Police Blotter - Homicide By Hurricane

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Police Blotter: Homicide By Hurricane"

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Introduction

"Harold's Old Time Radio" transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio, reviving classic radio dramas that captivated families before the advent of television. In the episode titled "Police Blotter: Homicide By Hurricane," released on March 30, 2025, the show presents a gripping murder mystery set against the backdrop of experimental aviation and strained personal relationships. This detailed summary delves into the intricate plot, character dynamics, pivotal evidence, and the ultimate resolution of the mystery.

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Plot Overview

The episode unfolds with Sergeant Brad Peters, portrayed by Bill Zuckert, investigating the suspicious death of Ben Costa, an aviation enthusiast working on an experimental flying platform. Found deceased in the wind tunnel at Jonas Airport, Costa's death initially appears accidental. However, Sergeant Peters uncovers layers of deceit, financial turmoil, and betrayal that point to a calculated murder.

Key Events:

1. Discovery of the Body:

   • [00:55] Sergeant Peters receives a call about Ben Costa's death.
   • [02:57] Ben Costa's partner, Harry Dennis, arrives at the scene, expressing frustration over their failed project.

2. Initial Investigation:

   • [03:23] Dennis claims no argument led to Costa's death, suggesting a technical malfunction.
   • [05:17] Sgt Peters introduces doubt by mentioning a typewritten note found on Costa's body demanding money by Thursday.

3. Introduction of Helen Costa:

   • [06:54] Helen Costa, Ben's wife, emerges as a key witness, revealing marital discord and financial strain.
   • [07:24] Helen denies possessing a typewriter, conflicting with the evidence found.

4. Involvement of Lawyers:

   • [09:10] Sgt Peters contacts William Jefferson, Helen's lawyer, uncovering his financial entanglements with Costa.
   • [12:20] John Hazel, another attorney, provides critical information about Costa's debts and Jefferson's possible motives.

5. Climactic Revelation:

   • [15:36] Dennis admits that Costa had stolen and inflated a loan amount, adding complexity to the financial motives.
   • [20:51] Helen Costa discloses that William Jefferson was responsible for her husband's death, leading to his arrest.
   • [21:56] Jefferson confesses to murdering Ben Costa to eliminate obstacles in his personal and financial dealings.

6. Resolution:

   • [22:36] Jefferson is charged with first-degree murder, tried, and executed, bringing closure to the case.

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Character Analysis

1. Sergeant Brad Peters (Bill Zuckert): As the steadfast protagonist, Sergeant Peters embodies integrity and determination. His methodical approach to solving the case underscores his commitment to justice. Notable moments include his skepticism about Dennis's claims and his skillful interrogation techniques.

Quote:

• [15:18] "Me, Mr. Dennis, yourself. You're the suspect."

2. Ben Costa: A passionate inventor, Ben's obsession with his experimental plane strains his personal relationships. His untimely death serves as the catalyst for the unfolding mystery.

3. Harry Dennis: Ben's partner reveals underlying tensions and possible financial misdeeds. His initial resistance to being implicated highlights the complexity of their partnership.

Quote:

• [03:12] "We were making wind tunnel tests. But last night at midnight, I had had it. I told Ben the project was a flop."

4. Helen Costa: Ben's disillusioned wife, Helen, provides crucial insights into their troubled marriage and financial disputes. Her emotional state oscillates between grief and guilt, adding depth to her character.

Quote:

• [07:10] "Not for any longer than I can help."

5. William Jefferson (John Hazel): Initially presented as a helpful lawyer, Jefferson unravels as the antagonist with a motive rooted in financial desperation and personal vendettas.

Quote:

• [21:33] "I'm a lawyer. I didn't want to wait For a divorce. I figured it'd be easier with Ben out of the way."

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Key Evidence and Turning Points

1. Typewritten Note:

   • [07:10] The discovery of a typewritten letter demanding money introduces the possibility of foul play, despite Helen's denial of owning a typewriter.

2. Financial Motives:

   • [09:41] The revelation of Ben Costa's significant debts and William Jefferson's role as his lawyer suggests financial desperation as a motive for murder.

3. Invention's Worth:

   • [16:05] Discussions about the potential success of Costa's flying platform amplify the stakes, indicating that Jefferson might have killed to seize the invention.

4. Jefferson’s Confession:

   • [21:50] The culminating confession by Jefferson confirms his role in the murder, driven by a mix of financial gain and personal grievances.

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Conclusions and Insights

"Homicide By Hurricane" masterfully weaves a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice. The episode highlights how personal relationships and financial pressures can lead to drastic actions. Sergeant Peters' relentless pursuit of the truth underscores the theme that no one is above the law, regardless of their standing or influence.

Notable Themes:

• Moral Integrity: The unwavering dedication of Sergeant Peters reflects the ethical backbone of law enforcement.

• Financial Desperation: Ben Costa's financial woes and Jefferson's exploitation of the situation showcase the destructive power of debt and greed.

• Betrayal and Trust: The betrayal by close associates emphasizes the fragility of trust in personal and professional relationships.

Final Resolution: The swift justice meted out to William Jefferson serves as a testament to the legal system's role in maintaining societal order. The execution of Jefferson for first-degree murder provides a satisfying conclusion to the narrative, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to delivering compelling and morally resonant stories.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sergeant Brad Peters on Crime Detection:

  • [01:57] "Police blotter Authentic dramas of police work and the constant battle that goes on night and day against crimes."

• Harry Dennis on Clouds:

  • [00:07] "Clouds are wholly unable to support the weight of an adult human."

• Sergeant Brad Peters on Partnership Dissolution:

  • [03:58] "It's just force of habit, Mr. Dennis. Never mind."

• Helen Costa on Divorce:

  • [07:10] "You're divorcing him."

• William Jefferson's Admission:

  • [21:50] "Yes. I didn't want to wait For a divorce. I figured it'd be easier with Ben out of the way."

• Final Arrest:

  • [22:36] "He killed your husband?"

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Conclusion

"Police Blotter: Homicide By Hurricane" stands out as a captivating installment in Harold's Old Time Radio series. Through its well-crafted narrative, memorable characters, and intricate plot twists, the episode offers listeners an immersive experience reminiscent of classic radio dramas. By skillfully blending elements of mystery, drama, and suspense, it not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the relentless pursuit of truth.

Transcript

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Geico's motorcycle expertise gives me the coverage I need.

[Helen Costa]

Like 24.7claims, I'm on cloud nine.

[Harry Dennis]

Clouds are wholly unable to support the weight of an adult human.

[Helen Costa]

What's happening?

[Harry Dennis]

Furthermore, clouds are not numbered. Even if you procured a jetpack and searched, you'd find no cloud numbered nine. However, at that altitude, you'd likely befriend a flock of migrating snow geese. Geese who'd encourage you to leave your 24.7geico motorcycle claims insurance behind, as they would take you in and even share their dinner of crickets and clovers with you. GEICO assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner. GEICO expertise for your motorcycle.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Tonight. Police BLOTTER Starring Bill Zuckert as Sergeant Brad Peters. Name, Harry Dennis. The address?

[Ben Costa]

543 Larson Street.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Judge suspicion of murder.

[William Jefferson]

The heritage that you and I share as Americans has been given to us by many great men. One of these was Patrick Henry. He was a very lazy youngster, preferring to hunt or fish rather than go to school. But as he grew older, he developed an interest in law. This, together with a marvelous gift for oratory, led to his becoming a famous lawyer and later helped him serve several terms as governor of Virginia. In 1775, with the American Revolution at a critical stage, Patrick Henry made his famous speech, ending with the immortal words, I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death. Patrick Henry's words have rung through the ages. They are part of your American heritage.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Police blotter Authentic dramas of police work and the constant battle that goes on night and day against crimes. Homicide by hurricane on POLICE blotter I'm Brad Peters, Sergeant Homicide. Been inside a police station. PHONE RINGS it might be anything from disturbing the peace to murder. Whatever or whoever it is, rich or poor, innocent or guilty, sooner or later, I get to know them all. 9am call came in from Jonas Airport on the bay side of the prison precinct. Small field for private planes. Man named Costa working on experimental plane was found dead in the wind tunnel.

[Ben Costa]

I've been waiting for you. Where you been?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Just getting out here, mister.

[Ben Costa]

Dennis. Harry Dennis. I told Ben to stay away from that wind tunnel. Told him a dozen times if I told him once. But he had his own ideas.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

That it up ahead in that hangar?

[Ben Costa]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You're the one called the police?

[Ben Costa]

Yeah, that's right. I got here at 8 this morning, same as usual. I waited for Ben and he didn't show up. I began to wonder. Finally, I looked in the wind tunnel.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Why then?

[Ben Costa]

Because that's where I left him last night. Coster and I are working on an experimental plane. A flying platform kind of gadget.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Uh huh.

[Ben Costa]

We were making wind tunnel tests. But last night at midnight, I had had it. I told Ben the project was a flop. And why throw good money after bad? You were partners up until last night.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

How did the argument end?

[Ben Costa]

What? What argument?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Dissolving a partnership usually means an argument.

[Ben Costa]

Not with Ben and me. We've been friends for years. I just threw in the sponge, that's all. Look, why do you guys always figure there had to be an argument?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

It's just force of habit, Mr. Dennis. Never mind. Let's see the body. I saw it, but there wasn't much to see. It was all chewed up. That's a tough way to die, huh?

[Ben Costa]

Yeah. Poor Ben. You see how a wind tunnel is, Sergeant? The air is sucked in through that opening at the far end.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Uh huh.

[Ben Costa]

These two giant propellers up here build up the air speed over here. This is where we set up the airplane model. It's suspended on this platform. Wires are used to test stability, turbulence factors and so on.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

How did Costa get in here with that door?

[Ben Costa]

The same one we just used now. Only he couldn't have used it while the wind tunnel was in action. The door locks automatically once power is on. That's what I don't understand.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

What?

[Ben Costa]

How it started. It can only be turned on from outside. Ben must have been in here working on the model. Then something went haywire with the wind tunnel controls. It started up and there he was, caught in a windstream of over 250, 300 miles per hour.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You sure the controls went haywire?

[Ben Costa]

What else?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Well, I'll have The controls checked, Mr. Dennis. Maybe they're okay, in which case.

[Ben Costa]

What are you getting at?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Murder. All anybody has to do is push that button. The controls were checked. They worked perfectly. At 10:30, the medical examiner reported on cause of death. Body battered by sledgehammer. Wind inside the tunnel. I went through the dead man's clothes, checked the possessions. I found a remnant of a typewritten letter. Few words. Must have money by Thursday next or we'll file for. And that was all. I spent the next half hour questioning personnel at the airfoil.

[Ben Costa]

Me? You're taking me in? What for, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Suspicion of murder, Mr. Dennis.

[Ben Costa]

Oh, you're off your rocker. Why me?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You were the last one to see Costa alive.

[Ben Costa]

Who says so?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Guard on duty last night at the field end.

[Ben Costa]

Look. That's nothing. This field isn't well Guarded? Sure, there's a fence. But the fence is broken in a dozen places. Anybody could have walked in.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

And there's another reason. You said you didn't argue with Costa. So you were heard arguing? Loud voices, threats.

[Ben Costa]

I can explain all that.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You'll get your chance. Dennis was taken in, booked on suspicion of murder. 12:15pm I went over to Costa's apartment. The 800 block, Shoreham Street. Furniture was being moved out. I found a woman supervising. Dark hair, good looking, well dressed.

[Helen Costa]

Who am I? Helen Costa, that's who I am.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Mrs. Ben Costa.

[Helen Costa]

Not for any longer than I can help. And why shouldn't I take this furniture out? I paid for it. Not been. He put every penny into that stupid invention. I'm sick of it, you understand? I told him over and over I couldn't go on this way.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You're divorcing him.

[Helen Costa]

I told him that last night.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Last night? Where was this?

[Helen Costa]

Well, it was at the. It was. It was right here, Sergeant. Here in this apartment?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

What time was that?

[Helen Costa]

Oh, 6:30.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You're certain of that?

[Helen Costa]

No, I'm not certain. I was upset. I told him either he gave me back all the money I had poured into that invention or I file for divorce.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You put your own money into it?

[Helen Costa]

Every cent I had.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Mrs. Costa, do you own a typewriter?

[Helen Costa]

A typewriter?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Yeah.

[Helen Costa]

Well, no.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

How did you tell your husband? In writing?

[Helen Costa]

In writing? No, I just told him, that's all. I spoke to him.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

If you're contemplating divorce, you have a lawyer, haven't you?

[Helen Costa]

Yes.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

All right. What's his name?

[Helen Costa]

William Jefferson.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

William Jefferson. His address?

[Helen Costa]

250 Court Avenue.

[John Hazel]

Excuse me.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Yeah, sure.

[Helen Costa]

Hello? Yes, this is Helen. What? What? Oh, no, no. Excuse me. I can't talk now. Sergeant.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Why didn't you tell me about your husband?

[Helen Costa]

That's why you're here, isn't it? Why didn't you tell me?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Who did tell you, Mrs. Custer?

[Helen Costa]

That was my lawyer, Bill Jefferson, dead. And all the while I was. I was having the furniture moved out all the time.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Nobody can blame you if you didn't know.

[Helen Costa]

Well, yes, but it's so ghoulish. It was Dennis. Dennis?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

It must have been his partner.

[Helen Costa]

Fine partner. He never put any money into it. All he was doing was fastening onto Ben like a leech. He always got paid. Even when Ben was starving. Dennis got paid. Is there anything else you want, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Not right now, Mrs. Custer.

[Helen Costa]

I better have this furniture moved back. It's awful, that's what it is. It's just awful.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

She was crying. It could have been grief. On the other hand, it could have been guilt. I got one of the neighbors to stay with her. I went over to Court Avenue, called on attorney Jefferson.

[John Hazel]

Yes, sergeant. Mrs. Coster was going to file for divorce. Now naturally it's not necessary.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You knew Ben Costa yourself, Mr. Jefferson?

[John Hazel]

I met him once or twice.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Are you his lawyer?

[John Hazel]

Not recently. Wouldn't have been ethical to handle his wife's divorce and represent him at the same time. But I was representing him until a about a month ago.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Why did you stop?

[John Hazel]

Money, Sergeant. He was delinquent in his bill.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

How much he owe you?

[John Hazel]

Over $5,000. Most of that was for filing the patent on his invention. I had to do a patent search, draw up the usual legal documents. Very complicated.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You've seen this invention?

[John Hazel]

Yes, several times.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

What do you think of it?

[John Hazel]

Well, I'm a lawyer, not an aeronautical expert. But I'd say it was worthless. Never got off the ground.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

He talked a while longer. I got no further information. I went back to the office, put in a call at the government patent office in Washington. Yeah, that's right. Peters, Homicide. We're investigating the murder of a man named Ben Costa. Yeah, I'd like information on a patent filed in his name in the aeronautical field. Uh huh. Well the other name on it may be Harry Dennis. Yeah, well get back to me as soon as you can, will you? Thanks. 3:30pm Got the information from the patent office. Only two names on the patent. Ben Costa, Harry Dennis. I held further conversation with Dennis in my office.

[Ben Costa]

Now you know you can't hold me. I didn't have anything to do with it.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

What happens to that invention with Costa dead?

[Ben Costa]

The invention isn't any good. It's worthless.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Well, as surviving partner, do you get it?

[Ben Costa]

Look, that happens to be my dad.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

How much money was invested that invention all told?

[Ben Costa]

Well, I should say 60, $70,000.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

What was your share?

[Ben Costa]

That's my business too.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You ever see this?

[Ben Costa]

Must have money by Thursday next or we'll file for.

[John Hazel]

Where's the rest of it?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

That's all?

[Ben Costa]

It's not familiar to me. Whose is it?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

We found it in the wind tunnel.

[Ben Costa]

Must have been Ben's. I don't get it. What money?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

I thought you might know. Did it Costa borrow any money?

[Ben Costa]

Not that I know of. He had some, I had some. And his wife? Say this could be about a divorce. She was pretty mad about Ben using up all her money.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

That's all you can tell me?

[Ben Costa]

Yes, except that you've got no right to keep me here. I talked to My lawyer. He says you can't.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

We can for 24 hours.

[Ben Costa]

Now, one more question you can ask. I may not answer.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Who was Costa's lawyer for the past month?

[Ben Costa]

Bill Jefferson.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Jefferson says no.

[Ben Costa]

Oh, that's right. Sure. A man named Hazel. John Hazel.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

I thanked Dennis, then checked the phone book for Hazelton lawyer. The address? 2850 Mandrake. I went over there at once. Excuse me, miss. Yes?

[Helen Costa]

Oh, yes, sergeant.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

I'd like to see Mr. Hazelton.

[Helen Costa]

Well, he's very busy right now. Doesn't want to be disturbed. But if it's important.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

It could be.

[Helen Costa]

What's it about?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Murder.

[Helen Costa]

Oh.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

That gutter. She disappeared at once while I waited. I checked the typewriter. I found a sample in the waste basket, put it in my pocket. Five minutes later, I was talking to Hazel.

[John Hazel]

Yes, I heard about it. Terrible tragedy. Terrible. Anything I can do at all, just call on me.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Sergeant, I am.

[John Hazel]

Not that I can give you much help. I've only known Coster a month.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

And Dennis same.

[John Hazel]

Not very well in either case.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

This invention were affairs in a tangle.

[John Hazel]

Tangle? Sergeant, you heard of the Gordian knot?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Yeah, I think so.

[John Hazel]

Oh, this was worse. Just two days ago, I learned that Koster had borrowed $20,000 and was being threatened with a lawsuit.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

20,000?

[John Hazel]

Well, that's the figure he gave me.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Who did he borrow it from?

[John Hazel]

I don't know.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You're his lawyer and you don't know?

[John Hazel]

Well, I know that sounds odd, but it's not really. You see, he told me that on the phone two days ago. Very much upset. Said he'd drop in and discuss it with me. Well, he died before he could. So all I know is there's someone around whom coster owed 20,000. And there's one other point.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

About the debt?

[John Hazel]

Yes. I shouldn't violate a client's confidence, but since Coster is dead. He kited the figure, sergeant.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Kited the figure?

[John Hazel]

Well, that's what he told me. The original note was for 2000.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

He changed it to 20.

[John Hazel]

Yes.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

That's criminal offense.

[John Hazel]

Yes, so I told him. He said he was desperate for money. Said his invention was close to becoming practical. He'd been testing out the bugs. He had blueprints of an improved model.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

An improved model?

[John Hazel]

Well, that's what he said. Of course, I have no way of knowing whether that was true or not.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Where did Costa have his office?

[John Hazel]

Office?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Mm.

[John Hazel]

Well, the only office he had, as far as I know, was out at the airport.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

I asked some further questions, but that was all he knew. I went back to the office gave the lab the original typewritten sentence. Gave them the sample from Hazelton's office. I arranged for searches for other samples. From the other lawyer, Jefferson, from Dennis, from Mrs. Costa. She denied having a typewriter. But in a murder case, a lot of people deny a lot of things. At 6:00pm Dennis was sprung by his lawyer. Okay, Mr. Den. Mr. Dennis, you're out on bail. Just don't leave town.

[Ben Costa]

I have no intention of leaving town.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Any more thoughts about Ben? Yeah.

[Ben Costa]

I don't know why I should help you out.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Me, Mr. Dennis, yourself. You're the suspect.

[Ben Costa]

But I tell you. Okay, I guess you were just doing your job. Okay. Ben and I did have a quarrel last night. Yes. Every day for the past week. Sergeant, did you know what that darn fool had done?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

I'm listening.

[Ben Costa]

He stole $18,000.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

$18,000?

[Ben Costa]

He had taken a personal loan for $2,000. He hiked the value to $20,000. He told me all about it. He was worried sick. The lender had threatened criminal action.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

You were involved?

[Ben Costa]

I'm his partner. In a partnership, each is responsible.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Who gave him the loan, Dennis?

[Ben Costa]

I don't know.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Your own partner and you don't know?

[Ben Costa]

I told you, no.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Well, if it was a personal loan.

[Ben Costa]

It wasn't. He forged my name to it too. Now, if there's nothing else.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Yeah, there is one more thing.

[Ben Costa]

Yeah?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

I hear that invention was close to success.

[Ben Costa]

What? Where'd you hear that?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Is that true?

[Ben Costa]

Don't you think I'd know if it was? It's not true, sergeant. It can't be true. Unless.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Yep.

[Ben Costa]

Ben worked there a lot. Alone?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Without you?

[Ben Costa]

Yeah. Many nights. I knocked off at 5 or 6. He kept going. I never thought of that. A man who would alter a check and forge another signature. He might be completely unscrupulous.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Would that flying platform be worth anything?

[Ben Costa]

Worth anything, Sergeant? If it worked, it would be worth millions. Millions.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

The newspapers carried it in the late editions. Inventor Murdered On Brink of Great Triumph. I checked the lab. At 8:30. I was still working on the typewriter search. And then a call came in at 9:00pm Peters, Homicide. Right. How long ago? Check call was from plainclothesman walker. He had Mrs. Costa under surveillance. She had gone to Jarvis Airport. I went out there, walked across the airport till I came to the hangar that housed the wind tunnel. I entered through the big steel door. I could just feel that echo. Just then, the door beside me opened. I saw it was a man. I didn't recognize him. But a flashlight went on across the hangar from Me. And then there were two figures, a man and a woman. I started to tiptoe across. Mrs. Custer. Mrs. Custer. There was nothing. There was no answer. Then something came flying through the air and it hit the hangar wall instead of me. I. Look, you're wasting your time. There's been one murder already. You can't get away with another. Mrs. Custard. Mrs. Cut. Then I heard it. I couldn't tell where it was. Hanger had echoes. Might have come from any direction, but somebody was dragging her. And I listened. And there was a door somewhere. Not an outside door. It sounded different. Then the same door again, closing. What other door was there? Front door on the hangar. The back door. What other? Another sound. And I listened. It was a hum. It started low. It seemed a buzz vibrate through the hangar. The wind tunnel. Then I used the flashlight, wide open this time. Narrow beam, but strong. And I ran toward the wind tunnel beside the door leading into it. I saw the starting button just as I got there, at one side. Drop that light. Look, you fool, whoever you are, you'll never know. He was big. He was bigger than I was. And he was frightened. He was desperate. He was tough to handle. But I finally handled him. My head was swimming. All I had was a match. First one went out, but the second one held. And I found the switch. I cut it off and I went into the wind tunnel. And that was like stepping into a hurricane. Wind sucked at me and I fought it. Mrs. Custer. Mrs. Custard. All right, take it easy. Just keep talking. Keep talking. All right. Okay, Easy. All right, Easy now, easy.

[Helen Costa]

The wind.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

The wind. I know.

[Ben Costa]

Look, stop it.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Stop it. Take it easy now. Listen. It's dying down now. It's all right, Mrs. Custer. I helped her out of the wind tunnel. Her clothes were torn. She certainly needed another permanent. I found the hangar lights, switched them on. I sat her down, slipped handcuffs on the man I had knocked out. All came. Mrs. Custer. William Jefferson, huh?

[Helen Costa]

Yes.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

He killed your husband?

[Helen Costa]

Yes. He came here last night. Ben owed him money. A lot of money.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

$20,000.

[Helen Costa]

You knew about that?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Yeah, we knew. Another couple of hours, we'll have the proof.

[Helen Costa]

Will was. Well, he was angry at Ben. Very angry.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Only because of the money?

[Helen Costa]

Well, yes.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Nothing else, huh?

[Helen Costa]

No, of course not. What else could there be?

[John Hazel]

She's lying, Sergeant. Why are you lying, Helen?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

So you're conscious, Jefferson, huh?

[John Hazel]

She came to me for a divorce. We were going to get married, Helen and me. That's funny.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Funny?

[John Hazel]

I'm a lawyer. I didn't want to wait For a divorce. I figured it'd be easier with Ben out of the way. An accident.

[Helen Costa]

Accident.

[John Hazel]

Okay. No accident. I came here late last night. I sneaked through a break in the fence. I put him in the wind tunnel.

[Helen Costa]

And you did the same to me.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

I cut it out, Mrs. Custard.

[Helen Costa]

You know why he wanted to kill me too, don't you? Don't you, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Yeah, I can guess.

[John Hazel]

You don't have to guess, Sergeant. I got panicky, that's why. Helen knew what I'd done. I told her. Then I got panicky. She was the only witness. I told her to meet me here. I picked up that story in the newspapers as an excuse that Coster had blueprints around a new flying platform. A successful one, worth millions.

[Helen Costa]

You tried to kill me.

[John Hazel]

Yes. I didn't want to, but I had to. I had to. Keep your mouth shut. No, Sergeant. These handcuffs.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

What about them?

[John Hazel]

Well, you don't need them now. I'm finished. I know that. Can't you take them off?

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Sure, when you're sitting pretty behind bars. Name, William Jefferson.

[John Hazel]

Address, 1304 Elmwood Place.

[Sergeant Brad Peters]

Charge murder. Remarks. Mrs. Costa turned state's evidence laboratory found the piece of letter had been typed on Jefferson's machine. Jefferson indicted and tried. Found guilty. Executed for murder, first degree. Signed, Sergeant Brad Peters. I must say, you have just heard. Police Blotters. Starring Bill Zuckert as Sergeant Brad Peterson. The cast included Joseph Bolan, Elaine Rost and Carl Frank. Tonight's drama, Homicide for Hurricane was written by Sheldon Stark and directed by William Marshall.

[John Hazel]

Police blotter has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Helen Costa]

Sa.