Page 147 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“I shouldn't have called you stupid.”

“You didn't.”

“I said trusting you without answers would be stupid.”

“Same thing.”

“Fine. That.”

Silence. Ronan looked at his hands.

“What are you hiding?”

Elliot sighed.

“There it is.”

“I need something.”

“Why?”

“Because I'm losing my fucking mind.”

That got Elliot's attention. He looked over. Ronan continued.

“I don't think you killed anyone.”

Something flickered across Elliot's face. Ronan forced himself onward.

“But I know you're lying about something.”

Silence.

“And every time I notice, I start wondering why.”

Elliot looked away. Ronan lowered his voice.

“Give me one thing.”

“What?” “One true thing you haven't told me.” Elliot stared toward the dark windows. For a long time, Ronan thought he wouldn't answer. Then: “I went to see someone.” Ronan went still. “Who?” “One thing.” “Elliot.” “You asked for one.” “Who?” Elliot looked at him. “Someone connected to Mason.” Ronan's stomach dropped. “What the fuck?” “Not like that.” “Then like what?” “I wanted information.” “About what?” “The freshman.” Ronan stared. “The one from the party?” “Yes.” “Why?” “Because Mason humiliated him.” “So?” “So Lucas had some video argument too.” Ronan's chest tightened. “You've been investigating.” Elliot smiled faintly. “You said I was.” “Jesus Christ.” Ronan stood. Elliot stayed seated. “You went behind the police investigation to find some freshman connected to two murders?” “I didn't find him.” “Then who did you meet?” “Someone who knows him.” “Name.” “No.” “Why?” “Because they don't want police involved.” Ronan laughed in disbelief. “That's not suspicious at all.” “They're scared.” “Of what?” Elliot hesitated. There. Again. Ronan stared. “What did they tell you?” “Not much.” “Bullshit.” Elliot's jaw tightened. “They said Mason and Lucas weren't the only ones.” Cold settled through Ronan. “What does that mean?” “Other people.” “Other people what?” “Videos. Blackmail. Humiliation.” Ronan stopped. Mason. Lucas. Victim type. He didn't know the phrase. But the pattern formed. “Other people they fucked with.” “Yes.” “How many?” “I don't know.” “Names?” “No.” “Elliot.” “I don't know.” This time Ronan believed him. Mostly. “What does this have to do with the murders?” Elliot closed the laptop. “Maybe someone hated them.” “Someone clearly did.” “I mean someone they hurt.” Ronan sat slowly. That made sense. Too much sense. A vigilante. Revenge. Someone cleaning up shitty people. It was exactly the kind of explanation Bellweather forums loved. Ronan hated that Elliot had gone looking for it himself. “You tell Vance?” “No.” “Why?” “Because I promised.” “Fuck the promise.” Elliot's eyes sharpened. “They're scared.” “And two people are dead.”

Silence. Ronan leaned forward.

“You tell her.”

“No.”

“Elliot.”

“No.”

“You want police looking at me instead?”

His face changed instantly. There. Ronan saw the blow land.

“That isn't fair.”

“Neither is withholding something that might matter.”