In February 1963, Andy hears from another prisoner, Tommy Williams, that his former cellmate, a man named Elwood Blatch, had bragged about killing a rich golfer and his lover – the wife of a "hotshot banker" who was convicted of the murders. Red notes that there are inconsistencies in the story, but Andy feels that the detail of his wife's lover being a "golfing pro" is too specific to be a coincidence. He also believes he remembers a man matching Tommy's description of Blatch, working at the marina of the country club, who quit or was fired around the time of the murders. On hearing Tommy's story, Andy realizes that this evidence could possibly result in a new trial and a chance at freedom. Norton scoffs at the story, however, dismissing it as an attempt by Tommy to cheer Andy up. When Andy accuses him of being deliberately obtuse, the warden has him placed in solitary confinement for 20 days, with only bread and water.