Page 82 of Deadly Conflicts

Ally made a disgusted face but refrained from slapping him, which was what she really wanted to do. “So, what do you want?”

“Money.”

Ally stilled, surprised. “Money?”

“Yes, and you’re going to get a lot of it for me, Ally,” Vince said. “If you don’t, I’m going to have to start hurting you. You’re the type of woman who won’t do the right thing until she tries every wrong thing in the book first. I don’t have time for that. So, you’re either going to give me money or I’m going to start breaking bones. Which is it going to be?”

“HE’Sinside the living room and Ally is sitting on the couch,” Jake said, greeting James on the street corner before the man could completely vacate his Explorer. She looks okay, a little scared maybe, but she’s alive. I don’t think he’s armed, which is good for us.”

James rested his hand on Jake’s shoulder, cringing when Jake’s eyes traveled to the back of the Explorer and witnessed Louis and Rose climbing out of the back seat. “We’ll get her back.”

“What are they doing here?” Jake was flabbergasted.

“They heard us talking in the garage and insisted on joining us,” Grady said. “We didn’t have time to argue.”

“That’s my baby,” Louis said, his forehead creasing. “Why aren’t we rushing the house?”

“Because we don’t want to get Ally killed,” James snapped. He was at his wit’s end. He clearly didn’t want to work in front of an audience but saw no other choice. “You guys get back in that truck and be quiet.”

“You be quiet,” Rose shot back. “You’re not the boss of me.”

“Oh, I just … .” James pinched the bridge of his nose. “This is like the worst day ever.”

“It will be fine,” Rodrigo said, moving to the spot next to James. He and Sven followed the family to Ally’s house, refusing to leave when they knew they could help. “Ally is strong and Vince can’t kill her. She’s the only leverage he’s got.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” James said.

“How are we going to do this?” Louis asked, rubbing his hands together. “Should I pretend to be a deliveryman and punch Vince when he comes to the door?”

“Oh, my … no!” James glanced down the street, his gaze falling on Ally’s house. Everyone was smart enough to park almost a block away to avoid Vince seeing them. He didn’t know they were there. That was an advantage. “We’re going to play this smart.”

“Oh, well, there’s a first time for everything,” Grady deadpanned.

James ignored him. He knew his brother was talking out of both sides of his mouth because he was worried. He always did that. Ally being in danger upset everyone, especially the Hardy brother she fought with most often.

“Rodrigo and Sven are going through the back,” James said. “We want Vince focused on us, which means Jake and I are going through the front. Grady, I want you to go with Sven and Rodrigo. You know that trick to the lock on Ally’s back gate.”

Grady wordlessly nodded.

“Why do you want Vince’s attention on you?” Louis asked, legitimately curious. “Wouldn’t it be better if you just jumped through the front window and grabbed him?”

“In theory,” James replied. “What happens if Vince panics, though? He’s closer to Ally and might be able to get his hands on her before we can stop him. We do not want him using her as a human shield. The police are on the way. We need to focus on him from the front and let the other three go in through the back and get Ally. It’s the safest course.”

“How do you know he’ll focus on you?” Rose asked.

James exchanged a smug look with Jake. “I think we can pretty much guarantee it,” he said, shifting his eyes to Jake’s truck. Mandy sat in the passenger seat, her eyes glued to the house. She looked anxious. “Give me twenty seconds.”

He hurried over to the window and waited for Mandy to roll it down.

“Go get her,” Mandy instructed. She’d been crying. James recognized the puffy redness surrounding her eyes.

“I’m going, baby,” James said, cupping the back of her head. “You stay right here. Don’t leave this truck. I’ll bring Ally out to you.”

Mandy chewed on her bottom lip and nodded.

“Watch my parents while you’re at it,” James said. “They might panic. They’re not used to tense situations like us.”

“Like us?” Mandy blew out a sigh. “Be careful.”