Danger With Granger 1956-12-xx - Out Of Jail For Christmas

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Danger With Granger (1956-12-xx) - Out Of Jail For Christmas

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 15, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Main Feature: “Danger With Granger: Out Of Jail For Christmas” (Originally aired: 1956-12-xx)

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Overview

This episode invites listeners to relish a classic detective radio drama from the “Golden Age of Radio,” featuring private investigator Steve Granger. Set in gritty, mid-century New York, the tale follows Granger as he attempts to clear a wrongly accused cab driver, Frankie Smith, in time for Christmas. The mystery intertwines a festive urgency, a child’s desperate plea, nefarious gangsters, and the indomitable heart of a detective who plays “Santa Claus” to the city’s underdog.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Opening Incident & the Frame-Up

• Steve Granger is thanked for helping bring down a gambling kingpin due to Frankie Smith’s testimony. Frankie, a steadfast cabbie, insists he's not afraid of underworld threats but is immediately strong-armed and later framed.
• [00:42-01:52 | Steve Granger & Frankie Smith]:
  • Granger offers: "You have helped us immeasurably. The city is extremely grateful."
  • Smith retorts: "I just don't go for hoodlums, that's all."
• Frankie is knocked out and framed for burglary—caught in an apartment with a woman (Leela Rand) screaming “thief!” and stolen goods planted in his cab.
• [02:53-03:18 | Frankie Smith Jr. & Granger]:
  • Frankie's son pleads: "He didn't do anything. But somebody said he did. And now he's in jail. It doesn't look like he can get out for Christmas. So, I thought maybe you could help."

2. Granger's Investigation and Roadblocks

• Granger faces refusal from all bail bond brokers, hinting at intimidation from higher up.
• The underworld's grip means no one will risk helping Frankie.
• [05:45-06:46 | Bail Broker (Ralph Hendon) & Granger]:
  • “I’m a bail bond broker. I take risks. There’s some I don’t take. Frankie Smith is one. Oh, he’s dead. Also.”
  • “Right now you’re very busy being a rat.” – Granger

3. Piecing Together the Frame

• Suspicious circumstances, conveniently placed evidence, and a mysterious woman lead Granger to the supposed burglary victim, Leela Rand.
• Granger visits Rand’s apartment and is nearly drugged. Only the timely arrival of Frankie Jr. helps him escape after being tied up.
• Memorable Scene [11:14-13:21]:
  • Leela Rand tries to serve a “holiday spirit” drink to Granger: “A toast to your success.”
  • Granger (groggy): “Kind of strong…”
  • Frankie Jr. jests as he unties Granger: “Gee, Mr. Granger, did you let a woman tie you up?”

4. Underworld Connections & Key Leads

• Newspaper reporter Cal Hendricks and retired mobster Michael Fless assist Granger, guiding him to evidence of a larger syndicate, led by Pell Strader and protected by Leela Rand.
• [15:40-16:20 | Michael Fless]:
  • “You play it straight or play it dead.”
  • Fless points Granger toward a syndicate informant: “There’s a character hangs around a nice spot on 23rd street. Louis Brill. He’s my eye.”

5. Breakthrough: Identifying the Real Culprit

• Granger IDs the actual assailant (slugger) who framed Frankie, finds he’s linked to the same 50th Street address as Leela Rand, and confronts syndicate members.
• As Granger confronts the hoodlum, shots are fired—Granger barely escapes with a key piece of evidence: a key with fingerprints.

6. Culprits Cornered & The Climax

• Police analysis ties fingerprints on the key to Leela Rand.
• With Cal, Granger raids a warehouse for syndicate records. Leela Rand tries to blackmail Granger, having kidnapped Frankie Jr.
• [22:41-22:52 | Phone Call]:
  • Leela Rand: “If you do, Frankie Smith’s son will be free in an hour.”
  • Frankie Jr.: “See, Mr. Granger, I unlocked the door and he grabbed me.”
• In a final confrontation, Granger and Cal disarm Leela and Strader, leading to their arrest.

7. Resolution & Christmas Reunion

• Frankie Smith is released before Christmas, the crooks are behind bars, and justice prevails.
• Frankie Jr. gifts his father $50 in pennies—“He always forgets to save for his cab license, so this year I did it for him.”
• [25:01 | Steve Granger]:
  • “If that was my son, I’d like it fine.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Frankie Smith Jr.’s Plea — [03:02]
“He’s in jail. It doesn’t look like he can get out for Christmas. So I thought maybe you could help.”

Bail Broker’s Cold Feet — [05:55]
“There’s some I don’t take. Frankie Smith is one. Oh, he’s dead. Also.” — Ralph Hendon

Drugged and Rescued — [11:36–13:13]
“Mr. Granger, what's wrong? You look like you... you don’t feel so good.” — Leela Rand
“Gee, Mr. Granger, did you let a woman tie you up?” — Frankie Smith Jr.

Michael Fless’ Warning — [16:08]
“You play it straight or play it dead.”

Christmas Gift — [24:49]
“He always forgets to save for his cab license, so this year, I did it for him. There’s $50 worth of pennies in that package.” — Frankie Smith Jr.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Setup (Frankie is framed): [00:42–03:35]
• Granger investigates bail bondsmen/police: [04:10–06:46]
• Visit to Leela Rand’s apartment, Granger drugged and tied: [10:00–13:21]
• Meeting with Michael Fless (gangster contact): [14:20–16:20]
• Gathering criminal evidence and confronting hoodlum: [17:43–19:20]
• Police lab and warehouse raid: [21:49–22:52]
• Final standoff, Leela Rand & Strader arrested: [23:12–23:41]
• Christmas reunion & resolution: [24:41–25:01]

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Tone & Style

Keeping with the classic radio noir tradition, dialogue is brisk and often witty, mixing hard-boiled detective flair with holiday warmth. Granger’s narration is straightforward but sentimental, bringing out the urgency for justice and a dash of Christmas spirit.

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Conclusion

This “Danger With Granger” episode offers all the trappings of classic radio detective drama: a wrongly accused everyman, a noble son, tough crooks, sharp wit, and last-minute Christmas salvation. Packed with suspense, clever exchanges, and a strong emotional core, it evokes nostalgia for an era when families huddled around the radio for gripping tales of justice and humanity.

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Transcript

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[Steve Granger]

Danger with Granger Mr. Smith, you have helped us immeasurably. The city is extremely grateful. There was none. You're right. I just don't go for hoodlums, that's all. Nevertheless, without your testimony to help the District Attorney, the kingpin of this gambling group would never be brought to trial. Anytime you need me, I'll be around. That brings up another matter, Smith. The District Attorney and I feel that you should have a bodyguard. Listen, I've been driving a hack around this town for years. I can take care of myself. See? Very well, if you insist. But be careful. There are powerful figures in the underworld who will stop at nothing to discredit you. Yeah, discredit makes this the old boy. Me. Frankie Smith. Scared him. A hoodlum. That's for laughs. Hey, in my hacker I lifted parked right here. Frankie. Yeah, what do you want? We have to move your hackets around the corner. Hey, what gives here? A bullet where you won't like it. Come on, move. Why you.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Move.

[Steve Granger]

All right, get in the back seat. You're not going to get away with it, you know. That's what you think. We get plans for you, little man. This is Steve Granger, Private detective with a story that blends Christmas and a cunning frame up and had me playing a kind of private eyes. Santa Claus for New York Hackey's Kid. In just a moment, I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases. This is Granger. It was pretty near Christmas. A time which is usually quiet for guys in my line of business. I was sitting in my office sending out a few belated cards when the door opened. I and the boy walked in.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Are you Steve Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. What can I do for you, sonny? Some big important job maybe?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

My name is Frankie Smith.

[Steve Granger]

Well, the only Frankie Smith I know is a cab driver. Been a friend of mine for years.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

That's my pop. I was named after him. That's why I came to see you. He's in bad trouble.

[Steve Granger]

What?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

He's in jail.

[Steve Granger]

Frankie in jail? I can't believe that. What'd he do?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

He didn't do anything. But somebody said he did. And now he's in jail. It doesn't look like he can get out for Christmas. So I thought maybe you could help.

[Steve Granger]

I'll do anything I can, Frankie. But what's your dad accused of?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Burglary in the first degree is what the cops say. But he didn't I tell you. And you gotta get him out for Christmas. Pop's the only one I got in the world.

[Steve Granger]

This was the first I ever knew of Frankie Smith having any sort of family, much less a son. The boy told me where the cab driver was being held. I went down. Had a lot of trouble getting in to see him, but finally made the grave. Granger, you a sight for sore eyes. And have I got sore eyes? How come you're in the Bastille, Frankie? How come you knew I was here? Your son came down to see me. Want you out for Christmas. Hey, I might have known it. Chip off the old block, that kid Granger. I am the recipient of a frame. I've been carefully matted, framed in birch. And now I'm about to be hung on the wall. Those are a lot of words, but no sense, chum. Just say something. Yesterday I walked out of City hall. Right smack into a smack over the head. I go out cold. When I come to her, I'm in some doll's apartment. She is yelling thief at me. The cop shows up, and I wind up here. Sounds like the old frameroo, all right. They play it even safer. On the floor is the dame's fur coat. In a paper sack is the doll's jewelry. Downstairs in my hack, the cop finds some stuff that's been stolen from other spots around town. I wonder why they didn't just knock you off. I wonder, too, in a sort of grateful way, of course, this will completely discredit any testimony you gave against the gambling syndicate. And when it's over and they're free, I wind up on the east river wearing concrete overshoes. I know what you mean. In any city, there are bail bond brokers. In big cities like New York, there are hundreds. But always there is one main guy. This one was named Ralph Hendon. I went to see him. What's on your mind, Granger? One of your clients get in the clink because of a mistake? No, Ralph, nothing like that. There's a hackie locked up on a burglary wrap. He's innocent. I'd like to spring him for Christmas. His kid wants him you're talking about Frankie Smith. His kid's been here already. What's that mean? No dice. Why not? Granger? I'm a bail bond broker. I take risks. There's some I don't take. Frankie Smith is one. Oh, he's dead. Also. You're wrong about him. He's guilty. The big boys telephone you and hand you the word. Is that why you uncle bail for Frankie? I'm very busy, Granger. Right now you're very busy being a rat. That isn't going to help you. Thanks for nothing. Oh, one more thing, Granger. Yeah? None of the other boys will go bail either. I went from office to office and got the same answer. Sorry, no bail for Frankie Smith. I wanted the police version of Frankie's supposed robbery. Managed to worm it out of an embarrassed robbery detail man. Then I headed for my pal, Cal Hendricks. Cal knew and liked Frankie Smith. Also, as a newspaper man, he had saucers. I hoped he had one now. Hiya, Stevie. Why so nonplussed? Frankie Smith is in jail. Unafrained burglary rabbit. That doesn't make him worth much to that investigation group, does it? No, I think that's why the frame was made. Frankie didn't have an enemy in the world. I want him out for the kids Christmas. What about bail? No soap, Cal. You see, the police have him dead to rights. This. This woman says she walked into her apartment, she saw Frankie rifling a joint. She went downstairs, got a cop who made the pinch. Who is the woman? I got the name here. It's Lela rand. Lives on 50th Street. Have you talked to him? No. Well, why don't you and let me make a few calls to find out if there isn't some way we can spring Frankie for Christmas? I watched the holiday crowd, most of them loaded down with packages and smiles, and thought of two people who might not smile. The 25th. A small boy in a lonesome apartment. A cab driver prisoner in a solitary cell downtown.

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[Steve Granger]

This was the address on 50th street where Lelo Rand lived. The apartment was on the third floor. I walked up. I reached the third floor and moved towards the Rand, a woman's apartment. I saw a slight figure at the door and moved a little faster. Frankie, what are you trying to do to that lock?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Gee, Mr. Granger, I was trying to get in.

[Steve Granger]

Don't you know that's against the law? You want to join your father in jail?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Oh, gosh, I just wanted to get in and look around.

[Steve Granger]

Okay, okay. Now beat it. Don't get any more ideas like that. Suppose Lee Loran caught you?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

I wouldn't care.

[Steve Granger]

Your father would.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

[Leela Rand]

Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Hey, somebody's coming. Come on. Now stay out of sight and don't say anything. Okay.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Is that the woman?

[Steve Granger]

Quiet. She's stopping at the apartment. She must be Leela Rand.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Are you going to talk to her?

[Steve Granger]

In a few minutes. Now you walk downstairs and go home and stay there. I waited a few minutes, then moved to the door of Lee La Ran's apartment.

[Leela Rand]

Yes, what is it?

[Steve Granger]

I'm Steve Granger. Are you Leela Rand?

[Leela Rand]

I am.

[Steve Granger]

I'd like to talk to you about that robbery that took place up here. Ms. Rand, the arrested man is an old friend of mine.

[Leela Rand]

Oh, come in.

[Steve Granger]

Thank you. I wonder if you'd mind telling me what happened up here.

[Leela Rand]

Oh, not at all. It was yesterday. I'd been shopping. The Christmas thing.

[Steve Granger]

Let me see.

[Leela Rand]

I came home. I unlocked the door and felt a present. You know how women are.

[Steve Granger]

You saw him?

[Leela Rand]

Distinctly. He was going through that desk there in the middle of this room. He'd piled my mink coat and a paper sack containing some jewelry. I closed the door very softly, went down the hall and rang for the elevator. I rode downstairs and had the doorman get a police officer.

[Steve Granger]

Tell me one thing. That Smith seemed to be dazed, you know, sort of not quite himself.

[Leela Rand]

I know. I don't think so.

[Steve Granger]

I see. Well, sorry I bothered you, Ms. Rand.

[Leela Rand]

Oh, not at all. Oh, and I've not been a very good hostess. Would you like a drink before you go? I have some excellent scotch.

[Steve Granger]

Well, thanks.

[Leela Rand]

Holiday spirits, you know. Won't take a minute.

[Steve Granger]

I watched Lila ran move towards a typical apartment bar. Stuck in one corner. She stood with a back to me. She got out the ingredients plus some ice, mixed the highball and came back.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Here you are, Mr. Granger.

[Leela Rand]

I hope you like soda.

[Steve Granger]

I do, yes. Thanks.

[Leela Rand]

A toast to your success.

[Steve Granger]

I'll drink to it, but I'm afraid I'm at a dead end. Cheers. Just to say cheers.

[Leela Rand]

How was it, Mr. Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Delicious. Kind of strong, but.

[Leela Rand]

Mr. Granger, what's wrong? You look like you. You don't feel so good.

[Steve Granger]

No, I'm all right. Just gonna get some air.

[Leela Rand]

Mr. Granger, why don't you lie down for me?

[Steve Granger]

I gotta go. Gotta. Gotta get out of here.

[Leela Rand]

Well, no, Mr. Granger, you can't go now. You're too tired. You're sleepy. Why don't you let me get a pillow for you and rest your head?

[Steve Granger]

Go. I gotta get out of here.

[Leela Rand]

Lie down, Mr. Granger. Lie down like a good little boy.

[Steve Granger]

Gosh.

[Leela Rand]

Sleep, Mr. Granger. Sleep.

[Steve Granger]

I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. I don't remember anything after Leela ran telling me to sleep. When I came back alive, there was a taste like bear fur in my mouth and my head was aching from every angle. I tried to sit up and found I couldn't move my hands. They'd been tied firmly behind my back and my feet were laced together, too. Then I heard the noise at the door, scratching as though someone was trying to break in. I hopped towards it. Who's there?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Is that you, Mr. Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Frankie.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Open the door, Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Just a minute. Let me see if I can do it. I'll just turn my back and see if I can reach the knob with my fingers. I nearly got it.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Hi. Harder, Mr. Frankie.

[Steve Granger]

I got it. Now, if only I can. My luck's in, kid. That door wasn't locked. Sweet.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Gee, Mr. Granger, did you let a woman tie you up?

[Steve Granger]

I certainly did. Undo me, will you, kid?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

There. Yeah, I got your hands free.

[Steve Granger]

Thanks, son. At least I owe you something.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Well, you know I didn't like that Mrs. Randy.

[Steve Granger]

I'll go along with that. Frankie. There. I ain't got the feet free. Now let's get out of here.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

But aren't you going to look around? Isn't that why you wanted to get in here too?

[Steve Granger]

Frankie? We're up against a very smart bunch of crooks. They don't let things lay around for private eyes to find. I escorted Frankie's son to his apartment, told him to stay there for the second time and called Cal Hendricks. I told him what had been happening to me and asked if he'd got anywhere with his investigations. There's one person might help here. A former gambler. The syndicate broke him. Yeah. Where do I find him? He's retired. He lives in New Rochelle. I'll give you his address. Thanks. And be careful of him. He was double crossed once and almost cost him his life. So what? The double trust was set up by a private detective. Cal gave me the character's name, Michael Flss. The address was an apartment house in Newer Shell. I grabbed a train and went there. It took under an hour to get to the suburban city. Michael fled in a building as circumspect as a Bible class. Hello? You or Michael Fles? Einstein Granger. The private eye. Huh? A hack driver has been framed in New York. Is fixed without bail. Not interested. Granger. You will be when I tell you that the syndicate did the job. Kel Strainer? Could be. If he's the head like the law thinks he is. There's a day mixed up in it named Leela Rand. She Mickeyed me. She's a snake. She helped get me. I want that cab driver out for Christmas. Tomorrow's the last day. Can you help me? Yeah. There's a character hangs around a nice spot on 23rd Street. His name is Louis Brill. He's my eye. He's been getting things together. Maybe this might be a good a time to get even. It would. The law would be on your side. Granger. What if I help? The law is out until it's over. Understanding? Okay. And you play it straight or play it dead. Mr. Fles was not fooling. And there was about as much Christmas spirit in his pale blue eyes as there is in an Eskimo who's been locked out of his igloo. I wasn't kidding myself that this was a friendly character. But at least he looked like providing me with a little ammunition. Even though it might backfire on me. In just a moment, I'll bring you the climax of the case. I left Michael Fless and made my way back to Manhattan with him helping me along, I felt a bit more helpful in my fight for Frankie Smith. Even the trees placed in the windows along the Great White Way looked a little greener as I moved down towards the 23rd street spot occupied by the mysterious Louis Brill. When I found him, Mr. Brill wasn't too pleasant. I don't know if Flis is playing it right or not. Must have forgotten about that other private eye. What do you want? What have you got on pal Strader in his crowd. I found out where the records of the syndicate are hidden. Old loft building downtown on Water street, half block from Pier 7. Any name on it? Far Eastern Warehouse Company. Dummy outfit set up by Strater. You know a dame named Leela Randy? There's an apartment on 50th Street. Sure. She's straight as girl. She's been in on a million frames. Used that apartment for just that purpose where she really lived, at 3478 East 34th Street. Under her own name. Yeah. One more thing. A cabbie named Frankie Smith was framed for a burglary job. The Rand woman's 50th street address. He described a mug that slugged him. Who would some of straighters men be? Look over there. Third table on the inside. See that guy wearing a tan top coat? He might be the guy. If he's not, he's the real slugger's boss. I started back uptown when I left the 23rd street joint, but changed my mind and went down to police headquarters. In the Identification Bureau, I came across the picture of the man Brill had pointed out to me. He had a record longer than Nate's arm. Five minutes later, I was shown into Frankie Smith's cell. Well, well. Welcome to my humble abode, Granger. Frankie, I think we've come up with something, but I want you to look at this picture first. You recognize him? Yeah. He's a character who slugged me the other day. You're positive? Would you swear to that identification on a witness stand? With much emphasis and complete confidence. I took the picture back to the Identification Bureau. Got a report on the hoodlum's present address and with it received a shock. He lived in the Same building on 50th street as Leela Rand's hangout. I headed straight for Cal Hendricks, home base. Told him what I'd found out. Maybe we could get to that hoodlum and sweat him a little. If he confessed, Frankie Smith would go free. Then we could stick the DA's office into Perel Strata Syndicate Records and make it up to Fles and you, Rochelle. Good idea, but I think we ought to get to the records first. Would that be playing it square with Frankie? You still wouldn't get out of that burglary, George. Yeah, that's right. Let's pay this hoodlum a visit first. His apartment is right next to the one Leela Rand uses. Smart setup for that gang anytime. They'd have framed a pull. Yeah. Hey, the door's opening. Quick, back around the corner.

[Leela Rand]

Okay, now we're leaving. But don't forget, Steve Brains. You will get you if you don't get him.

[Steve Granger]

Don't worry. He'll be lost by morning. You have a planned future. Quiet.

[Leela Rand]

Call us when you finish with him.

[Steve Granger]

Right. Come on, Leela, let's get going. Recognize the man with the Randolph? Fell straighter. Yeah, I know. Listen, Cal, you follow them, find out where they go. I'll handle this myself. Okay. Meet you at your place out in front. Right. I'll walk down. Who's that? Strider? I forgot something.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Hey, you ain't.

[Steve Granger]

Get in there. Get up those hands and keep him up.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

What are you trying to pull?

[Steve Granger]

I'm Steve Granger. Does that mean anything to you? No. Then it doesn't mean anything that I had Leran tell you to get rid of me either. She was only fooling. Like you were fooling when you slugged Frankie Smith and then framed him for burglary? I don't know anything. Frankie can identify you, buster. I'm gonna take you downtown and you can tell the cops your story. If they believe it. Now, wait a minute. Get your hat. Paying a call on police headquarters. As I spoke, the door behind me was pushed open and two shots sang in the room. The hoodlum fell to the floor, mortally wounded and pulling me with him. When I got back to my feet, enough time had passed for the assailant to get to the Bronx. I found one thing, a key in the door. I wrapped up my handkerchief, hoping for fingerprints. Just to check. I went down into the main hallway of the building. And found Cal Hendricks just sitting up on the floor. Oh, my heck. What happened to you, Cal? Oh, they must have got wise to me. I came down the steps, around to the cor and blam. I caught it. They must have smelled something when they saw you. They got you out of the way. And they went back upstairs, unlocked the door and shot the handyman. Oh, that's great. Did you get anything out of it? Yeah, it won't do any good now. He's Dead? I don't think any statement I'd make would stand up. Why's that? Yeah, here comes the homicide crew with a handful of questions. After that, when I go down to the police lab, I got a key with fingerprints, I hope. We told the homicide men our story. They promised to get out a pickup on Pell, Strader and Leran. A pickup? That wouldn't do much good because they'd obviously alibi themselves. Then we went to the police lab. We got an interesting report. Well, Steve, what'd the lab boys tell you? The key had the print of a thumb and forefinger. Cow. Good, good. Better than you think. The prints are those of a woman's. Leran. Who else is? Now all we need is a paraffin test done on Strader and Lee Loren. Then we'll know which one shot their mug pal. And maybe Frankie Smith will be out for Christmas if the police pick up that pair. You. You and I won't wait for that, old boy. No, we're going down to that warehouse and get the syndicate records. That way we can force their hand. Nice night for a murder. He cut that out. Place is right ahead. See the sign? Far Eastern? Yep. How you gonna get in? There's the door. Well, can't wait for somebody to unlock it for us. Grab onto the knob. There you are, Mr. Hendricks. Close it. Where do we start? I can make out what looks like an office over there. Here we are. There's a light code. Want me to pull it? What have we got to lose? Two finding cases? Yeah. Find anything? Take a look. Records of gambling. Takes operations of different places. Spread a signature all over everything. Yeah. Look at this. Leran signature. We've got her, too. If you can only get Frankie Smith out of the clink. What about that? I don't know. No answer. Why not? Yep. Don't bother to disguise your voice.

[Leela Rand]

Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Mrs. Lee Loran. What do you want?

[Leela Rand]

I want you to leave those rickets alone. If you do, Frankie Smith's son will be free in an hour.

[Steve Granger]

You've got him.

[Leela Rand]

Just a minute.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

See, Mr. Granger, I unlocked the door and he grabbed me.

[Leela Rand]

Heard enough, Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Yeah. I'll do as you ask. I told Cal what had happened, and we agreed that I would be in my office in an hour. But first he and I went uptown to the 34th street building where Leela Rand really lived. I left Cal behind with instructions to wait five minutes and then come up.

[Leela Rand]

Come in, Granger, with your hands in sight.

[Steve Granger]

You were waiting for me, huh?

[Leela Rand]

Certainly. I've had a man on you ever since you got away from my little plan. I know every move you've made.

[Steve Granger]

Now what?

[Leela Rand]

You've got to go.

[Steve Granger]

Just like you shot your mug helper? Why not? Where's traitor?

[Leela Rand]

In the kitchen. Be out in a second.

[Steve Granger]

All right, give me that gun. Get out of here.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Frankie pal, get out of here quick.

[Steve Granger]

Let go.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Okay.

[Steve Granger]

Why? Did I drop it? No, you drop it straighter. You. Well, friends, that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the case in just a minute. Al Hendricks had crashed through the door, and when Pell Strader turned on him, the newspaper man lifted him through the shoulder. We took them both down to headquarters, told our story, and saw Frankie Smith released from custody. It was five in the morning. The next time we met was in Frankie Smith's apartment. You and Cal certainly make a good team, Granger. I had a lot of lucky breaks. Oh, by the way, the police paraffin Strader and LE ran. That charming lady is going up for murder. She shot the guy who assaulted me. Huh. She certainly did. It looks like she was even Strader's boss. Strader's in deep, too. Those syndicate records, plus the bail bond brokers yelling, have got him. But hot. Plenty hot. At least we did what Steve set out to. We got you out for Christmas Eve.

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

Hi, fellas.

[Steve Granger]

Hello, little man. Hey, what are you carrying in that package?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

My Christmas present to my pop. I decided to give it to him.

[Steve Granger]

Holy smoke. What are you giving him, 20 pounds of lead?

[Frankie Smith Jr.]

No, he always forgets to save for his cab license, so this year, I did it for him. There's $50 worth of pennies in that package.

[Steve Granger]

Well, how do you like that? I'll tell you, Frankie, that was my son. I'd like it fine. Steve Granger again. You just heard one of the most interesting cases in my files. And I'll have another one for you, so be around next time.

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[Steve Granger]

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