Page 205 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Think.”

“I am thinking.”

“No, you’re panicking.”

“Dylan is missing.”

“I know.”

“You hate him.”

Elliot’s expression hardened.

“That doesn’t mean I want him dead.”

Ronan went still. Dead. Nobody had said dead. Vance heard it too. Her eyes sharpened. Elliot realized. His face changed.

“I mean missing.”

Too late. Ronan looked at him. Something cold moved through his chest.

“Why did you say dead?”

Elliot stared.

“Because Mason and Lucas are dead.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

“Ronan.”

“Why?”

“I misspoke.”

Vance watched. Ronan hated her watching. He hated himself watching more. Elliot pulled his hand away.

“You’re doing it again.”

“What?”

“Looking at me like that.”

Ronan didn’t answer. Elliot laughed softly. Bitter.

“Great.”

He stepped back. Vance’s phone rang again. She answered. Listened. Her face hardened.

“Where?”

Ronan’s chest tightened. Vance looked at both of them. Then turned away slightly.

“How long ago?”

Pause.

“Secure it. I’m coming.”