Address Unknown 67-xx-xx (04) The Search for Christopher Adamson

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Address Unknown 67-xx-xx (04) The Search for Christopher Adamson"

Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction

"Harold's Old Time Radio" transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, evoking the nostalgia of families huddling around their radios to enjoy classic programs like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, and Dragnet. In the episode titled "Address Unknown 67-xx-xx (04) The Search for Christopher Adamson," host Harold weaves a gripping mystery centered around the mysterious disappearance of a young man named Christopher Adamson. This summary delves into the intricate details, key discussions, and fascinating twists that unfold throughout the episode.

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1. The Disappearance of Christopher Adamson

Timestamp: [00:31]

The episode commences with Henry Simon, the narrator and investigator from the Missing Persons Bureau, introducing the perplexing case of Christopher Adamson's disappearance. Unlike previous cases, Chris's vanishing is marked by unique circumstances that set it apart from typical missing person scenarios.

Key Points:

• Christopher Adamson, a 22-year-old recent army veteran, has been missing for two days.
• His father, George Adamson, a respected London broker, reported Chris missing after a minor quarrel.
• The case presents an unusual blend of personal family conflict and potential criminal motives.

Notable Quote:

"Sometimes before in this series of programs, I've talked about the motives for disappearances. It never ceases to surprise me that not only are two cases never the same, but there are even so many basically different reasons for a person not being where he or she ought to be." — Henry Simon [00:31]

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2. George Adamson's Concern

Timestamp: [01:40 - 03:11]

George Adamson visits Henry Simon to report his son's disappearance. Their conversation reveals the strained relationship between father and son, though George downplays the significance of their argument.

Key Points:

• Chris is set to join his father’s business, Adamson and Phelps.
• George expresses concern over Chris’s readiness to transition from military to commercial life.
• The late Mr. Godfrey Phelps, George's partner, died in the war, adding emotional weight to the situation.

Notable Quotes:

"I'm desperately worried, Mr. Simon. The more so because when I last saw Chris, we parted. Well, not on the best of terms." — George Adamson [01:40]

"I don't think you should reproach yourself too bitterly, Mr. Adamson. Arguments occur in the best regulated of families." — Henry Simon [01:53]

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3. The Investigation Unfolds

Timestamp: [04:35 - 07:11]

Henry Simon enlists the help of Agent Brad Farley to delve deeper into Chris’s disappearance. Their initial discussion hints at possible motives, including blackmail, though Simon remains skeptical.

Key Points:

• George Adamson refrains from involving the police to avoid potential scandal due to an impending knighthood.
• Farley suggests blackmail as a motive, but Simon believes it's more likely a case of familial discord.
• The duo decides to investigate further by contacting Chris’s close friend, Peter Simpson.

Notable Quotes:

"It seems so trivial in retrospect, I hardly remember. In any case, I'm quite sure it's neither important nor relevant." — George Adamson [02:01]

"I mean, from a blackmail point of view, he would [be a catch]." — Brad Farley [06:03]

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4. Uncovering Connections

Timestamp: [07:52 - 12:35]

Henry Simon and Brad Farley interview Peter Simpson, Chris's friend, uncovering new leads that point towards Chris’s girlfriend, Norma O'Brien, a nightclub hostess.

Key Points:

• Peter reveals that Chris desired £10,000 for an investment opportunity, which George adamantly refused to fund.
• Norma O'Brien is identified as a significant figure who might provide a motive for Chris's disappearance.
• The investigation leads the team to the Blue Feather nightclub, Norma's workplace.

Notable Quotes:

"Norma o' Brien, smasher, nightclub hostess. You should see her." — Peter Simpson [08:31]

"She'd at least supply a motive of sorts." — Brad Farley [08:15]

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5. The Kidnapping Revelation

Timestamp: [13:03 - 21:35]

George Adamson receives a chilling phone call from Chris's kidnappers, demanding £10,000 in small denomination notes and instructing him to cease the search. Simultaneously, Farley meets Norma O'Brien at the Blue Feather, leading to an unexpected twist.

Key Points:

• The kidnappers provide detailed instructions, suggesting they are closely monitoring George.
• Henry Simon advises George to follow the kidnappers' instructions while maintaining secrecy to ensure Chris's safety.
• At the Blue Feather, Brad Farley encounters Norma, who reveals a deeper connection to Chris, hinting at a premeditated scheme.

Notable Quotes:

"It says if you want to see your son again, you go to your bank first thing in the morning and get £10,000 in small denomination notes." — George Adamson [14:08]

"You know, not tonight. At least, I shouldn't think so. But how would I know?" — Norma O'Brien [16:40]

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6. The Unexpected Twist and Resolution

Timestamp: [22:09 - End]

The investigation culminates in a surprising revelation: Chris Adamson orchestrated his own kidnapping to secure his inheritance and assert his independence. Despite the deception, the father-son relationship remains unbroken.

Key Points:

• Peter Simpson discloses that Chris needed the £10,000 to secure a business opportunity on Brighton Road, which George refused.
• Chris's actions were a strategic move to gain financial independence and demonstrate his resolve.
• George's understanding and acceptance of Chris's choices reinforce their familial bond.

Notable Quotes:

"The curious thing was that although Chris Adamson had in fact blackmailed his own father, the money was his. Legitimately." — Henry Simon [24:05]

"George Adamson, having received proof positive of his son's determination to carve away for himself rather than move into a ready made position, made no further attempts to withhold the necessary money." — Henry Simon [24:05]

---

Conclusion

"The Search for Christopher Adamson" masterfully blends suspense, familial dynamics, and unexpected twists, encapsulating the essence of classic radio dramas. Through meticulous investigation and poignant character interactions, the narrative explores themes of independence, trust, and the enduring strength of family bonds. Harold's storytelling captivates listeners, offering a rich and engaging experience that pays homage to the timeless allure of old-time radio mysteries.

Transcript

[Sasha]

Sasha hated sand, the way it stuck to things for weeks. So when Maddie shared a surf trip on Expedia Trip Planner, he hesitated. Then he added a hotel with a cliffside pool to the plan, and they both spent the week in the water. You were made to follow your whims. We were made to help find a place on the beach with a pool and a waterfall and a soaking tub and of course, a great shower. Expedia made to travel.

[Henry Simon]

In one moment. The search for Christopher Adamson, Address unknown. And here again is Henry Simon. Sometimes before in this series of programs, I've talked about the motives for disappearances. It never ceases to surprise me that not only are two cases never the same, but there are even so many basically different reasons for a person not being where he or she ought to be. Just when I feel that I've now seen everything, along comes a case which is totally different from anything that's gone before. The disappearance of Christopher Adamson was an example of what I mean. His father, George Adamson, a noted London broker, came to see me one Monday morning in June of last year. George Adamson was a worried man. A kindly one, but a worried one. He came to report that his son Chris was missing and had been for some two days. His weathered face was creased with anxiety as he spoke to me.

[George Adamson]

I'm desperately worried, Mr. Simon. The more so because when I last saw Chris, we parted. Well, not on the best of terms.

[Henry Simon]

There was a quarrel?

[George Adamson]

Hardly. But we argued rather acrimoniously, I'm unhappy to say.

[Henry Simon]

I don't think you should reproach yourself too bitterly, Mr. Adamson. Arguments occur in the best regulated of families.

[George Adamson]

Yes, I suppose so.

[Henry Simon]

What did you argue about?

[George Adamson]

It seems so trivial in retrospect, I hardly remember. In any case, I'm quite sure it's neither important nor relevant.

[Henry Simon]

Your son is hold.

[George Adamson]

Chris will be 22 at the end of November.

[Henry Simon]

And what does he do? Do? Well, he works, I take it.

[George Adamson]

Oh, I'm afraid I misunderstood you for a moment. Actually, he doesn't. Not yet. You see, he's only comparatively recently come out of the army. National service, you know. Well, he's going to join me in Adamson and Phelps when he's settled down.

[Henry Simon]

Did he find national service so unsettling?

[George Adamson]

That's not quite what I intended to imply, Mr. Simon. I. I felt that when Chris came out of the army that he should have a complete rest, complete break before entering the world of commerce. Oh, yes, yes, there's a great future for Chris. Of course, I had to work the business up from scratch. Chris will inherit as is.

[Henry Simon]

Quite.

[George Adamson]

My partner was killed during the war. Poor Godfrey. He was a brave man. He felt the call and he didn't shirk his duty. Only 38 when he went, poor lad.

[Henry Simon]

There are no other directors of Illfurme?

[George Adamson]

No, just me. They're retiring age. And Chris. He's a lucky boy.

[Henry Simon]

He certainly sounds it.

[George Adamson]

The whole position's absolutely gilt edged as far as Chris is concerned. However, we're getting rather away from the purpose of my visit.

[Henry Simon]

Yes. You say your son's been missing since the day before yesterday?

[George Adamson]

That's right. Saturday.

[Henry Simon]

At what time on Saturday did you last see him?

[George Adamson]

Just after lunch, which we had together at our home at Keterham.

[Henry Simon]

Oh, that's not too far away from Bromley and Kent, is it?

[George Adamson]

That's right.

[Henry Simon]

And that's when the argument occurred?

[George Adamson]

I'm afraid so. It happened actually at lunch. Chris got up and went to his room. About an hour later I went up there to see him. To try and make amends if I could. And he wasn't there. I called out to him, but there was no answer. I suddenly felt cold and lonely, as if I knew something had happened. Even so, I didn't really worry till that night. Then I thought Chris might have gone round to see his friend Peter. I decided not to worry. I went to bed early on Saturday. Been a trying week. And of course, Chris had a key. I breakfasted in bed. I always do on a Sunday. It wasn't till about 11 that I realized that Chris hadn't come in, nor was he in the house. Well, then I panicked. I rang up everybody I could think of. No luck.

[Henry Simon]

I didn't know what to do.

[George Adamson]

And then I thought of the Missing Persons Bureau and I felt if anybody could help me, then it was you.

[Henry Simon]

I'm very flattered. How did you hear of us in the first place?

[George Adamson]

You discovered the whereabouts of a friend of a friend, Harley Cuthbertson.

[Henry Simon]

Oh, yes. I remember the case well, sir.

[George Adamson]

Here I am.

[Henry Simon]

You haven't been in touch with the police?

[George Adamson]

No.

[Henry Simon]

May I inquire why? This doesn't sound like a case where possible publicity would be harmful in any way.

[George Adamson]

I'll be quite Frank with you, Mr. Simon. Quite apart from the fact that I don't think this is a case for the police. The publicity which might result from consulting them could well be injurious to me.

[Henry Simon]

In what way?

[George Adamson]

I've been notified that I may expect a knighthood in the birthday honors list.

[Henry Simon]

Oh, congratulations.

[George Adamson]

Thank you. Naturally, I Wish to avoid any possible scandal.

[Henry Simon]

Yes, of course.

[George Adamson]

But I must find Chris.

[Henry Simon]

Tell me this sort of thing has never happened before.

[George Adamson]

Good heavens, no. It's completely uncharacteristic.

[Henry Simon]

Well, Mr. Adamson, if you'll give me some half a dozen or so addresses, we'll see what we can do for you. After George Adamson's departure, I called in Agent Brad Farley and detailed the case to him. He. He listened in attentive silence. There was a long pause when I finished speaking. Then he spoke.

[Brad Farley]

Chris Adamson. He'd be quite a catch, wouldn't he?

[Henry Simon]

Meaning?

[Brad Farley]

I mean, from a blackmail point of.

[Henry Simon]

View, he would, but I don't think it's even remotely likely. This isn't Chicago.

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, okay, Chief. I know it happens very rarely in England.

[Henry Simon]

Even so, no, it looks to me rather like a case of pique. Son newly endowed with freedom from the army and perhaps even having attained some rank, doesn't yet feel like bowing to parental wishes.

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, but from what you've told me, old Adamson seems rather a genial old stick.

[Henry Simon]

Oh, yes, but even so.

[Brad Farley]

Even so, it's worth considering.

[Henry Simon]

I must say that when you said that Adamson would be quite a catch, I was thinking along rather different lines.

[Brad Farley]

Ah, cherchez le femme.

[Henry Simon]

Hmm. But with rather a difference. Whilst I think that our client is 100% reliable and honest, I don't think he gave us quite the complete picture.

[Brad Farley]

Well, he answered all the questions you put to him, didn't he?

[Henry Simon]

Very nearly. To be more accurate, he answered all but one.

[Brad Farley]

That one being the cause of the.

[Henry Simon]

Lunchtime quarrel between himself and his son. The quarrel which took place immediately before Christopher Adamson's disappearance. When I questioned Mr. Adamson Senior, he simply said something to the effect that it had, well, no bearing on the case.

[Brad Farley]

And that was the only question that he didn't answer?

[Henry Simon]

Yes. Then I didn't ask all the questions.

[Brad Farley]

Why not?

[Henry Simon]

I didn't want to do all your work for you, did I? I discussed the questions which I'd left unasked at some length with Farley. He was all for heading straight for Waltham, but I dissuaded him. I felt that as Chris Adamson's close friend Peter Simpson lived nearer at hand, he might call there first.

[Brad Farley]

You're Mr. Peter Simpson?

[Peter Simpson]

That's right.

[Brad Farley]

I'm Farley. Brad Farley. Missing Persons Bureau.

[Peter Simpson]

Are you indeed? Well, then, you must be looking for Chris, right?

[Henry Simon]

Jack.

[Peter Simpson]

I've been away for the weekend, but my mother told me when I came in that Mr. Adamson had been on the telephone. What's it all about?

[Brad Farley]

That's what I'm trying to find out. You were in the army with Christopher Adamson, right?

[Peter Simpson]

That's right. We were both in the signals.

[Brad Farley]

Can you think of any reason for him having gone off like this?

[Peter Simpson]

No, I can't. But supposing he hasn't just gone off. Supposing he's been kidnapped?

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, that thought occurred to me. But it's not very likely. At least I'm told it isn't.

[Henry Simon]

He's quite a catch.

[Brad Farley]

Yes. Something tells me I've been here before. Look, what about girlfriends? Huh?

[Peter Simpson]

Mine or his?

[Brad Farley]

His.

[Peter Simpson]

Norma o' Brien, smasher, nightclub hostess.

[Brad Farley]

That sounds promising.

[Peter Simpson]

You should see her.

[Brad Farley]

I intend doing just that. By the way, does the old man approve?

[Peter Simpson]

I don't really know that he's in the picture. If you're seeing him, I don't think I should mention it. Actually, I'm sure he wouldn't approve. Although he'd be very nice about it. He is very nice.

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, so everybody keeps telling me. Where about's this Norman o' Brien, hey man?

[Peter Simpson]

Yes, Irish blood. Somewhere back down the line. I don't know where she lives, but she works every night at the Blue Feather off Forsyth Street.

[Brad Farley]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I know.

[Peter Simpson]

Do you think she's mixed up in all this?

[Brad Farley]

Could be. She'd at least supply a motive of sorts.

[George Adamson]

Hold on.

[Peter Simpson]

Anything else I can tell you?

[Brad Farley]

Not just the moment, no. But don't run away. I'll be back.

[Henry Simon]

As the Blue Feather is a late, late nightclub, Farley decided to pay his visit to client before combining business and pleasure later in the evening. It was mid afternoon when he reached Chatram in Surrey. He found the Adamson country house without too much trouble. And George Adamson was in and would see him at once.

[George Adamson]

Please sit down, Mr. Farley. Mr. Simon told me I could expect a call from you.

[Brad Farley]

Thank you.

[George Adamson]

Is it too early to ask whether you have any news for me?

[Brad Farley]

I'm afraid it is, yeah. I can take it from that. That your son hasn't put in an appearance since you spoke to Mr. Simon. And that you haven't heard from him.

[Henry Simon]

Right.

[George Adamson]

I've heard nothing. I'd have notified you immediately if I had. I'm wondering if I should have called in the police.

[Brad Farley]

Give us at least 24 hours, Mr. Adamson.

[George Adamson]

Yes, of course. I'm sorry, but I. I really am so terribly worried.

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, well, there are just three questions I'd like to ask you, sir.

[George Adamson]

Yes, of course. Anything.

[Brad Farley]

Well, first of all, what about your son's girlfriends?

[George Adamson]

I don't think he has any. Not steady ones, that is. Oh, he dated a number of pretty girls like any other young man of his age. But I don't think any more than once or twice at the most. What's your second question?

[Brad Farley]

You told Mr. Simon that you couldn't think of any reason why your son should leave home voluntarily. You haven't thought of any reason since you left our office?

[George Adamson]

No. No, I haven't. I did tell Mr. Simon we'd had a bit of an argument on Saturday, though. Although I think that was hardly a motive for Chris to leave home.

[Brad Farley]

Well, that brings me to the third question. What was the argument about?

[George Adamson]

I did also say to Mr. Simon that that couldn't possibly have anything to do with the case.

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, I know you did, sir, but would you let me be the judge? Rest assured that anything you say to me will be treated as being in the strictest confidence.

[George Adamson]

Well, if you must know, we talked about money.

[Brad Farley]

Funnily enough, that was another thing I was going to ask you. How does your son manage for money if he's not yet earning well?

[George Adamson]

He receives an allowance, of course. A more than adequate allowance. Also, he's a small amount of savings under a compulsory army savings scheme. However, I don't think there's much of that left.

[Brad Farley]

Then why did you quarrel about money?

[George Adamson]

Simply because he wanted me to invest money in a scheme which was neither practical nor desirable. I told him so and he was upset. It wasn't the first time he brought the matter up. However, this time I'm afraid he lost his temper and things were said which frankly should not be said between father and son.

[Brad Farley]

I see.

[George Adamson]

Were there any other questions, Mr. Carly?

[Brad Farley]

Not right now, sir, but there will be later. And though he appeared to tell me more than he told you, chief, now I come to analyze it. I don't think he did.

[Henry Simon]

Well, at least you got the fact that the quarrel which seems to loom all important was over money to be invested.

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, sure, but it doesn't tell us much.

[Henry Simon]

Not about our missing person, no. But it does tell us a little about client. He's got a lot of money, that much is obvious. Yet he begrudges an investment advised by his son and heir. Now, why.

[Brad Farley]

Mrs. Hartley left about five minutes ago. She put the phone through.

[Henry Simon]

Missing Persons Bureau.

[George Adamson]

May I speak to Mr. Simon, please?

[Henry Simon]

Speaking.

[George Adamson]

Oh, Mr. Simon, I was hoping I'd catch you. It's George Adamson here. Chris is all right.

[Henry Simon]

What?

[George Adamson]

Yes, he's safe, but we must Stop looking for him.

[Henry Simon]

I don't quite understand.

[George Adamson]

I just had a note. It came in the 5:30 delivery. It's from the kidnappers.

[Henry Simon]

Henry Simon returns to continue this story in just a moment. You are listening to the Colgate show, address unknown. And here again is Henry Simon. I must admit the news staggered me. Farley had mentioned the possibility of blackmail, but kidnapping was not even considered. Would you mind repeating that, Mr. Adamson?

[George Adamson]

I received a note from Chris's kidnappers. It arrived not two minutes ago.

[Henry Simon]

Would you mind reading it to me?

[George Adamson]

Well, it does say that any search in progress must be called off.

[Henry Simon]

Does it specifically say that you mustn't divulge its contents?

[George Adamson]

No.

[Henry Simon]

Good. Then will you please read it to me?

[George Adamson]

It says if you want to see your son again, you go to your bank first thing in the morning and get £10,000 in small denomination notes. Used ones. When you get back to your house with the money, there will be a further communication. Your son is well and he'll stay well so long as you follow out these instructions and also call off any search you may have instigated.

[Henry Simon]

Well, at least they're literate. Is the note written or typed?

[George Adamson]

Looks like separate words cut out from newspapers.

[Henry Simon]

It would be. What are you going to do?

[George Adamson]

I'm going to follow the instructions to the letter. £10,000 won't break me. The kidnappers have known me better. They'd have asked for more. I felt from the start that it was a case of kidnapping. My immediate feeling is one of relief.

[Henry Simon]

Yes, I can understand that. You can rely on us to do nothing which might jeopardize your son's safety.

[George Adamson]

I'm very glad you agreed to call off the investigation.

[Henry Simon]

That's not quite what I said, Mr. Adamson. I said I do nothing to jeopardize your son's position. And I mean just that. However, there's one thing you can do for me, if you will.

[George Adamson]

What's that, Mr. Simon?

[Henry Simon]

Please phone me after the kidnappers have contacted you. Tomorrow morning. You think that's wise, Mr. Adamson? This is not America. Your phone will not be tapped. Rely on me and please trust me. But phone me. That evening Farley went, as arranged, to the Blue Feather. It was far from the nightclub he'd expected. Being almost a washed beatnik setup, it all seemed very pleasant and wholesome. Farley arrived shortly after half past nine and found that the floor show started at 11. The hour and a half passed very easily in the friendly atmosphere of the club. Then Norma o' Brien appeared. She sang Very well. Afterwards, she joined the diners and dancers. Before long, she was sitting at Farley's table.

[Brad Farley]

That was quite an act, Ms. O' Brien.

[F]

Thank you.

[Brad Farley]

Good for the ears and bahat for the blood pressure.

[F]

Thank you again. You haven't been in here before.

[Brad Farley]

No, no, but I'd enjoy your act, however many times I heard it.

[F]

Well, that's not quite what I meant. I meant I haven't seen you here before.

[Brad Farley]

Do you know all the clients?

[F]

Pretty well.

[Brad Farley]

Well, you're quite right. I am new. Yeah. Still, a friend of mine comes here and he's often talked to me about it. I've been meaning to drop in for a long time. Tonight I got around to it. I phoned Chris, but he wasn't at home, so I came on my own.

[F]

Chris?

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, my friend.

[F]

What's his other name?

[Brad Farley]

I doubt if you'd know it, but it's Adamson.

[F]

Oh, but I know Chris Adamson very well. Very well indeed.

[Brad Farley]

What a coincidence.

[F]

Yes.

[Brad Farley]

Isn't it funny he's never mentioned knowing you?

[F]

Well, there's a reason for that. Oh, what's even funny is that he's never mentioned you to me.

[Brad Farley]

Yeah, well, will he be in tonight?

[F]

You know, not tonight. At least, I shouldn't think so. But how would I know?

[Brad Farley]

Anyway, when I couldn't get him at home, I half expected to find him already here.

[F]

Well, he hasn't been in, oh, for three or four days.

[Brad Farley]

Look, I've. I've got to be pushing along. If Chris comes in later, tell him I was here, will you? There was something I wanted to see him about. Something rather important.

[F]

I'll tell him. Don't you worry about that. I'll be sure to tell him you were here.

[Henry Simon]

It was shortly after 10 the next day when the call from Adamson Senior came through. He sounded breathless and excited.

[George Adamson]

Mr. Simon, it's come.

[Henry Simon]

A letter?

[George Adamson]

No, no, a phone call just after I got back from the bank. Almost as if they were watching the house. I think it was from a public phone box. A woman's voice.

[F]

You've got the money, haven't you?

[George Adamson]

Yes, I've just returned from the bank.

[F]

Well, listen and listen carefully. One hour from now, that's at 11:15. Drive your car onto the main Brighton road. That's the A5. Just after the road bypasses Reigate. There's a little pub called the Golden Horse. You can see it quite easily from the road. A couple of hundred yards past that, the road passes over a stream. You can't miss it because there's a freshly painted white milestone. As soon as you pass the milestone, throw the bag containing the money out of the window onto the grass. Birch. Don't slow down. Once the money is out of the car, accelerate and drive on for another five miles before turning your car and driving to the house.

[George Adamson]

Supposing somebody sees me?

[F]

Very unlikely there'll be anybody there at that time. But if there is, drive on for exactly one mile and drop it at the second milestone.

[George Adamson]

And when will my son be returned to me?

[F]

He'll be released before midday.

[George Adamson]

Is he all right?

[F]

Perfectly all right. Goodbye.

[Henry Simon]

And you say the call has only just come through?

[George Adamson]

Not two minutes ago, Mr. Simon.

[Henry Simon]

Good. You'll follow the instructions, of course?

[George Adamson]

Yes. You're not not going to do anything, are you?

[Henry Simon]

Rest assured, Mr. Adamson, I'm not going to do anything that will endanger your son. Goodbye. Right. Folly. We've got to work fast. We've got less than an hour, plus the time it'll take Adamson to get onto the Brighton Road. You can drive Glenn Martin's car, can't you?

[Brad Farley]

Are you kidding?

[Henry Simon]

They've given two places for him to dump the money. That means that they won't be necessary at the first place. They'll probably follow him in another car once he passes Reigate. If there's anybody at the first place, any casual passerby, that is. It's gonna be awkward. As soon as you've gone, I'm gonna have a further chat with client. Just a couple of ends I want to tie up.

[Brad Farley]

I thought I was gonna do the tying up in Martin's car.

[Henry Simon]

Oh, yes, you are. But there's still a couple of things about this case I don't quite understand.

[Brad Farley]

Do I take a gun?

[Henry Simon]

Somehow I think that a gun is the last thing you'll need. Neither the police nor I approve of guns. In any case, our job is to find a missing person, not to apprehend a criminal.

[Brad Farley]

Okay? Okay. Suppose if I have a long wait, I can always make myself a bow and arrow.

[Henry Simon]

Mr. Adamson, there's something I want to add to what I said to you just now.

[George Adamson]

Yes?

[Henry Simon]

You're not a fast driver, are you?

[George Adamson]

No.

[Henry Simon]

Good. Today I want you to be particularly slow.

[George Adamson]

What are you going to do?

[Henry Simon]

Mr. Simon, I'm going to give you some sound advice. You must trust me completely. I had to let you go to the bank this morning because it was quite on the cars that your movements were being watched. However, in your own home, you can't be observed. Be assured that the kidnappers don't know about your phone calls.

[George Adamson]

Supposing they'd been trying to get me?

[Henry Simon]

It's most unlikely. If what I think is correct, in any case, anybody could be phoning you. Now, what I want you to do is this. I want you to pack the bag that you intended filling with money. With newspaper of about the same bulk.

[George Adamson]

But, Mr. Simon, don't just take it out on Chris. I don't mind the money. Really, I don't. Trust me.

[Henry Simon]

Please trust me. I'm quite certain your son will not suffer in any way. Now, please do as I say. There isn't much time. You better start right away.

[George Adamson]

Very well.

[Henry Simon]

There were two calls to be made, both of them in London. I left instructions with Mrs. Hartley and set out on the first. Here, I drew a blank.

[F]

I'm afraid she's out. And that's rather surprising. She usually sleeps till midday. Well, I mean, if you work till the early hours, you gotta catch up and asleep sometime, haven't you? Stands to reason. Matter of fact, I can't ever remember her getting up this early. But 8 o' clock and she was out. Crack of dawn for her.

[Henry Simon]

I tracked Peter Simpson, the missing person's friend, to his office in the City. Your friend, Chris Adamson, who's been missing for a few days now, needed some money for an investment.

[Peter Simpson]

Yes, and his father wouldn't give it to him.

[George Adamson]

So.

[Peter Simpson]

So bang goes our Chancellor Mamillion. If he could only have got his inheritance, then we would have been so much different for both of us.

[Henry Simon]

In what way?

[Peter Simpson]

Well, you see, Chris's mother left him £10,000 in trust. Naturally, he thought he'd get it when he turned 21. But can you believe it? The old boy won't part. At least not until Chris is safely tied up in the firm.

[Henry Simon]

And what did you want the £10,000 for?

[Peter Simpson]

We had first option on a garage and roadhouse in a very good position on the Brighton road. But now Chris has disappeared. His father won't part and the option expires tomorrow.

[Henry Simon]

Henry Simon returns to conclude this story in just a moment. And here again is Henry Simon. Three cars passed the Golden Horse on the main Brighton road within minutes of each other. That same morning, the first agent Martin's red sports car, driven by Farley, pulled off the road just past the milestone. Fortunately, bracken was thick enough just to provide enough cover. Hardly had Farley got himself into position than another car passed.

[Brad Farley]

Here we are, right on the nose. Now we shall see what we shall see. Must say, it's a bit of a temptation. All that loot lying there. Ah, here comes the car. Well, well, well. Good morning, Miss o' Brien. Fancy meeting you here. Oh, yeah. Isn't that our missing boy, Chris Adamson at the wheel? Guess what? My car's broken down. I wonder if you two be kind enough to give me a lift back to town.

[Henry Simon]

The curious thing was that although Chris Adamson had in fact blackmailed his own father, the money was his. Legitimately. Anyway, it was an odd situation. Odder still was the fact that it did nothing to destroy the bond between father and son. George Adamson, having received proof positive of his son's determination to carve away for himself rather than move into a ready made position, made no further attempts to withhold the necessary money. And now, as always, this is Henry Simon inviting you to meet me here again. And for the present bidding you. Au revoir.