Page 221 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Do not go there.”

Ronan mouthed, obviously. Elliot ignored him.

“We weren’t planning to.”

“What coordinates?”

Elliot read them. Vance went quiet. Too quiet.

“Detective?”

“Stay on the line.”

Background noise changed. Movement. A door opening. Someone speaking. Then Vance returned.

“That’s North Ridge.”

“I know.”

“How?”

Elliot closed his eyes. Of course.

“I’ve been there.”

Ronan watched. Vance asked the same questions Ronan had. When. Why. With whom. Elliot gave the same answers. Claire. Parties. Last spring. Another pause.

“Did Mason ever go there?”

Elliot’s heartbeat changed. He knew the answer.

“Yes.”

Ronan’s head snapped toward him. Vance’s voice sharpened.

“How do you know?”

“Everyone went there.”

“That isn't an answer.”

Apparently Bellweather had collectively agreed on that phrase. Elliot sat on the edge of the couch.

“He was at a bonfire there last spring.”

“You were there?”

“Yes.”

“Lucas?”

“Yes.”

Ronan’s expression changed. Elliot wished he'd told him that earlier. Another secret becoming important after the fact. Dylan too. Fuck. Vance asked, “Dylan?”

“Yes.”

Ronan swore quietly.