True Detective Mysteries 37-07-24 Farmer Shot 12 Times

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – True Detective Mysteries 37-07-24 Farmer Shot 12 Times

Episode Overview

In this gripping installment of True Detective Mysteries, titled "Farmer Shot 12 Times," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a classic detective narrative. Set on a sprawling farm near Highland, Illinois, the episode unravels the mysterious and violent death of John Nungesser, a young and honest farmer who is found shot twelve times. The story weaves through intricate character interactions, revealing hidden motives and culminating in a dramatic showdown that exposes corruption within the local law enforcement.

Key Characters

• Sheriff Winters (Emil Fricker): The local sheriff with a facade of authority and integrity, who harbors dark secrets.
• Deputy Blair: The determined deputy committed to uncovering the truth behind John Nungesser's murder.
• Mrs. Minnie Nungesser: The grieving wife of the deceased, whose calm demeanor hides deeper layers of the mystery.
• Jake Landert and Eldo Wernley: Farmhands implicated in the case, employed by Mr. Fricker.

The Crime

The episode opens with the discovery of John Nungesser's lifeless body on his farm, riddled with twelve bullet wounds. The severity and nature of the attack immediately raise suspicions of foul play. Deputy Blair and Sheriff Winters arrive at the scene to begin their investigation.

[03:22] Deputy Blair: "He's dead. Dead? Yeah. Shot riddled with bullets. Poor fella. He must have been hit at least 12 times."

Initial Investigation

The deputies question Mrs. Nungesser, who calmly recounts the events leading up to her husband's death. She reveals that John had expressed unease the day before his murder and had financial strains due to owing the bank for their recently purchased land.

[04:00] Mrs. Nungesser: "I don't know. Just something."

Further probing uncovers that John had been approached about a dubious proposition involving dynamite and fish, orchestrated by Jake Landert and Eldo Wernley, both farmhands from the Flicker Farm.

[07:32] Mrs. Nungesser: "Jake Landert and Eldo Wernley."

This revelation hints at potential motives rooted in farm-related disputes or personal vendettas.

Suspicion Falls on Sheriff Winters

As the investigation progresses, Deputy Blair and his partner begin to suspect Sheriff Winters himself. Tensions rise during an interrogation session where Deputy Blair confronts Sheriff Winters about his involvement.

[20:26] Sheriff Winters: "I'll tell you everything."

Sheriff Winters initially denies any wrongdoing but eventually reveals his coercion and manipulation. Under Sheriff Winters' pressure, Jake and Eldo were forced to carry out the murder to fake a gang-related attack, thereby protecting Winters' hidden motives.

[20:54] Sheriff Winters: "I want Minnie. I want Nungesser's wife."

Revelation and Confrontation

The plot culminates in a tense confrontation where Deputy Blair and his team expose Sheriff Winters' betrayal. It becomes evident that Winters orchestrated the murder to cover his tracks and manipulate circumstances to his advantage.

[24:35] Deputy Blair: "You made them do it."

Realizing the extent of his deceit, Sheriff Winters attempts to deny involvement but is ultimately overpowered by the determined deputies who have gathered sufficient evidence against him.

Resolution

Sheriff Winters' attempt to escape justice fails as Deputy Blair and his team secure his arrest. The episode concludes with the demise of Winters, highlighting the triumph of integrity and perseverance over corruption.

[24:56] Deputy Blair: "Hanging the wrong man."

This poignant conclusion underscores the episode's central theme of uncovering truth amidst deceit and serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice by honest law enforcement officials.

Notable Quotes

• Deputy Blair on discovering the body:

  "[03:22] Deputy Blair: 'He's dead. Dead? Yeah. Shot riddled with bullets.'"

• Mrs. Nungesser reflecting on her husband's fear:

  "[07:02] Mrs. Nungesser: 'Oh, no. I never saw anything but the sunshine in him.'"

• Sheriff Winters admitting his coercion:

  "[20:26] Sheriff Winters: 'I'll tell you everything.'"

• Deputy Blair confronting Winters:

  "[20:26] Deputy Blair: 'You made them do it.'"

• Final confrontation and acceptance of fate:

  "[24:56] Deputy Blair: 'Hanging the wrong man.'"

Insights and Themes

This episode delves deep into themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human morality. The character of Sheriff Winters embodies the facade of authority that masks underlying corruption, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked power. Deputy Blair's unwavering commitment to justice highlights the importance of integrity within law enforcement.

Concluding Remarks

"Farmer Shot 12 Times" stands out as a compelling narrative that blends suspense, character development, and moral dilemmas. Through its rich dialogue and intricate plot, the episode not only entertains but also prompts listeners to ponder the nature of justice and the darkness that can lurk beneath seemingly upright individuals. For fans of classic detective stories, this episode is a quintessential example of timeless storytelling that continues to resonate.

Transcript

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[Sheriff Winters]

Void where prohibited by law 21+ terms.

[Deputy Blair]

And conditions apply and now we bring.

[Sheriff Winters]

You a thrilling crime detective story. Taken from the pages of the leading detective publication, True Detective Mysteries Magazine. Our story begins on a farm near Highland, Illinois. Well, Harry, we'll plant these 30 acres along the road in Alfalfa. All right, Mr.

[Deputy Blair]

Figure.

[Sheriff Winters]

And I want a new post and wire fence here along the road. All right. That'll make about five miles of new fence this year. Nothing like keeping pasture land well fenced. Say, Harry, what do you make of that team coming up the road?

[Deputy Blair]

Looks like them horses are feeling their oats.

[Sheriff Winters]

Well, that's a runaway team. You're right, Mr. Faker. Now, whose team is that? That big bay horse Looks like John Nungus'. Come on, let's stop him. No, no. That team's running wild. You can't stop them now. Let them run themselves off. They may hurt somebody or smash themselves up. Come on, Harry, take off your coat. Wave it on the pod. All right, all right. Keep waving that coat. I'm going to grab him as they come by. Be careful. Oh, they're running crazy, Mr. Picker. Be careful. Easy, easy. Easy now. All right, boys. Easy time. Easy. Hurry. Gentle. A big fay a minute. All right, all right.

[Deputy Blair]

Gosh, Mr. Picker, I never thought you.

[Sheriff Winters]

Were going to stop this team. Oh, there, boy. Hold it now. You're all right. That's a good heart. Wasn't much to it, Harry. You kind of had them flagged down. Yeah. Say, this is John Nungus team. All of a lather too.

[Deputy Blair]

I wonder what could have happened to John.

[Sheriff Winters]

Go ahead now, boy. Horses must have thrown him down the road there. They must have been mighty scared to.

[Deputy Blair]

Bolt in a farmer like John Nunges.

[Sheriff Winters]

Oh, there, boy. That's it. That's it. Nothing's going to hurt you now. Come on, Harry. Galler me up. There was rains. What are you going to do? We're going to drive this team back up the road. Stand to their heads until I get in the wagon. All right, all right. Easy then. Now, boys. All right, Harry, let them go. All right, stop being as a. Turn the wagon around. All right, I'm ready.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Come on.

[Sheriff Winters]

Get here, boy. Get here. Harry, you look along that side of the road and I'll watch this. All right, I got my eye peel. Come on, Mr. Fricker. Mark, pull the wagon over. You see what I see? I'm afraid I do. Whoa. Whoa, boys. John Nunguse. Must have been pitch. Clear out of the wagon. Come on, Harry. Be right there. Tie the horses to this telegraph pole. Look. What's the matter? John? John?

[Deputy Blair]

No use calling him.

[Sheriff Winters]

He's dead. Dead? Yeah. Shot riddled with bullets. Poor fella. He must have been hit at least 12 times.

[Deputy Blair]

Do you think some gang could have killed him?

[Sheriff Winters]

What gang are we around here? Who'd want to kill an honest young farmer like John Nungesse?

[Deputy Blair]

What's that you say you were expecting this, Mrs. Nungesser?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Well, not exactly expecting it. My husband seemed afraid of something.

[Deputy Blair]

What was John afraid of?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I don't know. Just something.

[Deputy Blair]

Did he owe anybody any money?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Owed the bank a little. You see, Sheriff, we just got married a month ago and bought this little piece of land.

[Sheriff Winters]

Could anybody have been jealous of you, Mrs. Nungesser?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Oh, no.

[Deputy Blair]

Mrs. Nungesser, you take the news of your husband's murder rather calmly.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I'm sorry, Sheriff. What else can I say?

[Deputy Blair]

He's dead with 12 bullet holes in him. Mrs. Nungessa, where do you keep your guns?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Guns? I haven't got any.

[Deputy Blair]

Take a look around, Blair. All right, Sheriff.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I should be mad at you, but I ain't. I know it's just your way.

[Deputy Blair]

Well, when a young, peaceful farmer like your husband is murdered, anybody can be a suspect.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Even you, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Winters]

That's right. Hey, look, Sheriff.

[Deputy Blair]

Look what I found here.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Give me that.

[Deputy Blair]

What is it, Blair? This picture of a dead man lying out in the woods with a revolver near his hand.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Give me that. You have no right to that.

[Deputy Blair]

Now, just a minute, Mrs. Nungesser. Let me have that photograph there. I've seen this before. Yeah? Who is it, Sheriff? It's a picture of a man shot through the head, supposedly by his own gun.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

That's true.

[Deputy Blair]

Oh, I remember now. Blair, this is a picture of Robert Kearley.

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah.

[Deputy Blair]

He was a farmhand around here and he committed suicide. So they said.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

That is true.

[Deputy Blair]

Why were you keeping this photograph? What was this Robert Kelly to you?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Why? What? He was my husband, that's all.

[Deputy Blair]

Oh, so you're the woman who was married to Bob Kerley, eh?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes, that's what? I said he was my husband.

[Deputy Blair]

Where did you first meet him?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

On the farm where he worked.

[Deputy Blair]

How long were you married to your first husband before he committed suicide?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

About a month, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Winters]

Uhhuh.

[Deputy Blair]

And your second husband was killed after about a month too, eh?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes, I told you. I'm sorry about that.

[Deputy Blair]

We're sorry too, Mrs. Nun Guesser. Only we're a little different. We're going to do something about it.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

John was a fine boy. Oh, good son.

[Deputy Blair]

Mrs. Nungessa, your grief as a mother is hard to watch. But I'd rather see a woman's eyes wet than dry in a case like this.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Oh, a good hard working boy. He loved that little bit of land he bought for himself and Minnie.

[Deputy Blair]

Mrs. Nungesser, did anybody ever come to your son before he was married to threaten him in any way?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

No, Sheriff. He just went his own way. A happy young farmer. And now he's gone. Murdered?

[Deputy Blair]

No, no, Mrs. Nungessar. It's sad indeed. But remember, we have work to do. Now tell me.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes?

[Deputy Blair]

Was John happy with his wife?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Oh, yes. Yes, he was proud of her too. Such a fine looking girl and such a strong woman to help him work the land.

[Deputy Blair]

Minnie said that John was expecting something to happen to him. Did you have that feeling about your son?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Oh, no. I never saw anything but the sunshine in him.

[Deputy Blair]

Think now, Mrs. Nungesser, did he ever mention anyone who might be jealous of him? Anyone who meant danger for him?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I don't know. There was that day about dynamite and the fish.

[Deputy Blair]

What's that?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

They came here that afternoon and asked my son to go with them. Dynamite and fish. Oh, I'm sorry. That's again the law, isn't it?

[Deputy Blair]

Yes, yes, but so is murder. What about this dynamite business? Who was it wanted John to go with them?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Oh, just a couple of farmhands.

[Sheriff Winters]

Who?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Jake Landert and Eldo Wernley.

[Deputy Blair]

Jake and Eldo, eh? They work around here, don't they?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yeah, over on the Flicker Farm.

[Deputy Blair]

Why didn't John go with him that afternoon?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

He was uneasy. Yes, I remember now. He was uneasy.

[Deputy Blair]

About what?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I don't know. He seemed to feel that there was something hanging over him that afternoon.

[Deputy Blair]

Jake Landit and Elder Wornley. I wonder if they swapped guns for dynamite.

[Sheriff Winters]

Oh, you can't hang a man for dynamite and fish.

[Deputy Blair]

No, Jake. But a landlocked salmon and a man are two different things.

[Sheriff Winters]

Well, why should I kill John? Non gasser. You've been asking me that for an hour now.

[Deputy Blair]

That's just the first hour, Jake. I'm gonna keep you here in jail until you tell me what you know about this murder.

[Sheriff Winters]

I told you, I don't know nothing. Then why'd you want John Nungesser to.

[Deputy Blair]

Help you dynamite fish?

[Sheriff Winters]

Cause we wanted to keep catch some fish.

[Deputy Blair]

That's why you wanted the. You're either a very shrewd guy. You're the dumbest cow I ever saw.

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah, that reminds me. I got to get back to the cows or Mr. Fricker will be hollering at me.

[Deputy Blair]

You'll go and we're through with you. Not before. Tell us what you know about this murder, Jake.

[Sheriff Winters]

Well, John Nungesser was killed.

[Deputy Blair]

Is that so? Who killed him?

[Sheriff Winters]

I don't know. Why don't you ask Minnie?

[Deputy Blair]

Yeah, why should we ask her? You think she knows?

[Sheriff Winters]

I don't know. Maybe she does. Maybe she can guess. You know, she's lucky.

[Deputy Blair]

What do you mean by that? Come on, don't shrug your shoulders that way, Jake. Tell me, what do you mean she's lucky?

[Sheriff Winters]

Well, I heard Mr. Fricker say when he's lucky and, well, that's all I know. You mean she's lucky her husband was killed? Ah, don't shrug your shoulders talk. Is she lucky because her husband was murdered? Maybe. I don't know.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Oh.

[Sheriff Winters]

Oh. Say, Sheriff.

[Deputy Blair]

Yeah, what?

[Sheriff Winters]

How much milk do you think Mr. Fricker's prize cow gave last week, huh?

[Deputy Blair]

Why, you blooming idiot.

[Sheriff Winters]

Come on, Blair, let's go.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yeah?

[Deputy Blair]

Mrs. Fricker?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes?

[Deputy Blair]

I'm Sheriff Winters. This is Deputy Blair. Mr. Fricker at home?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes, come right in. Just have a seat here in the sitting room. I'll call my husband.

[Deputy Blair]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Emo. Oh, emo.

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Mr. Winter's the sheriff and another man.

[Sheriff Winters]

All right, I'll be right there, Tom. In a new cab. A full bucket of milk tonight. All right, Mr. Fricker. Well, what can I do for you gentlemen?

[Deputy Blair]

Mr. Fricker, we've come to talk with you about this nunguessr case.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Why don't you call it murder and be done with it?

[Sheriff Winters]

Jenny, you keep out of this.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I guess I got as much right to talk as anybody.

[Sheriff Winters]

Go on, get out now.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Body can't say a word about here no more.

[Sheriff Winters]

Listen, mind Mrs. Fricker, gentlemen. She's been a little upset by this nunguessr affair.

[Deputy Blair]

I understand. Almost everybody's been upset by this case. Except a man's wife, it seems.

[Sheriff Winters]

Oh, that's just a woman's way.

[Deputy Blair]

Now, Mr. Fricker, I just come over to talk with you about your hired Men? Jake Landit and Elder Wernley.

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah.

[Deputy Blair]

How long have they worked for you?

[Sheriff Winters]

Oh, about six years, I guess.

[Deputy Blair]

Ever seen with any guns?

[Sheriff Winters]

No.

[Deputy Blair]

Do they hate John Nungessr?

[Sheriff Winters]

I wouldn't know. See, on a big farm like this, gentlemen, I can't keep all the ins and outs of the hired help right at my fingertips.

[Deputy Blair]

Well, Mr. Fricker, do you know of any reason why Mrs. Nungesser would have wanted her husband killed?

[Sheriff Winters]

No.

[Deputy Blair]

One of your men, Jake just told us that you said Mrs. Nungessa was lucky. Why?

[Sheriff Winters]

Oh, that. Well, you see, whenever she was around, I had good crops, good seasons. That's what you meant by lucky, isn't it?

[Deputy Blair]

Yeah. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, sure, that's what we meant. She was a good omen, is that it?

[Sheriff Winters]

Yes.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

She was more than a good omen, if you ask me. This place was a madhouse with her around.

[Sheriff Winters]

Now, Kenny, stop that talk.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I won't. That woman was on your mind, Emil, and you know it.

[Sheriff Winters]

Get out of here. Go on, get out.

[Deputy Blair]

Oh, wait a minute now. Just a minute. Don't go, Mrs. Fricker.

[Sheriff Winters]

And my wife is upset, Sheriff. She's just trying to drag in this poor girl's name.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Poor girl, huh? I was the poor girl, Sheriff. You don't know what I had to put up with year after year with that girl around here.

[Deputy Blair]

You used to work here too, huh, Flicker?

[Sheriff Winters]

Yes, of course. Why? What do you think?

[Deputy Blair]

Well, we knew her first husband worked for you, but we weren't sure Mrs. Nun gets her work, too.

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah, she did.

[Deputy Blair]

A very able girl, she was. And Lucky, too, eh, Mr. Fricker? Yes, she was.

[Sheriff Winters]

Mr. Fricker, you have a reputation for being a scientific farmer, haven't you? Well, I guess I have. Then why did you have to depend upon a woman for luck?

[Deputy Blair]

Yeah, Why'd you have to employ a charm? Good luck, Oman. That ain't part of scientific farming, is it?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Go on, Emil, answer that one, if you can answer it.

[Deputy Blair]

What's the answer, Mr. Fricker?

[Sheriff Winters]

The answer is goodbye. I'm not answering any more questions.

[Deputy Blair]

Oh, I see.

[Sheriff Winters]

You're kicking the sheriff and deputy out.

[Deputy Blair]

Of your houses, that it?

[Sheriff Winters]

Goodbye, gentlemen.

[Deputy Blair]

All right, Fre. Well, goodbye, Fricker. But I've got a hunch we're coming back. Come on, Blair.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Minnie brought us good luck. Good luck, Minnie.

[Sheriff Winters]

What do you make of it?

[Deputy Blair]

I think you're going. Yeah. She ain't the type to be running around after her.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Oh, you.

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah.

[Deputy Blair]

Mrs. Mengesser, it's us. I'd like to come inside. Want to talk to you. Oh, thanks.

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[Sheriff Winters]

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[Mrs. Nungesser]

You can sit down in here. Ain't nobody home.

[Deputy Blair]

Thank you. Now, Mrs. Mungesser, we want you to be honest with us. I don't want you to conceal nothing.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I have nothing to hide.

[Deputy Blair]

Well, maybe you have and maybe you haven't. We're not so sure. See, I don't know what you mean, Mrs. Dungassher.

[Sheriff Winters]

We know everything.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

What do you mean?

[Deputy Blair]

Deputy Blair's right. We got this case buttoned up tight.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Button tight. I don't understand.

[Deputy Blair]

We know who murdered your husband.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

You know who Mur. You know who. Who did it?

[Sheriff Winters]

Mr. Nungutter, you might as well tell us everything you know first.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I tell you. Me. Me. You don't think I killed him, do you?

[Deputy Blair]

What are you doing? The questioning, Mrs. Nungessr. Don't forget that.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

But I don't understand. Why are you here? If you know who killed John, why don't you arrest him?

[Deputy Blair]

How do you know it's a man?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

A man? How do I know? Do you think it's a woman? Maybe. Sure. I was right. You think I killed my husband? Tell me the truth. You think I killed him, don't you?

[Deputy Blair]

We're not answering any questions yet. We want you to tell us everything you know first.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

But I told you already. I. I don't know nothing.

[Deputy Blair]

All right. Maybe you will know everything if we tell you who killed your husband. If we tell you that Emil Fricker murdered your husband.

[Sheriff Winters]

Well, why don't you say something?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

What should I say?

[Deputy Blair]

Well, we told you who killed your husband. Ain't you got nothing to say?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

No nothing.

[Sheriff Winters]

Fricker told us you want him killed.

[Deputy Blair]

He said you wanted to go back to him.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I want it. I go back to him. No. No, he didn't say that.

[Deputy Blair]

Mrs. Nungesser, you're not calling my deputy a liar, are you?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

No, but Emo didn't say that. He couldn't say that.

[Deputy Blair]

Why couldn't he?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Why? Because he knows how I feel about him. He knows. I told him many times. I told him.

[Deputy Blair]

Well, if you don't tell us everything, you're going to have a mighty tough time convincing the jury that Frick is lying. He said you loved him. You were crazy about him.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I loved him. Me, I love Dino Fricker. That pig. I would rather die than go back to him. You think he's a big farmer, a gentleman, don't you? I'll tell you what he is.

[Deputy Blair]

Get this down, Blair.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I'll show you what kind of a gentleman he really is. Sure, I heard you. Go on, write it down. I don't care. I'll tell you everything. Everything. I used to work for Emo Fricker. Hard work, too. Milk cows, clean the house. Everything he had me do for $8 a month. I was a slave there. One day I came back to the house, tired. He was home alone. He called me upstairs.

[Sheriff Winters]

Minnie.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes?

[Sheriff Winters]

Where were you?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

In the barn. There's something wrong with Betsy, I think.

[Sheriff Winters]

Never mind, Bessie. Now I want to talk to you.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Her milk is thin. I think maybe she ought to graze.

[Sheriff Winters]

Up the devil at the cows. I said, come up here. I want to talk to you about something.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

All right, I'll come.

[Sheriff Winters]

Well, hurry, hurry. Don't be so slow.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I'm awful tired. What do you want to talk to me about?

[Sheriff Winters]

Come in here.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Why'd you lock the door?

[Sheriff Winters]

Sit down, Minnie. I want to talk to you. Oh, don't be afraid. I'm your friend.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

What do you want?

[Sheriff Winters]

Minnie, You've been pretty lucky for me.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Lucky for you?

[Sheriff Winters]

Yep. Since you've been with me, I've had good, profitable seasons. You're just lucky.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I haven't been lucky for myself.

[Sheriff Winters]

I work hard. Yes, of course. I was coming to that. From now on, you're going to be lucky for yourself.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

What do you mean?

[Sheriff Winters]

I'm going to raise your wages.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Thank you.

[Sheriff Winters]

Thank you. Is that all I get? Won't you give me a kiss?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

A kiss? You? You're a married man.

[Sheriff Winters]

What difference does that make?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Maybe it doesn't make any difference to you. To me it does.

[Sheriff Winters]

Minnie, I'm a rich man. Richest in the county. Be good to me and well, you'll be happy.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I don't want that kind of happiness.

[Sheriff Winters]

Don't talk to me that way. I'm Emil Tricker. What I want, I get.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes, I know. I know how your wife is frightened when you talk to her. I know how your daughter's afraid.

[Sheriff Winters]

Oh, it's none of your Business what I do with my family. Sorry, Minnie, Forgive me. Just forgot myself. Now you and I can be friends. Good friends. I mean. I need you because you're lucky and because I love you. Who's there?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

That's you, Emo.

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah. What do you want?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Why did you lock the door?

[Sheriff Winters]

Because I wanted it locked. Now, go on, go away.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

There's someone in there with you. Who is it?

[Sheriff Winters]

Mind your own business and get away from that door. No.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes, it is, Mrs. Pricker. Get me out of here.

[Sheriff Winters]

Please.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Please. He won't let me out.

[Sheriff Winters]

Shut up. And you out there. Get away from that jaw or I'll break every bone in your body. Now, go on, get away. In a way, all right, that ought to convince you. Minnie, I'm still boss around here. People do as I say. Now, come here. Oh, don't be afraid.

[Deputy Blair]

What happened after that, Mrs. Nungesser?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

One day I told him I would leave.

[Sheriff Winters]

You can't do that to me, Minnie.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

No, I will do it. I'm leaving. I'm gonna get married.

[Sheriff Winters]

You're going to get married? You're leaving me? You won't dare. Minnie, if you leave me, if you marry, I'm going to kill your husband. You hear that? I'm going to kill your husband. You're coming back to me. I want you, understand? I want you. And nobody else is going to take you from.

[Deputy Blair]

Then you quit?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Yes. You know what happened after that? Robert was found shot. Suicide, they called it. Suicide?

[Sheriff Winters]

Oh, you don't think he took his own life, huh?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

What does it matter what I think?

[Deputy Blair]

But you wouldn't say that you think Fricker shot your husband, is that it?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

I can't prove it. He's too smart for that Emo. Fricker is a very smart man.

[Deputy Blair]

You might as well tell us what you did with the guns, Jake. We know you shot John Nungesser.

[Sheriff Winters]

Your boss, Seymour Fricker, said you killed him. He said I killed him?

[Deputy Blair]

Yeah. He said you're one of the robbed unguesser.

[Sheriff Winters]

When you borrowed Pricker's guns, what'd you do with them? Pricker said that I borrowed his guns?

[Deputy Blair]

Yeah. You know what that means, don't you?

[Sheriff Winters]

Death, Jake.

[Deputy Blair]

Death by hanging in this state.

[Sheriff Winters]

He said you die wanted to rob Nungasser. That's what Pricker said. And he's got plenty of witnesses, too. Witnesses?

[Deputy Blair]

He sure has.

[Sheriff Winters]

You might as well confess, Jake. You're not going to leave jail anyhow.

[Deputy Blair]

I'll tell you something else Fricker told us. He said you killed Nungessa because you were in love with his wife.

[Sheriff Winters]

He said that I was in love with him? Fricker said I was in love that I killed John. He's a liar. Darn him. Emil Fricker's a liar. He made me kill him. If I didn't do it, he'd have killed me. He gave me them guns. He made me kill him.

[Deputy Blair]

How you're gonna prove it at the trial, Jake. Now, if you tell us what happened, maybe we can help you. Sure.

[Sheriff Winters]

I'll tell you everything.

[Deputy Blair]

Well, it's not our fault.

[Sheriff Winters]

Fricker, meet us. Who's the other man? Ely? Both of us shot him.

[Deputy Blair]

All right. Now give us the story from the beginning.

[Sheriff Winters]

Well, in the morning, Fricker called us to the barn. He looked matter and choked. Man, you've got nothing to worry about. Anybody in this town will take my word. But why should we kill him? I told you why. I want Minnie. I want Nun Guess's wife. Finally's alive. She'll never come back to me. You've got to kill John Nungas. Yeah, but we. Oh, shut up. There are no buts. None. Guess it'll be coming down the side road in a few minutes. Now, here are three guns. Use all of them so the dumb police will think a gang killed him. And remember, if you don't do what I say, I'll kill both of you myself. Now, go on. Now. I'm going back to the field with Harry. And don't forget, I'm boss and I get what I want.

[Deputy Blair]

Then what happened?

[Sheriff Winters]

Well, a little while after, we were standing in the road and we heard John's wagon coming. Here he comes. Now, what would she shut? Would you? What will we do? Well, let's wave to him and he'll start. Hey, John. John. Steady there. Hello, Ellu. What's up, Jake? Going down? Yeah. Will you give us a hitch?

[Deputy Blair]

Sure.

[Sheriff Winters]

Jump in.

[Deputy Blair]

I'm going to town.

[Sheriff Winters]

So are we. Hey, look. What's the matter? Your rear wheel, it blew loose. Wait till I get down. Loose? That isn't loose. Hey, what's the idea of. Fooler.

[Deputy Blair]

What are you doing with those guns?

[Sheriff Winters]

What's it. Hey. Now it's your turn. Use both guns like the boss say. You started the horses going. They're frightened. They're on Louis. Come on, Jake, let's get away. He's dead.

[Deputy Blair]

All right.

[Sheriff Winters]

We'll just leave him here.

[Mrs. Nungesser]

Come on.

[Deputy Blair]

So you both shot him, eh?

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah, just like the boss said. We used the three guns.

[Deputy Blair]

Oh, you're pretty proud of your job.

[Sheriff Winters]

Aren'T you use three guns, eh? You guys may be the police, but you don't know my boss. If we didn't do what he said, he'd have used ten guns on us.

[Deputy Blair]

And you don't know us, Jake. We're going to use one rope on him, but it'll be a nice strong one.

[Sheriff Winters]

That chain ought to be finished now.

[Deputy Blair]

Are you, Sheriff? Yeah. Only one more link. The most important one. Come on, Blair. This is the last lap. We're ready for our scientific farmer who believed in luck. We're the ones in luck.

[Sheriff Winters]

Outside of Fricker's wife. Man, what do you want? I told you not to come back here again.

[Deputy Blair]

Hold on there, Pricker. We don't frighten so easily like Minnie or your wife or Jake.

[Sheriff Winters]

What are you talking about?

[Deputy Blair]

You don't know, eh? Well. Well, we'll tell you then. We're talking about the murder of one John Nungesser. Shot to death 12 times with three guns. Yeah, guns supplied by Emil Fricker.

[Sheriff Winters]

You're crazy. You can't arrest me for that murder.

[Deputy Blair]

Oh, no? Hear that? Blair said we can't arrest him for Nungess murder. Well, come on, Fricker. You're coming with us. We don't want a pe body, you understand?

[Sheriff Winters]

I know who I am.

[Deputy Blair]

Sure.

[Sheriff Winters]

You're the guy who's guilty of murder. You're the guy who wanted many nun.

[Deputy Blair]

Gutter and made you too hard man.

[Sheriff Winters]

Murder for you. You're the guy who's going to hang. No jury will ever convict me. I'll get the best lawyer in town. I'll spend more money than the county will. I'll be acquitted in five minutes. How much longer, Sheriff?

[Deputy Blair]

Five minutes. They're testing the scaffold out there now. Well, anything to say, Fricker? Any message for your wife or family?

[Sheriff Winters]

No, Sheriff.

[Deputy Blair]

What is it, Pricker?

[Sheriff Winters]

Hanging the wrong man. I didn't kill anybody. Jake and Eldo did.

[Deputy Blair]

Yeah, I know all about that. But you made them do it.

[Sheriff Winters]

Jake and Eldo killed him. They are the ones who should hang.

[Deputy Blair]

You made them do it.

[Sheriff Winters]

You gave them the guns.

[Deputy Blair]

Three of them. You wanted to be sure, didn't you?

[Sheriff Winters]

Jake and hell.

[Deputy Blair]

Never mind about them, Pricker. They're here for life, thanks to you.

[Sheriff Winters]

Yeah?

[Mrs. Nungesser]

We're ready, sir.

[Deputy Blair]

All right, all right, Pricker.

[Sheriff Winters]

Here. You're ready for me, eh? I'd be ready for you two if I had a gun.

[Deputy Blair]

Three guns, you mean?

[Sheriff Winters]

Sure, that's right. Three guns. One for you, one for Jake and one for Minnie. I'd show you. I'm still boss. I'll show all of you. Give me three guns.

[Deputy Blair]

Tough to the end if he had three guns. Yeah, but I told him one rope was better than 10 guns.

[Sheriff Winters]

You have just heard a thrilling story taken from the pages of True Detective mysteries magazine, a McFadden publication. Sam.