Page 212 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“This is Lisa Price.”

He sat down.

“Hi.”

“Have you heard from Dylan?”

“No.”

“I’m sorry. I know the police probably already asked.”

“It’s okay.”

A shaky inhale.

“He talks about you.”

Ronan looked toward the staircase.

“What?”

“Dylan.”

Her voice softened.

“He says you’re one of the only people who doesn’t bullshit him.”

Ronan swallowed. That sounded like Dylan.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, I just…”

She stopped. Ronan waited.

“I don’t know who else to call.”

That sentence hit harder than everything Vance had said. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

“They’re looking.”

“I know.” “They found his phone.” “I know.” Another breath. Ronan heard a man speaking faintly in the background. Probably Dylan’s father. “Was he scared?” she asked. Ronan closed his eyes. “Yes.” The truth felt cruel. But lying would be worse. “Of the police?” “Everything.” “Did he think someone was following him?” Ronan froze. “What?” “He mentioned it yesterday.” Cold moved through him. “What did he say?” “That someone kept driving past the apartment.” Ronan sat straighter. “What car?” “I don’t know.” “Did he?” “No.” “Did he tell police?” “I thought so.” Ronan’s heartbeat increased. “When did he tell you?” “Last night.” “Anything else?” A pause. “He said he saw someone outside once.” “What did they look like?” “He couldn’t tell.” “Mask?” “No.” “Man?” “He thought so.” Ronan stood. His body suddenly needed movement. “Did he say anything about Elliot?” Silence. Fuck. Lisa’s voice changed. “Your brother?” “Stepbrother.” Ronan didn’t know why he corrected it. Habit.

“Did he?”

“I don’t know.”

“What does that mean?”

“He asked me a strange question.”

Ronan’s grip tightened around the phone.

“What question?”

Another pause.

“He asked whether you and Elliot had always been that close.”