Then photographed the vehicle position.
Then the parking space.
Then the lack of damage.
Then the license plate.
Evidence did not care how angry she was.
Evidence cared where things were.
Only after documenting it did she collect the phone.
The open document on the screen was Sam’s pending opinion.
Patricia closed it without reading.
Judicial confidentiality was one line she would not cross, not even now.
She called Daniel.
He answered on the first ring.
“Patricia.”
“They took him.”
“I got your message.”
“Derek Holloway.”
Silence.
Then:
“Are you sure?”
“I watched him put Sam in the cruiser.”
Daniel exhaled.
“Where are they?”
“Leaving the plaza.”
“I’m at the station.”
“I’m coming.”
“Patricia, listen to me.”
“I’m listening.”
“Do not confront Holloway.”
“I wasn’t planning to.”
“Do not announce Sam’s title yet.”
She paused.
“Why?”
“Because if he doesn’t know, I need to see what he does before somebody warns him.”
Patricia understood immediately.
Not revenge.
Evidence.
“How long?”
“Twenty minutes.”