He walked over to the edge of the building and looked down. The police were herding the prisoners into the ground cars. Presently, they were gone. One of the police officers touched his shoulder.
"Ready to go, Mr. Karnes?"
Karnes nodded and climbed into the 'copter. The machine lifted and headed toward the Central Police Station.
He was still trying to think when the phone rang. The policeman picked it up.
"3217. Brown speaking. Oh? Yeah, just a second. It's for you, Mr. Karnes."
Karnes took the instrument. "Karnes speaking."
"Radio Central, Mr. Karnes," came the voice. "We just got some more on Brittain. About ten minutes ago, he abandoned the police 'copter. Officer Powers was in the seat, shot through the head. We'll get the essobee on a murder rap, now."
"Where was the 'copter abandoned?"
Radio Central told him and went on: "Funny thing was, he didn't try to hide it or anything. And he stole another 'copter from a private citizen. We're trying to get the description now. I'll call you if anything further comes in."
"Fine." Karnes hung up. The address where Brittain had left the 'copter was in almost a direct line between the apartment building and Long Island Spaceport. But if Brittain were actually heading there, why should he leave such a broad and obvious trail?