The Creaking Door xx-xx-xx (16) Like Blood Sisters

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Creaking Door xx-xx-xx (16) Like Blood Sisters"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: The Creaking Door xx-xx-xx (16) Like Blood Sisters
• Release Date: June 25, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Mystery

The episode "Like Blood Sisters" unfolds the gripping tale of Chris and Joan, introduced amidst an eerie night setting. From the outset, listeners are immersed in a suspenseful atmosphere where the protagonists grapple with mysterious occurrences and dark secrets.

2. A Tense Evening Begins [04:05 - 05:50]

The story kicks off with Chris and Joan preparing for supper. Tension is palpable as Joan abruptly ends their date, declaring, “I can't see you again. Not for a while” (04:10). Chris, concerned and confused, insists on understanding her sudden withdrawal.

3. The Mysterious Phone Call [05:07 - 08:05]

Chris discovers a troubling phone call from Ludlow Park recorded on his radio (06:14). The message hints at a murder investigation, deepening the mystery. Determined to uncover the truth, Chris heads to the park, encountering a chaotic scene under police searchlights.

4. Joan's Secret Unveiled [08:05 - 12:01]

Upon returning, Chris confronts Joan about her whereabouts, only to find her behavior increasingly erratic. Joan reveals a haunting presence in her life, stating, “She has a strange power. I can always feel her near me” (11:05). This revelation introduces the concept of a split personality or an external evil influence.

5. Delving Deeper into the Investigation [12:01 - 13:59]

Chris seeks help from Dr. Fisher, a psychiatrist, who diagnoses Joan with schizophrenia and a split personality. Despite Joan’s resistance to seeking medical help, the investigation intensifies as Chris uncovers more disturbing details about the murders linked to Ludlow Park.

6. The Confrontation and Revelation [16:13 - 22:50]

In a climactic sequence, Chris returns to Joan’s apartment only to find unsettling evidence that suggests Joan’s innocence is compromised. Joan pleads, “There is another woman” (25:07), but Chris remains skeptical. Tensions escalate as Joan accuses another persona of committing the murders, leading to a harrowing confrontation.

7. The Final Twist [23:01 - 26:11]

The episode culminates in Ludlow Park, where Joan confronts Chris with a gun, declaring her intention to commit suicide disguised as murder. However, in a shocking twist, Chris reveals his preparedness, having carried a gun concealed in the back seat: “I've been in the police force for 21 years. It's the first time I've ever shot a woman” (26:08). This revelation confirms that Joan's other personality was, in fact, a manifestation of her own fractured psyche.

8. Conclusion and Reflection [26:59 - End]

The episode wraps up with Chris reflecting on the ordeal, underscored by the recurring advertisement for Three Fives by State Express cigarettes. The narrative closes on a somber note, emphasizing the tragic complexities of Joan’s split identity and the devastating consequences of internal conflicts.

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Notable Quotes:

• Joan’s abrupt departure: “I can't see you again. Not for a while” (04:10)
• Introduction of the haunting presence: “She has a strange power. I can always feel her near me” (11:05)
• Joan’s plea: “There is another woman” (25:07)
• Chris’s revelation: “I've been in the police force for 21 years. It's the first time I've ever shot a woman” (26:08)

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Key Themes and Insights:

• Duality of Human Nature: The episode delves into the complexities of split personalities, exploring how inner demons can manifest and wreak havoc on one’s life.

• Trust and Skepticism: As Chris navigates through uncertainty, the narrative emphasizes the delicate balance between trust and doubt in relationships strained by hidden truths.

• Tragic Consequences of Mental Illness: Joan’s struggle with her mental state highlights the profound impact of untreated psychological issues, leading to tragic outcomes.

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Conclusion

"Like Blood Sisters" masterfully intertwines suspense, psychological drama, and a poignant exploration of human fragility. Through its intricate storytelling and compelling character arcs, the episode leaves listeners pondering the thin line between sanity and madness, trust and deception.

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Note: The timestamps in the quotes correspond to the transcript sections for reference.

Transcript

[Heritage University Announcer]

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[Chris]

I have flown. I have sailed. I have moved about this world of ours and ever in search of the finest of its kind, we bring you the tops in spine chillers. The Creaking Door. The manufacturers of State Express 35 spill to King cigarettes take pleasure in presenting the Creaking Door. Good evening, friends of the Creaking Door. The Creaking Door is open, so do come in. But I must ask you to tread wearily. We have some strange characters to contend with. Be a little tolerant. After all, they are only inhuman. Get three Fives. Get the taste. Three Fives by State Express get the taste of international success. The taste that's uniquely 3 5. Only when no expense is served in its making can a cigarette taste so right, so smooth, so satisfying. Three pies get the taste, the taste that State Express created for you. The taste that has made Three Fives the king size cigarette of international success. Get three Five. Get the taste. Chris and Jean are seated in the tower and the only sound is the night song of the crickets. But let Chris himself take up the dam. Yes, we sit in the car, all right. Yet there is another sound which cannot be heard. But it's felt the silent, even dread of death as it stalks through the darkness surrounding us. Jones sits next to me, but we do not speak. Death has built a high wall which separates us forever. It began that evening when she came round for supper.

[Joan]

Hello, Chris.

[Chris]

Joan. I was beginning to worry. I'm sorry.

[Joan]

I'll never do it again.

[Chris]

Is that a promise? Yes.

[Joan]

Chris, this is our last date.

[Chris]

What?

[Joan]

I can't see you again. Not for a while.

[Chris]

But what is this?

[Joan]

Oh, please, let's not talk about it.

[Chris]

But I've got a right to talk about it. After all, we're engaged.

[Joan]

Chris, please. Please don't ask any more questions. Just believe it. It's got to be this way. It's just got to be, sir.

[Chris]

We began supper. Joan sat across the table from me. Her face was drawn and bleached down. I had to make her talk. I had to find out what was wrong.

[Joan]

Believe me, Chris, Nothing's wrong.

[Chris]

But there is, Joan. Something's happened to you.

[Joan]

I told you not to ask questions.

[Chris]

There's something you're afraid of.

[Joan]

Why do you say that?

[Chris]

Because it's written all over you. Your eyes, the way you sit there. Everything you say, everything you do. You're wrong.

[Joan]

Why should I be afraid? Why?

[Chris]

All right. Oh, I almost forgot. There was a phone call for you, Joan.

[Joan]

Phone call?

[Chris]

Yes. About half an hour before you came. A woman. She said she was phoning from Ludlow Park. Well, that's all she said, except that you'd understand the message. The cup Joan was holding fell out of her hand and crashed to the floor. For a moment she sa. And then suddenly she bolted out of her chair and hurried to the door. Jo.

[Joan]

Jo, wait.

[Chris]

Where are you going?

[Joan]

An appointment. I have an appointment. I. I must rush with the woman.

[Chris]

Who called from that low park.

[Joan]

Let me go. I'm late.

[Chris]

I'll drive you there.

[Joan]

No, I. I'll have my car downstairs.

[Chris]

I'm not letting you drive out of Nudlow park this time of the night by yourself.

[Joan]

Chris, you must stay out of this.

[Chris]

But why?

[Joan]

Because that's the way it has to be. Someday you'll understand. Someday you'll understand everything.

[Chris]

After she'd gone, I thought of the woman who'd called from Ludlow Park. There was something familiar about her voice. Pacing the room didn't help, so I sat down and switched on Aurelia. By accident, I tuned to a police message. You may call it coincident. But I knew it was more that doesn't come. Roberts patrol car 31 calling headquarters. Roberts patrol car 31 to headquarters as ordered proceeding to Ludlow park to investigate murder. By the time I arrived out of that low park, the police searchlights had attracted a crowd of morbid curiosity seekers. All right, all right, sir. Let me. Sir. My girl. All right. Let me prove my get confused. Hey. Here I just turned my bear. I'd come up out the person who was murdered. So did all the other sensation seekers. I said, get back there. You came out of dead. I can identify the body. I can identify the body. Yes, I know the one who was murdered. There's much left to identify after that night. You come with me. I take you to the side. I. I tried to stop her coming out here. I. I told her here. Wait a minute. Who are you talking about? Joan Vickers, my fiance. The woman who got murdered. Murdered? Woman? You got it all mixed up. It wasn't a woman who got slashed. It was.

[Joan]

Yes?

[Chris]

Hi, Jo.

[Joan]

What are you doing Here.

[Chris]

I've got to talk to you.

[Joan]

Oh, it's so late.

[Chris]

Mario.

[Joan]

Call me.

[Chris]

Don't join now, tonight. But I. You've got to be now, right now.

[Joan]

All right. Come in. What is it, Chris? What do you want to talk about?

[Chris]

Ludlow Park.

[Joan]

Ludlow Park?

[Chris]

And the murder out there. Murder? Why do you act so surprised? You should know about it. You went out to Ludlow park tonight.

[Joan]

Why do you say I went there?

[Chris]

Because you told me the woman I spoke to on the phone, she was out there.

[Joan]

I. I didn't go. I changed my mind. I came straight home after I left.

[Chris]

You're lying. What are you hiding? I spoke to the porter downstairs. He said he saw you come in barely 15 minutes ago.

[Joan]

15 minutes ago?

[Chris]

Where were you, Joan? Where did you go after you left my place?

[Joan]

I put my car in the garage and then I walked.

[Chris]

I. I suppose I walked longer than I realized. Where did you walk to?

[Joan]

I don't remember. Chris, please don't ask me.

[Chris]

Where did you walk to?

[Joan]

No, I don't remember. Chris, please. I'm very tired. Please go. I'll talk to you in the.

[Chris]

What is it? In this waste paper basket. There's a pair of gloves in here. Gloves? Yes. Here. Look. Look at them. Glo. They're covered in blood.

[Joan]

Those gloves. How did they get into my basket?

[Chris]

The bloodstains are still moist. Look at the initials. J.

[Joan]

Speak.

[Chris]

Joan Vickers. Your gloves, Joan.

[Joan]

I didn't wear them tonight. Blood. Blood.

[Chris]

Chris.

[Joan]

Who are you calling?

[Chris]

I'm going to call the police. Chris.

[Joan]

Chris, you. You mustn't. Don't call the police.

[Chris]

Why not?

[Joan]

Because they won't believe me. No one will believe me.

[Chris]

I believe you.

[Joan]

Put the phone down, sir. Help me put it down.

[Chris]

Thank you, Grace. I wasn't really going to talk to the police. I. I just wanted to make you open up to me to tell me everything. Now, what is it? What is it? No one will believe it's that woman. That horrible woman. The one who called from Nutlo Park?

[Joan]

Yeah. Oh, he's evil, Chris. As evil and as black as the devil himself. He's the one who knifed that man to death tonight in the park.

[Chris]

And you say you weren't there.

[Joan]

I wasn't there.

[Chris]

Then how do you know it was a man who was murdered? I didn't say whether it was a man or a woman.

[Joan]

Didn't you?

[Chris]

No. I didn't say how he was murdered. Yet you knew he was slashed to death. If you weren't there, then how did.

[Joan]

You know it's all mixed up, Chris. But I can't explain. He was here just before you came.

[Chris]

That.

[Joan]

That woman, she told me what she did. She told me every horrible detail. She. She made me live.

[Chris]

You keep saying she. Who is this woman?

[Joan]

Believe me, Chris, I don't know.

[Chris]

Not even her name?

[Joan]

Not even that. The first time I saw her was about two weeks ago. That's when I started the breakout date. You remember?

[Chris]

Yes.

[Joan]

Well, one night when I came home, she was here in the apartment. I was standing right here, taking my hat off. And when I looked in the mirror, I saw her there behind me, grinning at me. A terrible, hateful grin. She said we were going to be like sisters. Blood sisters.

[Chris]

Why didn't you tell me about her? Before us?

[Joan]

I was afraid of her. She has a strange power. I can always feel her near me. She said that if I told anyone, she'd tell me. Well, now I've told you. That means I'll be murdered. You'll find out and kill me.

[Chris]

No, she won't, Joan. You'll be all right if you're telling the truth about this mad woman.

[Joan]

I am, Chris. Believe me, it's the truth.

[Chris]

Then I'll find her, Joan. I'll find her and stop her. I set out to find the strangely evil woman. No name, no gifts not match to go on. Just Josephine. A free woman like Jones. Jones and Gray Eyes. Not much. But there was that phone call she made to my apartment.

[Joan]

Well, this is a switchblt, Mr. Ryan. About the phone call you got last night, the one you wanted me to check out for you.

[Chris]

Did you find anything?

[Joan]

Well, my boyfriend Albert got the information. Handy having a boyfriend who works for the telephone exchange.

[Chris]

You got the number then? From where the call was made in Ludlow Park.

[Joan]

Oh, funny thing about that, Mr. Ryan. The call didn't come from there.

[Chris]

But it did.

[Joan]

Oh, no, Mr. Rhyme. Albert got the exact information the call came from. 786, 248. That number is in the center of town.

[Chris]

786248. With Jones phone number. The call came from Jones mat. What woman's for him. There was something interesting in that. Now I knew what it was. It has the same quality as that of Jones White.

[Joan]

Hello, Mr. Rhyme? Oh, there's something I can do.

[Chris]

Well, I'm in a hurry, Miss Keith. If any messages come in for me, just say I'm at Ms. Vickers flat.

[Joan]

Ms. Vickers? Well, it's no use your going there. She's not at home.

[Chris]

But how do you know that's what.

[Joan]

I wanted to tell you Ms. Vickers called half an hour before you came in. She left a message. Said to tell you she's gone to Ludlow park again.

[Chris]

Cid. Detective Sergeant Robert speaking. I'm calling to prevent another murder at Ludlow Park. Well, you're calling about 15 minutes too late. The ambulance is on its way back from the park now. And there's a corpse inside with more myos than you can count. Get three fives. Get the taste. Three fives by State Express. Get the taste of international success. The taste that's uniquely 3 5. Only when no expense is spared in its making can a cigarette taste so light, so smooth, so satisfied. 3 5. Get the taste. The taste that State Express created for you. The taste that has made Three Five the king size cigarette of international success. Get three five. Get the taste. Will. Will, Will. A kiss in the stand in the dark. Two murders so far. But let us go back to Chris and hear what he has got on his troubled mind. Another murder in Battle Park. Another punctual, meaningless murder. Only a mad person, a completely insane human animal could kill like that. The unknown woman. Who was she? That question spun vividly in my mind. I went to Joan's apartment. The door was open. And when I walked in out of the door, her hat and coat still on.

[Joan]

Chris. Chris. That woman was here again. Chris, you've got to save me from her before it's too late.

[Chris]

Joan, where have you been?

[Joan]

Here, Chris. I've been right here all the time.

[Chris]

Then why do you have your hat and coat on?

[Joan]

My hat and coat?

[Chris]

You've been out.

[Joan]

No, I haven't been out. I've been sitting right here.

[Chris]

There's fresh mud on your shoes.

[Joan]

I couldn't see them.

[Chris]

Look at them. Look at them. Mud from that soft earth out at Ludlow Park.

[Joan]

I didn't go to Ludlow Park. I wouldn't go out. Chris.

[Chris]

Then why do you phone me and leave a message until we're going out?

[Joan]

I didn't phone.

[Chris]

Joan, I want the truth. Where were you tonight? You are out of this apartment. Where did you go?

[Joan]

I don't remember going out. Oh, please believe me. I. I don't remember anything. She does this to me. She comes to visit me and I forget everything except that she was here.

[Chris]

Joan, are you sure there is another woman?

[Joan]

What do you mean?

[Chris]

Just what I said. Is there really a woman or.

[Joan]

Oh, there is. There is. She's real and right. You. You've got to believe me.

[Chris]

I'm trying to, Joan. I'm trying with all my might. You know Nothing about this new murder.

[Joan]

Yes, I know. She told me.

[Chris]

She told you about the second murder?

[Joan]

She told me the same kind of murder.

[Chris]

A man. Deep night slashes. Almost complete mutilation of the face.

[Joan]

She's a horrible thing, Chris. She laughed when she told me about it. She. She lost it. The English love. My time will come soon. Take me away from her where she cannot find me.

[Chris]

No, Jonah, no. You're staying here. And tomorrow afternoon I'm taking you to a doctor.

[Joan]

A doctor?

[Chris]

A psychiatrist.

[Joan]

You don't believe what I've told you.

[Chris]

Yes, I have a pediatrician.

[Joan]

Do you think I'm. I'm mad?

[Chris]

Just do as I asked, Darling. Dr. Fisher may be able to help both of us.

[Joan]

I'm not sick. I'm all right. I'm just frightened.

[Chris]

You explain it all to Dr. Fisher.

[Joan]

I won't go to a doctor if you don't believe me. Then no one will. No matter what you say or do. I'm not going to a doctor.

[Chris]

I had that talk with Joan last night. This afternoon I went to see Dr. Fisher alone. I told the doctor as much about Joan as I felt it safe to mention. A clear case of schizophrenia, Mr. Ryan. Split personality. But that can't surely be, Doctor. This young lady I told you about is aware of both personalities. Mr. Jekyll was also aware of Mr. Hyde. Yes, doctor, but that was fiction. Fiction is often no stranger than truth. These split personalities have no power to prevent the sudden changes in identity. And when the personality shift occurs, other changes often accompany him. What do you mean? Well, there are often slight physical changes such as posture, gait and frequently vocal quality. How I told you about that. The voice of the woman on the phone was different, yet there was a similar quality. Exactly. Mr. Ryan, I strongly urge that your friend. We give medical attention as soon as possible. I wanted to bring her with me today, Doctor. She refused to come. If only there was some way of getting it. Oh, pardon me. Come in.

[Joan]

Sorry to interrupt you, Doctor, but there's someone waiting outside. A very agitated case.

[Chris]

I'll be through in a moment. Have them wait.

[Joan]

Oh, she insists on seeing you immediately. Her name is Joan Vickers.

[Chris]

That was another surprise, but a heavy one. Joan wanted to help herself, but she wanted to do it alone. I could understand it. I left the office, waited outside a tree in spite of the rain. I stood there for about 10 minutes, and then a scream came from the house. I rushed across the lawn, back into the building. I opened the door to the doctor's office. The nurse was standing in the center of the room, sobbing hysterically on the floor at her feet, were struck to Fisher. His face was flashed to ribbon. Sir, open this door. I know you're at home. Open this door before I break it in.

[Joan]

He wouldn't let me come to the door, but I got away. It's not.

[Chris]

You killed him.

[Joan]

What?

[Chris]

You killed Dr. Fisher as you killed the others.

[Joan]

No, Chris.

[Chris]

It was she I saw from his office window. I saw you run across the lawn.

[Joan]

If I wasn't out, I. I didn't leave the floor.

[Chris]

The lift man brought you up five minutes ago.

[Joan]

Believe me, it was she. She did it.

[Chris]

There's no other woman, Joan. It was you all the time. The other part of you. You killed Dr. Fisher. In your crazy mind, you. You thought you'd get to him before I did.

[Joan]

Please don't talk like that. You've got to believe me. There is another woman.

[Chris]

It was you who called me the other night. You called this apartment before you came to my place. You use the voice of your other personality. That's why I didn't recognize it. You don't realize it now. You don't realize all those terrible things you're capable of doing.

[Joan]

If you love me, so.

[Chris]

Love you? A mad killer like you.

[Joan]

Oh, my God. The other woman, she.

[Chris]

I told you, there is no other woman. You described her to me, and that fits you, too. Sin like you. Your height and open hair like yours. You tell me. You first saw her standing behind you when you looked in a mirror. You were looking at yourself.

[Joan]

I am so. Pardon, Chris, and I can prove it. She's here now. In this flat, in the other room. Oh, come with me, Chris. I'll prove it. I'll show you. Here, Chris. There save you.

[Chris]

The bedroom was empty. There was a mirror on the wall. Directly opposite the doorway where we stood across a chair was a woman's coat. I recognized it. It was Jones. It was still waiting for mine. She's gone.

[Joan]

She must have gone out the back way.

[Chris]

She was never here.

[Joan]

That coat. You can see it's still wet.

[Chris]

Yes. And it's your coat.

[Joan]

It is mine, but she took it. She wore it. Oh, she must have been able to hear what I told you. He'll kill me tonight when I meet them at the park.

[Chris]

You can stop that now.

[Joan]

Oh, but don't you understand? He'll kill me. She said I could come to the park to meet her tonight. She said that nothing could stop me from coming. She has a terrible car over me. If you don't stop me, I know.

[Chris]

I will go you're going to Ludlow park tonight.

[Joan]

What?

[Chris]

I'm taking you there.

[Joan]

But she'll kill me.

[Chris]

No. There won't be any other murder tonight because there is no other woman to kill you. That is why I'm taking you, to prove that there is no other woman except you. We arrived in Ludlow Park 10 minutes ago. And now we sit here in the car. J sits next to me. But we do not speak. Death has built a high wall which will separate us forever. I've just taken the keys out of the ignition.

[Joan]

Chris, where are you going?

[Chris]

I'm leaving you here in the car. Alone.

[Joan]

I can't.

[Chris]

I'm going for a walk. I'll be nearby.

[Joan]

Oh, Chris, you can't leave here. You can't kill me.

[Chris]

I told you. I'm going to prove to you that there is no other woman. You'll be alone in the car for a while.

[Joan]

Oh, Chris, wait. Wait. Come back. Hello, Joe. No. You came to the park just as I said you would. He didn't believe me. He didn't believe. I told you no one would believe you. And I warned you not to tell.

[Chris]

Why?

[Joan]

Why did you choose me? Because one day I saw you in the street. You were so much like me. I told you. We were like blood sisters. You're good and I. Evil.

[Chris]

Yes, that's it.

[Joan]

Evil. That is why I became so attached to you. Good and evil existing side by side in the same body. Only it wasn't the same body, was it? You know why I wanted you to come here, Joan?

[Chris]

You.

[Joan]

You're going to kill me. Yes, I'm going to kill you. But it isn't going to look like murder. Not at all. As you said, no one believes I exist. And after that, I won't exist because you'll be dead. A suicide. Suicide. No knife this time.

[Chris]

A gun.

[Joan]

The one I have here in my hand. It will look as though you shot yourself. Are you afraid, Jones? Yes. Well, think how wonderful death will be. You won't be afraid anymore. The pain passes in a fleeting moment, and then there is nothing left to feel or fear. Now, a shot from this gun.

[Chris]

Joan. Oh, John, you're all right. Your faintest. It was my gun. I've been in the police force for 21 years. It's the first time I've ever shot a woman. Before we left tonight, I. I telephoned Sergeant Robertson. Thank goodness I did. Yes, in the back seat. But I wouldn't look if I were. Well. Well, you know the old saying about sisters under the SK. It's get three fives. Get the taste. 35 by Steady Express get the taste of international success. The taste is uniquely refined. Only when no expense is better than its making can a cigarette taste so light, so smooth, so satisfying. 35 get the taste. The taste that State Express created for you the taste that has made Three Fives the King size cigarette of international success. Get three pies. Get the taste. This is your host back again. Just a reminder of our rendezvous next week. Where are we going? Through the Creaking door, of course. The manufacturers of State Express 35 Soter King 6 Cigarettes invite you to listen next Saturday at 9 o' clock when they will again present the Creaking Door.