Page 101 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Yes.”

“Any communication?”

“Group messages.”

“Direct?”

“Probably.”

Vance placed another page down. Mason. Two messages from six months earlier. A joke. An invitation. Nothing. Elliot nearly smiled. Vance saw enough of the impulse to ask, “Something funny?”

“No.”

“What?”

“I was thinking you probably know more about my social life than I do.”

Bell's expression tightened. Too flippant. Elliot knew immediately. Vance leaned back.

“Do you find this amusing?”

There. The expected response.

“No.”

“Then why smile?”

Elliot looked directly at her.

“Because I'm uncomfortable.”

Vance held his gaze. There it was. A better answer. Not necessarily true. Better. She closed the folder.

“Your vehicle will be examined externally and internally. No destructive testing. Your attorney can remain present.”

Bell nodded.

“What specifically are you seeking?”

“Trace evidence.”

“From?”

Vance looked at Elliot.

“We recovered material from Lucas Harper.”

The room became very quiet.

“What material?” Bell asked.

“I can't disclose that.”

“Then you don't get unrestricted access.”

“We have a warrant application prepared.”

Bell's jaw tightened. Vance continued calmly.