January 16, 2024 • 29 mins
After encountering Abe Rhodes in the lobby of the Mayflower Hotel—seeking an audience with Phillip Steeples’ sister—the investigators discover Phillip’s attempt to kick his morphine dependency and his belief in the occult as a means to accomplish sobriety.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Nocturne Hall presents an original audio drama intended only for an adult audience.
(00:08):
Devils walk among us. Some just a mile north of the White House. Whether conjured or elected,
they prey on the innocent all the same. Most won't even listen,
so folks knock on the one door in the district of crime who will. Dupont Investigations.
[Music (00:36):
I never thought my heart would mend] [Music
It's you and me until the end] [Music
Just the devils, the devils of Dupont] [Music
(01:03):
This is The Scourge from Carthage Part 5.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC] [ELEVATOR DINGS.] Stop, thief! [FIRE DOOR SLAMS.]
Lilah, I'm on him.
[THE FIRE DOOR OPENS. STAIRWELL ECHO OF HURRIED DESCENT.]
Rhodes, you're making a huge mistake. [PISTOL FIRES TWICE] Holy hell! Are you nuts? Take another shot at me,
(01:23):
pal, and I'll plug your ass with that gat! [A DOWNSTAIRS FIRE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
Dammitt. Where's he off to now? [A FIRE DOOR UPSTAIRS OPENS.]
Nigel! Are you alright?
I'm fine, Lilah.
Should we phone the police?
I'm sure someone already has. Besides, we're trying to keep your name out of the papers.
No book is worth your life. Especially the ramblings of dear Phillip. C'mon,
I'll fix you a drink.
(01:43):
It's not even noon yet.
Someone just took a shot at you!
Not just anyone. Abe Rhodes. [THE FIRE DOOR CLOSES] [ELEVATOR DINGS]
It all happened so fast.
You two have anything to do with that nogoodnik I just saw running like a bat out of hell through the Promenade Foyer?
I'm afraid so.
Wait, you don't think it was Abe?
(02:04):
I barely saw 'em. Mrs. Barr, you probably got a better look at him.
He was striking, olive-skinned, chestnut hair, I'd guess late thirties or early forties.
That's definitely not Mr. Rhodes.
No, sounds more like Calder Evans.
That's possible. I'd never met Mr. Evans before, and the thief said he was a friend of Phillip's.
(02:25):
Asked if I'd received his manuscript, and as soon as I pointed at the fresh parcel on the buffet,
the handsome devil snatched it and bolted toward the stairwell. Heavens. After all the times he's
mooched on Phillip's allowance, now he has the gall to rob me of the last part of
Phillip. Do you have a piece, Nigel?
Not on me. I'd have followed him down the stairs if I did. Why?
(02:49):
Cause I'd like to shoot him dead myself.
Understandable, Mrs. Barr. But I'm not confident whether it was him I saw
downstairs. He was too far off and galloping fast. Where's your husband, may I ask?
He's in the bedroom nursing one of the worst hangovers of his life. Some men are
completely useless when they're needed the most.
(03:09):
It's probably a good thing he's in bed. Our thief took a shot at me in the stairwell.
Criminy.
Do you suppose Irma could have sent someone to steal it back?
She is dastardly.
Ms. Irma Krause? That's whose name was on the parcel.
It would be a bold move, but so were those letters from her lawyer.
And he might return it into her hands.
(03:29):
I don't know much about unpublished manuscripts, but they say possession is nine-tenths of the law.
Sure, she might claim it's hers and sell it outright. Cutting out the estate altogether.
She was keen to sell it.
Who would buy Phillip's mad ramblings? Last we spoke about his work; he was talking all manner of gibberish--utter nonsense.
(03:50):
I often fibbed excuses to clear the line.
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.
But is it worth a murder rap?
Maybe your goon fired a warning shot?
Who's to say?
You're still here to talk about it, so I'd guess it was a mean bark.
(04:11):
I'm sure glad it didn't bite.
Me too.
So, who's this other gentleman you spoke of?
A man named Abe Rhodes. He says he had something personal to discuss with you about Phillip.
Odd. Phillip never mentioned him. Where's he now?
I'm not sure where he went. Must have left. Although, I can't imagine why. I told him to
(04:35):
wait for me while I phoned Torsten.
Maybe someone gave him trouble.
Sure. The desk clerk was rather cold to him. Mr. Rhodes said his cousin is on staff as a bellman.
Delivered champagne on Thursday. That's how he knew the Barrs were guests here.
You should try to get something out of the bellman about where we can find his cousin.
What about you?
(04:55):
I'll pay a visit to the address Mr. Evans provided in Eastern Market.
You ought to take my piece.
Won't need it.
Are you nuts?
If he was dumb enough to give us a legit location, he's too innocent to worry about.
And if not?
Then I'll wind up on someone else's front steps.
I hope you're right, Mr. Somersby. Although, if Mr. Evans is in any way
connected to Phillip's death, I hope you would consider adopting a harsher tone.
(05:19):
Don't you worry, Mrs. Barr. Still, at some point, I think he tried to help Phillip. However, it may
have done more harm than good.
What do you mean?
It's too premature to say. I'll go check out his address. Nige, let's meet back at my office
in an hour.
Alright. [SUBTLE NOIR MUSIC]
(05:50):
[A GLASS AND WOODEN DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS.] There you are, but how did you get into my inner office?
The door was open.
I may have left in a hurry, but I always lock up.
You take Calder's journal with you? No, I left it right next to the--
Telephone, I remember. But it isn't here.
You kidding me?
No games.
And they didn't break the glass.
Looks like a professional heist, alright.
(06:10):
Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
What, that Calder Evans used to be a thief?
And I don't suppose you found him at home?
What at the United Food Stores he sent me to? Not a chance.
He doesn't live above it or something--
Nothing of the sort. Even waving a Lincoln
in their faces, nobody'd ever heard of him or anyone matching his description.
So where do you think he's holed up?
I haven't a clue, but he's the only one we know after both Phillip's manuscript and his war journal.
(06:34):
Still, there's something that doesn't add up.
And I thought you were the one with a new theory.
[TELEPHONE RINGS]
You gonna answer it this time?
Good thing I didn't have it disconnected.
[TELEPHONE RINGS] [PICK UP THE RECEIVER]
Dupont Investigations.
May I please speak with Mr. Somersby?
You've found him.
Hello, sir. My name is Mr. Cornelius Steeples.
(06:56):
Holy smokes. Hello, Mr. Steeples. I've got Mr. Clemmons right beside me.
Oh, good. My daughter, Lilah, informed me he's just been shot at. Would you mind if I spoke with him?
Not at all, sir. I'll put him on. [PASSING RECEIVER]
Hello, Mr. Steeples.
Oh, son. I'm so glad to hear your voice.
The thought of losing another person to this damn cult. Why it would be too much to bear.
(07:20):
Thank you, sir, but I can't say for certain their at fault for Phillip's demise--
Come now. Lilah told me enough about how they got their hooks deep into my boy. We keep waiting for
some fancy attorney to arrive from Raleigh with a phony copy of Phillip's last will and testament,
willing all his assets to that damn Washington Lodge of Theosophy.
(07:41):
Do you expect such a thing to arrive?
I already asked my general counsel to explore options for filing something to squash it. I just can't figure out what
other interest they would have in Phillip besides his trust. Why I'd wager, there are
over half a million dollars in this account.
We haven't uncovered any ploy for money apart from selling his manuscript. However, that suspect sent it back to Lilah this morning. So,
(08:06):
it's murky as to her motives. We're still considering whether she had it stolen back, but after interviewing
her, money doesn't seem a likely motivator. She's pretty well-off in her own right.
I didn't call to burden your investigation. It sounds like you're knee-deep in the thick
of it. I just heard the bastards took a shot at you, and it got me piping hot. Son,
(08:28):
you were a good friend to Phillip, and if they'd harmed you--well, god help them.
Thank you for your concern, sir. They got what they were after,
so I don't expect any more shootouts.
I pray not. I wish Phillip would have turned
to you for help instead of these people. I hope we soon know the full extent of their ploy.
Mr. Somersby believes we're close to uncovering the truth, sir.
(08:51):
Good. I'm glad you recruited some local talent. Sounds like you'll need him against
these scheming spivs. Whatever it is these lunatics were after, I want you to know,
son, if there's anyone who can stop them, our faith is in you now, Nigel.
I appreciate your confidence.
Phillip may have had his faults, but he was a good lad. You know that.
Of course I do, sir.
(09:12):
Right. Well, I won't take up any more of your time. Take care, son. I don't expect we'll
anticipate you home by Easter Sunday.
No, I expect it will take a bit longer than Sunday, I'm afraid.
Understood. Goodbye, son.
Goodbye, sir. [HANGS UP THE RECEIVER]
Nice of Mr. Steeples to call. I'm sure he's eager for some answers. Did you find out
(09:33):
anything more about Mr. Rhodes? His cousin wouldn't give out his
number. He was more than a bit mistrustful.
Understandable. So, did he give us anything?
Sure. Rhodes plays alto sax on Saturday nights at Republic Gardens on U Street. Do you know it?
I know of it. I haven't been there personally, although I hear they welcome our kind.
Who, whites? Well sure, them too, but I meant the funny kind.
(09:56):
Oh. Who knows, we might end up having quite a time.
I don't feel much like celebrating.
We're close, Nige. So very close.
You keep saying that while our client's been robbed, I've been shot at,
and Phillip's estate is poised to lose all its jack to the New Age nuthouse.
Who seeks shall find.
If that's another gosh-darn Sophocles quote--
(10:17):
Ah, drop the act. You know he's growing on you. Besides, No enemy is worse than bad advice.
[UPTEMPO JAZZ MUSIC] [APPLAUSE] [ALLEY STAGE DOOR OPENS]
Haha. Barry got some nice licks in for sure on that last one. Makin' that horn sing. Ohh,
(10:38):
hey, fellas, lemme catch up with you in a few. These hotshots need a word.
Evening, Mr. Rhodes. Pardon, but I never got your name, sir.
Nigel Clemmons. And this is my associate, Mr. Torsten Somersby.
Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rhodes.
Nigel. Wow, that Nigel?
I'm sorry?
Phillip told me you two were close back in his Zeugma days.
(11:02):
Look, whatever Phillip told you--
It's alright. I ain't one to judge. If you did a lap inside, you'd find plenty of sweet nellys,
and we're playing our hearts out for 'em.
Sorry to catch you on your break--
It's no trouble. I expected you'd turn up at some point after I left Mr. Clemmons high and
dry this morning at the Mayflower.
Why didn't you stick around for me?
Believe it or not, that twit of a desk clerk threatened
(11:23):
to call the coppers on me for loitering. So you got outta there before all the commotion?
I sure as heck wasn't sticking around for no coppers to turn up.
He meant the thief who I chased through the hotel after he nabbed Phillip's manuscript
from his sister's room.
That dumb book? Shoot.
It ain't worth chasin' nobody.
Maybe, but to someone, it's worth enough to steal. Have any idea who that might be?
Well, sure. Phillip's screwball lady friend
(11:45):
thinks she can sell it. But I thought she was the one who had it last.
She did until she had it delivered to the Mayflower this morning.
And someone snatched it on arrival?
Almost. Quite the coincidence.
I'll say.
And you don't know anything about this, I suppose?
Nothing comes to mind.
That's too bad. We've got a C note for some information.
(12:06):
Nah, I'm not after your money. I haven't earned any right to it.
Why don't we start with your business with Mrs. Barr this morning, and we may just decide you've earned it?
I thought you'd overheard me give the clerk the room number and were headed straight there yourself.
Me, break into the Barrs' room. No sir. You got any fuckin' clue what they would do to me?
Knocking on a hotel room door ain't breaking and entering.
(12:28):
I don't take those kinds of risks. Come to speak of it, how'd you track me here anyhow?
Your cousin wouldn't tell us much, but he suggested we try here. He wouldn't
give up your address even for a Jackson.
Ha, Julian's a good soul. He probably thought you were going to ruff me up or something.
Who knows, we still might.
Ha, no. You fellas ain't got no cause for violence.
(12:49):
Where did Phillip get his dope? And we ain't talkin' reefer.
Oh, now I see how it is. You think a guy like me, with this face, and sure, I'm the dope pusher.
We figured you were trying to get some money Phillip owed from
Mrs. Barr. So, if not you, who?
You fellas have no damn clue.
Me, tryin' steal from Mrs. Barr! Just what in the heck do you think happened to Phillip?
(13:12):
We think he got hopped up one final time and fell to his death. Why? You got a different story?
Heck yeah, I got a different story. Doggone it. I still can't believe he's dead.
Here. Have a drink.
Thanks. [FLASK UNSCREWED.
Phillip waltzed in here one night last July. It was so hot we about melted
(13:34):
on stage. I watched him wander in alone from the back and work his way close to
the stage. Those sweet innocent baby blue eyes. He bought me a cold one at our first break.
He became a regular?
You bet, but we became close too.
Mrs. Barr told us Phillip spent most of his coin entertaining
Mr. Calder Evans. She never mentioned you.
'Cause I never let Phillip dote on me much.
(13:56):
Plus, I ain't got no expensive tastes like Calder. Heck, half the joints they'd visit would let
me through nothing but the service entrance, and even then, they'd assume I'm the help. Nah,
Calder found himself a meal ticket with Phillip. And he knew it.
Did you know Calder had a key to Phillip's room? No, but I'm not surprised. Calder was obsessed
with Phillip. You see, Calder saw Phillip as his little project. They met at that damn Theosophy
(14:20):
den, but once Phillip revealed his dope troubles, Calder couldn't resist meddling in his affairs.
What do you mean by meddling? Testing his damned theory. How much
of Calder's past do you know about?
Well, we got his ghost story down.
He told you about it?
No, but we read his journal.
We had it in our possession until someone stole it from my office earlier today.
(14:41):
Quite a lot of thievery today.
All related to Mr. Evans.
He and Phillip made a perfect pair. Phillip wanted desperately to believe Calder's wild
experience abroad. It fit square with the rest of those Theosophists' mumbo jumbo.
The trouble was me, I suppose.
How'd you get in the way?
When we were at some fancy Theosophist's house for a New Years' party. There,
(15:02):
for the first time, I saw Phillip down some odd tablets. When I confronted him about it later,
he snapped at me like a crocodile. Afterward, he apologized, at some length,
for his temper. Finally, he divulged his struggle with morph since ever his automobile accident.
It took you six months to notice he was a hophead?
It seems crazy now, looking back, but yeah. I just thought he was a real mellow cat. Always
(15:26):
reading his books. He listened to a lot of classical radio programs. But I'd seen
him animated before. He'd get all excited about whatever subject he was reading about. And he was
always typin' away. He might not have had proper employment but took his writing seriously. Still,
I never saw him snap at anyone until that party. Not under any circumstance.
(15:48):
You said before you tried to help him. Well, sure. I lost an uncle to morph. Never
saw him again after I turned six. It caused his heart to quit on him. You see, your body keeps
a ledger with morph. You take two tabs one day it wants two or more the next. And on and on. For the
most part, Phillip kept his habit a secret, but everyone slips up from time to time.
(16:11):
He slipped too hard this last time.
Lord almighty, ain't that the damn truth.
Hurts like Dickens, too, just sayin' it out loud. My granddad told me he, too,
struggled with the stuff. My gram threatened to leave him if he didn't stop, so he got sober.
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.
(16:35):
Why?
That damn Calder had him convinced the only way to kick morph was to rap with some ghost.
What do you mean?
Calder was convinced whatever words she'd spoken to him in Latin were what cured him. Of course,
Phillip clued Calder in about his ghost most likely being some early Christian from North
Africa. After that, Calder became fanatical.
(16:55):
You mean with a medium?
They tried a parade of mediums and clairvoyants. They held
several s ances in Phillip's room, but--
She never showed. Criminy. The fools.
Nah. They and all their friends from that devil's den were foolin' themselves. I kept
my trap shut through March. I thought, what the heck? Maybe some old spirit might come
(17:15):
through and convince Phillip to get straight. I also heard morph could make you see things,
so maybe he would imagine the whole thing.
And, when nothing appeared?
I got damn tired of Calder's charade. Phillip wanted to stay the course. His whole world
revolved around Calder's ghost coming through. I wish I would have pushed back sooner, but--
I'm remorseful his folks didn't send me here while I could have still made a difference.
(17:39):
Ah, me too, brother. Me too. Phillip needed better friends than those jackals. I got my
way just over a week ago. I convinced him to try my grandpappy's method to quit the dope.
Calder and Irma just went along with it?
I threatened to rat them out to his folks if they
got in my way. They became mighty deferential. Like they were walkin' on fuckin' eggshells.
(18:00):
What was your plan?
Ween him down to five grains and then cut him off cold turkey.
So you were dealing?
Heck no. I told you so. Calder kept the supply comin'. He knew
all sorts of tricks to keep our hopheadin business. He's a sinister son of a bitch.
So, Calder was dealing?
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.
(18:28):
I thought Calder made a living as a sign painter?
Is that what it was this time? Since I've known him, the bastard couldn't
keep a steady job. Suppose he didn't need one, though, after he met Phillip.
You saying Phillip made him a kept man? Calder's at least ten years older.
Nah. It wasn't like that. Phillip was more like Calder's patron with a fat pocketbook.
Lilah suspected they were romantically involved.
(18:50):
As close as they were, I can see how she may have gained that impression.
Who knows, maybe Calder even had feelings for Phillip.
And Phillip?
Nope. As far as I know. Unrequited as a bee sting.
Interesting.
Obviously, your granddad's cure didn't take.
Oh, I wouldn't say that. The first day was alright.
(19:12):
When Phillip still bought the idea his sugar bindles were loaded with morph. Then he
started to yawn uncontrollably, which is when he knew the last grain was out of his skin. Phillip
was too brilliant for his own good. Convinced his jaw would crack, which I heard happens to
folks--well, fear made him suffer even more.
I hear most morphine addicts fear their inital pain will return.
(19:36):
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.
Then the tough part came (19:43):
the waiting. A few days in, Phillip was just a shivering pool of sweat.
That's when the jackals descended.
Irma and Calder?
Yup. Irma barged in, demanding I allow her to try and sell Phillip's manuscript. She didn't
seem to appreciate Phillip's condition. And she didn't let it deter her either.
So you let her leave with Phillip's manuscript?
(20:05):
Sure. I can't say I much care for her, but I think
she had Phillip's best interests at heart. They shared a common belief in all that nutty shit.
Irma sent a telegram this past Monday. Wanted Phillip to ring her back. Holding package, it read.
Monday was the last day of Phillip's
withdrawal. He'd offered to buy me a Packard car for two grains of morph by that point. I
(20:25):
didn't bother him with Irma's telegram.
So, she wasn't lying about him failing to call her back?
No, Phillip never came near his desk for seven days.
And, on the eighth, let's see, that would be Tuesday?
Lemme see that flask again.
Certainly. [UNSCREW AND GULP]
You probably think I'm a lush.
(20:45):
Not in the least. We understand this is difficult.
Yeah, you can say that again. When I got
Phillip to eat a little something on Monday night, he'd lost the whimper in his voice. I knew he was
almost back to the living. The last thing he told me, staring up with those baby blue eyes filled
with tears, he said, "I've won, haven't I?"
(21:07):
Wait, you're saying he kicked the stuff?
Hand to God, if I hadn't left early Tuesday morning, I'm sure he would have been a changed man.
Why'd you leave?
It's hard to explain. During the night, Phillip began to mumble all sorts of nut gibberish. Kept
sayin' She's here. She's here. I tried to wake him, but he was entranced. I dozed off at one
(21:32):
point, and for an instant, I swear I saw a figure standing over just looking at him.
What kind of a figure? DEEP BASS.
It was dark, so I could see just its contours. It looked like a mass of ink swirled into human
form. It vanished just as quickly as I'd seen it. And the next thing I knew, I heard that bastard
(21:52):
Calder's keys rumbling around. He came through the door and started spouting off some dumb shit to
Phillip, like Don't give up the ship.
What an ass.
The last thing on Earth I wanted was to leave Calder alone with Phillip,
but I was startled by what I'd experienced. And, I didn't dare explain it to that son'bitch.
So, I told him the truth. I'd been having a rough time sleeping and needed to rest up for my gig
(22:17):
later that night in Georgetown.
So you just left him there?
Hey, calm it down. You said you were apprehensive about leaving Phillip with Calder. Why?
Part of me suspected Calder never wished Phillip to get better. I can't prove anything,
but it was just a feeling when he came around toward the end, just when things started to
look bright. All I know is that's the last time I ever saw Phillip alive.
(22:41):
And, you went where after?
I'm lodging at the Twelfth Street Y.M.C.A.
You got an alibi?
In spades, friend.
We found an old field medic's treatment tin in Phillip's room. Have you ever laid eyes on it before?
From the war? Never.
Don't those contain morphine vials? This one might of, but that's what was missing.
Do you mean to tell me that's what Phillip was on when he fell?
(23:02):
That's our best guess. Irma says she found him wandering around Connecticut Avenue and coaxed
him back to her parents' house.
Alright, guys, pick another number that'll let Barry shine! I'll be in to play the Duke's Solitude!
Nice choice.
You a jazz fan?
I never heard a tune from Mr. Ellington I didn't like.
There's just one thing that doesn't add up for me. I don't see why you'd
(23:23):
go to all that trouble for Phillip?
You think I haven't been playin' the saddest
songs I know since I read Thursday's paper? Ah, and before I forget. Give this to Lilah for me.
What's this?
It's an annulet. Been in their families for generations.
And he gave it to you?
(23:43):
Just for safekeeping while we tried to get him on the straight and narrow. Oh,
Oh, and I see from your faces. You don't get it at all. You see, I was dizzy with him.
You?
We were never meant to be, he and I. He dreamed big of a world different from the
one we're livin', but then he was hopped up on morph most of our time together.
(24:05):
That doesn't matter. It doesn't have to. I can
just imagine pulling into Steeplesville with the Prince of Zeugma. Daddy Steeples might have had
a stroke right then and there.
I guess we'll never know.
Still, I feel lucky for the times we were able to steal away together.
I'll see that she gets the annulet. And Abe. He was lucky to find you,
(24:27):
even if it ended too fast.
Here's my card. Stop by anytime. Sorry for your loss.
Here, we promised you a C note. Take it. [THE STAGE DOOR OPENS] [MAN WHISTLES]
Alright, fellas. It looks like we're on again. Keep your coin. Besides, what'd all that Steeples dough do for Phillip?
(24:48):
One last thing. Any clue where we can find Calder? He gave us a dummy address.
Try the Cairo. With Phillip gone, it's the closest he's ever gotten to seeing
his specter again. Somethin' tells me he ain't yet quit his wild ghost chase.
[BIG THUNDERCLAP] [RAIN DOWNPOUR] [Thunder]
[MUSIC (25:22):
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]
YOU'RE SOMEONE'S SON YOU'RE SOMEONE'S LIGHT BUT FOR TONIGHT YOU ARE MINE]
(25:49):
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]
JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT]
(26:24):
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]
YOU'RE SOMEONE'S SON YOU'RE SOMEONE'S LIGHT BUT FOR TONIGHT YOU ARE MINE]
(26:52):
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]
JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT]
(27:27):
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]
(27:54):
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]
JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT]
(28:38):
Dupont Investigations is written by Marc Benjamin Langston and directed, edited,
and sound-designed by? Bryce Bowyn. Keep your ears in the 1930s by becoming
a DUPONT INVESTIGATOR. Access our private discord server "The Inside Scoop" or explore
Torsten Somersby's recovered case file by visiting nocturnehall.com/investigator
(29:01):
With SPECIAL THANKS to Kay-Leigh Sulecki, N.P., and Matthew Sulecki, M.D.
Dupont Investigations (29:07):
The Scourge from Carthage Part 5 features
Ruth Browne as LILAH BARRJacob Lowman as NIGEL CLEMMONS
Marc Benjamin Langston as TORSTEN SOMERSBYKenneth Patterson as CORNELIUS STEEPLES
AND Claxton Rabb the Third as ABE RHODESThe Original theme song, Devils of Dupont,
(29:28):
written and performed by Bryce Bowyn, is available wherever you stream music.
For individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders in the United States,
listeners can call the free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. That?s
1-800-662-H-E-L-P.
Nocturne Hall presents an original audio drama intended only for an adult audience.
(00:08):
Devils walk among us. Some just a mile north of the White House. Whether conjured or elected,
they prey on the innocent all the same. Most won't even listen,
so folks knock on the one door in the district of crime who will. Dupont Investigations.
[Music (00:36):
I never thought my heart would mend] [Music
It's you and me until the end] [Music
Just the devils, the devils of Dupont] [Music
(01:03):
This is The Scourge from Carthage Part 5.
[DRAMATIC MUSIC] [ELEVATOR DINGS.] Stop, thief! [FIRE DOOR SLAMS.]
Lilah, I'm on him.
[THE FIRE DOOR OPENS. STAIRWELL ECHO OF HURRIED DESCENT.]
Rhodes, you're making a huge mistake. [PISTOL FIRES TWICE] Holy hell! Are you nuts? Take another shot at me,
(01:23):
pal, and I'll plug your ass with that gat! [A DOWNSTAIRS FIRE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES]
Dammitt. Where's he off to now? [A FIRE DOOR UPSTAIRS OPENS.]
Nigel! Are you alright?
I'm fine, Lilah.
Should we phone the police?
I'm sure someone already has. Besides, we're trying to keep your name out of the papers.
No book is worth your life. Especially the ramblings of dear Phillip. C'mon,
I'll fix you a drink.
(01:43):
It's not even noon yet.
Someone just took a shot at you!
Not just anyone. Abe Rhodes. [THE FIRE DOOR CLOSES] [ELEVATOR DINGS]
It all happened so fast.
You two have anything to do with that nogoodnik I just saw running like a bat out of hell through the Promenade Foyer?
I'm afraid so.
Wait, you don't think it was Abe?
(02:04):
I barely saw 'em. Mrs. Barr, you probably got a better look at him.
He was striking, olive-skinned, chestnut hair, I'd guess late thirties or early forties.
That's definitely not Mr. Rhodes.
No, sounds more like Calder Evans.
That's possible. I'd never met Mr. Evans before, and the thief said he was a friend of Phillip's.
(02:25):
Asked if I'd received his manuscript, and as soon as I pointed at the fresh parcel on the buffet,
the handsome devil snatched it and bolted toward the stairwell. Heavens. After all the times he's
mooched on Phillip's allowance, now he has the gall to rob me of the last part of
Phillip. Do you have a piece, Nigel?
Not on me. I'd have followed him down the stairs if I did. Why?
(02:49):
Cause I'd like to shoot him dead myself.
Understandable, Mrs. Barr. But I'm not confident whether it was him I saw
downstairs. He was too far off and galloping fast. Where's your husband, may I ask?
He's in the bedroom nursing one of the worst hangovers of his life. Some men are
completely useless when they're needed the most.
(03:09):
It's probably a good thing he's in bed. Our thief took a shot at me in the stairwell.
Criminy.
Do you suppose Irma could have sent someone to steal it back?
She is dastardly.
Ms. Irma Krause? That's whose name was on the parcel.
It would be a bold move, but so were those letters from her lawyer.
And he might return it into her hands.
(03:29):
I don't know much about unpublished manuscripts, but they say possession is nine-tenths of the law.
Sure, she might claim it's hers and sell it outright. Cutting out the estate altogether.
She was keen to sell it.
Who would buy Phillip's mad ramblings? Last we spoke about his work; he was talking all manner of gibberish--utter nonsense.
(03:50):
I often fibbed excuses to clear the line.
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.
But is it worth a murder rap?
Maybe your goon fired a warning shot?
Who's to say?
You're still here to talk about it, so I'd guess it was a mean bark.
(04:11):
I'm sure glad it didn't bite.
Me too.
So, who's this other gentleman you spoke of?
A man named Abe Rhodes. He says he had something personal to discuss with you about Phillip.
Odd. Phillip never mentioned him. Where's he now?
I'm not sure where he went. Must have left. Although, I can't imagine why. I told him to
(04:35):
wait for me while I phoned Torsten.
Maybe someone gave him trouble.
Sure. The desk clerk was rather cold to him. Mr. Rhodes said his cousin is on staff as a bellman.
Delivered champagne on Thursday. That's how he knew the Barrs were guests here.
You should try to get something out of the bellman about where we can find his cousin.
What about you?
(04:55):
I'll pay a visit to the address Mr. Evans provided in Eastern Market.
You ought to take my piece.
Won't need it.
Are you nuts?
If he was dumb enough to give us a legit location, he's too innocent to worry about.
And if not?
Then I'll wind up on someone else's front steps.
I hope you're right, Mr. Somersby. Although, if Mr. Evans is in any way
connected to Phillip's death, I hope you would consider adopting a harsher tone.
(05:19):
Don't you worry, Mrs. Barr. Still, at some point, I think he tried to help Phillip. However, it may
have done more harm than good.
What do you mean?
It's too premature to say. I'll go check out his address. Nige, let's meet back at my office
in an hour.
Alright. [SUBTLE NOIR MUSIC]
(05:50):
[A GLASS AND WOODEN DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS.] There you are, but how did you get into my inner office?
The door was open.
I may have left in a hurry, but I always lock up.
You take Calder's journal with you? No, I left it right next to the--
Telephone, I remember. But it isn't here.
You kidding me?
No games.
And they didn't break the glass.
Looks like a professional heist, alright.
(06:10):
Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
What, that Calder Evans used to be a thief?
And I don't suppose you found him at home?
What at the United Food Stores he sent me to? Not a chance.
He doesn't live above it or something--
Nothing of the sort. Even waving a Lincoln
in their faces, nobody'd ever heard of him or anyone matching his description.
So where do you think he's holed up?
I haven't a clue, but he's the only one we know after both Phillip's manuscript and his war journal.
(06:34):
Still, there's something that doesn't add up.
And I thought you were the one with a new theory.
[TELEPHONE RINGS]
You gonna answer it this time?
Good thing I didn't have it disconnected.
[TELEPHONE RINGS] [PICK UP THE RECEIVER]
Dupont Investigations.
May I please speak with Mr. Somersby?
You've found him.
Hello, sir. My name is Mr. Cornelius Steeples.
(06:56):
Holy smokes. Hello, Mr. Steeples. I've got Mr. Clemmons right beside me.
Oh, good. My daughter, Lilah, informed me he's just been shot at. Would you mind if I spoke with him?
Not at all, sir. I'll put him on. [PASSING RECEIVER]
Hello, Mr. Steeples.
Oh, son. I'm so glad to hear your voice.
The thought of losing another person to this damn cult. Why it would be too much to bear.
(07:20):
Thank you, sir, but I can't say for certain their at fault for Phillip's demise--
Come now. Lilah told me enough about how they got their hooks deep into my boy. We keep waiting for
some fancy attorney to arrive from Raleigh with a phony copy of Phillip's last will and testament,
willing all his assets to that damn Washington Lodge of Theosophy.
(07:41):
Do you expect such a thing to arrive?
I already asked my general counsel to explore options for filing something to squash it. I just can't figure out what
other interest they would have in Phillip besides his trust. Why I'd wager, there are
over half a million dollars in this account.
We haven't uncovered any ploy for money apart from selling his manuscript. However, that suspect sent it back to Lilah this morning. So,
(08:06):
it's murky as to her motives. We're still considering whether she had it stolen back, but after interviewing
her, money doesn't seem a likely motivator. She's pretty well-off in her own right.
I didn't call to burden your investigation. It sounds like you're knee-deep in the thick
of it. I just heard the bastards took a shot at you, and it got me piping hot. Son,
(08:28):
you were a good friend to Phillip, and if they'd harmed you--well, god help them.
Thank you for your concern, sir. They got what they were after,
so I don't expect any more shootouts.
I pray not. I wish Phillip would have turned
to you for help instead of these people. I hope we soon know the full extent of their ploy.
Mr. Somersby believes we're close to uncovering the truth, sir.
(08:51):
Good. I'm glad you recruited some local talent. Sounds like you'll need him against
these scheming spivs. Whatever it is these lunatics were after, I want you to know,
son, if there's anyone who can stop them, our faith is in you now, Nigel.
I appreciate your confidence.
Phillip may have had his faults, but he was a good lad. You know that.
Of course I do, sir.
(09:12):
Right. Well, I won't take up any more of your time. Take care, son. I don't expect we'll
anticipate you home by Easter Sunday.
No, I expect it will take a bit longer than Sunday, I'm afraid.
Understood. Goodbye, son.
Goodbye, sir. [HANGS UP THE RECEIVER]
Nice of Mr. Steeples to call. I'm sure he's eager for some answers. Did you find out
(09:33):
anything more about Mr. Rhodes? His cousin wouldn't give out his
number. He was more than a bit mistrustful.
Understandable. So, did he give us anything?
Sure. Rhodes plays alto sax on Saturday nights at Republic Gardens on U Street. Do you know it?
I know of it. I haven't been there personally, although I hear they welcome our kind.
Who, whites? Well sure, them too, but I meant the funny kind.
(09:56):
Oh. Who knows, we might end up having quite a time.
I don't feel much like celebrating.
We're close, Nige. So very close.
You keep saying that while our client's been robbed, I've been shot at,
and Phillip's estate is poised to lose all its jack to the New Age nuthouse.
Who seeks shall find.
If that's another gosh-darn Sophocles quote--
(10:17):
Ah, drop the act. You know he's growing on you. Besides, No enemy is worse than bad advice.
[UPTEMPO JAZZ MUSIC] [APPLAUSE] [ALLEY STAGE DOOR OPENS]
Haha. Barry got some nice licks in for sure on that last one. Makin' that horn sing. Ohh,
(10:38):
hey, fellas, lemme catch up with you in a few. These hotshots need a word.
Evening, Mr. Rhodes. Pardon, but I never got your name, sir.
Nigel Clemmons. And this is my associate, Mr. Torsten Somersby.
Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rhodes.
Nigel. Wow, that Nigel?
I'm sorry?
Phillip told me you two were close back in his Zeugma days.
(11:02):
Look, whatever Phillip told you--
It's alright. I ain't one to judge. If you did a lap inside, you'd find plenty of sweet nellys,
and we're playing our hearts out for 'em.
Sorry to catch you on your break--
It's no trouble. I expected you'd turn up at some point after I left Mr. Clemmons high and
dry this morning at the Mayflower.
Why didn't you stick around for me?
Believe it or not, that twit of a desk clerk threatened
(11:23):
to call the coppers on me for loitering. So you got outta there before all the commotion?
I sure as heck wasn't sticking around for no coppers to turn up.
He meant the thief who I chased through the hotel after he nabbed Phillip's manuscript
from his sister's room.
That dumb book? Shoot.
It ain't worth chasin' nobody.
Maybe, but to someone, it's worth enough to steal. Have any idea who that might be?
Well, sure. Phillip's screwball lady friend
(11:45):
thinks she can sell it. But I thought she was the one who had it last.
She did until she had it delivered to the Mayflower this morning.
And someone snatched it on arrival?
Almost. Quite the coincidence.
I'll say.
And you don't know anything about this, I suppose?
Nothing comes to mind.
That's too bad. We've got a C note for some information.
(12:06):
Nah, I'm not after your money. I haven't earned any right to it.
Why don't we start with your business with Mrs. Barr this morning, and we may just decide you've earned it?
I thought you'd overheard me give the clerk the room number and were headed straight there yourself.
Me, break into the Barrs' room. No sir. You got any fuckin' clue what they would do to me?
Knocking on a hotel room door ain't breaking and entering.
(12:28):
I don't take those kinds of risks. Come to speak of it, how'd you track me here anyhow?
Your cousin wouldn't tell us much, but he suggested we try here. He wouldn't
give up your address even for a Jackson.
Ha, Julian's a good soul. He probably thought you were going to ruff me up or something.
Who knows, we still might.
Ha, no. You fellas ain't got no cause for violence.
(12:49):
Where did Phillip get his dope? And we ain't talkin' reefer.
Oh, now I see how it is. You think a guy like me, with this face, and sure, I'm the dope pusher.
We figured you were trying to get some money Phillip owed from
Mrs. Barr. So, if not you, who?
You fellas have no damn clue.
Me, tryin' steal from Mrs. Barr! Just what in the heck do you think happened to Phillip?
(13:12):
We think he got hopped up one final time and fell to his death. Why? You got a different story?
Heck yeah, I got a different story. Doggone it. I still can't believe he's dead.
Here. Have a drink.
Thanks. [FLASK UNSCREWED.
Phillip waltzed in here one night last July. It was so hot we about melted
(13:34):
on stage. I watched him wander in alone from the back and work his way close to
the stage. Those sweet innocent baby blue eyes. He bought me a cold one at our first break.
He became a regular?
You bet, but we became close too.
Mrs. Barr told us Phillip spent most of his coin entertaining
Mr. Calder Evans. She never mentioned you.
'Cause I never let Phillip dote on me much.
(13:56):
Plus, I ain't got no expensive tastes like Calder. Heck, half the joints they'd visit would let
me through nothing but the service entrance, and even then, they'd assume I'm the help. Nah,
Calder found himself a meal ticket with Phillip. And he knew it.
Did you know Calder had a key to Phillip's room? No, but I'm not surprised. Calder was obsessed
with Phillip. You see, Calder saw Phillip as his little project. They met at that damn Theosophy
(14:20):
den, but once Phillip revealed his dope troubles, Calder couldn't resist meddling in his affairs.
What do you mean by meddling? Testing his damned theory. How much
of Calder's past do you know about?
Well, we got his ghost story down.
He told you about it?
No, but we read his journal.
We had it in our possession until someone stole it from my office earlier today.
(14:41):
Quite a lot of thievery today.
All related to Mr. Evans.
He and Phillip made a perfect pair. Phillip wanted desperately to believe Calder's wild
experience abroad. It fit square with the rest of those Theosophists' mumbo jumbo.
The trouble was me, I suppose.
How'd you get in the way?
When we were at some fancy Theosophist's house for a New Years' party. There,
(15:02):
for the first time, I saw Phillip down some odd tablets. When I confronted him about it later,
he snapped at me like a crocodile. Afterward, he apologized, at some length,
for his temper. Finally, he divulged his struggle with morph since ever his automobile accident.
It took you six months to notice he was a hophead?
It seems crazy now, looking back, but yeah. I just thought he was a real mellow cat. Always
(15:26):
reading his books. He listened to a lot of classical radio programs. But I'd seen
him animated before. He'd get all excited about whatever subject he was reading about. And he was
always typin' away. He might not have had proper employment but took his writing seriously. Still,
I never saw him snap at anyone until that party. Not under any circumstance.
(15:48):
You said before you tried to help him. Well, sure. I lost an uncle to morph. Never
saw him again after I turned six. It caused his heart to quit on him. You see, your body keeps
a ledger with morph. You take two tabs one day it wants two or more the next. And on and on. For the
most part, Phillip kept his habit a secret, but everyone slips up from time to time.
(16:11):
He slipped too hard this last time.
Lord almighty, ain't that the damn truth.
Hurts like Dickens, too, just sayin' it out loud. My granddad told me he, too,
struggled with the stuff. My gram threatened to leave him if he didn't stop, so he got sober.
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.
(16:35):
Why?
That damn Calder had him convinced the only way to kick morph was to rap with some ghost.
What do you mean?
Calder was convinced whatever words she'd spoken to him in Latin were what cured him. Of course,
Phillip clued Calder in about his ghost most likely being some early Christian from North
Africa. After that, Calder became fanatical.
(16:55):
You mean with a medium?
They tried a parade of mediums and clairvoyants. They held
several s ances in Phillip's room, but--
She never showed. Criminy. The fools.
Nah. They and all their friends from that devil's den were foolin' themselves. I kept
my trap shut through March. I thought, what the heck? Maybe some old spirit might come
(17:15):
through and convince Phillip to get straight. I also heard morph could make you see things,
so maybe he would imagine the whole thing.
And, when nothing appeared?
I got damn tired of Calder's charade. Phillip wanted to stay the course. His whole world
revolved around Calder's ghost coming through. I wish I would have pushed back sooner, but--
I'm remorseful his folks didn't send me here while I could have still made a difference.
(17:39):
Ah, me too, brother. Me too. Phillip needed better friends than those jackals. I got my
way just over a week ago. I convinced him to try my grandpappy's method to quit the dope.
Calder and Irma just went along with it?
I threatened to rat them out to his folks if they
got in my way. They became mighty deferential. Like they were walkin' on fuckin' eggshells.
(18:00):
What was your plan?
Ween him down to five grains and then cut him off cold turkey.
So you were dealing?
Heck no. I told you so. Calder kept the supply comin'. He knew
all sorts of tricks to keep our hopheadin business. He's a sinister son of a bitch.
So, Calder was dealing?
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.
(18:28):
I thought Calder made a living as a sign painter?
Is that what it was this time? Since I've known him, the bastard couldn't
keep a steady job. Suppose he didn't need one, though, after he met Phillip.
You saying Phillip made him a kept man? Calder's at least ten years older.
Nah. It wasn't like that. Phillip was more like Calder's patron with a fat pocketbook.
Lilah suspected they were romantically involved.
(18:50):
As close as they were, I can see how she may have gained that impression.
Who knows, maybe Calder even had feelings for Phillip.
And Phillip?
Nope. As far as I know. Unrequited as a bee sting.
Interesting.
Obviously, your granddad's cure didn't take.
Oh, I wouldn't say that. The first day was alright.
(19:12):
When Phillip still bought the idea his sugar bindles were loaded with morph. Then he
started to yawn uncontrollably, which is when he knew the last grain was out of his skin. Phillip
was too brilliant for his own good. Convinced his jaw would crack, which I heard happens to
folks--well, fear made him suffer even more.
I hear most morphine addicts fear their inital pain will return.
(19:36):
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.
Then the tough part came (19:43):
the waiting. A few days in, Phillip was just a shivering pool of sweat.
That's when the jackals descended.
Irma and Calder?
Yup. Irma barged in, demanding I allow her to try and sell Phillip's manuscript. She didn't
seem to appreciate Phillip's condition. And she didn't let it deter her either.
So you let her leave with Phillip's manuscript?
(20:05):
Sure. I can't say I much care for her, but I think
she had Phillip's best interests at heart. They shared a common belief in all that nutty shit.
Irma sent a telegram this past Monday. Wanted Phillip to ring her back. Holding package, it read.
Monday was the last day of Phillip's
withdrawal. He'd offered to buy me a Packard car for two grains of morph by that point. I
(20:25):
didn't bother him with Irma's telegram.
So, she wasn't lying about him failing to call her back?
No, Phillip never came near his desk for seven days.
And, on the eighth, let's see, that would be Tuesday?
Lemme see that flask again.
Certainly. [UNSCREW AND GULP]
You probably think I'm a lush.
(20:45):
Not in the least. We understand this is difficult.
Yeah, you can say that again. When I got
Phillip to eat a little something on Monday night, he'd lost the whimper in his voice. I knew he was
almost back to the living. The last thing he told me, staring up with those baby blue eyes filled
with tears, he said, "I've won, haven't I?"
(21:07):
Wait, you're saying he kicked the stuff?
Hand to God, if I hadn't left early Tuesday morning, I'm sure he would have been a changed man.
Why'd you leave?
It's hard to explain. During the night, Phillip began to mumble all sorts of nut gibberish. Kept
sayin' She's here. She's here. I tried to wake him, but he was entranced. I dozed off at one
(21:32):
point, and for an instant, I swear I saw a figure standing over just looking at him.
What kind of a figure? DEEP BASS.
It was dark, so I could see just its contours. It looked like a mass of ink swirled into human
form. It vanished just as quickly as I'd seen it. And the next thing I knew, I heard that bastard
(21:52):
Calder's keys rumbling around. He came through the door and started spouting off some dumb shit to
Phillip, like Don't give up the ship.
What an ass.
The last thing on Earth I wanted was to leave Calder alone with Phillip,
but I was startled by what I'd experienced. And, I didn't dare explain it to that son'bitch.
So, I told him the truth. I'd been having a rough time sleeping and needed to rest up for my gig
(22:17):
later that night in Georgetown.
So you just left him there?
Hey, calm it down. You said you were apprehensive about leaving Phillip with Calder. Why?
Part of me suspected Calder never wished Phillip to get better. I can't prove anything,
but it was just a feeling when he came around toward the end, just when things started to
look bright. All I know is that's the last time I ever saw Phillip alive.
(22:41):
And, you went where after?
I'm lodging at the Twelfth Street Y.M.C.A.
You got an alibi?
In spades, friend.
We found an old field medic's treatment tin in Phillip's room. Have you ever laid eyes on it before?
From the war? Never.
Don't those contain morphine vials? This one might of, but that's what was missing.
Do you mean to tell me that's what Phillip was on when he fell?
(23:02):
That's our best guess. Irma says she found him wandering around Connecticut Avenue and coaxed
him back to her parents' house.
Alright, guys, pick another number that'll let Barry shine! I'll be in to play the Duke's Solitude!
Nice choice.
You a jazz fan?
I never heard a tune from Mr. Ellington I didn't like.
There's just one thing that doesn't add up for me. I don't see why you'd
(23:23):
go to all that trouble for Phillip?
You think I haven't been playin' the saddest
songs I know since I read Thursday's paper? Ah, and before I forget. Give this to Lilah for me.
What's this?
It's an annulet. Been in their families for generations.
And he gave it to you?
(23:43):
Just for safekeeping while we tried to get him on the straight and narrow. Oh,
Oh, and I see from your faces. You don't get it at all. You see, I was dizzy with him.
You?
We were never meant to be, he and I. He dreamed big of a world different from the
one we're livin', but then he was hopped up on morph most of our time together.
(24:05):
That doesn't matter. It doesn't have to. I can
just imagine pulling into Steeplesville with the Prince of Zeugma. Daddy Steeples might have had
a stroke right then and there.
I guess we'll never know.
Still, I feel lucky for the times we were able to steal away together.
I'll see that she gets the annulet. And Abe. He was lucky to find you,
(24:27):
even if it ended too fast.
Here's my card. Stop by anytime. Sorry for your loss.
Here, we promised you a C note. Take it. [THE STAGE DOOR OPENS] [MAN WHISTLES]
Alright, fellas. It looks like we're on again. Keep your coin. Besides, what'd all that Steeples dough do for Phillip?
(24:48):
One last thing. Any clue where we can find Calder? He gave us a dummy address.
Try the Cairo. With Phillip gone, it's the closest he's ever gotten to seeing
his specter again. Somethin' tells me he ain't yet quit his wild ghost chase.
[BIG THUNDERCLAP] [RAIN DOWNPOUR] [Thunder]
[MUSIC (25:22):
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]
YOU'RE SOMEONE'S SON YOU'RE SOMEONE'S LIGHT BUT FOR TONIGHT YOU ARE MINE]
(25:49):
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]
JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT]
(26:24):
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]
YOU'RE SOMEONE'S SON YOU'RE SOMEONE'S LIGHT BUT FOR TONIGHT YOU ARE MINE]
(26:52):
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]
JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT]
(27:27):
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]
(27:54):
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]
JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS OH THE DEVILS OF DUPONT JUST THE DEVILS THE DEVILS OF DUPONT]
(28:38):
Dupont Investigations is written by Marc Benjamin Langston and directed, edited,
and sound-designed by? Bryce Bowyn. Keep your ears in the 1930s by becoming
a DUPONT INVESTIGATOR. Access our private discord server "The Inside Scoop" or explore
Torsten Somersby's recovered case file by visiting nocturnehall.com/investigator
(29:01):
With SPECIAL THANKS to Kay-Leigh Sulecki, N.P., and Matthew Sulecki, M.D.
Dupont Investigations (29:07):
The Scourge from Carthage Part 5 features
Ruth Browne as LILAH BARRJacob Lowman as NIGEL CLEMMONS
Marc Benjamin Langston as TORSTEN SOMERSBYKenneth Patterson as CORNELIUS STEEPLES
AND Claxton Rabb the Third as ABE RHODESThe Original theme song, Devils of Dupont,
(29:28):
written and performed by Bryce Bowyn, is available wherever you stream music.
For individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders in the United States,
listeners can call the free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. That?s
1-800-662-H-E-L-P.
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