Page 204 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Elliot turned toward the windows.

“If they disappear, we learn nothing.”

Ronan stared.

“You want them to come back.”

Elliot looked over.

“Yes.”

The answer came so calmly that Ronan felt cold.

“To catch them?”

“Yes.”

“By us?”

“If necessary.”

“Absolutely fucking not.”

Elliot laughed softly.

“There you are.”

“What?”

“The controlling one.”

Ronan stared. Elliot smiled. Not sweet. Not public. The other one.

“You really do like telling me what to do.”

“When your plans are insane, yes.”

“What if I’m right?”

“You can be right from inside a locked house with police outside.”

“That’s boring.”

Ronan stared. Then laughed. He couldn’t help it. Elliot smiled. For one brief second, the tension broke. Then Vance returned. Her expression had changed. Ronan noticed immediately.

“What?”

“Dylan Price is missing.” The room went silent. Elliot didn’t move. Ronan’s heartbeat slammed once. “What?” “His attorney contacted us ten minutes ago.” “When was he last seen?” “Leaving his apartment at 2:11 P.M.” Ronan looked at the clock. 6:07. Four hours. Not long. Still. “Phone?” “Off.” “Car?” “Apartment.” Ronan swore. Elliot remained completely still. Too still. Vance looked at him. “When did you last speak to Dylan?” “Thursday.” Ronan answered. “Today.” Both looked. “What?” Elliot said. Ronan pulled out his phone. The envelope photos. Messages. “Obviously.” Vance frowned. “I mean voice contact.” “Thursday.” Elliot said, “Me too.” Vance’s gaze shifted. “You spoke to him Thursday?” “At our house.” “I know.” Ronan looked toward the door. Dylan. Missing. The white envelope. Wrong brother. The photograph. Someone had been watching him. Now he was gone. Ronan’s stomach twisted. “I’m going to his apartment.” “No,” Vance said. “Yes.” “No.” “I’m not asking.” She stepped between him and the door. “Then I’m telling you.” Ronan’s temper flashed. “Move.” “Ronan.” “Move.”

Elliot grabbed his wrist. Ronan turned.

“Don’t.”

“Let go.”

“No.”

Ronan stared. Elliot’s fingers tightened.