Page 62 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Probably.”

“Then stop.”

Ronan laughed without humor.

“Helpful.”

Elliot looked toward the windows. Rain slid down the glass in crooked lines. After several seconds, his shoulders lowered.

“Lucas is probably fine.”

Ronan watched him.

“Maybe.”

“People disappear for stupid reasons all the time.”

“That sounded worse than you meant it.”

Elliot looked back.

“You know what I mean.”

“Yeah.”

The phone buzzed again. This time both of them looked. Ronan opened the message. It wasn't Dylan. Bellweather University. CAMPUS SAFETY ALERT Bellweather University Police are assisting the Bellweather Police Department in locating student Lucas Harper, age twenty-two, who was last seen Tuesday evening near the North Residential District. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact law enforcement immediately. Students are encouraged to travel in groups and utilize university transportation services after dark. A photograph followed. Lucas. Red hair. Wide smile. Bellweather sweatshirt. Ronan stared at it. Elliot stood beside him. Close enough that their shoulders touched. For once, Elliot didn't say anything. Neither did Ronan. The rain sounded louder. By nine thirty, Lucas Harper's face was everywhere. Claire texted Elliot. Dylan texted Ronan six more times. Rebecca called. Thomas called afterward, apparently because Rebecca hadn't found Ronan's responses sufficiently reassuring. Bellweather's local news station interrupted programming. Ronan refused to watch. Elliot didn't argue. They ended up in the living room with the television off and their laptops open on opposite ends of the couch. Ronan tried working. Failed. Every few minutes his phone lit up. Eventually he flipped it facedown.

“Dylan?” Elliot asked.

“Yes.”

“Annoying.”

“He's worried.”

“He's always annoying.”

Ronan looked over. Elliot sat curled into the corner of the couch with one knee raised, laptop balanced against his thigh. The glow from the screen illuminated his face.

“What are you reading?”

“Nothing.”

Ronan stared. Elliot sighed.

“News.”

“I thought we agreed not to.”

“We didn't agree to anything.”

“Of course not.”

Ronan reached over. Elliot pulled the laptop away.

“Hey.”

“What?”