Page 133 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Lie. Elliot knew immediately. Maybe not technically. But Vance hadn't accidentally wandered eighty yards up a private drive and behind their parents' house.

“About?” Ronan asked.

“Lucas Harper.”

Ronan glanced at Elliot.

“Why?”

Vance's gaze shifted.

“May we come in?”

“No,” Elliot said.

Ronan looked at him. So did Vance. Elliot smiled politely.

“Sorry. We're about to leave.”

Another lie. Better. Vance regarded him for several seconds.

“Where?”

Ronan's jaw tightened. Elliot answered.

“My mother's.”

Technically nearby enough to count.

“Can I speak with Ronan outside, then?”

Elliot's irritation flashed. Ronan saw it.

“It's fine.”

“No.”

Vance's eyebrows lifted slightly. Ronan turned.

“Elliot.”

“No.”

The uniformed officer watched them. Elliot immediately realized how this looked. Possessive. Controlling. Except the wrong person was displaying it. He softened.

“Sorry.”

He stepped back.

“Of course.”

Ronan's eyes narrowed. He knew exactly what Elliot had done. Public Elliot. Golden boy. Switch flipped. Vance knew too. That bothered Elliot. Ronan stepped onto the porch. Elliot remained inside with the door open. Close enough to hear. Vance looked toward him. Then decided not to object.

“Where were you Tuesday between midnight and two?” she asked Ronan.

“At home.”

“With Elliot?”