Page 226 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“What?”

He handed over the phone. Ronan read.

“Rumor.”

“Yes.”

Neither believed the word. At 9:06, Dylan’s mother called Ronan. He let it ring once. Then answered. Elliot watched his face.

“Hi, Lisa.”

Pause.

“No.”

Longer pause.

“I promise.”

Ronan closed his eyes.

“No, police haven’t told me anything.”

Elliot looked away. He could hear her crying faintly. Not words. Enough. Ronan’s voice softened.

“I’ll call if I hear anything.”

He ended the call. For several seconds, he stared at the floor. Then:

“I hate this.”

Elliot didn’t know what answer was expected. So he gave the truth.

“I know.”

Ronan looked at him. No accusation. No suspicion. Just fear. Elliot crossed the room. He hesitated before touching him. That hesitation hurt. Ronan noticed. He always noticed.

“Come here.”

Elliot did. Ronan wrapped both arms around him. Elliot closed his eyes. He could feel Ronan’s heartbeat against his cheek. Too fast. Mine. The thought appeared. Immediately followed by another. What if they take him? Police. The anonymous sender. Whoever was watching. The thought had become too broad. Too many threats. Elliot tightened his arms around Ronan. Ronan’s mouth touched his hair.

“No biting.”

The joke came quietly. Elliot laughed despite himself.

“Not in the mood.”

“That’s how I know this is serious.”

Elliot shoved him weakly. Ronan held tighter. For one minute, they were simply two frightened people in a locked house. Elliot almost forgot everything else. Then his phone rang. Vance. Both separated instantly. Elliot answered.

“What did you find?”

No response for half a second. Then:

“Dylan is alive.”

Ronan heard. His entire body sagged. Elliot felt relief. Real. Unexpectedly real.