Originally Aired: January 27, 1956
Johnny Dollar #315, "The Duke Red Matter Ep 5,"
Johnny pushes deeper into the mystery surrounding the death of the racehorse Duke Red and the disappearance of trainer Thomas Warner. After reporting Warner missing to Constable Tad Polk, Johnny confronts veterinarian Dr. Gorey with a stark choice: cooperate now or face perjury charges in court. Under pressure, Gorey finally reveals the truth: Ben Abbott shot Duke Red in anger because the horse wouldn't run, and Thomas Warner witnessed the killing. Abbott paid Warner money to disappear, but Johnny discovers a troubling discrepancy when he checks Abbott's bank records and finds no payment to Warner recorded.
When Johnny arrives at Abbott's farm to confront him with the evidence, darkness has fallen and tension hangs in the air. Stable hand Kelly warns that Abbott flew into a rage after Constable Polk's afternoon visit. As Johnny enters the house, Abbott's daughter Terry appears with an ominous warning, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation with the unstable horse breeder.