Page 339 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“I know.”

This time Ronan smiled. Barely.

“Allowed.”

Elliot’s mouth twitched. Then the storage-room phone vibrated. Both froze. No. Absolutely not. Ronan looked toward the door beneath the stairs. Elliot did too. Another vibration. Ronan held up one hand.

“Police.”

“No.”

“Elliot.”

“We need to see it first.”

“Why?”

“Because if Saint thinks we’re already handing everything to Vance, they stop talking.”

“That sounds good.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re the only person who can explain what happened with Nathan.”

“Police have Nathan.”

“Saint was manipulating Nathan too.”

Ronan hated that Elliot had a point.

“We photograph the screen. No touching the phone.”

“Fine.”

“Then call Vance.”

Elliot hesitated. Ronan stared.

“Promise.”

That word again. Elliot sighed.

“Fine.”

“Promise.”

“I promise.”

Ronan nodded. They crossed the kitchen. Elliot opened the storage-room door. The phone glowed beneath the mask. New message.

THAT TOOK LONG ENOUGH.

Ronan’s jaw tightened. Another.

HE ALWAYS WAS TOO ASHAMED OF NEEDING ME.