Instead, he’d have to shut her down, because no way would she leave the case voluntarily. Even if she understood the true danger, she’d stay. But she just wasn’t strong and tough enough for what was waiting out there.
He’d seen it in wars through the years. Wars and weapons humans couldn’t even imagine.
The other night, when he’d cared for her, had been the best of his life. Something told him he was about to face the worst.
Adam loped around the garage with shovels in his hands.
Kell frowned. “When did you get here?”
“Five minutes ago. Pyro filled me in after he’d finished puking.” Adam grimaced as Spike fell to the ground and shattered bones split in different directions. “I came to find you.”
Shit. How hadn’t Kell heard Adam arrive? “You on your bike?”
“No. I borrowed your truck.” He paused, his dark brown eyes deepening. “I’ve been doing research and hacking into databases. Your cop went to the correctional facility holding her father this morning.”
Kell’s head snapped up. “What?”
“Aye. As you know, her father was a drug dealer, and from what I can gather, still is.” Adam handed Daire a shovel, his gaze sympathetic.
“Apollo?” Kell ground out.
“There were several visits between Spike here and Alexandra’s father, whose name is Parker. So I’d say, yes. Behind bars, Parker is still in the drug trade.” Adam rubbed his chin while surveying the mess on the ground. “I don’t think your woman knew that fact.”
“Why would Alexandra go see him?” Kell shook his head. “Unless she knows now. She knows about the drugs, and she went to investigate. To meet him by herself.”
The woman hadn’t asked for his help. She hadn’t even told him about her plan, much less of her father’s probable connection to Apollo. Talk about lack of trust.
He exhaled the stench of burned testicles. “If her father is involved, maybe she’s not in as much danger as I feared.”
Adam shook his head. “Sorry, but I don’t think so. Her father’s a real bastard. Killed his own brother way back when, and according to police reports, dealt with rival dealers by slicing open their torsos.”
Kell stilled and then slowly turned to face his brother. “Do you think he’s a danger to his own daughters?”
Adam’s eyes softened. “Sorry, Kell. I do think she’s in danger from him, as well as from several other different directions. We’ll keep her safe, though. I promise.”
Kell nodded. It was his job to keep her safe, and it was time he stepped up. “I have something to take care of. Talk to you later.” Without another glance at the body or his brothers, he stalked around the garage and toward his bike.
Chapter 26
Lex wiped rain off her forehead and walked into the hospital, stopping short as Masterson walked her way. His arm was in a sling, and his color a bit white, but the guy was walking easily.
Joy filled her to such a degree that tears pricked her eyes. Even though he was fine, a few inches down, and the bullet would’ve pierced his heart.
He grinned, tired and weary. “Detective Lex Monzelle, actually happy to see me.”
She couldn’t help moving toward him to reach up and plant one on his cheek.
He blushed. He actually blushed. “I knew you had the hots for me,” he said, quickly recovering.
She chuckled, feeling loads lighter. “Everyone has the hots for you.”
“It’s a tough burden to bear.” He lifted his head as Bundt strode in the door behind Lex.
“Where the fuck’s your wheelchair?” Bundt snapped. “It’s hospital policy for discharges.”
Masterson snorted. “I don’t need a fucking chair from just a freakin flesh wound. Just take me home.”
Lex grinned. “Badass cop.”
“Amen, sista.” Masterson inched toward his partner. “Bernie’s out of the coma and doing good. All four of his daughters are there right now. The doc kicked me out. He’s kicking them all out soon.”
Lex faltered. “I’ll just pop in and say hi to everyone.” She turned toward Bundt, who still frowned at his partner. “Are you heading to the station after you get tough guy here settled?”
“I am. Why?” Bundt asked.
“Would you run the name Trevan Demidov? I think it might be a lead on Apollo.” She kept her voice bland. “I have a source. Maybe.”
Bundt nodded. “Absolutely. I’ll drop you a line after I get Masterson a milkshake and a comfy blanket.” He finally stopped frowning. “You going to my place or yours?”
“Mine will be overrun with worried chicks trying for an engagement ring,” Masterson lamented. “Can I stay at yours?”
Bundt rolled his eyes. He came from money, and rumor had it his penthouse beat any other in the area, hands down, but Lex had never visited him. “Fine, but I ain’t waiting on you.” He smiled at Lex. “Drop by and check on the dumbass later, if you’d like. It’s time you came over for a game or something.”