Candy Matson 49-04-04 audition The Donna Dunham Case

Summary

Episode Summary: Candy Matson 49-04-04 Audition – The Donna Dunham Case

Episode Overview

In this captivating episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio", titled "Candy Matson 49-04-04 Audition – The Donna Dunham Case", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The story follows Candy Matson, a sharp and determined private investigator, as she delves into the mysterious death of Donna Dunham. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Telegraph Hill and Chinatown, the episode is brimming with suspense, witty dialogue, and intricate character interactions.

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Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Candy Matson receiving a troubling message from Warren Roberts, who hints at foul play surrounding the death of Donna Dunham.

Warren Roberts [00:03]: "I understand you've been hired to find out who knocked off Donna Dunham."

Candy’s no-nonsense attitude is immediately apparent as she prepares to take on the case.

Candy Matson [00:07]: "Abrupt and right to the point. That's my business, old man who talks like a ghost."

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Meeting Warren Roberts

Candy’s first interaction with Warren Roberts sets the tone for the ensuing investigation. Roberts is evasive and warns Candy to drop the case, implying potential dangers ahead.

Warren Roberts [00:32]: "Forget about Donna Dunham."

Unfazed, Candy counters his threats with her characteristic bravado.

Candy Matson [00:22]: "You take care of your cues and I'll show my peas. Understood?"

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Taking the Case

Determined to uncover the truth, Candy decides to take on the Donna Dunham case for a fee, revealing her motivations and the stakes involved.

Candy Matson [00:56]: "A girl has to eat now and then, maintain a penthouse on Telegraph Hill and keep the mars out of a few mink coats, doesn't she?"

She delves deeper, outlining the circumstances that led her to accept the case.

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Investigation Begins

Candy’s investigation kicks off at the Marigold Room, where she interacts with the staff and meets Danny Andrini. Her keen observations and probing questions begin to unravel the mystery.

Candy Matson [02:19]: "Make it a martini, my good man. Very dry."

Danny Andrini [03:00]: "Roberts is my name. Warren Roberts. Oh, I own a few steamships hither and yon about the world."

Candy senses that there’s more beneath the surface and presses for more information.

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Interactions with Rembrandt and Mallard

Throughout her investigation, Candy collaborates with Rembrandt Watson, a photographer, and Mallard, a police detective. Their interactions are laced with humor and tension, highlighting the challenges Candy faces.

Mallard [09:03]: "We're laying for you. Oh, The Chief isn't very happy about you busting up that Newton case last month."

Meanwhile, her exchanges with Rembrandt add depth to the narrative, showcasing her ability to garner information through various channels.

Rembrandt Watson [10:59]: "Photographs taken at reasonable prices."

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Confrontation with Danny Andrini

As Candy gathers evidence, she confronts Danny Andrini, who reveals his connection to Donna and the complexities of their relationships.

Danny Andrini [05:10]: "Donna Dunham was murdered early this morning by you. What? Are you out of your head?"

Candy uncovers critical information through letters and interactions, pointing towards a deeper conspiracy.

Candy Matson [24:12]: "I have a letter from Donna Dunham to Danny Andrini. In effect, she told him to blow. Skedaddle. Vamoose."

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Climactic Resolution

The tension reaches its peak as Candy orchestrates a showdown between Warren Roberts and Danny Andrini. Utilizing the clues she has meticulously gathered, Candy exposes Roberts as the true culprit driven by jealousy and greed.

Candy Matson [25:46]: "He was jealous. And I knew I was on the right track when Rembrandt said the apartment above Donna Dunham's smelled like the Far East."

Cupidity of the Case [25:46]: "It was tobacco odor. The same Turkish aroma I had smelled in Robert's home out on Pacific Street."

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Conclusion

"Candy Matson 49-04-04 Audition – The Donna Dunham Case" masterfully blends suspense, sharp dialogue, and classic detective work, encapsulating the essence of Old Time Radio dramas. Candy Matson’s relentless pursuit of the truth not only brings justice for Donna Dunham but also reinforces her reputation as a formidable private investigator.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Warren Roberts [00:03]: "I understand you've been hired to find out who knocked off Donna Dunham."

• Candy Matson [00:07]: "Abrupt and right to the point. That's my business, old man who talks like a ghost."

• Danny Andrini [05:10]: "Donna Dunham was murdered early this morning by you. What? Are you out of your head?"

• Mallard [09:03]: "We're laying for you. Oh, The Chief isn't very happy about you busting up that Newton case last month."

• Rembrandt Watson [10:59]: "Photographs taken at reasonable prices."

• Candy Matson [24:12]: "I have a letter from Donna Dunham to Danny Andrini. In effect, she told him to blow. Skedaddle. Vamoose."

• Candy Matson [25:46]: "He was jealous. And I knew I was on the right track when Rembrandt said the apartment above Donna Dunham's smelled like the Far East."

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Final Thoughts

This episode stands out for its intricate plot and well-developed characters, offering listeners an immersive experience reminiscent of the beloved radio dramas of the past. Candy Matson’s astute investigative skills and unwavering determination make her a compelling protagonist, ensuring that "The Donna Dunham Case" is both engaging and memorable.

Transcript

[Candy Matson]

Hello, Candy Matson.

[Warren Roberts]

I understand you've been hired to find out who knocked off Donna Dunham.

[Candy Matson]

Abrupt and right to the point. That's my business, old man who talks like a ghost.

[Warren Roberts]

Take care of your health, little lady. Donna Dunham is dead. Let her stay like that.

[Candy Matson]

You take care of your cues and I'll show my peas. Understood?

[Warren Roberts]

Not quite. Listen to this.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, goody, goody. Bullets now delivered by phone. Thanks for the slug. I'll have it identified later.

[Warren Roberts]

Maybe you'll be identified later. Remember what I said, Candy Matson. Forget about Donna Dunham.

[Candy Matson]

My name is Candy Matson. I like money. Lots of it. That's why I became a private eye. And too you meet such interesting people. Mostly dead. But getting back to the cash angle. That's why I took on the Donna Dunham case. I knew it was full of dynamite, but a girl has to eat now and then, maintain a penthouse on Telegraph Hill and keep the mars out of a few mink coats, doesn't she? Sure. And a shot fired into your room from across the street at three in the morning is just one of those occupational hazards. So I took the job and the 500 and went to work. Like to hear how the whole thing started. Well, leave us. Proceed to Act 1. I'd had a hard day at the office sleeping all day, and I needed a bit of a tonic to pick me up. So the natural thing to do was to ground loop into the Marigold Room and see what could be done. As I sank down onto one of the padded stools, the dispenser approached. Make it a martini, my good man. Very dry. So dry it comes out like a blotter.

[Mallard]

Look, lady, nothing would give me more pleasure. But I can't serve you here unless you have an escort.

[Candy Matson]

What? Oh, I. I'm. I'm waiting for someone.

[Mallard]

That's what they all say.

[Candy Matson]

But he'll be here very soon.

[Mallard]

I know, I know. It never fails.

[Candy Matson]

Why you low minded cronk.

[Danny Andrini]

For two cents I'd not arrived just in time. Save your two cents, my dear.

[Candy Matson]

Huh?

[Danny Andrini]

You heard what the lady said. A martini. Make it two.

[Mallard]

Yeah, sure. I thought it was just another one of those.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Yeah, two martinis well saved from a.

[Danny Andrini]

Fate worse than death, Ms. Matson.

[Candy Matson]

Who are you? A natural question, and I'd like a natural answer.

[Danny Andrini]

Roberts is my name. Warren Roberts. Oh, I own a few steamships hither and yon about the world.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, yes, I know. I took a trip on one of your scowls once. The food was a nightmare's nightmare.

[Danny Andrini]

How do you think I came to be a millionaire?

[Candy Matson]

Aha. I see your point. How did you know my name? And what do you want?

[Danny Andrini]

I have a business proposition to make to you, Miss Matson.

[Candy Matson]

You're sure it's business, Mr. Roberts.

[Danny Andrini]

Strictly business, Miss Matson.

[Candy Matson]

Call me Candy. You tell me the details and I'll tell you what it'll cost you.

[Danny Andrini]

Fair enough.

[Candy Matson]

But don't faint. You can always make it back on your food.

[Danny Andrini]

Well, I can hardly tell you here. Suppose we drop over to my place?

[Candy Matson]

But I want that martini.

[Danny Andrini]

My man will make us a batch over there.

[Candy Matson]

The things I do to make a living. Okay, let's go.

[Mallard]

Hey, how about these drinks?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Here you are, my man.

[Danny Andrini]

And save the martinis for some poor wayward soul who hasn't the wherewithal to make the purchase.

[Montgomery]

Oh, good evening, Mr. Roberts. I didn't know you were expecting company so soon after.

[Danny Andrini]

Take Ms. Matson's things, Montgomery, and bring us some martinis.

[Montgomery]

They're all made, sir.

[Danny Andrini]

Good. Let's go into the drawing room, shall we?

[Candy Matson]

Mm. Modest little mousetrap, isn't it? And I'll bet it's had a good path beaten to its door, too.

[Danny Andrini]

Quite a sense of humor you have, Candy.

[Candy Matson]

Well, it helps now and then.

[Danny Andrini]

Here, sit down here. That's it.

[Candy Matson]

I. I can't quite see you. It's like being behind a retaining wall. Oh, well, I'll just listen. What's the topic of conversation?

[Danny Andrini]

A young lady named Donna Dunham.

[Candy Matson]

Aha. The female element. What is your connection?

[Danny Andrini]

Strictly that of a patron.

[Candy Matson]

Oh.

[Danny Andrini]

Ms. Dunham was a hat check girl over the Scarlet Dawn. I heard her sing one night. I decided right then and there that I was going to sponsor her career.

[Candy Matson]

Was?

[Danny Andrini]

Yes. Donna Dunham was murdered early this morning by you. What? Are you out of your head?

[Candy Matson]

Yes. When I think of the fee I'm going to get from you.

[Montgomery]

I beg your pardon, sir? The martinis.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Oh.

[Danny Andrini]

Oh, yes. Put them down there, Montgomery. Very good, Montgomery. I won't need anything else tonight.

[Montgomery]

Thank you, sir. Good night, miss.

[Candy Matson]

Good night. Don't sleep too tight.

[Danny Andrini]

May I?

[Candy Matson]

You certainly may. I've been waiting far too long for one of these.

[Danny Andrini]

There you are.

[Candy Matson]

Thanks. Well, as a sponsor, you didn't pick a protege with great lasting qualities, did you?

[Danny Andrini]

No, I didn't. She was so young, so very lovely. Will you take the case, Ms. Matson?

[Candy Matson]

What? Do I have to go on?

[Danny Andrini]

Very little. My suspicions point to a musician who worked at the Scarlet Dawn. He seemed to resent very strongly my stepping into the Picture.

[Candy Matson]

Were they going to get it?

[Danny Andrini]

Off and on until I started to back Donna's career.

[Candy Matson]

A very interesting triangle. What do the police have to say?

[Danny Andrini]

The police, Ms. Matson, have not yet been notified.

[Candy Matson]

What?

[Danny Andrini]

I went over there this morning and I discovered the body lying on the floor. I became confused. I locked the door and called the Scarlet Don. I told the manager that Ms. Dunham was quite ill and wouldn't be able to appear tonight.

[Candy Matson]

Extremely ill, I'd say. Well, this is fine. You realize you're in trouble, don't you?

[Danny Andrini]

Yes, I do.

[Candy Matson]

And that if I take this case, I'm sticking my neck out too.

[Danny Andrini]

Exactly.

[Candy Matson]

My fee is 500.

[Danny Andrini]

That's a fair price.

[Candy Matson]

In advance.

[Danny Andrini]

Well, I'll make out a check immediately. Oh, won't you have another martini?

[Candy Matson]

I. I don't think so.

[Danny Andrini]

You know, you are very beautiful.

[Candy Matson]

Thank you. But I already have a sponsor.

[Danny Andrini]

And your lips are very, very kissable.

[Candy Matson]

The best you can buy from X Factor's.

[Danny Andrini]

Are you sure you don't want another martini?

[Candy Matson]

Look, Roberts, let's get this straight. You're in the middle of a jackpot. Make that checkout right now so I can join you. Then it's up to me to spring the both of us. In the meantime, get that glint out of your eye, the one that's wired for wolf calls. Understood?

[Danny Andrini]

Very well.

[Candy Matson]

I'll get started right away. Where does the late Ms. Dunham live?

[Danny Andrini]

Just on the edge of Chinatown. 27B, Gresham Alley. It's the only three flat house on the block.

[Candy Matson]

I'll find it. And you, you just stick right here and don't poke your face out of the door. Now, the check, if you will. Now listen, you. If you think you're going to get well, send me back to the last line in the chorus. If it isn't old Hawkshaw himself.

[Mallard]

Yeah, that's right. Hiya, Candy.

[Candy Matson]

Mallard, how you ever got to be a police detective, I'll never know. I heard you trailing me for the last two blocks.

[Mallard]

Maybe I wanted you to hear me. What are you doing over in Chinatown, Candy?

[Candy Matson]

I like to meet at Chow Yuk.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Uh huh.

[Mallard]

Something up?

[Candy Matson]

Not with you around, there isn't.

[Mallard]

Look, Candy, just a little word of caution. We're laying for you. Oh, The Chief isn't very happy about you busting up that Newton case last month.

[Candy Matson]

Somebody had to. The score was still tied in the 27th inning.

[Mallard]

Stop gagging, Canty. What are you doing around here? You don't like tomato Chow Yuck that much?

[Candy Matson]

Well, maybe that Oriental music sends me by the way. Where's the Scarlet Dawn, Mallard?

[Mallard]

Right down there on the corner.

[Candy Matson]

Come on, I'll buy you a double Mickey.

[Mallard]

No, thanks. I just had one. And listen, Candy, take a tip. Don't interfere with the work of the police.

[Candy Matson]

Don't worry about me, Mallard. And you take a tip too. Next time you trail somebody, get yourself a pair of tennis shoes. Yes, miss. You like a table? No, thanks, no.

[Danny Andrini]

Something I can do?

[Candy Matson]

Hmm? Oh. Oh, yes. I'm. I'm a friend of Donna Dunham's. She wanted me to come over and tell you that she's feeling better. She'll be back at work tomorrow night. That's good business at the hot check stand no good without her. Yeah, yeah, she's a great girl. By the way, I don't see her boyfriend tonight.

[Montgomery]

Boyfriend?

[Candy Matson]

You know, the fellow who plays in the band. Oh, Donnie Andrini? No, he got night off. Oh, too bad. She wanted me to tell him too. Yep, too bad.

[Danny Andrini]

Maybe you'll find him at the Lotus Hotel.

[Rembrandt Watson]

He lived there.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, sure, the Lotus. Yes, I'll check there. And thank you very much.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Rembrandt Watson speaking.

[Candy Matson]

Yes, I know. Now look.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Photographs taken at reasonable prices.

[Candy Matson]

I know, Rembrandt.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Family groups and portraits especially.

[Candy Matson]

Also Rembrandt, this is I, Candy Matson.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Fine colored pictures are. What? Candy Matson?

[Candy Matson]

That's right.

[Rembrandt Watson]

By all the furies of Zeus. Why did you have to call just now? I was wooing the muse that only Bacchus can create, probing the infinitesimal heights a soul can reach from the tear of the grape. And you have to call and spoil it all.

[Candy Matson]

Look, Rembrandt, uncross your eyes and listen to me.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I shall listen, my Lily, but undoubtedly I won't like it. What skullduggery are you up to now?

[Candy Matson]

I'm knee deep in something that smells as high as the Oakland mud flats.

[Rembrandt Watson]

A towering comparison. What is it?

[Candy Matson]

I can't tell you now, but I want you to do me a favor. Get your finest camera and go over to 27B, Gresham Alley. Get inside and take all the pictures you can at the place.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Won't I be intruding?

[Candy Matson]

No. There's a very attractive young lady there.

[Rembrandt Watson]

How delightful.

[Candy Matson]

She's dead.

[Rembrandt Watson]

How do I dislike intensely one sided conversations? All right, what do I do then?

[Candy Matson]

Go back to your place and get me some prints as fast as you can.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I go, but not willingly. Only for you would I forsake the mood I have achieved through prodigious application.

[Candy Matson]

Bully for you, laddie buck. I'll see you at your place in about an hour. Pardon me, Are. Are you the night clerk?

[Montgomery]

I ain't. Sitting Bull. Yes? We have no rooms.

[Candy Matson]

I'm not here for a room.

[Montgomery]

Oh. Well, maybe there's something I can do for you.

[Candy Matson]

Yes? Could you tell me if Mr. Danny Andrini is in?

[Montgomery]

No, he isn't. Matter of fact, I haven't seen him all day.

[Candy Matson]

Yes, I know. There's a reason we had to take him to the hospital this morning.

[Rembrandt Watson]

What?

[Candy Matson]

Yes, he's. He's under observation for appendicitis.

[Montgomery]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

[Candy Matson]

So I was wondering if you'd let me have his keys. He wants me to bring him his portable radio.

[Montgomery]

Does he have one?

[Candy Matson]

Why, sir, did you ever know a musician who didn't own a portable radio?

[Montgomery]

I know. Come to think of it.

[Candy Matson]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Montgomery]

Here's the key. It's room 418.

[Candy Matson]

Thank you. You're very kind.

[Montgomery]

Not at all, not at.

[Candy Matson]

All. Right, Candy nets and start making like a private eye. Letters. Letters. Yes, over here. Promising. I'll see you pile up. Well, let's try this one. Dear Danny, I don't know how to start this, but your accusations last night need some sort of answering. I'm not in love with Warren Roberts and never will be. He's just proving to be a very kind and gracious friend. You must realize that I have placed my singing career above everything else, and I wanted to. Well, Levis confronts the issue. Candidate. Oh, hello, you. Hello.

[Montgomery]

I was wondering if I could be of any assistance.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, no. It. It seems Mr. Andrini was out of his head. I mean, he doesn't seem to have a portable radio. Oh, I'll. I'll just be on my way.

[Montgomery]

Oh, now, what's the rush? You don't have to leave right away. Wouldn't you like a drink or something?

[Candy Matson]

No, not right now. I am pressed for time. I tell you what, though, I'll be back later. How's that?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Sure.

[Candy Matson]

Fine. Well, let's make it next Whitsuntide, huh? Goodbye.

[Rembrandt Watson]

On my soul. I'd like to have the popcorn concession here tonight. Come in, come in.

[Candy Matson]

Rembrandt, you're a double crosser.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I? A double crosser? My dear, you're mistaken. Oh, the only time I double crossed was out in the country. I passed over a bridge, then I had to double cross back.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, no.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I found I'd left my naps with some rare vintage in it on the other side.

[Candy Matson]

What are you doing here? You haven't had time to get the pictures I wanted.

[Rembrandt Watson]

That's just the point. To elucidate, I arrived at 27B Gresham Alley and found it to be a most loathsome location.

[Candy Matson]

That's beside the point. What happened?

[Rembrandt Watson]

I couldn't get in.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, Rembrandt, I. I've done you a grave injustice. Of course you couldn't get in. Warren Roberts has the key.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Who's this Minion Roberts?

[Candy Matson]

I'll tell you later. We've got to work fast. Mallard sniffed something in the wrong key and the police will be in on the deal before long.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Mallard the gumshoe?

[Candy Matson]

That's right. I've just got to get pictures of the layout so I can study them.

[Rembrandt Watson]

In my own fumbling fashion. Candy, my love, I have given birth to an idea.

[Candy Matson]

Even from you, Rembrandt. I'll take it. I'm grabbing at straws.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Straws? Very effective with a tall, cool.

[Candy Matson]

Never mind. Now, what's your idea?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Let us hie ourselves to a locksmith, present ourselves as man and wife. And a peasant will make us a key. Voila. Entree to the murderee's apartment.

[Candy Matson]

No, Rembrandt, that'll never work. Oh, wait a minute. Three flats to the house I used to live in. Just that kind of a house out on Fulton street when I was a kid.

[Rembrandt Watson]

A nauseating thought, Rembrandt.

[Candy Matson]

Those flats are identical. If we can get into the flat above, we can get what we want.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I think I fathom your reasoning, Candy. In other words, the living room is just the same.

[Candy Matson]

That's right.

[Rembrandt Watson]

The dining room, likewise.

[Candy Matson]

Check.

[Rembrandt Watson]

And the same goes for the bedroom, the kitchen, and even the.

[Candy Matson]

That's right. Even in there.

[Rembrandt Watson]

What are we waiting for? Let's go slumming in Gresham Alley.

[Candy Matson]

Go ahead, Rembrandt. Ring the bell.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Always I must do the labor.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, pooh.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Well, I hope we don't disturb the dead in the middle flat.

[Candy Matson]

You won't. From what I hear, she was done in, sort of permanently.

[Rembrandt Watson]

There's no one at home. Come on, Candy. Let's return and see what Bacchus has to offer.

[Candy Matson]

Don't wait. I thought I heard something. There, you see? Got all your flashbulbs, as they say.

[Rembrandt Watson]

In the old country. Have I lost my marbles? Open the door. Beauty before age, my dear.

[Candy Matson]

Thank you, Remy. Kind of dark in here.

[Rembrandt Watson]

With a peculiar aroma. Definitely smacks of the Far East.

[Candy Matson]

Yes.

[Warren Roberts]

Something you folks wanted.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Chocolate candy? Choke you?

[Candy Matson]

Why, yes. May we come up?

[Warren Roberts]

What do you want?

[Candy Matson]

Well, we're with a magazine. The House Lovely. We want to take a few photographs of your place.

[Warren Roberts]

At this hour?

[Rembrandt Watson]

The working press is never shackled by the hands on a clock, sir.

[Warren Roberts]

Sounds phony to me, but come on up. What do you want to take pictures of this beat up joint for?

[Candy Matson]

Well, you see, it's comparison. The old and the new. We've already taken pictures of a flat similar to this, only it's been remodeled. This, well, this is perfect for the contrast.

[Warren Roberts]

I guess it's all right. Go ahead.

[Candy Matson]

Start with the hall. Rembrandt.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Roger, my pretty. And see, this should be just about right.

[Candy Matson]

Now. The. The bedroom. That should be off the hall here. Oh, yes. Shoot from the door. Rembrandt. Can you get the entire room?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Not quite, but most of it.

[Candy Matson]

That'll do.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Just a moment. Ah, there we are.

[Warren Roberts]

You cats work fast.

[Candy Matson]

What was that?

[Warren Roberts]

I said you work fast.

[Candy Matson]

Yes. Now, in the bathroom, do you have a tub or a shower?

[Warren Roberts]

Why? Why don't you see for yourself?

[Candy Matson]

No, on second thought, I think that's about all we need.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Candy. You said that we.

[Candy Matson]

Come along, Rembrandt. And thank you very much.

[Warren Roberts]

That's okay. And don't slam the door. The lady downstairs is sound asleep.

[Danny Andrini]

Lee.

[Candy Matson]

Rembrandt, I think I've got this thing licked.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Are you referring to this case or my desire to return to the arms of Bacchus?

[Candy Matson]

That I could never let. I'm talking about the case. But I need help, Rembrandt.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I'm here.

[Candy Matson]

No, that's not enough. I need the big strong arm of the law.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Oh, no. Gandhi, you trait.

[Candy Matson]

I hate to admit it, but I need somebody like Mallard.

[Mallard]

Am I being paid?

[Candy Matson]

Oh, no. It's the wicked genie.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Yikes. It's the gumshoe.

[Mallard]

Yep, in person.

[Candy Matson]

Mallard. How did you get here?

[Mallard]

I took your advice and bought some tennis shoes. All right, spill. What goes on? Been following you around till I'm punchy. Start talking, candy.

[Candy Matson]

Okay, so you heard me. I do need your help, Mallard. Badly. There was a young girl murdered yesterday at 27B Gresham Alley.

[Mallard]

Is that the place you just came from?

[Candy Matson]

That's right.

[Mallard]

Why don't we ever hear of these things?

[Candy Matson]

I get exclusive, right? Anyway, I think I have the whole deal figured out. You could have full credit, Mallard, but you've got to take my advice.

[Mallard]

It hurts, but go ahead.

[Candy Matson]

Now, go back to 27C Gresham Alley. That's the top flat. You'll find a character there named Danny Andrini. Take Him. Then get out to 5711 Pacific street as fast as you can.

[Mallard]

All right, I'll do it. But Candy, so help me, if this is a foul up on you, the new look with stripes is going to be very fashionable.

[Rembrandt Watson]

She knows what she's doing, Malard. When you get back to Gresham alley, just tell Mr. Andrini that you're from House Lovely. He'll adore you.

[Candy Matson]

This is it, Rembrandt. I just hope my man Montgomery hasn't retired as yet.

[Rembrandt Watson]

What are we doing out here on Pacific, Candy? This is out of our league.

[Candy Matson]

All of a sudden I've become socially conscious. Come on, Montgomery, answer the door. Ah, right on cue.

[Montgomery]

I beg your pardon. Did you ring?

[Candy Matson]

No, Montgomery. We crossed the moat and used a battering ram.

[Montgomery]

I'm Sorry, young lady. Mr. Roberts doesn't wish to be disturbed.

[Candy Matson]

Look, Montgomery, remember me? I was here earlier this evening. Mr. Roberts and I had a martini together.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Martinis? Well, it was worth a safari out here after all.

[Montgomery]

Oh, I'm sorry, miss. I didn't recognize you at first. Yes, do come in, won't you?

[Candy Matson]

The light dawn.

[Montgomery]

If you'll just wait in the drawing room, miss, I'll inform Mr. Roberts of your presence.

[Candy Matson]

Thank you very much, Montgomery.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I used to know a chap like that in the British Army. By continual groveling and studied abjectedness, he worked his way up to the rank of a private.

[Candy Matson]

The first laugh I've had tonight.

[Rembrandt Watson]

What's the pitch, Candy? I don't get it.

[Candy Matson]

You will in a minute. Hear the pattern of little feet, Miss Matson?

[Montgomery]

What's the idea?

[Danny Andrini]

I thought you were going to check with me by phone.

[Candy Matson]

Mr. Roberts, this thing is bigger than either of us. I just couldn't wait.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Is there a martini in the house?

[Danny Andrini]

I'll have Montgomery serve in just a moment.

[Candy Matson]

I don't think there will be time, Mr. Roberts. Well, where is she?

[Danny Andrini]

Upstairs.

[Candy Matson]

You really loved her, didn't you?

[Danny Andrini]

Madly.

[Candy Matson]

That just about describes it. Madly. And while you were, shall we say, sponsoring her career, you thought she was playing around with Danny Andrini as well.

[Danny Andrini]

Yes, she was.

[Candy Matson]

You're wrong, Robert. I have a letter from Donna Dunham to Danny Andrini. In effect, she told him to blow. Skedaddle. Vamoose.

[Rembrandt Watson]

What?

[Candy Matson]

That's right. So it seems we have a slight piece of mistaken murder on our hands, doesn't it?

[Danny Andrini]

Yes, on one hand. On the other, I have two in mind that will be deliberate. You ask for it, Miss Matson. Too bad you had to bring your friend along.

[Candy Matson]

I Wouldn't if I were you, Robert.

[Rembrandt Watson]

A blighter has a pistol. I thought you said he served martinis.

[Danny Andrini]

This isn't exactly a social moment. I know how you privateize work.

[Rembrandt Watson]

You're lone wolves.

[Danny Andrini]

You confide in no one. So with a pull of the finger, I erase all evidence. Just like this.

[Candy Matson]

He's dead. Oh, I'm really grateful to you. But where on earth did you come from?

[Mallard]

Like I say, candy, you just can't beat these tennis shoes.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Well, that fills everything up, except for one thing. Where do we go now for the martinis?

[Candy Matson]

And that's how it happened. My phone rings and I'm into the darndest message you ever heard of. Sure. Roberts killed her. He was jealous. And I knew I was on the right track when Rembrandt said the apartment above Donna Dunham's smelled like the Far East. It was tobacco odor. The same Turkish aroma I had smelled in Robert's home out on Pacific Street. Danny Andreami. Well, he was waiting for Roberts to return. He was going to kill him. He knew that Roberts had rented the flat above Dunham for sponsoring purposes. Donna was a nice kid. She was just caught in the middle flat.