Page 418 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Better.”

Silence. Ronan wanted to reach across the table. Couldn’t. No physical contact. He already hated the rule.

“You sleep?”

Ronan asked.

“A little.”

“How little?”

“Maybe two hours.”

“Why?”

Elliot looked around.

“Luxury accommodations.”

“Right.”

“My roommate snores.”

Ronan froze.

“Roommate?”

Elliot’s mouth twitched.

“There it is.”

“What?”

“You’re jealous.”

“I am not jealous of your jail roommate.”

“County-holding roommate.”

“Shut up.”

“He’s sixty.”

“Still.”

Elliot smiled. Ronan felt something inside him loosen. That was why he had come. No. He would have come regardless. But this mattered. Elliot still being Elliot. Annoying. Pretty. Fucked up. Alive. Here. “How’s Mom?” Elliot asked. “Fine.” “Actually?” “Yes.” “Claire?” “Fine.” “Dylan?” “Pissed.” “At me?” “At everything.” “Reasonable.” Ronan nodded. “Dad?” “Your stepdad or my dad?” “Same guy.” “Technicality.” Elliot almost laughed. “He’s handling Mom.” “So failing.” “Spectacularly.” That smile again. Then it faded. “How mad is she?” Ronan knew immediately who. Rebecca. “At you?” “Yes.” “She doesn’t know.” Elliot’s entire body went still. Ronan continued. “Not everything.” “What does she know?” “That you confessed in connection with the murders.” “That is everything.” “No.” “She knows I killed them.” “She knows you confessed.” Elliot frowned. “Difference?” “Bell told them not to discuss specifics until he understands what police are releasing.” Elliot looked down. Ronan watched. “You’re scared she’ll hate you.” “No.” “Liar.” Elliot rubbed his thumb against the table edge. “She should.” Ronan’s jaw tightened. “No.” Elliot looked up. “No?” “She gets to decide what she feels.” Silence. Ronan realized how much that sounded like every conversation they had been having lately. Choice. Again. Elliot noticed too. “She might hate me.” “Yes.” “You’d still stay?” Ronan sighed. “We’ve been through this.” “No.” Elliot’s voice had changed. Quiet. Serious. “You said you’d visit.” “And?” “You’re here.” “Yes.” “What if Mom stops talking to me?” “Then I’m still here.” “What if Claire does?” “Still here.” “School kicks me out.” “Probably.” Elliot glared. Ronan almost smiled. “Still here.” “What if I’m convicted?” Ronan’s chest tightened. There. The question beneath all of them. He leaned forward. “So you really need me to say this every day?” “Maybe.” Ronan stared. Elliot looked almost embarrassed. Good. Human. “Fine.” He leaned closer. “I’m still here.” Elliot swallowed. “Tomorrow?” “Yes.” “Next week?”

“Yes.”

“Next month?”

“If they let me.”

Elliot’s eyes lowered.

“And if they don’t?”

“I find another way.”