Page 430 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Was that restraint?”

“Don’t sound proud.”

“I’m a little proud.”

“Stop.”

Bell almost smiled. Then another email arrived. HE’S LEARNING. Ronan looked at the ceiling camera. Raised his middle finger. Bell sighed.

“Close enough.” Elliot was transferred at 11:18. Ronan did not know where. He hated every second of not knowing. At 11:27, Vance returned.

“Done.”

“Where?”

“No.”

Ronan laughed bitterly.

“Worth trying.”

“He’s safe.”

“Never use that word around me again.”

“Fair.”

“Can I talk to him?”

“Not until he arrives.”

“Then?”

“Bell can arrange counsel communication.”

“What about me?”

“Visitation at the new facility depends on placement.”

His chest tightened.

“So maybe not tomorrow.”

Vance saw.

“Maybe not.”

Ronan looked away. The promise. Tomorrow. He had told Elliot tomorrow. Fuck. Vance sat across from him. Not detective posture. Almost human.

“He knows this wasn’t your choice.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“It might.”

“He asked tomorrow.”

“I know.”