I shoved the camera round the door and braced it. Then I said sharply: “Hold it!”
I gave them time to look round and then I released the shutter. There was a blinding flash as the flashlight exploded and I didn’t wait to see what happened.
I whipped across the outer office, slammed the door and jerked the plate out of the camera. Whisky watched me with startled eyes.
“Here you are,” I said and shoved the plate holder into his mouth. Then I pressed the elevator button and the door snapped shut as Lew and Peppi tumbled into the passage.
Lew had a gun in his hand and he looked mean.
“Grab some air,” he said, pointing the gun at me.
I raised my hands, holding the camera above my head.
Peppi, snarling with rage, snatched the camera out of my hand. He took one look at it and flung it to the floor.
“Where’s the plate?” he snapped.
“On its way down,” I said. “Now, don’t get excited,” I went on hurriedly as Lew made as if to slug me. “That picture’ll give you a lot of grief if you don’t wise up.”