The Victor Wakeman Entry by Diary Of Fate

Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers: "The Victor Wakeman Entry by Diary Of Fate" – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Description: The best Old Time Radio adventures in crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense! Relic Radio Thrillers delivers the ticking time bombs, mysterious crime scenes, and cloak-and-dagger action that today's armchair adventurers demand!
• Episode: The Victor Wakeman Entry by Diary Of Fate
• Release Date: December 6, 2024

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Introduction

In this enthralling episode of Relic Radio Thrillers, RelicRadio.com presents "The Victor Wakeman Entry by Diary Of Fate," a gripping Old Time Radio adventure originally aired in March 1948. Hosted by RelicRadio.com, the episode delves into the life of Victor Wakeman, an American civilian interpreter working with the US military intelligence in post-war Berlin. The narrative unfolds through the ominous voice of Fate, revealing the twists and turns of Victor's moral dilemmas and the inexorable path toward his downfall.

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Plot Summary

Opening and Setup (00:12 – 02:25) The episode begins with the host reintroducing Diary of Fate, highlighting its brief but impactful run from September 1947 to May 1948. At 00:40, Fate sets the stage by introducing Victor Wakeman, emphasizing his roles and the pivotal moment of decision that will alter his fate. Victor’s character is established as someone who stands at the crossroads of good and evil, with Fate acting as an impartial narrator guiding the audience through his life record.

The Quest for the Heisler Jewels (02:25 – 08:04) Victor Wakeman is depicted as being deeply involved in the quest to locate the Heisler jewels, believed to be hidden in the Heisler home before Berlin fell. At 03:18, Colonel Bennett underscores the importance of these jewels, noting their potential to cause significant harm if they fall into Nazi hands. Victor’s determination is evident when he declares, “Everything indicates that they were hidden in the Heisler home the night before Berlin fell, and they've never been moved” (03:34).

The Colonel offers Victor a promotion contingent upon the successful recovery of the jewels (04:32). Victor's ambition and desperation are palpable as he navigates his personal and professional pressures, including financial strains affecting his marriage.

Fate's Intervention and the Turning Point (04:42 – 12:24) Fate narrates how Victor's obsession with finding the jewels leads him to take risks, such as neglecting his duties and making unauthorized visits, as seen when Victor tells Sergeant Camel, “It's methodical and scientific. Gather facts, analyze those facts and derive a logical conclusion” (05:28). A minor incident—dropping his cigarette lighter into a fish pump—becomes the catalyst for his discovery of the jewels (05:56).

Upon returning home with the jewels, Victor discusses his find with his wife, Marcia Wakeman. Initially, the discovery seems like a blessing: “Half a million dollars should be worth the promotion, shouldn't it?” (07:55). However, Marcia’s skepticism and concern foreshadow the impending conflict, especially when she urges Victor not to turn in the jewels (08:21).

Moral Descent and Confrontation (12:24 – 25:17) Victor’s moral compass begins to falter. At 14:10, under mounting pressure and fear of exposure, he contemplates murder as a solution to his predicament: “That Captain Masters must be silent for good” (14:15). Marcia vehemently opposes his plan, leading to a tense dynamic between the couple.

The plot intensifies as Victor orchestrates a meeting with Captain Masters, culminating in Victor's fatal mistake—murdering the wrong Captain Masters. As Fate reveals at 25:42, Victor mistakenly kills Captain Ruth Masters of the Women's Army Corps, not the intelligence officer he intended, sealing his fate.

Climactic Revelation and Conclusion (25:17 – End) In the final act, Victor confronts Colonel Bennett about the missing jewels (24:08). The truth unravels when Marcia inadvertently exposes Captain Masters’ existence, leading Victor to realize the gravity of his error. Fate concludes with Victor’s downfall: “In a single stunning instant, the whole truth smashed into your mind. And dazed by the realization…you blurted out the whole truth and thus condemned yourself to death and your wife, Marcia, to life in prison” (25:42).

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Character Analysis

• Victor Wakeman: A complex protagonist torn between duty and personal gain. His initial integrity is overshadowed by ambition and desperation, leading to ethical compromises and tragic consequences.

  • Notable Quote: “Half a million dollars should be worth the promotion, shouldn't it?” (07:55)

• Marcia Wakeman: Victor’s wife, embodying the voice of reason and morality. Her unwavering opposition to Victor’s unethical decisions highlights the internal conflict within Victor.

  • Notable Quote: “Don’t be an idiot. Don’t you realize what we have right here in our hands?” (08:13)

• Colonel Bennett: The authoritative figure representing military integrity and the high stakes of the intelligence operations. His interactions with Victor underscore the pressure and expectations placed upon him.

  • Notable Quote: “We’ve got to find those jewels before the Nazis do. A half million dollars in their hands can cause us untold harm.” (03:18)

• Captain Masters: Initially perceived as a potential ally, his true identity and role play a crucial part in Victor’s tragic mistake.

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Themes and Insights

1. Fate vs. Free Will: The episode intricately weaves the concept of fate as an uncontrollable force guiding Victor’s actions, emphasizing that minor decisions can lead to monumental consequences.

   • Quote: “Fate is not vindictive, not without regard for mortal right.” (02:25)

2. Moral Ambiguity: Victor’s journey illustrates the thin line between right and wrong, showcasing how ambition and pressure can lead to ethical downfall.

   • Quote: “An evil choice was made.” (03:34)

3. Consequences of Obsession: Victor’s relentless pursuit of the Heisler jewels serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and its impact on personal and professional life.

4. Irony and Tragedy: The tragic irony of Victor murdering the wrong Captain Masters underscores the themes of unintended consequences and the fragility of human judgment.

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Notable Quotes

• Victor Wakeman: “Half a million dollars should be worth the promotion, shouldn't it?” (07:55)

• Marcia Wakeman: “Don’t be an idiot. Don’t you realize what we have right here in our hands?” (08:13)

• Colonel Bennett: “We’ve got to find those jewels before the Nazis do. A half million dollars in their hands can cause us untold harm.” (03:18)

• Fate: “Because of a little thing, because you dropped your cigarette lighter… fate is not a conspirator.” (22:00)

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Conclusion

"The Victor Wakeman Entry by Diary Of Fate" is a masterful Old Time Radio thriller that encapsulates the essence of moral struggle, fate, and the unintended consequences of one's choices. Through Victor Wakeman’s story, audiences are drawn into a suspenseful narrative that underscores timeless themes relevant even today. Relic Radio Thrillers successfully brings this classic tale to life, maintaining the suspense and depth that made original radio dramas so compelling. For fans of crime, mystery, espionage, and suspense, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Old Time Radio adventures.

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Closing Remarks

The host concludes the episode by acknowledging the cast and production team, ensuring listeners are aware of the high-quality performances and production values that bring "Diary of Fate" to life. Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes and support RelicRadio.com through donations and streaming options.

Notable Outro Excerpt: “That's our thriller for this week. I hope you enjoyed it… Thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.” (27:37)

Note: As per instructions, advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been summarized or omitted to focus solely on the narrative content of the thriller.

Transcript

[Host]

Welcome back to Relic Radio Thrillers. Thanks for joining me. Once again, we're going to hear from Diary of Fate. This week. The series that debuted in September of 1947 aired for 39 episodes until May of 1948. We'll hear the Victor Wakeman entry from March 20, 1948.

[Victor Wakeman]

The Diary of Fate. Faith plays no favorite.

[Fate]

It could happen to you. Book 54, page 806. Yes, here it is. The life record of Victor Wakeman, an American citizen employed by the United States military government in Berlin. Yes, Victor, your position as a civilian interpreter with an intelligence unit offered you many opportunities. Opportunities to choose for good or evil. And now, as the record of your life lies open before me, I, Fate, look ahead to an instant of decision. Stop. Stop. Stop. Roll out. I asked, what, sir? What'd you say?

[Victor Wakeman]

I said, stop.

[Fate]

What? Who are you?

[Victor Wakeman]

That really doesn't matter. The point is that you're. Captain Master.

[Fate]

Yes. In the life of Victor Wakeman, a desperate decision was made. Then I, Fate, intervene. And because of a little thing, because of a loose stone, Victor Wakeman will die. But listen well, you who hear my words. Fate is not vindictive, not without regard for mortal right. In a moment, I will read again from the Diary of Fate before the.

[Victor Wakeman]

Exciting story of Victor Wakeman. Here is our announcer.

[Fate]

Yes, in the life of Victor Wakeman, an evil choice was made. But in the final analysis, it was the seemingly unimportant thing, the trifle that brought about the ultimate conclusion. For little things are the tools with which I, Faith, shape your destiny. Remember, Victor Wakeman, how it all started? You were talking with Colonel Bennett, chief of the intelligence unit to which you were assigned.

[Victor Wakeman]

And that's about it, Colonel. That's as far as I could get in one month's worth of.

[Colonel Bennett]

I see. You still convinced the Haisler jewels are somewhere here in Berlin.

[Victor Wakeman]

Yes, Sir, I am.

[Colonel Bennett]

Mr. Wakeman, we've got to find those jewels before the Nazis do. A half million dollars in their hands can cause us untold harm.

[Victor Wakeman]

Everything indicates that they were hidden in the Heisler home the night before Berlin fell, and they've never been moved.

[Colonel Bennett]

But we've been over every inch of that old house time and again. You know, it's going to be embarrassing if we don't find them soon.

[Victor Wakeman]

Embarrassing and dangerous.

[Colonel Bennett]

Exactly. Well, we'll just have to stay with it. Oh, by the way, Mrs. Bennett and I had your wife over for dinner while you were in Frankfurt. She seemed to have something on her mind.

[Victor Wakeman]

Well, Colonel, I. I'm afraid Marsha and I are both a little impatient.

[Colonel Bennett]

Impatient? What kind of work you're doing?

[Victor Wakeman]

Oh, no, sir. It's just. Well, frankly, a civilian interpreter's pay is all right, but it's no fortune. And it's discouraging to Marcia when we can't afford.

[Colonel Bennett]

I know. Well, you're a young man. You have lots of time yet. Just be patient, my boy. Incidentally, there's been some changes while you were away. Our unit's been expanded. Twelve more offices, another section of wax types, more vehicles. And there's an opening for a higher rating in our civilian staff.

[Victor Wakeman]

An opening? Do. Do you have anyone in mind, colonel?

[Colonel Bennett]

Well, that rating could very well go to a man who was instrumental in the recovery of the height of the jewels.

[Fate]

Mr. Wakener. Yes, Victor. The advancement you were so hungry for would be yours if only you could locate the hidden jewels. You realize that the odds against you were enormous. But you were determined to find the jewels yourself. You neglected your regular duties and without waiting for orders, drove to the Heisler home the sergeant assigned for you. Then a little thing happened.

[Victor Wakeman]

Okay, Sergeant Camel, park here with a fish pump.

[Fate]

Yeah, the old hyster. Give up, Ms. Wakeman. We don't find those jewels now.

[Victor Wakeman]

Just dumb lust, sergeant. Luck has very little to do with it. It's methodical and scientific. Gather facts, analyze those facts and derive a logical conclusion. Those jewels are here in this hopper.

[Fate]

Okay, okay, I. Don't argue. I've done gone through these walls so often, I don't care much about a first name.

[Victor Wakeman]

And we're going to do it again. We'll start in the basement and sound every wall.

[Fate]

Okay. I can already tell you the number.

[Victor Wakeman]

Oh, locked it anyway.

[Fate]

What's the matter?

[Victor Wakeman]

Drop my cigarette lighter down in the fish pot. You go on in, sergeant. I'll be right with you. I'm gonna get my lighter first.

[Fate]

Okay, Mr. Wakeman.

[Victor Wakeman]

All a stupid thing. It would fall between these rocks. They are now. What's it? What? Holy smoke.

[Fate]

It's.

[Victor Wakeman]

It's the jewels.

[Fate]

The Heisler jewels? Yes, Victor. Because of a little thing. Because you dropped your cigarette lighter, you had found the Heisler jewel. You concealed the leather pouch and its priceless content. Then you told Sergeant Camel you had changed your mind about the search. A few minutes later, anxious to personally announce your discovery, you tried to reach Colonel Bennett by telephone, but he was out. You wrote a message and said sealed it, instructed Sergeant Campbell to deliver it directly to the colonel's office. Then you went home.

[Marcia Wakeman]

You're home early. Anything wrong?

[Victor Wakeman]

Things have Never been so right, believe me. Guess what, Dolly? I'm going to get a better job promotion.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Oh, that's wonderful. Are you sure you aren't joking?

[Victor Wakeman]

I should say not. There's an opening, and Colonel Bennett told me this morning it would go to the man who finds the Heister Jewel.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Oh, Vic, the whole unit's been on that project for months. How do you know you'll be the one?

[Victor Wakeman]

Wait, wait, wait. Wanna see something pretty? See this leather pouch? Now what? Here they are. The Heights are Jew. Believe it or not, they were hidden in the fish.

[Marcia Wakeman]

They're beautiful. Just think of it. Half a million dollars.

[Victor Wakeman]

Yeah, and I found them all by myself. Nobody else can claim any credit on that. Half a million dollars should be worth the promotion, shouldn't it?

[Marcia Wakeman]

Great. Wait a minute. You were alone when you found me. No one knows you. Heaven.

[Victor Wakeman]

Right. It's my surprise for the colonel.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Don't be an idiot. Don't you realize what we have right here in our hands? What's a measly little advancement compared to a fortune?

[Victor Wakeman]

But, Marcia, we've got to turn the jewels in.

[Fate]

Why?

[Marcia Wakeman]

You said you were alone. Nobody knows about them.

[Fate]

You be rich.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Victor, you can't turn them in.

[Victor Wakeman]

You're right. I never even thought about it that way. You're right. Nobody knows we have them. Nobody.

[Marcia Wakeman]

And we're going to keep them.

[Victor Wakeman]

All right. All right. Marsha. Marsha. Marsha. I forgot. What a fool I rolled him at. Colonel, you fly? Yes, I said I found the jewel. And sergeant Campbell delivered it just a few minutes ago. Colonel Bennett was out when I called him.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Maybe he's still out. Maybe you can get it back. You've got to get it back, do you hear?

[Victor Wakeman]

Okay, Marshall. Okay. You wait here. If there's any chance at all, I'll get that message.

[Fate]

Yes. Victor Wakeman. At that moment, you made a decision for evil. You went directly to headquarters and found AT the colonel was still out. I noticed. You entered his office and there on the colonel's desk you saw the envelope with your message inside. You had picked it up when you heard the door opening behind you. You stuck the message into your pocket and turned to face the intruder.

[Victor Wakeman]

Colonel Bennett.

[Fate]

Hello.

[Colonel Bennett]

Do you want to see me?

[Victor Wakeman]

No. No, sir. I just stopped in to check the map. Anything new on the Heiser jewels, sir?

[Colonel Bennett]

No, nothing. That's a tough nut to crack. Well, it'll do us all good to forget it for the weekend. Suppose you and Marsha are going out to that picnic this afternoon.

[Victor Wakeman]

No, I. I think I'll stay in and check a couple of leads instead. We'll be at your party tonight for sure.

[Colonel Bennett]

I admire your spirit, Mr. Wakeman, but don't. Don't overdo it. You must think of Marty, you know.

[Victor Wakeman]

Yes, I am. I am Victor McMasher.

[Fate]

As you left the Colonel's office, Victor, with the message safely in your pocket, you were thinking of Marcia. The multitude of expensive things the fortune in jewels would buy. Marcia was waiting for you at home. Her face talked with anxiety as you walked in.

[Victor Wakeman]

Marcia. Marcia. I got it. I got the message.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Was there in trouble? Victor, I mean?

[Victor Wakeman]

No. No, it was simple. And luck was really with him. The message was on the Colonel's desk. I just got it into my pocket when he walked in.

[Marcia Wakeman]

You're sure he's not suspicious? He doesn't suspect anything?

[Victor Wakeman]

Of course not. Why should he? And no one else does. These hundreds of messages like this pass every day. It's routine.

[Marcia Wakeman]

The heist mature ours. No one will ever find them. Give me that message. I'll put it in the stove right now and burn it.

[Victor Wakeman]

Okay, Good. Good idea. Here.

[Marcia Wakeman]

This has gone up in smoke. No one will. There's a timestamp on the back of this. Is that routine, too?

[Victor Wakeman]

What's that? A timestamp?

[Marcia Wakeman]

Yes, it is. Opened and resealed by duty officer.

[Victor Wakeman]

What?

[Marcia Wakeman]

Let me see that.

[Victor Wakeman]

Good Lord. Opened and resealed by duty officer at 1131. Signed RA masters. Cap.

[Marcia Wakeman]

What does that mean?

[Victor Wakeman]

When a message is received for the colonel, it's open, read, resealed and stamped by the duty office. Which means Captain Masters, whoever he is, knows that I found the Heistler's jewel.

[Marcia Wakeman]

It's no.

[Victor Wakeman]

There's no doubt about it, Marcia. Captain Masters know.

[Marcia Wakeman]

What are we going to do?

[Victor Wakeman]

I don't.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Everyone will find out now. They'll all know what we try to do. Maybe they know already.

[Victor Wakeman]

No, wait a minute. Calm down, Marsha. This Masters must be one of the new intelligent officers from the state. He won't talk about it to anyone but the Colonel.

[Marcia Wakeman]

That's even worse. Vic, you've got to do something. You cannot.

[Victor Wakeman]

Shut up, Marsha.

[Fate]

Wait a minute.

[Victor Wakeman]

I've got a thing. We're in this too far to turn back now. Somehow I have to find a way out.

[Fate]

Yes, Victor. Because of a little thing. Because you dropped your cigarette lighter. You were given an opportunity for success and happiness. But you made a decision for evil. And now, with your mind tormented by fear, you face another decision. Soon, Victor Wakeman. I will write again on your page in the diary of Fate.

[Victor Wakeman]

Before we continue our story, a few words on behalf of our sponsor.

[Fate]

Yes, Victor Wakeman. Only moments ago, the theft of the Hyler jewels, it seemed so simple. But now, as you faced your wife and the realization that a Captain Masters knew of your decision for evil, your voice was edged with panic.

[Victor Wakeman]

You realize what this means, Marcia? I'm through, disgraced. I'll be sent to prison.

[Marcia Wakeman]

There must be a way out, Dick. There must be something you can do.

[Victor Wakeman]

Yes, there is something that I can do. That's the only thing that will work.

[Marcia Wakeman]

What is it? What are you thinking?

[Victor Wakeman]

That Captain Masters must be silent for good.

[Marcia Wakeman]

No, they cannot.

[Victor Wakeman]

Murder. Yes, murder. And the sooner the better.

[Marcia Wakeman]

I won't let you. I can't let you.

[Victor Wakeman]

Never mind that. I shouldn't have listened to you in the first place, but I did. So from here on out, you'll do exactly as I say. Oh, I'm going to call headquarters and locate Captain Master. Good.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Call Masters.

[Victor Wakeman]

Yes. I've never met the captain. It's a good idea to know something about the man you intended. Hello? May I speak to Captain Masters, please? Oh, I see. Yes, yes, of course. The picnic. No, no message. Well, Marcia, it looks like we'll have to get to our swim pool.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Why? Where are we going?

[Victor Wakeman]

To a picnic, my dear. A picnic with Captain Mack. Well, we'll be there soon. So now remember, Marcia, you're out for a good time and nothing more. Just relax.

[Marcia Wakeman]

I'll do my best, Vic. But surely you're not going to do anything now. I mean, here in broad daylight.

[Victor Wakeman]

Of course not. I have to know what Captain Masters looks like. And, well, he'll be here tonight. You see, Marcher, time is precious too. There's no telling when Masters will say something to Colonel Bennett about the discovery of the jewel. Oh, here we are.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Look, Dick, some of the people are leaving already.

[Victor Wakeman]

Yeah, so I see. Well, let's hope Masters is still around. Come on.

[Fate]

Good afternoon, sir.

[Victor Wakeman]

The young milady had some refreshing, huh? What's that? Oh, yes. Lil Hassan. Here you are, sir.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Thank you.

[Victor Wakeman]

Thanks. Tell me, waiter, you happen to know a Captain Masters? Captain Masters? Why, yes, sir. I was talking to the captain. Switch. Just a minute to look. You're swimming near the edge of the lake. That's Captain Masters. Now.

[Fate]

Now, Victor, you had located the one obstacle in your path, but you were anxious to get a good look at the officer who was swimming with an attractive blond girl. And when the young couple left the water and laughingly started to climb the steep bank at the lake's edge, who Casually strolled away from Marcher, who within earshot. It was then that I fate again intervened and another little thing happened. Come on now, Ruth, you gotta keep.

[Colonel Bennett]

Moving to get warm.

[Victor Wakeman]

Here, give me your hand.

[Colonel Bennett]

It's too steep for you. Never mind that stone. Watch out.

[Marcia Wakeman]

My ankle.

[Fate]

Goofing all right?

[Marcia Wakeman]

Yes, I guess I'm all right. I think I twisted it some.

[Victor Wakeman]

Well, can you walk?

[Marcia Wakeman]

Oh, yes, I can walk all right, but afraid I won't be with much until Bennett's dance tonight.

[Colonel Bennett]

Dance tonight?

[Marcia Wakeman]

Now, wait a minute, my dear. Don't tell me you forgot about another one of our days.

[Colonel Bennett]

Frankly, yeah. But I wouldn't have been able to make it anyhow. I gotta pick up some papers at headquarters in Zellendorf.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Oh, this army. When? What time?

[Fate]

At 8.

[Colonel Bennett]

8 o'clock sharp.

[Fate]

Yes, because of a little thing. You, Victor Wakeman, now knew where you could find Captain Master. And an hour later, as you discussed the details of your plan with Mara, you were confident.

[Marcia Wakeman]

But Vic, are you sure you'll be able to get to Masters at Zor?

[Victor Wakeman]

I'm positive, Marcia. I've ridden with officer couriers on that same run a dozen times myself. You see, Intelligence headquarters in Sellendorf are in the old Karlberger Castle, high on a hilltop. The road back to the highway is whining and dangerous. He'll have to drive slow.

[Marcia Wakeman]

But where were you meeting?

[Victor Wakeman]

There's a hairpin turn about 100 yards from the base of the hill. You almost have to come to a full stop to commute it.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Victor, I hope you know what you're doing.

[Victor Wakeman]

Don't worry about me, Masha. Just remember your partner. You go to the colonel party at 8:30 instead and say that you will.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Be along in a matter of minutes. There was some work you had to finish.

[Victor Wakeman]

Exactly, Dear Colonel Bennett will approve of my industry, I'm sure. After all, I'll be working overtime.

[Fate]

Now, Victor, you were certain of yourself. You left Marcia shortly after dinner and hurriedly drove the 15 miles to the Carlburger Castle in Zeelandorf. It was half past seven when you parked in a clump of trees at the side of the road and unnoticed, climbed the hundred yards to the hairpin turn in the winding castle road. Then, as a summer storm broke overhead, you waited. At two minutes past eight, you heard a jeep motor approaching from the castle. You had to be certain that Captain Masters was the driver and was alone. As the vehicle slowed to make the hairpin turn, you stepped into the road and waved your arm. Stop. Stop. Hold on. I said stop. What?

[Victor Wakeman]

Who are You, Me, that doesn't matter. The point is that you're Captain Matt.

[Fate]

For a moment, Victor, the explosions from the pistol in your hand and the sight of the lifeless form before you rose you to the spot on which you stood. But you soon gained control of yourself. And confident that the sound of the shots had been lost in the storm, you drove back to Berlin. It was 9 o'clock and most of the guests had already arrived when you rang the bell at Colonel Bennett's quarters.

[Colonel Bennett]

Well, good evening, Mr. Wakeman. You're late.

[Victor Wakeman]

Yeah, I know. I'm sorry.

[Fate]

You seek her in line.

[Colonel Bennett]

Ah, now, don't bother. I know exactly what happened. You found the Haisler jewels and decided to keep them yourselves.

[Fate]

Oh, you found what?

[Victor Wakeman]

No, no, that's not the one.

[Fate]

I don't think it is, my boy.

[Colonel Bennett]

Now relax and join in the fun.

[Victor Wakeman]

Oh, no, of course, just a joke.

[Colonel Bennett]

Sorry, Colonel.

[Victor Wakeman]

I guess I've been working a bit too hard lately.

[Colonel Bennett]

Well, forget it, Wakeman. Here's your wife. Maybe she can help you think about something besides the Heisler jewels.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Hello, darling. Glad you weren't too late.

[Victor Wakeman]

I got here as soon as I could. Say, you look lovely, Marcia.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Thank you, Vic. Of course I worked hard at it. It isn't every night we poor civilians are invited to one of the Sandals parties, you know.

[Colonel Bennett]

And that's our loss, my dear. Since you do make such a pretty picture, I'd consider it an honor if you too would accept a last minute invitation to dine at my table.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Thank you, Colonel. We'd love to.

[Victor Wakeman]

It would be a pleasure.

[Colonel Bennett]

Good, good. You see, one of my guests was called away at the last moment and I'm short another. Captain Masters.

[Marcia Wakeman]

Captain Masters.

[Victor Wakeman]

But you don't think there's a chance that the Captain will still show up.

[Colonel Bennett]

At this late hour? No, no, my boy. I don't think Captain Masters will be with us this evening.

[Fate]

The Colonel's words were more than just conjecture to you, Victor. You thought again of the picnics and how lucky you were that the girl with the captain you killed had turned her ankle on a loose stone. For because of that little thing, you had learned everything you had to know. But Victor Wakeman, High fate arranged that little thing for a purpose. Soon you will learn that fate is not a conspirator. Soon I will write a final entry under your name in the Diary of Fate.

[Victor Wakeman]

In just one moment, the exciting conclusion of the Victor Wakeman entry. But first, a word from our announcer.

[Fate]

Yes, Victor Wakeman. With the Captain dead, you no longer feared that Your theft of the Heisler jewels might be discovered. And the next morning, as you entered your office at Intelligence Headquarters, you were at ease.

[Victor Wakeman]

Come in.

[Fate]

Morning, Mr. Wakeman. I got the jeep gas ready to go. Where do we hunt today?

[Victor Wakeman]

Hunt? Oh, yes. The Heisler jewels. Well, Sergeant.

[Fate]

Huh?

[Victor Wakeman]

Just a minute. Mr. Wakeman.

[Colonel Bennett]

This is Colonel Bennett Wakeman. Come into my office, please.

[Victor Wakeman]

Yes, I'll be right there. Wait for me, Colonel. Well, I'll be with you in a couple of minutes.

[Fate]

Okay, I'll go get them maps ready.

[Marcia Wakeman]

So we can start.

[Colonel Bennett]

Come in, Wakeman.

[Victor Wakeman]

Do you want to talk to me, Colonel?

[Fate]

Yes, I do.

[Colonel Bennett]

I want to talk to you about the Heisler jewels. Sit down, Wakeman.

[Victor Wakeman]

The jewels? Well, what. What about them, sir?

[Colonel Bennett]

I want you to tell me what you've done with them.

[Victor Wakeman]

What I've done with them? But it. Is this another joke, sir?

[Colonel Bennett]

Hardly. Where are the jewels, Wakeman?

[Victor Wakeman]

I don't know, sir. I have no idea.

[Colonel Bennett]

You're lying, and Captain Masters can prove it.

[Victor Wakeman]

Captain Masters? Well, what. What is Captain Masters to do with it?

[Colonel Bennett]

Everything. As duty officer here. Yesterday the captain read your note to me about your discovery of the jewels. The note which you probably destroyed later when you decided to keep them yourself.

[Victor Wakeman]

No. No, you're lying. You're wrong.

[Colonel Bennett]

We'll see you, Wakeman. We'll know in a minute. Come in here, please. Now, Captain, did you or did you not open and read a message addressed to me that said Wakeman here had found the height of jewels?

[Marcia Wakeman]

Yes, sir, I did read that message.

[Victor Wakeman]

No, no, she's lying. This woman osset.

[Marcia Wakeman]

This Captain.

[Victor Wakeman]

Wait a minute.

[Fate]

You.

[Victor Wakeman]

That blonde hair. You were the one at the picnic yesterday. The one who was swimming with Captain Mastis.

[Marcia Wakeman]

No, Mr. Wakeman, that's not right. I was swimming with a captain named Johnson. You see, I'm Captain Masters. Captain Ruth Masters.

[Fate]

Yes, Victor, in a single stunning instant, the whole truth smashed into your mind. And dazed by the realization that Captain Masters was an officer in the Women's Army Corps and not the captain you had murdered in Zeelandorf, you blurted out the whole truth and thus condemned yourself to death and your wife, Marcia, to life in prison. And now it is time to close the book. In the case of Victor Wakeman, as in the cases of all mortals, I, faith, am but the instrument of a plan. And the countless little things that happen are the tools with which I worked. Because he dropped his cigarette lighter, Victor Wakeman found the Heisler jewels, which he and Marcia decided to keep. But because of another little thing a loose stone. He overheard a conversation which led him to a fatal error. Heed well tomorrow, you who listen and remember. There is a page for you in the Diary of Faith.

[Victor Wakeman]

The cast of the Victor Wakeman entry included Herbert Lytton, Mary Lansing, Barney Phillips, Walter Craig, Ray Erlenborn, Gene Twombly and Hal Sawyer. Diary of Fate is a Larry Finley production. Transcribed in Hollywood.

[Host]

That's our thriller for this week. I hope you enjoyed it. There's more from Diary of Fate, Relic Radio Thrillers and all of the Relic radio shows@ Relicradio.com. you'll find our shoutcast stream there as well. Lots to listen listened to there. All for free. Thanks to your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with the Horror and next Friday with our next episode of Relic Radio Thrillers.