Page 157 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Suspicion appeared immediately.

“That easy?”

“No.”

“Then why?”

“Because you're going to do it anyway.”

Ronan's face softened.

“I don't want to go against you.”

“You just said you would.”

“If it keeps you safe.”

Elliot looked away. There was the problem with Ronan. He could make betrayal sound like devotion. Worse, sometimes Elliot believed him. Detective Vance answered on the third ring. Elliot called from the kitchen at 11:17 P.M. Ronan sat across from him. Watching. Again. Elliot put the phone on speaker deliberately. A small concession. Vance's voice came through.

“Detective Vance.”

“It's Elliot Mercer.”

Pause.

“Mr. Mercer.”

“Sorry it's late.”

“It isn't.”

Of course it wasn't. People investigating murders apparently didn't sleep.

“I remembered something about Lucas.”

Ronan's eyebrows lifted slightly. Elliot ignored him.

“What?”

“I had an argument with him in September.”

Silence. Then:

“About?”

“He had private videos of people.”

“What kind of private?”

“Sexual.”

Ronan's jaw tightened again hearing it confirmed. Vance continued. “Do you know who was depicted?” “Some.” “Names?” “I don't want to give them without permission.” “You're calling a homicide detective.” “I know.” “Then names matter.” Elliot closed his eyes briefly. He gave two. Not the freshman connected to Mason. Different people. Enough to verify the pattern. Vance wrote or typed something on her end. “How did you learn about these videos?” “One of the people told me.” “Which one?” Elliot gave the first name. “Did Lucas send the videos?” “Yes.” “Did Mason?” “I don't know.” “Did you confront Lucas?” “Yes.” “How?” “In person.” “Where?” “Outside Bellweather Tap.” “When?” “September eighteenth.” The date had never left him. Vance went quiet. “That's specific.” “I remember dates.” Ronan looked at him. Elliot ignored that too. “What did you say?” “I told him to delete the videos and stop sharing them.” “Anything else?” “I said I'd expose him if he didn't.” Ronan watched. Vance asked, “Expose how?” “Tell the university. Police if necessary. Whoever.” “Did you threaten him physically?” “No.” “Did he threaten you?” “No.” “Was he afraid?” Elliot paused.

“Maybe.”

Ronan's eyes sharpened. Vance caught it through silence alone.

“Why maybe?”