There was a momentary pause.
“Repeat,” declared Palermo’s voice.
The girl read the message aloud.
“Now tear up what you have written. Make eight pieces of it. Drop them on the floor of the booth.”
The girl obeyed.
“I have finished,” she said.
“Then nullify.”
Palermo’s last words were uttered in a low tone. The receiver clicked immediately afterward.
THELDA BLANCHET left the telephone booth. She paid no attention to other persons standing there.
A man consulting a telephone directory sidled into the booth immediately, but the girl did not even glimpse his face. She entered the lobby of the Alwyn Theater and bought an orchestra ticket.