WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:05.000 Now, Roma Wines, R-O-M-A. 00:05.000 --> 00:09.000 Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 00:09.000 --> 00:13.000 Roma Wines presents Suspense. 00:17.000 --> 00:23.000 Tonight, Roma Wines bring you Mr. Leon Ames as star of An Evening's Diversion. 00:23.000 --> 00:32.000 A Suspense play produced, edited and directed for Roma Wines by William Spear. 00:32.000 --> 00:39.000 Suspense, Radio's outstanding theater of thrills, is presented for your enjoyment by Roma Wines. 00:39.000 --> 00:42.000 That's R-O-M-A, Roma Wines. 00:42.000 --> 00:47.000 Those excellent California wines that can add so much pleasantness to the way you live. 00:47.000 --> 00:49.000 To your happiness and entertaining guests. 00:49.000 --> 00:52.000 To your enjoyment of everyday meals. 00:52.000 --> 00:55.000 Right now, a glass full would be very pleasant. 00:55.000 --> 00:57.000 As Roma Wines bring you Leon Ames. 00:57.000 --> 01:01.000 In a remarkable tale of Suspense. 01:04.000 --> 01:06.000 It was literally just what the doctor had ordered. 01:06.000 --> 01:09.000 There wasn't anything in particular wrong with me. 01:09.000 --> 01:10.000 Just feeling a little edgy. 01:10.000 --> 01:12.000 And I went for a routine checkup. 01:12.000 --> 01:16.000 Uh-huh. How many hours a day do you work, Mr. Edward? 01:16.000 --> 01:18.000 I don't know, doctor. I never kept track. 01:18.000 --> 01:19.000 Get home for dinner very often? 01:19.000 --> 01:20.000 Not lately. 01:20.000 --> 01:22.000 Grab a sandwich at the drug store and go on back to the office. 01:22.000 --> 01:24.000 I imagine I got a lot of patients like you. 01:24.000 --> 01:27.000 The ulcer type of business executive I caught you. 01:27.000 --> 01:28.000 You mean I... 01:28.000 --> 01:29.000 Oh, no. You haven't had an ulcer yet. 01:29.000 --> 01:31.000 Just overworked, nervous, strained. 01:31.000 --> 01:32.000 A month's vacation is what you need. 01:32.000 --> 01:33.000 But, doctor, I can't... 01:33.000 --> 01:34.000 Yes, I know. They all say that. 01:34.000 --> 01:36.000 I'll tell you what you can do, though. 01:36.000 --> 01:37.000 Yes? 01:37.000 --> 01:38.000 Done wonders for some of my patients. 01:38.000 --> 01:39.000 An evening's diversion. 01:39.000 --> 01:41.000 Oh, I don't work late every night. 01:41.000 --> 01:44.000 Why, I took my wife out to dinner in the theater only last week. 01:44.000 --> 01:45.000 Oh, I don't mean that kind of diversion. 01:45.000 --> 01:47.000 Rushing home and putting on dinner clothes. 01:47.000 --> 01:49.000 Fighting for a table in a restaurant. 01:49.000 --> 01:50.000 Rushing on in the theater. 01:50.000 --> 01:52.000 That's work, too, I know from experience. 01:52.000 --> 01:54.000 Well, then, what do you mean by an evening's diversion? 01:54.000 --> 01:56.000 Dropping in at the club for a thrilling game of chess? 01:56.000 --> 01:57.000 Oh, that's no good. 01:57.000 --> 01:58.000 Either you wind up talking business. 01:58.000 --> 02:00.000 No, what I have in mind is something different. 02:00.000 --> 02:01.000 Go out on your own. 02:01.000 --> 02:03.000 Go someplace you wouldn't normally think of going, 02:03.000 --> 02:05.000 then relax and see what happens. 02:05.000 --> 02:06.000 Well, now, look here, doctor. 02:06.000 --> 02:08.000 I'm a married man. I can't... 02:08.000 --> 02:10.000 Oh, then you're likely to get into any serious trouble. 02:10.000 --> 02:12.000 Oh, so that's your prescription. 02:12.000 --> 02:13.000 Well, really, doctor, I... 02:13.000 --> 02:14.000 Oh, don't misunderstand me, Mr. Edwards. 02:14.000 --> 02:17.000 There's more than one kind of adventure to be found in a city this size. 02:17.000 --> 02:19.000 Well, you'd be surprised exactly what you'd find. 02:23.000 --> 02:25.000 Of course I didn't take him seriously. 02:25.000 --> 02:26.000 How could I? 02:26.000 --> 02:28.000 In the first place, I didn't have time to go 02:28.000 --> 02:31.000 gallivanting around the strange places looking for trouble. 02:31.000 --> 02:34.000 And in the second place, I told myself I was too old for that sort of thing. 02:34.000 --> 02:38.000 I made a mental note to find a sensible doctor who would prescribe some pills 02:38.000 --> 02:40.000 the way a doctor should and went on back to the office. 02:40.000 --> 02:42.000 It was after five when I got there, 02:42.000 --> 02:45.000 and I could have kicked myself for wasting an afternoon like that. 02:45.000 --> 02:48.000 There was a stack of briefs on my desk I hadn't even looked at. 02:48.000 --> 02:50.000 I met another late night. 02:53.000 --> 02:54.000 Hello. 02:54.000 --> 02:55.000 Hello, dear. It's me. 02:55.000 --> 02:56.000 Oh, hello, Lily. 02:56.000 --> 02:58.000 Look, honey, I was just going to call you. 02:58.000 --> 03:01.000 Oh, now, Paul, you're not going to tell me you're working late again tonight. 03:01.000 --> 03:03.000 I'm afraid so, darling. 03:03.000 --> 03:05.000 Oh. Well, I suppose there's no use arguing with you. 03:05.000 --> 03:06.000 Did you see the doctor? 03:06.000 --> 03:07.000 Yes, I saw him. 03:07.000 --> 03:08.000 What did he say? 03:08.000 --> 03:09.000 Oh, the usual nonsense. 03:09.000 --> 03:11.000 Said I needed an evening's diversion. 03:11.000 --> 03:13.000 Well, he's quite right. You do. 03:13.000 --> 03:16.000 Maybe so. Anyway, I'll be late, so don't wait up. 03:16.000 --> 03:19.000 Paul, do you absolutely have to stay at the office tonight? 03:19.000 --> 03:20.000 Absolutely. 03:20.000 --> 03:22.000 You couldn't possibly get home just a wee bit early. 03:22.000 --> 03:23.000 Not a chance. 03:23.000 --> 03:24.000 Oh, dear. 03:24.000 --> 03:26.000 Well, what time do you think you will get home then? 03:26.000 --> 03:28.000 Oh, about 11, 11.30. 03:28.000 --> 03:31.000 Oh. Well, there's milk in the icebox if you're hungry when you get in. 03:31.000 --> 03:32.000 Thanks, honey. Good night. 03:32.000 --> 03:34.000 Good night, dear. Now, don't work too hard. 03:34.000 --> 03:36.000 I'll try not to. 03:40.000 --> 03:41.000 Yes, Mr. Edwards? 03:41.000 --> 03:44.000 Oh, I'm working late again, Lois. 03:44.000 --> 03:47.000 I don't suppose you'd be interested in earning some more over time. 03:47.000 --> 03:49.000 Well, frankly, not tonight, Mr. Edwards. 03:49.000 --> 03:53.000 I'd like to help out, but I've stayed every night this week and I'm just dead. 03:53.000 --> 03:54.000 Hmm. 03:54.000 --> 03:56.000 I don't see how you do it. 03:56.000 --> 04:00.000 What do you do on your free evenings, Lois? 04:00.000 --> 04:02.000 Oh, go to the movies sometimes. 04:02.000 --> 04:05.000 Sometimes my boyfriend and I just drop in some place that looks interesting 04:05.000 --> 04:08.000 and just relax and see what happens. 04:08.000 --> 04:09.000 Well, what happens? 04:09.000 --> 04:11.000 Sometimes nothing, sometimes all sorts of things. 04:11.000 --> 04:15.000 Once there was a shooting right in the place where we were sitting. Gangsters. 04:15.000 --> 04:17.000 That doesn't sound very relaxing to me. 04:17.000 --> 04:18.000 Oh, but it is. 04:18.000 --> 04:22.000 I mean, you've gotten a lot kind of going to the office and home again day after day. 04:22.000 --> 04:25.000 I couldn't stand it if there wasn't some excitement down there. 04:25.000 --> 04:27.000 Well, have a good time this evening. 04:27.000 --> 04:29.000 Thanks, Mr. Edwards. 04:29.000 --> 04:31.000 Anything you want me to do before I go? 04:31.000 --> 04:33.000 No. Good night. 04:33.000 --> 04:35.000 Oh, Lois. 04:35.000 --> 04:36.000 Yes, Mr. Edwards? 04:36.000 --> 04:41.000 What was the name of that place where those gangsters were? 04:41.000 --> 04:43.000 Oh, let me think. 04:43.000 --> 04:45.000 Oh, yes, Palacinos. 04:45.000 --> 04:48.000 It's in a basement sort of over on Rod Street near 3rd. 04:48.000 --> 04:50.000 Must be quite a place. 04:50.000 --> 04:51.000 Well, good night, then. 04:51.000 --> 04:53.000 Good night. 04:56.000 --> 05:00.000 After she'd gone, I opened a folder and started to read one of the briefs. 05:00.000 --> 05:03.000 But I couldn't concentrate. It was stuffy in there. 05:03.000 --> 05:07.000 I got up and crossed the room and raised the window, and I stood there for a few moments, 05:07.000 --> 05:10.000 looking out at all the vast cities spread out below me. 05:10.000 --> 05:16.000 A warm breeze was blowing from across the river, bringing with it a disturbing smell of trees and damp earth 05:16.000 --> 05:22.000 that mingled with smoke and fumes and fetid air of the city and seemed to breathe a kind of excitement. 05:22.000 --> 05:25.000 Well, suddenly I remembered that I had missed lunch and I was hungry. 05:25.000 --> 05:29.000 So I walked out into the corridor of the building and started toward the elevator. 05:29.000 --> 05:33.000 I hadn't bothered to get my hat. I was only going out for a sandwich. 05:35.000 --> 05:38.000 Going down. Oh, it's you, Mr. Edwards. 05:38.000 --> 05:39.000 Good evening, Joe. How's everything? 05:39.000 --> 05:42.000 Oh, you know, you know. Can't complain. Going home? 05:42.000 --> 05:44.000 No, no, just downstairs for a sandwich. 05:44.000 --> 05:46.000 Oh, man, you sure put in the hours, don't you? 05:46.000 --> 05:47.000 Oh, I don't mind. 05:47.000 --> 05:49.000 I guess your work must be pretty interesting. 05:49.000 --> 05:53.000 Man, if I didn't do something besides run this elevator and go home, I'd go nuts. 05:53.000 --> 05:54.000 Well, what else do you do? 05:54.000 --> 05:57.000 Oh, I don't know. Seems like there's always something. 05:57.000 --> 06:00.000 Just walking around the city is a heck of a good time as far as I'm concerned. 06:00.000 --> 06:02.000 You might have something there. 06:02.000 --> 06:06.000 Yeah. Well, here you are, Mr. Edwards. 06:06.000 --> 06:07.000 Thanks, Joe. See you in... 06:07.000 --> 06:09.000 Yeah, yeah, I know. In 15 minutes. 06:09.000 --> 06:17.000 Yes, I... No. By George, I won't. I won't go back. 06:23.000 --> 06:26.000 Something in his tone of voice must have decided me. 06:26.000 --> 06:29.000 He wasn't just a fresh kid. He was really sorry for me. 06:29.000 --> 06:32.000 When I got outside on the street, that air hit me again. 06:32.000 --> 06:34.000 That warm summer air. 06:34.000 --> 06:37.000 I started walking, not paying any attention to where I was, 06:37.000 --> 06:40.000 just walking and enjoying that wonderful air. 06:40.000 --> 06:44.000 I must have been walking for nearly an hour before I noticed where I'd got to. 06:44.000 --> 06:49.000 It was Rod Street. And up ahead was a flickering neon sign. 06:49.000 --> 06:56.000 Pirochino. 06:56.000 --> 06:59.000 The place was bigger than I expected and stock empty. 06:59.000 --> 07:02.000 There were double rows of booths down the two sides of it 07:02.000 --> 07:04.000 and a high partition in the middle. 07:04.000 --> 07:08.000 In the gray overhead lighting, it looked like an abandoned stable. 07:08.000 --> 07:12.000 I was on the point of leaving the place when a sloppy looking waitress appeared from nowhere. 07:12.000 --> 07:13.000 Just you alone? 07:13.000 --> 07:15.000 Yes, I... This way. 07:15.000 --> 07:18.000 Look here. It seems as if I've come in at an awkward time. 07:18.000 --> 07:20.000 Early for dinner, but you can have a sandwich. 07:20.000 --> 07:22.000 Oh, well, all right then. 07:22.000 --> 07:23.000 Is Booth all right? 07:23.000 --> 07:25.000 Fine, fine. 07:25.000 --> 07:29.000 We got ham and Swiss cheese. 07:29.000 --> 07:30.000 And that's all. 07:30.000 --> 07:32.000 That'll be fine. All right. 07:32.000 --> 07:33.000 Both? 07:33.000 --> 07:34.000 Yes. 07:34.000 --> 07:39.000 It won't be long. 07:39.000 --> 07:44.000 I sat there watching her as she slouched down the narrow aisle of Booth's to the kitchen. 07:44.000 --> 07:47.000 Then she was gone and there was nothing to look at. 07:47.000 --> 07:50.000 The silence in the place was beginning to get me. 07:50.000 --> 07:55.000 Then I heard the door open and steps coming down the stairway from the entrance. 07:55.000 --> 08:00.000 Sitting down, I couldn't see over the top of my booth and I didn't have the curiosity to stand up. 08:00.000 --> 08:03.000 They went down the aisle between the booths on the other side of the room. 08:03.000 --> 08:07.000 They were both men. One had metal cleats on his heels. 08:07.000 --> 08:11.000 The whole row of booths shook when they sat down. 08:11.000 --> 08:13.000 They were apparently rather heavy men. 08:13.000 --> 08:17.000 When I started talking, I could hear them as plainly as if they were sitting across the table from me. 08:17.000 --> 08:19.000 I told you this place had been empty. 08:19.000 --> 08:21.000 Why couldn't we talk just as well in your room? 08:21.000 --> 08:22.000 I like it here. 08:22.000 --> 08:23.000 Well, what do you want? 08:23.000 --> 08:25.000 Am I cut about 50 grams? 08:25.000 --> 08:26.000 Don't rush me. 08:26.000 --> 08:29.000 What happened? Same, same, double-cross you? 08:29.000 --> 08:30.000 I didn't say that. 08:30.000 --> 08:34.000 All she's got to do is slip that stuff in this coffee. 08:34.000 --> 08:35.000 Why don't you do it? 08:35.000 --> 08:36.000 I'm seeing her tonight. 08:36.000 --> 08:39.000 You've been seeing her every night for three months. 08:39.000 --> 08:41.000 What are you talking about? 08:41.000 --> 08:43.000 I'm doing this my own way, see? 08:43.000 --> 08:44.000 You're nuts about her, aren't you? 08:44.000 --> 08:45.000 What if I am? 08:45.000 --> 08:47.000 Bad business. 08:47.000 --> 08:50.000 You don't understand a dame like that. 08:50.000 --> 08:52.000 It takes time with a dame like that. 08:52.000 --> 08:55.000 In the meantime, maybe she gets tired of you and spills the whole caper. 08:55.000 --> 08:57.000 That's my lookout. 08:57.000 --> 08:58.000 Oh, no, it's not, Maxie. 08:58.000 --> 09:00.000 There's me to think of too and the rest of the boys. 09:00.000 --> 09:04.000 Okay, okay. I'll give her the final pitch tonight. 09:04.000 --> 09:06.000 If she stalls me again... 09:06.000 --> 09:08.000 You know what to do, Maxie. 09:08.000 --> 09:11.000 Where's that slob of a hash slinger? I'm hungry. 09:11.000 --> 09:14.000 Buy her big feed, Maxie. Uptown afterwards. 09:14.000 --> 09:16.000 What makes you so sure I'll have to kill her? 09:16.000 --> 09:17.000 Oh, my God. 09:17.000 --> 09:18.000 Nothing, Maxie. Just a hunch. 09:18.000 --> 09:20.000 Come on, let's get out of here. 09:20.000 --> 09:21.000 One thing more, Maxie. 09:21.000 --> 09:23.000 Take the subway. No taxis, you hear? 09:23.000 --> 09:26.000 My my goodness. 09:26.000 --> 09:28.000 Here's your sandwich. 09:28.000 --> 09:29.000 Want anything with it? 09:29.000 --> 09:31.000 No, no, no, no, no. Never mind. 09:31.000 --> 09:32.000 I've got to leave right away. 09:32.000 --> 09:42.000 Here, here's for the sandwich and keep the change. 09:42.000 --> 09:44.000 I caught up with him near the corner of 7th Avenue. 09:44.000 --> 09:48.000 I knew it was him because of those metal cleats on his heels. 09:48.000 --> 09:50.000 I followed him down into the subway. 09:50.000 --> 09:52.000 He walked up to the end of the platform. 09:52.000 --> 09:54.000 I waited where I was. 09:54.000 --> 09:56.000 It was as hot as a furnace down there. 09:56.000 --> 09:58.000 My heart was pumping fast with excitement. 09:58.000 --> 10:00.000 And I could hardly breathe. 10:00.000 --> 10:02.000 But this was doctor's orders. 10:02.000 --> 10:04.000 And he means diversion. 10:04.000 --> 10:07.000 I walked to the far end of the platform. 10:07.000 --> 10:18.000 He didn't look around at me. 10:18.000 --> 10:22.000 When the train stopped, he went in through the center door. 10:22.000 --> 10:27.000 I went in by the door at the rear of the car. 10:27.000 --> 10:31.000 Inside the train, I saw him for the first time in a good light. 10:31.000 --> 10:34.000 He was well dressed, almost too well dressed. 10:34.000 --> 10:36.000 He must have felt me staring at him. 10:36.000 --> 10:39.000 He didn't look my way, but he began to jitter. 10:39.000 --> 10:42.000 He kept jiggling his right leg and looking at his watch. 10:42.000 --> 10:45.000 He wound it and then he put it to his ear. 10:45.000 --> 10:46.000 I studied him. 10:46.000 --> 10:48.000 He was more than nervous. 10:48.000 --> 10:50.000 He was worried, perhaps frightened. 10:50.000 --> 10:54.000 He unfastened the top button of his shirt and loosened his tie. 10:54.000 --> 10:58.000 He looked over at me once or twice as if he knew me but couldn't place me. 10:58.000 --> 11:01.000 He unbuttoned his coat and tried to relax. 11:01.000 --> 11:04.000 But I knew that he couldn't relax. 11:04.000 --> 11:17.000 Not with a gun holster under his coat. 11:17.000 --> 11:23.000 For suspense, Roma Wines are bringing you a star, Leon Ames, in an evening's diversion. 11:23.000 --> 11:26.000 A radio play by Stan Schlesinger. 11:26.000 --> 11:38.000 Roma Wines presentation tonight in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense. 11:38.000 --> 11:44.000 Between the acts of suspense, this is Truman Bradley for Roma Wines. 11:44.000 --> 11:50.000 When you finish work hot from these blistering summer days, you deserve something cool to come home to. 11:50.000 --> 11:56.000 And what could be more refreshing than the frosty luxury of Roma Wine and Soda, iced. 11:56.000 --> 11:59.000 America's smartest, coolest summer drink. 11:59.000 --> 12:07.000 For Roma Wine and Soda, so good, so cool, so refreshing, is the perfect summer thirst quencher. 12:07.000 --> 12:11.000 On a moment's notice, you can serve and enjoy Roma Wine Coolers. 12:11.000 --> 12:16.000 Delicious as a family treat, delightful for entertaining too. 12:16.000 --> 12:22.000 First half fill a tumbler with Roma California Burgundy or any other fine Roma Wine of your choice. 12:22.000 --> 12:24.000 Then add ice. 12:24.000 --> 12:27.000 Fill with sparkling water and stir. 12:27.000 --> 12:30.000 If you prefer a sweeter drink, simply add sugar. 12:30.000 --> 12:31.000 Press stole. 12:31.000 --> 12:34.000 Your Roma Wine Cooler is ready to enjoy. 12:34.000 --> 12:39.000 And because Roma draws upon the world's greatest reserves of fine wines, 12:39.000 --> 12:44.000 a cooler made with Roma is bound to be better tasting. 12:44.000 --> 12:49.000 So for cool, satisfying refreshment, enjoy Roma Wine and Soda. 12:49.000 --> 12:51.000 Insist on Roma. 12:51.000 --> 12:53.000 R-O-M-A. 12:53.000 --> 12:59.000 Remember, more Americans enjoy Roma than any other wine. 12:59.000 --> 13:06.000 And now Roma Wines bring back to our Hollywood Soundstage, Leon Ains as Paul Edwards in An Evening's Diversion. 13:06.000 --> 13:10.000 A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. 13:10.000 --> 13:28.000 The Train Stopped at the 59th Street Station and he got up to leave. 13:28.000 --> 13:31.000 I followed him out of there. 13:31.000 --> 13:35.000 We got off the train and he hurried across the dark, deserted platform. 13:35.000 --> 13:38.000 I walked slowly so that he wouldn't know he was being followed. 13:38.000 --> 13:41.000 He went to the rear of the platform and his phone rang. 13:41.000 --> 13:43.000 His call didn't take more than three minutes. 13:43.000 --> 13:47.000 And as he came out, I thought I saw a faint smile on his lips. 13:47.000 --> 13:50.000 I flattened myself against the wall hoping he wouldn't notice me. 13:50.000 --> 13:58.000 But he lit his cigarette and walked right over. 13:58.000 --> 14:00.000 Something I can do for you, Mr. 14:00.000 --> 14:01.000 What? 14:01.000 --> 14:03.000 I said is there something I can do for you. 14:03.000 --> 14:04.000 No, no, no, not that is. 14:04.000 --> 14:05.000 You're following me, aren't you? 14:05.000 --> 14:06.000 Well now, see here, I don't know. 14:06.000 --> 14:08.000 Shut up. What are you, a dick? 14:08.000 --> 14:09.000 What? 14:09.000 --> 14:10.000 A flatfoot, a copper. 14:10.000 --> 14:11.000 Well, no, no, I'm not. 14:11.000 --> 14:12.000 But you're following me. 14:12.000 --> 14:14.000 Well, I don't know what you're talking about. 14:14.000 --> 14:15.000 We got on at the 8th Street Station. 14:15.000 --> 14:17.000 You followed me when I got off here. 14:17.000 --> 14:18.000 You watched me when I went into the phone booth. 14:18.000 --> 14:19.000 Well, I... 14:19.000 --> 14:20.000 And now you're on my tail again. 14:20.000 --> 14:22.000 What's the game? Maybe I'd like to play. 14:22.000 --> 14:24.000 No, no, you play with guns. I don't. 14:24.000 --> 14:26.000 Pretty sharp guy, aren't you? 14:26.000 --> 14:27.000 Well, you must have a guilty conscience. 14:27.000 --> 14:29.000 Let's leave my conscience out of this. 14:29.000 --> 14:31.000 Just keep away from me, you understand? 14:31.000 --> 14:33.000 Keep away or you'll get hurt. 14:33.000 --> 14:35.000 Yes, yes, I think I understand. 14:35.000 --> 14:37.000 I hope you do, for your sake. 14:37.000 --> 14:39.000 Now, here comes the train. I'm getting on it. 14:39.000 --> 14:41.000 You're going uptown, you'll wait for the next one. 14:41.000 --> 14:42.000 Yes, sir. 14:42.000 --> 14:44.000 I don't want any funny business, mister. 14:44.000 --> 14:46.000 You'll find I've got no sense of humor. 14:51.000 --> 14:53.000 He ran for the train, and as he ran, 14:53.000 --> 14:56.000 a scrap of pink-colored paper fell from his pocket to the platform. 14:56.000 --> 14:58.000 I made no move to pick it up. 14:58.000 --> 15:05.000 He was watching to make certain I didn't board the train. 15:05.000 --> 15:07.000 At last the train started. 15:07.000 --> 15:09.000 I waited until it was out of sight. 15:09.000 --> 15:11.000 People were still clearing the platform. 15:11.000 --> 15:13.000 I was about to pick up the scrap of paper 15:13.000 --> 15:16.000 when a man hurried by and kicked it to the tracks below. 15:16.000 --> 15:21.000 I had to have that paper, so I jumped down to the tracks. 15:21.000 --> 15:23.000 There were dozens of papers down there, 15:23.000 --> 15:25.000 but only one pink-colored scrap. 15:25.000 --> 15:27.000 There was an address written on it. 15:27.000 --> 15:29.000 It was 375 Highland Drive. 15:29.000 --> 15:32.000 Hey, you! What do you think you're doing down there? 15:32.000 --> 15:34.000 Oh, I'm sorry, officer. 15:34.000 --> 15:36.000 I dropped an address down here, but I found it. 15:36.000 --> 15:38.000 I don't care if you dropped your old lady down there. 15:38.000 --> 15:40.000 You're not supposed to be down on the tracks. 15:40.000 --> 15:41.000 I know, but I... 15:41.000 --> 15:43.000 Now get out of there, but fast! 15:43.000 --> 15:45.000 Here, grab my hat. 15:45.000 --> 15:48.000 Thanks. I didn't mean to break the law, officer, 15:48.000 --> 15:50.000 but it was important that I'd get that paper. 15:50.000 --> 15:53.000 Hey, you're up. I ought to run you in for this. 15:53.000 --> 15:55.000 But I hope you won't. 15:55.000 --> 15:57.000 You're supposed to get hit down there. 15:57.000 --> 15:59.000 You'd throw the whole train schedule off. 15:59.000 --> 16:01.000 Well, I wouldn't want to cause anyone any inconvenience. 16:01.000 --> 16:04.000 Okay, okay, but don't let it happen again. 16:10.000 --> 16:12.000 Outside, I hailed a taxi. 16:12.000 --> 16:14.000 This time I was lucky. I got one. 16:15.000 --> 16:17.000 Hop in, mister. Why, too? 16:17.000 --> 16:25.000 375 Highland Drive, and hurry, please. 16:25.000 --> 16:27.000 The traffic is kind of heavy tonight. 16:27.000 --> 16:30.000 I ain't got wings, but I'll get you there as fast as I can. 16:30.000 --> 16:32.000 I'll make it worth your while. It's a matter of life and death. 16:32.000 --> 16:34.000 Yeah, yeah, I know. 16:34.000 --> 16:35.000 I'm telling you the truth. 16:35.000 --> 16:37.000 Hey, mister, I ain't going to argue with you, 16:37.000 --> 16:39.000 but I've been driving this hack for ten years. 16:39.000 --> 16:40.000 I've heard that song before. 16:40.000 --> 16:41.000 All right, then, don't believe me, 16:41.000 --> 16:43.000 but for the love of heaven, please hurry. 16:43.000 --> 16:45.000 Okay, okay, I'm doing the best I can. 16:45.000 --> 16:49.000 It's easy for you guys to hop in a hack and say, step on it. 16:49.000 --> 16:51.000 But you know, I get awful tired hearing the same things. 16:51.000 --> 16:53.000 You know what I mean? 16:53.000 --> 16:55.000 Oh, I guess you wouldn't. 16:55.000 --> 16:58.000 You look like the kind of guy who wouldn't let himself get in a rut. 16:58.000 --> 17:00.000 But not me. Every day... 17:00.000 --> 17:02.000 Why, why are you stopping? 17:02.000 --> 17:03.000 Red light, mister. 17:03.000 --> 17:05.000 There isn't time to stop for red lights. 17:05.000 --> 17:07.000 I've got to get to 375 Highland Drive, 17:07.000 --> 17:09.000 and I've got to get there before it's too late. 17:09.000 --> 17:12.000 Relax, relax, mister. She'll wait. 17:12.000 --> 17:13.000 See, where was I? 17:13.000 --> 17:15.000 Oh, yeah. Yeah, like I was saying, 17:15.000 --> 17:17.000 things get pretty dull for a hack driver. 17:17.000 --> 17:20.000 Sometimes, sometimes I think to myself, 17:20.000 --> 17:22.000 why not forget about it for a little while? 17:22.000 --> 17:27.000 You know, go home, get the wife, get the kids. 17:27.000 --> 17:29.000 The taxi seemed to crawl along, 17:29.000 --> 17:31.000 and the driver kept talking, talking, talking. 17:31.000 --> 17:33.000 I couldn't understand a word he was saying. 17:33.000 --> 17:35.000 His voice, the rattle of traffic, 17:35.000 --> 17:36.000 the ticking of the meter, 17:36.000 --> 17:39.000 and the beating of my heart all blurred into one great din. 17:39.000 --> 17:42.000 It seemed that the driver made every stop sign. 17:42.000 --> 17:43.000 The cab was getting stuffy, 17:43.000 --> 17:47.000 and his voice began to feel like red hot needles with penitent. 17:47.000 --> 17:48.000 Shut up! 17:48.000 --> 17:49.000 Huh? What? 17:49.000 --> 17:51.000 I said shut up! 17:53.000 --> 17:54.000 Wise guy. 17:54.000 --> 17:56.000 Why are you stopping? There's no red light. 17:56.000 --> 17:57.000 No, there ain't. 17:57.000 --> 17:59.000 I'll shut up, okay, if you pay up and get out. 17:59.000 --> 18:00.000 Get out? 18:00.000 --> 18:02.000 You heard me. I don't like your attitude. 18:02.000 --> 18:04.000 I may not be much, but nobody walks on me. Now, get out! 18:04.000 --> 18:06.000 But I'll never get another taxi. 18:06.000 --> 18:08.000 Stop, you're breaking my heart. 18:08.000 --> 18:10.000 Oh, you fool, this is a matter of life and death. 18:10.000 --> 18:13.000 I told you that. Now, look, here's $5. Get me the $3.75. 18:13.000 --> 18:16.000 Mr. 500 bucks wouldn't get you to the next corner, 18:16.000 --> 18:17.000 as far as I'm concerned. 18:17.000 --> 18:19.000 Are you going to get out, or am I going to kick you out? 18:19.000 --> 18:21.000 Look, I'm sorry. I apologize. 18:21.000 --> 18:23.000 But please, you must get me the $3.75. 18:23.000 --> 18:25.000 And here's your change, $4.50. 18:25.000 --> 18:27.000 Skip the tip and get out. 18:27.000 --> 18:29.000 I've got your number. Your company will hear about this. 18:29.000 --> 18:31.000 Yeah, yeah, and I got your number, too. 18:31.000 --> 18:33.000 Hit the road, brother. 18:33.000 --> 18:36.000 I stood there for a moment, watching the taxi, until I was out of sight. 18:36.000 --> 18:40.000 I was on Highland Drive all right, but I was five blocks from $3.75. 18:40.000 --> 18:43.000 I began walking. I wondered if I would be too late. 18:43.000 --> 18:46.000 The man with the gun must be out of the subway by now. 18:46.000 --> 18:49.000 That would put him only three blocks from $3.75. 18:49.000 --> 18:52.000 I walked faster and faster until I was almost running. 18:52.000 --> 18:54.000 I knew I was becoming involved in something, 18:54.000 --> 18:56.000 but just how involved, I didn't know. 18:56.000 --> 18:59.000 If I had felt then like I do right now, 18:59.000 --> 19:01.000 I would have been able to get out of the car. 19:01.000 --> 19:03.000 If I had felt then like I do right now, 19:03.000 --> 19:07.000 I would have turned around and walked in the other direction. 19:07.000 --> 19:11.000 As I neared the apartment house, I instinctively slowed down, 19:11.000 --> 19:15.000 not out of fear of what was ahead of me, but for what was behind me. 19:15.000 --> 19:18.000 I stopped. Someone was behind me. 19:18.000 --> 19:21.000 I didn't have to turn around. I knew who it was. 19:21.000 --> 19:23.000 You shouldn't have followed me here, pal. 19:23.000 --> 19:26.000 But what makes you think I don't have business of my own here? 19:26.000 --> 19:28.000 Start walking. I got a gun in your back. 19:28.000 --> 19:29.000 Where are you taking me? 19:29.000 --> 19:31.000 I'm going to start walking across the street. 19:31.000 --> 19:34.000 Don't try anything. I'll just let you have it an hour later. 19:34.000 --> 19:35.000 You're going to kill me? 19:35.000 --> 19:36.000 You catch on fast. 19:36.000 --> 19:38.000 But why? I haven't done anything to you. 19:38.000 --> 19:39.000 I don't even know who you are. 19:39.000 --> 19:41.000 That's rough. Straight ahead. 19:41.000 --> 19:43.000 We're going to take a little walk through the park. 19:43.000 --> 19:45.000 Listen, let me go. I will repeat this to the police. 19:45.000 --> 19:46.000 You have my word. 19:46.000 --> 19:47.000 I don't want your word. 19:47.000 --> 19:50.000 I told you not to follow me, which you did. 19:50.000 --> 19:52.000 I don't know how you did it, but you're here. 19:52.000 --> 19:53.000 Turn right down this path. 19:53.000 --> 19:54.000 You're out of your mind. 19:54.000 --> 19:56.000 And you'll be out of your misery. 19:56.000 --> 19:58.000 I've got money. I'll give you anything you want. 19:58.000 --> 20:00.000 I don't want to see you get frapshed. 20:00.000 --> 20:02.000 Let me do the talking. 20:02.000 --> 20:06.000 Oh, say, son, do you live around here? 20:06.000 --> 20:08.000 Who wants to know? 20:08.000 --> 20:10.000 Me? I was wondering if you know this neighborhood. 20:10.000 --> 20:11.000 No. 20:11.000 --> 20:12.000 How about you, mister? 20:12.000 --> 20:13.000 Well, I... 20:13.000 --> 20:15.000 We don't know the neighborhood either. 20:15.000 --> 20:17.000 No? Well, could you tell me this much? 20:17.000 --> 20:19.000 Would, let me see now, 20:19.000 --> 20:22.000 485 Highland Drive be in this direction? 20:22.000 --> 20:24.000 I said we don't know the neighborhood. 20:24.000 --> 20:25.000 Oh, you don't? 20:25.000 --> 20:27.000 Well, thanks anyway. 20:27.000 --> 20:29.000 I guess I'm going the right direction. 20:29.000 --> 20:30.000 Oh, hey, you. 20:30.000 --> 20:31.000 Shut up. 20:31.000 --> 20:32.000 Yeah, what is it? 20:32.000 --> 20:33.000 Nothing. 20:33.000 --> 20:34.000 We weren't talking to you. 20:34.000 --> 20:36.000 Oh, sorry. 20:36.000 --> 20:38.000 Okay. 20:38.000 --> 20:40.000 Start walking again. 20:40.000 --> 20:42.000 Do you, uh... 20:42.000 --> 20:44.000 Do you mind if I ask you something? 20:44.000 --> 20:46.000 It all depends. 20:46.000 --> 20:49.000 Just who were you going to kill tonight other than me? 20:49.000 --> 20:51.000 A certain party in Apartment 1A. 20:51.000 --> 20:52.000 What? 20:52.000 --> 20:53.000 What are you going to do about it? 20:53.000 --> 20:55.000 Oh, I was just curious, that's all. 20:55.000 --> 20:57.000 Like a cat, huh? 20:57.000 --> 21:00.000 Why were you going to kill this party? 21:00.000 --> 21:02.000 This is far enough. 21:02.000 --> 21:03.000 You didn't answer my question. 21:03.000 --> 21:05.000 I'm through answering questions, pal. 21:05.000 --> 21:07.000 Look, why, why, what are you going to kill? 21:07.000 --> 21:08.000 It'll get gained by killing me. 21:08.000 --> 21:09.000 Nothing. 21:09.000 --> 21:10.000 But I swear... 21:10.000 --> 21:11.000 I swear... 21:11.000 --> 21:13.000 Save your breath. 21:13.000 --> 21:14.000 Someone else is coming. 21:14.000 --> 21:15.000 You can't get away with this. 21:15.000 --> 21:17.000 Why, the devil is always traffic coming from... 21:17.000 --> 21:18.000 Listen, if I... 21:18.000 --> 21:19.000 You listen, mister, keep your eye on me. 21:19.000 --> 21:21.000 Remember, I've got this gun on you. 21:21.000 --> 21:23.000 Don't try any funny stuff like you did the last time. 21:23.000 --> 21:24.000 It's a policeman, cop. 21:24.000 --> 21:25.000 It doesn't make any difference to me. 21:25.000 --> 21:26.000 What I said still goes. 21:26.000 --> 21:28.000 Nobody can talk to me like that. 21:28.000 --> 21:30.000 I'll have you know my kid can lick your kid any old ass. 21:30.000 --> 21:31.000 Shut up, I said. 21:31.000 --> 21:32.000 Don't tell me to shut up. 21:32.000 --> 21:34.000 Hey, what's going on here? 21:34.000 --> 21:35.000 You keep out of this, officer. 21:35.000 --> 21:37.000 Take it easy, buddy, take it easy. 21:37.000 --> 21:38.000 What's with this guy? 21:38.000 --> 21:41.000 Oh, don't pay any attention to him, officer. 21:41.000 --> 21:42.000 He's nuts. 21:42.000 --> 21:44.000 Well, I'm not a fat head like you, you flatfoot. 21:44.000 --> 21:46.000 You don't know what he's talking about, officer. 21:46.000 --> 21:48.000 He just talks a lot too much. 21:48.000 --> 21:49.000 You know what I'm going to do when you go? 21:49.000 --> 21:50.000 Jump in the river, I hope. 21:50.000 --> 21:53.000 I'm going up and down the street and break every window I can reach. 21:53.000 --> 21:55.000 Not while I'm around you, not. 21:55.000 --> 21:57.000 I'm taking you along with me just for safe keeping. 21:57.000 --> 21:58.000 Okay. 21:58.000 --> 21:59.000 Oh, yeah? 21:59.000 --> 22:00.000 You and who else? 22:00.000 --> 22:01.000 I'll take care of them, officer. 22:01.000 --> 22:03.000 I'll take care of them good. 22:03.000 --> 22:04.000 Yeah? 22:04.000 --> 22:05.000 Well, all right. 22:05.000 --> 22:06.000 But you're responsible for it. 22:06.000 --> 22:07.000 Yeah. 22:07.000 --> 22:09.000 I don't want to see any broken windows, you understand? 22:09.000 --> 22:10.000 Oh, sure, sure thing, officer. 22:10.000 --> 22:11.000 Okay. 22:11.000 --> 22:12.000 No one is going to take care of me. 22:12.000 --> 22:13.000 I'll take care of myself. 22:13.000 --> 22:14.000 Hey, hey, come back here. 22:14.000 --> 22:15.000 Come back here, I said. 22:15.000 --> 22:16.000 I don't want any broken windows, you hear? 22:16.000 --> 22:27.760 I ran deep into the heart of the park. 22:27.760 --> 22:30.640 I knew he wouldn't fire after me with the policeman there. 22:30.640 --> 22:33.000 I hid in the bushes for almost 20 minutes. 22:33.000 --> 22:36.000 From time to time, I could hear his searching steps. 22:36.000 --> 22:41.000 Occasionally, he would walk slowly toward the bush I was hiding under. 22:41.000 --> 22:45.000 I was afraid to breathe, afraid to allow my heart another beat. 22:45.000 --> 22:48.000 Then for a moment, he would stop. 22:48.000 --> 22:51.000 I could easily have reached out and touched him. 22:51.000 --> 22:52.000 He was that close. 22:52.000 --> 22:54.000 Then he would go, still searching. 22:54.000 --> 22:59.000 I waited five minutes more, 10, 20, a half hour. 22:59.000 --> 23:00.000 He didn't return. 23:00.000 --> 23:03.000 I knew where he had gone. 23:03.000 --> 23:09.000 I knew he was about to commit a murder. 23:09.000 --> 23:13.000 I went into the apartment house through the service entrance. 23:13.000 --> 23:17.000 My legs felt like rubber and my clothes were torn from the bushes in the park. 23:17.000 --> 23:23.000 I walked quietly up the steps to the first floor, made sure the corridor was empty. 23:23.000 --> 23:27.000 Then moved to the door of apartment 1A and listened. 23:27.000 --> 23:30.000 For a moment, I heard nothing. 23:30.000 --> 23:34.000 And then that familiar voice seeped through the crack beneath the door. 23:34.000 --> 23:37.000 So, you decided to back out, huh? 23:37.000 --> 23:38.000 Oh, Max, I'm afraid. 23:38.000 --> 23:40.000 What's there to be afraid of, sweetheart? 23:40.000 --> 23:41.000 I'm afraid for you. 23:41.000 --> 23:42.000 We'd never get away with it. 23:42.000 --> 23:44.000 It says we wouldn't. 23:44.000 --> 23:46.000 Just you let me take care of him. 23:46.000 --> 23:48.000 Or maybe you still love him. 23:48.000 --> 23:50.000 I loathe him and you know it. 23:50.000 --> 23:51.000 Then why hold back? 23:51.000 --> 23:54.000 Why make yourself miserable any longer? 23:54.000 --> 23:55.000 It's you and me, sweetheart. 23:55.000 --> 23:57.000 You get that? You and me. 23:57.000 --> 23:58.000 That's the way it's gotta be. 23:58.000 --> 24:01.000 I'm sorry, Max. I can't do it. 24:01.000 --> 24:02.000 I won't. 24:02.000 --> 24:03.000 You can't back out now. 24:03.000 --> 24:04.000 Why can't I? 24:04.000 --> 24:05.000 You know too much. 24:05.000 --> 24:07.000 Oh, Max, if that's what's worrying you, I would... 24:07.000 --> 24:09.000 That's what's worrying me. 24:09.000 --> 24:11.000 Don't you trust me, darling. 24:11.000 --> 24:14.000 Sure, when I can see you. 24:14.000 --> 24:17.000 That's why we've gotta be together. 24:17.000 --> 24:18.000 Or maybe you want to bump him off 24:18.000 --> 24:20.000 and take all the dough yourself. 24:20.000 --> 24:21.000 Oh, Max. 24:20.000 --> 24:21.000 Sure. 24:21.000 --> 24:23.000 That's it. 24:23.000 --> 24:24.000 Oh, what a sap I've been. 24:24.000 --> 24:25.000 Don't be a fool. 24:25.000 --> 24:26.000 I'm going. 24:26.000 --> 24:29.000 I'll... I'll hear from you, won't I, darling? 24:29.000 --> 24:31.000 Not a chance. 24:31.000 --> 24:33.000 You won't be hearing from anyone, sweetheart. 24:33.000 --> 24:36.000 Max. Max, put away that gun. 24:36.000 --> 24:37.000 I'm checking you out, Lily. 24:37.000 --> 24:38.000 Max, listen, please. 24:38.000 --> 24:39.000 Max, listen, don't do it. 24:39.000 --> 24:41.000 I'm with you. You know that, don't you? 24:41.000 --> 24:42.000 That's all I am. 24:42.000 --> 24:43.000 Let go, I tell you. 24:43.000 --> 24:44.000 Be careful of your... 24:44.000 --> 24:46.000 Lily. 24:46.000 --> 24:48.000 Max. 24:48.000 --> 24:50.000 Max, darling, I... 24:50.000 --> 24:52.000 Max, I didn't mean to do it. 24:52.000 --> 24:55.000 Max, I didn't mean to do it. 25:03.000 --> 25:06.000 Her back was to me as I opened the door. 25:06.000 --> 25:10.000 She was on her knees weeping for the man she had just killed. 25:10.000 --> 25:12.000 I walked quietly toward her, 25:12.000 --> 25:15.000 knelt down and reached for the gun at her side, 25:15.000 --> 25:18.000 picked it up, moved a few steps back and waited. 25:18.000 --> 25:21.000 She must have felt my presence in the room 25:21.000 --> 25:23.000 because she stopped sobbing, 25:23.000 --> 25:25.000 stood up and turned to face me. 25:25.000 --> 25:27.000 Nothing was said. 25:27.000 --> 25:29.000 Her eyes were searching mine, 25:29.000 --> 25:32.000 growing wider and wider as she found my thoughts. 25:32.000 --> 25:35.000 Tiny streams of blood began to trickle 25:35.000 --> 25:37.000 from those places where her sharp fingernails 25:37.000 --> 25:40.000 had penetrated the palm of her hand. 25:40.000 --> 25:43.000 The silence of the room began to roar. 25:43.000 --> 25:45.000 And then... 26:02.000 --> 26:04.000 Number, please. 26:04.000 --> 26:06.000 Get me the police department. 26:17.000 --> 26:19.000 Police department. 26:19.000 --> 26:24.000 You'd better send someone over to 375 Highland Drive right away. 26:24.000 --> 26:26.000 Apartment 1A. 26:26.000 --> 26:29.000 375 Highland Drive, Apartment 1A, huh? 26:29.000 --> 26:31.000 What's up? 26:31.000 --> 26:34.000 I think you'll call it murder. 26:34.000 --> 26:36.000 I just killed my wife. 26:49.000 --> 26:51.000 Suspense! 26:51.000 --> 26:55.000 Presented by Roma Wines, R-O-M-A. 26:55.000 --> 26:59.000 Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. 26:59.000 --> 27:01.000 Before we hear again from Leon Ames, 27:01.000 --> 27:04.000 the star of an evening's diversion to night's suspense play, 27:04.000 --> 27:08.000 this is Truman Bradley for Roma Wines. 27:08.000 --> 27:11.000 The Fourth of July marks not only Independence Day, 27:11.000 --> 27:14.000 but also the beginning of the really hot summer weather. 27:14.000 --> 27:17.000 The sweltering throat-parching days that melt your energy 27:17.000 --> 27:20.000 and burn your disposition. 27:20.000 --> 27:22.000 Well, here's a clever California recipe 27:22.000 --> 27:24.000 that's famous as a heat beater. 27:24.000 --> 27:27.000 To get cool, comfortable and contented, 27:27.000 --> 27:31.000 enjoy an ice-cold, taste-tingling Roma Wine Lemonade. 27:31.000 --> 27:34.000 That's right, Roma Wine Lemonade. 27:34.000 --> 27:37.000 Delicious, refreshing and expensive. 27:37.000 --> 27:39.000 Now, here's how. 27:39.000 --> 27:42.000 Place ice and the juice of half a lemon in a tall glass. 27:42.000 --> 27:46.000 Pour three-quarters full with zestful Roma California Burgundy 27:46.000 --> 27:48.000 or any other Roma wine you prefer. 27:48.000 --> 27:51.000 Add water and sweeten to taste. 27:51.000 --> 27:55.000 Then, sit back and sip your way to cool contentment. 27:55.000 --> 27:57.000 Roma Wine Lemonade. 27:57.000 --> 28:00.000 The most refreshing summer drink you ever tasted. 28:00.000 --> 28:02.000 So cool to come home to. 28:02.000 --> 28:06.000 And remember, Roma, America's favorite wine, 28:06.000 --> 28:09.000 makes America's finest wine coolers. 28:09.000 --> 28:11.000 So refresh with Roma. 28:11.000 --> 28:14.000 R-O-M-A. Roma Wines. 28:14.000 --> 28:17.000 America's first choice in wine. 28:19.000 --> 28:21.000 This is Leon Ames. 28:21.000 --> 28:23.000 I hope you've had a pleasant Fourth of July. 28:23.000 --> 28:25.000 I know that for me it's been an exciting holiday 28:25.000 --> 28:27.000 to appear here on Suspense. 28:27.000 --> 28:29.000 Next Thursday, I'm sure you'll want to listen 28:29.000 --> 28:31.000 when a very wonderful actor, Sheldon Leonard, 28:31.000 --> 28:33.000 appears in a Suspense play called 28:33.000 --> 28:36.000 Feast of the Furies, which Mr. Spear has just described to me 28:36.000 --> 28:38.000 and which sounds like one of the really dramatic events 28:38.000 --> 28:40.000 of the radio season. 28:40.000 --> 28:43.000 Leon Ames appeared through courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 28:43.000 --> 28:46.000 producers of the Technicolor musical Easy to Win. 28:46.000 --> 28:49.000 Next Thursday, same time, Roma Wines will bring you 28:49.000 --> 28:53.000 Sheldon Leonard as star of Suspense, 28:53.000 --> 28:57.000 radio's outstanding theater of thrill, 28:57.000 --> 28:59.000 produced by William Spear 28:59.000 --> 29:03.000 for the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California. 29:03.000 --> 29:13.000 This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.