Page 57 of Deadly Conflicts

“Wow. That was impressive. You made yourself pitiful and a sex god in the same sentence. I’ll never doubt you again.”

James smiled. “Does that mean you’ll do it?”

“I guess,” Mandy replied. “Who do you want me to do a search on?”

“Vince Dawkins.”

Mandy stilled. “Seriously?”

“Something weird is going on here, baby,” James said. “We found the car. There’s nothing wrong with it. Someone abandoned it in the middle of a garage that’s due to be demolished in a few days. The whole thing stinks.”

“And you think Vince has something to do with it?”

James shrugged. “I think I don’t like him so I need you to look at the information and tell me what you think because I can’t be objective.”

“You trust me that much, huh?”

“I trust you with my heart, baby. That means I trust you more than anyone.”

“Okay, I’ll do it,” Mandy said, accepting James’ hasty kiss before he moved away from her desk. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going back to high school,” James replied, taking her by surprise.

“Meaning?”

“I was going to take the car right back to Vince, but something is bugging me about it so instead we’re taking it apart. We’re starting our own auto shop club in the garage at home.”

Mandy snorted, earning a derisive look from James. “You can’t take a car apart. You pay to have your oil changed.”

“Yes, well, we’re not doing it ourselves,” James said. “Sven and Rodrigo are helping.”

“By choice?”

“Sven is bored.”

“Well, at least you’ll have supervision,” Mandy said. “Don’t drive that car after you take it apart and put it back together. I like you in one piece.”

“I’m pretty sure that was an insult.”

“Hey, I can’t cook and you’re not mechanical,” Mandy said. “We both have our lots in life. We might as well accept it.”

“Done,” James said, giving her another kiss. “I do want to look under your hood tonight when you get home, though. I’ll show you what I’ve learned.”

“I’m pretty sure that will be the highlight of my day.”