Page 17 of Dublin Brute

My brows furrow as I exchange glances with Bryan and Kieran. If loyalties are fraying, that is bad news—very bad.

“Give us an example, Petey,” Kieran presses.

The kid seems to consider that for a moment. “Billy is mad about how Niall ran things during his recovery and about how long it took for him to get back on his feet.”

“Point to Sean.” Bryan grins.

Yeah, too bad our older brother didn’t wipe Gravely off the board completely.

“He’s meeting with small groups of McGuire men and pointing out that with you guys messing with their income streams, something drastic needs to change.”

Gravely is such a fucking menace. If he plans on coming after our family, things won’t end well for him. Sean took him down a few notches. Now it’s time to put the wounded dog out of its misery.

“Change how?” Bryan asks. “Is he talking drugs? Trafficking? Guns?”

Petey shrugs, his eyes wide, and his expression blank. “My buddy, Dougie, is working on getting more, but when he heard I got shot, he went dark. I don’t expect to hear from him for a few days at least.”

I run a hand over the scruff of stubble darkening my jaw. Whatever Gravely has brewing won’t simply be about business—not anymore—he’ll be gunning for us.

Still, it doesn’t add up.

“What are we missing?” Bryan meets my gaze.

“Aye, that’s what I’m wondering.”

Petey fidgets. “What do you mean? That’s all I’ve got…well, until Dougie checks in.”

Kieran lets out an exasperated sigh before running a hand through his russet hair. “You did good, Petey—no question—but this intel isn’t enough to justify a killing spree on our side of the river.”

“Could they think you know more than what you’ve told us?” Bryan asks.

The kid looks small under those crisp white sheets. “I don’t know. I keep my head down and work to stay invisible. I don’t even know how I ended up shot.”

Silence falls heavily among us while we all consider what is coming for us. But having that conversation in front of the kid will just put him in more danger. “Okay, Pete, here’s what’s going to happen. We’re going to step outside and chat while you get some rest. We’ll check with the nurses and find out when we can bust you outta here. Then we’ll take you to one of our houses to keep you safe until we figure out what the fuck is going on.”

He frowns. “Don’t I need to be here? I don’t think I can be on my own.”

“No worries. Our doc will come and take care of the medical stuff, and we’ll make sure someone is with you to help with meals and things.”

Petey swallows and checks in with Kieran. “Will you be there?”

Kieran chuckles. “I’m off to get some sleep and will check in with you and the boys later. Don’t worry, the twins will take good care of you until then. You did good, Pete. All is well.”

I offer the kid a reassuring smile and dip my chin. “Get some rest, Pete. We’ll make the arrangements and get you somewhere safe.”

I reread my order instructions and double check that my cart has everything I want. When I confirm everything looks right, I hit send. It’s a small thing, but hopefully it will earn a smile on a sad day. The plastic chair creaks in protest as I lean back against the cool wall outside Petey’s room. I slide my phone into the pocket of my leather jacket and then cross my arms over my chest.

Bryan is staring at me, his gaze narrowed. “What’s that look about?”

“What look?”

“The one that says you’re either going soft on me or your bowels are twisting, and you need to take a shit.”

Seriously?“Wrong on both counts. Leave the reading of body language to Tag. You suck at it.”

He grunts. “Uh-huh. Then tell me whatever you did just now has nothing to do with you wanting to fuck that girl.”

“What girl?”

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