Page 280 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Did it involve hurting me?”

“No.”

Pause.

“Maybe a little.”

Ronan closed his eyes.

“Jesus Christ.”

“Not seriously.”

“That phrase has lost all value.”

A stair creaked. Both froze. This time there was no question. Someone had stepped onto the staircase. Ronan looked toward the bedroom door. Then Elliot. The argument ended. Ronan reached for the heavy metal drafting ruler on his desk. Elliot stared.

“That’s your weapon?”

“It’s steel.”

“It’s a ruler.”

“Do you have something better?”

“Yes.”

Ronan’s eyes narrowed.

“Where?”

Elliot looked toward the closet. Ronan immediately said, “No.”

“You asked.”

“I regret asking.”

The stair creaked again. Higher. Elliot lowered his voice.

“Second shelf. Back right.”

Ronan stared.

“You have a weapon in my room?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“Flashlight.”

Ronan blinked.

“A flashlight.”

“Metal. Heavy.”