Originally Aired: February 7, 1950
In Philo Vance #83, "Chicken Murder Case," a deadly gangland feud threatens to explode into open warfare when Tommy learns that Frank Stacy is plotting to kill him. Tommy's nervous associate, known as "Chick" for his high-pitched voice, brings the urgent warning that Frankie won't stop until Tommy is eliminated. Rather than seeking peace or preparing for battle, Tommy devises a cunning and cold-blooded scheme to gain control over his rival once and for all.
Tommy's plan is diabolical in its simplicity: he will manipulate Frank Stacy into committing a murder in front of witnesses, then use that evidence as leverage to control his enemy completely. When Chick asks who the intended victim will be, Tommy delivers a chilling answer that transforms his nervous associate from messenger to target. As tensions escalate and Tommy's ruthless plan takes shape, it becomes clear that someone will die, but whether Tommy can actually pull off his dangerous gambit remains to be seen.