Page 208 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Vance looked at him.

“That wasn’t a rhetorical question.”

Ronan turned.

“Not your conversation.”

“It became my conversation when you mentioned potentially relevant behavior in an active homicide investigation.”

Elliot laughed softly.

“Congratulations.”

Ronan looked at him. There was no humor in the sound. Vance continued.

“Elliot, when have you left your phone home?”

He said nothing.

“Mr. Mercer.”

“Sometimes.”

“When?”

“I don’t keep a log.”

Ronan stared at him.

“That’s bullshit.”

Elliot’s eyes snapped toward him. Ronan continued before he could stop.

“Wednesday morning.”

Vance frowned.

“What happened Wednesday morning?”

Ronan looked at her. Then Elliot. His stomach twisted. He didn’t want to do this. Not like this. Not with her standing there collecting every ugly little piece. But Dylan was missing. Two people were already dead. And Ronan was getting very fucking tired of deciding which truths were safe enough to protect.

“I woke up and Elliot was gone.”

Elliot stared at him. Vance asked, “What time?”

“Six thirty-eight.”

“You’re sure?”

“I checked my phone.”

“And Elliot?”

“Came back a few minutes later.”

“From?”

“Running.”