European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 19, 1948, Darmstadt, Hesse                                By. Jean Sullivan illustration by Martin Breyer synopsis Bill Keith o policeman from Cleveland checks into an expensive Nevada summer resort As a san Francisco Playboy to do some investigating. Bill thinks his Best Friend Rick Martin reported to have drowned accidentally at the resort on his wedding Day after too much drink was really murdered. Bill meets blonde Alana Stevens Secre tary to Cal Routier manager of the resort. He becomes suspicious of hereafter he discovers her searching his Cabin at cars orders. When he Trieste follow her during her morning ride she frightens his horse by firing off a revolver and he is thrown. More suspicious than ewer he receives a threatening Type written note obviously written Naland s typewriter. However Alana gives him helpful information and Bill guesses Rick had been Lucky Ata private poker game conducted by gig Benson Cal s Henchman on the Day of his death. He thinks this is the murder motive. Bill  s sudden friendliness again when she suggests a picnic ride inthe lonely Nevada Hills. He goes expecting trouble and sure enough two shots almost kill them both. He asks the stable Man sunday Jones who Lions a Rifle with a Telescope sight and sunday tells him gig  Bill decides to drive to Reno to see the sheriff and Mary Gerard the girl Rick was to have  vib y the time Bill Keith was on his Way to Reno after talking to Sun Day. Jones he fully intended to see sheriff Mccann at the Washoe county courthouse. Just How much he would Tell him he had not decided but he wanted to talk again with the Man who had made a search and asked questions the Day after Rick s death. He was anxious not to implicate Alana Stevens though he could t help suspecting her. Meanwhile Alana had a Nap bathed and dressed and a Short time later Shehad left Lake in the sky Lodge and was speeding by car to  was after eleven o clock at night before she returned in the Light Sedan belonging to Cal Routier s former Secre tary. In front of her own Cabin Alan switched off lights then opened the car door an d climbed out  was when she stepped into the shadows of the covered walk near he door that the Ryan appeared out of no where placed a hand Over her Mouth and Drew her head close to his. Alana he whispered get backing the car we re going places Cal Routier shoved the girl Back to Ward the car opened the door for her and then climbed into the Driver s , she gave him the key and he swung the Sedan Back Down the oiled Road and out onto the state High Way that Alana had just travelled Toreno. Cal what s the matter ill Tell you in a  a mile from the Lodge Cal stopped the car directly behind his own empty convertible that was parked beside the Road. He switched off lights and ignition Drew a deep breath of Relief. Then his hand sought the girl s wrist and his smooth fingers closed around it firmly. 16 ? where were you tonight Alana he asked quietly. In Reno what time did you leave about  did anyone know you were going?""no.".  the girl s voice was thin with uncertainty and a Trace of  did you see in Reno Cal there was sudden spirit inner tone. I Don t see Why the Man s voice was  connected with your Deal up the Ridge Trail  she sounded choked. Okay. Then whoever it was will play along with you right play along whispered  Routier was quiet a moment. His breathing deep and rapid was Al that betrayed the nervous tension within him. I still Don t know much about you Alana but i have that Little can with the Blue Label. That s enough to keep you in line in t it. Of Cal were you with your Friend Keith tonight Routier demanded coldly. No i told you Why i went Toreno Alana cried miserably. Good said Cal leaning Forward inthe seat. Then i la Tell you what s happened. You and i have to pretend we spent the evening together in Reno. We May even have to swear to it  stole fifty thousand dollars tonight out of the Safe in my  a few moments Alana was quiet when she finally spoke her voice Washin. When did you find out Cai just a few minutes ago. I spent the Day in Reno and just got Back. I Don t think anyone saw me Park the car. Went in the si9e Entrance and the office Ioor was open " the Man move restlessly his uneven breathing audible the Safe door was open too you Haven t any idea who could have done it Cal the girl whispered. N no and i m not giving anyone a Hance to suspect me Cal clipped out sharply. That s Why i need an Alibi Alana. I Don t want anyone to think i was around Here earlier than our return yours and mine a few minutes from  Routier looked at the Lumi Nous dial of his wrist watch it s eleven thirty. We re going Back to the Lodge and i want you to get the Story straight. You la be questioned Cal i can t do what  say Why not. The Man turned to regard her coldly and his handsome face looked tense and  you rather they found out that you Aren t Alana Stevens of  a few other things with a Little moan of protest the girl Shook her head and shrank Down in the seat cushions in  looked satisfied. Get this straight he said sharply. You had Date to meet me in Reno for dinner. We re going Back now,1 he added get Ting out of her car and walking towards his own. Follow my car. We be got to walk into1 the lobby  ten minutes later when Alana drove again into the Diagonal space in front of her Cabin Cal was there to open thedoor for her. Yogi might try to look As though you be been out having a pleasant eve Ning he suggested. As they move toward the Lodge through the Maze of parked cars. But suddenly the Man s hand on her Arm brought the girl to an abrupt Stop beside a Long Black car with double aerials and a red spotlight the sheriff got Here fast re marked  Stevens gasped of and Routier guided her again toward the Road veranda of Lake in the sky Lodge. That was where Bill Keith caught up with them. He had been unable to locate sheriff Mccann at the courthouse had met Mary Gerard for a Chat and the had decided to return and have it out with Routier and gig Benson alone. Keth had swung his club Coupe into one of the last available parking spaces in front of the Lodge when he spotted Ca Routier nearby. Hurrying to follow he lost him in the parked cars for a while then found him again As he was going up the Steps of the veranda with Alana. Keith called determinedly. Routier Cal Routier turned his head an waited for Keith to catch up. I d like to talk to you Routier alone said Keith bluntly. Ill be in my office tomorrow morn ing Routier began. But his voice broke Oft As he turned to glance into the brightly lighted lobby near them. Keith too became aware of the unusual Dino voices coming from there and As Routier and Alana moved on he trailed them. At the registration desk an intent group of guests was gathered. Someone cried Here s or. Routier As the Lodge manager strode through the lobby toward the Hall and the Casino Keith moved quickly to Alana Side. What is it he  of the guests answered for Alana. Somebody s robbed the Safe in at the same moment. Keith Felt Alana topple against his Arm and begin to sink to the floor. Lie caught her t 1 1 wet Kunu june 19, Isis