This Will Kill You

Originally Aired: November 29, 1955

In Suspense #626, "This Will Kill You," Joe Jordan narrates his own story, convinced he has something remarkable to share. Working at Acme Engineering as a machinist, Joe finds himself constantly at odds with his foreman, Charlie Harris. What Joe sees as petty harassment—being called out for tardiness, smoking violations, and poor performance—begins to consume him. As tensions escalate, a physical confrontation leaves Joe humiliated when Charlie knocks him out with what Joe insists was just a lucky punch. Joe bides his time, playing it cool while nursing his grudge, but the resentment grows into an obsession marked by pounding headaches that won't stop.

The situation reaches a breaking point when Joe sets his sights on Harriet, an attractive company stenographer, only to discover she's dating Charlie. At the company dance, Joe's attempt to cut in is rebuffed when Charlie calls him a jerk in front of everyone. As Joe returns home that night, the relentless pounding in his head builds to a crescendo—and then suddenly stops. In that eerie silence, something fundamental has shifted in Joe Jordan's disturbed mind.