The Notorious Dr Crippen | Operation Handcuffs | 2

A murder, a lover, and a desperate flight across the Atlantic. As Inspector Dew closes in, Hawley Crippen must outrun a frenzy of journalists in the world’s first media manhunt. Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at [email protected] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Speaker names marked ? are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

• 0:00Alice Levine?

  Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of British Scandal ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app. This episode contains an explicit depiction of violence and may not be suitable for all listeners. Please be advised. Matt, what's with the suitcase?

• 0:17Matt Forde?

  Oh, that's my box of disguises.

• 0:19Alice Levine?

  Disguises?

• 0:20Matt Forde?

  Yeah, I'm gonna go undercover on other big podcasts so that we can stay ahead of them, get intel on them so that we can beat them.

• 0:26Alice Levine?

  You know I don't like to back you up on things, but that's actually not a bad idea.

• 0:29Matt Forde?

  Thank you very much. I've got like a curly wig and some glasses, so I'm gonna do Josh Whittaker. And Rob Beckett will never know, I'll just be there going, "Oh, I don't think I should be a parent, Rob."

• 0:38Alice Levine?

  This is genius, absolutely. You could do a whole episode, to be honest.

• 0:41Matt Forde?

  Yeah, I'm gonna go on Off Menu, I've got a ginger wig, I'm gonna go as James Acaster and be like, "Ah, Ed, papa dum, oh, Ed."

• 0:47Alice Levine?

  They're all sort of the same impression, but I think it'll work.

• 0:49Matt Forde?

  And then I'm gonna go on Diary of a CEO.

• 0:52Alice Levine?

  Oof, I don't, that feels a bit inappropriate, if I'm honest.

• 0:56Matt Forde?

  I'm not gonna dress as Stephen Bartlett, don't worry, I'm gonna go as the bottle of fuel.

• 1:00Alice Levine?

  Genius.

• 1:08Alice Levine?

  31st of July, 1910, 4:30 a.m., off the coast of Canada. Inspector Dhu pushes the heavy oars through the dark water, shudders at the cold. His eyes strain for sight of the SS Montrose, but the fog is too thick. He glances at the shadowy figures of the other men in the small boat, feels the tension grow as everyone sits in silence. He puts his head down, pulls back the oars. He needs to reach that ship before the sun rises. He shouts through the fog to the harbour pilot.

• 1:45Speaker 02

  "Speed it up!"

• 1:47Alice Levine?

  But the man spits over the side of the boat. "Steady does it." He pushes the oar. Tries not to vomit as a huge wave crashes against the boat's bow. His heart smacks in his chest. His stomach nods at the thought of a watery grave.

• 2:07Speaker 02

  Montrose ahead!

• 2:10Alice Levine?

  Dew's eyes widen as an enormous dark shape emerges through the fog. Its vast iron hull cutting through the water. He's travelled over 2,000 nautical miles for this moment.

• 2:25Alice Levine?

  He takes a deep breath as his tiny boat scrapes alongside the Montrose. Gets to his feet, grabs the rope ladder, hauls himself up. He cries out as a wave hits him. For a moment, he's blinded. The wet rope burns his hands. He blinks down at the crashing sea below. Forces himself to look up and climb.

• 2:50Alice Levine?

  His arms are shaking, the deck edges inches closer. Finally, he hauls himself over the iron rail, collapsing onto the deck. A shaft of sunlight hits his eyes. He pulls down his cap, then stops dead in his tracks. He's standing opposite a slightly-built man. His chin is covered with a sandy beard. His blue watery eyes stare in shock. And Dew realises. For a second, his mind fills with images of the cellar in Hill Drop Crescent. The stench of it, the lumps of grey flesh, the last trace of Bell Crippen.

• 3:32Alice Levine?

  He watches the man's hand shoot into his pocket. He remembers the warning from the Montrose's captain. He knows he's got a gun. But he's raced across the Atlantic to catch this man, and he isn't backing down now. He locks eyes and marches towards him. He's going to get his man. Not even a bullet will stop him arresting Dr. Hawley Crippen.

• 4:09Speaker 03

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• 4:40Speaker 04

  I'm Lauren Malloy, the host of the podcast My Mom's Murder. For 30 years, I thought my mom died of natural causes. That's what everyone told me. That's what I believed. Until one day, I got a phone call that changed everything. A woman claiming to be my mom's best friend told me my mother was murdered and that no one had ever investigated it. So I did what the detectives wouldn't, pulled the threads, knocked on doors, and confronted the contradictions. And what I found? It's worse than I imagined. Something happened to my mom. Someone killed her. And I won't stop until I find out who. The system may have given up on my mom,

• 5:25Speaker 04

  but I never will. Listen to My Mom's Murder wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all 10 episodes early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.

• 5:43Alice Levine?

  From Audible Originals, I'm Alice Levine.

• 5:46Matt Forde?

  And I'm Matt Fault.

• 5:47Alice Levine?

  And this is British Scandal.

• 6:02Alice Levine?

  Okay, Matt, give me your thoughts on Dr. Hawley Crippen.

• 6:07Matt Forde?

  Interesting character. Selling things that you really think, surely no one's going to fall for this. And then you check your Instagram and you think people are still falling for this. So he's selling penis enlargement drops and false teeth. On top of that, he seems to have a thing for younger women.

• 6:24Alice Levine?

  So all in all, you just think if you're alive at the same time, potentially you'd be mates?

• 6:29Matt Forde?

  Oh, he's my kind of guy for sure.

• 6:30Alice Levine?

  At the end of the last episode, we were left with the question though, did he murder his wife?

• 6:36Matt Forde?

  Yes, because his version of events keeps changing. So at first, he was telling people she was dead. Then he says, oh, she just went back to America, she's still alive. But now a body's been found in his basement, so I don't know what's going on.

• 6:49Alice Levine?

  And I don't know why people are still asking questions. It feels like an open shut case. He's explained himself. Inspector Dhu will not let it go. He found the body, Crippen did a runner, now he's on this tail. This is episode two, Operation Handcuffs.

• 7:09Alice Levine?

  Three weeks earlier, the world fair, Brussels.

• 7:15Alice Levine?

  Ethel and Eve steps off the roller coaster with Hawley, laughs as she catches her breath. She's never had so much fun in her life. She's so happy she could kiss him. But she knows she can't, not while she's dressed as a boy. She tugs down her jacket, adjusts her straw boater. Her eyes catch a sign, the zoo. She grabs Hawley's arm. Can we? But his face clouds. He's staring at something in the distance. She follows his gaze. What is it? Before he can answer, a merchant's call grabs her attention and she turns. She rushes over to a small wooden stall. A man holds out some waxy yellow fruit.

• 8:01Alice Levine?

  Banana, monsieur? What, what is it?

• 8:07Matt Forde?

  See, this is the thing. Whenever you're with a man and he's staring off into the middle distance, you can always try and guess what on earth is on his mind. It's food. Every single time. He's just thinking, "I think I could smell sausages. I wonder if I could have three."

• 8:21Alice Levine?

  She peels the skin, bites into the thick flesh. It's so sweet. She turns to show Horley, but he's gone. Panic grips her stomach. He's nowhere to be seen. She pushes forward through the crowd, feels the banana slip from her hand. She wants to stop someone, ask for help, but she doesn't know how. Tries to call out his name. "Horley! Horley!" She feels lightheaded, overwhelmed. The endless faces, the sickly smells of perfume and tobacco. She needs to sit down. She heads towards the refreshment tent.

• 9:06Alice Levine?

  She finds a bar stool at the counter, expects the men to catcall her, then remembers she's wearing a boy's suit. She needs a drink, puts on a deep voice, orders. The barmaid pours out a shot of clear liquid. She downs it in one, like the men around her. She snatches up a newspaper to hide her watering eyes, then stares in horror at a drawing of Horley's face on the front cover. For a moment, she can't make sense of it. She picks out the words in the French headline. "Wanted for the murder of Belle Crippen." She reels back. "Belle, dead." Murdered.

• 9:55Matt Forde?

  Because she doesn't know. Because obviously Horley had said that she was dead, and then, when confronted by her mate, had said, "Oh, she's just done a runner."

• 10:03Alice Levine?

  You say Ethel doesn't know. I mean, it would definitely raise suspicions. Also, maybe don't wear a brooches, maybe don't wear a jewels, maybe don't wear a necklaces until you know.

• 10:12Matt Forde?

  That's just a good piece of advice from Alice Levine. If you're gonna wear someone else's brooch, just be clear whether they're dead or not.

• 10:21Alice Levine?

  She feels the blood drain from her face as she stares at the picture of her fiance. "It can't be. Why would they print such a thing? "Hawley couldn't hurt a fly. He's gentle, kind." Her vision blurs. The ground sways beneath her feet. Suddenly, a hand grabs her shoulder. She spins, startled. It's Hawley. A mixture of relief and fear hits her both at once. Her eyes fall on the newspaper. When he looks at her, his face is hard, cold. There's a look in his eyes she's never seen before.

• 11:01Alice Levine?

  A new panic grips her.

• 11:04Alice Levine?

  "What if she doesn't know this man? "What if..." She looks back at the headline, then at him. Her eyes fill with tears as she stutters out.

• 11:15Alice Levine?

  "Please, Hawley. Tell me this isn't true."

• 11:24Alice Levine?

  A few minutes later, World Fair, Brussels. Hawley's eyes dart over the newspaper. He rips it from her hands. Tries to push down his rage as his mind scrambles. He needs to convince Ethel it's all a pack of lies. He smooths his expression, softens. "I can't understand it. It's a dreadful mistake. It has to be." He blinks at her with wide eyes. "I would never hurt Belle. Never. You know that." He reaches for her hand, but she pushes him away.

• 12:03Alice Levine?

  Runs out. He chases after her, out onto the dust-covered street. He yells. "Ethel! Ethel!" He grabs her arm, yanks her clear, just in time as a green tram thunders past. He holds her to him as she starts to sob. "You're safe." Pulls her closer. "You're safe with me."

• 12:33Alice Levine?

  A few minutes later, he presses a glass of wine into her shaking hands, watches her drink. When he speaks, his voice is low, almost hoarse.

• 12:47Matt Forde?

  Pathetic.

• 12:48Alice Levine?

  Get it out your system. To be fair, the correct response to this, if you were an listen. Oh, I can't even do it. So good. My horse isn't very well.

• 13:04Alice Levine?

  You know me better than anyone, Ethel. You know I couldn't do this. He stares up at her. He lets his voice crack.

• 13:15Speaker 02

  Belle, love me, you know that. And those remains, they could be anything. An animal even. Oh, God.

• 13:24Alice Levine?

  He covers his face with his hands, starts to weep. Feels Ethel's hand on his knee. Horley, people are looking. He lowers his head, glances to the table next to theirs, wipes his nose with his sleeve, draws a shuddering breath.

• 13:42Speaker 02

  I know I'm eccentric, odd even, but I'm no killer.

• 13:47Alice Levine?

  He watches her face soften. Her lip trembles. But the newspapers, Horley, they named you. He slowly shakes his head.

• 13:58Speaker 02

  No, Inspector Dew did. When he came to the house, what did he see? A married man in love with his typist. And the rest, he made up.

• 14:10Alice Levine?

  He gazes into her eyes, holds his breath. Oh, Horley. Relief crashes through him as she takes his hand. He lets out a juddering sigh, wipes his eyes, and decides. Inspector Dew won't give up on this case. With his picture in every paper, nowhere in Europe is safe now. Tomorrow morning, as soon as the Red Star Line ticket office opens, he'll book a cabin on the first ship out. He'll start again, build a new life on the other side of the world. And he'll take Ethel with him.

• 14:56Alice Levine?

  The following day, Chapel of Ease, Holloway Road, London. Inspector Dew forces his way through the crowd of reporters, pushes down the temptation to snap back.

• 15:07Speaker 02

  Are there any similarities with the Ripper murders? What state was the body in? Have you let the killer slip away again, Inspector?

• 15:14Alice Levine?

  He marches towards the solid brown brick church and storms through the door. Dew's whole body aches with exhaustion. He's spent another sleepless night combing through Crippen's past. Old press cuttings from the Salt Lake Tribune. How Crippen's first wife, Charlotte, died mysteriously. How she was found with a huge dark bruise at the base of her brain. How Crippen disappeared shortly after. He strides along the whitewashed corridor, then down towards the crypt. He shivers as he enters the mortuary. The air is cold and damp. In the centre of the room is a marble slab lit by oil lamps.

• 15:58Alice Levine?

  The pathologist, Dr Augustus Pepper, raises an eyebrow as he walks in.

• 16:03Matt Forde?

  Dr Pepper. And he's talking to Inspector Dew.

• 16:08Alice Levine?

  Yeah.

• 16:09Matt Forde?

  Mountain Dew. What is going on?

• 16:11Alice Levine?

  Yes, I should come clean. We are integrating a little bit of product placement in our new regime here at British Scandal.

• 16:17Matt Forde?

  And it's all fizzy drinks. I can't wait for the crime fighting duo Dandelion and Burdock to turn up.

• 16:23Speaker 02

  Inspector Dew!

• 16:25Alice Levine?

  Dew watches him lift a sheet of white paper from the table. He stares at the remains on the slab. Four lumps of grey flesh. A section of windpipe. Five stoppered jars. Their clear liquid preserves a liver, a heart, kidneys and a spleen. In another, he sees a lump of dark hair wrapped tightly around a curler. Some blood-soaked fragments of a lady's camisole. He reaches out for the cold stone wall. He lights a cigar, takes a few breaths to steady himself as Pepper starts to speak.

• 17:03Speaker 02

  The murderer went to extraordinary lengths to hide the victim's identity. There's no head, no hands. The sex organs have been removed.

• 17:15Alice Levine?

  Dew sways slightly, tries to push down his rising bile.

• 17:19Speaker 02

  Cause of death?

• 17:21Alice Levine?

  Pepper shakes his head.

• 17:23Speaker 02

  We sent a specimen of the flesh to toxicology.

• 17:27Alice Levine?

  Dew watches him sprinkle carbolic powder over the remains.

• 17:31Speaker 02

  Whoever dissected the body had considerable anatomical knowledge. However, they failed to understand how quicklime works.

• 17:42Alice Levine?

  Dew empties his lungs of cigar smoke.

• 17:45Speaker 02

  Meaning? Meaning, they mixed it with water when they buried the remains. Preserved the flesh, instead of destroying it.

• 17:56Matt Forde?

  They've done the exact opposite of what they intended.

• 18:00Alice Levine?

  Exactly, and what does that mean about the person who did it?

• 18:03Matt Forde?

  Are they an idiot?

• 18:05Alice Levine?

  The murderer is an idiot. Release it to the press!

• 18:10Matt Forde?

  Police are on the hunt for what they describe as a moron.

• 18:15Alice Levine?

  Dew grabs a lantern, holds it above the remains on the table, makes out the faint trace of a scar on the abdomen. He looks closer. There's something he hadn't seen before. He lifts up the mound of flesh, slides out a tiny strip of fabric, stares at the pattern. It's familiar. His mouth opens. It's the same pattern as Crippen's pyjamas.

• 18:45Speaker 02

  Make sure this fabric's preserved.

• 18:47Alice Levine?

  He looks back at what's left of this poor soul, and feels his fingers curl into a fist. He can't wait to get his hands on the vile monster who did this.

• 18:59Alice Levine?

  He looks up as the door bursts open. DS Mitchell stands breathless in the doorway. Dew watches his eyes fall on the slab. Mitchell takes off his hat, clears his throat.

• 19:12Speaker 02

  Telegraph from Brussels, sir. Crippen's been sighted in an hotel.

• 19:17Alice Levine?

  Dew's eyes shine with excitement. What, they've got him? But Mitchell looks at his feet, shuffles awkwardly.

• 19:25Speaker 02

  Police went in first thing, but he's disappeared, sir.

• 19:28Alice Levine?

  Mitchell's eyes fall back on the slab. He swallows hard, then adds:

• 19:34Speaker 02

  And sir?

• 19:36Alice Levine?

  He's taken Miss Lenev with him.

• 19:47Alice Levine?

  21st of July 1910, the SS Montrose.

• 19:54Alice Levine?

  Captain Henry Kendall stands on the bridge, studies his charts, frowns. He needs to guide the Montrose safely through the English Channel. He yells at his helmsman. Keep us steady! Feels his shoulders relax as the ship steadies. Sir, passenger list as requested. Kendall lets out an impatient sigh. 11 days to Quebec, 11 evenings dining with every single upper-class passenger on board, as if he didn't have enough to do.

• 20:27Matt Forde?

  What a nightmare. 11 dinners. God.

• 20:31Alice Levine?

  Another bisque?

• 20:33Matt Forde?

  Those coal miners don't know how lucky they've got it.

• 20:38Alice Levine?

  He puts the list down, tamps and lights his pipe, lets his eyes wander to the starboard porthole, and jumps for the start. Two men are standing on the deck, holding hands. He reels back, gasps as the passengers kiss each other. On the lips. The pipe dangles from his mouth as he stares in horror. Dear God in heaven! He can't believe his eyes. Homosexuals on his ship! His jaw tightens. A few seconds later, he marches along the deck, watches the couple spring apart. The boy blushes.

• 21:23Alice Levine?

  He's about to tell them in no uncertain terms that there'll be no homosexual hanky-panky on his ship, when the man smiles, holds out his hand.

• 21:34Speaker 02

  Captain, pleased to finally get to meet you. John Robinson, this is my son, George.

• 21:41Alice Levine?

  Great cover story.

• 21:44Matt Forde?

  No, I was just kissing my son. It's all a misunderstanding.

• 21:48Alice Levine?

  It's very European.

• 21:53Alice Levine?

  Kendall stops in his tracks and stares at the sun. He sways on his heels, he's so shocked he can't speak. He takes in Mr. Robinson's short stature, his slight frame, his bulging watery eyes. There's a ridge on the top of his nose where spectacles usually sit. He turns to the boy in his ill-fitting suit and realises, he's a girl. He stares in disbelief. Then jumps to, as his name is shouted from the bridge, mutters out an excuse.

• 22:31Speaker 02

  "I'm needed. Excuse me."

• 22:35Alice Levine?

  His stomach knots as he heads for his cabin. He pours himself a large rum, swirls it in his glass. He stares at Robinson through the porthole. There's something about the man's face, it's the eyes. Kendall feels a flicker of recognition. Then a headline crashes back into his mind. He scrabbles around his desk for yesterday's English newspaper. Finds the one he bought in Antwerp. And there they are. Two sketches stare back at him, one of Dr. Hawley Crippen, the other of his typist, Ethel Lanive. His jaw drops at the headline.

• 23:18Alice Levine?

  "Body in the cellar, murderer on the run." He looks out the small window at John Robinson. It's him, he's sure. They're aboard his ship. He's sailing a murderer across the Atlantic. He rubs at his forehead as he tries to work out his next step. His gaze shifts to the ship's Marconi wireless mast, new technology that's barely been used.

• 23:46Matt Forde?

  Okay, so this was like the internet of the day.

• 23:48Alice Levine?

  Yes, it's hard to overstate how revolutionary this was. So, didn't require cables under the water, which meant you had to be in certain places. It was slow. This technology means that everybody could talk to everybody else globally. And it was the kind of basis for radio broadcasting, as you say, the internet.

• 24:08Matt Forde?

  So all the problems we face as a society now are all Marconi's fault.

• 24:14Alice Levine?

  Yeah, exactly. Before this, ships were just waving flags at each other.

• 24:18Matt Forde?

  Which seems like a terrible system.

• 24:21Alice Levine?

  Although we have gone back to the red flag system. That's all we talk about now. So, you know, these things are in cycles.

• 24:30Alice Levine?

  He makes his decision.

• 24:33Alice Levine?

  Snatching up the newspaper, he marches to the wireless room.

• 24:39Alice Levine?

  He's going to send an urgent message to Scotland Yard. Tell them Crippens on board. And then, he's going to lay a trap to catch him.

• 25:00Speaker 05

  Imagine you're reading Pride and Prejudice, except you're not reading it. Harris Dickinson and Marissa Abella are reading it to you on Audible. Her barbs sting you. His coldness sends a shiver up your spine. Your heart aches, your ears burn. You yearn for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy to profess their undying love for one another. You can't bear it any longer. Well, maybe a chapter longer. Performance is so good, you'll give love a second chance. Audible, stories that speak to you.

• 25:30Speaker 06

  In the summer of 1881, US Army Lieutenant Adolphus Greeley and 24 other men embarked on an ambitious scientific mission to the northernmost reaches of the Arctic. But despite several triumphs of discovery, the men would soon face tragedy. Hi, I'm Lindsey Graham, the host of the podcast American History Tellers. We take you to the events, times and people that shaped America and Americans, our values, our struggles and our dreams. In our latest series, after Adolphus Greeley and his men arrive at their destination more than 1,000 miles above the Arctic Circle, they get to work collecting scientific data and exploring the frigid landscape. But when resupply ships fail to reach them two summers in a row, they're forced to set

• 26:12Speaker 06

  out on a desperate search for rescue, and not all of them will make it home. Follow American History Tellers wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of American History Tellers: Greeley Arctic Expedition early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.

• 26:38Alice Levine?

  A few minutes later, shipping company Liverpool. 21-year-old Samuel Miller sits in the canteen, stares into his tea, then at Mabel Jackson on the table opposite. He watches her flush as she tucks a strand of dark hair behind her ear. He should get back to his desk as a wireless operator, but he's been building up the courage to ask her out. Now's his chance. He gets to his feet, heads to her table. He can feel his heart beating in his ears. His eyes fall on the paper she's reading, The Daily Mirror. At the headline, "Body Found in Cold Cell: Cruel Fate of American Actress. Killer on the Run."

• 27:25Speaker 02

  It's so horrible, it's like Jack the Ripper all over again.

• 27:28Matt Forde?

  Keep it light, Samuel. Trying to get a date here, mate.

• 27:31Alice Levine?

  She looks at the paper, then at him. "Well, maybe you could walk me home tonight."

• 27:36Matt Forde?

  "It's worked. What do I know?"

• 27:38Alice Levine?

  He grins, feels his heart leap. He bows slightly. "I'll keep you safe. I promise." A few minutes later, he's in his office. He fixes on his headset, tries to concentrate as the high-frequency Morse code starts to beep in his ears. He frowns. It's a message from a ship, but the radio signal's weak. He strains to hear.

• 28:02Speaker 02

  From SS Montrose. Argent. Assistance required.

• 28:06Alice Levine?

  His stomach goes cold. His pulse races at an image of the Montrose sinking. He scribbles down the ship's coordinates.

• 28:16Speaker 02

  130 miles, west of Lizard.

• 28:19Alice Levine?

  He frowns. The ship is out of the treacherous coastal waters. He stares at the page.

• 28:26Speaker 02

  Strong suspicion that London sell a murderer and accomplice aboard. Notify Scotland Yard immediately.

• 28:33Alice Levine?

  Samuel grabs his code book, verifies each sequence, blinks down again at his notebook. It must be Crippen. He rips off his headset, runs up to Mabel's desk.

• 28:45Speaker 02

  Is the director in?

• 28:47Alice Levine?

  Mabel blinks up at him.

• 28:48Speaker 02

  You look like you've seen a ghost.

• 28:51Alice Levine?

  He blurts out that he's just had an urgent message.

• 28:54Speaker 02

  About Dr. Crippen, I know where he is.

• 28:58Alice Levine?

  Mabel rolls her eyes.

• 29:00Speaker 02

  If that's your idea of a joke, Samuel Miller, then I don't want anything to do with you.

• 29:05Alice Levine?

  He feels his face redden, is about to reply when...

• 29:09Speaker 02

  Anyway, the director's gone for the day.

• 29:12Alice Levine?

  She goes back to her typing. His shoulders slump as he slopes back to his office. He picks up his own copy of The Daily Mirror. He can't ignore the message, and he can't wait for approval either. He feels his resolve harden as he scans for the name of the inspector dealing with the case. Then adjusts his headset, puts his finger on the telegraph key. No authorisation, no director, just him, Samuel Miller. He presses down and starts tapping out a telegram to Scotland Yard.

• 29:50Speaker 02

  For the attention of Inspector Dew, urgent. Crippen sighted aboard the SS Montrose. Destination: Quebec City, Canada.

• 30:04Alice Levine?

  One hour later, central London. Inspector Dew strides up the gravel path towards the assistant commissioner Sir Melville McNorton's house. His cigar burns low between his fingers. He looks down at the telegram from the Liverpool Marconi office. Crippen sighted aboard the SS Montrose. His guts twist with anxiety. If Crippen steps off that ship, he'll vanish. He needs to find a way to board that boat, but he needs Sir Melville's authorisation to do so. He glances through the window. Sir Melville's face is illuminated by electric lamps as he entertains his dinner guests.

• 30:46Alice Levine?

  Dew's eyes widen as he spots Sir Arthur Conan Doyle smoothing his handlebar moustache. He's sitting opposite the Home Secretary, Winston Churchill.

• 30:59Matt Forde?

  This is incredible. Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. Winston Churchill, creator, effectively of modern Britain. God, this is like a fantasy dinner party.

• 31:11Alice Levine?

  Creator's summit.

• 31:15Alice Levine?

  Dew feels his shoulders slump. He's worked closely with Sir Melville since the Ripper murders. And one thing he hates is being interrupted on his literary evenings. Dew wraps on the door with his cane.

• 31:31Alice Levine?

  He takes off his bowler hat as a maid ushers him into the library. He gazes at the shelves stacked with leather-bound books. Tries to stay calm as Sir Melville marches towards him and throws down his notes.

• 31:44Speaker 02

  Make it quick, Dew. I'm reciting Horace's satires.

• 31:48Alice Levine?

  Dew clears his throat, hands over the telegram.

• 31:51Speaker 02

  It's Crippen, sir. He's been spotted on the SS Montrose, an ocean liner heading for Quebec. Canada? Christ, man! Sir, if I catch the SS Laurentic, I'll reach Quebec two days before the Montrose docks. But only if I leave.

• 32:08Alice Levine?

  Sir Melville cuts in.

• 32:10Speaker 02

  How do we know it's our man?

• 32:12Alice Levine?

  Dew's heart thuds.

• 32:14Speaker 02

  Sir, the captain is certain. It's Crippen and Miss Lenev.

• 32:19Alice Levine?

  He watches Sir Melville raise his eyebrows.

• 32:22Speaker 02

  If this goes sideways, we'll be a bloody laughingstock.

• 32:26Alice Levine?

  Dew holds his breath, watches Sir Melville pour himself a whiskey and down it in one. He keeps his eyes on the glass when he speaks.

• 32:35Speaker 02

  I don't want a word of this leaking. You keep this out of the press.

• 32:39Alice Levine?

  Dew nods.

• 32:41Speaker 02

  Yes, sir.

• 32:42Alice Levine?

  He heads for the door. Here's Sir Melville's cold voice behind him.

• 32:47Speaker 02

  And Dew, if you fail, you fall on your sword. Understood?

• 32:53Matt Forde?

  Right, so you get the whisky. I take all the risk, including getting on a boat with a murderer. And in return, you're going to keep that quiet. And if it goes wrong, it's all my fault and I have to resign.

• 33:06Alice Levine?

  Have a good trip.

• 33:10Alice Levine?

  Outside, Dew lights a cigar. He's got nine hours before that steamer leaves from Liverpool. And he'll have to board that ship in disguise. But if all goes well, he'll reach Canada in six days, in time to meet Crippen in Quebec. He lowers his head, hurries off into the night. Operation Handcuffs has begun.

• 33:38Alice Levine?

  Four days later, the Montrose.

• 33:42Alice Levine?

  Hawley grabs the guardrail, blinks at the ocean. He looks across at Ethel, staring off into the distance. She's been quiet since they set foot on this ship, reserved even.

• 33:54Speaker 02

  You having second thoughts about this, Ethel? About us?

• 33:58Alice Levine?

  She glances around, then whispers. I don't know anyone in Canada. What am I going to do there? I'm sick of it, Hawley. All this lying, I'm sick of pretending, and I'm sick of this stupid suit. He waits until a couple have walked by, tips his hat as they pass, then whispers. Only two more days until we dock. Is it too much to ask that you just keep?

• 34:22Speaker 02

  Mr. Robinson!

• 34:23Alice Levine?

  Hawley spins, sees Captain Kendall, feels his eyes water. Kendall's a damn nuisance. Every time he comes on deck, he's there, quizzing him about his plans in Canada, or talking to Ethel about cricket or soccer.

• 34:38Speaker 02

  I wonder if you and your son would do me the honour of dining with me this evening?

• 34:44Alice Levine?

  Hawley goes cold. It's the last thing he wants.

• 34:48Speaker 02

  I'm afraid my son's feeling unwell. He's very seasick.

• 34:53Alice Levine?

  Kendall grips Ethel's shoulder.

• 34:56Speaker 02

  Nonsense! He's got his sea legs already. I can see it. 7.30. I'll look forward to it.

• 35:04Alice Levine?

  He watches Kendall stroll away, his hands clasped behind him, curses under his breath.

• 35:10Speaker 02

  Damn him!

• 35:12Alice Levine?

  He glares at Ethel.

• 35:14Speaker 02

  Let me do all the talking tonight. Don't say a word.

• 35:18Matt Forde?

  Fine. You chat to the captain and all those boring wallys in tuxedos. I love my turkey drumstick chips and spaghetti hoops.

• 35:26Alice Levine?

  She has ordered from the kids' menu, and that is what it is. A few hours later, he sits at the captain's table, explains how his son, George, has a rare throat condition.

• 35:37Speaker 02

  It's much worse this evening. It hurts him very much to talk.

• 35:42Alice Levine?

  He watches Ethel lower her eyes, but Kendall ignores him.

• 35:47Speaker 02

  What are you studying, young George? What's your favourite subject?

• 35:50Alice Levine?

  Hawley tenses as Ethel clears her throat, mumbles in a low voice. Mathematics.

• 35:57Speaker 02

  Ah, I loved Pythagoras at school. I imagine you must have studied his theory.

• 36:03Alice Levine?

  Hawley cuts in. Are we making good progress, Captain? Kendall's eyebrows raise.

• 36:09Speaker 02

  Storm slowed us a little, but we're on course to dock the day after tomorrow.

• 36:14Alice Levine?

  Hawley smiles, cuts into his steak, watches the pink juice spread over the white plate. But Kendall leans forward.

• 36:22Speaker 02

  Why don't you and your son join me on deck at sunrise when we dock? I can show young George how we navigate the river. I'm sure that'd interest you, eh, George? Applied mathematics?

• 36:34Matt Forde?

  I mean, any ordinary passenger would be like, why do you want to spend so much time with me and my son? Come on, man. We're meant to go to karaoke tonight.

• 36:41Alice Levine?

  I'll join you!

• 36:44Alice Levine?

  He watches Ethel's eyes widen in panic. Hawley again jumps in. Of course. He tries to smile, but a sick wave of nausea washes over him. He's fooled enough people himself to know when something's not right. He chooses steak and decides he'll spend the next two days in his cabin. Then he'll go up on deck with Ethel at sunrise, watch for the first sight of land. And if Kendall, or anyone else, tries to spring a surprise, he won't hesitate to play his final card: the pistol he's been carrying with him ever since he stepped foot on this boat.

• 37:32Alice Levine?

  Ten minutes later, the SS Laurentic.

• 37:35Matt Forde?

  Okay, so this is the other boat that's gonna get ahead of the Montrose, because presumably the Montrose is the stopping service.

• 37:42Alice Levine?

  Yes, exactly.

• 37:44Matt Forde?

  And he's going direct.

• 37:45Alice Levine?

  Yes, the SS Laurentic is the express service. And this is sort of like the opposite of the Fast and the Furious. This is sort of the slowest chase ever.

• 37:54Alice Levine?

  Inspector Dew pulls on his deerstalker hat, buttons up his green ulster coat, and clamps a bulldog pipe between his teeth. He studies himself in the mirror now and feels his heart drop. This outfit seemed like a good idea when he left Liverpool. Now he realises he looks just like Sherlock Holmes. He sighs, he won't have to keep this up for long. By his calculations, the Laurentic should reach Quebec two days before Crippen's ship. Dew's stomach growls. He heads down to the carpeted corridor towards the dining room, lowers his head as passengers pass. But then a man grabs his hand, shakes it.

• 38:39Speaker 02

  Good luck, Inspector. I hope you've kept the rotor.

• 38:42Alice Levine?

  Dew gasps, steps back, blurts out, "I don't know what you mean. My name is Doctor Dewhurst." But the man winks.

• 38:53Speaker 02

  My apologies, a doctor.

• 38:59Alice Levine?

  Dew quickens his step. The man must have been drunk. He tries to push it to the back of his mind as he passes the lounge. He blinks in at the open doorway. A woman in evening dress sits at the piano. A man in a smoking jacket leans against it, singing.

• 39:16Speaker 02

  Has anybody here seen Crippen? C.R.I., double P.N. He's done a bunk to Canada. His wife's in the Corsella. Crippen from Camden Town.

• 39:29Alice Levine?

  The music stops. Everyone turns and stares at Dew. People start to whisper to each other. He reels back as the singer puts his cigarette in his mouth and applauds him. His heart thuds. He staggers back, tries to make sense of it. He's in a nightmare.

• 39:48Speaker 02

  Inspector Due.

• 39:50Alice Levine?

  He spins, gets ready to snap out of denial. Feels his shoulders drop with relief at the sight of the captain. But his face is grave.

• 40:00Speaker 02

  I'm afraid we have a problem.

• 40:03Alice Levine?

  He stares at the captain.

• 40:04Speaker 02

  It seems one of our passengers, a journalist, has recognized you.

• 40:11Alice Levine?

  Due follows him to the wireless room, watches him snatch up a telegram from the desk and hold it out. Due's vision swims as he reads. For the attention of the captains, what is Inspector Due doing? Is he sending wireless messages? Joining in with the activities on board? Are other passengers excited about the chase? A nerve pulses in his eye. He stares at the captain.

• 40:35Speaker 02

  How the hell did this happen?

• 40:37Alice Levine?

  The captain raises a thick eyebrow.

• 40:39Speaker 02

  It seems this passenger has sent a coded telegram to the News of the World. The press have been intercepting our messages ever since.

• 40:51Matt Forde?

  How far back does that News of the World scandal go? They've been out there for a hundred years.

• 40:58Alice Levine?

  And also, so effective if everybody on the boat knows already. What are they doing, getting alerts?

• 41:06Alice Levine?

  His eyes fall on the black wireless boxes on the desk. He looks at the captain.

• 41:11Speaker 02

  It's an open wireless system. Anyone can listen.

• 41:15Alice Levine?

  Due sways slightly as he takes it in. Then snaps out.

• 41:20Speaker 02

  Shut it down, immediately. Essential messages only. I don't want another word leaking to the press.

• 41:28Alice Levine?

  He looks back at the wireless system.

• 41:31Alice Levine?

  He'll have to send an urgent telegram to the SS Montrose. Demand Captain Kendall do the same. Total blackout. But his stomach knots as he realizes. He might already be too late.

• 41:58Speaker 06

  By 1779, Benedict Arnold had sacrificed more for the revolution than almost any other man in America. One of George Washington's most effective commanders, he had nearly lost a leg in the Second Battle of Saratoga. But in return, Arnold believed he had been humiliated by Congress and cheated of his glory by lesser men. So he decided to make them pay. Hi, I'm Lindsey Graham, the host of the podcast American Scandal. We bring to life some of the biggest controversies in US history: presidential lies, environmental disasters, corporate fraud. In our latest series, Benedict Arnold turns his back on his comrades in the Continental Army and secretly defects to the British. With the help of his wife,

• 42:39Speaker 06

  he plots to hand over the most important colonial fortress to the enemy and doom the revolution he once served. Follow American Scandal wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of American Scandal early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.

• 42:59Speaker 07

  Hey, I'm Cassie DePecce, the host of Against the Odds from Audible Originals. In each episode, we share thrilling true stories of survival, putting you in the shoes of the people who lived to tell the tale. In our latest series, we track the story of Hugh Glass, the real-life revenant that inspired the 2015 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. In 1823, Glass was brutally mauled by a grizzly bear in present-day South Dakota and left for dead. His survival depended on trekking through 350 miles of wilderness alone with grave injuries. But he was driven by his thirst for revenge. Follow Against the Odds wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes of Against the Odds early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts.

• 43:51Alice Levine?

  11:30pm, 30th of July, the Laurentic off the coast of Canada. Inspector Dew stands with the captain on the bridge of the SS Laurentic, scans the horizon. He takes out his pocket watch. He's only a few hours ahead of Crippen, and there's still no sign of land. He glances at the deck below. A small group of excited passengers look up at him. They've been following him everywhere since they found out who he was. He just hopes the same isn't happening on the SS Montrose.

• 44:27Alice Levine?

  He lets out a sigh of relief as the fog rolls back and a small port finally comes into view. Canada, at last. He takes in the lighthouse, a few wooden shacks. He'll hide out there, then when Crippen's ship comes in at dawn, he'll get on a rowing boat and arrest him.

• 44:49Alice Levine?

  He narrows his eyes as another sound starts to carry in the air. It's coming from the shore. At first he can't make sense of it, then his blood runs cold as he realises it's a mob, and they're all chanting his name. News of Crippen aboard the SS Montrose has reached Canada. He hangs his head. As soon as he's on the gangway, photographers surround him. A man grabs his arm, raises it. "Three cheers for Inspector Dew! Hip, hip, hooray!" Dew shrugs him off, puts his head down, tries to push through, but the press jostle with each other, shove their cameras in his face.

• 45:32Matt Forde?

  "Do you know what? Once it's got to that level, you've just got to enjoy it."

• 45:37Alice Levine?

  "Crowd surf?"

• 45:38Matt Forde?

  "Yeah! Wave, kiss a few babies."

• 45:41Alice Levine?

  "Dew, Dew, Dew!" and you're starting it yourself.

• 45:44Matt Forde?

  "Just dancing along." "Starting it yourself!"

• 45:49Alice Levine?

  What are your plans to arrest Crippen? Is it true Miss Lanavas dressed as a boy? Did you know your wife has been following your journey through the English press? He snarls.

• 45:58Speaker 02

  Out of my way!

• 46:00Alice Levine?

  He tries to push through when someone blocks him. He balls his fist, gets ready to fight, when he sees a uniformed policeman.

• 46:08Speaker 02

  Sir, this way.

• 46:11Alice Levine?

  A few seconds later, he's in a small hut. Two men in heavy overcoats stand up, introduce themselves as Chief Officer McCarthy and Detective Dennis of the Quebec City Police. Dew snaps at them.

• 46:25Speaker 02

  How the hell am I going to arrest Crippen with this bloody circus?

• 46:30Alice Levine?

  Chief Officer McCarthy raises an eyebrow. May I remind you, Inspector, you're on Canadian soil. We're doing the arrest.

• 46:39Alice Levine?

  He feels his stomach grip, his jaw tightens with anger. He wipes his hand over his face as McCarthy leans back. But we're the least of your problems. He gestures to the window. The press are going to sail to the Montreux's tomorrow at dawn, dressed as harbor pilots. They're going to get the scoop of the century. Dew peers out of the window, jumps back as a camera flashes in his face. It almost blinds him. He rubs at his eyes. He can't let the press get to that ship first. He rocks on his heels, tries to figure out what to do. Then an idea hits him. He'll disguise himself as a harbor pilot too. He'll head out with the press in their small boat, away from the crowds.

• 47:24Alice Levine?

  He turns to the detectives, raises himself to his full height, tells them they can join him.

• 47:31Speaker 02

  But I'll make the arrest.

• 47:33Alice Levine?

  He watches the men glance at each other. It's one of the Canadian detectives this time who breaks the silence. He shrugs his heavy frame, takes a piece of paper from his coat pocket.

• 47:45Speaker 02

  You should know, Captain Kendall sent a telegram.

• 47:50Alice Levine?

  Dew unfolds it and feels his heart stop when he reads.

• 47:54Speaker 02

  Crippen armed, guns sighted, be careful.

• 47:58Alice Levine?

  Dew feels his blood chill, but he's determined. He'll bring that murderer to justice, dead or alive.

• 48:17Alice Levine?

  31st of July, 5am, the Montrose.

• 48:22Alice Levine?

  Hawley stands shivering on the deck. He puts up his collar against the thick fog and squints out at the ocean. He lets out a breath as the sun breaks through, tips up his face to feel the warmth. He smiles over at Ethel. In a few hours, there'll be just another anonymous couple in Quebec City. Then they can ditch their disguises, all the pretense, and finally live as man and wife.

• 48:49Speaker 02

  There, look!

• 48:51Alice Levine?

  He squints, sees a flash of a lighthouse. His heart leaps. He looks down at the small boat emerging from the fog, tries to focus on it.

• 49:01Speaker 02

  Oh, they're harbour pilots!

• 49:03Alice Levine?

  He spins to see Captain Kendall.

• 49:05Speaker 02

  They'll guide us along the Saint Lawrence to Quebec City. A tricky river to navigate.

• 49:11Alice Levine?

  Hawley blinks, stares down, counts six burly men in pilots' uniforms. He shoots a look at Kendall. Six of them? The captain's eyes stay on the boat, but he doesn't answer. Hawley feels his chest tighten. His heart thumps as the boat pulls up alongside. He's travelled in liners many times before, but he's never seen this many harbour pilots board a ship. He takes in the shadows of the men, shoves his hand in his pocket, feels for his gun, then realises to his horror, he's left it behind.

• 49:48Matt Forde?

  Idiot! That was his one big plan!

• 49:50Alice Levine?

  That was his final card, famously.

• 49:52Matt Forde?

  Like keys, wallet, phone, gun.

• 49:56Alice Levine?

  He turns, tries to go back to his cabin, but Captain Kendall blocks his way. Hawley watches, breathless, as one of the men jumps onto the deck. For a moment, they lock eyes. He wants to run, but he's frozen to the spot. He stares at the man's thick, dark moustache, those piercing eyes. His stomach turns ice-cold as he realises. It can't be. He hears his own feeble voice. Inspector Dew. He's blinded by a flashbulb as a camera is shoved in his face. He staggers back, then flinches as Dew grabs him, snaps iron handcuffs around his wrists.

• 50:39Alice Levine?

  His vision swims as he looks over at Ethel. She's white, shaking. He wants to say something, but the words won't come. Instead, he hears Dew's voice booming above the crashing waves.

• 50:52Speaker 02

  Holy Crippen, I'm arresting you for the murder and mutilation of your wife, Belle Crippen.

• 50:59Alice Levine?

  His legs give as he catches sight of the gleaming coastline now, lit with bright sunshine. At a future he's lost. He realises, it's going to take everything he has to talk his way out of this.

• 51:15Alice Levine?

  Because if he doesn't, he's going to hang.

• 51:30Alice Levine?

  From Audible Originals and Sammestat Audio, this is the second episode in our series, The Notorious Dr. Crippen.

• 51:37Matt Forde?

  A quick note about our dialogue. In most cases, we can't know exactly what was said, but all our dramatizations are based on historical research.

• 51:45Alice Levine?

  If you'd like to know more about this story, you can read Story of a Murder by Hallie Rubenhold, and Dr. Crippen by Nicholas Connell. British Scandal is hosted by me, Alice Levine.

• 51:55Matt Forde?

  And me, Matt Ford.

• 51:57Alice Levine?

  Written by Karen Laws. Additional writing by Alice Levine and Matt Ford. Our story editor was James Maniac. Sound design by Rich Evans. Our engineer was Jai Williams. For Sammestat, our series producer was Chica Ayers. Our assistant producer was Louise Mason. Our senior producers were Joe Sykes and Dasha Lisatsina. Executive producers for Audible were Theodora Leludis and Astell Doyle.

• 52:31Speaker 08

  A trucker merges onto the I-10 in New Orleans. He checks his mirrors. The lane is clear. And then, boom. Impact. A pickup truck, seemingly out of nowhere, scrapes down the side of his 18-wheeler. Multiple passengers inside. One man flees the scene. And the driver of the pickup? He doesn't seem all that upset. It didn't feel like a regular accident, because it wasn't. Across the city, truckers are getting sideswiped, all on the same stretch of the same freeway. And behind many of the cases is one person. A Hollywood stunt woman turned personal injury lawyer, named Vanessa Moda. This podcast is a story about fake accidents that lead to real consequences. And a scheme that ends in betrayal and murder.

• 53:16Speaker 08

  Listen to Over My Dead Body: Operation Sideswipe wherever you get your podcasts. Audible subscribers can binge all episodes early and ad-free right now. Join Audible in the Audible app, or by subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

• 53:31Speaker 09

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• 54:13Speaker 09

  Only to discover, Dracula's already hunting her. Audible's Dracula invites you to welcome literature's most shadowy figure into your home. Listen to the new audiobook adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, only on Audible.