Page 11 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“The distinction between antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy.”

Claire covered her mouth. Elliot glanced at her. Then at Professor Adler.

“Psychopathy isn't a formal DSM diagnosis. ASPD focuses primarily on observable patterns of behavior, repeated disregard for other people's rights, deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggression, irresponsibility. Psychopathy is usually conceptualized more broadly and includes interpersonal and affective traits. Superficial charm, manipulativeness, shallow affect, lack of remorse.”

Professor Adler nodded.

“And does everyone diagnosed with ASPD exhibit psychopathic traits?”

“No.”

“Does every psychopath commit violent crime?”

“No.”

“Why does popular culture struggle with that distinction?”

“Because Hannibal Lecter is more interesting than diagnostic criteria.”

The room laughed. Professor Adler smiled despite himself.

“Essentially.”

Claire leaned toward Elliot.

“Freak.”

Elliot whispered, “You asked for my notes last week.”

“I can exploit your freakishness while judging it.”

Professor Adler continued. Elliot finally checked his phone beneath the desk. Two messages.

RONAN: Don't forget dinner tonight.

Then:

RONAN: Mom said 7. Which means 6:45 unless you want to hear about punctuality for forty minutes.

Elliot typed:

ELLIOT: thought you weren't bringing my charger

The response arrived almost instantly.

RONAN: I'm not.

ELLIOT: then I'll probably die before dinner

RONAN: Fingers crossed.

Elliot stared at the message. Warmth settled somewhere low in his chest. He typed:

ELLIOT: love you too

Three dots appeared. Elliot waited. They disappeared. He smiled. Typical. Professor Adler continued talking. Claire was taking notes now. Elliot set his phone facedown. Forty-three minutes later, class ended. The hallway filled immediately. Elliot and Claire joined the stream heading toward the stairs.

“Lunch?” she asked.