Fat Man 48-01-02 000 Murder Plays Hide and Seek

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Fat Man 48-01-02 000 Murder Plays Hide and Seek

Episode Title: Fat Man 48-01-02 000 Murder Plays Hide and Seek
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: A captivating radio drama from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring thrilling noir-style storytelling with iconic characters like The Fat Man, orchestrated by Harold's Old Time Radio.

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1. Introduction to the Mystery

The episode opens with a series of advertisements characteristic of the era, seamlessly transitioning into the heart of the story. The protagonist, Dashiell Hammond, known as The Fat Man, is introduced as a fast-moving criminologist weighing in at 237 pounds (Timestamp [00:59]). He operates as a private detective, navigating the gritty underbelly of urban life.

Dashiell Hammond (00:59): "The Fat Man, a fast moving criminologist who tips the scales at 237 pounds."

2. The Inciting Incident

The narrative kicks off in the early hours of the morning when Andy Maroney, a cab driver struggling financially ("a hackie" as referred to by Hammond), seeks Dashiell's help. Andy claims innocence in a murder case involving a passenger found dead in his cab.

Andy Maroney (04:29): "I didn't do it. I swear I didn't do it. You gotta help me."

Dashiell, understanding Andy's financial predicament and personal integrity, decides to take on the case despite typically preferring financially capable clients (Timestamp [03:45]).

3. The Investigation Begins

Dashiell and Andy delve into the mystery, visiting the Venetian Blind, a high-end nightclub managed by the enigmatic Marcia Rogers. Their investigation reveals unsettling connections between the murdered passenger, Casper Hall, and the operations of the nightclub.

Dashiell Hammond (21:22): "When Casper Hall was poisoned, the killer didn't expect him to leave the club so soon."

4. Uncovering Secrets

As Dashiell interrogates Marcia Rogers, layers of deceit unfold. Rogers admits to shuttling Casper Hall, but inconsiderately omits crucial information about his frequent visits and associations with gangsters and racketeers. The plot thickens when another body, Charlie Haney, a bouncer at the club, is discovered under the Queensborough Bridge, both victims sharing the initials CH (Timestamp [10:57]).

Dashiell Hammond (11:02): "Then what happened to corpse number one?"

5. Rising Tensions and Confrontations

The investigation leads to intense confrontations. Peggy Dale, a singer at the club, becomes an essential witness, revealing that Mrs. Rogers has been involved in orchestrating robberies against her clientele by collaborating with unknown gunmen. Dashiell leverages Peggy's testimony to corner Marcia Rogers, pushing her towards confession.

Peggy Dale (15:38): "They're holding Mrs. Rogers at headquarters now."

6. The Climax: Showdown at the Nightclub

In a high-stakes climax, Dashiell confronts Marcia Rogers at her office within the Venetian Blind. Accusations fly, and Rogers attempts to deceive Dashiell by presenting incriminating evidence withheld from the police. Tensions escalate as Dashiell skillfully dissects the lies, revealing Rogers' deeper entanglements with the criminal activities targeting her patrons.

Marcia Rogers (25:04): "I'll show you in just a minute."

7. Resolution: Unmasking the Culprit

Through meticulous deduction, Dashiell uncovers that Marcia Rogers orchestrated the murders to cover up a series of robberies against her nightclub's wealthy patrons. The evidence, including slips of paper detailing the victims' information, solidifies her motive and guilt. The episode concludes with Dashiell preparing to bring Rogers to justice, ensuring the safety of Andy Maroney and restoring order.

Dashiell Hammond (26:36): "That kind of an argument ought to make a big hit with a jury."

8. Notable Quotes and Moments

• Dashiell on Andy's plight:

  Dashiell Hammond (05:06): "You're a right guy, Mr. Runyon. Every hackie knows you're okay."

• Tension between Dashiell and Marcia Rogers:

  Marcia Rogers (23:15): "I thought you said Caspar got out of here too fast."

• Dashiell's final confrontation:

  Dashiell Hammond (27:05): "Knowing you were going to kill Charlie Haney because he knew too much, you charmed him into frisking a corpse."

9. Themes and Insights

Fat Man's episode delves into themes of deception, integrity, and the quest for truth. Dashiell Hammond embodies the archetypal detective driven by both professional duty and personal ethics. The intricate plot highlights the complexities of human motivations and the pervasive influence of organized crime in society.

10. Conclusion

"Murder Plays Hide and Seek" offers a compelling narrative filled with suspense, sharp dialogue, and rich character development, reminiscent of classic radio dramas. Dashiell Hammond's relentless pursuit of justice against the backdrop of a corrupt nightlife scene provides listeners with an engaging and memorable experience.

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Produced by:
Harold's Old Time Radio

Guest Performances:

• J. Scott Smart as Dashiell Hammond (The Fat Man)
• Helen Flint as Marcia Rogers
• Joe Harding as Andy Maroney

Directed by: Clark Andrews
Music Direction: Bernard Green

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This summary captures the essence and key moments of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both loyal listeners and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Nissan Rogue]

La ventura tienuni un nuevo nombre. Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Con la Rogue Rock Creek estaraz listo paraconquistad el camino quebenga sies una ruta rocosa Tienes jantas todo terreno antuna gran bajada control para de sanctiones cuando la vida teo frecia aventura. Two tienes la Nissan Rogue Rock Creek.

[Pepto Bismol]

When your stomach's upset, don't add to the upset. Take soothing Pepto Bismol and feel good again.

[Andy Maroney]

There he goes. Into that drugstore. He's stepping on the scale.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Wait.

[Andy Maroney]

237 pounds.

[Pepto Bismol]

Fortune danger. Who is it?

[Dashiell Hammond]

The Fat Man.

[Pepto Bismol]

The Norwich Pharmacal Company, makers of Pepto Bismol, Unguentine and other fine drug products, brings you the adventures of Dashiell Hammond's fascinating and exciting character. The Fat Man, a fast moving criminologist who tips the scales at 237 pounds. Tonight's adventures, starring J. Scott Smart in Murder Plays Hide and Seek. And now, from New York, Pepto Bismol brings you the Fat Man.

[Dashiell Hammond]

The housing shortage may be bad, but there's one place I know of that always has room for another tenant. It's a big gray structure near the river and the windows are crossed with iron bars. And the landlord never asks you for a penny in rent if you're an extra special customer. They even give you a private suite in a secluded part of the building that leads directly to with a heavy chair. That room is reserved for the guys who find out that they can't get away with murder.

[Pepto Bismol]

The Fat man learned his business the hard way. But there's an easy way to care for an upset stomach. Just don't overdose with antacids or physics. Instead, take Pepto Bismol, the gentle way to help settle and sweeten the stomach quickly. Pepto Bismol calms and quiets the disturbance by spreading a soothing protective coating on irritated stomach and intestinal walls. You begin to lose that queasy, uneasy feeling right away. The next time careless eating or overindulgence gives you acid stomach, nervous indigestion or heartburn, you'll get quick relief if you remember this. When your stomach's upset, don't add to the upset. Take soothing Pep Bismo and feel good again. Now the Fat man in Murder Plays hide and seek.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Inasmuch as eating is one habit I find very hard to break, I usually prefer my clients to have enough cash to pay for my work. In Andy Maroney's case, however, I made an Exception to the rule. I've known Andy for quite a while. But I can guess what he earns driving that hack of his around from dusk to dawn With a wife and three kids. You can't afford any fancy fees for a private detective. It was almost three in the morning when Andy knocked on my apartment door. All right, all right. Keep your shirt on. I'm coming. Who is it?

[Andy Maroney]

It's Andy Maroney, Mr. Onion. The Hackey.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Now, what's on your mind, Andy?

[Andy Maroney]

I didn't do it. I swear I didn't do it. You gotta help me. See?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Now, take it easy, Andy.

[Andy Maroney]

I thought he was drunk when she asked me to take him home. I had nothing to do with it, Mr. Onion, so help me.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Now, will you calm down long enough to make some sense?

[Andy Maroney]

I'm talking about the stiff, the guy who was croaked.

[Dashiell Hammond]

What guy? Where is he?

[Andy Maroney]

Downstairs in the back of my cab. For the love of Mike, will you hurry?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Do you mind if I put some clothes on?

[Andy Maroney]

I'll lose my license, I'll lose my job. And they'll put me in the cooler for 160 years.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Here, hand me those shoes.

[Andy Maroney]

You're a right guy, Mr. Runyon. Every hackie knows you're okay. You help me out of this, and I'll pay you back if it takes the rest of my life.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Well, it's too long to wait. Put this one on the house. There we are. Now, I'll get my coat and we'll be off. Okay? Come on.

[Andy Maroney]

I got the hack parked in the front of the door. As soon as I saw the guy was dead, I made a beeline for your flat. I figured I could explain it better to you than I could to the cops.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You ever seen him before?

[Andy Maroney]

No. He was sitting in the back of my cab when I came out of the beanery. I only left the car parked for about 20 minutes. While I got some sinkers and some java. A blonde dame standing by the cab handed me five bucks to take him home. So I figured he was drunk.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You're out. This way.

[Andy Maroney]

There's a hack. He's flopped over in the rear seat.

[Dashiell Hammond]

What is this, Andy, a corny gag?

[Andy Maroney]

Holy smoke.

[Dashiell Hammond]

This tip is gone. You must have been dreaming.

[Andy Maroney]

He was there, I tell you, on the level. He was sitting there in the back five minutes ago.

[Dashiell Hammond]

How do you know he was dead?

[Andy Maroney]

Because I shook him. I felt his pulse. There was blood coming out of his mouth.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Now, wait a minute. What's this on the floor?

[Andy Maroney]

It's his hat. That's the hat the guy was wearing.

[Dashiell Hammond]

His initials are on the sweatband. CH where were you taking him, Andy? Did this blonde give you his address?

[Andy Maroney]

Yeah, but it turned out to be a phony. That's when I found out he was dead. I thought he'd passed out and I tried to shake him into giving me his right house number.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Would you recognize the woman if you saw her again?

[Andy Maroney]

In a minute. She was a tall job, easy on the eyes. She was standing on the sidewalk next to my hat, wearing an evening gown.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You mean without a coat in this weather?

[Andy Maroney]

Come to think of it, she didn't have a coat.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Come on, get into this jalopy and let's get started.

[Andy Maroney]

Where are we going?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Back to the corner where you met your customer. This is it.

[Andy Maroney]

Mr. Runyon?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Yeah. What's that joint over there? Nightclub?

[Andy Maroney]

Yeah, the Venetian Blind. It's a fancy dump that gets the ermine crowd.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Well, if that blonde wasn't wearing a coat, she must have come out of there.

[Andy Maroney]

It's almost 4:00. The joint must be closed.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Oh, we'll try it anyway.

[Andy Maroney]

Yeah, it's closed up, like I said.

[Dashiell Hammond]

See anything through the glass in the door?

[Andy Maroney]

There's a light on in the hall. Wait a minute. A dame's coming out. I know it ain't the same one.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Oh, good evening.

[Peggy Dale]

I'm sorry that the. The club is closed for the night.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You work in here, miss?

[Peggy Dale]

Yes, I do.

[Dashiell Hammond]

This isn't a pickup. I'm just looking for information. Did you happen to see a good looking, tall blonde woman?

[Andy Maroney]

She was wearing a silver evening dress an hour ago.

[Peggy Dale]

That sounds like Mrs. Rogers, the owner.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Is she inside?

[Peggy Dale]

Yes, I think so. What are you, a policeman?

[Dashiell Hammond]

What gives you that impression?

[Peggy Dale]

You act like one.

[Dashiell Hammond]

My name is Runyon. I'm a private detective. I've got a little business with your boss.

[Peggy Dale]

She's in her office, I imagine. Come inside and I'll show you where it is.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Thanks. Has everybody else going home for the night?

[Peggy Dale]

I guess so. I'm Peggy Dale. I sing with the orchestra.

[Pepto Bismol]

Hey, Peggy.

[Peggy Dale]

Oh, I thought you'd gone, Frank.

[Andy Maroney]

I was waiting for you, baby. I hope. Maybe I could take you home. Who's this?

[Peggy Dale]

He's a private detective. His name is Runyon.

[Andy Maroney]

What's the matter? Something wrong?

[Dashiell Hammond]

That all depends. Who are you?

[Andy Maroney]

Frank Coley. I handle the drums in the band.

[Frank Cooley]

What's up?

[Dashiell Hammond]

We're looking for a stolen corpse.

[Frank Cooley]

You what?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Do you two happen to know anyone with the initial CH not me.

[Peggy Dale]

I know a woman named Hunt. Clarissa hunt.

[Dashiell Hammond]

This particular CH is a man, there she is.

[Peggy Dale]

Mr. Runyon, it's Mrs. Rogers.

[Marcia Rogers]

What's going on here?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Are you sure she's the woman who handed you the five verandy?

[Andy Maroney]

What is it, David? Mr. Runyon, you remember me?

[Marcia Rogers]

Lainey, no.

[Andy Maroney]

I'm sure you remember. You asked me to take that trunk home. And you gave me a fine spot to do it.

[Marcia Rogers]

I never saw you before in my life.

[Andy Maroney]

It's a frame. She's lying, I tell you.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Relax, Andy. Mrs. Rogers, you wouldn't be holding out on us by any chance, huh?

[Marcia Rogers]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Dashiell Hammond]

That drunk that Andy chauffeured for was dead. You wouldn't like to be mixed up in a murder rap, would you?

[Marcia Rogers]

No.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Then how about a few details?

[Marcia Rogers]

I don't know anything about a drunk or a dead man. And I never saw this moron before.

[Andy Maroney]

Listen, you double crossing hen, I ain't taking it to the neck for nobody.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Pipe down, Andy. Mr. Runyon, what's the matter?

[Peggy Dale]

Look under that drape near the window.

[Andy Maroney]

There's a guy's feet sticking out.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Stay where you are. Now, all three of you.

[Marcia Rogers]

What?

[Dashiell Hammond]

It's Charlie Haney, and he's dead. Well, it looks like we found our body, Andy.

[Andy Maroney]

Wait a minute, Mr. Runyon. That ain't the same guy who was in my cab.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Two hours later, I was in Lieutenant MacKenzie's office at headquarters. The dawn was just about breaking. I listened to Mac's autopsy report as I sipped a welcome container of steaming coffee.

[Frank Cooley]

Charlie Haney was poisoned, Brad. Stuff was slipped into a drink.

[Dashiell Hammond]

What about the blood on his mouth?

[Frank Cooley]

Poison they used was dynamite. Brought on a hemorrhage.

[Dashiell Hammond]

The guy in Andy's cab got his walking papers in the exact same way.

[Frank Cooley]

I don't know. I'm inclined to think that Charlie Haney and the guy in Maroney's hack were one and the same.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Why? Because the initials in the hat.

[Frank Cooley]

That's one reason Amaroni admitted the back of his cab was dark when he looked at his passenger.

[Dashiell Hammond]

He's scared, Mac. He'll admit almost anything if he thought he'd save you a little trouble. Now, personally, I think we're dealing with two different killings, and both the victims have the same initials.

[Frank Cooley]

Then what happened to corpse number one?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Well, it's a cinch she didn't walk to a funeral partner to get himself registered.

[Frank Cooley]

Well, I questioned the girl, the musician and Mrs. Rogers.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You got any dope?

[Frank Cooley]

Not much. Charlie Haney was a jack of all trades around the venetian blind. Did odd jobs for Mrs. Rogers. Sometimes he'd throw out an obstreperous customer.

[Dashiell Hammond]

A bouncer, huh?

[Frank Cooley]

He was big enough.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Yeah, I'd say he was.

[Frank Cooley]

Well, in any case, I had nothing on him, so I let him loose. I might have held Mrs. Rogers on suspicion, but her battery of lawyers would have sprung her anyway.

[Dashiell Hammond]

What about Andy Maroney?

[Frank Cooley]

Well, he's in the clear so far. I'm letting him go back to his cab, but I'm padlocking the venetian blind while the investigation goes on.

[Dashiell Hammond]

If you don't mind my saying so, Mac, that isn't a very smart move.

[Frank Cooley]

No? Why?

[Dashiell Hammond]

I think you'd be better off to keep the club open and give the killer a chance to show up again.

[Frank Cooley]

Look, Brad, I'm going to ask you for a favor.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Okay, Shoot.

[Frank Cooley]

Lay off this case.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Why?

[Frank Cooley]

Well, first of all, your client's in the clear, so that's taken care of. And secondly, I won't buy your theory about two victims. And it's the kind of a thing that might confuse the investigation.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Sensitive, Mac.

[Frank Cooley]

Now, you know better than that. I'm just saying that your guesswork is cockeyed. And I'm going to have enough trouble solving the murder of one victim without searching for an imaginary corpse. Hello? Yes, Mackenzie speaking. What? Oh, yeah. I'll be right over him. Here, Brad. Have a cigar.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You look as if you're giving away a prize.

[Frank Cooley]

I am. One of the motorcycle squad just picked up a dead man under the Queensborough Bridge. The initials on his wallet were CH.

[Dashiell Hammond]

I rode over to the Queensborough Bridge with Mackenzie and saw the body. It was identified by Andy as the guy he'd had in his cab. And a card in his wallet gave his name as Casper Hall. They took him back to the morgue for an autopsy, but I was pretty sure of what they'd find. So I drove back to my apartment to catch up with a few hours of sleep. It must have been 11 or 11:30 in the morning when I found myself with another guest. And this one was just as unexpected as the last. Yeah. Just a second. One of these days, I'm liable to get myself some sleep.

[Peggy Dale]

Good morning, Mr. Runyon.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Well, good morning. Come in.

[Peggy Dale]

Thanks.

[Dashiell Hammond]

I'm sorry the rooms are such a mess. I wasn't expecting company.

[Peggy Dale]

That's all right.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You're the gal I saw last night. The gal that sings the venetian blind.

[Peggy Dale]

That's right. Peggy Dale.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Cigarette, Peggy?

[Peggy Dale]

No, thank you.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Where are you going?

[Peggy Dale]

I want to look out the window. I had a feeling I was being fallen.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Anybody there?

[Peggy Dale]

Street's Empty.

[Dashiell Hammond]

What's on your mind, sweetheart?

[Nissan Rogue]

Before I tell you, la ventura tienium nuevo nombre. Nissan Rogue, Rock Creek. Con la Rogue Rock Creek estaras listo para conquistad el camino quebenga sies todo terreno Antuna gran bajada control para desu inclinado y su parrilla. Tubular. Paratecho lista para que necesites cuando la vida teo frecia aventura 2 tienes la Nissan Rogue, Rock Creek.

[Peggy Dale]

Anything. I want to be sure you won't tell anybody I told you.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Oh, Is it that hot?

[Peggy Dale]

It might be.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Okay, I'll play ball. Let's have it.

[Peggy Dale]

They're holding Mrs. Rogers at headquarters now.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Are they again?

[Peggy Dale]

When they found the man named Casper hall, they took that taxi driver's word against hers about putting him into the cabin.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Oh, yeah?

[Peggy Dale]

I was there when they questioned Mrs. Rogers. They questioned me as well. She finally admitted putting hall into the cab, and her excuse was that she thought he was a drunk and she wanted to get rid of him so he wouldn't raise a fuss.

[Dashiell Hammond]

That sounds logical to me.

[Peggy Dale]

But one thing she didn't tell them.

[Dashiell Hammond]

What's that?

[Peggy Dale]

That she'd seen and talked to Casper hall before you knew that he's been in the venetian blind a dozen times. And I've seen him at the same table with Mrs. Rogers.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Did you tell that to the lieutenant?

[Peggy Dale]

No.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Why not?

[Peggy Dale]

Because Mrs. Rogers would have heard me. I'm scared of her, Mr. Runyon. She's hard and she's mean. It's not only my job. I didn't want to end up the way poor Charlie did.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Well, I can't blame you for that.

[Peggy Dale]

She's been mixed up with gangsters and racketeers ever since she went into the nightclub business. I've seen some of them at the blind.

[Dashiell Hammond]

So you decided to spill the beans to me.

[Peggy Dale]

You can tell the lieutenant, but I don't want any part of it.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Okay, Peggy. Thanks for calling. Oh, by the way, is Mackenzie padlocking the club?

[Peggy Dale]

No. He was going to, but he changed his mind.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Will you be there tonight?

[Peggy Dale]

I guess so. Why?

[Dashiell Hammond]

I just wanted to ask you to save me a ringside table. The venetian blind seems to have the most interesting floor show in town. I checked with Mackenzie and gave him the dope, but he couldn't hang on to Mrs. Rogers. He didn't have enough evidence to get an indictment yet. That meant Mrs. Rogers would be back in her club that night, and so would I. I got in touch with Andy Maroney, who Showed up at my flat about 10 just as I was putting the finishing touches to the soup and fish. Sit down, Andy. Be with you in a minute.

[Andy Maroney]

Say, you look pretty slick in that outfit, Mr. Runyon.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You said the venetian blind catered to the airmen crowd, so I decided to get the dinner jacket out.

[Andy Maroney]

You know, I was just thinking.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Yeah, What?

[Andy Maroney]

My uncle.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Yeah, what about your uncle?

[Andy Maroney]

He was buried in an outfit like that.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Stop being so cheerful. I intend to wear it vertically.

[Andy Maroney]

You want me to drive you over?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Yeah, that's why I called. There's something else I want you to do.

[Andy Maroney]

Anything you say.

[Dashiell Hammond]

When I go into that club, I want you to park outside and keep your eyes open. If I'm not out of there within two hours, get a hold of the police. Expecting trouble? I'm not expecting it, Andy. I am looking forward to it. It had started to snow when we got down to the street. The night was crisp and cold. If I hadn't been so busy admiring the weather, I might have noticed that Andy's hack, which was standing in front of the door, was occupied once again.

[Andy Maroney]

Hello, Mr. Runyon.

[Dashiell Hammond]

What are you doing here, Cooley?

[Andy Maroney]

I want to talk to you.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Okay, move over. Drive straight to the venetian blind, Andy.

[Andy Maroney]

Right. Don't drive to the blind. Let's go in the other direction. Say, who's giving the orders around here?

[Frank Cooley]

I am.

[Andy Maroney]

Hey, he's got a gun.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Drive in the other direction, Andy. As the gentleman request, I'd put that gun away, Frankie. Drums are safer to fool with.

[Andy Maroney]

I'll put it away when I'm good and ready.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Suit yourself.

[Andy Maroney]

And I'll be ready when I put a slug in.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You been drinking?

[Andy Maroney]

That's none of your business.

[Dashiell Hammond]

It's funny how a pint of booze makes a lion out of a mouse.

[Andy Maroney]

I'll show you who's a mouse when we get out of town, fat man. Mr. Runyon.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Keep driving, Andy. Yeah, yeah.

[Andy Maroney]

Keep on driving. Unless you want the top of your head opened up for ventilation.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Before you start popping that cannon. I hope you'll explain why you picked me for a target.

[Andy Maroney]

You know why.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Do I?

[Andy Maroney]

You should have had sense enough to keep out of this. You wisenheima'ed yourself right onto a slab.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Who are you covering for, Frankie? Yourself.

[Andy Maroney]

Never mind the questions.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Because up to now, it was Mrs. Rogers who held my interest.

[Andy Maroney]

Mrs. Rogers?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Yeah. If you're covering for her, you're just wasting your time. By tomorrow morning, we'll have enough on your boss to get an indictment. You're.

[Andy Maroney]

You're pretty sure of yourself, aren't you?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Well, I was until you shoved that rod in my rib. Now I'm beginning to change my mind.

[Andy Maroney]

Yeah, so am I.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Really.

[Andy Maroney]

Stop this cab, mister.

[Dashiell Hammond]

There are lots of people in this section. Cooley, you're not gonna risk any fireworks in a spot like this, are you?

[Andy Maroney]

Keep driving and don't look back.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Go on, beat it.

[Andy Maroney]

Chief. For a minute I thought he was gonna knock the two of us off.

[Dashiell Hammond]

So did I. But instead he gave me a brand new angle.

[Andy Maroney]

There's a cop on the corner. Do you want to make a report?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Forget it. I may have a much more interesting report to make to the cops. It was almost 11 when we got to the Venetian blind. The place was pretty well crowded. The customers were dressed to kill and most of the gals were flashing diamonds. Marcia Rogers. Sucker list would have matched the social register. Instead of taking a table, I sat at a bar where the view was better. The floor show wasn't the only thing I wanted to see. Give me a rum and Coca Cola.

[Marcia Rogers]

And you can put it on the house. Pete.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Thanks, but I'd like to buy my own.

[Marcia Rogers]

I had a feeling you'd be back here tonight, fat man. I would have been disappointed if you didn't show.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You know good business, don't you, Mrs. Rogers?

[Marcia Rogers]

Not bad.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Found any corpses tonight?

[Marcia Rogers]

Now don't start trying to be funny. You're liable to find you outstage. You're welcome.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Still in your silver gown, huh? I thought you'd be wearing black.

[Marcia Rogers]

For whom?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Casper Hall.

[Marcia Rogers]

Casper didn't mean anything to me.

[Dashiell Hammond]

That's something you might have to prove. I was informed he spent a lot of time here.

[Marcia Rogers]

So do my other customers.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Yeah, but they don't usually get picked up cold under the Queensborough Bridge.

[Marcia Rogers]

The cops haven't got anything on me. They don't even have enough to close up my club.

[Dashiell Hammond]

That's where you're mistaken, Marcia.

[Marcia Rogers]

Then why didn't they shut me up?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Because I asked them not to.

[Marcia Rogers]

You?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not getting philanthropic.

[Marcia Rogers]

Then what's the big idea?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Well, maybe I like your entertainment. Oh, by the way, where's your regular drummer?

[Marcia Rogers]

Cooley?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Yeah.

[Marcia Rogers]

Equip.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Why?

[Marcia Rogers]

Don't ask me. When a musician wants to leave, I don't call the FBI and check up on him.

[Dashiell Hammond]

I have a little surprise for you, sweetheart.

[Marcia Rogers]

Have you?

[Dashiell Hammond]

I think I got this double murder partially solved.

[Marcia Rogers]

You're a very smart boy.

[Dashiell Hammond]

When Caspar hall was poisoned, the killer didn't expect him to leave the club so soon. After he was helped out, Charlie Haney, or bouncer, was sent after his body.

[Marcia Rogers]

What did he want the body for? Souvenir.

[Dashiell Hammond]

There must have been something hall was carrying that the killer wanted. Charlie couldn't frisk him fast enough while he lay in the cab. So he snatched the body and ditched it under the bridge.

[Marcia Rogers]

Then who killed Charlie Haney?

[Dashiell Hammond]

The one who killed Caspar Hall. Charlie knew too much. He was just dumb enough to stick his neck out.

[Marcia Rogers]

Then why don't you make an arrest?

[Dashiell Hammond]

Because I haven't put my hand on the murderer yet. How would you like to set yourself up for the candidate?

[Marcia Rogers]

You're crazy.

[Dashiell Hammond]

You knew he was dying when you helped him into that cab. And don't hand me that drunk story. It doesn't gel.

[Marcia Rogers]

I thought you said Caspar got out of here too fast. Would I have pushed him into a cab and then sent Charlie after him?

[Dashiell Hammond]

No. That's why I'm crossing you off my list. But I still think you're holding out. And in case you don't know it, baby, an accomplice sits right on top of the killer's lap when they give him the chair.

[Marcia Rogers]

Why should I hold out?

[Dashiell Hammond]

That's not the $64 question, sweetheart. The point is, why didn't you yell for the cops in the first place when you found Casper hall five minutes from the grave? You want me to tell you why?

[Marcia Rogers]

Yes.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Caspar must have given you something when you put him in that cab. He gave you what the killer wanted and what Charlie Haney was sent out to get. Well, baby, how am I doing?

[Marcia Rogers]

You're doing fine. Come with me.

[Dashiell Hammond]

She took me to her office without another word. And I had the feeling my bluff was paying off in spades. The theory was a good one, and it accounted for everything that happened. But I couldn't prove it in a hundred years if she'd wanted to call me on it. The office was dark when I opened the door. But I caught the sound of someone bumping into a chair as I stepped inside. Stand still, Mrs. Rogers. There's someone in this room. And I'm telling that someone now that I'll shoot to kill if I see anything move. When the lights go on, snap the switch. Mrs. Rogers.

[Peggy Dale]

Peggy, I was just.

[Marcia Rogers]

She's trying to get at my safe.

[Peggy Dale]

That's not true.

[Dashiell Hammond]

What do you got in your safe that's so important, Mrs. Rogers?

[Marcia Rogers]

I'll show you in just a minute.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Now stand. Stand right there, Peggy, like a nice little girl.

[Marcia Rogers]

Here. Here. This is what Caspar hall gave me. The night he died. There's slips of paper in this envelope written in longhand. In the last few months, six of my customers were robbed after they left my place. Their names are on those slips. They were all held up on their way home. And the police never found the gunman.

[Dashiell Hammond]

There's more than just a name on each piece of paper. There's a description of a car, the license number, an address and a list of jewelry.

[Marcia Rogers]

Casper hall was tipped off whenever an important customer made a reservation. Those women used to come here loaded with jewelry. Someone must have gotten the information beforehand and then handed it to Casper outside on those strips of paper. Then all he had to do was follow the right car.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Would you know who that someone is, Peggy?

[Peggy Dale]

No.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Oh, now, don't be coy, sweetheart. I had you tagged when your drummer boy, Frankie Cooley, wanted to take me for a ride. He was crazy enough about you to commit murder and keep you in the clear, Peggy. But he changed his mind when I told him I was after Mrs. Rogers.

[Peggy Dale]

Give me that envelope.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Oh, no. Not so fast, baby. I'll need this myself for a while. We're gonna do a little handwriting analysis.

[Peggy Dale]

He crossed me. The rat held out and he used those slips like a club over my head.

[Dashiell Hammond]

That kind of an argument ought to make a big hit with a jury. Mrs. Rogers, why didn't you hand those slips over to the police?

[Marcia Rogers]

I only held those slips for one reason. If the thing leaked out before you grabbed the killer, I'd have been ruined. No one would have come here anymore. They'd all been scared to death.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Didn't Casper tell you who gave him the slips?

[Marcia Rogers]

Casper couldn't talk when I helped him out and put him in that cab. All he could do was push that envelope in my hand. I was frightened, and I only wanted to get rid of him in a hurry.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Well, I gotta hand it to you, Peggy. You certainly must have what it takes.

[Peggy Dale]

Drop dead, fat man.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Knowing you were going to kill Charlie Haney because he knew too much, you charmed him into frisking a corpse. Then you sick Frank Cooley on me with a rod in his hand. But you're going to run into one guy who won't fall for the pretty, dimpled sweetheart. The public executioner at Sing Sing.

[Pepto Bismol]

The fat man returns in a moment. It's a shame to let an upset stomach interfere with your work or your fun. And it needn't. If you keep a bottle of Pepto Bismol in your medicine chest. Pepto Bismol helps you and your children. To quick relief from sour stomach acid, indigestion, heartburn and other common digestive upsets. This famous pink liquid helps settle and sweeten the stomach, calms and quiets that queasy, uneasy, sickish feeling. Get a bottle of Pepto Bismol from your druggist tonight. Pepto Bismol is a dependable product of the Norwich Pharmacal Company, also makers of Unguentine. The first thought in burns. Next week, Pepto Bismol presents Dashiell Hammett's exciting character, the Fat man in the adventure called Murder Finds a Decoy. And now a word from the fat.

[Dashiell Hammond]

Ever since the beginning of time, the female of the species has been beguiling the male with her charms. And the male, since the beginning of time, has been falling into the trap quite willingly. But both male and female are most unwilling victims when Murder Finds a decoy.

[Pepto Bismol]

Tonight's Adventure of the Fat man, starring J. Scott Smart, was written by Lawrence Klee and directed by Clark Andrews. Music is under the direction of Bernard Green. Heard tonight were Helen Flint as Marcia and Joe Harding as Andy. Remember, when your stomach's upset, don't add to the upset. Take soothing Pepto Bismol and feel good again. Charles Irving speaking. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.