The Falcon xx-xx-xx (xxx) The Case Of The Murdering Wife

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Falcon – "The Case of the Murdering Wife"
Date: August 17, 2025
Host: N/A (Golden Age radio drama rebroadcast)

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Overview:

This episode features a classic detective radio drama, "The Falcon: The Case of the Murdering Wife," set in postwar New York. The story follows private detective Mike Waring, known as "The Falcon," who is drawn into a web of robbery, murder, and personal vendetta. When a jewelry shop owner is killed during a robbery gone wrong, the investigation quickly leads to ex-convict Mac McKenna, but a twisty plot involving devoted wives, cold-blooded revenge, and a final, unexpected reveal keeps both Falcon and the listener guessing until the end.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Setup – Mac and Laura’s Struggles

• Mac McKenna and his wife Laura are introduced as a couple barely scraping by financially in a cramped apartment.
• Laura worries about Mac's intention to go "back in business" and pleads with him not to get involved in a jewelry heist, worried for his safety ([01:30] "If you step out of that door to help me, I'll call the cops").
• Mac leaves, assuring Laura it will be a simple job.

2. The Jewelry Heist Turns Deadly

• Mac, with an accomplice named Paul, executes a robbery at Vance’s jewelry shop.
• The shop owner, Mr. Vance, is killed during the altercation ([03:40] "Well, the jewelry shop up there was heisted last night and the proprietor was killed").
• Detective Mike Waring (the Falcon) becomes involved representing the insurance company.
• Police sergeant Steve Pulaski joins the investigation.

3. Suspicions and Arrest

• Evidence links Mac to the crime: Waring recalls Mac’s distinctive scar and recent arrival in New York ([04:31] "Sounds like a boy I used to know in San Francisco").
• Mac is picked up by police; found with a recently fired gun. He denies the murder, but the evidence is strong ([06:00] "They got me dead to rights. They got my gun.").
• Laura visits Mac in jail, vowing to take revenge on Waring for putting her husband away ([07:28] "I'll get him for you, Mac, if it's the last thing I do").

4. Misdirection and a Second Murder

• Sergeant Steve Pulaski is ambushed and killed in Waring's apartment—intended for Waring, the murder deepens the mystery ([08:52] "Three hours after Sergeant Steve Pulaski was killed... the cops were still busy on the scene").
• Waring and the police consider Laura as a primary suspect, given her recent threat and devotion to Mac.

5. Confrontation with Laura

• Waring accuses Laura of the murder; she confesses to attempting to kill Waring but insists she used the fire escape to enter (a detail Waring disproves) ([16:21] "You were going to kill Waring." "[16:21] That's right. Now, can I see Max?").
• Sensing something is off, Waring arranges for Laura's release, believing her confession is false and designed to see her husband one last time.

6. Final Investigation and Reveal

• In reconstructing Pulaski’s murder with elevator boy Eddie, Waring himself is shot—clearly the real killer is still at large ([19:14] "That's how it was. I guess he stepped into the room. Oh, Mike! Mr. Waring!").
• Waring survives and confronts Mrs. Pulaski at her home.
• Through evidence and deduction, Waring concludes Mrs. Pulaski killed her husband Steve for insurance money—she knew of his meeting with Waring and used Steve's keys to commit the murder ([22:44] "Because the killer used to him to get into my apartment... Now, who would have the best opportunity to know of that appointment and to lift the keys?").

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Desperation and Crime:

  • Laura: “If you step out of that door to help me, I'll call the cops.” ([02:01])
  • Mac: “Look, Laura, I never kidded you for a minute. I'm a gone gosling. No, we gotta face the facts. They got me dead to rights. They got my gun.” ([07:06])

• Twists of Fate:

  • Waring (on the murder): “Well, whoever did it wasn't taking any chances. They were probably standing right by that closet. Yeah, the minute the door opened, they fired.” ([09:48])
  • Waring: “I can't tell you how sorry I am about this, Corbett. If I'd been here, you would have gotten it instead.” ([10:06])

• Emotion and Loss:

  • Mrs. Pulaski: “No, I... I don't believe it.” ([12:59])
  • Waring: “All I know is that Steve is gone. Now, let me alone.” ([18:25])

• The Final Deduction:

  • Waring: “Let’s consider the actual result in the case. Who was the victim? Now, suppose it wasn’t an accident at all. Suppose someone was really after Steve. You see the possibilities?” ([22:09])
  • Waring: “You had big ideas. You didn’t like living on a policeman’s salary, so you killed Steve for his insurance… but you made one mistake and in this game, that’ll put you away.” ([23:02])

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Important Timestamps

• [01:30] – Laura begs Mac not to go through with the heist
• [03:40] – The heist and murder at Vance's jewelry shop
• [04:31] – Falcon discovers Mac is in town, becomes prime suspect
• [06:00] – Mac arrested, evidence mounting
• [07:28] – Laura's vow for revenge
• [08:52] – Pulaski found killed in Waring’s apartment
• [10:06] – Waring laments Pulaski’s death
• [12:59] – Mrs. Pulaski learns of Steve’s death
• [16:21] – Laura confesses, seeks to see her husband
• [19:14] – Waring reconstructs the crime, is shot
• [22:09]-[23:08] – The big reveal: Mrs. Pulaski is the murderer

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Tone and Atmosphere

• The drama is driven by sharp dialogue, moody atmosphere, and classic noir tropes.
• Emotional highs include Laura’s anguished pleas, Mrs. Pulaski’s devastation, and Waring’s hardboiled narration.
• Waring is sardonic, droll, and relentless; the supporting cast embody desperation, cynicism, and loyalty.

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Summary in a Nutshell

A seemingly simple robbery escalates into a double murder investigation with the Falcon at the center. Blame and suspicion shift from hardened crooks to devoted wives, as secrets, vengeance, and a lust for a better life drive the true culprit. The episode’s final twist—unmasking Mrs. Pulaski, the victim’s own wife, as the murderer—delivers the moral that in the pursuit of justice, no one can be trusted on appearances alone.

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For listeners, this case highlights the clever plotting and rich, emotional storytelling that made Golden Age radio dramas enduring classics.

Transcript

[A]

Lowe's knows painting isn't just a project, it's your profession. And when buying in volume, savings matter. That's why my Lowe's Pro Rewards members get 20% off eligible brands like Valspar, HGTV, Home by Sherwin Williams and Cabot. After your Paint spend reaches $3,000, Lowes we help you save exclude spray paint and mistint. Discount applies to future qualifying paint purchases. After $3,000 annual spend, annual spend resets 11 26. More terms and conditions apply. Visit lowe's.com terms for details subject to change. There's one thing you learn working as a private detective. Nothing's for sure. As a case in point, I give you Laura McKenna. Mrs. McKenna is the blonde preparing dinner in the two room apartment on New York's west side. And if she seems happy, it's because she is. She's waiting for a man to come home. But Laura's wasting her time for this one meal neither of the McKenna's is destined to eat.

[B]

Is that you, Ma?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, wait a second, honey.

[A]

Hi, dog.

[B]

Take off your coat. Dinner will be ready in 20 minutes.

[A]

Oh, did Paul Newcomb drop off a package for me?

[B]

Yeah, it's on the table, honey.

[A]

Isn't it a beauty?

[B]

Where'd that gun come from?

[A]

Borrowed it from Paul. Going back in business?

[B]

No.

[A]

Mm. Paul saw a good thing on 84th Street. A jewelry shop run by a fellow named Vance.

[B]

He talked into heisting it.

[A]

Well, he could have gotten a hundred guys.

[B]

I won't let you do it.

[A]

Now, don't talk like a chick.

[B]

I mean it. Max. If anything happened to you.

[A]

Nothing's gonna happen. A kid could handle this.

[B]

That's what you said in San Francisco before they sent you out.

[A]

Well, that was an accident. It couldn't happen again.

[B]

Well, we're not gonna find out.

[A]

What do you suggest? There's eight bucks in the kitty.

[B]

We'll get by.

[A]

I don't want us to just get by. How do you think I feel when I see a dame who haven't got one? Half your luck. Spray around with furs and diamonds, you hear me complaining?

[B]

I'm satisfied.

[A]

Well, I'm not.

[B]

You're not going to do it, Mac. Let Paul get himself another board.

[A]

Now, that's enough the discussion. So.

[B]

No, it's not. If you step out of that door to help me, I'll call the cops.

[A]

What did you say? Oh, I'm. I'm sorry, baby.

[B]

No, you're. You're right, Mac. I didn't mean what I said. You know, if Anything happened to you.

[A]

Yeah, I know. Don't worry. I'll be back in an hour.

[B]

Let me go with you. It'll be easier with the tour.

[A]

No, you're afraid. I'm not afraid. You'd only be, in a way. Now give us a kiss for luck, baby. I'm off to work. I'm terribly sorry, sir, but we're closed for the night. Oh, come on, mister. Give me a break, huh? It's my girl's birthday, but I put all my stuff away. Well, how long would it take to open a safe? I saw an engagement ring on your window this afternoon. It was perfect. An engagement ring? Yeah, it was marked $850. She'll be crazy about it. Well, in that case, Thanks a lot, Mr. Banks. You just wait a minute. Sure. Say, Yapner, remember how much it weighed? 1 and a half carats. Oh, well, suppose I wanted something bigger, Say about four? I'm sure we could accommodate you. Here we are. Now, if you just look over this tree. But why don't I do it home? Well, all right, France. Just keep your hands on the showcase. There's a hide. Just keep them where they are. You're making a great mistake, young man. Now, if you listen to me. What was that? I don't know. Well, why don't you? The cute one. So you slept on me a lot. Couldn't leave well enough alone, huh? All right, you fellas, let's hurry it up and get out of here. Myers, be sure you get a shot of the showcase, huh? Greetings, James. Oh, no. Wouldn't you know it? Well, if it isn't Sergeant Pulaski. Where's Corvus? He's lucky. He got a day off. What are you doing here? Wearing? I represent the insurance company. Well, fellas, we can all go home now. The Falcon is on the case. You better stick around, man. You might learn something. What do you got, Chief Darn Little. What about Vance? He died an hour ago. Tough. He talked before he went? No, not much. Here's a description of his killer. Blond hair, blue eyes, 5 foot 9. Small mole on right cheek, V shaped scar on left wrist. V shaped scar? That's funny. What's so funny about it? Sounds like a boy I used to know in San Francisco. Well? Well, it couldn't be him. Last I heard, Mack was serving five to ten at San Quentin. Mac who? Mac McKenna. What made you think of him? That scar he got in a knifing. But it couldn't be the same one. Well, couldn't it? Suppose I told you that Mr. McKenna is now guesting in our fair city.

[B]

What?

[A]

I got it from a stoolie last week. He's living with his wife at the Belmore. It sounds too easy. Well, I'm gonna pick him up just for luck. Come along, See how it's you, Paul. Yeah, all right. Wait a minute. Hello, Mac. Remember me? No, I can't say as I do. Name is Waring. We met on the coast some years back. So? So now that we got me identified, I'd like you to meet Sergeant Steve Pulaski. Looks like you were right, Steve. Looks like. What are you babbling about? Steve? Got a rumble. You were in town and I thought it impossible. Last I heard, you were still in San Francisco. I didn't like the climate. I don't think you'll like New York's any better. Particularly around 84th Street. Come again? Well, the jewelry shop up there was heisted last night and the proprietor was killed. Oh, Well, I don't know anything about it. How do you account for the fact that Steve found your fingerprints on the showcase? You're crazy. I wore it gloves. Buy your nuts. Wait, I'll prove it to you. Watch him, sir. Hold it, boy. I just wanted to get my clothes. Don't strain yourself. You got at it, Mike. You bet you. Well, what do we got here? What is it, a.38? Yeah, and it's been fired recently. All right, sergeant. Since Mac is so fond of jewelry, let him try your bracelets with size. Hey, McKenna. What do you want? You got company.

[B]

Mac.

[A]

Oh, honey. Lord. You can have 10 minutes.

[B]

Let me look at you. How are you, honey?

[A]

I changed much.

[B]

I'm gonna get you out.

[A]

Oh, really? Got a file in your bag.

[B]

I'll work it somehow. I got the best lawyer.

[A]

I'll save your money, baby. Look. Look, Laura, I never kidded you for a minute. I'm a gone gosling. No, we gotta face the facts. They got me dead to rights. They got my gun.

[B]

Someone rat?

[A]

No, it was Paul. It was nothing of the kind. It was a fluke. Remember Mike Waring, the private detective they call the Falcon? Yeah. He represents the insurance company. He got lucky. He saw the descriptions as gave and thought of me.

[B]

It couldn't happen that way.

[A]

No, but it did.

[B]

I don't believe it. I got a feeling called Forget it.

[A]

Paul had nothing to do with it. It was Mike Waring.

[B]

Well, I'll pay him back for this. I'll get him for you, Mac, if it's the last thing I do.

[A]

Don't talk like a Jerk.

[B]

I tell you, I'll get him. Don't ask me how. I'll manage. That you can depend on.

[A]

You're wasting your time, mister. Huh? Mr. Warren ain't in. Oh, that's a knife. How do you do? I was supposed to meet him here. Are you Sergeant Polanski? Yeah. Well, he told me to give you this knock. Oh, thanks, dear. Steve, sorry I had to rush off, but the insurance company wanted to see me on the Vance heist. Eddie, the elevator boy will let you in. There's a bottle in my desk. Help yourself. Are you Eddie? That's right. You got a pass key, or do I use mine? You sure to be all right with Mr. Waring? Here, look for yourself. Eddie. I'll let you in. Well, I guess it's okay. Hey, thanks a lot, Eddie. You've been a great.

[B]

Oh. Oh, Sergeant. Sergeant.

[A]

In just a moment, we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon. And now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Well, that's the way it goes sometimes. And three hours after Sergeant Steve Pulaski was killed after entering my apartment, the cops were still busy on the scene. Maybe I was being selfish, but I didn't care if they stayed there for years. All right, doc, you can move the body anytime you want. You mind if I take a peek first, Sergeant? He ain't gonna tell you anything, Mike. Well, whoever did it wasn't taking any chances. They were probably standing right by that closet. Yeah, the minute the door opened, they fired. That's what your elevator boy said. Did Eddie get a peek at the killer? And I haven't talked to him yet. So what are we waiting for? Eddie?

[B]

You want me, Mr. Warren?

[A]

Yeah. Come over here. I don't feel so good. I don't blame you.

[B]

Oh, you should have seen it, Mr. Wang.

[A]

It was awful. Every time I think of it. Don't you better give him a drink. Hey, how are you? I don't want it. Come on. Come on. This is good for what ails you. Now, tell me exactly what happened. Well, I just opened the door for him. He walked in and there was a shot. Gone. That's all I remember. Did you see anyone in here? No, I just ran down the hall and got Dr. Wilbur. All I could think of was getting help.

[B]

Please, Mr. Wayne, can I go now?

[A]

All right. I'll be downstairs if you want me. He was a great help. He did the best he could. I can't tell you how sorry I am about this chorus. If I'd been here, you would have gotten it instead. Yeah, who do you know that loves you this much? Offhand, I can't think of a soul. Come on, Mike, use your head. You must have annoyed someone recently. The only one who comes to mind is Mac McKenna. McKenna? I was representing the insurance company in that Vance Jewelry shop. Stick up. And when Steve described the killer, I thought of McKenna as a suspect. You think, Mac?

[B]

How?

[A]

By mental telepathy? You got him tucked away safe and sound? Oh, yeah. Oh, by the way, here's all the stuff we found on the party. Some collection. A bill fold with eight bucks, a badge, a service revolver and a pair of bracelets ain't much. Man, I wish some of those newspaper boys would keep yapping about crooked cops could see this. What does Steve want to see you about? Darn if I know. He called me from headquarters this morning and set up the date. Any idea what it was? No. He didn't want to discuss it on the phone. I got a hunch it was personal. That reminds me. Somebody's got to break the news to Mrs. Kolaski. You mean Steve was married? Yeah, just a month ago. Well, who's gonna tell her? You? Well, now, listen. Call. Come on, Mike. It's the least you can do. After all, that bullet was intended for you. Okay, sergeant, but I'd rather stop that slug than do this. I got a feeling this will be just as.

[B]

In. Just a second.

[A]

Mrs. Pulaski?

[B]

Yes?

[A]

My name is Mike Waring.

[B]

Oh, of course. Yes, Steve Open speaks of. You want to come in?

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Steve isn't home right now, but I expect him any minute. I suppose I should apologize for the looks of this place.

[A]

Oh, no.

[B]

Guess I'm not much of a housewife.

[A]

But I'll learn. Sure you will.

[B]

Look at me, acting away like crazy. Let me take your coat.

[A]

Oh, please, please don't bother. I can't.

[B]

Why still wait for Steve? Well, he'd be off at his appointed if he missed it.

[A]

Look, Mrs. Pulaski, there's something I got to tell you.

[B]

Oh?

[A]

Well, you've got to understand. Steve was a cop, and in his business.

[B]

What do you mean, Steve was a cop?

[A]

You. You better sit down.

[B]

What happened to him?

[A]

Look, Mrs. Pulaski, he's been hurt.

[B]

Well, is that it?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Where is he? I gotta see him.

[A]

You can't.

[B]

What do you mean, I can't? I. Ms. Wild.

[A]

I know, but you see him.

[B]

What are you trying to tell me?

[A]

He's dead? No.

[B]

No, I. I don't believe it.

[A]

I'm sorry.

[B]

It can't be.

[A]

It was my fault. Indirectly. You see, the killer was trying to.

[B]

Get me of Steve.

[A]

Now, now, now, Mrs. Pulaski, you've got to be brave. Steve would want you to be.

[B]

I never wanted to be a cop. If he's listening to me, he couldn't.

[A]

Have been anything else. He was cut out for the job and he liked it.

[B]

Please move me.

[A]

Can I get you anything? No. If it makes you feel any better, I promise you I'm going to get the responsible party.

[B]

Will that bring Steve back?

[A]

I just want you to know I.

[B]

Know my husband's dead. That's enough for me. Go away. Leave me alone.

[A]

More coffee, Mike? No, I had enough. Well, how'd it go? Real bad. You know if Mrs. Pulaski has any relatives? No, not as far as I know. I wonder what she's gonna do. She doesn't look like a girl who's used to working. Well, with Steve's insurance and the money from the police pensions fund, well, she'll do all right. I hope so. So help me, Corbett, if it's the last thing I do, I'm going to get him. If I don't get him first. Wait a minute. Why are we saying him, huh? We keep referring to the killer as a him. Couldn't it be a woman? Well, you ought to know the her or him was after you. Can you think of any game you loused up Recently? What about McKenna's wife, huh? As I recall, she was very devoted to Max. So she might feel I was responsible for putting him away. And this could be her way of balancing the book. Oh, you're nuts. Well, there's one way to find out. I'm going up to see her. I'll let you know how I manage.

[B]

Yes?

[A]

Mrs. McKenna?

[B]

That's right.

[A]

I'd like a word with you.

[B]

I'm busy.

[A]

You can't be that busy.

[B]

Look, mister, I don't know who you are.

[A]

Why not ask me?

[B]

Frankly, I don't care.

[A]

My name is Mike Waring.

[B]

Mike Waring?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Why, you.

[A]

Now, take it easy. I'll kill you. I'll kill you. Behave yourself. Let me go. You behave.

[B]

Let's go.

[A]

I imagine you're pretty surprised to see me. Well, you killed the wrong boy. It was a police sergeant named Steve. You're crazy. Doesn't this convince you I'm alive?

[B]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[A]

You're crazy about Max. When you felt I was instrumental in sending him to the chair, you wanted to get even.

[B]

And I will.

[A]

Oh, no, Laura. In this league, you only get One chance. You must. Yours. Get your coat, angel. We're going places. Well, what have you got to say for yourself, Laura?

[B]

Nothing.

[A]

Then you admit you killed Sergeant Polanti.

[B]

I admit nothing of the kind.

[A]

You tried to gun me. And when Steve walked in, you didn't ask for credentials. You just blazed away.

[B]

I'm not doing any more talking.

[A]

You'll change your mind. Would you like to see your husband?

[B]

Huh?

[A]

I asked if you'd like to see Mac.

[B]

Could I?

[A]

If you cooperate.

[B]

All right. I'll tell you anything you want to know.

[A]

You were going to kill Wearing.

[B]

That's right. Now, can I see Max?

[A]

Oh, you got into his apartment, huh? You got into his apartment.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, I did.

[A]

How? My door was locked.

[B]

I used the fire escape.

[A]

I put you in my bedroom.

[B]

Now can I see Mac?

[A]

No.

[B]

You promised me.

[A]

I promised you you'd see him if you'd cooperate, but you're not. Now, how did you get into my apartment?

[B]

I told you.

[A]

Through the fire escape that leads to the kitchen.

[B]

You got me mixed up. I meant to kick you.

[A]

What about the wind? Well, it was open. No, it wasn't. I distinctly remember shutting it before I left.

[B]

I want to see Mac.

[A]

Well, what do you say, Mike? Okay. Lois, take Mrs. McKenna down to see her husband and then lock her up.

[B]

Thanks a lot, Tom. You won't regret this.

[A]

Can you beat that? She means it. Yeah, she's real mad for the guy. Listen, Carter, I want you to do me a favor. Release her. Are you not. You don't have to worry. She won't skip. Mac will hold her here like a magnet. What's the idea? I don't think she's telling the truth. Something about her confession that bothers me. You won't be satisfied till she kills you. Well, then you can say I told you so. What do you say, Corbett? Would you play along with my hunch? Well, okay. But if it doesn't pay off, I'll eat your heart with a little chili sauce. It ought to be real tast.

[B]

Yes?

[A]

Mrs. Pulaski?

[B]

Yes?

[A]

This is Mike Waring. How do you feel?

[B]

How do you think I feel?

[A]

I'm sorry. I only called to tell you we finally got a line of Steve murderers. Well, well, wouldn't you like to know who it was?

[B]

Will that bring Steve back?

[A]

I suppose you're right. Still, I thought you'd be interested. You see, this party was trying to kill me. I figure she'll try again.

[B]

What do you mean?

[A]

Well, I believe this woman is motivated by revenge. If I'm right, Steve's death doesn't satisfy her. Only mine will. That's how we plan to nab her. What do you think?

[B]

It doesn't matter what I think. All I know is that Steve is gone. Now, let me alone.

[A]

All right, Eddie. Now show me exactly what happened when Sergeant Pulaski came here this afternoon. Well, at first I saw him.

[B]

He was banging on your door.

[A]

He looked kind of upset because you weren't in. That's when you gave him my note?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Then he told me you said it was all right for him to wait inside. Where were you standing at the top time? Right about here. Go on. Well, so I pulled out my pass key and opened the door. Show me how. You mean you want me to go through the whole thing again, huh? I guess Steve was here, huh?

[B]

Huh?

[A]

All right, you open the door like you did. That's how it was.

[B]

I guess he stepped into the room. Oh, make the wearing, Mr. Wearing.

[A]

In just a moment, we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon. And now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Well, there must be something in the old line. If at first you don't succeed, dry, dry again. And when Eddie and I tried to reenact the murder of Steve Baski, the show went over with a bang. All right. All right, Mike. Now take a swig at this. What? What happened? You tell me. You were here, I guess. Oh, that shoulder's going to be stiff for a week. Let me. Now. Now, you just stay there till the dark comes. I'm all right. Who was it? You asked me. Well, didn't Eddie. Eddie did exactly what he did the first time. He ran off to get help. And he didn't see who fired the shot. No. I guess it's true about people repeating their mistakes. I got myself plugged for nothing. Well, it's your own fault. I told you Mrs. McKenna was our baby. Looks like you were right. Well, I'm gonna put out a call for her. Wait a minute. I just thought of something. What's the matter? You want to give her another chance? I tell you, I got it all figured out. I know how we can nail the killer for sure. How? I'm going to need a little help. Sergeant. Where's my coat? Now, don't be silly. You're in no condition to travel. I'll survive, which is a lot more than I can save a Steve's killer. Now, get my coat.

[B]

Yes?

[A]

Hello, Mrs. Pulaski. Remember me?

[B]

Mr. Waring. What happened?

[A]

My shoulder is numbing. Yeah, yeah, this happens practically once a week. Oh, this is Sergeant Corbett.

[B]

I know.

[A]

I can't tell you how sorry I am about Steve. Mrs. Pulaski. May we?

[B]

Of course.

[A]

Thanks.

[B]

I suppose I should apologize, Mr. Waring.

[A]

What for?

[B]

Well, I wasn't very courteous when you called.

[A]

Well, that's understandable. You were under strain.

[B]

Have you made any progress?

[A]

Plenty. Why do you think I'm wearing my arm in a sling?

[B]

I don't understand.

[A]

The killer took a shot at me, but I was luckier than Steve.

[B]

Well, then you know who it was.

[A]

I think so. We even got a confession. Oh, I'm glad you mentioned that, Sergeant. Because I told you there's something about it that bothered me. Now I know what it was. What? It was a phony. Laura McKenna only made it so she could see her husband.

[B]

I don't understand.

[A]

You see, Mrs. Pulaski, originally we thought this was a plot to kill me that misfired. So we went around looking for people who disliked me. That's how we came up with Mrs. McKenna.

[B]

What's wrong with that?

[A]

Well, let's consider the actual result in the case. Who was the victim?

[B]

My husband.

[A]

Now, suppose it wasn't an accident at all. Suppose someone was really after Steve. You see the possibilities?

[B]

No.

[A]

Well, then we come up with a different group of suspects. You remember the personal effects they found on his body?

[B]

Yes. It was a wallet with $8, a badge and a gun.

[A]

Doesn't it strike you there was something missing?

[B]

No.

[A]

What happened to his skeleton keys?

[B]

What are you talking about?

[A]

They weren't on his body. I'll tell you why. Because the killer used to him to get into my apartment. The killer knew that Steve was headed there to see me. Now, who would have the best opportunity to know of that appointment and to lift the keys?

[B]

Who?

[A]

You.

[B]

I.

[A]

You had big ideas. You didn't like living on a policeman's salary, so you killed Steve for his insurance.

[B]

No.

[A]

What complicated the deal was that we thought I was supposed to be the victim. That's why you made that second attempt. That was calculated to make all the more certain Steve was killed accidentally.

[B]

I tell you. No.

[A]

I tell you yes. Oh, you were real clever, angel. But you made one mistake and in this game, that's enough to put you away. All right, Corbett, prove it to us.