The Photographer and the Final Payment. James Holding

In the February 24, 1982 issue of Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, the editor offered the following challenge to the Author: «A plot idea for the next Photographer story: when Manuel looks at the name and address on the slip of paper handed to him by Rodolfo, he reads his own name and address. He has been given the assignment to nullify himself! How does the Photographer give positive proof to the Big Ones (no trick photo) of his own death, collect his murderer’s fee, and still remain alive to tell the tale?» James Holding immediately took up the awe-inspiring challenge and the following story is the result—an unforgettable chapter in the murky career of Manuel Andradas you will read with fascination from the first line to the last (no peeking)!