
Boston Blackie 45-05-02 017 Murder Of John Walters
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Shorty
Hey, boss, look over there on that bank. Love boys.
Boston Blackie
What'd you expect in the park, Shorty? Penguins.
Shorty
Well, these Love boys can't fly, boss.
Boston Blackie
Neither can penguins.
Shorty
See? Black ear. I didn't know there was a lake down this part of the park.
Boston Blackie
Well, Shorty, we've never taken this path to Mary's before, huh?
Shorty
What do we do from here? Swim.
Boston Blackie
Now we take this footbridge.
Shorty
Ah, gee, it sure is a plenty crude leg for such a little one, eh?
Boston Blackie
Well, stay away from that bridge railing. You'll be telling me it's a plenty wet leg for such a little one. Hey, boss, now what?
Shorty
Look. Line in the water there. I thought it. Sure.
Boston Blackie
Uh. Oh.
Shorty
Hello. Is it?
Boston Blackie
It sure is.
Shorty
Is it dead?
Boston Blackie
If it isn't, it's awful careless. Come on, let's have a look.
Shorty
Gee, boss, is he dead?
Boston Blackie
You use the wrong pronoun. Shot one when a he is dead. He's an it.
Shorty
It's an it by virtue of a.
Boston Blackie
Slight case of no breathing. Quite a match, will you?
Shorty
Oh, sure. Yeah. Then we better call a cop, huh?
Boston Blackie
Are you kidding? All I have to do is pronounce the word body and Inspector Faraday dusts out a cell all for me.
Shorty
Gee, what do you know? Freestyle in the water with his feet on the shore. A plain case of suicide, boss. It'll be okay to call a cop.
Boston Blackie
It'll be murder to call a cop, Shorty, because that's what this is.
Shorty
This guy didn't bump himself.
Boston Blackie
Not unless he rode here on the back of a duck. Look at his shoes.
Shorty
Kind of neat looking.
Boston Blackie
And he pulled a neat trick getting here without walking on them.
Shorty
Oh, Manchester's no bueno. What do you mean by that, boss?
Boston Blackie
He's wearing brand new shoes. Shorty never walked On. And it's a plenty long hike from here to the edge of the park, see?
Shorty
And I said let's call a cop.
Boston Blackie
Come on, let's get out of here.
Shorty
Sure, boy. Hey, you two. What's going on down there?
Inspector Faraday
Hey, boss, it's a cop.
Shorty
What's that? Lion in the water. The body.
Boston Blackie
Uh. Oh, Shorty, here we go again.
Shorty
Now, meet Boston Blackie. Enemy to those who make him an enemy. Friend to those who have no friends. All right, Frankie, come on in. I want to talk to you.
Boston Blackie
Well, look who invites me into the morgue. A body that walks and talks. Inspector Faraday.
Shorty
Blackie, some of these days you're going to underestimate me and be sorry.
Boston Blackie
Don't tell me this case is closed already.
Shorty
Maybe I look dumb, Blackie, but I'm not. We police see things that other people don't. Oh, I'll let you know a little secret, chum. This isn't suicide. It's murder. Murder? Surprise, huh?
Boston Blackie
Plenty. What makes you think it's murder?
Shorty
I don't think I know what a clever stunt this was. Would have gotten by somebody like you. But not me. I saw it the minute they brought the body in. And you, the great Boston Blackie, you thought it was suicide.
Boston Blackie
Well, I'm certainly surprised.
Shorty
I thought you would be, pal.
Boston Blackie
I didn't think you'd notice the shoes.
Shorty
Well, when you know you. You mean. Why, you. Double cross, are you? You knew it all the time.
Boston Blackie
That's why I hung around. I thought you'd never notice it. Only a dope would fail to see no more than 10 steps had been taken in those shoes.
Shorty
I ought to throw you in jail.
Boston Blackie
Don't choke yourself with jealousy, pal. This murdered guy Walters could have taken a cab to within 20ft of the lake.
Shorty
I'm way ahead of you again, Blankie. I checked with every cab company in town. He didn't take a taxi.
Boston Blackie
His mind are all right. And I know how it was done.
Shorty
You would speculate on anything, wouldn't you?
Boston Blackie
It's as simple as a nursery rhyme, my dear fellow. He was picked up outside his apartment house, driven to the lake by his killer, hit over the head and tossed into the lake.
Shorty
I'll buy that. But you'll have to give me a cut rate.
Boston Blackie
I know it's not worth much until we have a suspect with a motive.
Shorty
I got a suspect with plenty of motive. A guy's wife. She didn't even break up when she identified the body. And guess where she says she was at the time? Walters died at A movie alone.
Boston Blackie
What did Mrs. Walters say when you told her it was murder?
Shorty
I didn't tell her. I've got Mrs. Walters tagged as a possible suspect. She admits she and her husband never got along. If she thinks I'm convinced it's suicide, she'll drop her gun. I'm even releasing a suicide story to the papers.
Boston Blackie
Faraday, you astound me.
Shorty
Really. Okay, Blackie. You knew this was murder from the start, so maybe you know a whole lot more.
Boston Blackie
Put that gun away, Faraday. Don't you know it's impolite to point?
Shorty
You found a body, Blackie, so I'm holding you as a material witness and locking you up till I've got my case against Mrs. Walters.
Boston Blackie
Faraday, please. Please. The gun.
Shorty
You know I know, and it stays in my hand. Now, if you finished poring over Walter's shoe. Come on. Leave the shoe here.
Boston Blackie
Where do you want me to put it?
Shorty
On this table, right here.
Boston Blackie
Take hold of a size 11. About hold. It's surprising how heavy a shoe can be.
Shorty
Put the shoe down, will you? Come on.
Boston Blackie
Sure, I'll put it down right on your hand. Leave your gun on the floor, Faraday, or I'll have to use mine on you.
Shorty
So help me, Frankie, you run out on this and I'll throw the book at you.
Boston Blackie
How far can you throw a book, Faraday? I'm going a long way.
Shorty
You won't get fired. Every cup on the force will guarantee that personally.
Boston Blackie
When you can get another key made for this door, Faraday, maybe someone on the force will let you out. Hey, officer.
Shorty
Yes, what is it?
Boston Blackie
If you can get into the morgue, you'd better have a look around.
Shorty
What for?
Boston Blackie
There's a brand new body in there. But it's dead. Only from the neck up. Mrs. John Waters?
Inspector Faraday
Yes.
Boston Blackie
I'm from the police department. May I come in?
Inspector Faraday
Oh, yes, of course.
Boston Blackie
Thanks.
Inspector Faraday
Are you from Inspector Faraday?
Boston Blackie
Straight from him. I'd like to ask you a few questions. I see your late husband carried life insurance.
Inspector Faraday
Doesn't almost everybody?
Boston Blackie
That doesn't answer my question. Yes, that does. For how much?
Inspector Faraday
I don't know.
Boston Blackie
For how much?
Inspector Faraday
Enough. Is that all?
Boston Blackie
No. May I see the policy?
Inspector Faraday
I don't have it.
Boston Blackie
Where is it?
Inspector Faraday
I'm not sure. In my husband's safety deposit box.
Boston Blackie
I suppose you're the sole beneficiary?
Inspector Faraday
I suppose I am. I never asked my husband.
Boston Blackie
Do you suppose everything. What company did your husband carry his insurance with? Or do you just suppose it was some company?
Inspector Faraday
No, it is the New Northern life, I think.
Boston Blackie
Oh, first you suppose, now you think. That's a big improvement.
Inspector Faraday
Look here, I don't think you're from the police at all.
Boston Blackie
Some cops still have arches, Mrs. Walters.
Inspector Faraday
You're not from the police. Who are you?
Boston Blackie
I'm asking the questions, Mrs. Walters.
Inspector Faraday
Well, I'm going to call Inspector Faraday.
Boston Blackie
Your husband's policy is with a new Northern life, huh? Now, can you remember for how much?
Inspector Faraday
I'm not answering any more questions.
Shorty
Police department.
Inspector Faraday
Inspector Faraday, please.
Shorty
Yes, ma' am. Faraday speaking.
Inspector Faraday
Inspector, this is Sarah Walters.
Shorty
I am.
Inspector Faraday
Did you send a man from your department to talk to me?
Shorty
I did not.
Inspector Faraday
Well, there's a man here now who claims that he came from your office.
Shorty
Put him on the phone.
Inspector Faraday
Of course, Inspector. Sarah. That he wants to talk to you. Here.
Boston Blackie
Thank you.
Shorty
Hello? Hello?
Boston Blackie
Hello, sweetheart. How does it feel to be out of the morgue again like he.
Shorty
I might have known it was you.
Boston Blackie
I know you're going to send up a squad car and then pick me up.
Shorty
You better behave yourself. You're getting in this deeper every minute.
Boston Blackie
I don't know what I'm getting into, Inspector, but I do know I'm getting out of here, so don't bother to send for me. Goodbye, Blackie.
Shorty
So help me when I.
Boston Blackie
Sorry to be leaving, Mrs. Walters, but this place is going to be full of cops in a few minutes and I hate crowds.
Inspector Faraday
Who are you, anyway?
Boston Blackie
The name's Blackie.
Inspector Faraday
Boston Blackie?
Boston Blackie
That's right.
Inspector Faraday
Then you're the one who found my husband's body.
Boston Blackie
And that isn't all I found, Mrs. Walters. And if Faraday doesn't see me first, I'll see you again.
Shorty
Tom Jenkins, Law office. Jenkins speaking.
Inspector Faraday
Tom, this is Sarah. Oh, hello, Tom. John's dead.
Shorty
What?
Inspector Faraday
He was found in the lake in the park this evening.
Shorty
Oh, Sarah, I'm so sorry. How did it happen?
Inspector Faraday
He killed himself.
Shorty
Is there anything I can do?
Inspector Faraday
I don't know. I'm worried.
Shorty
Worried?
Inspector Faraday
Tom, I have a hunch the police suspect it's murder.
Shorty
Murder? What makes you think so?
Inspector Faraday
A man by the name of Boston Blackie was here asking terrible questions. Tom, what can I do?
Shorty
What do you mean?
Inspector Faraday
If it's murder, I'm afraid.
Shorty
Why? Do you have anything to hide?
Inspector Faraday
No.
Shorty
Then what are you worried about?
Inspector Faraday
I'm just worried.
Shorty
Well, stop it. Who did you say was up there questioning you?
Inspector Faraday
Boston Blackie.
Shorty
Dustin Blackie. Well, forget about him. Get him off your mind.
Inspector Faraday
I wish somebody would get him off this case.
Boston Blackie
I know you're the beauty of the new Northern Life Insurance Company, baby. But are you the brains, too?
Inspector Faraday
That depends on what you want to know.
Boston Blackie
Well, you see, I. I carry a life insurance policy with your company. My name's John Walters. Yeah, I've forgotten the name of the man who sold me the policy. You could give it to me, couldn't you?
Inspector Faraday
Well, not from memory, but I should have it in my file.
Boston Blackie
I think I should have you in my file.
Shorty
Is there room?
Boston Blackie
Sure. You probably have a very small name.
Inspector Faraday
What was your name again?
Boston Blackie
It's still John Wallace Walla Walla. Walter Walters. Walters.
Inspector Faraday
Abel Walters. Ira. Walter. John. Here we are.
Boston Blackie
The salesman's name Here.
Inspector Faraday
There's Fred Singer.
Boston Blackie
I'd like to talk to him.
Inspector Faraday
Oh, that door right there. Just knock.
Boston Blackie
Thanks. And who got me this information?
Inspector Faraday
Mr. Singer will be glad to do anything he can for you.
Boston Blackie
I'll be back.
Shorty
Come in.
Boston Blackie
Fred Singer?
Shorty
That's right.
Boston Blackie
I'd like to ask you a few questions.
Shorty
I don't think I've heard.
Boston Blackie
My name is Blackie, a Boston Blackie.
Shorty
Oh.
Boston Blackie
You sold an insurance policy to John Walters, didn't you?
Shorty
That's right.
Boston Blackie
When?
Shorty
I'm afraid you better explain your reason for these collections.
Boston Blackie
John Walters is dead.
Shorty
What did you say?
Boston Blackie
When did you sell him this policy?
Shorty
A month ago.
Boston Blackie
For how much?
Shorty
$50,000.
Boston Blackie
Who's the beneficiary?
Shorty
His wife.
Boston Blackie
How well did you know Mrs. Walters?
Shorty
I've never met her. Oh, this is certainly a shock about Walters. How did he die?
Boston Blackie
He was murdered.
Shorty
Oh. The police know who killed him?
Boston Blackie
Well, I'll give you a hint. If the police can prove their case, they'll save your company $50,000.
Shorty
Hello, Placky. When we get upstairs to the old place, let's stay there. We're not in this message. It's got nothing to do with us.
Boston Blackie
Faraday's figuring Mrs. Walters killed her husband. But I know somehow I don't like that.
Shorty
Would you like it better if Faraday pinned it on you?
Boston Blackie
Well, be a lot more natural.
Shorty
What do we do now?
Boston Blackie
You're going to shadow Mrs. Walters. I've got a hunch if we watch her movements, she'll either prove Faraday is right or clear herself.
Shorty
Okay, boss, you're the boss. But I. Hey, hey, Blacky. I don't like to look to this car coming up the street. Oh, boss, I got a funny.
Boston Blackie
Pull these really quick.
Shorty
Yeah, we ain't going to make it.
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Shorty
I bought Blackie.
Inspector Faraday
Hey, Black.
Shorty
Now back to Boston Blackie. Bowie's being sought by Inspector Faraday, the material witness in the murder of John Walters. Boston Blackie has managed to interview Mrs. Walters, Faraday's chief suspect, Fred Singer, who sold the insurance policy to the dead man and get himself shot at by an unknown assailant. As we return to our story, Blackie is still avoiding Faraday and is at the apartment of Mary Wesley, where the young nurse is dressing his bullet wound.
Inspector Faraday
This will hurt little Blackie.
Boston Blackie
You know you're supposed to report this to the police, don't you? Yes. It's the law.
Inspector Faraday
Yes, I know. Was Shorty here too?
Boston Blackie
No.
Shorty
Ouch.
Inspector Faraday
Sorry. What kind of trouble are you in this time?
Boston Blackie
Up until this bullet autographed my arm, I wasn't in any trouble.
Inspector Faraday
I thought, now we're both in trouble.
Boston Blackie
Don't worry, honey. I'll report this to Faraday myself. Shall I answer?
Inspector Faraday
It's probably for you.
Boston Blackie
Hello?
Shorty
Hello? Hello, Bucky. Like it is Shorty here?
Boston Blackie
Are you still failing Mrs. Walters?
Shorty
Of course. I'm shacking after that bay much? She ought me to laugh. 10 bucks. Hey, you know something, boss?
Boston Blackie
As much as my IQ will allow.
Shorty
I don't know nothing from IQs. But I know I've seen this whopper's name somewhere before.
Boston Blackie
Now, don't tell me she's a waterfront mall in Park Avenue. Clothing.
Shorty
I don't know about that. I just know that I've seen her before.
Boston Blackie
Well, don't lose her. Where is she now?
Shorty
Well, I tell you, first she went into the bank for us, and then she went into an apartment building across the street from here, see?
Boston Blackie
You know what apartment?
Shorty
Yeah, a guy named Singer.
Boston Blackie
That Singer?
Shorty
Yes. Hey, boss, how did you know that?
Boston Blackie
Never mind. That Singer told me. He didn't even know Mrs. Walters. Where are you now?
Shorty
In a drugstore at the corner. 86. Right now, boys.
Boston Blackie
I'll be right up.
Shorty
Well, you better step on it, boss. The dame went into that building like she was in a hurry.
Boston Blackie
I have a hunch she's not only in a hurry. Short one. I think the lady's also in a jam.
Shorty
How is it? Who is it?
Boston Blackie
Hello, Singer.
Shorty
Oh, no, you don't.
Boston Blackie
Oh, yes, I do. Thanks for the pleasant welcome. Well, hello, Mrs. Walters again. Well, this is all very cozy. Two people who don't even know each other.
Shorty
Of course we know each other. We have the years. You don't think we'd be foolish enough to tell you or the police?
Boston Blackie
You were foolish enough to let my man trail Mrs. Walters to your apartment. Now, what goes?
Inspector Faraday
I don't think we have to answer your questions. You're not from the police.
Boston Blackie
Well, maybe you'd rather answer their questions.
Shorty
What do you want?
Boston Blackie
Let's see that insurance policy.
Shorty
What insurance policy?
Boston Blackie
The one you sold John Walters.
Shorty
Don't be a fool. I wouldn't be doing. Here.
Boston Blackie
You brought it here, Mrs. Walters.
Inspector Faraday
I did not.
Boston Blackie
You didn't stop in at the bank on your way here to get change for a dollar? Oh, no. Let's see the policy.
Shorty
All right, let him see it then, dear.
Boston Blackie
Huh? This is cozy. The policy, Mrs. Wallace.
Inspector Faraday
I'm getting it out of my purse now.
Boston Blackie
Be sure it doesn't come out with bullets, Hunt.
Inspector Faraday
Here it is.
Boston Blackie
Thanks.
Shorty
I don't see what you intend to accomplish with all this.
Boston Blackie
Praying for one thing. I intend to find out who hit John Walters on the head so I can get Faraday off my neck. Let's have that policy.
Shorty
You can see I wasn't. It was signed a month ago and it's for $50,000, just as I said.
Boston Blackie
Mind if I use your phone?
Shorty
Go ahead.
Boston Blackie
If you want anything in that policy, it explains itself. Who are you calling? Inspector Faraday, to turn you two in for the murder of John Walters.
Shorty
You out of your mind?
Boston Blackie
Don't move, either one of you. I've got a good gun. Better aim.
Shorty
Paradise, Figgy.
Boston Blackie
Hello, Friday? This is Blackie.
Shorty
Okay, Blackie, this has gone far enough. I'm issuing a warrant for you. All right.
Boston Blackie
Look, chum, don't make any more mistakes than you've already made, or I'll make you solve this case by yourself.
Shorty
Oh, yeah?
Boston Blackie
You want Mrs. Walters and the man who sold John Walters insurance.
Shorty
I was just checking into the insurance angle on this thing.
Boston Blackie
Well, I've checked for you, sweetheart. Here's the dope. It's as fat as the pan on your face there. Mrs. Walter, is one of the divorce singer wanted Mrs. Walters. The only thing that stood in the way was Mr. Walters.
Shorty
Ah, that's an old one. The love angle.
Boston Blackie
Yes, but love wasn't enough this time. Money was interesting, too. So Singer sold Waters a policy for $50,000 payable to Mrs. Walters.
Shorty
I get it. Then the two of them knocked off Mr. Walters so they could get married and live happily ever after. Or until the 50,000 bucks ran out.
Boston Blackie
You see, Bernie, it's so simple, even you can manage to figure it out. And they both happen to be right here in Singer's apartment number 2A. Northwest corner of 86th and Elmhurst Avenue.
Shorty
Okay, I'll be right up for him. But you stay there, too, Blackie. You're not out of this yet.
Boston Blackie
Sorry, pal, I can't wait. I've got work to do. But Shorty will hold him for you.
Shorty
Look, you're away off the beam.
Boston Blackie
You better sit down. Sing, ann. You too, Mrs. Walters. Faraday won't be here to pick you up for 10 minutes. Hey, Shorty.
Shorty
Yeah, boy.
Boston Blackie
Come on up, quick. Use the stairs. They're faster.
Shorty
Right away, boss.
Boston Blackie
Well, I guess about all you two need now is a lawyer.
Inspector Faraday
I'd like to call mine now, if you don't mind.
Boston Blackie
I do mine.
Inspector Faraday
Oh, Fred, what are we going to do?
Shorty
Just sit tight, I guess that's all we can do for the moment.
Inspector Faraday
That's what Tom told me to do, too. And look what's happened.
Boston Blackie
Who's Tom?
Inspector Faraday
My lawyer. Please let me call him.
Boston Blackie
Seems to me you've already called him.
Inspector Faraday
I did? After you came to see me this afternoon.
Boston Blackie
What's his name?
Inspector Faraday
Tom Jenkins.
Shorty
Here I am, boss.
Boston Blackie
Okay, Shorty, Just keep an eye on these two lovebirds till the police come and put them into their cages.
Shorty
Hey, gee, boss, now I know.
Boston Blackie
Now you know what?
Shorty
Now I know that I seen his name. He was in a police lineup in Los Angeles when I was picked up on a phony child.
Inspector Faraday
Why, you crazy.
Boston Blackie
Well, this gets more interesting every minute.
Shorty
I even remember what you was up for, boss. It was robbery and her name was Sarah Wolf.
Inspector Faraday
That's not true.
Boston Blackie
This could go on forever. See that these two don't run out before the cops get here, Shorty.
Shorty
Right.
Boston Blackie
I'm going to run down. This is Walter's lawyer.
Shorty
Yes, I've been Mrs. Walter's lawyer for many years.
Boston Blackie
But you never knew Mr. Walters.
Shorty
No, I didn't. They didn't get along too well, you know. I was Mrs. Walters attorney.
Boston Blackie
Nice Place you have here.
Shorty
Nice.
Boston Blackie
I was in a lawyer's office just the other afternoon. He had the same kind of paneling.
Shorty
Really? I'm very busy, Blackie, and a lot of work to do. So if you just tell me. Why you. Tom Jenkins.
Boston Blackie
Tom Jenkins. Let me see. Are you by any chance related to the Alfred Jenkins on the east side?
Shorty
No, I'm not. Now look here, I. Excuse me. Hello? You've bought him, Blacky there? Why yes, in just a minute. For you.
Boston Blackie
Oh, thanks. Hello, Blackie. Yes, Mary.
Shorty
I called Los Angeles because you told me to.
Boston Blackie
Well, why'd you find out?
Shorty
Is it all right to talk?
Boston Blackie
Yeah, sure, sure, go ahead. Nobody can hear you.
Shorty
Well, you were right. And Sarah Waltz was sent to a California prison for three years.
Boston Blackie
Barbary? Uh huh.
Shorty
She later changed the name to Sarah Burrows and she came east where she married John Walter Swirl.
Boston Blackie
Anything else?
Shorty
Yes, I asked about the name of.
Inspector Faraday
Her attorney on that case.
Shorty
It was a man by the name of Tom Jenkins. He was disbarged several years later from Alpha.
Boston Blackie
Mary, you're the most wonderful girl in the world.
Shorty
Yes, I know. On a telephone.
Boston Blackie
I'll talk to you in person in the best restaurant in town at 8 o' clock tonight. I'll call for you at 7.
Shorty
Well, I won't wait a minute. After 9.
Boston Blackie
Good girl. Bye. Bye.
Inspector Faraday
Bye.
Shorty
Now can we get down to business or may I go to work?
Boston Blackie
Sorry to hold you up, Jenkins. Gee, I'm really sorry. One more phone call and then we can talk.
Shorty
Go ahead. Faraday speaking.
Boston Blackie
Hello, Faraday, this is Blackie.
Shorty
Hello, Blackie. Say, I guess I really have to thank you this time.
Boston Blackie
What for, pal?
Shorty
I believe in being fair. Thanks to you, I've got Mrs. Walters and Fred Singer on the lock and key and the whole case sewed up in a sack.
Boston Blackie
Faraday, you haven't got anything.
Shorty
Are you crazy?
Boston Blackie
Read that insurance policy.
Shorty
What for?
Boston Blackie
Look, Walter's death was supposed to look like suicide, wasn't it?
Shorty
Any fool could have told that then.
Boston Blackie
Only a fool would have wanted Walter's death to look like suicide if he knew what was in that insurance policy. And both Mrs. Walters and Singer knew it.
Shorty
Knew what?
Boston Blackie
Then a suicide clause voided the policy and the vet was Waller killed himself inside of two years. And that policy was only one month old.
Shorty
Well, I'll be.
Boston Blackie
Inspector. Mustn't brag.
Shorty
You made a fool out of me. Blackie, you relax.
Boston Blackie
Relax, Inspector. I thought Singer and Mrs. Walters were the ones we wanted too. Until I read the policy carefully. But now I've got your real killer for you.
Shorty
Where?
Boston Blackie
Right here. From 1051 in the city building. His name is Tom Jenkins.
Shorty
Put down that receiver, Blackie.
Boston Blackie
Afraid I'll have to put an end to this little conversation, Inspector.
Shorty
I heard what he said. I'll have a squad up there in five minutes. For the last time, put that receiver down.
Boston Blackie
With pleasure. I was getting so heavy anyhow.
Shorty
Very clever.
Boston Blackie
Oh, not very.
Shorty
For that very lovely shot in the dark, you're going to get a shot in the back.
Boston Blackie
Oh, I don't think so.
Shorty
This gun in my hand wasn't filled in a water fountain.
Boston Blackie
Oh, I was referring to what you called my shot in the dark. I wasn't guessing at all.
Shorty
Oh, you looked into your little crystal ball, huh?
Boston Blackie
No. Into the court records in Los Angeles. Mrs. Walters went to jail out there a few years ago. And you were her lawyer.
Shorty
Well, you are informed, aren't you?
Boston Blackie
Better than you think. When she came east, she changed her name, married John Waters, had two children. And then you followed her to blackmail her for every dime she could lay her hands on.
Shorty
Your answers don't wait for questions, do they?
Boston Blackie
A little while ago, Mrs. Walters went broke, didn't she?
Shorty
What makes you think so?
Boston Blackie
It had to be like that. You murdered John Walters to get the $50,000 for which he was insured because you knew you could get every penny of it from Mrs. Walters.
Shorty
I don't think you can prove that.
Boston Blackie
You must think so, or you wouldn't be holding that gun at me.
Shorty
Just a precaution.
Boston Blackie
Well, I'll tell you. Why would you kill John Walters? If you'd like to know? The clue is in the insurance policy. And you're the only one, one of three suspects, who didn't see the policy. Oh, if you had read the policy, you wouldn't have made it look like suicide. After all, you did want Mrs. Walters to collect.
Shorty
Well, you're a very clever young man. It's too bad I missed when I shot at you this afternoon. But it isn't too late.
Boston Blackie
Put away that gun, Jenkins. Cops will be here in a few minutes.
Shorty
I won't kill you. Here, we're leaving. You take my car for a drive in the country.
Boston Blackie
You dumped Walters in the park and you're going to dump me out in the country. Murder seems to bring out the rural in you.
Shorty
I'll just search you for your gun, if you don't mind.
Boston Blackie
Go ahead.
Shorty
I have no gun. Let's go, Blackie. Right out that door, the way you came in.
Boston Blackie
Okay.
Shorty
Just remember this. Hand in my coat pocket has a gun in it.
Boston Blackie
I wouldn't have to give it a second thought if I had my gun with me.
Shorty
Here's your gun, boss.
Boston Blackie
What do you. Well, Shorty.
Shorty
Yep. Here's your gun, boss. Sticking in this guy's back.
Inspector Faraday
That was a wonderful dinner, Blackie.
Boston Blackie
I like a little food with my conversation.
Inspector Faraday
But, Blackie, I had a lot of questions to ask you.
Boston Blackie
Have you run out of them yet?
Inspector Faraday
Nope. Just one more.
Boston Blackie
All right.
Inspector Faraday
Where shall we walk? Oh, it's a beautiful night.
Boston Blackie
Well, here's the park. What about through here?
Inspector Faraday
Oh, Blackie, do you think we should. Isn't this the path you and Shorty were on when you found that. That body? Remember all the trouble that caused you?
Boston Blackie
Honey, anytime I walk through a park with Shorty when you're available, I deserve to have trouble.
Podcast Summary: Boston Blackie 45-05-02 017 Murder Of John Walters
Podcast Information:
In this thrilling episode of Boston Blackie, titled "Murder Of John Walters," listeners are taken back to the Golden Age of Radio. The story unfolds with the iconic detective Boston Blackie and his loyal sidekick, Shorty, stumbling upon what appears to be a suicide in the local park. However, as the plot thickens, it becomes evident that foul play is at hand. This episode masterfully weaves suspense, sharp dialogue, and clever detective work, capturing the essence of classic radio dramas.
The episode kicks off with Boston Blackie and Shorty discovering the body of John Walters in a lake, raising immediate suspicions about the nature of his death.
Shorty, ever the observant partner, quickly doubts the initial assumption of suicide.
Inspector Faraday arrives on the scene, labeling Blackie as the material witness and attempting to detain him.
Blackie, sensing the truth behind the death, refuses to be sidelined and decides to conduct his own investigation.
Boston Blackie delves deeper into the case, interviewing Mrs. Walters and Fred Singer, uncovering critical details about the life insurance policy taken out by John Walters.
Through meticulous questioning, Blackie discovers inconsistencies in the claims made by Mrs. Walters and realizes the insurance policy contains a suicide clause, rendering the supposed suicide as a possible murder.
The tension escalates when Blackie confronts Mrs. Walters and Fred Singer, leading to a dramatic showdown. He uncovers that Tom Jenkins, a lawyer with a dubious history, is the true culprit behind the murder, aiming to benefit from the life insurance policy.
In a final twist, Shorty plays a crucial role in apprehending Jenkins, ensuring that justice is served.
Initial Discovery (02:14): The body’s discovery sets the stage for the ensuing mystery, with initial assumptions pointing towards suicide.
Inspector Faraday’s Skepticism (06:01): Inspector Faraday’s attempts to lock up Blackie introduce the conflict between official police investigation and Blackie’s independent sleuthing.
Unveiling the Insurance Policy (11:16): The uncovering of the life insurance policy and its clauses reveal the financial motives behind the murder.
Confrontation with Mrs. Walters and Fred Singer (17:00): The intense dialogue between Blackie, Mrs. Walters, and Singer heightens the suspense, leading to the revelation of the true murderer.
Final Showdown (24:12): Blackie’s clever deduction and confrontation with Tom Jenkins bring the case to a satisfying conclusion.
Boston Blackie on the Nature of the Case:
Shorty’s Insight on the Death:
Inspector Faraday’s Initial Assessment:
Boston Blackie on the Insurance Policy:
Revelation of True Motive:
"Murder Of John Walters" is a quintessential episode that showcases Boston Blackie’s detective prowess. Through sharp dialogue, strategic questioning, and unwavering determination, Blackie unravels a complex web of deceit and greed. The dynamic between Blackie and Inspector Faraday adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the tension between Blackie’s unconventional methods and the police’s standard procedures. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring charm of old-time radio dramas, offering listeners a captivating blend of mystery, intrigue, and satisfying resolution.
For enthusiasts of classic detective stories and radio dramas, this episode of Boston Blackie offers a compelling listen. The intricate plot, memorable characters, and engaging dialogues transport listeners to a bygone era, making it a standout installment in the series.
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