Martin Kane Private Investigator 1953-10-29 Starring Mark Stevens

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: "Martin Kane Private Investigator" Episode Summary

Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In this enthralling episode of "Martin Kane Private Investigator," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a riveting tale of mystery, deception, and relentless pursuit of truth. Starring Mark Stevens as the astute private detective Martin Kane, the episode unfolds a complex narrative centered around the alleged murder of a storekeeper by Albert Thompson. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key plot developments, character interactions, and pivotal moments that drive the story forward.

Plot Summary

The episode opens with Martin Kane engaging in a tense conversation with Lieutenant Gray, the lead investigator on the case of Albert Thompson—a man accused of murdering a storekeeper during a robbery gone wrong. The Lieutenant is confident in Thompson's guilt, citing a robust identification by the sole witness, Fred Wallace. However, Kane harbors doubts and is determined to uncover inconsistencies that may exonerate his client.

Kane meticulously questions the reliability of Wallace's testimony, pointing out discrepancies such as Thompson's usual avoidance of hats, which contradicts Wallace's claim that he saw Thompson wearing one during the incident ([05:32] Martin Kane: "Thompson doesn't wear a hat. Mr. Wallace never does. Never has."). This leads Kane to suspect that the identification might be flawed.

As the investigation progresses, Kane narrows down potential suspects by eliminating individuals who do not match Thompson's profile. He focuses on Larry Spencer, a known stick-up artist with a history of similar crimes. Through strategic interrogation and leveraging his connections, Kane uncovers vital information that shifts the focus away from Thompson and towards Spencer.

The climax intensifies when Kane confronts Lieutenant Gray with his findings, leading to a confrontation that exposes underlying tensions and the desperation of the police department to solve the case. The episode concludes with unresolved tension, setting the stage for further developments in Kane's pursuit of the truth.

Character Analysis

• Martin Kane (Mark Stevens): Portrayed as a sharp and determined private investigator, Kane exhibits unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. His analytical skills and ability to question established narratives highlight his role as a formidable detective.

• Lieutenant Gray: Serving as the primary investigator, Lieutenant Gray embodies the pressure and biases often present within law enforcement. His confidence in Thompson's guilt and reluctance to entertain alternative theories underscore the challenges Kane faces in his quest for justice.

• Albert Thompson: Accused of murder, Thompson's character is painted as a seemingly ordinary man with no apparent connections to criminal activities. His interactions reveal his innocence and add depth to the narrative, making his predicament all the more compelling.

• Helen Thompson: As Albert's concerned wife, Helen provides emotional depth to the story. Her interactions with Kane add layers to the narrative, showcasing her support and desperation for her husband's exoneration.

Key Investigations and Insights

Kane's investigation methodically deconstructs the prosecution's case against Thompson. Key investigative techniques include:

• Witness Credibility Assessment: By challenging Wallace's identification of Thompson, Kane highlights the importance of reliable witness testimonies and the impact of personal biases.

• Alibi Verification: Kane delves into Thompson's alibi, questioning the absence of concrete evidence linking him to the crime scene, thereby sowing doubt about the prosecution's narrative.

• Suspect Profiling: Focusing on Larry Spencer, Kane employs profiling techniques to identify potential alternative culprits, demonstrating his comprehensive approach to solving the case.

• Evidence Examination: The search for the murder weapon becomes a focal point, emphasizing the significance of tangible evidence in corroborating or refuting testimonies.

Notable Quotes

• Martin Kane ([05:35]): "Thompson doesn't wear a hat. Mr. Wallace never does. Never has."

• Martin Kane ([06:07]): "You think he likes hanging around this hotel room? Not being able to go about his normal business? Receiving his name spread all over the newspapers? He has to testify at that trial. It's the right thing to do."

• Helen Thompson ([24:28]): "I never wanted to know how. But you get what you want too, don't you?"

• Martin Kane ([27:42]): "Encore filters the smoke, but not the taste. It gives you the protection you naturally expect."

These quotes encapsulate the critical moments of doubt, determination, and revelation that drive the narrative forward.

Conclusion

"Martin Kane Private Investigator" remains a quintessential example of Golden Age radio drama, blending suspense, character depth, and intricate plotting to captivate its audience. Through Martin Kane's relentless pursuit of justice, the episode underscores themes of truth, perception, and the complexities of human behavior. As Kane navigates the murky waters of legal intrigue and personal bias, listeners are left enthralled, eagerly anticipating the resolution of this compelling mystery.

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Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-narrative sections as per the provided instructions.

Transcript

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[Martin Kane]

Wayfair Every style, every home.

[Albert Thompson]

The makers of those increasingly popular cigarettes. Sano, the cigarette with far less nicotine. Encore cigarettes that filter the smoke but not the taste. Present Martin Kane, starring Mark Stevens. Hey, yo, what's your name? What's that? Don't try anything.

[Martin Kane]

I said, what's your name?

[Albert Thompson]

Thompson. Albert Thompson. Why? Something wrong, Officer?

[Martin Kane]

You sure this is the man?

[Officer]

He's the one I saw, all right.

[Lieutenant]

He did it.

[Albert Thompson]

Did what? I don't know what you're talking about. Who are you?

[Officer]

I saw you running out of that store after the shooting. You killed that storekeeper.

[Albert Thompson]

I don't know what you're talking about. What store? I haven't done anything.

[Officer]

He's the one hot swaggered.

[Lieutenant]

Come along, mister. Oh, look, Officer. See him yourself, Officer, please. I'll need you, too.

[Helen Thompson]

But you're making a terrible mistake.

[Hep]

I never saw this man in my life.

[Martin Kane]

Yes, sir.

[Lieutenant]

Yes, sir. We're all set on our end. Oh, no. Nothing's going to happen to that witness.

[Martin Kane]

He's in a real safe place.

[Lieutenant]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Anytime you want him for the grand jury, he'll be there. Well, thank you. Yeah, I'll be checking with you right along. Right. Well, the DA is a very happy man. He's got a singed case against Albert Thompson. Oh, what did you drop in for, Kay?

[Martin Kane]

Congratulations.

[Lieutenant]

Yeah, What'd you do?

[Martin Kane]

Not me. It's you that rates the medals, Lieutenant. You and your department. The way you solved that murder, that's pretty good.

[Lieutenant]

Well, the whole case just kind of walked in here. Fred Wallace, the guy who spotted Thompson at that bus stop, he's the one who gets all the credit.

[Martin Kane]

You got anything new on Thompson?

[Lieutenant]

Well, the identification looks pretty solid.

[Martin Kane]

King, you got a smart lawyer, Ed Randall. He could beat you in court unless you come up with more evidence. Including the murder weapon.

[Lieutenant]

Yeah, we're working on it. You know, Kane, that's taking that robbery was about 200 bucks. When we examined Thompson, he had 207 bucks on him.

[Martin Kane]

Maybe he saved it up.

[Lieutenant]

Yeah? How? His wife didn't know anything about it.

[Martin Kane]

Look, Lieutenant, When a fellow's planning on buying his wife a new coat for her birthday, he doesn't tell her what he's saving up for.

[Lieutenant]

Tell me, how do you know so much about Thompson?

[Martin Kane]

He's Ed Randall's client.

[Lieutenant]

So?

[Martin Kane]

Ed Randall's a client of mine.

[Lieutenant]

Oh.

[Martin Kane]

He thinks Thompson's innocent. Thinks that your witness made a mistake.

[Lieutenant]

He's a good lawyer.

[Martin Kane]

He's smart, too.

[Lieutenant]

Mm. So you. You think the witness made a mistake too?

[Martin Kane]

I don't know. That's why I'm hard to find out.

[Lieutenant]

He sure picked a tough way to make a living.

[Martin Kane]

Some guys climb mountains you won't even.

[Lieutenant]

Get off the ground. Fred Wallace made a positive identification, by.

[Martin Kane]

The way I called his house. You've taken him somewhere. Why?

[Lieutenant]

For his health gain.

[Martin Kane]

Oh, come on, Lieutenant. Thompson couldn't hurt anybody. He hasn't got any mob connections. He's just a little guy that fell in a great. I want to see Wallace.

[Lieutenant]

You're wasting your time, Kane, and that's straight.

[Martin Kane]

You're convinced that Thompson's guilty? I can't be. Not yet.

[Lieutenant]

Well, I'm only about 90% convinced because we still haven't found the gun. However, Fred Wallace kind of makes up for it.

[Martin Kane]

I still want to see him.

[Lieutenant]

Well, you'll see him all right, but not alone. I'll be.

[Albert Thompson]

Everything all right, Mr. Wallace?

[Martin Kane]

Fine, fine.

[Albert Thompson]

Yeah? Yes, sir.

[Martin Kane]

Are they one of the commissioners? Say, this guy's who?

[Helen Thompson]

Bill.

[Martin Kane]

Hello, Hint.

[Officer]

Hello, Lieutenant Wallace.

[Lieutenant]

Wallace, this is Martin Caine.

[Martin Kane]

How do you do, Mr. Hello, Mr. Wallace.

[Lieutenant]

Kane's a private detective. Right now he's working for Thompson's lawyer. I see. He'd. He'd like to ask you a few questions.

[Albert Thompson]

Huh?

[Martin Kane]

Mr. Wallace, you're sure you couldn't have been mistaken in your identification?

[Officer]

No, sir.

[Martin Kane]

What makes you so positive it was Thompson you saw running out of the shop after you heard the shots?

[Officer]

Just was, that's all.

[Martin Kane]

Tommy. Was he wearing a hat?

[Officer]

A hat?

[Martin Kane]

Yeah, hat.

[Officer]

Yes. Yes, he was.

[Martin Kane]

Thompson doesn't wear a hat. Mr. Wallace never does. Never has.

[Lieutenant]

Well, he could have on this job.

[Officer]

Kane, do I have to talk to him?

[Martin Kane]

Why not? Mr. Wallace, we're both after the same thing, aren't we? The truth.

[Officer]

That's just why I went after that policeman the moment I saw Thompson. It's my duty as a citizen. You think I like hanging around this hotel room? Not being able to go about my normal business? Receiving my name spread all over the newspapers? I have to testify at that trial. It's the right thing to do.

[Lieutenant]

You know Kane, most people would be afraid to stick out their necks. We could use more men like Mr. Wallace.

[Martin Kane]

Yeah. Civic virtue is a great thing, Lieutenant, as long as it doesn't convict the wrong man.

[Officer]

Why would I do a thing like that?

[Martin Kane]

Just a mistake, Mr. Wallace. A simple, ordinary, human mistake. It happens all the time, every day, just like it happened here. You couldn't possibly seen Thompson run out of that store. He was clear across town at.

[Officer]

That's what he says. I saw it.

[Martin Kane]

Tell me, Mr. Wallace, what was the weather that day?

[Officer]

What kind of a question is that?

[Martin Kane]

Would you answer it, please?

[Officer]

I don't see what difference it makes. I think it was a nice day. Yes, it was a nice, warm day.

[Martin Kane]

The man who ran out of the store, was he wearing a top coat?

[Officer]

He could have.

[Martin Kane]

Was he?

[Officer]

No. I just told you it was a warm day. He wouldn't be wearing a top coat.

[Martin Kane]

Your logic's good, Mr. Wallace, but your memory is bad. It was a warm day and Thompson was wearing a top coat. The people at his office will swear.

[Officer]

He'S just trying to trick me.

[Martin Kane]

Now, I just want you to think and think hard, Mr. Wallace. Isn't possible that you made a mistake in your identification?

[Officer]

Mr. Kane, I'm not a fool. If I listened to you and changed my story, I'd be a fool. Some people would say I was scared off, others that I was bought off. No, sir. I said it was Albert Thompson, and Albert Thompson it stays.

[Lieutenant]

Well, Convinced?

[Martin Kane]

Nope. But I got a better chance of talking back to Ty.

[Albert Thompson]

Albert's in here, Mrs. Thompson.

[Helen Thompson]

Thank you, Mr. Randall.

[Albert Thompson]

Why don't you go right on in and I'll wait out here for Mr. King.

[Helen Thompson]

Halpert.

[Albert Thompson]

Hello, Helen.

[Helen Thompson]

You all right?

[Albert Thompson]

Yeah, yeah, they're treating me all right.

[Helen Thompson]

Mr. Randall's here with me.

[Albert Thompson]

He said he was coming. He's a very fine lawyer, wasn't he? He tried to get him to lower the bail.

[Helen Thompson]

He's still working very hard.

[Albert Thompson]

Yeah, I know they won't do it. A guard told me that $25,000 is the lowest Bailey ever heard of for a murderer.

[Helen Thompson]

Mr. Barnes came to see me from the office. Wanted to know if you needed any money.

[Albert Thompson]

What'd you tell him?

[Helen Thompson]

I thanked him very much. I told him we'd manage well, but he said. He said all your friends believe in you.

[Albert Thompson]

Helen. Mr. Reynolds very optimistic. He thinks this Mr. Cain is sure to find some new evidence. Yeah. I may not even have to go to trial. Helen, I. Helen, I'll be doing. Oh, Helen, I want you to meet Martin Kane.

[Martin Kane]

Hello, Ms. Thompson.

[Helen Thompson]

Can you help?

[Martin Kane]

I don't know yet.

[Albert Thompson]

Have you talked to Wallace?

[Martin Kane]

Yeah, I talk to him. He'll make an excellent witness for the state. How do you see it, Ed?

[Albert Thompson]

Well, it's not good.

[Martin Kane]

It's not bad.

[Albert Thompson]

District Attorney's office has been working just as hard as we have.

[Martin Kane]

Has he got enough for an indictment? Afraid he.

[Albert Thompson]

See, Albert, our main problem is your alibi. If we could only prove that you were nowhere near that store when it happened. No, but I wasn't. I wasn't. I was on my way home. A dozen people must have seen me. Two dozen.

[Martin Kane]

A hundred people could have seen you, Mr. Thompson. Nobody ever sees you on a subway or a bus. I'm afraid you have no alibi, Ed. I'll keep right on working, mainly on finding the gun. The big job will be yours in court. I know.

[Albert Thompson]

I'll need everything you can get me to shake Wallace in cross examination. Oh, now, look, let's not give up the ship. Never can tell about juries. Sometimes they go for the strangest stories.

[Helen Thompson]

What's strange about Albert's story? That's the truth. He never hurt a soul in his life. Well, he's an honest, decent, hard working man. What jury would believe he's a murderer?

[Lieutenant]

Yes. Yes, I know. Inspector. Yes, sir, I know this isn't that big, but the. Well, the District Attorney's been on my neck all week.

[Martin Kane]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant]

He says he's got to have the gun that killed Thompson or else. That's right. So I put all the men I could spare on it. Sir? No, sir. No, sir, nothing so far. What? Well, Inspector, I think my men know their jobs. I pick most of them myself. Yes, sir. Sir, I. I understand you. Yes, I certainly do. Thank you, Inspector. Good night. Want some, Kane? Warm out tonight.

[Martin Kane]

Not for a private detective.

[Lieutenant]

What do you want?

[Martin Kane]

I want some help.

[Lieutenant]

Still working for Ed Randall?

[Martin Kane]

That's right.

[Lieutenant]

Well, come around and see me when you quit.

[Martin Kane]

Maybe that'll be too late for Albert Thompson. No, for you, Lieutenant. You want to find the gun, don't you?

[Lieutenant]

What do you think? I get it or I get fired? I don't know whether it'll be the inspector first or the da.

[Martin Kane]

Maybe neither, if you want to help me.

[Lieutenant]

Hey, Kane, are you holding out on me? Hey, do you know where that gun is?

[Martin Kane]

I know where that gun isn't. And I know a little fellow that doesn't know anything at all about it. Albert Thompson.

[Lieutenant]

Now, Kane, say what you've got to say.

[Martin Kane]

All right. You won't find the gun until you find the man who used it. And it wasn't Albert Thompson. You've already proved that.

[Lieutenant]

Yeah? How?

[Martin Kane]

You've had your best men out looking for the gun and they can't find it. They've questioned every enemy, every friend that Thompson ever had. They've looked every place where he could have bought or rented a gun, and.

[Lieutenant]

They'Re gonna keep right on looking for it.

[Martin Kane]

Well, they can keep on looking from now until next year, but they're gonna come up with nothing.

[Lieutenant]

Maybe and maybe not. We'll see.

[Martin Kane]

Look, Lieutenant, stop wasting time.

[Lieutenant]

Now look, King, tell me what you want or take off.

[Martin Kane]

Get me a rundown, a description of every stick up artist that looks like Thompson.

[Lieutenant]

Oh, for crying out loud.

[Martin Kane]

How many can there be?

[Lieutenant]

50, 100, 500? I don't know. And I can't spare a crew on the files to find out. Yeah, well, then you find him. And while you're at it, try and find a witness who saw him do it. Meantime, I'll go along with Thompson. I got a witness for him. Lieutenant Gray? Yes, sir. Oh, she did, huh? Yeah. That's too bad. No, no, I didn't think of that. Well, all I can do is keep right after it. Yes, sir. Of course. As soon as I get anything. District Attorney. They just took Mrs. Thompson to Bellevue. A complete nervous collapse.

[Martin Kane]

Not much you can do about that, is there, Kane?

[Lieutenant]

Everything we've got so far says that Thompson did it. You show the DA One solid fact on the other side of the ledger and Thompson's practically a free man.

[Martin Kane]

Look, will you give me the rundown? I'll try to get that fact and you show it to the D.A.

[Lieutenant]

Did you ever meet Mrs. Thompson?

[Martin Kane]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant]

Real nice woman.

[Martin Kane]

That's right.

[Lieutenant]

Sergeant. Meet me in the photo gallery in five minutes. This better be good, Kane, for everybody's sake.

[Sandy]

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[Lieutenant]

Check engine light on.

[Sandy]

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[Lieutenant]

It's free.

[Sandy]

Ask for O'Reilly Veriscan today.

[Martin Kane]

Oh, oh, oh. O'Reilly Auto Parts. Especially for my clients. If we miss, we get Another chance. He doesn't get another chance. This is his last time at Batman.

[Hep]

Hello there, Mrs. Malone. A cotton of your usual?

[Helen Thompson]

No, Hep. I've decided to make a change.

[Hep]

My goodness, after all these years of change.

[Helen Thompson]

That's right. You see, I smoke so much, I thought I should try some of those cigarettes they claim have less nicotine. Do you know anything about them?

[Hep]

Well, Mrs. Malone, it just so happens that I do. More and more people are switching to Sano cigarettes for exactly the same reason that you mentioned.

[Lieutenant]

Oh.

[Hep]

Care to have one on the house? No charge.

[Helen Thompson]

Thank you. Well, from that sample, I'd say people are switching to Sano cigarettes not just because they contain less nicotine, but because they like them.

[Hep]

That's right, Mrs. Malone. And speaking of nicotine, do you realize that you have never seen any?

[Helen Thompson]

Really? But I. Well, I thought the stain test showed just the amount of nicotine in a cigarette.

[Hep]

I know you see other substances, but not nicotine. Nicotine is absolutely colorless when it's removed from the tobacco.

[Helen Thompson]

Removed from the tobacco? You mean they can take nicotine right out of the tobacco even before the cigarettes are made?

[Hep]

That's exactly what I mean. That's the reason why there's less nicotine in the smoke of a Sano cigarette. The nicotine is removed from the tobacco before Sano cigarettes are made.

[Helen Thompson]

Well, that's really getting rid of nicotine.

[Hep]

Yes, indeed. The fact is, there's less nicotine in the smoke of a Sano cigarette than in the smoke of any other leading cigarette. Actually, less than 1/10 of 1%.

[Helen Thompson]

HAP. That certainly answers my question. As I said before, I don't know when I've smoked a better tasting cigarette. You've just sold me a carton.

[Hep]

All right, Mrs. Malone, you'll never have to change brands again because you can stop worrying about nicotine when you smoke Sano cigarettes.

[Helen Thompson]

Thank you for telling me about them. Half.

[Hep]

You're entirely welcome.

[Lieutenant]

Well, Kate, I hope you pay your taxes. I had three men working on that list all night.

[Martin Kane]

Thanks, Lieutenant. Only nine names, huh?

[Lieutenant]

That's right. Out of about 400, we eliminated every one who didn't correspond, at least roughly, to Thompson's physical description.

[Martin Kane]

Only two possibilities.

[Albert Thompson]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant]

Three are in prison, two are on the west coast, two were in the hospital at the time, and the other two are right here in New York.

[Martin Kane]

Carl Shaw, Larry Spencer.

[Lieutenant]

Yeah, with a complete rundown on each. O'Kane. This isn't a lending library.

[Martin Kane]

If I tag one of these guys, I'll buy you a set of cast Iron bookends for your birthday. You'll be hearing from them. My first possibility, Carl Shaw was working in the garage. He told me a straight sounding story about not being crooked anymore. He had a wife and kids.

[Albert Thompson]

Now.

[Martin Kane]

His past was really behind him. And so on and so on. I thought he'd never stop telling me how he'd become a new man. But all I wanted to hear from him was his alibi for the time of the killing. And he had one. He was working here. The fellow at the next bench could prove it. Carl Shaw was in the clear.

[Lieutenant]

What'll it be, Mr. Kane?

[Martin Kane]

A little information, Charlie, on a guy named Larry Spencer. Well, he comes around regular customer?

[Lieutenant]

He was till a couple of weeks ago. Then last night he showed up again.

[Martin Kane]

How come?

[Lieutenant]

Says he was away. Vacation.

[Martin Kane]

He wouldn't have gone away around the day after Columbus Day, would he?

[Lieutenant]

Maybe. Why?

[Martin Kane]

On October 13, the druggist was killed in a heist. Yesterday they indicted a man named Albert Thompson for the murder. The 28th. Between those two dates, Larry Spencer decides he needs a vacation. That's quite a coincidence, isn't it?

[Lieutenant]

Oh, excuse me, Mr. Charlie.

[Albert Thompson]

I've got customers, mister.

[Martin Kane]

Yeah, I know you got customers. You got customers because you still got a license. Remember when I proved that those high school kids didn't pick up their booze here? I remember. What's Spencer been up to lately?

[Lieutenant]

I don't know, honest.

[Martin Kane]

You got any money?

[Lieutenant]

Oh, I let him run a tab once in a while. The last one had me worried.

[Martin Kane]

Oh, why?

[Lieutenant]

Well, when he didn't show up those couple of weeks, I figured he was gone for good. And yesterday he came in and settled up.

[Martin Kane]

Okay, Johnny. Thanks a lot.

[Lieutenant]

Who is it?

[Officer]

Kane?

[Martin Kane]

Hi, Kane.

[Lieutenant]

Lieutenant Gray Ponder. Come on in.

[Martin Kane]

Hello, Mr. Wallace. Well, Mr. Kane, how are you?

[Officer]

What do you want?

[Martin Kane]

I want you to look at a picture, Mr. Wallace. What picture? Well, who's this?

[Officer]

Where'd you get this?

[Martin Kane]

A guy named Larry Spencer. He's got a police record. He's got a hobby also, of holding up storekeepers. Are you sure, Mr. Wallace, this isn't the man you saw run out of that store?

[Officer]

What are you trying to do to me, Mr. Kent?

[Martin Kane]

Never mind what I'm trying to do to you. Think of Albert Thompson. Are you sure this isn't the man you saw run out of the store after the shooting? No.

[Officer]

I told you once before, you're not going to make a fool of me. Not now or not on the witness stand. I'm not changing my story.

[Lieutenant]

Lieutenant Gray. Oh, yes, Kane. Say, I'M glad you got my message. Listen, some of the boys down the hall brought in a quite a gang. Crapshooters. One of them was Larry Spencer. You want me to hold him?

[Martin Kane]

I don't know. Did you get anything on him?

[Lieutenant]

Nope. I was hoping to.

[Martin Kane]

Well, there's no point in holding him. He won't do me any good in the tank.

[Lieutenant]

You think he'll lead you to the gun, huh?

[Martin Kane]

I don't know. I think he's got his sashed away in some nice quiet place. Ready for another job.

[Lieutenant]

Yeah, I'll buy that. How does it look?

[Martin Kane]

I made a contact with a friend of his.

[Lieutenant]

Hood?

[Martin Kane]

No, his girlfriend. She works in a diamond dance place. I'm going over there now.

[Lieutenant]

All right. You don't care how you spend your money, do you? Let me know if it was worth it, will you?

[Helen Thompson]

Sandy sure forgot about Spencer fast. She's been dancing with that new guy all evening. He wouldn't need to give me any tickets. I dance with him for free. Well, I hope Spencer doesn't come in, that's all. Sandy'd be awful sorry. So would that dream boat, Spencer.

[Martin Kane]

Kill him.

[Helen Thompson]

Larry Spencer Kill him? Why, you kidding? You know, I don't get it. What's a guy like you doing in this place?

[Martin Kane]

Maybe I like to dance. Uh oh, there we go.

[Officer]

Here.

[Helen Thompson]

Hey, you must own an oil well. Anyway, the next set's on me.

[Martin Kane]

Now you keep them.

[Helen Thompson]

Well, I could use you.

[Martin Kane]

Getting tired?

[Helen Thompson]

A little.

[Martin Kane]

Wanna sit down?

[Helen Thompson]

No, I like dancing with you too much. It's not a job. I like it. Oh, that last one was sure living it up. One ticket. Hey, Sandy's still dancing with that guy. Do you blame her? Maybe somebody ought to tell Larry Spencer about it. Oh, mind your own business. Say, they look nice together. Make yourself at home.

[Martin Kane]

Thanks.

[Helen Thompson]

I'll get some coffee. You're awfully nice. I'm glad you're here.

[Martin Kane]

I was glad to be here too. But all I had in mind was finding out if Larry Spencer used this flat for a gun dropped. Who's the guy?

[Helen Thompson]

His name's Larry Spencer.

[Martin Kane]

The girls told me about him. The guy you're gonna marry, huh?

[Helen Thompson]

I don't know. You haven't helped much.

[Martin Kane]

Oh, come on, Sandy.

[Helen Thompson]

Now, please let me say something. You know, things. Things happen quick. Too quick. You want something, you have to put out your hand and grab it or else it goes right by. Larry thinks fast. He gets things. I never wanted to know how. But you get what you want too, don't you?

[Martin Kane]

I try, Sandy.

[Helen Thompson]

Only maybe with you, it'd be different. It'd be a chance to stop being scared.

[Martin Kane]

Scared?

[Helen Thompson]

Try to tell him every time I see him. But I don't know. Time rushes by and there's never enough left.

[Martin Kane]

What are you scared of, Sandy? What Larry done.

[Helen Thompson]

I don't want to talk about him yet.

[Martin Kane]

What's he done, Sandy?

[Helen Thompson]

Why?

[Martin Kane]

Tell me.

[Helen Thompson]

Well, why? Why do you have to know?

[Martin Kane]

Long story. Sandy.

[Helen Thompson]

Hello? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. There is someone here who told you? Hello? You can ask Larry yourself. He's coming over right now.

[Albert Thompson]

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[Lieutenant]

What do you want?

[Martin Kane]

I'm waiting for you.

[Lieutenant]

Who is he?

[Helen Thompson]

Friend.

[Lieutenant]

Oh, get out. If I ever catch you around here again, I'll break your face in. You hear me?

[Martin Kane]

I hear you. Who is this guy?

[Helen Thompson]

Let me go.

[Lieutenant]

I said, who is it?

[Martin Kane]

What do you want? I want you to change places with a nice little guy that's being framed for murder. Did you commit it?

[Lieutenant]

You're nuts.

[Martin Kane]

Pretend I went out and came back. Go on, beat my face in.

[Lieutenant]

Leave me alone.

[Martin Kane]

I'm gonna start paying you off. Now.

[Helen Thompson]

Get the gun.

[Lieutenant]

Go ahead.

[Albert Thompson]

Get.

[Lieutenant]

Sandy, help me.

[Martin Kane]

Thanks, Sandy, for not helping him.

[Helen Thompson]

I couldn't. Not after what you said. I always thought Larry was small time. They killed somebody. Hid the gun here. Kane. I told you, didn't I? If you want something, you have to reach out and get it. Will I. Will I ever see you again?

[Martin Kane]

If you ever need me. Sandy, if you're ever in trouble. Right now I want to start the wheels rolling for somebody who is. Lieutenant Gray, please.