“They had pink, purple, and white ones that would be perfect for a certain annoying sister I know,” James replied, winking at Ally as he grabbed a pair of tongs from the container on the counter. “Baby, I’m thrilled you love those flowers, but you don’t have to stare at them forever. When they die – and they will die – I’ll buy you more.”
“I don’t want you to buy them all of the time,” Mandy said, gingerly touching one of the delicate petals. “They should be for special occasions … or when you really screw up.”
“Duly noted,” James said, dropping a kiss on Mandy’s cheek as he moved toward the sliding glass doors. “I’m putting the steaks on, hens. Feel free to cluck in my absence.”
“I’ll help,” Jake said.
“Don’t forget to find out exactly where he got these,” Ally called to Jake’s back. “I want some.”
“You’ll get them,” Jake said, shaking his head as he moved outside.
“They look even better now than before,” Sophie said, joining Ally and Mandy at the table. “I’ve never seen anything like them.”
Grady glanced at Sophie. “Would you like flowers like that?”
“I wasn’t fishing for flowers,” Sophie countered. “They’re just … lovely.”
“No offense, sugar, but you don’t strike me as the flowers type,” Grady pointed out. “You’re happiest when I bring home wine.”
“I just said I wasn’t fishing for flowers,” Sophie shot back, shaking her head as she moved toward the refrigerator. “Chill out.”
Grady was unconvinced, and when he glanced at Mandy she sent him a look that told him he should probably make a trip with Jake to the florist the following day. “Hey, James, wait up.”
Once it was just the three women they couldn’t help themselves from dissolving into giggles.
“I know it’s mean, but these really are the neatest flowers I’ve ever seen,” Ally said. “Jake bought me crazy daisies this summer and I thought nothing could beat them. I was wrong.”
“I think you’re going to have your own bouquet tomorrow,” Sophie said.
“So are you,” Mandy said, laughing as Sophie blushed. “How did things go at the demonstration? I lost track of everything that happened after James thumped his chest at Humphrey and I had to go inside for the afternoon session.”
“It was good,” Sophie answered. “It drew a lot of attention. They’re going to do it again tomorrow.”
Mandy’s eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? That’s bold. That’s going to drive Humphrey insane. He probably thinks because he survived the day that it will be over.”
“Yes, well, it’s only begun,” Sophie said. “Kevin Jackson is fired up now. He was unsure of himself before, but once he saw the outpouring, he realized he had a lot of help on his side. The women from Mothers Against Drunk Driving offered to help, and a variety of other justice organizations are sending out a call to their followers tomorrow, too. I think we could see twice as many people.”
“I still don’t understand how all of this happened,” Ally said. “I mean, the kid who survived was clearly driving. He was strapped in the driver’s seat, for crying out loud. How can they argue he wasn’t guilty?”
“It’s all political wrangling,” Sophie explained. “Chuck Foley probably has dirt on Humphrey. He might have dirt on Morgan, too. Morgan’s tenure hasn’t been easy and he’s been trying to claw his way out of trouble ever since John Madison went off the rails.”
“Well, this isn’t going to help,” Mandy said.
“No, it’s not,” Sophie agreed. “I think Morgan is going to buckle, and I think he’s going to do it soon. The way he acted at the press conference the other day made me think he got bullied into what happened. He’ll have no choice but to do an about face.”
“Well, I can’t wait to see that,” Ally said. “That Humphrey guy sounds like a douche. I hope he gets drummed out of office. I can’t believe the things he said to Mandy.”
“Yeah, well, James handled that,” Sophie said.
“What did James handle?” James asked, stepping back into the room.
“We were talking about Humphrey,” Mandy supplied.
“That guy.” James shook his head. “I will beat him to a pulp if it comes to it. I don’t care if I go to jail.”
“I care if you go to jail,” Mandy snapped. “Don’t even think about it. After I almost went to jail for something I didn’t do, I will not sit by and let you go to jail for something that can be avoided. I don’t want to spend time away from you. It’s over. Let it go.”
James regarded Mandy for a moment. “I won’t be separated from you,” he said finally. “I was just talking big. I meant what I said today. If I go after him, it will be legal.”
“Thank you.”
James moved behind Mandy and leaned over so he could rest his chin on her shoulder. “I won’t be separated from you. I promise it won’t happen.”
Mandy softened. “I know. Just … don’t.”
“Actually, do. Not punch him I mean, but the other. I want him to run a background check on Humphrey,” Sophie said, taking everyone by surprise. “He seemed worried about that. He has something to hide.”
“I don’t want James to go to war, though,” Mandy protested.
“I already started the search when I got back to the office this afternoon,” James said. “It might take some time, but if there’s something there, we’ll find it.”
Mandy scowled.
“I’m guessing I’m buying some more flowers tomorrow, huh?” James kissed the corner of Mandy’s mouth. “I won’t do anything that will get me arrested. I promise.”
“You’re going to have to rub me in the hot tub later to get me to forgive you,” Mandy said. “And we’re talking a really long time – not the ten minutes you had planned.”
Sophie averted her eyes from James’ in order to keep from laughing.
“I saw that coming,” James said. “I shall rub you and ply you with candy all night, wife. That is my vow.”
Mandy fought to maintain her frown but ultimately gave in and smiled. “You’re too cute for your own good sometimes.”
“You, too,” James said, smacking his lips to her cheek. “I guess I’d better get to those steaks. It sounds like I’m going to need to bulk up on my protein.”
18
Eighteen
“This is almost a mob today,” Grady said the next morning, widening his eyes as he leaned against James’ Ford Explorer in one of the coveted parking spots in front of the courthouse. “This isn’t supposed to start for another hour and look how many people are already here.”
“Why do you think I suggested coming early?” James asked, crossing his arms over his chest. “This is going to be big.”
“Where’s Mandy?” Finn asked, moving up to James’ other side. “She doesn’t have to be to work this early, does she?”
“She insisted on driving herself so she’s parking in the municipal lot,” James replied. “She promised to visit before going inside. She’s wearing one of her librarian skirts.”
Finn smirked. “You guys are so sick sometimes.”
“You should’ve seen them yesterday,” Grady said. “They had sexually suggestive candy and were rolling on top of each other when I got to their house. How did that go after we left, by the way?”
“It was … blissful,” James replied, smiling at the memory. “That reminds me, I need to pick up more flowers when I leave here. Don’t let me forget.”
“You just bought that huge bouquet yesterday,” Grady protested. “I’m the one who has to buy flowers. Sophie pretended she didn’t want them, but I could tell by the look on her face she did.”
“Yes, well, the minute Emma and I got to the house her eyes landed on those flowers and then almost bugged out of her head,” Finn said. “I’m buying some before I go, too. Is it the place straight across the way?”
James nodded. “I swear I single-handedly keep them in business.”
&
nbsp; Finn snickered. “Well, as the mother of my child, I think Emma deserves however many bunches of pretty flowers she wants,” Finn said. “How much did Mandy’s bouquet cost?”
“A hundred and twenty bucks,” James answered.
Grady and Finn swiveled their heads toward their brother in unison.
“A hundred and twenty bucks?” Grady was flabbergasted.
“It was two dozen long-stemmed roses,” James said. “They’re hybrids to boot.”
“But they die in a matter of days,” Grady argued.
“And yet they made Mandy so happy I’m going to double up and buy another two dozen today,” James said. “I’m going to get a different color. They had some rainbow ones that were really cool. I would pay double that to see her smile.”
“She always smiles when she looks at you,” Finn said.
“Yeah, but the look on her face when she saw those roses … that was kind of magical,” James said, his expression taking on a far-off quality.
“You’re so schmaltzy,” Grady muttered, grabbing James’ cheek and giving it a jiggle for good measure. “Still, I saw the way Sophie looked at those roses, too. I don’t care how much they cost.”
“Don’t look at me,” Finn said. “I never cared how much they cost. Emma never asks for a thing. In fact, she’s the one constantly telling me to only spend money on the baby.”
“How is little Avery?” Grady asked. “I wanted to hold him last night, but Ally wouldn’t let me. Then, when she finally took a break, I found him on James’ lap. I thought I’d slipped into an alternate universe.”
James rolled his eyes. “I told you I held him. I don’t know why you’re acting so surprised. The kid is cute. He’s a little more durable now. That spitting up thing he does is gross, but hopefully he’ll outgrow that.”
“Hopefully,” Grady said, chuckling as he shook his head. “Here comes your wife.”
James perked up when he saw Mandy push her way through the crowd, opening his arms to pull her close when she was near enough.
“Did you miss me that much in a half hour?” Mandy teased, although she didn’t move to pull away from him and instead returned the hug.
“I just like it when you wear those librarian skirts,” James replied, glancing down at her stocking-covered legs. “Are you wearing my favorite thigh highs and garters?”
“Maybe.”
“You’re giving me ideas, wife,” James said, kissing Mandy’s cheek.
“Well, you’re going to have to hold onto those ideas until we get home tonight,” Mandy said, her tone firm. She was practically daring him to argue with her.
“That’s fine with me,” James said, tucking a strand of Mandy’s honey-colored hair behind her ear. “Anticipation is part of the game.”
“Oh, look who learned his lesson about being a pervert in public,” Finn teased. “I never thought I’d see the day. Forget holding Avery, this is the news of the century.”
“Ha, ha,” James intoned, making a face. “You guys give me heartburn.”
“Oh, my poor husband,” Mandy cooed, kissing James’ chin. “I’ll dote on you tonight since you’ve been the one doting on me all week.”
“Sold,” James said, dropping a soft kiss on Mandy’s upturned mouth.
“Well, I see you’re in the exact same position today as you were yesterday.” Humphrey appeared at the front end of the truck, his gaze dark as it landed on James. “There’s comfort in normalcy, isn’t there?”
“We’re not in the same position,” James replied, his tone blasé. “Yesterday we were much closer to the action and I dipped Mandy to kiss her. I like to mix things up.”
Mandy pressed her lips together and averted her gaze. She was uncomfortable with the testosterone buildup but didn’t know what to do to head it off.
“Who is this?” Finn asked.
“This is Eric Humphrey,” Mandy answered. “He’s Macomb County’s chief prosecutor.”
“For now,” James added, the corners of his mouth tipping up into an evil smile.
“Oh, I’ve heard a lot about you,” Finn said, his dark eyes narrowing as he looked Humphrey up and down.
“All good I hope,” Humphrey said, a fake smile plastered on his face.
“Not one word,” Finn replied, causing Grady to snicker.
“And who are you?” Humphrey asked, turning his full attention to Finn. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of an introduction.”
“Finn Hardy.”
“Ah, you’re the one who had the baby out of wedlock with Lance Pritchard’s daughter,” Humphrey said. “I should’ve guessed you’d show up.”
Finn frowned. “Excuse me?”
“Who says ‘out of wedlock’ anymore?” Grady challenged.
“An ass,” James supplied, shaking his head. “Ignore him.”
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Humphrey protested. “I’m well aware of all the Hardys and their … dalliances. You guys are practically famous in this county thanks to many of your recent cases.”
“Awesome,” James deadpanned, rubbing idle circles on the back of Mandy’s neck.
“I mean Mrs. Hardy alone has been stalked in the courthouse and forced to kill a man to protect herself,” Humphrey said. “There was some story about foreign drug people attacking your home, too, if I’m not mistaken.”
“I should probably go inside,” Mandy said, moving to pull away from James.
“You don’t have to go inside for another twenty minutes,” James replied, tugging her back to him. “Ignore this guy. He’s just looking for attention.”
“Apparently any attention will do,” Grady added.
“I’m not here to cause problems,” Humphrey said. “In fact, I have a job opportunity if you’re interested.”
“We’re not,” James said.
Humphrey was taken aback by the rapid reply. “You haven’t even heard what it is.”
“Yes, well, at Hardy Brothers Security we like to fully vet our potential clients,” James said. “You didn’t pass.”
“I’m not the one interested in hiring you,” Humphrey said.
James opened his mouth, a snotty retort on his lips, but Mandy stilled him with a pinch to the abdomen.
“Who does want to hire them?” Mandy asked.
Humphrey’s smile was indulgent when it landed on Mandy. “Do you work for your husband? You’re very busy.”
“I don’t work for him,” Mandy clarified. “I was just asking a question.”
“I’m talking to your husband,” Humphrey said.
“No, what you’re doing is insulting my wife and I’ve just about had enough,” James said. “Now shut your hole and move along. If you want to talk to someone, I’m sure the families of the victims you threw under the bus to protect Nate Foley have a few things to say.”
Humphrey narrowed his eyes to dangerous slits. “The Foley case is exactly what I want to talk to you about.”
“Why?” Grady asked, his interest piqued. “What do you want from us?”
“It seems young Nate has been getting death threats in the hospital,” Humphrey explained. “His father is worried and asked if I could help. Since the sheriff’s department can’t spare any deputies, I suggested Commissioner Foley hire someone for the job. That’s where you would come in.”
“We’re not interested,” James said.
“May I ask why not?” Humphrey wasn’t about to be dissuaded.
“Because I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you,” James replied. “I’m not an idiot. You want to hire us so that it will look like a conflict of interest when we investigate you. That’s not going to happen … and we’re already investigating you.”
Humphrey wet his lips. It was obvious he wanted to say something rude or nasty, but he was wary about being outnumbered and in a crowd. “You have no reason to investigate me.”
“Harassing my wife is reason enough for me,” James said, trailing his hand down Mandy’s arm and grabbing her han
d. “This conversation is over. We officially don’t want your job. Find someone else.”
“But … .”
James shook his head to cut Humphrey off. “I’m going to buy my wife a cup of coffee and walk her up to her office,” he said. “Don’t be here when I get back.”
GRADY found Sophie watching the demonstration from a spot next to the coffee cart a few minutes later. He greeted her with a smile and a small hand squeeze, knowing she wasn’t one for public displays of affection when she was working, and stood close enough so their shoulders could touch.
“You were right about this being huge,” Grady said.
“When are you going to realize I’m always right?” Sophie’s eyes twinkled.
“You’ve been spending far too much time with Mandy,” Grady said.
“Just wait. She’s helping me put your punishment list together.”
Grady tilted his head to the side, confused. “What punishment list?”
“The list of things you have to do for going behind my back,” Sophie said, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at Grady’s hangdog expression. “You didn’t think I’d forgotten about punishment prospects, did you?”
“No, but … why Mandy?” Grady’s voice took on a petulant quality. “She’s going to come up with some wacky things. I don’t want to pretend to be the shark from Jaws. That’s kinky and wrong.”
“I’m not into sharks.”
“I’m not dressing up in adult Underoos to play Justice League either,” Grady said. “Er, well, I might be convinced to do that. I did always have a crush on Wonder Woman.”
“Good to know,” Sophie said, giggling. “I haven’t decided what your punishment is going to be. Mandy said something about dirty candy, but she didn’t have time to go into a lot of detail.”
“Well, I saw that candy,” Grady said. “It’s filthy. I wanted to ask where she got it, but I didn’t want them to think I was a pervert, too.”
“I already asked,” Sophie said. “You’re safe. She thinks I’m the pervert.”
Grady looked intrigued. “Where? I can buy some when I’m done here today.”
“I already ordered it off of Amazon,” Sophie said. “It will be here tomorrow.”
Deadly Memories (Hardy Brothers Security Book 18) Page 14
