Page 222 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Who else?”

“A lot of people.”

“How many?”

“Fifty. Maybe more.”

“Exact date?”

“I don't remember.”

That part was true. Maybe April. Late March. Cold enough that everyone wore coats but warm enough that people were willing to stand outside drinking until two in the morning. Vance said, “Officers are heading there now.” Ronan stepped closer.

“Is Dylan there?”

Vance heard him.

“We don’t know.”

“What about the jacket?”

“We don’t know.”

Elliot looked toward the phone. Something in Vance’s tone bothered him. Not uncertainty. Recognition.

“You already knew the location.”

Silence. Ronan looked at him. Vance answered carefully.

“We’re familiar with the area.”

“No.”

Elliot stood.

“You knew those coordinates.”

“Elliot.”

“You went quiet before I said North Ridge.”

Another silence. Ronan’s expression sharpened. Vance said, “Do not speculate.”

“That’s a yes.”

“Mr. Mercer.”

“What happened there?”

Ronan touched his arm. Warning. Elliot ignored him.

“What did police find at North Ridge?”

Vance’s voice hardened.

“Stay home.”

Then the call ended. Elliot stared at the screen. Ronan stared at him.