“I’m no double-crosser, Dip.”
“I know that, Flash. I didn’t mean nothing like that. I just wanted to make sure you were O.K. - that nobody might be gunning for you—”
“Listen, Dip.” Flash spoke seriously. “You’re sure nobody followed you when you came here?”
“Sure, Flash. You know how I dodge — all the time! I don’t take no chances!”
“Well” — Flash seemed dubious — “I can’t figure it. It looks mighty like some bird was prying around those windows!”
“Any fire ladders out in the court?” asked Dip, with a raucous laugh. “A guy would need one to be peeking in up here.”
“Don’t be a sap, Dip.”
Flash unlocked both windows and opened them.
“Take a look out here. No — wait! We’ll slide out in the hall and get a look from there!”
He led the way to the door of the apartment. He and Dip entered the dark hall, leaving the door ajar. A soft, squidgy sound came from the direction of the windows.