Page 135 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“You think that was me.”

“I didn't say that.”

“You never fucking say anything.”

Elliot watched him. Anger built quickly in Ronan. Too quickly. Vance watched too. This was exactly what she wanted.

“Ronan,” Elliot said.

He looked back. Elliot softened his voice.

“Don't.”

One word. Ronan's jaw flexed. Then he stepped backward. Control returned. Elliot felt strangely proud. Vance noticed that too. Damn her.

“I'll let my lawyer know,” Ronan said.

“That's your right.”

“Then we're done.”

Vance nodded. She looked toward Elliot. Not Ronan. Elliot held her gaze. Something passed between them. Recognition. Not of guilt. Not yet. Something simpler. She knew Elliot understood what she was doing. And Elliot knew she knew. That was new.

“Have a good afternoon,” Vance said.

Ronan shut the door. Hard. Not slammed. Close. The second the lock clicked, Elliot turned.

“You're calling Bell.”

“I know.”

“She thinks you're the guy in the footage.”

“I know.”

“You don't match.”

“I own dark clothes.”

“Half the planet owns dark clothes.”

“I ride a motorcycle.”

“So?”

“She asked about a helmet.”

“The footage didn't show a helmet.”

“Maybe there's more.”

Elliot stopped. Yes. There might be more. More cameras. More angles. More witnesses. Variables. His stomach tightened. Ronan picked up his phone. Elliot caught his wrist.

“Wait.”

“What?”

“Don't tell Bell everything over the phone.”