He took them up, step by step, checking them over for any chance of slip-up.
First, back to Eva's house to get the manuscript notes he had left on the hunting asteroid, notes that either Eva or Herkimer must have kept through all the years…or was it only weeks?
That would be ticklish and embarrassing business at the best. But they were his notes, he told himself. They were his to claim. He had no commitments in this business.
"I have come to get my notes. I suppose you still have them somewhere."
Or, "Remember the attaché case I had? I wonder if you took care of it for me."
Or, "I'm going on a trip. I'd appreciate my notes if you can lay your hands on them."
Or—
But it was no use. However he might say it, whatever he might do, the first step would be to reclaim the notes.
Dawdle up till then, he told himself. Work your way back toward the house until it's almost dark. Then get the notes and after that move fast — so fast that Trevor's gang can't catch up with you.
Second was the ship, the ship that he must steal.