About the book: 2022 / Sir Charles Huxley, a former cabinet minister, maintained an impeccable reputation and authority until the end of his days. His son William followed in his father's footsteps, but did not succeed in politics, becoming only a small cog in the state machine. A middle-aged bachelor, he has almost resigned himself to routine work and loneliness when a chance acquaintance disrupts the measured course of his life, threatening to derail it. The blackmailer, who has learned her father's shameful secret, threatens him with exposure and shame. The hapless politician is ready to capitulate, but suddenly... help is offered by a stranger from a local bar who appears out of nowhere. William has no choice: together with Clement, they must get to the bottom of the truth and stop the criminal!