Page 345 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“We protect the obvious people.”

“Claire.”

“Yes.”

“Parents.”

“Yes.”

“Dylan.”

“Already guarded.”

Ronan looked at Elliot.

“And me.”

Vance stared.

“Yes.”

Elliot’s jaw hardened instantly. Ronan saw it.

“No murders,” he said quietly.

Vance frowned.

“What?”

Elliot looked at him. Ronan smiled faintly.

“Inside joke.”

Vance did not look convinced. Probably because nothing about them was convincing anymore. Then her phone rang. She answered. Listened. Her expression shifted.

“What?”

Ronan asked. Vance held up a finger.

“Yes.”

Pause.

“When?”

Another.

“Send me the image.”

She ended the call. Elliot’s body tightened.

“What happened?”

Vance looked at him.

“Claire’s car was found in the Bellweather parking garage.” Silence. Elliot stopped breathing. Ronan grabbed his wrist. “Where’s Claire?” “They don’t know.” Elliot moved. Ronan caught him. “No.” “She has her phone.” “Police are handling it.” “She was in class.” “Elliot.” “She has class until ten thirty.” Ronan looked at the clock. 10:53. His stomach dropped too. Vance was already calling someone. Elliot pulled against Ronan’s grip. “Let go.” “No.” “Ronan.” “No.” “She’s my best friend.” “I know.” “Saint said—” “I KNOW.” Elliot stopped. Ronan stepped directly in front of him. “No mask.” Elliot’s jaw tightened. “No weapons.” Silence. “No killing.” Elliot looked at him. “Promise.” His breathing came fast. Fear. Not control. Not rage yet. Fear. “I promise.” Ronan released him. Vance looked over. “Neither of you is leaving.” Elliot laughed once. Wrong. Cold. “Good luck.” Ronan grabbed him again. “Hey.” Elliot looked at him. Ronan lowered his voice. “Don’t give Saint what they want.” That landed. Elliot’s anger stopped. Not disappeared. Stopped. He looked toward the empty storage room. Where the phone had been. Saint’s last warning. Other people. Claire. Ronan saw understanding settle.

“They want me to break the promise.”