Page 191 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Yes.”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

Elliot looked at the clock. 5:39.

“Great.”

Ronan studied him.

“You okay?”

“Yes.”

“Liar.”

Elliot pulled on his jeans.

“I'm getting tired of that.”

“Try lying less.”

The words were teasing. Mostly. Elliot looked over. Ronan smiled. Trust had returned. Not entirely. Enough. That should have comforted him. Instead Elliot felt sick again. Because Ronan had looked directly into his eyes and asked whether he killed Mason Kerr. And Elliot had lied. Perfectly. The doorbell rang downstairs. Ronan grabbed his shirt.

“She's fast.”

Elliot went still.

“No.”

Ronan paused.

“What?”

“Vance wouldn't be here yet.”

They looked at each other. The bell rang again. One long press. Then silence. Ronan pulled his shirt over his head.

“Stay here.”

Elliot was already following. They went downstairs together. Ronan moved toward the door. Elliot caught his arm.

“Check first.”

Ronan looked through the side window. Nobody. His body tightened.

“Anyone?”

“No.”

“Don't open it.”

Ronan ignored him.

“Ronan.”

He unlocked the door. Elliot's heart slammed. Ronan opened it carefully. Empty porch. Empty driveway. No car. No person. Nothing. Then Ronan looked down. A small black box sat on the welcome mat. No address. No writing. Just black cardboard. Elliot knew what was inside before Ronan touched it.