The Blackmail Matter

Originally Aired: May 5, 1953Johnny Dollar #161, "The Blackmail Matter,"Johnny Dollar is called to investigate a suspicious death at Dale Martin's gym, where the body of Frederick Royal, a regular client for over a year, has been discovered with his neck broken. Martin is convinced it's murder rather than an accident, and the police agree—the position of the body suggests someone with considerable strength twisted Royal's neck with lethal force. Lieutenant Nathan of the homicide detail arrives to question everyone present: three clients working out that morning, including songwriter Robert Wells, car salesman Michael Darling, and jeweler Patrick Mullens, plus Martin's three muscular assistants who work at the gym.The investigation becomes complicated as everyone had opportunity to slip into the locker room where Royal was found. Bernie Carroll, the assistant who worked with Royal that day, had sent him for a shower after his workout. Jack Olson, the newest employee, admits to visiting the locker room multiple times for coffee and chalk. As Johnny Dollar digs deeper into Royal's background, Martin reveals that the victim was a ladies' man who constantly talked about his romantic conquests, hinting at a possible motive that may connect to the episode's blackmail theme.