

[Debbie]

Hankie wasn't here. It was his sister's birthday and he had the afternoon off. Besides, he knew nothing about the handbag.

[Joshua Sharp]

You mean Josh and Debbie did?

[Debbie]

Yes, Mr. Sharp. They saw me take it out of the sideboard drawer one day last week when I gave them a nickel for sweeping up the sidewalks.

[Joshua Sharp]

There was money in the bag?

[Debbie]

Oh, very little.

[Joshua Sharp]

How much?

[Debbie]

Six. No, five. Five. One dollar bill. But that's not the point, Mr. Sharp. There were some very valuable papers inside wrapped in a rubber band. And if they'll just return them.

[Joshua Sharp]

Now look, if they touched anything of yours, you'll have it back in the next minute and a half. But I'll stake my life they know nothing about it.

[Debbie]

Naturally, they may say so, and if

[Joshua Sharp]

they do, I want it understood that they'll be telling the truth.

[Debbie]

But.

[Joshua Sharp]

And I'll believe them. And what's more, Mrs. Jessup, so will you. Even as I ran back upstairs, I realized I was being completely unfair. If the kids had been alone in the house and the handbag had been stolen, the woman could be forgiven for thinking Josh and Debbie had something to do with the theft. On the other hand, I knew my kids. Somebody must have come in and taken the bag. And the kids probably had seen them likely enough. I told myself, they'll be able to clear the situation up immediately. I opened the door and saw the children sitting on the floor playing a quiet game of checkers.

[Debbie]

Daddy, you back? Daddy?

[Joshua Sharp]

Yeah.

[Debbie]

You're not sick or something?

[Joshua Sharp]

Sick? No, no, I'm fine, baby.

[Debbie]

Then why didn't you go to the office?

[Joshua Sharp]

Oh, I. I just wanted to talk to you for a minute.

[Debbie]

To me?

[Joshua Sharp]

To both of you.

[Debbie]

What about, Daddy?

[Joshua Sharp]

Well, I want you to understand that Daddy knows. I mean, I don't think for a moment that. Son?

[Debbie]

Yes, Daddy?

[Joshua Sharp]

Baby, what's wrong? Daddy, have. Have you ever, ever at any time, gone into Mrs. Jessup's apartment?

[Debbie]

Well, yes. Yes, we have.

[Joshua Sharp]

You have? Why would you do a thing like that?

[Debbie]

She's invited us in once. We swept the sidewalks and she gave us a nickel for it.

[Joshua Sharp]

Oh, you don't understand, baby. I mean, have you ever gone in when she's not at home?

[Debbie]

No. No, we haven't.

[Joshua Sharp]

I see. Yesterday afternoon at 3 o', clock, it seems she went out for a while.

[Debbie]

We know. We saw her. We were down there in the hall.

[Joshua Sharp]

For what?

[Debbie]

We were just playing in front of her door.

[Joshua Sharp]

Uh huh. Well, how long did you play in front of her door, sweetheart?

[Debbie]

Oh, till 5. Or anyhow, almost. That's right. It was just about 5 when we went out in the sidewalk and Tubby punched me in the eye.

[Joshua Sharp]

Then you must have seen him. Him or her.

[Debbie]

Who?

[Joshua Sharp]

The person who entered Mrs. Jessup's place at some time between three and five.

[Debbie]

Oh, we didn't see a soul, did we, Josh? No, we didn't see anybody.

[Joshua Sharp]

That's not possible.

[Debbie]

Why is that?

[Joshua Sharp]

Because somebody. I don't know who, but somebody was in her apartment. Debbie.

[Debbie]

Oh, no. No, there wasn't.

[Joshua Sharp]

Yes, there was. And if you were playing in front of the door, they had to pass you. You must have seen them.

[Debbie]

But we didn't, honey. I'm sorry, Daddy, but there just wasn't anybody in the house except us all afternoon. She's right. We didn't see a soul.

[Joshua Sharp]

Oh, this is just about enough to drive a man crazy. And you two didn't go into Mrs. Jessup's?

[Debbie]

No.

[Joshua Sharp]

You didn't so much as set foot inside?

[Debbie]

No, Daddy, we're telling you the truth. We didn't. I'll get it.

[Joshua Sharp]

No, no, you stay right where you are. And if it's Mrs. Jessup, you two go into the bedroom while I. Oh,

[Debbie]

I got the stuff here your kids ordered.

[Joshua Sharp]

What?

[Debbie]

Yeah, a hunting knife and a sewing kit.

[Joshua Sharp]

Who are you?

[Debbie]

Delivery boy from Kraus Toy store over on 3rd Avenue.

[Joshua Sharp]

You know anything about this, Debbie?

[Debbie]

Yes, Daddy. We told Mr. Krause what we wanted yesterday afternoon and he said he'd probably have him in by this morning. Yeah, that's right. So we got him in. So I brought him over. COD Mister, the things are two and a half dollars apiece.

[Joshua Sharp]

What did you say?

[Debbie]

Two and a half dollars apiece. Oh, it's all right, Daddy. We've got the money. Josh. Yeah? Give it to Daddy. Oh, wait a second. Here it is. Two dollars and a half a piece makes five.

[Joshua Sharp]

Where did you get this?

[Debbie]

What?

[Joshua Sharp]

Daddy, what are you doing with $5?

[Debbie]

Why. Why, it's. It's ours, Daddy. Hey, what about the stuff, mister?

[Joshua Sharp]

Don't bother me.

[Debbie]

Yeah, but.

[Joshua Sharp]

Get out of here.

[Debbie]

Yes, sir, Daddy.

[Joshua Sharp]

Kids. Kids. Have I ever said no when you wanted anything in reason?

[Debbie]

We didn't want anything, Daddy. It just came our way.

[Joshua Sharp]

Came your way?

[Debbie]

Like I told you, Daddy, you didn't

[Joshua Sharp]

take a handbag out of Mrs. Jessup's apartment?

[Debbie]

Take a handbag? Gee, Daddy, that would be stealing.

[Joshua Sharp]

By the time I'd gone back down to her floor and faced her, I was hot under the collar, and the words flew high and fast.

[Debbie]

I'm sorry if your kids have talked you out of it, but they haven't talked me out of a thing, and

[Joshua Sharp]

they don't have to.

[Debbie]

We'll see about that.

[Joshua Sharp]

Now, look, Mrs. Jessup, I have talked to them, and you've got your answer.

[Debbie]

I'll talk to them myself.

[Joshua Sharp]

I advise you to lay off my kids, and I mean it.

[Debbie]

I refuse to be robbed and do nothing about it.

[Joshua Sharp]

Okay, then what you need is a policeman.

[Debbie]

Where are you going?

[Joshua Sharp]

To get the cop off the beach.

[Debbie]

No. No, you mustn't. You mustn't. No.

[Joshua Sharp]

Well, I'm going.

[Debbie]

Please. Please. No. I'll leave the kids alone. I won't bother them. I'm sorry. I'm awfully sorry.

[Joshua Sharp]

It's too late for that now. You put them under a cloud, and it'll take routine investigation to get them out.

[Debbie]

No. Now, Mr. Sharp. Mr. Sharp, please.

[Joshua Sharp]

She had fallen at full length on her parlor rug, her eyes rolled back and her arms and legs stiff and rigid. I knelt over her and listened for a heartbeat. I knew she'd had some kind of attack. And while I listened, her lips moved weakly. The words were breathy but distinct.

[Debbie]

Mary Belle. Mary Bel. Doctor.

[Joshua Sharp]

Stricken as she was, she was thinking clearer than I. And finding her address book, I looked under the ends. There at the top, I read Ed Marival dash, John Lindsay, M.D. with an address on Justin street and a phone number I dialed and waited a few hundred years before there was an answer on the other end. Dr. Marvel speaking. This is Joshua Sharp. Yes, Mr. Sharp, I think you know a woman named Jessup, Mrs. Irma Jessup. Irma Jessup? Yes, she owns a house at 46 Tyne Avenue. I don't believe I've ever heard of her. Oh, Maybe your partner, Dr. Lindsay knows her. No, no, I'm quite sure he doesn't. Well, she's heard of you, she's got your name in her address book and she needs help fast. What's the trouble? She collapsed about five minutes ago. I see. Is she conscious, Mr. Sharp? More or less, but she won't be conscious long. Very well, sir. I'll be over in just a few moments. And he was a tall, dignified, gray haired man who took one look at the situation, frowned and asked to be left alone with the patient. I left him and walked up to my own flat to do a little thinking. I felt badly about the business. The woman probably had a bad ticker and I'd done her no good flying off the handle the way I did. I was just getting around to wondering why she was so afraid of the police when. Yeah? Commander? Oh, I. I meant to phone you. Risky. Well, what's happened? I thought you were coming to the office early. No, I. I've had a bad morning. Oh. Anything I can do? No, I don't think so. Risky. Take a chance and ask. Well, I'm interested in finding a black patent leather handbag. Why? It was stolen from the apartment of my landlady, Mrs. Irma Jessup, at 46 Tyne Avenue, sometime between 3 and 5 yesterday afternoon. Well, could I ask you why you should bother your head? My head's already bothered. The woman has been flinging accusations. Well, at who? I. I can't say right now. No, no, I. I'm not alone. You mean she's accusing the kid? You're as sharp as attack, chum. But why did she pick on them? There wasn't anybody else in the house at the time. Well, what's to have stopped the second story man from coming in? Nothing that I can think of. You just hold your hat, Commander. I'll check around among some friends of mine. I shouldn't have. I'll see if I can get a leak. I don't know how long I sat by the phone, carefully avoiding the necessity of letting the kids know about what had developed below before there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see Dr. Merivale standing outside in the hall. One look at his face and I stepped out and closed the door behind me. I suppose you Couldn't have called me any sooner than you did. It wasn't soon enough. She suffered a sudden and severe heart attack. She's dead? Yes. Do you happen to know who's the next of kin? I have no idea. Maybe your partner does. My partner? Lindsay. Oh, yes, of course. Well, I can ask him. And will you call me back? Of course. Perhaps I can leave the death certificate in your care. If you want to. It would be convenient. Then I'll hear from you. I'll call you back sometime in the next three hours. Thanks, Doc. Oh, if by any chance one of the kids answers the porn, don't let on that the lady's dead. Certainly not. I'll break it to them myself. In time. I understand.

[Debbie]

Daddy.

[Joshua Sharp]

Yes, baby.

[Debbie]

What's the matter?

[Joshua Sharp]

Nothing at all.

[Debbie]

Who is that outside?

[Joshua Sharp]

Just a man. A fellow I know.

[Debbie]

Is there anything in there?

[Joshua Sharp]

No. Why? Should there be? Excuse me, kids. Yeah. Look, Commander Ice, I did a little snooping. Well, I can't put my fingers on that handbag, but I got something for you. Yeah? Word got to me through one of my contacts that for a few bucks a certain character will tell a little story about that lady at 46 Tide Avenue. About Mrs. Jessup. So goes the report. I don't quite follow. Well, neither do I. I'm just reporting. But in case you're interested in taking a cab to the Rutley hotel, that's at 104th Street. The guy's name is Bowden. Bowden? Matt Bowden. And he keeps house in room 51. I took a cab then to the Rutley Hotel and asked for Mr. Bowden. I was told that Mr. Bowden wasn't in his room and that I could wait in the dingy, narrow little lobby. I just sat down and was opening a newspaper when a voice said quietly, you're Sharp. Who are you? There was a detective named Sharp who was coming to see me. I thought maybe you was him. Are you Mac Bowden? Oh, then you are him. What's this highly touted story about Irma Jessup? Look, could you keep your voice down? Down. All right, but nobody's listening. Somebody might. Look, I got a room rent bill here for 120 bucks, Mr. Sharp. Oh, that's your asking price? That's the rock bottom final figure. Well, I'd have to get it out of the bank. It ain't three o' clock yet. What reason have I got to think? You know anything worth that much dough? Well, I spent 10 years in Atlanta Pen on a robbery charge. How does that concern Irma Jessup. I ain't saying who it can sign, but for the 120, I'll spin you a yarn to open your eyes. All right, stay right here. You coming back? Yes. With the dough? With the money. The bullets had come blazing down from the dark, rickety balcony that ringed the rutly lobby and Bowden crashed to the unswept floor at my feet and died there. The killer had his exit planned so well that the balcony was deserted by the time I found the stairs and stumbled up in the half light. An hour later, I was back at 46 Tyne Avenue, ransacking Mrs. Jessup's belongings and finding nothing to clear the air. I was just settling back to take a breather when. Hello? Mrs. Ahmad Jessup, please. Who's this? It's Dr. George Huddleston. I'd like to speak with Mrs. Jessup, please. I'm afraid you can't do that. I want to find out how she's feeling. Well, you can't do that either, Dr. Huddlestone. She's dead. What's that? She died this morning of a heart attack. If this is supposed to be humor, it's not funny. It isn't humor, it's fact. It is not a fact. No. I happen to have been her physician for years. She's given her rather unpleasant nervous seizures. But a fatal heart attack is out of the question. Now listen. You listen. I examined her only three days ago. Her heart was as sound as yours or mine. I sat for some time puzzle, reaching out for something to add up and get a sensible answer. From number one New York Times best selling author, James Rollins comes a shocking new standalone thriller framed for murder. A group of university students are forced into a treacherous chase across Europe. Hunted by a powerful cabal and the police their only hope, a centuries old encrypted diary with a deadly secret worth killing for. Trust no one. The new blockbuster novel from James Rollins. Available now wherever books are sold. Are you really buying a car online

[Debbie]

on Autotrader right now? Really? I can get super specific with dealer listings and see cars based on my budget. You can really have it delivered or pick it up. I think kid is walking up the slide. Really? Autotrader, Buy your car online? Really?

[Joshua Sharp]

Then I picked up the phone and dialed Maryvale's office. The secretary answered and said he wasn't in.

[Debbie]

He should call back shortly though. I'll tell him you want to talk to him.

[Joshua Sharp]

Perhaps I could talk to Dr. Lindsay then.

[Debbie]

Who, sir?

[Joshua Sharp]

Dr. Lindsay.

[Debbie]

Who is Dr. Lindsay?

[Joshua Sharp]

Isn't he Maryvale's partner.

[Debbie]

Dr. Merrivale has no partner.

[Joshua Sharp]

I hung up slowly and I took Mrs. Jessup's telephone list in hand and turned to the M's again. There it was. Ed Maryvale, dash John Lindsay, M.D. studying the names closely, it suddenly hit me. If Maravale and Lindsay had been partners, she would have listed them as MDs. Here, plainly written was MD singular, without an S. And I knew that for one reason or another, Maravale and Lindsay were two names for the same man. I thought back over the morning. Mrs. Jessup's wild concern for an old handbag, her death, Maryvale's diagnosis and Bowdoin's sudden murder. And then I remembered Bowdoin's hint about having been in the penitentiary at Atlanta. So I phoned Captain Murphy at Homicide to do a bit of research. When I'd hung up, I climbed the stairs to where Josh and Debbie were still quietly playing checkers.

[Debbie]

You don't have to worry, Daddy.

[Joshua Sharp]

Don't I, baby?

[Debbie]

We told you the truth about the handbag. We didn't touch it.

[Joshua Sharp]

I don't want to know about the handbag anymore. No, no, I'm sure you told me the truth about it. But I'm also sure that for some reason or another, you. Well, you. You lied to me about something else. Look, children, Mrs. Jessop is dead.

[Debbie]

Dead?

[Joshua Sharp]

And she was murdered, Mrs. Jessup. And a little while ago, a man was murdered, too. He wasn't a good man, but he was killed like a dog.

[Debbie]

I. I don't understand, Daddy.

[Joshua Sharp]

Nobody's too sure of anything yet. And I'm only sure of one point.

[Debbie]

What's that?

[Joshua Sharp]

I'm sure that you two did see somebody enter the lady's apartment yesterday afternoon.

[Debbie]

Oh, no.

[Joshua Sharp]

Now, be careful, sweetheart. There's a lot involved here. The person you saw murdered Mrs. Jessup and the man. Do you understand? Debbie. Josh, Just a minute. Hello? Sharp? Yes. And Captain Mercy. Oh, yes, Captain. Information from Atlanta. Good. They've got a record on John Lindsay. It seems he was put away in 1930 for 10 years for medical malpractice. Well, thanks, Captain. Anything else we can do? I'll let you know later. Oh, what a headache.

[Debbie]

Daddy. Daddy.

[Joshua Sharp]

Debbie. Josh. Now, I must know who passed you yesterday afternoon and went into Mrs. Jessup's apartment. You must tell me. Do you understand? You must do as I tell you.

[Debbie]

We're doing as you tell us. Well, anyway, we're doing as you told us.

[Joshua Sharp]

What?

[Debbie]

Well, didn't you say that your word is your bond and that once you give it, you should stick by it, no matter what it means.

[Joshua Sharp]

Why, yes, I did.

[Debbie]

We didn't know. He came up the stairs and saw us and said he'd give us $5 if we give our word never to say we saw him. And we gave our word. We gave it and now we've broken it.

[Joshua Sharp]

Now, now, baby, who was the man you saw?

[Debbie]

We don't know. Honestly, we don't.

[Joshua Sharp]

I got your message, Mr. Sheriff.

[Debbie]

Josh. Dad. Daddy.

[Joshua Sharp]

Yes, son.

[Debbie]

It was. It was him.

[Joshua Sharp]

Okay, Josh. And you really haven't broken your word. I've known it for quite a while. What is all this, Sharp? I've known that you murdered Mrs. Jessup, Dr. Merivale. Well, how dare you say such a thing? You killed her when you sent me out of her flat. It was too good a chance to miss. She was unconscious. And all you had to do was not administer to her. Let her die, which was murder. Just the same as if you used a knife or gun. You must be insane, Sharpe. Why should I have done a thing like that? Because she had proof that you'd been imprisoned for malpractice years ago under your real name of John Lindsay. This proof was in the handbag that you stole yesterday from her flat. And today, with everything fitting your purposes, you let her die because you were afraid she might continue to work her little blackmail racket. Do I look like a man who could commit murder? Frankly, no. But your killer instinct definitely asserted itself later today when you had to do away with your ex cellmate Mac Bowden in order to finish this whole nasty business. Do you think you can prove this? I know I can. Then I must ask you to put up your hand.

[Debbie]

Steady.

[Joshua Sharp]

Steady. Steady, kids. It's all right. Don't get scared. Nothing's going to happen. I wish you were right, Sharp. I don't relish this or anything I've had to do. But it's been forced on me. You wouldn't really kill again. What choice have I?

[Debbie]

Hey, listen. What about that pod?

[Joshua Sharp]

Look out. Merrivale swung around at the sound of the voice firing a bullet that went high and wild. And I jumped him, knocked the gun from his hand and the crisis was over. I left the kids alone for the few minutes it took me to get him to headquarters. And then I hopped the cab back and climbed the stairs to our flat. The kids were looking at their new toys, the knife and the sewing kit. They were pleased enough but they looked a little guilty. I could see it and feel it.

[Debbie]

What's going to happen to that man, Daddy?

[Joshua Sharp]

Don't you Worry about him, son.

[Debbie]

But we can't help it. Daddy, we promised we wouldn't tell.

[Joshua Sharp]

It's all right for you to tell. It was the only thing to do.

[Debbie]

But you taught us never to make a promise unless we could keep it.

[Joshua Sharp]

Well, there are some times when you should break a promise.

[Debbie]

Well, that's confusing.

[Joshua Sharp]

Yes, I know.

[Debbie]

You always tell us about how important it is to keep our word.

[Joshua Sharp]

Well, circumstances alter cases, son. That is, in some degree, it depends on who you give your word to.

[Debbie]

That's hard to understand. So hard.

[Joshua Sharp]

You want to know something else that's hard to understand?

[Debbie]

What? What, Daddy?

[Joshua Sharp]

How I ever managed to get two wonderful kids like. This is Josh Sharp, Sr. Saying goodbye for Debbie and Josh Jr. And me as we come to the end of our current series. We all hope that you have enjoyed our stories, and if you'd like to hear more of them, please write and tell us about it. Just write to me, the Big Guy, care of NBC New York. We'd like very much to hear from you, Debbie. Josh, how about it?

[Debbie]

Oh, we would, Daddy. We would. Yes, Daddy. And goodbye, everybody.

[Joshua Sharp]

Goodbye.

[Debbie]

Bye. Bye.

[Joshua Sharp]

NBC has presented the last of a series of adventures of the Big Guy, played by Henry Calvin and featuring David Anderson as Josh Jr. And Joan Laser as Debbie. The script was written by Peter Barry and directed by Thomas Madigan. The music was composed and played by Jack Ward. Members of the cast were Anita Anton, Joseph Bell, Bill Gray, Burford Hampton and Sandy Strauss as Risky Skinner. Your announcer is Peter Roberts. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Joan Fontaine and Herbert Marshall star in tonight's Theater Guild on the air presentation of the fascinating love story Michael and Mary. Another Sunday evening favorite is the authentic drama series Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCray as a member of the nation's oldest police force. That's top Sunday evening listening on NBC. Tonight, Charlie Wilde, Private Eye follows on NBC.

[Debbie]

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