“Could you make out anything? Any of the words?” Jack’s voice was insistent.
Mike shook his head worriedly. “The sender didn’t identify. I did think I caught some of the words, but I can’t say for sure—”
“Well, what were they, man? What were they?”
“I—I thought he said, ‘They’re coming for me.... My position is lati—’ And right then transmission broke off completely. That’s when I buzzed your rooms. I’ve been working this mike ever since. And getting nothing. But nothing.”
Biff stepped into the room. He crossed to the three men.
“Was that my uncle you were talking about?”
Mike and the other man looked at Jack Hudson. It was obvious that they wouldn’t speak unless he gave them the go-ahead. Jack looked at Biff. He didn’t reply at once. Then, having reached his decision, he answered.
“Yes, Biff. I’m afraid it was.”
“Afraid?” Biff felt a tingle of fear race up his spine. “What do you mean? Is my uncle in danger?”
Jack Hudson’s shoulders sagged. He shook his head as if trying to rid himself of unpleasant thoughts. “Come along, Biff. I’ll tell you about it over some coffee.” At the door, he turned back. “Keep trying, Mike. You might raise him. And if you do—”