Danger With Grainger xx-xx-xx (05) Triple X Murder

Summary

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Danger With Grainger: "Triple X Murder" (Episode 05)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 31, 2026

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Episode Overview

This gripping installment of "Danger With Grainger" revives the suspenseful tales from radio’s golden age, presenting a twist-filled detective story centered on the mysterious "Triple X" murders plaguing Pelham Bay Park. Private detective Steve Granger takes listeners through a case combining clever misdirection, police frustration, and a psychological duel with a criminal who signs killings with three lipstick x’s.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. The Twin Killings Discovery

Timestamp: 01:16 – 02:39

• The story opens with Graham Dwyer discovering the bodies of a young couple in a red convertible at Pelham Bay Park and alerting the police.
• The crime scene is marked by a chilling detail: three x’s drawn in lipstick on each victim’s forehead—a killer’s grotesque trademark.
• Police Lieutenant Mike Harding and Granger inspect the scene: "We're in for a lot of grief. You look at these marks made by a lipstick." (Steve Granger, 02:30)

2. John Morton: The Prime Suspect

Timestamp: 02:39 – 04:54

• Martha Morton, the mother of John, pleads with Granger to clear her son, who's in jail and accused as the "3X killer".
• Granger visits Lieutenant Harding at police HQ; the case against John looks strong: shoe prints, matching tire tracks, and motive from a love triangle.
• Harding says skeptically: "Oh, looks like a nice boy. And I’ve seen angel face killers before." (Lt. Harding, 05:02)

3. Steve Granger’s Investigation

Timestamp: 04:54 – 11:44

• Granger interviews John Morton, who denies the killings but admits to being in the park, acting out of jealousy. His alibi is weak—he was alone after dropping off Anna Long, the girl who reported him.
• Graham Dwyer enters as an eager amateur criminologist, offering to help with the investigation.
• As Granger leaves, someone takes a shot at him from a car (08:20). He provides the plate number to Harding— the car is missing, keys left inside by the owner.

4. Suspicions Shift After a Second Murder

Timestamp: 11:44 – 14:54

• At Cal Hendricks' place, Granger discusses the psychological aspect of the killer: "…when they start marking their corpses with three X's on the forehead, look for a psychopathic murderer." (Cal Hendricks, 11:57)
• News breaks of another murder—again marked with three X's, this time only a woman—proving John Morton's innocence (13:12).
• Police must release John, but he remains under suspicion post-release.

5. Plan to Trap the 3X Killer

Timestamp: 15:04 – 17:47

• Granger and Harding concoct a risky scheme to trap the killer. Granger explains: "Suppose somebody comes along and claims to be the 3x killer. The real one gets jealous. He'll want to get even with the fake one." (17:06)

• They stage a fake murder: a policewoman pretends to be shot and is found with three X's. The ruse is publicized to lure the real killer out.

6. The Climax—The Killer Revealed

Timestamp: 18:45 – 22:15

• As planned, a "fake" 3X killer (an officer in disguise) roams. Graham Dwyer, exposed by his knowledge and obsession, confronts the fake and confesses to being the real killer:
  • "You're a fake… You're trying to cash in on the publicity the original 3x killer got… Because I happen to be the original 3X." (Graham Dwyer, 21:46, 21:56)
• Granger and police apprehend Dwyer after a struggle. Granger's shooting of Dwyer in the leg ends the chase.

7. Wrap-Up and Reflection

Timestamp: 22:37 – 23:19

• Harding and Granger debrief, the press has a field day with the police ruse.
• On arresting Dwyer: "He's insane. When we raided his apartment we found it was a storehouse of information on murder." (Lt. Harding, 22:56)
• Granger, exhausted, declines another call to action: "This one is on you. I figure on taking a rest. A long rest." (Steve Granger, 23:19)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• The Signature:
  “Three X’s. This must be the work of some... Some fiend.”
  — Graham Dwyer & Lt. Harding, (02:33–02:36)

• Distrust of Appearances:
  "He looks like a nice boy. And I’ve seen angel face killers before.”
  — Lt. Harding, (05:02)

• Plotting the Trap:
  "Suppose somebody comes along and claims to be the 3x killer. The real one gets jealous. He'll want to get even with the fake one.”
  — Steve Granger, (17:06)

• The Confession:
  “Because I happen to be the original 3X.”
  — Graham Dwyer, (21:56)

• Granger’s Sign-off:
  “This one is on you. I figure on taking a rest. A long rest.”
  — Steve Granger, (23:19)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• Discovery of the bodies: 01:16–02:39
• John Morton’s predicament and investigation: 02:39–05:51
• Attempt on Granger’s life: 08:20–08:45
• News of fresh murder/exoneration: 13:00–13:43
• Trapping the real killer (the staged murder): 17:13–22:15
• Resolution and aftermath: 22:37–23:19

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Tone and Style

The episode balances its noir detective atmosphere with snappy, sardonic exchanges. Granger’s narration is hard-boiled and seasoned with wit, while Harding provides a gruff, no-nonsense foil. Dialogue bristles with irony—both men occasionally trade barbs, undercutting the gloom with gallows humor and camaraderie.

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Summary for New Listeners

In this classic example of the radio detective genre, listeners are drawn into a cerebral and atmospheric case, packed with misdirection, psychological insight, and suspenseful action. The episode demonstrates the dramatic strengths of radio storytelling—using voice, pacing, and clever writing to deliver both entertainment and intrigue.

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Transcript

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[Steve Granger]

Danger with granger.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Police department.

[Graham Dwyer]

This is Graham Dwyer. I'm calling from a drugstore in Ampere McDonough on the edge of Pelham Bay Park. Get a police car out here immediately. Oh, here I am, officer.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I'm the man who called. You said something about bodies.

[Graham Dwyer]

Yes. I was walking along one of the drives. I found them in a car.

[Steve Granger]

Get in, mister. Show us where.

[Graham Dwyer]

It's this road to the right.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

A red convertible.

[Graham Dwyer]

It's parked right along. Oh, there. There it is, just up ahead.

[Steve Granger]

Who of them? Boy and girl?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

They're just youngsters. Both been shot. How'd you happen to find them, fella?

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, I told you. I was walking here in the park. It's a nice night. I happened to look in.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

At first I thought they were just.

[Graham Dwyer]

Sitting, sort of neckin.

[Steve Granger]

Yes.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Then I took a closer look.

[Graham Dwyer]

That's when I ran to the drugstore and called.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Hey, what's the matter, officer?

[Steve Granger]

We're in for a lot of grief. You look at these marks made by a lipstick.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Three X's.

[Graham Dwyer]

This must be the work of some.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Some fiend.

[Steve Granger]

This is Steve Granger, private detective with a story about a killer with a trademark, a triple X, which meant murder plus mania. In just a moment, I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases. This is Granger. I was sitting in my office reading the paper. An account of a twin killing in Pelham Bay park the night before a killing signed by three X's. On the fard of each body was the sort of case that gave you a cold, creepy feeling in spite of the fact that the sun was shining outside. Then my door opened.

[Graham Dwyer]

Mr. Granger. Mr. Granger, I've come to you for help. I need you.

[Steve Granger]

Sit down, ma'. Am.

[Graham Dwyer]

Thank you. I'm Martha Morton. I want you to try to exonerate my son, John.

[Steve Granger]

Why was he done?

[Graham Dwyer]

You haven't read that entire story in your paper, Mr. Granger, or you wouldn't ask that.

[Steve Granger]

What?

[Graham Dwyer]

John is in jail. He's under suspicion of being a 3x killer. But he couldn't have committed those murders. I know he couldn't.

[Steve Granger]

Why not?

[Graham Dwyer]

He's just not that sort of boy. I know I've not been able to give him all the time he should have had. But he's not the kind of boy to do anything as horrible as that.

[Steve Granger]

You could be wrong, you know, Mrs. Morton.

[Graham Dwyer]

No, I'm not wrong. That's why I want your help. Okay.

[Steve Granger]

I'll drop down and have a talk with him. I see he's being held downtown.

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, Mr. Granger, please.

[Steve Granger]

If you take it easy, Mrs. Morton, if he's innocent, he won't be convicted. I grabbed some transportation and went down to police headquarters. I explained my errand and was ushered into the office of Lieutenant Mike Harding.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Granger. I think you picked a bad one this time.

[Steve Granger]

Why? What have you got on young Morton?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Everything. A girl came to us early this morning. She was scared to death, hysterical. She wanted protection.

[Steve Granger]

From whom? And why?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

The dead girl and boy were both friends of hers. They all had a date last night. The dead girl forgot about a second date she had with the Morton boy. Both boys showed up. They tossed a coin. Morton lost. He went away angry with the girl who later reported him.

[Steve Granger]

That's still not proof of murder.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

The lab man made some casts around the car. They fit the boy's shoes.

[Steve Granger]

Shoes can be similar.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Cut it out. We matched the tires on Morton's car with some tire prints. They were alike, too.

[Steve Granger]

I want to go talk with him, Mike. Okay.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Come on.

[Steve Granger]

How's the kid? Impress you?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Oh, looks like a nice boy. And I've seen angel face killers before. Is my. You.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

She's nice, too.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

This is itself.

[Steve Granger]

John. I'm Steve Granger. Your mother employed me to try and get you out of this.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I didn't do it. I didn't do it.

[Steve Granger]

Take it easy, kid. I'll do everything I can. What happened after you flipped the nickel and lost?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I left him and went out with the other girl.

[Steve Granger]

The one who reported you? Yes.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Anna Long.

[Steve Granger]

I was mad, see?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I took her home early and Then I drove my car around the park.

[Steve Granger]

Looking for the other couple?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Yeah. I wanted to spoil their fun if I could. They wanted to pick a fight with the other guy. I didn't like him.

[Steve Granger]

But, Mr. Granger, I never killed them. But you did find them?

[Graham Dwyer]

Sure.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I spotted the car parked on that side driveway. I coasted up and back so they wouldn't hear me. I wanted to see what was going on. When I got to the car, I could see there was something wrong. When I saw the three X's marked on their fire, I went home as fast as I could.

[Steve Granger]

Why didn't you notify the police?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Well, I was going to, but just as I got back in my own car, I heard the sirens, I got out of there. I guess I lost my head.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess you did. Okay, John, try and relax. I'll do what I can. Howdy. I think you've got the boy wrong. He's got a pretty straight story, but no witness. Did you paraphernous hands.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Granger, you stick to your business and let me stick to mine. I know the routine.

[Graham Dwyer]

Okay, okay.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

No offense. After all, he's the logical suspect, isn't he?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, maybe too logical.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Anything else I can do, or will you permit me to go about my own affairs?

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, Lieutenant Harding, I've been waiting for you.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Oh, no.

[Graham Dwyer]

But I want to help that poor boy.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I wish you two would go someplace and get lost. Oh, Granger. This is Graham Dwyer. Steve Granger.

[Steve Granger]

According to the papers. You found the body.

[Graham Dwyer]

Yes, I did, but I don't believe that youngster did the killing.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I offered my services to the Lieutenant here, but he's refused them.

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, I happen to be interested in crime.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I'm an amateur criminologist.

[Steve Granger]

I see. Well, so long, Haughty.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Oh, one moment. Granger, has the boy's mother retained you?

[Steve Granger]

Suppose she has?

[Graham Dwyer]

Then why can't we work together?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

My work will be free. Of course, you know Granger. That's an excellent suggestion.

[Steve Granger]

Just a second, Hodge.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Then I'll have both of you Sherlocks out of my hair.

[Steve Granger]

I got away from Grand Wire by simply telling him to get in touch with me later at my office place. I'd try not to be. At that time, I nodded so long at him, left the building and grabbed a cab uptown. Thanks, driver, and keep the change. I move towards the entrance of my building. I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. When the shots came, I dropped to the sidewalk fast. You got to be pretty fast on the fall in my profession. I lay there Waiting for some more shots, but they never came. Only the sound of a car roaring off. I could look at the license plates and made it in a hurry to my telephone.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

How are you speaking?

[Steve Granger]

This is Granger. Listen, the guy just took a potshot at me from a car. I got the license number. Can you check the owner for me?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Sure.

[Graham Dwyer]

You think it's about the 3x killing?

[Steve Granger]

How do I know? I'm no prophet.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

You're not much of a private eye either.

[Steve Granger]

While waiting for Harding to call back, I studied the newspaper account of the 3x killing. The police had only one suspect, and that was John Morton. I hoped I could dig up an alibi for him because the law was going to be tough about this. I'd got the address of the girl who put the finger on John Morton. Her name was Anna Long. I decided a talk with her was in order. Anna Long lived on Colonial Avenue, adjacent Pelham Bay Park. I phoned, told her I'd be out. Yes? You're Anna Long? I'm Steve Granger, the man of phone.

[Graham Dwyer]

Oh, yes. Come on in, Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks.

[Graham Dwyer]

You said it was about John?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I want you to tell me everything.

[Steve Granger]

You know about him.

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, he always acted awfully sweet. I liked him.

[Steve Granger]

Then why did you report him to the police that night?

[Graham Dwyer]

He was sort of different. He wanted that date with Mel. And he was terribly upset when Tommy showed up.

[Steve Granger]

Did he make any threats?

[Graham Dwyer]

No, he just grumbled about it always being evil accurate or something like that.

[Steve Granger]

You said he acted different. What do you mean by that?

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, we rode around and then we stopped off for a soda at the corner. John wouldn't talk or anything. Then he took me home just like that. Didn't even say good night.

[Steve Granger]

You think he could have killed his two friends?

[Graham Dwyer]

They didn't like Tommy at all. And he was crazy jealous of Nell.

[Steve Granger]

The talk with Annalong brought out nothing. There was no way of establishing an alibi for John Morton since he'd been driving around alone. I thanked the girl, left the house and started down the street in search of a cab. I walked along, enjoying the clear weather. I hardly noticed the car as I came up to was facing me. I dropped to the ground, but not until I got a good look at that driver. He was wearing a gray hat, glasses and a mustache. I got something else, too. The license number on the plates, the same as before. Well, honey?

[Graham Dwyer]

Sure, sure.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I've got a make on the car for you, Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks. You took your time about it, didn't you, Mr. Manic?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I'm too nervous.

[Steve Granger]

I just don't like being shot at.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

You want protection? I'd be glad to assign a uniformed officer to bodyguard.

[Steve Granger]

Watch the comedy and give me the information.

[Graham Dwyer]

I'm afraid it won't make you happy.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

We checked with the car owner. He left his keys in the car. It disappeared naturally, and it's still missing.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks. There's one thing about you, Mike. You're always useful. About as useful as a nylon shirt in a blizzard. As I hung up the phone, a thought struck me. The man who'd fired at me from the car had fired high. Vincey had a perfect sight on me. He apparently was just trying to scare me off the Morton case. The trouble was he was practically succeeding. In just a moment, I'll bring you the climax of the case. On my way back to my office, I passed pretty near to Cal Hendricks place. Since I was getting nowhere fast with this case, and since Cal has more than once been able to help that I'd pay him a call.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Well, well. In trouble again, Steve?

[Steve Granger]

What do you mean, again? I just sucker for strife.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Read about the 3x killer, Steve?

[Steve Granger]

I'm working on it.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

That Morton kid, I don't think he did it.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks. You're my best friend today.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

A kid like that might kill an anger, but when they start marking their corpses with three X's on the forehead, look for a psychopathic murderer, you'll just.

[Steve Granger]

Point him out to me. I can save Mrs. Morton a lot of heartbreak.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

This is one time I can be of no help. I thought I'd probably find you here. Gringer.

[Steve Granger]

Whoa. Well, well. The boy lieutenant from Homicide.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

All right, that's enough. Hendrix here. You're holding an innocent kid for murder.

[Steve Granger]

Now, look here. No needle in Cal, Lieutenant. High blood pressure. What do you want with me, sir?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

That Graham Dwyer, remember him? He said that now you and he were working together, you'd have a startling revelation to make by morning.

[Steve Granger]

Oh, he said that, did he?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Is it true?

[Steve Granger]

No, Mike. It'll make you feel better, is it not? Thanks.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Even if my feet are sore. That no was worth the trip up here.

[Steve Granger]

I left Cal's place, went to my office and reported to Mrs. Morton. Well, I couldn't encourage you too much. I could insinuate I was getting a break on the case at midnight. I got it. Hello, Granger.

[Graham Dwyer]

Have you been listening to the radio?

[Steve Granger]

No. Who is this?

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, this is Graham Dwyer, the man who's working with you, remember?

[Steve Granger]

Oh, yeah.

[Graham Dwyer]

I just heard it over the radio, Granger. And they definitely prove that John Martin didn't kill that boy and girl.

[Steve Granger]

What? Proves what? What are you talking about?

[Graham Dwyer]

There's been another 3x murder.

[Steve Granger]

Say that again.

[Graham Dwyer]

The report. It just came over the radio.

[Steve Granger]

Same place. Pelham Park.

[Graham Dwyer]

Sure this time it was only a woman.

[Steve Granger]

Only, huh?

[Graham Dwyer]

She was shot once. And Matilda marked three axes on the forehead with a lipstick.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I've got an idea.

[Graham Dwyer]

I'll come over and pick you up and we can go right out there.

[Steve Granger]

There's no sense in doing that, Dwyer. By this time, the police have removed the body. The examination will be over just the same.

[Graham Dwyer]

It does prove that the boy didn't commit the murders.

[Steve Granger]

Okay, okay. I'll get dressed, go down and get him out if I can. Excellent.

[Graham Dwyer]

I'll be over at your office first thing in the morning.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Why?

[Graham Dwyer]

I'm going to help you catch the real 3x killer.

[Steve Granger]

Wow. Thanks. Thanks a lot. I hung up on that nauseating prospect and mulled this latest development over in my mind. Then I got into my clothes and went down to the morgue. Lieutenant Harding was there ahead of me, as ugly as a bear with a singed tail.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I might have known you'd show up.

[Steve Granger]

Sure. This sort of clears my client's sound, doesn't it?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Don't be in such a hurry.

[Steve Granger]

Have you identified the murdered woman?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

In her purse she carried a driver's license, a hotel credit card and a birth certificate. Now, have we?

[Steve Granger]

Don't be so grumpy, Mike. Means you'll have to release that kid.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Yes. His mother will be down here with a writ. I'll have to let him go, but that doesn't mean he won't still be under suspicion.

[Steve Granger]

Find any clues in the park?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Footprints. Millions of them. Made by the curious public as they trampled the place like a bullring.

[Steve Granger]

Anything of the dead woman's effects? No. Newspapers are gonna get on you, aren't.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

They, Mike Granger, don't needle me. This isn't funny.

[Steve Granger]

Murder never is. At 10 the next morning, I was reading the account of the latest murder when my pal walked in.

[Graham Dwyer]

Well, Mr. Granger, here I am, just as I promised.

[Steve Granger]

I've been waiting with bated breath, Dwyer.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Good.

[Graham Dwyer]

Now, here's what we can do.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Go out to that dead woman's place and look around.

[Steve Granger]

Dwyer. Just a minute. The police have done that already, but.

[Graham Dwyer]

They could have missed something.

[Steve Granger]

Pardon me. Granger.

[Graham Dwyer]

Mr. Granger, this is Mrs. Martin. I called to tell you that John is home.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah, I know. He'd been released.

[Graham Dwyer]

I'm so happy, I don't know what to say. Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Let me advise you, Mrs. Morton. Keep John where you can watch him for a while. The police still have him under suspicion.

[Graham Dwyer]

I shall. I'm sending you a check in the mail.

[Steve Granger]

Don't bother. I didn't do a thing. But Mr. Granger, the real killer cleared your boy. Goodbye.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

That was Mrs. Morton.

[Steve Granger]

Yeah.

[Graham Dwyer]

I knew that boy wasn't guilty from the very first.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

The real 3x killer is a clever.

[Steve Granger]

Man, not a kid.

[Graham Dwyer]

Now, why don't we go out to that woman's place?

[Steve Granger]

I want to, but I can't Wire. But why don't you go out and look around? Use my name if you want to.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Thank you.

[Steve Granger]

And if anything breaks about another killing, we'll investigate it together.

[Graham Dwyer]

Right, Granger.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

That's a deal.

[Steve Granger]

It was such a logical way of losing Grand Wire, I took it in a hurry. Also, he would do no more harm snooping around Pelham Bay park during the morning. A few minutes after he left, I went down to see Lt. Harding. He still hadn't been to bed.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Don't you start anything this morning, gumshoe.

[Steve Granger]

Take it easy, Mike. You're losing your perspective.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Have you seen the papers? If we don't do something about this 3x killer, I'll lose more than my perspective, my job.

[Steve Granger]

I said take it easy.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

All I need now is that nutty Dwyer character around.

[Steve Granger]

I got rid of him. I sent him out to Pelham Bay. Look for clues.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I hope he falls in the lake.

[Steve Granger]

How do you ever figured that you're dealing with a psychopathic killer?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I figured everything. But he's still loose.

[Steve Granger]

I think I know how we can catch him. We?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

And what have you got to do with it?

[Steve Granger]

Figured I could help you trap him.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Now, Granger, if this is another stunt.

[Steve Granger]

Just listen, will you? Well, go on. The 3x killer must be an egomaniac. He loves to see his trademark written up in the papers. Now, suppose somebody comes along and claims to be the 3x killer. The real one gets jealous. He'll want to get even with the fake one.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

In short, you want me to take my gun, murder an innocent citizen to make it look like a 3x killing.

[Steve Granger]

You don't have to go as far as that. You can get hold of a body, can't you?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Of an unidentified woman. Are you nuts?

[Steve Granger]

No. You set up the whole thing. Get a police officer and a policewoman to stage it. The woman is found dead after being shot by the 3x killer. The wagon comes up and takes her down here. Nobody knows if she's alive or dead.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

And in the meantime, the real 3x killer pops up in Times Square.

[Steve Granger]

It's a chance you'll have to take. Me?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

I thought it was going to be we.

[Steve Granger]

Harding demurred with every demur he could dig up. But I finally reasoned him into it and he agreed it was one way the 3x killer could be brought into the open that night. Just before midnight, the supposed killing took place. The policewoman posing as a casual pedestrian was walking down one of the drives. A man sleep slipped up behind her. The woman staggered to the grass and dropped. The man ran between some trees and disappeared. Two plain clothesmen ran out with the body of the woman brought from the morgue. A woman wearing three X's on a forehead. They placed her where the fake shooting had taken place while the policewoman slipped out of sight. The stage was set. Just as Harding and I had planned. The radio at midnight came out with the news that another 3x killing had taken place.

[Graham Dwyer]

Yeah, this is claimed wire. Have you heard?

[Steve Granger]

I'm just going to call you.

[Graham Dwyer]

We're going out there. I'll pick you up in five minutes.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

The radio said it was the left drive spots right up ahead.

[Steve Granger]

See the police cars?

[Graham Dwyer]

My my, this one really attracted a crowd.

[Steve Granger]

Hold up here. We can walk. This time.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

We'll pick up the clues.

[Graham Dwyer]

We can come up with the 3X killers.

[Steve Granger]

Something too. Sure.

[Graham Dwyer]

See Lieutenant Harding's on the job.

[Steve Granger]

That poor guy hasn't slept for three days.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

You say you're walking right along here? Yes, officers.

[Steve Granger]

Ah ya.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Lieutenant Granger. Don't tell me you're. What did you bring him along for?

[Graham Dwyer]

We're going to find the 3x killer for you.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

You're going to mind your own business or be locked up.

[Graham Dwyer]

You can't do that. I'm a law abiding citizen.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

You get in our way, you'll be obstructing justice. Now behave. You mister, go on with your story. I was quite a ways down the drive when I heard the shot. Is he the man who fired it? I think so. Got enough to describe him? Yes, I believe so. He was wearing a dark suit. His hat was gray colored. He had a decided limp. Anything else? He ran over into those trees.

[Steve Granger]

Harding looked at me and one eyelid dropped in a surreptitious wink. I nodded. A few minutes later a man wearing a dark blue suit, gray hat and sporting a decided limp was moving through those trees. Nobody except the police and I knew that this had all been rehearsed. That both the witness and the man with the limp were really police officers. I looked around carefully, hoping to spot anyone who looked suspicious. Then I discovered something. Something that sent me on the heels of the man posing as the 3X killer. It was not so light now and I had difficulty spotting my quarry. Then he loomed up ahead, the limp.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

As evident as ever.

[Steve Granger]

I stayed behind, just a little out of sight. The phony murderer was being obvious also. He was taking a chance because some civic minded citizen might shoot first and ask later. Then another figure slipped out of a clump of bushes up behind the supposed killer. The gleam of a nickel plated revolver glinted dimly. The second man prodded the first out of sight. I moved in. Don't stand there.

[Graham Dwyer]

I demand to know why you killed that woman.

[Steve Granger]

I'm the 3x killer. Okay, you caught me. Take me back there.

[Graham Dwyer]

You're the 3X killer.

[Steve Granger]

That's fantastic.

[Graham Dwyer]

The 300 3X killer is clever. His murders are committed without leaving traces.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

You're a fumbling fool.

[Steve Granger]

I'm the 3x killer.

[Graham Dwyer]

You're not. This wasn't planned as the 3x killer plans. This was stupid. The 3x killer's intelligence he used as reason. Look how he framed that boy for the twin killings in the car. That took reasoning.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Yeah, You.

[Graham Dwyer]

You're a fake. You tried to cash in on the publicity the original 3x killer got. You were jealous of a success. You're the cheapest of all people. You're an imitator.

[Steve Granger]

How do you know?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Because I happen to be the original 3X.

[Graham Dwyer]

It was I, you understand?

[Steve Granger]

Okay, Dwyer, put down that gun.

[Graham Dwyer]

So you find me Granger. You knew all the time, didn't you?

[Steve Granger]

Drop the gun, I said.

[Graham Dwyer]

Not until I take care of that feeble fake. I'm going to.

[Steve Granger]

Well, friends, that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the case in just a minute. I merely pulled the trigger and Graham Dwyer dropped with a bullet in the leg. The officer who'd been posing as the fake killer grabbed his gun and that was that. Mike Harding asked me to meet him the following day.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Have you seen the newspapers? They're playing up the hoax we pull like they know about it all the time.

[Steve Granger]

They're good guys.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

And I suppose I'll have to thank you. It was that dreamboat idea you brought in from left field that snared Dwyer.

[Steve Granger]

Don't bother, dear boy. It was a pleasure to get you off the hook.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Yeah, I was hanging there like a flounder.

[Steve Granger]

What happens with Dwyer?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

He's insane. When we raided his apartment, we found it was a storehouse of information on.

[Steve Granger]

Murder finally went to his head. Why do I have a shot to kill when he chased me around in those stolen cars?

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

Explain that. He'll love making a monkey out of you.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks. Love being a monkey.

[Lieutenant Mike Harding]

And alive. Pardon me, Lieutenant, but they want you at the office. What for? There's been a shooting on the west side. Coming along, Granger?

[Steve Granger]

No, Lieutenant. This one is on you. I figure on taking a rest. A long rest. This is Steve Granger. You'll be listening to some of the most interesting cases in my files. I hope you enjoyed them. See you around sometimes.