Page 89 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“That isn't true.”

“I woke up and you were gone.”

“We discussed this.”

“I know.”

“Then?”

Ronan rubbed the back of his neck.

“I don't know.”

Elliot almost smiled. That phrase again. He approached slowly. Ronan stayed where he was.

“You think I disappeared Lucas?”

Ronan's head snapped up.

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“Jesus Christ, no.”

“Then why are you asking where I went?”

“Because you vanished at six in the morning without your phone while some guy from campus is missing.”

“That doesn't make me a murderer.”

“I didn't say it did.”

“You didn't need to.”

Ronan stepped forward.

“Don't twist this.”

“I'm not.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Then explain it.”

Ronan opened his mouth. Closed it. Elliot waited. There was something almost pleasurable about watching people struggle with thoughts they didn't want to admit. Not Ronan. Usually. Tonight, maybe.

“I woke up,” Ronan said finally, “and you were gone. I got worried. That's it.”

Elliot stared.

“That simple?”

“Yes.”

“Promise?”

Ronan's eyes narrowed.