The Falcon: The Case of the Wandering Wife (EP4791)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode Title: The Falcon: The Case of the Wandering Wife (EP4791)
Date Released: September 1, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Featured Drama: The Adventures of the Falcon – "The Case of the Wandering Wife" (Original Air Date: February 8, 1954)

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Episode Overview

In this classic episode of The Adventures of the Falcon, private detective Mike Waring becomes embroiled in a tale of jealousy, deception, and murder. What begins as a case of suspected infidelity unravels into a tangled mystery, as Waring navigates suspicious spouses, double-crossing private eyes, and a shocking murder. The central theme explores how jealousy can both cloud judgment and mask deeper betrayals—sometimes with deadly results. Adam Graham provides insightful postdrama commentary, highlighting the vintage drama’s psychology and narrative twists.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. The Case Begins: Jealousy and Suspicion

• [01:43] Mike Waring narrates the setup: Larry Barker, a gruff bookie, hires (or attempts to hire) private detective Frank Pulaski to tail his wife, Sheila, suspecting she's unfaithful. Pulaski refuses Barker’s terms, setting the stage for the unraveling of Barker’s family and fate.

  • Notable Quote (Larry Barker):
    "In my business, I only pay off on results." [02:50]

2. Sheila Barker: The Target and the Client

• [03:42] Sheila, exasperated by her husband’s jealousy, encounters Pulaski, who tries to squeeze her for information money, warning her that Larry is spying on her. She rejects his extortion.

  • Notable Exchange:
    Pulaski: "Your hubby was in to see me yesterday..."
    Sheila: "What did he want?"
    Pulaski: "Well, naturally you can’t expect me to divulge this kind of information for free." [04:06]

• [05:35] Sheila visits Mike Waring (Falcon), seeks evidence for a divorce, and paints a picture of the misery of being married to a possessive man. Waring deduces her intent and reveals her wedding ring had just come off.

  • Notable Quote (Mike Waring):
    "You announced yourself as Mrs. Barker, and then I took a look at your left hand. That little white ring of flesh told me you were wearing a wedding band until a couple of hours ago." [06:14]

3. Layers of Deception: Secretaries, Spies, and Setups

• [08:00] The plot thickens as Al Farinacci, a detective, brings Barker “evidence” his wife is visiting The Falcon. Barker’s world becomes more paranoid and violent.

4. Murder and Framing

• [09:19] After an argument with his secretary, Joyce, Larry is found murdered. Waring is knocked out and discovers himself suspected of the killing.

• [11:15] Sergeant Sidney Corbett steps in, suspecting both Waring and Sheila.

  • Notable Quote (Sergeant Corbett):
    "Barry Barker's been murdered and you think I...Well, it's a possibility. The probabilities are something else again." [12:10]

5. Digging Deeper: Blackmail Attempts and Secret Motives

• [14:13] Frank Pulaski tries to blackmail Barker’s secretary, Joyce, and then Mike Waring, claiming to know who Barker’s real mistress was—for a price.

  • Notable Quote (Pulaski):
    "Now, for 500 clamps, I'd be willing to forget it." [16:03]

• Waring forces Pulaski to reveal the mistress: Joyce Crane, Barker’s secretary.

6. Confrontations and the Truth Revealed

• [18:08] Waring confronts Joyce, who is combative and defensive. He openly accuses her of murder, but is interrupted and abducted by thugs hired by Joyce (Wally Forbes, Tony Gilman).

  • Notable Exchange:
    Waring: "Larry Barker was right. You wouldn't have made him a good wife. You're much too possessive. Careful...But you are possessive. You proved it when you killed him." [18:36]

• [22:29] Waring and Sergeant Corbett confront Joyce a final time, logically deducing her guilt and catching her in a lie regarding who knew about Barker’s suspicions and when.

  • Notable Quote (Waring):
    "You killed Larry Barker. You were in love with him...When you finally woke up to the fact he was killing you, that was it." [24:20]

7. Coda and Wrap-up

• [25:04] Adam Graham provides post-episode commentary, reflecting on character psychology (jealousy as projection) and noting fun meta-details (Pulaski’s Nash, uncovering Sergeant Corbett’s first name, the motivations of those involved).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pulaski, on blackmailing Sheila:
  "So you keep your information and I'll keep my money." [04:31]

• Sheila Barker, on her marriage:
  "Larry and I were married six years ago. And ever since the first day, he suspected the worst." [06:52]

• Corbett, matter-of-factly on police work:
  "Cut that out. You want to drown me?...It was too good an opportunity to waste. Here's a towel." [20:00 approx.]

• Waring, breaking the case:
  "That's how I knew Joyce was lying. All right, Corbett. Fool everybody and make like a police sergeant." [24:40]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:43] — Case setup: Larry hires Pulaski
• [03:42] — Sheila learns she's being tailed
• [05:35] — Sheila hires Falcon to get divorce evidence
• [08:00] — Al Farinacci feeds Larry’s paranoia
• [09:19] — Barker confronts Joyce and is later found dead
• [12:10] — Police suspect Waring
• [14:13] — Pulaski tries to blackmail Joyce and Waring
• [16:00–18:00] — Pulaski spills about Joyce Crane
• [18:08] — Waring confronts and gets abducted by Joyce's thugs
• [22:29] — Final confrontation, Joyce exposed
• [25:04] — Post-episode commentary by Adam Graham

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Host Reflections & Post-Episode Notes

Adam Graham highlights:

• The clever twist that Barker was suspicious because he himself was unfaithful.
• That Pulaski, though shifty, ultimately keeps his word.
• Fun character trivia (Sergeant Corbett’s first name is revealed).
• Technical detail: The henchmen who beat up Waring were only friends helping Pulaski, not hired by the mastermind.
• Graham emphasizes the value of Patreon supporters and previews upcoming shifts in the podcast’s Monday detective lineup.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Adventures of the Falcon masterfully blends sharp noir dialogue, a web of mistaken suspicions, and the timeless theme of love curdled into jealousy and violence. Through vivid period interplay and a tight script, the mystery delivers both suspense and psychology, ending with the real villain unmasked through a logical deduction rather than brute force. Adam Graham’s engaging post-mortem keeps listeners invested in both the golden age fiction and the living podcast community.

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For more classic mysteries, tune in daily to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, or participate in their ever-evolving listening community via Patreon!

Transcript

[Sheila Barker]

Sam.

[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 get into this week's episode of the Adventures of the Falcon. But first, I want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And as this is the our first episode of the month of September, I want to go ahead and welcome our latest platinum Patreon supporters who have been supporting the podcast for 10 years. And I want to go ahead and thank Debbie and John, both supporting us at the psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support. And of course, this marks the formal start of our listener support and appreciation campaign. And we will talk more about that after today's episode. But you can become one of our Patreon Support [e-mail] Now, from February 8, 1954, here is the Case of the Wandering Wife.

[Mike Waring]

And now we invite you to listen to the Adventures of the Falcon as Mike Waring solves the Case of the Wandering Wife. There's one thing you learn working as a private detective. If you keep your eyes open, you're bound to reach your goal. The case in point. I give you Larry Barker. Larry is the rugged looking boy making his way down the fourth floor corridor of the Harris Building. Right now he's looking for trouble. When he stops in front of room 419, the odds are 20 to 1 he'll find him. Yup. I'm looking for Frank Pulaski. Well, if you don't find him, it ain't cause you don't try the right places, you polite peak nuts. Right. I'm Larry Barker, the bookie. I don't think we have to go into that. Well, whatever you say, Mr. Barker. Sit down. Thanks. What can I do you for him? It remains to be seen. Someone told me you were one of the best private detectives around. Well, naturally, I ain't gonna deny it. I will soon find out. Take a look at this picture. Not bad. That happens to be my wife. That's even better. I don't like those kind of jokes, Balerski. Sorry. Think you could watch it for me? Well, I don't know why not? Her first name's Sheila. Sheila? Yeah. I want her followed day and night. I want to know everyone she sees. But everyone. Can you handle it? Well, now, let's see if we understand each other, Mr. Parker. You suspect your wife's running around? Did I say that? Why else would you want to stick a tail out of that's none of your business. Now, either you want the job or you don't. Well, it's going to run into a lot of dough. So? So how about in advance? No dice. Well, for a job like this, I'll have to put on two extra men. I don't care how many you put on. In my business, I only pay off on results. Well, I don't do business that way. I do. Well, in that case, we're both wasting time. You got to find yourself another boy. I got to find my another client. Let's hope we both know where to look.

[Sheila Barker]

Taxi. Taxi.

[Mike Waring]

Can I help you, honey?

[Sheila Barker]

Taxi.

[Mike Waring]

You don't seem to be having much luck.

[Sheila Barker]

Maybe I'll do better calling a cop.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, now, wait a minute, baby. I ain't trying to pick you up.

[Sheila Barker]

Taxi.

[Mike Waring]

I mean it, Mrs. Bucket.

[Sheila Barker]

Looky. How'd you know my name?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, you'd be surprised what I know about you, Sheila. Maybe you'd like to look at my cards.

[Sheila Barker]

Thanks. Pulaski. Private investigation.

[Mike Waring]

Your hubby was in to see me yesterday.

[Sheila Barker]

Larry?

[Mike Waring]

Uh huh.

[Sheila Barker]

What did he want?

[Mike Waring]

Well, now, this ain't no place to talk. I. I got a brand new Nash around the corner and you can say.

[Sheila Barker]

Anything you've got to right here.

[Mike Waring]

Well, it's kind of embarrassing, Sheila. I don't like to be seen taking money from a woman in a public thoroughfare.

[Sheila Barker]

What are you talking about?

[Mike Waring]

Well, naturally, you can't expect me to divulge this kind of information for free.

[Sheila Barker]

You're absolutely right, Mr. Pulaski. So you keep your information and I'll keep my money.

[Mike Waring]

Now, wait a minute.

[Sheila Barker]

I'm not interested.

[Mike Waring]

Well, this really concerns you.

[Sheila Barker]

I doubt it, Saxy.

[Mike Waring]

Well, looks like I ain't gonna make a buck from the Barker family nohow. But I like you better than I do your husband.

[Sheila Barker]

Thanks.

[Mike Waring]

I mean it. If I were you, Sheila, I'd watch my steps. Larry's checking up on you.

[Sheila Barker]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

Just what I said. As a matter of fact, I did a little checking on you myself.

[Sheila Barker]

Why?

[Mike Waring]

All right, take it easy. As far as I can learn, you never once stepped out of line. So what's the matter with that husband of yours anyway? He must be out of his mind.

[Sheila Barker]

You may be right.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if I was you, honey, I'd never put up with it.

[Sheila Barker]

Thank you for your advice, Mr. Pulaski. I'll let you know if I take it.

[Mike Waring]

Just a second. I said just a second. What's the big idea?

[Sheila Barker]

Oh, hello. You Must be Mike Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if you're looking for him, I'd be a fool to deny it. Come on in, angel.

[Sheila Barker]

The name is Barker. Mrs. Barker.

[Mike Waring]

I don't like to be formal with my clients.

[Sheila Barker]

And what makes you think I'm going to be a client?

[Mike Waring]

You mean this is a social call? Well, that's even better. Sit down. Thank you. Cigarette?

[Sheila Barker]

No, thanks.

[Mike Waring]

Drink? I make a great Smirnoff martini.

[Sheila Barker]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Vodka, you know.

[Sheila Barker]

Oh, well, if you don't mind, Mr. Waring, I'd like to get right down to business.

[Mike Waring]

All you pretty women are alike. Okay, Sheila. When do you want me to start looking?

[Sheila Barker]

When do I want you to start looking?

[Mike Waring]

Well, don't you want evidence for a divorce?

[Sheila Barker]

How did you know that?

[Mike Waring]

Well, you announced yourself as Mrs. Barker, and then I took a look at your left hand. That little white ring of flesh told me you were wearing a wedding band until a couple of hours ago.

[Sheila Barker]

That's pretty obvious.

[Mike Waring]

Always is after someone points it out. What's your husband do?

[Sheila Barker]

He's a betting commissioner.

[Mike Waring]

You wouldn't be married to Larry Barker? Yes.

[Sheila Barker]

Now, what's that supposed to mean?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, I'm impressed. I hope you do as well on your next marriage.

[Sheila Barker]

There's not going to be a next marriage. I just want a divorce. I don't even want alimony.

[Mike Waring]

Why?

[Sheila Barker]

Have you ever been married to a jealous man?

[Mike Waring]

Not recently.

[Sheila Barker]

I'm not clowning, Mr. Ware.

[Mike Waring]

I'm sorry.

[Sheila Barker]

Larry and I were married six years ago. And ever since the first day, he suspected the worst.

[Mike Waring]

Does he have reasons?

[Sheila Barker]

No.

[Mike Waring]

You know I believe you. Thank you. Quite all right. But if Larry had no cause to be jealous, why is he?

[Sheila Barker]

I don't know and I don't care. He's killed everything I ever felt for him. He even tried to hire a private detective to keep tabs on me.

[Mike Waring]

Who?

[Sheila Barker]

Man named Frank Pulaski.

[Mike Waring]

That was the final straw. I don't blame you. All right, angel. I'll let you know when I come up with something.

[Sheila Barker]

Yes, sir. Can I help you?

[Mike Waring]

Larry Barker in?

[Sheila Barker]

Well, he's very busy.

[Mike Waring]

He can't be that busy. Tell him Al Farinachi is here. How is it, George?

[Sheila Barker]

There's a gentleman to see you, Mr. Barkham. Can't you handle it now? He wants to speak to you personally. His name is Al Farachi.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, well, send him right in.

[Sheila Barker]

Please go in.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks. Where do I go?

[Sheila Barker]

First door to your right.

[Mike Waring]

Come on in, Fi. Glad to see you, Mr. Barker. What have you got? Plenty. I told you, my outfit delivers the Goods. Lucky you didn't get yourself tied up with that Frank Pulaski. What's the story? Just what you thought. Your wife's been seeing some guy on the slide. I knew it. I knew it. She spent practically the whole afternoon in his apartment. Who is he? Mike Waring. The Falcon? Yep. And you know his Rip. I've heard a couple of stories. Well, there you are. It's just a case of putting two and two together. All right, find out. You beat it. What about my check? I'll mail it. Now, look, Mr. Box. What's the matter? Don't you trust me? Well, I'll deal. Just for that, you'll wait. Joyce, show him up. Never mind. I can find my own way.

[Sheila Barker]

What happened?

[Mike Waring]

Nothing.

[Sheila Barker]

That wasn't the impression I got listening at the door.

[Mike Waring]

So you were eavesdropping.

[Sheila Barker]

I guess I should be ashamed of myself.

[Mike Waring]

I get a good money.

[Sheila Barker]

Sure you have, Larry. Mine's the one that's bad. You think in nine years I would have gotten smarter?

[Mike Waring]

What are you babbling about?

[Sheila Barker]

Just reminiscing.

[Mike Waring]

Well, do it on your own time.

[Sheila Barker]

I don't have any time of my own. Every minute belongs to you, remember?

[Mike Waring]

Are you gonna start that again?

[Sheila Barker]

Yes. I'm entitled to know where I stand. You've been stalling me long enough. Nine years. Nine rotten years. Well, now you've got grounds for divorce.

[Mike Waring]

You're crazy.

[Sheila Barker]

I heard what Farinacci said. Sheila's been running around with a Mike Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Shut up.

[Sheila Barker]

I'm.

[Mike Waring]

You didn't actually think I was going to marry you.

[Sheila Barker]

Yes, I did.

[Mike Waring]

You stupid little fool. My Sheila's worth a million like you.

[Sheila Barker]

She's no better than I am. Ass wearing.

[Mike Waring]

You keep your mouth shut. Do you understand? Don't you dare to say a word about her.

[Sheila Barker]

I only hope Mr. Waring is as gallant.

[Mike Waring]

Don't give it a thought, Joyce. He won't talk. I'll see to that personally. It's about time. Wearing. How did you get in here? What difference does it make? Shut the door. I take it that gun is loaded. What do you think? I think I better shut the door. I understand you and my wife had a nice little talk today. Oh, you must be Larry Barker. How'd you guess? Oh, I'm real clever. How long have you been carrying on with Sheila? How long have I watched. You heard me. Yeah, but I'm sure I misunderstood. You think your wife and me. Yes, you got a real nasty mind. Listen, tell me something, Barker. How do you get like that? The way I see it, either you once took a beating from some woman. Nobody puts anything over on me. And I got another theory. You must be playing around yourself. What? Sure, that's it. So because you can't be trusted, you don't believe anybody else can. I guess that means I'm right, huh? You're gonna stay away from Sheila, do you understand? Who's gonna make me? Come on, Mike. Time to rise and shine. Oh, you're gonna lay there and pamper yourself. Who's that? Just open those big brown eyes and look. I wouldn't be Sergeant Corbett. If you're giving odds, we. What are you doing here? Oh, now that's no way to talk to a man who saved your life. Who saved my life? Help me up. Well, if I were you, kiddo, I'd stay right there. May save you another trip down. Who did this job on you? Never mind. It was Larry Barker. Wasn't him. How did you know? I'm psychic. And how about Barker? I'll take care of him. A couple of boys down at headquarters think you did already. What? Yeah, they found his body 20 minutes ago with three slugs in his brain. Oh, no. Oh, yes. And you'll die when you hear who they think put them there. You want to put your head on or will you go like that? In a moment we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon, but first. And now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. It just goes to prove you should never sleep in the daytime. Here. Larry Barker tucked me in. When I awoke, a police sergeant named Sydney Corbett was standing over me. I couldn't make up my mind which was more frightening, Corbett's new or his face. What's the matter, Mike? You look unhappy. Let me get this straight, Sergeant. You got it straight. Barry Barker's been murdered and you think I. Well, it's a possibility. You had a run in with him when you found me, I was unconscious. Now, how do I know you weren't faking? Listen, you schlemier, what are you getting so excited for? I said it was a possibility. The probabilities are something else again. Now, what was your trouble with Barton? He had some screwy idea I was horsing around with his wife. Were you? No. Oh, you're screwed. That ain't the Mike Waring I know and love. Sheila came to me to get her evidence for a divorce. Why? She got another guy on the string. Oh, she just couldn't stomach Larry anymore. He was crazy jealous. Well, I guess that problem's over now. Well, I hate to disagree with you, but I think her problems are just beginning. I don't see how. Well, you're not looking in the right places. You say Barker was crazy jealous. He would have fought a divorce, so she took the other way of getting rid of him. You're nuts. Well, I would have bet you'd say that whenever you're stuck for an ant. I tell you, she didn't kill him. Sergeant, why don't you scout around and find out who else had it in for Barker? You have any suggestion? Yes. Larry was playing around on the side. He practically admitted it to me. That's why he was ready to believe the worst of Sheila, to justify himself. Well, assuming. Now, mark you, I say assuming there was another woman. So what? We'll know that when you find her. You mean when you find her. You expect me.

[Sheila Barker]

Uh huh.

[Mike Waring]

I've done my part. I found Sheila. You get your own girl.

[Sheila Barker]

Who's there? Who's there?

[Mike Waring]

Hi, Joyce.

[Sheila Barker]

Who got your nerve?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, that's what they all say.

[Sheila Barker]

Now look, Nicole, I don't know who you are, but if you don't get.

[Mike Waring]

Out of here, don't call a copy. Yes, well, I remember. Estate 49970. What are you waiting for?

[Sheila Barker]

Who are you?

[Mike Waring]

Pulaski is my name. Frank Pulaski. I'm a private dick. You know, like the. Paul.

[Sheila Barker]

What do you want?

[Mike Waring]

Well, why don't I sit down, huh? It's too bad about your boss.

[Sheila Barker]

My boss?

[Mike Waring]

Larry Barker. Someone done him in.

[Sheila Barker]

You're lying.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, you think so? Take a look at this headline.

[Sheila Barker]

Bookie killed in east side apartment. Lawrence darker, better known. Oh, no.

[Mike Waring]

You need a drink. No, I do. Do you mind?

[Sheila Barker]

Is. Is this why you came here?

[Mike Waring]

Well, not exactly. You see, the cops think his wife knocked him off.

[Sheila Barker]

Well, they're crazy.

[Mike Waring]

Well, she seemed like the best vet. Of course, you and I know better.

[Sheila Barker]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

Well, Barker came to my office yesterday to hire me to keep tabs on.

[Sheila Barker]

His Mrs. That's a lie.

[Mike Waring]

He hired Al Farinacci. Sure, but that was only after I turned him down. You know, he was a tough man to get a buck out of. You'd think his wife would be more generous.

[Sheila Barker]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I thought she at least would let me have a hundred for tipping her off on what was going on. But no. So then I thought of you.

[Sheila Barker]

I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

Well, now, I'm a student of human nature. You can't believe how low people are.

[Sheila Barker]

Get to the point.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, well, I wondered why a guy like Barker'd be watching his missus when she never once strayed off the reservation. And then it occurred to me maybe he liked to put on the war paint himself.

[Sheila Barker]

I wouldn't know.

[Mike Waring]

Are you kidding? Who'd know better?

[Sheila Barker]

Are you suggesting you get out?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, you don't want to take that attitude, sweetie. Like I said, this is only a theory. Now, for 500 clamps, I'd be willing to. Forget it.

[Sheila Barker]

Get out.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if I do, I'll go straight to Mike Waring.

[Sheila Barker]

I don't care where you go.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you can't say later I didn't give you a chance. 5 will get you 10, wearing and will be willing to take it. Yeah? Hi, Wearing. Do I know you? No, but think of what you've been missing. I'm willing to pass it up or you'll be making a great mistake. You're working for Sheila Barker, ain't you? Well. Well, how would you like to get her off? Maybe you better come in. Thanks. I don't believe you mentioned your name. I don't believe I did. It's Pulaski. Frank Pulaski. Oh, don't tell me you heard of me. Only this afternoon, Gina Barker told me you were working for her husband. Oh, she's got the story twisted. Dad, he wanted me to go to work, but I couldn't see it. We couldn't get together on a fee. That's tough. Well, it's tougher than you think. Imagine me sitting here with everything I know. And what do you know? Well, is it worth 500 fish? It might be. Well, suppose I told you that Barker was playing around. I figured that out for myself. Yeah, but I know her name. Wouldn't she pay off? Well, you must have braced her first. You know, you're pretty cute. I bet you say that to all the boys. Who's the girl first? When you see the color of your dope, come right, Pulaski. Who's the girl? Let go. I asked you something. Don't you ever do that again. That me? You're going to pay for that. Put it on my bill. Now. What's her name? Well, Joyce. Joyce Cream. Where can I find her? At the Comstar. Thanks a lot, Palaski. You've been a great help. That's okay. Wearing. The pleasure was all mine. You'll be surprised what I do for you in the future. Hello.

[Sheila Barker]

Whatever you're selling, you're strongly not in good fix.

[Mike Waring]

How do you know it?

[Sheila Barker]

If you see my line, I'll take my chances.

[Mike Waring]

You can't afford to. Joyce.

[Sheila Barker]

Aren't you being just a little Bit familiar.

[Mike Waring]

If you think I'm obnoxious now, wait till you know me better. My name is Mike Waring.

[Sheila Barker]

Oh, hooray for you.

[Mike Waring]

You're not impressed?

[Sheila Barker]

No idea. You can say everything you want to right there.

[Mike Waring]

Everything.

[Sheila Barker]

Look, you're not fooling me. I know Pulaski's been to see you.

[Mike Waring]

I kind of hope it'd be a surprise. No.

[Sheila Barker]

He announced his intention as he left.

[Mike Waring]

I see. And I see something else.

[Sheila Barker]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Larry Barker was right. You wouldn't have made him a good wife. You're much too possessive. Careful. And any kiddies look thing. But you are possessive. You proved it when you killed him. Get out. You're forgetting, angel. I am out. You never invited me in. Mr. Big Mouth had a go. And reminder. Hey, buddy. Me? Yeah.

[Sheila Barker]

I wonder if you could settle an.

[Mike Waring]

Argument for me, my friend. What is it? He says you're Mike Waring. Well? And I got a gun that says you're going to get into this car. Now, who's that? Apparently both of you. Idiot. You fellas ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Things like this don't happen anymore. Don't they? Yeah, I guess they do. Well, whose lap do I sit on? Look over, Wally. Watch him. You know, I got a friend who won't believe this. He's a police sergeant. Think of that. You're not even impressed. You think he's failing to be hyped? Absolutely. So, white fellow? You talk too much, Willie. You may be right. Sure I am. I ought to know. I talk too much, too. All right, Wally. Let's find a nice quiet spot where instead of all this dialogue, we can get a little action. In a moment, we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon. Well, that's life for you. Obviously, somewhere along the line, I put my foot in it. 500 after Wally found his nice quiet spot, that same foot was around my neck. The next thing I knew, I was at police headquarters and it had begun to rain. But I was the only one getting wet. Sergeant Corbett was in charge of the downpour. All right, Sussman, once more. Cut that out. You want to drown me? Well, I thought that would bring you around. You didn't have to do that. It was too good an opportunity to waste. Here's a towel. Thanks. Well, you better get the back of your neck, Mike. You're not dry behind the ears. Oh, that's a good one. How did I get here anyway? A prowl car found you in Red Hook. Recognizing you as my comrade in arms, they brought you here. Now, who did It. I don't know their names, but they were obviously hired by the same party who killed Larry Barker. You mean Sheila? Don't be a SAP. They were hired by Joyce Crane. And who, pray tell, is Joyce Crane? She was Larry Barker's secretary. Only your time belonged to him. Out of the office as well. The two punks who gave you that going over were hired by her? Yes. You want a description? Oh, I wouldn't care to hear him. Now, look, Sydney, we already picked them up. One is Wally Forbes, and the other is a boy named Tony Gilman. How do you know they're the right ones? Why, they admitted it. Oh, well, then we shouldn't have any trouble getting him to confess that Joyce hired him. That I doubt. Now, look, Corbin. What are you telling me to look for? This isn't television. They're friends of Frank Py. What? Yeah, they were just doing them a favor. Now that I think of it, why did I lock them up? Well, they were doing me a favor, too. Hello, Joyce.

[Sheila Barker]

Don't tell me you're back again.

[Mike Waring]

I wouldn't slam the door, lover. This time I brought along a friend. This is Sergeant Corner. How do you do?

[Sheila Barker]

Look, Sergeant, I don't know what Wearing told.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's just the trouble. He didn't tell me a thing. Maybe you can help out. May we come in?

[Sheila Barker]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I think we better.

[Sheila Barker]

Got an official request.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, I didn't flash my badge. Now, why can't we keep this on a friendly basis?

[Sheila Barker]

Well, I don't like him.

[Mike Waring]

Me? Oh, the girl's got taped.

[Sheila Barker]

Sit down.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks.

[Sheila Barker]

Now, what do you want to know?

[Mike Waring]

Well, Waring here has come up with a very interesting theory. You see, Joyce, there's one character in this little drama we've forgotten. Now, you don't believe that Sheila killed Larry Barker, do you?

[Sheila Barker]

Yes, I do.

[Mike Waring]

You change your mind, it's a woman's prerogative. Well, let's hold Sheila in abeyance for a while. Let's get back to this character we've overlooked. What's the name of the private dick Larry hired?

[Sheila Barker]

You mean Pulaski?

[Mike Waring]

No, no, Pulaski never went to work for him. This is the boy who actually did the job, the one who tailed Sheila to my apartment.

[Sheila Barker]

Al Farinacci.

[Mike Waring]

Farinacci? That's a name.

[Sheila Barker]

What's he got to do with it?

[Mike Waring]

Well, let's suppose Larry never paid him for the job.

[Sheila Barker]

He didn't?

[Mike Waring]

That gives Farnacci a motive.

[Sheila Barker]

You're crazy. The only reason Larry didn't pay him is because he was busy.

[Mike Waring]

But Farinacci expected to be paid right there and then.

[Sheila Barker]

No. Larry had a right to check and see whether his information was McCoy. Once Larry found out Sheila hired you to get divorce evidence, he agreed to pay off.

[Mike Waring]

How do you know that?

[Sheila Barker]

Because Larry tells me as much.

[Mike Waring]

Then it's your theory Sheila killed him.

[Sheila Barker]

She knew she'd never be free any other way.

[Mike Waring]

You really want to see her burn, don't you?

[Sheila Barker]

I most certainly do.

[Mike Waring]

Bloodthirsty little girl, ain't she? Well, what do you say, Mike? I say it's about time you did something. What are you mumbling about? She's the one we want.

[Sheila Barker]

Are you out of your mind?

[Mike Waring]

That's possible, too, but it doesn't alter the conclusion. You killed Larry. Bart. No. Yes. You were in love with him.

[Sheila Barker]

Then why would I kill him?

[Mike Waring]

Because you were getting older every day. You went with him for nine years, always deluding yourself. Someday he'd marry you. When you finally woke up to the fact he was killing you, that was it.

[Sheila Barker]

No. No.

[Mike Waring]

Can you prove that? My cure. When Barker came to my place, he accused me of running around with Sheila. He slugged me before I had a chance to tell. I was only working for. But Joyce here claimed Barker told her that. That's what I mean. That's how I knew Joyce was lying. All right, Corbett. Fool everybody and make like a police ser. Foreign.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. The story appears to be complete, although based on some of our past episodes, there might have been a missing scene between Waring and his client, or Waring and Sergeant Corbett. But I actually don't feel like it was necessary. It would seem pretty clear to me how Waring solve the case. I did like the psychology that the husband was suspicious of his wife because he was himself being unfaithful. And beyond that, there's some fun stuff, such as learning Sergeant Corbett's first name after all this time. Sidney wouldn't have thought it, but good to know. Also, I liked the fact that the guys who beat up Waring were just friends of Pulaski. Pulaski did keep his word, of course. We also note that Pulaski drove. What else? A Nash. All right, well, listener comments and feedback now. And we have a comment on Facebook from Gigi Little, who writes, you gotta hand it to the Falcon. And this is regarding the episode the Case of the Faded Rose. You've got to hand it to the Falcon. Smart enough to solve a complex mystery, not quite smart enough to notice he's not wearing pants. Well, we all have. Well, not we all but I've got some of those uneven abilities, so I kind of get that. Thank you so much, Gigi. And Gigi actually had an OTR detective themed novel that's coming out in October, so congratulations on that. Well, now we're going to talk a little bit about our listener support and appreciation campaign and we've been doing this for many, many years. In the last few we have focused solely on our Patreon support, although we certainly welcome those who send one time donations however they choose to. It really is all vital to the podcast, but the Patreon supporters are key for providing reliable support month in and month out. When it comes to creating podcasts, all of the revenue that you have coming in, it really does vary. Whether you're talking advertising or YouTube or these little smaller revenue streams that we have going, it all just varies from month to month by things that we can't really control. So that stable base from our Patreon supporters is really critical and really appreciated because we deal with month to month expenses and bills that need it paid. And of course the Patreon support, it goes beyond the financial aspect. It means a lot that people choose to support the podcast. I know there are a lot of videos I watch, a lot of creators I stumble across and it seems like everyone's got a Patreon or a, you know, YouTube channel membership and no one can afford to sign up for them all. But it means so much that people decide to make us one of the programs that they support and being able to reach out and share and connect. Oftentimes, you know, we have our regular monthly update which has some personal update as well as give some thoughts on where we're going with the podcast. And we will often ask for feedback from our Patreon supporters and they'll have a voice in what we do on the podcast. Now of course that can come about directly such as voting for our summer series. And I really enjoyed just just finished recording the Summer of Robert Louis Stevenson that the Patreon supporters chose. But it can come in a lot of ways. Having a group of listeners who really are invested in the program and dedicated to it really means so much and being able to communicate and to get their feedback and to do the best that I can to bring the best show possible. So I truly appreciate all of our Patreon supporters and if you would like to join our more than 400 Patreon supporters, you can do so at patreon.greatdetectives.net you will get a monthly update from me and those who support the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month will also get to enjoy bonus podcasts that don't actually go out on the Internet. We've had some really fun things up. Oftentimes it's tied into one of our actors and either the detective programs or another series. Sometimes it can be just something really interesting that I found through my journey through the golden age of radio. And again, that is available to listeners who support the program at the psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Most other major benefits will come to all of our Patreon supporters who support the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. And there are all sorts of things I would love to do, but it requires time and money and our Patreon supporters help to do that. One thing I have thought about is licensing some programs which are firmly under copyright, but which we aren't able to play, particularly as we're running out of American programs. And of course we continue to look for ways to acquire higher quality old time radio programs and old time radio programs that are not in general circulation. And of course I always want to be a supporter of good things going on in the old time radio community and provide our own sort of contributions to the world of radio research. Certainly one thing we were able to do this year, which was really fun, was to put the Landini murder case on Charlie Chan into the context of the book the Keeper of the Keys. Now one thing I do want to talk about is our plans for Monday in the coming season. We do have a couple more weeks of the Falcon ahead and then coming at the end of the month, we will be bringing you Danger with Granger, which will carry on for a few months, but will not get us through the entirety of season 17. And what is coming next? Well, that will actually be decided by our Patreon supporters. We will repeat a series that we did in the past, some series that it really has been long enough that we can revisit. We're not going to revisit replace Sam Spade or something like that, but it will be placed to our Patreon supporters to choose one of the previous Monday series. It won't be box 13 since we did that back in season 11 and a few weeks of season 12. So that was fairly recent. But it will be other Monday series that we've done and our Patreon supporters will choose one which Monday series we are going to revisit first. And if you do want to become part of that process. Just become one of our Patreon supporters. Patreon.greatdetectives.net well, now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Greg, patreon supporter since January 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the Showmas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support Greg. 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 on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Monday with another episode of the Falcon. But join us back here tomorrow for Charlie Chan as we begin some self contained episodes with.

[Mike Waring]

This house sure is crummy. Yes, son. Artist may be long of hair, but is always short of cash.

[Sheila Barker]

Well, here we are, Studio B. I don't see any bell.

[Mike Waring]

I guess I'd better knock. Maybe he's out, dad.

[Sheila Barker]

Do not think so, Mr. Craig.

[Mike Waring]

Assured appointment stated Artist at home all afternoon.

[Sheila Barker]

Not once more. Okay, dad.

[Mike Waring]

Hey, you. What are you trying to do? Knock my neighbor's door down?

[Sheila Barker]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

We were only trying to find out. Yes, dad.

[Sheila Barker]

Mr. Warren.

[Mike Waring]

Mike Warren.

[Sheila Barker]

Oh, Mr. Warren, this is studio of Curtis Allen Artist.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, on the door. Nobody answers. Alan's probably out.

[Sheila Barker]

He did. The door's open.

[Mike Waring]

Look. Yes, and perceive legs of occupant on sofa. You're crazy. Kurt's odd. I tell you. He'd have an. You're right, funny. Kurt. Kurt. Great Scott. He's dead.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.