His smile was slow and a dimple winked alive in his right cheek. “There isn’t anything that happens in this town I don’t know about.”
“Who are the men from Ireland? More important, where are they getting the drugs?”
He rolled a shoulder. “Considering you spent the night in Dunne’s bed, I figure you know more about that than I do.”
She lowered her chin. The man really did know everything that happened in town, now didn’t he? “Say I don’t. What do you know?”
He sighed. “Kellach Dunne is an enforcer, and he’s dangerous as hell. While I’m sure your very pretty face distracted him, he lives for his job and for his brothers. He’s not here to cause problems, and he’s on your side about the new drug. Wants it off the streets.”
“Why?”
Bear shrugged. “For as long as I’ve known Kellach, he’s been a crusader. Doesn’t like criminals and doesn’t like drugs. He’s here for one reason, one I don’t know, but it has to do with getting that drug off the streets. While he has a noble purpose, he’s ruthless when determined, and you should stay out of his way, pretty detective.”
As warnings went, it seemed heartfelt and serious. She shivered and covered up by leaning against the door. “What about the fire-throwing new weapons? Do you really want those on your streets? Possibly turned against your brothers?”
He studied her for a moment. “My brothers can handle any weapons pointed their way.”
She had to get through to him since he obviously knew something. “You could help the police get a handle on the drugs and guns, if you wanted.”
“I have no interest in assisting the police.” Three large steps brought him within touching distance. He smelled like the wild outdoors, earthy and fresh. “However, you? You I’d help.”
Bernie shoved open his door and stepped outside of the car. “Back away, Bear.”
Bear kept his focus on Lex, and she had to tilt her head to meet his gaze. “Then help me,” she said.
The roar of pipes echoed down the lane, and Bear cocked his head to the side. “Two riders. Ducati and Harley.”
She blinked and turned as two riders dressed in black leather pulled up. Kellach and another huge man with black hair, green eyes, and similar bone structure. Brothers? They cut their engines right next to her.
What in the hell were they doing at the Grizzlies’ club? She looked Kell over and then concentrated on the other man, who swung his leg over the Ducati. “We haven’t met.”
The hulking guy glanced at Bear, Kell, and then back to her. “Daire.”
She blinked. That was it?
Kellach shot a hard look at Bear. “Back away.”
Bear smiled a full set of teeth. “It’s like that, is it?”
“Aye.” Kellach didn’t look at her.
Bear met her gaze and pushed a strand of hair off her forehead, his smile widening when Kellach growled. “You’re welcome here any time, Detective Monzelle. I hope you come back.” Turning on a large boot, he nodded at Daire. “Let’s meet inside before it starts to rain. Join us when you can, Kellach.”
Daire nodded and fell into step with Bear, both massive men striding toward the quiet clubhouse, their shoulders wide beneath the leather.
Lex focused on Kellach. “What in the world is going on here, Mr. Dunne?”
“Just a friendly get-together among mates,” Kellach said, his hand cupping her jaw, his dark eyes flashing ten kinds of fire. “Did he frighten you?”
She blinked. “Bear? No.” Warmth spread from Kell’s hand, while her nerves jumped alive from his obvious anger. “Why are you here in the enemy’s camp?”
“Not enemies.” He released her and backed away. “Yet.” Reaching around her, he yanked open the car door. “Get in.”
“No.” If she entered the clubhouse, would they give her any information? How completely odd for the Irishmen to be meeting with Bear. “Back off, Dunne.”
He moved faster than she could track, lifting her and setting her in the seat. A quick snap of the seatbelt had her secured, and Kell’s face in hers. “Stay away from Bear, stay away from Fire, and keep your sweet ass off the streets. For now.” The door shut, and he turned on his heel, long strides eating up the distance to the clubhouse, where he disappeared inside.
Fury rippled through her, and she struggled with the seatbelt.
Bernie dropped his bulk onto the seat and shut his door. “We can charge him with a battery, but since we’re here without a warrant or any probable cause, it’ll just be a pain in the butt. Right now, we’re done here, partner. Should definitely report back to the task force about Fire members aligning with Bear. God knows what this could mean.”
She nodded, her gaze on the silent building. Oh. They were nowhere done here. “We have to cut off the supply of that drug.”
Bernie sighed. “One thing I hope to accomplish before I retire?”
“Getting rid of Apollo?” Lex mused, watching the silent clubhouse.
“No. Finally convincing you that you’ve got nothin’ to prove any longer.”