“So she wasn’t in the room when he hit you?”

“Never. It was only ever the two of us.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this the other day?”

“Because! It’s not something I just blab about. I know who he is and what people think of him. Who’s going to believe me over him?”

“I believe you, Josh.”

He stopped moving, and his shoulders sagged, as if he’d been relieved of a weighty burden. “You do? Really?”

“Yeah, I do. I’ve been in this business a lot of years, and I know the difference between someone who’s playing the sympathy card and someone who’s been the victim of violence.”

At that, he stood up straighter again. “I am not a victim. I’m a survivor. Huge difference.”

“You’re right. There is a huge difference.”

“I can’t stay here. He’s going to find me, and when he does, he’ll kill me.”

Sam exchanged glances with Freddie, who looked as tense as she felt. “Give me a minute to talk to my partner, okay? We’ll figure something out.”

Josh didn’t acknowledge her question or her statement, so Sam turned and took Freddie by the arm. “Hallway.”

They stepped outside the room.

“You’ve got a key?”

“Yeah.”

She nodded toward the alcove next to the elevators, which was just around the corner from the room. “What’s your take?” she asked when they were out of earshot of the room.

“I believe him. He’s legitimately terrified.”

“I agree. I think it’s time to call in the brass on this. I didn’t want to until we were sure we had something, but his fear is enough for me to involve the department. This is way above my pay grade.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that. How do we explain what we’ve done so far?”

“I’ll figure that out on the way to Farnsworth’s house.”

“You’re going to his house?”

“That’s where I’m most likely to find him on a Sunday afternoon, and PS I grew up going to his house, remember?”

“Since I wasn’t actually there, no, I don’t remember.”

“Very funny. I’m suspended, so they have to cut me out of this, but you’ll keep me in the loop, understood?”

“Of course. What do we tell Josh?”

“That I’m going to talk to my chief to figure out how to keep him safe while investigating his claims.”

“He’s gonna freak. He’s been ranting that people are going to find out the truth about Troy Hamilton and how someone’s going to kill him.”

“You think he’s mentally ill?”