Page 341 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“I never used that.”

Ronan’s stomach dropped.

“But it was yours.”

“Yes.”

“Saint gave it to you.”

“Yes.”

“When?”

“After Tyler.”

“How?”

“It was left in my car.”

Cold moved through Ronan. Saint had physical access that early. Not just messages. Not just the alley.

“How did they know your car?”

“They'd been watching.” “Where is it?” “I threw it away.” Ronan stared. “You threw away a knife from your stalker.” “Yes.” “Where?” “Dumpster.” “Bellweather?” “Yes.” “Did you touch it?” “With gloves.” Of course. Ronan rubbed his face. “You never used it?” “No.” “Not once.” “No.” Ronan believed him. Saint’s phone vibrated. HE KEPT THE NOTE. Elliot froze. Ronan slowly looked over. “What note?” “No.” “What note?” “I threw that away too.” The phone: LIAR AGAIN. Ronan’s stomach tightened. Elliot stared at the mask. “Shut up.” Saint answered: MAKE ME. Ronan looked at Elliot. That phrase. Their phrase. Not as private as they thought. Elliot’s face transformed. Cold. Ronan saw the killer arrive behind his eyes. He immediately grabbed Elliot’s wrist. “No.” Elliot looked at him. “Promise.” For several seconds, Elliot said nothing. Then his shoulders lowered. “Fine.” Ronan released him slowly. “Where is the note?” Elliot swallowed. “Bedroom.” “Still?” “Yes.” “After all this?” “I didn’t think it mattered.” Ronan laughed without humor. “Everything matters.” “I know.” They left the phone. Ronan called Vance while following Elliot upstairs. This time Elliot didn’t object. Progress. Maybe. Vance answered. “What happened?” “Saint contacted us.” Pause. “You interacted?” “Barely.” “Ronan.” “Save the lecture. They sent a picture of a knife.” “What knife?” “One they apparently gave Elliot after Tyler Ames died.” Silence. Ronan heard Elliot stop walking ahead of him. Vance’s voice changed. “Elliot?” He turned. Elliot stared at the phone. “Yes.” “Is that true?” “Yes.” “When?” “February.” “Where is the knife?” “Gone.” “Where?” “Trash.” “Why did you never report this?” Elliot’s jaw tightened. “I didn’t think—” Ronan almost laughed. He stopped. Vance continued. “Anything else?” Ronan looked at Elliot. The note. Elliot sighed. “A note.” “What note?” “I’m getting it.”

“Do not touch it.”

“I’ve already touched it before.”

“Not now.”

They entered Elliot’s bedroom. Elliot crossed to the bookshelf. Not desk. Not drawer. Bookshelf. He pulled out an old copy of The Secret History. Ronan stared.

“You hid stalker evidence inside Donna Tartt?”

Elliot looked offended.

“It’s a good book.”

“Not the point.”

He opened the back cover. A folded piece of cream paper sat tucked behind it. Ronan’s stomach tightened. Elliot placed the book on the desk without touching the note.

“Found it.”

Vance said, “Leave it exactly where it is. I’m coming.” Call ended. Ronan stared at the folded paper.

“What did it say?”

Elliot looked away.

“You remember.”

“Yes.”

“Then tell me.”

Silence. Ronan waited. Elliot finally spoke.