Page 371 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

Ronan smiled faintly.

“Was that genuine?”

“No.”

“Good enough.”

Vance exhaled.

“I hate both of you.”

“Mutual,” Ronan said.

She ignored him.

“We do this with tactical at distance.”

Saint’s message arrived immediately.

BAD BOY.

Ronan stared. Elliot did too. Another:

I TOLD YOU TO STAY.

Ronan looked around. No camera obvious. No microphone. Saint was watching the decisions somehow. Then another:

HE NEVER LISTENS.

Ronan smiled.

“Correct.”

Elliot almost laughed. Saint sent: THAT’S WHY HE’S PERFECT FOR YOU. The smile disappeared. Then:

COME GET YOUR MOTHER. They reached the marine sciences building at 12:21 P.M. The structure looked dead. Concrete. Faded university logo. Windows cloudy with age. Lake water visible beyond the trees. No cars. No movement. Ronan stood beside Elliot behind an unmarked SUV. Vance adjusted the microphone hidden beneath Elliot’s collar. Ronan watched.

“You okay?”

“No.”

Good answer. Ronan nodded. Elliot looked toward the building.

“Stay behind me.”

“Fuck off.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

Elliot turned.

“Ronan.”

“No.”

“If there’s someone inside—”