“That’s good,” James said. “We can use all the help we can get. What did you do with Jeff?” Grady’s smirk told James he wasn’t going to like the answer. “You made him do inventory, didn’t you?”
Grady shrugged. “It had to be done and we’re very busy,” he said. “Jeff wants to be close to the security building because of Avery. He also can’t be around us if we get our guns out – which is bound to happen – so I figured it was the best thing all around.”
“You just don’t want to do it,” James said. “Still, I can’t think of anything else to do with him while we’re so preoccupied so it’s probably a good thing.”
“Thank you,” Grady said. “Next time just open with ‘Grady, you’re a genius’ and we’ll all be a lot happier.”
“Grady, I’m going to thump you if you’re not careful,” James warned, turning to his breakfast. “You said you had two bits of news. If Finn having to stay in the hospital is the bad news, what’s the good news?”
“We have more help on the way,” Grady replied.
James furrowed his brow, confused. “Who?”
“Well, Sophie was on the phone with her father this morning and … you know … she might’ve let something slip about Finn being shot.”
“Peter.” James glanced at Mandy, conflicted. In addition to being Sophie’s adopted father, Peter Marconi was also a local mafia figure. He had connections and knew how to ask the right questions. He could be a big help, but his presence could also be cause for concern in the wrong circles. “I’m not sure … .”
“I think it’s a good idea,” Mandy announced. “He’ll be able to get information that’s not readily available to us and he might know people at the casino who can help. Casino people are not known for being chatty.”
“How do you know that?” James challenged.
“I just watched Las Vegas on Netflix.”
James shook his head as Grady dissolved into laughter. “You and Ally are barred from watching television. I’m putting my foot down.”
Mandy wasn’t worried in the slightest. “Yeah, we’ll see how that goes when I take my clothes off tonight.”
“Well, at least I have something to look forward to,” James said. “Eat your breakfast. I’m guessing Peter will be here soon.”
“Fifteen minutes,” Grady said. “That’s when our day begins.”
“YOU LOOK tired, my dear.” Peter cupped Mandy’s chin when she greeted him at the door, taking an extra moment to scan the dark circles under her eyes. “I was led to believe Finn’s wound wasn’t life-threatening. How bad is it?”
“They’re not tired because of Finn,” Grady scoffed, dodging James’ outstretched arm when his brother tried to grab him. “They played a rousing game of hide the salami that went well into the night. They don’t deserve your sympathy.”
“Ah.” Peter chuckled as Mandy’s cheeks turned crimson. “Don’t fret, my dear. You and James can’t keep your hands off each other on a normal day. Finding out how you deal with stress isn’t exactly surprising.”
“It’s going to be surprising when I put my foot in Grady’s ass,” James said, ushering Peter into the house and directing him toward the kitchen. “He’s got a big mouth.”
“He does indeed,” Peter said. “Sven and Rodrigo will be here shortly. I sent them to check out a few leads when I got some disturbing information on this case.”
“You already have information?” Mandy asked, impressed. “How did you manage that?”
“Because he probably worked late into the light without distractions,” James said pointedly.
“I was in bed by ten,” Peter countered. “I find I’m much happier if I’m up before the sun.”
“Not me,” Mandy said. “I would rather play late and sleep all day.”
“And that’s why I love you, baby,” James said, kissing her cheek before sitting in the chair next to Peter. “What did you find out?”
“Quite a bit actually,” Peter replied. “Sophie filled me in on all of the pertinent details this morning.”
“She was also up before the crack of dawn,” Grady interjected.
“That’s because she’s a chip off the old block,” Peter said fondly. “Anyway, for some reason the name Owen Parker rang a bell with me, although I couldn’t figure out why. I ran his name and came up with a few hits.”
“I didn’t do a thorough background check on him,” James said, lowering his gaze. “I should’ve done it but … .”
“You didn’t think it would be a big deal,” Peter finished, shooting a sympathetic look in James’ direction. “There’s no shame in it. He just needed a driver to the casino. That should’ve been a simple job.”
“And now my brother has been shot and has to spend another night in the hospital.”
“Actually, he might not have to do that,” Mandy said, rubbing her cheek with her knuckles. “I might have an idea on that front.”
“Really?” James was intrigued. “What’s your idea?”
“I need to make a call before I get Emma’s hopes up,” Mandy said. “Let me see if I can work my magic first.”
“If anyone can, it’s you,” James said, collecting her hand and pressing her palm to his lips. “Tell me if I can help you.”
“Oh, barf,” Grady intoned. “If you two drop your clothes in here I’m going to run screaming from the room.”
“Well, that’s incentive enough for me,” James snapped.
“Okay, gentleman, that will be enough of that,” Peter warned, shaking his head. “Seeing this display makes me realize how lucky I was to have one daughter. I would’ve killed three sons.”
“Yes, they’re delightful,” Mandy agreed, grinning. “Go back to Owen Parker. You obviously found out something about him. You wouldn’t have bothered coming to the house if you didn’t.”
“I definitely found out something about him,” Peter said, bobbing his head. “I found out that his name is not Owen Parker.”
“It’s not?” James lifted his eyebrows, surprised. “I ran his name through our initial search engine and found a hit. I did a cursory search. It wasn’t what it should’ve been, but he passed my initial investigation.”
“That’s because he changed his name two decades ago,” Peter said. “Perhaps I phrased that wrong. He was legally known as Owen Parker. His birth name, however, was Owen Barber.”
“I … is that supposed to mean something to me?” James asked.
“Probably not,” Peter conceded. “It means a great deal to me, though. You see, Owen Barber is the son of David Barber. While you might not recognize the name of the son, you should most certainly recognize the name of the father.”
“It sounds familiar but … I can’t quite place it,” James admitted.
“Me either,” Grady added.
“Oh, come on,” Mandy said, rolling her eyes. “You complain that Ally and I watch too much television and yet you clearly don’t watch enough. David Barber is on the five o’clock news every night these days.”
“He is?” James’ gaze bounced between Mandy and Peter. “Why?”
“Because David Barber is in the same line of business I am,” Peter answered. “He’s just not as good at it as me.”
“No one is as good at it as you are,” Mandy said, patting Peter’s hand. “David Barber is on trial for a fraudulent real estate scheme even though everyone knows he’s been dropping bodies in the Detroit River for thirty years. His trial is even being held on the same floor as Judge MacIntosh’s courtroom.”
“Oh,” James said, things clicking into place. “Oh!”
“Yes,” Peter said. “Now you understand.”
“I definitely understand,” James said. “We couldn’t figure out how Owen Parker got his hands on a million dollars. Come to find out he got it from his father.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions,” Peter warned. “My understanding is that David and Owen had a falling out a very long time ago and Owen wanted nothing to do with his father, wh
ich is probably why he changed his name.”
“If that’s true, then why is he dead?” Grady challenged.
“I don’t have an answer to that,” Peter replied. “That’s simply another piece of the puzzle we have to fit together.”
“Well, let’s get on it,” James said. “Until we know our lives are in limbo, and I hate limbo.”
“He does, however, enjoy the mattress mambo,” Grady offered.
“I’m definitely beating you,” James groused.
“Boys.” Peter shook his head. “I’m so glad I didn’t adopt boys.”
10
Ten
“Everything is set in the den,” Mandy announced shortly before lunch, strolling into the kitchen and gracing the assembled men with a bright smile. “You may now bow down to my greatness.”
“I’ll bow later, baby,” James said, his eyes trained on his laptop screen. “If you play your cards right I’ll do it in the shower.”
It was a titillating offer, but Mandy was still annoyed by the lack of reaction from the men in her life. “Fine.” She blew out a dramatic sigh. “What have you found?”
James ripped his eyes away from his screen and grabbed Mandy’s hand so he could pull her close. He recognized the cold tone of her voice. “I’m always wowed by your greatness. Finn and Emma are going to be thankful that you arranged this. Frankly, I don’t know why we didn’t think of it sooner.”
“Yes, it’s a great idea,” Grady agreed. “Now you’re going to have an injured Finn, a hovering Emma, and a wailing infant under your roof. You’re a genius.”
“Shut up,” Mandy said, cuffing the back of Grady’s head. “They’re going to be sleeping in the den. We won’t even hear Avery when he cries, although I can’t help but wonder if we should move him up in the guest room so Emma and Finn can get a good night’s sleep.”
“Yeah, good luck tearing Emma away from Avery,” Grady said. “I talked to Jake and he said that she grabbed the baby out of Ally’s arms when they arrived at the hospital this morning and Ally almost had a meltdown. I guess James isn’t the only one who freaks out at the drop of a hat.”
Mandy bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing. Even though James and Ally fought like cats and dogs, she’d often thought they had a lot of the same traits. Finn was known as the calm one in the Hardy family – and he generally held that distinction by himself. “I don’t know who you think you’re fooling,” Mandy said. “You’re just like Ally and James.”
“Hey,” James said, offended. “I am nothing like the Candy Crush king here.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Grady said. “That’s a hard game. It takes skill.”
“Multiple children make me tired,” Peter said, rolling his neck until it cracked. “I much prefer having bodyguards to sons.”
“Oh, puh-leez,” Grady intoned. “You love us and you know it.”
“Sadly, that’s very true,” Peter said, shaking his head. “I still would’ve dropped you in the middle of the woods and driven away without a backward glance if I had to raise you. I don’t know how your poor parents did it.”
“Neither do they,” James said, grinning. “What did you put in the den for Avery to sleep in, baby? We don’t have a crib and the one at the apartment is big and bulky.”
“We have a playpen,” Mandy reminded him. “Avery is fine sleeping in that for a few nights.”
“My guess is Emma is going to put him on the floor with her and Finn,” Grady said. “I hear tell she wouldn’t even hand the baby over long enough for Ally to say goodbye once you called with the change of plans. Our sister is deeply miffed, by the way. Jake is going to have to binge watch Gilmore Girls or something with her to get her to perk up.”
“He’d better propose soon or she’s just going to get knocked up no matter what,” James said. “She needs a baby.”
“What about you?” Peter asked, genuinely curious. “Do you need a baby?”
“I have a baby,” James said, smiling at Mandy.
“Sophie told me you two decided against children,” Peter said. “I think it’s bold and wonderful that you two know each other well enough to admit you don’t want children. Many women are shamed into thinking those feelings are wrong. I wondered if perhaps you changed your minds after Avery arrived, but I see that’s not the case.”
“We’ve decided to be the indulgent aunt and uncle,” Mandy supplied. “The kids can come over and swim in the pool whenever they want.”
“And then go home so we can swim naked in the pool once they’re gone,” James added, earning a playful shove from Mandy. “If there was an accident or something, I’m sure we would adapt. I love my wife so I would love anything that came out of her. As of now, though, we’re happy with the way things are.”
“And you?” Peter turned his pointed gaze toward Grady.
“I can’t even get the balls up to ask Sophie to marry me,” Grady said. “We’re nowhere near talking about kids yet.”
“That’s not what I asked,” Peter said, shaking his head. “And don’t worry about proposing. It will happen when it’s supposed to happen. It’s not like Sophie is freaking out and wondering why you haven’t asked her to marry you yet.”
“Even though he has a great ring,” Mandy muttered.
Peter stilled. “You bought a ring?”
“Thanks a lot, blabbermouth,” Grady snapped.
Mandy feigned contrition. “I’m very sorry.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You’re right. I’m not sorry,” Mandy said. “I want you to ask Sophie to marry you because I think she’s going to make a great sister-in-law. You need to get a move on things.”
“Mind your own business,” Grady said, rolling his eyes. “Women.”
“I prefer the way this woman is thinking right now,” Peter said. “You’re already a part of my family, Grady. I’ll be thrilled when you make it official.”
“See.” Mandy stuck her tongue out and swiveled quickly when Grady reached for her. James slapped down his brother’s hand before he could touch her.
“Don’t make me thump you,” James said.
“I see how it is,” Grady lamented. “You’re choosing her over me. I get it.”
“You won’t get it until you stop being a pussy and propose,” James said. “Until then … you’re lost in a fog of your own making.”
“Oh, that was profound, husband.” Mandy stroked the back of James’ head. “People say you’re not sensitive, but they’re wrong.”
“I owe it all to you, baby.”
“OKAY, WHAT do you need?”
Finn reclined on the mattresses Mandy set up on the den floor and stared at James and Emma as they nervously circled him.
“Are you hungry?” Emma asked. “I can whip up some chicken noodle soup from scratch. It’s your favorite.”
“Do you want me to turn the television on?” James asked. “I’m sure there’s a baseball game on somewhere. You love baseball.”
“Are you in pain?” Emma queried. “The doctor said you can’t take your pain medication for another two hours, but I might be able to give you something from over the counter to help you.”
“Do you need another pillow?” James asked. “That can’t be comfortable. I’ll get more pillows.”
Finn worked his jaw but no sound came out. Finally he turned to Mandy, who held Avery in her arms and swayed back and forth as she watched the show with a bright smile on her face. “How can you find this funny?”
“Because I’m usually the one hurt and having people hover over me,” Mandy admitted. “This is downright adorable when you’re not the one hurt.”
“Now I know how a goldfish feels when a little kid wins it at the carnival and loves it to death for forty-eight hours,” Finn complained.
“Just hope they don’t overfeed you and then forget you under a bright light,” Mandy said. “They’ll chill out after a few hours. You just need to relax and let them dote on you.”
<
br /> “You know we’re right here, right?” James challenged. “We can hear what you’re saying.”
“And we don’t like it,” Emma added.
“Ooh, Mommy and Uncle James are crabby,” Mandy said, widening her eyes to get Avery to laugh. “You’re going to be a neurotic mess if this keeps up.”
“He’s going to be a neurotic mess no matter what,” Finn said, grimacing as he held an arm up. “Give him to me.”
Mandy cocked an eyebrow, unsure. “Are you supposed to hold him?”
“The doctor said no,” Emma said, gripping her hands together nervously. “He said that Finn couldn’t risk carrying him for at least a week.”
“Do you see me walking around?” Finn asked. “I’m laying on a mattress, which happens to be on the floor. I have no intention of getting up because I know you people are going to get me whatever I want. Now, what I really want is to snuggle with my son. I haven’t held him in forty-eight hours. I don’t think it’s too much to ask to spend five minutes with him.”
Finn’s voice was sharp and Emma cringed at the tone.
“Okay.” Emma’s voice was barely a whisper. “I’ll … um … get you something to drink.” She hurried out of the room, but not before Finn heard her sniffling.
“Great,” Finn muttered.
Mandy cast him a sympathetic look before kneeling next to him and positioning Avery on his lap. “James, can you please check on Emma and give me a minute with Finn?”
James looked uncertain. “Why?”
“Don’t do it,” Finn said, shaking his head. “She’s going to yell at me.”
“I’m not going to yell at you,” Mandy argued. “We’re going to have a frank discussion about being injured and having everyone go out of their way to make sure you’re okay. James, do what I asked.”
“You’re very bossy today, wife,” James muttered, although he turned on his heel and headed in the direction of the kitchen. “I’m going to use that to my advantage later.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Mandy waited until she was sure James and Emma were out of earshot before speaking again. “I know this is hard for you, but you’re going to have to take it down a notch.”
“I just wanted to hold my son,” Finn said, rubbing his hand over the back of Avery’s soft head. “I missed him.”
Deadly Reunion (Hardy Brothers Security Book 20) Page 8
