Someone is knocking loudly on the back door of the Cafe Tambourine. Rocky says "Go around to the front way. The Tambourine is open". The knocking continues. Rocky says "The front door, I said". The voice outside says "Rocky, let me in". Rocky says "Alright, just cut out the pounding". Rocky opens the door and says "Scrappy Sims!" He says "Please help me". Rocky says "What's the matter with you?" Scrappy says "I can't ...." Rocky says "Let me help you to this couch. Easy does it". Scrappy says "Thanks". Rocky says "Bullet wound, is that what it is? I'll get help, just give me that package". Scrappy says "No, no, no". Rocky says "Easy fellow, you're alright here". Scrappy says "No, the beetle". Rocky says "The what? Help me, Scrappy. What are you trying to say?" Scrappy says "Nobody gets the white beetle". Rocky says "Now, listen to me. Who shot you, and why?" Rocky picks up the phone, calls the Emergency Hospital. and says "There's a man here that is shot up bad. Get an ambulance over here the quickest way you can. I'll explain when you get here". Rocky's next call was meant for Captain Sam Sabaya of the Cairo Police, but he didn't finish dialing. Someone behind Rocky says "Make that call later, Mr. Jordan". Rocky turned and saw her standing there. She was small and olive skinned with dark eyes and wearing a white dress. She had no fear at all, maybe because of the gun held in her hand. She says "Later, I said. Put down the phone". Rocky says "Doesn't anybody use the front door?" She says "I'm not here for pleasure, Mr. Jordan. I'm doing only what is necessary". Rocky says "Like finishing up your job on Scrappy Sims?" She says "You're much too hasty with your conclusions". Rocky says "Just don't touch him lady. I'm telling you, leave him alone". She says "I'm interested only in what he holds in his hand. Get it for me and don't open it". Rocky says "It's all yours". She says "Lay it on the table, and then keep back". Rocky says "Hey, by the way, what good is a white beetle?" She says "No good to you, Mr. Jordan, I assure you".

Johnny receives a call from Ray Connally, an agent from the Continental Insurance Company. Johnny says "Hello, Ray. What's the problem?" Ray says "Problem? No problem at all, actually". Johnny says "Huh?" Ray says "Are you busy tonight, Johnny?" He says "No, no plans at all". Ray says "Well, you see, my wife's out of town for a few days, and Johnny, well, I wonder if you'd have dinner with me tonight". Johnny says "Why, sure, why not?" Ray says "Well, I happen to have a nice thick filet of prime beef in my refrigerator at home. My wife ordered some groceries sent over from Morris Bane's Market before she left. If you like steak, come over to my place at about 6:30. I'll pour you a couple of cocktails before dinner, okay?" Johnny says "Ray, you're sure there isn't something that's bothering you?" Ray says "We'll talk about it later". Johnny says "Yeah, okay". Ray says "Good. I'll see you at 6:30" and hangs up the phone. Johnny thought there was something very funny about Ray Connally's sudden invitation to have dinner with him, much less cocktails. He knew Ray had problems with ulcers, and had listened to him talk about his ulcer-free diet many times. Later, Johnny took a cab to Ray's apartment, On the ride over, Johnny decided that if he did have something bothering him, he'd get around to it. Ray opens the door, and says "Johnny, I'm glad to see you. Come in". Johnny says "How are you, Ray?" He says "Well, you know how it is. What would you like to drink?" Johnny says "Scotch and soda". Ray says "Have it for you in a second". He brings Johnny his drink, and Johnny says "You're not having one?" Ray says "Maybe I'll have a glass of milk. Oh, by the way, how do you like your steak?" Johnny says "Blood rare". Ray says "Okay, I have to have mine very well done. Later, Ray accidently cooks both well done. He says "I'm sorry, Johnny". He says "It's alright, I'll find the makings of a sandwich in the kitchen". After they finished eating, Ray suddenly becomes very sick, and falls to the floor. Johnny calls Ray's doctor, who eventually calls for an ambulance.

Mr. Keen and his partner, Mike Clancy are filing paperwork in the office when the telephone begins to ring. Mike picks up the receiver, and hears a familiar voice on the line saying "Mr. Keen?" Mike says "No, this is his partner, Mike Clancy speaking". The voice says "Mike, this is Jim Ryan". Mike says "Jim, my boy, and how are you?" He says "Fine, Mike. Would you put Mr. Keen on the line, please? It's important". Mike says "Sure, just a second. Mr. Keen? It's Jim Ryan, the police force detective. He says it's important". Keen says "Alright, I'll take it". Mike hands him the receiver. Keen says "Yes, Jim?" He says "I'm calling from a phone booth in the Hotel Metropole. I'm working on a case, and I thought you might be able to help me out". Keen says "I'll do anything I can". Jim says "Do you remember a man named Martin Cook?" Keen says "Martin Cook?" Jim says "He's in the real estate business. He was called as a material witness in an embezzlement case two years ago. If I remember, you had something to do with breaking that case". Keen says "Just a moment, Jim. I'll ask Mike Clancy to check through the files". Jim says "I don't have much time, Mr. Keen. As a matter of fact, I've been trailing Cook for the past three hours and .... ugh!" Keen says "Jim! Jim Ryan!" Barely audible, Jim says "Knife! ... Knife ... " Keen says "Jim!". Mike asks "What's the trouble, boss?" Keen says "We've got to go to the Hotel Metropole, Mike, quickly. Something's happened to Jim Ryan. And I only hope we're not too late". Soon, Mr. Keen and Mike are looking over the public telephone booths at the hotel. Mike says "This first one's empty, Mr. Keen. Let's see if the other one...." Keen says "Mike, help me open this door". He says "Wait, there's someone inside, crumbled up against the wall. Let's see if we can open this phone booth door". They force the door open. Keen says "Mike, it's Jim Ryan. He's dead. He's got a knife in his back". Mike says "Surely he was one of my old friends in the police force. A better man never lived. I'd like to get my hands on the man...." Keen says "Easy, Mike. Let's keep our heads. We've got work to do".