The incredible western series of Richard Wade US Marshal returns with Season 3. This week an old friend from Richard Wades childhood needs his help.
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The Mutual Audio Network
Richard Wade US Marshal S03E01: Helping an Old Friend(072524)
(upbeat music) This episode is brought to you by Experian. Are you paying for subscriptions you don't use, but can't find the time or energy to cancel them? Experian could cancel unwanted subscriptions for you, saving you an average of $270 per year, and plenty of time. Download the Experian app. Results will vary, not all subscriptions are eligible. Savings are not guaranteed. Paid membership with connected payment account required. What will be fined in today's Thursday thrillers here on the Mutual Audio Network? A few baffling mysteries? Perhaps a touch of murder. Let's find out. The following audio drama is rated PG for Parental Guidance recommended. (upbeat music) In 1910, and the new west is Donnie, bringing a future of telephones, cars, and new ways of doing. But there still rides a man in the old west. A lawman out to serve justice to those who need its help, and to those who deserve its sharp sore. That lawman is Richard Wade, U.S. Marshall. This time, it's helping an old friend written for radio by Barry M. Puck Jr. (upbeat music) (bell dings) Good morning, Emily. - Hello, Marshall. Deputy, how are you? - Doing well. - Yes. It's nice to see you put out some new stock. - It's our first delivery in almost a month. - Ah, the flood certainly has hurt this town. - And our business. - I thought lions would rebound by now. - I hope it does soon. We can't go on like this much longer. Do you need anything today? - Some bootlaces, black if you got 'em. - Sure. Here you are. That'll be 10 cents. - Thank you. - This will cover the cost of the newspaper. - My folks love this town. They'd be sad to see what's become of it. - Why did they move away? - For a number of reasons. When I came back, I wanted to help improve things. - You had a lot of cases to handle. - Even so, I should've made time for the town. I plan to do that going forward. - I'm sure it will be appreciated. - Jim, may I see your paper for a moment? - Certainly, Marshall. - Mm. - What is it? - It's a curve on the back page here. About a theft in Loma. - Where's that? - It's a small town a couple hundred miles south of here. - Is it something important? - Probably not, but it's worth checking into. Let's get back to the office. I wanna make a call. - All right, sir. - It's always good to see you, Marshall. I hope you come in more often. - I will if I can. Have a good day. - You too. - What are all those papers doing on my desk? - There are more forms to fill out. They came in this morning. - I wish the main office would stop sending 'em. - We can split 'em up. - All right, after my phone call. Hello, operator. Connect me with the sheriff's office in Loma, please. Thank you. Sheriff, this is Marshall Richard Wade. I saw an article in the paper. That's right. Yes. I see. I'd like to certainly buy. - Was he able to tell you anything? - A little. It appears that the case involved some missing bonds. His investigation didn't turn up much. So he put the incident in the paper in hopes someone would come forward with information. - And how many leads have they received? - None. - Sounds like a tough case. - It does. I wanna go down there. - Why, sir? - Loma's a small town. When I saw the article, I worried I might know the victim. Turns out I do. - Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Who is it? - Henry Monk. He was a close friend of my grandfather's. I used to visit him every summer growing up. We'd explore, go fishing. He taught me a lot. - He sounds like a special man. - He is. I wanna see if I can help. - Of course. I'll be glad to go with you. - I appreciate it. After we finish this paper, we'll leave. - All right. (somber music) - Richard, my boy. It's good to see you. - It's been a long time, Mr. Monk. - That it has. You're grown now. Call me Henry. - All right, Henry. This is my deputy, Jim Clayton. - Nice to meet you. Big place you have here. Biggest mansion in these parts. - What do you do for security? The lock on the door is all I've ever needed. - How often do you have guests? - Not frequently. My daughter, Clara, is the only one who ever comes. - How is she? - Well, but busy. She's married to a businessman down in Durango. Nice fella. - I'm glad to hear it. When was the last time you saw her? - About two months ago. - I see. - I hope he can help me. Those bonds are worth a fortune. They're all the savings I have. - We'll do our best. Can you show us where you kept them? - Of course. (dramatic music) - For such a large attic, you sure keep it organized. - Thank you. The bonds were in this cedar chest. The lock doesn't look like it was tampered with. When did you notice they were missing? Last week when I came up to look for some photos. - Do you lock the attic door? - Always. Hmm. Nothing appears to be disturbed. - Nice curtains. There's a window behind them. - Oh yeah. Some view. - On a sunny day, you can see all the way to town. - The clasp doesn't lock. - It broke years ago. - Marshall, do you think? - It would be too difficult. We're on the fourth floor. - Henry, how frequently do you go out? - Once a week for groceries. - And you lock the door? - Yes. - Has anyone besides your daughter stopped by? - Just the doctor, when he does his monthly rounds. - When was he here last? - About a week and a half ago. Close to the time your bonds went missing. - It was, but we stayed in the living room the entire time. I saw him to the door right after. - Does anyone else have a cedar chest? - No. - May I look inside? - Certainly. - Is there anything else missing? - I was so shaken up that I never checked. - Could you take a look now? - Of course. - Oh, don't get scared. - Everything except for the bonds is here. - Good. Would you look at that? - What? - There's a lone boot print in the dust over there. - Oh yeah, not far from the window. - It has some writing on it. Ackerman. - What are you doing, sir? - Etching an outline of it on my notepad. - I wonder what size it is. - I'm not sure. Put your foot up against it. Mm, too small. What size shoe do you wear? - Eight and a half. - So do I. Henry, could you try? - Of course. - Yours is a little too large. - I take a nine and a half. - The print is right in between those sizes. It must be a nine. - Well, that's good to know. - Yes. - Henry, do you have a phone? - Certainly. - This way. (chimes) (chimes) - Lion's General Store, Emily, over at speaking. - Emily. - Hello, Marshall. How was your trip going? - Good. I think we might have a case. I need some help. - What can I do? - Does the store sell Ackerman boots? - Let me check. Marshall? - Yes? - We carry that brand, but they're on back order. - For how long? - The paperwork says three months. - That's a while. - It is. I've sent a telegram to the manufacturer, but have yet to hear back from anyone. - Where are they located? - Let's see. 22 Colorado Avenue in Grand Junction. - That's not far from here. - Be careful down there. People in lions need you. - I'll do my best. Thank you for the information. - Anytime. - Bye. The company that manufactures that boot is nearby. - What can they do? - There are sales records. Might help us track down the person that bought those boots. If we can find them, we've got our thief. - I hope they're able to help. - Me too. Come on, Jim, let's saddle up and head out. - Yes, sir. - Marshall, was Grand Junction this rundown when you were a boy? - Not from what I remember, but I only came into town once. - I've never seen so many abandoned buildings. - Something's opened down there. - Looks like a dance hall. - Maybe they can point us in the right direction. - I hope so. - Excuse me, miss. - Hey there, Marshall. You here to let off some steam? - Well, we're looking for the Ackermann boot company. - Oh, go down two blocks and make a right. You'll find it there. - Thank you. - Come back when you're not so busy. We can have some fun. - You have a good day. - They're sure are some interesting people there. - I'll say. - Is this where she sent the term? - Yes. - This is how I remember things. A lot of activity and not a closed business insight. - I'm glad they're still life here. What number are we looking for? - 22. - Are there 16? - 18. - Oh no. - What? - It's right there. - Oh, just our luck. - All boarded up. - What do we do? - It couldn't have been out of business long if Miss Hobart had an outstanding order with them. - Oh, that's true. - Let's see if we can get inside. Maybe they left some records behind. - All right, sir. Okay. - The front's boarded up. - Let's see if there's another way in. - Okay. - Marshall, there's a door on the side there. - Good. Now we're getting somewhere. Something's stopping it from opening all the way. Help me. - Here. Here. Here. (gun fires) - Oh, oh. Jim! Oh, oh, oh. - Jim! - Marshall Wade? - Yes. - I'm Dr. Patterson. - How is he, Doc? - Well, I got the bullet out, but his condition is uncertain. - I see. - How did it happen? - We were pushing on different parts of a door, trying to get it open. As soon as we did, a gun went off. Someone must have booby chatted. - Do you know why? - I don't, but I plan to look into it. Can I go see him? - It would be best if he came back in the morning. He's very weak. - All right. Is the sheriff's office nearby? It's three blocks to the south on Rice Street. - Thank you. - Here you go, Marshall. - I appreciate you letting me take a look at the evidence, Sheriff. - Glad they're bludged. - Broken boards, some rocks. This shill casing is barely recognizable. Where's the gun? - Over here. - An old Enfield MK. I haven't seen one of these in years. Any idea where it came from? Nope, first time I've seen one of them in these parts, what's the string here? I'm not sure. Part of a tag is attached. It says K-A-T. Are there any businesses in town with those letters in their name? - The only one I can think of is Cat's pawn shop down on North 3rd. Thank you. - You want something? - To speak to the owner. - Right in front of you. - Did the tag on this gun come from your shop? - Looks like it. - Can you tell who bought it? - We don't give information out. - I'm a Marshall. - All right. Let me check. Where puts you, I didn't give you no name. - Do you remember what they looked like? - Nah, I just had a type of wiggy. Scuffie, barely able to pay. - Is there any other information in the law? - He owns his name. - What is it? - It says the victim. - Do you have her address? - Says the victim hotel. - Thank you. - Yep. - How may I help you, Marshall? - I'm looking for Clara Delcetto. I heard she's staying here. - Hmm, I'll check. - She is. I'll see if I can get her room number four. - It's, what do you know? That's her, leaving now. - Where? - A woman there, in the green dress. - Thank you. - What did you do with them? - I don't know what you're talking about, lady. - What happened to those boss? - Leave me alone. - Not until you tell me. - Next time I slug you in the face, got it? - Get back here. - Sounds like trouble in there. - Did you see where he went? - No, what do you know about the bonds? - Who are you? - I'm a U.S. Marshall. Richard Wade's the name. - How do you know about that? - Some were stolen. I'm helping them or get them back. - Oh no. - Yes, now what do you know? - Henry Monk. - That's right. Do you know him? - He's my father. - Your father? He told me his daughter was down in the southern part of the state. - I was. 'Til my husband died a few weeks ago. - You're a Clara? - Yes. Clara del Ceto. That's my married name. - What are you doing here? - My husband had some unfinished business in town. I came to wrap it up. - Does it involve the bonds? - Of course not. - Who was it you were talking to just now? - He told me his name was Tom Peritine. I met him two weeks ago. I thought he was a vagrant, you know, a bomb, something like that. I told him if my father were here, he'd help him. - How so? - I'm not sure. He'd find a way. He doesn't like to see people suffer. - I still don't understand the connection. - During our conversation, I mentioned that my father was well off and lived alone in Loma. I think he'd put ideas into his head. - To steal? - Yes sir. - How do you know where your father lived? - I'm not sure exactly, but there are only a few houses in Loma. My father's the biggest. It's easy to find. - So? - I saw Peritine sleeping on the street a few times, then suddenly he was gone. A week later, I read an article about theft in Loma. - That doesn't prove it's him. - And he wouldn't have known about my father if it wasn't for me. I feel responsible. - Mm, why did you have a gun? - How did you know about that? - The pawn shop owner told me you brought it in. He said a scruffy man with features like Peritine wanted soon after. - Really? I had it for safety. I pounded him, I was getting low. - Okay, you better go, someone's coming. - I have to find those bombs. - We'll talk about it. For now, step into the alley, so they don't see us together. - All right. - Tough game in there? - Eh, it's just usual. I hear that guy, Peritine is good. - Hey? - The scruffy one I saw with you earlier. - Are you afraid he is? - No, just heard about him. - You heard wrong. - What do you mean? - He's been in a few times, never had much money. - Why do you play with him? - 'Cause he bets all he has and usually loses. (laughing) - Jump. - I see. - Not this, I gotta go. - That was interesting. - Yeah, since Peritine is still struggling, it must mean he hasn't cashed in the bonds yet. - Then we have a chance to get him back. - It looks like it. - But how? - This is a policeman. - He's my father. I have to do something. - All right. He used your gun to booby trap an abandoned bakery. Let's look there. Careful on the Boratier, the floor is rotten out. - Thank you, Marshall. - I can't believe this place only closed a few months ago. It's fallen apart. - It hadn't been well maintained. - Look at that. - What? - The department sign near that room over there. - You mean boxing? - Yes. There's another one there. Sales. Let's see what's inside. - Look at all the filing cabinets. - Search that side. I'll look here. - All right. Empty. - This one is too. - This entire section has nothing in it. - Here too. - Could their records be stored somewhere else? - It's possible. This is the most logical place. Let's see what else is in the building. - All right. What's that on the floor? Up ahead. - Some blankets, a pot, cup. - Someone's been living here. - It's probably parenting. - Do you think the bonds could be here? - If they are, I'm sure they're well hidden. - What's that? - Voices. - I'll make it worth your while. - It's parenting. - I'll give you 30% of the profit. - Outside that window down there. - I'll take a hundred. It's too risky. - But, hey, don't go. We can work something out. - Are they coming in here? - Yeah, it looks like they're both left. - How do we catch him now? - If only... - What? - Hide outside and see if parenting returns. - I'm gonna go check something out. - All right, Marshall. - Hey there, what did it be? - Got any sasporilla? - Sure, coming up. - Thanks. Slow night? - Yeah. - Usually picks up around 10. - What do you mean? - I'm looking to invest. Possibly in a box. - You haven't heard anything about them. - I got close to 5,000. - Really? - Yeah, if you hear, I'll let you know. Thanks. That was good. - Another? - I gotta go. Don't forget. - I won't. - Good. - Jim. - Marshall. - How are you feeling? - Not so good. What am I doing here? - You were shot when we tried to get into that boot factory. - I don't remember. - It's all right. - Have you caught anywhere with the bonds? - I'm working on it. Maybe if we both serve. - Ooh, my chest. - Why back and rest? That bullet just missed your heart. - Tim. - Yes. I'll let you know how things go. - All right. - I'll check in on you again soon. - Marshall, over here. - Hello. - Any news? - Not yet. - It's been over two days. Sometimes these things take time. - He never returned to the factory. Wherever he is, he probably sold them by now. - I'm not so sure about that. If he had, I think we would have heard. - Marshall way? - Yes. - This was left for you at the hotel desk. - Did you see who dropped it off? - No, afraid not. I wasn't on duty at the time. - Okay. Thank you. - Well, who's it from? - Our man. - The bartender. - That's right. - What's it say? - You heard one of the regulars talking about bonds. - Really? - He's agreed to meet me tonight at 11 on Perry Drive near 28th to fill me in. - We need to be careful on that part of town. - It would be best if you stayed here. - We're in this together now. - All right. If you come, you need to stay hidden. - Marshall. - Stay back there. - It's almost 11.30. I don't think he's coming. - This is our only lead. We have to see it through. - But shhh. - Get down. - That's you. - From outside the saloon. - What you doing out here? - Waitin' for someone. - And I'm lookin' for someone. - What happened to, you know? - He couldn't get off his shift. - Did he say a parenting will see me? - He found another seller. - What? - That isn't right. Who'd he sell to? - I don't know. I was just paid to pass along a message. I can offer more. - We're done here. - But, aww. - Marshall, what now? - We have to find him. - But how? - I don't know. But we have to think of somethin' quick. - Hello, Clara. That's perfect. - Thank you. It was my last poster. - I just finished puttin' mine up. - There are enough places now that people are bound to see him. - I hope so. - A parenting, thief, $500 reward. - That should get some attention. - I hope. I'm runnin' on ideas. Let's check at the hotel this afternoon. - All right, then. - I'll see you then. - Marshall. - You look like you're doin' better. - Some. The doctor said I should be able to leave in a few days. - I'm glad to hear that. - How's the case goin'? - It hasn't been easy. I've been tryin' to find this guy in a parrotine. But haven't had any luck. - I hope somethin' comes through soon. - So do I. - What's that? - Rest. I'll check it out. - You need to stay for observation, Mr. Parrotine. The injuries you sustained from that attacker are severe. - I don't care. I'm leavin'. - It isn't safe. - It's too easy for them to find me here and make things worse. All because of those damn posters. - Lie back. - Hands off. - Mr. Parrotine, please don't go. - Doc, hello Marshall. - Sorry about the trouble. - Thank you. - I was just about to check on the deputy. - Could you tell 'em I'll see 'em later? - Of course. - May I use your phone? - Sure. - It's over there at the nurses station. - I appreciate it. - Central, give me Claire del Sato's room at the Vedicra Hotel. - Hello, Claire, I spotted Parrotine. I'm gonna follow him. If you hurry, all right, bye. - Clara, I'm glad you found me. - Is that him up there? - Yes, let's ease up a bit. We don't want him to see us. - How long have you been trailing? - About 15 minutes. - I have no idea what he's going. - It is much out this way. - We'll find out. Oh no. - What? - He's gone. Let's pick up the pace. - Yeah. - I don't see him. - A little faster. - Yeah. - I can't believe we lost him. Hey, what's that down there? - Just some trees. - Didn't you see that flicker of light? - Oh, yes, faintly. What's coming from? - It looks like a small cabin. - I can make it out now. - Let's put the horses behind those trees and go the rest of the way on foot. - All right. - This should be a safe distance. - I wish the window on his pole tree is bigger. - I could make out a little bit. It looks like he's pulling something out of the chimney. - Yeah, it looks like the bomb. - I'm glad he hasn't sold them yet. - So am I. - What's that? - Probably just in hand. - Someone's coming. Quick, buy those shrubs. That was close. - You got the money? - Yeah. - Get in here. - That double crosser. - We're too late. - Maybe not. Wait here. (gun fires) - Hands up, you two. Who are you? He was in a saloon a few nights ago asking about the bombs. - That's right. I'm the law. You're under arrest for having them. - It's not a crime known bond. - It is when one would be steals them. And the other knowingly buys stolen property. - You don't know what you're talking about. - What kind of boots are those you got on? - What do you care? - What kind? - Acumen's. - Left 'em up. - Why? - Left 'em up. - Uh-huh. - What size? - Nine, the thief left the same size print at the crime scene. - So, Acumen is a popular brand. - True. But there are several nicks on the soul of yours. They match the ones on this etching I made at the crime scene. - Ridiculous. - No, it's a fact. - You know you stole from my father, Peratine, admitted. - Clara, I told you to stay outside. - I couldn't wait any longer. We're talking about my father. Peratine, you broke into his house and stole those bonds, didn't you? - Hey, hey, get off me. - Hey, let her go. Move away from the door, Marshall, unless you want me to blow her head off. You wouldn't. - Try me. - Look, Peratine. Leave her alone. - You want me to stop? Move away from the door. - There. - Now, drop your gun and kick it over here. Now. - All right. Thank you. - Let's go. - You're gonna let her go, aren't you? I've had enough of you. - Thank you, Marshall. - Enough, Peratine. Get your hands. - Come here, you. - Oh. - Oh, my leg. - Jim, what are you doing here? - The doctor told me what was going on. I asked him to discharge me early so I could help. - You shouldn't have come. - Watch out, Marshall. He's reaching him. - Get this bench off me. - Cuff, Peratine, Jim. - Yes, sir. - Thank you for helping me get my father's balance back. - I'm glad to do it. Let's get these men over to the sheriff's office. The next day, we went to Mr. Monk's house and returned the bonds. - I'm sure he was grateful to have them back. - He was. - So was his daughter. None of it would have happened without your help. - My pleasure. I'm glad you made it back all right. - Thank you. Jim had a close call. - I'm doing better now. - Well, that's good to hear. - We just wanted to stop by for a moment. We'll let you get back to work. - Well, that's all right. I always have time for you. - I appreciate it. - So do I. - You two make a good team. - Do you think so? - Of course. - We've taken enough overtime for one day, Jim. Let's go. - All right. - Good day, Emily. - Good day, Marshall. (upbeat music) - This was Richard Wei, U.S. Marshall. Written by Barry M. Puck Jr. Starring Reed Thompson, Marshall Richard Wei. Bob Helling, Deputy Jim Clayton. Also in the cast were Hannah Greenberg, Clara del Seto. William Masc is John Parettine. Kelly Biston as Emily Hobart. Jim Galan as Henry Monk. Storto Glasser as bartender. Michael Ingalls as Dr. Patterson. Joseph McGuire as Saloon patron. Kristen Johnson as Hotel Flerk. Ryan Grote as pawn shop owner. Pete Loves as Sheriff. And Michelle Stahl as dance hall girl. I'm your announcer, Ryan Barker. Sound design and dialogue editing, J. Charles. Produced and directed by Joseph C. McGuire. The financial support from members of the RTP Repertory Company and Soundly, the sound effects platform. You can find this in other series at podcastplayhouse.org, or wherever you get podcasts. This was a radio theater project presentation. [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] You [BLANK_AUDIO]