Stephen, Monica And One Million Dollars by The Chase

Summary

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Relic Radio Thrillers: “Stephen, Monica and One Million Dollars” (The Chase, June 29, 1952)

Main Theme

This episode of The Chase follows the desperate flight of Stephen and Monica, a glamorous but toxic couple spiraling into crime. Driven by Monica’s insatiable hunger for luxury, Stephen, a bank officer on the edge, is compelled to steal over a million dollars, dragging them both into a suspenseful series of betrayals, murder, and ultimately, tragic irony. Through their frantic run from the law, the story explores themes of greed, love corrupted by money, and the fatal consequences of choices made under pressure.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Relationship’s Breaking Point (01:47–04:15)

• Monica announces she’s leaving Stephen, revealing her gold-digging motives:

  “Money means everything to me. If I can’t live like an heiress, I don’t want to live at all.”
  — Monica [02:21]

• Stephen protests, devastated, confessing he spent everything on her.
• Monica is cold and candid about her priorities.
• When Stephen offers anything to keep her, Monica makes her price explicit:

  “You can get yourself a million dollars. Even half a million might help.” [02:57]

• The couple hatches a plan—Stephen will rob his bank, emboldened by Monica’s approval.

2. The Bank Heist & Its Consequences (04:50–06:44)

• Stephen describes his meticulous plan—stealing when no one will notice.
• A wrench: the night watchman, Decker, appears unexpectedly, threatening to call the bank president.
• Stephen kills Decker to protect the plan, marking the shift from theft to murder.

3. The Getaway – With Money…and a Corpse (08:41–11:17)

• Stephen and Monica reconvene after the heist, fraught and breathless.
• Monica’s initial thrill turns to horror when Stephen reveals the truth:

  “What’s wrong? Everything’s wrong. I…I killed the night watchman, Monica. I had to do it.”
  — Stephen [09:21]

• The gravity of the crime finally rattles Monica, but Stephen locks her in:

  “There’ll be no more farewell scenes between you and me, Monica. We’re in this together now.”
  — Stephen [10:44]

• They transport both the money and the body in the trunk, planning to dispose of Decker later.

4. Narrow Escapes and Unraveling Nerves (11:29–19:05)

• Car troubles (a leaking tire) force a tense stop at a gas station; a radio bulletin describes their car, raising the stakes.
• An impostor police officer stops them, recognizing the car from the alert.
• The impostor is revealed as a blackmailer, not a cop:

  “We’ll split the dough two ways, mister.”
  — Impostor Officer [18:13]

• Stephen and Monica outwit him—Monica runs the impostor over with the car.

5. The Money Becomes Useless (20:05–21:19)

• Another radio bulletin lists stolen bill serial numbers, making laundering impossible.
• Monica despairs:

  “A million dollars. A million dollars. We can’t buy a sandwich.”
  — Monica [25:20]

• Their success turns to defeat; they have riches but can’t spend a cent.

6. Collapse in the Desert (22:03–28:39)

• Their car runs out of gas from a leak—they’re forced to cross the desert on foot, carrying the useless fortune.
• Hunger, thirst, and exhaustion overwhelm them.
• Monica collapses, Stephen tries to press on, but she succumbs—he drags himself to a roadside stand, only to die shortly after.
• The sheriff finds them and muses on the tragic irony:

  “A million in his hand, Chief. And you may think I’m crazy, but…in my opinion, he looks as if…he starved to death.”
  — Sheriff Scott [28:45–28:53]

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Monica’s Heartless Honesty:

  “I’ve got a thousand dollar bill where my heart should be. I want enough money to do anything and everything I care to do. No kitchen scrubbing housewife, darling. And the man who wants to hold me has to pay for the privilege.”
  — Monica [03:04]

• Stephen’s Realization of Irrevocable Consequences:

  “They can only hang you once.”
  — Stephen [19:25]

• The Final, Bitter Irony:

  “A million dollars. A million dollars. We can’t buy a sandwich.”
  — Monica [25:20]

• The Sheriff’s Grim Observation (final lines):

  “A million in his hand, Chief. And you may think I’m crazy, but…in my opinion, he looks as if…he starved to death.”
  — Sheriff Scott [28:45–28:53]

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Notable Timestamps

• [01:47] Monica leaves Stephen, triggering his criminal turn
• [06:44] Stephen kills the night watchman during the robbery
• [09:21] Stephen confesses to Monica about the murder
• [12:24] The police all-points bulletin is broadcast
• [17:21] Their car and heist are directly linked on the radio
• [18:13] The impostor officer attempts to blackmail Stephen and Monica
• [25:20] Monica’s desperate lament over their useless fortune
• [28:53] Sheriff reveals the ultimate futility: death by starvation, despite the fortunes

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Tone and Language

The episode’s dialogue is sharp and cynical, dominated by Monica’s mercenary coldness and Stephen’s deteriorating resolve. The script is laced with dark humor, tension, and mounting desperation, echoing noir storytelling traditions of the era.

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Summary

“Stephen, Monica and One Million Dollars” is a cautionary tale about the pursuit of wealth at any cost. The episode employs suspenseful plotting and biting dialogue to show the downfall of two people undone by their own greed. Their stolen fortune ends up as a heavy, useless burden—a dark mirror to their broken relationship and lost morals. Not only did the money fail to buy them happiness; it could not even save them from dying of hunger and thirst, their riches worthless in the end.

Transcript

[Fred Collins]

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. Welcome back to Relic Radio Thrillers. Thanks for joining me. This Friday we're going to hear from an NBC series titled the Chase. This week it took to the air in April of 1952, aired for 55 episodes until June of 1953. Our story today is from June 29, 1952. It's titled Stephen, Monica and $1,000,000.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company invites you by transcription to join the chase. In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted. Hound and fox, hawk and sparrow, cat and mouse. We in the topmost species have also joined the hunt. But who is to judge precisely which of us are hounds or foxes as we enter the chase?

[Stephen]

So you're leaving me, Monica?

[Monica]

Yes.

[Stephen]

I won't let you go.

[Monica]

Oh, they'll be ridiculous.

[Stephen]

Steven. I thought we meant something to each other.

[Monica]

We did for a while. But it's finished.

[Stephen]

You mean my supply of money is finished, Is that it?

[Monica]

Now, listen to me, Stephen. It isn't as if this is unexpected. You're not getting a raw deal. Begged me to marry you and I did. Oh, that was six months ago.

[Stephen]

Six months and $20,000 ago. Every dime I had in the world and every cent I could borrow.

[Monica]

You married a woman with expensive tastes, and you can't satisfy those tastes any longer. I warned you before we married, Stephen. I told you how it was. Money means everything to me. If I can't live like an heiress, I don't want to live at all.

[Stephen]

I see.

[Monica]

Oh, don't feel sorry for yourself. I was honest with you. More honest than you were with me, darling.

[Stephen]

How do you mean?

[Monica]

Well, you told me you held a vice president's chair in your bank.

[Stephen]

I.

[Monica]

You're only an assistant treasurer.

[Stephen]

Well, I had to tell you something because you drove me crazy, Monica. I couldn't stand the idea of losing you. Oh, you're so beautiful.

[Monica]

Stop acting like a schoolboy.

[Stephen]

What can I say? What can I do to keep you? Monica?

[Monica]

You can get yourself a million dollars. Even half a million might help.

[Stephen]

Now you're laughing at me.

[Monica]

Stephen, there's something you fail to realize and I can't get through your head. I've got a thousand dollar bill where my heart should be. I want enough money to do anything and everything I care to do. No kitchen scrubbing housewife, darling. And the man who wants to hold me has to pay for the privilege. Well, I'm on my way.

[Stephen]

Wait.

[Monica]

For what?

[Stephen]

Will you stay if I make a killing?

[Monica]

What kind of a killing?

[Stephen]

Never mind what kind. I think I can get my hands on plenty.

[Monica]

Where? Even not the bank?

[Stephen]

Yes, the bank.

[Monica]

You mean you'd steal for me?

[Impostor Officer]

Yes.

[Monica]

Well, now you're talking, darling.

[Stephen]

That's what you wanted, wasn't it? You knew all along I'd finally stoop to that. You've been prodding me into it for months. And this gesture of leaving was part of it.

[Monica]

How much do you think you can take, Steven?

[Stephen]

Oh, half a million, maybe more. And then Mexico first, and then Europe.

[Monica]

But. But how can you plan it so that we'd have a chance of getting away?

[Stephen]

My vacation starts tomorrow night. There won't be an auditing of the books until the 15th. They won't connect the missing cash and my disappearance until my vacation expires on the 15th. When the accountants come.

[Monica]

Don't tell me anymore.

[Stephen]

What do you mean, don't tell you anymore?

[Monica]

As far as I'm concerned, I don't know anything about it.

[Stephen]

Oh, you mean you don't want to share the risk? Is that it, Monica?

[Monica]

Exactly. All right.

[Stephen]

Doesn't matter. You've got me so insane, nothing seems to matter anymore.

[Monica]

Shall I get ready to leave tomorrow?

[Stephen]

Yes. I'll enter the bank around 8 in the. In the evening. Wait for me on the corner of 3rd and Main. I'll pass by with a car at exactly 8:45. And we'll leave the city by car. It's the only way. I'll take ten and twenty dollar bills. Easier to get rid of. Make quite a load and it'll be handier by car. Sneak past the Mexican border customs that way too.

[Monica]

Got it all figured out, I see.

[Stephen]

No Decker, the night watchman is ill. I was supposed to engage another man myself, but now I won't be disturbed at my work.

[Monica]

Darling, you know you're more of a man than I ever dreamed you were.

[Stephen]

You love me, Monica? Madly. For how long? Until we broke once again.

[Monica]

Half a million can last a long time, Stephen. And we'll have fun. We'll have glorious fun. Just the two of us. Mexico City, London, Paris, Monte Carlo. You'll buy me jewelry and expensive clothes. Oh, you'll give me everything I've ever.

[Stephen]

Wanted, won't you, Steven? No. Monica. Monica. Seven, four, nine, left, six, right. No, no. Seven right. That's it.

[Police Announcer]

Now stand where you are.

[Impostor Officer]

Now What?

[Stephen]

What?

[Police Announcer]

Don't move or I'll shoot to kill.

[Stephen]

Oh, is this. Is that you, Decker? Why Mr. Poacher. Yeah. Well, I'm glad you showed up. I. I was just transferring some currency to vault number four. Mind helping me? Transferring currency, Mr. Poacher? Yes, yes. Well, don't stand there staring at me like a fool. Put that gun away and lend a hand.

[Police Announcer]

But no one told me you'd be.

[Stephen]

Working here at this time of night, sir. Well, naturally no one told you. You were supposed to be at home ill in bed.

[Police Announcer]

Well, I called and said I'd be.

[Stephen]

In this afternoon as the cold was all I had. But I don't understand about this currency transfer, Mr. Poacher. Well, there's nothing to understand. The time locks off on vault number two, and I was supposed to make the transfer yesterday, but I didn't get around to it. I thought I'd drop by tonight and. What are you staring at? That sack. What about it? Mr. Poacher, sir, I'm sorry, but I'll have to put in a security call. A security call?

[Police Announcer]

I know you're an officer of this bank, but I wasn't notified and it's after eight at night.

[Stephen]

I. All right. Whom do you want to call? Mr. Canfield, the president. He'll thank you for disturbing him at this hour, I'm sure.

[Narrator]

Well, go ahead.

[Stephen]

The phone's right behind you.

[Monica]

Meddling idiot talking joke. Stephen.

[Stephen]

Get in.

[Monica]

Everything all right?

[Stephen]

Get in.

[Monica]

Wait. My suitcase. Hand me the trunk key.

[Stephen]

The trunk key.

[Monica]

You'd have more room if I put my suitcase.

[Stephen]

Get in and be quiet.

[Monica]

What happened, Stephen? What happened?

[Stephen]

Did something go wrong?

[Monica]

And you got the money?

[Stephen]

I've got the money.

[Monica]

Where?

[Stephen]

In the car trunk.

[Monica]

So that's why. How much, Stephen?

[Stephen]

Enough.

[Monica]

How much?

[Stephen]

Over a million. Stephen Darling had to take it in hundreds and thousands. I didn't have time to grab small denominations.

[Monica]

No, No. I thought it was going to be fairly simple. Stephen, for heaven's sake, tell me what's wrong. Your face is running perspiration.

[Stephen]

What's wrong? Everything's wrong. I. I killed the night watchman. Monica. I had to do it. He walked in unexpectedly. He was going to phone the president. It had to be done, I tell you.

[Monica]

Find him body in the morning.

[Stephen]

No, no, they won't find his body.

[Monica]

They won't.

[Stephen]

I thought of that too. It would have finished it. They won't find a trace of it, as a matter of fact. Why? If they discover the money is missing, they may blame the theft on Decker. It's not bad. I never thought of that before. Sure, they'll look for Decker.

[Monica]

Why won't they Find him.

[Stephen]

Because Decker, or what's left of Decker, is riding with us in the trunk of the.

[Monica]

You shouldn't have killed him, Stephen. You shouldn't have killed him.

[Stephen]

What's happened to your nerve? When you were leaving me tonight, you were a walking cake of ice. You took the robbery in your stride.

[Monica]

Robbery isn't murder.

[Stephen]

No.

[Police Announcer]

No, it isn't.

[Stephen]

This is.

[Monica]

How can you laugh?

[Stephen]

How? How can I laugh? I'll tell you how. There'll be no more farewell scenes between you and me, Monica. We're in this together now. You'll stick by me no matter what happens.

[Monica]

No.

[Stephen]

No.

[Monica]

I didn't plan this thing. You can't drag me into it.

[Stephen]

Can't I? Just try to leave me and see.

[Monica]

When are you getting rid of him, Steven?

[Stephen]

Are you referring to our traveling companion, Monica?

[Monica]

Can't we leave him somewhere in the woods along the road and have him.

[Stephen]

Found within 24 hours?

[Monica]

Well, then what are we going to do?

[Stephen]

We'll merely relax and enjoy the trip.

[Monica]

With that corpse in the car?

[Stephen]

Get that out of your mind, you hear me? Forget about the body. We've also got a million. Monica. We'll dispose of Decker when the time is right. The gas gate is low. Got to take on some more fuel at the next station.

[Monica]

What are you doing?

[Stephen]

Turning on the radio. Bit of music would be refreshing. Here's a gas station. Let me do the talking. See we in a minute, mister. No hurry. I do know what. Oh, I must have left it in my other suit. How much money do you have? $10, no more.

[Monica]

That's all.

[Stephen]

We'll cash one of the stolen bills as soon as we get a chance. Meanwhile, we'll cut that can.

[Narrator]

Fill her up, Misty.

[Stephen]

Yes, with special. How far to Santa Fe?

[Narrator]

Oh, 27 miles straight ahead.

[Stephen]

Hey, what's the matter?

[Narrator]

Your left bridge tire here needs air, mister.

[Impostor Officer]

Does it?

[Narrator]

Yeah, looks like it might be a slow leak.

[Stephen]

Pump some air into it, will you?

[Monica]

Yeah, okay.

[Stephen]

Slow leak. That's all we need right now.

[Police Announcer]

We interrupt this program to make a special announcement. The state police request all drivers and roadside stands to be on the lookout for a green convertible, license number JX241, last seen driving.

[Stephen]

Monica.

[Monica]

What?

[Police Announcer]

If anyone has any information regarding this car, please communicate immediately with your nearest police barracks. We now continue with our regular.

[Monica]

They know. They're looking for it.

[Stephen]

Shut up.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry, mister, but that rear tire won't hold air for too long. It's a slow leak, all right.

[Stephen]

Well, never mind.

[Narrator]

I could change tires for you in 10 minutes. Just give me the key to the car trunk. I'll get you spare.

[Stephen]

Huh? I said never mind. What? Whatever you say, boss. Did you fill me up with gas? Yeah.

[Narrator]

That's 485 even, Steven.

[Stephen]

Here, keep the change. What? What is this?

[Narrator]

10 bucks, Mr.

[Monica]

Patrol car.

[Stephen]

I know, but I'm sure he didn't spot.

[Monica]

Stephen, hurry.

[Stephen]

Is he behind me?

[Monica]

No, no, I don't see anything. But hurry.

[Stephen]

I told you he didn't spot us. Now take it easy. All right.

[Monica]

What was that?

[Stephen]

Oh, my soft tire. I've got to change it soon, Stephen. Well, here's a side road. See if I can find a secluded place. Be careful. Are you telling me how to drive? Here's a likely spot. Now keep your eyes open. Behind us. No one back there.

[Monica]

No.

[Stephen]

Get out.

[Monica]

Get out.

[Stephen]

Snap out of it. You look like you're gonna keel over. You've got to keep an eye on the road while I change the tire. Here, take this flashlight and hold it on the trunk lock while I open it.

[Monica]

You're going to open the trunk?

[Stephen]

Naturally. My tools and my spare tire are in there. Hold that light steady. I can't bear to look at it. Strange. The body's changed position.

[Monica]

What?

[Stephen]

He must have rolled over while we were driving. Lying across the money.

[Monica]

Stephen, let. Let's be the kind. Get out of here.

[Stephen]

Are you insane? Do you want to set yourself up for the chair? Now get hold of yourself. I'm going to change that t.

[Monica]

Hurry, Steven.

[Stephen]

I can't fit this tire back into the trunk.

[Monica]

Can I help you?

[Stephen]

Yes, by keeping your mouth shut. Wait. I think I've got it.

[Monica]

Yes, Stephen. Why, I hear something.

[Stephen]

Someone's coming.

[Monica]

Shut that trunk door.

[Impostor Officer]

Just a second, folks. Sir, having a little trouble?

[Stephen]

I. I was just changing a tire.

[Impostor Officer]

Changing a tire, huh?

[Stephen]

Yes.

[Impostor Officer]

Let's see your license.

[Stephen]

My license?

[Impostor Officer]

You heard me. Oh, you special highway patrol. Plain clothes skin is a name.

[Monica]

A policeman.

[Impostor Officer]

That scare you, lady?

[Stephen]

Here's my license.

[Impostor Officer]

The tire all changed?

[Stephen]

Yes.

[Impostor Officer]

Okay, I'll get in the back.

[Stephen]

You want a lift, Officer?

[Impostor Officer]

Right to the police barracks four miles up the road. Wait, I'll have to pull you in.

[Stephen]

But what's the charge, officer?

[Impostor Officer]

They're on private property. That's a misdemeanor in this county. Let's go, mister. Keep driving. Phil, I'll tell you to stop.

[Stephen]

Look here, officer, can we talk this over?

[Impostor Officer]

There's nothing to talk about.

[Stephen]

Well, it's. It's such a minor charge. I mean, we're on our way south. You see, my wife And I. We've just been married. Congratulations. You. Well, you might give us a wedding present. You know, something to.

[Impostor Officer]

You got a radio on this car, mister?

[Stephen]

Yes, I have. Turn it on.

[Impostor Officer]

Fella down the road told me there was a special bulletin being sent out.

[Stephen]

Oh, I'm sorry. My radio's broken.

[Impostor Officer]

Is it?

[Stephen]

Let's see.

[Impostor Officer]

Got fixed mighty fast, didn't it? Keep to the left. Barracks is just up the road.

[Stephen]

Well, now, can't we manage to smooth this over in some way? Officer, if it's a fine I have to pay, why can't I pay it to you and let it go to that?

[Impostor Officer]

Well, seeing as you're on your honeymoon.

[Monica]

Thank you, officer.

[Impostor Officer]

Stop the car. Pay me the fine or go on your way.

[Stephen]

How much, officer?

[Impostor Officer]

50 bucks. You do it.

[Stephen]

50? Oh, well, yes, yes.

[Impostor Officer]

Oh, what's the matter?

[Stephen]

Lose your wallet? I must have. Monica, are you sure that 10 was all you had?

[Monica]

Yes, Stephen.

[Impostor Officer]

Then what is this, a stall?

[Stephen]

No, no. I must have misplaced my wallet. Some program.

[Impostor Officer]

Once again, take your hand away from that radio. D. Lady, turn it up.

[Police Announcer]

Please be on the lookout for a green convertible, license number JX241. It is believed this car is being used by the bandits who robbed the Baldwin County bank of over $1 million in cash early this evening. We now return you to our.

[Impostor Officer]

This car is a green convertible, Ain't it, mister?

[Stephen]

Well, yes, it is, but let's get.

[Impostor Officer]

Out and take a look at your license plate. JJX241. How ain't that a coincidence?

[Stephen]

All right, you win. Take over.

[Impostor Officer]

Where's the money? Inside the trunk.

[Stephen]

Yes.

[Impostor Officer]

And you really got a million? Yes. What a break. Here I thought I'd only clip you for a quick shake, and I run into a gold mine.

[Stephen]

A quick shake?

[Impostor Officer]

We'll split the dough two ways, mister.

[Stephen]

Wait a minute. You're not a cop. You're only impersonating an officer. You tried to blackmail me before.

[Impostor Officer]

Hurt your feelings, mister? Where's the trunk key?

[Stephen]

In the ignition lock. Get it.

[Impostor Officer]

Look, don't step back into the car and try to drive away. See, I got a rod in my pocket and I'll clip you before you even get your hand on the wheel.

[Stephen]

Yeah. I'll get you the key. Let me have the ignition key, Monica. Leave the switch on, and when I yell, put the car into reverse fast.

[Impostor Officer]

I get snappy.

[Stephen]

Yeah. Here you are.

[Impostor Officer]

Holy smoke, you got a stuff in here.

[Stephen]

You'll find the money underneath him. Look at that molar. Look at all that cash. Oh, brother. It's in hundreds and thousands. Thousands. Help yourself.

[Impostor Officer]

Hey, where you going? Don't move your hair. Don't butcher.

[Monica]

Monica. You sure he was dead, Stephen?

[Stephen]

Positive. He ran right over his body.

[Monica]

No, we have two to account for.

[Stephen]

What difference does it make? They can only hang you once.

[Monica]

What are we going to do, Steven?

[Stephen]

We're driving to the nearest airport. The money into your suitcase and take a plane south. Not licked yet, my darling? We've still got a million dollars. Enough to live like Raja once we clear the cold.

[Monica]

They're watching the airport.

[Stephen]

They still haven't mentioned our names yet. Only the car. Maybe they're not sure. Maybe I wasn't recognized. Put that radio back on. Monica. Hey, Monica, look. Those lights up ahead must be Santa Fe. We'll grab a plane there for Mexico City. We won't need a passport. We'll just.

[Police Announcer]

We interrupt once again to repeat an important announcement. State police request all drivers and roadside stands to be on the lookout for a green convertible, license number JX241. This car is believed to be driven by the bandits who held up the Baldwin county bank early this evening. Escaping with over $1 million in currency. The stolen bills were in hundred and thousand dollar denominations. All gasoline stations, roadside restaurants and hotels, please stand by for serial numbers of these serial numbers. If an attempt is made to pass bills bearing the following serial numbers. Communicate immediately with your nearest police precinct or barracks. Numbers 17743.

[Monica]

Does that mean we can't use the money? Stephen?

[Stephen]

One million dollars. A million in the trunk and we're broke.

[Monica]

We can't use this dollar. You're going to have to say, get hold of yourself. What do we do now?

[Stephen]

We drive.

[Monica]

Where?

[Stephen]

Anywhere. What difference does it make?

[Monica]

Santa Fe isn't far from the border. If we can get to El Paso.

[Stephen]

There's still a chance. We'll drive due south through the desert country. Here. Here. Here. Here. Take this gun. Put it inside the club department.

[Monica]

Where did you get it?

[Stephen]

I'm the watchman. Hold on to it. I intend to use it as a last resort if I must.

[Monica]

Stephen. Stephen, wake up. I'm getting tired. You better take the wheel.

[Stephen]

Oh. How long have I slept?

[Monica]

Three hours.

[Stephen]

Where are we?

[Monica]

In the desert. We're 70 miles from El Paso. I just saw a sign.

[Stephen]

You're certainly in a hurry to make me take over. You could have let me rub the sleep out of my eyes. You needn't stop so fast.

[Monica]

But I didn't stop the car, Steven. What it's got by itself.

[Stephen]

Let me see that gas Gauge?

[Monica]

Empty.

[Stephen]

But it can't be. We had over half a tank left before I fell asleep. Now let me out of here.

[Monica]

Well?

[Stephen]

Stephen, there's a leak in the tank. You have to crack the casing in one of the lines.

[Monica]

What do we do?

[Stephen]

Get your suitcase, empty it out and bring it here. Stop it with bills and walk.

[Monica]

Walk? Walk where?

[Stephen]

We'll cut away from the road and keep heading south. Stand to cover. We can reach the border in two or three days. Get a move on, Monica. We've got to get away from here in a hurry.

[Monica]

Stephen, Wait for me. You're going too fast.

[Stephen]

We haven't got all day. Get your mind on something else.

[Monica]

I haven't eaten in 24 hours.

[Stephen]

Don't you think I know it? I'm empty myself. Just as empty and as dry as you are. But we've still got the suitcase. There's a black market in Mexico. You can do business there. Keep walking. Get up, Monica.

[Monica]

What?

[Stephen]

It's almost dawn. Get up. We got to keep moving.

[Monica]

So tired, so hungry. Lots of water. You never own.

[Stephen]

Get up and start walking now.

[Monica]

Steve.

[Stephen]

Now what?

[Monica]

Remove another step. Unless I get something to drink, something to eat. My legs feel like rubber.

[Stephen]

One more day. Hang on for one more day even.

[Monica]

Look.

[Stephen]

But the roadside stand.

[Monica]

Food.

[Stephen]

There.

[Monica]

A drink.

[Stephen]

We must have doubled back on ourselves. It stands on the highway.

[Monica]

Stephen, please.

[Stephen]

And have them put in the police alarm. They'd grab us just as soon as we showed our faces.

[Monica]

So far out of the way. Small stand like that. And you said they may not have identified us yet.

[Stephen]

They'll identify the money, though. You can count on that money. The million we've got in this bag. Or had you forgotten?

[Monica]

Give it all the time to eat.

[Stephen]

Would you hang for a hamburger, too? Don't you realize this money is useless to us while the heat's on?

[Monica]

Million dollars. A million dollars. We can't buy a sandwich.

[Stephen]

Monica. Car stopped up there on the road.

[Monica]

Car?

[Stephen]

I think they spotted us. Run for it, Monica.

[Monica]

I can't make it. Even I just.

[Stephen]

So you're finished? Put me up to this. You drove me to it. Now you're finished. Would have been different. Your craze for money hadn't burned holes in your heart. Could have been a lot different, Monica.

[Monica]

But no.

[Stephen]

You wanted me to buy you the world.

[Monica]

Beautiful clothes, jewelry.

[Stephen]

Your rotten mind couldn't think of anything else. All right. All right. You wanted money. Here it is.

[Monica]

A million in cash.

[Stephen]

Here's the clothes and your diamonds and your fancy habits. Take it. Take it and See if you can eat it.

[Monica]

Monica.

[Stephen]

All right, all right. Forget it. I'm not gonna leave you. Get up. Get up. Monica. Monica.

[Monica]

Monica.

[Stephen]

No.

[Monica]

No, no. You can't pass out on me.

[Stephen]

No.

[Monica]

I can't carry you, Monica. Can't even carry myself along. Monica, get up. Get up. Water.

[Stephen]

Water. Water. Easy does it now, mister. Food and some water here. Now give me that suitcase. Let me have it. All right. Lean on my arm to the couch over there. My wife. She's dead.

[Monica]

Five miles desert.

[Stephen]

Dead. Hey, now have a look at that suitcase. Connect me with Chief Hanley.

[Narrator]

Sheriff Scott.

[Stephen]

Call in Mountain View. It Chief Hanley is that couple they've been looking for. I got one of them. Yeah, yeah.

[Narrator]

Wandered right into my house without knowing who it was.

[Stephen]

He's dead? Yeah, he killed. Killed over right here on the floor. Wife's line out on the desert. Yeah, I got the money.

[Narrator]

I couldn't say offhand, but looks like it's all there. One million smackers.

[Stephen]

Funny. A million in his hand, Chief. And you may think I'm crazy, but.

[Narrator]

In my opinion, he looks as if.

[Stephen]

He starved to death.

[Narrator]

The Chase was created and written for the National Broadcasting Company by Lawrence Clee. In tonight's cast were Leon Janney, Kathleen Cordell, Santa Sotega, Scott Tennyson and James McCallion. This program will be heard over many of these same stations at a new time beginning Thursday, July 10th at 8:30pm Eastern Daylight Saving time. Check your local newspaper for the time in your vicinity. Don't forget on July 10, follow the trail of a mysterious letter and a man whose life hangs in the balance on the Chase. The Chase was directed and transcribed by Dan Sutter. This is Fred Collins speaking.

[Fred Collins]

That's our thriller for this week. I hope you enjoyed it. You can find more from the chase@ Relicradio.com where you'll also find more from the Relic Radio thrillers podcast and all of the other Relic Radio Radio podcasts. Our shoutcast stream is up and running there as well, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lots to listen to, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the support links in the show notes. Thanks to those who have helped out. 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.