Little Red Book by The Whistler

Summary

Podcast Summary: Relic Radio Thrillers – "Little Red Book" by The Whistler

Podcast Information

• Title: Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode: Little Red Book by The Whistler
• Release Date: March 21, 2025
• Description: Relic Radio Thrillers delivers the best Old Time Radio adventures in crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense, catering to today’s armchair adventurers with tales of ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes, and cloak-and-dagger action.

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Overview

In the episode titled "Little Red Book," listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio with a gripping narrative crafted by The Whistler. Set aboard the Augusta Queen, a freighter traveling from Panama City to San Francisco, the story intertwines themes of mystery, betrayal, and suspense. As passengers await their voyage, the central character, Larry Leighton, finds himself entangled in a deadly game of deceit that unravels the secrets hidden within a seemingly innocuous address book.

Setting and Characters

Primary Characters:

• Larry Leighton: The protagonist, a restless passenger keen on making connections.
• Julie Fraser: An enigmatic and attractive young woman with a hidden agenda.
• Roy Tate: A portly gentleman in ill-fitting white linen, whose fate becomes central to the plot.
• Marie: A manipulative character with ulterior motives, seeking a payoff.
• Sam: The ship's bartender, a minor yet insightful character.
• The Whistler: The omniscient narrator who provides eerie commentary and insights into the unfolding drama.

Setting:

• Augusta Queen: A freighter navigating from Panama City to San Francisco, serving as the primary backdrop for the unfolding events.
• San Francisco's Golden Gate: The destination that plays a pivotal role in the climax of the story.
• Various Locations on the Ship: Including the aft rail, gangplank, ship’s bar, alleyways, and the deck.

Plot Development

Initial Suspense and Discovery

The episode opens with Larry Leighton experiencing boredom and restlessness aboard the Augusta Queen. His attempts to engage with passengers, particularly Julie Fraser, yield little success. However, his attention is captured when he observes Julie escorting Roy Tate ashore.

Host (00:11): "Welcome back to Relic Radio Thrillers...we're going to hear his episode from February 10, 1952. It's titled Little Red Book."

Intrigued by Julie’s association with Roy, Larry decides to follow them, leading to a confrontation in a back alley. The situation escalates when Larry discovers Roy Tate dead, with Roy's wallet and a knife as the only apparent clues.

The Whistler (01:39): "I am the Whistler and I know many things, for I walk by night...yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak."

Mysterious Interactions on Board

Back on the ship, Larry’s interactions become more complex. He grapples with his curiosity about Julie’s connection to Roy Tate and the significance of the little red address book. Efforts to build a rapport with Julie are met with her evasive behavior, deepening the mystery.

Larry Leighton (04:22): "Well, Mr. Leighton, you didn't stay ashore very long...You're probably right."

Julie’s calm demeanor and strategic conversations hint at a deeper plot, leaving Larry to question her true intentions.

The Whistler (06:12): "The Girl in your arms can be as lethal and deadly as she is beautiful."

Investigation and Unveiling the Plot

As the ship nears San Francisco, Larry’s suspicions intensify. He observes Julie’s furtive actions involving the address book and begins piecing together the connection between Roy Tate’s murder and the enigmatic book.

The Whistler (12:21): "You go out on deck, wander along the rail...you wonder if it hasn't something to do with a little red address book."

Determined to uncover the truth, Larry follows Julie to San Francisco, uncovering layers of deceit involving Marie, who reveals herself as the true antagonist orchestrating the scheme for a substantial payoff.

Marie (27:15): "When Roy Tate left New York by boat for San Francisco...I thought I could talk Roy into a 50-50 split of that payoff money."

Climactic Confrontation

The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown where Larry confronts Julie and Marie. The true motives and betrayals are laid bare, revealing the intricate web of manipulation and greed that had ensnared the passengers aboard the Augusta Queen.

Larry Leighton (23:08): "So the payoff is on its way over, huh?"

In a twist of fate, Larry’s intervention prevents Julie from attaining her goal, leading to Marie’s downfall and bringing the mystery to a satisfying close.

The Whistler (25:59): "And now you've put her out of the way, hurriedly hidden her body behind the davenport...finally, what it all added up to from the beginning."

Character Dynamics and Development

Larry Leighton evolves from a mere spectator to an active investigator. His initial boredom transforms into determination as he uncovers the layers of deceit surrounding Julie and Marie. Julie Fraser, portrayed as both alluring and dangerous, serves as the catalyst for the unfolding drama, embodying the classic femme fatale archetype. Marie’s manipulative nature and ultimate betrayal add depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of greed and trust.

Themes and Insights

Deception and Trust: The intricate interactions among characters underscore the fragility of trust and the ease with which deception can take root.

Greed and Moral Corruption: The pursuit of the $30,000 payoff serves as a central motive, illustrating how greed can corrupt even seemingly charming individuals.

Mystery and Suspense: The narrative masterfully builds suspense through the gradual revelation of secrets, keeping listeners engaged until the final resolution.

Redemption and Justice: Larry’s journey symbolizes the quest for truth and justice, ultimately restoring order amidst chaos.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Host (00:11): "Welcome back to Relic Radio Thrillers...we're going to hear his episode from February 10, 1952. It's titled Little Red Book."

• The Whistler (01:39): "I am the Whistler and I know many things, for I walk by night...yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak."

• Larry Leighton (04:22): "Well, Mr. Leighton, you didn't stay ashore very long...You're probably right."

• The Whistler (06:12): "The Girl in your arms can be as lethal and deadly as she is beautiful."

• Marie (27:15): "When Roy Tate left New York by boat for San Francisco...I thought I could talk Roy into a 50-50 split of that payoff money."

• Larry Leighton (23:08): "So the payoff is on its way over, huh?"

• The Whistler (25:59): "And now you've put her out of the way, hurriedly hidden her body behind the davenport...finally, what it all added up to from the beginning."

Advertising Integration

Interspersed within the narrative are sponsored segments promoting Signal Oil products, seamlessly blending with the storyline without disrupting the immersive experience.

Narrator (12:21): "Now, a word about popularity...Signal Gasoline must have something... the famous Go Farther Gasoline."

Narrator (24:10): "The two things you want to be sure of when you buy a new battery are one, power...and two, long life...the new improved Signal Deluxe battery at Signal Service Station."

These advertisements maintain the classic old-time radio feel, adding authenticity to the listening experience.

Conclusion

"Little Red Book" by The Whistler offers a quintessential Old Time Radio experience, blending suspenseful storytelling with rich character development and thematic depth. The intricate plot keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, while the atmospheric narration by The Whistler enhances the mysterious and eerie ambiance. For enthusiasts of classic radio thrillers, this episode serves as a captivating journey through deception, morality, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

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Final Notes

Listeners can explore more from The Whistler and other thrilling tales by visiting RelicRadio.com. The podcast is accessible on various platforms, including Spotify under the Relic Radio Network, and offers opportunities for fan support through donations, ensuring the continuation of high-quality, engaging content.

Transcript

[Julie Fraser]

Foreign.

[Host]

Welcome back to Relic Radio Thrillers. Thanks for joining me. This Friday we're going to hear from the Whistler This Week, a CBS series that aired from May of 1942 to September of 1955. There was also a short lived television series produced in 1954 and eight feature films produced between 1940. In 1948 we're going to hear his episode from February 10, 1952. It's titled Little Red Book.

[Narrator]

And now stay tuned for the program that is rated tops in popularity for a longer period of time than any other west coast program in radio history. The Signal Oil program. The Whistler Signal. The famous Go Farther Gasoline invites you to sit back and enjoy another strange story by the Whistler.

[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.

[Narrator]

And now for the Signal Oil Company. The Whistler's strange story. Little Red Book.

[The Whistler]

It was night and it was Panama City and the few passengers on the Augusta Queen were waiting for the big freighter to resume her voyage to San Francisco. Larry Leighton was even more restless than some of the other passengers. Also, he was bored. He'd had little success in trying to strike up an acquaintanceship with an attractive young woman on board. And now from the aft rail he could see her going ashore with a portly little gentleman clad in ill fitting white linen. It's annoying, isn't it, Larry, what such an attractive girl can see in a man like that. And suddenly you decide that you must know. You flip your cigarette away, hurry to the gangplank, walk ashore. Once ashore, you follow the girl and her companion, see them turn down an alley in back of a warehouse. You walk to the entrance to the alley and then stop at the sound of their voices raised in anger.

[Larry Leighton]

You little cheat. So that's it. That's why you've been playing up to me.

[Julie Fraser]

Stop it, Roy. You're all mixed up.

[Larry Leighton]

Not so mixed up that I don't know. I talked too much after a few drinks into the wrong dame.

[Julie Fraser]

You boy sound.

[Larry Leighton]

I'll teach you how to talk to Roy Tate. Julie, no cheap dame pulls anything on Roy Tate, understand? I'm going to ju. Julie.

[Julie Fraser]

Why?

[Larry Leighton]

Oh.

[The Whistler]

You freeze back into the shadows, don't you, Larry? A moment later the girl runs past you. You wait for a moment, make certain no one is approaching, and then move down the alley. The man who called himself Roy Tate is Quite dead, isn't he, Larry? A knife lying nearby. You lean down and quickly search him. The inside pocket of his coat is badly torn, but his wallet is there and a considerable amount of money. Quickly you pocket it, then wrap the knife in your handkerchief. It would be dangerous if it were found on you, but you're reasonably sure it won't be. And it might prove quite valuable later. You return to the ship and walk briskly up the gangplank.

[Larry Leighton]

Well, Mr. Layton, you didn't stay ashore very long. Change your mind about going into the city, huh? Well, I figured the Scotch is just as good in the ship's bar and a shorter walk. You're probably right. Oh, I am right.

[Marie]

Well, hello, Curly. Want to dance?

[Larry Leighton]

Sorry, baby, not in the mood.

[Marie]

Oh, nobody wants to do anything.

[Larry Leighton]

A fine scotch and soda, Sam.

[Sam]

Sure thing, Mr. Lighten. Go easy on the lighting. She's feeling low.

[Larry Leighton]

You mean high. I don't remember her, Sam.

[Sam]

She came aboard here in Panama. Been talking to me a mile a minute. First voyage, she said. Nobody see her off.

[Larry Leighton]

Lonely?

[Sam]

No husband.

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah. Well, I'm sorry. I like mine younger, Sam, and prettier.

[Sam]

Oh, there you are.

[Larry Leighton]

Thanks.

[Sam]

Well, this more what you mean?

[Larry Leighton]

Oh. Oh, yeah.

[Sam]

Evening, Ms. Fraser.

[Julie Fraser]

Hello, Zane.

[Larry Leighton]

Still nothing for me, Beautiful.

[Julie Fraser]

What?

[Larry Leighton]

Well, all this mileage together, not even a smile. Drink?

[Julie Fraser]

Thank you. The same as yours.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, that's much better. Oh, Sam.

[Sam]

I'm on it. Mr. Layton.

[Larry Leighton]

Say, Mr. Layton. Ms. Frazier, can we make it Larry and Julie? Oh, of course.

[Marie]

And I'm Marie.

[Julie Fraser]

Well, hello, Marie.

[Marie]

I'm sailing tonight.

[Larry Leighton]

You sure are.

[Marie]

Don't tease me, Charlie. I'm just trying to have a little fun.

[Julie Fraser]

Sure. Go on, Larry. Dance with the lady.

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah, but I. I put on another. Oh, fine thing. I'll do the same for you someday.

[Marie]

Come on, Curly.

[Larry Leighton]

Okay.

[The Whistler]

Cheer up.

[Julie Fraser]

I might cut in.

[Larry Leighton]

Okay. Come to my arms, Marie.

[Marie]

Gladly, Curly. Gladly.

[The Whistler]

It's all quite different than before, isn't it, Larry? Julie's a different girl. And you're amazed at her calmness after what you saw her do to Roy Tate only a short while before. The moments in the ship's bar stretch into hours. As along with other passengers, the two of you wait for the ship to get underway. You and Julie are dancing together now, and you make several attempts to learn what it was all about. You also wonder what Julie took from the murdered man. As you recall, that his coat pocket was torn badly. Perhaps it happened when she lunged at him. But you'd like to know for sure. One thing you do know. The Girl in your arms can be as lethal and deadly as she is beautiful.

[Julie Fraser]

You dance very well, Harry.

[Larry Leighton]

Better than Roy Tate.

[Julie Fraser]

What do you know about Roy?

[Larry Leighton]

Very little. I spoke to him a couple of times on the voyage down. By the way, where is he? Didn't he go a show with you?

[Julie Fraser]

Yes, he did.

[Larry Leighton]

But he didn't come back with you?

[Julie Fraser]

No. Roy isn't going to come back, Larry.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh?

[Julie Fraser]

He's meeting another ship.

[Larry Leighton]

Going back where he came from, you mean?

[Julie Fraser]

Something like that. Not talk about him anymore, okay?

[Larry Leighton]

Just wondered. I didn't see him taking any luggage ashore.

[Julie Fraser]

Won't the person think it's odd his luggage is ashore? Roy sent a message back with me. He wanted his luggage sent to the International Hotel, held for arrival. It's there now.

[Larry Leighton]

I see. Well, I glad he thought of everything.

[Julie Fraser]

He did?

[Larry Leighton]

Funny.

[Julie Fraser]

What's funny?

[Larry Leighton]

You two seem so well, chummy on the voyage down. And now you don't even seem to miss Roy.

[Julie Fraser]

You want me to miss him?

[Larry Leighton]

No.

[Julie Fraser]

And why are you so concerned about him?

[Larry Leighton]

Okay.

[Julie Fraser]

What's okay?

[Larry Leighton]

Like you said, let's not talk about him anymore.

[Julie Fraser]

That's better, Larry.

[Larry Leighton]

Hey, wait a minute. Is that sailing time?

[Marie]

Sure, we're sailing.

[Sam]

That's right, Mr. Layton. Almost 12.

[Larry Leighton]

Come on, Julie. Want to go out on deck, watch you get underway?

[Julie Fraser]

No, thanks. I'm going to turn in.

[Marie]

That's a good idea. I'll go with you, Curly, and then we'll come back and dance till morning.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, now, wait a minute, Marie.

[Julie Fraser]

You two fight it out. I'll see you in the morning.

[Larry Leighton]

Check.

[Julie Fraser]

Good night, Sam.

[Sam]

Good night, Ms. Fraser.

[Marie]

Now, Curly, we got the whole bar to ourselves.

[Larry Leighton]

You and Sam have the whole body yourselves. I'm awfully tired, Marie, and I'm turning in two.

[Marie]

Nobody wants to have any fun.

[Larry Leighton]

A fine place where I came in. Good night, Marie. Good night, Sam.

[Sam]

Good night, Mr. Lightning.

[The Whistler]

You go out on deck, wander along the rail, watching the deck crew as they work to get the ship underway. You know which stateroom is Julie's, don't you, Larry? 11B. You're still wondering if she took anything away from Roy Tate. There has to be a reason for murder outside of 11B. You pause and look around. No one is watching, and the porthole is partially open, the light from inside shining through. You glance in just in time to see Julie staring at an ordinary little address book, slowly turning the pages. You wonder if the book was Roy's and what it means. And you wonder further when you observe Julie carefully circling an address, then hiding the book behind A wall mirror. Then quite suddenly, the light goes out. You leap back and hurry away. A few swift steps along the deck and you bump squarely into another passage.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Marie]

It's all right, Curly. Oh, anyway, everybody's in a hurry, don't you think? Everybody's either running after something or a waste. Don't you think so, Curly? Don't you?

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah, I suppose they are.

[Marie]

Now we all start running, Curly. We're getting underway. Too bad nobody wants to have any fun. This could be a very interesting voyage.

[Larry Leighton]

That's right, Marie. It could be a very interesting voyage.

[Narrator]

Now, a word about popularity. A friend of mine, when he's dining out, always chooses a restaurant that's crowded. They must have something, he says, to be so popular. Well, by the same token, Signal Gasoline must have something. When you consider that last year motorists bought a lot more gallons of Signal gasoline than during any other year in Signal history. What is that something which accounts for such increasing popularity? It could be the good mileage which has made Signal known throughout the Pacific coast states as the Go Farther Gasoline. It could be the way cars respond with life and zing to a gasoline that's engineered to help your engine run more efficiently. But frankly, friends, just as sure as my name is Marvin Miller. You're never going to know all the good reasons why so many drivers are switching to Signal. Until you try a few tankfuls in your own car. Why don't you this week and see if you don't agree with me? You get a full measure of all the things that make driving more pleasure when you fill up with Signal. The famous Go Farther Gasoline.

[The Whistler]

It's tantalizing, isn't it, Larry? The question mark that surrounds Julie Frazier. You know that she killed a man in a back alley of Panama. A man named Roy Tate. But you don't know why. You wonder if it hasn't something to do with a little red address book. Which Julie keeps hidden in her stateroom. And you're determined to somehow examine that book. But your opportunity doesn't come until the morning. The ship approaches San Francisco's Golden Gate. You enter the dining room quite late to learn that Julie hasn't appeared for breakfast.

[Marie]

Good morning, Curly. Your little playmate isn't here. I'll have you all to myself, Marie.

[Larry Leighton]

The name is Larry.

[Marie]

That's Curly to me. I like nicknames, and I like you.

[Larry Leighton]

Good, Good. I like you, too.

[Marie]

I'm glad, darling, because after little Julie gives you the brush off.

[Larry Leighton]

You think she'll give me a brush off?

[Julie Fraser]

Oh, yes.

[Marie]

I've known a million like her. They always do. And when she does, you can come back to Marie. I'll make you Forget all about Dr. Hey.

[Larry Leighton]

You know, I'm beginning to think you mean it.

[Marie]

Oh, I do, Curly. You're what I've always wanted. And Julie just playing with you. I can tell.

[Larry Leighton]

And you're not?

[Marie]

You know I'm not. The minute I saw you, I knew you were the one guy I needed. I'm very determined to.

[Larry Leighton]

Marie, you amaze me.

[Marie]

Now, you run on, knock dutifully on Julie's door, see if she's seasick or anything. I can wait.

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah. Like I said, I am made.

[Marie]

Well, that's something. Curly. Supposing I told you that I was a very wealthy widow.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, that's something too. I've read about things like this.

[Marie]

You don't believe me.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, now, don't be hasty, pet. I tell you what. I'm working on a deal. Now, if it falls through, then you'll.

[Marie]

Come back to me. Uh huh. I'll see.

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah, well, eat your breakfast and keep thinking about me.

[Marie]

Oh, I will, Curly, I will.

[The Whistler]

You shake your head as you leave the dining room. Marie is certainly a strange one, isn't she, Larry? But harmless. And you've other more important things on your mind. On the way to stateroom 11B, you see Julie approaching and hide behind a lifeboat until she passes. A moment later, you're trying the door of her stateroom. Find it open. Inside, you cross to the wall mirror, take down the little red address book from where you watch Julie hide it. Quickly examine the addresses. Inside you'll find one, carefully circled, and you copy it down and place the book back in its hiding place. And then you freeze in your tracks, almost afraid to breathe.

[Larry Leighton]

Ms. Frazier. It's the Stewart. Ms. Fraser.

[The Whistler]

You hold your breath, hoping the steward will go away and not enter the stateroom and find you there. Finally, he does leave. You hurry back to your own stateroom. That afternoon, Marie bids you a tearful goodbye, insists on your writing down an address where you can reach her in San Francisco. And then later on, you're on deck with Julie as a tug pulls your ship slowly toward the docks.

[Julie Fraser]

Well, here we are. It's all over.

[Larry Leighton]

Doesn't have to be, Julie. I mean, can't I see you to your hotel?

[Julie Fraser]

No, Larry, I'm sorry, I. I have other things to take up my time in San Francisco.

[Larry Leighton]

Well, I guess Marie was right.

[Julie Fraser]

Marie?

[Larry Leighton]

She predicted you'd brush me off. Says that's when she's Moving in.

[Julie Fraser]

I'm not brushing you off, as you put it. I'm sorry, Larry. It's something I can't explain. Perhaps we'll meet again sometime.

[Larry Leighton]

Julie, if you're in trouble, if you need a strong armed man.

[Julie Fraser]

No, I'm not in trouble. It's just that. Well, it's goodbye, that's all.

[Larry Leighton]

Has to be okay, Julie. It's like you said, goodbye.

[The Whistler]

But you've no intention of letting Julie get away from you have your Lara. No, it's simply that you'll have to play things her way at the moment. As the ship ties up, you're the first ashore and make your way out to the Embarcadero and start down the street.

[Sam]

Care, mister?

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sam]

Here, I'll take your bag.

[Larry Leighton]

Thanks.

[Sam]

Where to, sir?

[Larry Leighton]

I don't know yet.

[Sam]

Don't know, huh?

[Larry Leighton]

No, we just sit a while. You don't mind?

[Sam]

Why should I mind? So we sit, so you pay. I gotta turn on the media now.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, sure, sure. It looks like quite a town. Frisco, huh?

[Sam]

Please.

[Larry Leighton]

What?

[Sam]

San Francisco.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, sorry. I was out here on the coast once before, about five years ago. Never got up here, though. Had business in Los Angeles, Louisiana.

[The Whistler]

Huh?

[Larry Leighton]

Los Angeles. Oh, nice town. Wait. Start up Startup. See that young lady over there?

[Sam]

Yeah. One getting into that cab.

[Larry Leighton]

That's right. There's 10 bucks in it for you if you don't lose her.

[Sam]

I won't lose her. 10 bucks says I won't.

[The Whistler]

You follow Julie's cab to a large downtown hotel. As you hurry inside, you see her enter the cocktail lounge. You slip into a back booth and watch as she slides the little red book across to the bartender. Then turns and walks away. Your eyes follow her as she moves through the lobby toward the desk. Then you lean back and order a drink. You're still puzzled about that little red book, aren't you, Larry? What it means, why she left it here. And you decide it's time for a showdown. You finish your drink and then step across to the hotel desk.

[Larry Leighton]

Good afternoon, sir. Ms. Julie Fraser, please. What's her room number? Clerk. Ms. Fraser. Let me see. I believe she just checked in. I'm surprised you old man, that you forget her so quickly. Ms. F is a very attractive young lady. I'm sorry, sir, but we have no Ms. Fraser. Now look, she was here just a few minutes ago. Blonde, medium height, wore a tan coat, brown hat. Oh, that young lady. Yeah, yeah, that young lady. Come on, what's her room number? Oh, she isn't staying here, sir. But I saw Her? She merely wished to know the correct time. But thanks loads.

[The Whistler]

You hurry outside, but Julie is nowhere in sight. You've let her get away, haven't you, Larry? And you're certain now you've lost her for good. And you still don't know why the little red book is so important.

[Larry Leighton]

Why?

[The Whistler]

Julie killed a man for it. However, there's still the address, isn't there, Larry? The address you copied from that little red book. The answer you're looking for could be there, couldn't it? You set out for that unknown address. Glad you're carrying Julie's knife in your pocket in case you need a little protection.

[Julie Fraser]

Well, well. Hello, Larry.

[Larry Leighton]

As they say so often. Fancy meeting you here.

[Julie Fraser]

I've been expecting you. Come in.

[Larry Leighton]

Thanks.

[Julie Fraser]

That's the dance. Have a drink?

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah. Scotch. If you haven't anything else. If you haven't. You're easy to please. Not always.

[Julie Fraser]

Meaning what?

[Larry Leighton]

I'm very particular about women.

[Julie Fraser]

Are you?

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah. Really?

[Julie Fraser]

Soda?

[Larry Leighton]

Yes, soda.

[Julie Fraser]

You know, Larry, I must say I'm surprised. Oh, but it turned out to be you.

[Larry Leighton]

I thought a moment ago you said you were expecting me.

[Julie Fraser]

I was expecting someone, but I didn't know it would be Larry Leighton.

[Larry Leighton]

Not sorry, are you?

[Julie Fraser]

Of course not. Easy, Jenks.

[Larry Leighton]

Thanks. Not joining me?

[Julie Fraser]

No. Later, perhaps. Do you mind if I sit down?

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, no, no. Lots of room here.

[Julie Fraser]

Tell me something, Larry. Did you expect it to be me?

[Larry Leighton]

Let's say I was counting on it very much.

[Julie Fraser]

Then you knew all along. Aboard ship, I mean.

[Larry Leighton]

Maybe.

[Julie Fraser]

Oh, silly, really. Could have saved yourself all this trouble. Why didn't you tell me then?

[Larry Leighton]

I was in no hurry.

[Julie Fraser]

Oh, weren't you?

[Larry Leighton]

Besides, you know, you weren't much help when I tried to see you home. You fobbed me off with something about leaving it as just a shipboard friendship. Remember?

[Julie Fraser]

That's right. I did say that, didn't I? And so you had to go to the cockpit lounge, get my address, and here you are.

[Larry Leighton]

Yeah, here I am.

[Julie Fraser]

You have the money?

[Larry Leighton]

Money?

[Julie Fraser]

The payoff, darling.

[Larry Leighton]

Well, that's something we should talk over.

[Julie Fraser]

Talk over?

[Larry Leighton]

Now, take it easy, baby.

[Julie Fraser]

Look, the job's done. A deal's a deal. You would have bring the money to the address circled in the little red book. No negotiating, no questions asked.

[Larry Leighton]

Relax.

[Julie Fraser]

Sure, I'll relax when you hand over that 30,000.

[Larry Leighton]

30,000? Oh, we could have an awful lot of laughs, baby.

[Julie Fraser]

We? What are you talking about?

[Larry Leighton]

A partnership. When we collect that bill, we'll split it.

[Julie Fraser]

When we collect?

[Marie]

But.

[Larry Leighton]

But I thought that I was the payoff boy. The happy chappie with all the folding stuff. No.

[Julie Fraser]

I see. Oh, Julie. Julie, how could you be so stupid?

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, no.

[Julie Fraser]

Now, look, handsome, if you think you're gonna muscle in.

[Larry Leighton]

Think I am? In? Julie.

[Julie Fraser]

Are you really?

[Sam]

Yeah.

[Larry Leighton]

We just sit here, wait till the payoff comes along. Oh, you fool.

[Julie Fraser]

You've ruined everything.

[Larry Leighton]

I have? How?

[Julie Fraser]

The book, when you picked it up at the bar. Don't you see? How is the party? Who's supposed to pay off in another dress?

[Larry Leighton]

Take it easy, baby. I didn't pick up the book. I didn't have to. What?

[Julie Fraser]

You know, to come to your house.

[Larry Leighton]

Hadn't we better answer that?

[Julie Fraser]

Hello? Is that right? Yes. No, don't send it over here. I'll come and pick it up.

[Larry Leighton]

You better change your mind, sweetheart. This knife might slip. Do as I say.

[Julie Fraser]

Hello? On second thought, I think you better bring it here. Yes, I'll be waiting.

[Larry Leighton]

So the payoff is on its way over, huh?

[Julie Fraser]

Yes, but it won't do you any good. I'm not splitting that money.

[Larry Leighton]

15,000 apiece isn't bad.

[Julie Fraser]

I'll keep the whole 30,000, you'll see.

[Larry Leighton]

I don't think you will, Julie.

[Julie Fraser]

My lapse. Larry, please.

[Larry Leighton]

At that night bother you being so close to your lily white throat. Or you're just remembering what happened to Panama.

[Julie Fraser]

Panama?

[Larry Leighton]

What do you know about that, Larry? Roy Tate was a sucker to trust you, baby. He's the guy who did the job, huh? Whatever it was, told you how he was going to be paid for it. You killed him for that little red book. Circled your own address knowing you'd get the payoff.

[Julie Fraser]

No, I didn't.

[Larry Leighton]

I'm sure you did, Julie.

[The Whistler]

With this night, where did you get.

[Julie Fraser]

Oh, no.

[Larry Leighton]

Oh, yes. I saw you.

[The Whistler]

It's your night.

[Larry Leighton]

I want you to have it always. I'll just take the whole $30,000.

[Narrator]

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[The Whistler]

For a moment, you're stunned, aren't you, Larry? At the realization that Julie Fraser is actually dead at your feet. Then the whole weird story whirls across your mind. The way Julie killed Roy Tate in a back alley of Panama. Your own confused, wondering as to the reason. The little red book she took from him. The way she circled her own address instead of his. And now, finally, what it all added up to from the beginning. That Julie had found out how Roy Tate, the professional killer, was to be paid off. She hadn't counted on your interference, had she, Larry?

[Larry Leighton]

No.

[The Whistler]

And now you've put her out of the way, hurriedly hidden her body behind the davenport. And it's you that waits in her quiet apartment for the payoff money. And finally.

[Larry Leighton]

Well, Fraser has a boyfriend, huh? Yeah, that's right. Look, Julie had to step out. We're. We're working together. You can. You can leave the doll with me, huh? Oh, I think I better have a look around. Hey, a badge. You're a cop, right? Slade Homicide. Wait there in the hall, Sergeant.

[The Whistler]

Yes, sir.

[Larry Leighton]

Well, what do you know? Come to pick up a murderess, find her dead and the guy that killed her waiting for. Now look, I don't know anything about that I David fellow. The Prince of the Knife will fettle that. I guess you don't know some other things. Dodge, bring Marie in here. Marie.

[Julie Fraser]

Curly. Oh, Curly.

[Larry Leighton]

I don't get it, Marie.

[Marie]

Oh, it's my fault, Curly. I'm the one who would make the payoff for that Griselli killing in the East. If Syndicate gave me the money and told me to come out here to make the payoff, get the address from that little red book. Then I got ideas of my own.

[Larry Leighton]

Keep talking, Marie. Curly here seems to be very interesting.

[Julie Fraser]

When.

[Marie]

When Roy Tate left New York by boat for San Francisco. I figured he was a trigger man. So I flew to Panama, caught the Augustus Queens for San Francisco. I thought I could talk Roy into a 5050 split of that payoff money. But Roy Tate wasn't a bore.

[Larry Leighton]

He had been.

[Marie]

So I found out when we reached San Francisco. I read in the papers that a man identified as Roy Tate was found stabbed to death in Tannemore.

[Larry Leighton]

How did you happen to tie Julie in with it?

[Marie]

I picked up the little red address book the way I was supposed to and called the phone number.

[Julie Fraser]

When?

[Marie]

When I recognized Julie's voice, I saw my chance.

[Larry Leighton]

To do what?

[Marie]

Get rid of her. Dip the police off. She was getting the payoff. Oh, I didn't dream the cops would trace my call so quick and pick me up when I walked out of the phone booth.

[Larry Leighton]

But why, Marie? Why did you want Julie out of the way? She meant nothing to you? No.

[Marie]

Does he meant something to you?

[Julie Fraser]

I'm sorry it turned out this way, Curly.

[Marie]

You see, I thought we'd have such good times, just the two of us, with that $30,000 of payoff.

[Narrator]

Let that whistle be your signal for the Signal Oil program the Whistler each Sunday night at this same time. Meantime, Signal Oil Company and the friendly independent dealers who help you go farther with Signal Gasol, hope you remember, regardless of what gasoline you use, you'll enjoy more miles of happy driving. If you drive at sensible speeds, obey traffic regulations and avoid taking chances, you may even save a life, possibly your own. Featured in tonight's story were Bill Foreman as the Whistler, Gerald Moore, Betty Lou Gerson, Gigi Pearson, Harry Lang, Joe Forte and Herbert Lytton. The Whistler was produced by George W. Allen and directed by Robert Hafter, with story by Joel Malone, music by Wilbur Hatch, and was transmitted overseas by the Armed Forces Radio Service. The Whistler is entirely fictional and all characters portrayed on the Whistler are also fictional. Any similarity of names or resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidence. Incidental. Remember to tune in at this same time next Sunday when the Signal Oil Company will bring you another strange story by the Whistler. Marvin Miller, speaking for The Signal Oil Company. Stay tuned now for our Ms. Brooks, starring Eve Arden, which follows immediately over most of these stations. This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Host]

That's our thriller for this week. You can find more from the Whistler, Relic Radio thrillers, all of the other Relic Radio podcasts, and our Shout cast stream@ Relicradio.com. you can find the shows on Spotify, search for Relic Relic Radio Network, or click on one of the links on the relicradio.com website. That'll take you there. And while you're at the website, if you'd like to help support this and all of the shows, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links Your support makes all of this possible and has for 18 years. Thanks, as always, to those who have helped out over the years. And thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.

[Julie Fraser]

It.