I Deal In Crime 46-01-21 (01) Laura Shields Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "I Deal In Crime 46-01-21 (01) Laura Shields Case"

Release Date: February 28, 2025

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Introduction

"I Deal In Crime 46-01-21 (01) Laura Shields Case" is a gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, hosted by William Gargan portraying the seasoned private investigator, Ross Dolan. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Radio, this episode delves into a tangled web of deceit, betrayal, and murder on the serene shores of Seguna Beach. Through sharp dialogues, intriguing characters, and a meticulously crafted plot, listeners are transported into a classic noir narrative that keeps them on the edge of their seats.

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Plot Overview

1. Ross Dolan's Return and Hiring

The episode opens with Ross Dolan returning to his private investigation office after a stint in the Navy, expressing his disillusionment:

Ross Dolan (00:32): "My name is Ross Dolan, and in case you're inclined to say so. What?"

Upon settling back, he encounters Laura Shields, a captivating woman seeking his services as a bodyguard. Their initial interaction is laced with tension and subtle hints of underlying motives.

Laura Shields (03:39): "I came up here to see Ross Dolan."

Ross Dolan (04:43): "Just what is this job? And not to be too pressing, just who are you?"

2. Arrival at Seguna Beach

Ross accepts the job, moving to Seguna Beach to meet John Shields, Laura's husband. His observations at a local establishment, Jarvis's Bluebird, introduce key characters like Phineas Baxter and Bill Jarvis.

Ross Dolan (07:02): "I got to Sigona about three the next afternoon. It was a typical coast town. Filling stations, drugstores, hamburger stands..."

3. The Encounter with John Shields

At Jarvis's Bluebird, Ross meets John Shields, portrayed as a charismatic but deceitful promoter. Tensions escalate when Phineas Baxter confronts Ross, leading to a physical altercation that results in Ross being injured.

Phineas Baxter (13:04): "Backing down, huh? How would you like a good punch in the nose?"

Ross Dolan (16:32): "I'm blushing in shame."

4. The Battle and Investigation

After the fight, Ross learns of John Shields' suspicious death—a bullet wound in his temple. Engaged by the local police, Ross navigates through clues that suggest foul play rather than suicide. His investigation leads him to Betty Warner, John’s affair, revealing deeper layers of the conspiracy.

Officer (15:23): "We found him sitting there alone with a bullet hole in his temple."

5. Uncovering the Truth

Ross uncovers that Laura Shields had motives to eliminate her husband, aiming to frame him for the murder. However, Bill Jarvis emerges as the true antagonist, orchestrating the murder to cover his own misdeeds. A climactic confrontation ensues, where Ross tricks Jarvis into revealing his guilt and ensures justice is served.

Ross Dolan (26:33): "You wanted to get rid of John Shields the worst way, and you hope to set me up as a fall guy."

Bill Jarvis (28:07): "I think I'm going to let you have it."

6. Conclusion and Aftermath

With the case resolved, Ross clears his name and decides to return to the city. He reconnects with Betty Warner, hinting at future adventures and the enduring allure of mystery in Seguna Beach.

Ross Dolan (28:40): "I picked up the blonde, Betty Warner, and took her along. And you know something? She wasn't nearly as tough as you'd imagine."

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Key Characters

• Ross Dolan (William Gargan): A tenacious private investigator with a military background, navigating through deceit to uncover the truth.

• Laura Shields: A beautiful yet enigmatic woman seeking Ross's protection, later revealed to have ulterior motives.

• John Shields: Laura’s husband, a promoter with questionable ethics and hidden relationships.

• Phineas Baxter: A local author and disgruntled associate of John Shields, harboring deep-seated resentment.

• Bill Jarvis: The primary antagonist, involved in the orchestration of John Shields' murder to conceal his own actions.

• Betty Warner: The blonde waitress entangled in the complex relationships and conflicts leading to the murder.

• Officer Tommy Works: An ex-homicide officer assisting in the investigation, initially suspicious of Ross's involvement.

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Notable Quotes

• Ross Dolan (00:32): "I've been a private investigator for 10 years. Except for a short hitch in Uncle Sugar's Navy."

• Laura Shields (05:03): "That's a very misplaced sense of humor."

• Phineas Baxter (13:09): "What's this? Old home week?"

• Officer Tommy Works (16:16): "You want to talk to you about John Shields. We didn't see her."

• Ross Dolan (26:43): "You wanted to get rid of John Shields the worst way, and you hope to set me up as a fall guy."

• Bill Jarvis (28:13): "Hasta manana."

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Conclusion

"I Deal In Crime 46-01-21 (01) Laura Shields Case" masterfully encapsulates the essence of classic radio noir, blending suspense, character depth, and unexpected twists. Through Ross Dolan's keen investigative skills and the unfolding drama among Seguna Beach's inhabitants, listeners are treated to a tale of ambition, betrayal, and redemption. The inclusion of memorable dialogues and intricate plot developments not only captivates but also pays homage to the rich storytelling legacy of the Golden Age of Radio.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this episode promises an engaging and immersive experience that underscores why Harold's Old Time Radio remains a cherished vessel for timeless narratives.

Transcript

[Ross Dolan]

I Deal IN Crime.

[William Gargan]

The American Broadcasting Company presents I Deal in Crime Starring William Gargan as Ross Dolan.

[Ross Dolan]

My name is Ross Dolan, and in case you're inclined to say so. What? Pull up a chair and listen to this. I've been a private investigator for 10 years. Except for a short hitch in Uncle Sugar's Navy. I've been a seaman on an lst, a gunner on a PT boat, and even made a parachute jump. That last I don't care to discuss. And just yesterday they decided to get along without me. So I found myself on my way back to my old hangout, my office in the Melrose building. It was 8:00 at night, raining cats, dogs, and several other forms of livestock. I shrugged my way through the main door. Nothing had changed. The foyer still had those silly gilt figurines chasing each other around the molding. The tile floor hadn't split any wider and the paint was just as cracked as before. Even the elevator man hadn't changed. He just added another dozen wrinkles to that piece of saddle leather he called a face. I called, fourth floor. Okay. His light blue eyes lit up with a friendly gleam you find in a pair of two cent marbles. The floor slid past as we went up. Finally the rickety old contraption slid to a I got out and walked down the hall. I stopped at 4:04. On the door I read ROSS Dolan printed in gilt letters and below it private Investigation. I was home again. The cab driver tried to jip me out of a buck. My shoes had sprung a leak in a puddle and that granite puss of an elevator man didn't even say hello. Yeah, I sure was home again. I slammed the door and fell along the wall for the light switch. For just a moment I looked out the window and got a panoramic gander at the town I knew so much about. Underneath all that neon and stucco it still looked cheap and vulgar, or rich and beautiful, depending on your viewpoint. Right now it looked cheap and vulgar. I lit the lights. The office was clean, thanks to a note I'd shot the building super a week before. I went through my mail. A couple of personal things. A bill from the Chronicle for my new ad. That's about all. I was about to take off my wet shoes when I heard the elevator go into a halt on my floor. Light footsteps came toward me. The door opened. She was the kind of a dame you see only in a dream. Tall, dark, and eyes that look as deep as a quarry pond on a quiet afternoon. This baby was Classed from head to foot and from elbow to elbow. She seemed surprised to see me and turned to go. Wait. What's your hurry? Sit down. Take it easy. Riding up and down that elevator is quite an emotional experience.

[Laura Shields]

I came up here to see Ross Dolan.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, that's fine. You came to the right place.

[Laura Shields]

But you're not Ross Dolan. You're a sailor.

[Ross Dolan]

You're wrong, beautiful. I am Ross Dolan, and I'm not a sailor. Uncle decided he could get along without me after today.

[Laura Shields]

Uncle?

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, Uncle Sugar. Uncle Sam. Otherwise known as the United States.

[Laura Shields]

Oh, that, that. Mr. Dolan, if you're just out of the service, you probably are in need of a job. Would you like to make some money?

[Ross Dolan]

I'm afraid I would. Money and I have been strangers lately.

[Laura Shields]

And should I employ you, can you furnish references?

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, get out your pencil, lady, and start writing them down. Or would you rather take a fast peek at my file cabinet there. Well, there's the National Life, the American Bank, Johnny Briggs down at Homicide and. Or shall I go on? There's 10 years of references in that gadget.

[Laura Shields]

What are your charges?

[Ross Dolan]

$25 a day, plus expenses.

[Laura Shields]

I see.

[Ross Dolan]

Just what is this job? And not to be too pressing, just who are you?

[Laura Shields]

I'm Laura Shields, Mr. Dolan. And I want you to be my bodyguard.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, now, look, if it's just one of those. Tail around with me and see the big bad man doesn't hurt Mama gags. You could do with a cheaper man. Get some character who's short on brains and long on muscle.

[Laura Shields]

You're talking yourself out of a job, mister. Do you want it or don't you?

[Ross Dolan]

Definitely I do.

[Laura Shields]

That's better. My husband and I are living in our house at Seguna Beach. He's John Shields, a promoter.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, I've heard of him.

[Laura Shields]

Could you come down tomorrow?

[Ross Dolan]

I guess so. Give me the morning to walk up two flights and save 10, and I'll be all set. Ought to be there around three or four.

[Laura Shields]

Fine, fine. I'll accept you. Here's a check for two weeks as a retainer.

[Ross Dolan]

You were pretty sure of me, weren't you, Mrs. Shields?

[Laura Shields]

Not at all. You'll notice that I've left the top line vacant.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, yes, yes, so you have. Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Mrs. Shields. And by the way, just what am I supposed to guard you against myself? Guard you against yourself? Suppose we drop the double talk and get down to straight language?

[Laura Shields]

You want it straight? Here it is. I'm afraid I'm Going to kill my husband.

[Ross Dolan]

You don't need a private eye, lady. You need a doctor. Or the cops. Why don't you go to them?

[Laura Shields]

I couldn't go to the police. You see, I love my husband, but he's been playing around with someone else.

[Ross Dolan]

So it's like that.

[Laura Shields]

And I haven't been sleeping well recently. I've had dreams. I dream I'm killing him. Now I'm afraid.

[Ross Dolan]

Don't Worry about dreams, Mrs. Shields. They can't hang you for dreaming.

[Laura Shields]

But they've been getting worse. Do you want the job or not?

[Ross Dolan]

Well, it's okay by me. If there's any killing, it's not my funeral.

[Laura Shields]

A very misplaced sense of humor.

[Ross Dolan]

Sorry.

[Laura Shields]

When you get to Seguna beach tomorrow, register at the Seahorse Inn. There'll be a room waiting for you.

[Ross Dolan]

Say, that's a classy foxhole.

[Laura Shields]

And Mr. Dolan, I hope I can trust your discretion. If worried of what I was doing got out, people might think there was something wrong with me.

[Ross Dolan]

If people knew what I was doing, they'd think there was something wrong with me too. I got to Sigona about three the next afternoon. It was a typical coast town. Filling stations, drugstores, hamburger stands, and some kids shivering in their shorts. I asked a question. Where can I find John Shields?

[John Shields]

His home is on the west highway. But if you want to see him in person, try Jarvis's Bluebird in across the street.

[Ross Dolan]

Thanks. There was a trio there trying to play like Paul Whiteman. Looked like a pretty fair crib. I walked to a table and sat down. You couldn't miss Shields if you were wearing dark glasses on a foggy night. He was 6 3, wore dungarees and a sweatshirt and tried to look like a combination of Randolph Scott and Clark Gable. He didn't even come close, but there was something worth looking at. The baby was gabbing with. She looked the way most Hollywood blondes would give their peroxide to look like. And the guy who bought her waitress uniform certainly had a surveyor's eye. I sat there, I waited. I waited some more. Finally, I got tired of that. Hey, miss.

[Betty Warner]

Yes, sir?

[Ross Dolan]

I'll have a beer, please.

[Betty Warner]

Yes, sir.

[Ross Dolan]

I watched her walk away. And it was better than watching Army's backfield. She came back.

[Betty Warner]

That'll be $0.15, please.

[Ross Dolan]

You from LA? Doing anything tonight?

[Betty Warner]

That'll be $0.15th, please.

[Ross Dolan]

Okay, honey. I'm not only set back on my heels, but my pass has been intercepted and run back for a touchdown.

[Betty Warner]

Thank you, sir.

[Ross Dolan]

This was the babe that Shields was Nuts about. He hadn't taken his eyes off her during the whole sequence. I drank my beer and then I went away from there. I went down the west highway to look up. Mrs. Shields.

[Laura Shields]

Mr. Dublin. Oh, I'm so sorry I wasn't home when you called before, but I had some errands to run and. Come in, come in.

[Ross Dolan]

Thanks.

[Laura Shields]

And here, the living room. Sit down. Have something. Drink? Sandwich? Cigar?

[Ross Dolan]

No, thanks.

[Laura Shields]

It's almost 7, and John will be home directly. When he comes, please pretend that you're an old friend of mine. You met me in, oh, San Francisco.

[Ross Dolan]

Okay by me.

[Laura Shields]

And I'll call you Ross. And you must call me Laura. That will ease things up a bit. And you won't mind being an old friend.

[Ross Dolan]

Lady, please.

[Laura Shields]

What have you been doing the past four hours?

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, nothing much. Looking over Segona Beach. Watching your husband, John.

[Laura Shields]

Is he down at that, with that?

[Ross Dolan]

If you mean was he down at the Bluebird with the blonde? You can pick up your dots.

[Laura Shields]

There are times when I.

[Ross Dolan]

Where are you, John? Shh.

[Laura Shields]

And remember the time we had all those dances on the roof?

[Ross Dolan]

Well, well, well.

[Phineas Baxter]

What's this? Old home week?

[Laura Shields]

Oh, darling, this is an old friend from San Francisco, Ross Dolan. Ross, this is my husband, John.

[Ross Dolan]

Hiya, Ross. Hello.

[Phineas Baxter]

You better get going with the canopies and the drinks. Laura. We're having a party.

[Laura Shields]

Oh, darling. Again?

[Phineas Baxter]

Yes, again.

[Ross Dolan]

Invited.

[Phineas Baxter]

Sims, the writer.

[Ross Dolan]

Judd the golf pro.

[Phineas Baxter]

My dear, dear friend, Bill Jarvis.

[Ross Dolan]

Jarvis?

[Phineas Baxter]

Yeah, you sort of met him this afternoon. He runs the Bluebird.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Phineas Baxter]

And old Phineas will be here too.

[Laura Shields]

Oh, John, please, not Phineas.

[Phineas Baxter]

Yeah, Phineas.

[Laura Shields]

Phineas Ross is the old man who lives in our beach shack down below us. John gives him a little money once in a while, but, oh, he's so dirty. John always teases the poor old thing.

[Phineas Baxter]

Yes, sir. Oh, Phineas. Here is my meat.

[Laura Shields]

Oh, dear, please. Not with Ross here.

[Phineas Baxter]

Who cares about him? Your friend, not mine. Let him in, Laura, and break out the drinks.

[Laura Shields]

Oh, Mr. Jarvis. Come in.

[Bill Jarvis]

Hello, Mr. Shields.

[Laura Shields]

And Phineas, how nice to see you.

[Tommy Works]

Glad to see you.

[Bill Jarvis]

You sure look tipped up, Mrs. Shields. Never saw you looking better.

[Ross Dolan]

Yep.

[Tommy Works]

Look as fit as a fiddly crab.

[Laura Shields]

Ross, this is Phineas Baxter and this is Bill Jarvis.

[Ross Dolan]

Glad to know you.

[Laura Shields]

This is Ross Dolan.

[Bill Jarvis]

Seems to me I've seen you. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, sure. You were in my place today.

[Phineas Baxter]

Well, Phineas, tell me, how's the beach combing today, huh? Scraping much away from that old devil's sea?

[Ross Dolan]

I do all right, Mr. Shields, Mr. Shield.

[Phineas Baxter]

What kind of talk is that? You know, Dolan, Phineas here is something of a local celebrity. He's an author.

[Laura Shields]

Jonathan Pease?

[Phineas Baxter]

Yes, sir. He's got some other folks in Seguna. Haven't got. But then, who wants it?

[Ross Dolan]

You're. You're quite a comic, aren't you, Mr. Shields? Ever thought of going on the stage?

[Tommy Works]

No, no, no, Mr. Dolan. Mr. Shields. Just having a little mite of fun at my expense. I don't mind.

[Bill Jarvis]

Yeah, that's right, John. Always ribs old Phineas.

[Phineas Baxter]

Forget that, you fellows. What did you mean by that crack, Dolan?

[Ross Dolan]

No, nothing.

[Phineas Baxter]

Backing down, huh? How would you like a good punch in the nose?

[Laura Shields]

John, he's our guest.

[Phineas Baxter]

He's your guest, not mine. I watched him make passes in the cafe this afternoon. Now I find him in the house making passes with my wife. You sure get around, don't you, Dolan?

[Ross Dolan]

Put your hands down, Shields, you're making a chump of yourself.

[Phineas Baxter]

Is that so?

[Ross Dolan]

We'll take a look at this. Well, if you want it that way.

[Laura Shields]

John. John, are you hurt?

[Tommy Works]

I reckon he got on the wrong side of you, mister.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, reckon he did. Should have known that my wrong side is my right side.

[Bill Jarvis]

You'd better trot down to the local barber shop with me, Dolan. That eye of yours is breaking out in more colors than the Sunday supplement.

[Laura Shields]

Oh, call me later, Ross. Say, in about half an hour.

[Ross Dolan]

Jarvis and I went down to the local barber. Turned out to be a pretty good Joe. In about an hour or so, my eye looked almost human. When the barber got through, I walked into the phone booth and got Mrs. Shields on the phone.

[Laura Shields]

Everything is under control, Ross.

[Ross Dolan]

How's Mr. Shields feeling?

[Laura Shields]

A little groggy, I guess. He took the car and went for a ride along the shore.

[Ross Dolan]

Want me to come up?

[Laura Shields]

No, no, I'm all right. Besides, there might be complications. I'll see you tomorrow.

[Ross Dolan]

Right. Good night.

[Laura Shields]

Good night, Ross. You better go to bed.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah. Who's that?

[Phineas Baxter]

Police.

[Dresser Dahlsted]

Open up.

[Ross Dolan]

All right, all right. 1:00 in the morning. What a time to entertain a flat foot. It.

[Officer]

You doing?

[Ross Dolan]

That's what it says down on the register.

[Officer]

Get dressed.

[Ross Dolan]

What for, mister? I just got undressed.

[Officer]

Well, reverse it, chum. We want you down at the station.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, that's a novelty. Whatever for, officer?

[Officer]

We want to talk to you about a fellow named Shields. Know him?

[Ross Dolan]

Yep.

[Officer]

See him tonight?

[Ross Dolan]

Yep.

[Officer]

He give you the black eye?

[Ross Dolan]

Yep.

[Officer]

Okay, that's all. Come on.

[Ross Dolan]

What for?

[Officer]

I want to talk to you about John Shields. We found him sitting in his car out of Dana Point.

[Ross Dolan]

Why, the old rascal. Did he have a cuddly little blonde with him?

[Officer]

We didn't see her. He was sitting there alone with a bullet hole in his temple.

[Ross Dolan]

I guess I read too many dime detective stories while I was in the Navy because I got the idea that all small town coppers had red faces and big feet. Tommy Works had neither. He was an ex homicide man from the big town police crew. He kept me in his office all night, and believe me, he knew all the questions.

[Officer]

So you're a friend of the family. Is that Dolan?

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, you might say that.

[Officer]

Yeah, I might say it. But what I want to know is what you might say.

[Ross Dolan]

What do you want me to do, Works? Break out my ever shop and tell you about my lifetime?

[Officer]

Don't get smart with me, Dolan, because we know all about you.

[Ross Dolan]

I'm blushing in shame.

[Officer]

Well, if you are, it doesn't show. We know that you never met the Shields any place before. Not until the other day when Mrs. Shields went up to the city and hides.

[Ross Dolan]

And what happened in the second chapter?

[Officer]

We wonder why she hired.

[Ross Dolan]

Now, Polly, you got me. I was hired to come down here and get a shiner from her husband. See it?

[Officer]

He's a good workman. Ever see this before?

[Ross Dolan]

32 automatic. Mind if I take this? Is the baby that did it, huh?

[Officer]

That's it.

[Ross Dolan]

Never saw it before. I carry a.38 myself.

[Officer]

I know. We found it when we went through your things.

[Ross Dolan]

You boys don't miss a trick in Segona, do you?

[Officer]

We can't afford to, Dolan. Here, you can take your gun back. I presume you've got a permit to carry it.

[Ross Dolan]

Didn't you find that too when you went through my stuff?

[Officer]

Here's something for your books, honey. The only fingerprints on the death gun were John Shields. There are powder burns on his temple.

[Ross Dolan]

That would make it suicide. Maybe.

[Officer]

Except I remember that appearances aren't always what they seem to be.

[Ross Dolan]

Ah, works. Oh, boy. You've been cribbing from the copy books again.

[Officer]

Okay, smart guy. Here's another thing. Don't leave town.

[Ross Dolan]

Why, I wouldn't dream of it. I love the quiet air here in Seguna Beach.

[Officer]

Never mind, Weisenheimer. Beat it for now. And tell Mrs. Shields I won't need her anymore either. She's waiting outside.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, is she your guest, too?

[Officer]

You might call it that. And Dolan.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah?

[Officer]

Keep your nose clean.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, I do, pal. That's why I carry this box of Kleenex.

[Laura Shields]

Ross, is everything all right?

[Ross Dolan]

Come on, Mrs. Shields, let's get out of here.

[Laura Shields]

Mr. Works, doesn't he?

[Ross Dolan]

He doesn't. Beautiful out.

[Laura Shields]

Oh. Does he think it's murder?

[Ross Dolan]

Ross works? He's not sure.

[Laura Shields]

Ross, what do you think?

[Ross Dolan]

Did your husband have a lot of enemies?

[Laura Shields]

More than he had friends. Sometimes I think everybody hated him. I've seen old Phineas so angry that he looked positively murderous.

[Ross Dolan]

I can imagine. What about the blonde at the saloon?

[Laura Shields]

John definitely promised me he was through with her. But still. Oh, I'm so confused. Maybe it was suicide after all.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, maybe it was. See you later, beautiful Boss.

[Laura Shields]

Where are you going?

[Ross Dolan]

Where polite ladies wouldn't dream of going. To Jarvis's Bluebird.

[Laura Shields]

The Bluebird? What for?

[Ross Dolan]

Have to see a man about a woman. Hiya, Jarvis.

[Bill Jarvis]

Well, well, this is my black eyed friend, Mr. Dolan. How's the glimmer this morning, Dolan?

[Ross Dolan]

How does it look to you?

[Bill Jarvis]

It looks like it needs a drink. Have one.

[Ross Dolan]

Thanks.

[Bill Jarvis]

Luck.

[Ross Dolan]

And to you.

[Bill Jarvis]

Too bad about Shields, isn't it?

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, Mr. Shields is all broken up.

[Bill Jarvis]

He was such a husky guy. Never thought he'd bump himself off.

[Ross Dolan]

No. Well, he and that blonde were pretty close.

[Bill Jarvis]

Yeah, very close.

[Ross Dolan]

I wonder how she feels.

[Bill Jarvis]

Pretty bad, I imagine. No fun losing your boyfriend had it that bad, huh? Looked like Mrs. Shields was on the way out and she was in.

[Ross Dolan]

What's her name?

[Bill Jarvis]

LeBlanc?

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah.

[Bill Jarvis]

Betty Warner.

[Ross Dolan]

Uh huh. Where is she now?

[Bill Jarvis]

I fired her.

[Ross Dolan]

Uh huh. Where'd she live?

[Bill Jarvis]

I'm not sure. She moved recently.

[Ross Dolan]

Why? Oh, nothing, nothing. Just thought she might be looking for a new playmate.

[Bill Jarvis]

You work fast, don't you?

[Ross Dolan]

Why not?

[Bill Jarvis]

Now listen, Dolan, play off that Warner Dane.

[Ross Dolan]

She's smart.

[Bill Jarvis]

Also, she's tough.

[Ross Dolan]

Jarvis was right. The Warner babe was smart. It took me half a morning to get her address. I finally located her in a motel out of town a ways. I took a cab, pulled up and started to look around.

[John Shields]

What do you want, mister?

[Ross Dolan]

I'm looking for Betty Warner. What's her number?

[John Shields]

Nobody Warner living here, mister.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, maybe she's using another name. She's a gal, about so tall with blond hair and she walks like this.

[John Shields]

On you it don't look good. Oh, there's a girl who might be your friend down in cabin eight.

[Ross Dolan]

Thanks, pal.

[John Shields]

What might your name be?

[Ross Dolan]

It might be Smith.

[John Shields]

Yeah, that's what they all say.

[Ross Dolan]

I walked past cabin eight and around the back there was a rear entrance, a door with a window I could look through and see the Warner Bay packing like she had one minute to make the train. I opened the door and walked in.

[Betty Warner]

What do you want?

[Ross Dolan]

Me? Oh, I just want to make with a few words.

[Betty Warner]

If that's what you want. Go down to the library, get a dictionary. You can make with all the words you like.

[Ross Dolan]

But I want to talk to you.

[Betty Warner]

Look, Mr. Dolan, I don't like you. I haven't liked you since you walked in that beer joint and cracked wise. Now get out of here. I'm busy.

[Ross Dolan]

Leaving town?

[Betty Warner]

No, I'm just packing because I like the feel of leather.

[Ross Dolan]

Did you know that John Shields is dead? He was found in his car at Dana Point with a bullet hole in his head.

[Laura Shields]

No, it couldn't. That couldn't happen to him.

[Ross Dolan]

I told her the whole story. And she sat there chewing her lips like she was wearing chocolate instead of lipstick. In spite of the fear and trembling show she put on, she looked as guilty as. Well, she calmed down after a while and we talked. We had a drink. We topped that one off with several more. Finally, she promised to hang around town if I promised to keep my mouth shut about where she was. It was a good trade. And pretty soon I. I went down to old Phineas Baxter shack on the beach. It was dark and he lit things up for me.

[Tommy Works]

Sure, I hated him, Sonny. I guess I hated him more than anybody in town.

[Ross Dolan]

You're chatting your way right into the gas chamber.

[Tommy Works]

You think I did it? Didn't you? Supposing I did? Supposing you just prove that little item.

[Ross Dolan]

Skip it, Phineas. Why did you hate him?

[Tommy Works]

You know why. You saw the way he treated me last night. Well, Sonny, that ain't nothing compared to what really happened. No, he never knew I backed him when he first got to be one of them promoters, did you? Never knew it was old Phineas who put up the money, did you? Never knew that. He never paid me back a single cent.

[Ross Dolan]

Shields is. Was quite a guy.

[Tommy Works]

He was a thieving rat, that's what it was. When I went busted and asked him for my money, he stood there laughing at me and gave me this old shack to live in and $10 a month for polishing his car.

[Ross Dolan]

Never paid off, huh?

[Tommy Works]

John Shields never paid off anybody. And there's something I know about his marriage, too. What's the matter with the license?

[Ross Dolan]

Where are your fuses?

[Tommy Works]

Right outside the door.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, let's see whether one of them blew out or not. Boy, it's as dark as hades. Out.

[Tommy Works]

Oh, Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon, where are you?

[Ross Dolan]

Hey.

[Tommy Works]

Hey, what's going on around here. Turn off that flashlight. No, no, no, I won't tell, honest.

[Ross Dolan]

I won. The noise boomed around in my head and I was sure I was back on the beach at Okanar with the guns going full blast. Then I opened one eye and sat up in a hurry. I looked for old Phineas and found him lying on the sand next to me. Somebody had used an iron bar on him. He wasn't so nice to look at. I tried to remember what had happened just before the lights went out and remembered only one thing.

[Tommy Works]

Phineas saying, there's something I know about his marriage.

[Ross Dolan]

My gun was gone, but I still had my flashlight. I looked over Phineas Place very carefully. Oh, very carefully. And found what I was looking for. Also the old man's gun, which was something else I wanted. I staggered back downtown and made a long distance phone call. Then I went on an errand.

[Laura Shields]

Ross. Stolen.

[Ross Dolan]

What's wrong, baby? You seem surprised to see me.

[Laura Shields]

Rather late for a visit. Besides, I'm in seclusion.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, I'm beginning to get the drift of the whole thing. Where is he?

[Laura Shields]

There's no one here. Oh, you're drunk. Look at your head. It's all bloody. I'm gonna call the police.

[Ross Dolan]

You're not going anyplace. Where is he?

[Laura Shields]

Let go of me.

[Ross Dolan]

Let's drop the injured and grieving wife pose, huh, Baby? Where's Jarvis?

[Laura Shields]

How do I know where Jarvis is? What are you talking about?

[Ross Dolan]

It's a little late, Mrs. Shields. When I looked around Phineas's shack, I found out all about it. I found the old man's scrapbook. Or didn't you know he kept one?

[Laura Shields]

Ross, listen, listen. Let me tell you all about it.

[Ross Dolan]

Uh, baby, let me tell you. You wanted to get rid of John Shields the worst way, and you hope to set me up as a fall guy. Or the dame down at Davis's joint. She could be a fall guy.

[Laura Shields]

You're crazy. I could have divorced him.

[Ross Dolan]

If it doesn't gel beautiful, you forget the scrapbook. There's a little item in there. It tells about a woman who was paroled from a mental hospital into the custody of a man who married her. A man who wouldn't divorce her because he was in love with her. Oh, yeah, Shields was a louse, all right, but he was in love with you. That's why he was making the big play for the Warner babe, trying to make you jealous. But you were nuts about Jarvis, who was an ex con.

[Laura Shields]

I could kill you.

[Ross Dolan]

Like you knocked off Shields when he went for that ride. You were in the back seat. You fed him a Mickey and his last drink. Then you took his gun, held it in your handkerchief and shot him through the temple.

[Laura Shields]

Ross, listen. This knight didn't do it. It was Chavez. He did the whole thing. He planned it all by himself. He forced me to help him.

[Ross Dolan]

Okay, Laura.

[Bill Jarvis]

I might have known you'd pull that reach, Dolan.

[Ross Dolan]

I was afraid you weren't gonna make it, Jarvis. Or were you in the kitchen all the time?

[Bill Jarvis]

You're a pretty smart handy Andy, aren't you, Dolan? Just stand where you are.

[Ross Dolan]

You were the one who knocked off the old man. You followed me, didn't you?

[Bill Jarvis]

You're talking, Dolan.

[Ross Dolan]

And you killed old Phineas when you saw he was going to spill.

[Bill Jarvis]

I think I'm going to let you have it.

[Laura Shields]

No, you fool. Someone will hear the shot.

[Phineas Baxter]

So what?

[Bill Jarvis]

I've got Dolan's gun. I'll hold it in a handkerchief like you did to your old man. Then you'll find the body.

[Ross Dolan]

Just like that, huh?

[Bill Jarvis]

Yeah, just like that. Well, Dolan, it's been nice knowing you. Like they say in Spanish, hasta manana.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, hasta manana. I was watching that trigger finger, and when it started to whiten, I hit the floor, heaved sidewise and gave it to him with the old man's gun. His bullets splashed into the carpet at my feet. I shot him through the heart. Husta manner always means until tomorrow. Except there'll be no tomorrow for Jarvis. His light was out for keeps. Well, after I turned Laura screaming and kicking over the works down at the station and got myself cleared of any possible charges, I got a little sick at Seguna beach and thought I'd powder back up to the city, stopping along the way for one or two, and listen to a little music, even if it did come from a jukebox. Well, it was more fun listening to those corny pop tunes than you'd imagine. Because I picked up the blonde, Betty Warner, and took her along. And you know something? She wasn't nearly as tough as you'd imagine. Good night, folks.

[William Gargan]

Don't forget to listen again next week, same time, when you will hear William.

[Ross Dolan]

Gargan say, I deal in crime.

[William Gargan]

I deal in crime. Starring William Gargan as Ross Dolan is a special presentation of the American Broadcasting Company. Written by Ted Hedeger, directed by Leonard Reeg, with original music composed and conducted by Scott Sketch Henderson. Dresser Dahlsted speaking. Ideal in Crime came to you from Hollywood.

[Dresser Dahlsted]

When it comes to the business of making music, we know one fellow who's dean of them all, it's Paul Whiteman. Paul has picked some songs that have proved they're here to stay. The top tunes of yesterday. It's a show you'll enjoy called Forever Tops. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.