The telephone stood on a table by the settee. I sat down lifted the receiver off its cradle and dialled Muffin’s borne number.
I sat listening to the burr-burr-burr on the line, listening also for any sound upstairs.
There came a click on the line and Muffin’s voice growled ‘Hello.’
‘I’ve found him,’ I said, my mouth close to the mouthpiece ‘He’s at Ocean End. How soon can you get over here?’
‘You’re sure?’ Mifflin’s voice shot up with excitement.
‘Yeah; I’m sure. I’ve seen him. Now listen, Tim. Collect Paula and Mrs. Dedrick. I want them as witnesses. Park your car before you reach the house. You’ll have to get over the wall. Don’t touch the gates. Come up to the terrace, and don’t show yourselves until I call you. Tell Paula to get everything he says. Okay?’
‘You’re really sure he’s there?’ Muffin asked.
‘I’ll lose my badge if I break into that woman’s house…’
‘Forget your badge! Get moving. I’ll have the two girls ready for you by the time you reach Paula’s apartment. I expect you in twenty minutes,’ and I hung up before he could protest.
Next I dialled Paula’s number.