There was no reply for three long seconds as the suddenly dwarfed messenger came to terms with the situation. Then, as if a stopper from a dam had been pulled, the words rushed out. "You see Detective Mace, sir, it's just that I was in my sector when I ran across a 407, and I told Commissioner Johnston and he wants to s-see yours right away, all quick like, sir." Still whispering, Mace clarified, "You told the Commissioner about a homicide? Is that right?" "Yessir. I figured it's important so he ought to be the first to know, sir." "And how far would you say it is to the street?" "Sorry, sir?" "Answer the question, that's a good boy." "Well sir, I'd say about ten er-so feet." A minute later, Police-Detective Mace was on his way to visit his employer, filling out a request sheet for the repair of his office window as he walked.