Ernest Dudley

Department of Spooks: Stories of Suspense and Mystery Ernest Dudley

A high-level diplomat about to take over a vital post at the United Nations is being blackmailed. If he goes to the police, he?ll have to prosecute, or no action can be taken. That will mean his going into the witness box. And even though he would be reported in the Press as Mr. X, a face as well-known as his couldn?t be hidden from everyone in the court. The revelation of his identity would end his career. So Government special agent Mike Hammond is given his orders: ?Winkle this blackmailer out, and he?s all yours. You?re judge and jury and?executioner.? This gripping mystery thriller is just one of five gripping stories in this collection, including: ?Mask of Blackmail,? ?Two Floors Up, in Chinatown,? ?Chinatown Cowboy,? ?Cat Thief,? and the first appearance of the weird mystery tale, ?The Beetle,? featuring Poe?s famous detective, Auguste Dupin.