Deadly Adventure (Hardy Brothers Security Book 19) (9 page)

“We are,” James confirmed. “Jesse thinks he can beat me.”

“Oh, well … .” Mandy exhaled heavily. The last thing she wanted to be was a nagging wife, but a pool tournament didn’t fit into her plans for the evening. “I thought you were taking me out for seafood?”

James scrunched his face up and sucked in a breath. “Oh, baby, I’m sorry,” he said. “I completely forgot. Jake and Grady are already on their way over, though. Can we put it off until tomorrow?”

“We’re having a barbecue tomorrow,” Mandy reminded him. “You wanted Jesse to meet Sophie and Ally.”

James snapped his fingers. “That’s right. The night after then.”

The night after was Mandy’s exhibit, but for some reason she didn’t want to share her news in front of Jesse. Instead of being petulant – which was what she really wanted – Mandy put on a brave face. “I’m sure we’ll figure something out.”

“We will definitely figure something out,” James agreed, reaching for his glass. “Did you need anything else?”

Was he dismissing her? “No,” Mandy said, shaking her head. “I’ll go back to the house and let you guys … hang out.”

“That would be great,” Jesse said. “You’ll be bored out here anyway. This is kind of a guy thing.”

“Well, then have fun.”

M
andy’s
slow anger burn turned to outright fury by the time she woke up the next morning and found James’ side of the bed empty. She heard noises from the guesthouse late into the night – loud ones full of boasting and bragging – and she knew James was having a good time. Unfortunately, he was having it without her. He didn’t even bother to check in on her throughout the night.

After showering Mandy stomped downstairs. She was on her way to the kitchen but pulled up short when she found both James and Jesse passed out on opposite ends of the sectional in the living room.

Instead of fixing coffee, like she normally would, and approaching James in a rational manner, she decided to be petulant and storm out of the house. She slammed the door so hard it jolted both James and Jesse awake.

“What was that?” Jesse asked, rubbing his forehead. “Do you have earthquakes in Michigan?”

“Not usually,” James murmured, rolling to his side and glancing at the clock on the DVR player. “Crap.”

“What’s wrong?” Jesse asked. “Are we late for work?”

“We still have an hour,” James said, cracking his neck as he reached for the bottle of water and aspirin on the coffee table. Apparently he’d been thinking ahead before passing out. What he didn’t anticipate was an obviously angry wife. “I think Mandy is upset.”

“Why do you say that?” Jesse asked, chuckling. “Because she slammed the door on purpose to wake us up? I think she’s being a little dramatic.”

“Maybe,” James said. “I should’ve gone upstairs. We don’t generally sleep apart.”

“It’s not like you were out of the house and carousing,” Jesse pointed out. “You weren’t cheating on her. She needs to suck it up. You’re a grown man.”

“I am a grown man,” James confirmed. “I’m a grown man with a wife I adore and I should’ve slept in my own bed.”

“Oh, let it go,” Jesse said, reaching for his own bottle of water. “She’s infatuated with you. Even if she is angry she’ll get over it. She won’t risk picking a fight that might cause you to walk out. You laid the groundwork for that when you slept with her and ran away that first night. That was some smart thinking.”

In his head James knew Jesse was joking. In his heart, though, he was furious with himself. “I’ll buy her some flowers before the barbecue tonight.”

“That will win her over,” Jesse said. “Just apologize and give her the puppy-dog eyes. Women can’t stay angry when you do that.”

“I’ll buy her some flowers and make reservations for dinner at that restaurant she likes tomorrow,” James said. “I’ll make it up to her.”

“Okay,” Jesse said. “It’s good to know you’re not whipped, though.”

James scowled. “I’m not whipped. I happen to love my wife and don’t want her upset. There’s a difference.”

Jesse mimicked a cracking-whip sound and extended his wrist to emphasize his thoughts on the subject.

“Oh, shut up,” James muttered. “I’ll make some coffee and then we have to get ready for work. I think you’re a bad influence on me.”

“I think I’m exactly what you need,” Jesse countered. “I’m bringing the fun back into your life.”

James wasn’t so sure, but he didn’t have time to argue. “Go up and use the shower in the main hallway. I’ll have the coffee done by the time you finish up.”

“Yes, sir!”

“
W
E HAVE
a problem
,” Grady announced as Jesse and James made their way into the office an hour and a half later. “We have a big problem, in fact.” Grady took a moment to study the two men. “How hungover are you?”

“We’ll be fine after we have breakfast,” James replied, dropping a McDonald’s bag on his desk. “You were smart to leave early to avoid the hangover, though. I do have a headache. Tell me what our problem is.”

“Your stolen credit card problem is a lot bigger than it was yesterday,” Grady said. “Someone is using cards in your name overseas – and they’re racking up quite a tab.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” James muttered, shaking his head. “How did this happen?”

“I don’t know how it happened,” Grady said. “It has happened, though, so we have to deal with it. You need to call your bank and make them aware of this and I’ve already filled out paperwork on your desk for you to file with the FBI’s fraud division.”

“Wow, that’s excessive,” Jesse said, his eyes flashing. “How are you going to get the FBI involved? How long has this problem been going on?”

“Just since we got back,” James replied. “We’ve got contacts in the FBI. They’ll push our paperwork through. I’m worried the guy who tried to grab Mandy’s purse at the Roman Baths stole something, but I could be off on that. She swears up and down he didn’t take anything from her bag.”

“We might never know how they got your financial information,” Grady said. “Luckily you have so many safeguards on your money it would take eighty computer geniuses to get through our firewalls. No one can tap your accounts.”

“I didn’t even know that was a thing,” Jesse said. “That was probably a smart move.”

“Yeah, well, I built an empire,” James said. “I want to protect it. I’ll sign the paperwork and call Phil at the FBI’s local office to touch base. Just out of curiosity, what are these people buying?”

“It’s mostly jewelry and gold,” Grady answered. “They did try to buy a car, but the card was shut down before they could finish the purchase. They took off before the authorities over there arrived.”

“They’re looking for durable goods they can buy and then sell without depreciation for cash,” James mused. “It’s smart. I have to give them that.”

“You don’t seem worried,” Jesse said. “I would think you would be upset about this.”

“I’m irritated,” James clarified. “It’s a nuisance. Grady is right, though. My money is safe and I have protection on the cards. I can’t be held liable for it. I do want to catch the people doing it, though. I hate thieves.”

“Well, I’m sure it won’t take long with your contacts,” Jesse said. “What do we have on the agenda today?”

“Today you’re going on a job with Grady while I work here,” James replied. “Then we all have the barbecue tonight.”

Grady snorted. “He means he’s going to nurse his hangover here while you have to suffer in the field,” he said.

“I figured,” Jesse said. “I’m up for it, though. I think marriage has made James soft. I already feel like I could start drinking again.”

“I’m not soft,” James argued. “That does remind me of something, though. I need to buy Mandy some flowers.”

“Uh-oh,” Grady intoned. “What did you do now?”

“Nothing I can’t fix,” James said. “She’s just … irritated.”

“Whipped!” Jesse coughed the word into his hand and earned a hearty laugh from Grady.

“Get out,” James said, making a face. “I’m not whipped. I’m … aware of my wife’s moods.”

“If that’s what you need to tell yourself,” Jesse said. “Come on, Grady. We should leave James to shop for flowers by himself.”

J
AMES
was annoyed
when he hopped out of his Explorer shortly after five and found his driveway full of cars. He hoped for some time alone with Mandy before their guests arrived, but that didn’t appear to be in the cards.

He went overboard at the flower shop, asking for the newer pinwheel roses intermixed with the regular blue he usually got Mandy when he wanted to surprise her – or soften her up.

The house was full when he walked inside, Jesse regaling Sophie and Ally with some story in the living room as Jake and Grady looked on. Jesse broke off from his story and burst into hysterical gales of laughter when he saw the flowers.

“I thought you were joking,” Jesse sputtered.

“Someone’s in trouble, isn’t he?” Sophie asked, arching an eyebrow.

“I’m not in trouble, Sophie,” James countered. “I just … wanted to buy Mandy flowers.”

Ally suspiciously narrowed her eyes. “What did you do?”

James stilled, surprised. “Didn’t she tell you?”

“She’s been in the kitchen putting the kebabs together since I got here,” Ally replied. “Whatever you did must’ve been bad. If she was only mildly irritated she would’ve called me three times today so she could complain. She’s quiet. That means you’re in the doghouse.”

“I’m going to talk to her right now,” James said, irritation rolling off of him as Jesse made the whip-cracking sound again. He couldn’t help but notice that while Jake and Grady laughed, Sophie and Ally didn’t appear amused. He didn’t take that as a good sign. “Stop making that noise.”

James trudged into the kitchen, a myriad of apologies on his lips. He smiled at Emma as she sat at the counter and held Avery. She was talking to Mandy, who had her eyes fixed on the steak and vegetables. He had a feeling she knew he was in the house, even if she refused to acknowledge it.

“Say hello to Uncle James, Avery,” Emma said, bouncing the baby. “Do you see he’s wearing his onesie from Stonehenge?”

“Yes, he’s very fashionable today,” James said, touching the baby’s soft cheek before turning to Mandy. “Hey, wife.”

“Hi.” Mandy’s response was cold. “Can you please get the pepper from the pantry for me?”

James knew it wouldn’t be easy, but her anger was palpable. “I will,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “Emma, could you give us a moment alone?”

“Sure,” Emma said, sliding off the stool. “I’ll take Avery to visit Ally.”

“That would be great,” James said. “That will also keep her out of this room for the next few minutes.”

Emma wasn’t known for being snarky, but the look she shot James was priceless. “Good luck.”

Once it was just the two of them, James rested the flowers on the counter and moved around the side so he could close the distance between himself and Mandy. “How was your day, baby?”

“It was fine,” Mandy replied, taking a step away from him as he shuffled closer. The small act pierced James’ heart. She usually moved toward him at the same moment he reached for her.

“I’m sorry about last night,” James said, keeping his voice low. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“Why would I possibly be upset?” Mandy asked, slamming the meat-tenderizing hammer down on the steak cubes. “It’s not like you did something to me.”

“I’m not sure that’s really the case, baby,” James said. “I … we drank too much. We told too many stories. I didn’t mean to let things get so far out of hand.”

“It’s no problem,” Mandy said, refusing to make eye contact. “You should probably go out and spend time with your friend now. I’ll finish up in here.”

“Yeah, that’s not going to happen, Mandy,” James said, licking his lips. “I understand why you’re upset.”

“Do you?” Mandy finally locked gazes with James and he hated the sad look in her blue eyes. “Why am I angry, James?”

“I … because we partied too much last night,” James answered. “I had a stranger sleep over in your house.”

“Oh, whatever,” Mandy muttered. “I would rather have him sleeping here than running around town. I don’t care about that.”

James was confused. “What do you care about?”

Mandy rested her hands on the counter as she collected herself. She knew her demeanor suggested irrationality, but she’d built up a full head of steam over the course of the day and she was ready to explode. “You’re going to think this makes me a baby, but … here goes. You told me you never wanted to spend a night away from me and yet you couldn’t even be bothered to climb the stairs.”

“Oh, baby, I’m so sorry,” James said, his heart rolling. “I didn’t mean to do that. I was drunk. I just … passed out. I never want to be away from you.”

He was earnest, but Mandy didn’t feel like playing games. “We’ll talk about later. I don’t want to deal with it when the house is full of people.”

“No, we’re going to fix it now,” James countered. “I don’t like you being upset. I’m so sorry. Do you want me to beg?”

Mandy rolled her eyes so hard she worried she would fall over. “I don’t want you to beg. I don’t want to be the irrational person who tells you what you can and can’t do. I just … it’s nothing. I’m overreacting. It’s fine.”

The shift in her demeanor told James the opposite was true. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong,” Mandy said, blinking three times in rapid succession to ward off tears and then reaching for the skewers. “I’m fine. I’m just … territorial … I guess. I don’t want to dwell on it.”

“I’ll make it up to you,” James promised, tentatively reaching out to touch her arm. When she didn’t pull away, he sighed as relief washed over him. “I won’t let it happen again. I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Mandy said, forcing a bright smile that didn’t make it all the way up to her eyes. “Can you get the pepper for me?”

“Not yet,” James said, drawing Mandy in for a hug. She went, although her body didn’t yield to his like it normally did. “I love you, wife. I’m really sorry.”

“It’s fine. Thank you for the flowers.”

James knew it wasn’t fine, but he’d been married long enough to know that pushing Mandy with a bevy of people within earshot wasn’t a good idea. He kissed her cheek and softly rubbed her back. “I’ll beg in the hot tub later.”

“Sure,” Mandy said, pulling away from him. “Can you get the pepper, please?”

T
WO HOURS
later Mandy left her guests to return to the kitchen and put the roses in a vase. James worked overtime to get her to forgive him during dinner, but she remained friendly with everyone else and aloof with him. Finally he gave up.

Mandy pulled up short when she found Jesse leaning against the counter and looking at a phone screen. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were in here.”

“That’s okay,” Jesse said, putting the phone down on the counter. “James asked me to look something up for a bet we have. He told me to look it up on his phone.”

“I’m sure he did,” Mandy said, moving toward the sink. “He’s out in the living room if you want to crow.”

“You’re not happy I’m here, are you?”

The question surprised her. “I’m thrilled you’re here,” Mandy replied. “I think you’ll help with James’ workload and he seems genuinely fond of you.”

“I’m talking about you, though,” Jesse pressed. “You think I’m taking up too much of his time, don’t you?”