And now, another tale well calculated to keep you in...
Suspense.
When a fond husband leaves on an overseas business trip, his loving wife is apt to slip a remembrance gift into his suitcase,
as our heroine Myra does in a story by Ralph Bell and Eugene Francis called,
The Last Trip.
The Last Trip
Here, Ted, over here.
Hi, Myra.
It's about time.
Yes, sorry I'm late, baby.
What the devil happened?
I'm going out of my mind waiting in this horrid cafeteria.
Easy, easy, baby.
Took me a little longer than I figured to rig up our little surprise package.
Then I got stuck in a cab.
Traffic is murder.
Yeah, that's another thing.
What makes you think they're going to let planes take off in this weather?
Relax, will you?
I called the airport just before I left my apartment.
All overseas flights are leaving a schedule.
It's only a little missed.
Here, here's the package.
Better get moving before Harry gets home.
He's home already.
What? You sure?
I just phoned.
He got in five minutes ago and started to pack.
Now how am I supposed to get this into his suitcase without his noticing, huh?
I don't have to tell you how. He's your husband.
You've never had trouble handling him up to now.
Distract him somehow.
Then slip the package into the suitcase, close it, and see that it stays closed till he leaves with it.
Yeah.
That's all there is to it.
It's not going to be that simple.
Sure, sure it is. You can do it, Myra.
Look, you still want to go on living with him?
I'll tell you right now.
I'll just have to fade out of the picture.
You mean you'd stop seeing me?
I'd leave Tom, that's all.
All right. Give it to me.
Good girl.
Now look, you don't have to be nervous about handling it.
It won't go off till it's time.
Hey, are you sure it'll work?
It'll work, Myra, I guarantee it.
At 5 p.m. when it explodes, his plane will be well over the ocean.
Now you better get going.
Phone me at my apartment after he leaves, and good luck, sweetheart.
Is that you, Myra?
Yes, Harry.
Had your pack yet there?
Almost there.
I'll do the rest after I finish shaving.
Oh, I'll do it, Harry.
I had done it before, but I was delayed shopping.
Aw, what'd you buy?
Anything interesting?
Nothing really.
What's in that package?
Huh?
What package are you holding?
Oh, oh, this. Just some shoes.
Oh, really? How they look.
You know, you have such pretty feet, darling.
Put them on, let me see.
Oh, Harry, there's no time.
Now where's your suitcase?
It's on the bed there.
What do you want me to put in?
What? Speak up, dear. I can't hear what this thing on.
I said, what do you want me to put in?
Oh, just some handkerchiefs and socks. I packed everything else.
All right, dear.
Don't fool.
What color socks, dear?
I'm wearing the gray suit. Would blue be all right?
I think so, dear.
Hot pot.
What, dear?
How many pair?
Well, just enough for three days, dear.
And don't forget the handkerchiefs.
No, I'll put them right under your shirt.
And your surprise package and everything else, you old goat.
What, dear?
I said the handkerchiefs are under your shirt, darling.
Oh, thank you, dear.
Now to get this closed.
Oh, golly. Well, I'll be glad when this trip is over.
So will I, dear. Oh, darling.
Oh, don't bother with the suitcase, dear. I'll close it.
All right.
You know, I often think what my life was like before I met you.
Years spent just grubbing for money.
And who was there to spend it on?
Here I was over 50 and I hadn't really lived.
A meaningless existence.
And then two years ago, Providence was merciful.
You came into my life.
You gave me back my youth, Myra.
You know that?
Harry.
Say, what's in here? Did I pack too much?
No, no. No, let's put our weight on it together.
Well, I could take some things out.
No, come on. Together.
Ready? Now push down.
Oh, my. That'll never close.
There's too much in here.
I guess I'll have to take some things out.
Oh, Harry.
Oh, it won't take a minute.
Myra, your package.
What's it doing in my suitcase?
Oh, the package for Harry, darling. It was to be a surprise.
A surprise?
Yeah, for your birthday.
My birthday? But Myra...
It's a gift for you.
I didn't want you to see it until you unpacked.
Oh, what a pity.
Now you've spoiled everything.
Oh, I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean to.
Well, you put it right back and don't open it till you arrive.
Then it'll still be a surprise. Promise?
Oh, I promise. You're so sweet and so thoughtful.
Thank you, darling.
Now, Harry, you haven't much time.
Yes, dear. Now, suppose I take out these slippers of mine.
That ought to make room for the package.
There. Now it'll close in a T.
Now I'd better lock it, too.
A lot of petty thievery going on lately. Can't be too careful.
Oh, there we are. It's all set.
See me at the door.
Well, of course, dear.
Now hurry, darling. You'll be late.
All right. I'll cable you as soon as I land.
Yeah.
And give me a kiss.
Now, goodbye, darling. And take care of yourself.
Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Goodbye.
Oh, thank you, man. I don't...
Hello, Teddy.
Yes. Yes, yes, he's gone.
He managed it, but he nearly drove me right out of my mind.
What do you mean, take it easy?
You don't know what I've been through.
Yes? Who is it?
It's me. Open up.
Dad, what are you doing here?
I told you to stay away till it's all over. It's too risky.
You sounded almost hysterical, baby.
But I'd better come over and stay with you till you calm down.
I am calm down.
Well, I'll stick around anyway till we get the news about the plane.
As soon as we hear you're a widow, I'll take off.
Suppose somebody decides to drop in.
So I'll use a fire escape in the bedroom like I've done before.
How about a drink?
I've had one.
Oh, have another. Settle your nerves.
When will we know?
Will you stop fretting? The explosion will happen at five on the nose.
Radio will probably flash the news later this evening.
Then what?
Oh, Myra, we've been over this a dozen times.
We sit tight till the airline calls, then you go into your act.
The shocked and bereft widow.
Yeah.
Only you'll have to be convincing.
That won't be easy.
It'll be such a relief to know I'm finally rid of him.
One thing worries me, though.
Here's your drink. What worries you?
Suppose the plane's only damaged and it manages to turn back and land.
Not a chance.
There's enough blast in that little package to knock over a house.
You can imagine what it'll do to a plane 10,000 feet up.
Come on.
Drink up, Myra.
Wait, wait, wait, a toast.
To Harry, our benefactor, to his last trip.
Let's turn on the radio, huh?
You know, I can't help feeling a little sorry for those other plane passengers.
Well, that's very humanitarian of you, Myra.
But like I've always said, some must die so that others may live in clover.
That's a basic fact of life.
You're very necessary to me, Ted.
I mean emotionally.
Really? Why?
You're such an unadulterated healer. You make me feel almost respectable.
And you're such a charming hypocrite.
You make me feel like an honest man, almost.
Oh, we're a dandy team.
And now the late afternoon news.
The weather is making headlines again today.
The white haze that's hung over the city for the past two days thickened late this afternoon and developed into heavy smog.
Hey, turn that up.
The smog has been caused by a heavy, congested, smoke-filled atmosphere that is imprisoned over the city by damp, immobile air.
Meanwhile, all flights have been canceled at city airports and motor traffic is moving at a snail's pace.
Motorists are warned to drive with extreme caution.
President Eisenhower held a press conference today.
Ted?
Yeah?
You spoke?
Go on. Say it.
The flight has been canceled.
In just a moment, we will return for the second act of...
Suspense.
Bonjour, I am Jacques Leroy, expert on the stereophonic phonograph.
I will now clear up this whole subject.
S'il vous plaît, listen to ordinary stereo.
A girl crossing the street.
Now on Columbia Stereo One.
Ah-ha, that was a pretty girl crossing the street.
Quelle différence.
The fantastic Columbia Stereo One phonograph gives you all the realism and excitement of a live performance.
What in a moment, mesdames?
Oh, pardon.
You see, only Columbia has exclusive stereo projection, not just a few separated speakers,
but multiple speakers that send interlocking circles of sound through every inch of the room.
See the Columbia phonograph man too sweet.
Columbia Stereo One portable started $39.95, cancels from $129.95.
Attendez, ma chérie. Wait for me.
Look at that haze, will you?
It didn't seem so bad when I was on my way over here.
If his plane didn't take off, where do you suppose Harry is now?
I don't care where Harry is, where's his suitcase?
If it explodes while he's carrying it around, we're really in the soup.
There'll be an investigation. It'll lead right back here.
Well, what do we do?
Wait, wait a minute. Let me think.
This is a fine time to think, genius.
Why didn't you think before?
Now wait, Myra.
The weather report sent slight haze.
The airline said they were operating a regular schedule.
Nobody could figure that'd be smart.
Nobody could figure.
You were smart enough to figure everything else.
Why couldn't you figure this might happen?
All right, all right, I didn't.
Now will you shut up for a minute?
Wait, wait, wait.
Maybe we're jumping to conclusions.
We're not sure his plane was grounded.
So how do we find out?
On the airplane.
Come on, answer.
Hello.
Can you tell me if flight 377 took off on schedule?
Yeah, hold on.
Hello. What?
Thank you.
You see, we panicked over nothing.
The plane took off ten minutes late, but it took off.
Oh, what a relief.
I'm sorry, kid.
It's all right, baby.
For a moment there, it felt like the whole world was falling in on us.
Say, I could use another drink. You?
Yeah.
Hey, who can that be?
I don't know.
Where you going?
The bedroom.
I'll wait out on the fire escape until you get rid of whoever it is.
Close the door.
Okay.
Coming.
Who is it?
It's me, dear.
Harry.
Open up, dear.
Harry, what happened? Why aren't you on that plane?
Myra, you won't believe it. Wait until you're here.
Close the door, dear.
Harry, for heaven's sakes, what happened?
Well, my cab got stuck in an awful traffic jam, and the fog, or the smog, or whatever it is, kept getting heavier every minute.
Traffic was just crawling.
And finally it occurred to me that even if the cab got me to the airport on time, all flights would probably be canceled.
But your plane took off.
Oh, did?
Well, how do you know?
Well, I called the airport.
Now, how do you like that? I probably could have made it after all.
But where you been all this time?
I went back to the office, sent a cable that I'd be a day late.
You left your suitcase in the office?
What?
Your suitcase. Did you leave it in your office?
Well, no, of course not.
Well, where is it?
Why, isn't that poor as a man. I left it outside the door. I'd better bring it in.
Here we are. I'll just leave it in the corner here. There's no point in unpacking. I'll be going first thing tomorrow.
What time is it?
Let me see, it's a quarter to five, more or less.
Well, what do you mean, more or less?
My watch may be a little slow.
Look, Harry, let's go out to dinner tonight, huh?
Well, it's not very pleasant outside.
Well, I don't care. I just don't feel like cooking in tonight. Let's eat early right now and go to a movie or something, huh?
Well, if you really want to.
Yeah, I'll go fix my things. Why don't you mix a drink for us while I get ready?
All right.
There's soda in the kitchen. I'll be ready in a minute.
Mara!
What?
Put down that suitcase.
Why I'm taking the bedroom at Itklev's, at the room here?
That's insane. You'll strain yourself. That's too heavy, boy. Here, give me a hand.
No, I can manage that. Don't fuss, Harry. Make the drink, huh?
Well, all right. But if you strain yourself, Mara...
Ted, Ted, it's all right. Harry's in the kitchen. Get in here. I've got the suitcase.
Okay. What do you want me to do?
What do I want you to do? Take the bomb out and get it out of here.
Okay, okay.
Harry, you've got less than 15 minutes before it goes off.
I know, I know. Oh, great.
What's the matter?
It's locked with the key.
Harry's got it.
I'll have to break the lock then.
How I'll explain that? No, wait. I've got a better idea.
What?
Take the suitcase. Get rid of it in the river. It's only a block away. You'll have time.
Yeah, but how can I take it down to the...
All right. All right, all right. Hit me.
What?
Yeah, hit me in the face. Then take the suitcase. I'll wait till you get down the fire escape.
Then I'll call for help. I'll tell Harry that was a thief, that he knocked me unconscious before I could scream.
Yeah, but Mara...
Don't argue. Do what I say.
Okay. Ready?
Yeah. Hard now. Hard enough to leave a mark. It's got to be convincing. Go on.
All right.
Okay, Mara. I'll be in touch.
In just a moment, we will return for the concluding act of...
Suspense.
Meet star Stuart Irwin.
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Help! Help! Harry, help! Where is the old fool?
Harry!
Myra! Myra, what is it?
Oh, Harry!
What happened? Oh, here, let me help you up.
Look at your face! What on earth...
A man, he must have come in from the fire escape. He struck me before I could scream.
Good Lord!
I saw him take his suitcase before I passed out.
Oh, I better call the police. Are you all right? Shall I call a doctor?
No, no, it's just a bruise.
You better lie down. I'll be right back. Hello, operator, I want to report a robbery. Hurry, please.
Now, Myra, Myra, you should lie down.
I'm all right, I tell you.
Oh, now, who can that be?
I'll get it. Yeah, what is it?
Harry Jason's residence?
Yes.
Detective Sergeant Duran, 28th Precinct.
Oh, I was just calling you, fellas.
Yeah? What about?
Well, a man just broke into our apartment from the fire escape.
He struck my wife and got away with a suitcase. You better come in, officer.
Just a minute.
Is this your suitcase, Mr. Jason?
No.
Oh, yes, it is, Myra. Oh, it's definitely my suitcase, Sergeant. You see, there are my initials, H.J.
Uh-huh. Hey, Keane, bring him in here.
Close the door. Is this the man who assaulted your lady?
I can't be sure. I didn't get a good look.
Can you identify him, Mr. Jason?
Well, no, Sergeant, I didn't see him at all. I was in the kitchen when it happened. What makes you think he's the one?
Somebody from across the way called to report there was a man lurking on your fire escape. We got here just as he was coming down, carrying your suitcase.
He started to run, and we called it in.
Please, what time is it?
Time? Oh, it's about five.
I mean, exactly.
Exactly. I got four minutes to five. Why?
Oh, no reason. I'm just confused. The shock...
Oh, sure, sure. I understand. Now, if you folks will come down to the station and file charges...
Now?
Sure, I might as well get over with.
Well, why don't you all go ahead? I'll join you as soon as I make myself more presentable.
That's all right, ma'am. We'll wait for you. No hurry.
But I don't feel well. My face is...
Oh, yeah, it sure looks a mess. Meaning no offense, ma'am. Maybe you better bring her down later, Mr. Jason.
Okay, you. Pick up the suitcase.
No.
What do you mean, no? You wanted it so bad, you lugged it down the fire escape. Now you can lug it down to the station. Pick it up. Go on.
Wait. Listen to me. There's a time bomb in there. It's set to go off in less than four minutes.
If we don't get away from here, we'll all be blown to pieces.
What are you, a comedian? Pick up that suitcase.
It's the truth, I tell you. You gotta believe me.
How do you know there's a bomb in there?
His wife put a thing.
He's crazy, officer. I don't even know this man.
We were in it together. It was supposed to blow up on the plane. Now, now, now, now, open that suitcase. I'll defuse the bomb before it's too late. Will you hurry?
I don't understand. You mean there's actually a bomb...
Relax, Mr. Jason. You know there's no bomb in there. He's pulling some kind of story.
I'm not. I swear it.
All right. Now go along with the gag. We'll just sit here for five minutes and see if your bomb goes off.
One thing I can't stand is a two-bit crook that's a wise guy.
He's telling the truth. Harry, open it.
Myra.
Give him the key, Harry, quick.
Where's the key, Mr. Jason?
The key...
The key to the suitcase. Have you got it?
Oh, here, here.
Yeah, give me that.
Where'd you put it, Myra?
Under his shirt.
There.
If you're referring to my birthday present, Myra dear, you're quite right. It's not in my suitcase.
But, but...
You see, Myra, my dear, I was so touched this afternoon when for the first time in our whole married life you remembered I had a birthday.
In fact, it was the first birthday gift you'd ever given me. So on my way to the airport I couldn't resist seeing what it was.
Imagine my surprise when I recognized its somewhat lethal nature.
It wasn't my idea, Harry, honestly.
At first I was somewhat stunned.
And then all your little maneuvers, your adroit little lies in the past began to fall into place.
I took your gift to Sergeant Doran here, and then we drove over and waited outside the house until we saw your friend arrive.
We evolved a little stratagem to get a confession from you both.
And now that we have it, Sergeant, I think you'd better get him out of here.
Sure, Mr. Jason. Okay, let's go, you two.
Oh, Myra, one thing more.
My birthday actually occurred last month.
It's a pity you never remembered the date.
Or rather, how lucky.
Suspense.
You've been listening to The Last Trip, written for suspense by Ralph Bell and Eugene Francis.
Heard in tonight's story were Ralph Bell, Connie Lemke, Eugene Francis, and Bob Dryden.
Suspense is produced and directed by Paul Roberts.
Listen again next week when we return with The Companion, a story of jealousy and jewels, written by Walter Black.
Another tale well calculated to keep you in.
Suspense.
On CBS Radio.