Page 31 of Deadly Conflicts

“Oh, I would love to see your filing system,” Mandy said, earning a grin from Sophie.

“I don’t care what your agenda is,” James said. “Move someplace else. Stay away from this blanket. This is a private family affair.”

“Oh, but I thought you were running security?” Vince challenged. “I’m giving a car away. You’re supposed to be in charge of that.”

“And I’ll handle it,” James gritted out.

“No, I’ll handle it,” Grady said. “I think that’s best for everyone. I’m the only one who doesn’t have a history with this guy.”

“I don’t have a history with him,” Jake pointed out.

“No, you’d just like to make him history,” Grady said, kissing Sophie’s cheek before pushing himself to a standing position. “Why don’t you show me the car and we’ll go from there? I’ll handle security on the raffle.”

“That’s not necessary,” James said. “I … that’s my job.”

“Well, occasionally you pay me well to do your job,” Grady said. “I would prefer no one go to jail. I’ll handle it and then we won’t have to see this jackass ever again.”

Vince clenched his jaw as he debated how to reply. Finally he gave Grady a curt nod and glanced at Ally. “I’m sorry if things got out of hand. You should know that wasn’t my intention.”

“I don’t know what your intention was, but I think Sophie’s right,” Ally said. “I think you came over here because you wanted to press James’ buttons. I just can’t figure out why. If you thought … .”

Ally didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence because the distinct sound of gunfire filled the air, followed closely by the roar of a loud engine and squealing vehicle tires as they hit pavement. She snapped her head to the side, surprised, but Vince was already diving in her direction to cover her. Jake barely registered what was happening as he rolled to his knees and pulled Ally away from Vince, sheltering her with his body as he scanned the area behind him. Grady was on top of Sophie as he followed Jake’s gaze and James had Mandy’s head buried beneath his arm as he pressed her low to the ground.

“What the hell?” James asked, annoyed. “Do you see a shooter?”

Grady shook his head. “I … no. I think whoever it was took off in a car. It’s probably a drive-by. That area on the other side of the river is rich with gang activity these days. It might’ve crossed over.”

“Did you see the car?” James fought Mandy’s efforts to lift her head. “You stay down there, wife. I’ll let you up when I’m sure it’s safe.”

“I can’t breathe.”

“You’ll live,” James muttered, rubbing his thumb against her cheek to calm her before locking gazes with Grady. “We need to find out if anyone is hurt.”

“Forget hurt,” Vince spat, dusting off the knees of his suit. “Who cares if anyone was hurt?”

“I do,” James replied. “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m running the security detail here.”

“Oh, no, I haven’t forgotten,” Vince said. “How can I? You’re going to be the one responsible for bringing back my stolen car.”

James’ forehead creased. “What are you talking about?”

Vince pointed at the empty spot at the front of the parking lot. “My car! In case you haven’t noticed, the car I was going to raffle off was stolen. That’s on you, Mr. Security. Good job.” Vince flashed a sarcastic thumbs-up for James’ benefit.

“Crap,” James muttered, realization dawning. “It wasn’t a drive-by shooting.”

“Nope,” Jake intoned. “It was a robbery.”

“Oh, wow, give the security guys a gold star,” Vince said. “They figured out the obvious … after I told them what was going on.”

“Okay,” James said. “I really need to punch him now.”

“I still can’t breathe,” Mandy complained.

James relented and let his wife up, pulling her close for a hug. “I think our night just got shot to hell, baby. Everybody is okay, though. That’s all that matters.”

Mandy didn’t appear surprised – or bothered, for that matter – by the admission. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

“Isn’t that the truth?”