The Fat Man: Murder Plays the Horses (AU)

Summary

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The Great Detectives Present the Fat Man: "Murder Plays the Horses (AU)"

Original Airdate: August 26, 1954
Podcast Host: Adam Graham
Featured Detective: Brad Runyon ("The Fat Man")
Episode Date: March 28, 2025 (podcast release)

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Overview

This engaging episode presents a classic "Fat Man" case, as Detective Brad Runyon navigates the perilous intersection of horse racing, blackmail, and murder. The story, rooted in both the world of high-stakes racing and familial loyalty, intertwines the fates of a desperate horse owner, a loyal daughter, a possibly crooked jockey, and shifty gamblers. Runyon must untangle lies, misdirected blame, and a string of violent acts to expose the true villain and protect the innocent. Hosted and contextualized by Adam Graham, this episode is part of the series’ look at both U.S. and Australian productions featuring The Fat Man.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Setup: Trouble at the Track

• Colonel BJ Decker, an old hand in the racing world with both horses and a beloved daughter (Ethel), calls Runyon after multiple suspicious mishaps threaten his stable.
• Decker’s horses have suffered accidents and suspected sabotage:
  • One throws a shoe and falls (05:15),
  • Another gets sick, “something in the feed” (06:31).
• He’s received a threatening phone call: “If you love your daughter Ethel, you’ll keep Snowflake out of the Kingston Handicap” (06:49).
• Stakes are huge: “Kingston Handicap is day after tomorrow…and Snowflake is the favorite. The purse is over $100,000.” (07:03)

2. Suspects and Red Herrings

• Decker fears involvement from his jockey, Eddie Burns, who is also secretly engaged to his daughter (12:12).
• Runyon meets the colorful supporting cast at the track:
  • Pete, the eager stable boy,
  • Deacon and Sneed, shifty gamblers (09:34–10:13).
• Runyon grills Eddie:
  • “Some funny things have been happening to Colonel Decker’s horses lately…Somebody called the Colonel yesterday and threatened his daughter Ethel if Snowflake ran...”
  • Eddie denies: “I wouldn’t threaten Ethel…Because we’re getting married right after the big race.” (12:12)

3. Blackmail and Confessions

• Decker finally admits to a betting fiasco:
  • Took $25,000 from Deacon and Sneed to place a bet he didn’t, because he thought the horse was a loser—then the horse won, and he owed them $175,000 (13:39–13:56).
  • In desperation, he hands over the deed to a supposed gold mine as collateral, though it’s worth more than the debt… or is it? (14:17)

4. Escalation: Murder & Arson

• Sneed is found murdered (14:39), soon after Runyon left the stables.
• Decker’s stables are burned down, but Ethel has (secretly) saved Snowflake, hiding the horse elsewhere (17:33).
• Eddie is immediately suspected and taken into custody, but protests his innocence.

5. The Big Race — More Sabotage

• With Eddie in jail, Pete rides Snowflake in the Kingston Handicap.
• In a dramatic broadcast:
  • “Snowflake has caught Breakaway! They’re neck and neck…but something’s wrong. The jockey on Snowflake has collapsed in the saddle…He’s fallen off Snowflake.” (22:54)
  • Suggests jockey was doped or sabotaged.
• During this, Colonel Decker is murdered at a friend’s house, shot through the window (23:46).

6. Investigation Unravels the Truth

• Eddie, believed to have escaped and committed the murder, is actually still in custody—revealing a setup (24:19).
• Runyon confronts Deacon in his hotel while he’s packing to run, linking him to the murder of Decker, but closing in on the deeper truth (25:21–26:48).

7. Runyon’s Deduction & Compassion

• The tangled plot resolves:
  • Decker killed Sneed when Sneed uncovered the truth that the mine deed was worthless.
  • Deacon killed Decker, likely in revenge.
  • All the “sabotage” and threats were orchestrated by Decker to frame Eddie and cover his own financial desperation, including burning his own stables for insurance (30:16–30:54).
• Runyon ensures that Decker’s daughter never learns her father’s true crimes, orchestrating a cover-up for the sake of “a nice gesture” (28:37–29:37).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On cynicism and compassion:

  • “The Fat Man’s bulk can cover a multitude of things, such as hard muscles and maybe a soft heart. I go for the first myself. They pay off better. Crime and soft hearts don’t mix. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make a nice gesture once in a while, even in the midst of a considerable amount of murder.” — Brad Runyon (04:05)

• Revealing the double-cross:

  • “You mean that’s what you hoped. But Burns took the horse out before the fire. Someone started that fire for you, didn’t they, Deacon?” — Brad Runyon to Deacon (26:23)
  • “Colonel Decker murdered Sneed. Decker…so he had a chance to kill three birds with one stone. He wanted to keep Eddie from marrying Ethel, so he decided to frame him.” — Brad Runyon (29:37–30:13)

• Runyon’s gesture of kindness:

  • “You’re going to tell a little white lie, huh? It won’t hurt anybody, and it’ll make somebody else happy… as far as you and I are concerned, [Deacon] killed Sneed, too. And don’t forget, Mac, you can only electrocute a man once.” — Brad Runyon (28:53–29:37)

• The iconic closing:

  • “Well, that’s that. It seems I spend my life in getting into trouble and getting out of it. But at the same time I generally manage to get some other people in and out of trouble too. Be seeing you again. So long.” — Brad Runyon (32:43)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:02] – Colonel Decker explains the “curse” on his horses.
• [06:49] – The threat against Ethel and Snowflake emerges.
• [12:12] – Eddie reveals he’s set to marry Ethel.
• [13:39] – Decker confesses his gambling debts and the gold mine ruse.
• [14:39] – Sneed’s murder is revealed.
• [16:36] – The stables burn, Eddie is accused.
• [22:54] – The catastrophic race, Pete collapses off of Snowflake.
• [23:46] – Colonel Decker is murdered.
• [24:19] – Twist: Eddie’s still in custody, couldn’t have killed Decker.
• [26:48] – Runyon confronts Deacon, the scheme unravels.
• [29:37–30:54] – Runyon explains the full solution to Mac.

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Host Reflection & Final Thoughts

• Adam Graham praises Runyon’s “nice gesture, protecting the memory of a skunk for the sake of the daughter,” noting, “the Fat Man does act in this episode like he’s generally hard, no-nonsense…he definitely does have a heart.” (33:44)
• Graham contextualizes the story’s moral ambiguity, compares it to “Dragnet”, and thanks a Patreon supporter.
• The balance of toughness and compassion in Runyon’s character is highlighted as a recurring trait in both the U.S. and Australian scripts.

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Takeaway

This “Fat Man” mystery stands out for its blend of racing intrigue, misdirection, and Runyon’s signature hardboiled wisdom mixed with unexpected tenderness. Through layered plotting and a cast of colorful noir characters, murder is played not just at the horses, but around money, love, loyalty, and the lengths to which people will go when their backs are against the wall.

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For fans of classic detective tales, this episode delivers all the suspense, twists, and character nuance the "Fat Man" series is known for, wrapped up with a wry, generous heart.

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. If you have a comment, email it to me. Box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetectives I do want to encourage you to check out our other programs. We have our amazing World of Radio programs. We've recorded a lot of different episodes this year, including our Patreon supporter chosen summer series Top Secret as well as tributes to Jack Webb, Kirk Douglas and Olivia de Havilland. And this week we'll be posting our annual Thanksgiving episode. Check it out at amazing.greatdetectives.net we also have our World War II episod series the War the war.greatdetectives.net and check out the Old Time Radio Superman Show. We are rebuilding the archives for that after a server issue dumped thirds of the series. We've got the last 324 episodes up and several episodes prior to that. So check that out Old Time Radio Superman show and then go to Public Domain Video Theater. Our video version of this podcast at videotheater greatdetect. Now it's time for today's episode of the Fat Man. The Original air date August 26, 1954 and the title is Murder Plays the Horses.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

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[Narrator / Other Characters]

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[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Brad Runyon]

There he goes.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Into that drugstore. He's stepping on the scales.

[Brad Runyon]

Weight 239 pounds.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Fortune danger. Who is it?

[Brad Runyon]

The fat man. Batman's bulk can cover a multitude of things such as hard muscles and maybe a soft heart. I go for the first myself. They pay off better. Crime and soft hearts don't mix. But that doesn't mean you can't make a nice gesture once in a while, even in the midst of a considerable amount of murder. And now here, the fat man in

[Narrator / Other Characters]

murder plays the horses.

[Brad Runyon]

Colonel BJ Decker's home was one of those old mansions over near the park. You know the kind I mean. Museum on the outside and the morgue on the inside. The Colonel was pretty well known in the racing world and owned a few horses himself. He had a beautiful daughter and a knack for getting into more trouble than a 60 year old playboy should. I'd done a couple of minor jobs for him when some of his chorus girl sweethearts got a little too rough. So I wasn't surprised when he called and said he wanted to see me right away.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Runyon, come in, come in.

[Brad Runyon]

Hello, B.J.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

pull up that chair and sit down. Have a martini?

[Brad Runyon]

No, thanks. Not before the sun goes down.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Good idea. Good idea. I don't either as a rule, but this business has got me all upset.

[Brad Runyon]

Who is she this time, BJ A redhead.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

A redhead? Oh. Oh, no. I wish it were as simple as that. Bunyan, this is serious.

[Brad Runyon]

I didn't think anything was more serious than a redhead. Unless it was a horse.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

It is a horse. In fact, it's more than one horse. And it's also my daughter, Ethel.

[Brad Runyon]

Your daughter, eh? Okay, start at the beginning.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Well, it was several weeks ago. One of my horses was running at Pimlico. She was the favorite and should have won in a walk, but she didn't. Coming into the back stretch, she threw a shoe and took a bad fall.

[Brad Runyon]

A tough break, BJ but it's happened before.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Well, I know that, of course, but three days later, another one of my horses took sick just before the race. It was something in the feed.

[Brad Runyon]

Yeah. What next?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

A week later, it was a sure. Game, then. Yesterday afternoon, I got a phone call

[Brad Runyon]

from one of your horses.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Oh, stop it, Brad. This is serious. It was a man's voice. He said, if you love your daughter, Ethel, you'll keep Snowflake out of the Kingston Handicap.

[Brad Runyon]

You didn't tell the police?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

No, no, I had nothing to go on. Kingston Handicap is day after tomorrow, and Snowflake is the favorite. The purse is over $100,000.

[Brad Runyon]

You didn't recognize the voice on the phone?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

No.

[Brad Runyon]

And now you're going to scratch Snowflake.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I'm afraid not to.

[Brad Runyon]

Okay, B.J. i'll see what I can do.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Well, here. Here's $50.

[Brad Runyon]

$50? Who are you trying to kid, B.J.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

oh, I don't mean. That's all I'm gonna pay you. That's just all the cash I have in my pocket.

[Brad Runyon]

I don't mind a check.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Well, what's the matter with you anyway, Runyon? I'll pay you whatever you want. You know that. Well, quit acting like a schoolboy and help me.

[Brad Runyon]

Okay. Any idea who might be behind this business?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Well, I. I do have.

[Brad Runyon]

But don't stall. If you know something, tell me.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Look here, Runyon. I don't want to point suspicion at anybody without being positive.

[Brad Runyon]

Okay, B.J. it was a nice chat. Obviously.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. You've got to help me.

[Brad Runyon]

All right. Who's behind it?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Well, I don't like to jump to conclusions. I think I know. But I like the boy, and he does a good job.

[Brad Runyon]

He works for you?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Yes. He's Eddie Burns. A jock. Attaboy, eddie. Attaboy. Let him out. Let him out. Come on, eddie. Come on.

[Brad Runyon]

Nice horse.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Nice. Who you try to kid, mister? That Snowflake?

[Brad Runyon]

Yeah. Good horse, eh?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

There ain't no better.

[Brad Runyon]

Who's the exercise boy?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Exercise boy? Are you kidding? You ain't been around much, have you, mister? That's Eddie Burns, the best jockey in the business.

[Brad Runyon]

Oh, Eddie Kearns.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Not Kearns. Burns. Oh, brother, You're a real square, aren't you?

[Brad Runyon]

Not if you're observant. You a jockey?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

No, not yet. I work them out. They give me the plugs, but I'm learning fast. Neddy's talking me up. I'll get a break pretty soon.

[Brad Runyon]

What's your name?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Pete.

[Brad Runyon]

Okay, Pete. I see that tall, thin fellow leaning against the rail over there.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Yeah, what about him?

[Brad Runyon]

Who is he?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I don't know. I seen him talking to Eddie a little while ago. I guess it's some pal of his.

[Brad Runyon]

See you later. I want to talk to Eddie's pal. I thought I smelled something besides horses around here, Deacon. It couldn't be a fat detective, could it? It might be a tin horn gambler.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I knew a fellow once who had a wonderful nose. It was so good he just had

[Brad Runyon]

to go around using it all the time. But he had an accident. What a shame.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Yes, wasn't it? They found him in an alley without his nose. No.

[Brad Runyon]

Any more bedtime stories, Deacon?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Yes, lots of them.

[Brad Runyon]

Tell me one about a jockey. A jockey? Yeah, a jockey named Eddie Burns.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

You know, it's a curious thing, but I don't know any Eddie Burns stories.

[Brad Runyon]

How about the Sweet Bears? Let's skip that. I'd almost bet you knew at least one Eddie Burns story. You'd make more betting on a horse.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Okay, Deacon, let's go.

[Brad Runyon]

I got a low sneed. Remember me? What's this two bit dick doing here, huh? He's being too inquisitive.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Oh, that's not so healthy, fat man.

[Brad Runyon]

You know, Deacon, you ought to be more careful in thinking friends. Somebody might get the wrong idea. Why? Come on, let's go. Better brush up on your whole stories, Deacon.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Take him, Pete. Okay, Eddie. Boy, oh boy, he's really looking good, ain't he? Like a dream. Feeling good, aren't you, boy? I say, we're gonna take that Kingston handicapped like candy from a baby, boy. Hold it here, Pete. Take him round again. Take it easy.

[Brad Runyon]

Just.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Just cool him off. Okay, Eddie. Give me a leg up.

[Brad Runyon]

I hear there's a big purse in the Kingston Handicap. Eddie.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Here.

[Brad Runyon]

Think you'll win it?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Maybe. What's it to you?

[Brad Runyon]

Some funny things have been happening to Colonel Decker's horses lately.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Okay, mister, what's on your mind? Top straight.

[Brad Runyon]

Somebody might think you're behind it.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Some funny things have been happening all right, but I'm not behind it.

[Brad Runyon]

Somebody called the Colonel yesterday and threatened his daughter Ethel if Snowflake ran on the Kingston Handicap. Know anything about it?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Me?

[Brad Runyon]

That's right.

[SpinQuest Advertiser]

Why?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I wouldn't threaten Ethel.

[Brad Runyon]

Why not?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Because we're getting married right after the big race.

[Brad Runyon]

Eddie's crack slowed me up a bit. While I was figuring my next approach, Eddie turned quickly and headed for the stables. I wanted to straighten this angle out, so I drove back to town, had me a breakfast and hustled over to see Colonel Decker. It was still only 10 o', clock, but the Colonel was up and threw breakfast when I called. Now let me get this straight, B.J. you said it was your jockey, Eddie Burns, who phoned you and threatened Ethel Edwards.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Eddie, I tell you.

[Brad Runyon]

But he says he loves Ethel, and they're getting married the day after the race.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Why, that's ridiculous. Eddie. Marry Ethel? Oh, well, I might have known it.

[Brad Runyon]

Now, stop. If you want me to help you and protect your daughter, you've got to come clean, or I quit right now.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

All right, Runyon, I'll tell you the whole truth.

[Brad Runyon]

It's about time.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I was foolish, perhaps, but, well, it looked like a sure thing, and I couldn't resist the temptation.

[Brad Runyon]

What are you talking about?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

A few weeks ago, two gentlemen that I know got in touch with me. I had some money. They wanted to bet on a long shot, and they wanted to spread it around without too much suspicion. So they asked me to bet $25,000 for them.

[Brad Runyon]

Who were these gentlemen?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Two men named Deacon and Sneed.

[Brad Runyon]

And you took the money but didn't place the bet?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

That's right. It was a seven to one shot. I didn't think the horse had a chance, so I decided to take the bet myself.

[Brad Runyon]

But the horse won. So you owed them $175,000?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Yes.

[Brad Runyon]

Go on.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

When I told them I couldn't pay, that they'd have to wait, they threatened me. I told them I could pay after the Kingston Handicap if Snowflake won. But that wasn't good enough. They wanted collateral. The only thing I had to give them was the deed to a gold mine I own.

[Brad Runyon]

Which is worth more than the money you lost.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Exactly. Now you see why I've got to win the Kingston Handicap tomorrow.

[Brad Runyon]

Yeah. Why didn't you tell me the truth to start with? Why all the business about Eddie Burns?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

But Eddie is mixed up in it. They're trying to keep Snowflake out of the race, and they've gotten to Eddie, bought him up. Excuse me.

[Brad Runyon]

Hello?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Colonel Decker? Yes, speaking. This is Lieutenant MacKenzie of Police Headquarters. We're at the stables right now, but can you meet us at headquarters in an hour? Why, yes. Yes, of course. But what's the trouble is Snowflake. Snowflake's all right, but there's a guy named Snead. That isn't what happened. We found him on one of your empty stalls with a bullet in his head.

[Brad Runyon]

The colonel told me about the phone conversation and said that the police figured that Sneed had been murdered around 8 that morning, right after I had seen him. By the way, we killed a little time over a cup of coffee. Then I drove the colonel down to headquarters, where, after a few questions, he was sent home. I was just about to leave when they brought in Sneed's pal, the Deacon. A low beacon. Got a good one on the 4th tomorrow. What are you doing here, fat man? Too bad about your pal Sneed. Yes, very unfortunate. Your mourning is very touching. He was a nice guy, and I liked him. He was old enough to know what he was doing. Took his chances like everyone else. But he drew the wrong card. Have you got any idea who might have been gunning for him, Lieutenant? Why don't you ask Runyon here? Perhaps he knows. What do you mean by that crack? I mean that.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Wait a minute.

[Brad Runyon]

Lieutenant McKenzie. What? Okay. Hold the Deacon till his lawyer springs him. Okay, sir.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

You want to come along, Brad?

[Brad Runyon]

What's up, Mac? Colonel Decker's stables are on fire. When MacKenzie and I arrived at the track, Decca Stables were a smoldering mass of ruins. The intense heat had prevented every attempt to save the horses. And Colonel Decker angrily declared, eddie Burns

[Narrator / Other Characters]

is behind all this. Runyon, they didn't want my horse, Snowflake, to run. They wanted to ruin me. Enough. But, Dad. I know Eddie didn't have anything to do with this. You keep out of this. But, dad. Apple, are you all right? Eddie, where have you been? Oh, I just heard about the fire. Oh, Mr. Runyon, I've got something important to tell you.

[Brad Runyon]

What are you doing with that gun, Eddie?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Well, that's what I wanted to tell you. I found it down near the Madison Stables.

[Brad Runyon]

Let me have it. It's been fired, Eddie.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

You see, Runyan, I told you.

[Brad Runyon]

Just a second, Colonel. Just a second. Where were you this morning, Ms. Decker?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I went out riding with. Why? I went alone.

[Brad Runyon]

Now, look here, Runyon, you. Surely, Ms. Decker, I'd advise you to keep close to your home for a while. As for you, Eddie, I'm gonna turn you over to the police to answer a few questions.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

There's no question about his guilt. He murdered Sneed and started the fire that killed Snowflake. Snowflake's all right. What? He wasn't in the stable.

[Brad Runyon]

Where is he?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

He's down in the Madison stables. I was worried about him, so I took him down there. After this morning's workout.

[Brad Runyon]

Good. Don't say anything to anybody. If we can keep it out of the papers, it may save a lot more trouble.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Sam,

[Brad Runyon]

the murderer on the loose. I stayed close to the Decker family. The next noontime, the day of the big race, I told the colonel I'd drive him out to the track. Eddie Burns was in police custody. And Pete, the young stable boy, was assigned to ride Snowflake with the Deacon free? Because of lack of evidence. The Colonel didn't object to my companionship. Until he found out where I was taking him. You know, Colonel, there are a couple of things that don't make sense. What? Why Sneed was murdered, for instance.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

That's simple.

[Brad Runyon]

Is it?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Of course the Deacon killed him.

[Brad Runyon]

The Deacon may be a crooked gambler, but he's no fool. Besides, there are some others with equally good motives. Oh? Eddie Burns, for instance. Eddie? And there's somebody else.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Who?

[Brad Runyon]

You.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Why? What? What do you mean?

[Brad Runyon]

You owed Snead and Deacon money. They wanted the mine instead. So if you lost the race today,

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Runyon, you're forgetting the fire. In just a minute. Turn around, Runyon. It's almost time for the race.

[Brad Runyon]

We're not going to the track, Kendall. We're going to listen to the race on the radio.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

What do you mean? What are you trying to do?

[Brad Runyon]

Save your life, maybe.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I told you, Runyon, I want to be at the track. Whose house is this?

[Brad Runyon]

A friend of mine. Come in and relax. Come on, Colonel. Sit down and be comfortable. I'll turn on the radio.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I won't sit down.

[Brad Runyon]

Have it your way. But you're not leaving. Don't worry about Pete. I think he knows how to handle Snowflake.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Weather is fair. It's rack fast. The horses are on the way to the starting gate. Right beneath me are the boxes reserved for the owners. There's Mr. And Mrs. Dudley Fletcher, owners of Breakaway and Bill Donovan, who owns Fan Fan. One of the boxes is obviously empty. It belongs to Colonel BJ Decker, owner of the favorite, Snowflake. Rumors have been flying around here all afternoon as to whether or not Snowflake would run. But up to now, Snowflake has not been scratched. After the terrific fire yesterday, it was doubtful. But I understand Snowflake was not injured. You'll pay for this one, Yan. The horses have reached the starting gate now and are being let in. Snowflake goes in easily, despite the fact that Eddie Burns, regular jockey, is not aboard. Fantan is giving his jockey a lot of trouble. He's on the inside now they're all. Fantan backs out and now he's coming back. The others are all set. Antan is in, except now we shouldn't

[Brad Runyon]

have any difficulty in.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

And they're up. Breakaway comes out of there first, followed by Yellowtail and Fan Tan. Buzzboy is fourth, and Snowflake, the favorite, is fifth. Breakaway opens up a length lead as they go into the first turn. He's Showing lots of early speed with Snowflake trying for the rail to save ground. It's Breakaway, Fan Tan and Snowflake as they go down the back stretch. Yellowtail is falling off the pace and Buzzboy fades as they go into the far turn. It still Break away on top by a length. And Snowflake makes his move. He's up on Pan Tan and pulling away. Snowflake is coming up fast. They're making the turn into the home stretch now Snowflake is bearing down on Breakaway. It's an eighth of a mile to go, and Snowflake has caught Breakaway. They're neck and neck. It's a stretch duel. Both boys go to the whip. And Snowflake goes into the lead. He's going to win. But something's wrong. The jockey on Snowflake has collapsed in the saddle. A great Breakaway takes the lead. The jockey is falling.

[Brad Runyon]

Yeah, he.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

He's falling.

[Brad Runyon]

There he goes.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

He's fallen off Snowflake. And Breakaway opens up a lead of a

[Brad Runyon]

idea. What happened? It's your fault, Runyan.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

If I'd been at the track, this would never have happened.

[Brad Runyon]

Runyon, the window. He got away before I could see him.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Who was it?

[Brad Runyon]

B.j. could you see him? Try, b.j. try. Who was at the window?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

It was eddie.

[Brad Runyon]

Operator. Operator, give me police headquarters. Get me Lieutenant MacKenzie.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Hello, MacKenzie speaking.

[Brad Runyon]

Mac, this is Runyon. Colonel Decker has just been murdered.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Murdered?

[Brad Runyon]

Who did it? Why did you let the jockey go, Max?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

What are you talking about, Eddie? Birds are still locked in a cell here at Headquart.

[Brad Runyon]

After the police routine was over, I decided to look in on the Deacon. So I drove down to Times Square, parked after quite a search, and went up to the Deacon's hotel room.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Who is it?

[Brad Runyon]

Battle Bike.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

What do you want?

[Brad Runyon]

Massive.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

What the.

[Brad Runyon]

Why Run You? Yeah.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

What's the idea of saying you're a bellboy?

[Brad Runyon]

I wasn't sure you'd want to see any visitors, Deacon.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Why not?

[Brad Runyon]

I've got the hide. I'm not so sure about that.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Uh. Oh.

[Brad Runyon]

Packing.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Huh?

[Brad Runyon]

Going someplace? Yes, I am.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I don't like this hotel.

[Brad Runyon]

Why? They aren't particular enough who they let in. Deacon, How'd you cut your finger? Opening a can of soup. Why? Somebody smashed a window this afternoon. Window? I don't understand. You will. Somebody stuck a gun through it. That is a good story. Yeah, I've got another one, too. Somebody doped a jockey named Pete and he fell off a horse named Snowflake just when he had the race and the bag.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Snowflake But Snowflake. Snowflake is dead.

[Brad Runyon]

He couldn't run. It's a good act, Deacon, but it won't work with the fire.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I thought he was.

[Brad Runyon]

You mean that's what you hoped. But Burns took the horse out before the fire. Someone started that fire for you, didn't they, Deacon? No, Runyon, so help me. I didn't. I swear I didn't. It's no good, Deacon. I really thought Snowflake was dead. Then you weren't at the races, were you?

[Narrator / Other Characters]

No.

[Brad Runyon]

Why not? I'll tell you. Because you followed Decker and me and shot him through the window. Right? That finishes the story.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Run.

[Brad Runyon]

You don't reach for your gun, Deacon, or I'll put a period to the story. Oh, I can't figure you out, Brad. What's the idea of bringing me out here to the racetrack so early in the morning? Is somebody here? I want to see Mac. Oh, I'll show you in just a minute. But, Brad, it's an open and shut case. You said so yourself. It is, but not the way you think. But if Eddie Burns kills Snead and Deacon killed the Colonel, what else is there? Quiet, copper. Let me do the talking. Oh, okay. But I hope you know what you're doing. I do. There they are, over by the rail. Why, that's Colonel Decker's daughter and the kid. Pete. Yeah. Now, remember what I said.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Don't you worry now, mister. I'll take good care of him. Good morning, Mr. Runyon. What are you doing out here?

[Brad Runyon]

I wanted to see you. The police are freeing Eddie.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Oh, thank heavens. Thank heavens. I knew Eddie wasn't a murderer. I knew he wouldn't.

[Brad Runyon]

And you can get married right away.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

I knew Eddie wasn't guilty.

[Brad Runyon]

That's right, Beef. But, Runyon, what are you talking. You'd better take Ms. Decker home so she can welcome Eddie.

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[Narrator / Other Characters]

Yes. Oh, thank you, Mr. Runyon. Thank you. Come on, Pete.

[Brad Runyon]

What's the matter with you, Brad? You've lost your mind. What's the idea telling that girl that Eddie Burns was gonna be let out of prison? Listen, Mac, for once in your life, you're going to forget that you're a cop. You're going to tell a little white lie, huh? It won't hurt anybody, and it'll make somebody else happy. What do you mean? Deacon murdered the Colonel. But as far as you and I are concerned, he killed Sneed, too. And don't forget, Mac, you can only electrocute a man once. Brad, you don't know what you're saying.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

That's letting the real murderer get away.

[Brad Runyon]

You can't get the real murderer.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Why not?

[Brad Runyon]

Because he's dead. Dead? Yeah. Mac, Surprise, surprise. Colonel Decker murdered Sneed Decker. Sure, it all fits in.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

But.

[Brad Runyon]

But I don't get it. The Colonel stalled me on my feed. That made me suspicious, so I looked into his financial affairs. So I found out the mine Decker gave Sneed and Deacones collateral was worthless and Decca knew it.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Ah, then he didn't really want Snowflake

[Brad Runyon]

to win the Kingston Right. It was a sort of double double cross. Sneed and Deacon didn't want Snowflake to win either because they thought the mine was worth a fortune and they wanted it instead of the money that Kern load them. Decker realized he had a chance to kill three birds with one stone. Great. He wanted to keep Eddie from marrying Ethel, so he decided to frame him. Make it look as if the gamblers had bought him. Ah, then the Colonel Monkey built his

[Narrator / Other Characters]

own horses to throw suspicion on Burns.

[Brad Runyon]

And he was behind all the other funny business of the track. Yeah, he saw a chance to clear his debt with a worthless mine by burning the horses and collecting the insurance. Decca was literally broke. But why did he kill Sleep? Sneed learned the truth about the mine too soon, so the Colonel had to kill him. Deacon found it out from Sneed. That's why he killed the Colonel. Ah, so that's it. Yeah, the Colonel's dead and his daughter doesn't have to know what a louse her old man really was. You know, I never suspected you of being soft hearted. Well, a soft heart spitting a soft head. If you don't overdo it, maybe. Hey, by the way, Brad, you know any good horses for tomorrow? Yeah, I got a couple of fillies in my little black book. Well, that's that. It seems I spend my life in getting into trouble and getting out of it. But at the same time I generally manage to get some other people in and out of trouble too. Be seeing you again. So long.

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[Narrator / Other Characters]

free to play social casino void where prohibited.

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Visit spinquest.com for more details. Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better too.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I think that this was a nice gesture, protecting the memory of a skunk of a client for sake of the daughter as she was going to get married. Of course, it operates on this assumption that courts will always punish one murderer as much as they will too. Though if we've listened to programs, you know, such as Dragnet, you do see that some people commit murder and just ended up going to prison. In this case, because he was a known criminal who shot someone down in cold blood, I think that the death penalty probably would be likely either way. Now, Brad Runyon, the Fat man does act in this episode like he's generally hard. No nonsense, take no prisoners. The surviving American version show that he, you know, even though he can be as tough as he needs to be, he definitely does have a heart. And there are a lot of compassionate gestures that we'll hear in this Australian version as well, remembering that these were based on scripts from the American series. Alright, I want to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day. Thank you to Jasmina patreon, Supporter since January 2016, currently supporting us at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support. Well, that will do it for today. Join us back here tomorrow for the Man Called X and we'll be back next Tuesday with another episode of the Fat Man. In the meantime, send your comments to box13atives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook. Facebook.com Radiodetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.

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[Narrator / Other Characters]

social casino void where prohibited.

[Liberty Mutual Advertiser]

Visit spinquest.com for more details. Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better, too.

[Narrator / Other Characters]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.