The Whistler - Fatal Error

Summary

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Episode Summary: “The Whistler – Fatal Error”

Podcast: Old Time Radio Stories | Old Time Radio
Date: August 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode brings listeners a classic episode of “The Whistler,” the legendary radio drama known for its ironic mysteries and dramatic narrative style. Today's story, “Fatal Error,” spins the tale of two air cargo partners whose illicit activities and mutual suspicions spiral into deception, betrayal, and ultimately, deadly consequences. The narrative is steeped in noir atmosphere, double-crosses, and suspenseful twists, culminating in a final, darkly ironic revelation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Partners’ Secret: Illicit Side Business

• Setup: Lloyd McCrae and Matt Banion head a modest air cargo business, but their real fortune comes from secret, high-profit runs across the Mexican border.
  • [02:34] The Whistler (Narrator): “On the surface, they appeared to be realizing only a modest average income… But beneath the surface, that was something else again.”
• Tension: Both are acutely aware of the increasing danger of discovery, nudging Lloyd to suggest a break from their criminal operation.

2. Lloyd’s Plot Against Matt

• Dissension: Lloyd pushes Matt to focus on “legitimate” business and tries to send Matt on an errand so he can pursue his own agenda.
  • [03:25] Lloyd McRae: “We put 25 grand away in six months, and I say it’s time to lay off for a while.”
• Deception: In reality, Lloyd is planning to murder his partner for the money and to keep all future illegal profits for himself.
  • [04:27] The Whistler (Narrator): “You lied when you told Matt that there was nothing special about the next move... you plan to eliminate your partner.”

3. The Fatal Mistake

• Botched Ambush: Lloyd intends to ambush Matt, but in the darkness, accidentally kills a man named Joe Ramos instead.
  • [06:32] Fran Engel: “Here’s the paper. You can read about the shooting last night… a fellow named Joe Ramos got himself blasted by you.”
• Panic Ensues: Realizing his mistake, Lloyd worries that Matt may see through his lies, especially if he notices there was no real meeting arranged.

4. Web of Mistrust – Who Knows What?

• Struggles to Confirm Matt’s Whereabouts: Lloyd’s unease grows as he fails to contact Matt, who appears to have left for a business trip, according to his girlfriend Fran. But inconsistencies quickly emerge.
  • [09:14] Fran Engel: “He had to drive up to Bakersfield on business, but didn’t you know?”
• Clues Unravel: Lloyd discovers Matt’s car is still in town, confirming Fran’s cover story is a lie and fueling his paranoia.

5. Lloyd Cracks Under Pressure

• Haunted and Hunted: Lloyd’s nerves unravel as he senses Matt is watching him, waiting for him to make a mistake.
  • [15:56] The Whistler (Narrator): “You know why Matt is keeping out of sight? He’s waiting for you to make a move, isn’t he?”
• Descent Into Panic: Lloyd tries to visit Fran at her club, then attempts to stealthily follow Matt, but always remains a step behind.

6. Race to Escape and the Final Confrontation

• Flight Not Foresight: Believing the police are closing in, Lloyd prepares a hasty getaway, plotting to fly to Mexico with a pilot-for-hire named Dave.
  • [24:23] Lloyd McRae: “Fly me to Mexico. When? Right now. It’s a deal.”
• Police Closing In: The police, catching wind of his movements, converge on his office.

7. The Ironic Twist – Double Crossed Twice

• Everything Reversed: The police reveal to reporters the shocking truth: the man Lloyd killed was not Joe Ramos but his own partner, Matt Banion, who had been attempting to skip town with the money and a new identity.
  • [26:41] The Whistler (Narrator): “His girlfriend told us he was double crossing his partner, running out with the firm’s dough.”
• Lloyd’s Downfall: In a final shootout, Lloyd, panicked and desperate, is killed by police as they discover him at the office.
  • [26:04] Lloyd McRae: “That’s right. The boys had to give it right back to him in self defense.”

8. The Whistler’s Moral

• Classic Irony: Both criminals’ “fatal errors” seal their doom—Matt attempts to betray Lloyd and is killed, Lloyd attempts to kill Matt for their spoils but inadvertently seals his own fate.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [04:27] The Whistler (Narrator):
  “You lied when you told Matt that there was nothing special about the next move... you plan to eliminate your partner.”

• [07:12] The Whistler (Narrator):
  “It was a shock, wasn’t it, Lloyd? To learn the papers have identified the man you shot down last night as Joe Ramos, not your partner, Matt Banion.”

• [16:30] Cleaning Man:
  “Oh, Mr. McRae, I… I didn’t know you were here.”

• [26:39] Reporter & Lieutenant:
  “A case of find the woman, huh?”
  “Right. Now we picked her up, brought her down to the morgue. When she recognized the body, she went all to pieces. Told us about the $25,000…”

• [27:17] Reporter:
  “They always make way one error, Lieutenant, don’t they?”
  “Yeah, nearly always. In this case, it was a fatal error... Even his girl thought he made a getaway. She thought he was safe in Mexico until she recognized his body at the morgue.”

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Key Timestamps

• [02:34] – Introduction of partners’ secret smuggling operation
• [03:25] – Tension as Lloyd suggests taking a break from illegal jobs
• [04:27] – Lloyd’s plan to double-cross Matt revealed
• [06:32] – Lloyd realizes he killed the wrong man
• [09:14] – Fran Engel’s suspicious cover story
• [13:01] – Discovery that Matt’s car is still in town
• [15:56] – Lloyd’s mounting paranoia
• [17:15] – Fran’s nightclub performance
• [19:47] – Dave’s tip that Matt was recently at home
• [21:07] – Police visit Fran
• [22:08] – The police are seen at Lloyd’s office
• [24:23] – Lloyd’s arrangements to flee to Mexico
• [25:48] – The final aftermath and police explanation
• [27:17] – The revelation of the partners’ mutual betrayal

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Conclusion

“Fatal Error” exemplifies The Whistler’s masterful style: layering criminal intentions within seemingly simple characters, leading to a climax in which all are revealed as victims of their own schemes. The atmosphere is heavy with misdirection, suspicion, and clever plotting—the fatal error at the center being both the literal and moral undoing of the protagonists.

Final Note:
The episode is a quintessential noir delight—filled with betrayals, reversals, and the signature narrative twist that defines classic suspense radio.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Lloyd McRae]

Queen Carvania stood haloed by the morning sun.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

An army hung on her every word.

[Fran Engel]

My champions, I have sold my chariot on Carvana. Twas a lovely suv, an inexplicably queenly offer. They're even coming to the castle to collect it. Tonight we feast.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

An offer you can feast on.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sell your car today on Carvana. Pickup fees may apply.

[Lloyd McRae]

And now stay tuned for the mystery program that is unique among all mystery programs. Because even when you know who's guilty, you always receive a startling surprise at

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

the final curtain in the Whistler. I am the Whistler, and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak. Yes, friends, it's time for the Whistler. Rated by independent research, the most popular west coast program.

[Lloyd McRae]

And now, the Whistler.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Strange story,

[Lloyd McRae]

Fatal error.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

It was a unique arrangement between Lloyd McCrae and his partner, Matt Banion. On the surface, they appeared to be realizing only a modest average income, quite in keeping with their operations of a few air cargo planes. But beneath the surface, that was something else again. Just as certain secret side trips across the border into Mexico produce something else again in the way of big profits for McRae and Banyan. Yes, these were the deals the partners never discussed with anyone other than themselves. Not even Fran Engel. Matt's girlfriend was told about the highly profitable sideline. Of course, there was always the danger of being exposed. And the partners were gradually reaching the danger point. Both were well aware of this as they discussed it one afternoon in their airport office.

[Lloyd McRae]

Well, that's how I see it, Matt. We put 25 grand away in six months, and I say it's time to lay off for a while.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Anybody been snooping around?

[Lloyd McRae]

No. No. Maybe I'm just jumpy, that's all.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Maybe.

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah, I see your point. So what's our next move? Well, nothing special. Just start giving a little more attention to customers that want to do legitimate business, that's all.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

You mean Kramer, Lee and the rest of our customers.

[Lloyd McRae]

Look, Lee wants to talk about a frozen meat shipment tonight. See him, will ya? His place, 8 o'. Clock. Oh, no.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Wait a minute, Wait a minute. Can't you handle it? I've got a date with Fran.

[Lloyd McRae]

Fran? But she's working. Oh, her throat's bothering her.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

She's not singing at the club tonight.

[Lloyd McRae]

Look, you know I never do as well with customers as you do, Matt. You've got away with them. I haven't.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Yeah, thanks, Lloyd.

[Lloyd McRae]

Maybe so, Matt. Look, we're still running a business. Or trying to make it look that way, I should think you.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Okay, okay, save the lecture. Lee's Place, 8 o'.

[Lloyd McRae]

Clock.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

I'll be there.

[Lloyd McRae]

All right. That's better.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Yes, Lloyd, it's better all the.

[Lloyd McRae]

Isn't it?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Because you lied when you told Matt that there was nothing special about the next move. But then you couldn't very well tell him the truth, could you? Not when the next move is entirely yours alone. When you plan to eliminate your partner, not only grab the $25,000 the two of you have laid away together, but more important, Matt won't be around to share in the future profits of your highly lucrative sidelines.

[Lloyd McRae]

Foreign.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

It's a simple plan too, isn't it, Lloyd? Yet you shudder when you realize what might happen to you if you failed. If Matt found out that you tried to kill him. A powerful man, isn't he? He could break you in two like a twig. You wait in the darkened alleyway a block from Lee's place. Tell yourself nothing will go wrong. No one in the world knows about the extra money the two of you have accumulated. The 25,000 you keep hidden away in your office safe. There won't be a single reason for suspicion to be pointed in your direction. It'll be just an unexplained killing. Something for you to read about in the papers the next day along with everyone else. It's almost eight. And now you hear them footsteps. Closer. Closer. He's right on time, isn't he, Lloyd?

[Lloyd McRae]

Right.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Right on time. You whirl, run from the alley. On the sidewalk. You almost knock someone over.

[Commercial Voice]

Look out.

[Lloyd McRae]

Let me.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Turn your face away from the woman. Shove roughly past. And then break into a run, certain that she didn't get a clear look at you.

[Fran Engel]

So. Good morning, Ms. McCray.

[Lloyd McRae]

Morning, Alice. Cup of coffee, huh?

[Fran Engel]

Yeah, sure, right away. Oh, here. Here's the paper. You can read about the shooting last night over by the Leeds Frozen Meat Company.

[Lloyd McRae]

Shooting?

[Fran Engel]

Yeah, a fellow named Joe Ramos got himself blasted by you.

[Lloyd McRae]

Let me see that.

[Fran Engel]

Oh, there it is. Right in the front page.

[Lloyd McRae]

See? Joe Ramis shot, killed by unknown assailant. Witness described killer as a sleight of build, wearing trench coat.

[Fran Engel]

Hey, what's the matter, Mr. McCray? You don't look so good. Did you know this Ramos guy?

[Lloyd McRae]

No. No, I didn't know the guy.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

And now back to the whistle. It was a shock, wasn't it, Lloyd? To learn the papers have identified the man you shot down last night as Joe Ramos, not your partner, Matt Banion. You can hardly believe it. You were so certain it was your partner. The same build, even the same walk. But you've made a mistake, haven't you? A bad mistake. And now, driving out to your office at the airport, there's a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. The newspaper story, Lloyd, carries a partial description of you, the killer. Enough for Matt to add things up. Especially if he was early to keep that appointment with Lee. Only to learn that there was never such an appointment. That you lied to him. As you approach the airport, you wonder if you shouldn't make your move now. Salvage what you can, take the money out of the safe, leave town. But that would point suspicion directly, wouldn't it, Lloyd? By the time you reach the office of the airport, you've decided to wait it out and see what Matt will do. There's no sign of Matt having been here, is there, Lloyd? So you sit at your desk, stare out the window toward the parking lot and wait for Matt to arrive. 10 o', clock.

[Lloyd McRae]

11.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

There's no sign of him. It's almost noon when you finally pick up the telephone and call your partner's girlfriend. Fran.

[Fran Engel]

Engine.

[Lloyd McRae]

Hello? Oh, Fran.

[Fran Engel]

Yes, Ms. Lloyd?

[Lloyd McRae]

How's my favorite songbird? You still knocking him dead?

[Fran Engel]

I'm big time now. One show a night.

[Lloyd McRae]

Oh, fine, fine. Fran. I've been trying to locate Matt. You see him this morning?

[Fran Engel]

Matt?

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah.

[Fran Engel]

Why, just a minute, Lloyd.

[Commercial Voice]

I'll.

[Fran Engel]

I'll. I'll be right with you.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Clutching the phone tightly in your hand as Fran excuses herself, you strain to listen. She talks to someone softly. Someone there in their apartment. It could be Matt, couldn't it? Finally, she comes back on the phone.

[Fran Engel]

Oh, I'm. I'm sorry, Lloyd. The. The cleaning man just came by to pick up some things. You were asking about Matt.

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah, yeah, it isn't anything special. Just thought if you'd seen him, you know.

[Fran Engel]

Oh, yeah. Yes, I. I saw him. He was by here a couple of hours ago, Dropped in To say goodbye.

[Lloyd McRae]

Goodbye?

[Fran Engel]

Yes, he. He had to drive up to Bakersfield on business, but didn't you know?

[Lloyd McRae]

Oh, sure.

[Fran Engel]

Yeah.

[Lloyd McRae]

Today is Tuesday, isn't it? Yeah, that's right. Yeah, he did say something about it a few days ago.

[Fran Engel]

Anything else on your mind, Lloyd? I mean, in case he should call me later?

[Lloyd McRae]

No, no, forget it, Fran. Thanks. Bye. Bye.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

As you hang up the receiver, you lean back in your chair and breathe a sigh of relief. You had forgotten about Matt's business trip to Bakersfield, haven't you? And you're certain now he never would have left if he'd suspected anything. However, you're not entirely in the clear yet, are you, Lloyd? You'll still have to explain something to him when he gets back. The phony appointment with Lee. The something else, too. You wonder if Matt's seen the newspapers, if he's read the account of the murder last night. Late that evening, just before you leave the office, you decide to find out. You put in a long distance call to the hotel in Bakersfield where he usually stays.

[Lloyd McRae]

Hotel Lyndon. I'd like to speak with Mr. Banion, please. Matt Banyan. Mr. Banion. One moment, sir. Hello? Yeah. I'm sorry, sir. Mr. Banion isn't registered. But, well, are you sure? Quite sure, sir. Well, he must be there. Should have arrived hours ago. I'm sorry, sir.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Oh, all right.

[Lloyd McRae]

Never mind.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Something's wrong, Lloyd. You can see, sense it, can't you? As you close up the office and walk to the parking lot, a feeling of uneasiness builds within you. You try to fight it off. Find some reason why Matt hasn't checked into the hotel. An accident perhaps, on the road? Yes, or motor trouble. Or he might have finished his business early and started back to town. There's nothing to be gained by staying at the office, is there? So you decide to drive on to your apartment. As you approach the all night garage where Matt usually parks his car, an idea suddenly occurs to you. You swing into the driveway, pull up inside. Okay?

[Fran Engel]

Okay.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Coming.

[Lloyd McRae]

Hello, Frank.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Oh, hiya, Mr. McRae.

[Lloyd McRae]

How's everything? Oh, can't complain. Hey, this baby of mine needs a tune up. It's okay if I bring it in tomorrow? Oh, sure, sure.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

We'll take care of it, Mr. McRae. Do a good job for you.

[Lloyd McRae]

Matt said you would. He's your best booster, you know.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Nice guy there, Mr. Banion. Yeah. Don't get to see him much now that I'm on the late shift. How's he doing?

[Lloyd McRae]

Oh, fine. He's on a trip upstate. Right Now. Drove up this morning. Drove up?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Funny.

[Lloyd McRae]

Why? What do you mean?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

He didn't take his car. It's parked back there in the store, right where he always keeps it.

[Lloyd McRae]

You sure? Well, yeah.

[Fran Engel]

Yeah.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Look for yourself. I guess he must have decided to take the train for a change.

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah, I guess so.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Fran lied to you, didn't she, Lloyd? And you remember your phone conversation with her. Overhearing her talking to someone in the apartment. Someone she said was the man from the dry cleaners. You're certain now it was Matt. And you know now why he told it a lie. He doesn't want you to know that he's here in town and he's suspicious of you. You drive out of the garage and find yourself headed back toward the airport. You're afraid to go to your apartment, aren't you, Lloyd? Afraid that Matt will be there waiting for you. You decide to drive back to the office instead. As you enter and lock the door behind you without turning on the light, you step over to answer the telephone.

[Lloyd McRae]

Hello? Hello? Hello? Who is it?

[Fran Engel]

Hello?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Your hand is shaking badly, isn't it, Lloyd? As you replace the receiver, you move slowly to your chair, sink down into it and sit there in the darkness of your office. The phone call. It could have been a wrong number, couldn't it? Yes. You've got to get.

[Narrator/Announcer]

When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track. Because there is no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place. So nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickranger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Commercial Voice]

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[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Hold of yourself Lord, your nerves are on edge. You've got to be very careful. You can't afford to make a mistake now and give yourself away.

[Lloyd McRae]

You're sure?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

You know why Matt is keeping out of sight? He's waiting for you to make a move, isn't he? The wrong move. But you're not going to, are you, Lloyd? You sit there for some time, thinking things out, gradually becoming more and more confident. And then suddenly you wheel around in your chair, stiffen as you hear the key in the lock of the office door. You're unable to move, to call out, unable to take your eyes off the doorknob as it Turns slowly. Oh, Mr. McRae, I. I didn't know you were here.

[Lloyd McRae]

What do you want?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

I just come in to do the cleaning up, Mr. McRae. I. I didn't know you were here.

[Lloyd McRae]

The lights was.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Yeah, all right, all right, all right. If you want, I can come back later.

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Come back later, will you?

[Fran Engel]

Okay. I'm.

[Lloyd McRae]

I'm sorry, Mr. McRae.

[Commercial Voice]

I didn't.

[Lloyd McRae]

Sure, sure, sure.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

You pace the floor of your office nervously for a few minutes and then reach for the telephone. You must call Matt, find out if he's home. Then you change your mind again and slam down the receiver. You lock up the office and drive into town to the Blue Lantern, the nightclub where Fran works. And as you enter the crowded room, she's finishing her big number.

[Fran Engel]

The nicest part of the name Melody Is when you're dancing close to me so put in the Nicolina in that nickelodeon. All I want is loving you and music, music, music Doodle eedle doodle lovely

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

do Love, love, love yo.

[Fran Engel]

All I want is music.

[Lloyd McRae]

Hello, Fran.

[Fran Engel]

What? Oh, Lloyd.

[Lloyd McRae]

Nice song. Very nice.

[Fran Engel]

Thanks.

[Lloyd McRae]

Buy a drink?

[Fran Engel]

Oh, some other time, Lloyd.

[Lloyd McRae]

Okay.

[Fran Engel]

What. What brings you around? We don't see you here very often.

[Lloyd McRae]

Oh, just bored, I guess. You know, I really don't get out as often as I should or work. No play.

[Fran Engel]

That's bad.

[Lloyd McRae]

I spend entirely too much time with the office, I guess. Take Matt now. At least he gets a chance to take a few out of town trips once in a while.

[Fran Engel]

Too often to suit me.

[Lloyd McRae]

Maybe I ought to make those trips instead.

[Fran Engel]

Fine. That way I'd have Matt where I could keep my eye on him. You know, I. I often wonder about those. Business trip.

[Lloyd McRae]

Oh, you haven't a thing to worry about, Fran. There's only one doll in his life. That's you.

[Fran Engel]

Yeah, sure, sure. That's what he tells me.

[Lloyd McRae]

Now. You've got a. A great guy there, Fran. Great guy.

[Fran Engel]

I know.

[Lloyd McRae]

I. I guess you know too how I feel about him. The best Friend I ever had. There's nothing I wouldn't do for Matt. He's a real guy. By the way, did he call you tonight?

[Fran Engel]

Huh? Oh, yeah. Ye called from his hotel, huh, Celinda? Yeah. Why? Something on your mind?

[Lloyd McRae]

Well, I wanted him to check on something while he was up there. I happened to think about it this afternoon.

[Fran Engel]

Oh, I see.

[Lloyd McRae]

I could call him in the morning. I guess it really isn't too important. Sure you won't have that drink, friend?

[Fran Engel]

No, no thanks, Lloyd. I. Well, if you don't mind, I think I'll go back to my dressing room. I have a horrible headache.

[Lloyd McRae]

Oh, it's too bad.

[Fran Engel]

Well, I'll tell you. Huh? Ought to come around more often.

[Lloyd McRae]

Sure, I'll do that, Fran. I'll do that.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

A half hour later, you park your car a block from Matt's apartment house and then walk slowly toward the four story building. As you approach it, you glance up at the third story windows. Matt's apartment is dark. You stop for a moment. Then as you turn around.

[Lloyd McRae]

Hello, Lloyd. Hey, what's the matter, pal? Scare you? Oh, it's you, Dave. Been calling on Matt. Yeah, he's not home, ain't he? No, guess not. Dark. Well, you couldn't have missed him by much. You see him go out? No, no, but I heard him moving around up there just before I went down to the the corner about 10 minutes ago. Oh, you sure? Well, sure I'm sure. My apartment's right under his, ain't it? I heard him. Oh, I see. Okay. Well, thanks, Dave. Hey, wait. If you're going down to the airport, I'll give you a lift. Going down there in a few minutes. Oh, thanks. No, I have my car.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Shortly before midnight, you're in the residential station section. You park your car on a quiet side street and you walk a block to where you can see Fran Engles cottage. The lights are on inside, but the blinds are drawn. You're almost certain that Matt is in there with Fran, aren't you, Lloyd? And if you wait long enough, you'll see him when he comes out. You've almost made up your mind to slip around to the side of the house and perhaps listen in on their conversation. When suddenly a car pulls up in front of you and you duck back into the shadows. It's a police car, Lloyd.

[Lloyd McRae]

Well, that must be the place over there, sergeant. That cottage, 8 31. Yeah, that's it.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Come on, let's go. A wave of panic sweeps over you as you watch the police officers ring Fran's bell. Then the door opens and she stands there for a moment, then nods, and the officers step inside. You're sure Matt's called him in, aren't you?

[Lloyd McRae]

Certain.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

He's found the proof that you tried to kill him. That he knows you killed Joe Ramos instead, and now he's telling the police about it. You hurry back to your car and start toward town, so frightened you're unable to think clearly. Finally, you know what you must do. You drive back to your apartment, pack your bags, slip the murder gun into your coat pocket. You can dispose of it after you're safely away. And then you hurry to the airport. As you reach the parking lot, you're surprised. As the attendant stops, you say, Mr. McCrae?

[Lloyd McRae]

What is it, kid? Thought maybe you ought to know the cops were here asking for you. What?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Yeah, probably at your office now. They say what they wanted? No.

[Lloyd McRae]

Okay.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Here. Hey, thanks.

[Lloyd McRae]

Park this crate for me, will ya? I better go over to the office, see what they want.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Sure, Mr. McCray.

[Lloyd McRae]

Sure.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

You decide to leave the car on the lot, and then you hurry over to the terminal building. Go to the cocktail lounge, and from the window you can see the police car parked in front of your office. Two policemen inside talking to Pop. You've got to get them out of there, Lloyd, if you're going to get the money out of the safe. $25,000. You'll have to be satisfied with that, won't you? The panic has left you now, hasn't it, Lloyd? And there's a smile on your lips as you dial the number of your office.

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah? Hello, Lloyd there.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

You want Lloyd McRae?

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah, sure. Around.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

No, he isn't. Who is this?

[Lloyd McRae]

Just a friend. He was supposed to meet me at the Blue Lantern a half hour ago. I can't wait much longer. You don't know where he is?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

No, I don't.

[Lloyd McRae]

Okay, well, I'll see him later.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Just a minute. You smile as you hang up the phone.

[Lloyd McRae]

You're pretty sure that in a few

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

minutes the officers will be on their way to the Blue Lantern Cafe. You return to the cocktail lounge and watch. A moment later, you see the police officers come out of your office and drive off. The way is clear, isn't it, Lloyd? Now you've only to take the money, leave town, and you're sure that you can arrange that easily. You have one more thing to do before your plans are complete. You leave the cocktail lounge and walk into a nearby hangar.

[Lloyd McRae]

Hey, Mac.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

What? Oh, hi, Lloyd. Dave around any office?

[Lloyd McRae]

Thanks. Hi, Lloyd.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Come on in,

[Lloyd McRae]

Dave. I got a Job for you? Yeah. Yeah, this is a special sort of a job. Oh, one of those. Yeah. Well, I've always cooperated in the first fast, Lloyd. You know me, anything for a fast buck. There's a grand in it for you, same as always. Tell me more. Fly me to Mexico. When? Right now. It's a deal.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Good.

[Lloyd McRae]

All right, get that credit of yours warmed up. I've got to go back to the office for a minute, then we take off. Dave. Yeah, you keep your mouth shut.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

I'm a clam, pal, a clam.

[Lloyd McRae]

You don't have a thing to worry about. Not a thing. A lunch in Mexico in an hour. The Whistler will return in just a moment with the strange ending to tonight's story.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

And now back to the whist. A curious crowd had gathered in front of the McRae Banyan office at the airport, milling around and talking in excited whispers. Inside the office, Lieutenant Robbins of Homicide faced the members of the press and was trying to explain what had happened.

[Lloyd McRae]

Look, boys, look, I can only tell you what I know. Wait a minute. Wait. Now, look, I can only tell you what I know a lot about this. I don't know. A lot I don't understand.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Well, okay. Okay, Lieutenant.

[Lloyd McRae]

Now, so McCray was opening the safe

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

here when the prowl car boys walked

[Lloyd McRae]

in on him, huh?

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

He turned around, started shooting.

[Lloyd McRae]

That's right. The boys had to give it right back to him in self defense.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

So McRae is dead. Now, what did the law want with

[Lloyd McRae]

him in the first place? Well, a man named Joe Ramis was killed last night. He was murdered.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Yeah, I know, Lieutenant. I wrote that yarn myself.

[Lloyd McRae]

Know what about it? Well, we made a couple of interesting discoveries about this Joe Ramos tonight. Now, first the boys down at the morgue found $25,000 hidden in the lining of his overcoat. This is big. I'm gonna pull my paper. Now, wait a minute. You better wait until I finish. Second. The identification papers on him were phony. He wasn't Joe Ramos. We found this out after we checked up on a dame. We found a picture of her in his wallet.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

A case of find the woman, huh?

[Lloyd McRae]

Right. Now, we picked her up, brought her down to the morgue. When she recognized the body, she went all to pieces. Told us about the $25,000. Bank loot.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Nope.

[Lloyd McRae]

His girlfriend told us he was double crossing his partner, running out with the firm's doe. The 25 grand we found on him, he was going to skip last night on the midnight plane for Mexico City. The girl was going to meet him there later.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Only at 8 o' clock last night, somebody bumped him off in that alley.

[Lloyd McRae]

Mm. He had an appointment near there with a frozen meat dealer named Lee. And funny thing about it was, the girl said he was only keeping the appointment to keep his partner from becoming suspicious.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

They always make way one error, Lieutenant, don't they?

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah, nearly always. In this case, it was a fatal error. Even his girl thought he made a getaway. She thought he was safe in Mexico until she recognized his body at the morgue. You boys certainly solved this one quick. Yeah. Oh, but we had a little luck, of course. One of the boys recognized a picture we found in his pocket. A nightclub singer. Fran Engel.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

Fran Engel. Hey, but she was Matt Banion's girl, right?

[Lloyd McRae]

The dead man we thought was Joe Ramos because of his phony identification papers turned out to be Matt Banion, Lloyd McCray's partner. Banion was double crossing McCrae? It looks like it.

[The Whistler (Narrator)]

And now McCrae.

[Lloyd McRae]

Yeah. Yeah. But what I can't figure is why McCrae started shooting. When the boys in the prow car came here to his office, we only wanted him to come down to headquarters and pick up that $25,000 we found on Matt Banyan. It.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All.

[Lloyd McRae]

Music for the Whistler, composed and conducted by Wilbur Hatch and is the property of Herman Music Incorporated, ascap, Hollywood, California Broadcast rights granted solely to Audio Arts Productions, La Mirada, California.

[Fran Engel]

Sam.