Leland was still ahead of him. He went to the windows and adjusted the blinds so that he could see down to the sidewalk. The street was blue with the day, and quiet. MacIver’s convertible seemed even larger than it was. Roberts had parked his car around the corner. It reminded Leland that Roberts was not stupid, either. The bars were closed at this hour, he would have extra difficulty locating a telephone. Leland had perhaps a few minutes more to conclude his business and get out before Roberts decided to call the police. Roberts came out on the sidewalk now, hands in pockets, walking away quickly for a man who had been awake all night. Leland had to feel a little sorry for him, because he was sure he was right and he was about to get a very bad time. Leland returned to the desk and brought the telephone before him.

Karen let it ring only once.

“Yes?”

“It’s me. Is she still asleep? I don’t have long to talk.”

“Go ahead.”

“I’m going for it. I have to. Colin MacIver committed murder, and that’s what counts. Roberts has left, on his way to you, to see Norma. When I hang up, call the desk and tell them you don’t want any visitors. Describe Roberts. You don’t want to see him under any circumstances. Try to get the house man. Tell him you’re Joe Leland’s wife, and if that doesn’t help, have him call my father’s precinct to check on us. You want Roberts arrested if he tries to get through, do you understand? Let the house man know that this is important to me, and that I’ll take care of him. Okay?”

“I’ll do what I can,” she said.

“Next, call Mike—that’s right, knock him out of bed, tell him to get Hugh Thoms down to my place to watch MacIver’s papers. The authorities may be after them very soon, and they’re not getting anything without the proper documents and until we’ve copied it all, from beginning to end. I want Mike down here. Don’t tell him why, don’t say it over the telephone; the house man may put the switchboard onto us. And we want Florence. We need a secretary. We need records from here on out. We need two top-quality tape recorders and a half-dozen reels of the best tape. Maybe the hotel can supply them, but I don’t want to wait until nine o’clock. I want you to call my father, anyway, I need his advice about who to see and how. I might need him in dealing with Mrs. MacIver, Norma. I think she’ll listen to him. For her sake, I want her to go along with us. I have to turn this in, Karen. I have to.”

“I know.”

“Roberts is afraid of reactions and delayed reactions, that’s why he’s on his way. I can’t do what he wants. Do you think you can help me with her? It’s asking a lot, I know. There won’t be any other trouble—”