FM: Frequency For Murder

Chapter 1

Midnight, a time when darkness rules the land. The overwhelming majority are fast asleep in their beds. Others enjoy the nightlife as they party till the sun comes up. Some work the late shift to help pay the next day’s bills. Around the shade of darkness, KPDC radio continues to broadcast to the city throughout the night. Evening disc jockey Maniac Mike Martinez is getting ready to sign off.

All right, my fellow creatures of the night, it’s time for me to hit the floor, grab the door, and go home. Don’t worry, my little night owls; I have somebody here to keep you company.

Maniac Mike spots a young woman entering the studio.

Oh my goodness, I hope there’s a camera in the studio because I just saw a gorgeous woman walk in. Anyway, stay tuned for Dr. Alex Birney and his new show, ‘Midnight Confessions.’ If he finds the studio before the show’s over.

The young woman, slightly irritated, attempts to explain where the missing radio host is. Maniac Mike told her to speak in front of the microphone.

I said, ‘Dr. Alex Birney is right here, Maniac.’ I’m looking forward to hosting the show.

Maniac’s face turns a darker shade of red. He can’t believe he set himself for this embarrassment.

Folks, I am so sorry. I thought the host would be a gentleman. Instead, I found out that this lovely young lady is, in fact, Dr. Alex Birney, and she’s hosting ‘Midnight Confessions.’

Maniac plays music while he gets ready to leave. Alex tries to smooth things over with him.

It’s not your fault, Maniac. I didn’t believe the station manager told you ‘Dr. Birney’ is a woman.

Maniac is still hard on himself. They should tell me who I’ll work with before he or she comes in.

Dr. Birney gives Maniac a wry smile and the two shake hands. Maniac attempts to start over with his new colleague.

What is Alex short for?

Dr. Birney answers, It’s short for Alexandria.

Let me guess, you’re from Virginia, right?

No, a little further north. Michigan.

Maniac guesses why she came from Michigan.

You’re tired of the cold weather, aren’t you?

It’s the reason why I moved here.

Perhaps, I’ll save the small talk for next time. After the song is over, you’ll go on the air.

Alex goes to her chair and puts on her headphones. As the song winds down, the sound engineer turns on her mike, and Alex Birney is ready to go.

It’s midnight, and it’s time for you to confess. Welcome to ‘Midnight Confessions,’ I am your host, Dr. Alex Birney. If you have a question, please don’t be afraid to call. Our phone lines are open until 6:00 AM; the number is 555-KPDC.

All of a sudden, the phone lines light up like a Christmas tree. Alex is happy to see it happen. She tackles topics with clients. This radio show would give Alex a chance to help caller’s face issues they were afraid to talk about. Alex picks a button.

Line 4, this is Dr. Birney, and you’re on ‘Midnight Confessions.’ Who am I speaking to?

The caller acts nervous.

Is this K-K-K-KPDC radio?

It sure is, what is your name?

My n-n-name is Craig.

Nice talking to you, Craig. What seems to be your problem?

Craig explains despite his jitters.

I’m a b-b-bit nervous with what I’m going to say.

There’s nothing to be nervous about, Craig. I’ll be happy to help with your problem.

Okay, my p-p-problem is with finding a woman.

Dr. Birney has addressed this issue dozens of times. She always has the simplest answer for those who struggle like Craig.

Let me ask you a question, Craig. Do you go to bars?

Craig is swift to reply. N-n-no, I don’t d-d-drink.

Well, you can be a wingman to your friends whenever they go to a bar.

I can’t. Most of my friends left since high school.

Alex decides on another route. Well, what about a health club or the supermarket?

I can’t find the right time to work out and I can’t shop during the day.

The kind doctor has one last suggestion. What about where you work? You might find some great people with whom you have lots in common.

Craig gives this simple reply. I d-d-don’t believe my job will go well with the ladies.

Where do you work?

I w-w-work in the morgue at County General.

Dr. Birney can’t believe what Craig said. She offers him a piece of simple advice.

Craig, here are my suggestions. The first is to try meeting more people when you’re not at work.

Craig asks the doctor one more question. W-w-what would be your other s-s-suggestion?

I recommend switching to decaf to get rid of the jitters.

I’ll t-t-try. Thank you, d-d-doctor.

You’re welcome, bye-bye.

Alex chooses her next caller.

Line 1, you’re on ‘Midnight Confessions’ with Dr. Alex Birney. Who am I talking to?

The caller introduces herself.

This is Ellen; I’m a long-time listener, first-time caller.

Dr. Birney becomes confused. How can you be a long-time listener when this is my first show?

I’m a long-time listener to the station.

Dr. Birney sighs. Oh, now I understand. What do you want to talk about, Ellen?

I’m seeing this guy at work, and he’s so good-looking. I want to spend the rest of my days with him.

Well, have you talked about this to him?

No, I’m too shy to know what to say to him.

Alex understands what Ellen is going through.

My advice to you is don’t rush things. Rushing to fall in love is like learning how to swim in the deep end.

Ellen gets the message clearly. I understand what you mean, doctor. Thank you.

You’re welcome. Keep listening to ‘Midnight Confessions,’ Ellen.

Dr. Birney plays some music. She can’t believe the responses from the callers: Kenny, the programming engineer, worries about Dr. Birney.

Not bad for your first time, doc.

Dr. Birney gets concerned about her job. Is it always like that all the time?

Not exactly, I’ve heard drunks calling the station trying to order pizzas.

What do you say to them?

Sorry, we don’t deliver.

The two laugh as the song ends. Dr. Birney goes back on the air.

We’re back with more of ‘Midnight Confessions’ here on KPDC. I’m Dr. Alex Birney, and the phone lines are open. Call 555-KPDC.

Dr. Birney chooses another caller.

Line 5, you’re on the air with Dr. Alex Birney, on ‘Midnight Confessions.’ Who is this calling?

The caller hangs up. Alex thinks maybe she intimidated the caller.

Either our last caller got too shy, or he called the show by mistake. Maybe our next caller won’t be as shy as the previous one.

Alex goes to line 3.

Line 3, you’re on ‘Midnight Confessions’ with Dr. Alex Birney. Who am I talking to?

The caller pauses.

Is this Dr. Birney?

Yes it is, who am I talking to?

I don’t want to say my name on the air. I wish to remain anonymous.

I’m sorry, but if you wish to speak with me, I like to know who I am talking to.

The doctor’s response does not put the stranger in a good mood.

I don’t like to give my name on the air.

I’m sorry, rules are rules. I’ll have to go to another caller.

Dr. Birney hangs the caller up and gives a message to her listeners.

If anybody wants to make a call to the station, at least have a name.

Kenny monitors the phone calls so there wouldn’t be any more ‘anonymous’ callers. Dr. Birney takes another call.

When I take the next call, please tell me your name and what problem you have, so I can respond.

She hits line 2.

Hello, line 2, this is Dr. Alex Birney, and you’re on ‘Midnight Confessions.’ Who is this?

The caller hesitates. My name is... Bob.

Hi, Bob. Is there something I can help you with?

Yes, there is.

What seems to be the problem?

Instantly, her caller’s voice changes. I want to know why you hung up on me!

Alex panics. Now you listen to me. I don’t know how you got back through, but I will hang up again.

The caller delivered a threatening comeback.

You hang up on me again; I will call back on every phone line.

Goodbye, forever!

Dr. Birney hangs up the phone and takes another call. The mysterious caller is on every line, leaving a diabolical laugh.

I told you, Dr. Birney. You can’t get rid of me.

How are you doing this? What do you want from me!

It’s a personal matter, doctor. Something I wanted to do to you a long time ago.

Alex’s panic turns into fear. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

I do, Dr. Birney. When you find out, it’ll be too late.

The caller hangs up. All the phone lines reverted to normal, and Kenny suggested postponing the call-ins. Alex insisted on making one more phone call to the police.

MOMENTS LATER, THE police arrived at the radio station, getting information from Alex and Kenny about what transpired. Detective Boyce Hammond, questions the young doctor.

So let me get this straight. This caller called, and he threatened you on the air.

Yes, I told that to the officers earlier. I want to know who sabotaged my first night?

Hammond acts confident, That’s what we’re trying to figure out, Ms. Birney.

I prefer you to call me, ‘Dr.’ Birney, officer.

Well, I’m a detective, Doctor. They look at each other.

Officer Gomez takes a look at the control room to see if anything’s out of the ordinary. Hammond asks if there’s any craziness that took place.

There’s nothing I could find that caused the phone lines to go berserk.

Storming towards the studio is Maxine Hathaway, station manager of KPDC Radio, who discovers that her station looks like it’s run by Attila the Hun.

I want to know why my presence was requested in the middle of the night just to see that my station looks like a crime scene.

Hammond tries to calm the manager down.

Well, your station is now a crime scene now. We have it under control, Ms...

A crime scene. A crime scene! It’s more like everybody wandering around when they should be doing their jobs.

Dr. Birney explains what happened to her.

A guy called the station...

Maxine interrupts her new employee. Of course they call the station, they’re supposed to do that.

Hammond goes on the offensive. Not if the caller harassed your disc jockey.

Alex interjects, Excuse me, but I am not a disc jockey. I’m the host of a radio call-in show.

Hammond turns to her. Do you play music on your show, Doctor?

Yes, I do.

Then you’re a disc jockey.

Alex glares at the young detective.Now you listen here; my job is to help callers with their problems over the air. I also do this in my private life.

Why are you hosting a radio show?

The station manager jumps in, "I’m one of her clients. Our old show had trouble