Rocky Jordan 48-12-12 Ace High Straight

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: July 11, 2025

Introduction and Setting

In this gripping episode titled "Ace High Straight", listeners are transported to the vibrant streets of Cairo during the Golden Age of Radio. The protagonist, Rocky Jordan, is the proprietor of Cafe Tambourine, a bustling establishment located near Cairo's native quarter and within sight of the majestic Mosque Sultan Hassan. The cafe serves as a melting pot for men from various waterfronts around the world, each bringing their own stories and languages, setting the stage for a tale filled with intrigue, deceit, and high-stakes gambling.

"Time now for Rocky Jordan."
[00:02] Narrator

First Encounter: Jack and Thoman King

The story kicks off with Rocky Jordan's frustration over a losing streak in poker. After a restless night filled with incomplete straights, he decides to cash in his remaining chips and heads to bed, only to be confronted the next morning by unexpected visitors seeking his attention.

Early in the day, Chris, Rocky's bartender, informs him of a mysterious caller named Jack wanting to speak at the front payphone. Simultaneously, another patron, Thoman King, makes a loud and unwelcome appearance at the back of the bar, demanding to speak with the manager after expressing dissatisfaction with the cafe's service.

"Thoman King: I demand respect. Where is the manager?"
[02:32] Transcript

Rocky skillfully handles Thoman King's outburst, escorting him out of the cafe and dismissing his complaints with a mix of charm and authority.

The Robbery and Police Interrogation

As Rocky attempts to address Jack's call, he encounters Milton Queen, a cheerful tourist seeking directions to local mosques. Their brief interaction is interrupted when Rocky discovers his office has been vandalized: Chris lies unconscious on the floor, and the money from the desk is missing. A native woman with a veiled face is seen escaping, hinting at a deeper conspiracy.

Upon reporting the incident, Sergeant Greco of the Cairo police arrives to investigate. Suspicion quickly falls on Rocky, especially since Ace Warner, a fellow gambler, was found murdered with a gun planted in Rocky's desk drawer.

"Sergeant Greco: Ace Warner was just found in his casino, shot to death."
[08:28] Transcript

Rocky vehemently denies any involvement, suggesting that the gun was planted to frame him due to his IOU with Ace Warner.

Investigation and Clues

Determined to clear his name, Rocky begins piecing together the events leading up to the murder. He identifies three key players: Jack, who made the initial phone call; Thoman King, whose disturbance served as a diversion; and Milton Queen, whose friendly facade masks ulterior motives.

Rocky ventures into Cairo's bustling bazaar, following leads that align with his poker-themed investigation. His quest leads him to Dahabia number 10, a houseboat on the Nile, where he meets Angel, a woman with a mysterious past and a limp in her step—echoing the veiled woman from earlier.

"Rocky Jordan: To find your husband."
[20:58] Transcript

As Rocky delves deeper, he uncovers that Junior Queen, Milton's nephew, has been impersonating Angel, orchestrating events to pin Ace Warner's murder on Rocky.

Discovery of Angel and the Truth

The climax unfolds in a high-tension chase through the crowded bazaar. Rocky confronts Angel, revealing her true identity as Junior Queen. This revelation exposes the intricate plot devised by Milton Queen to eliminate Ace Warner and frame Rocky.

"Rocky Jordan: Naturally. You killed Ace Warner and he wants to kill me."
[26:12] Transcript

In a final showdown, Sergeant Greco intervenes just as Milton Queen's plans unravel. The police apprehend Milton, while Junior Queen attempts to escape but is thwarted by Sergeant Greco’s intervention.

Conclusion and Resolution

With the conspirators exposed and his innocence proven, Rocky Jordan reflects on the perilous journey that almost cost him everything. The episode concludes with Rocky returning to his beloved Cafe Tambourine, now free from the shadows of deceit and ready to embrace the simple pleasures of life, like a rewarding game of poker.

"Rocky Jordan: I kept moving. I backtracked through the bazaar, grabbed a roving taxi and directed it to Dahabi at 10 on the double."
[25:53] Transcript

Notable Quotes

• Rocky Jordan on Poker:
  "There's nothing I like better than a good game of poker. But I get tired of always drawing to straights that never fill."
  [00:12] Rocky Jordan

• Thoman King Confronting Rocky:
  "I demand respect. Where is the manager?"
  [02:32] Thoman King

• Sergeant Greco Accusing Rocky:
  "Ace Warner was just found in his casino, shot to death."
  [08:28] Sergeant Greco

• Rocky on the Frame-Up:
  "The killer knew I owed Ace Warner too much dough after that poker game last night. So he planted his gun in my desk to throw the blame on me."
  [11:03] Rocky Jordan

• Climactic Revelation:
  "You killed Ace Warner and he wants to kill me."
  [26:12] Rocky Jordan

In Summary

"Ace High Straight" masterfully intertwines elements of noir detective stories with the rich cultural backdrop of Cairo. Through Rocky Jordan's relentless pursuit of the truth, listeners experience a tale of betrayal, strategy, and redemption. The episode exemplifies the charm and suspense characteristic of Harold's Old Time Radio, making it a standout story in the Rocky Jordan series.