This Is Your FBI - The Cautious Killer

Old Time Radio Mysteries

John and Mary Clifton live in a small mining town of Larkin, Ohio. Mary is the young attractive wife who, unfortunately, is the target of idol gossip of the envious. Her husband, John, is a jealous man, who always drinks too much at the corner bar and sometimes gets wind of the gossip. Tonight, as usual, Mary has put supper in the warming oven while waiting for the sound of footsteps on the porch. Tonight, the steps are heavier than usual. John walks into their home and says "Mary....Mary?" She says "I'm right here. John". He asks "Oh, is supper ready?" Mary says "Yes. Let me have your dinner pale, dear". John says "I can take care of myself. And don't call me that". Mary asks "Call you what?" John says "Dear. Let me have your dinner pale, dear. Supper's ready, dear. Wash up, dear". Mary says "John, please". John asks "You know why I don't like the word?" Mary says "No". John says "Because I know that's what you call him, too". Mary asks "Who are you talking about?" John says "You know who I'm talking about. He was here again today, wasn't he?" Mary asks "Who do you mean?" John says "Jim Monroe". Mary says "Yes, Jim was here. He came to see you". John says "Don't give me that. Everybody in town knows who he comes to see. He's in love with you". Mary says "John, don't say that. Now look, you've been drinking". John says "That's what you always say when I start talking about you and him". Mary says "Please". John says "You don't like to hear me talk about it, do you? But you like it when he comes here to see you". Mary says "Stop it, John, I can't stand this". John says "But you can stand him loving you, can't you, Can't You?" In his jealous anger, John slaps Mary across her face. A few seconds later, Mary says "Thank you, John. Thank you for slapping me. It helped me get hold of myself so I can tell you something". He says "What?" She says "I'm leaving you". John says "Oh, no. You're not leaving. You don't think I'm going to let you go away with him, do you?"