FBI In Peace And War 1952-10-15 The Solid Citizen

Summary

Podcast Summary: FBI In Peace And War – "The Solid Citizen"

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: FBI In Peace And War 1952-10-15 The Solid Citizen
• Release Date: March 21, 2025

Overview "The Solid Citizen," an episode of the "FBI In Peace And War" series, delves into the intricate world of 1950s banking fraud and the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist, Paul Bradley. Set against the backdrop of post-war America, the episode masterfully intertwines themes of loyalty, deception, and the quest for redemption.

Characters

• Paul Bradley: Vice President of the Personal Loan Department at a reputable bank; a seemingly upstanding family man involved in fraudulent activities.
• Anthony Servo: Paul Bradley’s co-conspirator in the loan fraud scheme; manipulative and morally ambiguous.
• Joan (Helen) Bradley: Paul’s devoted wife, unaware of his illicit activities initially.
• Amy Wharton: Paul’s diligent secretary who becomes pivotal in uncovering discrepancies in the fraudulent loans.
• Inspector Martenson: A determined Philadelphia Police Inspector investigating the loan fraud scheme.
• Dave Shepherd: FBI agent working alongside Inspector Martenson to unravel the case.

Plot Summary

1. The Calm Before the Storm The episode opens with Paul Bradley enjoying a seemingly perfect life—successful career, a loving family, and a sterling reputation in the community. However, beneath the surface, Paul is entangled in a fraudulent loan scheme orchestrated with Anthony Servo.

2. Cracks in the Facade Notable Quote:
[02:19] Paul Bradley: "That's why we've got to understand every move right from scratch."

Paul and Servo discuss their fraudulent activities, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning to avoid detection. Their scheme involves issuing phony loans to nonexistent individuals, creating a web of deceit that temporarily boosts Paul’s bank department performance.

3. Amy’s Discovery Notable Quote:
[13:19] Amy Wharton: "There's something very wrong about this, Mr. Bradley."

Amy Wharton, Paul’s secretary, uncovers inconsistencies in loan applications, specifically regarding the checks for fictitious borrowers like Lester Gorey and Raymond Tanning. Her discovery sets the stage for the unraveling of Paul’s carefully constructed facade.

4. Rising Tensions As the fraudulent loans continue to flow, pressure mounts. Inspector Martenson and FBI agent Dave Shepherd receive a lead involving Anthony Servo’s suspicious financial activities, prompting a deeper investigation into the loan fraud.

Notable Quote:
[12:33] Shepherd: "And we better find out what it is, Dave. We're heading for Philadelphia first thing in the morning."

5. Confrontations and Collapses Paul’s dual life begins to collapse as Joan (Helen) Bradley becomes inadvertently involved in the scheme. Tensions escalate when Servo confronts Paul about Amy’s discovery, leading to heated exchanges that expose the vulnerabilities in Paul’s plan.

Notable Quote:
[16:18] Paul Bradley: "Are you crazy?"

6. The Final Showdown The climax unfolds in Paul’s office, where Joan confronts him about his deceit. Caught between his loyalty to his wife and his partnership with Servo, Paul reaches a breaking point. The confrontation culminates in Paul’s realization of his moral descent.

Notable Quote:
[25:47] Paul Bradley: "I had everything in life that a man could want. Money, good position, a fine family. And I gave that all up."

7. Resolution and Justice The episode concludes with the aftermath of the unraveling scheme. Paul Bradley is indicted for the murder of Joan Stevens, Anthony Servo is convicted for his role in the loan fraud, and the FBI successfully closes the case, restoring some semblance of order.

Notable Quote:
[27:14] Shepherd: "Paul Bradley was indicted for the murder of Joan Stevens... the files were closed on an ex-convict, his lovely confederate, and the solid citizen."

Key Themes and Insights

• Moral Ambiguity: Paul Bradley’s journey highlights the thin line between upstanding citizenship and moral compromise.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: The interplay between personal loyalty and ethical responsibility is central to the narrative, particularly in Paul's relationships with Servo and his wife.
• Consequences of Deceit: The episode underscores the inevitable downfall that accompanies fraudulent activities, no matter how meticulously planned.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Paul Bradley on Maintaining Control:
   [02:19] "That's why we've got to understand every move right from scratch."

2. Amy Wharton on Discovering Fraud:
   [13:19] "There's something very wrong about this, Mr. Bradley."

3. Shepherd on Investigating Servo:
   [12:33] "And we better find out what it is, Dave. We're heading for Philadelphia first thing in the morning."

4. Paul Bradley Confronting Servo:
   [16:18] "Are you crazy?"

5. Paul’s Reflection on His Downfall:
   [25:47] "I had everything in life that a man could want. Money, good position, a fine family. And I gave that all up."

6. Shepherd on the Case Closure:
   [27:14] "Paul Bradley was indicted for the murder of Joan Stevens... the files were closed on an ex-convict, his lovely confederate, and the solid citizen."

Conclusion "The Solid Citizen" offers a gripping portrayal of ambition, deceit, and the inevitable consequences of unethical choices. Through Paul Bradley’s tragic descent, the episode serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of compromising one’s integrity for personal gain. Harolds Old Time Radio successfully brings this intricate narrative to life, immersing listeners in a bygone era of suspense and moral complexity.

Transcript

[Paul Bradley]

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[Anthony Servo]

The FBI in Peace and War. The FBI in Peace and War. Brought to you by Chesterfield. The only cigarette to give smokers premium quality in both regular and king size. Buy them either way you like them. Premium quality and much milder chest appeal. And Dentine, the gum with breathtaking flavor. And Beeman's Pepsin tastes so good and aids digestion too. Another great story based on Frederick L. Collins copyrighted book. The FBI in Peace and War. Drama thrills action. Tonight's story, the Solid citizen.

[Shepherd]

Shepherd speaking.

[Amy Wharton]

Mr. Shepherd, I have a call for you.

[Paul Bradley]

Mr. Wyatt of the United States Attorney's Office.

[Shepherd]

Oh, thanks. Put him on.

[Amy Wharton]

Yes, sir.

[Paul Bradley]

Go ahead, please.

[Anthony Servo]

Hello, Shep.

[Shepherd]

Hello, Ben. How are you?

[Anthony Servo]

I'm not sure. I've just come from a conference on Paul Bradley. Sheriff, if your evidence is sufficient, we're going to charge murder.

[Shepherd]

That's a large order.

[Anthony Servo]

Yes, I know.

[Shepherd]

How soon do you need an answer? Well, how soon?

[Anthony Servo]

Can you give us one?

[Shepherd]

Couple of hours?

[Joan Stevens]

Fine.

[Anthony Servo]

I'll be waiting to hear from you. Thanks, Shep.

[Shepherd]

I know it's a large order, but we do need your testimony. I'll call you, Ben.

[Paul Bradley]

Right.

[Shepherd]

So long, Shep. Goodbye, Ben. So they're going to charge murder? If our evidence is strong enough. They want us to testify? Yeah. That's why I wanted you in here. Mr. Andrews wants us to be up on every angle in this case. Murder.

[Anthony Servo]

That's not gonna be easy to substantiate.

[Joan Stevens]

I know.

[Shepherd]

That's why we've got to understand every move right from scratch. A cigarette? No, thanks. From scratch. That was about a year ago. November 1951. Is that when he issued the first phony loan? No, he'd been doing that for a few months. November was when it began catching up to him.

[Paul Bradley]

Motivation.

[Shepherd]

The usual.

[Paul Bradley]

Debts?

[Shepherd]

No.

[Anthony Servo]

The races?

[Shepherd]

No.

[Paul Bradley]

Women?

[Shepherd]

Well, one woman. Pretty remarkable one at that. It's funny, isn't it? Shep here's a man of high standing in the community. He has an excellent job, a fine reputation. He has a lovely wife and two children. A solid citizen if there ever was.

[Paul Bradley]

One.

[Shepherd]

And yet. Well, let's look at it from that angle. For several years prior to November 1951, that's the way it was. Paul Bradley's a solid citizen. At home, he gets along splendidly with his family and with his neighbors, the bank. He's been made a vice president in charge of the personal loan department. Everything proceeding along the lines of a well rounded, gratifying and happy life. Of course, that's the way it appears on the surface. Go beneath and we find a different story. This is the time we can figure roughly when Bradley is first beginning to get worried about his banking activities. The time when he picks up his office phone and calls Anthony Servo at the Dixon Hotel.

[Paul Bradley]

Yeah, Hello, Tony, this is Paul Bradley speaking.

[Joan Stevens]

Yeah, Mr. Bradley, what can I do for you?

[Paul Bradley]

I want to talk to you, Tony. It's important.

[Joan Stevens]

Well, look, I was kind of planning on the races this afternoon.

[Paul Bradley]

Never mind the races. This is important. You stay there in the hotel. I'm coming right over.

[Joan Stevens]

Now relax. Bradley, for the love of. Micah, take it easy, will you? What are you getting in such a heat for?

[Paul Bradley]

Well, I told you, Tony.

[Joan Stevens]

Yeah, sure, you told me. Your boss thinks you're wonderful. Your department's doing tops at the bank. Is that something to get in the heat about?

[Paul Bradley]

Yes, it is. That's just it. Mr. Franklin's taking notice of me and I don't like that. I don't like it one bit.

[Joan Stevens]

You don't, huh? You know, for a guy in your position, you got a lot of likes and don't likes. Bradley, maybe you don't like the buck. So we're splitting in this deal either.

[Paul Bradley]

I never said I didn't like the money, Tony. I'm only pointing out.

[Joan Stevens]

Okay, you already pointed. Now skip it. Here, take a drink. Pull yourself together.

[Paul Bradley]

All right? Maybe I need one.

[Joan Stevens]

I'm sure you do, Robo. With your striped pants, boys, or you can't look a dishonest dollar in the face.

[Paul Bradley]

Well, if I were only certain that Mr. Franklin wasn't onto anything.

[Joan Stevens]

How could he be? There isn't a chance of him or anybody else ever finding out those loans of Pony.

[Paul Bradley]

I don't know.

[Joan Stevens]

I do. Here, drink this.

[Paul Bradley]

I wish I was ashore.

[Joan Stevens]

Drink it. Now, look, Bradley, do I gotta draw this for you on a blackboard? You're the head of the department, aren't you?

[Paul Bradley]

Yes.

[Joan Stevens]

You're selling money to bank lends, right?

[Paul Bradley]

That's right.

[Joan Stevens]

So who could figure you making loans to people who don't exist? We fix a credit reference, don't we?

[Paul Bradley]

You'd better let me have another drink. Sure.

[Joan Stevens]

We don't ask for too much. Seven hundred here, thousand there.

[Paul Bradley]

I guess you're right at that, Tony.

[Joan Stevens]

Of course I'm right. All we gotta do is keep paying the interest on time and take in the cash here.

[Paul Bradley]

Thanks.

[Joan Stevens]

I tell you, it's air tight, Bradley. If you boss ever suspects something, you think he'd let you stay on in your spot?

[Paul Bradley]

No, I guess you're right.

[Joan Stevens]

Sure, you just take this new batch of names I worked out.

[Paul Bradley]

Look, hadn't we better wait a few days?

[Joan Stevens]

I got a real talent for inventing phony names. How do you like this? Lester Gorey plumbing contract. A Raymond tanning, a menswear. Fancy, huh?

[Paul Bradley]

Yes, they're fine, Tony, but Lester Gorey's a borrowing.

[Joan Stevens]

800 tanning. Seven five E. You are. And Bradley.

[Paul Bradley]

Yes?

[Joan Stevens]

That secretary of yours, Amy? Yeah. She's the only one who could smell her out if she is.

[Paul Bradley]

Relax, will you? I'll handle Amy.

[Joan Stevens]

Hey, look at who is telling who to relax.

[Paul Bradley]

All right? Okay.

[Joan Stevens]

You feel better now, huh, Bradley?

[Paul Bradley]

Sure, sure, I feel all right.

[Joan Stevens]

Now you stop all this worry. We're gonna clean up big just to keep remembering that.

[Paul Bradley]

All right, Tony, I'll remember.

[Joan Stevens]

Like I say, it's air tight. You make out the checks, I cash them. It can't miss.

[Shepherd]

Nose, throat and accessory organs not adversely affected by smoking Chesterfields. First such report published about any cigarette.

[Anthony Servo]

A responsible consulting organization reports a study by a competent medical specialist and staff.

[Paul Bradley]

On the effects of smoking Chesterfield.

[Anthony Servo]

For six months, a group of men.

[Paul Bradley]

And women smoked only Chesterfield 10 to 40 a day, their normal amount.

[Anthony Servo]

45% of the group have smoked Chesterfields.

[Paul Bradley]

From one to 30 years for an.

[Anthony Servo]

Average of 10 years each. At the beginning and end of the six months, each smoker was given a.

[Paul Bradley]

Thorough examination including X rays and covering the sinuses, nose, ears and throat.

[Anthony Servo]

After these examinations, the medical specialist stated.

[Shepherd]

It is my opinion that the ears, nose, throat and accessory organs of all participating subjects examined by me are. Were not adversely affected in the six months period by smoking the cigarettes provided.

[Anthony Servo]

Remember this report and buy Chesterfield's regular or king size premium quality Chesterfields. Much milder. And now, Act 22 of tonight's story on the FBI in peace and war. The solid citizen.

[Shepherd]

And Tony Servo tells Bradley to stop worrying. The scheme can't miss and it doesn't. The loans go through without a hitch. Bradley splitting the returns with Tony. Three months have gone by and he's made himself a tidy sum. In addition to his Salary at the office and everything is proceeding smoothly there, just as Tony said.

[Amy Wharton]

Hello, Mr. Bradley.

[Paul Bradley]

Well, you still working, Amy? Aren't you going to lunch yet?

[Amy Wharton]

I wanted to finish up this work first. I've got these repayment books ready when you want to see them. And Ms. Stevens is in your office.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, how long has she been here?

[Amy Wharton]

Oh, I don't know. About half an hour. Oh, and here are the checks for these new loans. Lester Gowrie and Raymond Tanning.

[Paul Bradley]

They came through, eh?

[Amy Wharton]

Mm, from the main office. I'm all set to mail them out.

[Paul Bradley]

Well, Amy, I don't want to mail these checks out just yet. I want to look these over first.

[Amy Wharton]

Oh, of course. I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Bradley. I should have asked you first.

[Paul Bradley]

No, no, no, that's all right. I just want to attend to them myself.

[Amy Wharton]

You certainly give personal service, Mr. Bradley.

[Paul Bradley]

Well, I aim to. After all, that's a way to build goodwill in this business. Oh, and no calls until I'm through with Ms. Stevens. Amy. Hello, Joan.

[Helen Bradley]

My, my, how serious we are this morning.

[Paul Bradley]

It's afternoon. And I thought I told you never.

[Helen Bradley]

To come here to the office. Ah, darling, I miss you too much.

[Paul Bradley]

Uh huh.

[Helen Bradley]

Don't be cross with me, Paul. Just kiss me and tell me that you're crazy about me and I shall leave without a murmur.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, Joan, kiss me.

[Helen Bradley]

Darling, I never to come to your office, never call you at home. It isn't fair, I know. Just isn't fair. Besides, I wanted to show you my new outfit. Do you like it, Paul?

[Paul Bradley]

It's lovely, isn't it?

[Helen Bradley]

Oh, darling, I'm so glad that you like it. Now, if you'll just write out a check, Joan. Well, they don't give clothes like this away for nothing, Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

But it's the third outfit you bought this week. Now, Joan, please.

[Helen Bradley]

Well, really, Paul, I do want to look nice. After all, your wife has all the rest.

[Paul Bradley]

Leave Helen out of this. I said leave her out.

[Helen Bradley]

Very well, Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

I'm sorry.

[Helen Bradley]

Are you? I wonder.

[Paul Bradley]

A check for how much?

[Helen Bradley]

Maybe you'd rather leave me out.

[Paul Bradley]

Now, Joan.

[Helen Bradley]

Well, if you would. All you have to do is to say so.

[Paul Bradley]

Don't talk that way. You know how I feel.

[Helen Bradley]

Do I?

[Paul Bradley]

You know only too well. 500. Will that be all right?

[Helen Bradley]

Just right, darling.

[Paul Bradley]

All right. There you are.

[Helen Bradley]

Oh, thank you, Paul. You are sweet. I'll be seeing you tonight?

[Paul Bradley]

Yes, of course.

[Helen Bradley]

We'll make it an evening.

[Paul Bradley]

You'd better go now, Joan. Oh, I have a lot of work to do.

[Helen Bradley]

Of course, darling. How Thoughtless of me. And there's one thing I never want to interfere with, Paul. Your work.

[Shepherd]

And because of his attachment to the woman, Joan Stevens, Bradley carries on with his work at the office as well as his scheme with Tony Servo. Meantime, you remember we're carrying on with that little work of our own. And during the course of it, a lead turns up when Inspector Martenson of the Philadelphia Police comes to our office. Inspector, would you show that picture to Dave? Sure. There it is, Mr. Reynolds. So it's Tony Servo. Last time I saw his picture he was in Leavenworth. Well, I'm sorry to say he's one of our citizens now.

[Paul Bradley]

What does he call himself these days, Inspector?

[Shepherd]

He's back to Tony Servo, but he's gone through at least a dozen other handles in between. And the strange part of it is that he's right out in the open.

[Anthony Servo]

Now, all of a sudden.

[Shepherd]

A couple of days ago, he opened an account in the local bank for $15,000. 15,000? Servo, having that kind of money all of a sudden is very interesting. Uh huh. And putting it into a bank account is even more interesting. Has he given himself a title, Inspector? Well, the money is banked under the name of Anthony Servo, President of something called the S and B Operating Company. S and B Operating Company, huh? Well, you can bet that's a build up for something soft. And we better find out what it is, Dave. We're heading for Philadelphia first thing in the morning. Right ship, Inspector. We can count on you for a couple of extra men, can't we? By all means, Mr. Shepard. The department's at your disposal. Good. We can let Servo have plenty of line at first. And we're going to find out where that bank account came from, Dave. And just who the S and B Operating Company is operating on.

[Joan Stevens]

Here you are, Bradley. Three more names. Robert Hagan, accountant. Philip Newbold, the pharmacist. Ella Benedict, researcher, consultant.

[Paul Bradley]

Paul. Yes, Helen?

[Amy Wharton]

There's a young lady outside from the bank. She says it's important she sees you.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, I asked her to wait in the study. Well, thank you, dear. You won't be long, Paul, then?

[Anthony Servo]

It'll be ready any minute.

[Paul Bradley]

I'm sure this won't take long. Helen. Well, amy.

[Amy Wharton]

Oh, hello, Mr. Bradley. I. I'm sorry to break in on you this way. I. I wouldn't if it wasn't important.

[Paul Bradley]

That's quite all right. Sit down, won't you? Can I fix you something to drink?

[Amy Wharton]

Oh, no, really, I couldn't.

[Anthony Servo]

Well, all right.

[Paul Bradley]

Then what is it, Amy, that's so important?

[Amy Wharton]

It's this check, Mr. Bradley.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh. Ella Benedict, $800. Oh, yes, this has come through. Has it?

[Amy Wharton]

It came through this afternoon after you left the office, and I. Well, you always take such pains to attend to things personally, so I. I took it with me to deliver myself on my way home.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, you delivered it?

[Amy Wharton]

Well, I tried to, but I couldn't find any Ella Benedict at the address.

[Paul Bradley]

Well, you couldn't?

[Amy Wharton]

No, sir.

[Paul Bradley]

Well, they could have given us the wrong address at the main office.

[Amy Wharton]

Well, I checked our files. That address was on Mrs. Benedict's application.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, it. It was?

[Amy Wharton]

Yes, sir. I even called up the people she gave as business references. And. Mr. Bradley, there just aren't any such people to be found. Not one.

[Paul Bradley]

Well, there's.

[Amy Wharton]

There's something very wrong about this, Mr. Bradley.

[Paul Bradley]

You think so, Amy?

[Amy Wharton]

Well, there must be. We'd better call the police right away.

[Paul Bradley]

No, no, Amy, I. I don't think we better do that yet. Now, you haven't told anyone about this, have you?

[Amy Wharton]

Of course not, Mr. Bradley. Soon as I had the facts, I came straight to you.

[Paul Bradley]

Well, that was very wise, Amy. This could be a serious thing. You realize that?

[Amy Wharton]

Well, of course I do.

[Paul Bradley]

Most serious. I mean, if someone in my department is making false loans, well, we. Amy.

[Amy Wharton]

Yes, sir?

[Paul Bradley]

I want you to do something for me.

[Amy Wharton]

Certainly, Mr. Bradley.

[Paul Bradley]

I want you to keep this strictly to yourself until I have time to explore it fully. It'd be very bad for the bank if this sort of publicity leaked out.

[Amy Wharton]

But.

[Paul Bradley]

And quite frankly, Amy, it would be very bad for me.

[Amy Wharton]

It would?

[Paul Bradley]

I'm afraid so. You know how these things go. Now, will you do that for me, Amy? Keep this to yourself?

[Amy Wharton]

Why, of course, Mr. Bradley. I'll do anything you say.

[Shepherd]

And on the evening of January 24, 1952, Paul Bradley.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Anthony Servo]

O'Reilly.

[Paul Bradley]

Check engine light on. Take the guesswork out of your Check engine light with O'Reilly Variscan. It's free. And provides a report with solutions based on over 650 million vehicle scans, verified by ASE certified master technicians. And if you need help, we can recommend a shop for you. Ask for O'Reilly Veriscan today. Oh, oh, oh. O'Reilly Auto Parts.

[Shepherd]

His little scheme starts to disintegrate. His secretary, Amy Wharton, has accidentally discovered the first discrepancy, and only loyalty to him prevents her disclosing it. Right now, the solid citizen is getting shaky at the seams, and he knows that something must be done. He makes another visit To Anthony Servo at the Dixon Hotel. Servo agrees with Bradley that something must be done. But Bradley disagrees with Servo on just what this something is.

[Paul Bradley]

Are you crazy?

[Shepherd]

Sure.

[Joan Stevens]

Like a fox. Maybe.

[Paul Bradley]

Can't you get it through your head? Amy knows that last loan was a phony.

[Joan Stevens]

All the more reason not to wait for the next one. Drink?

[Paul Bradley]

No. And you've had enough to drink.

[Joan Stevens]

It's perfect, Bradley. I got 15,000 in the bank. With a credit rating like that, the loan will go through.

[Paul Bradley]

Easy now, Tony.

[Joan Stevens]

We 10,000 cash. Five for each of us. Make a nice last haul, brother.

[Paul Bradley]

What about Amy?

[Joan Stevens]

You bought time for us, didn't you? She won't do a thing until you said a word. Said so yourself.

[Paul Bradley]

I'm not going to do it, Tony. That's final. I don't like any part of it.

[Joan Stevens]

Hey, you brought Gunner with those dunglasses. I told you. For a guy in your position, he got too many of them. You gotta look at it practical, Brad. You're a big man and a one respectable type. How would it be if it got out of you was mixed up with phony lone?

[Paul Bradley]

It won't get out. I can handle Amy.

[Joan Stevens]

I'm sure you can. It means you can handle any drug. Question is, can you handle me?

[Paul Bradley]

What?

[Joan Stevens]

You want to have a drink? Very well. I'll have one with you. What time Are you joining Ms. Stevens? I pay my respects.

[Paul Bradley]

You never mind Ms. Stevens. He's not interested in your respects.

[Joan Stevens]

Oh, no?

[Paul Bradley]

No. I'm walking out of here, Tony, and I'm not coming back.

[Joan Stevens]

Ms. Stevens not interested?

[Paul Bradley]

No, and neither am I. Where we're having cocktails that don't allow cheap two bit hoodlums to.

[Joan Stevens]

Now wait a minute.

[Paul Bradley]

You stay away from me. From here in, Tony. You stay away or I'll.

[Joan Stevens]

You what?

[Paul Bradley]

Let go of me, Tony.

[Joan Stevens]

You crummy phony. I ordered.

[Paul Bradley]

I said let go.

[Joan Stevens]

You're too good for me, huh? You and Ms. Steve. Tony, she's not too good till she gets a cut from this job. I can promise you that.

[Anthony Servo]

Her what?

[Joan Stevens]

Her cut. Her cut. You heard it plain enough. Half of everything I get. Same as always, Tony.

[Paul Bradley]

What are you saying? You fool.

[Joan Stevens]

You middle aged pot belly fool. Who do you think put the squeeze onto you for presents before you pull the first phony long hook you up after.

[Paul Bradley]

You're lying, Tony.

[Joan Stevens]

Yeah? Ask her where she goes when you go home. Till you have a loving wife.

[Paul Bradley]

You're lying too.

[Joan Stevens]

Big hoodlum. Anytime. That's better than a high priced sucker.

[Paul Bradley]

Tony. Tony, she Isn't in on this. You're only saying that.

[Joan Stevens]

Listen, Bradley, and get this straight. Johnny's in on it. And so am I. And so are you. We're pulling this last loan and you're swinging it for us. You haven't any choice in this.

[Anthony Servo]

For breathless moments. For your breathless moments, chew Dentine, the.

[Shepherd]

Gum with breathtaking flavor.

[Anthony Servo]

Dentine tastes so good.

[Amy Wharton]

Dentine freshens your breath.

[Anthony Servo]

Dentine helps keep your teeth sparkling clean and white.

[Amy Wharton]

Dentine, the gum with breathtaking flavor.

[Anthony Servo]

Before you go out and always after eating, drinking, smoking, refresh your breath with dentine. You'll love Dentine Chewing gum for dentine has a wonderful, tingling, nippy flavor that.

[Paul Bradley]

Lingers on and on.

[Anthony Servo]

It's delicious. And remember, dentine helps keep your teeth white, too. Keep Dentine handy. You'll enjoy refreshing your breath when you chew dentine. So for breathless moments. For your breathless moments, chew Dentine, the.

[Amy Wharton]

Gum with breathtaking flavor.

[Anthony Servo]

And now, act three of tonight's story on the FBI in peace and war, the solid citizen.

[Shepherd]

And now Bradley's really had it. If he was in a tough spot before. This new turn leaves him in an all but unbearable position. This closure threatens from one side, Tony Servo from the other. And our solid citizen is right in the middle. What'll he do? Well, as time runs by and the pressure tightens. Hey, Shepard. Chef, this is Marty Enright in the lab. Oh, yes, Marty. Find anything?

[Anthony Servo]

We just blew up the pictures on those fingerprint, Chef.

[Shepherd]

They're identical. They are? Well, that's fine, Marty. That's a big help. Anything more I can do? Not at the moment. I'll let you know. Thanks, Marty. Thanks a lot. Anytime, Chef.

[Anthony Servo]

That's what we're here for.

[Shepherd]

The Prince match. Yep. We can definitely establish Servo was in her apartment last evening.

[Paul Bradley]

And Servo's been lying?

[Shepherd]

I don't think so. But we still have the conflicting stories.

[Paul Bradley]

His and Bradley's.

[Shepherd]

Yeah. When Inspector Martinson picked Tony up, he was very belligerent. But when he heard what had happened, he opened up wide. Admitted his part in the loan fraud, but swore he had nothing to do with the killing. And Bradley? He's still pretty confused that everything fits. You're convinced he's the one? Well, look at the facts. He had the provocation, he had the access. Why, even the switchboard girl at the hotel identified his voice as the man who reported the killing. All right, put yourself in his place, Dave. He's the man in the middle of an impossible situation. Not only does he find out that he Must proceed with the fraudulent loan scheme. But he also learns that the woman he's been selling his soul for is a double crossing confederate. So this is the time. We can figure that Bradley's living through an agony of indecision. His secretary's been forcing the issue at the office and Tony Servo's been doing the same at his home.

[Joan Stevens]

Almost 48 hours, Bradley, and I'm still waiting.

[Paul Bradley]

Tony, I.

[Joan Stevens]

Tomorrow. I'm giving you till tomorrow to put that loan through.

[Paul Bradley]

Look, I've got to go back to dinner.

[Joan Stevens]

Tony, just remember what I said. Tomorrow, Bradley. If it don't come through, then I'll come around to the bank and take care of it personal.

[Amy Wharton]

And I told the Carters, I said, well, if Paul isn't off on one of those business trips of his, we'd love to come for the weekend. And Maud said.

[Paul Bradley]

Helen, for the love of heaven, stop babbling, will you?

[Amy Wharton]

But Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

I'm sorry, dear, I. I guess my nerves are on edge. Of course they are. I know how it is with all.

[Amy Wharton]

This extra work lately. Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

Yes?

[Amy Wharton]

There's something wrong, isn't there?

[Paul Bradley]

Yes. Helen. You can't tell me what? No, Helen, you see, I.

[Amy Wharton]

It's all right, dear. You don't have to explain.

[Paul Bradley]

There's nothing to explain. It's nothing that concerns you. Really, Paul, it's all right. If you can't tell me, you can't. More coffee? No more.

[Amy Wharton]

Are you going out again tonight?

[Paul Bradley]

Yes, I. There's something I have to clean up. Uh huh.

[Amy Wharton]

Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

Yes?

[Amy Wharton]

A wife can sometimes be more than a decoration around the house. If there's any way I can help.

[Paul Bradley]

Thanks, Helen, but I don't think there is any way out of this. I'm in too deep. There's no way out of this one.

[Amy Wharton]

What?

[Helen Bradley]

Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

Hello, Joan.

[Helen Bradley]

What brings you here at this hour?

[Paul Bradley]

I couldn't sleep. How about you?

[Helen Bradley]

Oh, it's too early to sleep. I was having a nightcap and listening to that.

[Paul Bradley]

I.

[Helen Bradley]

Fix you a drink?

[Paul Bradley]

No drink. Mind if I turn it off?

[Helen Bradley]

I thought you liked music.

[Paul Bradley]

It's the wrong kind. That tune is for a beginning. Wrong kind for an ending.

[Helen Bradley]

Ending? What are you talking about?

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, he hasn't told you yet, huh? I didn't think he'd have the nerve once he sobered up.

[Helen Bradley]

He?

[Paul Bradley]

Yes, he. Tony Servo. He didn't have the nerve.

[Helen Bradley]

Tony? Who's Tony?

[Paul Bradley]

Now really, Joan, you're not going to play dumb with me, are you?

[Helen Bradley]

Paul, if you came over here to.

[Paul Bradley]

Make trouble, you got it. That's just What I came for. Let's level, Joan. Just for once, let's level. You've been in with Servo right along, haven't you?

[Helen Bradley]

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

[Paul Bradley]

Sure you do. You know, you were probably waiting for him now. Or maybe he's here already.

[Helen Bradley]

Really, I fail to find this amusing.

[Paul Bradley]

I'll bet you do.

[Helen Bradley]

Well, I think you better leave.

[Paul Bradley]

I think maybe not.

[Helen Bradley]

If you don't, I will.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, you're leaving all right. Only not exactly the way you think.

[Helen Bradley]

Just what is that supposed to mean?

[Paul Bradley]

Just what it sounds like. What is the phrase for it? Kill two birds with one stone, isn't it? Two? You and Tony Servo. Only difference is this isn't a stone.

[Helen Bradley]

Put that gun down, Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

And it's so perfectly set up, too. Like a plot over the radio. Paul, we always took such pains that no one would see me coming here, didn't we, Joe? They'll never suspect me. Only Tony.

[Helen Bradley]

I see you have this all worked out.

[Paul Bradley]

Yes, right up to the electric chair.

[Helen Bradley]

Tony will talk.

[Paul Bradley]

Oh, now we know Tony, do we build the works?

[Helen Bradley]

You, me, the loans, everything?

[Paul Bradley]

Yes, he will. But I don't think they'll listen. The next convict's word against the eminent Paul Bradleys. No, I really don't think so.

[Helen Bradley]

Put that gun down, Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

I was crazy, wasn't I? Right out of my head. I had everything in life that a man could want. Money, good position, a fine family. And I gave that all up. I shoved it right down the drain for a cheap little two timer like you.

[Helen Bradley]

You never thought I was cheap before.

[Paul Bradley]

I do now.

[Helen Bradley]

Oh, no, you don't. I'm still the same as I was. And so are you.

[Paul Bradley]

No, you're wrong, Joan. I'm different. I'm so different, you'd never know me.

[Helen Bradley]

I know you if I went up close to you now. If I did, it would be just like it always was. And if I asked you to kiss me.

[Paul Bradley]

Don't try it, Joan.

[Helen Bradley]

If I asked you to, you wouldn't hold back. You couldn't.

[Paul Bradley]

Don't try different.

[Helen Bradley]

You'll never be different.

[Paul Bradley]

Stay where you are, Joan.

[Helen Bradley]

I mean, it's still the same, darling. Why fight?

[Paul Bradley]

Don't do it.

[Helen Bradley]

Why? Oh, kiss me, Paul. Kiss me and then tell me.

[Amy Wharton]

Come on.

[Shepherd]

Paul.

[Paul Bradley]

I said you were leaving, Joan. I told you I. Everything in life a man could want. And I gave it all up for you.

[Shepherd]

On the basis of evidence applied by your Federal Bureau of Investigation, Paul Bradley was indicted for the murder of Joan Stevens. Soon after during his trial and at the repeated urgings of his wife, he made a complete statement of his guilt. He was sentenced to a term of life imprisonment. Anthony Servo, though cleared of complicity in the murder act, was found guilty for his part in the loan fraud and was sent to prison for eight years. Thus the files were closed on an ex convict, his lovely confederate and the solid citizen.

[Anthony Servo]

Thanks to the magic of radio, CBS Radio to be exact, you can try your hand at solving a murder. You can go to sea with the hardy sailor man of the Napoleonic Wars. And you can also shoot it out with frontier desperados in the days of the Old west, all on one safe and exciting evening. How to accomplish all this? Well, just tune in CBS radio this Friday night and hear Mr. Keane, tracer of lost persons, taking on his latest case with you as his armchair assistant. And keep tuned for Michael Redgrave in the role of Horatio Hornblower, taking you back to the days when life was cheap and romance very dear. And then to keep your evening stimulating, you can join United States Marshal Mark Dillon on his tour of duty in Dodge City of old, battling out with the outlaws on Gunsmoke. Yes, every Friday on most of these same stations. You can enjoy them all, Mr. Keane. Horatio Hornblower, gunsmoke for three kinds of action, adventure and excitement. The stars of tonight's FBI in Peace and War. In just a moment in tonight's story, Walter Grizzet played the part of Paul Bradley. Harold Huber was Anthony Servo. The radio dramatizations for the FBI and Peace and War are written by Louis Pelletier and Jack Fink. These programs are produced and directed by Betty Mandeville. All names and characters used on this program are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. This program is based on Frederick L. Collins copyrighted book, the FBI in Peace and War and is not an official program of the FBI. The FBI in Peace and War, brought to you by Chesterfield, the only cigarette to give smokers premium quality in both regular and king size. King size Chesterfields contain tobaccos of better quality and higher price than any other king size cigarette. And Dentine, the gum with breathtaking flavor. And Beeman's Pepsin tastes so good and aids digestion too. Again, we want to remind you to be sure to listen to next Wednesday's story, the card Game on the FBI in Peace and War. Same time, same station. This is the CBS Radio Network.