Page 385 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“That Saint plans.”

Elliot laughed softly.

“We knew that.”

“And has technical resources.”

“Also obvious.”

Vance paused.

“And that Saint expected Elliot to press red.”

Silence. Ronan looked at him. Elliot stared.

“How do you know?”

“We found an automated sequence tied to the red control.”

Ronan’s stomach tightened.

“What happened if he pressed it?”

Pause.

“Rebecca’s door would still have opened.”

Elliot froze. Ronan’s chest went cold.

“What?”

“Both buttons released Rebecca.”

Silence. There had never been a choice. Not physically. Only psychologically. Saint had never intended to drown Rebecca based on the button. They wanted Elliot to believe he could save her by abandoning revenge. Or choose revenge believing she might die. A test. Pure. Elliot’s face went blank. Vance continued.

“Green also disabled the side exit. Red would have unlocked it.”

Ronan understood.

“If Elliot pressed red, Saint wanted him chasing.”

“Yes.” “Into what?” “Unknown.” “Trap.” “Almost certainly.” Elliot looked away. Saint had expected the killer. Expected Elliot to press red. Expected him to chase. He hadn’t. Something moved through Ronan. Pride again. This time Elliot noticed. “Don’t.” “What?” “Look at me like that.” “I’m allowed.” “Why?” “Because Saint was wrong.” Elliot stared. Vance was still on speaker. Awkward. Ronan didn’t care. “They thought they knew exactly what you’d choose.” Elliot swallowed. “They were wrong.” Silence. Vance finally said: “I’ll pretend this conversation isn’t happening.” Ronan smiled. “Thanks.” “I need both of you at the station later.” Elliot immediately said, “Why?” “Nathan.” “What about him?” “He’s talking.” Everything sharpened. “What’s he saying?” “He claims he knows who Saint is.” Ronan stared. Elliot went still. “Name?” “He won’t give it unless Elliot is present.” “No,” Ronan said. Elliot looked at him. Vance sighed. “We can do this safely.” “No.” “Ronan.” “He manipulated Elliot for months.” “Nathan or Saint?” “Both.”

That silence told Vance enough. Ronan didn’t care. Elliot touched his arm.

“I need to hear it.”

“No.”

“I do.”

“You want to.”

“Yes.”

“Different.”

Elliot’s expression hardened. Ronan knew they were about to fight. At a hospital. While Rebecca was upstairs. Perfect. Vance said, “I’ll give you an hour.” Then hung up. Ronan stared at the phone. Elliot stared at him.