Mr. and Mrs. North: Murder Mismanaged (EP4674)

Summary

Detailed Summary of Mr. and Mrs. North: Murder Mismanaged (EP4674)

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham Radio Detective Podcasts
Episode: Mr. and Mrs. North: Murder Mismanaged
Release Date: April 10, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Mr. and Mrs. North, listeners are plunged into a complex tale of family betrayal, crime, and redemption within the glamorous yet perilous world of jewelry stores. Featuring the dynamic duo Pam and Jerry North, voiced by Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin, the story unfolds with layers of deceit and unexpected twists that challenge the protagonists' detective skills.

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Plot Overview

1. Tensions at Hayden’s Jewelry Store

The episode opens with Arnold Hayden, the beleaguered owner of Hayden's Jewelry Store, grappling with his strained relationship with his son-in-law, Arnold Hayden. Early in the morning ([02:39]), Arnold expresses frustration over his deteriorating relationship:

Arnold Hayden ([03:14]): "Why did you marry me, Arnold? For the same reason you married me. Cause you loved me. You thought it would work out, only you didn't know I'd never amount to anything."

This conversation sets the stage for the underlying tension, hinting at deeper familial conflicts and financial strains.

2. The Robbery Unfolds

As the day progresses, a robbery occurs at Hayden's store. Arnold, visibly shaken from a night out, arrives home in an unsteady state ([02:11]). The situation escalates when Arnold tries to leave for the store despite Jerry North's pleas for him to stay ([03:43]). The confrontation takes a violent turn:

Arnold Hayden ([04:35]): "All right, I'm sorry. Next time, don't get in my way."

Shortly after, the robbery takes place, and chaos ensues inside the store. Mr. Hayden, played by Herbert Marshall, is nearly assaulted by the robber but is instead hit by Arnold in the scuffle ([07:26]-[09:08]).

3. Investigating the Incident

Pam and Jerry North quickly become embroiled in investigating the robbery and Arnold’s erratic behavior. Upon learning about the incident, Pam contacts Lieutenant Wigand at the police station ([12:54]):

Pam North ([12:57]): "A man by the name of Hayden. He's a jeweler, Bill. And his son in law is thinking of killing him."

Lieutenant Wigand reveals that Arnold has already been found dead, shot in the shoulder and later discovered lifeless in an alley ([13:37]-[13:39]). The Norths suspect foul play intertwined with family secrets.

4. Unveiling the Truth

As the investigation unfolds, deeper secrets emerge. Jerry North confesses a critical mistake:

Jerry North ([19:18]): "I know because I was trying to cover up for him, too. I hired that hold up man myself. That was the mistake I made."

This revelation uncovers a web of deceit where Jerry had orchestrated the robbery to aid Arnold, inadvertently leading to fatal consequences.

5. The Confession and Resolution

The climax intensifies when Mr. Hayden confronts Arnold, leading to the ultimate revelation that Mr. Hayden himself is the murderer. Overwhelmed by guilt and unable to live with the deceit, Mr. Hayden confesses:

Mr. Hayden ([24:15]): "Yes, I killed him. Last night, after he left my apartment, I followed him and shot him because his life was taking two of ours."

This confession not only resolves the mystery but also sheds light on the destructive nature of family conflicts and hidden agendas.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Arnold Hayden ([03:14]): "Why did you marry me, Arnold? For the same reason you married me. Cause you loved me. You thought it would work out, only you didn't know I'd never amount to anything." ([03:28])

• Johnny North ([17:15]): "Is it because you killed him?" ([17:17])

• Mr. Hayden ([24:15]): "Yes, I killed him. Last night, after he left my apartment, I followed him and shot him because his life was taking two of ours." ([24:15])

• Pam North ([22:26]): "But how is her father so sure that Sally's guilty? How does he know that Manny didn't kill Arnold?" ([22:26])

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Host’s Commentary and Analysis

After the dramatic conclusion, host Adam Graham provides his insightful critique of the episode:

Adam Graham ([27:00]-[25:03]):
"I mostly enjoyed this one. I think there was a lot of question as to what was going on in terms of the machinations of these three people. And the murder took a good while to actually come off, and really it was engaging throughout. The ending of the case gives me a couple of problems. First off, I question Pam's logic. The father might have been willing to let Arnold's murderer get away with it because he didn't think much of Arnold, and the robber could implicate his daughter in having plotted the robbery without the father actually having had anything to do with the murder. I have mixed thoughts on his confession. On one hand, people particularly like him in this particular situation have consciences, and I can buy the idea that he might have killed Arnold out of extreme duress and confessed because he couldn't live with himself for what he'd done. In this case, it feels like a cop out to resolve the mystery because there weren't really enough clues to get Wigan close to even probable cause. And the show is running out of time. And I kind of wish the decision to confess had been brought on by Pam's solution. Him having already decided to confess doesn't really serve the plot. All it does is make the presence of our heroes somewhat superfluous to the proceedings. And I think there is a sense in a couple of these more recent episodes that the writers just want to tell a crime melodrama. And Pam and Jerry are just there because it's obligatory to have Mr. And Mrs. North in their own program."

Graham appreciates the episode's engaging narrative but critiques the plausibility of the resolution, suggesting that the confession felt forced and diminished the Norths' detective roles.

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Conclusion

Mr. and Mrs. North: Murder Mismanaged delivers a compelling story filled with familial strife, crime, and the quest for truth. While the plot intricacies and character dynamics offer an engaging listening experience, some resolution elements may leave listeners questioning the believability of the conclusions drawn. Nonetheless, the episode remains a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio detective dramas, blending suspense with human emotion in a nostalgic package.

Listeners who appreciate intricate mysteries and classic radio storytelling will find this episode both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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Additional Notes

• Actor Highlights: The episode features notable performances by Alice Frost, Joseph Curtin, Herbert Marshall, and others, bringing depth and authenticity to the characters.

• Setting: The narrative is set predominantly in Los Angeles and incorporates elements from the golden age of radio detective fiction, immersing listeners in a bygone era of suspense.

• Engagement: Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast and engage with the host, fostering a community of mystery enthusiasts.

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This summary encapsulates the key elements, discussions, and conclusions of the Murder Mismanaged episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both seasoned listeners and newcomers alike.

Transcript

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[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 Mr. And Mrs. North. But before we do, I want to encourage you. If you are enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I do want to encourage you to check out my wife's business, Ashira clipse. That'[e-mail] Ashira There you'll find a wide variety of different hair clips, hairpins and headbands to suit a wide variety of different styles. You can find [e-mail] Ashira well, now, from March 18, 1952, here is Murder Mismanaged.

[Pam North]

No, don't try to sneak open the door, Pam. Look through the keyhole.

[Jerry North]

That's what I did.

[Mr. Hayden]

What'd you see?

[Mrs. North]

An eye.

[Pam North]

A human eye.

[Mrs. North]

Well, I hope it was human, because if I saw it, it must have seen me.

[Narrator]

Mr. And Mrs. North, starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtain. Listen as Pam and Jerry solve the mystery. Murder mismanaged. The man in the unpressed suit is still a little unsteady as he rises heavily from his bed and consults a mirror on the bedroom wall. It's almost noon. The effects of a late night spent at a neighborhood bar have lingered into the morning after, leaving him with a pair of red rimmed eyes and a handful of shaky fingers.

[Arnold Hayden]

Sally. Sally. What time is that?

[Mrs. North]

Are you up, Arnold?

[Arnold Hayden]

Yeah, I'm up. What'd you think I was doing in here, walking in my sleep? A cup of coffee in the house?

[Jerry North]

Yes, Arnold, I'll get it for you.

[Arnold Hayden]

Make it snappy, will you? I gotta throw some water on my face. Get down the store. I'm late.

[Jerry North]

Uh, maybe you better not go to the store today. I mean, looking the way you do. Maybe you better stay home.

[Arnold Hayden]

Sure, sure. Just take the day off. Just like that? The old man would have a fit.

[Jerry North]

I know.

[Arnold Hayden]

Well, wouldn't he? You don't have to stick up for him because he's your father. I know what a cheapskate he is.

[Jerry North]

Darling, I don't want to argue with you about father.

[Arnold Hayden]

Well, then Tell him to quit saying he's supporting me. Tell him to quit saying I married you for your money.

[Jerry North]

Why did you marry me, Arnold?

[Arnold Hayden]

For the same reason you married me. Cause you loved me. You thought it would work out, only you didn't know I'd never amount to anything.

[Jerry North]

Honey, I still love you. And I still think it can work out if you just stop drinking so much and try to make a first.

[Arnold Hayden]

Honey, will you stop it? I gotta get down the store.

[Jerry North]

No, wait.

[Arnold Hayden]

I gotta get down there, I tell you.

[Jerry North]

Arnold, please don't go to the store today. Stay with me.

[Robber]

You crazy?

[Jerry North]

Stay with me. Arnold, you've got to. My father doesn't want you to work for him anymore.

[Arnold Hayden]

Doesn't want me? He told you that?

[Jerry North]

Well, see, he thinks he'd be better off in another kind of job. After all, a jewelry store is not.

[Arnold Hayden]

Oh, sure, a jewelry store is risky business. With all those diamonds lying around, you gotta be careful who's working for you.

[Jerry North]

He didn't say that.

[Arnold Hayden]

I don't care what he said. That's what he means. He doesn't trust me no more. Thinks I'm stealing from him.

[Jerry North]

Arnold, listen.

[Arnold Hayden]

To what. Now let go of my arm, will you? I'm going down that stone.

[Mr. Hayden]

No, please.

[Mrs. North]

You'll have a fight.

[Arnold Hayden]

All right then, I'll have a fight. Now let go of it.

[Jerry North]

Arnold, you're not going down there.

[Arnold Hayden]

Call me, I said.

[Jerry North]

Honey, you hurt me.

[Arnold Hayden]

All right, I'm sorry. Next time, don't get in my way.

[Mr. Hayden]

1410 Hayden's Jewelry Store. Yes, this is Mr. Hayden speaking.

[Mrs. North]

Oh, Mr. Hayden, this is Mrs. North. I'm calling about my husband's watch. I left it with your son in law the other day and he didn't seem to know when it'd be ready.

[Mr. Hayden]

Why, it's ready right now, Mrs. North. You can pick it up anytime you like.

[Mrs. North]

Well, Mr. North and I'll be over a little later on. Thank you, Mr. Hayden.

[Robber]

You're quite welcome.

[Mr. Hayden]

Yes? Oh, it's you.

[Arnold Hayden]

Hello, Pop. Surprised to see me?

[Mr. Hayden]

Surprised isn't the right word, Donald.

[Arnold Hayden]

What is?

[Mr. Hayden]

Well, I don't see any reason why we have to have an argument about it. Didn't Sally tell you? I don't want you to work for me anymore.

[Arnold Hayden]

Yeah, yeah, she told me.

[Mr. Hayden]

Then why did you come down here?

[Arnold Hayden]

I want to find out what's behind it. What's the real reason you're firing me, Mr. Hayden? I want to know the truth.

[Mr. Hayden]

The truth is very simple. I can't stand the sight of you. Arnold never could and when I think of what you've done to my daughter's life and mine, it. It makes me sick inside.

[Arnold Hayden]

Is that all?

[Mr. Hayden]

No, there's more. I'm going to take Sally away from you, Arnold, if it's the last thing I do. I'm going to take her away and put you where you belong. Behind bars.

[Arnold Hayden]

I thought you'd be coming to that.

[Mr. Hayden]

And I thought you could be trusted. Until I realized you were a thief. A common, ordinary thief.

[Arnold Hayden]

Keep your mouth shut. Another crack like that and I'll forget how old you are.

[Mr. Hayden]

Slapping me won't do any good, Arnold. When I've got the proof, I'm going to the police.

[Arnold Hayden]

You're not going to do nothing of the kind. And if I catch you calling up the police. We'll finish this later on, Pop. Somebody just came in the store.

[Mr. Hayden]

Oh, can I help you, sir?

[Robber]

Well, maybe you can, mister. I'm looking for a ring.

[Mr. Hayden]

For yourself or for. What are you doing?

[Robber]

Stay where you are. Grandpa, this is a sticker.

[Mrs. North]

What?

[Robber]

You too, mister. Don't move. I've got you covered.

[Arnold Hayden]

I'm not moving.

[Robber]

All right, then. Keep your traps yet. Do like I tell you. These trays over here, get them out. Come on, come on, hurry it up. You help him, Grandpa. And keep your hands away from that burglar alarm. I'm not fooling.

[Mr. Hayden]

I didn't think you were.

[Robber]

Okay, trays on the case and turn around. Turn around, I said.

[Mr. Hayden]

That's what I'm doing.

[Robber]

Hey, you.

[Arnold Hayden]

Look out.

[Pam North]

Hey, where you going, Pam? The jewelry store's over here.

[Mrs. North]

Oh, that's right. I was thinking we were on 6th Avenue.

[Pam North]

Now, don't tell me you gave my watch to the wrong place.

[Mrs. North]

Oh, no, no, this is right, dear. I spoke to Mr. Hayden about an hour ago, only I.

[Pam North]

Only what?

[Mrs. North]

For goodness sake, look at the crowd, Jerry.

[Pam North]

Something must have happened inside the store. There's a policeman outside.

[Narrator]

Keep moving, please.

[Arnold Hayden]

We'll move right along.

[Mrs. North]

Golly, somebody must have been hurt. Excuse me, please. Excuse me.

[Narrator]

Just a minute, lady. You can't go in there.

[Mrs. North]

Oh, but we have to. My husband has a watch in there. And Mr. Hayden's a very special friend of ours.

[Robber]

My artisan.

[Mrs. North]

Thank you, Officer. We won't be in the way. Come on, Jerry.

[Pam North]

All right, dear. All give me a chance. We shouldn't have come in here anyway. Mr. Hayden's been hurt.

[Mrs. North]

Ask the doctor what happened to him. Go ahead, Jerry. They're just standing there.

[Arnold Hayden]

Darling, will you stop pushing?

[Pam North]

I'll ask Mr. Hayden's son in law. What happened, Mr. Ransom? Huh? What happened?

[Arnold Hayden]

Oh, I. I didn't recognize you, Mr. North. We had a robbery in here and I'm still kind of shaky about it. The old man was almost shot.

[Mrs. North]

Good heavens. How?

[Arnold Hayden]

Oh, he got rattled. Tried to set off the burglar alarm. So the stick up man hit him with a gun? Yeah, he knocked him cold.

[Mrs. North]

What a shame.

[Arnold Hayden]

Yeah. I may have to take him to hospital.

[Mr. Hayden]

I don't think that will be necessary.

[Pam North]

Arnold Hayden, are you all right?

[Mr. Hayden]

I am now. The doctor says I can go home if I want to.

[Arnold Hayden]

Well, maybe. Maybe you better. Maybe you better get right into bed. You stay here, Pop. I'll get the car and we'll both go home together.

[Mr. Hayden]

No, no, it won't take a minute.

[Narrator]

I'll be right back.

[Mr. Hayden]

Mr. Knox. Don't let him take me home. I don't want to be alone with him.

[Mrs. North]

Why? What's the matter, Mr. Hayden?

[Mr. Hayden]

I'm afraid. Afraid of what he might do to me. He's tried to kill me already.

[Pam North]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Hayden]

My head. This blow I got, it wasn't from the stick up man. It was Arnold who hit me.

[Jerry North]

Hello?

[Arnold Hayden]

Hello, honey. This is me.

[Jerry North]

Arnold, where are you? I've been worried about you all day. Why haven't you called me?

[Arnold Hayden]

Well, I would have, baby, only we had a little trouble down at the store.

[Jerry North]

Trouble with Father?

[Arnold Hayden]

No, not that kind of trouble. Somebody robbed the place.

[Jerry North]

Oh, no.

[Mr. Hayden]

Yeah.

[Arnold Hayden]

Hold up, man.

[Robber]

He got away with three trays.

[Jerry North]

He didn't hurt anybody, did he?

[Arnold Hayden]

Well, your old man got pushed around a little, but he's okay now. A couple of friends of his, Mr. And Mrs. North, are driving him home.

[Jerry North]

And where are you?

[Arnold Hayden]

Well, I stopped off for a little drink, honey.

[Jerry North]

Oh, Arnold, please, please come home, darling.

[Arnold Hayden]

Oh, now, now, don't you worry about me, baby. I'm turning over a new leaf, honey.

[Robber]

New leaf.

[Arnold Hayden]

I tell you, for a while there, I thought your old man wasn't going to let me. But after what happened today, everything's going to be fine. You're fine and dandy.

[Mr. Hayden]

I'm so glad you could drive me home, Mr. North. I. I needed this chance to talk to you.

[Mrs. North]

Well, if you think Arnold was the one who hit you, Mr. Hayden, it's the truth.

[Mr. Hayden]

I tell you, for months now, Arnold's been stealing from the store, substituting cheap imitations for valuable diamond rings.

[Mrs. North]

You're joking.

[Mr. Hayden]

He's a thief, Mrs. North. And this robbery today was a deliberate attempt to cover it up.

[Mrs. North]

You mean he wanted the store robbed?

[Mr. Hayden]

Wanted it and made it possible for the hold up man to do the job?

[Pam North]

Oh, now wait a minute, Mr. Hayden. That's a pretty broad statement.

[Mr. Hayden]

It's not a statement, Mr. North. It's the only explanation for what happened. And if he's gone this far, he'll go the rest of the way. He'll kill me.

[Pam North]

He won't do anything if you can prove what you just told us.

[Mr. Hayden]

But I can't prove it. Now that the jewels are gone. It's my word against his.

[Pam North]

Well, we'll see what we can do, Mr. Hayden. In the meantime, just be careful and keep away from Arnold.

[Narrator]

Hello, Pop.

[Mr. Hayden]

Arnold.

[Robber]

Yeah.

[Arnold Hayden]

Arnold. What took you so long to get home? You left the store before I did.

[Mr. Hayden]

Well, I had a long talk with Mr. And Mrs. North, and then I stopped off to see Sally at your apartment.

[Arnold Hayden]

What about?

[Mr. Hayden]

About you and what happened this afternoon.

[Arnold Hayden]

That's what I thought. You're doing everything you can to turn her against me, ain't you?

[Mr. Hayden]

Am I? I don't think she needs any help from me. She knows it all now.

[Arnold Hayden]

Knows what? What?

[Mr. Hayden]

You tell her the truth about you and what happened today.

[Arnold Hayden]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Mr. Hayden]

Now stay where you are, Arnold. I'm ready for you this time. I have a gun.

[Arnold Hayden]

I don't care what you got. You're not gonna blame me for something I didn't do.

[Mr. Hayden]

But you did hit me, Arnold. And you were stealing from the store. And I can prove it.

[Arnold Hayden]

You're crazy. How could you prove a thing like that?

[Mr. Hayden]

By the man who held up the store. I have his name right here on this piece of paper. His name and his address and I. Look out, Arnold. This gun is loaded.

[Arnold Hayden]

All right, then go ahead and use it. Go ahead, shoot me.

[Mr. Hayden]

I will if you come any nearer.

[Arnold Hayden]

Oh, no, you won't. Drop that gun. Drop it before. Mr. Hayden.

[Pam North]

Well, come right in. Lieutenant Wigand, it's nice to see you.

[Narrator]

Oh, hello, Jerry.

[Mrs. North]

Been waiting for me almost an hour, Bill. Don't you ever come back to your office?

[Narrator]

Not when there's work to be done. Now, what's on your mind?

[Pam North]

Well, I don't suppose this is exactly your line, Bill, but you might be able to help us out.

[Narrator]

Out of what?

[Pam North]

Well, it could be murder eventually, but right now it's only the threat of it.

[Narrator]

With whom?

[Mrs. North]

A man by the name of Hayden. He's a jeweler, Bill. And his son in law is thinking of killing him.

[Narrator]

Are you kidding?

[Mrs. North]

No. Why?

[Narrator]

Well, I just came from Hayden's apartment. His son in law shot him in the shoulder.

[Pam North]

Shot him.

[Mr. Hayden]

When was this?

[Narrator]

Oh, about three quarters of an hour ago. Was just a flesh wound.

[Mrs. North]

Well, that's enough, isn't it? This afternoon he robbed Mr. Hayden's store and hit him over the head with a candle holder.

[Narrator]

Yes, Mr. Hayden was telling me.

[Pam North]

I. Well, you're going to do something about it, aren't you? I mean, a guy like that should be put away.

[Narrator]

He was put away, Jerry.

[Pam North]

You arrested him?

[Narrator]

No, we didn't have to. He was dead.

[Mrs. North]

Arnold Mr. Hayden's son in law?

[Narrator]

That's right, Pam. We found his body in a dark alley about two blocks from where he lived. Somebody shot him.

[Mrs. North]

This way, Jerry. The policeman said we'd find Arnold's apartment at the end of the hall.

[Pam North]

Well, I don't know why we came here, dear, or what you expect to prove.

[Mrs. North]

I don't expect to prove anything, dear. I'd just like to know a little bit more about Mr. Hayden's daughter.

[Pam North]

But she isn't home. The police haven't been able to find her.

[Mrs. North]

Well, then maybe we'll find something that'll help us find her.

[Robber]

What?

[Mrs. North]

Never mind, darling. Just try the door. The policeman said they left it open.

[Pam North]

They did. Only I feel awful funny about barging in here.

[Mrs. North]

Why? Phil told us it was all right. I'll bet anything he'd like us to get him a good lead on this case.

[Pam North]

Then why don't we go see Mr. Hayden instead of fooling around here after all.

[Mrs. North]

Wait a second. That's the phone. Jerry, what are you gonna do? Answer it? Of course.

[Pam North]

Pam.

[Mrs. North]

Hello?

[Robber]

Hello, Sally?

[Mrs. North]

Yes?

[Robber]

I gotta see you right away.

[Mrs. North]

Who is it?

[Robber]

Me, Manny. I've been laying low like you told me, only I didn't expect no double cross.

[Mrs. North]

What do you mean?

[Robber]

You know what I mean. What's the idea of sending your husband around to see me?

[Mrs. North]

Arnold?

[Robber]

Oh, else how many husbands you got?

[Mrs. North]

Well, I don't understand.

[Robber]

In a pig's eye you don't understand. He had my name and address on a little piece of paper. You know what he threatened to do?

[Mrs. North]

What?

[Robber]

Tell the cops. He said I was in this just as much as he was and if I made one move, he'd squat.

[Mrs. North]

Pam, who is it?

[Robber]

What's the idea? Sally? What are you trying to pull?

[Mrs. North]

Nothing.

[Robber]

Well, you've got a lot of explaining to do. You better do it fast. Look, I'll meet you over at my place in about an hour, just as soon as I make sure it's safe.

[Mrs. North]

Oh, well, where do you live?

[Robber]

Oh, you know where I Live on the second floor over Morois Bar. Now, be there.

[Mrs. North]

Okay, Manny, I'll be there. See you later.

[Robber]

Yeah.

[Pam North]

Now, what did you get yourself into?

[Mrs. North]

Oh, nothing yet. But as soon as we find out where Mulroy's Bar is, we are going over to Manny's place. Only we're going a little earlier than he expects us.

[Pam North]

Who in the world is Manny?

[Mrs. North]

Oh, I haven't the faintest idea, Jerry, but that's what we're going to find out. Quiet. Now, Jerry, we mustn't let anyone know we're here.

[Pam North]

Well, where are we? I don't see any apartments on this floor.

[Mrs. North]

This door right here. And if I'm not mistaken, yes, it is.

[Pam North]

What is. Is what?

[Mrs. North]

Manny's place. His name's on the card.

[Pam North]

Take it easy. There may be somebody in there. Well, there shouldn't be, but there is.

[Jerry North]

Who's there?

[Mrs. North]

Jerry, it's Mr. Hayden's daughter.

[Jerry North]

What?

[Mrs. North]

Sally, what are you doing here?

[Jerry North]

Why, I was waiting for someone. I had a message to meet somebody here.

[Pam North]

Who?

[Jerry North]

Well, I don't know what his name is, but.

[Mrs. North]

Sally, I think you'd better tell us the truth. The police are looking for you. Yes, I know.

[Jerry North]

I've been hiding from them. I suppose it's wrong, but there's something I've got to find out before I tell them.

[Pam North]

Tell them what? About Arnold.

[Jerry North]

About everything. I've got to tell somebody. I'll go out of my mind if I don't. There's nobody I can turn to.

[Pam North]

Is it because you killed him?

[Jerry North]

No, I didn't kill him. I tried to help Arnold, but everything turned out so badly. And then when I saw my father tonight, when you dropped him off in my apartment, I made a terrible mistake.

[Mrs. North]

In what way?

[Jerry North]

I told him about Manny.

[Pam North]

The one who lives here?

[Jerry North]

Yes. I never should have talked. If I hadn't said anything, Arnold might still be alive. But my father kept pounding at me, so. Hammering at me. As soon as he walked in the door, he accused Arnold of being a thief. He said he had proof that Arnold had struck him. That the whole robbery.

[Mr. Hayden]

With my own eyes. I tell you, he struck me when I reached for the burglar alarm. And what's more, he planned to do it. Planned the whole thing with that stick up man.

[Jerry North]

Father, it's not so. You're always against Arnold, no matter what he does.

[Mr. Hayden]

Oh, Sally, Sally, how can you defend this man? How can you go on protecting him when he treats you the way he does? There isn't an ounce of decency in him.

[Jerry North]

I Love him, Father. And he loves me.

[Mr. Hayden]

Does he? Is that why you stick to him? Well, then maybe you'd better know the truth. Maybe you'd better know what he does when he doesn't come home to you.

[Mrs. North]

Father.

[Mr. Hayden]

He's no good, Sally. For three weeks I hired a private detective to follow him wherever he went. And every time he didn't come home, he was out with another woman.

[Arnold Hayden]

That's a lie.

[Mr. Hayden]

That's a matter of record, Sally. I have the names and addresses of every one of the women he went out with. And some of them he gave presents to. Expensive jewelry that he probably stole from my store.

[Jerry North]

Then it's true. He doesn't even love me.

[Mr. Hayden]

Not what I call love. I'm sorry, darling. I thought I could spare you this, but.

[Jerry North]

Oh, Father, I would have known sooner or later. And I'm glad you told me. But you're wrong about Arnold at the store today.

[Mr. Hayden]

Wrong?

[Jerry North]

He might have struck you to cover up the fact that he'd been stealing, but he had nothing to do with the hold up.

[Mr. Hayden]

How do you know?

[Jerry North]

I know because I was trying to cover up for him, too. I hired that hold up man myself. That was the mistake I made. I never should have told him. I never should have given him Manny's name.

[Pam North]

Manny is the man who held up the store?

[Jerry North]

Yes. I hired him because I thought it would help my husband.

[Mrs. North]

Well, then he might have killed Arnold. When I spoke to him on the phone, he said your husband had been over here.

[Jerry North]

That's what I wanted to find out. If Arnold knew him. If Arnold had been to see him.

[Robber]

See who?

[Jerry North]

Manny.

[Robber]

What's going on here, Sally? Who are your friends?

[Pam North]

We're Mr. And Mrs. North, Manny. And before you reach for that gun of yours, I might as well warn you that the police know we're here.

[Robber]

What else do they know?

[Mrs. North]

Enough to want to see you down at headquarters. I think it would be a good idea if Sally had a chance to identify you.

[Robber]

And I think it'd be a good idea the three of you took a trip to the morgue on a stretcher.

[Pam North]

That'll make a lot of noise.

[Robber]

It'll make a lot more noise if I give you a chance to open your mouths.

[Mrs. North]

Why? What have we got on you, Manny?

[Robber]

Nothing, sister. You ain't gonna get nothing neither. Now stand up. All of you. Face the wall.

[Pam North]

What's the idea?

[Robber]

Face the wall, I said.

[Jerry North]

Manny, please don't shoot.

[Robber]

Who's gonna shoot? I'm gonna beat it, Sally. And I ain't ever coming back.

[Narrator]

Ah, now, don't be upset, Jerry. I know you couldn't help letting Manny get away last night. Just glad you didn't get hurt.

[Pam North]

Well, we might have if we tried to hold him. Hey, where you taking us, Bill?

[Narrator]

Oh, in here for a while. It's a lineup. We had the net out this morning. And it's just possible we picked up your friend Manny.

[Mrs. North]

He's not our friend.

[Narrator]

Well, if you see him, just let me know. All right, Sergeant, here's them. Come on, you guys.

[Mr. Hayden]

Stand up straight.

[Narrator]

When you hit the light.

[Mr. Hayden]

Face front.

[Narrator]

I'll tell you when you can go.

[Pam North]

Holy mackerel. Where in the world did you find these guys?

[Narrator]

Know many?

[Mrs. North]

Not yet.

[Narrator]

Try the next bunch, Sarge.

[Mr. Hayden]

Right.

[Narrator]

Come on, now, keep moving.

[Arnold Hayden]

Mow along.

[Mrs. North]

He's a short man, Billy. Short and stocky.

[Narrator]

You see him?

[Jerry North]

Not yet.

[Pam North]

Hey, wait a minute, Pam. Isn't that him? The second one from the left?

[Mrs. North]

I don't know, Jerry. We only saw him for a minute last night.

[Pam North]

That's him, all right. Look how he's trying to hide.

[Narrator]

Hey, you.

[Pam North]

No, no, no, you.

[Narrator]

That's right. Say something.

[Robber]

I didn't do nothing, Lieutenant. I just blew in from Cleveland.

[Mrs. North]

That's right, Jerry. That's him.

[Robber]

No, it's not.

[Narrator]

That's enough, Manny. Come on on down here.

[Robber]

But I tell you, I.

[Narrator]

That's enough, I said. You think Mr. And Mrs. North are lying? I got some other people down here to identify you. Well, come on in, Mr. Hayden.

[Mr. Hayden]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Lieutenant, you recognize this man?

[Mr. Hayden]

Which one?

[Narrator]

This one over here. Manny, isn't this the guy who held up your store yesterday?

[Mr. Hayden]

Why, no. I've never seen this man before in my life.

[Pam North]

He's lying, Bill. He's lying to protect his daughter. That's why she won't say anything either.

[Narrator]

But why? How can Hayden protect his daughter? By saying that this Manny guy didn't rob the store?

[Mrs. North]

Well, that makes sense. If he denies that Manny robbed the store, it's the same as saying that somebody else robbed it. Somebody who hasn't been found yet. Somebody who'll never be found and who will never be able to testify.

[Narrator]

Oh, I see. Hayden's convinced that Manny's testimony will convict his daughter. And since she had a good motive for the murder, her father's willing to commit perjury to protect her.

[Pam North]

But how is her father so sure that Sally's guilty? How does he know that Manny didn't kill Arnold?

[Mrs. North]

I'll tell you how he knows. He knows because he killed Arnold himself, Mr. Hayden. Well, he must have, Jerry. I hate to say it, but it's the only logical answer.

[Narrator]

Hayden killed Arnold, but for what reason?

[Mrs. North]

Oh, for any number of reasons, Bill. Because of what Arnold was doing to his daughter. Because Arnold had ruined her life and she was still in love with him. There was no other way to get rid of him.

[Pam North]

Then Mr. Hayden wasn't protecting his daughter when he refused to identify Manny, he was protecting himself.

[Mrs. North]

Was he? Only the murderer could have known that Manny wasn't guilty. And only the murderer would have refused to identify him.

[Narrator]

Oh, fine, fine. But how am I going to prove it? You know, you two are just talking in the air.

[Mr. Hayden]

No, they're not, Lieutenant. They're telling you the truth.

[Narrator]

What? How? Careful what you say, Mr. Hayden. This can be held against you.

[Mr. Hayden]

It doesn't matter. I have written you a full confession.

[Narrator]

Why? What made you change your mind?

[Mr. Hayden]

I knew you'd have broken me down sooner or later. I'd have broken myself down. A man like me can't live with murder in his heart. I'm too old and too tired to have resisted you. I realized that as soon as I lied to you this morning, Mr. Hayden. No, no, no, Let me go on. I made a great mistake and I'm willing to pay for it. That's why I'm giving myself up.

[Narrator]

You killed Arnold?

[Mr. Hayden]

Yes, I killed him. Last night, after he left my apartment, I followed him and shot him because his life was taking two of ours. But that wasn't my mistake, Lieutenant. My mistake was not killing him sooner.

[Robber]

Pam.

[Pam North]

Oh, Pam, I've got to be at the office early this morning.

[Mr. Hayden]

What time is it?

[Mrs. North]

It's eight thirty in here, darling. Oh, what time is it in there?

[Pam North]

Well, that's why I asked, dear. The kitchen says 9:00 and the living room says seven thirty.

[Mrs. North]

Well, that's about right.

[Pam North]

What's about right? How is it we've got seven clocks in this house and nobody can ever tell the right time?

[Mrs. North]

Don't say nobody, dear. I can always tell the right time.

[Pam North]

How?

[Mrs. North]

Well, first of all, I look at my watch. If I can find it, and if I can't, I know it stopped anyway because I must have forgotten to wind it.

[Pam North]

Then.

[Mrs. North]

Then I take 10 minutes off the kitchen clock, add 10 minutes to the living room and. And average them out unless the current's been turned off because they're electric.

[Pam North]

But how do you tell the time?

[Mrs. North]

Well, if those two systems don't work, I have one way that never fails.

[Narrator]

What's that?

[Mrs. North]

I call downstairs and ask the doorman.

[Pam North]

The Adventures of Mr. Mrs. North, are brought to you through the facilities of.

[Robber]

The United States Armed Forces Radio Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I mostly enjoyed this one. I think there was a lot of question as to what was going on in terms of the machinations of these three people. And the murder took a good while to actually come off, and really it was engaging throughout. The ending of the case gives me a couple of problems. First off, I question Pam's logic. The father might have been willing to let Arnold's murderer get away with it because he didn't think much of Arnold, and the robber could implicate his daughter in having plotted the robbery without the father actually having had anything to do with the murder. I have mixed thoughts on his confession. On one hand, people particularly like him in this particular situation have consciences, and I can buy the idea that he might have killed Arnold out of extreme duress and confessed because he couldn't live with himself for what he'd done. In this case. It feels like a cop out to resolve the mystery because there weren't really enough clues to get Wigan close to even probable cause. And the show is running out of time. And I kind of wish the decision to confess had been brought on by Pam's solution. Him having already decided to confess doesn't really serve the plot. All it does is make the presence of our heroes somewhat superfluous to the proceedings. And I think there is a sense in a couple of these more recent episodes that the writers just want to tell a crime melodrama. And Pam and Jerry are just there because it's obligatory to have Mr. And Mrs. North in their own program. Well, listener comments and feedback now. And we go to YouTube where Alan writes. Great as always. Well, thank you so much. Appreciate you taking the time to leave that comment. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Adrian. Adrian's been one of our patreon supporters since January 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Adrian. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast, be sure to rate and review it 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 Dollar, where Charlie and.

[Lieutenant Wigand]

Me, we said, sure, sure, we'll attend one of your meetings, you know, just for laughs, you know, What.

[Narrator]

What kind of a meeting was it?

[Lieutenant Wigand]

Oh, it was terrible.

[Jerry North]

It was awful.

[Lieutenant Wigand]

Mr. Dollar. A bunch of people I never saw before making speeches down with the government, Start the revolution, you know, that sort of thing. Oh, we got out of there in a hurry, believe you me. And we were pretty lucky, too, because the police or the FBI or somebody came in after and busted the whole thing up. Maybe you read about it.

[Narrator]

That's all very interesting, Louise, but just what. Yes, Ms. Larkin gets to the point, all right.

[Lieutenant Wigand]

Just this morning, when I was filing the office copy of this insurance policy, and I saw the name on it. Oh, gee, Mr. Dollard hit me like a. Well, do you know what?

[Arnold Hayden]

What?

[Lieutenant Wigand]

That name, Joseph Handler. It was the same as one of the fellas, an older guy that me and Charlie had seen at that meeting. Now, what do you think of that?

[Narrator]

$20,000 on a highly secret device. Yes. That might be to produce some kind of explosive. Exactly. Instead of a simple fuel additive. Exactly. The suspicion that came into my mind, Johnny. Of interest to the government, he had told me.

[Pam North]

But what government?

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13, greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.