Page 210 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Ronan looked at him. The words weren’t controlling. They weren’t jealous. They weren’t even angry. They were scared. That made him pause. Elliot lowered his voice.

“If whoever is doing this wants you involved, going there gives them exactly what they want.”

Ronan stared. The envelope.

RONAN.

The picture. WRONG BROTHER, DETECTIVE. Then Dylan’s phone at Saint Augustine’s. Someone was dragging Ronan directly toward the story. Maybe Elliot was right. Ronan hated that too.

“What am I supposed to do?” he asked.

Elliot’s expression softened.

“Stay.”

One word. Ronan looked toward Vance. She said nothing. Then toward the door. Finally, he dropped the keys onto the island.

“Fine.”

Elliot exhaled. Vance looked almost relieved.

“I’ll contact you if there’s anything you need to know.”

Ronan laughed.

“You mean anything you decide we need to know.”

“Yes.”

At least she was honest. She left. The door closed. Silence filled the carriage house. Ronan stared at it. Then Elliot said:

“You didn’t have to tell her about Wednesday.”

Ronan turned. There it was. Not concern about Dylan. Not fear about the killer. Wednesday.

“I know.”

“Then why did you?”

“Because Dylan is missing.”

“That has nothing to do with me going for a run.”

“You don’t know that.”

Elliot went completely still. Ronan heard himself. Fuck.

“I didn’t mean—”

“Stop.”

Ronan closed his mouth. Elliot looked exhausted. Not angry. Worse.

“Just stop apologizing after every time you say what you actually think.”

Ronan stared.

“What do you want me to do?”