Page 244 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“No, you don’t.”

Ronan rubbed his face.

“You keep saying you know, but you don’t feel any of this like a normal person.”

There. The old accusation. Different words. Same thing. Elliot felt something cold settle beneath his ribs.

“Maybe I’m not normal.”

Ronan looked at him. For several seconds, neither moved. Then Ronan said:

“I need you to stop answering like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like this is some fucking clinical exercise.”

“I don’t know what you want.”

“Anything human.”

The words hit harder than Elliot expected. He looked away. Ronan immediately regretted them. Elliot could see it.

“Fuck.”

“Don’t apologize.”

“I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Still true.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Ronan stepped closer. Elliot moved backward. Not because he was afraid. Because he didn’t want comfort right now. Comfort would break something. Ronan stopped.

“Elliot.”

“What do you want me to say?”

“I don’t know.”

“Exactly.”

His voice cracked. Barely. Enough. Ronan’s expression changed. Elliot hated that. He hated being seen after failing to control something. He looked toward the storage room. The mask stared from darkness beyond the doorway.

“I didn’t kill them because I wanted to feel something.”

Ronan stayed silent.

“I didn’t wake up one day and decide murder sounded fun.”

“That doesn’t make it better.” “I know.” Ronan’s jaw tightened at the phrase. Elliot continued before he could interrupt. “Tyler had drugged women before.” “Police should have handled it.” “They didn’t.” “You don’t know that.” “I knew what he was doing.” “That is not the same as proof.” “I had proof.” Ronan froze. “What?” Elliot realized. Too late. “You had proof.” “Yes.” “What proof?” “Messages. Screenshots. People talked.” “And you didn’t give it to police.” “No.” “Why?” Elliot looked at him. “Because I didn’t trust them to stop him.” Ronan laughed in disbelief. “So you killed him.” “Yes.” The answer came quietly. Ronan looked away. Elliot continued. “Grace was threatening to send private photos to someone’s family and employer unless he stayed with her.” “Again. Police.” “He wouldn’t go.” “Why?” “Because he was ashamed.” “Then help him.” “I did.” Ronan’s eyes snapped back. “By killing her.” “Yes.” “Jesus Christ.” “Benjamin put his boyfriend in the hospital twice.” “Stop.” “Mason used humiliation like entertainment.” “I said stop.”

“Lucas distributed private videos.”

“Elliot.”