The Hired Assassin by Dangerous Assignment

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers – "The Hired Assassin" (Dangerous Assignment)

Release Date: June 26, 2026
Podcast Host: RelicRadio.com
Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell
Setting: Havana, Cuba

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Episode Overview

This episode of Relic Radio Thrillers delivers a classic old-time radio adventure from the series "Dangerous Assignment." Steve Mitchell, a government agent, is tasked with locating and apprehending a notorious, elusive assassin—dubbed a "20th-century Borgia" for her use of poison—who has left a trail of international victims. Mitchell’s mission leads him into the rainy streets of Havana, Cuba, where intrigue, deceit, and parlor games mask deadly intentions.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Assignment and Mission Brief ([01:07]–[03:35])

• Steve Mitchell is introduced as a hardened agent accustomed to perilous assignments.
• Commissioner: “We finally got a lead on a cold-blooded killer who's been giving us nothing but trouble. A 20th century Borgia...involved in a dozen international murders during the past year.” ([01:28])
• The assassin kills with poison, skillfully avoiding detection.
• American agent Ken Merrick believes he’s spotted the assassin in Havana but risks exposure.
• Steve is sent to meet Merrick at Sailor Ted’s bar.

2. Havana Arrival and Initial Contacts ([03:35]–[05:31])

• Mitchell arrives during a downpour and finds Merrick engaged in banter at the bar.
• Dialogues about baseball cleverly signal agent contacts.
• Merrick hurriedly tells Steve to “stick around,” clearly feeling observed and in danger.

3. Discovery of Murder ([05:45]–[07:37])

• Steve is tipped off to Merrick’s location by a note hidden with his change.

• Arriving at the address, he discovers Merrick murdered—stabbed in the back.

• Steve is shot at but evades the assailant, who escapes.

  “Somebody planted a letter opener in Merrick's back.”
  — Steve Mitchell ([06:43])

4. Investigation Begins – Suspect List Grows ([07:37]–[09:08])

• Police, led by Lieutenant Armijo, begin their investigation.
• Sailor Ted suggests Josefina (the apartment’s owner) and other acquaintances such as Alfonso (racing aficionado) and Vic Summers as persons of interest.
• Zerubin, a Hungarian friend of Merrick’s, is added to the list.

5. Difficult Alibis and Dead Ends ([09:08]–[12:09])

• At an upstairs party, Steve tries to track down Josefina and questions Vic Summers and Alfonso. Both had opportunity to commit the murder.
• Steve’s inquiry into Zerubin’s alibi reveals inconsistencies—Zerubin claims illness and not having left home, but evidence suggests otherwise (car engine is warm).

6. Attempted Murder and Confession ([12:09]–[16:33])

• In Zerubin’s garage, Steve is attacked and trapped in a fire, only to be saved by Zerubin himself.
• Pressed, Zerubin admits to lying about his whereabouts but claims he’s a refugee living under an alias, fearing exposure to hostile agents:

  “My name is not really Zarubin. I am Gregor Zimenov, a political refugee. I barely escaped from Eastern Europe with my life.” — Zerubin ([16:11])

• His background checks out, but the search for the killer continues.

7. Breakthrough and Hide-and-Seek ([16:48]–[19:30])

• Steve deduces that the killer never escaped through the muddy French windows so as not to dirty their shoes—meaning the murderer lived at the apartment and couldn't risk traces.
• Josefina protests her innocence, offering an explanation for potentially muddy shoes but remains a person of interest.

8. The Real Confrontation ([19:30]–[22:12])

• A gun believed to belong to the killer is found under a second-floor window.
• During a game of party hide-and-seek, Steve spots a suspect fleeing in a car. He gives chase.
• After a crash, Alfonso emerges with a gun and confesses in classic villain style:

  “As it turns out, I made a mistake tossing the gun out the window. But I did not wish to take it back to the party with me. I started the game of hide and seek to give me an opportunity to recover the gun, but the police beat me to it.” — Alfonso ([21:04])

• Steve deduces Alfonso’s guilt based on opportunity and motive. Josefina, via her persistence in the game, helps Steve retake control at the climax.

9. Memorable Wrap-Up

• The killer, caught by his own plot and the clever cover of a party game, is arrested.
• Josefina, true to her playful character, gets the last word in the hide-and-seek motif:

  “When I play hide and seek, I go, oh, wow.” — Josefina ([22:07])

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Notable Quotes

• Commissioner: “A 20th century Borgia who's been involved in a dozen international murders during the past year.” ([01:28])
• Steve Mitchell: “Somebody planted a letter opener in Merrick's back.” ([06:43])
• Zerubin: “My picture in the paper might very well be my death warrant.” ([16:04])
• Alfonso (Killer): “I started the game of hide and seek to give me an opportunity to recover the gun, but the police beat me to it.” ([21:04])
• Josefina (Hide-and-seek): “When I play hide and seek, I go, oh, wow.” ([22:07])

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Key Timestamps

• [01:28] – Briefing on the assassin’s background and method
• [05:45] – Discovery of Ken Merrick’s murder
• [07:37] – Police arrive; early theories form
• [12:24] – Steve uncovers Zerubin’s lie and is nearly killed
• [16:11] – Zerubin confesses true identity and motives
• [19:30] – Critical clue: muddy footprints theory
• [21:01] – Villain’s confession and wrap-up

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Memorable Moments

• Clever Espionage Techniques: Code talk between agents is masked as a baseball discussion ([04:03]).
• Classic Noir Danger: The trap in the garage—gasoline, fire, a last-second rescue ([12:24]).
• Hide-and-Seek as a Plot Device: The assassin uses a child’s party game to divert suspicion and recover a murder weapon.
• Sharp Detective Work: Steve’s breakthrough regarding the muddy window and shoes ([18:29]–[19:19]).

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Tone and Style

The episode mixes hardboiled detective tropes (“danger is my assignment”) with an undercurrent of playfulness through party scenes and the recurring “hide-and-seek” motif. Steve Mitchell’s narration is wry and direct, echoing classic noir with an adventurous, slightly tongue-in-cheek edge.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode immerses listeners in a whodunit packed with double-crosses, clever detective work, and old-school intrigue. Steve Mitchell deftly balances playful party banter with sharp investigation as he uncovers the assassin's identity. The interplay between espionage and social games like hide-and-seek adds a unique and engaging twist, culminating in an inventive and satisfying reveal.

Fans of classic radio drama, mystery, or mid-century espionage tales will find The Hired Assassin a standout example of the genre, replete with sly humor, suspense, and memorable characters.

Transcript

[Steve Mitchell]

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.

[Narrator]

Dangerous assignment transcribed starring brian dunleavy as steve mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can't even pronounce. They all spell the same thing though.

[Commissioner]

Trouble.

[Steve Mitchell]

But when I walk into the Commissioner's office, I don't realize that I'm going to wind up catching a killer by playing parlor games. Morning, Commissioner. You sent for me, Steve?

[Commissioner]

We finally got a lead on a cold blooded killer who's been giving us nothing but trouble. A 20th century Borgia who's been involved in a dozen international murders during the past year.

[Narrator]

Borgia.

[Steve Mitchell]

The victims, I gather, all go out the same way. Poison, huh?

[Commissioner]

Administered through most ingenious methods, Steve. And we've never been able to find out who this hired assassin is.

[Steve Mitchell]

Now we know Ken Merrick thinks he does.

[Commissioner]

We got word from him through a contact in Havana. Merrick is certain he spotted our killer, but he's got to move cautiously.

[Steve Mitchell]

The killer suspects Ken is an American agent.

[Commissioner]

Merrick?

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Not sure.

[Commissioner]

Still, I think it's best to have another man take over. Keep Merrick undercover.

[Steve Mitchell]

Right.

[Commissioner]

Get down to Havana. Steve Merrick will be waiting for you in a bar called Sailor Ted's. Find out what he knows about the killer and go after him.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Or her.

[Commissioner]

Well, that's it. You've got your assignment. Good luck.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company is presenting Dangerous Assignments starring Brian Donlevy in the role of Steve Mitchell, colorful two fisted government agent. At all those places of the world where danger and intrigue walk hand in hand. There you will find Steve Mitchell on another dangerous assignment. Magnificent musical entertainment is yours for the dialing every Monday evening on the NBC Radio Network. Yes, Listen on most NBC stations to these great programs. The Railroad Hour with singing star Gordon McRae and guest artists from musicdom's hall of fame. The Voice of Firestone featuring Howard Barlow and the Firestone Orchestra and Chorus. In the melodies you enjoy hearing. The Telephone Hour. And the music of Donald Voorhees in the Bell Symphonic Orchestra. And then it's the dinah shore show. NBC's new Monday night program special starring America's favorite songbird, Ms. Dinah Shore. Yes, every Monday night listen to the best musical entertainment on this NBC station.

[Steve Mitchell]

Sure. I've got my assignment. Get down to Havana, Cuba and check with one of our agents there. He's got the information. We hope that'll help us nail a Hired assassin who's been a big headache to us for years. It's early Friday evening when my plane lands in a driving rainstorm. I mush on through the downpour to Sailor Ted's bar. There's a good crowd on hand. But I spot Ken Merrick right away. He seems to be having a big discussion with the bartender.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

I'm telling you, Sailor, you're wrong.

[Steve Mitchell]

Musial didn't bad clean up in that Series.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Oh, wait a minute. You sure that. I'm positive.

[Steve Mitchell]

I watch every game. And if I remember correctly, Musial batted in the number three spot. Right, gents?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Huh?

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Yeah.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yeah, that's right, mister. You see, Sailor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Scotch and soda for me, bartender.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Right, Right. Scotch. And you see the series in 46.

[Steve Mitchell]

Fella saw the cat for Keane in his third win. First southpaw in the history of the

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

game to win three in a World Series.

[Steve Mitchell]

What a ball player, that Brookhene. What's the outlook this year? Yanks and Dodgers? So the Crystal Ball boys are saying something in the paper here about it. Oh, you just got in from the stage, huh? You mind if I have a look? Yeah, help yourself. I'm through with it.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Thanks.

[Steve Mitchell]

Good to see you again, Steve. Put on a little weight, haven't you, Ken? It's a soft life.

[Narrator]

The gay, mad social world I'm in.

[Steve Mitchell]

Got real palsy wowzy with our Borgia friend. Tell me more. Better not talk to you.

[Commissioner]

It's not safe.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Stick around.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

I'll get in touch with you.

[Steve Mitchell]

You can trust the Sailor.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

He's okay.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, I got a shot, fella. Thanks for the paper.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

So long, Sailor. Scotch, friend.

[Commissioner]

Thanks.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Something wrong?

[Steve Mitchell]

He sure left in a hurry, didn't he?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yeah. I think he spotted someone outside through the doorway. What'd he say?

[Steve Mitchell]

Just to stick around. He'd get in touch. So that's it.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

You stick around.

[Steve Mitchell]

So I stick around and wait. A quarter of an hour later, the Sailor comes back with another drink for me. And as he hands me my change. Yeah?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Just got a phone call from Merrick.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Where is he?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

An apartment not far from here. The address, directions, how to get there. On a slip of paper with the bills I just gave you.

[Steve Mitchell]

It's still raining. As I head for the address sailors given me. 37 Avenida Ruiz. It's a tall, modern apartment building looking a little out of place in one of the not so swank neighborhoods of Havana. The front door is propped open. I wander down the ground floor corridor and then lean on the buzzer to apartment two. No answer. I Try the door. It's open. Only light in the room comes from a small lamp on a desk near the open French windows. Merrick is sprawled out on the floor near the desk, a letter opener in his back. Yeah, he's dead. Then I hear a slight noise behind me. I jerk the lamp cord as the slugs whistle past me in the dark. I dive across the room, roll in behind the sofa, and then the front door slams. I race down the hall, out into the street. Then I duck around the corner.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Hey, why don't you watch?

[Steve Mitchell]

Taylor, what are you doing here?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

I was wondering maybe you had trouble finding a place.

[Steve Mitchell]

I ran into trouble only when I got here. Somebody planted a letter opener in Merrick's back.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Hey, what?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, and that someone just pumped a couple of slugs at me and ducked out. You see anyone come this way?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

No, not a soul. You sure? Of course I am.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

All right. Killer could have gone the other way. You know, slipped down the alley.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Where's Josefina? Ain't she around?

[Steve Mitchell]

Should she be?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Well, sure. It's her apartment. Oh, that's right. You wouldn't know.

[Steve Mitchell]

Who is this Josefina?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Runs a high class perfume shop downtown. Real looker. She's been around.

[Steve Mitchell]

Merrick's girlfriend.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

They were pretty chummy. But then she's pretty chummy with a lot of guys around town.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come on, let's go inside and call the law. Ten minutes later, the boys from headquarters show up with one Lieutenant Armillo in charge. While I go about giving the apartment a festival risk. I fill him in on what's happened.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

And you did not even get a glimpse of the killer, Senor Mitchell?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Nope.

[Steve Mitchell]

But I've got a hunch there's something in here the killer wanted.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

What makes you think that?

[Steve Mitchell]

The killer had plenty of time to duck out of here through those French windows when I started leaning on the door buzzer.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

Go on, Senor.

[Steve Mitchell]

Suppose the killer wanted more time to search the room. So the killer opens the windows wide and ducks back at that screen over there.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

I see you then coming into the room and noticing the windows open. Would assume the killer had gone out that way. I think you have something there, Senor Mitro.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yes.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

I will have my men search the apartment thoroughly.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Good.

[Steve Mitchell]

In the meantime, I want to start checking on something else. Oh, Sailor.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yes, dear?

[Steve Mitchell]

Besides this girl Josefina, who else had Merrick been palling around with?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Let me see now. Well, there's Alfonso for one. Playboy type, interested in racing cars, horses and women. Not necessarily in that order. Merrick. Alfonso Summers used To hang around a lot.

[Steve Mitchell]

Summers.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Vic Summers. Hey, he lives in this apartment building. Apartment 12, as a matter of fact. Good friend of Josefina's too. Maybe she's up there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe. Worth a try. Merrick have any other close friends, Sailor?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yeah, yeah, there's a guy named Reuben Hungarian. I think Merrick's known him longer than the others. Met him in Europe a couple of years ago. Was sort of surprised to run into him here in Havana.

[Steve Mitchell]

That sounds interesting.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Let me get to a phone and I'll check for you. Find out where Zerubin lives.

[Steve Mitchell]

Okay. While you do that, I'll run upstairs to apartment 12.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Well, well. Hello. Hello.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, it looks like I'm butting into something.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Oh, not at all, my friend. Not at all.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

You come in.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Come on, come on.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm looking for Josefina.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Is she here?

[Commissioner]

No, no.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

But if you are a friend of hers, you are most welcome. Most welcome.

[Steve Mitchell]

You act like the host. Are you?

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

No, no.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

That's Vic over there. The piano. I am Alfonso. Here, let me take your to join our little party.

[Commissioner]

Little?

[Steve Mitchell]

This place is bulging.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Friends of. They arrived by boat less than two hours ago from Miami.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. You said Jose wasn't here.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

We are expecting her.

[Steve Mitchell]

And Kenny Merrick?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yes, yes. You know him too?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah. Good, good.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

In the meantime, I introduce you to the others, eh? Come along, come along. How'd you make out, Steve?

[Steve Mitchell]

Great, sailor. I racked up three rumbas with a blonde from Baltimore and got her phone number. She insisted.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

What do you mean, Senor Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

There's a party going on up in apartment 12, Lieutenant. The joint's jumping with happy tourists from the USA.

[Commissioner]

You see?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Summons?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Alfonso was up there too. Either one of them could have slipped away from the party, killed Merrick and gotten back to the party without being missed. It could have all been wrapped up in less than a minute.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

And the girl, Josefina, she was not there?

[Steve Mitchell]

Nope. You get the Reuben's address for me, Sailor?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yeah, one of the boys works in my place.

[Steve Mitchell]

Here.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Here it is.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. See you later, Lieutenant. The address Sailor has given me turns out to be a small house in a quiet residential neighborhood. I walk up the driveway, past the garage and up on the front porch. The door is opened by a small, heavyset gent wearing bathrobe and slippers.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Yes?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yes, what is it, Mr. Zerubin.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

M. Zarubin. Yes.

[Steve Mitchell]

Steve Mitchell. Here are my credentials.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

I see. Come in, come in.

[Steve Mitchell]

You know a man named Merrick? Kenny Merrick?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Oh, yes.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Yes, I've known him for years. Why'd you ask.

[Steve Mitchell]

He was murdered less than an hour ago, Mr. Zerubin.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

M. Merrick. Murdered? I. I cannot believe it.

[Steve Mitchell]

When did you last see him?

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Not for several days.

[Steve Mitchell]

You didn't see him today or earlier this evening perhaps?

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

No. No, I have not been out of the house all day or evening. I am not. I'm not feeling well. I thought it best to remain indoors.

[Steve Mitchell]

You live here alone, Mr. Zerubin?

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Yes, alone. Do sit down, Mr. Mitchell. I think you will find that chair comfortable.

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks. I won't keep you long, Mr. Zerubin. But I do have to ask certain questions. Routine.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

I understand.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Of course.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

I will do any. Anything I can to help you. Please ask. Anything you wish. Anything.

[Steve Mitchell]

I spend the next few minutes questioning Zerubin. But he comes up with little information I can use. It's obvious he doesn't know. Or at least makes out he doesn't know that Merrick was an American agent. The interview finally over, I go back outside. Then I slip into the garage where a two seater is parked.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Parked?

[Steve Mitchell]

The car shows definite signs of having been out in the rain and the motor is still warm. And that doesn't fit in at all with the Reuben story. I start to turn around when something crashes down along the side of my head and I stagger against the wall. A shelf loaded with bottles and cans comes toppling down, spills all over the floor and I get a strong whiff of gasoline. Before I can shake the cobwebs out of my brain, there's an explosion. A wall of flame shoots up in front of me. I finally get to my feet, stagger through the smoke to the door. And then I hear the bolt slam shut from outside. I'm trapped. The place is going up like a matchbox.

[Narrator]

Steve Mitchell will continue his dangerous assignment in just a moment. A child with cerebral palsy has only half a chance. Won't you give him the other half? He needs costly, highly specialized care. He needs to learn to walk and talk. He needs to learn things everyone else takes for granted. But does he get them? He gets less than half because the care just isn't there right now. The tragic truth is that 92 out of every 100 persons with cerebral palsy must struggle along without any care at all. Give them a chance to lead useful, active lives. Give them a chance to become self sufficient. That's all they ask. Just a fair chance. You can help them lead active, useful lives by supporting United Cerebral Palsy. So send your contributions to United Cerebral Palsy in care of your local postmaster. And remember, friends, a Child with cerebral palsy has only half a chance. Won't you give him the other half? Now back to dangerous assignment and brian donlevy as steve mitchell.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Mitru Mitcher.

[Steve Mitchell]

What?

[Lieutenant Armijo]

Mitro.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, Looked in on our mijo. Hey, I'm out in the driveway.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

See?

[Steve Mitchell]

See?

[Lieutenant Armijo]

You were carried out of the garage just in time.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, brother. That was too close.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

What were you doing in the garage?

[Steve Mitchell]

I was checking up on Zerubin's story that he hadn't left the house all evening. His car engine was warm. Which meant he lied to me. It could also mean he's the gent who clobbered me and tried to give me a hot foot.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

I'm afraid not, Senor Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

What do you mean?

[Lieutenant Armijo]

It was a Reuben who noticed the flames coming from the garage. He rushed from the house to save his car, found you inside the garage and dragged you out.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, that doesn't exactly fit, does it? Incidentally, how come you're here?

[Lieutenant Armijo]

I came to tell you that the girl, Josefina, had shown up at her apartment. I thought that you would wish to question her.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, but right now I'm more interested in finding out why Zarubin lied to me. Where is he?

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

You wish me, Mr. Mitchell?

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, Zerubin. I understand I've got you to thank for dragging me out.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

It was fortunate for you I saw the flames.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, I guess it was all right. Now maybe you'll tell me why you lied to me earlier.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Lied to you? What do you mean?

[Steve Mitchell]

Just what I said. You told me you didn't leave your house this evening.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

That's the truth.

[Steve Mitchell]

Come off it. Your car engine was still warm when I felt it. And there was fresh mud on the tires. Glad to have it.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Very well. I did lie to you, Mr. Mitchell, but not for the reason you think.

[Steve Mitchell]

Keep talking.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

I guess I became panicky at the thought of being involved in a murder.

[Steve Mitchell]

Most people do, sir.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Reuben, you. You do not understand. You see, my picture in the paper might very well be my death warrant.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

In what way, Senor Zarubin?

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

My name is not really Zarubin. I am Gregor Zimenov, a political refugee. I barely escaped from Eastern Europe with my life. I know there are foreign agents here in Havana who would quickly be given orders to liquidate me should my picture

[Narrator]

and new name appear in the newspapers.

[Steve Mitchell]

I see. We can check up on your background.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Please do. You will find that what I tell you is true. That I was a good friend of Ken Merrick's.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, Lieutenant, I guess our next lead is Joina. Let's get back to the apartment house and have a talk with her.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

Senor Mitchell, we appear to be no

[Steve Mitchell]

further along than before now. But you might expect an international killer like the person I'm after would be pretty good at covering up his or her track. Wait a minute, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

What is it?

[Steve Mitchell]

Something I said? Just gave me an idea.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Oh.

[Steve Mitchell]

Maybe the reason the killer was still inside the apartment when I arrived was because he had to leave by the same way. He came in the front door and I was blocking the way.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

But why would he have to live by the front door if the French door was open?

[Steve Mitchell]

Because.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Well.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Yeah. Money Blossom. Behind the dream.

[Steve Mitchell]

Yeah, so I see.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

A friend of yours, no doubt.

[Steve Mitchell]

I told you I met a blonde from Baltimore at that party upstairs. Lieutenant. Well, this is it. Lieutenant Armijo Crunella.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Louella. Where you been, Honey Blossom?

[Steve Mitchell]

Busy. If you will excuse me, I will

[Lieutenant Armijo]

wait in Josefina's apartment.

[Steve Mitchell]

Hey, Lieutenant, wait. Don't leave me.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

I miss you, Honey Blossom.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, that's nice. Now, if you'll excuse me.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Oh, no, you shouldn't. I'm not gonna run off again.

[Steve Mitchell]

Look, I.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

But we're having the most fun. Honey Blossom.

[Commissioner]

Aha.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

There you are, my sweet. Huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

I beg your pardon?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Helluela, my sweet. I have found you.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

I'm trying to get Stevie to play Alphonse. Hopefully.

[Steve Mitchell]

Please tell me you've got a red hot game of hide and seek going.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Of course, of course. Will you to join us?

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Huh?

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, later.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Now that's a promise. All right. I'll find the big. Oh, you think that will try.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, brother.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

Ah, Senor Mitchell. You have given your admirer the shake.

[Steve Mitchell]

Temporarily.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

This is Senorita Huina. Seor Steve Mitchell.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Senor Mitchell. Senorita, I wish you to know how shocked I was to hear that Ken Merrick had been murdered. Yeah, and right here in my own apartment. I told him to make himself at home if I work late. Do you have any idea who could have done it?

[Steve Mitchell]

I'm coming to that. Lieutenant. I started to tell you my new idea. Here it is. Suppose the killer has just finished stabbing Merrick. When I ring the doorbell, he opens the French windows, but can't leave through them. Why not take a look through them? The ground's all muddy. He'd leave footprints. And he'd get mud on his shoes. He could destroy the shoes and walk around barefoot?

[Narrator]

Of course not.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

He could go home and get another pair.

[Steve Mitchell]

What if he couldn't go home?

[Lieutenant Armijo]

Why not?

[Steve Mitchell]

Because his home was swarming with cops. Wait, you mean this apartment yeah. Suppose this apartment was where the killer lived.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Just a minute. This is crazy talk. I did not kill Ken Merrick. I was at the shop all evening.

[Steve Mitchell]

You've got to admit that my theory makes a lot of sense.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Josefina, I don't care what your theory is. It does not apply to me.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why not?

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

If I had gotten my feet, Mother, I could have gone to my shop and changed shoes. I keep several pair there.

[Steve Mitchell]

Oh, great. Another lead up in smoke. Though right now I'm fresh out of suspects. Then Lieutenant Armijo reports a discovery.

[Lieutenant Armijo]

A gun has been found outside, Senor Mitchell. Perhaps the one the killer fired at.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

You come.

[Steve Mitchell]

We go outside to take a look. The guns in the mud beside the building. Right under the window at the end of the corridor. I go back in the window, but it's locked. I raise it. Our mijo looks in at me. Well, I don't think it was tossed from here. The killer was in a hurry. He wouldn't have stopped to close and lock the window afterwards.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Senor Mitchell, wait.

[Steve Mitchell]

Up above, the window at the end of the second floor corridor looks to be partly open. I run upstairs for a look, and a pair of arms shoot around me from a doorway.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Boo.

[Steve Mitchell]

Why? Now, look, Luelle.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Oh, come on, Stevie, you gotta play. Alfonso's no good at finding me and I can't even find him. Come on.

[Steve Mitchell]

Last time I.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

What's that, honey Bass?

[Steve Mitchell]

Nothing. Okay, Lola, I'll play. Well, goody, you hide first. I'll give you 10. 1. 2. It's the quickest way I can think of to get rid of her because I've just spotted something through the window. A car easing away from the apartment house. I run outside, grab a police car and start chasing. The roads are wet and slippery, and when we reach a bend just outside the city, the car I'm chasing doesn't make it. I park and run down off the road toward the wreckage. But suddenly a guy lurches out of the bushes with a gun.

[Commissioner]

Stop.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Mitchell.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, hello, Alfonso. You must have been thrown clear, huh?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yes, I believe one of my arms is broken. But not the one holding the gun, I assure you.

[Steve Mitchell]

So you're the international killer Ken Merrick was tracking, huh?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

As it turns out, I made a mistake tossing the gun out the window. But I did not wish to take it back to the party with me. I started the game of hide and seek to give me an opportunity to recover the gun, but the police beat me to it.

[Steve Mitchell]

When I realized the gun was tossed from the second floor, that narrowed it down To Summers and you. And that meant it had to be you, because Summers lived on the second floor. He could have changed shoes if he'd gotten them muddy. But you were just a guest. You couldn't afford to get your shoes muddy. That's why you couldn't leave by the French window, huh?

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Brilliant deductions, Mitchell, but too late. Come. You will drive me away from here.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Wait a moment.

[Steve Mitchell]

A car coming.

[Sailor Ted / Alfonso Summers]

Yes, very well. You will stand here very quietly and not attempt to flag it down. When it has passed.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Stop him.

[Steve Mitchell]

It sure is.

[Commissioner]

Get back.

[Gregor Zimenov / Mr. Zerubin]

Too late.

[Steve Mitchell]

I'll take that gun. Thanks.

[Commissioner]

Those headlights, they blinded me.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

Yeah.

[Steve Mitchell]

Looked like I got a big assist

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

from somebody, Honey Blossom.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, what do you know, Luella, you

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

are sure hard enough to find. Lucky I saw you drive away.

[Steve Mitchell]

Well, Alfonso, looks like your own game beat you, Luella. You sure are persistent, Honey Blossom.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

When I play hide and seek, I go, oh, wow.

[Steve Mitchell]

You just ain't whistling Dixie, Honey Blossom.

[Josefina / Honey Blossom]

But I can.

[Narrator]

Our star, Brian Donlevy, will return in just a moment. Next Tuesday, June 2nd, NBC will broadcast directly from London, England, the coronation of Elizabeth ii. During the day, you'll hear a description of the Queen's procession from Buckingham palace to Westminster Abbey and on the spot, word picture by three top NBC commentators, George Hicks, Merrill Muller and Morgan Beatty. Following the procession comes the coronation ceremony in the abbey, and this portion of the overseas coverage will be described by radio reporters of the British Broadcasting Corporation, the only radio coverage allowed within the abbey. Then, following the coronation ceremonies, Britain's new queen will return to Buckingham palace, where she will address millions of spectators who will jam the London streets and more millions of radio listeners throughout the world. Yes, on Coronation Day, Tuesday, June 2, NBC will broadcast all of this important pomp and pageantry, so be sure to hear it all by keeping your radio dial set to this station on the NBC Radio Network.

[Steve Mitchell]

Next week, the Mediterranean. I make like a smuggler.

[Narrator]

And that will be Steve Mitchell's Dangerous Assignment next week. Featured in tonight's cast were paul duboff, tony barrett, herb ellis, betty lou gerson and julie bennett. This is john storm speaking. Dangerous Assignment, starring Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, with Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, is written by Bob Rife and Adrian John Doe, and is directed by Bill Karn. Be with us again next week at this time when Brian Donlevy, starring in the role of Steve Mitchell, will embark on another transcribed Dangerous Assignment. Fridays, listen to dinah shore on NBC.