Page 28 of Deadly Forever

“It’s not too much,” Mandy said, squeezing his hand. “It’s just … different. It’s weird. I don’t even feel as if I belong here now that Heidi is gone. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“You belong with me,” James said. He refused to pretend that he wasn’t thrilled with her decision to leave the courthouse. He never felt she was safe there thanks to the never-ending stream of prisoners and lecherous lawyers crossing her path. “You’re too good for this place.”

“I think you’re just saying that because you kind of like me,” Mandy teased.

“I’m saying that because it’s true,” James countered, leading Mandy up the steps and glaring at one of the lawyers as he not-so-subtly stared in their direction. What happened to Mandy at the hands of the former security guard who worked there wasn’t a secret. That didn’t mean James wanted people staring and making his beloved wife uncomfortable. “And, for the record, I don’t kind of like you. I totally love you.”

“Oh, so cute,” Mandy said. “Does that mean you want to go back to bed with me once we’re done here?”

James grinned. “Always.”

They rode the elevator to Mandy’s old floor, James opting to remain quiet and let Mandy soak everything in rather than push her to define what she was feeling. If she needed him, he would be there. He refused to be overbearing, though.

They moved down the hallway that led to the judge’s private chambers and Mandy couldn’t stop herself from glancing into her old office. She pulled up short when she saw the woman inside. She was young … and blonde … and wearing the same kind of pencil skirt Mandy favored when she worked in the building. It was almost like Mandy was looking at a vision of herself from six years before.

“That is definitely weird,” Mandy muttered.

“What’s weird?” James asked, legitimately curious. “Why are you staring at that woman? Is it because she’s in your old office? Do you think we can get her to leave so we can get naked in there one last time?”

“Don’t you see what I see?” Mandy asked, dumbfounded.

“What?”

“She looks just like me,” Mandy whispered. “She has the same hair and skirt. It’s freaky.”

James chuckled, amused. “She doesn’t look anything like you, baby,” he said. “There’s only one you. Granted, the skirt is similar. I miss the skirts. You promised to dress up like a dirty secretary for me, but you haven’t done it yet.

“As for the hair, your hair is longer and prettier,” he continued. “You have a cuter nose. You’re thinner. You have a better smile. That woman is also wearing enough makeup to make a clown jealous. You don’t need makeup.”

Mandy didn’t want to take joy in the words, but she couldn’t help herself. “Really?”

“Really,” James confirmed. “You’re the prettiest woman in the world. That woman in there isn’t even close.”

“Thank you.”

Mandy relaxed as they resumed their trek. She was relieved when she found Judge MacIntosh’s door open and he lifted his head when he sensed someone standing in the doorway. His mouth split with a wide grin when he realized who stood there.

“Mandy!”

Mandy released James’ hand and hurried into the room, throwing her arms around her former boss’s neck. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“And I you,” MacIntosh said, exchanging a warm handshake with James before gesturing toward the chairs across from his desk. “Sit. I’m so happy to see you.”

“We’re not interrupting, are we?” Mandy asked, glancing around. “We can come back.”

“I am not in the regular rotation these days,” MacIntosh reminded her. “I’ll be retiring at the first of the year and right now I’m simply filling in for the other judges as I finish out my term.”

“Do you like that?” James asked.

MacIntosh shrugged. “It’s something of a relief,” he replied. “I find I don’t have the energy or will to preside over a lengthy court battle these days. I’m much happier to prepare myself for the next phase.”

“That’s good,” James said. “You’ve earned it.”

“Speaking of earning it, how are you?” MacIntosh asked, focusing on Mandy. “Are you enjoying your days as a full-time artist?”

“I haven’t had time to paint since we’re planning a triple wedding, but I expect that I will once everyone leaves on their honeymoon,” Mandy answered. “It’s been a busy few weeks.”

“And we’ve had a spot of trouble … again,” James added, smirking when the judge widened his eyes. “The girls were at the mall the other day.” James didn’t have to explain further. He knew the judge understood what he was getting at.