Dark Destiny 1942-10-31 Masquerade

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Dark Destiny 1942-10-31 Masquerade"

Episode Information

• Title: Dark Destiny 1942-10-31 Masquerade
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: January 26, 2025

Overview "Dark Destiny: Masquerade" is a gripping episode set against the backdrop of a classic Halloween party in a haunted house. This suspense-filled drama masterfully intertwines themes of betrayal, murder, and supernatural elements, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Listeners are taken on a thrilling journey as characters navigate through deceit and danger under the veil of spooky festivities.

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1. Arrival at Sherry Farm’s Halloween Party

The episode opens with Helen and Jane preparing for a Halloween party hosted at the eerie Sherry Farm. The camaraderie between the two friends is evident as they discuss their apprehensions and expectations.

• Helen: “Isn't this the most fantastic party?” [01:02]
• Jane: “Well, fantastic's as good a word as any for it.” [01:04]

Despite the festive atmosphere, Jane remains skeptical about the festivities, highlighting her pragmatic nature.

• Jane: “A mob of folks dressed up in silly costumes busily drinking someone else's liquor leaves me cold, darling.” [01:19]

2. Jerry’s Sinister Invitation

Jerry Mason, the host, takes the stage to welcome guests, setting a mysterious and foreboding tone for the evening. His speech reveals the party's deeper, darker purpose.

• Jerry: “Tonight, by way of making amends, we all invite all ghosts, vampires, poltergeists or other invisible spirits to join us.” [03:28]
• Jane: “What's the matter, Helen?” [04:07]
• Helen: “I felt so cold just then.” [04:09]

Jerry announces a seance scheduled for midnight, aiming to summon spirits, which introduces an element of supernatural suspense.

3. Unveiling the Murder Plot

As the evening progresses, tensions rise between Helen, Jerry, and Carl—Helen’s husband. The audience learns of a nefarious plan hatched by Jerry and Helen to eliminate Carl.

• Jerry: “This party tonight, this silly Halloween masquerade... Carl's going to fall into that quarry while drunk.” [07:04]
• Helen: “But maybe if Carl would let me divorce him.” [06:23]
• Jerry: “There isn't any other way.” [06:17]

Jerry manipulates Helen into participating in the murder, exploiting her vulnerabilities and fears.

4. The Midnight Seance and Chaos Ensues

As midnight approaches, the seance begins. Jerry attempts to maintain control while the plan to dispose of Carl is set into motion. The atmosphere thickens with suspense as the characters act out their roles amidst real danger.

• Jerry: “Now, silence. No one must move or speak.” [16:35]
• Helen: “Jac, you mustn't do that.” [16:12]

Suddenly, the tension escalates when Carl arrives unexpectedly, challenging the sinister plot.

• Carl: “When I started, I intended to give this haunted house some new ghosts to haunt it. Real ones.” [09:44]
• Helen: “Jerry's going to kill us.” [09:07]

5. The Climactic Confrontation

A frantic chase ensues as Jerry and Helen attempt to execute their plan amidst the chaos of the party. The interplay between deception and desperation reaches its peak as Carl becomes increasingly suspicious and aggressive.

• Jerry: “We're lucky to get him out of the French windows. They crossed the lawn without being seen.” [11:14]
• Helen: “I can't go through with that again.” [20:51]

The tension culminates in a dramatic collision at Blind Curve, where the truth unravels in a tragic and eerie conclusion.

6. Tragic Resolution and Aftermath

The final moments reveal the tragic outcome of the night’s events, tying back to the haunted themes introduced earlier. The police investigation underscores the supernatural undertones, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of unease.

• Officer: “A witch's costume in a devil's suit... identified three hours ago as Carl Donald.” [26:19]
• Narrator: “This is mutual.” [27:54]

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• Jane’s Skepticism:

  • “A mob of folks dressed up in silly costumes busily drinking someone else's liquor leaves me cold, darling.” [01:19]

• Jerry’s Manipulation:

  • “There isn't any other way.” [06:17]
  • “We have a new life ahead of us, you and I.” [13:49]

• Helen’s Inner Conflict:

  • “I know, Jerry. But I can't. I love you.” [08:07]
  • “I keep seeing him falling into that quarry in the moonlight.” [13:49]

• Climactic Confrontation:

  • “You're dead, you hear? You're dead.” [24:19]
  • “Faster and faster and faster.” [24:26]

• Police Investigation Reveal:

  • “A witch's costume in a devil's suit... identified three hours ago as Carl Donald.” [26:19]

Conclusion

"Dark Destiny: Masquerade" masterfully blends suspense, supernatural elements, and intricate character dynamics to deliver a captivating narrative. The episode’s rich dialogue and intricate plot twists keep listeners engaged, embodying the spirit of classic radio dramas. As the story concludes with a haunting revelation, it leaves the audience eagerly anticipating the next installment in the "Dark Destiny" series.

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Upcoming Episode Preview Next Saturday night at 8, tune in to hear "Till Death Do Us Part," continuing the dark and thrilling journey of those whose destinies are intertwined with fate and the supernatural.

Credits

• Writers: Robert Author and David Cogan
• Producer: Jack Johnstone
• Featured Voices: Carl Eastman as Jerry and Elspeth Eric as Helen
• Narrator: Bob Shepard

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Note: This summary captures the essence and key moments of the "Dark Destiny: Masquerade" episode, providing an engaging overview for both new listeners and longtime fans.

Transcript

[Jane]

Sa.

[Narrator]

The lives of some are doomed on the beginning. There are souls born beneath dark stars who must travel by strange and terrible roads to meet their destiny. This is the tale of one of these, the story we've called Master Raven.

[Helen]

Isn't this the most fantastic party?

[Jane]

Well, fantastic's as good a word as any for it.

[Helen]

A Halloween party in a haunted house. Gives me shivers just to think about it.

[Jane]

Well, then why think about it? T your nose and let's go see if we can pry our husbands away from Jerry Mason's bar.

[Helen]

Oh, Jane, you're so hard boiled, you're never impressed by anything.

[Jane]

A mob of fish dressed up in silly costumes busily drinking someone else's liquor. Leaves me cold, darling.

[Helen]

Well, it doesn't mean I think it's fun. So this house, Sherry Farm, really is haunted?

[Jane]

Well, there are plenty of spirits around tonight, but they're all in bottles. Take it from little Janie.

[Helen]

Just the same, it is spooky and it makes me feel a little frightened. So get you, Helen. What? What'd you say, Sally? I said, aren't you just a little bit frightened by this old house? Yes. Yes, I am. I'm not ashamed to admit it.

[Jane]

For God's sake, Helen, you look as if you had the heebie jeebies. You're as pale as if you'd seen a real ghost instead of that silly looking butler Judson dressed up in a seat.

[Helen]

I wish Jerry never thought of this party. It's what, Helen? Nothing. I'm being silly. Let's go out and have fun. I didn't make this witch's costume to sit around in.

[Jane]

I second the motion. Why waste time now, Helen? Especially since your husband will be here any minute.

[Helen]

What do you mean by that?

[Jane]

Oh, nothing, except that I certainly couldn't have any fun if all my husband did was stand around watching me out of cold fishy eyes the way Carl watches me.

[Helen]

Now, stop it, Jane. There's a party going on, remember? So let's go back to it. Oh, yeah.

[Jerry]

Hey, what took you girls so long? Come on, Terry's going to make a speech.

[Helen]

All right, what do we got to lose? Yes, Come on then.

[Jerry]

Let's wait for the speech.

[Helen]

Everybody, come on.

[Jerry]

Organist, organist. Music, please. Ladies and gentlemen. I mean, fellow witches, wizards, vampires, werewolves and whatever other unholy creatures we may have with us tonight. The meeting will please come to water. I will now state the purpose of our gathering. Tonight is All Hallows Eve, better known as Halloween.

[Helen]

I better known as Halloween.

[Jerry]

Wait a minute. On Halloween, ghosts, witches and uneasy Spirits of all kind are privileged to walk abroad. Vampires and werewolves may hold high holidays. The restless dead may step back from the great beyond and mingle with the living for a night.

[Helen]

Isn't Jerry has.

[Jerry]

Please.

[Helen]

He sure is.

[Jerry]

Quiet now. We, the living, have long been remiss in our hospitality to the unfortunate spooks whose only amusement is to go around on Halloween saying boo. And people. So tonight, by way of making amends, we all invite all ghosts, vampires, poltergeists or other invisible spirits to join us.

[Helen]

Accordingly.

[Jerry]

Accordingly, I as host extend the full hospitality of Haunted hall to all such other world inhabitants who may be in the neighborhood and wish to drop in. If any such are about, make yourselves at home.

[Jane]

What's the matter, Helen?

[Helen]

Felt so cold just then. What time is it? Carl ought to finish with his busy scene. Be here by now, not quite 10.

[Jane]

He'll get here on time.

[Jerry]

When midnight strikes, we'll have a little seance. And then if we have any ghostly guests with us tonight, we'll make them show themselves to us. But now let's have music to suit the mood of the evening. All music has to come from the organization which stood in the attic here for 40 years and gave out ghostly cords whenever there was to be a death in the family. You. Ghostly cords, please. Come on, Jane.

[Jane]

Let's tap the organ music. Imagine.

[Helen]

Helen, are you all right for shivering? They come with that cherry. Okay, then, but take it easy. Well, I gotta go find my darling stars.

[Jerry]

I'll see you later.

[Helen]

Here.

[Jerry]

Ellen.

[Helen]

Ellen. Jerry, I didn't see you.

[Jerry]

Don't look so guilty. People will suspect something.

[Helen]

I'm sorry, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Come on, we'll dance and we can duck and talk someplace. Jerry, don't talk now. Somebody might overhear you. Dance over toward the hall and then slip into the library and have some privacy there before Carl comes. Darling, I've been waiting two weeks for a chance to be alone with you again.

[Helen]

Jerry, I've been waiting too.

[Jerry]

I know. After tonight, we'll never have to wait again. Here's the hall. Come on. Now. The library door's on this side. Don't think the soul source. Get inside so I can shut the door. See if you can find the light switch.

[Helen]

Here it is.

[Jerry]

Good. No one's apt to interrupt us here in such a few minutes. Carl phoned only 15 minutes ago that he's on his way. It's a terrific rate he drives. He'll be here before we know it. He only knew how often I prayed that he'd drive off the road some night. And break his neck.

[Helen]

Oh, Jerry.

[Jane]

Jerry, darling.

[Helen]

Hold me in your arms. Jerry. Hold me tight. I'm frightened.

[Jerry]

Frightened because of Carl.

[Helen]

I don't know if I can go through with it.

[Jerry]

But we have to. There isn't any other way.

[Helen]

Could he really we just go away together, selling?

[Jerry]

My business is here. My work. Now we have to go through with our plans just as we made them.

[Helen]

But maybe if Carl would let me divorce him.

[Jerry]

Oh, never. You know that he'd die first. That's exactly what he has to do. Die.

[Helen]

There must be some way.

[Jerry]

There isn't, darling. There's nothing to be afraid of. Nothing. Understand?

[Helen]

To commit murder.

[Jerry]

Don't think of it like that. We're, we're just getting rid of someone who's made your life miserable. Someone who stands between and all our happiness. Now, listen.

[Helen]

Yes?

[Jerry]

This party tonight, this silly Halloween masquerade. I planned it carefully to make it easy and safe to get Carl out of the way.

[Helen]

Easy and safe? How?

[Jerry]

There are two dozen people wandering around this old house in silly costumes, wearing masks. Nobody can be sure who anybody else really is unless they actually speak to him.

[Helen]

Well, I don't see how they.

[Jerry]

Now, the point is, nobody will ever be able to testify or even be sure in his own mind or anybody else's at any given moment. Tonight in this house, I, I picked it for the party not because fools say it's haunted, but because down in the woods, back of the gardens, there's an old rock quarry.

[Helen]

Rock quarry?

[Jerry]

This house was closed several years ago after the last owner fell into the quarry one night when he was drunk. And that's exactly what's going to happen to Carl tonight. He's going to fall into that quarry while drunk.

[Helen]

Jerry, no.

[Jerry]

We're so evil, a child could manage it. Everyone knows that Carl drinks heavily at every party he goes to. Now, look, you find some way to get him out of the house. After he arrives, you'll lead him down the path through the woods toward the quarry. I'll see to it that he goes over the edge. I couldn't.

[Helen]

Oh, I couldn't.

[Jerry]

You can and you will. You love me, don't you?

[Helen]

Yes, Jerry, but murdered.

[Jerry]

He suspects us already. You know. He'd be so jealous of you. He'd kill both of us if he's a prove what he saw.

[Helen]

But just the same. I can't. Oh, I can't. I'll do anything you say, Jerry.

[Jerry]

Get control of yourself, Helen. You only have another few minutes to make our plan.

[Helen]

No, Terry. No, I, I, I know we planned this. I know we both decided to do it. But now I can't. I love you, J. Oh, I. I do love you. But this. I didn't know how it would be and I'm afraid.

[Jerry]

Sorry I had to be so rough, but this is no time for disturbance. We've got to go through with it tonight. When Col. When Carl arrives.

[Carl]

When Carl arrives? What?

[Helen]

Carl?

[Jerry]

How did you get here so quickly? Carl?

[Carl]

You invited me, so I came as quickly as I could. Yet you seem confused that I'm here.

[Jerry]

Huh?

[Helen]

Oh.

[Jerry]

Oh, no, no. I'm just surprised that you made such good time getting out here from town. You're only carrying than 15 minutes ago.

[Carl]

And my wife. Why should my wife seem so frightened at my arrival?

[Helen]

Well, I'm not, Carl. I'm just startled at your costume. It's your costume. That skeleton hump is pretty gruesome.

[Carl]

Gruesome? I think it's most appropriate. You come as a witch, Gary comes as a devil, and I come as death.

[Helen]

Death?

[Jerry]

What do you mean by that? Carl, what are you doing with that gun?

[Carl]

I put it into my pocket before I left the house.

[Jerry]

You're drunk.

[Carl]

I was drunk when I started. I'm not drunk now.

[Jerry]

Give me that gun. You don't know what you're doing.

[Carl]

I know what I'm doing. I know everything now.

[Helen]

Carl, what are you going to do?

[Carl]

When I started, I intended to give this haunted house some new ghosts to haunt it. Real ones.

[Helen]

Jerry's going to kill us.

[Carl]

But now I'm only going to take you home with me. Darling, you're my wife and your place is at my side. Jerry tried to steal you as he stole the fortune that I placed in his trust. But I'm not going to let him. I'm going to take you back with me now. And you'll never leave me again.

[Jerry]

Keep talking. Hold this. Attention. I'm going to grab the gun.

[Helen]

Please listen to me, Carl. You don't understand what this.

[Carl]

You who do not understand. But you will soon understand everything.

[Jerry]

Understand? Helen, get it done.

[Helen]

I got it.

[Jerry]

And find me something to tie him with. Quickly. I didn't hit him hard enough to put him out for long. He'll come to in a moment.

[Helen]

John, what is it? Why are you holding his hand like that?

[Jerry]

Feel it.

[Helen]

Cold. There's no pulse. He's not breathing. Carl's not breathing.

[Jerry]

Dead. Even though I didn't hit him very hard. He's dead. We've got to get rid of his body.

[Helen]

He can't go any further.

[Jerry]

You got to it's only another 20 yards.

[Helen]

I can't.

[Jerry]

So, Doc, it can't stop now. We're lucky to get him out of the French windows. They crossed the lawn without being seen. We can't risk somebody stumbling on us. The moon will be coming out again any second. What is it now, Branch? Never mind it. The edge of the quarry is just behind the next turn. Move slowly now. Be away with your feet. Are you standing on rock nine?

[Helen]

Yes.

[Jerry]

Good. You can put his feet down. Carefully now. Not too much noise. There. It's done now.

[Helen]

We've killed him for murderer.

[Jerry]

Stop saying that. He was going to kill us, wasn't he? Was your self defense. Be careful. Don't move around. Edge of the party is directly in front of us. Moon's coming out there. You can see down into it. Well, deep, deeper the better. Now get out of my way. I can finish Mr. Carl Donnelly alone. So up it comes, under my shoulders.

[Helen]

And now over he goes.

[Jerry]

Well, starting over. Except for the gun. Gotta get rid of that. We found it. Would look suspicious.

[Helen]

What do you do with it?

[Jerry]

In the middle of the quarry there's a deep pool. It's going into that. There. It's in the pool. Heavy splash now all we have to do is join the party again and act natural. In a little while, we'll pretend to worry about Carl and start looking for him. But if we won't find him. Not tonight.

[Helen]

Act natural. All we have to do is act natural.

[Jane]

Stop it.

[Jerry]

Stop it. Kidding me? I'm going to act just as natural as I am. Because your neck is at stake too. Unless we give ourselves away. Nothing on earth can ever prove we're guilty. Do you hear that? Absolutely nothing on earth. Helen, smile at me. Act like you're enjoying yourself. Talk to me. The last 10 minutes you've been dancing like a white dummy.

[Helen]

I keep seeing him falling into that quarry in the moonlight. Down, down, down.

[Jerry]

Don't be a fool. That's over and done with now. We have a new life ahead of us, you and I. Think of that. Don't think of him.

[Helen]

I'm trying to be Jerry. I am crying too. But instead I keep hearing them say, we're going to take him home, Keep me forever. I feel as if his hands were still touching me. So cold. The way they were when he grabbed my wrist.

[Jerry]

Gotta get your mind off. Well, come on over and join the gang. But remember, act natural. It's Jerry. Oh, Jerry. Welcome, boy. Thanks, Roger. Everybody having a good time?

[Helen]

Oh, it's just too spooky for words. Everybody says it's the most fantastic party they ever heard of, don't they, James?

[Jane]

You use that word once, darling.

[Helen]

Oh, you. What's the matter, Helen? Are you still cold? No, Sally, I'm. Darling, you're as white as a sheet. And your hands are colder than a polar bear's nose.

[Jerry]

Nothing's the matter with Helen. She's got cold. We were out looking for Carl. He seems to have wandered off somewhere. Ah, I didn't know. He never showed up. Oh, yes, he. He came in about an hour ago.

[Jane]

He did? That's funny. We haven't seen a thing of him. I was looking for him, too.

[Helen]

McCarthy came in here. Here somewhere.

[Jane]

All right, so he's here somewhere.

[Jerry]

What are they?

[Jane]

Why fly off the handle just because I said I haven't seen him?

[Helen]

Well, because he is here. He. He's outside somewhere. All right.

[Jerry]

Then he'll show up sure enough when he gets thirsty again and there's people. Speaking of spirits. Jerry, it is almost midnight. Time for that seance. You said we were going to be clean to seance.

[Jane]

Oh, you said if there really were ghosts around this house, we'd have a seance and make them show themselves.

[Helen]

No, no, I don't like the idea either. Let's just forget it and come on, dance tomorrow.

[Jerry]

No, we want a seance. We want to see a goat.

[Helen]

Yeah, we want a seance.

[Jane]

We want to see a goat.

[Helen]

We want a seance.

[Jerry]

We want to see a goat.

[Helen]

No, no, no.

[Jerry]

Stop it.

[Helen]

Stop it.

[Jerry]

Julia, what did you have? You're about as much fun tonight as a corpse.

[Jane]

She acts as if she'd seen a ghost already.

[Jerry]

Helen's just worried about Carl. All right? I promised you a seance, and we'll have one. Good. Now, look, first we have to turn down all the lights, then close all the doors and windows. Then everybody has to sit in a circle and hold hands while I and hope disturb. All right, we tend everything. You get your charms ready. Come on, Jane, let's get going. Hey, everybody revive and stay out.

[Helen]

Terry, you mustn't do that.

[Jerry]

Stop me. Don't you see I've got to act natural? I can't do anything that would arouse any suspicion. You should reel and snap out of it. This is all just make believe. Just a game I'm playing to keep those silly fools quiet. No one can materialize ghosts. Look, all I'm going to do is mumble a few nonsensical words and then say it wouldn't work. Now, come on. Everybody's waiting. All righty.

[Helen]

Jerry.

[Jerry]

Lights down.

[Carl]

Doors closed.

[Jerry]

Everybody in the circle holding hands. Now, go ahead with the mumbo. Jump. Sit here, Helen. Now, silence, please. Silence. No one must move or speak. A circle of clasped hands must not be broken. Is that understood? And music Organist Uneasy creatures of the night, the restless dead and all other creatures of the unseen world who may stir abroad only on this one night of the year, hear me and take heed. By Astaroth and Beelzebub and Lucifer, I command you. By Israel and Belial and the door God Orus, I command you. By Isis and Osiris and Pelbas the Terrible, I command you. If you are present tonight, not three times that we may know. Not three times that we may know. You hear that? Oh, it's just somebody at the door. I'll sit here.

[Helen]

Go.

[Jerry]

No, I'll do it. What? Oh, it's you, J. Interrupting, sir.

[Officer]

But supper is being served and there's.

[Jerry]

Everything is fine. We'll be in in a moment.

[Officer]

Very good, sir.

[Jerry]

I'm sorry, folks. The seance seems to be a washout. But anyway, you can all eat now. You say you leave me to it. If any ghost wants me, you can have me.

[Helen]

Oh, Roger, come on. I'm st. Jerry. Jerry. Just a minute. Helen looks all in. Maybe I better take her outside in the air for just a few minutes.

[Jerry]

Thanks, Ally. Look, you go on in with the others. I'll look after Helen. Tell the rest we'll be in in a minute.

[Helen]

Well, all right, Jerry, if you'd rather. But she does look awfully tired.

[Jerry]

What's the matter with you, Helen? You trying to put both our necks in a noose?

[Helen]

Sorry, Julia. I was afraid I was going to faint. I'll be all right if I could just have a little air.

[Jerry]

Come on outside on the terrace here. We can go out through these French windows. Now, sit on the railing and pull yourself together. Remember, we've still got to go through the motions of hunting for Carl.

[Helen]

Jerry. I keep feeling his hands on my wrists. I keep feeling the touch of his hands and hearing him whisper in my ear that he's going to take me home and keep me with him forever. Jeremy.

[Jerry]

What is it?

[Helen]

Noise. What's that noise?

[Jerry]

Noise? I don't hear any noise except the organ. It started dancing again.

[Helen]

Somebody coming through the bushes.

[Jerry]

Don't be silly. Everybody's inside.

[Helen]

Got one coming up through the bushes in the woods.

[Jerry]

It. It's just an animal of some kind.

[Helen]

An animal would be scared away by the noise and the lights. Jared, there's a man coming from the woods. From the forest.

[Jerry]

You're being hysterical. It's just an animal, I tell you. These woods are full of them.

[Helen]

That is not the kid.

[Jerry]

They can't be.

[Helen]

They are. They are coming around the side of the. Jerry. Take me and give me a Quick.

[Jerry]

Come on then. It's a tramper of aprons. Wait a minute, Jerry.

[Carl]

Don't run away from me. Helen, my dear.

[Jerry]

You.

[Carl]

You invited me, Jerry. I came as fast as I could. I hope I'm not too late for a dance with my wife.

[Jerry]

How did you get here?

[Carl]

I just came. Come, dear, the music's playing. Just one dance, then I must take you home with me.

[Helen]

You're not Finn.

[Carl]

Come, my dear. The music is playing. Just this one dance, then we must go.

[Helen]

Don't touch me.

[Carl]

Surely you're not afraid of me. My own loving wife. Come, we'll dance and then we'll go.

[Jerry]

Jerry. Jerry, do something.

[Helen]

Don't let him touch me. Oh, you're joking me. You're Jerry.

[Jerry]

I'm here. And I found a rock big enough to fire you.

[Helen]

Start it.

[Jerry]

Now you're dead. Now you're dead for good. I slipped up before, but not this time.

[Helen]

He was trying to kill me. Joking me.

[Jerry]

Somebody inside My heel. You can't give one now. We've got to get rid of her.

[Helen]

I can't go through with that again. His fingers are my throat.

[Jerry]

Oh, you've got to face it. Obviously he was only unconscious when we thought he was dead. And he was so thoroughly soaked with alcohol that the fall into the quarry didn't even hurt him. He must have recovered and climbed out somehow without knowing what had happened. And came back. That's what happened. That's what must have happened. But he won't come back again.

[Helen]

I couldn't go through that.

[Jerry]

But you're goring now. You don't have to. We'll be seen. I think there's something else. I have it. Where's Carl's car?

[Helen]

His car?

[Jerry]

Yes, Carl's green roadster.

[Helen]

I don't know. I don't see him.

[Jerry]

It should be over there. Part with all the others. He certainly came in.

[Helen]

It isn't there.

[Jerry]

Then we'll have to use my sedan. It's down there at the end of the terrace. Go on. Open the rear door. Say quick. I could lift them all right, but I can't carry him very far. Hurry. Have you got it open yet?

[Helen]

Yes, sir.

[Jerry]

Good. There. Now get in the front seat. Do as I tell you. You haven't any time to waste. Come on. Get in. Cost me the car, but it'll be worth it.

[Helen]

Again from my neck. So cold. So cold.

[Jerry]

And he say, stop it. Well, do you think my nose can stand? You're sniveling. Do you think I like this? How did I say?

[Helen]

Sorry, Darren. So with him and the thief behind.

[Jerry]

He won't be there long.

[Helen]

What are you going to do with him?

[Jerry]

There's a blind curve up ahead a way. A deep ravine alongside it. Half a dozen cars have gone in there in the last 10 years.

[Helen]

Yes, I remembered.

[Jerry]

I'm going to stop the car here. We're going to get out and pop him up behind the wheel. Then I'll start the car and. And send it over the edge. We'll tell the police. We. We found him wandering around drunk and. And we took him for a drive to sober him up. But he insisted that we get out and let him drive. And. And he got so violent that we had to. Then he lost control of the car.

[Helen]

Will they believe you?

[Jerry]

I don't know. But they won't be able to prove anything if they don't.

[Helen]

Aren't we there yet, Jim? Are we almost there?

[Carl]

Almost.

[Jerry]

Just another mile.

[Helen]

I keep thinking and I. I hear him moving behind us. I keep thinking his hands are reaching for me. So cold.

[Jerry]

I know. I'm not blaming you, but hold on to yourself. In another five minutes, we'll be forever rid of Carl Donnelly.

[Carl]

Did you call me then, Jerry? Yes, Jerry. I heard you call me. You and Helen. So I came.

[Jerry]

You're not alive still. You're not. You can't be.

[Carl]

My wife has fainted. You tend to her. I'll come up front with you and drive.

[Jerry]

Stay where you are. You're dead, you hear? You're dead.

[Carl]

I'll drive. Jerry. Move over, please, so I can climb in behind the wheel. Wheel.

[Jerry]

No.

[Jane]

No.

[Jerry]

You're dead.

[Carl]

That's right. Move over and make room for me.

[Helen]

Don't. Get back. Stay away from me.

[Carl]

Just a moment now, and I'll take the wheel. Oh, there. Now I'll do the driving. I know where I want to go and you don't. I'm driving my wife home now. So we must go faster and faster and faster.

[Helen]

Stop it.

[Jerry]

Stop and. God, you'll kill us all.

[Carl]

But my wife. I must get her home faster.

[Helen]

Slow down.

[Jerry]

I'll do anything you want. I'll surrender to the police. I'll tell them I embezzle the money you gave me power of attorney. Over. I'll tell them anything of you. I'll be. Slow down.

[Carl]

I can't slow down. I'm taking my wife home now. Faster.

[Jerry]

It's the Blind Server of East on the other side of it. We'll never make it. Faster. Faster.

[Officer]

Hello? Hello Sergeant Myers. This is Johnson reporting. Yeah, again, it's been a busy night to sit down this time. Went over the edge of Blind Curve a little while after midnight. The dashboard clock stops at 12:25.

[Jerry]

That's right.

[Officer]

I found it 20 minutes ago. Two people in it. A man and a woman.

[Jerry]

Yeah, both of them.

[Officer]

Worst case I've seen yet. Car must have been doing 90 when it went over and looked as if it had been driven over. Purposely too. And say sides, there's a couple of funny angles to the crash. I mean peculiar sort of eerie. One is they were both in costume like that other stiff we picked up earlier tonight.

[Jerry]

Uh huh.

[Officer]

A witch's costume in a devil's suit.

[Jerry]

But get this Sarge.

[Officer]

The sedan landed smack on top of that green roadster I reported before. You know the one we hauled that other guy in a Masquerade costume out of? The one in the skeleton suit that gave him such a turn at the morgue when we left him there around 10:00. Yeah, the one we identified three hours.

[Jerry]

Ago as Carl Donald.

[Narrator]

You have just listened to Chapter eight of Dark Destiny. A series of dramas about those unfortunate ones among us whose lives are doomed from the beginning, who travel by strange and terrible roads to meet their destiny. Tonight's story, Masquerade, originated in the studios of station WO R. Written by Robert Author and David Cogan, it was produced by Jack Johnstone. Featured on tonight's program were Carl Eastman as Jerry and Elspeth Eric as Helen. Next Saturday night at 8, you will hear a story.

[Jerry]

You say Anne's been dead for months. But that's impossible. It couldn't be. You must be wrong, because Anne and I were married yesterday.

[Narrator]

What's that? A man with a phantom wife. Listen to the next chapter of Dark Destiny, a story titled Till death do us part. Bob Shepard speaking. This is mutual.