Holmes determines from the fact that there was a recent break-in at Russell's house, Russell's anxiety and distraction, the murder of the psychiatrist, and the most recent attempt on Russell's life, that there is something serious amiss. He hires Dashiell Hammett to join his investigation.
Holmes draws a conclusion from the evidence of a recent break-in at Russell's residence, along with Russell's heightened anxiety and distraction, the murder of the psychiatrist, and the most recent attempt on Russell's life, that something serious is amiss. He hires Dashiell Hammett to collaborate with his investigation.