Thomas raises his head, looking from the hand to his face and then past him, over his shoulder to Hickey. He reaches up, touching his tender nose, wincing at his own bruises and aches. He is in no condition to endure a fight like he wanted, but there was only so much he could take.

"Tell them what you said to the girl, Mr. Hickey. Tell them how you grabbed her and forced her to listen to your tales of woe. Tell them what you said, deliberately, to frighten her. You wish the truth to be out, so let it out."