Page 229 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“What did you find?”

“Recording equipment.”

The room became very still.

“Cameras?”

“Yes.”

“Computers?”

“Yes.”

“Videos?”

Pause.

“Yes.”

Ronan swore. Elliot’s stomach tightened. There it was. Mason and Lucas. The ugly little system beneath the public personalities. Maybe North Ridge wasn't random. Maybe whoever had sent the coordinates wanted police to find that. Or wanted Ronan to find it. Why? Vance said, “Some material appears to involve students who may not have known they were being recorded.” Ronan’s face hardened.

“Jesus.”

Elliot felt nothing resembling surprise. Only confirmation. Vance continued.

“Dylan was found outside the cabin.”

“Was he recorded?” Elliot asked.

“We don’t know.”

“Was he restrained?”

Pause.

“Yes.”

Ronan’s body stiffened.

“How?”

“I’m not discussing details.”

“Was he tortured?”

“Ronan.”

“Answer.”

“I said he’s alive.”

“That wasn't the question.”

Silence. Then Vance said, “He has injuries consistent with assault.” Ronan turned away. Elliot watched him. Something inside him shifted. Anger. Not jealousy. Not possession. Something cleaner. Whoever had done this had hurt Ronan by hurting Dylan. That alone made them a problem. Interesting. Elliot almost hated himself for the thought. Almost. Vance said, “There’s one more reason I called.” Elliot’s attention returned.

“What?”

“We recovered a mask.”