noon
By messenger . So long . '' He cut the circuit just as Fernack started : `` Now , Malone -- '' * * * * * With a satisfied , somewhat sheepish smile , Malone dialed another number . This time a desk sergeant told him politely that Lynch was n't at the precinct , and would n't arrive until noon . Malone had Lynch 's home number . He dialed it . It was a long wait before the lieutenant answered , and he did n't look much like a police officer when his face finally showed up on the screen .