Page 249 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

Ronan’s attention moved toward the storage room.

“Maybe they saw the earlier murders.”

Elliot’s pulse changed. The thought had occurred. He hated hearing Ronan say it.

“Maybe.”

“Could someone have followed you?”

“I was careful.”

Ronan laughed.

“Apparently not careful enough.”

Elliot looked away. Ronan immediately softened.

“Sorry.”

“Stop.”

“I know.”

For once Elliot didn’t correct him. A knock sounded at the door. Both froze. Not the bell. Three firm knocks. Police. Probably. Ronan looked through the curtain.

“Vance.”

Elliot’s stomach tightened. Ronan turned. The question sat between them. Mask. Storage room. Lie. What now? Elliot looked at the open storage door. Then at Ronan.

“You can still tell her.”

Ronan stared. The offer hurt to make. It needed to exist.

“I know.”

“If you want to.”

“I know.”

Elliot swallowed.

“I won’t stop you.”

Ronan’s face changed.

“Don’t make me the good person here.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“No.”

Elliot stepped closer.