Danger With Grainger xx-xx-xx (08) A Marriage Minded Girl

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Danger With Granger xx-xx-xx (08) A Marriage Minded Girl
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In this thrilling installment of "Danger With Granger," private detective Steve Granger navigates the treacherous waters of deception, double-crosses, and murder in his quest to uncover the truth behind a mysterious woman named Gloria Lane. Set against the backdrop of a bustling Manhattan supper club and the shadowy streets of New York, this episode masterfully intertwines suspense and intrigue, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

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Initial Confrontation

The episode opens with a tense exchange between Steve Granger and Gloria Lane in the Rendezvous Room, a sophisticated supper club in Manhattan.

• Steve Granger: "Danger with Granger."
  [00:14]

• Gloria Lane: "Why don't you let me alone? Get out of here."
  [00:32]

Steve demands money from Gloria, leading to a heated confrontation.

• Steve Granger: "The dough, baby. Hand it over."
  [00:55]

• Gloria Lane: "I haven't any money."
  [00:59]

Their interaction escalates until Gloria threatens to call the police, prompting Steve to reveal his detective identity.

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The Rendezvous Room Meeting

Steve recounts his meeting with Gloria at the Rendezvous Room, where he was waiting to intercept her.

• Steve Granger: "This is Steve Granger, private detective... Gloria Lane, meet me at the rendezvous room at 10 tonight. I'll be in the bar wearing a pink dress."
  [01:27]

Upon meeting, Gloria initially appears cooperative but quickly becomes evasive, leaving Steve suspicious.

• Gloria Lane: "I think we should get out of here."
  [02:43]

Their conversation is interrupted by an urgent phone call, leading Gloria to leave abruptly without explanation.

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Disappearance and Investigation

Concerned by Gloria's sudden departure, Steve investigates her whereabouts, leading him to an alley where he discovers her in distress.

• Gloria Lane: "Help me. Get me home."
  [04:51]

Steve attempts to assist her, but their interaction is cut short when he's assaulted by an unknown assailant. Gloria disappears, deepening the mystery.

• Steve Granger: "As I bent over to pick up the limp body of Gloria Lane...
  [05:20]

The next morning, Steve learns from Rick Darrell, the owner of the Rendezvous, that Gloria promised to marry him, introducing a potential motive for foul play.

• Rick Darrell: "She promised to marry me two weeks ago."
  [07:15]

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Escalation of Danger

Steve's investigation attracts unwanted attention, leading to confrontations with dangerous individuals like Herbie, Rick's brutish associate.

• Herbie: "You're pretty brassy, aren't you?"
  [08:15]

• Steve Granger: "I don't have a choice."
  [08:25]

His pursuit takes him through various locations, including the Marriage License Bureau, where he uncovers that Gloria was involved in polygamy—an illegal act that could have dire consequences.

• Steve Granger: "Polygamy has been outlawed for years. She's gonna be in trouble."
  [13:45]

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Climactic Revelations

The tension peaks as Steve uncovers the truth behind Gloria's disappearance and the sinister marriage racket she was entangled in.

• Steve Granger: "She's the most beautiful woman in the world."
  [10:30]

Through relentless detective work, Steve discovers that Gloria and her partner, Paletti, orchestrated a scheme to entangle men in fraudulent marriages for financial gain. When Gloria double-crossed them, it led to her murder.

• Paletti: "They corralled Jerry Regan over in Jersey."
  [20:50]

In a dramatic showdown, Steve confronts the culprits, leading to Paletti's arrest and clearing his name.

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Resolution and Aftermath

With the case resolved, Steve finds himself navigating new relationships and the complexities of his romantic interests.

• Gloria Lane: "Gee, Mr. Granger, you certainly did a good job."
  [24:39]

Steve reflects on the case's outcome and looks forward to future adventures, hinting at ongoing challenges in his detective career.

• Steve Granger: "You've just heard one of the most interesting cases in my files and I'll have another one for you, so be around next time."
  [24:47]

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Notable Quotes

• Steve Granger: "For that, I'm going to get you and get you good."
  [00:20]

• Gloria Lane: "She acted like she was terribly frightened about something."
  [15:00]

• Steve Granger: "This might be important."
  [15:49]

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Insights and Themes

"A Marriage Minded Girl" delves into themes of trust, deception, and the perilous nature of undercover investigations. Steve Granger's unwavering determination and ethical stance contrast sharply with the morally ambiguous characters he encounters. The episode highlights the complexities of human relationships and the lengths individuals will go to achieve their desires.

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Conclusion

This episode of "Danger With Granger" showcases Steve Granger's prowess as a private detective, adeptly unraveling a convoluted case filled with danger and deception. Through engaging dialogue, suspenseful plot twists, and a satisfying resolution, listeners are treated to a quintessential Old Time Radio experience that pays homage to the Golden Age of Radio storytelling.

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Tune in next time to follow Steve Granger as he tackles another intriguing case, navigating the shadows of New York City's underbelly with wit and courage.

Transcript

[Steve Granger]

Danger with Granger.

[Gloria Lane]

Yes. What?

[Steve Granger]

Inside, baby. Inside, I said. Well, Gloria, here we are, huh?

[Gloria Lane]

Why don't you let me alone? Get out of here.

[Steve Granger]

Not yet.

[Gloria Lane]

All right, I'll call the police.

[Steve Granger]

The police? Go ahead, call. Here. You want me to dial for you? Wait until they show up here. I'd like to hear what charges you make against me, baby.

[Gloria Lane]

All right, put it down.

[Steve Granger]

That's better. A lot better.

[Gloria Lane]

What do you want?

[Steve Granger]

The dough, baby. Hand it over.

[Gloria Lane]

I haven't any money.

[Steve Granger]

Stop lying. I know you got it.

[Gloria Lane]

Let that purse alone.

[Steve Granger]

I didn't have any dough, huh? I'll just take this roll of bills, baby, and don't double cross me again. Just play it smart, Gloria, and nothing will happen.

[Gloria Lane]

For that, I'm going to get you and get you good.

[Steve Granger]

This is Steve Granger, private detective with a story about a girl who decided to get married and tried so hard that it nearly killed me. In just a moment, I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases. This is Granger, and in my hand I have a note which reads, meet me at the rendezvous room at 10 tonight. I'll be in the bar wearing a pink dress. Sign, Gloria lane. This is 10 o'. Clock. This is the Rendezvous Room. One of the smarter Manhattan supper clubs filled to the brim with customers just itching to part with a ten dollar bill. Not knowing what Gloria Lane looked like, I leaned up against the bar and waited for developments. Pink dress.

[Gloria Lane]

Yours, Steve Granger.

[Steve Granger]

And your Gloria Lean. Glad to meet you, Ms. Lane.

[Gloria Lane]

I'm glad to meet you.

[Steve Granger]

Want to talk here or shall we find a spot a little more secluded?

[Gloria Lane]

I think we should get out of here.

[Steve Granger]

Let's go. Well, well, if it isn't the demon detective. How are you, Granger? Pretty good, Rick. Ms. Lane, do you know Rick Darrell, the owner of the Rendezvous? Oh, Gloria, I didn't realize it was you. How are you?

[Gloria Lane]

I'm fine, Rick.

[Steve Granger]

I can assume that you two have me many times. Granger, Gloria, while you were the private investigator business.

[Gloria Lane]

Oh, hardly. Granger and I are old friends. We were just leaving.

[Steve Granger]

I beg your pardon? There's a Telephone call for Ms. Lane.

[Gloria Lane]

I'm sorry, I haven't time to talk on the phone right now. We were just leaving.

[Steve Granger]

I must beg Miss Lane's pardon again. This is a most important call. Long distance, the operator said.

[Gloria Lane]

Very well. Will you wait, Granger?

[Steve Granger]

I'd be delighted. I will show you the phone, Ms. Lane.

[Gloria Lane]

I'll find it myself.

[Steve Granger]

I waited 10 minutes, then 20. Ms. Lane didn't show up, I wandered out to the line of telephone boobs in the lobby of the Rendezvous and found no Gloria Lane. I called the head waiter, who paged her. Yes, Mr. Granger? What happened to Ms. Lane? She hasn't returned. I don't see her in any of the phone booths. She had a long distance call, sir. I don't know what it said, but she left here very abruptly. She left no message for me, Mr. Granger. You know where she could have gone? Where she lives? Hardly, Mr. Granger. I'm just the head waiter. Thanks. I moved down the street, wondering what this was all about. The look in Gloria Lane's eyes when the headway to Pagester indicated fear. But why disappear? Or had Pauletti lied and had someone forced her to accompany them? I stopped for a second, debating what to do. Then I heard it. This was someone in pain. Someone down an alleyway just to my right. She was lying alongside the wall of a building. And she was my recent friend. Gloria Lane.

[Gloria Lane]

Help me. Get me home.

[Steve Granger]

Sure, Gloria, Sure. Now, this is Granger. Where do you live?

[Gloria Lane]

I live.

[Steve Granger]

Come on, baby. Come on, wake up. He'd better carry into the rendezvous and call a doctor. We're a darman. Don't turn around. Listen, fellow, don't turn round. Feel this. All right, so you got a gun and this girl has been badly beaten. She needs a doctor. Mister, just mind your own business. This thing will be taken care of. Understanding? Now go on, get moving. I don't think so. Until you catch it, you haven't got nerve enough to shoot. This is a blind alley. There'll be four cops on your back before you made the street. Oh, wise guy, huh? Just so wise that I'm taking this girl out of here. Okay, pick her up. Thanks. I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. As I bent over to pick up the limp body of Gloria Lane, the man behind me with a gun made me a present of it right on the top of the head. When I came to, I stirred around, brushed off my clothes and got on my feet. The alley was deserted. No Gloria Lane and no sign of the guy who knocked me out. I looked around for a door and found it. The back entrance to the Rendezvous. I moved through the kitchen into the main room of the club and asked questions. Rick Darrell wasn't around. Paletti, the head waiter, wasn't around. No one had seen Gloria Lane. I took myself home, went to bed, hoping to forget the whole thing. In the morning, I went to my office, sat, sat down, read the newspapers. Nobody had reported anything. Granger, I want to talk to you. Hi, Rick. Little early for a night spot operator to be around, isn't it? I want to ask you some questions, Granger. Oh? Like what? Why were you with Gloria Lane last night? I think that's my business. Although it should be obvious, she's a very attractive woman. Did you take her home? Nope. Hmm. What's wrong, Rick? I've got a chore for you. Find Gloria Lane for me. Why? Personal reasons. I'll pay $100 and give you 24 hours in which to do it. It's a large order. Got any ideas? A few. Just why are you so anxious to find Gloria Lane? She promised to marry me two weeks ago. Oh. I don't like people who break promises. Can't blame you. And that goes for you, too. If I find out that you saw Gloria after she left the rendezvous, you'll answer to me. If you're gonna be tough about this, find another boy to run your errands. Yeah, I guess you're right. Okay. You didn't see her, Rick? Yeah. Would anybody want to harm her in any way? Would there be a reason to grab her and hold her for price? That's what I want you to find out. Rick Darrell threw Gloria Lane's address at me and slammed out the door. I waited a few minutes, then beat it down the street. My. Hey, you. Yeah, what's on your mind? You're Granger, ain't you? Yeah. I'm Herbie. Well, now that we know each other so well, see you later. Hey, wait. Hey, you're not going that way. You're coming along with me. Am I? Yeah. You're pretty brassy, aren't you? Putting a finger on a man in broad daylight. This is no finger. Man wants to see you. I'm here to see that he does. This man, as you say, he doesn't know where my office is. Sure, but he don't want to go there. He wants you at his place. He likes to stay out of sight. From the looks of his helper, he must live down a hole someplace. Cracks don't harm me none. Now get going. If I crack, you get will. Well, well, well. The 79 Club. This is it. Get out, Granger. I'm due to do a little gambling, is that it? Get moving. I don't have a choice. Don't be scared, little man. Nobody's gonna hurt you. You call me little man, chum.

[Gloria Lane]

Good.

[Steve Granger]

I said one day you and I will meet under different circumstances. Oh, shut up. You make me tired. And vice versa. Go on, walk inside. Now what? Is there a floor show this time of day? Down this hall. This door right here. I'll walk in and meet the boss. I had a hunch it'd be something like this. Jerry Regan himself. Have a chair, Granger. I'd love to take a chair and break it over this gorilla's head. Close the door, Herbie. Sure. You always send your strong men to bring people to the 79 Club. At least it's a novel way to attract trade. Granger, got a job for you. No, thanks. I'm not interested in any of your projects. I want to live a while. This is legitimate, Granger. Goodbye. You ain't going anyplace. Stand still. Now, be brief, Granger. Last night you met a woman named Gloria Lane at the rendezvous. She's disappeared. What's your interest, Regan? She's the most beautiful woman in the world. Oh, you see, I can't send the boys to look for her. They don't have any finesse. Dear me. You see, it turns out that I'm gonna marry this time you too. Was it Ramuck that I said you are? Certainly am. Get the license to prove it. I get started looking for Ms. Lane. This is a home address in New York. Thanks, Jerry, but do you think I can do the job? You're the best bloodhound in New York. Oh, just to see that you stick to your work. They'll be here. Go along. I don't need him. Let him stay here. I think you do, Granger. Also, if you should slip up, he's got orders to bring you back here. And if that happens, it won't be so good for you. You see, Herbie takes a real pride in his work. Don't you, Herbie? Yeah. Herbie turned a smile on me that resembled the expression on a wolf's face as he sneaks up on a rabbit. I didn't need three guesses as to what would happen if I didn't come up with Miss Gloria Lane the girl who wanted to get married twice. In just a minute, I'll bring you the climax of the case. I Left Jerry Regan, 79 Club with his outsized gorilla, Herbie, right on my heels. Finding Gloria Lane was beginning to mean more than solving another case. It meant staying comfortably in one piece as well. Our first port of call was the Marriage License Bureau where I had a friend. Well, Granger thinking they're getting married? Nope. I need some information. Who's your pal and what's the matter with his face? His name is Herbie his face got that way when his mother parked him for a week in a deep freeze. Larry, here's what I want. Tell me if your office issued a marriage license to a woman named Gloria Lane and a man named Jerry Regan. I don't know, but step in and have a look. Right. Here we are. Lane. Lane. Here we are. Gloria Lane, 3267 East 91st street, and Jerry Regan. I want you to look up one more license. If it's recorded, who's this one for? Rick Darrell. Darrell, eh? Just a minute. Here we are. Rick Darrell and Gloria Lane. Thanks, boy. Is this the same Gloria Lane? Yep. Hey, this doll doesn't know that polygamy has been outlawed for years. She's gonna be in trouble. I know. See you later, Larry. Yeah, but I wanted to. Hey, where are you going? Out. You look for Gloria Lane, brother, What does. Harvey the Hood and I left the hall of Records and proceeded along the corridor. When we got out into the street, I had my chance to get rid of him. A quick push, a dive into a cruising cab and I was on my way to Gloria Lane's address. The landlady told me she had left, but she also told me that Gloria Lane had a girlfriend named Ella Murray who lived on the west side. When I got to the Murray girl's address, I got on my way.

[Gloria Lane]

Well, hello.

[Steve Granger]

Hiya.

[Gloria Lane]

What's on your mind?

[Steve Granger]

I came over to talk about Gloria Lane. I'm a friend.

[Gloria Lane]

Oh, you must be a new one.

[Steve Granger]

Oh, no, no, no. I'm an old one. Of course, I'm not Rick Darrell. Nor am I Jerry Regan.

[Gloria Lane]

I can see that.

[Steve Granger]

By the way, I was just over at Gloria's place. She doesn't seem to be around.

[Gloria Lane]

No, she's sort of tied up. So, what's the routine, mister?

[Steve Granger]

May I come in?

[Gloria Lane]

Why not?

[Steve Granger]

Ellen Murray, after a little coaxing, started chatting about Gloria Lane. Some of these things were startling, some not. She also mentioned that the Lane girl had gone to a small upstate New York town to recover from her injuries.

[Gloria Lane]

She acted like she was terribly frightened about something.

[Steve Granger]

Think I'll drive up to this town and see her.

[Gloria Lane]

Pretty late in the day to do that, isn't it?

[Steve Granger]

This might be important.

[Gloria Lane]

Just a minute, mister. You're not after her to do her any harm? I'd hate to think I'd put her on the spot.

[Steve Granger]

Oh, I wouldn't do any harm. Matter of fact, I'm beginning to think I can do her some good.

[Gloria Lane]

I'm glad to hear that.

[Steve Granger]

Oh, we'll see you later, Ella. It's been fun.

[Gloria Lane]

I'd like to see you later.

[Steve Granger]

Maybe I will. Ella Murray handed over the exact address of Gloria Lane's place in Spartan. I got downtown, rented a car, then started the drive upstate.

[Gloria Lane]

Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. Granger. Inside, baby.

[Gloria Lane]

How did you find out where I was?

[Steve Granger]

A girlfriend told me. Get your coach. You're going back to New York.

[Gloria Lane]

Me? Why?

[Steve Granger]

There's some money in this for me, baby, and I'm gonna collect it.

[Gloria Lane]

Granger, I can't go back to the city. They'll.

[Steve Granger]

I know what they'll do, and I hope it happens. I never did like chiselers. So we won't even wait for you to get your coat. Come on.

[Gloria Lane]

At least let me fix my face. I'll be right back.

[Steve Granger]

I listened for the sounds of a back door closing because I didn't believe a word Gloria Lane said. I never heard the door, but I did hear something else.

[Gloria Lane]

Now, listen. Here's what I mean.

[Steve Granger]

Put down that phone, baby, or I will. Who was that? Did you say I was here?

[Gloria Lane]

I won't tell.

[Steve Granger]

So you did. Come on. We'll drive back to New York without your face. Maybe you won't need it anyway.

[Gloria Lane]

Granger, listen to me.

[Steve Granger]

What?

[Gloria Lane]

I can't go back there. I'll pay you plenty if you let me go.

[Steve Granger]

No soap.

[Gloria Lane]

I can't face him.

[Steve Granger]

It's not him, baby. It's they. And I wouldn't miss this meeting for the world.

[Gloria Lane]

Granger, won't you listen to reason? Please let me up. Any place along here, I'll walk.

[Steve Granger]

You'll walk when we get into the city. Now be quiet.

[Gloria Lane]

Granger. I could do you a lot of good if you play my way.

[Steve Granger]

Your way? It'd buy me a nice cold slab in a morgue.

[Gloria Lane]

But I've got money, a lot of money.

[Steve Granger]

Just forget it, baby.

[Gloria Lane]

Granger, you're not being fair. I hired you first.

[Steve Granger]

Got two men after me I'd rather not have as enemies.

[Gloria Lane]

You're smart. You could get around them. If they paid you to find me, you could say you didn't find me.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks for reminding me that I double cross clean clients, Even those I don't want around.

[Gloria Lane]

Granger, there's another car coming up fast.

[Steve Granger]

Stop jittering. Or did you tell the man you were talking to that I was up here? Did you?

[Gloria Lane]

No.

[Steve Granger]

Duck, he's running us up the road. When I opened my eyes again, there was a. Not a very nice face. Since it belonged to the head waiter, Paletti. I was still in my own car. But my hands were tired. Well, so you come to, huh? Yeah, but you're helpless. Where's Gloria Lane? In my car, which is not so damaged it can't be driven. You're taking, are you? I am. Okay, goodbye and good luck. Because Jerry Regan and Rick Darrell won't like the story I'm gonna tell em. You won't tell any story, Granger. You won't be able to. I'm being cool. Is that it? That's right. Most unfortunate. I got in like this, I start the car like this and you wind up in that ravine. At this speed I can so. Okay, Betty, how do you feel? Lucky you weren't killed. Listen, trooper, I'm Steve Granger, private eye from New York. Granger? I've heard of you. What happened? I was run off the road deliberately. Did you see another car leaving here? Well, sorry, I didn't, uh. Oh, well, maybe you better explain exactly what did happen. I made a concise report to the state police trooper, got his permission to leave and flagged down a ride into the nearest small town. From there a train took me to Manhattan. A few minutes later I was at Cal Hendricks place. Hey, Steve. You look like you've been in the wars. Never mind that, Cal. I'm in a spot. I was supposed to find a certain woman. She's been fooling two guys into thinking she was gonna marry him. Oh, gag. She works with a confession. His name is Paletti. I had the woman in a car coming down from Spartan. He took it away from me. I'm in a spot because of the two men. Tell them the truth. They happen to be Rick Darrell and Jerry Regan. Ah, cute pair of hoodlums. Carol, I gotta find that girl or my name will be embossed on a tombstone. Who is she? Her name is Gloria Lane. Uh, you know her? Just from this late edition of the paper. Take a look. State troopers found the body of a young woman, identified as Gloria Lane, 32267 East 91st Street, New York, lying in a culvert off Highway 9. An hour ago she'd been killed with a knife. Brother, I'm in trouble unless I move fast. You're not moving anywhere. Both of you stand still. Cal, let me introduce you. I know him. Rick Darrell? Yeah, and I know you, Hendricks. That's how I figured where Granger might be. Granger? We were going for a walk. You double crossing. You don't know what you're talking about. You knifed Gloria Lane, that's what I know. If you'll check state police headquarters, you'll find out I was involved in a car accident and couldn't possibly have killed him. I don't believe you. If we can locate a certain man, I can prove that Gloria Lane was not only chiseling you, but one other man. What? Wanna take a chance? If we hurry, we can grab him. All right. Just this once, Granger. Then you better be right. It took a few minutes to check Paletti's the phone book. I didn't tip Daryl because I wanted to make use of the surprise element when I found what I wanted. We got on our way. What are you trying to pull, Granger? This is where Petti, my head waiter, lives. I know it. Say, how long had Palette worked for you? Five months. How long had you known Gloria Lane? What? Five months. That's what I thought. Yeah, Granger. Okay, get him up. Well, Polity, I see you're panicking. What is this, Granger? Palette and Gloria Lane were partners. Her girlfriend, Ella Murray, told me that. She also told me that they'd worked this marriage racket a lot of cities. He's lying. It was a simple routine. Gloria was good looking. Pledy would find a man with dough. This guy would fall for him. There'd be a proposal of marriage. Then Gloria would need money. Okay, wise guys, stay put. I'm leaving. There's more Paletti and I want Darrell to hear it this time. They played it two ways. They not only got you on the hook, but they corralled Jerry Regan over in Jersey. Regan. When Paletti found out she double crossed him out of the money. He killed her. Okay, keep those hands in the air. Why, you dirty. Don't move, Darrell. One more step and I shoot. All right. Well, friends, that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the case in just a minute. I had a handed to Rick Darrell for nerve. He walks straight for palette. I die for the Headwater's army. And the shot went wide. Paletti went to jail on a charge of murder. Later, Jerry Regan, Rick Darrow, Gloria's girlfriend. Ella Murray and I had a date.

[Gloria Lane]

Gee, I like this place.

[Steve Granger]

It's fine, Ella. You know, Granger, you've done a good job. Me and Rick here, we never liked each other. No. But now we sort of. Buried the hatchet. Yeah. Herbie checked the marriage license bureau later like you told me to. Found out you tell him the truth? Herbie did that. Didn't think he can read. He is a graduate. He went to school get out of the eighth grade when he was 16. I thought so. You know one thing I don't get. Why did Gloria try to hire you? I think she was gonna hang something on Palette and let me find out about it the way she could get rid of him. Oh, I get it. Well, Granger, here's a little piece of money for me. And a little change for me too. Boys, I'm overwhelmed. Oh, that's okay. Jerry and I got back most of the dose Gloria took us for.

[Gloria Lane]

Gee, Mr. Granger, you certainly did a good job.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks, Ella. Want to go out and see spend a little of this money with me?

[Gloria Lane]

I'd like to, but I got a.

[Steve Granger]

Date with Rick tonight and with me the next night. Well, what does that leave me? Alright, don't tell me the only date I get is the one in the fruitcake. Steve Granger again? You've just heard one of the most interesting cases in my files and I'll have another one for you, so be around next time.