“All right,” he cautioned, “but be sure not to make any noise.”
He just made the room as the faint green light flashed, telling him that station KYK had switched its power to him. He placed a chair for Miss Anabelle to one side, where she could watch, then quickly stepped to the microphone.
“Good evening, folks,” he said somewhat breathlessly. “This is the police division of station KYK to which you are now listening.”
He paused, and the department listeners understood that he was going into code.
Slowly, distinctly, the radio cop continued: “Bed isn’t the worst place in the world after a man has worked hard all day. A sale of springs and mattresses is now taking place at 47 River Street. Wonderful bargains if bought now.”
CHAPTER VI: VAST FORCE
All over the great city, desk sergeants and captains took their feet from their desks as they interpreted that message. Big Ed Margolo at 47 River Street with his assistants! Definite proof that they had shot and killed someone, presumably McGuirk! Act at once! Orders went ringing through big rooms, and reserve men rushed to obey. In five seconds, police cars were racing to River Street.
Having thrown this verbal bomb, Officer Cates went on talking, calmly outlining the sub-station reports that had come in to headquarters that day. Before he had finished, blue uniforms began creeping up on the house at 47 River Street to surround it, before closing in.
As he talked, the radio cop stared out of the little window that gave him a view of proceedings. Cates became tense as he saw a squad of men go to a side door and pound for admittance. There was no response, so Officer Jake Schmaltz kicked in the panels.
At the rear of the house, another squad smashed two windows. A gun cracked sharply—another—and the battle was on. All in a second the quiet of River Street was broken by yells, shots, and the smashing of furniture.