Sully moves to the table and sits down. “I know the Floyd case,” he says. “I was in court when Morris presented it to the judge. The parents are troubled, but yeah, it was drugs that cinched the case.” He stops drumming. “And to the very end they swore they had no knowledge of the drugs. They swore they were clean.”

“You’re not saying …” Chase’s runs out of voice.

But Sully’s breathing is quicker; his energy’s up. “Even if I was, it would be near impossible to prove. Wouldn’t it?”

I look from Chase to Sully, my eyebrows raised.

“Do you still have Eli’s tin in evidence?” I ask, the fog in my head clearing for the first time in nine days. “When I got here, it had ten thousand dollars rolled up in it, and exactly twenty-four ounces of coke in separate dime bags.” Both men stare at me. “It was a very precise amount. How much is in the tin now?”

Sully’s eyes widen. “Less than that, I think. I mean, the money’s all there. But … Jesus. I’d have to check the report.” He stands up, sits down again. “Ruth, where does Eli get his product from?”

I hesitate.

“It’s okay, Ruth. You’re not going to get in trouble,” Sully says.

“From a buddy in Philadelphia.”

“Okay, that’s a start. That’s good.” He stands up again, patting his pockets as if checking for car keys. “I can use that. Maybe Eli will get a little chattier.” He looks uncertainly at each of us. I’m going back to the station. How about we meet back here later tonight?”

“Sounds good,” says Chase. He half stands, glancing over at me as if he’d maybe like to hug me.

“Can you bring Will over when you next come?” I ask, squeezing his hand for an instant. “Say you’re taking him for a walk? And bring him here?” I know my pitch is squeaky. I can’t help it.

“You know I can’t.” Chase bites his lip.

“They have to be sanctioned visits, Ruth,” Sully says softly. “We’re doing our best.”

“The only thing she’s letting me do is stay back with Will while you have your conference thing in three weeks.”

“It’s too long away,” I say.

“Hang tight, Ruth.” Sully’s voice is more confident than it was an hour ago. “We’re going to get your son back.”