Epic Casebook [SA] xxxxxx xxx Crossed Phone Wires

Summary

Epic Casebook: Crossed Phone Wires – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Epic Casebook [SA] xxxxxx xxx Crossed Phone Wires
• Release Date: July 21, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Case

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Epic Casebook: Crossed Phone Wires," Inspector Carr takes center stage as he delves into a perplexing murder investigation set against the serene backdrop of the Middle Temple at the Inns of Court. The victim, Marjorie Heathcliff, a young woman in her mid-twenties, is found strangled in what appears to be a tidy office, a stark contrast to the brutality of her death.

Inspector Carr begins the investigation by emphasizing the crucial difference between assumptions and concrete clues in detective work:

Inspector Carr ([00:37]): “To assume something is to take something for granted without regard to fact... a clue is a very different kettle of fish altogether.”

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2. Discovering the Crime Scene

The episode unfolds with Sergeant Berry from Bow Street Police arriving at the crime scene. Alongside him is Epic Pure, an associate with experience in violent crimes, who provides initial observations about the victim's state.

Inspector Carr meticulously examines the body, noting the signs of strangulation:

Inspector Carr ([03:16]): “Her eyes seemed to be popping out of her head. Her jaw slack down from an open mouth. Her lips blue. The color of her skin an ashen white. All unmistakable signs of strangulation.”

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3. Initial Suspects and Alibis

The plot thickens as Inspector Carr interrogates Sergeant Berry, who reveals that he received a phone call from Marjorie Heathcliff, arranging a meeting that led him to the office. Stephanie Armitage, the switchboard operator, plays a pivotal role by connecting Sergeant Berry to Mr. Kramer and uncovering potential motives tied to a divorce case involving a substantial alimony demand.

Sergeant Berry discloses his strained relationship with his ex-wife, Elaine, who is seeking a million-dollar alimony:

Sergeant Berry ([06:01]): “I've taken statements from the man who found the body. The place been searched? Have they found anything? No, not a thing as yet.”

During the investigation, Inspector Carr uncovers conflicting alibis among the partners of the law firm Wright, Sims and Cheatham, where Mr. Kramer and Mr. Newman are key figures.

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4. Unraveling the Web of Deceit

As Inspector Carr delves deeper, he scrutinizes the movements of each partner during the time of the murder. Critical inconsistencies emerge, particularly concerning Daniel Sims, whose alibi begins to crumble under pressure.

A notable exchange highlights the tension:

Inspector Carr ([09:44]): “Did you find the letter?”

Sergeant Berry ([09:35]): “Yes, sir, I did. I sent the caretaker out to get a cop and I had a quick look around. But I never found anything.”

Inspector Carr realizes that the key to solving the murder lies in the missing silk thread used to strangle Marjorie Heathcliff and the implications of a letter that could potentially expose illicit affairs and financial motives.

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5. Breaking the Case Open

The turning point arrives when Stephanie Armitage inadvertently reveals crucial information about the phone calls made on the day of the murder. Inspector Carr pieces together the timeline, leading him to suspect that one of the law firm's partners had a motive tied to an affair with Mrs. Kramer, possibly leading to the murder to conceal the affair and secure financial gains.

Inspector Carr confronts Daniel Sims, who vehemently denies involvement but ultimately faces the overwhelming evidence against him:

Inspector Carr ([24:48]): “You overheard Marjorie Heathcliff tell Mr. Kramer that she had a letter proving you were having an affair with Mrs. Kramer... You'll swing, Sims.”

Simultaneously, the investigation reveals that Stephanie Armitage and Mrs. Kramer are entangled in a web of deceit, each accusing the other of orchestrating the murder to hide their infidelities and secure their respective positions.

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6. Resolution and Moral

In the climax, both Daniel Sims and Stephanie Armitage are implicated in the murder of Marjorie Heathcliff. Inspector Carr exposes the intricate connections between the characters, culminating in their arrest and conviction.

As the case concludes, Inspector Carr offers a reflective moral:

Inspector Carr ([25:49]): “Having worked on an assumption, the thread was the clue that a woman was involved. Sims and Mrs. Kramer were sentenced to life imprisonment. Oh, the moral of the story, it's this, girls the reward for selling an office secret is poor. All you'll get is the string of the pearls around your neck.”

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Conclusion

"Crossed Phone Wires" masterfully intertwines classic detective storytelling with the timeless allure of radio drama. Through Inspector Carr's diligent investigation, the episode highlights the delicate balance between assumptions and factual evidence in unraveling complex human motives. Listeners are left with a compelling reminder of the consequences of deceit and the pursuit of truth.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Inspector Carr ([00:37]): “To assume something is to take something for granted without regard to fact... a clue is a very different kettle of fish altogether.”

• Inspector Carr ([03:16]): “Her eyes seemed to be popping out of her head. Her jaw slack down from an open mouth. Her lips blue. The color of her skin an ashen white. All unmistakable signs of strangulation.”

• Sergeant Berry ([06:01]): “I've taken statements from the man who found the body. The place been searched? Have they found anything? No, not a thing as yet.”

• Inspector Carr ([09:44]): “Did you find the letter?”

• Inspector Carr ([24:48]): “You overheard Marjorie Heathcliff tell Mr. Kramer that she had a letter proving you were having an affair with Mrs. Kramer... You'll swing, Sims.”

• Inspector Carr ([25:49]): “Having worked on an assumption, the thread was the clue that a woman was involved. Sims and Mrs. Kramer were sentenced to life imprisonment. Oh, the moral of the story, it's this, girls the reward for selling an office secret is poor. All you'll get is the string of the pearls around your neck.”

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This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key plot developments, character dynamics, and pivotal moments that drive the narrative forward. For listeners who haven't experienced this episode, it offers a comprehensive overview while preserving the suspense and intrigue that define classic radio mysteries.

Transcript

[Epic Pure]

The makers of Epic Pure sunflower oil, purine and pret cooking fat. Yum yum. Peanut butter, maple margarine and niblets Cheese Twists present the Epic casebook in which Inspector Carr investigates.

[Inspector Carr]

Good evening. Tonight's story shows why a detective has to draw a very clear line of distinction between assumption and a definite clue. To assume something is to take something for granted without regard to fact. This a policeman has to be very careful about. A clue is a very different kettle of fish altogether. At the police college, they'll tell you that clues revealed during an investigation are facts or basic principles that serve as a guide. But these are concrete things like fingerprints, false alibis and so on. Not that assumption is not important. Of course it is. But what is equally important is that line of demarcation between what one assumes and what one knows to be a positive fact. In every murder investigation, one makes a number of assumptions. I will freely admit that in tonight's story, we got onto the track of the killer eventually, not because of the clues. In fact, we had too many of them. But because I worked on a basic assumption which led me to the identity of the murderer. Let me tell you about it. It concerns the strangulation of a young woman. A story that I've called Crossed is the telephone. The Middle Temple at the Inns of Court, which is the Middle Temple of what is known as Lincoln's Inn. And Gray's Inn, with its quiet, peaceful, if somewhat bleak legal atmosphere, is hardly the place where one would expect to find the victim of a brutal killing. Yet that is where Marjorie Heathcliff met her death. Your Sergeant Berry?

[Sergeant Berry]

Yes, sir. Bow Street Police. I've taken statements from the man who found the body. The caretaker.

[Inspector Carr]

Where are they?

[Sergeant Berry]

In that office over there.

[Inspector Carr]

Is she? I see. According to Operations, the man's name is Kramer and The cleaners are Mr. Newman?

[Sergeant Berry]

That's right, sir.

[Inspector Carr]

Present him with my compliments. Tell him I won't be a moment. Dr. McPherson and I will take a look at the body.

[Sergeant Berry]

Horrible.

[Epic Pure]

You know, Inspector, I've been associated with violent crime, brutality, for more years than I care to remember. But a sight like this, a young woman in her prime of life, still makes my blood boil.

[Inspector Carr]

As well it might. The body was lying on the floor of what looked like a neat and tidy office. But there was nothing tidy about the corpse. The full horror of the crime that was done to her was there, expressed on her face. She was lying on the floor, her knees drawn up, her arms tucked under her, as though she was using her office floor as A place to rest. It was when I looked at the corpse from another angle and was able to see her face that the full horror of the crime became apparent. Her eyes seemed to be popping out of her head. Her jaw sack down from an open mouth. Her lips blue. The color of her skin an ashen white. All unmistakable signs of strangulation. Poor girl. How old would you say she is, Mac? 25, 26?

[Epic Pure]

Somewhere around there I should see.

[Inspector Carr]

What's your theory?

[Epic Pure]

Well, judging from the position of the body, it looks as though she was walking to the front office when somebody attacked her from behind. You see here, Inspector, she was killed with either a piece of string or a length of cord or something.

[Inspector Carr]

The place been searched? Have they found anything?

[Epic Pure]

No, not a thing as yet.

[Inspector Carr]

She doesn't seem to have put up much of a struggle.

[Epic Pure]

No, it doesn't look like it. We'll take the body back to the morgue with us. We may find something in her fingernails. Doesn't look like it, though.

[Inspector Carr]

All right, then, you do that, Mac. I'll have a word with this Mr. Kramer.

[Sergeant Berry]

However. Time to.

[Inspector Carr]

I'm sorry to have kept you. Are you Mr. Kramer?

[Sergeant Berry]

Yes, sir, I am.

[Inspector Carr]

And you're Mr. Newman?

[Daniel Sims]

Yes, sir, I am. It's like something out of the movies, ain't it? We are. I'll never be the same again.

[Inspector Carr]

Mr. Newman. I'm sorry to trouble you. Now, why don't you go and make yourself a nice cup of tea. I'd like a word with this gentleman here.

[Epic Pure]

Yes, sir.

[Inspector Carr]

Now, sir, what were you doing here?

[Sergeant Berry]

I came here by appointment. If that's Marjorie Heathcliff lying out there, then she's the one I'm supposed to see.

[Inspector Carr]

Had you met her before?

[Sergeant Berry]

No. She phoned me at my hotel.

[Inspector Carr]

When was it?

[Sergeant Berry]

About half past four this afternoon. You see, these guys, Wright, Sims and Cheatham, they act as my English lawyers.

[Inspector Carr]

Yet you say you've never met the girl.

[Sergeant Berry]

Listen, Inspector, I'm on the Multi Million Dollar Concern and I'm not easily rattled. But you don't come across a dead body every day of the week, do you, Don?

[Inspector Carr]

No, I don't suppose you do.

[Sergeant Berry]

I come to think of it. She said I'd seen her before when she telephoned me at the hotel. I mean.

[Inspector Carr]

Let's get back to basics. You say that this young woman, Marjorie Heathcliff, telephoned you?

[Sergeant Berry]

Yes, as a matter of fact, I'm being sued for divorce by my wife, Elaine. She's asking for a million dollars alimony. That's why I'm over here right now where the telephone rang, I thought it might be my ex wife. Hello?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Mr. Cramer, there's a lady on the phone, wants to speak to you.

[Sergeant Berry]

If that's my ex wife, tell her I want nothing to do with her. Tell her to speak to my lawyers. Tell her.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Tell her a young lady named Marjorie Heathcliff. She says he's from Wright, Sims and Cheeton, your solicitors.

[Sergeant Berry]

Oh, that's different. Put her on, please.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Hello, Mr. Kramer?

[Sergeant Berry]

Speaking.

[Stephanie Armitage]

It's Marjorie Heathcliff here. You remember, sir, I was taking down the notes at the consultation this afternoon?

[Sergeant Berry]

Yeah, what is it? Has something come up?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Well, sir, do you remember how disappointed you were that the private detective hadn't been able to get anything on Mrs. Kramer?

[Sergeant Berry]

Well?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Well, I've just found a letter in the office from your wife to one of the partners. Sir. You know, if you can prove infidelity, she can't hope to win her case.

[Sergeant Berry]

I know, I know. She's too smart for us all. And now she's trying to get me for a million dollars.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Suppose I tell you, sir. I've got written proof she's been having an affair with one of my bosses. I found a letter to prove it. It's dynamite. It's addressed.

[Sergeant Berry]

Wait. Are you trying to tell me that she's having an affair with one of my lawyers who's supposed to be fighting the case for me?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Sir, I can't talk anymore. They're buzzing for me. Everyone goes at 6 o'. Clock. I usually stay on to do a bit of swatting. There'll be nobody here except me. I must fly. See you tonight.

[Sergeant Berry]

Hello? Hello? Hello, Miss Heathcliff?

[Inspector Carr]

Hello?

[Sergeant Berry]

Hello?

[Inspector Carr]

Hello?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Call.

[Inspector Carr]

Let me get this right, Mr. Kramer. The girl had come into possession of some information vital.

[Sergeant Berry]

Vital, sir, is almost an understatement. If that girl had been able to give me the information I needed, she'd have been set up for life. I don't know whether you've been reading the newspapers, Inspector, but my wife is better known as Elaine Talmadge. At least she was an actress until she latched onto my bank account.

[Inspector Carr]

Well, there's a motive all right. It looks as though somebody strangled her to stop her giving you the information you wanted.

[Sergeant Berry]

Well, I Can't you see what this means, Inspector? If what this girl Heathcliff said on the telephone is true, that my wife has been having an affair with one of my legal representatives, I leave that.

[Inspector Carr]

Line of inquiry at the moment. You came here because of a telephone call. What time is it?

[Sergeant Berry]

About 20 after 7.

[Inspector Carr]

Just a moment, Mr. Kramer. You say that this girl telephoned that she had some shattering information at approximately half past four.

[Sergeant Berry]

I know what you're gonna say, Inspector. The fact is I had an urgent call booked in New York that she can verify. I didn't get the call until about 7 o'.

[Inspector Carr]

Clock. So you got here at about 20 past 7. Then what happened?

[Sergeant Berry]

Why, I paid off the cab and saw somebody go through the front door.

[Daniel Sims]

Always keeps the blooming lights on. They do a waste that goes on in this place.

[Inspector Carr]

Are you looking for something, sir?

[Sergeant Berry]

I've got an appointment with Ms. Heathcliff.

[Inspector Carr]

Oh, so that's why the lights are on.

[Daniel Sims]

Well, that's the office through there. Come, I'll show you. Blimey, blimey. Ms. Heathcliff. Police.

[Sergeant Berry]

The girl had something to tell me and somebody strangled her so that she couldn't tell anybody anything.

[Inspector Carr]

You see? Tell me, Mr. Kramer, did you find the letter?

[Sergeant Berry]

Letter? What letter?

[Inspector Carr]

Oh, come, come, Mr. Kramer. Neither of us is a child. You say that the girl had evidence that could ruin your chances of winning the court case. Something that could cost you a million dollars. And you asked me why. What letter? Didn't you have a quick look around for the vital piece of information that Marjorie Heathcliff talked about?

[Sergeant Berry]

Yes, sir, I did. I sent the caretaker out to get a cop and I had a quick look around. But I never found anything.

[Inspector Carr]

At least to being frank. Sergeant.

[Sergeant Berry]

Sir?

[Inspector Carr]

See that this gentleman and Mr. Newman are transported to their respective homes.

[Sergeant Berry]

Right, sir.

[Daniel Sims]

But I demand to see the police.

[Inspector Carr]

Well, your demands are being met, sir. Come in. I'm Inspector Carr, New Scotland Guard.

[Daniel Sims]

Sorry, my name is Sims.

[Sergeant Berry]

You're darn tootin Right, Mr. Sims. Tell me, Mr. Sims, what do you do with it?

[Inspector Carr]

Do with what, Mr. Craig?

[Sergeant Berry]

Don't give me that. What did you do with the evidence? That's why you killed Marjorie Heathcliff, isn't it?

[Inspector Carr]

Whatever the motive behind the American's outburst, it certainly didn't produce the expected reaction from the man who had just been accused of murder. He gazed at his accuser with an expression of dignified hurts and said, Mr.

[Daniel Sims]

Kramer, you're beside yourself.

[Sergeant Berry]

Beside myself, Ma. Let me tell you something.

[Inspector Carr]

Sergeant Barry, take Mr. Kramer back to his hotel. The car's waiting for you, Mr. Kramer. Good night.

[Sergeant Berry]

You haven't heard the last of this, Sims.

[Inspector Carr]

None of us has heard the last of each other. All right, Mr. Sims. Did I hear your partners outside?

[Daniel Sims]

Yes, you did.

[Inspector Carr]

Ah, come through, gentlemen.

[Daniel Sims]

Well, Mr. Wright, Mr. Cheetham, this is Inspector Carr, New Scotland Yard.

[Inspector Carr]

I won't waste your time, gentlemen. So let's get down to brass tacks. It's now 8:40. Did you all arrive here together?

[Daniel Sims]

Yes, we did, yes.

[Inspector Carr]

Did none of you go home?

[Epic Pure]

Well, I didn't. There was a Law society meeting at 8:15. I'd never have got home and back in time, so I stayed in town.

[Archibald Wright]

That applies to me as well. Assume it applies to us all. We all live outside London. There was an annual general meeting, a very important one.

[Inspector Carr]

Well, how is it you all arrived here together?

[Daniel Sims]

Obvious, isn't it? Your highly efficient Metropolitan Police traced us to the Law Society. The meeting hadn't started. We were having a drink when the police sergeant informed us of the shocking incident and said that you wanted us here immediately.

[Epic Pure]

In fact, we drove here in a police car.

[Inspector Carr]

Mr. Sims, Mr. Wright, will you please wait in the other office? The body will be removed by now.

[Epic Pure]

But how did it happen, Inspector? How was she murdered and why?

[Inspector Carr]

With respect, I'll do the questioning. You supply the answers.

[Epic Pure]

Are you being influenced by Kramer's extraordinary outburst? The tone in your voice seems to imply that you suspect one of us.

[Inspector Carr]

Mr. Wright, you are a solicitor. You know that in a situation like this we suspect them all. And then start eliminating. I'd like to question each one of you alone, if I may. It does your heart good to bake.

[Stephanie Armitage]

A maple cake then see them ask.

[Inspector Carr]

For more feather light, fine textured and rich tasting. That's how your cakes will turn out every time you use maple margarine. Maple margarine is rich in flavor. Rich in vitamins too. It does your heart good to bake.

[Stephanie Armitage]

A maple cake and see them ask for more maple. It's got lift. It's got lift. Purine pastry's got lift because purine is pure. Purine pastry is light, fluffy and full of lift.

[Inspector Carr]

With purine pure cooking fat, you get the taste of your own good cooking. And so for the next hour and a half, I questioned each of the partners in turn. Dr. McPherson's first examination showed that the girl had been strangled at about 7 o' clock that night. But the examination was a superficial one and one would have to allow half an hour's error. Only one of the partners had a satisfactory alibi for the time between half past six and half past seven.

[Epic Pure]

I left my office at six o'.

[Inspector Carr]

Clock.

[Epic Pure]

I called into the Aldrich Arms. I stayed about an hour. Somebody recognized me. Doubt it. Place was crowded. I then walked to the Law Society. Got there about a quarter to eight.

[Daniel Sims]

I heard Big Ben chime 6:30. When Justice Oxbury's Driver called for me to go to White's Club. I had a case to discuss with Mr. Oxbury. We did this at the club just as Darling. Then dropped me at the Law society at about 20 to 8.

[Archibald Wright]

It was a pleasant evening as I left me office and I thought I'd.

[Inspector Carr]

Walk to the Tate Gallery.

[Archibald Wright]

They had a new Bruckner I wanted to see. Time did I leave my office soon after sins around about 6:30. Then walked to the Law Society. Got there about half past seven. That's where I met my partners.

[Inspector Carr]

I warned each of them that they would have to make themselves available for further questioning and they departed. By then it was nearly 11pm There was little more I could do. The next stage of my investigation would be a matter of the background into the lives of all those connected with the dead girl. That meant routine. That meant I could go home for a night's sleep. Carp.

[Archibald Wright]

Morning, sir. Operations here.

[Inspector Carr]

Morning.

[Archibald Wright]

Got the information you want, Inspector?

[Inspector Carr]

Good. Far away.

[Archibald Wright]

Archibald Wright, age 42. Married, three children. Lives at Howards End, Pen, Buckinghamshire. Local police say devoted father and husband. Married 14 years.

[Inspector Carr]

Next.

[Archibald Wright]

Malcolm Cheetham, age 39. Married, one child. Lives at amateur cottage, Surrey. Rumors of quarrels, but no suggestion of divorce. Can't find a link with Mrs. Grammer, sir. But the next one's interesting, huh? Daniel Sims, age 45. Divorced, no children. Stephanie Armitage, who became wife of of Silas Kramer, was cited as correspondent.

[Inspector Carr]

Excellent. Anything on the two of them?

[Archibald Wright]

No, sir. Sims lives at a block of flesh in Chelsea. Expl say that he and Mrs. Kramer weren't seen together.

[Inspector Carr]

Well, in mind. You found the link we're looking for. Well done. Come in. Busy? No. Come in, Dar. Come in.

[Epic Pure]

But the latest lab report on the Heathcliff gall.

[Inspector Carr]

That's fine. Sit down. Anything interesting?

[Epic Pure]

Only from one point of view, Inspector. It's now confirmed that she was attacked from behind. It didn't need any kind of strength to kill her. There were fine strands on the poor girl's neck. It wasn't a rope or string, but silk. I don't suppose you've managed to find anything, huh?

[Inspector Carr]

No. It's more than likely the killer took it with him. I've heard some good news.

[Epic Pure]

Oh, no. What's the matter?

[Inspector Carr]

Oh, what a fool I am. A blithering fool. I thought we were about to close the case. And it's as wide open as ever.

[Epic Pure]

But how?

[Inspector Carr]

Why? I won't bore you with the details. If Kramer was telling the truth, and I think he was, the killer must have been one of the three Partners?

[Epic Pure]

A member of the bar? That's hardly likely.

[Inspector Carr]

It's very likely, Mac. There's no reason for him to. Now, why should Kramer? Why kill her? He wouldn't know the movements of the other members of the staff at a moment's notice. Nor would he go back to the scene of his crime once he got away undiscovered.

[Epic Pure]

I walk in here, you're as cheerful as a cricket. Suddenly your face drops. Now what is it?

[Inspector Carr]

One of the three partners had a strong motive for killing the girl. She was about to give information that would have ruined his career, robbed his chances of sharing a million dollars and possibly ruining his love life.

[Epic Pure]

Strong emotive as I've ever heard.

[Inspector Carr]

You're certain that the girl was killed between half past six and half past seven in the evening? Right.

[Epic Pure]

Good night.

[Inspector Carr]

I closely question the three of them. One had a watertight alibi. The other two gave accounts of their movements. They can't be corroborated.

[Epic Pure]

Well, that certainly narrows the field down, doesn't it? After all, one of them could have hidden themselves in the office. We didn't.

[Sergeant Berry]

All.

[Epic Pure]

All but the Heathcliff girl had gone and strangled her. Two very good clues. Motive?

[Inspector Carr]

There's one snag. Whoever killed the girl was on intimate terms with Kramer's wife, Marjorie. Heathcliff was going to name him by showing Kramer a letter to prove this. She was murdered before she could speak.

[Epic Pure]

You're leading up to something, Inspector. What is it?

[Inspector Carr]

Just this. We know one of the partners had an affair with Mrs. Kramer before she married. Possibly still having an affair.

[Epic Pure]

Then why are you waiting?

[Inspector Carr]

Because he's the one with the cast iron alibi. And cast iron it seemed to be just as Oxbury was certain that Sims had been with him between the vital hours of 6:30 and 7:00pm Then something hit me. There was another possibility. Mr. Wright, as the senior partner, have I your permission to spend an hour or two in your offices? It might give me some sort of lead.

[Epic Pure]

I'll do what you wish. Inspector, I realize that we're all under suspicion. All I want is for you to solve this case as quickly as you can. Setting us all into nervous wrecks.

[Inspector Carr]

I sympathize and understand. Now, sir, how many have you on your staff?

[Epic Pure]

Three clerks, two typists and a switchboard operator. Apart from the three of us, of course.

[Inspector Carr]

May I look around? Oh, please. What with the three clerks in their black alpaca jackets seated on high stools in stiff colors, they looked as if they'd walked straight out of a Dickens knob. As they poured over their parchments and ledgers. I decided that they were not likely to pay any part in the drama. I had a talk with a switchboard girl. What happens if somebody wants to telephone? Do they ask you for the number?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Oh yes. We've only got far extensions, so you can't exactly say that I'm overworked. Mind you, I do a lot of typing as well.

[Inspector Carr]

At about 4:00 clock Marjorie Heathcliff telephoned Mr. Kramer. Right.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Yes, I got her the number.

[Inspector Carr]

Are you sure you did? She didn't dial the number herself?

[Stephanie Armitage]

No, I remember it. You see, there was such a mix up.

[Inspector Carr]

Mix up?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Yes, one of the partners was ringing for me to get a number. Yes, Mr. Sims, Mitchell and company. Just hold on, please. Hello? Yes. Yes, Marjorie. Mr. Kramer at the White Hotel. All right, dear, just hold on. What do you mean you got a fortune on your hands? Wait a minute. I've got to get a number for Mr. Sims. What's all the excitement about? Well, hold on, I'm. Hello? Yes? Oh, Mr. Sims. Yes, Mr. Sims, I'm getting your number right now. That was the last time I spoke to her alive. Isn't it terrible?

[Inspector Carr]

What did you do? You got Mr. Kramer for Ms. Heathcliff?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Yes, sir. You see, Mr. Sims number was engaged. So while I was holding on For Mitchell and company, I got through to Mr. Cramer's hotel.

[Inspector Carr]

I see. Were there many more calls?

[Stephanie Armitage]

No, two going and one incoming. That's all.

[Inspector Carr]

You sure?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Positive, sir.

[Inspector Carr]

Not with the incoming.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Well, there was only one for Mr. Wright, his wife.

[Inspector Carr]

And the outgoing call?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Well, I record those. I've got them in my book. Here you are, sir. Mr. Sims, phone Justice Oxbury to remind him of that appointment that evening. And.

[Inspector Carr]

Well.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Oh, I don't know who the other call went to, sir. Mr. Sims asked me for a line.

[Inspector Carr]

Good. Thank you very much. You've been very helpful. At last what looked like a jigsaw puzzle became a pattern. I needed to question Mrs. Kramer in order to be certain. Mrs. Kramer, I'm inquiring into the death of a mischief. Marjorie Heathcliff. You read about it in all the papers, I suppose.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Yes, I have, Inspector, but I don't think I can help you.

[Inspector Carr]

How well do you know Mr. Daniel Sims?

[Stephanie Armitage]

I know that the firm of Wright, Sims and Cheatham are acting for my husband.

[Inspector Carr]

Is that all? Have you never met or spoken to Daniel Sims?

[Stephanie Armitage]

What has that got to do with.

[Inspector Carr]

Please answer my question.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Well, I knew him a long time ago.

[Inspector Carr]

You're an intelligent woman, Mrs. Kramer, and a very good actress. But let's not waste time. He got divorced because of you, didn't he?

[Stephanie Armitage]

I said we knew each other a long time ago.

[Inspector Carr]

Madam, are you trying to tell me that Sims didn't phone you the afternoon of the evening the girl was killed?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Who said he did?

[Inspector Carr]

Supposing I tell you that the switchboard girl.

[Stephanie Armitage]

Dare she listen in?

[Inspector Carr]

So you did talk to him?

[Stephanie Armitage]

Yes.

[Inspector Carr]

And did he mention to you the letter? The letter that Sims so foolishly left lying around? A letter that the dead girl could have got a thousand pounds.

[Stephanie Armitage]

I don't know anything about the letter. He did mumble something. I don't know what he was talking about. I was very busy. Everyone knows that switchboard girls have very vivid imaginations. He didn't mention the Heathcliff.

[Inspector Carr]

Where were you between the hours of 6 and 7:30?

[Stephanie Armitage]

No, I think up at the West End, shopping. Why?

[Inspector Carr]

Madam, I have a search warrant here. We never found the incriminating letter. But I did find a not insignificant link in the chain of evidence. It was a number of loose pearls in a dressing table drawer. Is that what you did? Remove the silk thread to use on that poor unfortunate girl?

[Stephanie Armitage]

I didn't do it. He must have done it. I know nothing, nothing about it.

[Inspector Carr]

By then I was sure that she was the murderess. But I had to get final proof. Why did you phone Mrs. Kramer on the afternoon of the murder, Sims?

[Daniel Sims]

I didn't.

[Inspector Carr]

Didn't you? You overheard Marjorie Heathcliff tell Mr. Kramer that she had a letter proving you were having an affair with Mrs. Kramer. Proof that destroyed all hope of getting that million dollar settlement. You heard the girl say that she would wait for Kramer in her office. It was you that urged your lover to commit murder. You're as guilty as she is, even with your cast iron alibi. You'll swing, Sims. Swing for the murder.

[Sergeant Berry]

Oh, no, no.

[Daniel Sims]

Yes. I warned Stephanie what was happening. But I swear to you that I didn't know that she was going to do this terrible thing. When I heard of the murder, well, I knew what had happened, but I was not an accomplice to it. I had no idea that Stephanie would drive to our offices and strangle this girl. I'd swear it. When Stephanie confessed to me, I.

[Inspector Carr]

She confessed to you, did she?

[Epic Pure]

Congratulations, Inspector. I hear that Mrs. Kramer and Sims are accusing each other now. Each saying the other was responsible.

[Inspector Carr]

Yes, each is as guilty as the other. They'll both pay the penalty. All right.

[Epic Pure]

How did you get onto the woman?

[Inspector Carr]

It's a funny thing. We had definite clues involving Sims. But as for Mrs. Kramer, there were no facts to go on but there was a strong assumption. An assumption? Yes. Who's this? Well, listeners, do you know what that assumption was? Not sure. Well, I'll be back to tell you after you've listened to the commercial. Well. Well, listeners, as I told you before the story commenced, there are times when assumptions are as important as facts. What was the assumption in this case? We knew that Sims asked the switchboard girl for a telephone line. Why? It was this he didn't want anyone to know that he was visiting his lover and who else but Mrs. Kramer? Then there was the silken thread used to kill the girl. Having worked on an assumption, the thread was the clue that a woman was involved Sims and Mrs. Kramer were sentenced to life imprisonment. Oh, the moral of the story, it's this, girls the reward for selling an office secret is poor. All you'll get is the string of the pearls around your neck. Good night.