I Deal In Crime 47-09-27 Abigail Murray Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: "I Deal In Crime 47-09-27 Abigail Murray Case"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: I Deal In Crime 47-09-27 Abigail Murray Case
• Release Date: August 8, 2025
• Description: Reliving the Golden Age of Radio with classic radio shows that captivated families before the advent of television.

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1. Introduction and the Mysterious Meeting [00:08 - 03:25]

The episode opens with Ross Dolan, portrayed by William Gargan, introducing the central figure of the story—Abigail Murray. Describing her as "tall, skinny, with a prim mouth and a primmer figure" (00:08), Ross sets the stage for a classic crime narrative.

Abigail Murray makes a commanding entrance into Ross's office:

• Abigail Murray: "All right. Young man, if you're ready to take your feet off your desk and sit up like a gentleman, I'm ready to discuss a business matter with you." (00:58)

Despite Ross's initial hesitation, Abigail insists she needs his assistance as her escort for the evening, citing her discomfort with driving in the dark and the presence of a threatening letter she received.

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2. The Threatening Letter Unveiled [02:08 - 03:35]

Abigail reveals the crux of her predicament—a letter stating she will be murdered that very night:

• Abigail Murray: "It merely says that I'm going to be murdered tonight." (02:19)

Ross, skeptical but intrigued, questions her about potential enemies, only to learn that Abigail has been a schoolteacher for 25 years with no apparent reason for someone to target her.

• Ross Dolan: "Well, I think the police station is a good spot for you. Come on." (03:02)

Abigail adamantly refuses, opting instead to rely on Ross's protection.

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3. The Drive and the Shooting [03:32 - 05:14]

Abigail and Ross dine together, showcasing their contrasting personalities. Ross opts to accompany her, leading to a suspenseful drive through the city.

During their drive, tension escalates when Ross notices a truck behind them:

• Ross Dolan: "Hey, look out. Hey, didn't you see that truck?" (04:13)
• Abigail Murray: "After all, it was his duty to get out of my way." (04:24)

Their suspicions are confirmed when shots are fired at them. Abigail narrowly avoids a fatal hit, but their car crashes into a tree.

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4. Discovery of Richard Way's Body [05:14 - 07:18]

Upon inspecting the damaged vehicle, Ross discovers the body of Richard Way in the back:

• Abigail Murray: "Mr. Dolan, that's Richard." (07:09)
• Ross Dolan: "We've got to get to a telephone right away, Ms. Abigail." (07:14)

Abigail theorizes that the perpetrator intended to frame her by placing Richard's body in her car, thereby linking her to the murder.

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5. Police Interrogation and Unraveling Clues [07:25 - 17:15]

Ross and Abigail are taken to the police station, where Officer Carter interrogates them. Key revelations include:

• The handwriting on Richard's notes matches the threatening letter Abigail received.
• Officer Carter remains skeptical, hinting at ulterior motives and hidden truths.

Ross faces further confusion when a woman claiming to be Abigail's niece, Faye Murray, appears, demanding to know Abigail's whereabouts. This leads to more questions about Abigail's true identity and connections.

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6. The Revelation of the Twin Brother [17:15 - 23:35]

A pivotal moment occurs at the morgue when Ross meets John Way, Richard's twin brother. The striking resemblance between the twins deepens the mystery:

• Ross Dolan: "This can't be." (18:14)
• Officer Carter: "This is John Way, Richard Way's twin brother." (18:26)

John Way confesses to manipulating events to frame Abigail, revealing his motives rooted in jealousy and hatred towards his brother Richard and Abigail.

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7. The Final Confrontation [23:35 - 25:55]

The climax unfolds as Ross confronts John Way. Amidst tense dialogue, John attempts to eliminate Ross and Abigail:

• John Way: "If you say I'm insane, I'll kill you right here." (23:43)
• Ross Dolan: "You think I can [overcome you]? I was lucky enough to catch John Way with a fast chop to the chin." (25:00)

Ross manages to subdue John, who is subsequently arrested by Officer Carter.

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8. Conclusion and Aftermath [25:55 - 28:09]

With the case resolved, Abigail expresses her gratitude:

• Abigail Murray: "My, my, Mr. Dolan, when I asked you to drive with me that night, I never dreamed that we would become involved in such an adventure." (26:40)

Ross and Abigail reflect on the intricate web of deceit orchestrated by John Way, emphasizing themes of trust, deception, and justice.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Abigail Murray: "I merely want you to drive me across the city this evening. I'm visiting an old pupil of mine, and I dislike driving in the dark, that's all." (01:48)

• Ross Dolan: "Well, I think the police station is a good spot for you. Come on." (03:02)

• Abigail Murray: "The person who wrote me that letter killed Richard Way. They put his body in my car. They knew it be found back there, I'd be accused of murder." (07:43)

• John Way: "You think I'm insane, too, don't you?" (23:45)

• Abigail Murray: "Because if you don't, somebody else will die too." (20:21)

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Insights and Themes

This episode masterfully weaves classic noir elements—mysterious women, deceit, and relentless pursuit of truth. The dynamic between Ross Dolan and Abigail Murray highlights the tension between skepticism and trust. The introduction of Richard's twin brother adds depth to the narrative, showcasing the lengths to which one will go to exact revenge and manipulate perceptions.

Themes of mistaken identity and framing are prevalent, emphasizing the fragility of reputation and the ease with which truth can be obscured. Ross's perseverance and analytical approach ultimately uncover the layered deception, reinforcing the quintessential detective archetype.

Conclusion

"I Deal In Crime 47-09-27 Abigail Murray Case" encapsulates the essence of Golden Age radio dramas, blending suspense, character development, and intricate plotting. For listeners unfamiliar with the episode, this summary delves into the heart of the mystery, offering a comprehensive overview of the captivating tale that unfolds.

Transcript

[Ross Dolan]

I Deal in Crime. The American Broadcasting Company presents I Deal in Crime, starring William Gargan as Ross Dolan. This is Ross Dolan speaking about a woman named Abigail Murray. And if you can draw a picture from the name Abigail, your mental photography is probably correct. She's tall, skinny, with a prim mouth and a primmer figure. She and 40 became acquainted quite some time back, and she dresses in solid black. I met Abigail Murray in quite the conventional manner. How do you do?

[Abigail Murray]

All right. Young man, if you're ready to take your feet off your desk and sit up like a gentleman, I'm ready to discuss a business matter with you.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, I'm so sorry, madam. I was so interested in your entrance that I forgot my manners.

[Abigail Murray]

I can see that. You mind if I sit down?

[Ross Dolan]

No, no, not at all. Please do.

[Abigail Murray]

Thank you, Mr. Dolan. You are Mr. Dolan?

[Richard Way]

Yep.

[Abigail Murray]

I'm Abigail Murray. I live in Norwalk, and I'm here in the city on a visit.

[Ross Dolan]

I see.

[Abigail Murray]

Also, I happen to be a schoolteacher.

[Ross Dolan]

I thought so, Miss Murray.

[Abigail Murray]

Please, call me Miss Abigail. I'm used to that. Been used to it for 30 years.

[Ross Dolan]

Okay, Ms. Abigail it is.

[Abigail Murray]

Now, I want to implore you, Mr. Dolan. You're to be my escort. Are you willing to be that?

[Ross Dolan]

Well, that depends.

[Abigail Murray]

We're not going out to nightclubs and places of that nature, if that's what bothers you. I'm not the type.

[Ross Dolan]

No. No, I'm afraid you're not.

[Abigail Murray]

I merely want you to drive me across the city this evening. I'm visiting an old pupil of mine, and I dislike driving in the dark, that's all.

[Ross Dolan]

Just drive you around tonight? Certainly, Miss Abigail. There must be more than that. If you just wanted to go across town, you could have taken a taxi cab or the streetcar.

[Abigail Murray]

Oh, no, I couldn't do that. All on account of the letter.

[Ross Dolan]

Letter?

[Abigail Murray]

Of course, the letter. The one I have in my purse.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, Miss Abigail, you didn't tell me about the letter.

[Abigail Murray]

Naturally not. I haven't come to it yet.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, this letter, what does it say?

[Abigail Murray]

It merely says that I'm going to be murdered tonight.

[Ross Dolan]

I took a long look at Abigail Murray, and believe me, she wasn't kidding. Also in her prim New England manner. She wasn't particularly worried about the threatening leather either. She handed it to me and I read it. Abigail Murray, you should have stayed in Norwalk. Now it's too late. Because tonight you are going to die. How did you get this letter, Miss Abigail?

[Abigail Murray]

It came to the hotel where I'm Residing by special delivery.

[Ross Dolan]

But who could have sent this letter? Do you have any enemies?

[Abigail Murray]

I've been a schoolteacher for 25 years. What do you think?

[Ross Dolan]

Well, I think the police station is a good spot for you. Come on.

[Abigail Murray]

Mr. Dolan. I wish you would dispel the notion that you can order me around like a simpleton. I've never gone to the police, and I'm not going to go now.

[Ross Dolan]

But, Miss Abigail, do you wish to.

[Abigail Murray]

Escort me across town tonight or shall I find someone else?

[Ross Dolan]

Okay, you win. I'll be your escort.

[Abigail Murray]

Fine. I'm staying at the Plaza. Pick me up at 7.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, no. If you want me to guard you, I'm starting in right now.

[Abigail Murray]

But I'm going to the beauty parlor, having my hair waved.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, I'll be glad to come along. Make sure the curl isn't too permanent. Abigail Murray picked up her bag, stuffed a threatening letter in it and left my office with me right behind. She really did have a date with a hairdresser. And I spent an interesting three hours in the outer room playing handies with a manicurist. Then we had dinner. I had a steak fried, while Miss Abigail stayed New England and had hers boiled. At 8 that evening, we were driving along in her car.

[Abigail Murray]

You know, Mr. Dolan, this is the first time I've driven my car in the city at night.

[Ross Dolan]

I know I can. Hey, look out. Hey, didn't you see that truck?

[Abigail Murray]

Of course I saw it. But I had the right of way.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, fine.

[Abigail Murray]

After all, it was his duty to get out of my way. They always get out of my way in Norwalk.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, yeah. I don't blame them. By the way, just where are we going?

[Abigail Murray]

To visit an old pupil of mine at 3:27 Kendall. His name is Richard Way. He's been seriously ill. When he heard I was going to visit the city, he invited me to come and see him.

[Ross Dolan]

Would he be the person who sent you that letter?

[Abigail Murray]

Richard? Oh, hardly. He has the general courage of a field mouse. Well, we'll turn here and take a shortcut through the park. I enjoy parks at night.

[Ross Dolan]

I would never have believed it. Oh, Ms. Abigail, slow down a little.

[Abigail Murray]

Why?

[Ross Dolan]

Slow down, that's all.

[Abigail Murray]

Well, but why?

[Ross Dolan]

There's a car in back of us.

[Abigail Murray]

You think there's something wrong?

[Ross Dolan]

Motion him to go around us. He's been trailing us the last few blocks.

[Abigail Murray]

Very well.

[Ross Dolan]

The guy had fired three shots at us. Abigail let go of the steering wheel and our car made a sharp right turn into a convenient tree. By the time I untangled myself and got out. The would be killer had disappeared in a cloud of blue smoke.

[Abigail Murray]

Those shots, they came right through the back window. He was shooting at us.

[Ross Dolan]

Not us, Ms. Abigail. He was shooting at you. Now, let me see if the car is all right and then you and I are going to the police. We should have done that in the first place.

[Abigail Murray]

I want to visit Richard way later.

[Ross Dolan]

Now, let's see. Banged up the front of the car.

[Abigail Murray]

Is everything all right, Mr. Dolan?

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, yeah. You didn't do any damage. Just dented one fender a bit. Oh.

[Abigail Murray]

Now what's wrong?

[Ross Dolan]

The tire, it's flat. Is there a spare in back?

[Abigail Murray]

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, hand me the keys, will you? We'll have to change that tire before we go any further.

[Abigail Murray]

Here they are.

[Ross Dolan]

Now, you just take it easy and I'll have this beauty switched in a hurry.

[Abigail Murray]

Perhaps I could help, Mr. Dolan.

[Ross Dolan]

Okay, come along now. We'll just take this wrench, find the jacket, get back. Miss Abigail.

[Abigail Murray]

Why, what's wrong, Mr. Dolan? What's that bundle in there?

[Ross Dolan]

That's no bundle. That's the body of a man.

[Abigail Murray]

A man? Well, tell him to come out immediately.

[Ross Dolan]

I don't believe it would do any good. He's dead. Dead man was tucked into the back of the car like a sack of potatoes. We got a flashlight out of the glove compartment of Abigail Murray's car and looked him over. He'd been shot once. I could see that right away. Then Ms. Abigail gave out with a startled exclamation.

[Abigail Murray]

Mr. Dolan, that's Richard.

[Ross Dolan]

Richard?

[Abigail Murray]

Richard Way. The man I was going to visit this evening.

[Ross Dolan]

We've got to get to a telephone Right away, Ms. Abigail. The police will have to be notified.

[Abigail Murray]

They'll ask a lot of questions.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, murder always brings out the bump of curiosity on a policeman's head.

[Abigail Murray]

Of course, he could have committed suicide.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, sure, sure. This would look like suicide to anyone. The man shoots himself through the heart. Then he climbs into the back of your car, pulls down the door and locks it from the outside. Try again, Miss Abigail.

[Abigail Murray]

I've got it. That's how I was going to be murdered.

[Ross Dolan]

You mean they mistook Richard Way for you?

[Abigail Murray]

No, no, no. Don't you see? The person who wrote me that letter killed Richard Way. They put his body in my car. They knew it be found back there, I'd be accused of murder.

[Ross Dolan]

I don't know. That sounds like a long way around to arrange a murder frame. Well, let's lock this back and get out of here.

[Abigail Murray]

Quite a ways into the park, Mr. Dolan. You think it's safe to walk?

[Ross Dolan]

It is if we walk where there isn't a road. I don't think our friend would leave his car. Uh.

[Abigail Murray]

Oh, a car.

[Ross Dolan]

He'd come back out of sight, quick.

[Abigail Murray]

Is it the same man?

[Ross Dolan]

I don't know. I can't see good enough. Oh, come on, Miss Abigail. We've got nothing to worry about now.

[Abigail Murray]

But the man in that car, he'll see us.

[Ross Dolan]

I want him to see us. That car happens to be a prowl car.

[Officer Carter]

All right, you two, what are you doing back there? Is this your car?

[Abigail Murray]

That happens to be my car, Officer.

[Officer Carter]

Oh, it happens to be your car, eh? Don't you know it's against the law to park off this road?

[Ross Dolan]

We had a flat tire, Officer.

[Officer Carter]

Flat tire, eh? And you were looking for your spare back there, huh? In the bushes?

[Ross Dolan]

Officer, I'm Ross Dolan, the private investigator.

[Officer Carter]

So what?

[Ross Dolan]

Somebody fired a gun at us while we were driving through here. You can see the bullet holes in the back window.

[Officer Carter]

Go on.

[Ross Dolan]

I got out and opened the back to get at the spare tire. There's a dead man in there.

[Officer Carter]

So you looked inside and found. Did you say dead man?

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah.

[Officer Carter]

I'll never look in the back of your car.

[Ross Dolan]

Come on, both of you.

[Abigail Murray]

But Mr. Atherson.

[Officer Carter]

Come on, I said. Now unlock that turtle bag.

[Ross Dolan]

Okay.

[Officer Carter]

You didn't touch him, take anything out of his pocket?

[Abigail Murray]

Naturally not. Do I look like the sort of person who would touch a dead man?

[Officer Carter]

You look like the sort of person who's coming down to headquarters and have a little chat.

[Abigail Murray]

Headquarters? Why, this is disgraceful.

[Ross Dolan]

Miss Abigail, if you'll only let me explain.

[Abigail Murray]

One might think that Mr. Dolan and I were murderers.

[Officer Carter]

Yeah, one might think you were.

[Ross Dolan]

Carter was one of those coldly efficient cops. He had me drive his police car to headquarters while Abigail Murray fumed, fought, sputtered and threatened. But it was like knocking down stone fences with a handful of sponges because Connor just sat back with no further comment. When we got to hq, he herded us into a room for questioning.

[Abigail Murray]

I shall certainly telegraph the mayor of Norwalk. I've never before been treated in such degrading fashion.

[Ross Dolan]

Now, don't take it so hard, Ms. Abbey. All we've got to do is prove that we didn't kill Richard Way and they let us go.

[Abigail Murray]

But why do we have to prove it? I always thought a person, well, was presumed innocent until they were proved guilty. And so far, no one has proved anything.

[Ross Dolan]

I know, I know.

[Abigail Murray]

And that officer, that Carter person.

[Officer Carter]

Did I hear somebody mention my name?

[Abigail Murray]

You certainly did.

[Ross Dolan]

And it was I. I thought so.

[Officer Carter]

Now, then, I want to ask you both some questions. After that, we'll decide what's to be done. You Dolan? I looked over your identification.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah?

[Officer Carter]

What's your story?

[Ross Dolan]

Well, Ms. Murray employed me to drive her across town. I took the job. We were driving through the park. Somebody took a shot at us and blew out a tire.

[Abigail Murray]

That's when we found Richard. I mean, the body.

[Officer Carter]

Ms. Murray, I was talking to Mr. Dolan. When I finish with him, there are some matters you and I shall discuss.

[Abigail Murray]

I was just trying to help you get your chance.

[Officer Carter]

Oh, now you found the body?

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah. When I opened the turtle back on the car to get at the spare tire.

[Officer Carter]

Then what?

[Ross Dolan]

Then I started looking around for a.

[Officer Carter]

Cop in the bushes off the road. What kind of a cop were you looking for?

[Ross Dolan]

All right, Carter, you're having your little fun, but you forget some guy with a gunner just fired three shots at us. Did you expect me to parade around like a big fat target?

[Officer Carter]

Go on.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, when we heard your car approaching, we ducked. When I saw the PD label on the door, we came out. Period. Okay.

[Officer Carter]

Now, Ms. Murray, you employed Dolan because you were afraid you'd received a threatening letter.

[Abigail Murray]

I substantiated that statement with proof, Mr. Carter. I gave you the letter I received.

[Officer Carter]

So you did. And that's why I'm asking all these questions. You see, the dead man, Richard Way, had some notes in his own handwriting in his pockets.

[Abigail Murray]

Is there something unusual about that?

[Officer Carter]

There is in this case, Ms. Murray. Comparing the handwriting on the notes with the letter you received, we came to the conclusion that they were both the same.

[Abigail Murray]

What?

[Officer Carter]

The man who threatened you by mail was the man you found dead in your car.

[Ross Dolan]

There was a lot of similar chit chat, which took place at police headquarters. But Carter finally let us go. He warned us not to leave town, which was a little ridiculous because I have an office here. And Ms. Abigail told Carter she wouldn't miss the fun. At this point, for a carton of eggs, I took her back to the Plaza and went home to my apartment, wondering what would happen next. An hour later, it turned out to be a blonde.

[Abigail Murray]

I'm Fay Murray. You're Ross Dolan.

[Ross Dolan]

And this is pretty late at night. What's on your mind, little lady?

[Abigail Murray]

Don't little lady me, Dolan. Where's my Aunt Abby?

[Ross Dolan]

Abby? Oh, you mean Ms. Abigail.

[Abigail Murray]

Yes, I mean Ms. Abigail. Where is she?

[Ross Dolan]

Well, the last I saw of her, she was digging a flannel nightgown out of her telescope bag down at the Plaza Hotel.

[Abigail Murray]

Get out of the way. I'm going to search your apartment.

[Ross Dolan]

You're going to what?

[Abigail Murray]

Move, I said now.

[Ross Dolan]

Just a second. You can't come busting in here.

[Abigail Murray]

Where is she?

[Ross Dolan]

Try my refrigerator. She's probably hiding behind an ice cube.

[Abigail Murray]

I'm not going to waste time on you, Dolan. I came here to find my aunt. And if you don't turn her up in 30 seconds, I'll phone the police.

[Ross Dolan]

I wish you would. And while you're calling, enter a complaint for me, too.

[Abigail Murray]

I know all about you. You're one of those ruthless private detectives. You're one degree removed from a crook. You. You take money under tables and under false pretenses.

[Ross Dolan]

And I'm gonna turn you over my knee and spank you if you don't stop that. Now, what's this all about?

[Abigail Murray]

You mean you don't know where Aunt Abby is?

[Ross Dolan]

The last time I saw her, she was ready to hit the sheets for a full complement of slumber. What gave you the idea she was here?

[Abigail Murray]

But I called her at the hotel. She didn't answer.

[Ross Dolan]

How'd you get up here?

[Abigail Murray]

A man answered Auntie's room. He said that she'd come up here, that you'd forced her to come with you.

[Ross Dolan]

Me? Forced Ms. Abigail to do anything she didn't want to. Why, that little old gal has a mind all of her own.

[Abigail Murray]

But then who was the man in her hotel room?

[Ross Dolan]

That's what we're going to find out.

[Abigail Murray]

He's at the Plaza.

[Ross Dolan]

I just told you that.

[Abigail Murray]

Oh, Dolan. Are you sure you took her home?

[Ross Dolan]

I certainly am.

[Abigail Murray]

I wonder what could have happened to her.

[Ross Dolan]

Plaza Hotel. Ms. Abigail Murray, please. One moment.

[Abigail Murray]

Did she answer?

[Ross Dolan]

Give her a chance, Will you?

[Abigail Murray]

Will? Will.

[Ross Dolan]

No answer yet. I'm Sorry, sir, but Ms. Murray is not in her room. Do you wish to leave a message? Yeah, yeah. Have her call Ross Dolan when she comes in. Yes, sir. Oh, and one more thing. Did you see Ms. Murray a little earlier this evening with a man? A man?

[Abigail Murray]

Let me think.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, yes, I saw her earlier.

[Abigail Murray]

She came in with a big, beefy.

[Ross Dolan]

Character wearing a wrinkled gray suit and a brown hat. Would you know him, sir? I would. It happens to be me. Oh, no, sir.

[Abigail Murray]

You mean it was I.

[Ross Dolan]

It was me, and don't you forget it.

[Abigail Murray]

She's not there, is she?

[Ross Dolan]

No. And the clerk doesn't seem to remember her going out.

[Abigail Murray]

Well, in that case, Mr. Dolan, I'm sorry I bothered you. Good night.

[Ross Dolan]

Boy, she certainly was in a hurry. I wonder. Hey, Ms. Murray. Ms. Murray, I want to ask you if. Who? I never did find out what hit me, but from the size of the bump on my noggin when I woke up, I figured it was at least the Santa Fe Chief. Or a Constellation full speed ahead. The first thing that greeted my sight when I opened my eyes was a pair of black shoes. I let my eyes travel upwards.

[Officer Carter]

All right, Dolan, what did you do with her?

[Ross Dolan]

Do with whom?

[Officer Carter]

Abigail Murray. She's disappeared.

[Ross Dolan]

That's what I like about you, Carter. You always bring out the news when it's a day old.

[Officer Carter]

Get on your feet. I want to ask you some questions.

[Ross Dolan]

You've just got no mercy at all. Let me shake the ache out of my gray matter.

[Officer Carter]

What happened up here? Somebody slug you?

[Ross Dolan]

No, no, no, no. I. I just butted my head against the wall. I. I do it all the time now.

[Officer Carter]

Then what happened to Abigail Murray?

[Ross Dolan]

You know as much as I do, Carter.

[Officer Carter]

You know about the car disappearing?

[Ross Dolan]

Her car? Why? You took care of that?

[Officer Carter]

I sent the wagon out to pick up the body. They brought in the body and the garage man sent a truck out after the car. When he got there, it was gone.

[Ross Dolan]

O. Well, you got me. This is the first I've heard about that.

[Officer Carter]

I called Ms. Murray at her hotel. She had gone. No one had seen her leave. Now, Dolan, just what goes on around here? What's the gag?

[Ross Dolan]

I told you, I don't know. I called her, too. Her niece was up here looking for her.

[Officer Carter]

Her what?

[Ross Dolan]

Her niece, Faye Murray. Niece, huh? What's wrong with that?

[Officer Carter]

We checked on Abigail Murray at Norwalk, and she hasn't got a father, a mother, no brothers and no sisters. So obviously she couldn't have a niece. So what are you trying to give me?

[Ross Dolan]

A little information on what happened after I took Abigail Murray to the Plaza Hotel? I came home, was here an hour when her niece showed up.

[Officer Carter]

I'm trying to tell you Abigail Murray doesn't have a niece.

[Ross Dolan]

So? The girl just said she was her niece.

[Officer Carter]

Give me a description on the way downtown. I'll get out a call on him.

[Ross Dolan]

On the way downtown. Where am I going now?

[Officer Carter]

I'm going to the morgue. I want you to take another look at Richard.

[Ross Dolan]

Way it couldn't wait till morning, huh?

[Officer Carter]

I want you to see that body before it disappears, too.

[Ross Dolan]

I began to think about a number of things regarding Abigail Murray. Also Faye Murray, the niece who wasn't a niece. Who was she and why was she looking for Ms. Abigail? Then we pulled up in front of the morgue, got out of the car and went in.

[Officer Carter]

Did you take anything out of the dead man's pockets, Dolan?

[Ross Dolan]

The first thing I learned as a private detective was to leave that strictly alone. Why?

[Officer Carter]

I just wondered. In here.

[Ross Dolan]

Hey, who's the guy over there?

[Officer Carter]

You'll find out in due time. Okay, take a look. This the man you found in the back of your car?

[Ross Dolan]

Yep.

[Officer Carter]

Sure you can make a positive identification?

[Ross Dolan]

Yep. I remember where the bullet struck. Also his face.

[Officer Carter]

Uh huh. Mr. Way, would you mind stepping this way, please? Yes.

[Ross Dolan]

I must be seeing double. This can't be.

[Officer Carter]

Well, Dolan, what do you say now?

[Ross Dolan]

This guy must be the dead man's twin brother. I've never seen such a resemblance before.

[Officer Carter]

That's right. This is John Way, Richard Way's twin brother.

[Ross Dolan]

Ross Dolan.

[Officer Carter]

Now then, Mr. Way, mind telling me again? When did you see your brother last?

[Ross Dolan]

About seven o'. Clock.

[Richard Way]

He said he had an errand and left the apartment.

[Officer Carter]

Did he mention his appointment with Ms. Murray?

[Richard Way]

No, he didn't.

[Officer Carter]

You have no idea how your brother's body got in the back of Ms. Murray's car?

[Richard Way]

None whatsoever.

[Officer Carter]

Okay. Thanks, Mr. Wayne. We'll call you if we need you.

[Richard Way]

Thank you.

[Ross Dolan]

Say, you want any more for me, Carter? No.

[Officer Carter]

Just be around where I can find you.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, I'll be home. Say, by the way, have you checked the bullet holes in Ms. Murray's car to see if they match with the bullet and the dead man?

[Officer Carter]

I'd love to, but we haven't found the car yet.

[Ross Dolan]

Say when you do, Carter, I've got a little bet for you.

[Officer Carter]

Yes?

[Ross Dolan]

I'll give you two to one they match. I walked out of the morgue onto the street, leaving a very puzzled Carter standing there. But no more puzzled than a private eye named Dolan. The street was dark and forbidding. The lights in that district were black with age and the buildings were dark and gloomy. I wondered how one twin felt when the other one died, because I'd read stories about the invisible threads which bound such people together. Then I felt a hand on my arm.

[Abigail Murray]

Dolan, wait.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, Ms. Fay Murray. Or have you switched to another name by this time?

[Abigail Murray]

Dolan, I've come to ask a favor. A big one.

[Ross Dolan]

And I'm going to ask one of you just turn around and walk back into that morgue. There's a cop there named Carter who'd just love to meet you.

[Abigail Murray]

Please, please, Dolan, listen to me. Forget all about Miss Abigail.

[Ross Dolan]

You mean your aunt? Or aren't you the niece who isn't the niece?

[Abigail Murray]

I can't explain anything to you right now, but if you'll promise me something, I'll tell you the whole story in a few days.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, that's so kind of you. I get shot at, hit over the head, dragged around by the police, lose sight of my cl and you want me to wait? What for?

[Abigail Murray]

This is a matter of life and death, Dolan. I'm asking you to forget about everything that's happened.

[Ross Dolan]

So?

[Abigail Murray]

Because if you don't, somebody else will die too.

[Ross Dolan]

Fay Murray, if she was Fay Murray, had one great trick. She could disappear like nothing I've ever seen before. By the time I opened my mouth to ask another question, she'd melted away like a bonbon on a hot rock. I went down towards a lighted corner and 10 minutes later was in a taxi cab. I retraced the same route I'd taken earlier with Ms. Abigail. And when the cab got to the spot where the shooting had occurred, I got out and looked around. But there was nothing to look at, so I got going again. I remembered Ms. Abigail mentioning the address of Richard Way. It was 327 Kendall, on the other side of the park. I got out a block away. I stood there until the blinking red taillight had disappeared around the corner. I wanted to be sure no one had followed me. Then I made my way inside the apartment building and got the apartment number off the mailbox. I didn't care to announce my presence, so I took it very easy going up the stairs. The apartment building was as quiet as the grave, and word grave reminded me of the dead man lying down in the morgue. When I got to the door of the apartment I was looking for, I could hear voices. John Way and Faye Murray. But they were too low to make out. So I looked for another method of getting in on the know. The apartment was one of those two bedroom and bath affairs with a separate door for the kitchen. I moved inside through the kitchen. The two voices grew in intensity as I moved towards the living room door.

[Abigail Murray]

John. John, you promised.

[Richard Way]

Of course I did, my dear. Of course I did. That was to get you back here.

[Abigail Murray]

But you told me if I got rid of Dolan, you'd take care of everything. You'd let Ms. Abigail go.

[Richard Way]

And so I am, my dear. I am going to take care of everything.

[Abigail Murray]

You know, I could go to the police. I could tell them the whole story.

[Richard Way]

In your present condition, I hardly think so.

[Abigail Murray]

In that case, I'll scream. I'll yell as loud as you.

[Richard Way]

Make one, son, or I'll kill you right now.

[Ross Dolan]

I took a chance and moved closer. What I saw surprised me because the girl was tied in her chair, hand and foot, while John Way held his hand over her mouth. I started inside, but he was quicker than I was. Put up your hands. One move and I shoot.

[Abigail Murray]

Dolan. I told you.

[Richard Way]

You come here.

[Ross Dolan]

Sure.

[Richard Way]

So you just couldn't take Faye's advice? You had to come around here snooping?

[Ross Dolan]

I'm beginning to figure a lot of things, Way. You killed your brother.

[Richard Way]

Well, you're very observing.

[Ross Dolan]

Where's Abigail Murray? What'd you do with her? Oh.

[Richard Way]

Oh, you want to know where Abigail.

[Ross Dolan]

Murray is, do you? Yeah.

[Richard Way]

You know, I think I'll arrange for you to find out. I'll go a step further. I'll arrange for you to go with her.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, she's still alive then, huh? Where is she?

[Richard Way]

In the turtle back of a car. I put her there.

[Ross Dolan]

Say, what's the matter with this guy? Faye? Is the office crunk.

[Abigail Murray]

He's he.

[Richard Way]

If you say I'm insane, I'll kill you right here.

[Ross Dolan]

So? Oh, that's the way it is.

[Richard Way]

You think I'm insane, too, don't you?

[Officer Carter]

Perhaps I am. All my life it's Richard this, Richard that, Richard the other thing.

[Richard Way]

So I kill him now.

[Ross Dolan]

You're in pretty deep, mister. Better hand me that gun.

[Richard Way]

Oh, you think you're sly, don't you? You think I'm going to just hand it over like that, but I'm not. No, no, no. I've got it all set up. You, Faye and Abigail are taking a little drive with me. Only I'm coming back alone.

[Ross Dolan]

You stole the car, huh? Before the cops came back, of course.

[Richard Way]

That was very clever of me, don't you think?

[Ross Dolan]

You answered the phone in Abigail Murray's room when Fay called her, didn't you?

[Richard Way]

Of course. I dropped in to see. See my old teacher. It was such pals, you know. She always gave me such good marks.

[Ross Dolan]

Hey, you're quite a clever guy. How'd you get her out of the hotel?

[Richard Way]

Down the back way. Servant sentence? No, it's quite deserted. I arranged that, too.

[Ross Dolan]

Then you came over and conked me on the head, huh?

[Richard Way]

Yes. Yes. After I locked up Ms. Abigail in the car, where you.

[Ross Dolan]

You get around, Mr. Way.

[Richard Way]

You see, I followed Faye. I thought she might do something silly like employing you. But I prevailed upon her to forget it, didn't I, my dear?

[Abigail Murray]

You lied to me. You told Me that if I got rid of Dolan, you'd let Ms. Abigail go free.

[Richard Way]

Oh, no. No. What I said was that I'd see that Miss Abigail was free. And she shall be. Because one is free when one is dead.

[Ross Dolan]

What are you gonna do?

[Richard Way]

Drive the car in the river? They'll never find it buried in the mud.

[Ross Dolan]

They won't find us either.

[Richard Way]

Naturally not. You'll be in the car from now on, you say, and Abigail.

[Ross Dolan]

And what happens when you try to get me out of here? I could start a raucous.

[Richard Way]

I have that plan, too.

[Ross Dolan]

Turn around. What for?

[Richard Way]

I said turn.

[Ross Dolan]

Okay. Now what happens?

[Richard Way]

I'm going to hit you over the head. Not too hard, but just hard enough to keep you quiet for a while.

[Ross Dolan]

Like this? No. Trap it. You fool. You think you can make me? I think I can. I was lucky enough to catch John Way with a fast chop to the chin. Then I phoned Carter, who came out with a squat and took John Way down to the clink. At his trial, a group of doctors testified that he was violently and incurably insane. Later, I had a meeting with Ms. Abigail and of course, Fay at the flamingo.

[Abigail Murray]

My, my, Mr. Dolan, when I asked you to drive with me that night, I never dreamed that we would become involved in such an adventure.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, neither did I.

[Abigail Murray]

What. What puzzles me is how did John get hold of my car long enough to put Richard's body in it?

[Ross Dolan]

Well, he told the doctors at the trial that he saw you take it into a filling station to have it greased. He represented himself as your brother, took the car, put his brother's body in it and returned it to your hotel.

[Abigail Murray]

Oh, think of that.

[Ross Dolan]

Why did he hate you so much, Ms. Abbey? And why hate his brother?

[Abigail Murray]

You know, I can't understand that. Richard was gay, a good student, well liked. John was exactly the opposite. Moody. A bad student with violent dislikes.

[Ross Dolan]

It probably gnawed away at his mind until he made it up to get rid of the two people he hated.

[Abigail Murray]

I think you're right.

[Ross Dolan]

Well, now, let's talk about Fay here. Why the pose as Ms. Abigail's niece?

[Abigail Murray]

Fay, you're merely an old friend. Why did you say you were my niece? Only because I thought it might carry weight with Mr. Dolan. Only I was weighed and found wanting.

[Ross Dolan]

Oh, purely in a business sense. Try me on the social time.

[Abigail Murray]

Sometime tonight.

[Ross Dolan]

The sooner the better.

[Abigail Murray]

And of course, I'm coming along, too. Do you know, I've never been to a nightclub? I've never even done the.

[Ross Dolan]

The rumba now, now, now, take it easy, Ms. Abbey.

[Officer Carter]

How do you know you like it?

[Abigail Murray]

Oh, I shall. After all, a girl my age can get into trouble too.

[Ross Dolan]

Yeah, you can say that again. Good night, folks.

[Officer Carter]

Don't forget to listen again.

[Ross Dolan]

Next week, same time, over most of these ABC stations.

[Officer Carter]

When you will hear William Gargan say.

[Ross Dolan]

I deal in crime. I deal in crime. Starring William Gargan as Ross Dolan, is a special presentation of the American Broadcasting Company. It is written and directed by Ted Hetteder.

[Officer Carter]

Special music is arranged and conducted by Rudy Schrager.

[Ross Dolan]

Now here's a special program note. International intrigue. That's what David Harding finds himself involved in on tomorrow's thrilling counterspy case.

[Officer Carter]

Don't miss David Harding counterspy tomorrow afternoon on over this same ABC station.

[Ross Dolan]

This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.