The Frightened Man
By Gerald Verner
Samuel Coyne, a cripple, sends his ward Diana to enlist detective Paul Rivington as a bodyguard because attempts have been made on his life. Although he denies knowing the attacker’s motive, or identity, he has erected elaborate defences around his house.
Paul arranges for his brother and partner Bob to stay with Coyne and Diana. Driving home, Paul is present at the discovery of a man’s body on the roadside. All identification has been removed and the murdered man’s head has been completely shaved…
Later, Bob captures an intruder at Coyne’s home, who recognises Coyne as somebody whom he calls Kilroe. Surprisingly, Coyne lets the man go, not wishing to prosecute. Then they discover that Diana has mysteriously disappeared…
