1 00:00:00,130 --> 00:00:05,170 Nocturne Hall presents an original audio drama intended only for an adult audience. 2 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:10,617 [CRICKETS. A DISTANT HEAVY WOODEN DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES] 3 00:00:11,336 --> 00:00:12,336 Phillip! 4 00:00:14,554 --> 00:00:15,505 Damn, it's freezing. 5 00:00:17,155 --> 00:00:18,000 Phillip! 6 00:00:18,540 --> 00:00:20,600 [Footsteps] 7 00:00:20,600 --> 00:00:23,379 Oh, there you are. 8 00:00:23,379 --> 00:00:27,279 What are you doing down there, silly goose? 9 00:00:27,279 --> 00:00:29,110 Oh, never mind. 10 00:00:29,110 --> 00:00:31,880 Come inside. 11 00:00:31,880 --> 00:00:33,680 You'll freeze out here. 12 00:00:34,909 --> 00:00:38,141 When the fountain stopped, I heard gentle strumming. 13 00:00:40,119 --> 00:00:42,610 Love, it's thirty degrees. 14 00:00:42,610 --> 00:00:44,181 The fountain was never on. 15 00:00:44,181 --> 00:00:45,221 Shh. 16 00:00:46,300 --> 00:00:49,068 She's at it again. 17 00:00:49,068 --> 00:00:50,539 Can't you hear those tender plucks of gold? 18 00:00:50,539 --> 00:00:51,309 [WIND BLOWS LEAFY TREES] 19 00:00:51,309 --> 00:00:53,340 You've had quite a night. 20 00:00:53,340 --> 00:00:54,550 Time for rest. 21 00:00:54,550 --> 00:00:55,550 [DRAMATIC MUSIC] 22 00:00:55,550 --> 00:00:59,010 Where they gather, the ladder must be near. 23 00:00:59,010 --> 00:01:01,220 You won't find it sitting down. 24 00:01:01,220 --> 00:01:03,430 Let me help you to your feet. 25 00:01:04,389 --> 00:01:05,970 My, your hands are ice. 26 00:01:05,970 --> 00:01:08,290 [ FOOTSTEPS ASCEND STONE STAIRS] 27 00:01:08,290 --> 00:01:09,750 Climb with caution. 28 00:01:09,750 --> 00:01:10,732 Prudent. 29 00:01:13,310 --> 00:01:16,570 The rungs lined with swords and nasty hooks will cut us deep. 30 00:01:16,570 --> 00:01:19,509 But there's just a balustrade of smooth stone. 31 00:01:19,509 --> 00:01:22,360 A beast lurks beneath but pay it no heed. 32 00:01:22,360 --> 00:01:24,060 To rush will cut us to pieces. 33 00:01:24,060 --> 00:01:27,040 How about you come inside to warm yourself? 34 00:01:27,530 --> 00:01:30,811 Perhaps another glass of sherry would set your mind at rest. 35 00:01:30,811 --> 00:01:36,729 [A HEAVY WOODEN DOOR CLOSES. FOOTSTEPS] 36 00:01:36,729 --> 00:01:39,689 Have a seat near the radiator, and I'll make you that drink. 37 00:01:39,689 --> 00:01:45,952 [SITTING ON THE SOFA. HEELS WALK AWAY ON THE WOOD FLOOR. BARWARE] 38 00:01:45,952 --> 00:01:47,589 HEELS ON THE WOOD FLOOR REAPPROACH] 39 00:01:47,589 --> 00:01:48,410 Here, love. 40 00:01:49,219 --> 00:01:51,769 Oh, thank heavens. He's conked out. 41 00:01:52,039 --> 00:02:01,355 [HEELS WALK AWAY AND ASCEND WOODEN STAIRS] 42 00:02:01,355 --> 00:02:09,043 [A GRANDFATHER CLOCK STRIKES THREE. GRUMBLING MALE] 43 00:02:09,043 --> 00:02:15,331 [THE GLASS DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS. CRICKETS. HARP MUSIC] 44 00:02:16,574 --> 00:02:17,574 Ahh. 45 00:02:18,832 --> 00:02:20,852 What marvelous light. 46 00:02:21,513 --> 00:02:27,071 [MAN STRUGGLING TO CLIMB] 47 00:02:27,071 --> 00:02:49,853 [OMINOUS MUSIC] 48 00:02:49,853 --> 00:02:52,156 Saturus, guide me. 49 00:02:52,156 --> 00:02:56,917 [CRACK OF A WHIP. MAN YELPS IN PAIN, FALLING] 50 00:02:56,917 --> 00:03:00,272 [MAN SLAMMED HARD ONTO BRICKS FROM HIGH DROP] 51 00:03:00,272 --> 00:03:02,191 [THEME MUSIC] 52 00:03:02,191 --> 00:03:05,660 Devils walk among us. 53 00:03:05,660 --> 00:03:08,071 Some just a mile north of the White House. 54 00:03:08,071 --> 00:03:16,010 Whether conjured or elected, they prey on the innocent all the same. 55 00:03:16,879 --> 00:03:22,620 Most won't even listen, so folks knock on the one door in the District of Crime 56 00:03:22,620 --> 00:03:24,000 who will. 57 00:03:24,000 --> 00:03:28,039 [THEME MUSIC] 58 00:03:28,039 --> 00:03:30,164 Dupont Investigations. 59 00:03:30,164 --> 00:03:33,253 [SONG: I never thought my heart would mend] 60 00:03:33,253 --> 00:03:37,467 [SONG: You taught me how to love again] 61 00:03:37,467 --> 00:03:40,687 [SONG: It's you and me until the end] 62 00:03:40,687 --> 00:03:43,369 [SONG: Oh, we’ll paint this whole town red] 63 00:03:43,369 --> 00:03:50,231 [SONG: Just the devils, the devils of Dupont] 64 00:03:50,231 --> 00:03:56,597 [SONG: Just the devils, the devils of Dupont] 65 00:03:56,597 --> 00:04:01,644 This is The Scourge from Carthage Part 1. 66 00:04:02,514 --> 00:04:03,514 [THREE KNOCKS ON A WOOD AND GLASS OFFICE DOOR] 67 00:04:03,514 --> 00:04:04,014 It's open. 68 00:04:04,224 --> 00:04:05,224 [THE OFFICE DOOR OPENS] 69 00:04:05,224 --> 00:04:06,224 Mr. Somersby? 70 00:04:06,733 --> 00:04:07,733 You're not from C&P. 71 00:04:07,733 --> 00:04:08,733 C&P? 72 00:04:08,733 --> 00:04:11,142 Chesapeake and Potomac. The Telephone Company. 73 00:04:11,752 --> 00:04:13,352 You must not be from around here either-- 74 00:04:13,832 --> 00:04:15,641 Wait. not another blasted reporter? 75 00:04:15,641 --> 00:04:20,229 No, sir, I'm Nigel Clemmons, a claims investigator with Zeugma Insurance. 76 00:04:20,799 --> 00:04:23,970 Although, I admit the story from the papers is why I'm here. 77 00:04:23,970 --> 00:04:24,970 You look familiar. 78 00:04:24,970 --> 00:04:25,970 Have we met before? 79 00:04:25,970 --> 00:04:27,199 I don't believe so. 80 00:04:27,199 --> 00:04:28,410 Come into my office. 81 00:04:28,410 --> 00:04:29,890 [THE WOODEN DOOR OPENS ] 82 00:04:29,890 --> 00:04:31,840 Would you like a drink, Mr. Clemmons? 83 00:04:31,840 --> 00:04:32,962 All I've got is bourbon. 84 00:04:34,784 --> 00:04:40,221 [TELEPHONE RINGS ONCE THE RECEIVER IS PICKED UP AND HUNG UP] 85 00:04:40,532 --> 00:04:41,532 Garbled line? 86 00:04:41,772 --> 00:04:43,312 Nah. Works just fine. 87 00:04:43,312 --> 00:04:47,361 Still, I'm having it disconnected after the Evening Star ran its gem of a story. 88 00:04:47,361 --> 00:04:48,750 [BAR RATTLE] 89 00:04:48,750 --> 00:04:49,521 Here you are. 90 00:04:50,780 --> 00:04:55,000 So, Mr. Clemmons, let me give you some free advice. 91 00:04:55,000 --> 00:04:56,930 Watch out for dame reporters. 92 00:04:57,380 --> 00:05:01,581 They seem innocent enough, but they've got the sharpest teeth 93 00:05:01,581 --> 00:05:03,840 of all the sharks in the pond. 94 00:05:03,840 --> 00:05:05,041 I'll keep that in mind. 95 00:05:05,670 --> 00:05:08,320 Although I've found trouble with every dame I've met. 96 00:05:08,320 --> 00:05:09,630 Ha. You can say that again. 97 00:05:10,679 --> 00:05:13,820 I wonder whether the paper printed the truth about your case? 98 00:05:13,820 --> 00:05:14,840 [GLASS IS SET DOWN ON THE TABLE] 99 00:05:14,840 --> 00:05:16,460 Oh, it was a hoax, alright. 100 00:05:16,460 --> 00:05:19,350 Big dummy me taking another macabre case. 101 00:05:19,350 --> 00:05:24,140 My father swore I'd make a fool of myself chasing after ghouls and goblins one day. 102 00:05:24,560 --> 00:05:29,400 But how come a fine fella like yourself tracks me down after reading that rag story? 103 00:05:29,580 --> 00:05:34,139 Well . . . the paper mentioned you fancy yourself a scholar of the occult. 104 00:05:34,259 --> 00:05:35,350 Oh, brother. 105 00:05:35,350 --> 00:05:37,030 Tell me this ain't another case. 106 00:05:37,030 --> 00:05:38,030 I'm through with it. 107 00:05:38,030 --> 00:05:40,880 I'll tell you through--the whole funny business. 108 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:44,139 After my last case, no decent person would hire me. 109 00:05:44,139 --> 00:05:45,340 No, sir. 110 00:05:45,340 --> 00:05:46,551 I'm ready to hang it all up. 111 00:05:46,551 --> 00:05:51,830 [THE PHONE RINGS ONCE. THE RECEIVER IS PICKED UP AND HUNG UP] 112 00:05:51,830 --> 00:05:52,680 You see. 113 00:05:52,680 --> 00:05:55,330 But those might be new clients calling. 114 00:05:55,330 --> 00:05:57,030 Clients shmiants. 115 00:05:57,030 --> 00:05:58,950 I'm through with the lot of them. 116 00:05:58,950 --> 00:06:02,870 Most are rich baffoons trying to investigate the family fortune teller. 117 00:06:02,870 --> 00:06:07,490 Long gone are the serious clients, and you can forget anyone from the Hill 118 00:06:07,490 --> 00:06:08,500 reaching out again. 119 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:12,000 All the rats in Congress are getting tailed by my competitors. 120 00:06:12,000 --> 00:06:13,810 Sorry to hear about your dry spell. 121 00:06:13,810 --> 00:06:18,680 But, I assure you, I have every interest in this case remaining out of the newspapers. 122 00:06:18,680 --> 00:06:20,150 Which outfit did you say you are with again? 123 00:06:20,150 --> 00:06:21,530 Zeugma Insurance. 124 00:06:21,530 --> 00:06:22,530 Zeugma. 125 00:06:22,530 --> 00:06:23,530 Never heard of it. 126 00:06:23,530 --> 00:06:24,970 Our office is in Zeugma, North Carolina. 127 00:06:24,970 --> 00:06:26,770 Oh, that Zeugma. 128 00:06:26,770 --> 00:06:29,269 Sure. I read the new Empire State Building is 129 00:06:29,269 --> 00:06:32,130 just a scaled-up version of your big building downtown. 130 00:06:32,130 --> 00:06:35,699 They say yours is the tallest building south of Baltimore. 131 00:06:35,699 --> 00:06:37,509 The Steeples Tobacco Building. 132 00:06:37,509 --> 00:06:39,270 You don't sound like a tar heel? 133 00:06:39,270 --> 00:06:40,569 I'm from Richmond. 134 00:06:40,569 --> 00:06:43,419 My pa got a job in Zeugma when I was in the tenth grade. 135 00:06:43,989 --> 00:06:46,350 Lured by the Steeples operation? 136 00:06:46,350 --> 00:06:47,520 Like most folks in Zeugma. 137 00:06:47,520 --> 00:06:49,289 I can imagine. 138 00:06:49,289 --> 00:06:54,270 I suppose you know what kind of breed that plump white cat is from all their advertisements. 139 00:06:54,270 --> 00:06:55,590 It's a Turkish Angora. 140 00:06:55,590 --> 00:06:58,949 Ah, but Mr. Steeples is the true fat cat. 141 00:06:58,949 --> 00:07:04,199 It just so happens; I'm investigating the death of Phillip Steeples. 142 00:07:04,199 --> 00:07:05,199 The old man? 143 00:07:05,199 --> 00:07:07,249 No, his son. 144 00:07:07,249 --> 00:07:08,800 I hadn't heard he died. 145 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:12,000 No. Thus far, I managed to keep it out of print. 146 00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:13,460 That's quite a trick. 147 00:07:13,460 --> 00:07:17,750 It cost a small fortune, but the Steeples family can afford it. 148 00:07:17,750 --> 00:07:20,050 So, you're in touch with the family? 149 00:07:20,050 --> 00:07:21,330 Indeed. 150 00:07:21,330 --> 00:07:23,539 My trouble is the case is unusual. 151 00:07:23,539 --> 00:07:26,819 You're gonna have to give me more than that. 152 00:07:26,819 --> 00:07:29,129 Are you familiar with the Spanish Steps in Kalorama? 153 00:07:29,129 --> 00:07:31,530 Sure. What about 'em? 154 00:07:31,530 --> 00:07:36,340 They found Phillip Steeples's body on the pool patio of an adjacent house. 155 00:07:36,340 --> 00:07:42,270 It seems he fell from the roof and died from a harsh, blunt injury to his head. 156 00:07:42,270 --> 00:07:45,830 The trouble is the medical examiner won't rule out foul play. 157 00:07:45,830 --> 00:07:48,090 What does his policy say about murder? 158 00:07:48,090 --> 00:07:51,979 I thought double indemnity is paid out all the same for murder or accident. 159 00:07:51,979 --> 00:07:55,819 But not for suicide or the decedent's gross negligence. 160 00:07:55,819 --> 00:07:58,780 Still, none of that's in play. 161 00:07:58,780 --> 00:07:59,900 How come? 162 00:07:59,900 --> 00:08:02,419 He didn't have a life insurance policy. 163 00:08:02,419 --> 00:08:05,030 Then why the devil are you working the case? 164 00:08:05,030 --> 00:08:07,600 Ahh, lemme guess. 165 00:08:07,600 --> 00:08:11,011 The family wanted someone they trusted, so they tapped their local insurance 166 00:08:11,011 --> 00:08:14,080 investigator as their P.I. 167 00:08:14,080 --> 00:08:19,640 I've taken the odd case from them--whenever hired muscle couldn't get results. 168 00:08:19,640 --> 00:08:26,310 But when news of Phillip arrived, they recalled how we used to be friends. 169 00:08:26,310 --> 00:08:28,819 Used to be? 170 00:08:28,819 --> 00:08:32,880 He survived a nasty accident but was never the same after. 171 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:38,640 The family struggled to restore him to his former self, but his recovery proved complicated. 172 00:08:38,640 --> 00:08:42,469 Although his wounds healed, he feared the pain would return. 173 00:08:42,469 --> 00:08:45,740 Ultimately, he withdrew from the family, slipping away to Washington. 174 00:08:45,740 --> 00:08:49,350 So, are they paying you by the day or what? 175 00:08:49,350 --> 00:08:54,000 So far, just expenses, but Mr. Steeples isn't stingy. 176 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:57,860 After Phillip left home, the family took out a liability policy on him. 177 00:08:57,860 --> 00:09:00,070 They feared he might hurt someone. 178 00:09:00,070 --> 00:09:02,680 Sure, perhaps in another reckless driving incident. 179 00:09:02,680 --> 00:09:05,190 Ah. But the only one he hurt was himself. 180 00:09:05,190 --> 00:09:06,589 So it seems. 181 00:09:06,589 --> 00:09:10,360 At least your company won't have to pay out on his policy. 182 00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:11,203 Mr. Somersby-- 183 00:09:11,203 --> 00:09:12,459 Please call me Torsten. 184 00:09:12,459 --> 00:09:18,450 Well, Torsten, I'm outta my depth in our nation's capital, and the Steeples are expecting answers-- 185 00:09:18,450 --> 00:09:19,841 And you haven't got any. 186 00:09:19,841 --> 00:09:21,479 Just a few clues. 187 00:09:21,479 --> 00:09:24,578 Whose house was it where dear Phillip took the plunge? 188 00:09:24,578 --> 00:09:31,240 It belongs to Judge Krause from the Municipal Court, but he and his wife are still vacationing in Portugal. 189 00:09:31,240 --> 00:09:36,450 So, what do you figure the heir to a tobacco baron was doing there? 190 00:09:36,450 --> 00:09:38,579 That's one of several remaining mysteries. 191 00:09:38,579 --> 00:09:40,020 Did you visit the scene? 192 00:09:40,020 --> 00:09:41,860 It was my first stop. 193 00:09:41,860 --> 00:09:46,209 I can't say there was anything out of the ordinary except that he died on the wrong 194 00:09:46,209 --> 00:09:48,380 side of the property. 195 00:09:48,380 --> 00:09:50,880 Was there a right side to die on? 196 00:09:50,880 --> 00:09:51,920 Of course not. 197 00:09:51,920 --> 00:09:56,870 It's just that one could access the fourth floor via a stairwell. 198 00:09:56,870 --> 00:10:01,290 There's a rooftop gazebo and terrace, but it opens facing south. 199 00:10:01,290 --> 00:10:04,940 The Codman House is below, so we're talking a five or six-story drop. 200 00:10:04,940 --> 00:10:06,910 But he fell on the north side? 201 00:10:06,910 --> 00:10:10,770 Right, but the northernmost roofline is aligned with the lower third floor. 202 00:10:10,770 --> 00:10:14,019 So, not all that great a height from which to fall. 203 00:10:14,019 --> 00:10:16,060 I'd estimate around a thirty-foot drop. 204 00:10:16,060 --> 00:10:19,089 I see, so he did fall on the wrong side. 205 00:10:19,089 --> 00:10:22,470 It usually takes four stories for a lethal fall. 206 00:10:22,470 --> 00:10:25,470 But, if he struck his head and bled out-- 207 00:10:25,470 --> 00:10:26,960 That's the peculiar part. 208 00:10:26,960 --> 00:10:29,410 It seems he fell from a great height. 209 00:10:29,410 --> 00:10:31,480 Could he have crawled up and fallen? 210 00:10:31,480 --> 00:10:33,890 There wasn't a trellis or anything simple to climb. 211 00:10:33,890 --> 00:10:36,881 But, I mean, he fell from a height considerably higher than the roof. 212 00:10:36,881 --> 00:10:39,711 I don't understand. 213 00:10:40,820 --> 00:10:43,010 The body wasn't there when I arrived. 214 00:10:43,010 --> 00:10:45,450 Just a chalked outline and smashed patio bricks. 215 00:10:45,450 --> 00:10:47,940 You tellin' me he smashed apart the bricks? 216 00:10:47,940 --> 00:10:50,540 From less than four stories. 217 00:10:50,540 --> 00:10:52,160 Why that is peculiar. 218 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:56,459 We're still awaiting the medical examiner to complete his autopsy, but the detective 219 00:10:56,459 --> 00:11:01,211 who responded to the call reported that upon the ME's initial inspection, he 220 00:11:01,211 --> 00:11:03,970 determined most of Phillip's bones were broken. 221 00:11:03,970 --> 00:11:05,910 Who phoned it in? 222 00:11:05,910 --> 00:11:09,180 Someone's dog sniffed out the body around six in the morning. 223 00:11:09,180 --> 00:11:13,810 He kept barking his head off 'till the owner climbed the ivy to peek over the high 224 00:11:13,810 --> 00:11:14,750 cement fence. 225 00:11:14,900 --> 00:11:16,360 Smart pooch. 226 00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:22,100 Once they saw the body, they came to the front and rang the bell, but no one answered. 227 00:11:22,100 --> 00:11:25,770 So they went down the Spanish Steps and used the call box at Decatur and 22nd 228 00:11:25,770 --> 00:11:27,370 to reach the authorities. 229 00:11:27,370 --> 00:11:28,710 How'd they identify him? 230 00:11:28,710 --> 00:11:32,460 Last year, the North Carolina General Assembly required all automobile operators 231 00:11:32,460 --> 00:11:35,709 to start carrying a license listing their name and address. 232 00:11:35,709 --> 00:11:38,200 So, that's how the police reached his folks. 233 00:11:38,590 --> 00:11:44,010 Phillip's parents alerted his sister first, but their next call was to me. 234 00:11:44,010 --> 00:11:49,640 Once I agreed to take the case, I found their chauffeur at my door within a half hour. 235 00:11:49,640 --> 00:11:52,200 They reserved my train tickets at Raleigh Union Depot. 236 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:56,950 But, by the time I finally arrived in Washington, Phillip was on a slab. 237 00:11:56,950 --> 00:11:58,630 Who identified the body? 238 00:11:58,630 --> 00:12:00,570 I volunteered. 239 00:12:00,570 --> 00:12:06,070 For all his injuries, he was still the personable face I'd known growing up. 240 00:12:06,070 --> 00:12:07,930 Just lifeless. 241 00:12:07,930 --> 00:12:09,589 Are his folks on their way? 242 00:12:09,589 --> 00:12:13,510 No, the Steeples are too distraught to make any journey at the moment. 243 00:12:13,510 --> 00:12:17,910 They requested Phillip's body return to Zeugma once the medical examiner releases it. 244 00:12:17,910 --> 00:12:20,710 So, they tasked you with settling his affairs too? 245 00:12:20,710 --> 00:12:26,820 No, his sister and her husband took the train down from New York this afternoon. 246 00:12:26,820 --> 00:12:28,960 They should be at the Mayflower by now. 247 00:12:28,960 --> 00:12:30,260 Awaiting some answers? 248 00:12:30,260 --> 00:12:32,730 And I've few to offer them. 249 00:12:32,730 --> 00:12:33,890 Care for another drink? 250 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:35,830 [BAR NOISE] 251 00:12:35,830 --> 00:12:40,400 Now, you said the dog owner hadn't any luck ringing the bell but did Judge Krause 252 00:12:40,400 --> 00:12:42,470 have any staff? 253 00:12:42,470 --> 00:12:45,570 Someone must have given Phillip access to the premises. 254 00:12:45,570 --> 00:12:49,680 There wasn't a maid or a gardener on the scene when a beat cop let me through to 255 00:12:49,680 --> 00:12:51,600 the pool patio. 256 00:12:51,600 --> 00:12:55,860 If they have staff, perhaps they took leave at the same time as the Krauses? 257 00:12:55,860 --> 00:12:57,760 And about this pool. 258 00:12:57,760 --> 00:13:00,210 Could he have tried to dive in and missed? 259 00:13:00,210 --> 00:13:02,520 No one in their right mind would try it. 260 00:13:03,329 --> 00:13:04,910 Was he of sound mind? 261 00:13:04,910 --> 00:13:09,630 Well, by the look on your face, I'd say you harbor some doubt. 262 00:13:09,630 --> 00:13:12,199 I'd be indebted to you if you could assist me with this case. 263 00:13:12,199 --> 00:13:15,201 No, you'd be in debt because I don't do favors, Nige. 264 00:13:15,201 --> 00:13:16,790 [PAPER WRESTLING] 265 00:13:16,790 --> 00:13:20,870 Look, I'll pay you two "C" notes if you come with me to his room at the Cairo Hotel. 266 00:13:20,870 --> 00:13:23,850 I stopped by there just before I came to see you. 267 00:13:23,850 --> 00:13:25,170 I'm out of my depth. 268 00:13:25,170 --> 00:13:28,449 It wasn't the room of the young man I once knew. 269 00:13:28,449 --> 00:13:30,580 It's a goddamned oddball horde. 270 00:13:30,580 --> 00:13:32,580 Hmm. Interesting. 271 00:13:32,580 --> 00:13:34,230 I've been called an oddball before. 272 00:13:34,230 --> 00:13:36,959 Maybe Phillip and I had something in common. 273 00:13:36,959 --> 00:13:39,300 That's why I'd like you to take a look. 274 00:13:39,300 --> 00:13:42,279 Then there's more dough if you discover anything worth mentioning to Mrs. Barr. 275 00:13:42,279 --> 00:13:43,829 That the Steeples dame? 276 00:13:43,829 --> 00:13:44,829 Lilah. 277 00:13:44,829 --> 00:13:45,829 Lilah Barr. 278 00:13:45,829 --> 00:13:47,240 Who am I to turn down a gig? 279 00:13:47,240 --> 00:13:52,699 [THE PHONE RINGS ONCE. THE RECEIVER IS PICKED UP AND HUNG UP] 280 00:13:52,699 --> 00:13:54,320 You're not what I expected. 281 00:13:54,320 --> 00:13:55,710 Ah, come along. 282 00:13:55,710 --> 00:13:57,670 The Cairo's just a short stroll. 283 00:13:57,670 --> 00:13:59,560 Sounds like it's at least worth a gander. 284 00:13:59,560 --> 00:14:04,250 Besides, we shouldn't keep Mrs. Big Smokes waiting too long. 285 00:14:04,250 --> 00:14:13,426 [TRANSITION MUSIC] 286 00:14:13,426 --> 00:14:16,826 [LATE-NIGHT TRAFFIC] 287 00:14:16,826 --> 00:14:19,690 So, I gotta ask, that case of yours. 288 00:14:19,690 --> 00:14:21,420 You sure you ain't a reporter? 289 00:14:21,420 --> 00:14:24,000 C'mon. One investigator to another. 290 00:14:24,010 --> 00:14:25,139 Why'd you take the case? 291 00:14:25,139 --> 00:14:27,170 Cause I'm a believer. 292 00:14:27,170 --> 00:14:32,300 Not in all things, but well within the realm most folks think unfathomable. 293 00:14:32,300 --> 00:14:34,980 So you honestly thought that little girl was possessed? 294 00:14:34,980 --> 00:14:36,890 I thought her parents deserved to have a P.I. 295 00:14:36,890 --> 00:14:40,390 check out the Diocese's track record on exorcisms. 296 00:14:40,390 --> 00:14:42,470 You think they'll still let you take communion? 297 00:14:42,470 --> 00:14:44,759 They can keep it. I ain't a parishioner. 298 00:14:44,759 --> 00:14:46,070 But you believe in possession? 299 00:14:46,070 --> 00:14:48,720 Sure, as the day is long. 300 00:14:48,720 --> 00:14:50,519 But not in that case? 301 00:14:50,519 --> 00:14:52,579 No, the parents should be locked up. 302 00:14:52,579 --> 00:14:56,030 They had that poor girl under their own spell of self-delusion. 303 00:14:56,030 --> 00:14:59,510 Now, her fate lies in the hands of a social worker. 304 00:14:59,510 --> 00:15:02,250 Against a family as wealthy as Midas. 305 00:15:02,250 --> 00:15:05,829 The great irony is the press might be her only ally. 306 00:15:05,829 --> 00:15:07,870 So, that's why you talked to that reporter. 307 00:15:07,870 --> 00:15:11,789 I thought she might show greater discretion if she understood the matter. 308 00:15:11,789 --> 00:15:13,209 Proved me the dummy. 309 00:15:13,209 --> 00:15:14,819 [OPENING OF A HEAVY GLASS DOOR. 310 00:15:15,209 --> 00:15:16,650 We don't have to stop at reception. 311 00:15:16,650 --> 00:15:17,650 I've still got a key. 312 00:15:17,650 --> 00:15:20,520 Good. Then this will be the quickest double "C"s I've ever snagged. 313 00:15:20,520 --> 00:15:23,759 You might want to wait till you see the room. 314 00:15:23,759 --> 00:15:25,419 Darn. 315 00:15:25,419 --> 00:15:26,670 The Elevator Operator's on break. 316 00:15:26,670 --> 00:15:28,070 It is late. 317 00:15:28,070 --> 00:15:29,070 Stairs? 318 00:15:29,070 --> 00:15:31,079 Sure, but how high are we climbing? 319 00:15:31,079 --> 00:15:32,079 Just three flights. 320 00:15:32,079 --> 00:15:35,301 It's probably for the best. When they installed the elevators, I heard 321 00:15:35,301 --> 00:15:37,860 someone fell down from the top of one of these shafts. 322 00:15:37,860 --> 00:15:39,550 Ouch. When would that have been? 323 00:15:39,550 --> 00:15:41,100 Some forty-odd years ago. 324 00:15:41,100 --> 00:15:43,279 Do you suppose the shaft is haunted? 325 00:15:43,279 --> 00:15:44,740 Oh, he didn't die. 326 00:15:44,740 --> 00:15:48,000 Nah, the fella limped home and phoned for a doctor to come around. 327 00:15:48,000 --> 00:15:49,380 Bananas. 328 00:15:49,380 --> 00:15:51,380 It's true. I swear. 329 00:15:51,380 --> 00:15:54,399 [THE STAIRWELL DOOR OPENS. FOOTSTEPS] 330 00:15:54,399 --> 00:15:57,090 Phillip's room is right over here. 331 00:15:57,090 --> 00:15:59,609 [UNLOCKING OF WOODEN DOOR] 332 00:15:59,609 --> 00:16:01,681 I don't know how to prepare you-- 333 00:16:01,681 --> 00:16:02,791 Judas priest. 334 00:16:02,791 --> 00:16:07,918 [DOOR CLOSES. MELENCHOLY MUSIC] 335 00:16:07,918 --> 00:16:12,000 He's been in Washington just shy of a year, but he managed to collect quite a library. 336 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:15,321 Minus the shelves. Look at these towering stacks. 337 00:16:15,321 --> 00:16:18,899 Oddball horde is right. I don't like it. 338 00:16:18,899 --> 00:16:19,899 Not one bit. 339 00:16:19,899 --> 00:16:21,330 What, the books? 340 00:16:21,330 --> 00:16:23,150 The atmosphere. 341 00:16:23,150 --> 00:16:26,209 It's tinged with malevolence. 342 00:16:26,209 --> 00:16:27,460 You a medium, too? 343 00:16:27,460 --> 00:16:31,220 Nah, you don't need to be one to sense something wrong went down here. 344 00:16:31,220 --> 00:16:34,768 C'mon. Let's see what kind of wild lit we're working with here. 345 00:16:36,000 --> 00:16:40,130 Clairvoyance, Thought-forms, The Etheric Double: 346 00:16:40,130 --> 00:16:41,569 The Health Aura of Man. 347 00:16:41,569 --> 00:16:46,250 All I can make of this rubbish is Phillip must have gone slap-happy. 348 00:16:46,250 --> 00:16:47,839 No argument there. 349 00:16:47,839 --> 00:16:51,399 Still, there's got to be some common theme here. 350 00:16:51,399 --> 00:16:52,730 Anything by the desk? 351 00:16:52,730 --> 00:16:54,920 Just an Underwood without any paper. 352 00:16:54,920 --> 00:16:57,819 He's got the Sunday Star open to F-4. 353 00:16:57,819 --> 00:17:02,600 A hand-drawn map detailing John Wilkes Booth's escape route from Ford's Theater. 354 00:17:02,600 --> 00:17:03,600 Keep looking. 355 00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:08,459 The next issue is from the eleventh, open to B-6. 356 00:17:08,459 --> 00:17:10,060 It's a listing of all the Sunday services. 357 00:17:10,060 --> 00:17:13,570 Something tells me he wasn't attending the Presbyterian Church of the Pilgrims. 358 00:17:13,570 --> 00:17:15,220 He was raised Methodist. 359 00:17:15,220 --> 00:17:16,220 Yeah? 360 00:17:16,220 --> 00:17:20,929 Still, I bet he wasn't attending Foundry Methodist, either. 361 00:17:20,929 --> 00:17:22,640 He's got several bookmarks in this gem. 362 00:17:22,640 --> 00:17:24,579 What have we here? 363 00:17:24,579 --> 00:17:29,479 The Secret Doctrine by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. 364 00:17:29,479 --> 00:17:32,060 And this is just volume one. 365 00:17:32,060 --> 00:17:36,520 Oh, brother, we're in for a wild ride if he's studying this broad. 366 00:17:36,520 --> 00:17:37,520 Who is she? 367 00:17:37,520 --> 00:17:40,220 A corpse, thank the lord. 368 00:17:40,220 --> 00:17:42,100 There's a newsletter stuffed inside. 369 00:17:42,100 --> 00:17:48,100 Here we are--the American Theosophist Society in America. 370 00:17:48,100 --> 00:17:52,049 Madame Blavatsky was a Theosophist. 371 00:17:52,049 --> 00:17:54,820 The Theosophist, in fact. 372 00:17:54,820 --> 00:17:56,410 A what? 373 00:17:56,410 --> 00:17:58,000 A Theosophist. 374 00:17:58,000 --> 00:18:01,390 To be honest, I'm not sure what they believe. 375 00:18:01,390 --> 00:18:05,840 I bet I have some of their lit in my home library, but they're an obscure bunch. 376 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:11,250 I think they reinterpreted ancient religions, which is something I comprehend pretty well. 377 00:18:11,250 --> 00:18:12,460 What is their interpretation? 378 00:18:12,460 --> 00:18:14,180 Well, who's to say? 379 00:18:14,180 --> 00:18:16,710 We'd have to read all this muck. 380 00:18:16,710 --> 00:18:19,700 So, is there anything useful here? 381 00:18:19,700 --> 00:18:21,200 Check the services on B-6. 382 00:18:21,200 --> 00:18:23,720 [WRESTLING NEWSPAPERS] What am I looking for? 383 00:18:23,720 --> 00:18:26,830 There ought to be a listing for Theosophy. 384 00:18:26,830 --> 00:18:28,830 You're joking. 385 00:18:28,830 --> 00:18:34,809 Look for their symbol, an Ankh in the center of the Star of David, with a Swastika overhead. 386 00:18:34,809 --> 00:18:36,630 A Swastika! 387 00:18:36,630 --> 00:18:37,640 Bananas. 388 00:18:37,640 --> 00:18:40,170 In an American paper? 389 00:18:40,170 --> 00:18:43,631 Son of a gun, look at that, you're right. 390 00:18:43,631 --> 00:18:45,291 Theosophy. 391 00:18:45,291 --> 00:18:48,550 They're listed right above the Presbyterian Church of the Pilgrims. 392 00:18:48,550 --> 00:18:50,450 That's a fine coincidence. 393 00:18:50,450 --> 00:18:54,140 And the Swastika's been around a few thousand years before those Nazi bastards 394 00:18:54,140 --> 00:18:56,050 stumbled upon it. 395 00:18:56,050 --> 00:18:58,169 The Theosophists have two lodges in town. 396 00:18:58,169 --> 00:19:01,260 One has a service Sunday on The Memory of Past Lives. 397 00:19:01,260 --> 00:19:03,610 Ohh, wait, that's April fifth. 398 00:19:03,610 --> 00:19:04,610 This Sunday's Easter. 399 00:19:04,610 --> 00:19:09,769 Ahh, I opened the wrong B-6, although the Washington Lodge runs weekly classes at 400 00:19:09,769 --> 00:19:13,090 eight in the evening. Tuesday is Blavatsky Class. 401 00:19:13,090 --> 00:19:15,370 Oh, brother, glad we missed hers. 402 00:19:15,370 --> 00:19:18,010 Hey, there's also one tomorrow night. 403 00:19:18,010 --> 00:19:22,059 Every Friday, they run an Elementary Theosophy Class. 404 00:19:22,059 --> 00:19:24,049 Perfect for newcomers. 405 00:19:24,049 --> 00:19:25,049 Where are they located? 406 00:19:25,049 --> 00:19:28,279 At 1216 H Street Northwest. 407 00:19:28,279 --> 00:19:30,539 [TAP ON THE TIN BOX] Well, now. 408 00:19:30,539 --> 00:19:34,380 Take a look at this gem hiding beneath Isis Unveiled. 409 00:19:34,380 --> 00:19:35,380 What is it? 410 00:19:35,380 --> 00:19:38,510 It appears to be a field medic's treatment tin. 411 00:19:38,510 --> 00:19:39,970 From the war? 412 00:19:39,970 --> 00:19:42,139 Let's peek inside. [OPENING OF TIN BOX] 413 00:19:42,139 --> 00:19:45,874 Ether, Stovaine, Sparteine-- 414 00:19:45,874 --> 00:19:47,091 Any morphine? 415 00:19:47,091 --> 00:19:50,730 Nope, that vial's missing. Why'd you ask? 416 00:19:50,730 --> 00:19:52,370 Call it a hunch. 417 00:19:52,370 --> 00:19:54,280 Young Phillip into morphine? 418 00:19:54,280 --> 00:19:55,740 Why else would he have the tin? 419 00:19:55,740 --> 00:19:58,570 [CLOSING OF TIN BOX] Nige, I'm short on answers here. 420 00:19:58,570 --> 00:20:01,990 You're the one that grew up with him. [SAD MUSIC] 421 00:20:01,990 --> 00:20:03,780 Phillip was in a nasty accident. 422 00:20:03,780 --> 00:20:07,659 He wound his brand new Lincoln Model K around a telephone pole near Troy. 423 00:20:07,659 --> 00:20:09,470 Spent months in the hospital. 424 00:20:09,470 --> 00:20:11,870 Was never the same after. 425 00:20:11,870 --> 00:20:14,240 You think he got hooked on morphine? 426 00:20:14,240 --> 00:20:15,240 Could be. 427 00:20:15,240 --> 00:20:17,890 I know he began acting erratic after his discharge. 428 00:20:17,890 --> 00:20:20,110 I didn't see much of him back then. 429 00:20:20,110 --> 00:20:22,630 But it wasn't long before he left home. 430 00:20:22,630 --> 00:20:27,700 That when his folks came round to take out the liability policy? 431 00:20:27,700 --> 00:20:28,700 I see. 432 00:20:28,700 --> 00:20:29,909 Neat coincidence. 433 00:20:29,909 --> 00:20:32,640 Now we find a treatment tin missing a morphine vial. 434 00:20:32,640 --> 00:20:36,350 But I still don't get what drew him to Washington. 435 00:20:36,350 --> 00:20:38,460 Or what sustained his attention? 436 00:20:38,460 --> 00:20:41,020 This isn't exactly a bachelor's quarters. 437 00:20:41,020 --> 00:20:43,460 Not an inviting one, at least for the uninitiated. 438 00:20:43,460 --> 00:20:46,880 Are you suggesting he entertained visitors in this horde? 439 00:20:46,880 --> 00:20:51,850 I know dames who would climb Kilimanjaro for a tobacco baron's heir. 440 00:20:51,850 --> 00:20:56,780 Let alone plot a course through a maze of odd books to arrive in his comfy bed. 441 00:20:56,780 --> 00:20:59,130 Anythings possible. 442 00:20:59,130 --> 00:21:01,190 Did you look around for any correspondence? 443 00:21:01,190 --> 00:21:04,591 I'd anticipate a few notes from home if he were here for so long. 444 00:21:04,591 --> 00:21:07,860 Just a letter from his mother, asking him 445 00:21:07,860 --> 00:21:09,919 if he'd consider coming home for Easter. 446 00:21:09,919 --> 00:21:13,630 He'll be home all right, but not the way she envisioned. 447 00:21:13,630 --> 00:21:19,410 A telegram was sent Monday from the Belvedere Hotel in Baltimore. 448 00:21:19,410 --> 00:21:22,620 Says, Called but no answer. 449 00:21:22,620 --> 00:21:24,049 Ring yes or no. 450 00:21:24,049 --> 00:21:25,049 Holding package. 451 00:21:25,049 --> 00:21:27,510 [SHUFFLING OF PAPERS] No sign of a response. 452 00:21:27,510 --> 00:21:31,370 Odd for a man to toss out all his correspondence. 453 00:21:31,370 --> 00:21:33,780 Oh, Phillip was always very secretive. 454 00:21:33,780 --> 00:21:35,950 Learned it from his father. 455 00:21:35,950 --> 00:21:40,029 Men learn all manners of sin from their fathers. 456 00:21:40,029 --> 00:21:41,640 Perhaps Mrs. Barr might know more? 457 00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:42,640 [DESK DRAWER PULLED OUT] 458 00:21:42,640 --> 00:21:43,640 [KNOCKING ON WOOD] 459 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:44,640 If I didn't know better. 460 00:21:44,640 --> 00:21:47,220 What is it? [A PIECE OF WOOD SLIDES OUT FROM THE DRAWER] 461 00:21:47,220 --> 00:21:50,059 A false-bottom drawer. 462 00:21:50,059 --> 00:21:51,169 Something inside too. 463 00:21:51,169 --> 00:21:52,880 You think Phillip was running a racket? 464 00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:55,260 Maybe it's his ledger. 465 00:21:55,260 --> 00:21:57,330 Looks more like a diary. 466 00:21:57,330 --> 00:21:58,990 It's marked C.E. 467 00:21:58,990 --> 00:22:01,200 Let's take a gander. 468 00:22:01,200 --> 00:22:05,309 Oh boy, this handwriting is a challenge. 469 00:22:05,309 --> 00:22:07,610 It's not a ledger. 470 00:22:07,610 --> 00:22:12,190 I can make out the date for this entry, June 5th, 1919. 471 00:22:12,190 --> 00:22:15,388 [DEEP BASS] Whoa, we lose power? 472 00:22:15,388 --> 00:22:18,000 Nah. It was just a flicker. 473 00:22:18,000 --> 00:22:22,016 [A BIRD STRIKES THE WINDOW. FOOTSTEPS] 474 00:22:22,016 --> 00:22:24,658 Christ.I think that was a raven. 475 00:22:25,017 --> 00:22:29,380 Best if I take the journal. I've got a gift for deciphering difficult penmanship. 476 00:22:29,380 --> 00:22:30,810 Here. Be my guest. 477 00:22:30,810 --> 00:22:33,699 [KEY INSERTED INTO THE DOOR. FINGERS SNAP] Bathroom. Now. 478 00:22:33,699 --> 00:22:35,299 [TENSE MUSIC] 479 00:22:35,299 --> 00:22:37,660 Who's that? [DOOR OPENS] I thought you had the only key? 480 00:22:37,660 --> 00:22:39,320 I do. At least, I thought I did. 481 00:22:39,320 --> 00:22:39,820 You got a piece on you? 482 00:22:39,820 --> 00:22:42,000 Never. Do you? 483 00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:44,121 [FOOTSTEPS ON HARDWOOD] Gimme the toilet paper roll. 484 00:22:44,121 --> 00:22:44,851 What? 485 00:22:44,851 --> 00:22:45,851 Just do it. 486 00:22:46,271 --> 00:22:48,391 [REMOVAL OF TOILET PAPER ROLL] Here. Now what? 487 00:22:48,391 --> 00:22:50,740 No dummy. I want the cylinder. And gimme your jacket. 488 00:22:51,091 --> 00:22:51,941 What? 489 00:22:53,170 --> 00:22:54,151 Alright. Here. 490 00:22:54,151 --> 00:22:55,151 Thanks. 491 00:22:55,451 --> 00:22:56,451 What now? 492 00:22:56,870 --> 00:22:59,909 Time for our friend to stare down the barrel. 493 00:22:59,909 --> 00:23:00,940 And if he's got iron? 494 00:23:00,940 --> 00:23:03,859 Then we rush him before he shoots. 495 00:23:03,859 --> 00:23:04,979 Bananas. 496 00:23:04,979 --> 00:23:05,790 You ready? 497 00:23:05,790 --> 00:23:06,290 Heck no, I'm not. 498 00:23:06,290 --> 00:23:09,479 On three. One. Two. Three! 499 00:23:09,479 --> 00:23:11,479 [THE DOOR KICKS OPEN] Whoa! Who the devil-- 500 00:23:11,479 --> 00:23:14,198 Hands up, buster. The devil's the least of your worries. 501 00:23:17,646 --> 00:23:22,982 Dupont Investigations is written by Marc Benjamin Langston and directed, edited, and sound-designed by‌ Bryce Bowyn. 502 00:23:22,982 --> 00:23:30,618 Keep your ears in the 1930s by becoming a DUPONT INVESTIGATOR. 503 00:23:30,618 --> 00:23:34,554 Access our private discord server–The Inside Scoop–or explore 504 00:23:34,554 --> 00:23:41,590 Torsten Somersby's recovered case file by visiting Nocturnehall.com/investigator 505 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:46,029 Dupont Investigations: The Scourge from Carthage Part 1 features 506 00:23:46,029 --> 00:23:48,220 Kara Turner as IRMA KRAUSE 507 00:23:48,220 --> 00:23:50,549 Ryan McLean as PHILLIP STEEPLES 508 00:23:50,549 --> 00:23:53,179 Marc Benjamin Langston as TORSTEN SOMERSBY 509 00:23:53,179 --> 00:23:55,570 Jacob Lowman as NIGEL CLEMMONS 510 00:23:55,570 --> 00:23:58,300 And Joshua Hall as CALDER EVANS 511 00:23:58,960 --> 00:24:04,010 The Original theme song, Devils of Dupont, written and performed by Bryce Bowyn, 512 00:24:04,010 --> 00:24:06,630 is available wherever you stream music. 513 00:24:06,630 --> 00:24:11,290 For individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders in the 514 00:24:11,290 --> 00:24:18,350 United States, listeners can call the free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. 515 00:24:18,350 --> 00:24:22,460 That’s 1-800-662-H-E-L-P. 516 00:24:22,460 --> 00:24:22,960 [THEME MUSIC]