Deadly Conflicts (Hardy Brothers Security Book 21) Read online

  “That looked painful,” Ally said, laughing. “I think the last place he wants to be is by the crafts.”

  “That’s not true,” James protested. “I’ve been to tons of craft shows with Mandy.”

  “Three,” Mandy corrected.

  “That’s a ton, wife,” James said. “I’m a man. One is a ton.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” Mandy said, patting his chest. “Don’t worry about it. I can look around on my own.”

  “Or I can go with you,” Ally added.

  Mandy bobbed her head. “That will be fun, too.”

  “Are you sure?” James asked, unconvinced. “You don’t look sure.”

  “It’s fine,” Mandy said, a bright smile on her face. James didn’t miss the fact that the expression didn’t make it all the way up to her eyes. “I’m happy going by myself. Don’t worry about it. I’m fine. I promise.”

  “I’ll go with you once I see my Jakey-poo,” Ally offered, peering over her brother’s shoulder. “Do you know where he is?”

  “He’s over by the midway,” James replied, his gaze on Mandy’s back as she trudged away. “What’s wrong with her?”

  Ally shifted her attention in the direction James looked and shrugged. “Nothing is wrong with her. Why do you think something is wrong with her?”

  “Because she’s sad.”

  “She’s not sad,” Ally scoffed. “She was in a great mood when we were at the mall. You should see the kinky stuff she bought for you. You’re going to love it.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” James said, pursing his lips as he watched Mandy turn the corner that led in the direction of Market Street, which is where the craft show was set up. “Are you telling me she doesn’t seem sad to you?”

  “You would know better,” Ally replied. “She’s your wife. She was in a great mood even after we got the text that you guys were working. My mood took a header, just FYI. She was thrilled, though. She said … oh.” Ally realized why Mandy’s mood shifted from happy to melancholy in the blink of an eye.

  “Tell me,” James ordered.

  “I don’t know if I should,” Ally hedged.

  “Tell me or I’ll put your face in my armpit like I used to do when you were eight,” James threatened.

  “You’re such a joy to spend time around,” Ally muttered, making a face. “Well, she did say something on the drive over. Is this really the same festival you guys came to after you officially got together?”

  “No.” James answered automatically, but when he searched his memory he realized he wasn’t telling the truth. “Crap!”

  “There you go,” Ally said, slapping her brother’s shoulder for emphasis. “And people say you’re slow on the uptake.”

  “This was kind of our first outing as a couple,” James said, glancing around. “I can’t believe that was two years ago.”

  “I can’t believe you’re still standing here when she’s crying in the stained glass on the other side of the festival,” Ally said.

  “Good point.” James dropped a quick kiss on his sister’s cheek. “You’re only annoying fifty percent of the time. I think Jake has been a good influence on you.”

  “Oh, what a great compliment,” Ally intoned, aiming her foot at her brother’s rear end and missing as he hurried off to find his wife. “Don’t forget you need to take her home. We drove together. We already put her naughty things in your truck so there won’t be any mistakes.” Ally frowned when she caught sight of a woman giving her the stink eye. “What? I’m not showing you the naughty things. Get off my back.”

  ALLY found Jake leaning against a metal gate a few minutes later. He watched the barkers hawk their games with an amused expression on his chiseled face. He wasn’t looking in her direction so she snuck up behind him and lightly patted his butt to get his attention.

  “Be careful,” Jake warned, not turning around. “My girlfriend is supposed to be here any second. I don’t want her to find out about us.”

  Ally creased her brow and frowned, and when Jake turned to greet her his face was lit with a playful smile. “How did you know it was me?”

  “I saw your reflection in the mirrors right there,” Jake replied, pointing toward the kitschy band mirrors displayed on the wall of the ring toss game. “You cut quite the impressive figure when you want to, angel.”

  “Ha, ha.” Ally leaned over and gave Jake a soft kiss. “I missed you today.”

  “Lies,” Jake said, shaking his head. “You shopped your pants off.”

  Ally glanced down at her denim cut-offs. “I guess I did.”

  “Cute.” Jake pressed a tiny kiss to the corner of Ally’s mouth. “Are you going to grant wishes for me later?” His voice was barely a whisper and his lips tickled Ally’s ear when he spoke.

  “I might have found what I was looking for,” Ally replied. “You’ll have to wait until we get home to see if that’s true, though.”

  “Something tells me that’s a wish worth waiting for,” Jake said. “I’m sorry about this, by the way. We were just finishing up at the house when James got the call.”

  “It’s fine,” Ally said, waving off the apology. “I would much rather have you guys doing this instead of something dangerous. Finn is still getting over being shot. I think this is perfect for him right now.”

  “Finn isn’t even out here,” Jake said. “He’s at home with Emma and the baby. James didn’t want him walking too much so he told him to leave security to us this weekend. Most of it is pretty minor. There’s a raffle thing we have to watch. Someone is giving away an expensive car.”

  “Huh.” Ally leaned her head against Jake’s shoulder and smiled when she felt his lips on her forehead. “I kind of want to win a car now. Where are they giving that away?”

  Jake shrugged. “Over yonder, I think.” He pointed. “Your brother is handling that. Where is James, by the way?”

  “He took off after Mandy,” Ally replied. “He forgot this was an anniversary of sorts and he has to make amends.”

  Jake screwed his face up and concentrated. “What anniversary? They already had their wedding anniversary. What else is there? Oh, wait, don’t answer that. Your brother is a pig.”

  Ally snickered. “It’s not that anniversary,” she said. “Although … it is kind of close to that. That would’ve been the day before yesterday. I wonder if they celebrated that.”

  Ally appeared lost in thought and Jake tickled her ribs to pull her attention back in his direction. “What anniversary, angel?”

  “Oh, it’s just that they came to this festival the day after they officially got together as a couple,” Ally explained. “In a way, this was kind of their first date – which makes Mandy sound slutty since the date came after they had sex twice. Yeah, forget I said that.”

  Jake chuckled. “I get what you mean,” he said. “I think it’s cute they keep track of things like that. Do you keep track of things like that?”

  “Of course not.” Ally stared down at her perfectly painted toes. “Do you like this color? I got a pedicure yesterday.”

  “I like the color,” Jake said, slipping his arm around her waist as he tugged her closer. She was a master at aversion if she wanted to distract him. He had no intention of letting her do it this time. “Six months and eight days from now we have an anniversary. It will be our second … anniversary.”

  Ally briefly pressed her eyes shut as a smile so lovely it almost drowned out the sun lit up her face. “You remember that?”

  “I remember every moment, angel,” Jake said, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear.

  “But … some people might consider that schmaltzy.”

  “I don’t care about those people,” Jake said. “I only care about you.”

  “Oh, I love you.” Ally threw her arms around Jake’s neck as he hugged her close. He was technically working, and fraternizing on the job was frowned upon, but since James was off chasing his wife he knew his boss wouldn’t give him grief for engaging in a b
rief burst of playtime.

  “I love you, too,” Jake said, kissing her cheek.

  Ally rested with her head on Jake’s shoulder for a few seconds before reluctantly pulling away. “You’re working.”

  “I won’t be working all night. We’ll have some quiet time when we get home.”

  “Oh, it’s not going to be quiet.” Ally growled like a horny tiger, causing Jake to grin. He was so lost in her eyes he didn’t notice the figure moving up behind her until the stranger was almost in her back pocket.

  Jake reacted instinctively and extended his hand, pressing it against the man’s chest before he could touch Ally. “Can I help you?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” the man replied. “I’m here to talk to the girl.”

  Ally swiveled quickly, gasping when she caught sight of a familiar face from earlier in the afternoon. “Vince? Wow. Twice in one day, huh?”

  “I guess so,” Vince said, smiling at Ally before sliding a curious look in Jake’s direction. “This must be the boyfriend you told me about at the mall.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Ally said, smoothing her shorts and top down. “Jake Harrison, this is Vince Dawkins. We knew each other like … forever … ago. I ran into him at the mall this afternoon.”

  Jake extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Vince returned the gesture, although his eyes were alert as they washed over Jake’s strong frame. “Likewise,” he said. “Ally didn’t get a chance to tell me much about you – other than she had a boyfriend, I mean – because a blonde was dragging her off. What happened to her?”

  “She’s running around with my brother,” Ally replied. “I’m sure they’re playing kissy-face next to a pottery wheel or something.”

  “I … don’t know what to say to that,” Vince admitted, chuckling. “You’re still a ball of energy I see. I … um … didn’t realize you were dating a carny. That’s mighty bold of you.”

  Jake pressed the tip of his tongue to the back of his teeth to refrain from flying off the handle. He had no idea who this guy was – other than a stranger interested in his girlfriend – but he understood exactly what he was trying to do. Ally was another story.

  “Carny?” Ally snorted. “Jake isn’t a carny. He works security with my brothers. They got a call at the last minute to handle things here.”

  “Oh,” Vince intoned, pressing his hand to the spot above his heart to offer an obviously insincere apology. “I am so sorry. I just thought … you’re wearing cargo shorts.”

  “I was painting before I came here,” Jake replied smoothly. “It was a last minute job. The other security firm had an issue.”

  “Yeah, I heard about that,” Ally said. “Poor Nathan Pixley. I can’t believe his wife shot him.”

  Jake didn’t have a lot of sympathy for the man. “Yes, well, that’s what you get when you cheat on your wife.”

  “Oh, no, I wasn’t saying ‘poor Nathan’ because he was shot,” Ally said. “I was saying ‘poor Nathan’ because his wife has four brothers and he’ll be a lot worse off than he is now once they’re done with him. He would’ve been better off if she killed him.”

  Jake barked out a laugh, delighted. “Very cute, my angel.” He tapped her hip to move her forward. “I have to do a spin around the midway. Do you want to stay here or come with me?”

  “Oh.” Ally looked conflicted.

  “I can watch her,” Vince offered. “It’s the least I can do after that carny crack, after all.”

  Jake was never suspicious for no good reason – and he trusted Ally with his whole heart – but he didn’t like the way Vince’s eyes roamed over her rounded backside whenever he thought no one was looking. Still, he wasn’t Ally’s keeper … or boss. “Sure,” he said finally. “I’m guessing you guys have a few things to catch up on. I’ll be close.” He leaned forward and brushed a kiss against Ally’s cheek before focusing on Vince. “I’ll be very close.”

  “I don’t doubt that,” Vince said, plastering a friendly smile on his face even as his eyes offered Jake challenge. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to her.”

  “Oh, I’ll make sure of that,” Jake said, the need to mark his territory practically overwhelming him. “You, however, can talk to her for a little bit before we go home … together.”

  “Of course,” Vince gritted out.

  “Great.” Jake squeezed Ally’s hand. “I’ll see you soon, angel.”

  Ally’s face was unreadable as he turned to walk away. “You definitely will,” she said. “I think it’s going to be a loud meeting of the minds, too.”

  The meaning of her words wasn’t lost on Jake as he heaved out a heavy sigh. “I’ll be back.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  “That makes two of us,” Vince said, his tone suggestive and smarmy.

  “And that will obviously be the highlight of my night,” Jake said.

  4

  Four

  “He seems … nice.”

  Ally was irritated with Jake’s proprietary attitude when he left to make his rounds, but she wasn’t exactly thrilled with Vince’s game playing. When she shifted her brown eyes to him, there was no warmth in her expression. “He’s very nice. I happen to love him a great deal.”

  “I guess that’s good for you,” Vince said. “What about me, though?”

  Ally’s patented “you’re a tool” expression came out to play. “What about you, Vince? Last time I saw you I believe you were pulling your pants on as you left my apartment. You said you had a business meeting out of town and would call me in a few days when you got back. That was a good five years ago.”

  Vince’s smile was rueful. “It was a long meeting, baby.”

  Ally frowned. “Don’t ever call me that.”

  “Oh, you used to like it when I called you that,” Vince said, chuckling. “You got all cuddly when I did.”

  “That was before James started calling his wife that and it became something of a running joke in our family,” Ally said, not missing a beat. “Mandy is the only ‘baby’ in the family now. Well, except for my nephew. He’s a baby so he’s technically a baby. He’s just not James’ baby. Wait … what was I talking about?”

  “How happy you are to see me.” Vince flashed what Ally assumed to be his most charming smile. She remembered it vaguely from years before, but she was immune to it now. “Hold up, though. Did you just say the blonde you were with earlier was married to James?”

  Ally nodded. “They’ve been married for more than a year.”

  “Did he knock her up? She looks pretty good for popping out a kid.”

  Ally’s scowl was murderous. “Why do people assume Mandy trapped James into getting married? He loves her.”

  “Hey, it wasn’t an insult about your friend,” Vince said, holding his hands up in a placating manner. “She’s freaking hot, if that’s what you’re worried about. It was just a commentary on your brother. He didn’t seem to be the marrying type last time our paths crossed.”

  “I wasn’t even sure you remembered him,” Ally said. “As for what type of man he is … well … he’s the best kind. He’s happy and he’s made my best friend practically euphoric. He’s a great husband.”

  “Okay,” Vince said. “I didn’t mean any offense. I’m sure you remember that your brother and I didn’t exactly see eye to eye.”

  Ally remembered the strife well. She was young and dumb when she hooked up with Vince. James recognized him for what he was and stepped in to protect his sister. Ally wasn’t happy with his overbearing attitude – which was normal during that stretch – so she laid into her brother and they didn’t talk for several weeks. By the time they made up Vince was long gone and Ally had learned a valuable lesson about trusting the right sort of men.

  “Yes, but he was right about you,” Ally pointed out. “You did use me and break my heart.”

  “Oh, I didn’t use you, Ally,” Vince argued. “I just … we were so young.”

  “We were young.”


  “And so dumb.”

  “You might’ve been dumb, but I’ve always been a genius,” Ally argued.

  “I did have a business trip and when I got out to California I fell in love with the state and they offered me a position out there,” Vince explained. “I didn’t want to leave you but … I was too young to settle down and I knew you wouldn’t move.”

  “You still could’ve called,” Ally said, crossing her arms over her chest. “Five minutes could’ve saved me a lot of worry and hurt.”

  “I’m sorry for that,” Vince offered. “I really am. I was a coward, though.”

  “Well … I guess it doesn’t matter. We’ve both moved on. It’s not as if we were going to spend the rest of our lives together or anything.”

  “No, I guess not,” Vince said. “Still, I would be lying if I said I didn’t think of you when I moved back to Michigan. I was going to look you up.”

  Ally snorted. “Sure you were.”

  “I was,” Vince said. “I’ve only been back a week and a half. I wanted to get the dealership up and running smoothly before I begged you for a second chance. I guess that’s not going to happen, though.”

  “No, it’s not,” Ally agreed. “Wait, dealership? Are you the one raffling off the free car?”

  “Yeah.” Vince bobbed his head up and down. “I own a series of dealerships now. I’m my own boss. I wanted something close to home so I could move back and be near my mother. I thought a free car giveaway would be a good way to draw attention to the business.”

  “That’s definitely an idea,” Ally said. “It’s an expensive idea, but it’s probably a good one.”

  “Well, I don’t want to brag … .”

  “Yes, you do.”

  Vince smirked. “You’re right. I do. I’m giving away an expensive car. How cool is that?”

  Ally shrugged. “I guess it’s cool. It would be cooler if you were able to make sure it goes to a needy family.”

  “Well, sadly, that’s not how a raffle works,” Vince said. “You can’t rig a raffle because it’s illegal. I understand what you’re saying, though.”