1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,435 Nocturne Hall presents an original audio  drama intended only for an adult audience.   2 00:00:08,806 --> 00:00:19,280 Devils walk among us. Some just a mile north of  the White House. Whether conjured or elected,   3 00:00:19,280 --> 00:00:25,000 they prey on the innocent all  the same. Most won't even listen,   4 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:36,800 so folks knock on the one door in the district  of crime who will. Dupont Investigations.   5 00:00:36,800 --> 00:00:42,980 [Music: I never thought my heart would mend] [Music: You taught me how to love again]   6 00:00:42,980 --> 00:00:49,620 [Music: It's you and me until the end] [Music: Oh, we'll paint this whole town red]   7 00:00:49,620 --> 00:01:03,040 [Music: Just the devils, the devils of Dupont] [Music: Just the devils, the devils of Dupont]   8 00:01:03,040 --> 00:01:08,180 This is The Scourge from Carthage Part 5. 9 00:01:08,180 --> 00:01:12,000 [DRAMATIC MUSIC] [ELEVATOR DINGS.] Stop, thief! [FIRE DOOR SLAMS.]   10 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:13,999 Lilah, I'm on him. 11 00:01:13,999 --> 00:01:17,510 [THE FIRE DOOR  OPENS. STAIRWELL ECHO OF HURRIED DESCENT.] 12 00:01:17,510 --> 00:01:23,520 Rhodes, you're making a huge mistake. [PISTOL FIRES TWICE] Holy hell! Are you nuts? Take another shot at me,   13 00:01:23,520 --> 00:01:27,320 pal, and I'll plug your ass with that gat! [A DOWNSTAIRS FIRE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]   14 00:01:27,320 --> 00:01:29,833 Dammitt. Where's he off to now? [A FIRE DOOR UPSTAIRS OPENS.]   15 00:01:29,833 --> 00:01:31,537 Nigel! Are you alright?   16 00:01:31,537 --> 00:01:32,800 I'm fine, Lilah. 17 00:01:32,800 --> 00:01:34,360 Should we phone the police?   18 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:37,920 I'm sure someone already has. Besides, we're  trying to keep your name out of the papers.   19 00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:42,160 No book is worth your life. Especially the ramblings of dear Phillip. C'mon,   20 00:01:42,160 --> 00:01:43,568 I'll fix you a drink.   21 00:01:43,568 --> 00:01:45,200 It's not even noon yet. 22 00:01:45,200 --> 00:01:47,520 Someone just took a shot at you!   23 00:01:47,520 --> 00:01:54,480 Not just anyone. Abe Rhodes. [THE FIRE DOOR CLOSES] [ELEVATOR DINGS]   24 00:01:54,480 --> 00:01:55,855 It all happened so fast. 25 00:01:55,855 --> 00:02:01,040 You two have anything to do with that nogoodnik I just saw running like a bat out of hell through the Promenade Foyer?   26 00:02:01,040 --> 00:02:02,750 I'm afraid so. 27 00:02:02,750 --> 00:02:04,443 Wait, you don't think it was Abe?   28 00:02:04,443 --> 00:02:08,400 I barely saw 'em. Mrs. Barr, you probably got a better look at him.   29 00:02:08,400 --> 00:02:14,159 He was striking, olive-skinned, chestnut hair, I'd guess late thirties or early forties.   30 00:02:14,159 --> 00:02:17,959 That's definitely not Mr. Rhodes.   31 00:02:17,959 --> 00:02:19,959 No, sounds more like Calder Evans. 32 00:02:19,960 --> 00:02:25,200 That's possible. I'd never met Mr. Evans before,  and the thief said he was a friend of Phillip's.   33 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:30,320 Asked if I'd received his manuscript, and as soon  as I pointed at the fresh parcel on the buffet,   34 00:02:30,320 --> 00:02:36,880 the handsome devil snatched it and bolted toward the stairwell. Heavens. After all the times he's   35 00:02:36,880 --> 00:02:41,560 mooched on Phillip's allowance, now he has the gall to rob me of the last part of   36 00:02:41,560 --> 00:02:44,734 Phillip. Do you have a piece, Nigel? 37 00:02:44,734 --> 00:02:49,392 Not on me. I'd have followed him down the stairs if I did. Why?   38 00:02:49,392 --> 00:02:51,271 Cause I'd like to shoot him dead myself. 39 00:02:51,271 --> 00:02:55,480 Understandable, Mrs. Barr. But I'm not confident whether it was him I saw   40 00:02:55,480 --> 00:03:01,880 downstairs. He was too far off and galloping  fast. Where's your husband, may I ask?   41 00:03:01,880 --> 00:03:06,680 He's in the bedroom nursing one of the worst hangovers of his life. Some men are   42 00:03:06,680 --> 00:03:09,530 completely useless when they're needed the most. 43 00:03:09,530 --> 00:03:14,045 It's probably a good thing he's in bed. Our thief took a shot at me in the stairwell.   44 00:03:14,045 --> 00:03:15,400 Criminy. 45 00:03:15,400 --> 00:03:18,360 Do you suppose Irma could have sent someone to steal it back?   46 00:03:18,360 --> 00:03:19,922 She is dastardly. 47 00:03:19,922 --> 00:03:23,147 Ms. Irma Krause? That's whose name was on the parcel. 48 00:03:23,147 --> 00:03:26,961 It would be a bold move,  but so were those letters from her lawyer. 49 00:03:26,961 --> 00:03:29,818 And he might return it into her hands. 50 00:03:29,818 --> 00:03:35,107 I don't know much about unpublished manuscripts, but they say possession is nine-tenths of the law.   51 00:03:35,107 --> 00:03:41,080 Sure, she might claim it's hers and sell it outright. Cutting out the estate altogether. 52 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:42,845 She was keen to sell it. 53 00:03:42,845 --> 00:03:50,920 Who would buy Phillip's mad ramblings? Last we spoke about his work; he was talking all manner of gibberish--utter nonsense.   54 00:03:50,920 --> 00:03:53,623 I often fibbed excuses to clear the line.   55 00:03:53,623 --> 00:04:01,320 Believe it or not, there's a market for this New Age religious literature. I can't say how much, but enough to keep these quacks in business.   56 00:04:01,320 --> 00:04:03,906 But is it worth a murder rap?   57 00:04:03,906 --> 00:04:05,906 Maybe your goon fired a warning shot? 58 00:04:06,000 --> 00:04:07,962 Who's to say? 59 00:04:07,962 --> 00:04:11,374 You're still here to talk about it,  so I'd guess it was a mean bark.   60 00:04:11,374 --> 00:04:13,160 I'm sure glad it didn't bite. 61 00:04:13,160 --> 00:04:14,315 Me too.   62 00:04:14,315 --> 00:04:16,840 So, who's this other gentleman you spoke of? 63 00:04:16,840 --> 00:04:24,840 A man named Abe Rhodes. He says he had something personal to discuss with you about Phillip.   64 00:04:24,840 --> 00:04:27,980 Odd. Phillip never mentioned  him. Where's he now?   65 00:04:27,980 --> 00:04:35,080 I'm not sure where he went. Must have left.  Although, I can't imagine why. I told him to   66 00:04:35,080 --> 00:04:36,996 wait for me while I phoned Torsten.   67 00:04:36,996 --> 00:04:38,720 Maybe someone gave him trouble. 68 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:45,600 Sure. The desk clerk was rather cold to him. Mr.  Rhodes said his cousin is on staff as a bellman.   69 00:04:45,600 --> 00:04:50,160 Delivered champagne on Thursday. That's how he knew the Barrs were guests here.   70 00:04:50,160 --> 00:04:54,240 You should try to get something out of the  bellman about where we can find his cousin.   71 00:04:54,240 --> 00:04:55,380 What about you? 72 00:04:55,380 --> 00:05:00,000 I'll pay a visit to the address  Mr. Evans provided in Eastern Market.   73 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:01,360 You ought to take my piece. 74 00:05:01,360 --> 00:05:02,390 Won't need it.   75 00:05:02,390 --> 00:05:03,160 Are you nuts? 76 00:05:03,160 --> 00:05:07,520 If he was dumb enough to give us a legit location, he's too innocent to worry about.   77 00:05:07,520 --> 00:05:08,565 And if not?   78 00:05:08,565 --> 00:05:10,720 Then I'll wind up on someone else's front steps. 79 00:05:10,720 --> 00:05:14,960 I hope you're right, Mr. Somersby. Although, if Mr. Evans is in any way   80 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:19,440 connected to Phillip's death, I hope you would consider adopting a harsher tone.   81 00:05:19,440 --> 00:05:25,680 Don't you worry, Mrs. Barr. Still, at some point,  I think he tried to help Phillip. However, it may   82 00:05:25,680 --> 00:05:27,750 have done more harm than good.   83 00:05:27,750 --> 00:05:28,920 What do you mean? 84 00:05:28,920 --> 00:05:34,800 It's too premature to say. I'll go check out  his address. Nige, let's meet back at my office   85 00:05:34,800 --> 00:05:35,809 in an hour.   86 00:05:35,809 --> 00:05:50,402 Alright. [SUBTLE NOIR MUSIC] 87 00:05:50,402 --> 00:05:54,474 [A GLASS AND WOODEN DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS.] There you are, but how did you get into my inner office? 88 00:05:54,474 --> 00:05:56,080 The door was open.   89 00:05:56,080 --> 00:05:58,560 I may have left in a hurry, but I always lock up.   90 00:05:58,560 --> 00:06:02,360 You take Calder's journal with you? No, I left it right next to the--   91 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:04,913 Telephone, I remember. But it isn't here. 92 00:06:04,913 --> 00:06:05,960 You kidding me?   93 00:06:05,960 --> 00:06:07,553 No games. 94 00:06:07,553 --> 00:06:09,000 And they didn't break the glass.   95 00:06:09,000 --> 00:06:10,830 Looks like a professional heist, alright.   96 00:06:10,830 --> 00:06:12,000 Are you thinking what I'm thinking? 97 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:14,866 What, that Calder Evans used to be a thief?   98 00:06:14,866 --> 00:06:16,866 And I don't suppose you found him at home? 99 00:06:16,866 --> 00:06:20,520 What at the United Food Stores  he sent me to? Not a chance.   100 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:22,140 He doesn't live above it or something-- 101 00:06:22,140 --> 00:06:24,080 Nothing of the sort. Even waving a Lincoln   102 00:06:24,080 --> 00:06:28,120 in their faces, nobody'd ever heard of him or anyone matching his description.   103 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:29,780 So where do you think he's holed up? 104 00:06:29,780 --> 00:06:34,852 I haven't a clue, but he's the only  one we know after both Phillip's manuscript and his war journal. 105 00:06:34,852 --> 00:06:36,774 Still, there's something that doesn't add up. 106 00:06:36,774 --> 00:06:39,114 And I thought you were the one with a new theory. 107 00:06:39,114 --> 00:06:41,120 [TELEPHONE RINGS]   108 00:06:41,120 --> 00:06:42,948 You gonna answer it this time?   109 00:06:42,948 --> 00:06:45,502 Good thing I didn't have it disconnected. 110 00:06:45,502 --> 00:06:48,336 [TELEPHONE RINGS] [PICK UP THE RECEIVER] 111 00:06:48,336 --> 00:06:50,120 Dupont Investigations.   112 00:06:50,120 --> 00:06:52,516 May I please speak with Mr. Somersby?   113 00:06:52,516 --> 00:06:53,440 You've found him. 114 00:06:53,440 --> 00:06:56,853 Hello, sir. My name is Mr. Cornelius Steeples.    115 00:06:56,853 --> 00:07:00,888 Holy smokes. Hello, Mr. Steeples. I've got Mr. Clemmons right beside me. 116 00:07:00,888 --> 00:07:07,080 Oh, good. My daughter, Lilah,  informed me he's just been shot at. Would you mind if I spoke with him?   117 00:07:07,080 --> 00:07:10,800 Not at all, sir. I'll put him on. [PASSING RECEIVER]   118 00:07:10,800 --> 00:07:12,306 Hello, Mr. Steeples. 119 00:07:12,306 --> 00:07:14,800 Oh, son. I'm so glad to hear your voice.   120 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:20,400 The thought of losing another person to this  damn cult. Why it would be too much to bear.   121 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:24,200 Thank you, sir, but I can't say for certain  their at fault for Phillip's demise--   122 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:30,440 Come now. Lilah told me enough about how they got their hooks deep into my boy. We keep waiting for   123 00:07:30,440 --> 00:07:36,280 some fancy attorney to arrive from Raleigh with a phony copy of Phillip's last will and testament,   124 00:07:36,280 --> 00:07:41,680 willing all his assets to that damn Washington Lodge of Theosophy.   125 00:07:41,680 --> 00:07:43,605 Do you expect such a thing to arrive? 126 00:07:43,605 --> 00:07:51,160 I already asked my general counsel to explore options for filing something to squash it. I just can't figure out what   127 00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:55,960 other interest they would have in Phillip besides his trust. Why I'd wager, there are   128 00:07:55,960 --> 00:07:58,525 over half a million dollars in this account. 129 00:07:58,525 --> 00:08:06,323 We haven't uncovered any ploy for money apart from selling his manuscript. However, that suspect sent it back to Lilah this morning. So, 130 00:08:06,323 --> 00:08:12,360 it's murky as to her motives. We're still considering whether she had it stolen back, but after interviewing   131 00:08:12,360 --> 00:08:17,520 her, money doesn't seem a likely motivator.  She's pretty well-off in her own right.   132 00:08:17,520 --> 00:08:21,640 I didn't call to burden your investigation. It sounds like you're knee-deep in the thick   133 00:08:21,640 --> 00:08:28,520 of it. I just heard the bastards took a shot at you, and it got me piping hot. Son,   134 00:08:28,520 --> 00:08:32,800 you were a good friend to Phillip, and if they'd harmed you--well, god help them.   135 00:08:32,800 --> 00:08:36,480 Thank you for your concern, sir. They got what they were after,   136 00:08:36,480 --> 00:08:39,130 so I don't expect any more shootouts. 137 00:08:39,130 --> 00:08:41,840 I pray not. I wish Phillip would have turned   138 00:08:41,840 --> 00:08:47,960 to you for help instead of these people. I hope  we soon know the full extent of their ploy.   139 00:08:47,960 --> 00:08:51,360 Mr. Somersby believes we're close to uncovering the truth, sir.   140 00:08:51,360 --> 00:08:55,840 Good. I'm glad you recruited some local talent. Sounds like you'll need him against   141 00:08:55,840 --> 00:09:01,080 these scheming spivs. Whatever it is these  lunatics were after, I want you to know,   142 00:09:01,080 --> 00:09:06,080 son, if there's anyone who can stop them, our faith is in you now, Nigel.   143 00:09:06,080 --> 00:09:07,507 I appreciate your confidence.   144 00:09:07,507 --> 00:09:10,900 Phillip may have had his faults, but he was a good lad. You know that. 145 00:09:10,900 --> 00:09:12,440 Of course I do, sir.   146 00:09:12,440 --> 00:09:17,440 Right. Well, I won't take up any more of your  time. Take care, son. I don't expect we'll   147 00:09:17,440 --> 00:09:19,977 anticipate you home by Easter Sunday. 148 00:09:19,977 --> 00:09:23,448 No, I expect it will take a bit longer than Sunday, I'm afraid.   149 00:09:23,448 --> 00:09:25,080 Understood. Goodbye, son. 150 00:09:25,080 --> 00:09:28,360 Goodbye, sir. [HANGS UP THE RECEIVER]   151 00:09:28,360 --> 00:09:33,040 Nice of Mr. Steeples to call. I'm sure he's  eager for some answers. Did you find out   152 00:09:33,040 --> 00:09:36,160 anything more about Mr. Rhodes? His cousin wouldn't give out his   153 00:09:36,160 --> 00:09:39,090 number. He was more than a bit mistrustful.   154 00:09:39,090 --> 00:09:42,200 Understandable. So, did he give us anything? 155 00:09:42,200 --> 00:09:47,640 Sure. Rhodes plays alto sax on Saturday nights at Republic Gardens on U Street. Do you know it?   156 00:09:47,640 --> 00:09:51,880 I know of it. I haven't been there personally,  although I hear they welcome our kind.   157 00:09:51,880 --> 00:09:56,160 Who, whites? Well sure, them too, but I meant the funny kind.   158 00:09:56,160 --> 00:09:59,400 Oh. Who knows, we might end up having quite a time.   159 00:09:59,400 --> 00:10:01,558 I don't feel much like celebrating.   160 00:10:01,558 --> 00:10:04,760 We're close, Nige. So very close. 161 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:08,280 You keep saying that while our client's been robbed, I've been shot at,   162 00:10:08,280 --> 00:10:12,800 and Phillip's estate is poised to lose all its jack to the New Age nuthouse.   163 00:10:12,800 --> 00:10:15,112 Who seeks shall find.   164 00:10:15,112 --> 00:10:17,393 If that's another gosh-darn Sophocles quote-- 165 00:10:17,393 --> 00:10:26,340 Ah, drop the act. You know he's growing on you.  Besides, No enemy is worse than bad advice.   166 00:10:26,340 --> 00:10:32,963 [UPTEMPO JAZZ MUSIC] [APPLAUSE] [ALLEY STAGE DOOR OPENS]   167 00:10:32,963 --> 00:10:38,800 Haha. Barry got some nice licks in for sure on that last one. Makin' that horn sing. Ohh,   168 00:10:38,800 --> 00:10:44,320 hey, fellas, lemme catch up with you in a few. These hotshots need a word.   169 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:48,680 Evening, Mr. Rhodes. Pardon, but I never got your name, sir.   170 00:10:48,680 --> 00:10:52,440 Nigel Clemmons. And this is my associate, Mr. Torsten Somersby.   171 00:10:52,440 --> 00:10:54,000 Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rhodes.   172 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:57,437 Nigel. Wow, that Nigel? 173 00:10:57,437 --> 00:10:58,202 I'm sorry? 174 00:10:58,202 --> 00:11:02,033 Phillip told me you two  were close back in his Zeugma days.   175 00:11:02,033 --> 00:11:03,480 Look, whatever Phillip told you-- 176 00:11:03,480 --> 00:11:08,960 It's alright. I ain't one to judge. If you did a lap inside, you'd find plenty of sweet nellys,   177 00:11:08,960 --> 00:11:10,780 and we're playing our hearts out for 'em. 178 00:11:10,780 --> 00:11:13,120 Sorry to catch you on your break--   179 00:11:13,120 --> 00:11:17,240 It's no trouble. I expected you'd turn up at some point after I left Mr. Clemmons high and   180 00:11:17,240 --> 00:11:19,217 dry this morning at the Mayflower. 181 00:11:19,217 --> 00:11:20,880 Why didn't you stick around for me?   182 00:11:20,880 --> 00:11:23,160 Believe it or not, that twit  of a desk clerk threatened   183 00:11:23,160 --> 00:11:27,040 to call the coppers on me for loitering. So you got outta there before all the commotion?   184 00:11:27,040 --> 00:11:29,840 I sure as heck wasn't sticking  around for no coppers to turn up.   185 00:11:29,840 --> 00:11:33,320 He meant the thief who I chased through the  hotel after he nabbed Phillip's manuscript   186 00:11:33,320 --> 00:11:34,414 from his sister's room. 187 00:11:34,414 --> 00:11:36,753 That dumb book? Shoot.   188 00:11:36,753 --> 00:11:37,925 It ain't worth chasin' nobody. 189 00:11:37,925 --> 00:11:42,977 Maybe, but to someone, it's worth enough to steal. Have any idea who that might be? 190 00:11:42,977 --> 00:11:45,840 Well, sure. Phillip's screwball lady friend   191 00:11:45,840 --> 00:11:49,240 thinks she can sell it. But I thought she was the one who had it last.   192 00:11:49,240 --> 00:11:52,520 She did until she had it delivered to the Mayflower this morning.   193 00:11:52,520 --> 00:11:54,290 And someone snatched it on arrival?   194 00:11:54,290 --> 00:11:57,000 Almost. Quite the coincidence. 195 00:11:57,000 --> 00:11:57,877 I'll say. 196 00:11:57,877 --> 00:12:00,000 And you don't know  anything about this, I suppose?   197 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:01,760 Nothing comes to mind. 198 00:12:01,760 --> 00:12:06,000 That's too bad. We've got a C note for some information.   199 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:09,720 Nah, I'm not after your money. I haven't earned any right to it.   200 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:14,718 Why don't we start with your business with Mrs. Barr this morning, and we  may just decide you've earned it? 201 00:12:14,718 --> 00:12:18,480 I thought you'd overheard me give the clerk the room number and were headed straight there yourself. 202 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:25,360 Me, break into the Barrs' room. No sir. You got  any fuckin' clue what they would do to me?   203 00:12:25,360 --> 00:12:28,440 Knocking on a hotel room door ain't breaking and entering.   204 00:12:28,440 --> 00:12:33,920 I don't take those kinds of risks. Come to speak of it, how'd you track me here anyhow?   205 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:37,240 Your cousin wouldn't tell us much, but he suggested we try here. He wouldn't   206 00:12:37,240 --> 00:12:39,823 give up your address even for a Jackson. 207 00:12:39,823 --> 00:12:43,814 Ha, Julian's a good soul. He probably thought you were going to ruff me up or something.   208 00:12:43,814 --> 00:12:45,599 Who knows, we still might. 209 00:12:45,599 --> 00:12:49,200 Ha, no. You fellas ain't got no cause for violence.   210 00:12:49,200 --> 00:12:52,760 Where did Phillip get his dope? And we ain't talkin' reefer.   211 00:12:52,760 --> 00:13:00,080 Oh, now I see how it is. You think a guy like me,  with this face, and sure, I'm the dope pusher.   212 00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:02,360 We figured you were trying to get some money Phillip owed from   213 00:13:02,360 --> 00:13:04,844 Mrs. Barr. So, if not you, who? 214 00:13:04,844 --> 00:13:07,213 You fellas have no damn clue. 215 00:13:07,213 --> 00:13:12,120 Me,  tryin' steal from Mrs. Barr! Just what in  the heck do you think happened to Phillip?   216 00:13:12,120 --> 00:13:17,840 We think he got hopped up one final time and fell to his death. Why? You got a different story?   217 00:13:17,840 --> 00:13:24,222 Heck yeah, I got a different story. Doggone  it. I still can't believe he's dead.   218 00:13:24,222 --> 00:13:26,739 Here. Have a drink.   219 00:13:26,739 --> 00:13:30,587 Thanks. [FLASK UNSCREWED. 220 00:13:30,587 --> 00:13:34,760 Phillip waltzed in here one night last July. It was so hot we about melted   221 00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:39,080 on stage. I watched him wander in alone from the back and work his way close to   222 00:13:39,080 --> 00:13:44,982 the stage. Those sweet innocent baby blue eyes.  He bought me a cold one at our first break.   223 00:13:44,982 --> 00:13:45,977 He became a regular?   224 00:13:45,977 --> 00:13:48,417 You bet, but we became close too. 225 00:13:48,417 --> 00:13:51,080 Mrs. Barr told us Phillip spent most of his coin entertaining   226 00:13:51,080 --> 00:13:53,647 Mr. Calder Evans. She never mentioned you. 227 00:13:53,647 --> 00:13:56,080 'Cause I never let Phillip dote on me much. 228 00:13:56,080 --> 00:14:00,560 Plus, I ain't got no expensive tastes like Calder.  Heck, half the joints they'd visit would let   229 00:14:00,560 --> 00:14:06,720 me through nothing but the service entrance,  and even then, they'd assume I'm the help. Nah,   230 00:14:06,720 --> 00:14:10,000 Calder found himself a meal ticket with Phillip. And he knew it.   231 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:15,240 Did you know Calder had a key to Phillip's room? No, but I'm not surprised. Calder was obsessed   232 00:14:15,240 --> 00:14:20,920 with Phillip. You see, Calder saw Phillip as his  little project. They met at that damn Theosophy   233 00:14:20,920 --> 00:14:26,560 den, but once Phillip revealed his dope troubles,  Calder couldn't resist meddling in his affairs.   234 00:14:26,560 --> 00:14:30,840 What do you mean by meddling? Testing his damned theory. How much   235 00:14:30,840 --> 00:14:32,595 of Calder's past do you know about?   236 00:14:32,595 --> 00:14:34,320 Well, we got his ghost story down. 237 00:14:34,320 --> 00:14:35,426 He told you about it? 238 00:14:35,426 --> 00:14:37,520 No, but we read his journal.   239 00:14:37,520 --> 00:14:41,920 We had it in our possession until someone stole it from my office earlier today.   240 00:14:41,920 --> 00:14:43,497 Quite a lot of thievery today.   241 00:14:43,497 --> 00:14:45,160 All related to Mr. Evans. 242 00:14:45,160 --> 00:14:50,040 He and Phillip made a perfect pair. Phillip wanted desperately to believe Calder's wild   243 00:14:50,040 --> 00:14:55,480 experience abroad. It fit square with the rest of those Theosophists' mumbo jumbo.   244 00:14:55,480 --> 00:14:57,220 The trouble was me, I suppose.   245 00:14:57,220 --> 00:14:58,760 How'd you get in the way? 246 00:14:58,760 --> 00:15:02,840 When we were at some fancy Theosophist's  house for a New Years' party. There,   247 00:15:02,840 --> 00:15:08,240 for the first time, I saw Phillip down some odd  tablets. When I confronted him about it later,   248 00:15:08,240 --> 00:15:12,040 he snapped at me like a crocodile. Afterward, he apologized, at some length,   249 00:15:12,040 --> 00:15:17,920 for his temper. Finally, he divulged his struggle  with morph since ever his automobile accident.   250 00:15:17,920 --> 00:15:21,040 It took you six months to notice he was a hophead?   251 00:15:21,040 --> 00:15:26,960 It seems crazy now, looking back, but yeah. I  just thought he was a real mellow cat. Always   252 00:15:26,960 --> 00:15:31,760 reading his books. He listened to a lot of classical radio programs. But I'd seen   253 00:15:31,760 --> 00:15:37,400 him animated before. He'd get all excited about  whatever subject he was reading about. And he was   254 00:15:37,400 --> 00:15:43,960 always typin' away. He might not have had proper  employment but took his writing seriously. Still,   255 00:15:43,960 --> 00:15:48,400 I never saw him snap at anyone until that  party. Not under any circumstance.   256 00:15:48,400 --> 00:15:53,680 You said before you tried to help him. Well, sure. I lost an uncle to morph. Never   257 00:15:53,680 --> 00:15:59,320 saw him again after I turned six. It caused his  heart to quit on him. You see, your body keeps   258 00:15:59,320 --> 00:16:06,640 a ledger with morph. You take two tabs one day it wants two or more the next. And on and on. For the   259 00:16:06,640 --> 00:16:11,360 most part, Phillip kept his habit a secret, but everyone slips up from time to time.   260 00:16:11,360 --> 00:16:13,481 He slipped too hard this last time. 261 00:16:13,481 --> 00:16:16,160 Lord almighty, ain't that the damn truth.   262 00:16:16,160 --> 00:16:22,840 Hurts like Dickens, too, just sayin' it out loud. My granddad told me he, too,   263 00:16:22,840 --> 00:16:28,960 struggled with the stuff. My gram threatened to  leave him if he didn't stop, so he got sober. 264 00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:35,238 I  asked him how he kicked it, and he coached me on how to help Phillip for good--but Phillip didn't believe it would work. 265 00:16:35,238 --> 00:16:36,080 Why?   266 00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:41,240 That damn Calder had him convinced the only  way to kick morph was to rap with some ghost.   267 00:16:41,240 --> 00:16:42,000 What do you mean?   268 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:48,120 Calder was convinced whatever words she'd spoken to him in Latin were what cured him. Of course,   269 00:16:48,120 --> 00:16:52,640 Phillip clued Calder in about his ghost most  likely being some early Christian from North   270 00:16:52,640 --> 00:16:55,648 Africa. After that, Calder became fanatical. 271 00:16:55,648 --> 00:16:56,880 You mean with a medium?   272 00:16:56,880 --> 00:17:00,480 They tried a parade of mediums and clairvoyants. They held   273 00:17:00,480 --> 00:17:02,675 several s ances in Phillip's room, but--   274 00:17:02,675 --> 00:17:05,600 She never showed. Criminy. The fools. 275 00:17:05,600 --> 00:17:10,520 Nah. They and all their friends from that devil's den were foolin' themselves. I kept   276 00:17:10,520 --> 00:17:15,760 my trap shut through March. I thought, what the heck? Maybe some old spirit might come   277 00:17:15,760 --> 00:17:20,720 through and convince Phillip to get straight. I also heard morph could make you see things,   278 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:22,666 so maybe he would imagine the whole thing.   279 00:17:22,666 --> 00:17:24,666 And, when nothing appeared? 280 00:17:25,160 --> 00:17:30,320 I got damn tired of Calder's charade. Phillip  wanted to stay the course. His whole world   281 00:17:30,320 --> 00:17:35,280 revolved around Calder's ghost coming through.  I wish I would have pushed back sooner, but--   282 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:39,360 I'm remorseful his folks didn't send me here while I could have still made a difference.   283 00:17:39,360 --> 00:17:45,280 Ah, me too, brother. Me too. Phillip needed better friends than those jackals. I got my   284 00:17:45,280 --> 00:17:49,800 way just over a week ago. I convinced him to  try my grandpappy's method to quit the dope.   285 00:17:49,800 --> 00:17:51,752 Calder and Irma just went along with it? 286 00:17:51,752 --> 00:17:54,000 I threatened to rat them out to his folks if they   287 00:17:54,000 --> 00:18:00,560 got in my way. They became mighty deferential. Like they were walkin' on fuckin' eggshells.   288 00:18:00,560 --> 00:18:01,915 What was your plan? 289 00:18:01,915 --> 00:18:06,000 Ween him down to five grains and then cut him off cold turkey.   290 00:18:06,000 --> 00:18:08,000 So you were dealing? 291 00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:13,320 Heck no. I told you so. Calder kept the supply comin'. He knew   292 00:18:13,320 --> 00:18:17,760 all sorts of tricks to keep our hopheadin business. He's a sinister son of a bitch.   293 00:18:17,760 --> 00:18:19,537 So, Calder was dealing? 294 00:18:19,537 --> 00:18:28,440 He was supplying. They might as well have opened a joint bank account. Calder made the dope appear, and Phillip kept picking up their tabs.   295 00:18:28,440 --> 00:18:30,960 I thought Calder made a living as a sign painter?   296 00:18:30,960 --> 00:18:34,560 Is that what it was this time? Since I've known him, the bastard couldn't   297 00:18:34,560 --> 00:18:38,520 keep a steady job. Suppose he didn't  need one, though, after he met Phillip.   298 00:18:38,520 --> 00:18:42,240 You saying Phillip made him a kept man?  Calder's at least ten years older.   299 00:18:42,240 --> 00:18:48,360 Nah. It wasn't like that. Phillip was more like Calder's patron with a fat pocketbook.   300 00:18:48,360 --> 00:18:50,921 Lilah suspected they were romantically involved. 301 00:18:50,921 --> 00:18:55,046 As close as they were, I can see how she may have gained that impression. 302 00:18:55,046 --> 00:18:58,400 Who knows, maybe Calder even had feelings for Phillip.   303 00:18:58,400 --> 00:18:59,103 And Phillip? 304 00:18:59,103 --> 00:19:03,611 Nope. As far as I know.  Unrequited as a bee sting.   305 00:19:03,611 --> 00:19:05,611 Interesting. 306 00:19:05,920 --> 00:19:08,336 Obviously, your granddad's cure didn't take. 307 00:19:08,336 --> 00:19:12,245 Oh, I wouldn't say that. The first day was alright. 308 00:19:12,245 --> 00:19:16,800 When Phillip still bought the idea his sugar bindles were loaded with morph. Then he   309 00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:23,200 started to yawn uncontrollably, which is when he  knew the last grain was out of his skin. Phillip   310 00:19:23,200 --> 00:19:28,520 was too brilliant for his own good. Convinced  his jaw would crack, which I heard happens to   311 00:19:28,520 --> 00:19:32,125 folks--well, fear made him suffer even more. 312 00:19:32,125 --> 00:19:36,000 I hear most morphine addicts fear their inital pain will return. 313 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:43,760 Right. For men that start morph due  to a nasty injury like Phillip's, I imagine the memory of pain is what hooks them from the jump.   314 00:19:43,760 --> 00:19:50,760 Then the tough part came: the waiting. A few days in, Phillip was just a shivering pool of sweat.   315 00:19:50,760 --> 00:19:52,202 That's when the jackals descended.   316 00:19:52,202 --> 00:19:53,680 Irma and Calder? 317 00:19:53,680 --> 00:19:59,280 Yup. Irma barged in, demanding I allow her to try and sell Phillip's manuscript. She didn't   318 00:19:59,280 --> 00:20:03,040 seem to appreciate Phillip's condition. And she didn't let it deter her either.   319 00:20:03,040 --> 00:20:05,069 So you let her leave with Phillip's manuscript?    320 00:20:05,069 --> 00:20:08,240 Sure. I can't say I much care for her, but I think 321 00:20:08,240 --> 00:20:13,000 she had Phillip's best interests at heart. They  shared a common belief in all that nutty shit.   322 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:18,454 Irma sent a telegram this past Monday. Wanted Phillip to ring her back. Holding package, it read. 323 00:20:18,454 --> 00:20:20,240 Monday was the last day of Phillip's   324 00:20:20,240 --> 00:20:25,760 withdrawal. He'd offered to buy me a Packard  car for two grains of morph by that point. I   325 00:20:25,760 --> 00:20:27,568 didn't bother him with Irma's telegram. 326 00:20:27,568 --> 00:20:30,147 So, she wasn't lying about him failing  to call her back? 327 00:20:30,147 --> 00:20:33,528 No, Phillip never came  near his desk for seven days. 328 00:20:33,528 --> 00:20:36,000 And, on the eighth, let's see, that would be Tuesday?   329 00:20:36,000 --> 00:20:38,000 Lemme see that flask again. 330 00:20:38,000 --> 00:20:44,077 Certainly. [UNSCREW AND GULP]   331 00:20:44,077 --> 00:20:45,993 You probably think I'm a lush. 332 00:20:45,993 --> 00:20:48,641 Not in the least. We understand this is difficult.   333 00:20:48,641 --> 00:20:51,200 Yeah, you can say that again. When I got   334 00:20:51,200 --> 00:20:56,760 Phillip to eat a little something on Monday night,  he'd lost the whimper in his voice. I knew he was   335 00:20:56,760 --> 00:21:03,680 almost back to the living. The last thing he told  me, staring up with those baby blue eyes filled   336 00:21:03,680 --> 00:21:07,297 with tears, he said, "I've won, haven't I?"   337 00:21:07,297 --> 00:21:10,160 Wait, you're saying he kicked the stuff? 338 00:21:10,160 --> 00:21:15,327 Hand to God, if I hadn't left early Tuesday morning, I'm sure he would have been a changed man. 339 00:21:15,327 --> 00:21:16,789 Why'd you leave?   340 00:21:18,760 --> 00:21:25,840 It's hard to explain. During the night, Phillip  began to mumble all sorts of nut gibberish. Kept   341 00:21:25,840 --> 00:21:32,440 sayin' She's here. She's here. I tried to wake  him, but he was entranced. I dozed off at one   342 00:21:32,440 --> 00:21:38,600 point, and for an instant, I swear I saw a  figure standing over just looking at him.   343 00:21:38,600 --> 00:21:40,080 What kind of a figure? DEEP BASS.   344 00:21:40,080 --> 00:21:46,960 It was dark, so I could see just its contours.  It looked like a mass of ink swirled into human   345 00:21:46,960 --> 00:21:52,760 form. It vanished just as quickly as I'd seen it.  And the next thing I knew, I heard that bastard   346 00:21:52,760 --> 00:21:58,120 Calder's keys rumbling around. He came through the  door and started spouting off some dumb shit to   347 00:21:58,120 --> 00:22:00,435 Phillip, like Don't give up the ship.   348 00:22:00,435 --> 00:22:02,435 What an ass. 349 00:22:02,960 --> 00:22:06,360 The last thing on Earth I wanted was to leave Calder alone with Phillip,   350 00:22:06,360 --> 00:22:11,532 but I was startled by what I'd experienced. And,  I didn't dare explain it to that son'bitch. 351 00:22:11,532 --> 00:22:17,840 So,  I told him the truth. I'd been having a rough  time sleeping and needed to rest up for my gig   352 00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:19,187 later that night in Georgetown.   353 00:22:19,187 --> 00:22:20,480 So you just left him there? 354 00:22:20,480 --> 00:22:26,080 Hey, calm it down. You said you were apprehensive  about leaving Phillip with Calder. Why?   355 00:22:26,080 --> 00:22:31,440 Part of me suspected Calder never wished  Phillip to get better. I can't prove anything,   356 00:22:31,440 --> 00:22:35,840 but it was just a feeling when he came around  toward the end, just when things started to   357 00:22:35,840 --> 00:22:41,200 look bright. All I know is that's the  last time I ever saw Phillip alive.   358 00:22:41,200 --> 00:22:42,306 And, you went where after?   359 00:22:42,306 --> 00:22:44,800 I'm lodging at the Twelfth Street Y.M.C.A. 360 00:22:44,800 --> 00:22:45,925 You got an alibi?   361 00:22:45,925 --> 00:22:47,925 In spades, friend. 362 00:22:48,080 --> 00:22:51,921 We found an old field medic's treatment tin in Phillip's room. Have you ever laid eyes on it before?   363 00:22:51,921 --> 00:22:54,920 From the war? Never.   364 00:22:54,920 --> 00:22:59,520 Don't those contain morphine vials? This one might of, but that's what was missing.   365 00:22:59,520 --> 00:23:02,640 Do you mean to tell me that's what Phillip was on when he fell?   366 00:23:02,640 --> 00:23:06,680 That's our best guess. Irma says she found him  wandering around Connecticut Avenue and coaxed   367 00:23:06,680 --> 00:23:09,040 him back to her parents' house.   368 00:23:09,040 --> 00:23:14,160 Alright, guys, pick another number that'll let Barry shine! I'll be in to play the Duke's Solitude!   369 00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:15,144 Nice choice.   370 00:23:15,144 --> 00:23:16,560 You a jazz fan? 371 00:23:16,560 --> 00:23:19,840 I never heard a tune from Mr. Ellington I didn't like.   372 00:23:19,840 --> 00:23:23,440 There's just one thing that doesn't add up for me. I don't see why you'd   373 00:23:23,440 --> 00:23:25,097 go to all that trouble for Phillip? 374 00:23:25,097 --> 00:23:27,097 You think I haven't been playin' the saddest   375 00:23:27,097 --> 00:23:36,760 songs I know since I read Thursday's paper? Ah,  and before I forget. Give this to Lilah for me.   376 00:23:36,760 --> 00:23:38,112 What's this? 377 00:23:40,360 --> 00:23:42,153 It's an annulet. Been in their families for generations.   378 00:23:42,153 --> 00:23:43,600 And he gave it to you? 379 00:23:43,600 --> 00:23:47,600 Just for safekeeping while we tried to get him on the straight and narrow. Oh,   380 00:23:47,600 --> 00:23:53,640 Oh, and I see from your faces. You don't get it  at all. You see, I was dizzy with him.   381 00:23:53,640 --> 00:23:54,960 You?   382 00:23:54,960 --> 00:23:59,520 We were never meant to be, he and I. He  dreamed big of a world different from the   383 00:23:59,520 --> 00:24:05,240 one we're livin', but then he was hopped  up on morph most of our time together.   384 00:24:05,240 --> 00:24:08,560 That doesn't matter. It doesn't have to. I can   385 00:24:08,560 --> 00:24:13,280 just imagine pulling into Steeplesville with the  Prince of Zeugma. Daddy Steeples might have had   386 00:24:13,280 --> 00:24:15,094 a stroke right then and there.   387 00:24:15,094 --> 00:24:17,094 I guess we'll never know. 388 00:24:17,280 --> 00:24:21,440 Still, I feel lucky for the times we  were able to steal away together.   389 00:24:21,440 --> 00:24:27,120 I'll see that she gets the annulet.  And Abe. He was lucky to find you,   390 00:24:27,120 --> 00:24:29,705 even if it ended too fast. 391 00:24:29,705 --> 00:24:35,680 Here's my card. Stop by anytime. Sorry for your loss.   392 00:24:35,680 --> 00:24:40,700 Here, we promised you a C note. Take it. [THE STAGE DOOR OPENS] [MAN WHISTLES]   393 00:24:40,700 --> 00:24:47,770 Alright, fellas. It looks like we're on again. Keep your coin. Besides, what'd all that Steeples dough do for Phillip?   394 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:52,400 One last thing. Any clue where we can  find Calder? He gave us a dummy address.   395 00:24:52,400 --> 00:24:56,240 Try the Cairo. With Phillip gone, it's  the closest he's ever gotten to seeing   396 00:24:56,240 --> 00:25:01,217 his specter again. Somethin' tells me he  ain't yet quit his wild ghost chase.   397 00:25:03,735 --> 00:25:17,457 [BIG THUNDERCLAP] [RAIN DOWNPOUR] [Thunder] 398 00:25:22,195 --> 00:25:35,431 [MUSIC: AT THE CORNER OF 16TH AND Q OUR FLAME WAS BURNING BRIGHT AND NEW I WAS ON MY OWN SINGING THE BLUES UNTIL ALL ROADS LED ME RIGHT TO YOU] 399 00:25:35,431 --> 00:25:49,347 [MUSIC: YOU'RE SOMEONE'S SON YOU'RE SOMEONE'S LIGHT BUT FOR TONIGHT YOU ARE MINE] 400 00:25:49,347 --> 00:26:02,863 [MUSIC: I NEVER THOUGHT MY HEART WOULD MEND YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO LOVE AGAIN IT'S YOU AND ME UNTIL THE END OH, WE'LL PAINT THIS WHOLE TOWN RED] 401 00:26:02,863 --> 00:26:23,245 [MUSIC: JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT] 402 00:26:24,569 --> 00:26:38,115 [MUSIC: WE SPEND ALL OF OUR NIGHTS WITH THE BAND TIME SLIPPING THROUGH OUR FINGERS LIKE SAND IN THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE THAT WE PLANNED I'D BE FOREVER HOLDING YOUR HAND] 403 00:26:38,115 --> 00:26:52,400 [MUSIC: YOU'RE SOMEONE'S SON YOU'RE SOMEONE'S LIGHT BUT FOR TONIGHT YOU ARE MINE] 404 00:26:52,400 --> 00:27:05,608 [MUSIC: I NEVER THOUGHT MY HEART WOULD MEND YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO LOVE AGAIN IT'S YOU AND ME UNTIL THE END OH, WE'LL PAINT THIS WHOLE TOWN RED] 405 00:27:05,608 --> 00:27:25,374 [MUSIC: JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT] 406 00:27:27,160 --> 00:27:54,953 [MUSIC: THE CONVERSATIONS WE NEVER HAD WOULD THEY HAVE STOPPED YOU FROM GOING MAD? WE HAD GLORY IN OUR EYES BUT YOU KEPT CLIMBING CLIMBING SO HIGH OH OH] 407 00:27:54,953 --> 00:28:08,499 [MUSIC: I NEVER THOUGHT MY HEART WOULD MEND (JUST THE DEVILS) YOU TAUGHT ME HOW TO LOVE AGAIN (JUST THE DEVILS) IT'S YOU AND ME UNTIL THE END (JUST THE DEVILS) OH, WE'LL PAINT THIS WHOLE TOWN RED] 408 00:28:08,499 --> 00:28:35,777 [MUSIC: JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT] 409 00:28:38,120 --> 00:28:43,440 Dupont Investigations is written by Marc  Benjamin Langston and directed, edited,   410 00:28:43,440 --> 00:28:48,640 and sound-designed by? Bryce Bowyn. Keep your ears in the 1930s by becoming   411 00:28:48,640 --> 00:28:54,960 a DUPONT INVESTIGATOR. Access our private  discord server "The Inside Scoop" or explore   412 00:28:54,960 --> 00:29:01,960 Torsten Somersby's recovered case file by  visiting nocturnehall.com/investigator   413 00:29:01,960 --> 00:29:07,440 With SPECIAL THANKS to Kay-Leigh Sulecki,  N.P., and Matthew Sulecki, M.D.   414 00:29:07,440 --> 00:29:12,120 Dupont Investigations: The Scourge  from Carthage Part 5 features   415 00:29:12,120 --> 00:29:16,640 Ruth Browne as LILAH BARR Jacob Lowman as NIGEL CLEMMONS   416 00:29:16,640 --> 00:29:22,520 Marc Benjamin Langston as TORSTEN SOMERSBY Kenneth Patterson as CORNELIUS STEEPLES   417 00:29:22,520 --> 00:29:28,840 AND Claxton Rabb the Third as ABE RHODES The Original theme song, Devils of Dupont,   418 00:29:28,840 --> 00:29:33,360 written and performed by Bryce Bowyn, is  available wherever you stream music.   419 00:29:33,360 --> 00:29:39,240 For individuals and families facing mental health  or substance use disorders in the United States,   420 00:29:39,240 --> 00:29:45,960 listeners can call the free, confidential  National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. That?s   421 00:29:45,960 --> 00:29:50,193 1-800-662-H-E-L-P.