 The Adventures of Frank Race, starring Tom Collins. The war changed many things, the face of the earth and the people on it. Before the war, Frank Race worked as an attorney. But he traded his law books for the Cloak and Dagger of the OSS. And when it was over, his former life was over too. Adventure had become his business. The Adventures of Frank Race, or the Adventure of Seventeen Black. Saratoga, city of sport and health. Where you can watch the thoroughbreds come thundering into the stretch, or increase your physical efficiency with its spring water and sunshine. But my sport at the moment wasn't taking place in the sunshine. And I'm afraid the healthful effect of its atmosphere was rather dubious. Number Seventeen Black. And now you're coming up, Mr. Race. Yeah, it's about time after what I've dropped here tonight. I'll let that ride again. At last I find you, sir. Oh, hello, Mark. Thought you were in New York. Place your bets, please. I was sent up here to find you. We've got to get going. Come on. Won't you hurry? I'm busy. You're going to be busy. You've got a hasty test for universal indemnity. The embezzlement job that they want is right now. Number Seventeen Black. Looks like you're in the groove, Mr. Race. I've got luck on my shoulder. Leave it right there, Eddie. We're letting it ride. Oh, no, we ain't. Eddie, push it this way. We are heading for New York. How about, Mark, I'm just beginning to win. You ain't going to win by leaving it there. Let's blow. This is important. Place your bets, please. Yeah, well, of course you're right. Come on. Sight me, I'm right. Nobody can keep playing one number on that thing. It just ain't in the force. Yeah, hold on a second. Seventeen Black. You see, what did I tell you? Hey, you want to get? Yeah, what a one. You hadn't picked up the bet. Look, maybe we want to go back and play that thing for a while, huh? Here, you're hot. Come on, Mark. We're heading for New York. Who talked to you from the insurance company, Reid? Yeah, Chesapeake Reid. I told him you weren't a little time to yourself, but he said I was to get you anyway. He told me all about it, see, so I could brief you. What's the story? Some guy keeping books for a construction offer took 70 Gs of the company's money. He was bonded with Universal. Reid wants me to go after him, huh? No, no, no. Not the guy. He's dead. Suicide. Reid wants you should see if he can find a doll. At the Universal indemnity, I ain't got the details. The allegedly embezzler had been a man named O'Connor with a home in Yonkers. I had Mark drive me over there to see his wife. What's the use of talking about it? Johnny's dead. After a while, I suppose I'll be able to tell myself I still got a baby. He's a year old. How do you fix the money? I've got the rent for another month. I've got some ground meat for supper. I guess I'll have to get a job pretty soon. Didn't your husband have insurance? $8,000 worth. But we'll never get any of it. Not if they call him suicide. That should have occurred to me. How did he die, Mrs. O'Connor? He was found in the garage, shot in the car, carbon monoxide. I see. They'll never convince me that he committed suicide. Not Johnny. He enjoyed life too much. He was right in the middle of making a crib for the baby. And if he stole that money, where is it? I understand there was a confession. A fake. Even if it is in Johnny's handwriting, here it is. I'm taking the only way out. When they audit my records, they'll find I've misappropriated $70,000. Try to forgive me, Johnny. He never took that money. Possibly not, but it's missing. And your husband is dead. If we're going to prove him innocent, you'll have to help me. I'll do anything. Did your husband have any friends in the company or particular enemies? Irving Dalton, the chief accountant. He always treated Johnny like a laborer. See, Johnny used to carry a hard. But when the baby was coming, he took a night school course in bookkeeping to better himself. Did Dalton hire your husband? No, no. T.J. Thomas does the hiring. He's general manager. Does Thomas have a financial interest in the company? I think he owns a third. The rest of it belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Maynard. Well, possibly Mr. Thomas can help a little. I'll see him tomorrow. In the meantime, take this. No, no. I couldn't. We'll call it a loan. You've got that youngster to think about. And for the time being, stay with your baby and forget about getting a job. Taking him back to the city, Mark. What's cooking? Known to think about a family name Maynard? Oh, so you need a hard punch to get along with. The old man's retired cement finishers. See, the boys, they don't believe in labor of any kind. No, you're working the wrong neighborhood in there. Maynard's I refer to as the big-time contractors. Oh, big shots. No, no, I... What is it? That's the dam behind us. What's that? They're waving out the wind. It's a Tommy gun. Right. You better do some twisting. They're waving at us. You got a gun? In my hand. Well, against that firepower... He's gunning on me, Rice. We're gonna get it. Rice, you okay? Let me get my arm free. He's coming up with that machine gun. He's lying to self-race. He's got it. You got him. You got him. Watch out. I didn't kill Edwin. Just hit him in the leg. Yeah, but he lost that chatterbox. We're okay. Let me help you out. Easy, Mark. Take it easy. Yeah. What kind of a deal is this anyway? Looks like a lethal deal, Mark. Somebody's playing for big keeps. You didn't go to an ordinary lumberyard to find the offices of the main construction company. That took up half the 14th floor of a skyscraper. I was impressed by the handsome paneling, the ancestral portraits, and the cocktail party that was going on. That place was rocking. It was only after quite a bit of elbow fencing I was able to force my way to a waiter. He promised to locate T.J. Thomas for me, but it was at least 15 minutes before I got a reaction. Mr. Rice? That's right. I'm Irving Giles. I'm Irving Giles. That's right. I'm Irving Dalton, chief accountant of the firm. You have been moving around for a little days. You didn't come here on business, I hope, not this afternoon. What are you celebrating, lifting up a mortgage? Just a little part in honor of State Senator Humphries. All this for a State Senator? What would you do for a governor? I understand you want to see Mr. Thomas. Yes, T.J. Thomas. General Manager, isn't he? And it says General Manager on this door. It also says Private, Mr. Rice, if you don't mind. That's a long elevator ride of him. I'd like to conclude my business this time. So, if you ask me, I don't think it's a good idea. Really, darling, no one asks you. Hold a second. You don't mind, this is rather private. Sort of board meeting. No, I don't mind at all. I'm most anxious to talk to the board. Now, wait a minute. My name's Rice. We're concerning the claim on your bookkeeper, O'Connor. Oh, well, in that case... Come right in, Mr. Rice. I'm Sandra Maynard. This is Mr. Thomas, our General Manager, and my husband, Arthur Maynard. What do you want? No, Rice. Several things. But first, I'd like to express a personal opinion. Your bookkeeper didn't steal anything, and he didn't commit suicide. He was murdered. Dear me, headlines. Sandra, my darling, your welfare league group will buzz about this one. Oh, Arthur, shut up. This is very interesting. Are you ready to prove that someone else misappropriated the money, Mr. Rice? Not yet, but that much money doesn't just disappear. There's an outright case of embezzlement. The books fake for themselves. I should think so. Oh, of course. You know all about the records, don't you, darling? I don't know what keeps me from clawing your face off. And I'm warning you, Arthur, if you don't stop... The witnessing marathon of Donna Brooks has never been to my liking, so I'm eased out of the room. My hand bumped into his delectable a bit of fabric as I'd encountered in several days. A tawny blonde with a benign eye. You look sort of brandy. You know those people in there? Sandra and Arthur Maynard? I'm sure I know them. What's the pitch on their relationship? You sound like someone sent out to watch the silver. And I've run into a defendant of the family honor. Oh, not me. I know them, but I don't play in their yard. And never will. They don't get along. It's embarrassing. That's because they're going to be divorced. He used to be her teacher at college. I guess they never straightened it out. Make quite a clatter out of it, don't they? This whole party has turned into a clatter. I think I'll go home. You care to come along? Most encouraging invitation I've had in weeks. Lead on, fair lady. Lead on. What's the matter with that cab driver back there? Sounded like he was putting up quite a squawk. Mark, you know, he's a very unreasonable fellow. Just because he waited half an hour for me felt he should drive us to your apartment. When I've got my own car, he must be nuts. Well, it's a night to send anybody by me, don't it? Full moon, sky full of stars. Perfect night for romance. Or wedding. What makes you say that? Just a thought. Do you always carry so much luggage in your car? I'm a nightclub singer. I'm going away for engagement. Oh, too bad. You'll come with me. What I do, push your piano around? Ray. You should come along and push your piano around. Come inside. But first, let's have a little light. What are you doing? I'm building this pistol from your purse. What is it, part of the new look? Oh, Ray, don't be like that. I'll go for you if you let me. I might even postpone going away. How would you like to talk about a man named Johnny O'Connor and $70,000? I might. There's something that might interest you in the bottom drawer of that bureau. You're stuck. So are you, sucker! Nice work, Doris. Now we can get rid of this chump for good. We'll return to the Adventures of Frank Race in just about one minute. Hello, back to the Adventures of Frank Race. When I came alive regretfully, the hazy conviction to my head had grown at least double and was still trying to expand. I told myself irritably this was no procedure for establishing Johnny O'Connor's innocence. Or securing his insurance for his wife and child. Then I caught voices and I knew my best bet would be to play dead. Any sign of life back there, Rocky? Nah, he's out cold. Better take a look and see if he's coming, too. Relax, will you? When I slug him, they stay out for hours. Flash the light on him and make sure. Okay, okay. Out cold is a mackerel. Want him up front, don't you? Yeah, right behind the wheel here. Give me a hand. This guy's big. He's hard to lift, all right? Let's give another heave. It's good now. Now pour the liquor over. This ain't no new idea, you know. It's got to be done right until the cops get hip. That's good enough. Now put the car in high. Aw, I want to stay. Why don't you go through that guardrail on the curb? Nothing doing. We're getting out of here. I'll set. Okay, then. Let it go. I learned that the car fooled me. Threw me sideways in the seat. I tried heating up, but the reflexes were off. That curve. I had to get control. If I didn't, I would never do that to yourself. I just sat there for a few seconds, and I staggered to a phone booth and asked Mark to come out and meet me. All I can say is it was your own fault. If I'd have been tagging along, it probably never would have even happened. I warn you about that thing. He's very attractive, Mark. Despite what occurred, I should continue to think about it. Whistler. She had a look. You know me. I never miss on things. I agree. You're the most dangerous species. Most dangerous of the species, Mark. You take it for me. It ain't of anything. When it comes to working angles, dames are all by themselves. What are we going to do with this car? Take it back. It ain't cracked up as much as my cab was. Ain't a bad car at all. What is it? Registration says it belongs to townals and humpries. Used car sales. That's where we're taking it, at midnight? The join will be shut tight in Atlantic City in December. Now some... they could call his break in and enter. You mind? Not so long as the cause is just... they need a new door here. You want my flashlight? No, street lights enough. You take that filing card and see if you can find any papers on the car. I'll try the desk. How do they file these things? By license number, make a car. I ain't having no luck. Never mind. Take a look at this. What do you got? It's like a... made out in my name. According to this, I own it. Then unload it as soon as you can. It needs no rings and a rainbow. A tight little arrangement. Look, I don't get it. I do. If I'd been killed and I'd marked this slip, it would have been mailed to the Motor Vehicle Bureau in the morning. It would have covered my accident very nicely. Looks like you're up against a tough pigeon, right? There's more to this than just the missing 70,000. I wonder if I could squeeze any information out of Sandra Maynard. Squeeze another time? In this case, Chum, that ain't good. Well, you're wrong, Marcus. In this case, it ain't bad. The home of Sandra Maynard turned out to be one of those structures that a locksmith and a couple of carpenters could turn into a hotel over a weekend. The lady of the house greeted me in a sequence, something that gave almost as much flash as she did. I instantly recognized one quality in her that I tabbed as dynamite. While you were with her, she'd make you forget all the other women you'd ever known. After our scrambled meeting last night, this was rather unexpected. But it's nice. Cigarette? Thanks. You'll be drinks along in a moment. Manhattan's and Martinez. I'm sure you must like one or the other. There have been occasions when I've gone for both to my eventual distress. You're an attractive race. But then I suppose you already know that. You're, um, rather direct, Mrs. Maynard. And I'm sure you make good use of the trade. It saves time. Don't say Mrs. Maynard, I hate the name. Call me Sandra, everyone does. Even my chauffeur. I'm flattered. I wonder, have I stepped off on the wrong foot? With your facade, why worry? Suddenly I do find myself worrying. Do you mind if I try to impress you, race? I think I'd enjoy it. Why did you come to see me? To talk business. Stand it way. I don't think it should. Race, I have a feeling that you might be crusading. Did you know Johnny O'Connor? Do I look the type to know anything about a construction company? I inherited the thing from my father. I care so little about it, I've given my husband a quarter interest. To get rid of him. What about your Johnny O'Connor? He was the bookkeeper who was supposed to have committed suicide. After embezzling $70,000. And you don't think he did? Either one. It seems that he handled the expense accounts for the firm. Entertainment bills, items like that. I don't get the significance. The state's attorney general has been asking for funds from the legislature to investigate contracted bids for public works. Been complaints that your company's had inside information on supposedly sealed bids. So a lot of expense vouchers in your office became too hot to hold. Expense vouchers that might have been linked with the bribing of public officials. What does all this have to do with that bookkeeper? Shall we say that with all those vouchers missing, say, $70,000 worth, O'Connor would be the patsy with nothing to back up the entries in his books. Especially if he weren't around to offer excuses. I'm afraid you've lost me, Race. I let Thomas run the company. And you know nothing about this? Nothing. But I do know one thing. What's that? I'm glad you came into the picture. Thanks. I'm gratified. Oh, stop looking at your watch. You don't have to rush off, Race. That's getting late, and I have another call to make. On another woman? On your chief accountant, Irving Dalton. I want to see you again. If you'd care for my case history, I'm 26 and rather wealthy. In about 60 days, I shall no longer be encumbered with husband. Nesting deposition. Don't worry. You'll never be lonely. There's nobody home, Race. There should be. This hour. Yeah, why don't you try to nab? Nothing like the direct approach. I should have blend that earlier this evening. It's under a minute. There's going to be a light switch here somewhere. Yes, Billy. Now, we... Oh, Race. Yes. It's Dalton. Look at his droid. Somebody must have chalked a wand at him. He must have been showing signs of weakening. Let's get going, then. No, no, let's look around. Oh, open the door to keep it. Okay. Didn't know if it finds you wake, Dalton. Take it better, like Thomas. You'll notice he isn't awake. Say, what is this? Well, I know some inquisitive gentlemen who'd call it homicide. What do you think you're going? I'm getting out of here. Not yet. I had nothing to do with this. Possibly not. But I have a hunch we can tie you in with Johnny O'Connor's murder. I had nothing to do with it. Oh, then you know it wasn't suicide. No. No, I... Mark, dial the homicide bureau. Now, now, wait a minute. Why can't we sort of talk this over? We can. Why don't you start in? The first place. Grace, look outside the window. Well, I'd still on the home of Sandra Maynard. I told Mark to drift around the grounds, keep his eyes open, and then I rang the bell. The butler appearing in a robe insisted that his mistress had retired. I had him take me to her bedroom suite where we found her still up. She dismissed the butler. You mind if I go on brushing my hair, Grace? Not at all. Doesn't disconcert you? You know very well it disconcerts me, but at the moment there's something else. What else, Grace? I just came from Dalton's apartment. He's dead. Wait. And so is T.J. Thomas, your general manager. Yeah. Dalton was strangled. Thomas was shot. Grace, Grace, you're not serious. Who could have done it? The police might think you did. I? Grace, you're kidding. You don't think I did it, do you? The person who killed Dalton had the strength of a man. Do you have a pistol? Pistol? Have you ever had one? Yes. Yes, of course, but my husband's had it for some time. You can prove that? Well, I think so. The butler knows that Arthur has had it. But the permit was issued in your name? Yes, it was, but... There's a bullet in Dalton's apartment. The bullet that killed Thomas. The police are going to find it. When they check it in ballistics, your butler's testimony isn't going to be much good if they find that gun here in your room. But I told you I don't have the gun. I have a feeling that your husband is going to plant it here. Oh, Grace, I'm all upset. Why would he do that? First, to cover himself. When he gave him that interest in the firm, he decided to make it pay off in a big way. He got Thomas and Dalton on the hook and they started the bribery pattern for big profits. But you're the principal owner. So he's going to try to tag you with the guilt. Another thing. If you were to be executed for murdering, he'd get another big chunk of your estate since he's still your husband. Grace, what am I going to do? No, we can wait for him. Then, when he gets here... I'm already here with Grace. What's the matter, my darling? Last your poise, emulate Mr. Race. He's quite controlled. That's your gun he's holding, Sandra? Yes, yes, that's it. You've caused me a great deal of trouble, Mr. Race. The obvious suicide of O'Connor satisfied the police. Why didn't it satisfy you? Johnny O'Connor didn't have your educational background. He'd never have used a word such as misappropriated. Not even in a suicide note. He used the same word when I interrupted that office meeting. Even Thomas was satisfied with him best. You smelled murder in one word? In two words. That was a simpler one. O'Connor would have said books. Thomas called them books. You used records. The note said records. I admire superior intelligence, Mr. Race, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to dispose of you. You'll be a bit involved, won't you? Not at all. You came here to charge Sandra with crimes. She shoots you with the same gun that killed Thomas. Her gun, as you pointed out. She then commits suicide. Mr. Race, stop looking behind me as though there was someone there. Ah, but there is. Mr. Race, won't you pay back? I tell you, Race, he just can't beat an end wrench in a pinch. All you need is the right guy to flip it. Marcus, never have I been so happy to see your ugly face. The Adventures of Frank Race, starring Tom Collins with Tony Barrett as Mark Donovan, came to you from Hollywood. The series is written and directed by Joel Murcott and Buckley Angel. The music is composed and played by Ivan Dittmarz. Be sure to be with us again this time one week from today for another dramatic chapter in The Adventures of Frank Race. Art Gilmore speaking. This is a Brucells production.