He answered immediately.
“Emily?”
“Dad, where are you?”
“I'm still on the roadside.”
“Are you safe?”
Walter looked at the officer.
“I don't know.”
Emily became silent.
Then she asked:
“Did they search your car?”
“No.”
“Did they ask about Samuel?”
Walter's eyes widened.
“How do you know about Samuel?”
“Dad, listen to me carefully.”
Walter stepped away from the officers.
“Go ahead.”
“Samuel called me last night.”
Walter froze.
“What?”
“He called me before he called you.”
Walter's mind raced.
“What did he say?”
“He told me he had evidence.”
Walter closed his eyes.
“Did he tell you what kind?”
“No. He said he was afraid.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“I tried calling you this morning.”
Walter looked at his phone.
There were several missed calls.
He hadn't noticed.
Emily continued.
“Dad, I contacted someone I trust.”
“Who?”
“A federal investigator.”
Walter's breathing slowed.
“Why?”
“Because Samuel said local police couldn't be trusted.”
Walter looked toward Officer Brooks.
The officer was watching him.
Emily lowered her voice.
“Dad, do not give them anything. Do not open your trunk. Do not tell them where you were last night.”
Walter whispered:
“They already know.”
“What?”
“They know about Samuel.”
There was silence.
Then Emily said:
“Dad, listen to me. The dashcam.”
Walter looked at it.
“What about it?”
“Is it recording?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Walter understood.
Everything that had happened since the officer approached the vehicle was documented.
Every question.
Every threat.
Every contradiction.