Private Files of Rex Saunders 51-05-30 (05) Shallow Graves

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Private Files of Rex Saunders

Episode Title: Shallow Graves
Date: October 1, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode features a classic radio drama from the Golden Age: The Private Files of Rex Saunders starring Rex Harrison. The story, "Shallow Graves," centers on a tangled case of blackmail, mistaken identity, and murder. Detective Rex Saunders is drawn into a plot involving missing persons, extortion, and deadly double-crosses, as he unravels the fate of Eddie Goodrich, a young man whose disappearance spells trouble for everyone involved.

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Main Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Case Introduction

• Rex Saunders opens with a grim observation about the dangers of blackmail:

  "Blackmail, a dangerous game which either pays off in high dividends or shallow graves." (00:25)

• Mr. Mark Goodrich is desperately seeking help to find his nephew, Eddie, who has gotten into trouble yet again.

2. Initial Confrontation at the Hotel

• Mark Goodrich confronts Linda Farrell in her hotel room, accusing her of hiding Eddie. The exchange escalates into threats, with Linda brandishing a gun.

  Linda: "Now look, Mr. Goodrich, I'm tired of having you follow me around... If you don't cut it out, I'm going to call the police." (02:37)
  Mark: "Call them, please. Sure. Go ahead. Linda, there's the phone. Call them." (02:48)

• After Linda threatens to shoot, it’s revealed that Eddie isn’t in the other room and the real search must begin.

3. A Threat to Rex Saunders

• At Saunders’ darkened apartment, a mysterious armed man warns Rex to stay away from the Goodrich case:

  "You get off this case and get off it fast if you know what's good for you... Because I got a shell in this gun with your initials on it." (06:07)

• This threat only serves to pique Rex's curiosity.

4. Mark Goodrich Seeks Help

• The elder Goodrich visits Saunders, presenting a telegram from Eddie asking for $3,000 and sharing the stakes:

  "The deadline's at 5:00, two hours from now." (08:56)
  A follow-up call states flatly that Eddie will be killed if the money isn’t delivered on time. (09:03)

5. The Apartment Tangle & The Impostor

• Saunders and Alec trace the telegram to an apartment, where Linda and Sid try to pass off an impostor as Eddie for the ransom.
• Saunders reveals the impostor with a detective’s trick:

  "I was just interested in your teeth... Goodrich has two upper front teeth on a detachable bridge. Unfortunately, yours are quite solidly your own." (12:41)

• Linda tries to bargain by offering Eddie’s location in exchange for being let go.

6. Trail to Nick Gasco

• Linda points Saunders to Nick Gasco, the supposed creditor holding Eddie. Nick claims Eddie was last with Linda and Sid.
• The story escalates when Saunders and Nick discover Eddie’s dead body hidden in a closet (16:41), fulfilling the mysterious earlier threat.

7. Double Crosses and Getaway

• Linda and Sid, with Alec tailing, try to flee, but lose their pursuer. Linda decides to try one last con against Old Man Goodrich before escaping:

  "Old man Goodrich is going to be good for some spending money before we clear out permanently." (19:09)

• They attempt a further extortion but Saunders, predicting their move, is waiting.

8. Final Confrontation and Car Crash

• Linda tries to escape again, gun drawn:

  "I'm going out of that door and I fire at the first one who makes a move before I close it." (21:08)

• A desperate car chase ends with Linda, Sid, and Nick crashing—but all survive. (23:23)

9. Resolution and Revelations

• In the hospital, Nick tries to clear his name, explaining his own actions and Eddie’s history of blackmailing his uncle.
• Saunders reveals the core of the mystery:
  • Eddie was killed by his uncle, Mark Goodrich, who wanted to end the recurring blackmail and then tried to use Rex as his alibi.

    "Eddie knew that his uncle had been mixed up in several shady business deals. And with that information he bled money from Goodrich year after year. And Goodrich decided he had to end the blackmail sometime." (26:56)

  • Linda and Sid merely tried to leverage the situation for their own gain, not realizing the deadly stakes.
• Alec asks the key question:

  "Why did he let us in on the case?" (26:54)
  Saunders answers:
  "Probably because he thought it would furnish him with a perfect alibi." (26:56)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Saunders (wryly, after a threat):

  "Nice fellow. You must have him over again." (06:41)

• Linda (on their hustle):

  "You forget about us if I tell you where Eddie is." (14:09)

• Nick Gasco’s reluctant confession:

  "I want to tell you what happened... I grabbed the wheel from Sid. Tried to stop getaway of them for you. For payoff. Honest. I'm dealing from the top of the deck." (24:12)

• Saunders’ sharp deduction:

  “Goodrich decided he had to end the blackmail sometime. And the opportunity... presented itself when he found Eddie alone in Sid's apartment.” (26:56)

• Saunders, on the result for the extortionists:

  "I lay odds the district attorney will prove to them that quick and easy dollars pay off the shallowest of graves." (27:34)

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Key Timestamps

• 00:25: Rex Saunders introduces the blackmail theme.
• 02:14–04:08: Mark Goodrich and Linda’s hotel confrontation, gun revealed.
• 06:07–06:36: Saunders receives a deadly warning.
• 07:17–09:00: Mark Goodrich hires Rex, reveals the ransom note and deadline.
• 12:41: Saunders reveals the Eddie imposter via dental knowledge.
• 14:20: Linda bargains for her freedom with Eddie’s location.
• 16:46: Saunders discovers Eddie’s corpse.
• 19:09: Linda schemes one last payday.
• 21:08: Linda’s armed escape, followed by car crash (23:23).
• 24:12–26:08: Hospital confessions, case solved.
• 26:54–27:34: Case summary and justice promised.

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Tone & Style

• The episode maintains a noir, fast-talking detective style, filled with wisecracks, cynicism, and sharp repartee.
• Rex Saunders is dry and sardonic; Linda and Sid work the “crooked tough” angle, while Nick Gasco is the classic small-time operator.

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Conclusion

“Shallow Graves” is a tightly-plotted tale of crime and deception, pitting cunning against greed. Through clever deduction and by maintaining his skeptical cool in the face of threats, Rex Saunders unravels a web of extortion, imposture, and murder, exposing the real killer and the opportunists along the way. It's atmospheric, suspenseful, and packed with snappy, golden-era dialogue—a prime example of vintage radio detective drama.

Transcript

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

Rex Harrison stars in another intriguing adventure, transcribed from the private files of Rex Saunders.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Concerning blackmail, a dangerous game which either pays off in high dividends or shallow grade.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

And now, the private files of Rex Sunder. RCA Victor, world leader in radio, first in recorded music and first in television, brings you the celebrated star of stage and screen, Rex Harrison. In another exciting story taken from the private files of Rex Saunders, radio's newest man of mystery. We hope you enjoy these weekly stories of intrigue and adventure. And for another adventure in home entertainment, we suggest you try RCA Victor's fine line of radio and television products now on display at your RCA Victor dealer. Now for our story.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

The dignified man in the pinstripe suit gets off the rickety elevator at the sixth floor, stops to take a cigarette out of the silver case, watches the ancient elevator slowly descend in its iron prison, then crushes the cigarette between his fingers and walks quickly down the dim lit hotel corridor. The dignified man in the pinstripe suit stops before room 617, casts a quick glance back along the corridor, then knocks on the door.

[Linda Farrell]

Who is it?

[Mark Goodrich]

Telegram, ma'. Am.

[Linda Farrell]

Yes? What?

[Mark Goodrich]

Hello, Linda. You mind if I come in?

[Linda Farrell]

No, you can't come in here.

[Mark Goodrich]

Sorry, Ms. Farrell.

[Linda Farrell]

Get your hands off of me.

[Mark Goodrich]

I won't take up much of your time.

[Linda Farrell]

Get out of here.

[Mark Goodrich]

After I'm finished.

[Linda Farrell]

Now look, Mr. Goodrich, I'm tired of having you follow me around. I know you've been trailing me all day. If you don't cut it out, I'm going to call the police.

[Mark Goodrich]

Call them, please. Sure. Go ahead. Linda, there's the phone. Call them.

[Linda Farrell]

Why don't you let me alone? What do you want from me?

[Mark Goodrich]

Stop the act. You know what I want. Where is my nephew?

[Linda Farrell]

I don't know.

[Mark Goodrich]

Where is Eddie?

[Linda Farrell]

I haven't seen Eddie in weeks.

[Mark Goodrich]

You're a liar. What happened to my nephew?

[Linda Farrell]

You're barking up the wrong tree, Mr. Goodrich. You're not going to find Eddie this way.

[Mark Goodrich]

All right. But I know someone who will find him for me.

[Linda Farrell]

Yes?

[Mark Goodrich]

Who? Someone who will get to the bottom of this. Someone who will get the truth out of you. Rex Saunders.

[Linda Farrell]

I'm frightened to death.

[Mark Goodrich]

Death?

[Linda Farrell]

Now get out of here. You're wasting my time.

[Mark Goodrich]

I'll get out after I see what's in the next room. There.

[Linda Farrell]

You're staying away from this door.

[Mark Goodrich]

He's in that room, isn't he?

[Linda Farrell]

I said you're not going in the next room. You're staying out of there.

[Mark Goodrich]

Not on your life.

[Linda Farrell]

All right, then. On yours, Mr. Goodrich.

[Mark Goodrich]

Put that gun down.

[Linda Farrell]

One more step toward this door and I fire.

[Mark Goodrich]

You wouldn't dare.

[Linda Farrell]

No, just try it, Mr. Goodrich. One more step and you'll never see Eddie again.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

You stupid little fool.

[Mark Goodrich]

You didn't shoot, did you?

[Linda Farrell]

No, Eddie. I just scared him off. But you'd better lay low.

[Mark Goodrich]

What's this about, Saunders?

[Linda Farrell]

The old man's going to call him in on it.

[Mark Goodrich]

Okay, Linda.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Don't you worry about Saunders.

[Mark Goodrich]

He won't be on this case long. What? The juice. Alec.

[Alec]

Oh, Rex, I. I'm glad you're home.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

What's the matter with the lights? They're off. Yes, obviously. But what happened?

[Mark Goodrich]

Well, they're.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

It's supposed to be that way. What are you talking about?

[Alec]

It was like this when I came home an hour ago.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

And you've been here in the dark?

[Mark Goodrich]

Uh huh.

[Alec]

Sitting right here. But not alone.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

We have a visitor.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Right behind you. Saunders.

[Mark Goodrich]

What is this?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

And it's not a cap pistol you.

[Mark Goodrich]

Feel against your back.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

That's how it is, Alec. Did you tell the gentleman we don't usually entertain guests in the dark. This party's on me. I like it this way. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit? Get off the Goodrich case. Goodrich case? That's right. Stop looking for Eddie Goodrich. I don't want you to find him.

[Mark Goodrich]

Do you understand?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Well, frankly, no. You see, I've never heard of your Eddie Goodrich.

[Mark Goodrich]

I'm not here to play games, Saunders.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Believe me, I. I haven't been looking for Mr. Goodrich.

[Alec]

That's what I've been telling him.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Now look, Saunders, you get off this case and get off it fast if.

[Mark Goodrich]

You know what's good for you.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I usually don't.

[Mark Goodrich]

You'd better this time. Because I got a shell in this gun with your initials on it.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

So you just be smart. I'm sorry. What's the idea of that? Just a deep scratch on the hand. I wanted something to recognize you by. Since I haven't had the privilege of seeing your face. Perhaps the next time we meet. Get this through your head and keep it there. The next time we meet, Saunders, it'll be at a funeral.

[Mark Goodrich]

Yours.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Remember that.

[Mark Goodrich]

Hmm.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Nice fellow. You must have him over again.

[Alec]

Sometimes I wish you'd tell me what.

[Mark Goodrich]

This was all about.

[Alec]

I wasn't aware that you were on a new case.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Neither was I.

[Mark Goodrich]

Then.

[Alec]

Then you know nothing about this good rich person?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Absolutely nothing. But now my curiosity is aroused.

[Alec]

I know what that means.

[Mark Goodrich]

Here we go again.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

That's what it means. But first let me see if I can do something about lifting the blackout in here.

[Alec]

The phone again?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I'll get it.

[Alec]

It rang several times, but our uninvited guest wouldn't let me answer it.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Hello?

[Mark Goodrich]

Nick Sanders? Yes. I'd like to call on you tomorrow. Will you be at home?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

That all depends.

[Mark Goodrich]

It's very important. I need your help.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Who is this? What do you want me to do?

[Mark Goodrich]

My name is Mark Goodrich. I want you to find out what's happened to my nephew Eddie. Mr. Sanders, that's how it's been with my nephew for years. He goes with the wrong people. He's constantly in jams. He's embarrassed me socially and in business. And now this has happened to top everything else off.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

And what jam is Eddie in at present, Mr. Goodrich? Why?

[Mark Goodrich]

Suppose I'm an old fool. I took an oath I'd never help him again. He stricked money out of me so many times in the past. Now, this seems to be a serious matter. Here, leave his telegram. I received it last night.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Need 3,000 immediately to pay off debt. Wire money to me. 786 W 48th St, apartment 4A. Important you don't bring it yourself, Eddie. Well, Mr. Goodrich, this seems to be only a monetary affair.

[Mark Goodrich]

Not now, Mr. Saunders. Now it's a matter of life or death.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

What do you mean?

[Mark Goodrich]

The deadline's at 5:00', clock, two hours from now.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

What deadline? What are you talking about?

[Mark Goodrich]

I got a phone call just before you arrived. It was a man. He said if the money wasn't delivered by five o', clock, Eddie would be killed.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

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[Mark Goodrich]

It must be the apartment at the.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

End of the hall.

[Alec]

Eric, maybe we shouldn't have come Here. Eddie warned his uncle in the telegram to wire the money.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Nevertheless, I'm making this transaction COD now, here we are.

[Linda Farrell]

Yes, what is it?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I'd like to speak to Eddie Goodrich.

[Linda Farrell]

Sorry, mister. He doesn't live here.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I didn't say he lived here. I said I wanted to see him.

[Linda Farrell]

You got the wrong apartment.

[Alec]

We have a telegram that says this.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Is the right apartment. Just a minute.

[Linda Farrell]

Get your foot out of the door.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Don't you know, miss, it's rude to cut off conversation so abruptly?

[Linda Farrell]

Look, copper, you get in here only on a warrant. So you just go back to headquarters and come back with a signed pass.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

The young lady seems to misunderstand, Alec. Apparently she thinks we're from the police.

[Linda Farrell]

No, the ASPCA.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Please convey to Mr. Goodrich that we're merely messengers of good tidings. $3,000 worth in this envelope.

[Linda Farrell]

Oh, come in. All right, give me the money.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Believe me, miss. What did you say your name was?

[Linda Farrell]

The money.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Oh, that's right. If you didn't say. Now, about this money, I'm expected to get a receipt in return for it.

[Linda Farrell]

So I'll give you a receipt.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

The young lady continues to misunderstand Alec dreadfully. So the receipt I have in mind is Eddie Goodrich in person.

[Linda Farrell]

Don't worry. I'll see that he gets the money.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

But I do worry. It's my nature. I insist upon handing this over to Eddie Goodrich personally.

[Linda Farrell]

All right, all right, I'll get him. Eddie.

[Mark Goodrich]

Yes?

[Linda Farrell]

Someone's here with the money. He won't give it to anybody but you.

[Mark Goodrich]

Okay.

[Linda Farrell]

All right, messenger boy. Here he is.

[Mark Goodrich]

Well, it took the old man long enough to get it here.

[Linda Farrell]

Well, you satisfied?

[Mark Goodrich]

Mm.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Your uncle's been worried about you, Eddie.

[Mark Goodrich]

So he's been worried. So what? Give me the money.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

The money.

[Mark Goodrich]

Oh. Oh, yes.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Here. Hey.

[Mark Goodrich]

What? What do you think?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

It won't take a moment. Thanks very much.

[Mark Goodrich]

What was that supposed to be?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I was just interested in your teeth.

[Linda Farrell]

He's giving us some kind of business, Eddie. I'll bet he hasn't got the money.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

That's right. I haven't got the money.

[Linda Farrell]

Why, you.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

And he's not Eddie Goodrich.

[Mark Goodrich]

What do you mean?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I'm not Eddie Goodrich. You're an imposter. I haven't a photograph of Eddie, so I went to the trouble of checking with his dentist. Goodrich has two upper front teeth on a detachable bridge. Unfortunately, yours are quite solidly your own. Now then, I want the answer to two questions. What game are you two playing? And where's Eddie Goodrich?

[Linda Farrell]

All right, here's our answer. This.

[Alec]

Look, Al, she's got a gun.

[Linda Farrell]

If either one of you moves, I'll kill you. Now get in the next room.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I prefer it here.

[Linda Farrell]

I said start moving or I shoot.

[Mark Goodrich]

With the safety catch on.

[Linda Farrell]

Let's go.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Sorry, but little girl shouldn't play guns my wrist up. No, this plaything is much safer in my hands.

[Mark Goodrich]

Linda, you stupid.

[Linda Farrell]

Shut up, Sid.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Linda and Sid. Cute couple, don't you think, Alec?

[Alec]

Charming.

[Mark Goodrich]

I knew this gag would get us into a jam.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

What gag?

[Linda Farrell]

Nothing. He doesn't know what he's talking about.

[Mark Goodrich]

I don't.

[Linda Farrell]

Shut up, you fool.

[Mark Goodrich]

I got it, Linda. Maybe if we open up, they haven't.

[Linda Farrell]

Got anything on us.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

No? What about this automatic of yours, Linda?

[Linda Farrell]

I've got a license to carry it.

[Alec]

Do you have a license to practice extortion?

[Linda Farrell]

You'll have to prove that.

[Mark Goodrich]

We'll prove it, all right.

[Linda Farrell]

It'll take time. You. You want to find Eddie Goodrich in a hurry, don't you?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I believe I detect a bargain in the offing.

[Linda Farrell]

You guessed it.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

The terms.

[Linda Farrell]

You forget about us if I tell you where Eddie is.

[Mark Goodrich]

Well, all right.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Now, first, where do you two fit in?

[Linda Farrell]

We're friends of Eddie's.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Friends?

[Linda Farrell]

Yes.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Go ahead.

[Linda Farrell]

Eddie owes 3,000 to Nick Gasco. The money was supposed to come here to Sid's apartment. I sent that wire for Eddie and I was to pick up the money.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

And delivered it where?

[Linda Farrell]

To Nick Gasko. He's got a joint up on 98th street behind a candy store. If you want to find Eddie, ask Nick Gasco. Nick's keeping Eddie undercover till the money comes across.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Do you have everything straight, Alex?

[Mark Goodrich]

Yes.

[Alec]

I'm to keep a watch on this house. If Linda and Sid leave, I'm to.

[Mark Goodrich]

Follow them wherever they go.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

And I'll be back just as soon as I hear what Nick Gasco has to say. Well, Nick, what have you got to say to that?

[Mark Goodrich]

Lynn is a liar. She's a lousy little liar. Just playing our own game.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Eddie Goodrich owes you 3,000, doesn't he?

[Mark Goodrich]

Sure, sure. He owes me three G's. He's owed me more than that. But he's good for it. He pumps it out of the old man like water. Eddie's okay in a cup anytime.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

When did you see Eddie last?

[Mark Goodrich]

Day before yesterday, when he dropped the three. Jaycee. Was he alone? You crazy. Alone? That girl Linda was with him. She's always with him. So has a boyfriend, Sid. Lip off, Eddie's. Door.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Where do you think Eddie might be now?

[Mark Goodrich]

Come out with me.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I know where he is. Where are you taking me?

[Mark Goodrich]

Right back to search apartment. Nothing in our room, Sandra. Looks like they cleared out in a hurry.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I thought we'd find them gone, Nick.

[Mark Goodrich]

What do you mean?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Alec wasn't in front of the building when we arrived.

[Mark Goodrich]

He's telling them.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Yep.

[Mark Goodrich]

Leave it to that Linda dame. She's a smart cookie. She'll give him the slip.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Pardon me.

[Mark Goodrich]

What are you gonna do?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Have a look through these closets. You might check the one in the other room.

[Mark Goodrich]

Ah, you're wasting your time. You won't find anything here. Blow told her that dam is too smart to leave a trail behind her.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Evidently you've overrated Linda.

[Mark Goodrich]

Yeah.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Why? Look here in this closet. She left quite a monument.

[Mark Goodrich]

Stiff. I know Sid would end up getting it.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

It's not Sid. This scratch on the right hand. My mysterious guest was right. He predicted our next meeting would be at a funeral. Here, help me turn him over on his back.

[Mark Goodrich]

Sergeant.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

What is it, Nick?

[Mark Goodrich]

He's stiff. He's had a good rich. How much longer are we gonna sit here, Saunders? Why don't you do something? Call it tyrann or something.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

There'll be time for that. Nick gives me the crisp.

[Mark Goodrich]

You're sitting here looking at a stiff look. Suppose I see you later. Suppose I get a little air.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Honest, this makes you kind of sick. I'm sorry, Nick, but I'm going to need you around for a while.

[Mark Goodrich]

Oh, look, Silas, you don't think I had anything to do with this, do you? I brought you here, didn't I? You did? Well, I wouldn't do that if I was in on the job, would I?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I just want you around for help, Nick, that's all.

[Mark Goodrich]

You wouldn't kid me, would you? I told you that Eddie and I were friends, didn't I? We were good friends. I let him go in a cup of three GS, just like I told you. You can ask anybody. Nick Gasket don't do business like it.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Was done to Eddie.

[Alec]

There.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Take it easy. I think that's the call I was expecting. Hello, Salak. Rex. I thought I'd still get you there.

[Alec]

Linda and Sid left the house about 15 minutes after you went uptown. They had two valises with them.

[Mark Goodrich]

Where did they go?

[Alec]

I don't know.

[Mark Goodrich]

What do you mean? What happened?

[Alec]

I followed their car up 9th Avenue and then across town on 59th Street. They made a quick turn into Central park and then I. I lost them. I'm sorry.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

It seems that Nick was right about Linda. You better come back. We still have some business to settle here in Sid's apartment.

[Alec]

What kind of business?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

A matter between Nick Gasko and a corpse. Nick's here with me. And so is Eddie Goodrich's corpse. What? And despite his fervent avows of friendship for Eddie, I have an idea that Nick isn't telling all he knows. Rex.

[Mark Goodrich]

What happened? Rex.

[Linda Farrell]

Wrench. Sid, turn the car around.

[Mark Goodrich]

What?

[Linda Farrell]

Take the East River Drive. We're going back downtown.

[Mark Goodrich]

What's the matter, Linda? You crazy?

[Linda Farrell]

No, I'm not crazy. The idea just struck me.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

What idea?

[Mark Goodrich]

What are you talking about?

[Linda Farrell]

Old man Goodrich is going to be good for some spending money before we clear out permanently. I'm going back to hit him for it.

[Mark Goodrich]

Yeah, but Eddie's dead.

[Linda Farrell]

So what? The old man doesn't know it and.

[Mark Goodrich]

They find him in the closet. We're finished.

[Linda Farrell]

Don't be a staff. They won't look there so fast. Just give me 10 minutes with old man Goodrich and you and I are going to be 2000 richer. So go ahead, do what I told you. Turn the car around. It'll cost you 2,000, Mr. Goodrich.

[Mark Goodrich]

And you'd have Eddie back here in four hours, Linda.

[Linda Farrell]

In four hours, like I said. But first one thing.

[Mark Goodrich]

Yes?

[Linda Farrell]

You don't tell anybody about this deal. You keep Saunders off and keep the police off. Do you understand that?

[Mark Goodrich]

I understand.

[Linda Farrell]

If you try any double crosses, I warn you, you won't have Eddie back here soon. Maybe never.

[Mark Goodrich]

All right. Anything you say.

[Linda Farrell]

No. Let me have the money.

[Mark Goodrich]

But how do I know you'll keep your end of the bargain?

[Linda Farrell]

You take that chance if you want Eddie.

[Mark Goodrich]

I'll be right back.

[Linda Farrell]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Mark Goodrich]

Yes?

[Linda Farrell]

Where are you going?

[Mark Goodrich]

The money's in a safe in the next room.

[Linda Farrell]

I'll go with you.

[Mark Goodrich]

All right.

[Linda Farrell]

Come on.

[Mark Goodrich]

This way. Miss Farrell.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Yes, Linda, come right in.

[Alec]

Miss Farrell seems surprised to find us here yet, Alec.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

I expected her arrival.

[Mark Goodrich]

Now you have her, Mr. Saunders. A rotten little murderous.

[Linda Farrell]

Stand back, all of you.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Another gun, Ms. Farrell. Is that a pocketbook you carry or an arsenal?

[Linda Farrell]

The safety catch is off this time.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

So I noticed. You're not getting away this time. You may as well put that gun down.

[Linda Farrell]

Oh, no. You're not going to get me for a murder I didn't commit. I didn't kill Eddie.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

You'll have your chance to prove that in court.

[Linda Farrell]

A fat chance.

[Mark Goodrich]

They'll give me better than the chance you gave Eddie.

[Linda Farrell]

I didn't think. Kill him. And you're not going to take me in. You just stay where you are, all of you. I'm going out of that door and I fire at the first one who makes a move before I close it. And don't try to follow me. I warn you.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Stay here, Mr. Goodrich. Come on, Alec. Right with you. There she is, getting into that car across the street. Hurry, before she gets away from it.

[Alec]

She's pulling out.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

We better get into our car. Wait, Alec.

[Mark Goodrich]

Look.

[Linda Farrell]

Her car is swinging around.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

She's going up on the sidewalk and.

[Linda Farrell]

Straight for that store window.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

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[Mark Goodrich]

Always.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

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[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Help me open this car door.

[Mark Goodrich]

Yes. Thanks.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

It's a jam, but I think. I think we can.

[Mark Goodrich]

A little more.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

That's enough.

[Mark Goodrich]

There we are.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Apparently this crash wasn't so fatal as it looked.

[Alec]

She's alive?

[Mark Goodrich]

Yes.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

So are the other two.

[Mark Goodrich]

The other two? Yes.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Sid and Nick Gasco.

[Mark Goodrich]

Nick Gasco?

[Alec]

What was he doing in the car?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Nick seems the worst off of the three. He's under the wheel. We better get him out first. I'll get him under the arm. You take the leg.

[Mark Goodrich]

Yeah, yeah, I have him.

[Alec]

I got him.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

All right, lift him slowly. Watch your step. Watch your step in the rubble. Put him down here in front of the car. Lift him down carefully.

[Mark Goodrich]

That's your ex.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

All right, that's.

[Mark Goodrich]

That's fine.

[Alec]

Now, what about the others?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

And a call. Police emergency. I look after Nick a while. He's pretty badly cut up.

[Mark Goodrich]

Nick. Nick.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Take it easy, Nick.

[Mark Goodrich]

No, I. I want to talk. I want to tell you what. What happened? Mm. I grabbed the wheel from city. Tried to stop getaway of them for you. For payoff. Honest. I'm dealing from the top of the deck.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Don't try and say any more, Nick.

[Mark Goodrich]

You're.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

You're going to need a great deal of strength later on to talk about a great many things. Hello, Nick.

[Mark Goodrich]

I've been waiting for you, Saunders. Doc says I was out of the picture three days. Yes, I want to have that talk.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

So do I, Nick.

[Mark Goodrich]

What about Linda, Sid?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

They're down the hall in their rooms. They're able to get around, but not far.

[Mark Goodrich]

You want to watch our Linda. She a tricky dame.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Well, about that talk, Nick.

[Mark Goodrich]

Oh, yeah. But first I want to apologize for conking you on the head. The way it looked to me. You had me tagged as the number one boy, so I had to get off the spot fast. I could be here for the payoff.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

And guess what is the payoff?

[Mark Goodrich]

How Eddie milked old man Goodrich. How the dog came Teddy fast and easy. And how Goodrich figured the kiss off that he had something on him. And it was nothing good. The fire escape. Did you see him?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Yes, Nick, I saw him.

[Mark Goodrich]

I had a feeling Goodrich would be here for the payoff. Would have laid odds on it. But I figured it only an even money bet. Who'd get to me first, you or him?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Well, Nick, frankly, you had a little edge. To be exact, 30 to 1 against the killer.

[Mark Goodrich]

I don't get you.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

From the time you entered the hospital, Alec has been been in that apartment house across the street with a 30 caliber rifle trained on this room. Well, that's the way it was, Alec. Eddie knew that his uncle had been mixed up in several shady business deals. And with that information he bled money from Goodrich year after year. And Goodrich decided he had to end the blackmail sometime. And the opportunity to presented itself when he found Eddie alone in Sid's apartment. Eddie was already murdered when I went to see Goodrich Tuesday afternoon.

[Alec]

But why did he let us in on the case?

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Probably because he thought it would furnish him with a perfect alibi.

[Alec]

But what about Linda and Sid? They knew Eddie's body was in that closet.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Linda and Sid are explaining that to the District Attorney. Now, they knew about Eddie's telegram asking for money. So they seized upon the situation for some quick and easy, easy dollars. But as Nick Gasco would say, Alec, I lay odds the district attorney will prove to them that quick and easy dollars pay off the.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

In a moment, Rex Harrison will return to tell you about next week's story. First, an invitation from RCA Victor. Next chance you get, drop into your dealers and look over the wide variety of RCA Victor home instruments designed to bring you the very finest in home entertainment. We know you'll find just the right instrument for family fun at a price that will fit your family budget. Fine instruments with world famous RCA Victor quality built into every feature and detail. See them tomorrow at your RCA Victor dealer. And now, here is Rex Harrison, internationally famous star of stage and screen, to tell you about next week's adventure transcribed from the private files of Rex Saunders. Next week it's concerning fortune telling.

[Rex Saunders (Detective)]

Concerning fortune telling. The lines in the palm of the victim's hands are never as accurate as the plan in the killer's mind.

[Narrator / Rex Saunders]

You have been listening to another intriguing adventure transcribed from the private files of Rex Saunders, written by Ed Adamson. In the cast were Leon Janney as Alec and Amzie Strickland as Linda. The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown. This is Kenneth Banghart speaking for RCA Victor. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.