Deadly Adventure (Hardy Brothers Security Book 19) Read online

  “Sorry, baby,” James said, dropping the key cards on the table in the living room and grabbing their suitcases. “One of the hotels I looked at had balconies, but the rooms were terrible.”

  “I suppose I’ll live,” Mandy said, giggling as she followed James into the main bedroom. She pulled up short when she saw the ornate bed and velvet chaise lounger. “Holy smokes.”

  “We’re going to have fun on this chair thing,” James said, dropping the suitcases and running his hand over the extravagant piece of furniture. “I can tell you that right now.”

  Mandy snorted. “Pervert.”

  “Oh, prepare yourself, wife,” James said. “The British people love a good pervert. I’m going to fit right in here.”

  Mandy skipped toward the bathroom, gasping when she flipped the light switch and caught sight of the tub. “Did you know there’s a hot tub in here that’s big enough to fit eight people?”

  “That’s another reason I wanted this room,” James said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and kissing her neck as he joined her. “Do you like it?”

  “I love it,” Mandy said, doing a little dance as she shifted in his arms and threw her arms around his neck. “I love it almost as much as I love you.”

  James pressed his eyes shut as he hugged her. “You will never be able to understand how much I love you, baby.”

  They exchanged a sweet kiss before Mandy wiggled free. “Let’s get cleaned up. I’m starving and I want to see the city.”

  “We’ve got a week, baby,” James said. “I figured we would eat dinner and maybe catch one of those bus tours before going to bed early.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “I think you know what I mean.”

  “I think that sounds like a fine idea – with one caveat.”

  “Oh, I love it when you negotiate,” James said, crossing his arms over his chest. “Lay it on me.”

  “Dinner and a bus tour – and I really want to sit on top and take photographs with the new camera you bought me like a really annoying tourist – and then we take a bath together before going to bed early.”

  “You had me at bath, baby,” James said, grabbing Mandy and dipping her low so he could grace her with a smoldering kiss. “Let’s get the suitcases opened and hop in the shower.”

  “If you’re good and promise not to get fancy, I’ll give you a preview of tonight in the shower,” Mandy offered, winking.

  “I don’t know. I like being fancy. It’s a tough choice.”

  “I’m really starving,” Mandy admitted. “We were in first class so the plane food was good, but it was still plane food.”

  James relented. “I’m as hungry as you are,” he said. “We’ll be quick in the shower and save the fancy stuff for the tub.”

  “Sold.”

  “HUH.” James was confused as he studied the hotel’s buffet. “What do you make of this?”

  “It’s food,” Mandy said, unperturbed as she doled fish and chips onto her plate. “You like this kind of food. We eat it all of the time at that diner right around the corner from us.”

  “I do,” James confirmed. “It’s just … I was expecting something more exotic.”

  Mandy stilled. She’d changed into simple jeans and a T-shirt, grabbing a hoodie because she expected the bus ride to be breezy. She was more interested in the food than anything else, although James’ befuddled look was so cute she almost couldn’t bear it. “It’s London. We eat most of the same things. It’s not like it’s Greece … or Spain … or even France.”

  “Well, I don’t want snails so I’m glad we’re not in France,” James said.

  “That’s kind of stereotypical.”

  “I’m sorry, wife,” James said. “I just thought we would be eating weird things. I’m perfectly happy with the fish and chips.”

  “Me, too,” Mandy said, adding corn to her plate as she reached for the rolls. “Did I mention I’m starving?”

  “No,” James replied with a straight face. “The constant growling of your stomach while I was trying to concentrate on being fast in the shower was a dead giveaway, though. It made wowing you … difficult.”

  “And yet you came up with fantastic results,” Mandy said, grabbing a huge slice of cake from the end of the table. “Fill a plate with the shrimp cocktail, too, will you?”

  James watched her move toward a table, shaking his head as she merrily went on her way. She was thrilled. He hadn’t seen her this happy in months. He would go out and catch the shrimp with his own two hands if he could ensure she would stay this way for the rest of their lives.

  By the time James joined his wife half of her plate was empty. He widened his eyes as he sat, situating the shrimp cocktail plate between them. “Breathe, Mandy. I don’t want you choking. The food will still be here five minutes from now.”

  “I’m sorry,” Mandy said, flashing a rueful smile. “I’m hungry and excited, and that’s never a good combination. Do you remember the time I ate all that Mexican food before we got to see the new shark movie in theaters a few months ago?”

  “Yes, that was lovely,” James deadpanned. “I’ve was never prouder to be your husband than when I had to hold your hair because you got sick during the car ride between the restaurant and theater.”

  “You said in sicker and in health when we recited vows together.”

  “Yes, well, I would prefer you not getting sicker on our vacation,” James said. “Breathe between bites.”

  “Yes, sir!” Mandy offered James a saucy wink.

  “You’re so stinking cute, wife.”

  “Wait until you see my impersonation of a shark in that bathtub.”

  “I can hardly wait,” James said, slathering his fish with tartar sauce and glancing around. “This place is pretty full. Do you think this is the normal dinner hour, or do they just eat early around here?”

  Mandy shrugged. “As long as there is food, I will eat it. I don’t care what time it is.” She enthusiastically bit into her roll as she reached for some shrimp. “So, tell me what we’re doing while we’re here. We didn’t get time to chat about things.”

  “Oh, I’ve never loved you more,” James said, shaking his head as she conversed with her mouth full. “You’re my dream woman.”

  “I know,” Mandy said, unbothered. “Where are we going?”

  “Well, I thought we would take the bus ride tonight,” James said. “I thought we could see where Wimbledon is held. They have a wax museum and I know you love those.”

  “Do I!”

  James grinned. He’d been saving the next part. “We also have a tour of Stonehenge to look forward to.”

  Mandy stilled, taking the time to swallow and staring at him until her mouth was clear. “Really?”

  James sighed. “Do you really think I would take my geeky wife to London and not let her see Stonehenge?”

  “I … no,” Mandy said. “I almost forgot about it, though. That’s … amazing.”

  “It is,” James agreed. “I figure I’m going to get some amazing loving that night.”

  “You have no idea,” Mandy said, reaching for more shrimp. “Eat up, husband! I’m ready for the bus ride and then I’m dying to reward you in that tub.” She hummed the theme from Jaws as she happily munched on her shrimp. “This is going to be the best vacation ever.”

  “No, baby,” James corrected. “This is going to be the best life ever.”

  “HOLY CRAP, this is great,” Mandy said, settling on the bus seat closest to the edge of the railing. The couple hopped on the first red bus they found for a tour of downtown London, Mandy securing her camera around her neck as James rested his hand on her thigh.

  Traffic was terrible, and the roundabouts blew James’ mind. He was used to traffic in the Detroit area – and it was bad – but this was something else entirely. He never considered himself much of a tourist, but Mandy’s enthusiasm convinced him that he would happily sit on the bus until she was completely sated.

  “Do you know anything
about the geography?” James asked.

  Mandy shook her head. “Do you?”

  “I have no clue how things are set up,” James admitted, pointing to his right as they passed a large building with a huge sign. “There’s the wax museum.”

  “When are we going there?”

  “I didn’t schedule that,” James replied. “It rains in London. A lot. I figured we could go there on a rainy day.”

  “Can we go to Harrods, too?”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m kind of afraid to tell you,” Mandy admitted, biting her lip. “We don’t have to go to Harrods.”

  “We’ll go,” James said, hating that she appeared fearful to tell him. “I just don’t know what it is.”

  “It’s the best shopping place in the world,” a man intoned from the other side of the aisle, making a face as his wife snapped photographs. “My wife is making me go tomorrow.”

  The man had an American accent – and a flannel shirt – so James was convinced he was from the Midwest.

  “Thank you,” James said. “We can definitely go shopping, wife.”

  “But … you hate shopping.”

  “I love you, though,” James said. “I promised gifts for everyone when I left them with all the work for a week. We’re going to have to shop regardless.”

  “We need to get something for the baby, too,” Mandy said.

  “And for Avery,” James confirmed, nodding as he scanned the scenery. “It’s kind of cool here. A lot of it is modern and yet they also have all the really cool older buildings.”

  “Only a man would talk about architecture,” Mandy teased, leaning her head against his shoulder. “You hear horror stories about the weather in London. It’s sunny and nice, though. I hope it stays this way.”

  “I don’t think it will, but enjoy it,” James said. “We’ll have fun even if it rains.”

  “Like at Stonehenge.”

  “Definitely at Stonehenge,” James said, squeezing Mandy’s knee. “We’re also seeing the Roman Baths that day, so I hope you’re not too disappointed. They were part of the same tour.”

  “I’m fine with that,” Mandy said. “They’re supposed to be cool and great for photos.”

  “Are you going to add photography to your list of artistic endeavors?”

  “Only when you get naked in the bathtub later tonight,” Mandy replied. “These are for me. I want to make a cool book when we get back. We’ll have something to remember our first anniversary with forever.”

  “I’m pretty sure we’ll remember our first anniversary no matter what,” James said. “We’ll technically be celebrating our anniversary at home. I have something special planned for that, too.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  James frowned. “Yes, I do.”

  “No, you don’t,” Mandy replied. “I have something special planned for that. You need to let me handle that situation.”

  “But … that’s my thing,” James whined.

  “What’s your thing? Planning surprises?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, you’re going to let me plan the surprise on this one,” Mandy said. “I’ve earned it. You planned an entire vacation and didn’t even get yelled at for going behind my back to secure time off work.”

  “Oh, you don’t play fair, baby,” James said, shaking his head. “Fine. You can plan the anniversary celebration. It had better involve nudity, though.”

  Mandy risked a glance at the man across the aisle and found him smirking. “It will involve nudity, wine, and a special meal.”

  James stilled. “You’re not cooking for me, right? I mean … I love you dearly, but I don’t think food poisoning is romantic.”

  Mandy frowned, her dislike of the man across the aisle growing as he burst into hysterical laughter. “I’m not cooking. I’m having a special meal made.”

  “Oh, well, that sounds good,” James said. “I didn’t mean to insult your cooking skills.”

  “Yes, you did.”

  “I … crap,” James muttered. “I guess the shark is getting a long massage in the tub tonight, isn’t she?”

  “You have no idea,” Mandy said, her eyes flashing before she turned back to the tour. “You’re in big trouble.”

  “Well, I have a feeling I can kiss my way out of it, so I’m fine with that,” James said. “Snap your photos, wife. I shall quietly sit here and figure out how to romance you while you’re doing that. I guarantee it will be profound – and my tongue will be involved.”

  This time the man’s wife snapped her head in Mandy and James’ direction, her eyes widening. “Oh, honey, he’s a keeper.”

  Mandy didn’t want to give in and smile, but she couldn’t help herself. “Yes, and I plan to keep him forever.”

  3

  Three

  “So this is a pub. I’m … humbled.”

  Mandy’s blue eyes were so wide as she scanned the dark establishment James couldn’t help but shake his head. “You’re humbled?”

  “I’ve always wanted to see a pub.”

  James took Mandy’s hand and directed her toward a circular booth, sliding in beside her once she was settled and grabbing a beer menu. “You know you’ve seen pubs before, right? It’s just that where we’re from they’re called bars.”

  Mandy rolled her eyes. “That dive we play pool at once a month is not a pub. This … is a pub.” She raised her hands and excitedly gestured at the atmospheric hole in the wall.

  It was their third day in London and she’d been like this from the moment they hit the ground. James had zero complaints. He adored her enthusiasm. Still, he had to wonder if she wasn’t laying it on a bit thick.

  “Baby, can I ask you something?”

  “Always,” Mandy said, shrugging out of her hoodie and resting her cheek against James’ shoulder as he studied the menu.

  “Are you putting on a show for me?” James asked, his expression serious.

  Mandy was confused. “A show?”

  “I’m worried you’re going out of your way pretending to have a good time because you don’t want to hurt my feelings,” James admitted.

  Mandy’s smile slipped. “Pretending? Really?”

  James hated the shift in her features and mentally kicked himself for chasing the smile from her face. “I’ve never seen you this excited. Well, that’s not true. You were excited when I proposed and on our honeymoon. This is different, though.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll stop enjoying myself right now,” Mandy said, fixing the approaching waitress with a stiff smile. “Can I get something … fruity? I’m not a big fan of heavy ales or anything.”

  “Mandy … .” James was frustrated.

  “Sure,” the waitress said. “Do you want something simple like a strawberry daiquiri?”

  “That would be great. Thank you.”

  The waitress turned to James. “And you?”

  “I’ll have whatever is on tap,” James said, remaining calm until the waitress disappeared to place their drink orders. The second she was gone James grabbed Mandy’s hand and directed her attention to him. “I’m sorry. I want you to be happy more than anything. I’m so afraid that I screwed this up now that I’ll never forgive myself.”

  Mandy’s expression softened, although only marginally. “I’ve always wanted to come here. You know that.”

  “I do know that.”

  “I’ve always wanted you, too,” Mandy reminded him. “I was fourteen years old and best friends with your sister and I never wanted anything but you. So now I got the man I always dreamed about and the vacation I always wanted. Is there a reason I shouldn’t be happy?”

  “No,” James said, shaking his head. “I love you more than anything. It’s just … .”

  “You’re worried because you think I’ve been dwelling on killing Lance Pritchard,” Mandy supplied, cutting him off. “That’s it, isn’t it?”

  “You have nothing to feel guilty about,” James said. “I do worry, though. You d
on’t have the nightmares any longer, but sometimes you seem lost in your head. It’s mostly when you think no one is looking.”

  “I’m always going to remember killing him, James. I’m always going to remember the feel of his blood on my hands. I’m happy, though. I’m happy here.”

  “Good,” James said, exhaling heavily and pressing his lips to Mandy’s forehead. “I love you so much I think it’s going to swallow me whole sometimes. I need you to always know that.”

  “I know it,” Mandy said, tilting her chin up. “Now can we enjoy the pub?”

  James’ handsome face split with a wide grin. “Yes.” He dropped a soft kiss on her upturned mouth, reluctantly breaking away when a hint of movement caught his attention out of the corner of his eye.

  “James Hardy?”

  James shifted his eyes to the man standing at the edge of the table, taking a moment to run the dark hair, green eyes, and athletic build through his memory. “Jesse Tanner?”

  “It’s me, man.” Jesse’s eyes brightened as James shifted so he could climb out of the booth and greet the newcomer with a hearty handshake and a stiff one-armed hug. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here,” James said. “I … how long has it been?”

  “I think it’s been eight years,” Jesse replied. “We were at that base in Afghanistan and I got transferred out.”

  “And you ended up here?”

  Jesse chuckled. “I do some security work for a company here. It’s my home base, but I don’t foresee staying forever. It’s a great place to hang out, but I anticipate returning home before it’s all said and done.”

  “Yeah, we’ve only been here a few days, but we really love the city,” James said, gesturing toward Mandy.

  “And who are you?” Jesse asked, his charm taking over as he winked at Mandy. “You’re quite lovely. Are you local? Did James pick you up here?”

  “James picked me up back home,” Mandy replied, smirking.

  “This is my wife,” James said, sliding back into the booth and gesturing toward the far side so Jesse could sit. “Mandy Hardy, meet Jesse Tanner. We served together during my military days.”

  “I figured that out myself,” Mandy said, extending her hand so Jesse could shake it. “It’s nice to meet you.”