Mathew Slade: A Sweet Scent of Mystery (EP4624)

Summary

Summary of "Mathew Slade: A Sweet Scent of Mystery (EP4624)"

Released on February 11, 2025, this episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" presents a captivating mystery featuring Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. Hosted by Adam Graham, the episode delves into the suspicious death of Laurie Thompson, unraveling a web of deceit, hidden motives, and unexpected revelations.

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Introduction

Adam Graham opens the episode with his signature warmth, setting the stage for another enthralling installment of "Matthew Slade, Private Investigator." He briefly promotes the podcast's companion series, "Detective Video Theater," before seamlessly transitioning into the main story.

“But now, from September 27, 1964, here is the sweet scent of mystery.” [00:28]

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The Initial Encounter

The story begins at a lavish social gathering hosted by a prominent lawyer. Amidst the celebration, Matthew Slade seeks refuge from the smoky, noisy environment and is met by Grace Burrows, an elegant woman exuding a heavy perfume that captivates him immediately.

“I turned, was confronted by an attractive woman. She was a good deal older than she appeared.” [02:04]

Grace Burrows approaches Matthew with a sense of urgency, revealing that her daughter, Laurie Thompson, recently died in a fire. While the police deemed it an accident, Grace is convinced it was murder.

Grace Burrows: “It was no accident. My daughter was murdered.” [04:08]

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Delving into the Case

Matthew begins his investigation by reviewing the fire report, which aligns with the police's assessment of an accidental blaze caused by an improperly closed screen. However, Grace provides crucial insights that cast doubt on this conclusion.

Grace Burrows: “Since childhood, Laurie's been deathly afraid of fire.” [03:26]

Matthew questions Bob Thompson, Laurie's husband, about his whereabouts during the fire. Bob claims he was at the Drift Inn bar, corroborated by the bartender. Despite his alibi, Grace remains skeptical of the police's findings and seeks Matthew's help to uncover the truth.

Matthew Slade: “Would you care to tell me about it?” [04:17]

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Uncovering Hidden Motives

As Matthew investigates further, he discovers tensions within the Thompson household. Grace reveals that Bob struggled with alcoholism and failed business ventures, creating strain in their marriage. Laurie had recently denied Bob additional funds to restart a failed business, leading to heated arguments.

Grace Burrows: “Bob wanted to use it to start his own business... within six months the business folded.” [05:03]

Matthew's associate, Jonesy, assists by sifting through old newspaper clippings, uncovering Laurie's prominent social standing and lack of scandal, which complicates the case. They also notice Patricia Burrows, Laurie's younger sister, consistently appearing alone in photographs, hinting at possible romantic involvement with Bob.

Jonesy: “In every one of these pictures, Patricia is looking at Bob like a lovesick cat.” [12:24]

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Confronting the Suspects

Determined to find answers, Matthew interrogates Bob Thompson at the Drift Inn. Bob expresses deep remorse and love for Laurie, but his evasive responses raise further suspicions.

Bob Thompson: “I loved her, Slay. Can you believe that? She was perfect.” [09:01]

Simultaneously, Matthew tracks down William Jennings, a long-time family friend, who reveals his ambiguous relationship with Laurie. Jennings' reluctance to divulge information and sudden departure for Los Angeles add layers to the mystery.

William Jennings: “I've known her since we were children.” [18:28]

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The Breakthrough

A pivotal moment occurs when Laurie Thompson confesses her involvement with William Jennings. She recounts the tragic night of the fire, revealing that she accidentally hit a woman while driving and, in a panic, William helped her cover up the incident by staging the scene to implicate Bob.

Laurie Thompson: “Bill put my ring on the woman's finger... and started the fire.” [20:26]

This confession ties together the motives and alibis of both Bob and William, exposing their conspiracy to hide the truth and take advantage of Laurie's inheritance.

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Resolution and Justice

Matthew ensures that Laurie and William will face the consequences of their actions. By presenting the gathered evidence and Laurie's statement, he substantiates the case against them, leading to their inevitable downfall.

Matthew Slade: “Chances are the woman wasn't dead. In which case, technically, he or both of you killed her.” [22:32]

Jonesy, though initially skeptical, acknowledges the successful culmination of their investigation, receiving a token of gratitude from Matthew.

Jonesy: “I never would have guessed it, Matt.” [22:41]

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Host’s Commentary and Analysis

Adam Graham shares his reflections on the episode, highlighting the complexity of the case compared to typical short mysteries. He appreciates the intricate plot and the satisfying resolution, noting the effective use of recurring motifs like the shared perfume.

Adam Graham: “This was definitely an exception as Matt was working through all sorts of scenarios and there were some pretty complex wrinkles in the case.” [20:14]

He also ponders the significance of the shared scent used by multiple characters, inviting listener engagement on whether this detail aligns with character individuality or serves as a storytelling device.

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Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Adam Graham thanks the podcast’s supporters and teases upcoming episodes, maintaining the engaging momentum for listeners to return. The resolution of Laurie Thompson's case underscores the show's commitment to delivering well-crafted, engaging mysteries that honor the legacy of old-time radio detective dramas.

Adam Graham: “If you're enjoying the podcast, please please follow us using your favorite podcast software.” [23:22]

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Key Quotes:

• Grace Burrows: “It was no accident. My daughter was murdered.” [04:08]
• Bob Thompson: “I loved her, Slay. Can you believe that? She was perfect.” [09:01]
• Laurie Thompson: “Bill put my ring on the woman's finger... and started the fire.” [20:26]
• Adam Graham: “This was definitely an exception as Matt was working through all sorts of scenarios and there were some pretty complex wrinkles in the case.” [20:14]

Notable Insights:

• The episode showcases the depth of character development, particularly through Grace Burrows and her complex relationship with Laurie.
• The use of perfume as a recurring clue emphasizes the importance of sensory details in detective storytelling.
• The interplay between Matthew Slade and his associate Jonesy highlights the collaborative nature of investigative work.

Conclusion:

"Mathew Slade: A Sweet Scent of Mystery" offers a compelling narrative that merges classic detective elements with nuanced character interactions. Adam Graham's insightful commentary enriches the listening experience, making this episode a standout in the podcast series. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to old-time radio mysteries, this episode promises an engaging journey through intrigue and revelation.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. I want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Also want to encourage you to check out our other podcast. And today I am highlighting our Detective Video Theater, the video companion to this podcast with public domain television shows and movies being released on a twice a month schedule. And you can find this on our YouTube channel in the Apple podcast store and now on Spotify. Search for Detective Video Theater on Spotify. But now, from September 27, 1964, here is the sweet scent of mystery.

[Matthew Slade]

From Hollywood. Welcome to Starlight Mystery Theater and another.

[Bob Thompson]

Episode in the series Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. We invite you to take your seat as Matthew Slade unfolds a sweet scent of mystery.

[Matthew Slade]

In my job, the hours are odd. So are the circumstances and the people I meet. You could even call some of them dangerous. My calling card reads, matthew Slade, Private Investig. This case began at a small social gathering I attended at the home of a prominent lawyer. I just completed some legal dog tracking for him and we were celebrating his success in court. I was about to seek temporary refuge on the terrace from the noisy smoke filled room when I was suddenly enveloped by the sweet sense of a heavy perfume. I turned, was confronted by an attractive woman. She was a good deal older than she appeared. Her slender figure was enhanced by a simple black dress. She possessed delicate features, large blue eyes. Her face framed in a halo of soft blonde hair. She looked at me in frank amusement. In my quick appraisal.

[Grace Burrows]

I hope you're not playing through the dead or cozy little group, Mrs. Slade. I've been trying to get over to meet you all evening. And now you're running out. Is that fair?

[Matthew Slade]

Just stepping out for some fresh air.

[Grace Burrows]

It is rather stuffy in here. Mind if I join you?

[Matthew Slade]

I'd be delighted. After you.

[Grace Burrows]

Thank you.

[Matthew Slade]

Cigarette?

[Grace Burrows]

Thank you.

[Matthew Slade]

You have a distinct advantage over me. Oh, well, you know who I am, but.

[Grace Burrows]

Oh, forgive me. My name is Grace burrows.

[Matthew Slade]

My pleasure, Mrs. Burroughs.

[Grace Burrows]

Are you married?

[Matthew Slade]

I was born and raised a bachelor.

[Grace Burrows]

I thought so. I'm beginning to think only the weaklings fall prey to that unhappy misfortune called natronony. The weak ones do it on it because they think they need someone to lean on. I married one. Fortunately, I found my way clear to correcting that mistake. However, my daughter Laurie made the same mistake. And now. Now it's cost her her life.

[Matthew Slade]

I don't quite understand.

[Grace Burrows]

My daughter, Laurie Thompson, was killed when our house burned in Belvedere almost a month ago.

[Matthew Slade]

I remember reading about that in the papers. That's an unfortunate accident.

[Grace Burrows]

It was no accident. My daughter was murdered.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, I can understand your grief, Mrs.

[Grace Burrows]

Burroughs, but I. I know what you're thinking, but you're wrong. I have proof.

[Matthew Slade]

Would you care to tell me about it?

[Grace Burrows]

Yes. The police said at the screen hadn't been properly closed and that a spark set carpet ablaze. But that's not it at all.

[Matthew Slade]

The one.

[Grace Burrows]

Since childhood, Laurie's been deathly afraid of fire. The fireplace would not have been in use at all unless someone who'd been with her.

[Matthew Slade]

And there was no evidence of anyone else being there?

[Grace Burrows]

None at all.

[Matthew Slade]

What about her husband, Bob?

[Grace Burrows]

He didn't turn up until the next morning. It seems he spent the greater part of the evening at a bar called the Drift Inn. He was drunk as usual. At least he had sent him not to drive. He slept it off in the car in the parking lot. The bartender verified his story.

[Matthew Slade]

Did you tell the police about this fear your daughter had?

[Grace Burrows]

Yes. Oh, they made a feeble attempt at an investigation. And that's why when I saw you here tonight, I decided to ask you for your help.

[Matthew Slade]

I don't know that I'd be able to find much more than the policeman, especially at this late date. Have you thought of the possibility of suicide?

[Grace Burrows]

Definitely not. Laurie was strong willed. No matter how difficult the situation may have been, she would never have taken an easy way out.

[Matthew Slade]

Was there a difficult situation?

[Grace Burrows]

Oh, yes, I'm afraid there was.

[Matthew Slade]

I see. Tell me about it.

[Grace Burrows]

My son in law was nothing before he married ly first, Barbara resisted the idea of living off Larry's income. But when his efforts to find a job failed, he slowly succumbed to the inevitable and turned to drinking for his solace. When Laurie reached the age of 30, less than a year ago, it was she received a sizable inheritance in addition to a monthly allowance from the trust. Bob wanted to use it to start his own business. Oh, some foolish idea of selling foreign sport cars. I was against it. As I had anticipated. Within six months the business folded. He wanted more money to try again, but Laurie wouldn't give it to him. He even threatened to leave her because of it. That was two months ago. He'd been drunk ever since.

[Matthew Slade]

Where is he living now?

[Grace Burrows]

Oh, in some rented apartment at the Shoreline Motel, I think it's called on. On Highway 101. I understand he spends most of his time at The Tristin bar.

[Matthew Slade]

Could anyone else have paid Laurie a visit that evening?

[Grace Burrows]

My daughter was not in the habit of keeping company with other men.

[Matthew Slade]

I understand some women still consider other women as friends.

[Grace Burrows]

I'm very sorry. It's just that. Well, never mind. Sorry. Had many friends. None of them were as close to her as a sister. Patricia Pat was with me that evening.

[Matthew Slade]

Doesn't appear much for me to go on.

[Grace Burrows]

Will you try and find the truth for me?

[Matthew Slade]

All right. I'll start tomorrow. Now, I'd better take you inside before you catch cold. Then I'll find our host and maybe not.

[Grace Burrows]

I think I'll stay out here just the pile longer. Good night, and thank you.

[Matthew Slade]

I'll be in touch, Mrs. Burroughs. On the way home, I went over in my mind a few facts Mrs. Burroughs had given me. Few indeed. I suspected there was a lot more to this than she wished me to believe. Then she seemed so convinced her daughter was murdered. I was sure she had a prime suspect in mind. But she wasn't about to tell. Not yet, anyway. I wondered why she had so quickly come to the defense of her daughter's moral. Certainly the police had asked her the same question. Evidently, she'd had time to think about them. And maybe, just maybe, she had a few answers she didn't like. I was determined to find out what they were. And the most likely source would be Bob Thompson. The next morning, I had Jonesy wade through the society columns of back issues at the newspaper morgue. I went over the fire report at police headquarters. It stated no more than I had expected. A neighbor reported the fire. By the time the department got there, there was little they could do. Routine investigation was made. A few tangible remains were found identifying the woman's body. A silver locket, brass buckles from a pair of slippers. And a diamond wedding ring. I phoned Jonesy at the office. Found that her investigation had been almost as fruitless as mine. Lori Thompson was at the top of the social register. She was active in numerous charity organizations. And because of her beauty, a favorite subject of the society photographers. The stories were all along those lines. No gossip, no scandal. It was typically top drawer. I drove out to the Shoreline Motel. Thompson wasn't there, hadn't been since the previous night. My next stop, the Drift Inn. I entered the dimly lit bar room with several customers. But I was able to pick out Bob Thompson. First glance. He sat. Folks, over the bar. Bob Thompson? Who are you? Are you Bob Thompson?

[Bob Thompson]

Last time I looked, yes.

[Matthew Slade]

There's some way we can talk about a Wife?

[Bob Thompson]

I haven't got a wife. This has been my wife. Keeps me happy, gives me courage. And it's always there when I need it.

[Matthew Slade]

You may be right. But nonetheless, I want to talk about your wife, Laurie. Not about the whiskey.

[Bob Thompson]

Who are you?

[Matthew Slade]

Matthew Slade. Private investigator.

[Bob Thompson]

Private eye? I thought you people only existed in pulp books.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, no. Some of us are for real. I want to make a few inquiries concerning your wife's accident.

[Bob Thompson]

His accident?

[Matthew Slade]

What for? She's dead.

[Bob Thompson]

She's gone. How the difference does it make now?

[Matthew Slade]

Well, the difference between an accident, suicide or murder.

[Bob Thompson]

What are you talking about? Oh, now I get it.

[Matthew Slade]

Grace.

[Bob Thompson]

You've been talking to her mother. I suppose she told you I killed Lori.

[Matthew Slade]

No. No, she didn't.

[Bob Thompson]

She will. She told me right to my face. You killed her. She said, I'll make you pay. But she figured out a way to blame me. Well, it doesn't matter. Laurie's gone. There's nothing. Nothing left for me, anyway.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, all I want to know is where you were the night of Laurie's death. I was here.

[Bob Thompson]

I'm always here. Once in her life she needed me and I wasn't there to help. But I loved her, Slay. Can you believe that? She was perfect. No matter how rotten I got, she continued to love me. Maybe she just got mad at me once, or blown up at me. I might have had the guts to get out and do something about her. Make something of myself. You know, she never cheated on me. She wouldn't even let me serve as.

[Matthew Slade]

A good excuse for that. You started a business a couple months ago, didn't you? Yeah.

[Bob Thompson]

Florie's money. I couldn't even do that without it. I was doing pretty good, too.

[Matthew Slade]

The night of the fire, I spent.

[Bob Thompson]

Day on the beach. I went home for dinner and I came here. That's it. I always end up here.

[Matthew Slade]

Did you have an argument?

[Bob Thompson]

I never argue. Nothing to argue about. She was too perfect. I was too weak.

[Matthew Slade]

Was she expecting anyone that night?

[Bob Thompson]

Not that I know of.

[Matthew Slade]

She would have told him. Did she seem worried or preoccupied with anything?

[Bob Thompson]

Laurie never worried about him. I don't know what you're getting at, Slade. Maybe you'd better explain it.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, I'm not quite sure myself. When you left her that night, did Laurie have a fire going?

[Bob Thompson]

I don't remember, but I doubt it.

[Matthew Slade]

She didn't like to have a fire.

[Bob Thompson]

Unless I was there to attend to it. Sage.

[Matthew Slade]

Yes.

[Bob Thompson]

No matter what Grace has I perceived, you can't accuse me of killing horror. You see, I got the best alibi in the world.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh yeah? What's that?

[Bob Thompson]

I'm too much of a coward.

[Matthew Slade]

At least I'd learned something this morning. Grace Burrows did have a suspect in mind. I was convinced she was wrong. Thompson was no murderer. And I got back to the office in time for lunch and found Jones amidst a stack of old newspaper clippings. She was munching on a hamburger.

[Jonesy]

Well, well. Homeward comes my dashing mirror.

[Matthew Slade]

What's this? Food for the soul as well as the body.

[Jonesy]

Very funny. You just don't realize how hard I work around here.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, tell me, have you found anything tarnishing on our golden girl?

[Jonesy]

There is something that struck me as rather odd.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, what's that, pray tell?

[Jonesy]

Well, if you were a society belle like Lorraine Thompson and you went to lots of balls and gala affairs, would you like having your little sister tagging along all the time? And if you were the little sister, wouldn't you feel like a fifth queen?

[Matthew Slade]

Yes, I suppose so. Now what are you getting at?

[Jonesy]

If you were that little sister, wouldn't you try to get your own date and make it a fortune?

[Matthew Slade]

All right, all right. I'll play your little game. Now what's the next clue?

[Jonesy]

It's just that in all these reports and pictures, Mr. And Mrs. Thompson are accompanied by Lorraine's younger sister, Patricia. Matt, it's odd that a girl like Patricia Burghs doesn't have at least one young man interested in her. Yet in all these picture she's alone.

[Grace Burrows]

There's got to be some reason.

[Jonesy]

And my guess is she's quite happy just being a tag along because she's in love with Bronson.

[Matthew Slade]

Jonesy.

[Jonesy]

Look, Matt, just look. In every one of these pictures, Patricia is looking at Bob like a lovesick cat.

[Matthew Slade]

Now come on sweetheart. You're an incurable romantic.

[Jonesy]

No, just a lot wiser about the ways of women than you seem to be. And I'd be willing to bet one week's pay that I'm right.

[Matthew Slade]

All right, Jonesy. I promise to keep that in mind when I talk to her.

[Jonesy]

Where are you going?

[Matthew Slade]

To see Patricia Burrow. The Burrows home, located in Forest Hills, was a southern colonial surrounded by spacious three shaded ground. I was greeted at the door by uniformed butler and shown to a richly furnished library where I was told to await Mrs. Burroughs. A few moments later she appeared, preceded by that familiar heavy wave of perfume.

[Grace Burrows]

Have you brought news?

[Matthew Slade]

Not exactly, but I would like to talk with your daughter.

[Grace Burrows]

Yes, Maybe I'm just getting cold feet, but everyone seems to think I. I Make a big thing of this. Possibly with the point of making a complete fool of myself.

[Matthew Slade]

Just who is everyone for?

[Grace Burrows]

William, for one, he seems to sit with me.

[Matthew Slade]

William? Excuse me, who's William?

[Grace Burrows]

William Jennings. He's been a family friend for years. I dare you to.

[Matthew Slade]

He advises that you discontinue the investigation.

[Grace Burrows]

Yes. He feels that even if Laurie was murdered, there's nothing we can do about it now. The police are satisfied it was an accident and there'd be such unfavorable publicity.

[Matthew Slade]

Mrs. Burroughs, at the moment I can't be positive that your daughter was murdered. I don't even have a good suspect. But I'm curious enough now to continue the investigation. To find out the truth.

[Grace Burrows]

You were right, Mr. Slade. I. I too want to know the truth. No matter what you may find, anything will be better than not knowing, never being sure.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, I can assure you that everything will be done quietly. And now, if I may talk with Patricia.

[Grace Burrows]

Of course. I'll have Malcolm show you the way to the pool.

[Matthew Slade]

Patricia Burroughs was sunning herself beside an Olympic sized pool. My nostrils picked up the aroma of the same perfume worn by her mother. She looked about 21. 5 foot 2. I'd guess about 98 pounds. And she was cute. Very cute. Ms. Burroughs.

[Grace Burrows]

Pat to you, Mr. Slade. I've been wondering when you'd get around to me. Please sit down.

[Matthew Slade]

Had I known what I'd be getting around to, I would have made it sooner.

[Grace Burrows]

Flattery will get you everywhere. Now, what are we going to talk about?

[Matthew Slade]

Your sister. Tell me, was she unhappy with her marriage?

[Grace Burrows]

She and Bob could have had more of an exciting life if she. She just let herself go. But she felt Bob needed the quiet life. You asked me it was the other way around.

[Matthew Slade]

Did you get her to elaborate on that?

[Grace Burrows]

Laurie was afraid of life. She used Bob as an excuse to shy away from really digging in and enjoying it.

[Matthew Slade]

Was she in love with him?

[Grace Burrows]

No way, I suppose. But it wasn't the kind he needed. She was more like a mother than a wife. As an outside observer, Mr. Slade, one often sees more than the participants.

[Matthew Slade]

As an outside observer, I'd say you were in love with him. The more I got into this case, the less sense it made. I had long since discarded my first thoughts that Lauren Thompson committed suicide. She was too sensible and well adjusted for that. Maybe it was an accident. Maybe I was on a wild goose chase. Nevertheless, with her fetish about fire, someone must have been with her that night. But who? And if so, why didn't that someone try to help her come forward with an explanation. I was right back where I started. The suspects were fading in and out like a fast action B movie. I was convinced that Bob Thompson was innocent. Patricia was admittedly in love with her sister's husband. But I doubted that she'd kill because of it. Then there was William Jennings. If he was in love with Laurie, then where was his motive for murder? Had she been seeing him on the fly? The possibilities were endless. But it all added up to a big fat zero. After a sleepless night of wrestling with my theories, I showered, dressed and headed for the office.

[Grace Burrows]

Good morning, boss.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, good morning, sleeping beauties.

[Jonesy]

I'm putting in for overtime. I spent all afternoon and half the night checking on William Jennings.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, you just didn't have to go to all that trouble, sweetheart.

[Jonesy]

I thought you might like to have it first thing. Here's what I found. It's all typed out.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, thanks.

[Jonesy]

Oh, and one other thing, Matt.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh Yes?

[Jonesy]

I called Mr. Jennings office this morning. His secretary said he was leaving for Los Angeles today on his honeymoon.

[Matthew Slade]

Get me a seat on that Noon plane to LA, sweetheart.

[Grace Burrows]

Haven't you heard?

[Jonesy]

3:00.

[Matthew Slade]

It can't be helped. I've got some questions that won't wait for answers. And you can drive me to the airport. I'll even buy you lunch before I leave.

[Jonesy]

A real honest to goodness lunch.

[Matthew Slade]

How's about something like a filet?

[Jonesy]

You've just bought yourself A chauffeur, mister.

[Matthew Slade]

Flight 12 departing for the Apollo Gate 9. West Coast Airlines Flight 417 departing for Los Angeles, Gate 7. Final call. All aboard please. A quick check with the airline gave me Jennings Hotel. The Sunset Palm. A typical Hollywood facade surrounded by a few palm trees and concrete landscaping. I entered the glass enclosed lobby, went to the desk, left a blank sheet of paper into an envelope, addressed it to Jennings and watched the clerk place it in box 303. I made my way around the crowded poolside to the elevator and minutes later located Jennings room on the third floor.

[Bob Thompson]

Who is it?

[Matthew Slade]

Matthew Slade. I like to talk to you.

[William Jennings]

I don't know anyone by that name.

[Matthew Slade]

You must have the wrong. Or maybe you know more about the name Lorraine Thompson.

[William Jennings]

Now look here. I don't know who you are, what business you have concerning Lorraine, but I.

[Grace Burrows]

Happen to be on my.

[Matthew Slade]

Honey, I'm well aware of the fact that you not only know who I am, but that I'm working for Grace Burrows to investigate her daughter's death. Let's talk about it.

[William Jennings]

Come in. My wife knows nothing of my acquaintance With Lorraine. He's in the next room.

[Matthew Slade]

You and Lorraine Thompson were very good friends.

[William Jennings]

I've known her since we were children.

[Matthew Slade]

Were you in love with her?

[William Jennings]

I suppose our relationship could have been misconstrued by some people.

[Matthew Slade]

When did you see her last?

[William Jennings]

The night of her death.

[Matthew Slade]

She called me.

[William Jennings]

Anyway, she wanted my advice.

[Matthew Slade]

So you went over? Right.

[William Jennings]

I arrived about an hour after a call, about 9:30. But she wasn't there. I waited around for a while and then I went home.

[Matthew Slade]

Were you curious as to where she might have gone?

[William Jennings]

I suppose she'd gone for another one of her therapy drives. That was her pet name for it. Whenever she had a problem, she'd get in her car and just drive.

[Matthew Slade]

Yesterday, Grace Burroughs told me that you had advised her against continuing the investigation. Why?

[William Jennings]

I thought the publicity would do a great deal of damage.

[Matthew Slade]

Are you sure you aren't trying to hide something?

[Grace Burrows]

Now look here.

[William Jennings]

I've been more than generous in humoring you and your insinuations. I told you all I know. If you don't mind, I'd appreciate you leaving.

[Matthew Slade]

I could turn you into the police for withholding evidence, but I guess I'm just a romanticist at heart. You know, your honeymoon and all that. And besides, I think you've forgotten a few things. And you may want to tell me them later. Adios. The heavy wave of perfume, so familiar to Mrs. Burroughs and to her daughter Pat, was much in evidence in room 303 of the Sunset Palms. I was about to calculate my next move when within seconds, I ran down the corridor and forced my way into the room. Jennings had his back to me, clutching the woman by the throat. Her arms were around his neck in a grotesque embrace, hands grasping wildly, vainly searching for some vital target. I spun him around and I hit him with a well placed right hook. He went down and out. Lorraine Thompson stood, holding onto a nearby chair for support. Her dark, silky hair hung towels about her shoulders, her eyes desperately fighting to comprehend. The past few moments. I called the police.

[Grace Burrows]

Almost crisp who tried to kill. It was Harm.

[Matthew Slade]

It's over now. I sit down over here. Now you feel up to telling me about it?

[Laurie Thompson]

Bill and I have been seeing each other for some time. I finally realized that I didn't love my husband. I pitied him, tried to mother him. I could see it was only making him weaker, more dependent. But I couldn't just leave him. The night of the fire, Bob and I had an argument. He wanted more money for his business. I was so confused. I called Bill for his advice Then I decided to make the decision on my own. I went for one of my therapy drives. The rest of the story is like a horrible dream. I wasn't paying attention to the road. I'd driven it a thousand times. Suddenly, there was a woman crossing the road. I was going too fast. I couldn't stop. I tried to swerve. The woman just stood there. The car was. Went out of control and I. I hit her. And I finally managed to stop the car. I went back. She seemed to be alive. So I put her in the back seat of the car and drove home where Bill was waiting for me. She helped me get the woman into the house. And I was about to call the doctor when Bill said she was dead. I panicked. He said it was our chance to get away together. And for me to get out of the murder charge. Bill put my ring on the woman's finger. And a few other things for identification and started the fire. He drove me to the airport and I flew down here. I realized what a terrible thing I had done. But Bill boasted my courage. Then he wanted to draw my savings out of the bank and fly to Mexico. Yesterday I decided to give the money to Bob. I thought it might be of some consolation to him. He'd be better off without me. Anyway. When I told Bill what I planned to do, he became furious. Then you showed up. Bill got frightened, wanted to leave for Mexico. Today, I told him I couldn't go on. It would be best if we gave ourselves up. He suddenly became Enra. He said I could stay, but he wanted the money. He tried to kill me. What will happen to us, Mr. Slade?

[Matthew Slade]

Well, you have to go back and face charges for the accident. And what you told me is true. Bill Jennings will be charged with conspiracy, possible murder.

[Laurie Thompson]

Oh, no.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, chances are the woman wasn't dead. In which case, technically, he or both of you killed her.

[Jonesy]

I never would have guessed it, Matt. I had all my money riding on dear little sister.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, you can't be right all the time. Besides, you know, you were the one who put me onto the scent with your hunch about Patricia. It was she who gave me the first clue. Oh, that reminds me. I picked up a little consolation prize for you. Here.

[Grace Burrows]

Oh.

[Matthew Slade]

Open it. Go ahead.

[Jonesy]

Perfume?

[Grace Burrows]

Thank you.

[Matthew Slade]

Wear it around the office. I kind of got used to it on this case.

[Jonesy]

Oh, Matt.

[Matthew Slade]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I actually really enjoyed this one. I've talked in the past, and mainly with Johnny Dollar. How these sort of short mysteries tend not to lend themselves to many suspects and tend to lead towards very simple solutions. This was definitely an exception as Matt was working through all sorts of scenarios and there were some pretty complex wrinkles in the case. And I found myself as I was listening, are they going to be able to wrap this up in a way that satisfying? And they were. I didn't see the solution coming, but I think it does make sense. The only thing I kind of wondered about, and I'm in no way an expert, is I've never heard of a woman and her two daughters all using the same scent. I've always thought of perfume as an individual thing, but I'm no expert, as I said. So I don't know if that was odd, particularly for perfect kind of upper crust women in the 1960s. But if anyone has any insights on that, I'd love to hear from you. All right, well, now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Ken. Ken's been one of our patreon supporters since November 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the Seamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Ken. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Tuesday with another episode of Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. But join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat, where Time magazine says.

[Henry]

Of me, and I quote, colorful owner of perhaps the worst nightclub in America, but without doubt the best time in the world. What a they say about Francie Green, the cigarette girl. They didn't get around to her. You got a bit with Francie? I asked because most of the time I'm like a father. Then you know she's in the hospital. The doctor says she might die. But you'd know that, being like her father. All right, I'll split hairs with you. When she stopped showing up for work regularly, I'll stop being fatherly. I became the irate employer. What made you like that? France's excuses. She was beaten up. A subway train chased her. These are excuses to a colorful, cultured employer. You didn't believe it.

[Matthew Slade]

Why?

[Henry]

I'll tell you. The lazy girls that work for me dream up such fits to get out of slavery, you wouldn't believe it. They wait. You said France is in a hospital, dying. The truth. Not an act. Not an act. Henry, remind me to make a note to send the flowers flowers with a sweet smell to them. And France is a good girl, too. She wanted me to find out who wanted her dead. Any ideas, Henry? No. No ideas. Unless. Unless what, Henry? Unless Francie, my innocent cigarette girl, somehow got innocently mixed up in last week's murder. That's right. There was a shooting here.

[Matthew Slade]

Yeah.

[Henry]

Joe Paget, a very steady customer. Last Friday it happened. And you haven't solved it yet? Don't you guys have a department for the solution of crime?

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box [e-mail]. follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives, and check us out on instagram.instagram.com. greatdetectives. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.