Deadly Adventure (Hardy Brothers Security Book 19) (12 page)

J
ames smoothed
his suit jacket as he stared through the front window of the Calypso Gallery. He felt like an outsider looking in on his family, but he was torn. He wanted to be part of Mandy’s big night more than anything, but ruining things even more than he had was out of the question.

Mandy looked beautiful, as she always did. She wore a simple black dress with a plunging back. James loved the dress and how she looked in it, but he was frustrated by her sad expression and angry at the bandage on her wrist. She went out of her way to smile at people who approached her to ask questions or carry on a simple conversation, but otherwise she stood close to Ally and James knew it was because of him.

“What are you doing?”

James jumped at the new voice, turning a rueful smile in the direction of Judge MacIntosh as the man approached on the sidewalk. “I’m … just checking things out. How are you?”

“I’m good,” the judge replied, his eyes thoughtful as they roamed James’ face. “My wife was supposed to come, but she’s feeling a little under the weather. I didn’t want to miss Mandy’s big debut, though, so I came alone.”

“Thank you for what you did for her,” James said. “I’m sure it means more than you can possibly imagine.”

“She’s been extremely excited,” MacIntosh confirmed. “I’m sure you know that, though. She was bouncing off the walls the day I told her. She couldn’t get home to you fast enough.”

James’ stomach twisted. “She … .”

MacIntosh decided to put James out of his misery. “I know you two are fighting,” he said. “I saw Grady pick her up after the accident. I knew something was wrong the second you weren’t the one barreling through the door.”

“She’s a little angry with me,” James admitted. “I guess I don’t blame her.”

MacIntosh arched an eyebrow. “You guess? Either you did something that warrants anger or you didn’t.”

“I’ve been neglecting her the past few days,” James said. “I didn’t realize I was doing it. She didn’t say anything.”

“That’s probably because she didn’t realize what was happening because you rarely do anything of the sort.” MacIntosh had a pragmatic nature James usually enjoyed, but now the man’s matter-of-fact attitude grated him. “She probably didn’t recognize it as neglect. She only knew how it made her feel.”

“She didn’t tell me about this,” James said, gesturing toward the window. “She didn’t invite me.”

“Well, I guess that means she didn’t tell you that we had a long talk the other day either,” MacIntosh surmised. “I told her I’m aware she plans on leaving in September and I’m fine with it. I want that girl happy, James. That’s why I helped secure the show spot for her. Although … she doesn’t appear to be enjoying it, does she?”

James rolled his neck until it cracked. “That’s because of me. It’s not because of you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for her … for both of us really. You’ve been a patient man even though a lot of absurd situations pop up.”

“Mandy is a good girl and you’re a wonderful husband,” MacIntosh said. “You might’ve had a lapse in judgment and ignored her at a time when she really needed your support, but she’ll get over it. She always does.”

James pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned. “Did you have to put it like that?”

“James, I’m not on your side in this,” MacIntosh said, opting for honesty. “I think you probably had to do something really wrong if she hasn’t been able to tell you about her big news in three days time. You’re aware of the error, though, and something tells me you’ll work overtime to correct it.”

“Not in time to fix this,” James pointed out. “She looks as if she’s about to cry – or fall over.”

“Then perhaps you should go inside and lend her some of your strength,” MacIntosh suggested. “I don’t care how angry she is. She will always love and need you. She will get over whatever this is. Well, as long as you’re sincere in your apology and regret your actions, that is.”

“You have no idea how sorry I am.”

“Then … come on,” MacIntosh said, clapping James on the shoulder. “You’re not going to fix things staring at her through a window. She does make a lovely piece of artwork herself, though, doesn’t she?”

“She’s the most beautiful woman in the world,” James said. “I can’t go in there, though. She didn’t invite me and I refuse to make a scene at the front door. They’re asking for invitations.”

“Ah, I see,” MacIntosh intoned. “I guess it’s good for you that my invitation includes a plus-one, isn’t it?”

James lifted his eyebrows. “I’m not sure what to do.”

“Follow your heart,” MacIntosh suggested. “If you do that, it will never lead you astray.”

M
ANDY
was
a ball of nerves as she greeted guests. She’d never put herself on display like this, and she felt exposed. She was proud of her work, but since it was a first showing insecurity plagued her. She expected James to be at her side bolstering her, but that wasn’t the case.

“The stuffed mushrooms are amazing,” Ally said, sidling up to Mandy’s side and extending a plate. “Try one.”

“My stomach is too … twisted,” Mandy replied, offering Ally a heartfelt smile. “Thank you for being here, though. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”

“You’re my best friend in the world,” Ally replied, carefully pushing a strand of Mandy’s hair back in place so her bun wouldn’t be ruined. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

“Your stuff looks great,” Jake said, joining the women. “I’ve been listening and people really like it. They’re in love with that new one you just did. Some people have even been checking the price.”

“That’s nice,” Mandy said, resting her hand against her stomach.

“Oh, are you going to get sick?” Ally asked, wrinkling her nose. “Please don’t get sick.”

“I’m just nervous,” Mandy said, pressing her lips together. “I feel … off.”

“You don’t feel like something hurts, do you?” Jake asked. “You should’ve gone to the hospital after that accident. Are you in physical pain, or just antsy?”

“I’m just antsy,” Mandy replied, shaking her head. “You’re as bad as … well, I’m fine.”

“That’s right,” Ally said. “Don’t say his name. He doesn’t exist right now. When he does exist again, though, I’m going to put my foot in his … .”

Jake grabbed a stuffed mushroom from Ally’s plate and shoved it in her mouth to silence her. The look she shot him was murderous as she chewed the appetizer. “I know you’re upset with your brother, angel, but he’s still a good guy who made an error,” Jake chided. “Don’t say anything nasty here. There are too many people around.”

Ally wasn’t bothered by Jake’s admonishment. “He’s dead to me after what he’s done.”

“You’re so dramatic,” Jake said, tweaking Ally’s nose. “It’s a good thing I love you, because otherwise I would have to shake you.”

“Don’t do that,” Sophie quipped, joining the small group. “She’ll spill right out of the top of that dress.”

Ally glanced down at her impressive cleavage. It was definitely on display in the low-cut dress she wore tonight. “She has a point.”

“I wouldn’t shake you anyway,” Jake said, brushing a quick kiss against Ally’s cheek. “Not that way, at least. I might shake you in a different way when we get home.”

“Oh, how romantic,” Ally deadpanned, although she smiled happily as she snuggled into his side.

Mandy tamped down her jealousy at the couple’s closeness and turned her full attention on Sophie. “I heard a rumor you forced Sven and Rodrigo to babysit Avery. Is that true?”

“Yup. No kid has ever been safer.”

“I can’t believe Emma is really going to do it,” Ally said. “I know they’re good guys, but I would be nervous.”

“Peter’s house is one mile away and it’s only for an hour,” Sophie said. “Emma needs to suck it up. Peter’s men babysat me constantly when I was a kid. I turned out fine.”

“Yes, you’re a modern marvel,” Ally intoned, giggling as Sophie swatted her arm. “I … no way.”

Mandy shifted her attention to the front door, following Ally’s gaze when her friend made a disgusted face. When she saw James standing there next to Judge MacIntosh, her heart dropped into her stomach. “Oh.”

“I’ve got this,” Ally said, holding her hand up as she moved to cut off James should he approach. “I’ll kick him in the balls.”

“Yeah, you’re going to stay here and eat your mushrooms,” Jake ordered, bodily lifting Ally and moving her back to Mandy’s side. “I’m going to handle this.”

“You don’t have to,” Mandy said, her tone weary. “Please I just … don’t let him make a scene.”

“He won’t make a scene,” Jake promised. “I’ll take care of it. Trust me.”

“
Y
OU
need to go
.”

James smiled when he saw Jake approaching, convinced the man was going to offer him support. The smile evaporated at Jake’s greeting. “What?”

“I’m going to leave you two to talk this out,” MacIntosh said, offering James a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.”

James watched the judge move in Mandy’s direction, briefly locking gazes with his sad wife. “She’s so upset.”

“She’s extremely upset,” Jake agreed. “That’s why you need to go.”

“I can’t go,” James argued. “This is a huge night for her. I’m her husband. I should be here.”

“I’m almost always on your side, but I had to listen to an earful this afternoon,” Jake said.

“Did you even bother standing up for me?”

“In the beginning I did,” Jake confirmed. “The more I listened to Ally talk, though, the more I realized that she might be right. You have been a real … douchebag.”

“And you don’t want to risk fighting with her,” James surmised. “I get it.”

“Mandy’s had a rough few days,” Jake said. “She feels emotionally abandoned by you and she’s extremely nervous about people looking at her work. She won’t admit that, but it’s written all over her face. I think she knew she was going to be nervous, but she figured she would have you by her side.”

“I want to be by her side,” James said. “I’m terrified of going over there and starting something that will end with an argument and make things worse, though. I can’t leave. This is too important to her.”

“James, can I ask you a question?” Jake’s expression was earnest. “Why did you ignore her for three days?”

“I didn’t realize I was doing it,” James answered. “I just … Jesse was on me and wanted to go out. He’s new to the area and had no one else to hang around with. I just … lost track of things.”

“That’s not like you,” Jake pointed out. “You’re usually the one who can’t be torn away from Mandy. I can see going out with Jesse once … maybe even twice … but why did you leave your house last night when you knew Mandy was upset? You could’ve fixed all of this then.”

“Jesse made a scene in front of everyone,” James protested. “He’s been calling me whipped and stuff and … it shouldn’t have bothered me, but the way he said it was annoying and I think I just lost sight of things. I didn’t mean it.”

“Did you want to spend so much time away from Mandy?”

“I never want to spend time away from her.”

“Well, you’ve got an uphill battle now,” Jake said. “I looked at her arm, by the way. She refused to go to the hospital. I put some ointment on it. She should be fine. By the time you two get home tonight, though, her nerves are going to be behind her and she’s going to be ready to fight.”

“I’m almost looking forward to it,” James admitted. “I want her to scream at me. I deserve it.”

“You
do
deserve it,” Jake agreed. “I told her you wouldn’t cause a scene, so you need to keep your distance from her until this little mixer thing is over with. Go and look at her stuff, maybe talk to the judge and Peter. Don’t crowd her because it’s going to get ugly if you do. Ally will make sure of that.”

“I take it Ally has been working Mandy into a frenzy all afternoon.”

“You don’t give Ally enough credit,” Jake said. “She likes to mess with you guys, but she loves Mandy beyond reason. She sat there for two hours and bolstered Mandy’s confidence … and did her hair … and told her you loved her no matter what and that everything would be okay.

“I know you’re upset,” he continued. “I know you’re worried. Don’t take out your frustration on Ally, though.”

James blew out a weary sigh. “You’re good for my sister. You protect her. You … get her.”

“I do get her,” Jake said. “You get Mandy, too. You did wrong and you can’t fix it right this second. Use the time you have to figure a way to save your anniversary tomorrow, because tonight is going to be World War III.”

“Yeah, I’m not looking forward to that,” James said. “I … wait. Is that Mandy’s wall?” He pointed to a spot in the center of the room.

Jake’s gaze followed his finger. “Yeah. Don’t you recognize her stuff?”

“I recognize everything but that center painting,” James said, furrowing his brow as he studied the telltale signs of Stonehenge and the intricate work Mandy put in to creating a surreal environment. “That’s beautiful.”

“You haven’t seen that?”

“I think that’s the one she painted the first night I went out with Jesse.” James felt as if his heart was caught in a vise. “She said she couldn’t wait to show it to me and I forgot.”

“You’ve forgotten her a lot over the past week,” Jake said. “I never thought I would bear witness to that.”

“Me either,” James said, pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead. “What did she call that?”

Jake pursed his lips. “Forever.”

James pressed his eyes shut. “My poor baby.”

“
T
his is a lovely piece
.”

James suspiciously narrowed his eyes as a man in an expensive suit – James was convinced he looked like a walking penis – studied the Stonehenge painting. “It’s very nice.”

“I think it would look great in my bathroom,” the man said.

James stilled. There was no way he would let Mandy’s painting go inside this man’s bathroom. “Are you buying pieces tonight?”

“I am.”

“I’m buying this one,” James said, crossing his arms over his chest.

The man looked James up and down, his opinion obvious. Despite James’ suit, he did look a bit disheveled from the hangover and emotional upheaval. “Sure,” the man said, scanning the crowd. “Where did that girl taking bids go?”

James had no idea how an art showing went, but he followed the man – ignoring the occasional glances in his direction – and patiently waited while he placed a bid for Mandy’s painting. As he spied on his competition, James kept one eye on his wife. Mandy appeared friendly and chatty with everyone who approached her, but James could tell she was miserable. He would fix it the first chance he got, he vowed to himself.

The girl taking the bids, her nametag read “Betsy Chandler” shot James a flirty smile as he approached. “Are you interested in what our gallery has to offer?”

“Yes,” James replied, realizing too late that she might be offering something else entirely. He decided to cut her off before things got out of hand. “I want that painting of Stonehenge.”

The girl glanced over his shoulder. “That piece has resulted in quite a bit of interest.”

“How much is it going to cost me to get that painting?”

The girl frowned. “The bids are private.”

“But … I need it,” James said.

“You don’t strike me as an art lover. Who is it for?”

James sensed a trap. She wanted him to flirt with her, which he was unwilling to do. “It’s for my wife,” James answered honestly. “It’s our anniversary tomorrow and she’s been through some terrible things. She needs it.”

Betsy looked disappointed at the marriage admission. “You’re married?”

“Happily.”

“Where is your wife now?”

“She’s around,” James answered. “I don’t want her to see me bidding on the painting. I need to win and want to surprise her with it. Tell me how much I have to bid to win it.”

“We’re not allowed to do that,” Betsy said. “You have to decide what the painting is worth to you.”

“Well, great,” James muttered, tugging a restless hand through his hair as he glanced around. He was lost and out of his depth. And then things got worse.

“Hey, man. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Let’s head out to the bar and get a drink.”

James’ heart plummeted when he caught sight of Jesse. His friend’s bad timing – and horrible attitude – were the last things he wanted to deal with. “You have to leave right now,” James ordered. “If Mandy sees you … .”

“I don’t want to be at an art exhibit,” Jesse said, making a face. “I had to find you, though. I’m bored. Let’s go to the bar.”

“I’m staying here,” James said, desperation overtaking him. Things were about to get much worse if he didn’t figure a way out of this. He turned back to Betsy. “I’ll bid ten grand on the painting. Is that going to be enough?”

Jesse’s mouth dropped open. “Are you kidding me? You could buy a car for that.”

James ignored him and kept his focus on Betsy. “It’s really important.”

There must have been something about his eyes, or perhaps his pain felt palpable to the girl, but she nodded.

“You beat the nearest bidder by two grand.”

“Great,” James said, exhaling heavily. “What do I need to sign?”

The girl handed over some paperwork while Jesse winked in her direction and caused her to blush. “There’s only fifteen minutes until the bidding closes.”

“Great,” James said. “Can I pick the painting up Monday?”

“We could ship it to your home,” Betsy suggested.

“That’s even better.” James provided the information and then shoved Jesse in Betsy’s direction. “He’s not married and loves talking about art. I think you two are going to get along great.”

Betsy willingly turned her smile to Jesse while his friend frowned. “I thought we were going out?” Jesse whined. “This place is boring. Tell your wife you’re sick of her crap and let’s get out of here.”

James scowled, disgusted. He realized now how derogatory Jesse must seem to Mandy. He was convinced his friend was merely having fun at his expense. From Mandy’s point of view, though, things must’ve felt different. “I … .”

“Oh, well, great.”

James briefly pressed his eyes shut when he heard Mandy’s voice, swiftly turning to find his wife’s blue eyes glassy with tears. “Baby … .”

“Have fun at the bar,” Mandy said, brushing the spot under her eye and staring at her feet. “I … I need to get out of here.”

“No, Mandy. I’m not going to the bar,” James said hurriedly.

“You heard her, man,” Jesse prodded. “Let’s get out of here and have some fun. This isn’t fun. It’s a soul killer.”

“What’s going on?” Grady asked, moving closer to Mandy. James was jealous at the way she offered him a tight smile, and he was furious she seemed closer with his brother than him right now. “James, what did you do?” Grady was obviously furious.

“He didn’t do anything,” Mandy said, gripping Grady’s wrist. “He’s going out with Jesse. It’s fine. Can you take me home? I don’t have a car and … I need to go home.”

“Mandy, you have ten minutes left,” Grady argued. “Just … go to Ally. You can wait ten minutes. Don’t you want to see if someone buys anything?”

A lone tear spilled down Mandy’s cheek and James wanted to punch someone – mainly himself.

“No one is going to buy anything,” Mandy replied. “I want to go home. I’m tired, and my back hurts. I just … I want to go home.”

Grady gave in. “Okay. Let’s go.” He carefully ushered Mandy toward Sophie before clobbering James with a murderous look. “How could you do this to her?”

“I didn’t,” James protested, helplessness washing over him. “Jesse just showed up. I didn’t invite him. I’m not going to the bar.”

“You make me sick right now,” Grady said. “Pull yourself together. If you don’t, you’re going to lose her. You’re already close to breaking her, so … congratulations.”

James, his heart breaking, watched his brother lead his wife out of the gallery. He had no idea how to fix this and he’d somehow made it worse.

“That’s a bummer,” Jesse said, his tone light and breezy as he appeared at James’ side. “Are you ready to go to the bar? I need to pick up a new chick, and it looks as if you do, too.”

M
ANDY
sat
on a stool and picked at her tub of ice cream as James rounded the corner into the kitchen an hour later. He made arrangements for the painting to be delivered, listened to Ally berate him in the parking lot, and ignored Jesses until the man finally bought a clue and left before heading home.

Now he had to beg his wife for forgiveness.

“What are you doing here?” Mandy asked dully.

“I live here,” James replied, tugging his tie loose and yanking it from his neck. He was furious, but only at himself. “We’ll find a car for you Sunday. We need to talk about the accident, though. You should’ve called me.”

“You don’t have to trouble yourself with that,” Mandy countered. “I’m sure you have plans with Jesse.”

“No, I have plans with you, wife,” James clarified. “I’ll be spending the next sixty hours begging and groveling until you forgive me.”

“I don’t need that,” Mandy said. She appeared defeated, which was the last thing James wanted. “You should be with your friend. That’s what makes you happy now.”

“Baby, I need you not to say things like that,” James said, his voice cracking. “It makes me angry, and I don’t have any right to be angry with you given the circumstances. You have every right to be angry with me, though, so let me have it.”

“I don’t want to let you have it, James,” Mandy said. “I’ve been sitting her thinking about things and I’m pretty sure I’ve been unreasonable.”

James was flabbergasted. “What?”

“I expected too much from you,” Mandy replied. “No man is willing to spend as much time with a woman – even if he loves her – as you do with me. I got spoiled. You’ve accused me of it a few times. I should’ve realized that I was smothering you.”

“That is not true,” James hissed, extending a finger. “You haven’t smothered me. And, if you have, I wanted to be smothered. I always want to be with you. I lost my head this week. I admit it. Jesse cajoled me into a few things I wouldn’t normally do. He did that when we served together, too. I think I forgot about that annoying part of his personality.

“You didn’t expect too much,” he continued. “I delivered way too little this week. I should’ve gone out with Jesse that first night and left it at that. I shouldn’t have let him bait me into bets and games. It wasn’t fair to you, and it certainly wasn’t what I wanted.”

For a brief moment Mandy almost looked hopeful, but then she caught herself. “I think maybe I’ve been holding you back from what you really want.”

“No, that’s not even remotely true.”

“I’m sorry if I have been doing that,” Mandy said. “I want you to be happy. If I’ve been making you unhappy … .”

“Don’t say that,” James said, stepping forward and grabbing Mandy’s hand. “You’ve made me happier than anyone possibly could. I love you with everything I have.”

“I know you love me,” Mandy conceded. “I never doubted that. I think you’re still searching for something, though. Maybe Jesse gives you that something.”

“I … .” James broke off, confused.
Was she suggesting what he thought she was suggesting?
“Are you messing with me?”

“I probably should’ve phrased it better,” Mandy said, offering a weak smile. “I’m not suggesting you’re in love with Jesse. I know you love me. I still think maybe he reminded you of something you forgot you wanted.”

“And what’s that?” James challenged. “Drinking and carousing? I’m not going to lie, baby. We had fun catching up that first night. After that, though, it was constant pressure from him and it wasn’t fun.

“Now, I’m not blaming him for talking me into stupid situations,” he continued. “I made those mistakes on my own. I love you more than anything, though. I don’t want our life to change. If I made you feel otherwise, well, that was wrong and I’ll never forgive myself.

“We have built a life here that I never dreamed was possible,” James said, carefully lifting Mandy’s hand and pressing it to his heart. “I love you, my baby. I’m not missing anything because you give me everything. I didn’t mean to neglect you.”

“Okay.” Mandy’s answer was simple and James could tell she was merely trying to avoid a fight.

“You want to scream at me and I deserve it,” James said. “Let me have it.”

“I don’t want to yell.”

“You usually want to yell,” James challenged.

“I usually feel as if I’m on sounder footing when I yell,” Mandy admitted, her vulnerability making her sick to her stomach. “I’m afraid to yell at you.”

James’ heart rolled. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry. You don’t have to be afraid. I never want you to be afraid.”

“I’m really tired,” Mandy said, rubbing her fingers on James’ chest for a moment and then pulling back. “I’m going to sleep in the guesthouse. You can have the main house and call Jesse over if that’s what you want.”

“Mandy, we’re not done talking,” James said.

Mandy ignored him and reached for the sliding glass door handle. “I can’t deal with this right now because I’m so close to the edge,” she said. “We’ll talk tomorrow morning.”

“I don’t want to be away from you,” James said. “I can’t bear the thought of it.”

“That hasn’t bothered you the past few nights. I’m sure you’ll survive this night, too.”

S
HE WAS
punishing him
. There could be no other explanation.

James paced in front of the sliding glass doors and watched as Mandy’s silhouette stripped out of her dress and flipped the light switch in the guesthouse bedroom, plunging the small building into darkness.

James hadn’t gotten anywhere with her. She wouldn’t fight back. She wouldn’t throw things at him. She just … sat there.

James furiously tugged on the door and yanked it open, keeping his head long enough to close it before striding across the patio and entering the guesthouse. He stomped up the stairs and pulled up short, his chest heaving when he heard the sniffles from the bed. Every ounce of anger fueling him died in the face of her misery.

James wordlessly stripped out of his suit and climbed into bed next to Mandy, ignoring her hands as she tried to push him away and instead tugging her onto his chest. “I can’t be without you, baby,” he said. “We’re both exhausted. I’m a terrible husband. I’m going to make this up to you tomorrow.

“You’re obviously not in the mood to fight, and I get that,” he continued. “I ruined your big night. You were in a car crash, which we still need to talk about. You probably haven’t slept in days.

“So, we’re going to sleep together, because that’s what we do,” James said. “Tomorrow you’re going to start the day yelling and screaming at me like I deserve. Then I’m going to sweep you off your feet and give you an anniversary celebration for the ages. Somehow, I’m going to win your trust back tomorrow.”

“I trust you,” Mandy said. “I just … hurt.”

“Oh, baby, I’m so sorry,” James said, wrapping one arm around her shoulders and the other around her waist as he buried his face in her hair. “I’m going to fix this. I’ll make things right.”

“Goodnight, James.”

“I love you, wife,” James said fiercely. “I love you more than anything. You are my happiness, no matter what you think right now.”

“I love you, too.”

She meant the words. He knew that. She wasn’t her usual warm and snuggly self, though. She didn’t let her body melt against his so they could become one in sleep. He still had a long road ahead of him.