Pat Novak for Hire 47-11-30 (67) Death in Herald Square

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Pat Novak for Hire 47-11-30 (67) Death in Herald Square"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Pat Novak for Hire 47-11-30 (67) Death in Herald Square
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with classic radio shows, including beloved series like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. This episode features the detective saga of Pat Novak navigating the murky waters of mystery and betrayal.

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Introduction

"Death in Herald Square," the 67th episode of Pat Novak for Hire, plunges listeners into a labyrinthine tale of deceit, betrayal, and murder set against the backdrop of San Francisco's waterfront. As Pat Novak, a hard-boiled private investigator, tackles a seemingly straightforward job, he soon finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue that challenges his wits and survival skills.

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Plot Overview

The episode begins with Pat Novak receiving a cryptic job offer from Joe Adams, who hires him to watch over his apartment at Pier 19 while he attends to urgent matters. Skeptical of Adams' hurried demeanor, Novak takes the job, anticipating standard surveillance duties. However, the situation quickly escalates when Novak discovers signs of forced entry and navigates through a house laden with mystery and hidden agendas.

As Novak delves deeper, he encounters Inspector Hellman, whose suspicion adds tension to the unfolding drama. The plot thickens with references to the unsolved murder of Thomas Van Dyke, a prominent figure in show business whose death remains a mystery. Novak's investigation leads him to a mysterious book, Death in Herald Square, which holds critical clues to the case.

The narrative weaves through interactions with enigmatic characters like Dodo Sandberg and Pete Crowley, each adding layers to the mystery. Ultimately, Novak uncovers the truth about the Van Dyke murder, exposing a conspiracy that ties together all the involved parties.

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Key Characters and Interactions

Pat Novak

• Role: Protagonist, private investigator.
• Characterization: Cynical, street-smart, resourceful.
• Notable Quote:
  [00:24] Pat Novak: "Sure, I'm Pat Novak for hire. Down on the San Francisco waterfront. The only use they have for sentiment is to pick your pocket while you're saluting the flag."

Joe Adams

• Role: Client, mysterious employer.
• Characterization: Rushed, secretive, possibly deceptive.
• Notable Quote:
  [01:20] Joe Adams: "Now, Vac, this is a soft buck. All you gotta do is watch a joint."

Inspector Hellman

• Role: Police inspector, antagonist.
• Characterization: Suspicious, relentless, authoritative.
• Notable Quote:
  [04:13] Inspector Hellman: "If you shoot, you'll hit a policeman's badge."

Dodo Sandberg

• Role: Femme fatale, key informant.
• Characterization: Alluring, manipulative, cryptic.
• Notable Quote:
  [09:33] Dodo Sandberg: "Didn't I meet you in Scarsdale? The shy type I used to be. I outgrew it."

Pete Crowley

• Role: Antagonist, enforcer.
• Characterization: Intimidating, violent, cunning.
• Notable Quote:
  [12:01] Pete Crowley: "You could do better than that."

Jocko Madigan

• Role: Ex-doctor, alcohol-addicted confidant.
• Characterization: Gruff, sarcastic, loyal.
• Notable Quote:
  [14:27] Jocko Madigan: "Catchy, my boy. I'm glad to see you."

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Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

The Initial Meeting at Pier 19

Timestamp: [00:24]-[02:34]

Pat Novak is approached by Joe Adams to watch his apartment. Their terse conversation sets the tone for the unfolding mystery, highlighting Adams' urgency and Novak's skepticism.

• Novak: "If you keep driving through red lights like that, we'll both end up looking at the ceiling of the morgue."
  [01:23]

• Adams: "I lost my key, so I had to bust in the door to get into my place."
  [01:32]

Discovery in Adams' Apartment

Timestamp: [02:46]-[05:06]

Novak inspects the apartment, uncovering clues that suggest deeper layers to Adams' request. He finds a book titled Reckless Moonlight, hinting at a connection to unsolved murders.

• Novak: "He looks like a good man to know more about, and fast."
  [04:56]

Confrontation with Inspector Hellman

Timestamp: [04:15]-[08:02]

Inspector Hellman interrogates Novak, suspecting foul play and Novak's intentions. The tension between them escalates, revealing Hellman's distrust and determination.

• Hellman: "Where you came from, they didn't have doors, just a damp rock. What's the idea of turning out the lights?"
  [04:32]

• Novak: "Don't worry. You can't parlay it into anything to tell a judge."
  [04:28]

Encounter with Dodo Sandberg

Timestamp: [09:33]-[21:24]

Dodo Sandberg enters the narrative, providing Novak with cryptic information about the book and Adams. Their interaction is laced with double entendres and veiled threats.

• Dodo: "I like the books you choose before."
  [09:43]

• Novak: "You were looking for Adams, weren't you?"
  [26:47]

Climactic Showdown at the Beach

Timestamp: [26:07]-[29:58]

The final confrontation occurs at a foggy beach where Pete Crowley reveals his true intentions. A tense shootout ensues, leading to the unraveling of the conspiracy behind Van Dyke's murder.

• Crowley: "I killed him. Just as I'll kill you if you got any fancy ideas."
  [26:56]

• Novak: "That negligee at Dodo's only left one thing to wonder about. That was how she kept warm."
  [28:36]

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Themes and Insights

Betrayal and Deception:
The episode masterfully explores themes of trust and betrayal. Joe Adams' sudden urgency, Inspector Hellman's suspicion, and Dodo Sandberg's manipulative charm all contribute to a narrative rife with deceit.

Moral Ambiguity:
Pat Novak operates in a morally gray area, balancing his survival instincts with a desire for justice. His interactions reflect the complexities of navigating a corrupt environment where allies are few, and enemies are omnipresent.

The Quest for Truth:
Novak's relentless pursuit of the truth behind Van Dyke's murder serves as a central motif. The missing pages of the book and the interconnectedness of the characters underscore the elusive nature of truth in a web of lies.

Isolation and Loneliness:
Despite being surrounded by various characters, Novak often finds himself isolated, highlighting the loneliness inherent in his profession and the solitary journey of a private detective.

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Conclusion

"Death in Herald Square" stands out as a quintessential episode of Pat Novak for Hire, encapsulating the essence of Golden Age radio dramas. Through intricate plotting, compelling characters, and sharp dialogue, the episode delivers a gripping narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. Pat Novak's adventure is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio storytelling, blending suspense, mystery, and character-driven drama into a seamless auditory experience.

Listeners who delve into this episode will appreciate the rich tapestry of interactions and the nuanced portrayal of a detective navigating treacherous waters. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Harold's Old Time Radio, "Pat Novak for Hire 47-11-30 (67) Death in Herald Square" offers a captivating journey into the heart of radio's golden era.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [01:23] Pat Novak: "If you keep driving through red lights like that, we'll both end up looking at the ceiling of the morgue."
• [04:13] Inspector Hellman: "If you shoot, you'll hit a policeman's badge."
• [09:43] Dodo Sandberg: "I like the books you choose before."
• [12:01] Pete Crowley: "You could do better than that."
• [26:56] Pete Crowley: "I killed him. Just as I'll kill you if you got any fancy ideas."

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Final Thoughts:

"Death in Herald Square" exemplifies the intricate storytelling and character development that made Golden Age radio shows a staple of family entertainment. Through Pat Novak's discerning eyes, listeners are transported to a bygone era where every shadow hides a secret, and every conversation could be a clue. This episode not only entertains but also invites reflection on the timeless dance between truth and deception.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The American Broadcasting Company presents Fat Novak for hire.

[Pat Novak]

Sure, I'm Pat Novak for hire. Down on the San Francisco waterfront. The only use they have for sentiment is to pick your pocket while you're saluting the flag. If you hang out around there as long as I have, you'll even learn to sleep with one hand on the cash box. So I wasn't expecting any cascade of lilies when Joe Adams drove down to Pier 19. He'd phoned that he was in a hurry and would stop by and pick me up in his car. He'd said he had a quick job for me to do. That was about all I knew about him. I wasn't worried about that either. In my work you get used to odd shaped hires. Including those from guys who look like a bundle of twigs with shoes on and drove like they owned the keys to the city.

[Joe Adams]

Now, Vac, this is a soft buck. All you gotta do is watch a joint.

[Pat Novak]

If you keep driving through red lights like that, we'll both end up looking at the ceiling of the morgue.

[Joe Adams]

So I disagree with the traffic department. Look, the joints in North Beach, Vallejo Street.

[Pat Novak]

Here's the number. I wrote it down so you can read and write. What do you mean? What's the pitch? You afraid of mice? No.

[Joe Adams]

And there's no extra cards in this deck.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, so far it makes about as much sense as an eight fingered glove.

[Joe Adams]

Look, I have to meet a guy in Los Angeles. I have much time to make my plane. I lost my key, so I had to bust in the door to get into my place.

[Pat Novak]

It was too late to get a.

[Joe Adams]

Locksmith, so I want you to watch till I get back tomorrow. Is that hard?

[Pat Novak]

The way you're driving, breathing's hard. You scare easy. I scare plenty. I like to live. Give me a good reason. You wouldn't understand. You expect visitors tonight?

[Joe Adams]

Look, I've got some stuff there I'd like to see around when I get back. And stop trying to read between the lines in a steel. It's all in the black Titan.

[Pat Novak]

You can say that about a funeral speech.

[Joe Adams]

You still worried about the way I drive?

[Inspector Hellman]

No.

[Pat Novak]

Only why take a plane when this is faster?

[Jocko Madigan]

Okay.

[Joe Adams]

If you can stop shaking long enough to walk, you can start here.

[Pat Novak]

On the way back, I'll look for your brains.

[Joe Adams]

Grab a cab. I'll pick up the check for it. And don't knock. Or right in. I'll be seeing you.

[Pat Novak]

Probably in four pieces.

[Joe Adams]

And keep awake, will you? Some of my neighbors would steal the handle off a blind man's Cup.

[Pat Novak]

Don't worry, I'll keep both eyes open.

[Joe Adams]

You sound like you're saying one thing and thinking something else.

[Pat Novak]

About keeping awake.

[Jocko Madigan]

Yeah.

[Joe Adams]

What's worrying you, Ghost?

[Pat Novak]

I'm not buying the show the way you're staging it. Something sour in the deal? Yeah, that's all right too. Just as long as you don't get any fancy ideas of making me to patsy. Boy, you do scare easy. Yeah, and I pay off bum debts too.

[Joe Adams]

Now I'm getting scared.

[Pat Novak]

So long, sucker. Adam's joy turns out to be one of those walk up flats. A nice wooden place that made you want to run for the firebox every time someone dropped a cigarette ash on the floor. The door was smashed around the lock, all right. And the lights were out. And I found the switch and began to look around. It showed four rooms full of fancy furniture and decorations that made you wonder about Adam's private life. After I found out where the whiskey was located and pried three cushions loose from the easy chair, I looked around for something to do. There was a bookcase full of mystery stories and this and that. I passed the mysteries up without studying them. I knew that in every one of them the detective would come out on top. Yet I knew four private eyes who'd started out on just such trails and ended up in urns in Cypress Lawn. There was one book with a purple cover called Reckless moonlight. With pictures. I was on page 30 with pictures when I was interrupted. They were too manly to make me glad. I jumped across the room and switched off the lights. And I stood just inside the door and waited. He didn't even knock. He came right in from the back. He looked big enough to be a 10 ton trailer. He was fumbling in his pocket when I broke up the act. I chill up on the pocket pick. And this is a gun in your back.

[Inspector Hellman]

If you shoot, you'll hit a policeman's badge.

[Pat Novak]

Think that over there's house breaking a sideline? With you, Hellman, I'd know that. Voice in a nightmare they blame gangsters for the crime wave. They don't know where to.

[Inspector Hellman]

Just stand still, sweetheart, till I get my flash working.

[Pat Novak]

You want to borrow some burglar tools?

[Inspector Hellman]

I'll settle for some better manners. And right now.

[Pat Novak]

Where I come from, better manners started with knocking. Before you come cramming through a door.

[Inspector Hellman]

Where you came from, they didn't have doors, just a damp rock. What's the idea of turning out the lights?

[Pat Novak]

How could I tell who was coming? You don't smell that bad.

[Inspector Hellman]

Will you tell Me why you're here or do I bounce it out of you?

[Pat Novak]

Don't worry. You can't parlay it into anything to tell a judge. Guy named Adams lives here. He had to get in in a hurry. Broke the lock, grabbed some things and headed for the airport. He hired me to watch the place till he gets back tomorrow.

[Inspector Hellman]

He hired a bulldog to watch his steak.

[Pat Novak]

You don't like this story, huh? What do you want, mad musicians?

[Inspector Hellman]

You're mad enough without music. Tell me more.

[Pat Novak]

That's all there is till you started whipping in the fancy trimmings. I could see that.

[Inspector Hellman]

And raise it without even stringing.

[Pat Novak]

You couldn't raise a rumpus on New Year's Eve.

[Inspector Hellman]

No. And how about the murder of Thomas Van.

[Pat Novak]

I must have looked surprised. Hellman was pleased and mysterious. He kept prowling around the house, looking at books up on shelves and behind the furniture. Like he expected to find Van Dyke's body there. In the meantime, he filled me in on the case. Van Dyke had been a heavy money operator in show business, sports promotions and such. He ran around with a mink and diamond crowd and did enough charity work on the side to build up a reputation for being a pillar of the community. Everyone was surprised when he turned up dead, including the police. Someone had shot him without leaving any signature on the job. The case had remained unsolved for almost a year. Of course, at the speed Hellman thought, he might have just found out about it. Now he was passing out hints. The thing had grown hot again.

[Inspector Hellman]

I was checking through the evidence and file. I ran across something with Miss.

[Pat Novak]

A grand piano, some stuff in a diary.

[Inspector Hellman]

Have you been messing around in these books?

[Pat Novak]

Is that why you're here? To borrow a book?

[Inspector Hellman]

The diary didn't make any sense at the time of the death. But we turned up a vag the other day who worked with Van Dyke and some of his underground connections.

[Pat Novak]

And now Van Dyke's the king of the thieves.

[Inspector Hellman]

Something like that. I put together the stuff this vag told us with some of the things in the diary. And it began to look like pay dirt. There's a book missing.

[Pat Novak]

The Rover Boys. It's over your head, Hellman.

[Inspector Hellman]

Death in Herald Square, it's called. And don't play that innocent routine too hard or you'll tire it out.

[Pat Novak]

You're making about as much sense as a pig in a candy store.

[Inspector Hellman]

The vagtie this address into one of the clues. How do you like them apples?

[Pat Novak]

I wouldn't buy them a 10 cents a crate. Look, bright eyes.

[Inspector Hellman]

I Don't like waterfront punks sticking their guns in my back in the dark. I don't like you messing in this racket.

[Pat Novak]

Are you unhappy? Nervous? Run down?

[Inspector Hellman]

I want you to keep your nose out of this scamper, Novak. And if you think that's just a lot of breath, try me.

[Pat Novak]

Why should I leave this house? Just because you're having a nervous decline.

[Inspector Hellman]

Don't think I'm buying that routine about some guy hiring you to watch his clothes while they went flying. You got a lead in this murder and you're trying to track it down.

[Pat Novak]

How much is the reward again?

[Inspector Hellman]

$10,000. Who said anything about a reward?

[Pat Novak]

So that's why you're nervous.

[Inspector Hellman]

Keep out of this, Novak.

[Joe Adams]

I'm warning you.

[Pat Novak]

You're hot for the payoff. I should have known you wouldn't get up off your fat.

[Inspector Hellman]

I'm giving you one more chance to get out, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

I was hired to do a job, Hellman, remember?

[Inspector Hellman]

All right, wise guy. Come on. Open the closet.

[Pat Novak]

Your nose is itching. Open it yourself.

[Inspector Hellman]

Okay, Novak. See any men's clothes in there?

[Pat Novak]

Not in this year's style.

[Inspector Hellman]

Snap it up, Novak. Haven't you remembered by now that Joe Adams was a girl?

[Pat Novak]

All right, so the guy dealt me a joker. I don't mean I'm trying to crash your party.

[Inspector Hellman]

The dam lives here is named Dodo Sandberg, and she ain't lonely. But you're gonna be, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

And soon, Dodo Sandberg.

[Inspector Hellman]

Maybe she'll come to see you in jail.

[Pat Novak]

You're not booking me, Hellman.

[Inspector Hellman]

I told you to stay out of this, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

You got nothing on me but a nervous twitch because you think I might beat you to that reward.

[Inspector Hellman]

I got nothing on you except housebreaking. Come on down to the station.

[Pat Novak]

Uh, deal me out. You wanna argue?

[Inspector Hellman]

Hey. Hey, who turned out the lights?

[Pat Novak]

I'm gonna like that. Adams or somebody.

[Inspector Hellman]

Stand where you are, Novak.

[Pat Novak]

Sorry, Hellman. I just remembered a date with 10,000 bucks. Hellman chased me, but the way he's built, he didn't have a prayer. He hit the street, doubled around a couple of corners. I couldn't even hear him. When I got back my breath, I walked along for a while and tried to put what I had together. Anyway, I looked at it, one thing was clear. Joe Adams had played me for a country boy in some setup that had a whole lot more in it than showed on the table. I needed to see Adams to square that deal. But something Hellman told me seemed even more important. I liked the idea of trying my Chances of cutting into that ten thousand dollar reward for Van Dyke's death. All I had to work on was a dame called Dodo Sandberg. And a book called Death in Herald Square. I looked at the clock and found I still had time to make it to the main library before it closed for the night. So I headed that way. When I got in the place at the civic center. It took the librarians quite a bit of scrambling around to get the book. But they finally turned it up just before closing time. I tucked it under my arm and started out of the place when the dame fell in step beside me. A nice set of curves tucked away in one of those new style dresses. With so many extra built in bumps it looked like a sack of potatoes.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Didn't I meet you in Scarsdale? The shy type I used to be. I outgrew it.

[Pat Novak]

Keep right on growing somewhere else.

[Dodo Sandberg]

You have to be that way.

[Pat Novak]

My hobbies? Books.

[Dodo Sandberg]

I noticed. That's why I wanted to meet you. I like the books you choose before.

[Pat Novak]

I pick that up. What's your name?

[Dodo Sandberg]

Dodo Sandberg. Watch out for the stairs.

[Pat Novak]

So you're after the book too?

[Dodo Sandberg]

I didn't say that.

[Pat Novak]

I know. It's my fascinating personality.

[Dodo Sandberg]

A very good friend of mine wrote that book.

[Pat Novak]

Does my reading it strain your eyes or something?

[Dodo Sandberg]

That's very interesting. Now let's talk about you.

[Pat Novak]

You get around, don't you?

[Dodo Sandberg]

What do you mean by that?

[Pat Novak]

What became a Joe Adams?

[Dodo Sandberg]

That's a question for his mother to worry about. Patsy.

[Pat Novak]

I don't mind helping her.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Do they have to be mothers?

[Pat Novak]

You need help like Midas needs go.

[Dodo Sandberg]

There's help and help. What if a girl's lonely?

[Pat Novak]

You aren't built for the job. Let's get back to Adams. In the book.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Adams is no problem. He lives at the Standard Hotel on Polk Street.

[Pat Novak]

Careless, isn't he, to forget that?

[Dodo Sandberg]

And how did you suddenly get a yen to read Death in Herald Square?

[Pat Novak]

A cop told me about it. Why?

[Dodo Sandberg]

Because there's a better book on the same subject. It's called Death Waits Ahead.

[Pat Novak]

Am I supposed to turn that into some kind of warning?

[Dodo Sandberg]

It could be. And here's a sample of what I.

[Pat Novak]

She worked fast and smooth as a piston. And it was some kind of judo. I guess. I was too busy falling to be sure. The stairs didn't help any. By the time I picked myself up, she was out of sight. So was that book. I sat there a while and thought about women. And I went back to the library desk. That didn't buy me Anything? Seems they only had one copy of the book. It wasn't popular, they said, and I seemed anxious about getting a copy. They sent me to a bookstore on Third street, which stayed open late. By the time I got there, there was nobody in the place. Except one of the hired help looking bored by the cash register. I asked him for the book and he quit looking bored right away, began to look nervous. He said he didn't have the book, he'd never heard of it, and they were closing anyway. Whatever the guy was, he didn't have a card in the Actors union. I guess Crowley realized that as soon as I did. When I said I'd look around. Anyway, a curtain twitched in the back of the place. And he came out a big guy with a nasty disposition.

[Pete Crowley]

You could do better than that.

[Pat Novak]

Did someone send you to tell me how to live?

[Pete Crowley]

You're looking for death in Herald Square.

[Pat Novak]

The words all over town.

[Pete Crowley]

You are up a be out eating something instead of nosing around where you're not wanted. You ever heard of the prisoner eating a hearty breakfast?

[Pat Novak]

That's a warning. You're third in line.

[Pete Crowley]

Yeah? Who else is interested?

[Pat Novak]

A cop and a dame. You ought to team up and work it into three part harmony.

[Pete Crowley]

When they warned you, they were just trying to act like bad news. When I warn you, it's certified.

[Pat Novak]

You don't look 8ft tall. Put some meat on your skeleton.

[Pete Crowley]

My name is Pete Crowley. Did you ever hear of me?

[Pat Novak]

I must read the wrong funny papers.

[Pete Crowley]

Got connections Wrong.

[Pat Novak]

You can say that about a sewer pipe. Something's making you twitch. Trot it out where I can see it.

[Pete Crowley]

Dodo Sandberg tells me you got your nose up in the air over the Van Dyke killing.

[Pat Novak]

Does that worry you?

[Pete Crowley]

I'm hiding right now in Mexico.

[Pat Novak]

What's the death's head routine for?

[Pete Crowley]

Before you run to the cups of the finger, listen carefully. I picked up Van Dyck's rackets when he dropped them. They pay off very nicely. I like the way they're moving along. I don't want you or any of the eager beavers from the Kearney street station to nose over the apple car.

[Pat Novak]

I came here for a book. You don't look like it.

[Pete Crowley]

Also, I. I don't like anybody bothering Dodo. And that includes sailor salesmen and smart guys looking for a new home.

[Pat Novak]

She doesn't want anybody ringing her bell. Tell her to take the signs out of her windows.

[Pete Crowley]

You look like a fairly bright boy.

[Pat Novak]

Take a tip.

[Pete Crowley]

Fade out of this scramble while you're.

[Pat Novak]

Still mobile and If I don't stick.

[Pete Crowley]

Around and I'll show you my muscles.

[Pat Novak]

I'd rather look at dodos.

[Pete Crowley]

Two of my muscles used to be wrestlers. Think it.

[Pat Novak]

It began to look more and more like trouble. Doubled in spades. I began to get the feeling if I planned to sit in the game anymore it was time to start counting up the cards and seeing how the mirrors were placed. The best guy for that sort of work was an old alcoholic friend of mine called Jocko Madigan. Jocko was a one time doctor around town who gave up his practice when he learned that alcohol made him feel better even when he wasn't sick. Finding him was like taking a phone survey of the downtown bars. I pitched a strike at a fifth one I tried at first he didn't like the idea of moving but when I told him I was phoning from a Third street bar he said he'd hop a cab. He came in while I was working on my second drink.

[Jocko Madigan]

Catchy, my boy. I'm glad to see you.

[Pat Novak]

Both of you.

[Jocko Madigan]

Or is that only two heads?

[Pat Novak]

I could use two.

[Jocko Madigan]

That's an involved way of saying you're in trouble.

[Inspector Hellman]

Goodbye.

[Pat Novak]

Listen Jocko, I got my foot in the door of a deal that might pay off big.

[Jocko Madigan]

All you've got your foot in is a dirty shoe, Patsy. And with your usual luck you'll probably end up with Hellman stepping on it.

[Pat Novak]

He stepped on it already.

[Jocko Madigan]

Oh, he did? Good. How is the old walrus anyway?

[Pat Novak]

That's what I've been trying to tell you. I bounced into him tonight and he was hot on the trail of the men who knocked off Van Dyke a year ago.

[Jocko Madigan]

They're safe. Hellman couldn't put his finger on a fire eater in the darkened room.

[Pat Novak]

What do you know about a book called Death in Herald Square?

[Jocko Madigan]

What do you know about the home life of the Macrocephalus Peny Bombix? As I was saying before thirst choked me off, some people collect seashells, some raise dogs, some go after goldfish or matchbox covers or pretty women. But not Patsy Novak. Oh no, Patsy's different path. He wants to collect murders.

[Pat Novak]

Did you ever hear of the book?

[Jocko Madigan]

What book? You're talking too fast.

[Pat Novak]

Death in Herald Square. Van Dyke's murder ties into it somehow.

[Jocko Madigan]

Talk sense, Patsy. Things are blurred enough without you jabbering nonsense.

[Pat Novak]

Nonsense. I'm not on the right trail. Why have I been warned off three times already including a threat from Pete Crowley?

[Jocko Madigan]

Are you asking me?

[Pat Novak]

Look Jocko, there's 10,000 bucks reward for the murderer.

[Jocko Madigan]

Why didn't you tell me that 10 minutes ago and avoid all this verbiage.

[Pat Novak]

If you'd get your nose out of that whiskey bottle.

[Jocko Madigan]

Just skip the greet, son. Let's get on to the money matters. What do you want me to do?

[Pat Novak]

It's an old book. You know where to find it? I tried the library, but a dame called Dodo grabbed the dice.

[Jocko Madigan]

I know just how to get it. A friend of mine in the Panhandle has a small bookstore and home distillery.

[Pat Novak]

Listen, there's a Joe Adams fits in there somewhere. See what you can get on him, will you?

[Jocko Madigan]

Do go on, you fascinate.

[Pat Novak]

Two other people were nervous about me since the thing broke. One is Crowley and the other is Dodo Sandberg. It seems to be tied to Crowley somehow. Can you get a check on them for me?

[Jocko Madigan]

For $10,000, I can get a count on the fillings in their teeth. Is this Dodo Sandberg pretty?

[Pat Novak]

Why?

[Jocko Madigan]

I want to know where you'll be in case I have to phone. So long, love.

[Pat Novak]

I paid for Jocko's drinks and went out to the Standard Hotel. The room clerk gave me Joe Adams number. He looked a little worried when he told me. But that could have been about a new boss or an old girlfriend. It could have, but it wasn't. Adam's room was on the fourth floor, and when I reached there in the elevator, Hellman almost ran over me trying to get my cage. He was a nice salmon pink and panting like a bloodhound on a deer trail. He had a gun in one fat hand. A mouthful of verbs and adjectives every time I turn a corner. Were you expecting Princess Elizabeth?

[Inspector Hellman]

Where did he go?

[Pat Novak]

You better shift to the overdrive. You're racing your motor.

[Inspector Hellman]

Where's Adams? Novak?

[Pat Novak]

Don't start testing your muscles on me, Hellman. You must think I'm your wife.

[Inspector Hellman]

This ain't Playland, Novak. Adam's just left his room. Where is he?

[Pat Novak]

I'm not in the mood for company, Hellman.

[Inspector Hellman]

You're gonna talk. You're gonna talk plenty.

[Pat Novak]

What's all the pushing around about?

[Inspector Hellman]

Don't pretend you're a country boy. You don't know what's going on.

[Pat Novak]

Back up a bit and fill me in.

[Inspector Hellman]

Adams told me he hired you to knock me off.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah. And you believed it? I know you don't work that way.

[Inspector Hellman]

But I wouldn't put it beyond you to pretend to go along with the proposition. As long as you could milk a few dollars out of Adams.

[Pat Novak]

Well, with your head, it's a wonder you don't believe it.

[Inspector Hellman]

That I did it with my head. I remember that you were written in a darkened apartment with a gun when I came in. That you ran out on me and that you show up now just when Joe Adams is escaping.

[Pat Novak]

You put two and two together and get 22.

[Inspector Hellman]

You're just a sort of a lousy conniving.

[Pat Novak]

What about Adams? Is he that turkey that knocked off Van Dyke?

[Inspector Hellman]

He got away when I started to dial the phone to call the wagon to take. I thought I told you to forget the Van Dyke murder.

[Pat Novak]

You're full of. Tell Hellman is Adams a one.

[Inspector Hellman]

Pin this into your hat, Norvak. I'm closing in on the one who did it. And I don't need you to help.

[Pat Novak]

With a net like you closed in on Adams.

[Inspector Hellman]

Just let me stumble over you once more before I close this up. And I'll bet my badge I'll put you where you'll stand still.

[Pat Novak]

And it could be Adams.

[Inspector Hellman]

You hear what I said?

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, I heard. Prices are going down too, but I haven't noticed it.

[Inspector Hellman]

I can fix that. You're going to a place where the feed is on the house.

[Pat Novak]

Don't give me any more of that jail talk, Hellman, till you're ready to come in with some paper.

[Inspector Hellman]

All I need to put you in a cage is a key.

[Pat Novak]

Let's go.

[Inspector Hellman]

I'll get him.

[Pat Novak]

You stay where you are. Novak. He must think I'm a boy scout. I was screwy. I was. Twice Helmet had tried to jail me and twice someone. Someone had fixed a breakaway. Any way you looked at that, it still meant somebody wanted me in circulation for some reason. Unless you believed in good fairies, a reason wouldn't be nice. If I guessed hard, I could make it relate somehow to the Van Dyke killing. But all I had for a trail on that was three people being nervous in a hard to get mystery book. The way Adam saved me from Hellman, he looked like a good man to know more about, and fast. I knew that after the gun work in the hotel I'd have to find him somewhere else. The only other lead I had on him was through Dodo. I headed back to her place on Vallejo Street. When she opened the door, she looked like something to fit in a fireplace ad she was wearing a negligee thin enough to roll up and stuff in a pipe.

[Dodo Sandberg]

You bounce back fast.

[Pat Novak]

You grow on me.

[Dodo Sandberg]

What are you want?

[Pat Novak]

Van Dyke's murderer.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Who's Van Dyke?

[Pat Novak]

You're a stranger in town, you never heard of him.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Come on in. I'm Having coffee. Think you can risk drinking some? With arsenic and all?

[Pat Novak]

I got a strong stomach.

[Dodo Sandberg]

You're a nice looking guy. You seem healthy. Why do you want to change?

[Pat Novak]

Your boy Adams likes to play tricks. If I didn't try to pay him off for the hot foot he gave me, he might feel neglected.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Adams is just a flock of nerves looking for some place to break down. Forget him.

[Pat Novak]

He tried to put me on a spot where I'd end up killing a cop. The gag laid an egg. Nobody's laughing.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Cream in your coffee?

[Pat Novak]

Yeah. I'm still guessing why he did it. Unless he killed Van Dyke.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Sugar?

[Pat Novak]

Look, he didn't just pick this house out of the phone book. That puts you in line to do some explaining.

[Dodo Sandberg]

I wouldn't explain how to turn over in bed until I've had a cup of coffee.

[Pat Novak]

You aren't shaken where it shows.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Are you telling me how to live?

[Pat Novak]

I'd have to start with the way you say goodbye on stairways. You didn't learn that trick in a finishing school.

[Dodo Sandberg]

It didn't finish you. But that's just because you're adorable.

[Pat Novak]

So's my longing for Adams. Where can I find him?

[Dodo Sandberg]

I told you, Adams don't mean anything. He just acts busy. He's like a fly batting his wings off and ending up in the same place.

[Pat Novak]

What place? Do I twist it out of you?

[Dodo Sandberg]

That book. Destin Herald Square. Did you find another copy?

[Pat Novak]

That's for tomorrow. Tonight it's Adams.

[Dodo Sandberg]

You're wasting your time chasing Adams. Concentrate on the book.

[Pat Novak]

I'm spreading my fire. How do I know that book isn't just a come on to get me off the trail?

[Dodo Sandberg]

In the book, there was a millionaire businessman just like Van Dyke. He had connections in the rackets, just like Van Dyke. He had a partner just like Van Dyke.

[Pat Novak]

When do I start panning?

[Dodo Sandberg]

If you do, it'll be from running from the cops. That's all I'm giving you about the book.

[Pat Novak]

I'll get the rest when I pick one up tomorrow.

[Pete Crowley]

You'll have a tough time doing that, Novak. The bookstores are all out of copy.

[Pat Novak]

You collected them all?

[Pete Crowley]

Wasn't hard. A car, a telephone, little bustling about.

[Pat Novak]

You're real sharp, Crowley, till you start looking at a map.

[Pete Crowley]

I have friends across the bay. You might try Sacramento or Los Angeles. But that would take some time, wouldn't it?

[Pat Novak]

I guess time don't count after tomorrow.

[Pete Crowley]

Not with what you know, sonny boy. Am I being confusing?

[Pat Novak]

You make a good try.

[Pete Crowley]

Well, this won't confuse you. I thought I Told you I didn't like Dodo to be bothered.

[Pat Novak]

She needs protection, like J. Edgar Hoover.

[Pete Crowley]

Didn't I warn you off this caper?

[Dodo Sandberg]

Leave him alone, Crowley. He's harmless. Are you all done in the other room?

[Pete Crowley]

Yeah.

[Dodo Sandberg]

Come on, Novak. I want to make you a little present. There are the books you've been looking for with only a few pages missing.

[Pete Crowley]

Yeah, Novak, you can have them. All 50 of them.

[Dodo Sandberg]

They're a little scarred, baby, but they'd still make a nice gift. Send them to your friends for Christmas.

[Pete Crowley]

If any of them can read.

[Pat Novak]

You sound like you're ringing down a curtain.

[Pete Crowley]

That's right. After tonight, you just keep right on guessing.

[Pat Novak]

About who killed Van Dyke?

[Dodo Sandberg]

No, baby. About how you're gonna prove anything.

[Pete Crowley]

Mind if we sort of run along now? Soon as the lady gets Dr.

[Pat Novak]

After they'd gone, I went through the books. Page 187 was torn out of each one of them. I felt like a man in an earthquake. Something told me to run, but I didn't know where to go. Trying to make sense out of what I knew was like trying to put together a drop cake. I wandered around the place till I found a drink. I was just lifting the glass when the telephone rang. Yeah?

[Jocko Madigan]

Who's ahead? You are. The moral squad.

[Pat Novak]

Everybody's out in front of me, including Dodo and Crowley. Adams is out of sight.

[Jocko Madigan]

You aren't alone.

[Pat Novak]

Dodo and Crowley just went out the door. I said goodbye to them and 10,000 bucks.

[Jocko Madigan]

Was Crowley that big or was it the girl?

[Pat Novak]

Crowley isn't worried. Neither is Dodo.

[Jocko Madigan]

That leaves Adams. Oh, I. I ran down that book of yours.

[Pat Novak]

Crowley said he bought every copy in town.

[Jocko Madigan]

Every copy? In the bookstores. My friend remembered where he'd sold one. My friend with the still? We borrowed it. Oh, by the way, Van Dyke wrote the book.

[Pat Novak]

Yeah. What's on page 187?

[Jocko Madigan]

Let's see now. Yes, A description of Van Dyck's double Life Fund. Page 187 is a description of the front man, the. The gangster. A bad writing job. No wonder it didn't sell.

[Pat Novak]

What does it fit?

[Jocko Madigan]

It doesn't fit anyone. Patsy, you only said that the person had a star tattooed on his chest.

[Pat Novak]

It's a horse.

[Jocko Madigan]

Now all you've got to do is to get them in a game of strip poker.

[Pat Novak]

Get them? They're all gone.

[Jocko Madigan]

It's still a good idea, especially if Dodo sat in. So long, lover.

[Pat Novak]

Give me Hellman.

[Inspector Hellman]

Inspector Hellman speaking.

[Pat Novak]

I got your killer for you.

[Inspector Hellman]

That's that. Who's this Novak?

[Pat Novak]

Yeah, and don't start bubbling about my nose and your business business is picking up. You get Adams.

[Inspector Hellman]

Adams.

[Pat Novak]

That's good.

[Inspector Hellman]

No Novak. My stool pigeon got him that vag.

[Pat Novak]

I was telling you about. That leaves you the only one knowing $10,000 worth.

[Inspector Hellman]

Don't think I'm coming after you, baby. You can stay there and rot.

[Pat Novak]

So far I feel healthy.

[Inspector Hellman]

You think you can drag me off the trail after you by this phony phone call?

[Pat Novak]

I know who did it.

[Inspector Hellman]

Oh, no, you don't know.

[Pat Novak]

I. But I do. Yeah. Fill it in.

[Inspector Hellman]

I just got a phone tip where they're hanging out.

[Pat Novak]

So they're sending out invitations.

[Inspector Hellman]

I'll even tell you where they are. It's at the beach near a shooting gallery. I've got a siren on my car. Let's see you beat me out there. It's the first gallery below the ballroom.

[Pat Novak]

Look, Hellman, you're the only guy alive knows the whole story. What if this is a gag?

[Inspector Hellman]

Oh, no, Novak. I'm not biting on any of your phony tricks.

[Pat Novak]

But listen, save your breath to sob.

[Inspector Hellman]

With when you see me pick up that nice fat chick.

[Pat Novak]

I thought a while, and suddenly the thing fell together like a winning poker hand. As soon as I saw it, I started running for my car. I don't know how it happened, but I beat him out there. I went along the bridge. Arterials, and they're widened fast by stealing a flock of red lights. And licking the paint off a couple of fenders. I was out through the Presidio and over to Golden Gate park in no time at all. When I hit the beach, it was foggy and empty. There was only one guy in the shooting gallery. When I got up near him, it turned out to be Crowley. He had a rifle in his hands, and he saw me first down the barrel of the gun.

[Pete Crowley]

Don't back up, Novak. Come on in. You were looking for Adams, weren't you?

[Pat Novak]

I was looking for a lot of things.

[Pete Crowley]

He's here behind the counter. Look on the floor.

[Pat Novak]

Did you kill him? Those bullet holes could be.22s.

[Pete Crowley]

Yeah, I killed him. Just as I'll kill you if you got any fancy ideas. Like trying to grab a gun.

[Pat Novak]

What are you saving me for Christmas?

[Pete Crowley]

Ah, you dress up the joint. I want Hellman to walk into the trap just like you did. That's why I'm shooting at the targets like this. Bullseye. I'm good.

[Pat Novak]

You'll have to be good to get away with killing a cop.

[Pete Crowley]

I hired Adams to do it. He Thought he'd get smart and frame you into the Rep. That's why he hired you.

[Pat Novak]

Did he expect me to kill Hellman that night?

[Pete Crowley]

That's one of his bright ideas. He's full of bright ideas. Or he was. Then Mr. Smarty'd still be breeding. It's really very simple. Hellman got on the trail and he was the only one in town who knew there was a trail. So he had to be killed.

[Pat Novak]

He ain't dead yet. You're betting a.22 against a police special?

[Pete Crowley]

I'm live bait. You ought to see the gun Dodo has in the car.

[Pat Novak]

You're gonna dry gulch him, huh?

[Pete Crowley]

He'll be watching me. And I'll be watching you. Let's see you beat that hand.

[Pat Novak]

You're forgetting the books.

[Pete Crowley]

We're forgetting nothing. Books don't mean anything unless you put it together with what Hellman knows. Helman and his stool. Pigeon stool's dead. And here comes Helman. Adams thought of everything, including mirrors.

[Pat Novak]

You thought of everything except a quarter.

[Pete Crowley]

What for?

[Pat Novak]

To pay for the reload on that gun. Now, these other guns are only loaded. Hi. You win. A cigar. Helen. You got her.

[Inspector Hellman]

She'd have had me if you didn't spray the windshield.

[Pat Novak]

What was the deal while you were creeping up on Crowley? Dodo was going to pat you on the back. Crowley?

[Inspector Hellman]

Where's Adam?

[Pat Novak]

He quit the game. Crowley helped him.

[Inspector Hellman]

Come on. Crowley's coming too.

[Pat Novak]

Don't worry. He won't like these odds. What odds? 38 to 22. It wasn't much of a trial. Charlie got the gas chamber. I got 10,000 bucks. The tax collector took half. Jocko got some. And there was even some left for me. Oh, yeah. Dodo was the one who killed Van Dyke. She and Crowley were a sort of a team. But she was the contact and the real boss. Hellman never knew how. I was assure. I never told him. I thought it was a man too. Till Jocko told me about the killer being tattooed. After that, it was easy. That negligee at Dodo's only left one thing to wonder about. That was how she kept warm.

[Narrator]

And now, an important announcement for your listening pleasure. Next week, Pat Novak for hire. And all your KGO programs will come to you by the new power of 50,000 watts. Here's what that means for this program. For instance, Fat Novak will reach a million new listeners all the way from the State of Washington to the Mexican border. The new power and the new transmitter, the finest science can build or money can buy will make KGO the most powerful station on the West Coast. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.