Page 190 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Ronan looked at him. Then back at the video.

“Why send this to me?”

Elliot's stomach tightened. Because they want you looking. Because they want you asking. Because they want me afraid.

“I don't know.”

Ronan saved the video.

“Vance.”

Elliot didn't argue this time. That made Ronan look at him.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Ronan almost smiled.

“Fuck that word.”

Elliot didn't. Something about the video bothered him. Not the existence of it. The timing. Whoever had recorded Mason had been there before Elliot arrived. They had watched Mason. Then watched Elliot. Which meant the message wasn't a bluff. Someone had seen him. Someone had been close enough to know what happened. Maybe close enough to hear Mason scream. Ronan called Vance. Elliot got out of bed and dressed while listening.

“Yes, another message.”

Pause.

“A video.”

Another pause.

“Mason.”

Ronan's voice changed.

“No. Before.”

Elliot pulled on his shirt. Ronan looked at him while Vance spoke.

“Yeah.”

Pause.

“I'll send it.”

He ended the call.

“What did she say?”

“She wants the original message preserved.”

“Obviously.”

“And she's coming back.”

Elliot stopped.

“Here?”