Page 293 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Nothing.”

She stared. Ronan shook his head.

“Seriously. Nothing.”

The final stitch went in. The paramedic covered the wound.

“Keep it dry tonight.”

Ronan looked at the blood all over the hallway.

“I was planning a bath.”

The paramedic gave him a look. Elliot said, “Ignore him.”

“I’m trying.”

The paramedic packed up. Vance waited until he was gone. Then her entire demeanor shifted. No audience. No medical interruption. Just them.

“Nathan Reed knows things that were never released publicly.”

Ronan looked toward Elliot. He already knew. Mason screaming. Lucas begging. The precise mask damage. The phrase from their bedroom. Vance continued.

“He also knows details about both of you that suggest long-term surveillance.”

“Yes,” Ronan said.

“And he appears to have deliberately inserted himself into this investigation.”

“Clearly.”

“What I don’t understand is why.”

Elliot answered.

“Obsession.”

Vance looked at him.

“Maybe.”

“You don’t think so?”

“I think obsession is part of it.”

“Then what’s the rest?”

She hesitated. That was unusual enough that Ronan immediately paid attention.

“We searched Reed’s vehicle.”

“You said.”

“We found a notebook.” Elliot’s face tightened. “What was in it?” “Names.” Silence. Ronan stared. “What names?” “Mason Kerr.” His stomach dropped. “Lucas Harper.” Elliot went still. “Dylan Price.” Ronan’s jaw tightened. “Elliot Mercer.” Silence. “And Ronan Vale.” The room seemed to narrow. Ronan stared at her. “That’s it?” “No.” Of course not. “Who else?” Vance looked at Elliot. “Tyler Ames.” Everything stopped. Ronan felt Elliot freeze beside him. Not subtle. Not controlled. Freeze. Vance saw it. “What?” Elliot’s voice came out quiet. “Nothing.” Ronan looked at him. No. Not nothing. Tyler. One of the five. His first victim. Or at least one of the first three. Vance continued. “Grace Holloway.” Ronan stopped breathing. Elliot’s face emptied. “Benjamin Cole.” There it was. All five. Nathan had every name. Ronan felt nausea rise. Vance watched them. Neither could hide enough now. “What do those names mean to you?” Ronan said nothing. Elliot said nothing. Vance looked between them. “Tyler Ames died in February.” Ronan knew. Now. “Grace Holloway died in April.” He knew. “Benjamin Cole died in June.” Ronan’s stitched arm throbbed.

“Mason Kerr in October.”

Silence.