Page 129 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“What happened?”

“I don't know.”

“Are they coming in?”

“My lawyer's on the way.”

Ronan paced toward the windows. Elliot remained seated. Watching. Listening.

“They say they have more questions.”

“Don't answer until your lawyer gets there.”

“No shit.”

“Did they say what about?”

“No.”

A pause. Then Dylan's voice dropped.

“They asked if I knew you.”

Ronan stopped. Elliot's attention sharpened.

“What?”

“You.”

“Why?”

“I don't fucking know.”

Elliot stood. Ronan looked at him. Dylan continued through the phone.

“They asked how long we've known each other. Whether you've been to my apartment.”

Cold settled into Elliot's stomach. There. Police weren't simply looking at Ronan. They were connecting him outward. Dylan. Victims. Jealousy. Violence. Everything Elliot had spent years allowing Ronan to look like. Ronan said, “What did you tell them?”

“The truth.”

“Which is?”

“That we're friends.” “Anything else?” Silence. Ronan's expression hardened. “Dylan.” “They asked if we'd slept together.” Elliot's jaw clenched. Ronan looked toward him. Their eyes met. “And?” “I said yes.” Elliot looked away. Ronan's voice remained controlled. “Anything about Elliot?” Another pause. Elliot's attention snapped back. “Dylan.” “They know, man.” “What did you tell them?” “That I thought something was going on.” Ronan closed his eyes. Elliot felt heat rush through him. “Thought?” Ronan said. “I didn't know for sure.” “Apparently enough to tell homicide detectives.” “Ronan.” “You could've said nothing.” “They asked directly.” “So?” “So I'm already being looked at for two murders.” Elliot laughed quietly. Both men fell silent. Ronan looked at him. “Not funny.” “No.” Elliot's smile disappeared. Dylan asked, “Is he there?” Ronan stared at Elliot. “Yes.” “Tell him I'm sorry.” Elliot spoke loudly enough for the phone to catch it. “No.” Ronan gave him a warning look. Dylan sighed. “Great.” “Call me when your lawyer gets there,” Ronan said. “Yeah.” The line ended. Silence. Ronan placed the phone on the island. Elliot stared. “He told them.” “They already knew.”

“He confirmed it.”

“What did you expect him to do?”

“Keep his fucking mouth shut.”

“That's easy for you to say.”

“Yes.”

“Because you're not the one they're treating like a suspect.”

Elliot froze. Ronan heard it too late. The sentence hit exactly where it shouldn't.