Hearthstone of the Death Squad 51-12-13 (16) Marriage Annulment Murder Case

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Hearthstone of the Death Squad (51-12-13): Marriage Annulment Murder Case

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode: Marriage Annulment Murder Case
Date: October 18, 2025

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Episode Overview

This classic radio drama episode features Inspector Hearthstone, an implacable detective of the "Death Squad," as he investigates the murder of a young woman—Glenda Faulkner—in what the press dubs the "Marriage Annulment Murder Case." Set in the opulent world of mid-20th-century society, the story unfolds through sharp dialogue, intrigue, and a web of love, greed, and betrayal. The case centers on the suspicious death of Glenda, her much older husband Conrad Faulkner, a younger lover Eric Jackson, and the mysterious Isabel Gomez, leading to a dramatic final exposition by Inspector Hearthstone.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Motive: The Marriage Annulment

• Glenda Faulkner presents her husband Conrad with a newspaper clipping about a couple whose marriage was annulled because they "never lived together as husband and wife" (02:07).
• Glenda asks Conrad if their marriage could end the same way, confessing she's in love with the younger Eric Jackson.
• Conrad, although initially calm, leaves for his club, and their separation sets the stage for the crime.

Notable Quote:

“But couldn't our own marriage be ended the same way? I mean, by annulment. It’s so much easier than divorce.”
— Isabel Gomez (Glenda) (02:34)

2. The Murder

• The next morning, Glenda is found brutally stabbed in her bedroom (05:33).
• Inspector Hearthstone and Detective Sam Cook begin their investigation, noting the savagery of the crime and important clues like the newspaper with a missing clipping.

Notable Quote:

“A filthy sight, Sam. Clearly this is a murder of hate.”
— Inspector Hearthstone (05:57)

3. Initial Suspicions & Early Evidence

• Conrad arrives, provides an immediate alibi (his club), and suggests Eric Jackson had “unwelcome attentions” for Glenda (07:09–10:19).
• The investigators find the missing newspaper story concerns marriage annulment—a direct parallel to Glenda’s hopes.

Timestamps:

• Newspaper clipping and scissors clue (06:20–06:47): The cut was made without pinking shears, indicating someone else was responsible.

4. The Butler’s Blackmail

• The butler, Pickett, attempts to blackmail Conrad with knowledge of the annulment clipping, claiming to have critical evidence (11:08).
• Inspector reveals Pickett has a criminal past, having served time for blackmail (12:24).

5. Interview with Eric Jackson & Isabel Gomez

• At Conrad’s office, Hearthstone questions Eric and Isabel.
• Eric claims Glenda was in fear after Conrad’s response to her annulment request and then alleges Conrad and Isabel embezzled Glenda’s fortune (14:05–14:54).
• Isabel accuses Eric of being responsible due to his affair with Glenda; chaos erupts in the conversation.

Notable Quote:

“She phoned me late yesterday afternoon that her husband had agreed to have their marriage terminated so she could marry me.... But there was something in her husband's eyes... that put her in deadly fear.”
— Eric Jackson (14:10)

6. Discovery of Physical Clues

• Hearthstone finds a single black jet earring (matching Isabel's) and a star sapphire cufflink (potentially Conrad’s) beneath Glenda’s window (19:12–20:11).
• Questions arise about whether these items were planted.

7. Confrontation and Final Investigation

• Inspector Hearthstone confronts Conrad at his home, discovering the cufflink is indeed Faulkner’s and confirming the significance of the newspaper clipping (21:21–23:04).
• Auditors examine the financial records, finding evidence of embezzlement.

8. The Reveal: The Real Murderer

• In a climactic scene, Hearthstone gathers all suspects (25:01):
  • Reveals Eric Jackson is the murderer.
  • Accuses Eric of planting both Isabel’s earring and Conrad’s cufflink at the scene, and forging the annulment story with scissors found in his own room—Glenda’s pinking shears would have cut jaggedly, not cleanly.
  • Proves Eric forged the company books to steal the money, not Conrad.
  • Eric confesses when confronted with evidence (27:00).

Notable Quotes:

"Eric Jackson is the murderer."
— Inspector Hearthstone (26:01)

"You gave me too much. You planted Isabel's black jet earring on the scene. You planted Conrad Faulkner's cufflink along with it. And you cut this story of the marriage annulment from the newspaper."
— Inspector Hearthstone (26:08)

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Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• [03:16–04:33]: Glenda’s tearful confession—her love for Eric and request for annulment
• [05:33]: The grim discovery of Glenda’s body
• [06:20–06:55]: Hearthstone’s deduction about the newspaper clipping and scissors
• [11:08–11:47]: Pickett the butler attempts blackmail over the annulment clipping
• [14:05–14:54]: Eric’s explanation of Glenda’s fear and his accusations of embezzlement
• [19:12–20:11]: The earring and cufflink found beneath the murder scene’s window
• [26:01–27:03]: Hearthstone’s exposition and Eric Jackson’s confession

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Tone & Language

The episode captures the brooding, suspenseful, and occasionally melodramatic tone characteristic of Golden Age radio crime shows. Inspector Hearthstone’s dialogue is incisive and methodical; the suspects swing between protestations, accusations, and desperate pleas. The writing brims with classic detective fiction bravado and period details.

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Final Section: Inspector’s Methodical Justice

The drama concludes with Inspector Hearthstone unmasking the true killer not through physical evidence alone, but careful deduction:

• Motive, opportunity, and means aligned against Eric Jackson.
• Eric’s attempts to shift blame and frame others through planted evidence ultimately led to his undoing.
• The financial audit revealed Eric as the real embezzler, not Conrad.

Inspector Hearthstone’s closing reflection:

“Through your sheer stupidity, Faulkner, you made me believe you were perhaps the most clever, suspicious I'd ever met... But that’s neither here nor there. It’s my job to bring murderers to heel, and your wife’s killer will end up in the electric chair.”
— Inspector Hearthstone (27:18)

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This episode of Hearthstone of the Death Squad delivers a classic whodunit, with methodical deduction and sharp twists. The portrayal of evidence, the interplay of suspicion and motive, and the final flourish of justice are a testament to radio’s enduring storytelling power.

For Golden Age crime drama fans, “The Marriage Annulment Murder Case” offers suspense, sharp writing, and a satisfyingly clever resolution.

Transcript

[Narrator/Liberty Mutual Announcer]

And Doug, here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Doug]

Limu. Is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

[Narrator/Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Liberty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Liberty Savings Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes Massachusetts Annulment Murder Case Tonight we again present the famous Parkstone of the death squad, implacable manhunter of the metropolitan police in one of his greatest investigations entitled the Marriage Annulment Murder Case. With Peter Capel as Conrad Faulkner and Peggy Sanford as Isabel Gome. And now Inspector Hearthstone in the Marriage Annulment Murder case. As the curtain rises, we see the luxurious living room of Conrad Faulkner, who is handsome, graying and middle aged. He is looking in a puzzled way at his very young wife as he holds in his hand a newspaper clipping which he has just given him. And we hear him say the words that lead to one of Inspector Hearthstone's most famous murder cases.

[Doug]

This newspaper clipping. My dear Glenda, why did you give it to me? From where does it come from?

[Isabel Gomez]

This afternoon's paper. Read it, Conrad.

[Doug]

It's about some man and his wife whose marriage was annulled. But I don't know the people.

[Isabel Gomez]

Their marriage was annulled in court because it was proved they never lived together as husband and wife.

[Doug]

Yes, so it says.

[Isabel Gomez]

But Conrad, I wouldn't ask this if I thought it would hurt you. But couldn't our own marriage be ended the same way? I mean, by annulment it's so much easier than divorce.

[Doug]

So my sweet little wife finally comes to the conclusion, as I warned her, that marrying me might be her great mistake.

[Isabel Gomez]

You did warn me, Conrad. But when Father died and left you my guardian, I felt helpless and alone. I wanted someone to protect and care for me. I never thought I couldn't be made.

[Doug]

To believe that that one day love would come to you. Huh. And now you find it has?

[Eric Jackson]

Yes.

[Isabel Gomez]

Deeply. Terribly. Comrade.

[Doug]

I needn't ask Glenda. Is he of your age?

[Isabel Gomez]

I'm torn between love for him and duty and gratitude and affection for you. But I'd rather die than live without him.

[Doug]

I'm not unprepared for this. After all, it's the course of nature.

[Isabel Gomez]

I blame myself. When I first saw what was coming, I should have put him right out of my mind. But it was like lightning from the sky.

[Doug]

Conrad, don't tell me Anything more, Glenda? There are limits.

[Isabel Gomez]

Where are you going, Conrad?

[Doug]

To my club, where I shall stay until we have the matter of an annulment of our marriage settled. Don't worry. It will end well.

[Isabel Gomez]

Conrad. You don't hate me for this?

[Doug]

Hate is a bitter word. Oh, in the fantastic world in which we live, who can predict what. I may meet this young lover of yours, Glinda, and be his best man at your wedding.

[Isabel Gomez]

Conrad.

[Doug]

Goodbye.

[Isabel Gomez]

I've thrown Eric right away.

[Eric Jackson]

Hello, Eric Jackson speaking.

[Isabel Gomez]

Eric, this is Vanda. I told Conrad and he said it was all right.

[Eric Jackson]

Glenda, sweetheart.

[Isabel Gomez]

Wait.

[Doug]

Eric.

[Isabel Gomez]

There was something in the way he said it that makes me afraid.

[Eric Jackson]

Afraid?

[Isabel Gomez]

Something in the tone of his voice. Something in his eyes I'd never seen before.

[Eric Jackson]

If he threatened you, I'll.

[Isabel Gomez]

Conrad isn't the kind who threatens.

[Eric Jackson]

Tell me exactly what he said, Glenda.

[Isabel Gomez]

I told him I didn't want to hurt him, but that I loved you. And.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And early the following morning, we see the cold and calculating Inspector Hearthstone of the death squad with his assistant detective, Sam Cook in the pastel tinted bedroom of Glenda Faulkner. Its peaceful beauty contradicted by the horribly mutilated body of Glenda, which lies sprawling across her bed.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

And we hear the Inspector say, A filthy sight, Sam. Clearly this is a murder of hate.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Yeah, Inspector. Stabbing her once wasn't enough. I counted 10 places across her breast.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

The butler who reported the murder says her husband wasn't home last night.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Yeah, he said he spent his night at his club.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

I wonder why.

[Detective Sam Cook]

He ought to be here by now. The butler rung him up at the club.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Hand me that newspaper on the floor beside her bed. Here you are, Inspector. Curious. A leading story was clipped from the front page.

[Detective Sam Cook]

That's yesterday afternoon. Star Telegraph, Inspector. I guess she cut it out with that scissors on her sewing table.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

She couldn't have. Sam, these are pinking scissors. They don't cut a clean line, but in the pattern of a saw.

[Detective Sam Cook]

They're the only scissors here, Inspector.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Sam, phone the Star Telegraph. Find out what story they carried on the third column of yesterday's late edition.

[Doug]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Sam Cook]

There's a phone down the hall.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Come in.

[Doug]

You are Inspector Hearthstone? I'm Conrad Faulkner.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

This murdered woman's husband.

[Doug]

Yes, but do not ask me to look at her. She was so young, so lovely.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

The issue at this moment is to discover her killer. Mr. Faulkner.

[Doug]

If only I had not chosen last night of all nights to spend at my club.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

You cannot undo the past. No doubt you had an excellent reason for leaving Your wife alone last night?

[Doug]

A late business meeting, Inspector Hearthstone. And every minute of my absence can be accounted for.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself?

[Doug]

What?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

I didn't ask you for an alibi.

[Doug]

But isn't the husband usually suspect when a wife is murdered, Inspector Hearthstone?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Not always.

[Doug]

You are a clever man, Inspector Hearthstone. I present the alibi for I have a premonition that sooner or later I will be accused.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Perhaps you are the clever one.

[Doug]

Even at a time of tragedy, one cannot forget self preservation is the first law of nature.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Perhaps you can throw some light on this newspaper, Mr. Faulkner.

[Doug]

Newspaper?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Have you any idea what the subject of the story clipped from it was?

[Doug]

Not the least idea, Inspector.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Detective Cook and I found it beside your murdered wife's bed.

[Doug]

It is completely a mystery to me. But how could it bear on Glenda's murder, Dr.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Hot Stone?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Oh, yes, Sam.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Star Telegraph says that the story cut out from that paper was about a couple who had their marriage annulled because they never lived together as man and wife.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Mr. Faulkner, perhaps the information Detective Cook gives me has a direct bearing on your wife's murder.

[Doug]

But how, Inspector?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

On what terms did you leave your wife when you left to spend the night at your club? When did you last see her alive? Do you return to this house during the night? What was your true reason for leaving?

[Doug]

The reason I gave business. Glenda and I parted on the happiest terms. I know nothing of this newspaper story of annulment. It does not concern me.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

It concerns me when a girl, obviously 25 years younger than her husband, is murdered.

[Doug]

I was Glenda's guardian before our marriage. Her father and I were long business colleagues, wine merchants of international repute. I in Barcelona, he in New York.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Doug]

On his death, he appointed me her guardian.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

You have already said that.

[Doug]

Then Glenda, left alone in the world, sought the wisdom and protection of age and asked me to be her husband.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

And our days were happy and ended in her murder. A murder associated in some strange way with a newspaper story about a marriage annulment. So the question is, is what was your young wife seeking to end her marriage to you by annulment, because you had never lived together as man and wife.

[Doug]

The suggestion offends me. Only one person had the motive to murder my wife.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Who?

[Doug]

A young man who was forcing unwelcome attentions upon her. Inspector Hearthstone. And whom she ordered out of her life yesterday. His name is Eric Jackson.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Eric Jackson?

[Detective Sam Cook]

Sounds phony to me, Inspector.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

One minute, Sam.

[Doug]

It is not phony Detective Cook, here is Eric Jackson's address. Inspector Hearthstone.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

You give his address as your own office, Mr. Faulkner?

[Doug]

Exactly, Inspector. Eric Jackson is an employee of my firm. It is there where my murdered Glenda met him, only to have him form the unwelcome infatuation that caused her murder.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Detective Cook and I will see this man, Mr. Faulkner. Hoping, of course, that it will relieve you of suspicion.

[Doug]

It will, Inspector. I'll have my butler show you out.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

You rang, sir?

[Doug]

Show these gentlemen to the door, Pickett.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This way, Inspector Hearthstone.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Don't trouble, Pickett. We know the way. Good day, Mr. Faulkner.

[Doug]

Pickett, bring me a double whiskey and soda.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Better wait till the cops get out of the house, sir. That Hearthstone is a stone slick one.

[Doug]

And what are you talking about?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

About this newspaper clipping I heard you and the missus arguing about yesterday afternoon, sir.

[Doug]

Where did you find it?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

I venture you dropped it out of your pocket in front of her door when you came back to murder her last night. What? I'm offering it for sale, sir, to the highest bidder. It's between you and the cops. Suppose you start off with, say, 10 grand.

[Doug]

Give me that clipping and leave this house. Pickett.

[Detective Sam Cook]

There'S Mr. Faulkner's office. Inspector Hearthstone. For my dough, we're wasting our breath talking to that Eric Jackson. The guy he's trying to put the finger on. Sam.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

We have only suspicion without evidence so far, that Faulkner murdered his wife. I'm interested in his butler. Odd situation.

[Detective Sam Cook]

You mean Pickett?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

He served two terms for blackmail.

[Detective Sam Cook]

What do you know? There's the door.

[Isabel Gomez]

Yes? You wish to see someone?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

I'm Inspector Hearthstone of the Death Squad Office of Criminal Investigation. This is Detective Cook.

[Isabel Gomez]

The police? But nothing has happened here.

[Eric Jackson]

I heard you say you were Inspector Hearthstone. Can I help you?

[Detective Sam Cook]

We're looking for Mr. Eric Jackson. Is he around?

[Eric Jackson]

I'm Eric Jackson.

[Doug]

But why?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

We're investigating the murder of your employer's wife.

[Eric Jackson]

No.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Mrs. Conrad Faulkner. She was found murdered in her bed less than an hour ago.

[Eric Jackson]

Planned a murder?

[Doug]

Oh, no, no.

[Isabel Gomez]

That is what you get Eric Jackson for your illegitimate love match with that girl. Mr. Faulkner's wife.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Who are you?

[Isabel Gomez]

Sister Isabel Gomez. I work long for Mr. Faulkner. I see all this brewing murder had to result. I accuse Eric Jackson, the man you have come here to arrest.

[Eric Jackson]

Glenda.

[Doug]

Murder.

[Eric Jackson]

Oh, why didn't I call the police in time?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Am I to assume by that, Mr. Jackson, that you had knowledge Mrs. Faulkner was in danger of being murdered?

[Isabel Gomez]

Certain. He knew in advance he killed her he would have to know.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Suppositions and accusations don't solve murders, Ms. Gomez. Have you evidence?

[Isabel Gomez]

Evidence, no. But facts, yes.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

I'll hear Your facts later, Ms. Gomez. I suggest we go into this office, Mr. Jackson.

[Eric Jackson]

Yes, Inspector Hearthstone. It's mine.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Eric.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Suppose you start by telling me why you thought Mrs. Faulkner was in danger of being murdered.

[Eric Jackson]

Glenda was murdered because she loved me.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

I've heard the contrary, but go ahead.

[Eric Jackson]

She phoned me late yesterday afternoon that her husband had agreed to have their marriage terminated so she could marry me. She told her husband, Conrad, that she was in love with me.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Did she say whether the marriage was to terminate by divorce or annulment?

[Eric Jackson]

Annulment. No, she didn't. But she did say there was something in her husband's eyes. Something in the tone of his voice when he agreed to end their marriage that put her in deadly fear of him.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Why didn't you report that to the police?

[Eric Jackson]

She wasn't murdered because she asked for a divorce or because of our love for each other, Inspector Hearthstone.

[Doug]

No.

[Eric Jackson]

Glenda was her husband's ward as well as his wife. He was also the executor of her father's estate and the sole custodian of the fortune her father left her.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Yes.

[Eric Jackson]

He embezzled every cent of her money. And the books of this company will prove it. Glenda.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

And Doug.

[Narrator/Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Here we have the Limu Imu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug Limu.

[Doug]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

[Narrator/Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Liberty.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Liberty Savings.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.

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[Eric Jackson]

Became suspicious of. Wasn't a murder of passion, Inspector Hearthstone. It was a cold and calculated murder to keep her husband from behind prison bars.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

That may throw a new light on the case.

[Eric Jackson]

I'm an expert accountant and I know.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

What I'm talking about.

[Eric Jackson]

And Inspector Hearthstone.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Yes?

[Eric Jackson]

There's another reason Conrad Faulkner wanted Glenda.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Out of the way.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

What reason?

[Eric Jackson]

That woman in the outer office. Isabel Gomez. The one who accused me of murdering Glenda.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

How?

[Detective Sam Cook]

Why?

[Doug]

Because.

[Eric Jackson]

Because they work the theft of Glenda's money together and want to be off together. And I can prove that too.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Detective Cook.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Same. Yeah.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Inspector, bring Isabella Gomez in here. Eric Jackson accuses her of theft and murder.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hearthstone of the death squad. And the marriage annulment murder case continues in just a moment. Is this show coming to you on your car radio?

[Eric Jackson]

How are your brakes?

[Narrator/Announcer]

The pedal getting too close to the floorboards? And how about your lights, Horn, windshield wipers? If they're not in shape, you're taking chances. Why do it? There are repair shops everywhere. And now back to Hearthstone of the Death squad and the marriage annulment murder case. Investigating the murder of lovely young Glenda Faulkner, brutally stabbed to death in her own bed, Inspector Hearthstone is told by her older husband, Conrad Faulkner, that Glenda was receiving unwelcome attentions from Eric Jackson, a young man of her own age who works for him. Suspicion begins to point at Conrad when the Inspector discovers a newspaper beside the murder bed with an item about a marriage annulment.

[Doug]

Cut from it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And upon his questioning, Eric Jackson. Eric accuses Conrad and Isabel Gomez, also employed by Conrad, saying that Isabel helped Conrad to embezzle his wife's fortune and that Conrad murdered his wife to prevent discovery. Now, a moment later at Conrad Faulkner's office, Inspector Hearthstone is saying to his assistant, Detective Sam Cook.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Detective Cook, bring Isabel Gomez in here. Eric Jackson accuses her of theft and murder.

[Isabel Gomez]

It is a lie. I do not steal. I do not murder.

[Eric Jackson]

I didn't say murder, Inspector Hearthstone. I said theft.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

One minute, Eric.

[Isabel Gomez]

Swine. You pig. Eric.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Shut up, Isabel.

[Isabel Gomez]

He's a swine. A pig. Detective Cook. Eric lies, Inspector Hearthstone. But he will not deceive you. What do you wish with me?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

I wish to know why you're wearing only one earring, Isabel.

[Doug]

What?

[Isabel Gomez]

I must have dropped it in the other room. I go see.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

No, you needn't. Here is its mate. A black jet earring. I picked it off the ground directly under the window of the bedroom where Glinda Faulkner was murdered.

[Isabel Gomez]

Those earrings, they can be bought at any department store in New York. Every woman you meet wears them. They're the fashion.

[Detective Sam Cook]

We'll check up on that one fast, sister.

[Eric Jackson]

Heaven help me. Then she is Glenda's murderess, Inspector Hearthstone. And all proved by a dropped earring.

[Isabel Gomez]

It is not My earring, Eric Jackson.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

The earring was not the only clue I found beneath the window.

[Doug]

What?

[Eric Jackson]

What?

[Doug]

Another?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

This Star sapphire cufflink, can either of you identify it? Eric?

[Isabel Gomez]

Isabel, I have never set eyes on it.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

And you, Eric?

[Eric Jackson]

I think it's Conrad Faulkner.

[Isabel Gomez]

You lie, Eric. It is not Mr. Falkness.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

You think it is the murdered girl's husband's cufflink, Eric?

[Eric Jackson]

I'm not certain, Inspector Hearthstone. But it looks like one of those he wore.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Thank you, Eric. And you, Ms. Gomez. You will both please go to your homes and remain there. This office will be closed and sealed for police inspection. Come along, Sam.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Okay, Inspector. If I'm out of step, Inspector Aston, slap me down. But why aren't we pinching that dame?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

You think we could convict her on the evidence of this earring alone, Sam?

[Eric Jackson]

What's that?

[Detective Sam Cook]

Since yet she and the murdered girl's husband were at Tosum, and we got her earring and his cufflink hot off the murder scene.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Right.

[Detective Sam Cook]

So what are those newspapers you got under your arm, Inspector?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Two copies of yesterday's Star Telegraph, Sam. With the story of that highly interesting marriage annulment checked in pencil on one.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Where'd you get them?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

In the waste paper basket in the reception room of Mr. Faulkner's office. But he may not have put them there.

[Detective Sam Cook]

That marriage annulment clipping seems to be turning up everywhere.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

We are confused. Confront Faulkner with it, Sam. At his house within the next few minutes.

[Doug]

Inspector Hearthstone. Come in.

[Detective Sam Cook]

I'm here too, Mr. Faulkner.

[Doug]

My apologies, Detective Cook. My butler, Pickett, left my employ suddenly and without reason, so I answered the door myself.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Your butler Pickett is a known criminal and blackmailer.

[Doug]

You astonish me, Inspector Hearthstone. I failed to check his reference when I employed him. Oh.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Does this cufflink happen to be yours, Mr. Faulkner?

[Doug]

Yes, it is one of a set that was presented to me. I never wore them. I put them aside in my desk at the office. You found it there, of course?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

No. On the ground directly beneath the window of your murdered wife's bedroom.

[Doug]

How it got there, I cannot say. But this newspaper clipping may interest you, Inspector Hearthstone.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Newspaper clipping? It does, very much. Especially as it is a marriage annulment story from yesterday's Star Telegraph.

[Doug]

My butler, Pickett, attempted to blackmail me for $10,000 for it. He overheard my wife, Glenda present it to me as a possible way to have her marriage to me annulled.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Really? So you admit it now? Admit that your wife came to you to have your marriage annulled just as.

[Doug]

I thought I agreed to her plea quite readily. Ours was a marriage of convenience rather than love, Inspector Hearthstone. We did not live together as man and wife. Our marriage could have been announced, but I thought no more of this clipping until Pickett attempted to use it as a means of blackmail.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Faulkner, earlier today you complimented me by calling me clever, and I returned it by saying perhaps you were the clever one.

[Doug]

You were very gracious and Inspector Hearthstone, but now is no time for pretty words. Undoubtedly, you have come to reveal who murdered my wife.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

There is such a thing as being too clever, Mr. Faulkner.

[Doug]

I quite agree, Inspector. After all, the proof of the pudding.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Is in the eating. And figuratively speaking, neither you nor I have eaten yet. But the records of the police show that the refusal of a wife to live with her husband provides a prime motive for murder. Good day, Mr. Faulkner.

[Detective Sam Cook]

I'm not asking you this time why we're not making a pinch, Inspector.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Sam, radio headquarters from the car. One, to search this house for the butler Pickett's body.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Right.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Two, have the police auditors check the books in Faulkner's office. And third, here's the car. Back to headquarters quickly, Sam.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now back in Inspector Hearthstone's grim office at the Death squad, we hear Detective Cook say.

[Detective Sam Cook]

I'll give it to you fast, Inspector. The butler Pickett's not dead. He's drunk as a lord, shooting money like crazy.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Get on with it, Sam.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Report on Isabel Gomez, the murdered Glenda Faulkner's husband. Conrad is putting up for Isabel in a lush apartment on East 53rd Street.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Mm.

[Detective Sam Cook]

You got her Blackjet earring and his cufflink? Already found at the murder scene.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Get onto the auditor's report on Faulkner's book, Sam.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Right here, sir.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Well, let me see it.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Haven't had time to read it myself.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

The solution is in Faulkner's book, Sam, and in this neatly cut out clipping of the marriage annulment story in the Star Telegraph.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Yeah, I got everybody outside. Inspector Hearthstone, Faulkner, Isabel and Eric Jackson.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Bring them in, Sam. The case is solved.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Come in, all of you.

[Doug]

I reach the conclusion, Inspector Hearthstone, that your cleverness is bringing my wife's killer to arrest.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Mr. Faulkner, an audit of your books reveals that every dollar of your wife's estate held in trust by you was embezzled.

[Doug]

That is not a clever solution, Inspector. It is impossible.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Neither was it clever of you, Faulkner, to put up for this woman, Isabel Gomez, in one of the most expensive apartments in the city.

[Isabel Gomez]

This passionate love proof of murder, Inspector. I proudly say the money Conrad Faulkner Spent on me was not embezzled from his murdered wife, Glenda.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Let me at her.

[Eric Jackson]

It's like I said, Inspector Faulkner killed Glenda. He embezzled her money. Isabelle helped him murder her. You have all the evidence. Her earring, his cufflink. Proof of a $500,000 theft.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Easy, Eric.

[Eric Jackson]

I'll kill a bulk.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Evanston.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Eric Jackson is the murderer.

[Isabel Gomez]

What?

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Eric? Yes, Eric Jackson.

[Eric Jackson]

You're a fool, Hearthstone. You're not fit to be a police officer.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

I deal at evidence and you gave me too much. You planted Isabel's black jet earring on the scene. You planted Conrad Faulkner's cuplink along with it. And you cut this story of the marriage annulment from the newspaper.

[Detective Sam Cook]

That's a lie.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

You cut it out with these shears found in a search of your room, Eric.

[Eric Jackson]

Glenda cut it from the newspaper herself. In her room with her scissors.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

The only scissors in Glenda's room wear pinking shears. Shears that leave the pattern of a saw. You gave her the story, Eric. Gave her the idea to ask her husband for an annulment of their marriage. So you'd be free to murder her and have her husband accused.

[Eric Jackson]

He embezzled her money. The proof is in his books.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

The proof in his books is that you, Eric Jackson, forged entries and took the money. Here's proof you did.

[Eric Jackson]

All right, Hearthstone.

[Detective Sam Cook]

I did.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Detective Cook, charge him with willful murder. Take him to the cells.

[Detective Sam Cook]

Out of that door, Jackson. Start moving.

[Doug]

Is it not as I said, Inspector Hearthstone? You are the clever one, not I.

[Inspector Hearthstone]

Through your sheer stupidity, Faulkner, you made me believe you were perhaps the most clever, suspicious I'd ever met in my long experience as a police officer. But that's neither here nor there. It's my job to bring murderers to heel, and your wife's killer will end up in the electric chair.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And thus, Hearthstone of the Death squad rights solved in the files of the marriage annulment murder case. The part of Inspector Hearthstone was played by Alfred Shirley, written by Frank Hummert, directed by Henry Howard, and as a presentation of CBS Radio, listen in next Thursday night at this same time for Hearthstone of the Death Star Squad in Murder and the Little man with the Big Mustache. Coming right up, CBS Radio is proud to announce the premiere performance of Stars in the Air, a new program featuring Hollywood stars in special adaptations of all time best screen comedies and romances. For tonight's premiere, Stars in the Air brings you James Stewart and Donna Reed in It's a Wonderful Life. Stay tuned for this Stars in the Air premiere which follows immediately. On most of these same stations, blood and blood plasma are saving the lives of many a wounded man in Korea. We owe it to these brave men to supply the blood for their care. In the treatment of many casualties, there is no substitute for blood, and it is imperative that action be taken to ensure that an adequate supply is ready for immediate use. The Department of Defense is calling up for an immediate stepping up of blood collections this month. Our country is short 300,000 pints of blood. It's up to every one of us who is able to make up this staggering deficit. So call your Red Cross chapter or local blood donor center for an appointment to make your donation of blood for the armed forces. You will be doing your part in keeping America free. Listen for Hearthstone of the death squad in murder and the little man with the big mustache at this same time next Thursday night. Your announcer is Harry Kramer. And remember, it's two hours of music, the nation's favorite songs every Friday night on the CBS radio network.

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[Doug]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

[Narrator/Liberty Mutual Announcer]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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