Deadly Proposal (Hardy Brothers Security Book 4) (12 page)

A week later, things were back to normal. Mostly.

Mandy’s cast was off, her stitches were out, and the only remnants of the explosion were James’ memories and her quickly healing back wound.

In addition to Mandy’s sassy mouth and flirty attitude returning, so had James’ bossy nature.

“I don’t want you to go back to work,” James said. He was sitting on the edge of the bed watching her get dressed. “We haven’t figured out anything yet.”

“Well, that’s not going to change whether I go back to work or not,” Mandy said, straightening her black pencil skirt and glancing at herself in the mirror. “How do I look?”

“You look like a naughty librarian without the glasses,” James said. “I like it. Why don’t you stay here and let me take it off of you? You can spank me for returning a book late or something.”

“You have to go back to work, too,” Mandy said. “You haven’t touched anything besides me for two weeks.”

James cleared his throat. “Mandy, we need to figure out who planted the bomb and why,” James said. “Finn and Grady have done some legwork, but the truth is, we’re really behind. I let myself get distracted.”

Mandy cocked her head to the side as she regarded him. “Define distracted.”

“Well, the first week all I could think about was not touching you,” James said, forcing a rueful smile on his face. “The second week was different. Then I could only think about touching you. They were both viable avenues of distraction. Now I need to focus on keeping you safe.”

“And you don’t think I’ll be safe at the courthouse? There are like fifty cops in and out of there every day. There’s no place safer.”

“My lap is safer,” James said. “Why don’t we do computer work all day?”

“Whenever we do computer work, we end up having sex.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” James said. “I’ll call the judge. He’ll understand.”

“I know he’ll understand,” Mandy said. “I’m the one who doesn’t understand. We don’t have any indication that I was specifically targeted. For all we know, it could have been random.”

“Do you really believe that?”

“I don’t know,” Mandy said. “Like I said, we don’t know anything.”

“Which is exactly why you should stay here.”

“I don’t want to stay here,” Mandy said. “I want to get my life back. I want to actually sit in my office and fantasize about missing you so much that I tear your clothes off when I get home.”

James sighed, rolling his eyes. “Don’t try to manipulate me.”

“I’m not,” Mandy said. “Sometimes I actually fantasize about you coming into my office and closing the door behind you. You don’t lock it, though. It’s dirtier that way. Then you kneel in front of me, right underneath my desk and … .” Mandy leaned in, finishing her fantasy with her lips in close proximity to James’ ear.

He shivered, enjoying the visual accompanying the fantasy. “I still don’t want you going to work.”

“I know,” Mandy said. “That’s why I’m going to let you take me to work and pick me up. I’m also going to stay in the courthouse and eat lunch there.”

James knit his eyebrows together, considering. “Do you promise?”

“Yes.”

“Do you promise to let me really act out that fantasy some time?”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to agree to everything I want to make me feel better?”

“Yes.”

“Fine,” James said, getting to his feet. “Let’s get you to work. I don’t suppose you’d consider going without underwear this whole week so I have something to fantasize about?”

THERE
was only one case on Judge MacIntosh’s docket Monday, and it was in the afternoon. That left the morning for Mandy to catch up and clear her desk. A girl from the main records room had temped during her convalescence – and things were fairly well organized. Mandy didn’t say it out loud, but she was irked things hadn’t ground to a halt in her absence. It was ridiculous, and she knew it, but she wanted to feel important.

She settled behind her desk in the courtroom about twenty minutes before the case was set to begin. Heidi was still out at lunch, disappointed Mandy hadn’t gone with her, but resigned that Mandy’s safety came first. Mandy figured she would make it up to her friend when everything was over and settled.

The door to the courtroom swung open, and Mandy was surprised to see Sophie enter. She was dressed in one of her sensible pantsuits, and she had a notebook in her hand. She headed in Mandy’s direction.

“So, the rumors are true,” Sophie said. “You’re back at work.”

“I figured James called you and made you come and check on me,” Mandy teased. “Are you telling me this is a coincidence?”

Sophie held up her notebook. “I’m covering your afternoon case.”

Mandy sifted through her files. “Walter Tipton, Jr.?”

“Yup.”

“What did he do?”

“He killed his wife,” Sophie said. “She was having an affair with his best friend. Walter says the best friend killed her, but the evidence says otherwise.”

“You’re not in court a lot,” Mandy said, still suspicious. “Why are you here today?”

“The court reporter is on vacation,” Sophie said. “Things are kind of slow at the county right now. They’ll pick up again in about two weeks when the budget meetings hit.”

“Ah, your bread and butter,” Mandy said, smiling. “So, will you be bored during this?”

Sophie shrugged. “Murder trials are hit and miss,” Sophie said. “From what I understand, the families in this thing are at war. That might make it interesting.”

“What kind of war?”

“Well, the father of the victim allegedly started Walter Tipton, Sr.’s truck on fire. That case is pending in Warren district court. Walter Tipton, Sr. retaliated by allegedly throwing a brick through the other guy’s window. That case is pending in Roseville district court. The victim’s brother reportedly knocked up the suspect’s sister, which means that case is going to be pending in family court in about six months. Oh, and there’s a missing dog.”

Mandy frowned. “A missing dog?”

“Someone stole the suspect’s dog.”

“They didn’t kill it, did they?” For some reason, the idea of an animal being hurt upset Mandy more than the thought of a person getting hurt.

“There’s no evidence of that,” Sophie said, shrugging. “A family friend says that the victim’s sister stole the dog and took it up north, if that’s any consolation.”

It was. “So, you’re saying this could get ugly?”

“Yup.”

“The judge won’t like that,” Mandy said.

“This whole thing is going to be a mess before it’s all said and done,” Sophie said.

A half hour later, Mandy realized just how well Sophie had read the situation. The victim’s brother was the first one called to the stand. After referring to the suspect as “an impotent troll with an invisible penis,” the suspect tried to attack him on the stand.

When the victim’s father tried to intervene on his son’s behalf, the suspect’s father jumped in and punches were exchanged.

Then, when the best friend decided to get involved, things turned into an all-out brawl.

One of the security guards moved Heidi and Mandy into the back hallway quickly, securing them so they couldn’t be used as human shields or hostages. Sophie and Judge MacIntosh were pressed into the narrow hallway a few minutes later.

Sophie arched an eyebrow. “I told you.”

“I’ll never argue with you again.”

“They’re all going to be arrested,” Judge MacIntosh said. “I’m sending a message. I don’t take this shit in my courtroom.”

“It’s going to make the news,” Sophie warned. “I’m going to have to do a story, and the television crews will be here before the five o’clock hour.”

“I’m well aware,” MacIntosh said. “Why do you think I’m sending a message by having them all arrested?”

“I just thought you were pissed off,” Sophie said. “I don’t know you very well.”

Judge MacIntosh chuckled. “You’re funny. You’re dating the middle Hardy brother, if I’m not mistaken.”

“I am,” Sophie said, glancing at Mandy. “Do you two gossip together?”

“Mostly about the stalwart James,” the judge replied. “I have occasion to see him from time to time. I’ve seen Grady show up at a few events, too.”

“What can I say, he’s a joiner,” Sophie deadpanned.

Mandy snorted. “Yeah, that’s what I think about when I think of Grady.”

“I’m still reeling from the revelation that he used to braid your hair when you were a kid,” Sophie said.

“Only when we had games,” Mandy said. “He’s the only one who could braid the ribbon in just right.”

Judge MacIntosh watched the exchange, smiling. “It’s good to see your spirits are up,” he said. “I was worried after the explosion. I wanted to come and see you in the hospital, but I was warned off by an army of Hardys.”

“I’m sorry,” Mandy said. “They’re … .”

“Loyal,” the judge finished. “They’re loyal.”

“And bossy,” Mandy said.

“Good grief,” Sophie said, nodding energetically. “They’re so bossy. I don’t know what you’re complaining about, though. You’re bossy, too.”

“I am not.”

“Oh, you are so,” Sophie said. “Why do you think you and James are always at odds?”

“Because he’s always wrong and I’m always right,” Mandy said.

“I think you two like being bossy,” Sophie said. “You like to yell.”

“And then they like to make up,” Judge Macintosh said, laughing.

Mandy tried to fight the blush furiously climbing her cheeks. “We do not.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “You two are the king and queen of making up,” Sophie said. “That’s how you got moved in four hours and then no one saw you two for a week.”

Mandy pursed her lips. “You have a big mouth.”

“I guess I fit right in,” Sophie teased. “Don’t you have to have a big mouth to fit in with the Hardys?”

She wasn’t wrong.

James was furious. He knew Mandy returning to work so soon was a bad idea. When he saw the breaking news coverage of a brawl in Judge MacIntosh’s courtroom – one that resulted in eight arrests – he had the sudden urge to handcuff Mandy to the bed for the next month.

James pushed his way into the courthouse, pausing to take in the commotion in the lobby. Most of the upper floors had been cleared when the alarm had sounded, he figured. He had no idea if Mandy was on a lower or upper floor – but he had every intention of finding out.

After scanning the lobby and not finding the face he was looking for, James strode toward the elevator. She wouldn’t leave the building. She’d promised – and he believed her.

One of the assembled security guards stepped in front of the elevator when he saw James approaching, blocking his path. “No one is allowed upstairs, sir.”

“My girlfriend is up there,” James replied, fighting to keep his temper in check. “She was in Judge MacIntosh’s courtroom.”

“You’ll have to wait down here, sir.”

Like hell.
“I need to get up to my girlfriend,” James said. “I have to make sure she’s all right.”

“No major injuries were reported,” the security guard said. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

“Well, I’d like to see her for myself to be sure,” James said. “I’m funny like that.”

“Sir, if you don’t go and wait with the others, I’m going to have to take you into custody.”

James bit his lower lip. He wanted to get to Mandy, although getting detained by a security guard didn’t seem like a great way to spend the rest of his afternoon. “Can’t you just call up there?”

“No.”

James pressed his lips together. “What if I call up there and get clearance?”

“That’s not an option, sir.”

“So, what are my options?” James asked.

“You can stay down here and behave yourself, or you can sit in the security office in handcuffs,” the guard sneered. “It’s your choice.”

James couldn’t help but wonder if wiping the sneer off the guard’s face with a fist would be worth an arrest. He didn’t get a chance to consider it further, because a familiar face was cutting through the crowd.

“He can go up, Chet,” Clint said, stepping between the two men. “He’s Mandy Avery’s boyfriend.”

Chet looked James up and down dubiously. “This is the guy who shot out the front door?”

“He is,” Clint said. “He’s also the guy who found me in time for the paramedics to get to me before I died.”

Chet’s scowl faded. “Well … .”

“He’s also the guy who was in the parking lot when Mandy almost died,” Clint said. “This is her first day back. She’s had a hard recovery. I think he’s just worried.”

Chet sighed. “He’s not allowed up there. I was told not to let anyone up there unsupervised.”

“Then I’ll go with him,” Clint said. “I’ll be his chaperone.”

James didn’t like the term, but he wasn’t about to argue. If Clint could get him to Mandy, he was willing to let him be whatever he wanted to be.

Chet blew out a sigh. “Fine. If there’s any fallout from this, though, it’s on you.”

“Okay,” Clint said, pressing the elevator button and waiting. “I’ll make sure the judge is aware that I’m the one who made the decision.”

Once James and Clint were in the elevator heading toward the sixth floor, James let his shoulders relax. “Thanks.”

“I know you’re upset,” Clint said. “I would be, too. It’s scary how much trouble she finds herself in.”

James frowned, Clint’s words striking a chord. “She does find trouble.”

“Don’t you ever worry that she’s not worth it?” Clint asked. “I mean,
I
would always think she was worth it. A guy like you, though, you could have anyone. Don’t you want someone who isn’t so much work?”

James ran a hand through his hair, irritation flaring. “I’m fairly happy with her,” he replied, reminding himself that Clint was helping him. “She may be work, but she’s worth the work.”

Clint sighed, the sound heavy and sad. “You two are going to be together forever, aren’t you?”

“I certainly hope so,” James said, keeping his voice firm. “I can’t imagine living life without her.”

“But you could have anyone,” Clint tried again.

James knew the security guard had been harboring a crush on his magnificent blonde since before he entered the picture, but his words grated. It was obvious Clint was trying to feel James out, maybe push him to leave Mandy so he could pick up the pieces. James didn’t like anyone moving in on his territory – even if it was the thin and gangly security guard.

“Why would I want anyone else?” James asked, trying a different tactic.

“Because you could have anyone, a model even,” Clint said. “Mandy is pretty, but she’s not a model.”

“You should tell her that,” James said. “I think she’d love to hear it.”

Clint’s face colored. “I don’t think you understand,” he said. “I think she’s the most beautiful woman ever. I just thought that someone like you would like someone more … .”

“Buxom?”

“What’s buxom?”

James shook his head. “Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you,” he said. “I’m perfectly happy with my blonde angel. I don’t want anyone else. I’m
never
going to want anyone else.”

Clint led James out of the elevator and onto the sixth floor. “I know. I guess … I guess I just don’t want to believe she’s happy with you. She always seems so happy it makes me crazy. Her face lights up when she sees you. Heck, she smiles when someone mentions your name.”

James looked Clint up and down, waiting for him to continue.

“You probably don’t know this, but I’ve always had a crush on her,” Clint continued.

James fought the urge to smile. “I never would have guessed.”

“I’ve hidden it,” Clint said. “I just guess I want to be the one she smiles at.”

James patted him on the back. “Maybe it’s time to move on, man. I’m not going to let her go, even for a guy like you.”

Clint’s hangdog expression was almost more than James could take. “I guess I’ve lost her to the better man.”

James had to swallow his upper lip with his lower one to keep from laughing. When he got control of himself, he glanced down the hall. “Where is she?”

“They’re in the courtroom,” Clint said. “The judge wanted everyone in there when he arraigned the suspects.”

“And the suspects are?”

“Some crazy family members who are on opposite sides of a murder,” Clint said. “I don’t think the judge will care if you sit in the courtroom. Just stay in the back and be quiet until everything is over with.”

“I’ve got it,” James said, starting down the hall. “I just want to be able to see her.”

“Me, too.”

James didn’t look back. As much as he wanted to believe Clint was just a pathetic loser in love with his girlfriend, there was something about the security guard that still piqued his interest. He wasn’t ruling him out as a suspect – at least not yet.

James was quiet when he entered the courtroom, his eye catching Mandy’s at her desk before he took a seat. Mandy’s frown was evident, but she quickly hid it as she turned back to her work. James knew he was going to catch an earful later, but he was used to that.

He moved to the bench at the back of the courtroom, pulling up short when he found Sophie sitting there. “What are you doing here?”

“I was here when it happened,” Sophie said. “Don’t worry, she was perfectly safe. The security guard grabbed her first, in fact. I think the judge warned him to do just that in case of an emergency.”

James leaned back on the bench, watching as the judge verbally lambasted a portly man in khaki pants and a striped shirt. “Who is that?”

“That is Walter Tipton, Sr.,” Sophie said, never ceasing her note taking. “He’s already got a case pending in Roseville district court. Now he’s facing a possible felony count for striking a sheriff’s deputy. He’s also the suspect’s father.”

“Ah. And those other people?”

“Various members of his family and the victim’s family. Oh, and that guy over there nursing his nose and blubbering like a baby? He’s the suspect’s best friend. He was sleeping with his now-dead wife.”

“Sounds like a classy family,” James mused.

“They’re totally hilarious,” Sophie agreed. “This actually was a good case for Mandy to have right out of the gate.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because the worst has already happened, James,” Sophie said. “There was a disruption in the courthouse, and Mandy was not only protected like she’s the mayor of Gold Town, she had a good time.”

James pursed his lips, watching Mandy work with unreadable eyes. “She had a good time?”

“It was really funny.”

“And she … she wasn’t hurt?”

“She wasn’t hurt.”

Once every individual was arraigned and taken into custody, the courtroom cleared. James moved toward Mandy without delay. The look on her face told him he was in a heck of a lot of trouble.

“How did you get up here?”

“Clint brought me. He wanted to know if I could be tempted away from you by a model, by the way. I think he’s hoping I’ll dump you so he can swoop in and dry your tears with his penis.”

Mandy paused, frowning. “What?”

He’d hoped to distract her. It had worked. “So, blondie, how was your first day back?”

“Exciting,” Mandy said. “Why are you here?”

James sighed. She wasn’t going to let it go. “I
might
have panicked when I saw the news coverage.”

“Might?”

“Okay, I panicked.”

Mandy slouched to her side, resting her chin on her shoulder. “I’m not going to yell at you.”

“You’re not?”

“No,” Mandy said. “The worst thing that could have happened today happened, and you survived. More importantly, I survived, and there’s not a scratch on me. This should help you … relax.”

“I’m not going to relax until we catch this guy,” James said. “Although, I do feel better about things.”

“Good.”

James held out his hand. “Do you want to come home with me and help me feel better about things together? If not, I think Clint would be willing to let you console him.”

Mandy shook her head, a small smile playing at her lips. “You’re incorrigible.”

“I just want to take you home,” James said. “Look at the bright side, we’re going to get to do this all over again tomorrow.”

“I just need to drop the files off in my office and grab my stuff,” Mandy said. “Let’s go.”

James moved up behind her, putting his hand on her hip when he was sure no one was looking. “You’re still not wearing panties, right? What? I need a visual.”