Page 368 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Stay here.”

She left. Elliot immediately unbuckled. Ronan caught him.

“No.”

“I’m not sitting here.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Mom is in there.”

“And armed officers are going in.”

“They don’t know the building like I do.”

“You just told them.” “Not enough.” Ronan stared. Elliot pulled. Ronan did not let go. “Ronan.” “No.” “Let go.” “Promise.” Elliot’s jaw tightened. “Stop using that.” “Why?” “Because it works.” Ronan’s expression softened. “Good.” “Fuck you.” “Also later.” Elliot stared. Ronan laughed once. “Nervous reflex.” “I’m going to kill you.” Ronan’s smile disappeared. Elliot closed his eyes. Bad wording. Very. “Sorry.” “Allowed.” Elliot looked toward the warehouse. Officers moved along the perimeter. No gunfire. No shouting. Too quiet. That bothered him. “Something’s wrong.” Ronan followed his gaze. “What?” “Van.” “What about it?” “Saint knows police track phones.” “So?” “Why keep Mom’s phone on?” Ronan froze. There. Exactly. Vance had followed a signal Saint wanted followed. Elliot reached for the door. Ronan stopped him. “Wait.” “This is another storage unit.” “What?” “Mercy Storage was distraction.” Ronan’s face changed. “This could be too.” “Yes.” “But the van—” “Could be empty.”

“Rebecca’s phone?”

“Bait.”

Ronan immediately called Vance from his temporary phone. She answered.

“What?”

“It’s bait.”

Silence. Elliot leaned toward the phone.

“Saint wanted us here.”

Vance’s tone sharpened.

“Why?”

“The phone was too easy.”

“Could still be—”

“Check the van before entry.”

Pause. Then Vance spoke into radio. Ronan watched. Seconds passed. An officer approached the van with cover. Door opened. Nothing. Empty. Elliot’s stomach dropped. Vance swore. Then Ronan’s phone vibrated. Unknown. Of course. He opened it. A photograph. Rebecca. Still alive. Different room. No chair now. Standing. Hands bound. Behind her was a wall of glass. Water beyond it. Ronan frowned.

“What is that?”

Elliot knew immediately. His heart stopped.

“No.”

“What?”

“The aquarium.”

Vance looked toward them through the SUV window. Ronan opened the door.

“Bellweather Aquarium?”

“No.”