Page 114 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Ronan's smile disappeared.

“What kind of question is that?”

“A simple one.”

“No, it isn't.”

“Answer however you interpret it.”

He stared at her. Everyone was capable of hurting someone. Ronan knew that better than most. Elliot included. He imagined the bite marks. The broken mug. The threats. The way Elliot looked at Dylan. Then the mask. White porcelain. Black eyes. The image arrived so unexpectedly that Ronan felt something cold move down his back. He hated himself for it.

“No.”

Vance's pen moved. Ronan's irritation returned.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Bullshit.”

She looked up. He almost laughed at the familiarity of the word. Elliot's word. Ronan's now too.

“Do you think he's capable of killing someone?” Vance asked.

The room changed. Ronan felt it. Not dramatically. But enough. He stopped moving. There were questions people asked because protocol demanded them. Then there were questions that carried weight. This one had weight. He looked at Vance.

“You think Elliot killed them.”

“I didn't say that.”

“You keep saying that.”

“Because you keep making conclusions.”

“You asked if he's capable of murder.”

“I'd ask the same about anyone close to both victims.”

“He wasn't close to them.”

“Close enough to be present.”

“That doesn't mean anything.”

“Maybe.”

Ronan's jaw clenched.

“No.”

Vance waited.

“No,” he repeated. “Elliot didn't kill anyone.”

“You sound certain.”

“I am.”