Page 173 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Elliot held up his phone.

“I want to see it.”

“You can look. You're not taking the phone.”

Vance's eyes flicked toward Ronan.

“Bell already coached him?”

“Apparently he learns.”

Elliot glared. Vance took the phone without commenting. She studied the photograph. Zoomed. Moved back. Read the message.

“Did you respond?”

“No.”

“Good.”

She handed it back.

“Do you recognize where this was taken from?”

Elliot looked at the photograph again. “Across the street from Dylan's building.” “You've been there?” “Yes.” Ronan turned. Elliot didn't look at him. Vance noticed. “When?” “Last semester.” “With Ronan?” “No.” Ronan stared. “What?” Elliot sighed. “Not now.” Vance's attention sharpened. “Why were you there?” “A party.” “Whose?” “Dylan's.” Ronan felt something ugly move through his chest. “You went to Dylan's apartment?” Elliot looked at him. “Once.” “When?” “Before you and I were together.” “That isn't what I asked.” Vance glanced between them. Ronan immediately hated that they were doing this in front of her. Elliot knew it too. “Last February.” “Did you know I'd slept with him?” “Yes.” Ronan stopped. Vance's expression didn't change. Of course it didn't. Elliot looked toward the floor. Ronan laughed once. “Fantastic.” “Ronan.” “No, this is great. Another thing.” “Can we not?” “You've known him longer than you said.” “I knew who he was.” “You went to his fucking apartment.” “With Claire and twenty other people.” Vance interrupted. “Claire was there?” Elliot looked at her. “Yes.” “Lucas?” “No.” “Mason?” “No.” “Certain?” “Yes.” “Did anything happen between you and Dylan?” “No.” “Argument?” “No.” “Threat?” “No.” Ronan almost said something. Stopped. Vance noticed that too. Her eyes shifted. “Ronan?” Fuck. He looked at Elliot. Elliot's expression had gone warningstill. Vance waited. Ronan exhaled. “Not that night.” Elliot closed his eyes. Vance asked, “Another time?” “Months later.” “What happened?” “You already know.” “The threat about his fingers?” “Yes.” Vance looked at Elliot. “And now someone is photographing Dylan and sending the photographs to you.” “I can see how that looks.” “Can you?” Elliot's jaw tightened. “Yes.” “Did you ask anyone to watch Dylan?” “No.” “Follow him?” “No.” “Photograph him?” “No.” “Scare him?” “No.” “Have you ever told anyone you wanted Dylan hurt?” Silence. Ronan felt it immediately. Elliot looked away. “Elliot.”

Vance said his name quietly.

“Have you?”

“Not seriously.”

Ronan's stomach dropped. Vance's pen came out.

“What did you say?”

“I don't remember.”

“Try.”

“I say shit when I'm angry.”

“About Dylan?”

“Yes.”

“Such as?”

Elliot folded his arms.

“I don't know.”

Ronan remembered. Of course he fucking remembered. Elliot in Ronan's bed months earlier after learning about Dylan. Furious. Jealous. Beautiful and vicious. I hope somebody breaks his fucking jaw. Ronan had laughed. Because it was Elliot. Because Elliot said terrible things when jealous. Because words weren't murder. Vance looked at Ronan.

“You remember something.”

Elliot looked at him too. Ronan hated this.

“He said he hoped someone broke Dylan's jaw.”