Deadly Proposal (Hardy Brothers Security Book 4) (15 page)

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.”

James glanced over at Mandy, who was leaning forward in the passenger seat of his Explorer so she could get a clear view of the neighborhood, as he pulled into the Harrison Township suburb. Even though he’d made her promise not to search for a prospective house until things were settled, she’d been so excited when she found something on Zillow he couldn’t tell her no.

It was Saturday, and James had finally agreed – after a lot of whining – to take a look. He had trouble believing they would find the right house on the first try, but he couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“And what’s the deal with this place?” James asked, checking his GPS before turning his attention back to the road.

“Well, it was built in the 1960s.”

“I’m not sure we should be considering an older home,” James said. “Those come with electrical issues.”

“The ad says it’s been completely updated,” Mandy countered.

“Fine,” James replied, sighing. Her enthusiasm was worrisome. If she was going to fall in love with the first house they saw, he was going to be a constant wet blanket moving forward. “Give me the specifics.”

“It has five bedrooms.”

“Why do we need five bedrooms?”

“It’s not really that many,” Mandy protested. “We’ll have a master suite with two guest rooms.”

“What about the other two rooms?”

“We each need an office.”

James thought about what she said and then shrugged. He was going to need a big office to keep all his files. Mixing her office with his probably wouldn’t work.

“Okay, what else have you got?”

“It’s got a finished basement with a laundry room.”

“That’s good.”

“There’s a big kitchen.”

“For all the cooking you do,” James teased.

“It’s modern and updated – although I’m not sure I like the white cupboards.”

“Those can be replaced,” James said. “Tell me more about the house.”

“There’s a formal dining room and a huge, open living room.”

“I like that,” James said, turning onto a side street. “What makes this house so exciting to you?”

“It’s what’s behind the house that I like so much,” Mandy admitted.

James glanced at her, cocking an eyebrow. Her face was flushed with excitement. She could sell him a shack right now and he would buy it. “What’s behind the house?”

“Well, it’s actually on four lots, so there’s a lot of room,” Mandy explained. “There’s an in-ground pool with one of those hot tubs at the end that overflows into the pool with a waterfall.”

James liked the idea of a hot tub. In fact, naked Sundays in a hot tub sounded pretty darn appealing. “I like that.”

“There’s also a guesthouse.”

“A guesthouse? What are we, the Clampetts?”

“Who are the Clampetts?”

“
The Beverly Hillbillies
,” James said. “You need to watch something other than horror movies. They’re rotting your brain.”

“Yeah, like
The Beverly Hillbillies
is quality entertainment,” Mandy scoffed.

“Fine,” James said, sighing. “Tell me about this guest house.”

“Well, it’s two stories,” Mandy said. “The ground floor is – and I think you’re going to love this – designed as an old western saloon.”

James pondered the statement. “Why will I love that?”

“It’s got a hand-carved old bar,” Mandy said, her eyes sparkling. “The room is huge. I was thinking it would make a great television and game room. We’ll need a spot for the pool table.”

James pursed his lips. She’d given this a lot of thought. “What’s on the second floor?”

“It’s an open loft,” Mandy said.

“And what are we going to do with that?”

Mandy bit her lower lip. “I’ll tell you when we see it,” Mandy said. “I think you may need visuals.”

James sighed. She was already in love with this house. “Okay,” he said. “I want you to just … rein it in, baby. We need to see it before you move us in.”

“I know,” Mandy said, jutting her lower lip out into the pout James loved.

James checked his GPS again, confirming the address, and then pulling into the driveway. He put the Explorer into park, leaning back into his seat as he took in the spectacle in front of him.

The house was large and rectangular, a privacy fence at the back hiding Mandy’s selling point. James reached over to pull her hand into his. “For the love of all that’s holy, please keep your excitement to a minimum unless we’re alone. If the real estate agent smells blood in the water … .”

“I got it,” Mandy said, leaning over the console to give him a kiss. “Aren’t you excited?”

She was excited. That’s all that mattered to him. “Let’s go and look at a house.”

The real estate agent waiting for them was young, about Mandy’s age. She had long auburn hair, and she was tall and shapely. James waited for Mandy in front of his Explorer, linking his fingers through hers when she joined him.

“And how do you know her?”

“Her name is Tanya,” Mandy said. “She was my roommate in college.”

“You don’t have to go to college to be a real estate agent,” James said.

“She went to college for acting,” Mandy supplied. “It didn’t take.”

“Huh. You can’t become a famous actress at a mid-Michigan college? I’m shocked. How long did it take her to figure that out?”

“Seven years.”

James scowled. “And she’s our real estate agent?”

“Be nice,” Mandy chastised him. “Please. For me?”

James sighed, leaning over and giving her pouty mouth a quick kiss. “We’re not buying this house today. You know that, right?”

“I know.”

James wasn’t sure she did. He let her lead him up to the front door of the house, reluctantly letting her hand go as she squealed and embraced the auburn-haired woman waiting for them. After a few breathy exchanges, Mandy introduced them. Tanya looked him up and down, her gaze appreciative.

“Well, aren’t you just … something.”

James was uncomfortable under her scrutiny. “It’s nice to meet you. Mandy has told me a lot about you.”

“And how did you two meet?” Tanya asked.

“We grew up in the same town,” Mandy explained, clearly missing the predatory look on Tanya’s face. James figured out pretty quickly that she saw money and sex when she looked at him, a combination he wasn’t thrilled with.

“So, show us the house.”

Tanya put the key into the door lock, pushing it open, and then ushering them inside. James forced a smile onto his face as he passed the attractive real estate agent. He didn’t like her on sight.

The first room they entered was a large foyer. It was clean, all straight lines and high ceilings. It felt … airy. James had to admit, even though the house was older, it had a modern feel.

“What’s the electrical situation?” he asked.

“Fully updated three years ago,” Tanya replied. “All the plaster and paneled walls have also been replaced with drywall.”

James nodded, following Mandy into the room to the right.

“This is the living room,” Tanya said. “As you can see, there’s plenty of room and Internet and cable interfaces are all upgraded.”

James glanced at the far end of the room where a wrought-iron spiral staircase rested.

“What’s the deal with the stairs?”

“There are three different staircases on the main floor,” Tanya said. “Two are spiral. Since this is Harrison Township, and the lake is so close, this house has a nautical feel. The staircase behind the main foyer is wider.”

The tour continued, covering the main floor of the house first. The first floor encompassed the huge living room, the open foyer, a full dining room, and an engaging kitchen with a homey eating area.

James was a little charmed himself.

Tanya showed them all five rooms on the second floor, with the master suite boasting a private bathroom and whirlpool tub big enough for two.

When Tanya led them into the backyard, Mandy could barely contain her glee. James was more stoic, but even he was impressed. “How long ago was the roof replaced?”

“I can see you know what you’re talking about,” Tanya said, practically purring. “It’s been two years.”

James ignored her flirty behavior. “And the lining in the pool?”

Tanya checked the file in her hand. “Four years.”

James fixated on the rectangular guesthouse off to the right. “Let’s see that.”

Tanya led the way, casting the occasional weighted glance in James’ direction. She was clearly trying to pique his interest, all the while he was trying to make his disinterest evident without tipping Mandy off that anything was going on.

The door to the guesthouse opened into the saloon Mandy had told him about. The walls were paneled with wood, the bar authentic looking and entirely delightful. The room was so large they could have thrown a party with everyone they knew and it wouldn’t have been crowded.

James ran his hands over the hand-carved bar, sighing. It really was beautiful. He saw the potential, and he couldn’t help but let his imagination run a little wild, too. Tanya led them up the stairs at the back of the guesthouse, into the open loft. Actually, the word “loft” was an exaggeration. It was really two rooms, both graced with bay windows that looked down upon a gorgeous expanse of trees and field.

James watched Mandy as she looked around the room. She was beaming.

“Okay,” he said. “Tell me what you want to do up here.”

Mandy bit her lower lip, embarrassment washing over her features. “Do you remember our first date?”

James stilled. He wasn’t sure what she was considering as their first date. He’d taken her out to dinner. A night later, he’d just taken her. Five hours after that, he’d left her in the dust. After realizing his mistake and reuniting, they’d gone to an art festival together. Those were his options.

Actually, the more he thought about it, they’d never had an official first date. There was no way he was admitting that to her.

“Of course.”

Mandy’s eyes narrowed. She knew what he was thinking. “What was our first date?”

“Why don’t you tell me,” James suggested.

“I was thinking of our first dinner together,” Mandy said.

James wracked his brain, searching for what she was trying to tell him. Then, out of nowhere, something clicked.

“You want to make this an art studio, don’t you?”

The tension in Mandy’s shoulders vacated as she slumped in relief. “You
do
remember.”

James glanced around the room again. That was the night she’d admitted that being a court clerk wasn’t what she’d envisioned for her life over the long haul. She’d said she had dreams of making art her future – if it was possible.

James searched the room, overlapping his future fantasies with the realities of right now. It was perfect.

He glanced over at Tanya. “I need an inspector in here,” he said. “If I like the report, we’ll make an offer.”

The businesswoman in Tanya was thrilled – but the other part of her was disappointed. “Are you sure?”

James cast his gaze around again. “We’re sure.”

Mandy threw herself at him, pressing her lips to his as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”

Her smile – and her enthusiastic reaction – was enough encouragement for James to pay for an endless string of home inspections. Pushing all of that to the side, this house had everything they would ever need. And, despite himself, he could picture them there forever.

This could be their life.

Grady and Sophie were mauling each other on the couch when his phone rang. He sighed, pulling his mouth from hers and glancing over at the screen. It was Sunday.
Who would be calling him on a Sunday?

“Who is it?” Sophie asked, propping herself up so he could lean over and grab the phone from the coffee table.

“I don’t recognize the number,” Grady said. He slid his finger over the screen and pressed the phone to his ear. “Hello.”

“Is this Grady Hardy?”

It was a man’s voice, although Grady didn’t immediately recognize it. “Yes.”

“This is Jake Harrison.”

Grady stiffened, wrapping his arm around Sophie’s naked waist so he could hold her stationary as he sat up. “Mr. Harrison, do you have something?”

“I’ve been doing some work,” Jake said. “Questioning some of the men out here when I’ve had the chance.”

“And?”

“Well, I’ve come across some disturbing information,” Jake admitted.

“Tell me.”

“It seems that Cole was bragging about coming into some money,” Jake said. “He told at least fifteen different guys here that he was going to be able to buy a house and be rich sometime soon.”

Grady mulled the statement over, rubbing Sophie’s back as she looked down at him with curious mocha eyes.

“Did he say where he was going to get the money?”

“He said he had a rich benefactor,” Jake said.

Grady nodded, brushing his lips over Sophie’s defined chin. “What are you doing now?”

“Nothing.”

“Can you meet me in Sterling Heights?”

“I guess. Why?”

“I want to introduce you to my brother.”

WHEN JAKE
saw Grady getting out of his truck, he was still trying to decide if he was doing the right thing. The men he was trying to help were at risk, they were desperate. Turning into an informant didn’t sit well with him. Of course, blowing up an innocent blonde didn’t sit well with him either.

Jake watched as Grady moved to the passenger side of his truck, opening the door to help a brunette woman out. The woman was beautiful, all brown hair waves and lithe body swells. She was carrying a bag from Dairy Queen, which seemed odd to Jake.

Jake opened the door of his truck, climbing out and fixing Grady with a hard look. “I thought we were meeting your brother.”

Grady didn’t look affronted by Jake’s coldness. “This is Sophie,” he said. “She’s my girlfriend.”

Jake nodded, but he still didn’t understand. “And she can help us how?”

“She’s here because she wants to see Mandy,” Grady said. “She brought her ice cream. She’s not here because of you.”

Jake felt like an idiot. He was suspicious by nature, but the woman’s curious brown eyes had set him on edge. These people were friends, he reminded himself. They were family. Not everyone was trying to take something from someone else.

Jake hurried across the parking lot, an apologetic look on his face. “I’m sorry. This is … .”

“It’s uncomfortable,” Grady finished for him. “You feel like you’re selling out. I get it.”

Jake sighed, forcing himself to relax. “The building looks dark. Are you sure your brother is here?”

“He has an apartment on the second floor,” Grady said, unlocking the main door so Jake and Sophie could enter.

“Not for long,” Sophie said. “They saw a house yesterday.”

Grady tilted his head, his long hair dipping below his shoulder on his right side as he took in his girlfriend’s statement. “How do you know that?”

“Mandy told me,” Sophie said, shrugging. “They liked it enough to call an inspector.”

Grady smirked. “How do you know more about my brother than I do?”

“Girls are gossipy,” Sophie said. “Mandy is really excited, by the way. She’s in love with the house.”

“Which means James is going to find a way to make it work,” Grady mused, testing the door behind them to make sure it latched properly. “I can’t believe they’re buying a house. It’s so … adult.”

“She’s happy,” Sophie warned, climbing the stairs without looking back. “Don’t you dare try to shame him.”

“I would never try to shame him,” Grady said.

Sophie paused, casting a doubtful look in Grady’s direction. “Who do you think you’re talking to?”

“I would never try to shame him,” Grady repeated. “I might make fun of him.”

Sophie sighed, the sound low and exasperated. “Your brother and Mandy have been through hell and a handbag over the past three weeks,” Sophie said. “If you rain on their parade, I’m going to rain on your parade.”

Grady frowned, following her up the stairs. “What does that mean?”

“You know what that means,” Sophie shot back. “Mandy is happy. I’ll make you really unhappy if you ruin that.”

Grady rolled his eyes. “You’re such a killjoy.”

Jake couldn’t help but marvel at the couple’s friendly banter. They were completely comfortable with each other, clearly in love – even if they hadn’t admitted it to themselves yet. The warmth between them was contagious.

Grady raised his hand outside the apartment door, preparing to knock. He stilled suddenly. “What if she’s asleep?”

“It’s barely seven,” Jake said.

“Mandy is still recovering,” Grady said. “She’s kind of nap happy.”

Sophie shrugged, motioning to his key chain. “If they’re having sex, we’ll only be scarred for life. What’s more important?”

Grady tilted his head to the side, considering. Ultimately, he pushed his key into the lock and pushed the door open.

Jake was surprised by what he found inside. The apartment was small, although it felt homey – even from afar. The man on the couch had Grady’s brown hair, although it was shorter. His eyes were closed, his hand hanging off the couch, the remote still clenched between his fingers.

The television was muted, and the blonde woman stretched out on top of James Hardy seemed dead to the world. Her head was settled on James’ chest, his left arm around her waist, his hand resting on her rear.

James opened an eye, the noise stirring him. He glanced at Grady, Sophie, and then Jake in turn. He dropped the remote to the floor and brought his hand to his lips, warning the visitors to be quiet.

“It’s seven,” Grady said, ignoring the silent admonishment. “How are you sleeping?”

James rolled his eyes. “She’s tired,” he whispered. “If you wake her up, I’ll … .”

“I’m awake,” the blonde said, her voice muffled.

James sighed, pressing his lips to her forehead and shooting a dark look in his brother’s direction. “Nice.”

Grady took the Dairy Queen bag from Sophie and rattled it. “I brought her ice cream to soften the blow.”

Mandy cocked an eyebrow. “What is that?”

“A hot fudge sundae,” Grady said. “I knew I’d need a bribe to steal him for a few minutes.”

“Score,” Mandy said, straightening to a sitting position and reaching for the bag. “I think you hit my price.”

James pulled himself up, keeping her body close to his. “You’re selling me out for ice cream?”

Mandy already had the sundae open and was dipping the red, plastic spoon into the whipped goodness. “It’s chocolate.”

James cocked an eyebrow. “Give me a bite of that.”

Mandy did as instructed, shoveling the spoon into his mouth. James swallowed and then brushed a kiss against her mouth. “Eat your treat.” He scooted out from beneath her, watching as Sophie took his place on the couch.

“This is Jake Harrison,” Grady introduced the two men.

“You’re the guy out at the tent city,” James said, motioning for Grady and Jake to follow him into the kitchen. “Do you have something?”

Grady told James what Jake had told him, waiting for Jake to fill in the gaps. When the man remained mute, James fixed him with a hard stare. “I understand that we’ve put you in a hard position,” he said. “I do not want to go after an innocent man. I just need to keep her safe.”

Jake glanced over at the blonde, who was enthusiastically relating some story to the comely brunette on the couch with her. “You love her,” he said finally.

“More than anything in this world,” James affirmed.

Jake blew out a sigh. “Cole Gordon might be an actual threat.”

JAMES
listened as Jake laid out the evidence he’d acquired. It didn’t necessarily mean anything, but it was enough to give James chills. He opened his mouth to respond when the door to the apartment flew open.

Ally, wild and flowing curls flying, barreled into the room. She pulled up short when she saw James, Grady, and Jake standing in the kitchen. “Who is he?”

“He’s helping us with Mandy’s case,” James replied, scalding her with a hard look. “Do you know how to knock?”

“Did Grady knock?” Ally sneered. She loved getting under her brother’s skin, and this was no exception.

“Why are you here?” James pressed.

“Why do you care?”

Jake shifted uncomfortably next to James, his gaze fixed on the wide-eyed Ally.

“I’m sorry,” James said, taking a step back. “Jake, this is my sister, Ally.”

Ally extended her hand. “Hi.”

Jake took it, holding it briefly before pulling away and eyeing her curiously. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m nice to meet,” Ally agreed, wrinkling her nose as she looked Jake up and down.

James didn’t like the look. “Don’t you have something to gossip with your cohorts about?”

Ally rolled her eyes, potential drama evident on her face. “You’re such a wet rag.”

James watched his sister join Mandy and Sophie on the couch. They had the remote control, and were flipping through the channels. There was something overtly delightful about their interaction, the giggles they dissolved into, the smiles they shared, that James couldn’t help watching them for a second. After a moment, he realized Grady and Jake were mesmerized, too.

“Sorry,” James said, shaking his head. “Back to Cole Gordon. What do you think his current situation is?”

Jake shrugged, leaning back against the counter. “There are only so many places these guys can go, and I can’t say for certain he’s not going back to the tent city when I’m not there.”

“If he really did get money for a hit on Mandy, then he might be renting a place,” Grady interjected.

“Except the hit failed,” James pointed out. “She survived. Who would pay a homeless veteran for a hit that failed?”

“He has a point,” Grady said. “If Cole didn’t get paid, and he has nowhere else to go, what are his options?”

“I don’t know,” Jake admitted. “We can question the guys out at the tent town again, but I’m not sure what that will yield.”

James rubbed his hand over his jaw, considering. “We’ll take a full load of supplies. I was planning on doing it anyway. Coats. Food. Bottled water. We’ll bring the whole enchilada. If we can get some information? Great. If we can’t? We’re out nothing more than time.”

Jake nodded. “They’ll appreciate that.”

“Then it’s a good idea regardless,” James said, shifting as Mandy made her way into the room. He watched her pull a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, her gaze trained on Jake the whole time. “Do you want to tell me what you’re doing?”

Mandy pulled up short, fixing James with a sultry look. “Who says I’m doing anything?”

“I do,” James said. “You’re acting odd. What are you doing?”

Mandy sighed, tossing a haphazard gaze in the direction of the couch. “I was checking to see if Jake was wearing a wedding ring.”

James’ eyes narrowed. “Really? Do you want to tell me why? Or should I just kill Jake now?”

Mandy rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t looking for me.” She gave James a quick kiss, and then rejoined Sophie and Ally in the next room. James’ eyes followed her, realization washing over him.

He glanced over at Jake, who was just about as red as one man could get without profound sunburn.

Grady was shaking with silent laughter.

“I don’t think it’s funny,” James said.

“She’s an adult,” Grady countered. “You take this whole big brother thing far too seriously.”

James scowled as he watched Ally send Jake a saucy wink, and then dissolve into a pile of giggles with Sophie and Mandy.

This was not good.