Crime And Peter Chambers 54-04-13 02 Charles Avon, Druggist

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Crime And Peter Chambers 54-04-13 02 Charles Avon, Druggist"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Crime And Peter Chambers 54-04-13 02 Charles Avon, Druggist
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: May 5, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a classic crime drama featuring the tenacious private investigator, Peter Chambers. The narrative delves into the intricate case of Charles Avon, a druggist accused of murdering his former clerk, Alan Lewis. Through sharp dialogue, suspenseful encounters, and clever detective work, the episode masterfully weaves a tale of deception, blackmail, and ultimate justice.

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Characters

• Peter Chambers (Dane Clark): A seasoned private investigator, Peter is diligent, perceptive, and uncompromising in his pursuit of the truth.

• Charles Avon: A New York druggist entangled in a murder accusation. He is portrayed as a balding, pudgy man with vulture-like eyes, embodying both anxiety and desperation.

• Nancy Avon: Charles Avon's wife, depicted as beautiful yet nervous, wearing distinctive gold-rimmed lenses that obscure her eyes, adding to her mysterious aura.

• Frankie Tokers (Leslie Woods): Alan Lewis's fiancée and beneficiary of his insurance policy, Frankie is a complex character balancing affection and fear.

• Lieutenant Louis Parker (Bill Zuckert): A diligent and supportive police lieutenant who collaborates with Peter Chambers to unravel the case.

• Richard "Dick" Evans (Lawson Zerbe): Charles Avon's savvy lawyer, providing legal insights and assistance throughout the investigation.

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Plot Summary

Initial Accusation and Engagement (00:35 - 04:21)

The episode opens with Peter Chambers being approached by Charles Avon (00:35 - 04:21), who vehemently denies murdering his former clerk, Alan Lewis. Charles explains that he is out on a writ of habeas corpus and asserts his innocence regarding the alleged crime that occurred at Lewis's Park Avenue apartment. Chambers, displaying his professional demeanor, begins to gather essential details about Charles's life, including his marriage to Nancy and his involvement in narcotics dealings.

Notable Quote:

• Charles Avon (02:04): "Yeah, used to be a clerk in your drugstore."

Revealing Motives and Connections (04:21 - 09:17)

Chambers contacts Richard Evans, Charles's lawyer, to discuss the case further (04:21 - 05:24). Through their conversation, it becomes evident that Alan Lewis was blackmailing Charles over narcotics, establishing a clear motive for murder. The interaction reveals the depth of Charles's predicament and his desperation to clear his name.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Chambers (05:06): "But here's how he got the second [bullet]. Charles Avon's got a hate for both of them."

Investigating Frankie Tokers (09:17 - 16:36)

Chambers shifts his focus to Frankie Tokers, Alan Lewis's fiancée, uncovering her alibi and potential motives (09:17 - 16:36). Frankie reveals her involvement in the case, expressing fear and suspicion about the true circumstances surrounding Alan's death. Her relationship with Nancy Avon adds another layer of complexity, hinting at possible conspiracies and planted evidence.

Notable Quote:

• Frankie Tokers (09:54): "I couldn't tell the police. But I will tell you why. Because I want you to help me."

Collaborating with the Police (16:36 - 22:54)

Chambers collaborates with Lieutenant Louis Parker (16:36 - 22:54), presenting the newly discovered letter from Nancy Avon to Alan Lewis. This discovery contradicts the police's previous investigation, suggesting that evidence has been tampered with. Chambers meticulously reconstructs the timeline, revealing that Charles Avon manipulated the evidence to frame Nancy, showcasing his contempt for the police's efficiency.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Chambers (20:00): "So this morning he goes to Lewis's apartment and he sticks that letter where it can't be missed."

Unraveling the Truth (22:54 - 24:43)

The culmination of Chambers's investigation leads to the exposure of Charles Avon's duplicity. By connecting key pieces of evidence, including the hidden gun and the letters, Chambers demonstrates how Charles orchestrated the murder to eliminate his blackmailer while framing his wife. The police apprehend Charles, bringing his malicious schemes to light.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Chambers (22:54): "Nancy Avon had keys. Mr. Avon made duplicates. He figured he'd have use for them sooner or later."

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Key Insights and Themes

1. Deception and Manipulation: Charles Avon's intricate plan to murder Alan Lewis and frame his wife highlights the lengths individuals may go to protect themselves and their interests.

2. Integrity of Law Enforcement: The episode underscores the importance of thorough investigative work, portraying both the limitations and strengths of police collaboration.

3. The Role of a Private Investigator: Peter Chambers exemplifies the quintessential private eye—dedicated, resourceful, and unwavering in the pursuit of justice, often bridging gaps left by official channels.

4. Moral Ambiguities: Characters like Frankie Tokers and Nancy Avon navigate complex emotional landscapes, revealing how personal motives can intertwine with criminal activities.

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Conclusion

"Crime And Peter Chambers 54-04-13 02 Charles Avon, Druggist" delivers a captivating narrative filled with suspense, intricate plotting, and memorable character dynamics. Through Peter Chambers's relentless investigation, listeners witness the unraveling of a meticulously planned crime, emphasizing themes of truth, justice, and the human psyche's complexities. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio dramas, blending nostalgic elements with timeless storytelling.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Charles Avon (02:04): "Yeah, used to be a clerk in your drugstore."

• Peter Chambers (05:06): "But here's how he got the second [bullet]. Charles Avon's got a hate for both of them."

• Frankie Tokers (09:54): "I couldn't tell the police. But I will tell you why. Because I want you to help me."

• Peter Chambers (20:00): "So this morning he goes to Lewis's apartment and he sticks that letter where it can't be missed."

• Peter Chambers (22:54): "Nancy Avon had keys. Mr. Avon made duplicates. He figured he'd have use for them sooner or later."

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing insights into plot developments, character motivations, and thematic undertones, all while maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative flow for both avid listeners and newcomers alike.

Transcript

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[Dane Clark]

Crime and Peter Chambers Created by Henry Cain Transcribed and starring Dane Clark. A private investigator, duly licensed and duly sworn. Peter Chambers.

[Peter Chambers]

You'Re a private, private eye. That's your business. Anything else? That's for laughs. The guy on the customer's end of your office desk. No laughs here. This one is strictly business. He's a round little man, balding on top, pudgy in the middle. He's got eyes like a vulture and a cranky voice.

[Charles Avon]

Mr. Chambers, you've been highly recommended to me. You're supposed to be number one in your bracket.

[Peter Chambers]

He chuckles with a phony heartiness. And the eyes crinkle up. Vultures. Eyes with an extra set of bags under them. The upper set are dark, bulbous circles from lack of sleep. The lower set are worry bags, purple and networked with wrinkles.

[Charles Avon]

I'm out on the writ of habeas corpus, Mr. Chambers.

[Peter Chambers]

Yeah, and on a murder rack, they.

[Charles Avon]

Haven'T got a thing.

[Peter Chambers]

Just a minute, just a minute, pal. Let's get some of our facts ironed out. Your name is Charles Avon. You're a druggist here in New York.

[Charles Avon]

Married.

[Peter Chambers]

You're married and you've got no kids.

[Charles Avon]

Correct. Wife's name is Nancy.

[Peter Chambers]

Live.

[Charles Avon]

1688 Gramercy Park North.

[Peter Chambers]

All right, now let's get to the meaty part. You're accused of the murder of one Alan Lewis.

[Charles Avon]

Yeah.

[Peter Chambers]

Used to be a clerk in your drugstore.

[Charles Avon]

That's right.

[Peter Chambers]

Police claim you killed him Monday. Which is yesterday. Yesterday evening at his Park Avenue apart. Park Avenue.

[Charles Avon]

Yeah, so they claim.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, did you kill him, Mr. Avon?

[Charles Avon]

Absolutely not.

[Peter Chambers]

And my job is to find out.

[Charles Avon]

Who did kill him so that I don't have to carry that burden around too.

[Peter Chambers]

What's the other burden, Ms. Rayvon?

[Charles Avon]

Well, there are two sides to every question in my business. I don't.

[Peter Chambers]

All right, we'll skip that temporarily. Now let's see. The cops hauled you in for the murder of your Clerk, Ex clerk.

[Charles Avon]

He hadn't been working for me for a year. Living off the fat of the land.

[Peter Chambers]

Why'd they pick on you, Ms. Rayvon?

[Charles Avon]

Because I was supposed to be there last night at 8:00. That's when it happened to him. And also I'm supposed to have a motive for his murder.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, did you have a motive?

[Charles Avon]

Well, if a guy's been blackmailing you for a year.

[Peter Chambers]

Blackmail? But what do you have on you, Mr. Avon?

[Charles Avon]

Well, now, I don't know that I.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, let's have it.

[Charles Avon]

Well, narcotics.

[Peter Chambers]

Narcotics?

[Charles Avon]

We had a deal going, sort of, with narcotics. The lawyer knows all about it.

[Peter Chambers]

I want to know.

[Charles Avon]

Well, I was looking for easy money and I'm doing all right. This Alan Lewis, he learns about it. He was working for me, you understand, and he starts holding me up.

[Peter Chambers]

And so last night when he's murdered.

[Charles Avon]

I came there to talk with him, but he wasn't home. That's all. He wasn't home. Then last night the police picked me up and I don't even know what they're talking about.

[Peter Chambers]

Who's your lawyer?

[Charles Avon]

Richard Evans. Dick Evans. You know him?

[Peter Chambers]

Yeah, I know Dick.

[Charles Avon]

Mr. Chambers, you've got to help me out of this jam.

[Peter Chambers]

Not the narcotics, pal.

[Charles Avon]

No, no, the murder.

[Peter Chambers]

And It'll cost you 5,000 simoleons.

[Charles Avon]

That's fair enough.

[Peter Chambers]

Cash on the barrel head. I don't trust guys like you.

[Charles Avon]

Okay, but I don't have it on me if you'll accompany me to the bank.

[Peter Chambers]

I can't say I admire my choice of companion.

[Charles Avon]

You're an insulting one of us.

[Peter Chambers]

Let's go, Mr. Avon. We'll discuss it on the way. You get to the bank and you're paid and you kiss him off like you'd kiss off a king cobra that just became a client. But if the guy's not guilty of murder, it's your job to prove it. That's what you're being paid for. So you get rid of him. And you go downtown to the offices of B. Richard Evans, Regal Legal eagle. Hi, honey. Mr. Evans in?

[Dick Evans]

I've been expecting you.

[Peter Chambers]

Hi, Dick. How are things going? Fine, fine, Petey.

[Dick Evans]

Come right on in.

[Peter Chambers]

Okay, Dick Evans, boy lawyer, black hair, beak nose and cyclone cell. A voice, a two tone personality split at 5 o'clock. Tricky as a slippery bath mat before the deadline, but afterward wide open and roaring. A wielder of martinis like a good farmer with a pitchfork. What brings you, Mr. Detective Charles Avon? Dick, how easy was it getting him out on that rip?

[Dick Evans]

Easier than getting stepped on in a subway.

[Peter Chambers]

Because why, Counselor?

[Dick Evans]

Because the prosecution doesn't have a thing on it.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, I got noted.

[Dick Evans]

Motive isn't murder, Mr. Chambers.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, how'd that guy get it? That Allen Lewis?

[Dick Evans]

Two bullets. One ripped through his right shoulder, rather unimportant. The second one pasted in over his right eye. Very important.

[Peter Chambers]

Prosecution got the gun. No, sir, they don't.

[Dick Evans]

All they got is motive, period. They gave him a nine hour grilling and all they could come up with was Moti.

[Peter Chambers]

Okay, okay, okay. Now what about the other charge?

[Dick Evans]

What other charge?

[Peter Chambers]

Narcotics.

[Dick Evans]

I'm going to plead him guilty. On that you ought to get a light sentence, because without Alan Lewis they've hardly got a case.

[Peter Chambers]

Here comes motive again for the death of Alan Lewis.

[Dick Evans]

The police know all about that. How much good has it done them?

[Peter Chambers]

By the way, how do they know? Who told them?

[Dick Evans]

Frankie Tokas.

[Peter Chambers]

Frankie Tokers. Male or female?

[Dick Evans]

Female, but good and female. You're going to like that when you come to it.

[Peter Chambers]

I like it already just from looking at your face.

[Dick Evans]

Have another slice of motive, Mr. Chambers. This one's on Frankie. She was engaged to Allen Lewis.

[Peter Chambers]

That's motive.

[Dick Evans]

Not yet it's not, but this is. She's the beneficiary on his insurance policy for $30,000. Plus she's the one who informed the police that the Lewis boy was putting the touch on Avon for the blackmail.

[Peter Chambers]

How'd she know?

[Dick Evans]

Her boyfriend confided in her.

[Peter Chambers]

How she stand suspect wise?

[Dick Evans]

Oh, she's got an alibi. Don't they all?

[Peter Chambers]

Frankie Togen.

[Dick Evans]

A very gorgeous number. He sings at the rumpus room with an equally gorgeous blonde partner with whom you will kindly have no truck.

[Peter Chambers]

Why?

[Dick Evans]

Because that one is sort of reserved for me.

[Peter Chambers]

Do you have this Frankie Tokus phone number?

[Dick Evans]

Dick got it written down somewhere. Name, address and phone number. Ah, here you are.

[Peter Chambers]

Thanks, Marine.

[Dick Evans]

Yeah, yeah, cute little trick. That's Frankie.

[Peter Chambers]

Hello, Ms. Tokers? This is Ms. Tokers Collins from the insurance company. There's been a slight complication. May I come to see you?

[Frankie Tokers]

Oh, well, when?

[Peter Chambers]

Right away. The sooner the better.

[Frankie Tokers]

Well, all right, if you insist. I should be here most of the afternoon.

[Peter Chambers]

Good. I'll see you shortly then. Bye, Ms. Tokers. So you leave the lawyer and you go visit the lady. This is supposed to be the part the private eye enjoys. But don't make book on that because most of the dear ladies turn out to look like bats on a vacation from the Belford. This one happily doesn't. Ms. Tokers. Yes, I'm Ms. Tokers, Mr. Collins from the insurance company.

[Frankie Tokers]

Oh, yes. Please come in.

[Peter Chambers]

Frankie Tokers. She's wearing a hostess gown, a metallic number in gold. Imagine that, wrapped around a dream bunched figure. Frankie Tokers. Tall, with an oval face and wide dark eyes that glint like brandy bottles on the bar lights. You don't fool around with a kid.

[Frankie Tokers]

Like that, Mr. Collins.

[Peter Chambers]

I'm sorry. My name's not Collins, Ms. Tokers. And I'm not from the insurance company. My name's Chambers, Peter Chambers. I'm a private detective and they tell me that you're on a spot.

[Frankie Tokers]

Get out.

[Peter Chambers]

Now, just a minute.

[Frankie Tokers]

Get out. Get out, I tell you.

[Peter Chambers]

Look, look, lady, I think you've got me pegged wrong.

[Nancy Avon]

Please, oh, please.

[Peter Chambers]

You explain the situation and tears come up in the BlackBerry brandy eyes. Naturally, you put your arm around her. And just as naturally she puts her head on your shoulder. A sobbing brunette close in the arms of the private detective. There you have the classic situation. But you've been paid 5,000 bucks to find out who killed Cock Robbins. So, reluctantly you break it up. No, no, no. I know how you feel, Ms. Tokers. You love the guy, but he's dead.

[Frankie Tokers]

Not true. I hated him.

[Peter Chambers]

You were engaged to be married, weren't you?

[Frankie Tokers]

That was going to end when I found out what he was really like.

[Peter Chambers]

And whose idea was that? $30,000 life policy with you as beneficiary.

[Frankie Tokers]

His. His, of course. But that was going to be finished too, Mr. Chambers. I couldn't tell the police. But I will tell you why. Because I want you to help me.

[Peter Chambers]

Look, sister, you didn't kill him, did you?

[Frankie Tokers]

No, no, no. Listen, listen. Last night, the night he was killed, I went there. I was going to tell him off and finish it off completely.

[Peter Chambers]

What time?

[Frankie Tokers]

9:00. It was between shows. I'm a singer at the rumpus room.

[Peter Chambers]

I know.

[Frankie Tokers]

Anyway, when I got there, there was no answer. I kept ringing, but there was no answer and I was worried. I went back to the club and I called on the phone. No answer. Then I called the police and told them that there was trouble there.

[Peter Chambers]

I didn't say who was calling up. Just for a minute. First, why the police? Just because the guy's not home. And second, how did you know there was trouble there?

[Frankie Tokers]

Because I knew that he had an appointment with Mr. Charles Avon for 8 o'clock and it was going to be a long talk. And I knew what the talk was about.

[Peter Chambers]

What was it about?

[Frankie Tokers]

About more money. More blackmail money.

[Peter Chambers]

Oh. Oh, I see. It figured For a trouble party, huh?

[Frankie Tokers]

Yes.

[Peter Chambers]

And when the guy didn't answer at 9:00, it was your idea that the trouble had exploded.

[Frankie Tokers]

Exactly. And one hour after the phone call, the police were at the club investigating the murder of Alan Lewis. I told him everything I knew about the narcotics that Mr. Avon was dealing in and about Alan's blackmail and about how he was going to raise the ante at this meeting between them.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, that answers why Charles Avon was picked up. What about your alibi?

[Frankie Tokers]

I fixed that up with my singing partner. I arranged for her to say that I'd been with her all the time in our dressing room. But I'm scared, Mr. Chambers.

[Nancy Avon]

I'm sick scared inside of me.

[Frankie Tokers]

Help me. Please help me.

[Peter Chambers]

Oh, Ms. Tookers, I'd hate it if you did put those slugs into Alan.

[Frankie Tokers]

I didn't. I didn't. Oh, I didn't.

[Peter Chambers]

She's asking for it and you answer. You take her face in your hands, put your lips on hers and you leave them there with excellent results. But then you quit. You crash out of there and you're heading for police headquarters. But you detour for Charles Avon's drugstore.

[Charles Avon]

Good to see you again, Mr. Chambers.

[Peter Chambers]

I was thinking I might want to drop into your home tonight. Would you be there perhaps later on?

[Charles Avon]

No, but my wife will. Oh, you don't know her. Oh, she's here right now. I'd very much like to have you meet her. Nancy? Yes, my dear. Peter Chambers, the gentleman I told you about. My wife, Nancy Avon.

[Peter Chambers]

She's a small blonde, too young and too pretty for Charlie boy. She's wearing gold rimmed black lens goggles and you can't see her eyes. She's smooth skinned and good looking, but jumpy. Nervous as a lion tamer who's lost his whip.

[Nancy Avon]

Did you wish to speak to me, Mr.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Chambers?

[Peter Chambers]

Very much, but I don't have the time now. May I speak with you later?

[Nancy Avon]

Of course, but I'm leaving for home now.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, may I call you there?

[Nancy Avon]

It's a little upset. It may day off, but if you wish.

[Peter Chambers]

I wish, I wish. See you later. Bye. Mr. And Mrs. Avon. And so you're riding your broom again.

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[Peter Chambers]

Making time for police headquarters. And then you're there.

[Charles Avon]

Come in, come in.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Well, Pete, to what do I owe the honor?

[Peter Chambers]

Charles Avon, Louis. A paid up client.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

So maybe you think you can do more than cops can do.

[Peter Chambers]

I doubt it, but I can try. Detective Lieutenant Louis Parker, Homicide. Thick set and sturdy like a brand new refrigerator. And just about as enthusiastic. But a good cop. And mostly a good friend.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

What's the pitch?

[Peter Chambers]

I'm being paid $5,000 to find out who put the chill on Allen Lewis.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Well, $5,000 to do what we do anyway. Brother, yours is one business. Okay, what do you want?

[Peter Chambers]

Help.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

That's hot. You're getting five GS. What are we getting?

[Peter Chambers]

Well, any information happens to fall my way, and no byline, you get all the credit. You buying?

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

What do you want, kid?

[Peter Chambers]

Well, I'd like to see the inside of Allen Lewis's apartment. I'll buy that.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

In fact, I'll go with you.

[Peter Chambers]

Got a cop staked out there.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Nobody's staked out there. I've got better things to do with cops than have them sitting around getting fat. Okay, what else?

[Peter Chambers]

Anything else that's not too terribly confidential?

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Not this case, Petey. We got us a nice fat group of nothing.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, then, that's it, Lieutenant. Let us go look at apartments. Alan Lewis's joint turns out to be the usual bachelor's flat, fitted out to please the ladies. Parker snoozes in the bedroom while you poke around like a critical matron seeking dust in the upholstery. And the library of books sticks out like a sore thumb in a working pickpocket. You pull it out and a envelope drifts to the floor. You pick that up and examine it. It's slid on top and it contains a letter. It's addressed to Mrs. Nancy Avon, 1688 Gramercy Park, North New York City. You don't stop to read the letter. You stick it in your pocket and you're ready to leave. Then Parker comes into the room, yawning.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

You finished, Sherlock?

[Peter Chambers]

Hold on. Let's get out of here. Oh, by the way, I assume you guys gave this place a going over.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Yeah, most of last night. We been through this apartment with a fine tooth comb.

[Peter Chambers]

Yeah, a fine tooth comb.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Hey, is that a crack?

[Peter Chambers]

No, no crack intended, Lieutenant. Leave us.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Leave? Yeah, leave us.

[Peter Chambers]

Outside. Parker goes off and you're left alone. Frankie Toer's place is nearby and. Well, maybe you're looking for an excuse to go back.

[Frankie Tokers]

Hello, Mr. Chambers.

[Peter Chambers]

Oh, may I come in?

[Frankie Tokers]

Please do.

[Peter Chambers]

You bring her up to date? You take the letter out of the envelope and you'll read Dear Nancy. Finished is finished. Now you've got it in writing. I don't see the sense. But if you insist, you can come over Monday at 7:30. You can't stay long. As it happens, I have a date with Charles for 8:00. You? Yours, Alan.

[Frankie Tokers]

The date matches Monday.

[Peter Chambers]

Yesterday night he was killed.

[Frankie Tokers]

That letter puts her right in the middle, doesn't it?

[Peter Chambers]

Did you know anything about these two? Nancy Avon and Alan Lewis.

[Frankie Tokers]

She was sweet on him and he encouraged her. Charlie Avon didn't even know it was cooking. But she was planning to divorce him. And then Alan Lewis cooled off.

[Peter Chambers]

You mean when he met you he'd have cooled off.

[Frankie Tokers]

Anyway, that's the kind of guy he was. Real loyal. Shot through with integrity.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, how'd she take it?

[Frankie Tokers]

You know, he told me she was plenty worked up over it.

[Peter Chambers]

Okay, Ms. Tookers. Frankie. Well, you cross your fingers and if I'm lucky, you're out of a jam.

[Frankie Tokers]

Oh, I'd appreciate that. Would I appreciate that?

[Peter Chambers]

You figure your next stop for your last stop. 1688 Gramercy Park North.

[Frankie Tokers]

Oh, oh, Mr. Chambers. Please come in.

[Peter Chambers]

Mrs. Avon. She's dressed in Chinese type lounging pajamas and she's not wearing the dark lens specs. You look at her eyes and a chill goes through you like winter's suddenly gotten into the marrow of your bones. Wild eyes, quick moving, darting, half mad eyes. Pupils dilated almost to the rim.

[Nancy Avon]

Something, Mr.

[Frankie Tokers]

Chambers?

[Peter Chambers]

A few questions.

[Frankie Tokers]

Questions?

[Nancy Avon]

Why questions of me?

[Peter Chambers]

Well, I've got a hunch I've stumbled on something the police don't know like.

[Nancy Avon]

Like what?

[Peter Chambers]

Like you had a thing going with Alan Lewis, your husband. You hope didn't know about it. There are letters. You saved them, right, Mrs. Avon?

[Nancy Avon]

Yes.

[Peter Chambers]

You were there last night.

[Nancy Avon]

Yes.

[Peter Chambers]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Avon. Now where's the gun? Do you have it?

[Nancy Avon]

You. You say the police don't know. Perhaps. Perhaps. I mean, I have my.

[Peter Chambers]

I'm one of the dumb ones. I'm allergic to bribery. Now where's the gun?

[Nancy Avon]

I have it. It's hidden here, hidden in the apartment.

[Peter Chambers]

Will you get it, please?

[Nancy Avon]

Yes, yes, I'll get it. It's my own gun.

[Peter Chambers]

You wait while she goes for it. And you don't like it. But you haven't got the time to work it out now because she's coming back and she's carrying the thing. A chunky nickel plated item, and she's holding it business and forward. You get a scratched hip and a hole in your pants and you're already the slugger. But you don't have to because she slides down in a faint. You get the gun away from her, find brandy, pour a lot into her and a little into yourself, and finally she starts coming to.

[Nancy Avon]

I. I fainted.

[Peter Chambers]

You certainly did.

[Nancy Avon]

Lady, I'm ill. I'm under the care of a psychiatrist. Gunshot. The sound of gunshots. One shot and I pass out. Even if I do it myself, I pass out.

[Peter Chambers]

What happened last night?

[Nancy Avon]

Almost like it happened here. I was there before he was, and when he came, we argued. I brought the pistol, I was wearing my gloves and I shot him. And then I fainted. When I came to, I saw he was dead and I got out of the.

[Peter Chambers]

Just a minute. Just a minute. You say you were there before he was. How'd you get in?

[Nancy Avon]

I. I have keys.

[Peter Chambers]

You get her to an easy chair and you call down to park at headquarters. You put in a request for a lot of the law and also for Mr. Charles Avon. Pretty soon the place is crawling with cops and you point a finger and to Lieutenant Parker you say, I give you a murderer, Lieutenant.

[Nancy Avon]

But you got it wrong.

[Peter Chambers]

You're mistaken, no mistake. It's just where my finger's pointing. I give you, Lieutenant. Mr. Charles Avon.

[Charles Avon]

This guy's nuts.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

A lot of things he is nuts. He ain't. Go on, Pete.

[Peter Chambers]

Here's a guy who comes in and hires me for $5,000 for something the New York City Police can do much better and for nothing.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

You're stealing my lines, chump.

[Peter Chambers]

But the guy's not crazy. He's got a purpose. He's also got a large contempt for the thoroughness of the police, which I haven't.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Start making sense, Petey boy.

[Peter Chambers]

Read this. You toss the letter to Detective Lieutenant Parker and the room is as quiet as a cemetery until he's through reading it. So I found that letter from Mrs. Avon to Alan Lewis. I found it in Lewis's apartment.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Wait a minute. We gave that place an extra special going over. That letter wasn't there.

[Peter Chambers]

You don't have to convince me. Convince Charles Avon? That baby goes and sees the wrong movies. He's got no confidence in cops.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

No question the letter wasn't there, but.

[Peter Chambers]

I found it there. So it adds up to plant. Somebody planted it there, wanted it found there. Somebody wanted to implicate Mrs. Nancy Avon.

[Dane Clark]

Who?

[Peter Chambers]

Who had access to her mail, huh? Friend, Husband, that's who.

[Charles Avon]

No.

[Peter Chambers]

Why do you think he hired me? So I could bumble around and find a few things he wanted me to find. Like frustrated love. Like that letter. Like. Like maybe a confession from Mrs. Avon, which I got.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

She confessed.

[Peter Chambers]

Doesn't mean a thing. Let me do it chronologically. Will you?

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Do it any way you like, pal.

[Peter Chambers]

Nancy Avon goes there at 7:30 to keep her date. She brings her gun because the young guy's giving her the air. She waits for him, he comes, they argue, she shoots him. And she faints. One shot, but the guy had two.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Bullet holes in it.

[Dick Evans]

Correct.

[Peter Chambers]

But here's how he got the second. Charles Avon's got a hate for both of them. For Alan and for Nancy. Alan's been blackmailing him. Plus, the wife is sweet on Alan. He's been steeping open her mail, and he knows she's going to meet him last night, so he follows. He follows, hoping against hope for action. And action happens. And then he gets in there, he sees Alan bleeding from the shoulder wound and the wife in a faint on the floor. He picks up the gun, finishes off Alan, wipes the prince off, puts it back in her hand and vamooses. She comes to, sees a dead Allen, and she gets out convinced that she killed him.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Then we pick up Charlie on the strength of Ms. Toker's story. But the lawyer gets him sprung on a wrist, right?

[Peter Chambers]

So this morning he goes to Lewis's apartment and he sticks that letter where it can't be missed.

[Charles Avon]

No, no.

[Peter Chambers]

Real contempt he has for the efficiency of cops, hasn't he? Anyway, he hires me so I can clean up some loose ends and lay the whole deal in the lady's lap. The minute I saw that letter, I knew it was a plan. It happens that I've got respect for cops. They never miss that kind of evidence.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

One great big catch.

[Peter Chambers]

I know what you're gonna say.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

What?

[Peter Chambers]

How did he get in there twice. Once to croak the guy and once to plant the letter.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

All right.

[Peter Chambers]

Mrs. Avon had keys. Mr. Avon made duplicates. He figured he'd have use for them sooner or later. Well, he used them, all right. And by now he's disposed of them. But he hasn't disposed of the key maker.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Meaning what?

[Peter Chambers]

Meaning. Meaning that when a guy swipes his wife's keys to make duplicates, he doesn't go far. So you can demonstrate to Mr. Avon about the efficiency of cups by Producing and with dispatch. The neighborhood key maker who did the job. And that, That'll put the final finger on Mr. Charles Avon.

[Charles Avon]

No, no, I didn't.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

All right, Mr. Avon.

[Peter Chambers]

That does it. Charles Avon goes white and topples. And when he gets up, the manacles are around his wrists and he's babbling his brains out. Lawyer or no lawyer, this time he's going to get locked away for good.

[Lieutenant Louis Parker]

Nice work. Grade A job, Petey. Congratulations.

[Peter Chambers]

Well, now, appreciation from a detective Lieutenant to a private eye. That's sweet music indeed. But you start breaking out of there because you're heading for Frankie Toker's place. Appreciation from Detective Lieutenant Parker, good enough. But appreciation from Ms. Frankie tokers. Well, now.

[Dane Clark]

And there you've had Crime and Peter Chambers. Jane Clark was starred as Peter Chambers. Crime and Peter Chambers transcribed was created and written by Henry Kane. Bill Zuckert was heard as Lt. Parker. With Leslie Woods, Edgar Staley and Lawson Zerbe. It was directed by Fred Way. This is Fred Collins inviting you to tune in next week, same time, same station, for Dane Clark in Crime and Peter Chambers. Hear the Oppenheimer story on Heart of the News tonight on the NBC Radio Network.

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