 A man named Barney Slade had been murdered. The killer had drawn question marks on my photographs in the dead man's apartment. Were you afraid to tell me because it would involve you deeper? Yes. I think that was the purpose of the phone call, Sergeant. What phone call? That evening, shortly after six, I received a call from a man. He wouldn't identify himself. He said that a very dear, very old friend of mine was in trouble and needed my help.