The Falcon: The Case of the Faded Rose (EP4780)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: The Falcon: The Case of the Faded Rose (EP4780)
Date: August 18, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic radio mystery from the Golden Age, "The Falcon: The Case of the Faded Rose" (originally aired July 6, 1953). Detective Mike Waring, aka the Falcon, is caught in a web of suicide, blackmail, and double-crosses when a young woman's death draws her sister, a shady private investigator, and a dangerous man named Duke Mantell into a deadly plot. Adam Graham introduces the episode and provides his signature post-show insights and listener feedback.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Opening Premise and Character Introductions

• The story opens with private detective Phil Stacy and his "Watson," Tony Marino, tracking down Nancy Ford, whose sister Carol Ford has hired Stacy to locate her.
• Nancy is discovered to have committed suicide after buying a gun, presumably due to being jilted by a man named Duke Mantell. (03:36)

2. Carol Ford’s Motivation

• Carol Ford, Nancy's sister, learns about Nancy's death and vows revenge:
  • Quote: “Well, I'm going to see to it that if my sister couldn't have him in life, perhaps he can join her in death.” – Carol Ford (06:23)
• Carol seeks out Duke Mantell, using a clever ruse and arranging a meeting at Central Park Boathouse at 9 pm.

3. Complications Multiply: Double Crosses and Imposters

• Phil Stacy warns Duke Mantell that his life is in danger from Carol.
• Mantell recruits Mike Waring (the Falcon) to impersonate him at the meeting, supposedly to catch a blackmailer, but actually using Mike as a decoy. (10:36)

4. Attempted Murder in the Park

• Mike, posing as Mantell, meets Carol at the boathouse and is shot by an unknown assailant. (13:11)
• Sergeant Corbett finds Mike and the muddled investigation continues.

5. Untangling the Web

• Mike confronts both Mantell and Stacy, beginning to suspect he’s being used by each for their own ends.
• Carol admits she did try to hire someone to kill Mantell but claims she tried to call it off—raising the puzzle of who actually fired at Mike at the park.

6. Murder and Accusations

• Duke Mantell is found murdered. Suspicion falls on Mike Waring, with a tip-off from Carol Ford herself to the police.
• Mike uses his wiles to get Sergeant Corbett to visit Carol before going downtown, setting up a showdown.

7. Revelation and Final Twist

• In Carol’s room, Mike exposes Phil Stacy as the killer, deducing Stacy’s resentment after being beaten by Mantell, and his plan to frame Carol. (24:14)
  • Quote: “If you were 20 minutes earlier, we would have missed her. Look, Waring, you got the wrong angle on this.” – Phil Stacy (24:16)
• Carol is exonerated, and the mystery is wrapped with snappy repartee between Mike and Carol about who he’d rather wind up with.

8. Host Commentary and Listener Feedback

• Adam Graham appreciates the intricate plotting:
  • Quote: “Good story with a lot of suspects, and I think the solution that we got makes sense.” – Adam Graham (26:45)
• He notes the inside jokes of the Falcon series and references running gags about blue Nash automobiles, as well as reads listener comments from previous episodes.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Carol Ford’s Motive:
  • “Well, I'm going to see to it that if my sister couldn't have him in life, perhaps he can join her in death.” (06:23)
• Mike’s Sarcasm Under Fire:
  • “Here I pretended to be Duke Mantell and received a slug for my pain. But the next thing I knew was some two hours later when I heard bells ringing in the distance.” (13:11)
• Falcon’s Deduction:
  • “There were three reasons. One, he was on top of every play... And then that final bit of his telling you to skip town. He just wanted you to incriminate yourself.” (26:10)
• Carol Ford (on choosing Mike over the Sergeant):
  • “I can't believe Stacy was responsible for Mantel's murder.”
  • Mike: “You better. If he didn't do it, then by a process of elimination, it has to be you.” (25:32)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:20] – Falcon (Mike Waring) narration and opening scene
• [03:36] – Stacy and Tony find Nancy Ford dead
• [05:46] – Carol learns of her sister’s suicide and vows revenge
• [10:36] – Mantell hires Mike to take his place at the park meeting
• [13:11] – Attempted shooting at Central Park Boathouse; Mike wounded
• [17:54] – Mike confronts Carol; learns of the planned hit
• [19:50] – Duke Mantell confronts masked assailant; Mantell is killed
• [23:47] – Mike and Sergeant Corbett confront Carol and Stacy; true killer exposed
• [26:45] – Adam Graham’s commentary and listener feedback

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Tone & Style

The storytelling is brisk, noir-inflected, and laced with classic hard-boiled banter. Adam Graham’s commentary is light, warm, and filled with both insights and in-jokes for OTR fans.

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Summary

The Case of the Faded Rose is a twisty, character-driven Falcon mystery about love, betrayal, and revenge. Driven by sharp dialogue and overlapping motives, the story keeps listeners guessing until the final, satisfying unmasking of the real killer. Adam Graham’s appreciation for the episode’s construction and Falcon’s wit ties the experience together for new listeners and OTR aficionados 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 the Adventures of the Falcon. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And this program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners and you can support the show on a one time basis. Support.greatdetectives.net and you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net now from July 6, 1953, here is Pat the case of the Faded Rose.

[Mike Waring]

Now we invite you to listen to the Adventures of the Falcon as Mike Waring solves the Case of the Faded Rose. There's one thing you learn working as a private detective. Competition can be the death of trade. As a case in point, I give you Phil Stacy. Mr. Stacy is the pudgy little character mounting the third floor stairs of the Belmar, a shabby rooming house on New York's west side. He's a private detective too, but Stacy's got the edge on a boy like me. He carries along his own personal Watson, only this one goes under the name of Tony Marino. Sure that's the right girl, Tony? Absolutely, Mr. Stacy. I show the picture to the janitor. He says it's a month before tonight when she get here on the 12th. That shakes. Wonder if I could hit his sister for another hundred, huh? Skip it. Where do we go from here? There's the last room down the hall she's in now. Yeah, I followed her here from the pawn shop. What pawn shop? Around third. Evan, she bought a gun. Why you idiot why didn't you tell me that before? Oh, what difference is it? Hey, you stupid. Never mind. Is this it? Yeah. Miss Ford.

[Carol Ford]

You sure she's in?

[Mike Waring]

What do you want me to do, Swan her Bible? I thought. Miss Ford, my name is Phil Stacey. I'm working for your sister. Listen, Nancy, you got your sister crazy with worry. Now, if you'd open this door. What was that? That's what you think. Give me your hand. Look, they didn't have to put your shoulder there. What's coming out? One, two, cut out. Oh, no, I wasn't gonna.

[Carol Ford]

Did you.

[Mike Waring]

Dave, that's the stupidest question of the year. Find the phone and call her sister, Carol Ford, now. No, on second thought, just call the cops. I'll handle sis. Who's that?

[Carol Ford]

Carol Ford.

[Mike Waring]

Oh. Oh, come in. Come in.

[Carol Ford]

Mr. Ford.

[Mike Waring]

I wasn't expecting you this early.

[Carol Ford]

I came as soon as I got your call.

[Mike Waring]

Well, sit down. Sit down. Would you. Would you like something to drink?

[Carol Ford]

No, thanks.

[Mike Waring]

Sure? I got some vodka, a little orange.

[Carol Ford]

Look, Mr. Stacy, this isn't a social call, so I'd like to get right down to business. You told me you found my sister.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Yeah, I did. One of my boys traced her to Chicago. Let me see. Yeah. March 14th, she grabbed the California Limited from Los Angeles. She met this guy at the depot.

[Carol Ford]

And I'm not particular interested in details. Where's Nancy now?

[Mike Waring]

Well, she. She got to New York on the 12th.

[Carol Ford]

Where is she now?

[Mike Waring]

Well, that raises a peculiar point.

[Carol Ford]

You've lost track of her?

[Mike Waring]

No. No, not exactly. As a matter of fact. Well, I don't know how to say this, Ms. Ford, but this guy your sister ran away with must have given her a bad time. You know, young girls are probably promise.

[Carol Ford]

Are you. Are. Are you trying to tell me she's dead?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Yeah, she committed suicide this afternoon. I'm sorry, but that's how things work out sometimes.

[Carol Ford]

Yes, they do, don't they?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I must say I admire the way you're taking them.

[Carol Ford]

Would it help, man, to see if I got hysterical?

[Mike Waring]

No, I guess not. Look, if there's any way I can help.

[Carol Ford]

Yes, there is. What was the name of the man who was responsible?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I wouldn't exactly say I would.

[Carol Ford]

Who is he?

[Mike Waring]

His name is Duke Mantell.

[Carol Ford]

Have you any idea where this Mr. Mantell can be found?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, he's got a room at the Haywood. Why?

[Carol Ford]

Well, I'm going to see to it that if my sister couldn't have him in life, perhaps he can join her in death. Thanks for your assistance. Mr. Stacy just nailed my bill to the hotel. I'd like to speak to Duke Mantell, please.

[Mike Waring]

You are. Now.

[Carol Ford]

You don't know me, Mr. Mantell, but I'm a friend of Jane Smith.

[Mike Waring]

Jane Smith? I never heard of her.

[Carol Ford]

I was sure you'd say that. Jane warned me you knew so many girls, her name would probably mean nothing.

[Mike Waring]

What's yours?

[Carol Ford]

Charles Lakener.

[Mike Waring]

What can I do for you, honey?

[Carol Ford]

Well, Jane made me promise that when I got to New York, I'd give you a call.

[Mike Waring]

That was nice of him.

[Carol Ford]

I know you'll think I'm sensitive, but I do want to meet you. Jane told me.

[Mike Waring]

Well, never mind. Go on. What were you gonna say?

[Carol Ford]

I'll tell you when I see you.

[Mike Waring]

There I go again. You must think I'm awful. No, I think you're wonderful. I like a girl who stinks right up. You doing anything tonight?

[Carol Ford]

Not a thing. That we meet at the Central Park Boathouse at night.

[Mike Waring]

Why that?

[Carol Ford]

It's such a romantic spot.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, the boathouse it is.

[Carol Ford]

Till nine, then.

[Mike Waring]

Hey, wait a minute, Cal. How'll I know you?

[Carol Ford]

Don't Worry about that, Mr. Mantell. I'll know you. With all I've heard, I couldn't possibly miss.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, I used this Mantel. That's right. I'd like you to have one of my cars. Phil Stacy, licensed private investigator. So? So I got a proposition for Earth Buster. I got a date. I wouldn't keep it if I was you. What are you talking about? Would you happen to have a cigarette handing? Yeah. Anybody have a girl named Nancy Ford? No. That's funny, because she committed suicide yesterday over some guy. Do tell. Yeah. I figure he must have given her a real song and dance about the little rose covered cottage. And we. When he wouldn't perform, she blew her brains out. How do you know so much about it? Well, you saw my card. I'm a private dick. Who hired you? Her sister. She don't like you. Duke, I'm worried. Well, you would be if you knew what I do. Such as? Now, I'm not spilling unless I get paid. I want 500 bucks. How do I know it's worth it? You like living? Go on. Well, 500 bucks will guarantee it. Will you take a check? Don't be funny. I only got 120 on me. Yeah? When will I get the rest? Tomorrow, if your information is legit. All right, fork it over. 340. 50. 120. All right. Well, like I said, when Carol Ford left my office, she hinted she Was gonna take care of you. She was just talking. No, not her. This is one little girl who believes in action. I tailed her when she left. She went down to a gin Mill on 34th street and she saw a fellow named Jill Milo. Who's that? Hood. They had a nice long talk. What makes you think I was a subject? I got good long ears. And she went to a phone booth. And who do you think she called? Me. That's right. All right, Stacy, let's have that. What? That 120 I just gave you. Wait a minute. I can't afford to shut down. You little chiseler. Who do you think you a damn. Come on, hand it over before I break every bone in your body. I promise you won't be able to talk for a week if you don't quit st. What do you say? Do you want some more? No, no. Don't you see the light? I make it fast. Stacy, I got a call to make. Just a second. Yeah? I'm looking for Mike Waring. Who wants him? Duke Mantel. Duke Mantel? He'll know. I'm an old buddy of his in Chicago. Funny, he never mentioned your name. Does he tell you everything? Practically. You might say we're inseparable. You're not the Falcon wannabe. Gotta talk to you. Why did you claim to be a friend of mine? Well, they told me you were a tough man to see. Can't be that tough. You made it on the first try. Look, I was just kidding. I hope you're not sore. Me? No, I can go along with a gag. Come on in. Thanks. Sit down. Don't mind if I do. I hear tell you're the finest private dick in these parts. Is that what you hear tell? Mm. So when this little problem came up, I figured you were just the boy to handle it. What problem? You see, a couple of years ago, I got involved in a mess. Nothing illegal, you understand. But if the papers got ahold of it, it might be kind of embarrassing. Why? Well, I'm about to be married to a dame whose family is real social. Registered? This might put the kibosh on the deal. You're being blackmailed? That's right. Who's behind it? Got no idea. I'm supposed to meet this party in front of the Central park boathouse at 9 tonight. She asked me to bring a thousand bucks. She? Yeah, it's a girl you're not gonna pay off. How would you handle it? I'd latch onto her and turn her over to the police. Okay. Why don't you why don't I watch? Latch onto her, you show up in my place. Why should I? Well, with your experience, you know exactly what to do. I don't like it if you're scared. Why scared? All in one breath, you tell me the only thing to do is grab the dame. Then when I offer you the job, you turn it back. I don't know what you're up to, but I told you I'm being blackmailed, and I want you to handle it. Well, it's against my better judgment. I knew I could count on you. I'm staying at the Haywood. After you get through in the park, give me a jingle.

[Carol Ford]

Excuse me.

[Mike Waring]

Yes?

[Carol Ford]

Did you see a gentleman around here about your side?

[Mike Waring]

Won't I do?

[Carol Ford]

I'm afraid not.

[Mike Waring]

You wouldn't be hunting Rebuke Mantell, would you?

[Carol Ford]

How would you know?

[Mike Waring]

Who should know better?

[Carol Ford]

You mean you?

[Mike Waring]

That's right.

[Carol Ford]

I don't believe it.

[Mike Waring]

Why not?

[Carol Ford]

You're nothing like I met.

[Mike Waring]

Is anybody?

[Carol Ford]

You're quite the philosopher, I suppose I told you I was Nancy's sister.

[Mike Waring]

I wonder if she'd boast about it.

[Carol Ford]

How can you have the nerve to stand there and talk like that?

[Mike Waring]

I wouldn't be so moral. After all, you're a blackmailer.

[Carol Ford]

I'm a what?

[Mike Waring]

Well, didn't you come here?

[Carol Ford]

I came here for only one reason, and that was Mr. Mantell.

[Mike Waring]

Mr. Mantel. Well, mom always told me I'd get into trouble pretending to be what I ain't. Here I pretended to be Buke Mantell and received a slug for my pain. But the next thing I knew was some two hours later when I heard bells ringing in the distance. I knew I couldn't be in heaven because there was no angel bending over me. How do you feel, pal? Sergeant Corbett? Yeah. Where am I? What happened? Which do you want me to answer first? Wait a minute. It's all coming. Oh. Hey, you better watch it, fella. One of these days, the government's going to claim you for a defense project. Well, you got enough lead in you to build a B29. Where is she? Where's who? The brunette I was talking to. There was nobody around when we found you. What's her name? I don't know. I didn't get it. What was it, a pickup? No, I had an appointment to meet her. She the one who plugged you? Oh, the shot came from the other side of the boathouse. I think it might have been her husband. I tell you, it was nothing like that. She thought I was a boy named Duke Mantell. Well, if your purpose was to confuse me, Mr. Waring, you succeeded. Ms. Mantell claimed someone was shaking him down. I was to pose as him and meet the blackmailer. When I showed, there was this gal. Well, what were you expecting? Nothing like what I got. You have no idea who she is? Not at all. But I'm gonna find out. Hey, wait a minute. You can't leave like that. You're forgetting something. Something I can't see. What? Your pants. You better wear them tonight, baby. It's awful cold outside. Yes. Hello, Mattel. Remember me Winning? That's right. What happened? What didn't? You might be interested in learning I kept that date for you last night. It was a nice piece of work. What are you talking about? Setting me up for a clay pigeon. Setting you up? Yeah. Someone who thought I was you. Took a shot at me. Can't believe it. Would you like me to bleed a little to prove it? Well, there must be some mistake. Yeah. It was all mine. I should have spotted that blackmail story of yours for a phony. You knew someone was gunning for you. Now, who was it? What difference does it make? What difference does it make? Maybe you don't think much of breathing, but I kind of like it. And I resent anyone trying to break me of the habit. Who's the girl? None of your business. We'll see about that. Get your coat. I'll talk like it's what. I wouldn't try that again if you didn't have that arm in a sling. Don't let that stop you, Duke. It won't. You see what I mean? Yeah. Yeah, I see. What do you intend to do with that gun? Well, I'm a funny kind of a guy. Wearing? While I might have objections to slugging a cripple, I got none to plugging one. Now get. Are you wearing? Who the devil. Wait a minute. It's not Phil. Stacy? Yeah? What happened to your puss? Oh, I had a little accident. You mind if I join you? I certainly do. No, you don't want to talk like that. We're practically paternity brothers. I don't remember asking you to sit down. What happened to your shoulders? Look, Stacy, if you're not out of here, how would you like me to put you in touch with the girl who's responsible? What are you talking about? You met a Zane last night in Central Park. How would you know? She was my client. Say that again? You heard me. She came to me a couple of weeks ago. She wanted me to locate a kid's sister. Seems she ran away with some guy. Duke Mantell? Yeah. When he wouldn't make with the ring department, she committed suicide. When I reported that to my client, naturally she was quite miffed. She spoke about getting even. Who is she? Wouldn't you like to know? That's why I asked. Is it worth a couple of bills? Yeah. Always the deal. You'll have to trust me. Ah, I got hung up once that way. I want cash on the line. Okay. Now, what's her name? Carol Ford. You'll find her at the Belmar. I don't know for how long, though. So if I were you, pally, I'd get on my horse.

[Carol Ford]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Carol. Remember me?

[Carol Ford]

I can't say that I do.

[Mike Waring]

Maybe that's because it was dark out the last time we met.

[Carol Ford]

The Duke Mantell?

[Mike Waring]

No, no. My name is Mike Waring.

[Carol Ford]

But you.

[Mike Waring]

It's a long story, angel, and I just as soon sit while I tell it. I was working for Mantel. He claimed he was being blackmailed and he asked me to pose for him at the payoff.

[Carol Ford]

He was lying.

[Mike Waring]

So I've discovered. You arranged to meet Mantell so someone could plug in. That's a lie. I got the story from Phil Stacy. Now, who's the boy you hired?

[Carol Ford]

All right, Mr. Waring, I'll tell you the truth.

[Mike Waring]

It's about time someone did.

[Carol Ford]

I did arrange to have Mantell killed. But later I thought it over and tried to call off my man.

[Mike Waring]

What happened?

[Carol Ford]

I couldn't reach him. That's why I showed up at the park early, to. To warn you.

[Mike Waring]

I don't believe it.

[Carol Ford]

Don't be a fool. If I'd warned, if I'd wanted you killed, I wouldn't have been there at all.

[Mike Waring]

Nevertheless, your boy took a shot at me.

[Carol Ford]

He couldn't have. He was due to meet me at 9. You were shot at 8:30.

[Mike Waring]

It doesn't make sense. If your boy didn't do it, then who did?

[Carol Ford]

What about Mr. Mantell?

[Mike Waring]

What about him?

[Carol Ford]

Suppose Duke was the one who shot you.

[Mike Waring]

What would be the point?

[Carol Ford]

So I'd get the credit? That would dispose of me and leave him free to go on his way.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Yeah. If you got sent up for knocking me off, that might suit him fine.

[Carol Ford]

What do you think?

[Mike Waring]

I think if there's anything to your theory, Mr. Mantel and I ought to have another chat. Only this time I'll have the gun. Come on, Carol. I'll be seeing you. Just a second. You Duke Mantell? That's right. Well, I must say, it is a pleasure. Who the devil are you? Jackie Winters is my name. Well, whatever you're selling. I'm not selling anything, Mr. Mantell. No? I'm giving these away, and for free. What's the idea of the gun? Well, I thought you might be interested in my merchandise. Look, what is. Now, there's a certain somebody in town that's awful peeved at you.

[Carol Ford]

And I can't lie to say as.

[Mike Waring]

I blame the party either. How'd you get a copy of how to Win Friends and Influence People? What's the use? I can't read. Oh, that's a shame, because ain't time for you to lie now. I look wonders. Maybe we can work out a deal. I'll give you a thousand bucks for that gun. Are you trying to bribe me? 2,000. Well, I've never been so insulted in all my life. 2,500. It's my last offer. Honestly. You. You got it on you? Yeah. Let me get my coat. No, no, just let me. Now, listen, what is. What pocket do you keep to walk? Oh, Mr. Man, too. I'm surprised at you. You tried to take advantage of me. Now, look, I can explain. That gun. You told me your wallet was here. It just goes to prove. Now you can't trust a Yankee. Just a minute. Hiya, Mike. Sergeant Corbett. You busy? Yeah, I was just going out. Well, why don't we go together? No, no. This is one little job on instance. What's the idea? Oh, just wanted to see if you were loaded. Look, sergeant, this isn't like you. What's on your mind? You went over to see Duke Mantell tonight, didn't you? Yes. What happened? Nothing. You take a bullet intended for him and try to tell me nothing happened? I had no choice. You pulled a gun like yours. What are you getting at? Mantell was murdered an hour ago. You're kidding. Oh, that must mean you're stuck for Nancy. I don't know anything about us. Lieutenant Coram thinks you do. That idiot. Well, you're promoting him. Last week he was only a jerk. Well, if he thinks I killed Mantell, that's crazy. Why should I? Duke set you up for a clay pigeon. I gave up that idea. For what? Suppose Mantell was behind the plot all along. Suppose he was the one who took a shot at me. What would be the point to frame Carol Ford? If I were you, Mike, I'd stick to the original story. If he was the one who plugged you, that gives you an even stronger motive to kill him. Now, I only. No, don't say another word. I know talk is cheap, but your dialogue can cost you your life. Now, let's go. In a moment, we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon. Now, back to the Adventures of the Falcon. I guess there's no pleasing some people. When Sergeant Corbett nominated me for the position of killer of Duke Mantell, my own clients, I tried to decline the honor. But Corbett felt sure his superior, Lieutenant Coram, wouldn't hear of it. Boy, I'd certainly hate to be in your shoes when Coram gets his hands on you. Look, sergeant, you can't be serious about this. Oh, I wish there was some way I could convince you, but you know I couldn't kill anybody. Why, sure, but go try to convince Lt. Coram. Wait a second. What made Coram pick on me? He got a tip from a girl named Carol Ford. Seems you were up to see her. And when you left, you threatened dire consequences for one Duke Mantell. Naturally, I rushed over to give him protection. And when you got there, he was dead. That's right. On relaying this to my superior officer, he immediately jumped to the conclusion that you were responsible. He's crazy. I agree. But what can I do? So in the final analysis, Carol Ford is the one I have to thank for this hat. Who you gotta thank. You suppose we could drop over and see her before we hit headquarters? Well, I don't know. It's out of the way. Don't worry, sergeant. I'm sure Carol will make it worth your while.

[Carol Ford]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Ms. Ford. Dewari and company. Mind if we come in?

[Carol Ford]

I most certainly do.

[Mike Waring]

I wouldn't be too strenuous in my objections, angel. This gentleman is with the police.

[Carol Ford]

Does he have a warrant?

[Mike Waring]

I don't need one.

[Carol Ford]

Now, look here.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, look. Hi, Jen. Well, if it isn't Phil Stacey. What are you doing here down in the office? Maybe I can guess. He came up here with some advice. Is there anything wrong with that? That all depends. Now, purely as a guess, I'd say you were tipping her off to skip town.

[Carol Ford]

How would you know that?

[Mike Waring]

Well, he probably showed you that the murder of Duke Mantell might have the cops around asking embarrassing questions. Looks like I was right. Yeah. Too bad your timing was off. I'm sorry, Ms. Ford. You should be. If you were 20 minutes earlier, we would have missed her. Look, Waring, you got the wrong angle on this. If you think she's responsible for Duke Mantell's murder. No, I don't. I assume that's because you wanted to. Look, Mike, you know what you're talking about? I think so. Sergeant, just ask yourself this question. What would you have thought if you found Ms. Ford gone? Well, that she was guilty. Which is just what Stacy wanted you to think.

[Carol Ford]

But.

[Mike Waring]

What are you babbling about? You killed my. You nuts? If I am, it comes from dealing with squirrels like you. All right, Sergeant, take him to his cage.

[Carol Ford]

I'm a fail anger leave me baffled.

[Mike Waring]

Well, move over, Carol. You've got company. Why did you tip off the police that I headed in for Duke Mantel?

[Carol Ford]

I didn't want to see you make the same mistake I almost made.

[Mike Waring]

I see. Well, I don't.

[Carol Ford]

I can't believe Stacy was responsible for Mantel's murder.

[Mike Waring]

You better. If he didn't do it, then by a process of elimination, it has to be you.

[Carol Ford]

In that case, I'm glad you settled on him.

[Mike Waring]

But he had no motive. It was that pasting Mantell gave him when you left the office making threats. He tipped off Mantell expecting to be remunerated. All he got for his pains was a shellacking. A guy like Stacy takes a thing like that personally.

[Carol Ford]

Then he was responsible for shooting at.

[Mike Waring]

You at the park. That he was. He thought I was Mantell. Then when he discovered his mistake, he sent a friend of his named Jack Winters to remedy it. He felt sure he'd never be suspected.

[Carol Ford]

What made you pick on him?

[Mike Waring]

There were three reasons. One, he was on top of every play when it looked as though I came to a blind alley. He came up with your name. And then that final bit of his telling you to skip town. He just wanted you to incriminate yourself.

[Carol Ford]

He said there were three reasons. You've only given two.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you were the only woman in the case. And if you were guilty, I'd have had to wind up with Sergeant Corbett. Believe me, angel, it works out much better this way.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Good story with a lot of suspects, and I think the solution that we got makes sense. And certainly it worked for Mike to not have to end up with a final scene with Sergeant Corbett. Have to appreciate these sort of inside jokes you get on the Falcon about the way that the radio program works. Well, listener comments and feedback. And we have a couple of comments on YouTube regarding the last Les Damon episode, the Case of the Strawberry Blonde. Saysoff writes, he drives a Nash just like you. The color of the Nash wasn't mentioned this time, but I'm guessing that it was blue. And then skip comments. A chop Nash with two kits. Now, you might think, because we've read comments from listeners about the Nash that they're a little obsessed with the Nash, but they're not the ones writing the script. I have not caught any blue Nash references so far with Georgia Petrie, but we're not quite halfway through the Petri episodes. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Ken Patreon supporter Since March of 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 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 follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We will be back next Monday in a blue Nash with another adventure of the Falcon, but join us back here tomorrow for Charlie Chan where What's on your mind, Inspector?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

I will show you. Have you also tweezers?

[Mike Waring]

Yes.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Here you are. What is it, Charlie? Observe, if you please, position of right hand. Hold it steady. Sergeant.

[Mike Waring]

Yes? Is it?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Yes, it is. The man who killed Simmons is man with beard, you note short black hairs caught in Simmons fingernail.

[Mike Waring]

By Jove, you're right, Charlie.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

It's a mortal certainty that you are.

[Mike Waring]

Inspector, the killer, whoever he is, certainly is a cold, calculating brute. How could he dare to take a chance like this with us in the house?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Killer must have been hiding outside house. He saw a messenger arrive with telegram, saw Simmons answer the door. Then he rang doorbell. Simmons answered second time, saw no one there, stepped outside, and murderer quickly placed gun against his heart and pressed trigger. Then Simmons more or less involuntarily struck out and caught the man's beard with his fingernail. Probably so. Well, we know the murderer's approximate weight. We have a pretty good idea of his height. We know he wears a beard. Perhaps.

[Adam Graham]

Sergeant, I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.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.