Another Man’s Poison

Originally Aired: May 17, 1951

Suspense #429, "Another Man's Poison," follows Claude Bourry, a 46-year-old real estate man of modest means who stumbles upon a brown paper package containing $98,000 while picking wildflowers. Despite his wife Elise's insistence that he turn the money over to the police immediately, Claude consults his lawyer friend Tom Haskell, who explains that the law allows him to keep possession of the money for twelve months while making his claim known to authorities. Claude files the required affidavit with the skeptical Lieutenant Gaston, who warns him that publicizing the find will attract every con artist and criminal in the country.

As the months pass, Claude receives countless fraudulent claims and threatening letters, but nothing prepares him for the midnight phone call from Kansas City. A mysterious voice orders him not to spend the money, not to recognize any claims, and not to contact the police until they meet. The caller clearly knows something about the money's origins, and Claude realizes someone dangerous has been watching and waiting for the right moment to make their move. Now Claude must face the terrifying consequences of his decision to keep the money, as fear and paranoia consume him while he waits for the inevitable confrontation.