Murder By Experts 49-07-18 006 The Creeper

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Murder By Experts 49-07-18 006 The Creeper"

Introduction

In the August 15, 2025 release of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the gripping episode titled "Murder By Experts 49-07-18 006 The Creeper." Hosted by John Dixon Carr, a renowned mystery novelist, this episode delves into a suspense-filled narrative selected by guest expert Lawrence Blockman. The story, originally penned by Joseph Roscoe, unravels the chilling tale of a serial killer known as The Creeper, who targets redheaded women in New York City's Heights neighborhood.

Setting the Scene

The drama opens in the quiet pre-dawn hours of a sprawling metropolis. John Dixon Carr sets the atmosphere:

"[02:38] John Dixon Carr: ... It's the hour before dawn, that moment when the huge sprawling metropolis lies deep in slumber..."

We are introduced to Virginia Peters, a young and attractive waitress in her early 20s. Her apartment on the third floor is brightly lit, contrasting with the deserted streets below. As Virginia converses on the telephone, a sense of unease begins to build.

The Encounter with The Creeper

Virginia recounts a disturbing encounter with a man she describes as the "Gary Cooper type," who attempts to engage her at her workplace. The tension escalates when he ominously mentions trying to get into her apartment:

"[04:27] Virginia Peters: ... I'm scared. There's nothing to worry about. He'll go away when he finds his key."

Despite her reassurances, the situation spirals as the man successfully opens her door, leading to a confrontation where fear overtakes Virginia:

"[04:38] Virginia Peters: No. Stay away from me. I'm Vicki. What's wrong? Jenny?"

The Investigation Begins

The narrative shifts to Steve Grant, Virginia's husband, and Pearly Chase, a fellow investigator. They discuss the unsettling pattern of The Creeper's modus operandi—targeting redheaded women whose door locks have been tampered with prior to their murders. Pearly proposes a psychological profile of the killer, emphasizing the need to "play along crazy" to outthink The Creeper:

"[10:27] Pearly Chase: ... Play along, crazy Steve. Make out you're the Creeper. What's your compulsion? Go ahead."

This strategy leads them to deduce that the next victim would reside in apartment 4D, where Virginia Peters lives.

Confrontation and Revelation

As Virginia grapples with her fear, she interacts with Pearly Chase, who poses as a concerned neighbor. Their dialogue is fraught with tension and suspicion, revealing Pearly's true intentions:

"[19:03] Pearly Chase: Alias Pearly Valentine. Don't worry. You haven't a thing to be upset about now."

The climax unfolds when Pearly Chase confronts Virginia in her apartment, revealing himself as The Creeper. In a dramatic turn, Virginia's realization leads to the ultimate confrontation:

"[20:08] Pearly Chase: ... I could kill you when you deserve it. With the radio on, you could scream and no one would hear."

Resolution

The episode concludes with a swift resolution as The Creeper is apprehended. The final twist reveals that the locksmith, believed to be a potential suspect, was indeed the murderer. This ironic ending underscores the complexity of The Creeper's character and the cunning nature of his crimes.

"[27:22] Steve Grant: ... The Creeper was shot running from the building. ... the locksmith was the killer."

Conclusion

"Murder By Experts 49-07-18 006 The Creeper" masterfully captures the essence of classic radio dramas, blending suspense, psychological intrigue, and a compelling narrative. John Dixon Carr skillfully narrates the story, enriched by memorable quotes and dynamic character interactions, such as:

"[06:44] John Dixon Carr: Kiss."

And the haunting plea:

"[27:06] Pearly Chase: ... Hurry. Catch me before I kill more. For heaven's sake."

Upcoming Episodes

The episode wraps up with an announcement of future stories, promising listeners continued thrills:

"[28:38] John Dixon Carr: ... Next week at this time, Murder by Experts brings you a story in which three persons make a bet with death."

Final Thoughts

For aficionados of classic radio mysteries and newcomers alike, this episode offers a rich and engaging experience. It skillfully combines intricate plotting, character development, and atmospheric storytelling, making "The Creeper" a standout installment in the Murder By Experts series.

Transcript

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[Virginia Peters]

Dad, please.

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[John Dixon Carr]

By Sheen Wor New York 7:10 on your dial now for a transcribed drama of Murder by Experts. Murder by Experts the Mutual Broadcasting System presents Murder by Experts with your Host and narrator, Mr. John Dixon Carr, world famous mystery novelist and author of the recently published bestseller the Life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This is John Dixon Carr. Each week at this time, Murder by Experts brings you a story of crime and mystery which has been chosen for your approval by one of the world's leading detective writers. Those experts who are themselves masters of the art of murder and can hold tensity at its highest. This time our guest expert is the noted mystery novelist Lawrence Blockman. From his vast knowledge of the mystery field, Mr. Blockman has chosen a radio classic written by Joseph Roscoe. And now we present Miss Marilyn Erskine in the Creeper. It is the hour before dawn, that moment when the huge sprawling metropolis lies deep in slumber. The streets are empty, save for the milkman making his rounds from one darkened apartment house to another. But look now, there on the third floor floor, an apartment is brightly lighted. The occupant is an attractive redhead in her early 20s. She sits curled on a couch, speaking on the telephone as the radio plays softly.

[Virginia Peters]

So, like I'm telling you, Gladys, I'm waiting on my table, paying no attention to this guy. I can see, of course, that he's given me the eye. But what did he look like? Oh, he was the Gary Cooper type. Oh, lanky and sunburned. Bashful too. Anyway, he's sitting at one of my tables trying to get up nerve enough to start a conversation. I'm polite, but nothing else. Well, it's 2am and we're getting ready to close the place when he finally speaks his piece. What did he say? Virginia, what did he say? He was from out of town and this was his first visit to New York. Oh, and what? And what? Ginny? Gladys, I think somebody's trying to get into my apartment. What? Yeah, the doorknob is turning. Oh, it's probably some drunk at the wrong apartment. Oh, he. He's putting his key in the lock right now. So what? You've got your night lock on, haven't you? No, it's broken. Gladys, I'm scared. There's nothing to worry about. He'll go away when he finds his key. He won't unlock the door. Gladys, the door is opening. What do you want? You got the wrong apartment. Ginny, what is it? Answer me. Get out of here. Get out of here or I'll scream. Ginny. No. Stay away from me. Stay away from. I'm guinea. What's wrong? Jenny?

[Steve Grant]

New York. The unknown killer called the Creeper has struck again, adding a third feature, female victim, to his toll. Virginia Peters, a comely waitress, was found strangled to death in her third floor apartment early this morning while her radio blared. As in the previous murders, a note was found scrawled on the wall with the victim's lipstick and the plea, for heaven's sake, catch me before I kill more. I cannot control myself. Police insist that.

[Virginia Peters]

Oh. Oh, how awful. How awful. And in this very neighborhood.

[Steve Grant]

Why'd you turn it off?

[Virginia Peters]

Because I can't stand to hear about it. How can you go on eating without batting an eye?

[Pearly Chase]

No, let's hear the rest. Interest me.

[Virginia Peters]

Oh, you. Don't go turning on that radio again. Steve Grant. I've heard enough. I'll go out of my mind. For heaven's sake.

[Pearly Chase]

See? That's a good, solid clue. What is, for heaven's sake?

[Steve Grant]

How many men use that express?

[Virginia Peters]

Oh, Shut up.

[Steve Grant]

Okay, Mrs. Grant. Pass the biscuits, my little pigeon.

[Virginia Peters]

Pass the biscuits. Eat, eat, eat. Three women in three days, murdered in cold blood by a fiend right here in the Heights. I'm too sick to go out, too scared to stay in. The lock's broken and he sits there eating. Pass the biscuits, he said.

[Steve Grant]

There's nothing wrong with my appetite.

[Pearly Chase]

My.

[Virginia Peters]

Of course. That's what cost you your job on the police force. You were in a restaurant eating when you should have been answering a call.

[Steve Grant]

Well, some men drink to escape.

[Virginia Peters]

I escape what? What?

[Steve Grant]

An ugly tongue, a beautiful face and a roving eye.

[Pearly Chase]

In short, a wife.

[Virginia Peters]

Oh, see? You starting that again. You and your crazy jealousy.

[Steve Grant]

Maybe the Creeper's way of escaping life.

[Pearly Chase]

Isn'T drinking or eating, but strangulation. Who knows?

[Virginia Peters]

Shut up. Go ahead and get a divorce. Go ahead. Can I help it if men look at me? I don't know why you come home at all. Where do you go? What do you do with yourself? Where were you this morning? Why did you come back?

[Pearly Chase]

To eat.

[Steve Grant]

But Someday I'll lose my appetite for that too. When I do, honey, there'll be no escape. Now, I'm off again.

[John Dixon Carr]

Kiss.

[Steve Grant]

Still using stage lipstick, huh? Wipe it off. How many times must I tell you? You're married now, remember?

[Virginia Peters]

Steve, wait.

[Steve Grant]

Yeah.

[Virginia Peters]

At least go buy me my medicine.

[Steve Grant]

Sorry, no time.

[Virginia Peters]

Don't leave me alone. Stay home today, please. I'm afraid.

[Steve Grant]

Oh, don't be silly, pet. Nothing will happen to you. You have a doorman, an elevator Boy, Mrs. Stone across the hall, a phone.

[Pearly Chase]

You're safe.

[Virginia Peters]

But the night lock, it doesn't work.

[Steve Grant]

Well, now you can't lock me out anymore.

[Virginia Peters]

It doesn't catch. Something's happened to it since last night.

[Steve Grant]

Steve, get a new one.

[Virginia Peters]

I can't get a lock if they're all so busy. I've tried all morning. Steve, please. If I want to phone you, where will you be?

[Steve Grant]

Out. Goodbye, love. Take care of your cold.

[Pearly Chase]

Steve Grant.

[Steve Grant]

Why, if it isn't old Pearly Chase here.

[Pearly Chase]

You got thrown off the force, Steve.

[Steve Grant]

You got thrown off the news Pearly.

[Pearly Chase]

Yeah, you heard wrong. I wasn't fired. I was just warned.

[Steve Grant]

I wasn't fired either. Just suspended for three days. My trouble is I eat too much.

[Pearly Chase]

I drink too much. I hear you living up at the Heights, Steve. Yeah, that's funny. Me too. Here you're married now to a gal that's a knockout as all the boys whistling.

[Steve Grant]

Yeah, you can say that again. Used to be on the stage, you know.

[Pearly Chase]

Yeah, I think I knew her. Wasn't a stage name Ricky Duval? That's her. I love that wench.

[Steve Grant]

But.

[Pearly Chase]

Women. How does a guy handle him?

[Steve Grant]

Maybe the Creeper has the right method.

[Pearly Chase]

Thank you for taking the words out of my mouth. Who is the Creeper, Steve? You got any angles, you tell me.

[Steve Grant]

And I'll split the reward with you.

[Pearly Chase]

One thing, though, and I don't think even the police force have put it together yet. Yeah? In all three cases, just before the Creeper struck, the door locks had already been tampered with.

[Steve Grant]

You don't say.

[Pearly Chase]

You got a theory?

[Steve Grant]

Well, sure. I mean, take that note on the wall, written with lipstick. For heaven's sake. In every case, for heaven's sake, catch me before I kill more.

[Pearly Chase]

I cannot control myself right now. What man uses an expression like that?

[Steve Grant]

The long and short of it is this. A creeper.

[Pearly Chase]

Is a woman a ruse? Just like the height of the message from the floors. A ruse? Six feet. And yet I'll lay odds to creepers no more than a guy your height, say, or mine. Five feet nine. Yeah. Well, go on.

[Steve Grant]

Let's have the rest, Sherlock.

[Pearly Chase]

Okay. That business of the three locks that we're tampered with. They were tampered with from the inside.

[Steve Grant]

I don't get it.

[Pearly Chase]

The Creeper must have gotten into each of the apartments when no one was home. And broken the night locks. That made it an easy setup when he came back later to knock off his victim.

[Steve Grant]

How could he have gotten in to begin with? Those were solid locks.

[Pearly Chase]

A pick lock would open them. You mean the Creeper's a burglar? Maybe. Or else.

[Steve Grant]

Oh, nice.

[Pearly Chase]

You and your theory. Yeah. How do I know where the Creeper's gonna strike next?

[Steve Grant]

You do.

[Pearly Chase]

Certain. The Creeper's not smart. He's just crazy. You play along crazy. Think the way he does, and you're one jump ahead of him. That's the trouble with the police. No imagination. How can you expect logical clues from a madman? Play along, crazy Steve. Make out you're the Creeper. What's your compulsion? Go ahead.

[Steve Grant]

Let's see.

[Pearly Chase]

All right. First, the victims are all redheads. Every one. You notice that? Of course. Three redheads in three days. Come to think of it, now that you mention, yeah. They all lived in the Heights, right? Frieda Cook. It's Claire Nixon. And Virginia Peters. Right? What was the number of department in each case, huh? Frieda lived in 1A. Claire, 2B. Virginia, 3C. Don't ask me the why or wherefore. Don't ask me the logic. Just play along. Crazy. You see what I mean? You'll see where he's gonna strike next. I don't get what you mean. The next victim of the Creeper lives in the Heights. She's a redhead. Her night lock's been tampered with. She's gonna get hers today. And her apartment number's 4D. Well, why are you staring at me? You don't like my arithmetic? Why? Why are you staring? My wife's a redhead. Prank. We live on the Heights. Our apartment number's.

[Steve Grant]

Ah, you're just a boozy reporter.

[Pearly Chase]

And your. Your apartment number?

[Virginia Peters]

4D. I told you 4D.

[Pearly Chase]

Of course I'll have it delivered. Apartment 4D. I should have guessed it. Anyway.

[Virginia Peters]

Why?

[Pearly Chase]

A face is a number, believe me. Since you've moved into the neighborhood, Mrs. Brady, for me it has a special number, like Double dandy, delicious dream. Four Ds. You see?

[Virginia Peters]

Kovana Picture. Tell that to every customer. Female.

[Pearly Chase]

I'm a ladies man, like the Creeper. What did I say? What's going on in this Block. Raw nerves. You can't joke. The Creeper. The Creeper. That's all I hear all day. Why? Mass hysteria. There ain't no such an animal.

[Virginia Peters]

You don't think so?

[Pearly Chase]

Why, I assure you, Mrs. Grant, it's a fairy tale for circulation of the tabloids. I'll send your prescription up to the boy.

[Virginia Peters]

No, I'll just wait here for it.

[Pearly Chase]

Well, it'll take some time. You should go right home and stay there. If you're just getting over the flu, believe me, I'll deliver it myself. It'll be a pleasure.

[Virginia Peters]

No, no, I'll wait. I may not go right back. I don't want to be there all alone, I'm afraid.

[Pearly Chase]

Suit yourself. Mrs. Grant.

[Virginia Peters]

Why are you staring at me?

[Pearly Chase]

I was admiring your lipstick. I've nothing like that in style.

[Virginia Peters]

It's a special lipstick. I used it when I was on the stage.

[Pearly Chase]

Well, don't let the Creeper go writing a note with your lipstick. Have a seat. For heaven's sake, stop me before I kill more. I cannot control my.

[Steve Grant]

Wait.

[Virginia Peters]

Wait. What?

[Pearly Chase]

There was a note I had reference to. It was a joke, that's all.

[Steve Grant]

Wait.

[Pearly Chase]

Mrs. Grant.

[Steve Grant]

Your prescription.

[Virginia Peters]

Mrs. Grant. Mrs. Grant. Oh, it's you, Mr. Sybil. What do you hurry, dear? I. I just got such a scare since all these awful murders in this neighborhood. Oh, yes. Isn't it terrible, you walking home? I guess so. I'll go with you. It's good we live in the same house. At least if I had a double lock. But the night one doesn't work. I can't get a locksmith, though. All so busy. Oh, don't you worry. We'll stay together this afternoon till our husband's gone. Come home. Think of it. We've never visited, so we live right across the hall from each other. Isn't that just like a big city, for heaven's sake? Or would you rather I dropped in on you? Well, I. I don't. I'll make it yours, then. Isn't it horrible, the ghastly things they're saying the fairies. One doesn't know what to think next. You believe the latest? The latest? It. Maybe it's a woman. The Creeper. Can you beat it? I can't imagine how in the world the police figure that. For heaven's sake. Can you? I don't know. I was just thinking of something my husband said. Though I can see where a married woman now, if her husband were too timing her, say, perhaps only weak and no will of his own. And if the wife, say, was Merely getting at those female homebreakers. Well, I can understand that, because you take my husband. Now you've met Mr. Stone, haven't you, Mrs. Grant? Why on earth you're staring at me like that, for heaven's sake? I don't feel well. I must get home at once. I feel pain. But, Mrs. Grant.

[Steve Grant]

Good afternoon, ma'. Am. Out shopping?

[Virginia Peters]

I guess it's a new toilet.

[Steve Grant]

Just spelling, Charlie.

[Pearly Chase]

He's fixing a fuse box.

[Steve Grant]

Help you with your packages?

[Virginia Peters]

No, thank you.

[Steve Grant]

Well, I don't mind a bit. You look out of breath.

[Virginia Peters]

I can manage with. Where's Jimmy? The elevator.

[Steve Grant]

He stepped out for a few minutes.

[John Dixon Carr]

I'll take you up.

[Virginia Peters]

But I.

[Steve Grant]

He mightn't be back for another five, 10 minutes.

[Pearly Chase]

There's no point. You're waiting for him.

[Virginia Peters]

No, I suppose not.

[Steve Grant]

Apartment 4D, eh?

[Virginia Peters]

Why, yes. How did you know?

[Steve Grant]

Doesn't take long.

[Virginia Peters]

Funny that both Charlie and Jimmy should go off leaving you to run things alone. Particularly seeing you. And you.

[Steve Grant]

Oh, I don't mind.

[Pearly Chase]

The last place I worked, I was the only man.

[Virginia Peters]

Where was that?

[Steve Grant]

522 Smedley Avenue.

[Virginia Peters]

522 Smedley Avenue?

[Pearly Chase]

Yes. Right next door to the apartment house where the Creeper strangled Frida Corkus. Suppose you read about it.

[Virginia Peters]

Yes. What's wrong? Why'd you stop?

[Steve Grant]

We seem to be stuck.

[Virginia Peters]

Start this elevator. Start this elevator at once.

[Steve Grant]

There's no need to get excited, Mrs. Grant.

[Pearly Chase]

Take it easy. You live long and figure what went wrong.

[Virginia Peters]

You don't fool me, not for a minute. I'll scream if you don't.

[Steve Grant]

Oh, there we are. Charlie must have cut off the clothes.

[Virginia Peters]

Let me off. Let me off.

[Steve Grant]

Want me to help you with your package?

[Virginia Peters]

No, no. I must be going out of my mind. My key. Where's my key? Here it is. Darn rod. Good darn rod. Hello. Is the locksmith in here? I want to know how soon I can get my lock changed. Yes, of course. I left my order, but he promised to fix it at once. No, I can't wait. I'm scared to death.

[Pearly Chase]

Hello, Vicky. Don't, you little fool. It's me. You want the whole house to. That's better.

[Virginia Peters]

What are you doing here, Pearly?

[Pearly Chase]

I'm playing along. Crazy.

[Virginia Peters]

What are you talking about? How did you get in here?

[Pearly Chase]

Alias Pearly Valentine. Don't worry. You haven't a thing to be upset about now. I've come to protect you. Give me the phone. Hello? Never mind about the lock. Thank you. Long time no see, Vicki.

[Virginia Peters]

What do you want, Pearly?

[Pearly Chase]

Me A headline your husband wants too. He wants I should keep an eye on you.

[Virginia Peters]

What's that?

[Pearly Chase]

Sure. You didn't think Steve and I were acquainted, did you? Oh, yeah, yeah, from way back. Just met him at a bar.

[Virginia Peters]

I don't believe you. What do you mean, keep an eye on me?

[Pearly Chase]

Oh, just in case. The Creeper. You heard the character.

[Virginia Peters]

You're mad. You've always been mad. Purley J. Where is Steve? Why should he send you? Why should he think the Creeper will come here? What are you doing here?

[Pearly Chase]

Told you. Playing along. Crazy. Got a drink.

[Virginia Peters]

You're drunk. Now you're getting right out of here. You're nothing but a no good rummy.

[Pearly Chase]

And you're nothing but a no good. You finish it. When I took to drink, it was to forget you. And you know it. Well, rump hot angel. Which means I haven't gotten over you yet.

[Virginia Peters]

Get out.

[Pearly Chase]

You little. Too timing redhead. You're all the same. You redheads haven't changed, have you? Even a wedding ring can't do that to you. Ah, don't play the innocent. My business is snoop. And I make a living at it between drinks. So your new motto's love thy neighbor, huh? Mr. Stone across the hall. Poor dumb Steve.

[Virginia Peters]

You dirty, snooping.

[Pearly Chase]

Sit down, darling. Just play along with me while I play along. Crazy. Sit down. That's it. Yeah, like we're expecting company. I must be crazy doing this. Why wait here for the Creeper? Why not a hundred other streets, a thousand other apartments, a million other dams? Because I'm riding my hunch. Yeah. Let's have some music. Don't just sit. Let's have some music. Turn on the radio. Let's dance. It's been a long time, baby. A long time. That's it. Now let's dance. Give me your arm. Let's dance like old times. Around and around like my brain. Why are you trembling? I still love you, you little fool. Ask me why. I love you. I love you. You love you, Redhead. I could kill you when you deserve it. With the radio on, you could scream and no one would hear. I could put my hand on your throat like this. And I could strangle you. Why are you crying? Stop it. I'm here to protect you. Stop crying. Cut it out, I say. Cut it out. I can't stand it. I never could. Okay, you want me to leave? All right, I will. It's your funeral. What am I saving you for anyway? Where's my hat? In a few minutes there'll be a knock or a ring or the door will just open and you'll be lying on the floor like the other three. Your face black. Your eyes bulged. Goodbye, my worthless. Give my regards to the Creeper.

[Virginia Peters]

Oh, that look in his eyes like a madman. What if he comes back? He wants to kill me. Wants to kill me. Someone wants to kill me. I must lie down. My head. I spreading it. Kind of biting, jealous fight. That's it. Like the other three. My face black. Like the other three. Like the other three. Any minute now there'll be a knock or a ring. Yes?

[Steve Grant]

This is the doorman, Mrs. Grant. Yes, the druggist is here with the medicine. Shall I let him up?

[Virginia Peters]

My medicine? Why, yes. No, no. Don't let that man up.

[Steve Grant]

Want me to bring it up?

[Virginia Peters]

No, no, no. I'm perfectly all right. I don't need it. You're here. Don't you dare come up. Don't. Hello. I called just a few minutes ago. Please, please. I must have it changed right away. I lost my door lock. Yes, this is Mrs. Grant. Yes, I do want it. Of course. Anyone can get in. Anyone. You'll come right away? Oh, thank you so much. Thank you. But hurry, please. Hurry, or I'll go out of my mind. Oh, thank the Lord. Thank the Lord. Like the other three. Strangled. Any minute now. A knock or a ring. Oh. Who's there? It's me, dear. Mrs. Stone. What do you want? Well, I've been worried about you. Are you ill? No, I'm all right, Mrs. Stone. I'm feeling fine. Open up, dear. Don't you want me to keep you company? No, thank you. I was just. Oh, stop it. Oh, do let me in, silly. No, no, go away. I'm going to sleep. Please go away. Do you hear me? Go away. Hello?

[Steve Grant]

Hello, Vicki. Are you all right?

[Virginia Peters]

Oh, Steve. Oh, Steve, I've been frantic. It's so good to hear your voice. Where are you?

[Steve Grant]

At headquarters. I'm coming right home. Sweetheart, Is anything wrong? You sound kind of funny.

[Virginia Peters]

No, not now. Not when I hear you. Steve, I don't know what came over me. All day I've been imagining things. So silly. My nerves.

[Steve Grant]

Forgive me for this morning, darling. I wasn't myself. My job had me down. But now everything's okay.

[Virginia Peters]

Forgive me, Steve. I've been sad, bad, wicked. Oh, you knew what I've gone through today. The most dreadful state. And then. Steve, did you send someone here today? Early chase, then you did.

[Steve Grant]

To keep you company. Isn't he still with you?

[Virginia Peters]

I know. I just got rid of him.

[Steve Grant]

I wish you hadn't he's an all right guy. Smart reporter. Lives in the neighborhood too. Honey, it sounds cockeyed. I mean Pearlie's theory. But I was a bit worried when I got to thinking so. Vicki, don't let anyone in the house till I get home.

[Virginia Peters]

I won't, Steve.

[Steve Grant]

Not anyone, do you hear? Not anyone. Locksmith.

[Virginia Peters]

Oh, wait, Steve.

[Steve Grant]

Locksmith.

[Virginia Peters]

Wait, dear. Oh, thank goodness. At last. Now I can breathe easy. Just a minute, dear.

[Steve Grant]

Vicki.

[Virginia Peters]

Hello?

[Steve Grant]

Hello, Vicki, you hear me?

[Virginia Peters]

Mr. Frank?

[Steve Grant]

Yes, Mr. Frank.

[Virginia Peters]

Oh, thank goodness you've come. Please step in. It's the lock on this door that I. Oh, just a moment. My husband's on the phone.

[Steve Grant]

Steve, what happened? There was something else I wanted to tell you.

[Virginia Peters]

It's all right. Everything's all right now, Steve. You needn't worry.

[Steve Grant]

Didn't I just hear you talking to someone? Was that someone at the door?

[Virginia Peters]

It was no one, Steve. Just Mr. Frank, the locksmith. Here to fix the lock. Oh, what a load off.

[Steve Grant]

The locksmith. Listen, Vicki, that's what I was going to tell you.

[Virginia Peters]

What is it?

[Steve Grant]

The police are on a new trail. They think maybe a locksmith. Vicki, you listening? Maybe the Creepers are locks. Get him out, quick.

[Pearly Chase]

What nice lipstick you use, Mrs. Grant. It's a lovely shade.

[Steve Grant]

For heaven's sake, Vicki, answer me. Vicki, are you all right? Vicky. Vicky. Vicky.

[Pearly Chase]

Hurry. Catch me before I kill more. For heaven's sake. Hello, City desk? Yeah, Pearly Chase. Just shut up and listen. On that Creeper story I just gave you, add to stuff, the reward for his capture goes to the elevator board. He heard Vicki Grant scream and called a cop. The Creeper was shot running from the building. Yeah, ironical, wasn't it? The locksmith was the killer. The one man Vicki thought would protect him. What an ending to our lovely, lovely redhead.

[John Dixon Carr]

And so the curtain falls on the Creeper, which was chosen by guest expert Lawrence Blockman, whose latest thriller is Bengal Fire. Next week at this time, Murder by Experts brings you a story in which three persons make a bet with death. Death with $7 million. There's the stake. Selected for your approval by the noted mystery writer, Ms. Frances Crane. Until then, this is your host, John Dixon Carr, hoping you'll be with us next week at this time. Starting a week from Tomorrow on Sunday, July 31, murder by experts will be heard every Sunday night at 10 o'.

[Pearly Chase]

Clock.

[John Dixon Carr]

And starting next Saturday at this time, between half past two and three in the afternoon, you'll hear a brand new show, the Damon Runyon Theater. Today's program came to you by transcription. This is the Mutual broadcasting system.

[Steve Grant]

In 25 seconds you'll hear International Airport. You're invited to drop in on Scattergood, Baines and the folks in Cold river this afternoon at half past five on wor when Scattergood makes his regular visit. That's half past five over wor the temperature in New York City and vicinity 84 degrees. WOR New York 710 on your dial. 3:00pm B U L O V A Boulevard Watts time where The Bulova Director 3375.