This Fatal Writ

Antony Maitland #28

The case against Harry Charlton was simple and strong. In his role as 'investigative journalist' he was alleged to have gained knowledge of a Top Secret project at the Fenton Laboratory, London, and to have sold this information to a Russian agent. The case rested on three main items: a conversation overheard by an independent witness; some very incriminating papers found in Charlton's flat; and a large unexplained payment into his bank account.

Antony Maitland's clerk had already refused the brief, and it wasn't until an old (or perhaps it would be more accurate to say a very young) friend came into the picture that Maitland was persuaded to change his mind. He still didn't like the case, he doubted Charlton's innocence, and he didn't fancy taking on the security services when his client might, after all, be guilty of treason.

Then murder was added to treason.

It was obvious that the staff at the laboratory would have to be investigated, particularly those with an intimate knowledge of the project involved. Once again Maitland finds himself acting in the role of detective.