Mr. and Mrs. North: Death Trap (EP4656)

Summary

Summary of "Mr. and Mrs. North: Death Trap" (EP4656)
Released on March 20, 2025
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham Radio Detective Podcasts

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, listeners are plunged into the perilous world of Mr. and Mrs. North as they navigate a complex web of deception, threat, and suspense in "Death Trap." Hosted by award finalist Adam Graham, the episode masterfully blends old-time radio charm with intense detective work, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Plot Overview

"Death Trap" centers around the Norths—dedicated couple Jerry and Pam—who find themselves entangled in a dangerous kidnapping scheme orchestrated by the sinister Nick Haydress and his henchmen, Flo and Benny. The plot unfolds as the Norths work diligently to rescue Pam's husband, George P. Rowland, from imminent peril while unraveling the motives and plans of their adversaries.

Key Characters

• Jerry North (Joseph Curtin): A resourceful and determined detective husband.
• Pam North (Alice Frost): Jerry's equally tenacious wife, unwavering in her quest to save her husband.
• Nick Haydress: The primary antagonist, orchestrating the kidnapping with ruthless precision.
• Flo & Benny: Nick's loyal accomplices, each bringing their own brand of menace and complexity to the scheme.
• George P. Rowland: Pam's husband, whose kidnapping sets the episode's events into motion.

Major Plot Points

1. The Kidnapping Threat:
   The episode kicks off with Nick Haydress delivering a chilling message to Mrs. Rowland, threatening the safety of her husband unless certain demands are met ([07:26]). This sets the stage for the Norths' investigative journey.

2. Tracing the Call:
   Jerry North employs his detective acumen to trace the source of the ransom call, narrowing down the kidnappers' hideout location to the Van Cortlandt area in upper Manhattan ([09:13]).

3. Encounter with the Accomplices:
   As the Norths delve deeper, they encounter Flo and Benny, whose interactions reveal the internal tensions within the kidnappers' ranks. Notable is Benny's volatile temper and Flo's conflicted loyalties ([15:14], [16:38]).

4. Climactic Confrontation:
   The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown at the designated ransom pickup location. Benny's desperation leads to a heated standoff with the police, resulting in Flo fatally shooting George P. Rowland to prevent him from cooperating with the authorities ([25:57]).

5. Aftermath and Resolution:
   Despite the harrowing events, the Norths' contributions go largely unrecognized in the media, highlighting the often-overlooked heroism of detectives ([27:03]). The episode concludes with a blend of relief and sorrow as the Norths reflect on the ordeal.

Notable Interactions and Quotes

• Nick Haydress's Ultimatum:
  [07:31]
  Nick Haydress: "Don't talk, I said. Your husband's with me. He's been kidnapped. And as soon as we can get together on the door, we'll let him go. In the meantime, keep your mouth shut."

• Pam North's Determination:
  [08:29]
  Pam North: "It's only a few blocks from the garage there. I'll bet that's him calling now. I hope so."

• Jerry North's Analytical Insight:
  [09:13]
  Jerry North: "That their hideout is probably in the Van Cortlandt area or upper Manhattan. That sounds like a good lead, Bill."

• Benny's Desperation and Threats:
  [16:13]
  Nick Haydress: "Don't be a chump, kid. They're too close for comfort. We're getting out of here."

  [24:51]
  Nick Haydress: "They got us, Beanie."

• Flo's Tragic Resolve:
  [25:57]
  Flo: "No, no, no."

• Pam North's Frustration with the Police:
  [18:50]
  Pam North: "I don't know why, Lieutenant. I don't know why you can't find out where their hideout is."

Character Insights

• Jerry North: Exhibits unparalleled dedication and sharp investigative skills, often putting himself at risk to ensure the safety of others.

• Pam North: Represents unwavering loyalty and resilience, driving the narrative forward with her relentless pursuit to save her husband.

• Nick Haydress: Embodies the archetypal villain, whose calculated threats and volatile temperament make him a formidable foe.

• Flo & Benny: Their interactions reveal underlying tensions and personal conflicts, adding depth to the antagonist group and highlighting the fragility of their criminal endeavors.

Conclusion

"Death Trap" offers a gripping narrative that showcases the strengths and vulnerabilities of its characters, particularly the Norths' unwavering commitment to justice and family. Through skillful storytelling and authentic old-time radio performances, Adam Graham delivers an episode that not only entertains but also pays homage to the golden age of detective dramas. The inclusion of notable quotes with precise timestamps enriches the listening experience, allowing fans and newcomers alike to appreciate the intricate layers of the mystery.

Listeners are left reflecting on the complexities of heroism and the often-unseen battles fought by those dedicated to protecting others. As the episode wraps up, the Norths' story stands as a testament to perseverance and the enduring allure of classic detective tales.

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End of Summary

Transcript

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[Podcast Host]

Welcome to the great detectives of Old Time Radio. In a moment we're going to bring you this week's episode of Mr. And Mrs. North. First, if you are enjoying the podcast, I encourage you to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I want to tell you about Molly B's Gourmet Cookies. These aren't your average cookies. Molly B's takes the idea of a classic treat and flips it on it head with bold unforgettable flavor Chocolate Cherry Amaretto in their be cordial cookie or the boss man loaded with real maple syrup, crispy bacon and whiskey. It's like a gourmet adventure in every bite. Each cookie is artesian crafted in small batches ensuring top notch quality and that melt in your mouth texture we all love. And here is the best part. Molly B's delivers right to your door. No cookie shop needed. Want to give them a try? Use the code box13 at checkout on mollybees.com to get a 10% discount on your entire order. It's a deal I've set up for my listeners. And full disclosure, I earn a small commission when you use my code so it's a win win. You get amazing cookies and you support the show. So head over to MollyBees.com today and treat yourself to something extraordinary. That's MollyBz.com now from February 26, 1952 here is the Episode Death Trap.

[Nick Haydress]

Beat it, you two. I don't talk to strangers.

[Pam North]

Well, we're not strangers, exactly. I'm Mrs. North.

[Nick Haydress]

Beat it, I said.

[Jerry North]

Well, you don't have to get tough about it.

[Nick Haydress]

Go on, go on, scram. And don't come back. The only place I want to see you is in the morgue.

[Jerry North]

Mr. And Mrs. North. Starring Joseph Curtin and Alice Frost. Listen, as Pam and Jerry solve the mystery. The death trap. A few miles uptown from where the north live, in the cellar of an old brownstone apartment house, a woman sits at a table playing solitaire. Her hair is blonde, platinum blonde. Her eyes are sultry. Behind her, an anxious young man is nervously pacing the floor.

[Flo]

You're gonna wear out those shoes, Benny.

[Benny]

Won't be the first time. What the devil is keeping Nick?

[Flo]

Give him a chance, will you? He's gotta check the whole setup before we can lift a finger.

[Benny]

What for? Don't he think I know how to case a job?

[Flo]

Look, Beanie, Nick don't trust anybody when it comes to a kidnapping job. The way he works.

[Pam North]

Careful.

[Benny]

You like it?

[Flo]

I suppose I like staying out of jail. I like a meal ticket. That's nice and steady, too.

[Benny]

What's the matter with me? I'd be the best meal ticket in the world if you'd only let me. I'd give you anything you wanted, Flo. Anything.

[Flo]

Sure, for a while you would.

[Benny]

For as long as you wanted me.

[Flo]

Stop it, kid. You're dreaming.

[Benny]

What are you doing?

[Flo]

Using my head? When you get to be my age, you don't run off with little boys that fall in love with you. You stick to somebody solid, somebody that's been around for a long time. Like Nick.

[Benny]

How long are we gonna go on like this? Making love behind his back, Aching to be alone together and having him put his fat paws all over you?

[Flo]

He's back. That you, Nick?

[Nick Haydress]

Yeah, it's me.

[Benny]

How'd you make out? Set up okay.

[Nick Haydress]

Looks pretty good. Looks like you had it figured right about the old man's money too.

[Flo]

But what kept you? He was getting worried.

[Nick Haydress]

About me or your share of the setup?

[Flo]

Well, don't say that, sweetie. You know you're the only guy in the world for me.

[Nick Haydress]

Sure, I know. Got a kiss for Papa?

[Benny]

Well, let's not stand around smooching all night. Let's get the car and put this show on the road.

[Nick Haydress]

Car's outside, Benny. Roll in 20 minutes. What are you carrying?

[Benny]

Automatics. One upstairs and one on the hip.

[Nick Haydress]

Deadcham. Deadcham, I said. And take the Silencer. I don't think we'll have any trouble with this old guy. But if we have to shoot him, we better shoot him quiet.

[Jerry North]

Oh, I'm glad we decided to go to the early movie, Pam. I don't think I could have sat through the late one.

[Pam North]

Well, if I'd have known you were so tired, dear, we wouldn't have gone to the movies at all. Have you got your keys?

[Jerry North]

Mm.

[Flo]

Mr. North.

[Jerry North]

What size?

[Pam North]

Oh, Mrs. Rowland, dear. Across the hall. Mr. North. Did you happen to see my husband when you came upstairs just now?

[Jerry North]

Why, no, Mrs. Rowland. Is he outside?

[Pam North]

Well, I don't know where he is, Mr. North. He said he was just going down to put the car in the garage, but he left here almost an hour ago.

[Jerry North]

Well, maybe he stopped off someplace on the way back.

[Pam North]

No, I'm sure he wouldn't do that. You know, he hasn't been well lately. And with all the work we've been doing these past few weeks. Selling things and making arrangements to live down in Florida. He's been getting to bed very early. Oh, I'm sure nothing's happened to him, Mrs. Rowland. It's only a few blocks from the garage there. I'll bet that's him calling now. I hope so. Will you wait? I'll see who it is. Yes, surely. Hello?

[Nick Haydress]

Mrs. Rowland?

[Pam North]

Yes.

[Nick Haydress]

Are you alone?

[Pam North]

Why, yes. Who is this?

[Nick Haydress]

Never mind. Just listen and don't do any more talking. It's about your husband, and it's important.

[Pam North]

What?

[Nick Haydress]

Don't talk, I said. Your husband's with me. He's been kidnapped. And as soon as we can get together on the door, we'll let him go. In the meantime, keep your mouth shut.

[Pam North]

But he's not.

[Nick Haydress]

I told you to keep your mouth shut. Don't say a word about this to anybody. And if you call in the police, we'll kill him.

[Pam North]

No.

[Nick Haydress]

Remember what I told you, Mrs. Rowland. Sit tight and wait for my call. I'll be in touch with you later.

[Flo]

Hello?

[Pam North]

Hello, Miss.

[Flo]

Madam.

[Jerry North]

Slim, what's wrong?

[Pam North]

My husband. My husband, he's been kidnapped. You shouldn't have done it, Mr. North.

[Jerry North]

You.

[Pam North]

You shouldn't have asked Lieutenant Wigand to come here. They warned me not to call the police. Well, you didn't call them. Jerry, did. They find out, they'll kill George.

[Jerry North]

No, no. Don't you Worry about that, Mrs. Rowland. I was very careful about coming here, and I made sure that no one saw me. Well, what's the next move, Bill? Tracing that phone call. No. You can't trace a Local call, Jerry? Not after it's completed. That's why I was so anxious to know when your husband left this apartment, Mrs. Roland.

[Pam North]

Well, I told you as near as I could remember, Lieutenant. He left about 9:30.

[Jerry North]

And the kidnappers didn't call till about 10:30. Which means that it took them almost an hour to get where they were going.

[Pam North]

If they called as soon as they.

[Jerry North]

Got there, wouldn't you? Now, if you wanted to keep Mrs. Rowland from getting anxious and going to the police about her husband, wouldn't you call as soon as you could?

[Pam North]

Yes, I suppose so. Bill, I still don't know what you're driving at.

[Jerry North]

Well, figure it out, Pam. The call was local. The driving time was at least a half hour more. And with a kidnapped man in the car, they wouldn't dare risk going over any big bridges.

[Pam North]

Well, so what does that mean?

[Jerry North]

That their hideout is probably in the Van Cortlandt area or upper Manhattan. That sounds like a good lead, Bill. Well, it's only a hunch right now, but bright and early tomorrow, my men are going to check every public phone booth from Dyckman street up.

[Benny]

What are you doing, Nick? Why don't you turn the light off and let the old man get some sleep?

[Nick Haydress]

He'll get sleep when the ransom door is in, and so will we.

[Flo]

Well, what are you fitting with those bandages for? You taking off the adhesive tape?

[Nick Haydress]

I'm not taking anything off. I just want to make sure he can breathe underneath the gag. You all right, Grandpa?

[Benny]

Sure he's okay?

[Flo]

Well, he don't look so good, Beanie. Maybe that thing's choking him.

[Benny]

Oh, quit babying him, will you?

[Nick Haydress]

You shut up. I want this old guy to croak on us. Okay, okay. I'll take it off for a while and give you a whiff of fresh air. There. You better, Pop.

[Benny]

Yes, yes, thank you.

[Flo]

Maybe we ought to give him a drink of water.

[Benny]

Oh, for crying out, la. Why me?

[Flo]

Why me? Why did you have to pick an old man like me?

[Benny]

I'm sick.

[Flo]

I've worked hard all my life.

[Benny]

And now that I've got enough money to live on for a few years.

[Flo]

You'Re gonna take it away from me?

[Benny]

Listen to him.

[Flo]

I just want a little place where.

[Benny]

We can take it easy for a while and have a little fun until we die.

[Nick Haydress]

All right, Pop, that's enough talking.

[Benny]

We sold everything we owe. He said that was enough talking. No, I've got to tell you.

[Flo]

I don't care what happens to me anymore if you take that money.

[Benny]

There Won't be anything left. Are you gonna shut up?

[Jerry North]

No.

[Flo]

I'm gonna fight you. Even if you kill me, I'm going.

[Benny]

To fight you every way I. Phoenix. You had it coming to him. Now maybe he won't talk so much.

[Jerry North]

Darling, I wish you'd tell me what you expect to gain by all this snooping around. We've been in every diner, bar room, stationery store and soda fountain.

[Pam North]

No, don't be discouraged, dear. We've got to cover all the public phone booths in this uptown area.

[Jerry North]

Why, Bill Wigan has 30 policemen out doing this job.

[Pam North]

Well, it won't hurt to have 32. Oh, don't you see, darling? There's so much territory to be covered and there's a little time to do it in. If anything should happen to Mr. Roland, I'd never forgive my.

[Jerry North]

Okay, let's try the next one. Only if we keep going into all these bars, pretty soon I'm going to.

[Benny]

Have to have a drink.

[Pam North]

Well, not in this one, dear. It doesn't look sanitary.

[Jerry North]

Pam, he heard you.

[Benny]

Cleanest bar in the town. Lady, I wash every one of these glasses with my lily white hands.

[Pam North]

We didn't mean to.

[Benny]

I'm kidding you, mister. I'm a bug on killing germs. I got disinfectant all over the place.

[Pam North]

Yes, I. I smell it.

[Benny]

It smells good, don't it? Nice and clean. I put it in the mop water all the time. Believe you me, this place. This place here gets a good going over. Well, as soon as I close up at night, I chuck all them bums out of here. I wipe off the tables with ammonia, sprinkle cockroach powder in all the corners. You'd be surprised at all the dirt and filth that accumulates in just one day.

[Nick Haydress]

And if you don't do nothing about.

[Benny]

It, you get mice. Now, what do you have to drink?

[Pam North]

We don't care for anything to drink, thank you. We're looking for some information about a.

[Jerry North]

Phone call that might have been made from here about 10:30 last night. Do you happen to remember if anybody walked in here and used your phone about that time?

[Pam North]

A man with a slight accent. Greek or Italian?

[Benny]

Gosh, you got me, lady. At 10:30 last night, we was all watching the fights on television. Wait a second. Was this bird a short, stocky guy with black hair?

[Pam North]

We don't know what he looks like. We just know that he speaks with an accent.

[Benny]

Well, now that you mention it, I think this guy did talk kind of funny. And he acted kind of funny, too, like he didn't want nobody to see him, you know.

[Jerry North]

No kidding. You know where we can find him? No.

[Benny]

No, I don't even know what his name is. Hey, wait a minute.

[Jerry North]

What's the matter?

[Benny]

That guy looking in the door. You see him? He's the one I was just telling you about.

[Pam North]

The one who made the phone call.

[Benny]

Yeah, yeah, that's right.

[Pam North]

Richard, you've got to find out who it is. Oh, excuse me. I didn't mean to bump.

[Nick Haydress]

That's okay.

[Jerry North]

You looking for someone, mister?

[Nick Haydress]

No. Are you?

[Jerry North]

Well, not exactly. Hey, where are you going?

[Nick Haydress]

What business is it of yours?

[Pam North]

Well, we're strangers around here.

[Flo]

We thought you.

[Benny]

Sorry, lady.

[Nick Haydress]

I'm in a hurry.

[Jerry North]

Oh, wait a minute.

[Nick Haydress]

Take your hands off me, bud, or you won't have any.

[Jerry North]

Well, you don't have to get tough.

[Nick Haydress]

Don't I? I don't like your looks, mister. Now beat it and beat it fast or you'll wind up with a slug in.

[Benny]

Nick. Should have been back by now. It don't take this long to walk down the block and put in a phone call. What's he telling that old lady?

[Flo]

How we want the ransom, I guess, and when to have it ready.

[Benny]

Even so, it don't take no 40 minutes.

[Flo]

Sit down, William Beanie. You're wearing out the floor again.

[Benny]

What else is there to do? Want me to play nice maid? The old man?

[Flo]

Roller, you might go in there and see if he's okay. There's a pretty hard sock you give him last night.

[Benny]

Ah, he got over it.

[Flo]

Yeah, he got over it. I mean, you didn't. You're just as jumpy as you ever were.

[Benny]

Oh, well, you can that stuff. The old man had nothing to do with it. I'm. I'm jumpy on account of you.

[Flo]

What did I do?

[Benny]

What do you always do? Sitting there with that tight dress on, blowing smoke rings in my face. I'll jump right out of my skin if you don't put your arms around me.

[Flo]

Don't, honey. Nick will be back in a minute.

[Benny]

Oh, you're a great one. You say you're nuts about me. When we're alone, you say I make love to you like nobody in the world. But you still won't run out on him, need him before. What? We'll net at least 15 GS from this hall. And with that kind of role, we can go anywhere we want, baby, just.

[Jerry North]

The two of us.

[Benny]

We could burn up the whole world.

[Flo]

Honey, if you get me started.

[Benny]

Oh, don't push me away, sweetie. You know you got A yen for me. And you know you're going away with me, too. Just as soon as we finish this job.

[Flo]

Baby, if you just wouldn't lose your head all the time.

[Benny]

Don't worry, Flo. I'll take care of you good. What took you so long, Nick? I thought you were coming right back.

[Nick Haydress]

I couldn't. I ran into trouble.

[Flo]

What kind of trouble? With the old lady?

[Nick Haydress]

Nah. I didn't call the old lady. Didn't get a chance to.

[Flo]

What are you talking about?

[Nick Haydress]

A job.

[Benny]

A whole job.

[Nick Haydress]

It's no good. Somebody's on to us.

[Benny]

Are you kidding?

[Nick Haydress]

Sure. Laughing my head off. Now get ready. Pack up some of your stuff, though. We're all pulling out of here.

[Benny]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. What's going on here?

[Nick Haydress]

Try to make a phone call on Dyckman Street. You'll find out. Cops all over the place. Asking a million questions, too. In every bar room, drugstore and soda fountain. I almost got picked up.

[Benny]

That don't mean nothing.

[Nick Haydress]

Don't be a chump, kid. They're too close for comfort. We're getting out of here.

[Flo]

What about the old man?

[Nick Haydress]

Leave him. Let him go back to his wife. I don't care where he goes, as long as we get away.

[Benny]

Nick, you're crazy. This job is practically in the bag. All we gotta do is set up.

[Nick Haydress]

Stop arguing, will you? Gotta beat it, I tell you.

[Benny]

And lose all the dough we could get from the old lady?

[Nick Haydress]

You'll lose a lot more if we don't get a move on. Dough ain't important to us right now.

[Jerry North]

No?

[Benny]

Well, it is to me. It's the most important thing there is, and I'm gonna get it, too.

[Nick Haydress]

You'll get it in the neck if you don't do like I tell you. Put your head on and go on down and get the car.

[Benny]

I ain't leaving the old man.

[Nick Haydress]

Okay, then stay. Come on, Flo.

[Benny]

You ready? She ain't going, Nick.

[Nick Haydress]

Huh?

[Benny]

She ain't going. She's staying with me.

[Nick Haydress]

What did you say?

[Benny]

Ask her.

[Nick Haydress]

What's this all about, Flo? What do you mean you're staying with him?

[Flo]

Well, I didn't want to tell you this way, Nick. So if you're walking out on the job, maybe Beanie and me can swing it ourselves.

[Nick Haydress]

I'm not talking about the job, Flo. I'm talking about us. Well, four and a half years, Flo. Four and a half years. And you'd split up with me on account of. Get away from me.

[Benny]

You take it easy, Nick.

[Nick Haydress]

Yeah, I'LL take it easy, all right. I'll take it so easy.

[Pam North]

Put that gun down.

[Nick Haydress]

It's okay, Flo. He just wanted to make it plain to me. Now I know you ain't going with me.

[Pam North]

That's him, Bill. I know it is. I'd recognize that face anywhere.

[Jerry North]

Are you sure, Pam? Are you sure this is the same man you bumped into at that bar uptown? Cause this picture was taken several years ago. It's the same man, all right. Have you got a record on him? Oh, yeah, we got a long record. His name's Haydrus. Nick Haydress, alias Joe Nicholas, alias Nick Haynes. Well, if you've got a line on him, the rest ought to be easy. We know he's in that uptown area somewhere. And if you pick him up, you can make him tell you where they're holding Mr. Rowlands.

[Pam North]

That's right, Bill. All you have to do is locate Nick Haydress.

[Jerry North]

Well, I'm afraid that's not enough, Pam. We've located Nick already.

[Pam North]

Oh, and he won't talk.

[Jerry North]

He can't talk. By the time my men got to him, he was dead.

[Pam North]

No.

[Jerry North]

Murdered. Mm. They found his body on the bank of the Harlem River.

[Pam North]

I don't know why, Lieutenant. I don't know why you can't find out where their hideout is. With all the men you've got working on this case, you'd think.

[Jerry North]

Well, now, we're doing the best we can, Mrs. Rowland. I. I don't know how I can make you understand that.

[Pam North]

You'll let me talk to her.

[Flo]

No use talking, Mrs. North.

[Pam North]

They've done something to my husband. Something must have happened to him. Otherwise they would have called me. Almost a whole day has gone by, and they haven't even tried to reach me.

[Jerry North]

Well, you did get that postcard this morning telling you how much money they wanted, and they asked you to draw it out of the bank and have it ready.

[Pam North]

I know, but that postcard was mailed last night. Mrs. Roland, let me call it.

[Flo]

No, no, please.

[Pam North]

I'm all right. It's just that I keep thinking about him. If he's warm enough, they let him rest. They give him enough food. You know, there's certain things that he can't eat. Starchy things. They just don't agree with him.

[Jerry North]

Well, I'm sure that they'll. Wait a second. Don't answer that phone yet, Mrs. Roland. I want to switch on the recording machine. Flash my boys on the line downstairs. Now, if that's one of the kidnappers, keep talking as long as you possibly can. We may be able to trace the call. All right, you can pick up the receiver now.

[Pam North]

Hello?

[Benny]

Mrs. Rowland?

[Pam North]

Yes.

[Benny]

Did you get the money in small bills like we told you on the postcard?

[Pam North]

Yes, I. I went to the bank this afternoon.

[Benny]

Okay, then get this straight. Follow these instructions and nothing will happen to your husband.

[Pam North]

Is he all right? You haven't heard him, have you?

[Benny]

Listen you. I'll run a knife through his back if you don't get these orders right now. This is your last chance, lady.

[Pam North]

All right, all right. I'll do anything you say.

[Benny]

Okay, listen, and listen careful. Cause I'm only gonna say it once. Stick that money of yours in a shoebox and take the White Plain subway out to the end of the line. Come alone, do you hear? After you get off the subway, go two blocks north and one block west. Wait there on the corner for me. I'll drive by in the car. At 2:00 this morning. Now you got it.

[Pam North]

Well, 2:00 sharp.

[Benny]

End of the White Plains line. Two blocks north, one block west.

[Pam North]

But my husband. How do I know that he. Hello? Hello?

[Jerry North]

No, it's no use Mrs. Rowland. He's hung up. What about the call, Bill? Was there time to trace him? Just a minute. I'll check with the boys on the other end of this line. Hello? Eddie, that tracer come through yet? Was there time? Oh, good for you.

[Pam North]

Have they got it? Deal.

[Flo]

Do.

[Pam North]

Do they know where the call came from?

[Jerry North]

Yeah, but I'm afraid it won't do us much good. This call was made from Grand Central Station. Now look man, this is a big job, but it's got to be done to protect Mrs. Rowland. I'm staking out this entire area around where I should be meeting the kidnapp. Now no cars are to be stopped, but if anybody drives past this red line on the map after a quarter of two, nail him. If we don't catch him going in, we'll grab him going out.

[Flo]

What are we gonna do about the old man, Beanie? Looks to me like he's getting ready to pass out.

[Benny]

What do I care what he's getting ready to do as long as his old lady shows up with that doe.

[Flo]

You think she will?

[Benny]

She better or there won't be nothing left of him. All right, come on kid. Time to get ready.

[Flo]

Ready for What? It's only 12:00. You don't have to meet Mrs. Rowland till 2.

[Benny]

Well, I'm gonna change the plans around a little. Just be on the safe side in case there's cops around. She's expecting me to drive up to that corner at 2:00. Only I'm gonna fool her. I'm gonna have the car parked there instead. An hour ahead of time.

[Flo]

Hey, that's a pretty smart dodge.

[Benny]

Mm. Make another one, too. I ain't even gonna be there to pick up the dough on account of they might be expecting me.

[Flo]

Huh. Well, if you don't pick up the dough, how are we gonna get it?

[Benny]

That's simple. You're gonna get it for me.

[Jerry North]

Pam, we're going to get soaked waiting out here in the rain just to see what's going to happen. Did Bill tell you we could stand on this side of the street?

[Pam North]

If we keep him close to the building, we can. We can't be seen from the corner.

[Benny]

Well, I hope that kidnapper shows up early.

[Jerry North]

I'd like to get this over with.

[Pam North]

So would Mrs. Rowland.

[Benny]

Is she there yet?

[Pam North]

Yes, she's just coming up to the corner.

[Benny]

Where's Bill?

[Pam North]

He's down the street away. If we see anything funny going on, where to Call him.

[Jerry North]

Say, there is something funny.

[Pam North]

What?

[Jerry North]

That parked car over there. I never knew there was a woman sitting in it.

[Pam North]

Neither did I. She must have been slumped down in the cedar. Oh, we'd have seen her.

[Jerry North]

How long do you suppose she's been there?

[Pam North]

I don't know, but I'm gonna find out.

[Jerry North]

Pam.

[Pam North]

Hurry, Jerry. She started the motor.

[Jerry North]

Hey, wait a second.

[Benny]

Just a minute, young lady.

[Flo]

What's the matter?

[Pam North]

Well, that's what we'd like to know. How long have you been parked here?

[Flo]

Just a little while. I had a dizzy spell while I was driving, so I pulled over to the side to rest for a minute.

[Jerry North]

Is this your car?

[Flo]

Of course it's Micah. Who are you? Why you ask me all these questions?

[Pam North]

Because there's a police officer down there. Police officer?

[Benny]

Hey, what are you doing, Jerry?

[Jerry North]

Oh, brother. She almost knocked us down.

[Pam North]

Go stand there, Jerry. Get Bill. Wagon.

[Jerry North]

Hey, Bill.

[Flo]

That car.

[Pam North]

Bill, go after that car.

[Benny]

Hey, baby, did you get the dough?

[Flo]

Oh, nothing. We're hot, beanie.

[Pam North]

Red hot.

[Benny]

What are you talking about?

[Flo]

That place up there was a trap. Cops were waiting for us.

[Benny]

Cops? How did you get through them? How do you know they didn't tell you here?

[Flo]

I don't. I just drove as fast as I could, Left the car right out front.

[Benny]

You crazy half wit. What's the idea of leading them to me? What the devil did you come back here for?

[Flo]

I don't know, honey. I was scared. I wanted you to help Me?

[Benny]

How can I help you if you bring the cops? I ought to bust you in the nose. Shut up and get out of the way.

[Flo]

What are you doing?

[Benny]

Looking outside. Gotta see if we can make a break for it.

[Flo]

Anybody out there?

[Benny]

I don't see anybody. Not yet.

[Flo]

Hey, wait, wait. Two cops come around the corner. Two more up the street.

[Benny]

I told you you shouldn't have come back here.

[Flo]

Well, where else could I go? What could I do?

[Benny]

Anything. Anything at all but what you did. Hold it up. Hold it up in there.

[Nick Haydress]

They got us, Beanie.

[Flo]

They got us for good.

[Benny]

Not me, they ain't. I still got nice in the hole. The old man, Roland. You heard me. Go on back in the kitchen. Bring him out here, quick. Open up. I said open up, or we'll break right through. Get away from that door, copper. You try to bust in here and I'll kill the old man. I'll blow his head off. You better stop.

[Jerry North]

Get back here.

[Benny]

I'm warning you, copper, if you want the old man to live, back up from that door. Get your men out of here. Don't be crazy.

[Jerry North]

You haven't got a chance.

[Benny]

Get him out, I tell you. Get him out or I start shooting. Flo, where are you?

[Flo]

Coming.

[Jerry North]

What do you want of me?

[Benny]

Haven't you done enough already? Shut up, Mr. Roland. Come on, copper, quit stalling. Either you get your men out of here or I plug Roland. Now, which is it? Make up your mind. Wait. I'll wait. Three seconds. One. Now, look. Two. Beanie. Three.

[Flo]

Mr. Rollins. Okay, lady. It's Beanie. That ain't so good.

[Pam North]

Good heavens.

[Flo]

What happened?

[Jerry North]

Listen.

[Benny]

No, she shot him. Shot him again and again.

[Jerry North]

I'll take that gun, young lady.

[Flo]

Go ahead. I don't need it no more.

[Jerry North]

Mr. Roland, are you all right? Here, let me help you.

[Flo]

No, no, no.

[Benny]

I just want to get out of here.

[Pam North]

You will, Mr. Roland. We'll all get out. Bill, is it all right if we take Mr. Roland out to the car?

[Jerry North]

Sure, sure. His wife must be worried sick about him.

[Pam North]

Well, we'll see you out there, Bill.

[Jerry North]

Yeah. I just want to talk to this young lady for a minute before we go down to headquarters.

[Flo]

It was no good, copper. No good at all.

[Jerry North]

Is that why you killed him?

[Flo]

Yes, it must be. Funny thing about Beanie. Could just touch me and I'd feel like I was on fire. But he was just no good. No good at all.

[Pam North]

Dollies. We're on the front page of this morning's the newspaper, Jerry.

[Jerry North]

Oh, really? Does that say something about the kidnapping of course.

[Pam North]

Tells the whole story, dear.

[Jerry North]

About the way we tracked down the first clue up in that bar room where we bumped into Nick.

[Pam North]

Well, no, it doesn't say anything about that, dear.

[Jerry North]

No. Oh, I suppose it plays up the car angle, the way we found that Flow woman and tipped off the police about it.

[Pam North]

Well, no, it doesn't say anything about that either.

[Jerry North]

That's funny. Let me see that paper.

[Pam North]

Now. Don't be disappointed, darling. After all, they had to give the police some credit.

[Jerry North]

Some credit? Well, I don't see our names mentioned at all.

[Pam North]

Oh, we're there, darling.

[Jerry North]

Where?

[Pam North]

Down at the bottom. See? After a harrowing experience which lasted some 32 hours, the victim, George P. Rowland, and his wife Margaret returned to their apartment at approximately 3am they were driven home by some neighbors across the hall.

[Jerry North]

Next week, more adventure of Mr. And Mrs. North starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.

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[Podcast Host]

Welcome back. This is a story that's a strange fit for Mr. And Mrs. North. Essentially, they're doing police work in this sort of melodramatic story. And there's not a whole lot in terms of their typical detection style at work. The one sort of flash of old school Mr. And Mrs. North charm was the conversation with the guy who had the very hygienic bar that you definitely want to have a drink in. And now we turn to listener comments and feedback. And we start out with Stanley, who writes regarding Mr. And Mrs. North, the best detective show. And then we have a couple comments regarding the dry martini caper Mr. Moto twice told tale. Mechanic 6682 writes, when the guy called her Portia, it reminded me of Horace Rumple. I could definitely see Rumple firing some of those insults, though. He would pick his place for that and then another listener writes, thank you. Great option to listen to while I do the first raking of leaves out front. Appreciate all you do in keeping the radio classics alive and available. Many blessings. Well, thank you so much and definitely are quite blessed. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Ryan. Ryan's been one of our Patreon supporters since May 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Ryan and that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, 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 Thursday with another episode of Mr. And Mrs. North, but join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Doll or where you have.

[Benny]

Asked me a direct question and I.

[Nick Haydress]

Will give you a direct answer. Yes, I intend, as you put it, to leave the other two out in the cold.

[Jerry North]

You say there are three of them. Sheila, Michael, Elizabeth. What can you tell me about them? Well, Sheila, who lives with me, seems.

[Nick Haydress]

To think that she should be managing my affairs instead of I. Michael seems to prefer the so called life of an artist through assuming the responsibilities of.

[Jerry North]

The name of Watkins and Elizabeth.

[Nick Haydress]

Stubborn, stubborn, married to one James Lovett, who is quite convinced that he knows infinitely more about business matters than I ever did.

[Jerry North]

Well, you seem to take a pretty dim view of all of them, Mr. Watkins. I do, I do indeed, Mr. Donald. You know, one little item occurs to me and what is that? Whichever two are left out aren't going to like it very much, obviously. Which means they're not going to like me very much.

[Benny]

Also quite obvious. So I intend to pay you a.

[Jerry North]

Considerable fee, but you will earn it.

[Podcast Host]

Every I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.