Page 32 of Dublin Beast

I scroll through a new batch of search results, cross-referencing old cases and security details tied to government witness programs, searching for property holdings near the city.

None of this information is public and none of it is easy to find, but I do some of my best work in the gray areas of legality.

Across the table, Kieran mutters something to Bryan in Irish under his breath. Bryan frowns and speaks right back to him. I understand none of it, but the Irish language is really beautiful.

When they’re finished, Bryan meets my curious gaze. “His contacts in the area don’t want to make an enemy of the Masons so he’s reached out to his friends in London. He’s waiting for a response.”

Kieran frowns. “And if I wanted her to know my business, I would’ve just fuckin’ said that straight out.”

I understand his reluctance to speak in front of a stranger, especially a stranger who he knows is an investigative reporter. So, I try to ease his frustration a little.

“I haven’t found her, but I tracked the car she was moved in and found that it is part of a fleet belonging to Sentinel Risk Management.”

Bryan’s interest sparks. “Go on.”

I turn my laptop toward them, pulling up the file I’ve been building on Eddie Mason’s operation. “It’s not the first time I’ve run into that name. Through my research on the speakeasy and Mason’s network, I found that he uses the same company to secure his operation.”

“So, who are they?” Kieran asks, coming over to look at my screen.

“From what I’ve been able to find, it was established a few years ago by two local ex-police officers and an ex-military man. They work a lot in this area and seem to have clients on both sides of the legal fence.”

Bryan grins. “Maybe after we proved the McGuire’s had infiltrated their task force, they outsourced to ensure we couldn’t find her.”

“That would explain all the brick walls I’ve been running into,” Kieran says.

Bryan grunts and tilts his head toward me. “Keep on it, Harper. It sounds promising. And thanks. Ye don’t know how fuckin’ important this is for us.”

“Aye, and I’ll keep on things on our end,” Kieran says. “Eddie the Eel comes off as if he’s the shit but he’s arrogant. He’s pissed people off along the way, and I’ll find the ones who don’t mind venting.”

“Aye, ye will,” Bryan agrees. “Kieran’s got a gift with gettin’ people to talk. We’ll work out how his operation works and get ye what ye need to avenge yer friends.”

“Thank you.” I turn my attention back to my laptop. Desperation makes odd alliances sometimes, but if there’s a trail to follow, I’ll find it.

CHAPTERNINE

Harper

My eyes burn from staring at a screen for hours upon hours, the endless scrolling turning into a blur of words and images. When the conversation shifts to food, I jump at the chance to get out of the hotel and stretch my legs.

“I volunteer as tribute.” I push back from the table before Bryan or Kieran can argue. “I’ve got some searches set that I’m waiting on. It’ll be good to get some air while I wait.”

Bryan glances up from his laptop, his emerald gaze sharp with scrutiny. “Yer sure? We can order and have it delivered.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m craving the pot pie from the Briar and Bear. The walk will do me good. What do you want?”

“Och, we’re not fussy, lass. A couple of burgers will be grand. Here, take my card.” Bryan reaches into the front pocket of his jeans and pulls out a leather card carrier with a bill clip on the front. He slides out an Amex Centurion card and tosses it across the table. “Put lunch on there.”

Kieran arches a brow. “Yer not serious.”

Bryan chuckles. “What? Do ye reckon she’ll fuck off and buy herself a car on the way to the pub? Maybe go to the local shops and fill out her wardrobe? She’s off to the pub, man. Settle yerself.”

Kieran looks from Bryan to me and back again. “I could say the same. The two of ye have been eye-fucking all day—settle yerselves.”

I flip him off on my way out the door.

The air outside is crisp, the late afternoon light casting long shadows across the uneven pavement. I make my way toward the pub a couple of streets over. It’s been one of my favorite haunts since arriving almost three weeks ago now.

On the walk, I call up Anton to check in. It goes straight to voicemail. “Hey, it’s me. Just letting you know things are going well. I know you’re still mad and think I’m pushing our search to the side. I’m not. The guys I teamed up with have the kind of connections that will get us the information we need to find your sister. Well, I’ll check in again if and when I have news. Bye.”

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