RETRO-SPEED
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Another Wrong Road. Retro-Speed Serial. Part 2. A Sitting Duck.

Monday 28th July 2025

CLOSE FEATURE

When George left old man Derry's office an hour later he was non the wiser. After tea and cake Derry had done no more than cross the room, open a substantial Chubb safe and retrieve from its depths a scruffy white envelope that was addressed in black ink to George. Inside, a single key, faintly inscribed with the number six.

'I don't understand.'

Derry lit his cigar with a long match and gave a chuckle.

'It's quite simple. Find the lock to which this key fits, and I'm empowered to hand over to you the sum of one million pounds sterling. Or dollars, should you prefer.

''But that's impossible'.

'Not impossible. Difficult yes. But not impossible. And one more thing. The clock is ticking. The offer expires one year from today.'

Derry concluded their meeting by handing George a cheque. 'Take this. It's more than enough to cover your expenses.'

Next morning George telephoned Quentin Derry QC, wanting to know more, but his secretary answered.' I'm terribly sorry Mr. Crossply, but Mr. Derry died in his sleep last night'.