Y'know, Nelson Hayward wasn't too smart. I mean even if Columbo did not dig that bullet out of the wall prior to him returning from voting, setting off a firecracker on the ledge would leave a mess. I mean when ya light a firecracker off, there's always blown-up paper all over the place. (Yes, I know this first hand).

Stop playing with firecrackers!! You could hurt yourself!!.....well at least wait till July 4th!

But you're right...there would be bits of paper all over the place.

Hayward should have also figured about the phone thing. Why didn't he say he wanted to go to his office simply to take a quick nap or something. Because he was exhausted from all the campaigning.

He also shouldn't have ordered that coat so far in advance.