Circumstantial Evidence by The Chase

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers - Episode Summary: "Circumstantial Evidence" by The Chase

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Introduction

"Circumstantial Evidence," an episode from the Relic Radio Thrillers series hosted by RelicRadio.com, immerses listeners in a gripping tale of mystery, suspicion, and the fine line between reality and illusion. Released on June 21, 2025, this episode masterfully blends elements of crime, suspense, and psychological intrigue, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

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Arrival in Webb City

The story begins with Edward Wilton, a Middle Western sales representative for Ideal Air Conditioning Incorporated, arriving in the quiet town of Webb City. Seeking respite from his nomadic lifestyle, Wilton checks into the Palace Hotel, the town's largest establishment.

Notable Quote:

Edward Wilton [02:08]: "Of course I want it. Don't get sore. Just pulling your leg a little."

Wilton's interaction with Grimes, the Chief Desk Clerk, sets the stage for the ensuing tension. Their banter is laced with subtle distrust, hinting at underlying conflicts.

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Meeting Hazel and the Fateful Dance

Seeking to unwind, Wilton ventures to Biff's Place, a local bar frequented by mill workers. There, he encounters Hazel, a vivacious red-headed girl dancing with Carl Bleeker. Intrigued by Hazel's charm, Wilton attempts to join their dance, leading to a confrontational but charged interaction between him and Bleeker.

Notable Quote:

Hazel [06:04]: "You're not dead, neither is Carl. And I'm not in jail. And there's no lynch mob. A confession, is there?"

The night progresses with Wilton and Hazel sharing drinks, deepening their connection. However, the budding romance takes a dark turn when Hazel mysteriously dies from a falling rock while Wilton briefly steps away to fetch gas for his convertible.

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The Accident and Rising Suspicion

Upon returning, Wilton discovers Hazel lifeless in his car. His attempts to seek help lead him to Carl Bleeker, who immediately accuses him of murder. The damning circumstantial evidence—Hazel's identification bracelet in Wilton's possession and the suspicious circumstances of her death—pushes suspicion squarely onto Wilton.

Notable Quote:

Carl Bleeker [12:32]: "You killed her."

As tension mounts, Bleeker's aggression escalates, and Wilton finds himself coerced into a perilous situation. The confrontation culminates in a high-speed chase, with Bleeker intent on framing Wilton for Hazel's death.

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The Chasing Nightmare

Wilton's desperate attempts to prove his innocence lead him to a harrowing ordeal. He confronts Bleeker in his car, resulting in a violent car accident that leaves both men dead. However, just as the narrative seems to reach its climax, a startling twist reveals that these events were part of a nightmare.

Notable Quote:

Hazel [28:14]: "Judging by those empty glasses on the table, you had one too many."

This revelation blurs the lines between reality and illusion, challenging both Wilton and listeners to question the nature of truth and perception.

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Conclusion and Reflection

"Circumstantial Evidence" concludes with Wilton awakening from his nightmare, surrounded by friends and realizing the night's events were a figment of his imagination, exacerbated by his overindulgence. This twist not only provides a compelling resolution but also underscores themes of guilt, fear, and the human psyche's fragility under pressure.

Notable Quote:

Edward Wilton [28:03]: "You're having a nightmare. You mean this is all a dream?"

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Themes and Insights

This episode delves deep into the complexities of circumstantial evidence and its power to shape perceptions and judgments. It explores how easily reputations can be tarnished and the lengths one might go to prove innocence. Additionally, the psychological aspect of nightmares serves as a powerful metaphor for the internal conflicts and fears that individuals grapple with when faced with life-altering accusations.

Character Dynamics:

• Edward Wilton: Portrayed as a seemingly innocent and charming salesman whose past and intentions are gradually questioned.
• Grimes: The Chief Desk Clerk whose initial friendliness masks ulterior motives.
• Hazel: A captivating character whose mysterious death becomes the catalyst for the unfolding drama.
• Carl Bleeker: The antagonist whose aggressive pursuit of Wilton reveals deeper layers of corruption and obsession.

Narrative Techniques:

• Suspense Building: The gradual accumulation of evidence against Wilton heightens tension.
• Twist Ending: The revelation of the nightmare serves as a powerful narrative device, offering both relief and reflection.
• Character Development: Through dialogue and interactions, the characters' true natures and motivations are unveiled, keeping listeners engaged.

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Conclusion

"Circumstantial Evidence" stands out as a quintessential episode of Relic Radio Thrillers, seamlessly blending classic Old Time Radio elements with modern storytelling techniques. Its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists offer a memorable listening experience that underscores the timeless appeal of radio dramas. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this episode is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through sound.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Relicradio.com presents stories of mystery and intrigue, espionage and suspense. Hear tales of ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes and cloak and dagger action. This is Relic Radio Thrillers.

[Announcer]

The National Broadcasting Company invites you by transcription to join. But chase. There is always the hunter and the hunted, the pursuer and the pursued. It may be the voice of authority or a race with death and destruction, the most relentless of the hunters. There are times when laughter is heard as counterpoint and moments when sheer terror is the theme. But always there is the chase. And the chase becomes a terror ridden nightmare when the pursuer is circumstantial evidence.

[Grimes]

Yes, sir.

[Edward Wilton]

Oh, Wilton's the name. Edward Wilton. I've got a reservation.

[Grimes]

Oh, yes, Mr. Wilton. Sing room, bath rates 450. Sign here.

[Edward Wilton]

450. You boys seem to have a Ritz complex.

[Grimes]

Palace Hotel may not be as big as the Ritz, but it's the biggest and best in Webb City, Mr. Wilton. And we don't mind letting foreigners know it.

[Edward Wilton]

Foreigners? 200 miles from Chicago and you're out of the country.

[Grimes]

Do you want the room or don't you?

[Edward Wilton]

Of course I want it. Don't get sore. Just pulling your leg a little. Let's have that pen, huh? There you are, my friend. Edward Wilton, Esquire. Middle Western sales representative for Ideal Air Conditioning Incorporated. The air conditioning of the future.

[Grimes]

Is that what you sell, young man?

[Edward Wilton]

What else do you think would bring me to a burg like this?

[Grimes]

What's that?

[Edward Wilton]

I said I never saw a town like this. Yes, I. I'll bet a lonesome young guy might have a little fun if he knew the right people.

[Grimes]

Nothing much doing in Webb City at this hour, especially on a Tuesday night.

[Edward Wilton]

How about the hotel? You got a bar here?

[Grimes]

Nope.

[Edward Wilton]

What does a man do to get himself a beer, for instance?

[Grimes]

Well, there's Biff's Place just down the street to the right. If it's a drink you're hankering for, he's got it. Although you might not like the crowd.

[Edward Wilton]

Oh, why not?

[Grimes]

Well, they're kind of jivey, so to speak. Most of them are mill hands and their girlfriends, and they keep the jukebox going till way after midnight.

[Edward Wilton]

My, my. You don't say.

[Grimes]

Are you trying to kid me, young fella?

[Edward Wilton]

Wouldn't think of it for the world.

[Grimes]

If there's anything I hate, it's fresh salesmen. You fellas think you own the world.

[Edward Wilton]

No offense.

[Grimes]

Um, what's that you got hanging on your wrist?

[Edward Wilton]

Oh, this? That's an identification bracelet.

[Grimes]

Looks this ified to Me?

[Edward Wilton]

Oh, no, no. Lots of people wear them these days. Sophisticated people that is.

[Grimes]

Like you, I suppose.

[Edward Wilton]

You know, you're not very polite to the customers. Better not let the boss catch you talking to his favorite clients that way. He might can you.

[Grimes]

That so?

[Edward Wilton]

Yes, I happen to know him personally.

[Grimes]

Well, I happen to be the boss, Mr. And Chief Desk clerk. The name is Grimes.

[Edward Wilton]

Uh. Oh, that's one for the house.

[Grimes]

We serve breakfast from 7 to 8:30. Get down late, eat in the diner across the street and no smoking in bed. Good night, Mr. Wilton.

[Edward Wilton]

Good night. Cheerful. Yep, I was in quite a mood that evening. But what can you do? The road gets lonesome after a while when you're footloose and fancy free. And even kidding a hotel clerk is a way to pass the time in a town like Webb City. I went up to my 2 by 4 bedroom and stared at the walls for a while. And then I washed and went back outside. The evening was warm and the streets were quiet. And as I strolled along, that lonesome feeling got even stronger. So I decided to step into the beer joint Grimes had mentioned. There were only half a dozen people inside and the jukebox was running overtime. Most of them seemed to be mill workers having a nightcap before ambling home. It wasn't till I picked myself a booth in order to scotch on the rocks that I noticed the red headed girl. Or rather I heard her laugh. She was pretty cute as small town cuties go. And she was dancing with a guy in a tight fitting suit and slick down hair. I watched her as I finished my drink and I ordered another. And I kept on watching until I downed two more and she looked my way. There was something in her eyes, the way she smiled for a moment that attracted me. And with the music and the drinks. Well, I. I must have got a little tight because I found myself getting out of my chair and breaking in on the two of them. May. May I have this dance?

[Narrator]

What's the big idea?

[Edward Wilton]

I asked the lady if I could have this dance.

[Narrator]

You can also have a sock in the puss if you want one. Wise guy.

[Hazel]

Oh, act your age, Carl.

[Grimes]

Huh?

[Hazel]

This is 1953. All he did was ask me for a dance. Don't look like you've been insulted.

[Narrator]

What kind of talk is that from you, Hazel.

[Hazel]

Here we go again.

[Edward Wilton]

Look, if he wants to rave, let him rave. Beautiful. Meanwhile, let's say let's you and me dance, Hazel.

[Narrator]

Why you.

[Edward Wilton]

Carl. I wouldn't if I were you. First of all, I've got at least 2 inches and 15 pounds on you. And I used to fight semi pro.

[Narrator]

You gonna tell this jerk to get out of here or do I go?

[Hazel]

Hazel, I think your last suggestions are best, honey.

[Narrator]

As far as I'm concerned, the two of you can drop dead.

[Edward Wilton]

My, my. Got a temper, hasn't he?

[Hazel]

He's just a small town boy with a mind to match.

[Edward Wilton]

Well, shall we dance?

[Hazel]

That's why you joined the party, wasn't it?

[Edward Wilton]

Check.

[Hazel]

Mmm, music's nice.

[Edward Wilton]

So I am.

[Hazel]

Little city boy trying out his line.

[Edward Wilton]

I'm a salesman. Can't blame me for trying to make a pitch.

[Hazel]

You'd be surprised what sales resistance I've got.

[Edward Wilton]

You'd be surprised how I can sell.

[Hazel]

What's your name? Curly Wilton.

[Edward Wilton]

Eddie Wilton.

[Hazel]

Mine's Hazel.

[Edward Wilton]

Yes, so I heard. How about a drink after this dance? Well, it lasted until 1am Then someone suggested a ride. We walked back to where my open convertible was parked and started off. I should have known better than to drive on liquor. But there was something about the evening and the girl that made everything all right. Well, where are we going?

[Hazel]

You got any ideas?

[Edward Wilton]

There's a moon out, the road's empty, so let's just travel for a while.

[Hazel]

Suits me fine. Are you married?

[Edward Wilton]

This is a fine time to ask.

[Hazel]

Just answer the question, Junior.

[Edward Wilton]

I am as free as the breeze. You too?

[Hazel]

Mm.

[Edward Wilton]

Who was that square you were dancing with before I broke in?

[Hazel]

Carl Bleeker. He's just a dumbtown kid. He gives me a pain.

[Edward Wilton]

Why go out with him?

[Hazel]

There isn't much of a choice in Webb City.

[Edward Wilton]

You're a good looking number. Do you ever think of trying your luck in one of the bigger towns? Like shy? You might get something in show business.

[Hazel]

Stop handing me that moolah. Give me a cigarette.

[Edward Wilton]

It's in my left hand pocket. Yeah, you'll find matches there too.

[Hazel]

What's that on your wrist, Eddie?

[Edward Wilton]

It's an identification thing.

[Hazel]

Last time I saw one of those things was on a gi.

[Edward Wilton]

That's where I got to have it.

[Hazel]

It's cute. Let me have it for keeps.

[Edward Wilton]

What?

[Hazel]

Isn't worth much, is it?

[Edward Wilton]

Well, no.

[Hazel]

Then don't be a cheapskate and hand it over. We'll probably never see each other again. And I'd like a keepsake.

[Edward Wilton]

Well, it's yours, baby. Here, unhook it.

[Hazel]

Thanks.

[Edward Wilton]

Huh?

[Hazel]

What's the matter?

[Edward Wilton]

I don't know. Something wrong with the motor.

[Hazel]

You're not gonna pull that old gag on me. I thought you weren't small town.

[Edward Wilton]

No, on the level. It's not a gag. I. She. She's conked out. Holy smoke. I'm out of gas.

[Hazel]

How convenient. You picked a nice place to park too. Right under a stone quarry.

[Edward Wilton]

Okay, baby, if you think I'm that crude. Excuse me.

[Hazel]

Where you going?

[Edward Wilton]

We passed a gas station a mile or so back. I'll get some more fuel.

[Hazel]

You mean you really are out of.

[Edward Wilton]

Gas while I'm gone? You can figure that one out for yourself. She got me sore, putting me in the same dumb class with her small town boyfriends. And it didn't improve my disposition any to find the gas station closed for the night. By the time I got back to the car, it was almost three in the morning. And as I neared the open car, I could see Hazel slumped in the front seat, fast asleep. Hazel? No dice. The station's closed. Come on, come on. Wake up, baby. We'll have to walk. Hazel, I. Hazel, wake up. But she wouldn't wake up. Not in this world anyway. Because Hazel was lying dead on the front seat of my car with her skull cracked open. It was one of those accidents that can happen once in a million. I'd parked near a stone quarry in an open car. And while I was gone, a rock had come loose maybe 50ft above her and caught her square on the head. For a minute I almost got sick. Then I pulled myself together. I had to get help. And a car rolled up as I staggered back to the highway, waving like crazy. Stop. Stop, will you? What's the trouble, bud? There's been an accident. Where? Over there in my car.

[Carl Bleeker]

Can you do a crack up?

[Edward Wilton]

No, no, nothing like that. A girl. She. She.

[Carl Bleeker]

Hey.

[Edward Wilton]

Pretty bad, huh?

[Carl Bleeker]

Pretty bad. She's dead.

[Edward Wilton]

Yeah, I thought so.

[Carl Bleeker]

How'd it happen?

[Edward Wilton]

A rock. It must have fallen from that stone quarry.

[Carl Bleeker]

A rock from that quarry? Well, that hill's as smooth as the glass up there.

[Edward Wilton]

I don't care how smooth it is. That's what happened. I. What are you looking at me that way for?

[Carl Bleeker]

What way, mister?

[Edward Wilton]

Hey, where are you going? Wait a minute. Come back here. Don't leave me like this. Come back. I stood there for a minute as he roared away, trying to figure it out. And then it hit me. He thought I'd killed her. He thought I was a murderer. It was all wrong. She was hit by a falling stone. And then suddenly I remembered to look for the stone. I ran back to the car and scrambled around. I had to have that rock turn, prove it was an accident. And then, just as I saw it near the left front fender and Picked it up in my hand. Another car rolled up. Hey, mister. Mister.

[Narrator]

Don't move, wise guy.

[Edward Wilton]

Bleeker, stay.

[Narrator]

Put her up. I'll blast you with a shotgun.

[Edward Wilton]

Put that cannon down, you idiot. I.

[Narrator]

Shut up, Hazel. Get out. She's dead.

[Edward Wilton]

I know she is.

[Narrator]

You killed her.

[Edward Wilton]

You're out of your mind.

[Narrator]

You branded with that rock you're holding in your hand.

[Edward Wilton]

Stop talking like that. It was an accident, Bleecker. This rock came from the quarry wall above her head. She was waiting here for me when.

[Narrator]

I. I knew my hunch was a good one. That's why I decided to follow you out. You dirty murdering bum. We'll hang you for this.

[Edward Wilton]

Bleaker, you're off. You're being. Shut up. I tell you, she shut your lion.

[Narrator]

Dirty mouth before I plug you here and now.

[Edward Wilton]

All right, all right. So you think I killed her. We'll leave it up to the cops.

[Narrator]

Sure, we'll leave it up to the cops. If the cops can't handle it our way, maybe I'll get a couple of the boys together for a little stringing Be. Come on, get into my car.

[Edward Wilton]

Just take it easy.

[Narrator]

Get in and shut it. We're trapped. You'll drive, I'll sit behind. And one false move, wise guy, get you a head full of lead pellet.

[Edward Wilton]

I didn't argue with him. He looked crazy mad to me. And besides, I knew when I gave the police the facts, they'd they. Yeah, but how was I sure? Two guys in a row took it for granted that I'd killed her. Why should the cops think otherwise?

[Narrator]

You look nervous, wise guy.

[Edward Wilton]

All right, if it makes you happy, I look nervous and I don't blame you.

[Narrator]

No first degree murder gets the chair in this state.

[Edward Wilton]

I'm not getting any chair. No, no.

[Narrator]

You won't get any asbestos either to keep that hot seat cool.

[Edward Wilton]

You'd like to see me get it, wouldn't you?

[Narrator]

I not only like it, I got a stake in it. Yeah, I'm gonna help put you there.

[Edward Wilton]

That's interesting.

[Narrator]

How I practically saw you kill her, didn't I? You.

[Edward Wilton]

You practically saw me what?

[Narrator]

Sick you're driving, wise guy. I'll do the yelling from now on. You were standing there, weren't you? With the rock in your hand.

[Edward Wilton]

I just found that stone when you drove up.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Edward Wilton]

What are you trying to do, frame me on a murder app? Frame ya?

[Narrator]

You don't have to be framed, wise guy. You set it up for yourself.

[Edward Wilton]

I'm telling you for the last time, it was an accident.

[Narrator]

When they put you in the chair. You can also tell that to the guy who throws the switch.

[Edward Wilton]

Suddenly I got panicky. I didn't want this moron driving me into the police as if he'd caught me red handed. I wanted to tell them my story in my own way. A voluntary statement, not a forced confession. I had to get away from Bleecker before we reached town. And there was only one way to do it.

[Narrator]

Turn left, wise guy. It's a shorter route to town.

[Edward Wilton]

Whatever you say.

[Narrator]

Now you're getting smart. You don't give me any lip and maybe you'll reach the police chief all in one piece.

[Edward Wilton]

Got a cigarette on you?

[Narrator]

Since when am I supplying you with smokes?

[Edward Wilton]

All right, all right. I'll take one of my own if you let me stop the car and reach into my pocket.

[Narrator]

You're stopping? No car, wise guy. Here, I'll be sporty and give you one of mine.

[Edward Wilton]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

Keep your eyes on the road.

[Edward Wilton]

Got a match?

[Narrator]

Want me to smoke it for you? Till here.

[Edward Wilton]

Now let go of the gun, Bleeker.

[Narrator]

You choke me.

[Edward Wilton]

Let go of the gun. The road. You're driving out there. As I lost control of the wheel, the car had swung left and hit a soft shoulder. I'd felt a sickening lurch as it had rocked back and forth and then had completely turned over. For a second I. I was stunned. And then I slowly crawled out of the side. It was a miracle as far as I was concerned because I didn't have a scratch in them. Then I remembered Bleeker. Frantically I started to pull the twisted metal apart and there he was, lying across the seat, dead, with a broken neck that made two. Two dead. Two people I hadn't even known before that night. How could I explain it? What could I say to defend myself?

[Grimes]

You all right?

[Edward Wilton]

Yes, officer, I'm okay.

[Grimes]

What happened?

[Edward Wilton]

We hit a soft shoulder and turned over.

[Grimes]

We?

[Edward Wilton]

There's another fella in the wreckage. I think he's dead.

[Grimes]

Stay put. Ah, he's dead all right. What's your name?

[Edward Wilton]

Edward Wilton.

[Grimes]

Where do you live?

[Edward Wilton]

I'm at the Palace Hotel in Webb City. I'm a salesman from out of town.

[Grimes]

What's the name of the deceased?

[Edward Wilton]

Carl Bleeker. He lives in Webb City.

[Grimes]

And who was driving?

[Edward Wilton]

He was. Don't ask me why I lied. I don't know myself. I only know that I was scared and I acted instinctively to protect myself. Next thing I knew, I was inside the prowl car and we were on our way, but not towards town. For some reason, we were headed back towards my car and Hazel's body. Aren't we going back to town?

[Grimes]

Sure.

[Edward Wilton]

This isn't the right direction.

[Grimes]

Coroner lives up this way. I want to notify him before I book you.

[Edward Wilton]

Before you book me?

[Grimes]

Don't get nervous. It's just a technicality. If you weren't driving, we won't place a trip.

[Edward Wilton]

But I told you I wasn't driving.

[Grimes]

Okay, okay. I didn't call you a liar, did I?

[Edward Wilton]

I'm sorry. The. The. The accident rocked me a little. I'm. I'm all nerves.

[Grimes]

Sure, sure. Now just take it easy. What's that ahead of us on the side of the road?

[Edward Wilton]

I don't see anything.

[Grimes]

Looks like a parked convertible. Funny time of night to be parked out near that old quarry. I think I'll have a look. You can stay here if you like.

[Edward Wilton]

I just want a breath of air.

[Grimes]

Holy smoke.

[Edward Wilton]

What is it?

[Grimes]

It's a girl. Looks as though she's been slugged.

[Edward Wilton]

Is she dead?

[Grimes]

Just as dead as your friend was. This is getting to be quite a night. This kid was murdered.

[Edward Wilton]

Murdered?

[Grimes]

No, she certainly didn't conk herself on the head. You drove past here before your accident. Did you notice this car?

[Edward Wilton]

No.

[Grimes]

Are you sure?

[Edward Wilton]

Positive, officer.

[Grimes]

Funny, I'd say she'd been dead at least two hours. The engine hood is cold. Car must have been parked here for a while. Let's have a look at the license plate.

[Edward Wilton]

I think I'll wait for you back in the prowl car. As I got back inside the prowl car, I watched him take down my license number. Then he walked around to the front seat again and looked at Hazel once more. I saw him reach over and lift her arm, unfold her fingers and take something out of her palm. Something that glinted in the glare of his flashlight as he carefully examined it. Then I remembered what it was. My identification bracelet with my name engraved on the plate. Hey. Hey, you. I must have been insane to steal his car. But I couldn't control myself anymore. Everything seemed to be building up against me. I was being strangled with circumstantial evidence. So I just obeyed my instincts and ran for it. I didn't know where I was going. I just followed the road as it twisted and turned with my hands gripping the wheel so hard my fingers ached. Was it an hour or two hours? I don't know. I kept on driving, trying to escape. And then with one of those ridiculous impulses a raving maniac might get, I turned on the shortwave radio in the prowl Car I'd stolen.

[Carl Bleeker]

Attention, all car. This is Chief Dundee. Once more, I repeat the description of the man we want. Name, Edward Wilton. Age, about 32. Height, approximately 5 11. Weight, about 185. Wanted for murder and suspicion of manslaughter. Driving stolen squat car. License number 17113. He may be armed. If he offers resistance, shoot to kill.

[Grimes]

Yes, what can I.

[Edward Wilton]

You. Yes, it's me, Mr. Grimes. Don't move. Just first listen to what I have to say. Well, I've been up all night. Crimes.

[Grimes]

Have you?

[Edward Wilton]

I've been driving around like a man who's been doped. They're after me.

[Grimes]

I know they're after you.

[Edward Wilton]

They want me for murder.

[Grimes]

I know that, too.

[Edward Wilton]

Do you know why I came back?

[Narrator]

Why?

[Edward Wilton]

Because I don't believe they'll do it.

[Grimes]

You don't believe they'll do what?

[Edward Wilton]

Convict an innocent man.

[Grimes]

Of course they won't. All you got to do is give yourself up, son. You'll get a fair shake.

[Edward Wilton]

Do you think I'm a murderer, too?

[Grimes]

No.

[Edward Wilton]

The evidence is bad, I know, but you. You can see it was an accident. You've got to see it. And the others, too. You don't know what it's like running away from something like this. All night I drove, thinking they'd shoot me down on sight. And I couldn't stand it any longer. I had to give myself up. I couldn't live like that for another day.

[Grimes]

Want me to call Chief Dundee?

[Edward Wilton]

Yes. Just tell him I'm at the Palace Hotel. I was beaten and I knew it. But then I thought, if I could just give them my story. Grimes seemed to feel that I wasn't guilty. That's how he acted until 10 minutes later when the chief of police walked in. Here he is.

[Grimes]

Here's the thieving murderer.

[Edward Wilton]

Now, wait a minute, I.

[Carl Bleeker]

Keep your hands where I can see.

[Edward Wilton]

Handcuffs.

[Grimes]

What'd you think you'd get? Medal? I knew he was a killer when he checked in here, Chief. He had that look in his eye. And then when he started asking me about girls.

[Edward Wilton]

No, no. I didn't say a word about girls to you, Grimes. I just asked you where I could get myself a drink.

[Carl Bleeker]

Drink? In two ways.

[Edward Wilton]

I just had a couple.

[Carl Bleeker]

I mean, why did you kill her?

[Edward Wilton]

I didn't kill her, Chief. No?

[Carl Bleeker]

Then who did?

[Edward Wilton]

It was an accident. A rock fell down from the quarry wall.

[Grimes]

And what about Carl Beaker did A rock.

[Carl Bleeker]

That's enough, Mr. Grimes. I'll handle this myself.

[Grimes]

You'd better, or the town will handle it for You?

[Carl Bleeker]

I don't like that kind of talk from you or anyone else, Grimes. As long as I'm police chief here, the law takes its own course. I make myself clear?

[Grimes]

Just as long as this double murderer gets what he's looking for.

[Carl Bleeker]

All right, Wilton, let's get started.

[Edward Wilton]

What does he mean, the town will handle it for you?

[Carl Bleeker]

Nothing. Lets go.

[Edward Wilton]

But I was going to find out later just what Grimes meant. After they had me down at headquarters, they questioned me and questioned me and I gave them all the answers I knew. But somehow nothing seemed to satisfy them.

[Carl Bleeker]

All right, Wilden, we'll start all over again. What did you do when you stopped the car?

[Edward Wilton]

Nothing.

[Carl Bleeker]

I thought, was she trying to get out when you hit her with a rock?

[Edward Wilton]

I didn't hit her. I swear I didn't.

[Carl Bleeker]

What about Bleeker? We found a shotgun near his body. It had you under arrest when you slugged him, didn't he?

[Edward Wilton]

I didn't slug him. He had a gun. Yes, and he scared me. I tried to wrestle the gun out of his hands when the car went wild.

[Carl Bleeker]

He had the gun in his hands driving at the same time.

[Edward Wilton]

He wasn't driving. I.

[Carl Bleeker]

That isn't what you told the man in the squad car.

[Grimes]

Wilton.

[Edward Wilton]

I swear it's the truth. No. Leave me alone. At last. At last they gave me a chance to sleep. They put me in a cell and I dropped like a dead man for over 10 hours. When I woke up, it was dark again and there was an ominous rumble coming from somewhere outside the jail.

[Narrator]

Chief, let me speak to the.

[Carl Bleeker]

Feeling stronger, Wilton?

[Edward Wilton]

Oh, yeah, sure. What's the noise out there?

[Carl Bleeker]

Never mind. As long as you're in my custody, they'll never get you.

[Edward Wilton]

Who's they?

[Carl Bleeker]

I guess I better tip you off just in case things get really rough. That crowd out there is in a nasty mood. They're liable to do anything like come.

[Edward Wilton]

In here after me.

[Carl Bleeker]

I've got five men inside, Wilton. And that mob will have to come in shooting if they figure to take your way.

[Edward Wilton]

What about me, chief? I've got a right to defend myself, haven't I? And I can handle a gun.

[Carl Bleeker]

I'll bet you can. You'll stay right here, Wilton. We don't give firearms to confessed murderers.

[Edward Wilton]

Confessed murderers? I never confessed.

[Carl Bleeker]

No, you didn't know it, but you spilled the works last night while you was asleep.

[Edward Wilton]

I what?

[Carl Bleeker]

We had a stenographer and two witnesses, Wilton.

[Edward Wilton]

What did I say?

[Carl Bleeker]

You killed the girl in cold blood, that's what you said. And you finished Bleeker too.

[Edward Wilton]

Oh, no, no, that doesn't make sense. I couldn't have said that.

[Carl Bleeker]

But you did. You're virtually convicted of murder in the first degree right now. Sounds like that mob's coming up here to the jailhouse, Chief.

[Grimes]

There's a wild bunch out there and they're talking lynch.

[Carl Bleeker]

How many do you think there are?

[Grimes]

Must be 500 easy.

[Carl Bleeker]

Maybe we better call the Governor for the National Guard.

[Grimes]

Too late now, Chief. They're starting to break down the door.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Carl Bleeker]

I'll see if I can make a last ditch plea and stop.

[Edward Wilton]

But the last ditch plea didn't help. And then when I heard the door come down, I knew I was through. They're tearing through the front of the building now. And they'll be pouring into this cell block in just a second. They're coming. They're almost here. No, no, they can't do that to me. Don't let them find me. Don't tell them where I am. I didn't do it, I tell you. I've innocent. I finished. Oh, no. Innocent. I didn't do it. I said don't let him fight me.

[Hazel]

Hey. Hey, mister, wake up.

[Edward Wilton]

No, no.

[Hazel]

Wake up.

[Narrator]

Wake up.

[Hazel]

Wake up. You're having a nightmare.

[Edward Wilton]

Nightmare? You mean this is all a dream?

[Hazel]

Judging by those empty glasses on the table, you had one too many.

[Edward Wilton]

You're not dead, neither is Carl. And I'm not in jail. And there's. There's no lynch mob a confession, is there?

[Hazel]

Lynch mob?

[Narrator]

What's going on here? This wise guy trying to get fresh?

[Edward Wilton]

No, no, not at all. I don't want to dance and I don't want to take your girl away. I just want to go home, see? Back to my hotel. Yes, sir. Right.

[Announcer]

In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted. Hound and fox, hawk and sparrow, chicken and worm. But who is to judge precisely which is the pursuer or the pursued as we enter the chase? The Chase was created and written for the National Broadcasting Company by Lawrence Clee Heard. In the cast were Don Briggs, Jane Webb, Ted Osborne, Ken Williams and Joe Latham. The Chase is directed and transcribed by Fred Way. Fred Collins speaking. Two weeks from today, a hard working accountant begins a game of pressure against his employers as he tries for success in the Chase.

[Edward Wilton]

This afternoon is Adventure with CounterSpy on NBC.