Page 27 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Somewhere quieter?”

“Of course.”

He put his notebook into his bag. His heartbeat remained steady. That pleased him. They walked downstairs. Vance didn't take him to an office. Instead she stopped beneath the covered stone arcade connecting Whitmore Hall to the psychology annex. Rain fell beyond the arches in silver threads. Students crossed the courtyard beneath umbrellas, distant enough that nobody could overhear them. Vance leaned against one of the stone columns. Elliot remained standing.

“You knew Mason Kerr?”

“A little.”

“How little?”

“We went to the same university. Same parties sometimes. Mutual friends.”

“Friends?”

“No.”

“You were at the Halston Street party Saturday.”

“Yes.”

“What time did you arrive?”

Elliot thought.

“Around ten thirty.”

“Leave?”

“One thirty. Maybe a little earlier.”

“You drove?”

“Yes.”

“Were you drinking?”

“Not much.”

Vance watched him. Elliot smiled faintly.

“I know how that sounded.”

“How much is not much?”

“Two drinks over three hours.”

“Why?”

“I was driving.” “Responsible.” “I try.” Her expression didn't change. Elliot liked her immediately. Most people rewarded the correct answer. Vance simply recorded it. “You saw Mason?” “Yes.” “When?” “Several times.” “Last time?” Elliot looked toward the rain. “Maybe one fifteen?” “What was he doing?” “Drinking.” “Alone?” “No.” “With?” “I don't remember.” Vance nodded. “Did you speak to him?” “Briefly.” “What about?” Elliot let a second pass. “Nothing important.” “What does that mean?” “He asked if I was leaving. I said eventually.” “That's it?” “I think so.” Vance studied him. Elliot resisted the urge to smile. Not because anything was funny. Because smiling when uncomfortable was normal. But he wasn't uncomfortable. Pretending to be would have been unnecessary. “Did Mason seem upset?” “No.” “Angry?” “No.” “Scared?” “No.” “Did you see him arguing with anyone?” Elliot thought again. “Not exactly.” Vance's pen stopped. “What does not exactly mean?” “He was messing with a freshman.” “How?” “Embarrassing him.” “Explain.” Elliot shifted his bag higher on his shoulder. “He had the kid standing on a table. Making him sing or something.” “Was this hazing?” “I don't know.” “Was the freshman a Kappa pledge?” “I think so.” “Name?” “I don't know.” Vance watched him. “Did it bother you?” Interesting question. Elliot looked at her. “Yes.” “Why?” “Because the kid was clearly uncomfortable.” “What did you do?” “Nothing.” “You didn't intervene?” “No.” “Why?” Elliot gave a small shrug. “It wasn't my business.” The answer tasted almost funny. Vance wrote something down. “Did Mason record him?” “Yes.” “Did you?” “No.” “Did anyone else?” “Probably. There were phones everywhere.” “Did you see Mason after that?” “Yes.” “When?” “Maybe twenty minutes later.” “And then?” “I left.” Vance closed the notebook. “Where did you go?” “Home.”

“Straight home?”

“Yes.”

“Anyone there?”

Elliot hesitated. Exactly long enough.