Points $P ( - 3,2 ) , Q ( 9,10 )$ and $R ( \alpha , 4 )$ lie on a circle $C$ with $P R$ as its diameter. The tangents to $C$ at the points $Q$ and $R$ intersect at the point $S$. If $S$ lies on the line $2 x - k y = 1$, then $k$ is equal to $\_\_\_\_$.