She moved on. The pilot of the third 'copter was only beginning to
assume identity to Alcorn's sharpened senses when Janice Wynn drew
within effective reach of the nearer grounded machine.
The amplified voice was calling again: "Come out, Alcorn, or we'll have
to--"
It broke off short in a scream. There was a flurry of shots, a white
flash in the darkness and a concussion that shook the cabin.
He felt Janice turn and run purposefully through the darkness toward the
second 'copter.
The third machine was dropping in for landing when he identified its
pilot.
"Kitty!" he breathed. "Dear God, Kitty!"
She was at the door, the terror and tenderness of her crying
overwhelming his flinching perception. "Philip, let me in! Philip
darling, are you all right?"
She was inside and in his arms before he could prevent it.
She clung to him frantically until the effect of his presence calmed
her. The terror went out of her eyes slowly, but the tears glistening on
her cheeks contradicted her smile of relief.
"Thank God you're safe, Philip! When I heard on the visinews about Dr.
Hagen--"
Janice Wynn's silent command was violent in Alcorn's head. _Put her out
quickly! Do you want her there when your own change comes?_
He caught Kitty's hands and drew her toward the door.
"You can't stay here, Kitty. There's no time to explain. I'll call later
and tell you everything."
She showed her hurt beneath the placidity his gift imposed upon her. "If
I must, Philip. But--"