The water that had been in his hands abruptly drops to the floor, splashing on the slick surface, the shower still running behind him.

It has the effect she's looking for, however. The officer tone immediately cuts through the rest - the same tone that Holden employs when he wants to get Alex to shut up and do his job - and he swallows.

"Sir."

He's looking. He looks panicked, but he's looking.