Back-tracking, the police car presently drew up before a white stone building not far from the Brandale Ledger. Nearly all of the windows were dark, but lights glowed in one of the offices on the fourth floor.
The building directory provided information that McCormand occupied Room 407. From the elevator man, police learned that the lawyer had entered the building shortly after nine o’clock and had not been seen leaving.
Detective Burnett was assigned to post himself on the fire escape directly opposite Room 407, and the two photographers chose to accompany him. Gaining access to it from the third floor, they moved noiselessly to the window.
Inside they could see McCormand at his desk, talking with two other men. One of them Flash instantly recognized as the same person who had been involved in the Fenmore warehouse affair.
A loud knock came on the office door. McCormand sprang to his feet.
“Who’s there?” he called sharply.
“Open up or we’ll break down the door!” came the order.
McCormand jerked his head toward the window. His two companions made a dive for the fire escape, stepping directly into the arms of the waiting detective. Flash and Orris took pictures simultaneously.
The detective backed his prisoners into the office again, keeping them covered with his revolver.
“What is the meaning of this intrusion?” demanded McCormand wrathfully. “I demand an explanation.”