Page 227 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Where?”

“North Ridge.”

“Is he hurt?”

“Yes.”

Ronan moved closer.

“How bad?” he asked.

Vance paused.

“He’s conscious. Ambulance is transporting him now.”

“What happened?”

“We’re still determining that.”

Elliot closed his eyes. Alive. That changed everything. Not because Dylan mattered to him. Because living people talked.

“What did he say?”

Another pause.

“Not much.”

“Did he see who took him?”

“We’ll speak with him when doctors clear it.”

Ronan reached for the phone. Elliot switched to speaker.

“Can we see him?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because right now both of you need to remain away from him.”

Ronan’s jaw tightened.

“He’s my friend.”

“And you’re connected to an active investigation.”

“So is half Bellweather.”

Vance ignored him. Elliot asked, “Why did you know North Ridge?” Silence. There. Again. Vance sighed.

“Because Mason Kerr’s car was recorded near the access road three times in the month before his death.”

Elliot froze. Ronan looked at him.

“What?”

Vance continued.