Night Surgeon (SA) xx-xx-xx Seat Belts aka Car Accident

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Night Surgeon (SA) – Seat Belts aka Car Accident"

Introduction and Setting

"Harold's Old Time Radio" presents an evocative episode of "Night Surgeon," a gripping radio drama set in the high-stakes environment of a bustling city hospital. Released on April 18, 2025, this episode, titled "Seat Belts aka Car Accident," delves deep into the intricate web of a tragic car accident, exploring themes of responsibility, guilt, and the fragile dynamics of family relationships during crisis.

Characters Introduced

• Dr. Lindsay: A dedicated physician working in the hospital's casualty ward.
• Dr. Morgan: A colleague of Dr. Lindsay, instrumental in managing the aftermath of the accident.
• Nurse Parish: A compassionate nurse who aids both doctors in patient care.
• Mr. Hook: Albie Hook's father, who plays a pivotal role in unraveling the accident's mystery.
• Albie Hook: A young man hospitalized after a severe car accident.
• Mark Ashbury: Albie's friend and passenger in the ill-fated car, whose life is tragically cut short.
• Mrs. Ashbury: Mark's grieving mother, coping with her son's untimely death.

Synopsis of Events

The episode begins with a brief advertisement for Wayfair, quickly transitioning to the tense environment of the hospital's casualty ward.

Initial Incident and Hospital Response

At [00:34], Dr. Lindsay addresses Dr. Morgan regarding an incoming case:

"We'll be ready. Sounds like one for the Night Surgeon." This sets the stage for a critical situation involving Albie Hook and Mark Ashbury, who are entangled in a car accident. The dialogue between Albie and Mark prior to the crash reveals underlying tensions about driving habits: Albie Hook: "Ah, come on. Let's really give her the work. See what she can do, huh?" [02:10]

Their disagreement escalates, leading to the catastrophic accident. Nurse Parish soon assesses Albie's condition, noting his distress and the impact of the crash:

Nurse Parish: "He seems to be very upset." [04:08]

Arrival of Mr. Hook and Family Dynamics

Mr. Hook arrives at the hospital to discuss the accident, bringing emotional complexity to the scene. Conversations reveal that Mark has died, while Albie survives with injuries:

Mr. Hook: "I must say, it doesn't sound like the kind of lad who... But then it's very difficult to know." [13:22]

Albie's remorse and the tension between him and his grieving mother, Mrs. Ashbury, become evident:

Albie Hook: "I shouldn't have let him drive at all. But he kept nagging at me." [07:16]

Unraveling the Truth

As the narrative unfolds, Dr. Morgan and Mr. Hook delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Suspicion arises regarding the integrity of the seat belt and Albie's role in Mark's death:

Mr. Hook: "A matter of culpable negligence, perhaps, and manslaughter." [20:49]

A critical revelation occurs when it's uncovered that Albie may have tampered with the seat belt to frame Mark for the accident, leading to Mark's untimely death:

Albie Hook: "Yes, of course it's true... I framed it." [21:23]

Climactic Confrontation

The climax of the episode features a tense confrontation where Albie is forced to confront his actions, leading to a breakdown of familial bonds and ethical dilemmas:

Mr. Hook: "You could have gone with him to the police station." [23:27] Albie Hook: "Shut up, dad, will you?" [22:47]

This confrontation highlights the devastating consequences of Albie's actions, not only on Mark's family but also on his own moral standing.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Lindsay: "We'll be ready. Sounds like one for the Night Surgeon." [00:34]
• Albie Hook: "I shouldn't have let him drive at all... We must have been doing about 80..." [07:16]
• Mr. Hook: "A matter of culpable negligence, perhaps, and manslaughter." [20:49]
• Albie Hook: "Yes, of course it's true... I framed it." [21:23]
• Mr. Hook: "You could have gone with him to the police station." [23:27]
• Albie Hook: "Shut up, dad, will you?" [22:47]

Themes and Insights

The episode masterfully explores themes of:

• Responsibility and Guilt: Albie's internal struggle and ultimate confession highlight the heavy burden of guilt.
• Family Dynamics: The relationship between Albie and his father, Mr. Hook, underscores the complexities within familial bonds, especially under duress.
• Ethical Dilemmas: The moral implications of Albie's decision to tamper with the seat belt raise questions about right and wrong in desperate situations.
• Consequences of Actions: The tragic loss of Mark serves as a poignant reminder of how one decision can irrevocably alter lives.

Conclusion

"Night Surgeon (SA) – Seat Belts aka Car Accident" delivers a compelling narrative that captivates listeners through its intricate plot and deep emotional resonance. The episode effectively balances dramatic tension with profound ethical questions, making it a standout installment in the "Night Surgeon" series. Through its rich dialogue and character development, the story offers a timeless reflection on the human condition, echoing the storytelling finesse of the Golden Age of Radio.

Listeners who engage with this episode will find themselves immersed in a tale that not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful contemplation about the depths of human nature and the far-reaching impacts of our choices.

Transcript

[Nicole Fire]

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[Dr. Lindsay]

Wayfair every style.

[Nurse Parish]

Every home.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Casualty ward. Dr. Lindsay speaking. Yes, I see. Yes, I've got it.

[Dr. Morgan]

Right.

[Dr. Lindsay]

We'll be ready. Sounds like one for the Night Surgeon.

[Mr. Hook]

Night Surgeon. Dynamic dramas set against the background of a great city hospital.

[Dr. Morgan]

Wow.

[Albie Hook]

What do you think of a Martin? A bad, huh?

[Mark Ashbury]

Certainly got plenty of tow, all right.

[Mr. Hook]

Must be those twin cies.

[Albie Hook]

Yeah, that's what did it. 95. We hit back there. I didn't even have a flutter.

[Mark Ashbury]

Some car.

[Albie Hook]

All right.

[Mark Ashbury]

Even if she doesn't look it, you never kiss. She's got a jazzed up engine in her. Looks just like an ordinary car.

[Albie Hook]

That's the way I like it. All those squares on the road don't have a clue that I can catch them. I want to see their faces when I burn past them.

[Dr. Morgan]

I'll bet you're lucky.

[Mr. Hook]

I'll be having an old man who.

[Mark Ashbury]

Buys you things all the time. I mean, this car.

[Dr. Morgan]

Gosh, it's a wonder your old man.

[Albie Hook]

Didn'T keep it for himself. What for? He's got two others already.

[Mark Ashbury]

Say, here's a laugh, though.

[Albie Hook]

He had it all filled up like it was for himself, you know, ashtrays all over the place, cigarette lighter, even seat belts.

[Dr. Morgan]

Yes, I noticed that.

[Mark Ashbury]

He must think you're a pretty steady driver. Steady?

[Albie Hook]

Ah, come on. Let's really give her the work. See what she can do, huh?

[Mark Ashbury]

Oh, I don't know, Albie.

[Albie Hook]

Oh, come on. No, really.

[Mark Ashbury]

Well, I should be getting home.

[Albie Hook]

My mother worries if I'm out after.

[Mark Ashbury]

Nine and I haven't told her I'll be late.

[Albie Hook]

Ah, so what? Tim isn't gonna make any difference?

[Mark Ashbury]

Yes, but, Ellie, I don't.

[Albie Hook]

What's the matter with you? You ought to wake up and live, man.

[Mark Ashbury]

Get with it.

[Dr. Morgan]

Well, okay.

[Albie Hook]

You say so. All right, son. And here we go.

[Mark Ashbury]

Ah, come on, baby.

[Albie Hook]

Get the lead out of your feet. Hey, watch it. There's a.

[Mark Ashbury]

There's a car coming.

[Albie Hook]

I know, but you're not on the.

[Dr. Morgan]

Car on the road.

[Albie Hook]

Al, let's see if he's chicken, huh? Albie is still coming. Okay. Stupid square. Okay, we'll see who's gonna move over. Alby, pull over.

[Mark Ashbury]

I think I like the blinding him.

[Albie Hook]

Anyone's gonna move over, it's him.

[Dr. Morgan]

That's all I have to report, Doc.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Nothing spectacular arising from my first rounds.

[Dr. Morgan]

Good.

[Mr. Hook]

But one thing you might do. Keep an eye on that young son fellow from the car smash, would you?

[Dr. Lindsay]

Not sure. What's his name again?

[Dr. Morgan]

Hook. Albert Hook.

[Mr. Hook]

We got his name from the police. They've been in touch with a father. He's on his way. I understand.

[Dr. Morgan]

Right.

[Mr. Hook]

I think the op was successful.

[Dr. Morgan]

He'll be okay, but let me know how he goes.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Will do.

[Mr. Hook]

Incidentally, his father called him Alby.

[Dr. Morgan]

He rang me before he left home.

[Mr. Hook]

Just after I came out of the theater. Might be worth remembering when he comes around.

[Dr. Morgan]

His name.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Well, sure, if he's only a kid, he.

[Dr. Morgan]

Dr. Morgan.

[Nurse Parish]

Doctor, it's Nurse Parish.

[Dr. Morgan]

Yes, Nurse?

[Nurse Parish]

I think you'd better take a look at Albert Hook.

[Dr. Morgan]

No.

[Mr. Hook]

Has he come around yet?

[Nurse Parish]

Yes, he has, and he's inclined to.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Be a bit hysterical.

[Mr. Hook]

I felt. All right, nurse. Dr. Lindsay will come down immediately.

[Nurse Parish]

Very well, Doctor.

[Mr. Hook]

That's Alby Hook now.

[Dr. Morgan]

He's playing up a bit.

[Mr. Hook]

You better get down there, Bart.

[Dr. Lindsay]

I'm on the way. Oh, no.

[Albie Hook]

Mark.

[Dr. Morgan]

No.

[Albie Hook]

Mark. Pull over.

[Dr. Morgan]

Pull over.

[Albie Hook]

He's not gonna give way. He'll hit him.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Take it easy, Albert.

[Nurse Parish]

All over. You're safe, Nana. Don't worry.

[Dr. Morgan]

Can drive like that? Trouble, Nurse?

[Nurse Parish]

He's talking away as though he's still in the car. Doctor, he seems very upset.

[Mark Ashbury]

Albie.

[Dr. Morgan]

No.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Albie, can you hear me?

[Dr. Morgan]

What?

[Dr. Lindsay]

You're in Hospital. I'm Dr. Lindsay.

[Mr. Hook]

At least you're all right.

[Albie Hook]

Hospital?

[Dr. Lindsay]

Yes. Close that door, Eunice.

[Nurse Parish]

Yes, Doctor.

[Albie Hook]

Come on. I told Mark not to do that.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Don't worry about it. It's all over now.

[Mr. Hook]

And you're all right.

[Albie Hook]

Mark.

[Dr. Morgan]

Where's Mark?

[Dr. Lindsay]

Never mind about him now. We'll talk about it later. Just lie back and relax. Lie back.

[Dr. Morgan]

Okay.

[Mark Ashbury]

That's better.

[Dr. Morgan]

No.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Yes, Doctor, what happened? Did he start this as soon as he came around?

[Dr. Morgan]

No, I couldn't say.

[Nurse Parish]

I had to leave the room for a minute. And when I came back, he was already talking like that.

[Mark Ashbury]

How long were you away?

[Nurse Parish]

I said a minute. Perhaps it was two, no longer.

[Dr. Lindsay]

I don't like to give him a sedative after the medication he's already had.

[Nurse Parish]

He seems to be quieter now.

[Dr. Morgan]

Yes.

[Dr. Lindsay]

I'll tell you what. We'll see if he stays calm now that he's come around. Problem or less. If not, I'll have to sedate him.

[Nurse Parish]

Very well, Doctor.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Oh, and don't leave him again. You better stay here until relieved. I'll tell Sister.

[Dr. Morgan]

Okay.

[Nurse Parish]

Right.

[Dr. Lindsay]

His father's on the way. I understand. If he wants to see the boy, he can. But only for five minutes, no more.

[Nurse Parish]

Very well. I must say that the father's taken his time, hasn't he? The boy's been here long enough. A couple of hours.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Well, the police had to find Mr. Hook.

[Dr. Morgan]

Both the boys.

[Nurse Parish]

Both?

[Dr. Lindsay]

Both the boys were unconscious after the smash and couldn't tell them anything. By all accounts, it was quite a praying.

[Nurse Parish]

I didn't know there was another.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Why would you?

[Mark Ashbury]

He's dead.

[Nurse Parish]

You can stay only five minutes, Mr. Hook. Doctor's orders.

[Mark Ashbury]

I see. How is he?

[Nurse Parish]

He's going to be all right, but he's still a bit groggy from the medication.

[Mark Ashbury]

Can I talk to him?

[Nurse Parish]

Of course. He may be a little slow in understanding you and answering.

[Mark Ashbury]

Albie. Albie, it's dad.

[Albie Hook]

Dad.

[Dr. Morgan]

Alvi.

[Mark Ashbury]

Can you hear me all right?

[Albie Hook]

Dad.

[Mark Ashbury]

They tell me you're going to be all right, son.

[Albie Hook]

Oh, dad. I'm glad you came.

[Mark Ashbury]

Of course I came. I came as soon as I heard. But it took him a little time to find me. That's why I'm business.

[Albie Hook]

It wasn't my fault, D. I tried to stop him.

[Mark Ashbury]

Don't worry about it now.

[Albie Hook]

It's Mark. I shouldn't have let him drive at all. But he kept nagging at me. I'd never have a smash like that. You always told me to be careful, dad, but I always have been. But Mark wanted to find out what the car would do. He was like a crazy man. We must have been doing about 80 hours yelling at him to slow down. We saw this car coming and it wouldn't move over. Mark was playing chicken with it. He wanted to faucet to pull over for us. He stuck to the middle of the road until the last second. Then he lost control.

[Mark Ashbury]

Oh, that doesn't match.

[Albie Hook]

I could see we were skidding off the road. Then something hit me. I must have been thrown forward and I headed the dash.

[Mr. Hook]

I wonder.

[Mark Ashbury]

He went kill for.

[Albie Hook]

Well, the seat belts. You remember the seat belt you had fit of?

[Mark Ashbury]

Dad seatbelt. They fought you yards away from the car.

[Albie Hook]

I came to after the smash. My first thought was to get out in case it caught fire.

[Mark Ashbury]

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

[Albie Hook]

I couldn't do anything for Mark. I saw that he was a terrible mess behind the wheel. I got the seat belt undone. The door was open. I sort of fell out of the car and took a couple of pieces.

[Dr. Morgan]

And.

[Albie Hook]

That'S all I can remember.

[Mark Ashbury]

I'm thankful you're alive, son.

[Albie Hook]

Mark's dead, isn't he, Albert? They won't tell me. Nobody will tell me. So he must be dead.

[Mark Ashbury]

Yes. Mark is dead, Dad.

[Albie Hook]

I tried to save. I tried to.

[Mark Ashbury]

Dad. I know, I know.

[Dr. Lindsay]

It was his own fault.

[Mark Ashbury]

Miracle is he didn't kill you as well.

[Albie Hook]

You've always told me to be careful, Dad. I wouldn't do a thing like that.

[Dr. Morgan]

No.

[Albie Hook]

You know, I've always been interested in engines and souping them up and all that, but it was just fun. I never liked driving fast.

[Mark Ashbury]

Don't worry, son. I know how things were and everything's going to be all right now. We'll have you out of here and home again in no time.

[Albie Hook]

How's Mom?

[Mark Ashbury]

Well, naturally she's worried about you. But I made a stay home. She was too upset to come tonight. I'm glad I'll be able to tell her you're all right.

[Albie Hook]

Oh, yes, dad. You tell her not to worry.

[Dr. Morgan]

I will.

[Mark Ashbury]

Now, you've got to rest. It will again. I've got to go and see the chief surgeon about you, okay? Okay, dad.

[Albie Hook]

See you later, huh?

[Mark Ashbury]

See you later, Alfie.

[Nurse Parish]

Been waiting long, Bar? I just couldn't get away any earlier.

[Dr. Lindsay]

I'll think nothing of it. Leap aboard the Chariot.

[Nurse Parish]

Oh, I had to wait till I was relieved. Dr. Morgan still wants somebody to stay with Albie Hook. Is that a bad shock, that kid? It's a shame.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Well, they shouldn't have been rocketing around in that souped up bomb of his.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Oh, it wasn't a bomb.

[Nurse Parish]

It's a practically new car. Yes, they've been tinkering with the engine, I believe. We like to tune up engines or whatever it is boys like to do with engines.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Must have wanted to get more speed out of us.

[Dr. Morgan]

More mileage.

[Nurse Parish]

Strange, really. Father says he's always been a careful driver. That he didn't like driving fast.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Well, if that's so, then.

[Nurse Parish]

Well, the other boy was driving when they crashed.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Oh, I see.

[Nurse Parish]

Crashed against the steering column.

[Dr. Lindsay]

It's funny that.

[Nurse Parish]

Funny, yes.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Often as not, the steering wheel helps.

[Mr. Hook]

To save the driver in a smash.

[Dr. Lindsay]

The seat beside him is called the death seat. So many passengers are killed, you see. They get flung through the windscreen, all sorts of things.

[Nurse Parish]

Alvy said the seat belt saved him.

[Mark Ashbury]

Seatbelt.

[Dr. Lindsay]

He must have been a careful driver to wear a seatbelt. You don't find A lot of kids bothering about seatbelts.

[Nurse Parish]

Well, you should. If everybody worried about wearing a seatbelt, driving would be a lot safer.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Oh, you don't have to lecture me.

[Nurse Parish]

You.

[Dr. Lindsay]

I've had belts on this car for ages, but I don't notice you ever using yours.

[Nurse Parish]

You do now.

[Dr. Morgan]

There.

[Nurse Parish]

Now you can prang the car anytime you like.

[Dr. Morgan]

Thanks.

[Dr. Lindsay]

We may as well get going. Oh, hello. There's Doc Morgan.

[Mr. Hook]

Do you want a lift?

[Dr. Morgan]

Dock. Oh, hello, Doctor.

[Mr. Hook]

Did I hear you crossing me?

[Dr. Lindsay]

I didn't notice your car its usual place?

[Mr. Hook]

No, it's all right. I left it at the garage.

[Dr. Morgan]

They're bringing it over.

[Mr. Hook]

By the way, do you know where Elder Avenue is?

[Dr. Morgan]

Elder Avenue?

[Mark Ashbury]

Oh, sure.

[Dr. Lindsay]

It's at the north end, turned down Grover Street. It runs off that a couple of blocks down, I think.

[Dr. Morgan]

Oh, fine.

[Mr. Hook]

I'm going out to see Mrs. Ashbury.

[Dr. Morgan]

The mother of the boy who was killed.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Oh, yes, it may have been his.

[Mr. Hook]

Fault that there was a smash. But she's a widow and I imagine the offer of a helping hand would.

[Dr. Morgan]

And go. Miss.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Yes, good idea.

[Dr. Morgan]

Document. Hmm. Very interesting.

[Mr. Hook]

A nice little lathe. He must have been very keen on metalworking, Mrs. Ashbury.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Yes, he was. Most of his spare time was spent in this workshop, doctor. Sometimes I had a job getting him out of it for meals even.

[Mr. Hook]

What sort of things did he make?

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Oh, models of engines, things like that. Beautiful they were too. Worked marvelously.

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[Mrs. Ashbury]

Never made anything that didn't work properly.

[Mr. Hook]

Well, I must say, it doesn't sound like the kind of lad who. But then it's very difficult to know.

[Dr. Morgan]

Your children really well.

[Mr. Hook]

And at his age, there's often the urge to let off steam in one way or another.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

I still can't believe he's gone.

[Dr. Morgan]

It's you.

[Mr. Hook]

You must let me give you something to take, Mrs. Ashbury.

[Dr. Morgan]

A sedative. I'm all right. I don't need anything. Oh, what's this? What?

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Oh, that. Well, strangely enough, that's something he was fixing for Albie Hook. It was something for the car. He was making it. Actually, he was very good like that. Mark was. He was always doing something for one of his friends. They'd come to him with all kinds of gadgets that needed fixing.

[Mr. Hook]

This looks like a buckle of some kind.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Yes, he made it himself. It was to replace one in the car. It's for a seat belt or something, he told me.

[Dr. Morgan]

A seat belt? Oh, yes. Yes, that's what it looks like.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Certainly Alby won't be needing it now.

[Mr. Hook]

No.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

It was good of you to call and see me, Doctor.

[Mr. Hook]

Now, you're sure there's nothing I can do?

[Mrs. Ashbury]

I'll be all right. I have friends, you know. They're doing all they can. All anybody can do. Nobody can bring Mark back to me, can they?

[Dr. Morgan]

Yes, that's right, Mr. Hook.

[Dr. Lindsay]

If Dr. Morgan asked me to give you a ring.

[Mark Ashbury]

Well, thanks very much, Doctor. I don't mind telling you his mother and I would be glad to get Alby home again.

[Dr. Lindsay]

I'm sure you will. Actually, he could go out tonight, but I think it'll be best to leave it till the morning.

[Mark Ashbury]

Oh, yes, yes, by all means. Another night in the hospital won't do him any harm.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Right. Er, then what time will you be in for him?

[Mark Ashbury]

Oh, say about 10:00.

[Dr. Lindsay]

10:00. Fine. I'll leave a night for the day. St.

[Mark Ashbury]

Thank you, Doctor.

[Mr. Hook]

Good night.

[Dr. Morgan]

Good night.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Yes, honey?

[Nurse Parish]

Pathology reports on your desk.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Yes, they're there somewhere.

[Nurse Parish]

Finished with them?

[Dr. Morgan]

Mm.

[Dr. Lindsay]

They're all yours.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Good.

[Nurse Parish]

I'll take them down then. Oh, by the way, about our trip to Craggy Mountain.

[Dr. Morgan]

What trip?

[Nurse Parish]

You were going to drive me out to see Sylvia's new baby one day.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Sylvia?

[Nurse Parish]

Oh, Sylvia Blaine. You remember?

[Dr. Lindsay]

No, never mind. If I was dumb enough to let myself in for a chore like that, it's no wonder I don't remember.

[Nurse Parish]

How about tomorrow?

[Dr. Lindsay]

No, no can do. Can we leave it till next week?

[Nurse Parish]

When? Next week.

[Mr. Hook]

Oh, for pity sake.

[Nurse Parish]

Well, you've been going to drive me out for weeks now. Let's make it definite.

[Mrs. Ashbury]

Tuesday.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Okay, Next Tuesday.

[Nurse Parish]

We can make a day of it. I'll fix a picnic lunch and we can drive to the top of the mountain and have it there.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Oh, I bet that sounds better than gooing over some ugly baby.

[Mark Ashbury]

Okay.

[Dr. Lindsay]

It's a D.

[Nurse Parish]

There. That looks like the lot. All set?

[Mark Ashbury]

I am. You are?

[Dr. Lindsay]

Oh, boy, this was some meal you dished up.

[Nurse Parish]

Just a second. Bart, open the door.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Will you?

[Nurse Parish]

You've jammed the end of the seat belt in it. I can't move the handle inside.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Just a second, then.

[Dr. Morgan]

Oh, that's better.

[Nurse Parish]

Oh, while you're here, show me how this buckle works, will you? When I used that the last time, it came undone.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Oh, it's perfectly simple. Buckle Seat belts are foolproof. Even idiots can work them easily.

[Nurse Parish]

Yes. You sound as though you're selling them.

[Dr. Lindsay]

No, I don't sell them. Although maybe you have it.

[Dr. Morgan]

I say, what seat belt?

[Dr. Lindsay]

Now, why didn't I think of that before?

[Nurse Parish]

Yes, I wonder what's the matter with you.

[Dr. Morgan]

I don't know.

[Dr. Lindsay]

I just had a wild thought. Something Doc Morgan mentioned to me.

[Mr. Hook]

What about?

[Dr. Lindsay]

About that kid, Albie Hook, the one who had the car crash. And the other boy.

[Nurse Parish]

Oh, I'll be hooked. For heaven's sake. He was discharged from the hospital last week.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Come on, let's get this fixed. I want to get back to town in a hurry.

[Dr. Morgan]

There's something I want to check on. They found it. They did?

[Mr. Hook]

We were lucky. The wreck had been taken to some.

[Dr. Morgan]

Wrecker'S yard, but was still pretty much as it was after the crash.

[Dr. Lindsay]

My first contact with the police. They said they didn't think there was much hope of checking on a thing like that. Now, what did they find out?

[Dr. Morgan]

That you were right.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Who are you ringing now?

[Dr. Morgan]

The boy's father, of course.

[Mr. Hook]

This is something that needs checking on. Sister, would you give me the home of Mr. Arthur Hook, please? You'll find the number on an old card referring to Albert Hook, who was discharged last week. Or you can look it up in the book. Shouldn't be hard to find.

[Dr. Morgan]

Right.

[Dr. Lindsay]

What are you going to say to him, Doc?

[Dr. Morgan]

Just what we know, isn't it?

[Dr. Lindsay]

Beating the gun a little.

[Dr. Morgan]

How do you mean?

[Dr. Lindsay]

He won't like what you're implying. You know he thinks the light shines.

[Mark Ashbury]

Out of that boy.

[Dr. Morgan]

I know.

[Mr. Hook]

But Then perhaps we have just one more case of a spoiled brat leading his father by the nose. Happens all the time these days.

[Dr. Lindsay]

Yes, but you mightn't find the father too easy to convince.

[Mr. Hook]

I'll take a chance on that.

[Dr. Morgan]

Dr. Morgan. Oh, yes. Thank you, Sister.

[Mr. Hook]

Hello, this is Dr. Morgan of the Central Hospital. Is that Mrs. Hook? Oh, I wonder, could I speak to your husband, Mrs. Hook?

[Dr. Morgan]

Oh, I see.

[Mr. Hook]

What time do you expect him back?

[Dr. Morgan]

He's what?

[Mr. Hook]

Oh, well, I'm sorry, Mrs. Hook, but this could be rather urgent. What time does the plane leave?

[Dr. Morgan]

I see.

[Mr. Hook]

Well, thank you. I beg your pardon? No, no. No message.

[Dr. Morgan]

Thanks.

[Mr. Hook]

As a matter of fact, I may just take a run out to the airport. I can probably catch him there. Thank you. I'm sorry to troubled you.

[Dr. Morgan]

Good night.

[Dr. Lindsay]

What was all that?

[Mr. Hook]

Book is on his way to the airport. He's taking his darling son on a holiday for a month.

[Dr. Lindsay]

That's a long time to wait.

[Dr. Morgan]

Too long.

[Mr. Hook]

That's why I'm driving straight to the airport now. I'll be back as soon as I can.

[Mark Ashbury]

Well, be long now. Oh, come and sit down, sir. Don't give us a call when it's time to board the plane.

[Albie Hook]

No, I'm okay, dad. It's good to stay on my feet a bit. I'll be sitting a fair while in the plane.

[Dr. Morgan]

You don't want to overdo it, you know.

[Mark Ashbury]

You better been out of bed a few days.

[Albie Hook]

Hello?

[Dr. Morgan]

H. What?

[Albie Hook]

Where's that doctor from the hospital? I wonder what he's doing here.

[Dr. Morgan]

Doctor? Where?

[Mark Ashbury]

Oh, yes, yes, I see him. He's coming over here. Perhaps he's on his way somewhere, too. Might even be on our aircraft. That'll be quite a coincidence.

[Albie Hook]

I've had enough of doctors for a while. I don't want to talk to him.

[Mark Ashbury]

Oh, no, no. That's not very sociable, Alb.

[Dr. Morgan]

Hello there, Doctor.

[Mark Ashbury]

Fancy meeting you here.

[Dr. Morgan]

Well, it's not as much of a coincidence as you may be thinking, Mr. Hook.

[Mr. Hook]

I came especially to see you. See us? Your wife told me you were taking.

[Dr. Morgan]

Your son on a trip tonight. I particularly wanted to see you before you left.

[Mark Ashbury]

What can be as urgent as ever.

[Mr. Hook]

A matter of culpable negligence, perhaps, and manslaughter.

[Dr. Morgan]

Culpable?

[Mark Ashbury]

Are you feeling all right, doctor?

[Mr. Hook]

Mr. Hook, suppose I tell you that the police have made an interesting discovery about the accident your son was in. Well, it doesn't make sense, but it does to me.

[Mark Ashbury]

Now, look here, Doctor. I can't think why you come rushing out to the airport like this. But I'm not too pleased about it.

[Dr. Morgan]

I can tell you.

[Mark Ashbury]

I don't want al be upset. I can understand.

[Mr. Hook]

Understand how you feel. But then you're under the impression that the other boy was driving your son's car that night, aren't you?

[Mark Ashbury]

Certainly I am, because that's how it was. Everybody knows that.

[Mr. Hook]

Your son doesn't.

[Dr. Morgan]

Do you, Elvie?

[Mr. Hook]

Why, in fact, you know perfectly well that Mark Ashbury wasn't driving the car.

[Dr. Morgan]

Because you were driving.

[Mark Ashbury]

Now, look. Here you are, Dr. Morgan.

[Mr. Hook]

I'm asking your son a question, Mr. Hook. Let him answer.

[Mark Ashbury]

It's not fair to the man. You of all people should know that.

[Mr. Hook]

I said let him answer.

[Dr. Morgan]

Answer, El.

[Albie Hook]

I don't know what you're talking about. Mark was driving the car.

[Mr. Hook]

There now, you. He couldn't have received the injuries that killed him if he had been behind the wheel.

[Mark Ashbury]

Now, wake up. If that's so, how is it that it's mentioned only now? It's weeks since the accident was overlooked.

[Mr. Hook]

At the time the police surgeon made his report, it was only by chance that a diligent police officer going over the report. Noticed something which raised the matter again.

[Mark Ashbury]

But that's incredible.

[Dr. Morgan]

Listen.

[Mr. Hook]

Your son was driving, and he was the cause of the crash.

[Dr. Morgan]

After the crash, he had a moment of consciousness.

[Mr. Hook]

And because he has a cunning, egocentric brain, he saw at once that he would be blamed. And he managed to summon the strength to move Mark Ashbury's dead body into the driving seat. Before he himself staggered away from the car.

[Mark Ashbury]

That's not true. It's a pack of lights. Tell him he's a liar. Go on, son. Tell him. No, you're not. You're not. All those things he said. You're a good boy. You've always been a good boy. You wouldn't do anything to make me and your mother ashamed. I know that. Ever since you were a toddler. You were a son we could be proud of.

[Albie Hook]

Shut up, dad, will you?

[Dr. Morgan]

What?

[Albie Hook]

Can't you ever talk about anything except how good I was when I was a kid? Look, it makes me sick.

[Mark Ashbury]

Help me. What are you saying?

[Mr. Hook]

I think he's trying to say that I. Telling the truth, Mr. Hook.

[Dr. Morgan]

No.

[Mark Ashbury]

No, that isn't true.

[Albie Hook]

No, of course it's true. He knows that. Look, what's the matter with you? I'm sick of the whole thing. Yes, I was driving the car. Yes, I framed it. So what? It was my car, wasn't it?

[Mark Ashbury]

You killed that boy.

[Albie Hook]

He didn't have to ride with me if he didn't want to. He could have taken Monster.

[Dr. Morgan]

You little animal.

[Mr. Hook]

You could have gone with him to the police station.

[Dr. Morgan]

Mr. Hook.

[Mark Ashbury]

I just wish the police had found out about the other boy's injuries sooner than this. They should have.

[Dr. Morgan]

That wasn't possible.

[Mr. Hook]

You see, the injuries to Mark Ashbury don't prove anything.

[Dr. Morgan]

Huh?

[Mr. Hook]

I made it up. I had to say something to force Alby into confessing.

[Dr. Morgan]

Awesome. But if it isn't true.

[Mr. Hook]

It's true that he was driving the car, Mr. Hook. Only I couldn't prove it.

[Mark Ashbury]

Well, how the devil could you say it's true?

[Mr. Hook]

You told me the first time you.

[Dr. Morgan]

Came to the hospital.

[Mr. Hook]

You told me that Alby had said the seat belt in the front passenger seat of the car saved his life.

[Mark Ashbury]

Yes, that's right.

[Mr. Hook]

My assistant, Dr. Lindsay, reminded me of that. I'd forgotten. You see, I learned that Mark Ashbury had been making a new seat belt buckle for your son's car. We checked with the police, and they told us that the only faulty seat belt buckle in the car was the one Elvie had said saved his life.

[Dr. Morgan]

That means he couldn't have used a belt. He was lying to me.

[Mr. Hook]

Yes. And I asked myself why he would lie about that if he told the.

[Dr. Morgan]

Truth about everything else.

[Mr. Hook]

And to me, the only answer was that he had good reason to lie because he was responsible for the death of Mark Ashton.

[Dr. Morgan]

3.

[Mr. Hook]

A casualty ward is like a great theater, but the players are drawn from real life. And not every story has a happy ending. So much depends on the night surgeon.

[Dr. Lindsay]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

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