Rick Bennett (13:35)

You don't tell him.

Randy Stone (13:37)

All right. It's your life. I took it slow and thoughtful. Back to the half brow. Rick was strange and Selma was strange. And the whole world seemed tortured at the moment. I guess they should never have poked into their lives. But I couldn't escape the feeling that there was something about Rick Bennett that bore looking into at the Hot Brow. They said he went home to his rooming house. I went there. Oh, Stone. The newspaper Bug, what are you doing here? May I come in? Sure. Want another portrait? No. I think you know why I'm here. Bennett. Yeah. I don't suppose you had any luck. As a matter of fact, I did. I found her. Just like that. You found Selma? Selma? You found her? Well, where is she?

Rick Bennett (14:25)

Come on.

Randy Stone (14:26)

Well, come on, where is she? I can't tell you. You can't tell me? After I've been looking for months and months for. Well, come on, spit it out, will you? Don't waste time. You'll sit down and be quiet. I'll tell you about it. You talk about it right now or I'll tell you. Carry inside out. This is gonna get you nowhere. Talk, talk, or break every bone you have. Now, you wanna get up and talk sense now? All right, don't, Tony. I never needed anybody before. I don't need anybody now. All right, don't, Tony. I'll find him myself. When I do, she'll wish he never saw me. Put down that knife, Bennett. Yeah. You come within a foot of me, reporters, you'll be sliced in half. Now get away from that door. Go on, move. He ran out of the room, the knife still in his hand and his face a picture of twisted madness. And as he closed the door for the first time, I noticed the room was filled with dozens of pictures of Selma Bassett. And every one of them had a long, jagged strip scar painted on the face. I realized at last. But I didn't want to. Rick Bennett was the slasher. NBC is bringing you Nightbeat, starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone. Tonight marks the return of Duffy's Tavern. The welcome mat is out at Duffy's and your host will be the ungrammatical Archie, played by Ed Gardner. As usual, Duffy won't be there, but he'll be represented by his charming daughter, Ms. Duffy. Clifton Finnegan and Eddie the waiter also will be on hand to join in the mischief with Archie. It's top Friday evening listening later tonight with Duffy's Tavern over most of these NBC stations. And a reminder, this Sunday on NBC, it's the big show. An hour and a half of the best in comedy, music and drama. And now back to Nightbeat and Randy Stone. As I stood in Rick Bennett's miserable room looking at the scarred picture of Selma Basak everywhere, my first fear that he was going to run right out and find her disappeared after a little thought. Rick Bennett had no way of knowing where I'd interviewed him. I didn't think he should be running around the streets with a knife in his hand. So I called the police. Central Division. Sergeant Friends. Sergeant, my name is Randy Stone. I'm with the Chicago Star. Can you take something down? Height about 5 11. Weight about 170, late 20s. Hair black. Eyes gray, I think. Last seen wearing a dark blue suit, no hat, no gloves. His name is Richard Bennett. He's the Slasher. He's the Slasher. I just tangled with him and he was carrying a knife. Also, I ran into him two blocks from where a woman was slashed tonight. And also I've talked with him long enough to think that he thinks he's got a good reason for slashing people. Who'd you say this was? Randy Stone, Chicago Star. You sober? Yes. Where does this Bennett guy live? Well, he used to live where I'm calling from now, but I don't think he'll be back here. Okay, Stone, thanks for the tip off. We'll get an all points out on him right away. Shouldn't be hard to pick him up. After that, I jumped into my car and headed for the Blue Marlin to have another interview with Honey K and alias Selma Vasick. The neons were out when I got there, but a grizzly old man with a red face was mopping the floor. Everybody's gone home, Mr. Hoping. Getting five tomorrow afternoon. Come back then. Really be twirling then. Look, Pop, I'm trying to get a hold of one of the girls in the show. Who isn't? And who you calling Pop? All right, all right. If I could land something better than mopping floors, I'd want to get a hold of one of them myself. Oh, please. Look, her name is Honey Cane. Do you know her? Sure. I do it up on my tails and all my Cadillac and take her out champagne drinking every night. Go ahead, Peter. I got my muffin to do. Where can I find out where she lives? I've got to get in touch with her. Right. Julius. He knows those things. Julius? His stage manager. Real short, yellow livered guy. He don't let me stand in the wings and watch the last show. Wouldn't hurt him. Nothing doing that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Wait till I find him in the hobnob cross the street being a big shot. I found Julius across the street being a big shot. It was intermission for the little orchestra that was playing there. And he was standing behind the vibraharp playing lost chords. A bored bartender and a drunk passed out in an empty booth where his audience. Nobody looked up when I came in. Most of all Julius. But he did answer me. Yeah, I'M Julius. I just came from the Blue Marlin. The janitor there said you could help me. He's a dirty old man. I'm trying to locate one of the girls in your show. A lot of people are, brother. Now, why did I would all through that with a janitor? I don't want to go through it with you. My name is Stone. I'm a reporter. I'm on a story. I want to talk to Honey Cane. Do you have her address? Yeah, Mr. Reporter on a story. I got her address, but I ain't handing it out to you. You talk too smart, you move too quick, and you're sort of a jerk. I just don't like you. And I don't like you, mister. I want that address and I'm gonna get it. How I get it's up to you. Wait a minute. Tell me where Honey Cane lives and make it fast. All right, all right. Let go of me. Got a book? Keep it on me all the time. Always. I always know what you guys who go prancing around for dames want to know. Come on, get it out. I don't need to. I remember hers. Yeah. 1312 Commodore, apartment 16C. Honey never gave me no tumble. You guys must be doing some good. She'll get around to me before. What guys? You're the second one been around here asking for Honey tonight. Who else was that then? A wise guy, just like you. Came in 15 minutes ago. He talked smart, too, and was sort of a jerk. But he wasn't with no newspaper. His name was Bennett. Rick Bennett. Where's the phone? When Rick Bennett had run from his room with a knife in his hand. I didn't think he had any way of locating Selma Vasick. But I'd underestimated his ability to trace my steps. Maybe it was because he'd been looking for her such a long time. He knew the ins and outs. Anyhow, he was on the right track and she was in danger. I phoned back the Central Division and told him the whole setup. And then I went over to the address Julius gave me. Her room was in the back on the third floor. Two uniformed policemen were already there inspecting the ripped bedspread and the slashed furniture. Selma was nowhere in sight. I'm Sergeant Knight. You're the guy who phoned in about this? Yeah, that's right. If he's on foot, he ought to be somewhere around the neighborhood. Now, what do you figure came up here, took her with him? Maybe. I don't know. You can never tell what this kind Will do until they do it. We need a description on her. Can you fill it in? Well, about five. Four. Dyed blonde hair, hundred pounds, 25 maybe. Anything else? Yeah, she might be wearing a slash like all her pictures. Where can I get those? Rick Bennett's rooming house. Here's the address. Charlie. Yeah? Better hop to this address and pick up some pictures of the girl and get out a pickup on her as soon as you have a good description. Right. See you. Okay, Stone, thanks. We'll give you a buzz when we pick him up or her up or something. You'll want the story. Yes, I want the story, Sergeant. I suppose I wanted the story. I. I don't know how I felt. Maybe I was seeing things like Slasher Found Art Student Revenges Himself on Prodigal Sweetheart. It wasn't a story for the papers. It was a case history for a psychologist. Something that had come under traumatic shock and a byproduct of Sadism. It was 4:30 in the morning and I didn't like the story or the Night of the People. So I went home to my own apartment to get away from everything. Oh, Mrs. Holmes, I didn't know where else to go. I didn't get away from anything. It was Selma Vasick. Without makeup, without coat and without horse. She looked pretty well shaken. How did you get in here? I called the paper and told him I had a story for you. They gave me your address. Then I woke the manager and told him I was your sister. Sister, huh? That's a good one. Yeah. I know I don't look like anybody's sister, but I had to come somewhere. Why did you tell Rick where I was? I didn't tell him. I don't know how he found out. I was just coming up the stairs to my place when I saw him on the landing. I turned around and came here. Let me stay here for a while, then I'll go away. He's out looking for him and I'm scared of him. I'm scared to death. Well, you want to be scared right down to your double dealing roots. You ought to be scared. The boy loved you once with everything he had, in every way he could. Look what you made him. Look what you did to him. I know it. I know it. Yeah, all because of you. He was probably a nice kid once with nice, normal, warm feelings. Now they might have to shoot him down before they bring him in. If they get him without that, he'll have to be trotted off to the state institution to see if they can pin him Back together again. What did you come here for? I. I came here because you're the only man. The only man who's ever tort nice to me since Rick. I guess I better go now. Stay. Stay. I'll phone the police and tell them you're safe. You can't go out now. There's a chance you'd run into him before they pick him up. Thank you. Thank you. Sure. You want a drink? No, thanks. Well, I do. It's Ricky. Let me in. Let me in. Look, there's a phone. There's a phone in the next room. Dial o. Talk low. Tell the police. He'll kill me. Stay in that room. Lock the door. Keep quiet. Go on. All right, I'll do it. All right. Just a minute. Oh, hello, Rick. You've had a big night. Where is he, Stone? Where's Summer? I thought you went out looking for her. I did. And believe it or not. I found out where she works and where she lives. But she is not any of those places. Oh, that's too bad. Now have a drink. Listen to me, wise guy. You phoned her a Wanda that I was after her. And you know where she's hiding. Now tell me. Tell me where she is, Stoner. I'll carve you up. The same knife I'd seen him grab from the table in his room. Was still in his hand this time. It looked about three feet long. And some several shades shinier. He held at waist level, cupped in his right hand. And he walked toward me. I didn't know whether to take a chance and try to get at him. Or stand my ground and try to argue him out of it. Either way, he was a madman. He had a knife and he looked like he was going to use it. Ricky, stop it. Selma. Selma, I'm the one you want, not Mr. Stone. He's never done anything to you. I'm the one who's hurt you. Selma, Use your head. Shut up, Stone. She's right. Come here, Selma. You've changed. Your eyes are tired. You're different. You're different. Yeah, I'm different. But you. Still you. I used to love you, Selma. Now I hate the sight of your pretty face. Pretty face. Pretty face. Do you call this pretty? Yeah. It's still pretty. Enough. Stop it, both of you. Let him go, Mrs. Stone. I deserve it. Well, Ricky. Yeah, you deserve it, Selma. And. Well. Go ahead, Ricky. There's nothing anyhow. Nothing. I can't. So I can't do it. I've looked for you all this time. I've wanted you so much and hated you so much for the thing you did to me. I can't. I can't stop. I still love you. Well, that did it. I've run into some weird ones in my time, but this was the topper. I put in a call to police headquarters. The same people answered. Central Division. Sergeant Friends. Sergeant Randy Stone again. I got your boy for you. He's in my apartment. The address is drunk. What? Hey, what is this? We picked up the Slasher a half hour ago. And brother, your description? He's blonde, short, wore a light suit and over 10 convertible. Sleep it off, Stone. But I tell you, I got him right here. He almost fleshed. Yeah, yeah, yeah. We. We cut our guy doing a job. Sleep it off, Stone. Good night. Yeah, that's how mistakes almost happen. But that isn't all. A psychiatrist examined Rick Bennett. He prescribed love, affection, honesty and rest. He said it might take a long time. And Selma Bassett said she didn't have anything to do for the next 50 or 60 years. Till the last I saw the two of them, they were looking around for a preacher. Me, I look around for a moral. I hate to say it, but I can't think of anything else. A definition of love. Love is so close to hate. And hate is so close to love that if you find yourself hating someone you love, you're liable to love someone you hate. That makes sense. Love never does. People. Copy Boy Night Feet, starring Frank Lovejoy, is produced, edited and directed by Warren Lewis. Tonight's story was written by E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes, with music by Frank Worth. The part of Rick Bennett was played by Jeff Corey. Selma was Joan Banks. Others in tonight's cast were Sid Miller, Nestor Piva, Jerry Hausner and Lou Krugman. Frank Lovejoy can currently be seen in the Warner Brothers picture Breakthrough, co starring with David Bryan and John Ag. Night Beat came to you from Hollywood. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Frank Lovejoy. Tonight ends our present cycle of Night Beat. In the very near future, we're hoping to be back on the air with a new series. Would you watch your local paper for the time and date? And meanwhile, if you've enjoyed our stories as much as we've enjoyed bringing them to you, perhaps we'll hear from you. Until then, good night. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's fun and laughs with the chimes tonight when Duffy's Tavern returns to the air. As usual, Duffy won't be around, but Archie, played by Ed Gardner, will definitely be on hand to spread his doubtful advice. Where it does the most damage. And of course, Archie's colleagues in comedy, Ms. Duffy, Clifton, Finnegan and Eddie the waiter will be there. And a reminder for mystery, it's the Man Called X on Saturday night. Stay tuned for Monty Woolley as the magnificent Montague on NBC. And now, Roma Wines. R O M a made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. Roma Wines present suspense. Tonight, Roma wines bring you Mr. Hume Cronin as star of Blue Eyes, a suspense play produced, edited and directed for Roma Wines by William Speer. Suspense Radio's outstanding Theater of Thrills is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wine. That's R O M a Roma Wines, those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live. To your happiness in entertaining guests, to your enjoyment of everyday meals. Yes, right now a glass full would be very pleasant as Roma Wines bring you Hume Cronin in a remarkable tale of suspense.

Rick Bennett (31:29)

Today began just like any other day. I got to bed early last night because I had to go over the accounts with Mr. Bevans. When you go over the accounts with old Hawkshaw, you've got to be in tip top shape. Well, I. I dressed myself rather carefully this morning. I put on the necktie with the little flowers on it, the blue and red one. Jane said she liked it. Told me it matched my eyes, made them look good. I went down to breakfast. My wife, Laura, was having her coffee.

Randy Stone (32:00)

Good morning, Oliver.

Rick Bennett (32:01)

Morning, dear.

Randy Stone (32:02)

I'll have to warm your coffee.

Rick Bennett (32:04)

Here's the paper. Thanks.

Randy Stone (32:07)

Oliver, must you wear that tie, that frightful necktie?

Rick Bennett (32:11)

Not at all. Becoming well, matches my suit.

Randy Stone (32:14)

It's a perfectly dreadful shade. Makes you look like a rube.

Rick Bennett (32:18)

I like it.

Randy Stone (32:18)

Well, I don't. And I wish you wouldn't wear it. Oliver, aren't you listening to me?

Rick Bennett (32:24)

Oh, sure, sure. I was reading.

Randy Stone (32:26)

Oh, well, don't let my conversation disturb you.

Rick Bennett (32:29)

That's all right.

Randy Stone (32:30)

Oliver.

Rick Bennett (32:32)

What's wrong now, Oliver?

Randy Stone (32:34)

I don't know what's gotten into you lately. You. You forget things. You scarcely seem to hear a word I say. Aren't you feeling well?

Rick Bennett (32:41)

I feel fine. Why shouldn't I?

Randy Stone (32:44)

Well, you look a bit drawn.

Rick Bennett (32:46)

I believe I'd better make an appointment.

Randy Stone (32:48)

For you with Dr. Thacker.

Rick Bennett (32:49)

Look, Laura, there's nothing the matter with me. I better get going now. I'll be late.

Randy Stone (32:53)

But you haven't finished your breakfast.

Rick Bennett (32:54)

Well, that's all I want. I'm not very hungry. Where's my briefcase?

Randy Stone (32:58)

On the hall table. Oliver, are you sure you're not ill? You look positively Hollow eyed.

Rick Bennett (33:04)

I never felt better in my life. Well, see you tonight, dear. Goodbye.

Randy Stone (33:10)

Oliver.

Rick Bennett (33:11)

Yes?

Randy Stone (33:12)

I hope you'll. Oh, nothing. Goodbye.

Rick Bennett (33:19)

Laura was like that. A chronic worrier. She seemed to take delight in fretting about things that wouldn't even occur to the average person. Imagine me not feeling well. Why, I've never had a sick day in my life. There on the trellis was my prize rose bush. Climbing talisman, they call it. Suddenly, I was thinking of Jane. Perhaps if I put a rose bud in my buttonhole, Jane would notice. She'd say something about how the scent matched her perfume and maybe we'd talk about roses. And I could impress her because I know quite a lot about roses. I was just about to pick one of the buds. Well, well, well.

Randy Stone (33:56)

Good morning, Mr. Littlefield. Good morning. Two lettuce for you today.

Rick Bennett (34:00)

Good morning, Mr. Crowley.

Randy Stone (34:01)

Well, she's doing a little gardening.

Rick Bennett (34:03)

Oh, no. I was just sort of looking the garden over.

Randy Stone (34:05)

Well, it's a mighty fine garden you got there, Mr. Littlefield. Worked pretty hard on it, I suppose.

Rick Bennett (34:10)

Yes, I've given it my fair share of time.

Randy Stone (34:12)

Oh, yes. A little too much, maybe.

Rick Bennett (34:15)

I beg your pardon?

Randy Stone (34:17)

Well, it pays to be on the safe side, Mr. Littlefield.

Rick Bennett (34:19)

Now, of course.

Randy Stone (34:20)

Of course it ain't none of my business, but it seems to me that you're getting to look a little peaked. You better go easy, else.

Rick Bennett (34:28)

Good morning, Mr. Crowley.

Randy Stone (34:29)

Yes, good morning, you, sir.

Rick Bennett (34:30)

I gotta get going anyway. It was the second time. The second time I'd heard it and the day was hardly more than an hour old. First Laura and now the postman. I felt all right. I felt swell. I thought of the rosebud again. I bent down, snipped off a bud from the bush. Had to take the Red Cross pin out of my lapel to get the rose in. But I didn't mind taking the time. After all, one minute more or less never harmed anyone. I didn't know then how precious a minute can be. I glanced at my watch. 8:23. Had to run part of the way to the station. I arrived out of breath, panting, perspiring a bit. But I made it. Steve and Joe helped me aboard.

Randy Stone (35:13)

Oliver, you ought to get an earlier.

Rick Bennett (35:14)

Start in the morning. I was. I was delayed at the house.

Randy Stone (35:18)

Listen to old Ollie Queeze. And you're the guy. Used to be a track star in high school. Where's the old wind? Ollie?

Rick Bennett (35:26)

I'm all right. Just a second.

Randy Stone (35:27)

Now, seriously, Oliver, it's dangerous business for a man of your age to be running around that way.

Rick Bennett (35:31)

Man of my age, listen to him. You'd think I was 80.

Randy Stone (35:34)

Say, know what you need, Max? A dream. Pep you up. Make you feel like a million.

Rick Bennett (35:39)

I tell you, there's nothing wrong with me.

Randy Stone (35:41)

I got two or three here with me. A little box pocket here somewhere. Ah, here we are. Let me make a little present. Non. Habit forming, you know.

Rick Bennett (35:48)

Maxedream. What do I want with Max? A dream.

Randy Stone (35:50)

You keep them in your pocket. Take a half a one with some water. When you get that sagged out feeling, you know, pep you up like a million. Make a new man out of you.

Rick Bennett (36:00)

It's getting to be just like a club. All you had to do to get a membership was to smile at me and say, Mr. Littlefield, you look a little sick. Mr. Littlefield, you look A little pe it. Mr. Littlefield, why don't you just find some nice quiet corner and go and curl up and die? Mr. Littlefield. It was 9 o' clock when I got to the office. I noticed a lumpy feeling in my solar plexus. Right here. A little on the left. By my heart was just indigestion. Of course. I got my accounts together and I went into Mr. Bevan's outer office. There was Jane at her desk. She looked lovely this morning. Sunlight coming through the Venetian blinds seemed to blend with her blonde hair. All at once I wondered why I'd ever married Laura. Sunlight never did anything to her hair. Jane was busy and didn't see me come in. I coughed lightly. Oh, Mr. Littlefield.

Randy Stone (37:04)

Good morning.

Rick Bennett (37:05)

Good morning, Jane.

Randy Stone (37:06)

I heard you cough. Do you have a cold? No.

Rick Bennett (37:09)

No, I haven't. I never felt better in my life.

Randy Stone (37:11)

Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Littlefield. I just.

Rick Bennett (37:14)

Forgive me, Jane. I didn't mean to snap at you. I guess I'm a little jumpy this morning. Well, I can understand your being jumpy. Mr. Bevans can certainly be an old bear if he finds a mistake in the book. He certainly can.

Randy Stone (37:27)

But I wouldn't worry. You're well dressed for the occasion. That rose in your lapel should appeal to his more pleasant side.

Rick Bennett (37:34)

That is, if he has a more pleasant side. Just happened to notice the bud in one of the bushes in the garden this morning. I. I don't know why I wore it.

Randy Stone (37:43)

It looks very nice.

Rick Bennett (37:44)

Thank you. It's a climbing talisman. Do you know anything about roses?

Randy Stone (37:50)

No, I'm afraid not. They're my favorite flower, though.

Rick Bennett (37:53)

I grow them as a hobby. I had some exhibited once.

Randy Stone (37:56)

You must be quite a gardener.

Rick Bennett (37:58)

Oh, no, no, no. I'm not really. You see, there isn't a lot to growing a good rose. You just have to watch your soil carefully. Irrigate, of course. And roses take a lot of spraying, too.

Randy Stone (38:09)

Oh, I see.

Rick Bennett (38:10)

And let me tell you, if you intend to exhibit your flowers, there mustn't be evidence of insect damage. You see, a rose is judged first by its form and color, then substance, then.

Randy Stone (38:20)

Excuse me.

Rick Bennett (38:21)

Of course. Yes, sir?

Randy Stone (38:22)

Have you seen Littlefield? Why, yes, sir. He. Why in the name of heaven has he come in here? Why, does he know? Doesn't he know he has a 9:00 clock appointment with me?

Rick Bennett (38:29)

Well, Mr. Bevins, Mr. Littlefield has been.

Randy Stone (38:31)

Waiting for you in the outer office. You didn't call, sir. It's necessary for me to call my employees after I've made a specific appointment.

Rick Bennett (38:37)

Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Bevins.

Randy Stone (38:38)

I'm sure that Mr. Littlefield would have him come in here right away. Yes, sir.

Rick Bennett (38:43)

Mr. Littlefield, I just. It's all right, Jane. I'll go right in. I walk towards the door. I could feel that lump inside of me getting bigger, almost choking. What right did Bevans have to say such things about me? And in front of Jane, I reached for the door handle and turned.

Randy Stone (39:03)

Well, well, Little Field. What are you standing there for? Come in, come in. Sit down. Littlefield, I believe you're aware of my sentiments regarding punctuality. I expect my employees to be on time. In fact, I demand that they do.

Rick Bennett (39:17)

Well, you see, Mr. Bevan.

Randy Stone (39:18)

Never mind, never mind. We'll discuss the matter at a later date. Right now, I want to see the vouchers. Last month's?

Rick Bennett (39:23)

Yes, sir. Right here.

Randy Stone (39:25)

Littlefield, these are the May vouchers.

Rick Bennett (39:28)

Oh, so they are. I'm sorry, Mr. Bevans.

Randy Stone (39:31)

Here. Mm. Now, let me see the audit on these.

Rick Bennett (39:35)

Yes, sir.

Randy Stone (39:36)

Not the sales slips, Littlefield. The audit. What the devil's wrong with you, man? What person would think you are completely addled?

Rick Bennett (39:44)

Addled? Well, I'm not addled. And I'm not a fool either. You had no right to call me that.

Randy Stone (39:52)

Do you understand, Littlefield? I think you must be ill. No.

Rick Bennett (39:56)

No, I'm not ill. Don't say I'm ill because I never felt better in my life. All that's wrong with me, Mr. Bevans, is that I'm mad.

Randy Stone (40:05)

Yes, that's the word for it. I think you are mad. Completely mad.

Rick Bennett (40:09)

That's not what I mean either, Mr. Bevans. I'm perfectly all right, except that I'm not going to sit here and listen to you calling me names. No, sir. I've got 17 years worth of temper stored up right here. And I'm warning you, Mr. Bevans. I'd like to tell you just what I think of you.

Randy Stone (40:21)

Get out of this office, Little field. If there's one thing I will not tolerate, it's insubordination.

Rick Bennett (40:27)

All right, Mr. Bevins. All right. So I'm insubordinated. And it may surprise you to know that I've wanted to be insubordinate for 17 long years.

Randy Stone (40:33)

See here, young man.

Rick Bennett (40:34)

17 years I've worked for you. And what thanks have I ever had for it? Two dollar raises and listening to you about little deal.

Randy Stone (40:39)

Get out. You're fired.

Rick Bennett (40:42)

I know. Sure, I'm fired. But that's all you can do to me, Mr. Bevins. All you can do is fire me. Why didn't you fire me? A long time there I was out of a job. What was the next step? Couldn't go home in the middle of the day. Well, I could, but you don't know. Laura never would have been able to explain it to her. She wouldn't have understood. She never understood anything. With her, it was payday. The bridge club, a new hat for Easter. Everything suburban. Everything in a rut. Always in a rut. I went back and sat in my office to think. After a little while, I got up and went to the water cooler. Pulled my handkerchief out to wipe off my hands. And something fell out of my pocket. It was that little pill box. I opened it. There were three and a half of those maxed drains in it. I swallowed them. I sat down and in a little light began to feel clear in my mind. My life with this awful, deadly grind. Because I was married to Laura. She was the cause of all my unhappiness. The cause of my failure. The reason for my losing my job. Something would have to be done about Laura. Why not? Eliminate the cause? That was it. Eliminate the cause and you have the situation licked. Eliminate the cause. Suddenly, my mind was made up. I must kill Laura.

Randy Stone (42:36)

For suspense. Roma Wines are bringing you Hume Cronin in Blue Eyes by Charles Smith and Lynn Louis Reed. Roma Wine's presentation tonight in radio's outstanding Theater of Thrills, Suspense. Between the acts of suspense. This is Ken Niles for Roma Wines. Every great artist creates many fine paintings. But there is usually one picture in which the artist's talents combine magnificently to produce a masterpiece. It is frequently so with wines long famed for the excellence of Roma Wines. Roma, America's greatest vintner, has created a limited bottling of outstanding character Grand Estate Wines, each a masterpiece of fine wine making. Yes, Grand Estate wines by Roma possess all the qualities of wine greatness, brilliant clarity, full fragrance and soft, rich taste. For Roma vinpners with infinite patience and age old skill have captured from choicest grapes the ultimate in wine goodness. That is why discriminating wine users everywhere recognize Grand Estate Wines as the crowning achievement of vintner skill. Tomorrow, enjoy the delightful experience awaiting you in Grand Estate, California wine. For gracious hospitality before dinner, serve your guests Grand Estate medium sherry. For smart afternoon or evening entertaining, delight everyone with Grand Estate Ruby Port or Golden Muscatel. Remember the name Grand Estate Wines by Roma. Each a taste masterpiece. And now, Roma Wines. Bring back to our Hollywood soundstage. Zhu Cronin, who has Oliver Littlefield in Blue Eyes, continues A narrative well calculated to keep you in suspense.

Rick Bennett (44:44)

Murder is a tough proposition. Takes a lot of thought. Mustn't be messy or violent. It's got to be quick and effective or else a guy stands a chance of getting caught.

Randy Stone (44:57)

How to do this thing?

Rick Bennett (44:59)

How to do it without a slip? Suddenly, I had it. Laura took some medicine every night at bedtime. Two tablespoons of powder that Dr. Thacker had prescribed for her and a glass of warm milk. If I were to get some poison that looked like that. Powder and substitute. Yes, that was perfect. It couldn't miss. Quick and effective. 3 o' clock, I walked up the steps of the public library and went in.

Randy Stone (45:35)

Yes, sir, can I help you?

Rick Bennett (45:37)

I'd like to see some books on. Yes, I just wanted to look over something on roses.

Randy Stone (45:45)

Oh, that's Horticulture, Section five, just across the aisle.

Rick Bennett (45:48)

Oh, yes, horticulture. Of course. Thank you. I took a book from the shelf, thumbed a few pages, and then finally decided to risk a quick glance in the direction of the librarian, see if she was still watching me. The desk was empty. She'd left it. Then I saw where she was at the other end of the library, stacking books in a hand car. Here was my chance. I could slip across to the science alcove without her seeing me. I went to the section marked Science Medicine, Doctor in the card. Card index file under P. Pharmacology. Here it is. Pharmacology and Therapeutics by Walter A. Bastido. Phgmd. Someday I'm gonna look up those initials and find out what they mean. I found the book. The index said look under hydrocyanate, acid and cyanate. And there it was. In cyanate used as intensifier in photographic development. Two and a half grains of this cyanate is reckoned to be a lethal dose. I could buy this stuff in a photographic store. Two and a half grains. Fatal.

Randy Stone (47:03)

Pardon me, sir.

Rick Bennett (47:04)

Oh, yes. I'd like to put these books away, if I may.

Randy Stone (47:06)

Oh, you're the gentleman who was looking for books on roses.

Rick Bennett (47:09)

Yes. Yes, I was.

Randy Stone (47:10)

Well, I'm afraid you're in the wrong department, sir. I told you a moment ago. You'll find everything I lose. It was clumsy me. I'm terribly sorry.

Rick Bennett (47:17)

Well, it's all right. It's my fault. I was in the way.

Randy Stone (47:19)

Oh, you dropped your book. Here.

Rick Bennett (47:21)

Thank you.

Randy Stone (47:22)

What? This isn't a book on roses at all. It's pharmacology.

Rick Bennett (47:29)

What do you know about that? I. I must have picked up the wrong book somewhere.

Randy Stone (47:32)

Yes, you must have.

Rick Bennett (47:38)

She stared at me as I put the. The book back on the shelf. I turned and walked away. I could feel her eyes following me through the door. I was conscious of that lump under my heart again. Felt heavy and hard, like a rock. And there was a dryness in my throat, too. I. I swallowed a few times to get rid of it. At 4th and center, there's a photographic supply place.

Randy Stone (48:06)

Good afternoon, sir.

Rick Bennett (48:07)

Good afternoon. I'd like some cyanate, please.

Randy Stone (48:11)

How much do you want, sir?

Rick Bennett (48:12)

Oh, enough to treat some negatives with. Quite a few. Negatives?

Randy Stone (48:16)

Yeah. About £2.

Rick Bennett (48:18)

Yes, I think that'll be fine.

Randy Stone (48:20)

Well, I'll weigh it for you. What kind of camera have you been using? What?

Rick Bennett (48:23)

Oh, I have a Brownie camera.

Randy Stone (48:25)

Brownie, eh? Yeah. A lot of people are going back to him since the war. You can take good pictures with a box camera if you use it right. You know what they say. It's not the camera, but the man behind the camera that makes the picture.

Rick Bennett (48:37)

Yes.

Randy Stone (48:38)

What size negative do you shoot with it?

Rick Bennett (48:40)

Negatives? Well, as far as negatives go, I.

Randy Stone (48:43)

Three and a quarter by three and a quarter, probably. That's what most brownies take.

Rick Bennett (48:46)

Yes, that's the size. I wasn't going to be able to keep this up much longer. I was bound to make a slip sooner or later. Couldn't say I was in a hurry. He might get suspicious. A man buying poison should never be in a hurry. Why was he taking so long? I could feel perspiration in my forehead. Cold and damp. The room began to look lopsided. Everything seemed to be swaying. Swaying. Grip the counter with both hands. Grip it tightly.

Randy Stone (49:20)

Now.

Rick Bennett (49:20)

Now smile.

Randy Stone (49:22)

Here you are, sir. That'd be 57 cents.

Rick Bennett (49:25)

Yes. Here.

Randy Stone (49:26)

Thank you.

Rick Bennett (49:28)

Hey.

Randy Stone (49:29)

Hey. Just a minute. Hey.

Rick Bennett (49:30)

Hey, mister.

Randy Stone (49:31)

Hey.

Rick Bennett (49:31)

I heard him shout after me, but I kept right on walking faster. So a photographic studio was just like a drugstore after all. If you bought poison, you had to sign for us. Well, I wasn't going to. No, sir. I wasn't going to. I ducked around the corner. Hey, mister.

Randy Stone (49:43)

Hey.

Rick Bennett (49:45)

Hey, Officer.

Randy Stone (49:45)

You see a fella just come out of here? What fella? Gray suit, blue tie, rose in the buttonhole? No. Well, he's. He's gone now. What do you make of that? The guy gives me a 20 instead of a 1. Disappears. Well, I can do business like that all day long. I won't forget that, gent. No, sir.

Rick Bennett (50:08)

I arrived home at 6:30. Laura wasn't there. The table wasn't set. Well, she was probably late shopping. I went upstairs and found the bottle in the medicine chest. The cyanate matched the powder in the bottle perfectly. She'd never be able to tell the difference. I poured half the bottle's contents into the sink, marked with my finger the level of the medicine, and then refilled the bottle with cyanate up to the mark and shook it so as to mix it thoroughly. I emptied the rest of the poison in the sink and I let the water run for a minute. There it was done. Everything accomplished. And very neatly, too. All I had to do now was wait. I glanced at the bedroom door. It was closed. All the doors in the second floor were closed. That's another thing. That's another thing I hated about Laura. So precise about her housekeeping. Everything in its place, even to closing doors when a room wasn't in use. I went back downstairs and I tried to light a cigarette. My hands were beginning to shake. Nerves again. I took a book from the table by the sofa, Tried to read. Then I realized what I was reading. Funny, I should have picked up that book. Memory Album of Oliver and Laura Littlefield and a dance program. Tied in pink ribbon. Homecoming dance, Indiana University, 1928. First anniversary. Oliver and Laura Littlefield celebrating their first anniversary. July 12, 1929. They invite you to an informal tea. Suddenly I was lonesome for Laura. I missed her. Where was she? Why was she so late? I wanted to hear her voice. Even if she nagged me, it didn't really matter. I wanted to hear her say something. I thought back over the events of that day. I thought of my married life with Laura. Hadn't been as bad as I let myself believe. Hadn't been Bad at all. Cora loved me. She did. She did love me. And I loved her. I must have been crazy to even think of killing her. What would I ever do without her? I leaped to my feet and I ran up the stairs to the medicine chest. I poured the cyanide down the drain.

Randy Stone (52:43)

All of it.

Rick Bennett (52:43)

Washed out the sink with my hand to be sure that the last bit of the poison was gone. After that, I. I was calmer again. I guess I'd come to my senses. I thought of the blue tie I was wearing, the one Laura didn't like. I changed that before dinner. I opened the door of the bedroom.

Randy Stone (53:06)

And.

Rick Bennett (53:08)

Then I saw. Sprawled on the bed, her face distorted in pain. I went to the bed and I shook her.

Randy Stone (53:16)

Laura.

Rick Bennett (53:16)

Laura.

Randy Stone (53:18)

Laura.

Rick Bennett (53:20)

She didn't move. She was cold. Terribly cold. Hello? Hello, Dr. Thacker? Doctor, this is Oliver Littlefield. Can you come over right away? Something's happened to my wife. I think she's dead.

Randy Stone (53:48)

I. I'm afraid you were right, Mr. Littlefield. She's. This. This glass she drank from, it's poison.

Rick Bennett (53:57)

But why?

Randy Stone (53:59)

Why, I'm afraid, sir, it. It looks like suicide.

Rick Bennett (54:03)

Suicide? She wouldn't do that. She had no reason. She.

Randy Stone (54:07)

She had a reason. Mr. Littlefield, your wife was dying of an incurable disease.

Rick Bennett (54:12)

But that's not true. She would have told me.

Randy Stone (54:14)

She wanted to keep it from you. Those were her wishes. I'm sorry, Mr. Littlefield.

Rick Bennett (54:20)

Without saying anything more, he left the room. I sat there staring at Laura. My mind was a blank. I don't know how long it was until Dr. Thacker came back.

Randy Stone (54:32)

Mr. Littlefield, what is it? This bottle.

Rick Bennett (54:37)

Well, that's the medicine you prescribed for my wife.

Randy Stone (54:39)

I think not.

Rick Bennett (54:41)

Of course it is. Why, what are you talking about?

Randy Stone (54:44)

I didn't prescribe Zion. It.

Rick Bennett (54:46)

Well, I.

Randy Stone (54:46)

Seems that I may be obliged to revise my diagnosis of your wife's death.

Rick Bennett (54:51)

I don't understand.

Randy Stone (54:52)

Really, Mr. Littlefield, isn't it quite obvious? Your wife's death was caused by a lethal dosage of cyanate. Her medicine bottle was filled with cyanate. The odor is still there.

Rick Bennett (54:59)

Yes, but. But I can explain that. You see, there wasn't a bit of it left. I threw it all away. She must have bought some herself.

Randy Stone (55:05)

I hardly think she'd fill her medicine bottle with poison if she intended to commit suicide.

Rick Bennett (55:08)

Now, wait a minute. You've got to listen to me. I didn't do it. I didn't do it, if that's what you're thinking. Dr. Thacker, you've known me For a long time. You can take my word for it.

Randy Stone (55:17)

Operator, get me the police.

Rick Bennett (55:18)

You see, it started with that blue tie. It made my eyes look bluer. Everybody told me I was sick. I started to feel sick.

Randy Stone (55:25)

Yes, that's right. This is an emergency.

Rick Bennett (55:26)

Then the Rosebud and Mr. Bevans. And the Maxedrine. I didn't know what I was doing for a while.

Randy Stone (55:31)

Hello, this is Dr. Thacker. You better send someone to 6931, doctor, right away.

Rick Bennett (55:36)

You know, people can drive you out of your mind if they keep saying the same thing to you over and over again. You've got to listen. You've got to listen. It was the blue tie Laura started. She said I was hollow eyed.

Randy Stone (55:46)

No. Looks like homicide.

Rick Bennett (55:57)

12 hours. It all happened in 12 short hours. But. But since then the hours have been long. Endless eternity. How long will I have to wait? How long until they file out of that room and tell me what I already know? The coroner's jury find that Laura Littlefield met her death by poisoning. It's recommended that her husband, Oliver Littlefield, be held to answer. I can hear it now. There's no other verdict. The testimony of the librarian, the clerk at the photographic store, the doctor. Powerful evidence that lies. Damning evidence that. That'll send Oliver Littlefield to the electric chair.

Randy Stone (56:47)

Mr. Littlefield. It's all over.

Rick Bennett (56:49)

I knew it. I knew what you would find.

Randy Stone (56:52)

The coroner's jury found the testimony of the library and the clerk and the rest convincing.

Rick Bennett (56:56)

Undeniable.

Randy Stone (56:56)

And of course, the presence of a glass of poison at your wife's bedside was confusing. Undoubtedly, she had intended to commit suic. Of course, we know now that she didn't.

Rick Bennett (57:05)

When will I be arrested?

Randy Stone (57:06)

That is a matter for the police. If they decide to prosecute. Of course, under the circumstances.

Rick Bennett (57:11)

Circumstances? Circumstantial evidence. I didn't murder my wife. I didn't. I didn't.

Randy Stone (57:22)

Of course not, Mr. Littlefield. The autopsy settled that. Not a single trace of poison in the body. She died as a result of her illness.

Rick Bennett (57:34)

No poison.

Randy Stone (57:37)

No poison. And lucky for you, Mr. Littlefield, because if she committed suicide as she planned, just how would you have been able to prove your innocence, Mr. Littlefield? Just exactly how. Suspense Presented by Roma Wines R O M A Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is Ken Niles for Roma Wines. One more day to Labor Day weekend. The traditional occasion for tasty outdoor barbecues or picnics. And your last chance to select the delicious grand estate wines that can add so much pleasure and good taste to your holiday dining. Yes, Grand Estate wines are becoming the choice of discriminating wine users everywhere. For in Grand Estate Wines by Roma, you enjoy the brilliant clarity, full fragrance and mellow taste that distinguish truly great wines. Your first sip of Grand Estate wine will convince you that in Grand Estate there is a difference. A difference born of choicest grapes and the patient priceless skill of Roma, America's greatest bitter. So this weekend, enjoy the magnificent taste harmony of Grand Estate California Burgundy and juicy charcoal broiled steaks or grilled hamburgers. Or bring out the full flavor of chicken with glorious Grand Estate California Sauternes. Remember the name Grand Estate Wines by Roma. Crowning achievement of vintner skill Hume Cronin appeared through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer, producers of the Technicolor musical Holiday in Mexico. Next Thursday, same time, Roma Wines will bring you Mr. Robert Young as star of Suspense Radio's outstanding theater of Thrills, produced by William Spear for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. There's more from Night Beat Suspense, the Relic Radio show and all the other podcasts at the website relicradio.com shoutcast stream is there with even more old time radio 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And if you'd like to help support this and all of that, give that donate button a click. Your support makes it all possible. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this Tuesday. Be back tomorrow with Case Closed and next Tuesday with our next episode of the Relic Radio Show.