Page 10 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Without his phone?”

Elliot looked back at her.

“They found it?”

Claire nodded.

“Saint Augustine's Park.”

For a moment, the classroom seemed unusually quiet. Elliot blinked.

“That's weird.”

“Yeah.”

Professor Adler cleared his throat. Claire faced forward. Elliot did the same. His phone vibrated against his thigh. He ignored it. Professor Adler began talking about diagnostic frameworks, but Elliot found himself staring through the tall windows overlooking Hawthorne Quad. Students moved below. Hundreds of them. Tiny from this height. Bellweather continuing exactly as it had Friday. Exactly as it would tomorrow. His phone vibrated again. Claire glanced at his pocket.

“You gonna get that?”

“No.”

“That might be your boyfriend.”

Elliot looked at her. Claire smirked.

“Sorry. Your mysterious secret lover.”

“Maybe I have six.”

“Please. You don't have the emotional availability for one.”

Elliot smiled.

“If only you knew.”

Claire's eyes narrowed playfully.

“Someday I'm figuring out who it is.”

“No, you're not.”

“That sounded like a challenge.”

“It was a statement.”

Professor Adler looked toward them.

“Mr. Mercer?”

Elliot straightened.

“Yes?”

“Would you like to contribute?”

Several students laughed. Elliot smiled apologetically.

“To which part?”