Page 40 of Deadly Conflicts

11

Eleven

Jake pickedMandy up at her house the next morning, making a face when he got out of his truck and realized Louis and James were waiting, too.

“I didn’t realize this was going to be a group outing,” Jake said, conflicted. “I … why are you guys going?”

“We’re not going,” James replied. “I have no inclination to go ring shopping with you and my wife. That sounds like a special kind of torture that only you can truly enjoy.”

Mandy and Jake made twin faces of disgust, causing Louis to chuckle.

“Then why are you here?” Jake asked.

“Because I didn’t want Mandy waiting alone in case … well, you know,” James replied, casting a furtive look in his father’s direction. He obviously didn’t want to discuss Mandy’s penchant for finding trouble in front of an audience. “I’m also trying to talk my father out of going to Peter’s house with me.”

Jake’s eyebrows shot up. “Peter? Why are you going over there?”

In addition to being Sophie Lane’s adopted father, Peter Marconi was also a high-ranking figure in the Detroit mafia scene. The Hardy family had a unique relationship with the man and went to him on certain cases when they were stuck looking for answers, but Jake was surprised James deemed Vince’s missing car as important enough to bother the man.

“He’s going to give me a list of chop shops,” James replied. “I wasn’t planning on going over there until Dad insisted he wanted to meet Peter. Now we’re going on a special outing, too.”

“Ha, ha,” Mandy intoned, wagging a finger in front of James’ nose. “That’s what you get for telling Jake I’m going to torture him.”

“I didn’t say you were going to torture him, wife,” James clarified, snagging Mandy’s finger and pressing a kiss to the tip. “I said ring shopping with you when you’re picking the perfect ring out for Ally sounded torturous. There’s a difference.”

“Not really,” Jake said.

“No one asked you,” James snapped. “Don’t make me regret loaning you my wife.”

Mandy made a face. “Loaning him your wife?”

“That came out wrong,” James said. “For the record, I would never loan you to anyone. You’re all mine and I’m thrilled that’s the way it’s going to be for the rest of our very long lives.”

“Smooth,” Mandy said, although she still appeared standoffish with her husband. “Maybe you should loan me out. You seem open to the suggestion.”

“Oh, man,” James groused, pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead. “Are you going to do this all day? I thought we made up last night. My fingers still hurt and I dreamed we were stuck on that banana boat when the shark attacked in the fourth Jaws movie. It was creepy, wife.”

“Banana boat?” Louis wrinkled his nose. “Son, you need to branch out on your viewing habits.”

“Don’t blame me,” James said. “Blame her.”

“Oh, I can’t blame her,” Louis countered. “She’s perfect.”

Mandy beamed at her father-in-law, reminding Jake they had a special relationship all their own. Since Mandy and Ally grew up together, Louis and Rose knew Mandy from when she was quite small. They loved her as much as they did their own children.

“I should’ve married you,” Mandy said, kissing Louis’ cheek. “You know how to treat me right.”

“Yes, and I’m sure Mom will love hearing that,” James said.

“Leave her alone,” Louis said, lightly slapping his son’s arm. “She has good taste.”

“She does,” James agreed, snagging Mandy by the back of the neck and pulling her so her body was flush against his. “I love you and don’t want to fight. I’ll make up for whatever bad thing I said when you get home tonight.”

“I’ll consider your offer and get back to you,” Mandy said, although she offered her cheek to James so he could kiss it. “I love you, too.”

“Have fun,” James said, swatting Mandy’s rear end as she skipped toward Jake’s truck. “Watch her.”

“I won’t let her out of my sight,” Jake said. “I promise to keep her safe.”