Page 60 of Deadly Conflicts

“Why is he back in the picture?”

“He’s not back in the picture,” Jake said, making a face. “He’s … a client.”

“Or a criminal,” Sven said. “So far this car appears normal. We haven’t gotten to the nitty-gritty yet, but I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. This might be a waste of time.”

“Speaking of time, I need to call and check on Mandy,” James said.

“Tell her to keep her big mouth shut while you’re at it,” Jake said. “She’s going to ruin everything if she’s not careful.”

“Just … calm down,” James chided. “You’re going to blow an aneurysm or something if you’re not careful.”

“She has a big mouth,” Jake repeated.

“Well, I’ll keep that in mind next time you need a shopping partner.”

Jake froze when he heard the familiar voice, shifting his eyes to the garage door and forcing a smile when he caught sight of Mandy. “I was just joking.”

“Uh-huh.” Mandy slid her gaze to James. “Miss me?”

“You look to be in a mood, wife,” James said, moving closer. “I was worried because you weren’t home. I was just about to call you.”

“I was late because I had a buttload of work to do,” Mandy said. “It was exacerbated by the work you asked me to do.”

“What work?” Rose asked.

“It doesn’t matter,” James replied. “Did you find anything?”

Mandy shook her head. “I didn’t have time to look. There’s a file on the kitchen counter you can go through when you have time.”

“What’s wrong with you?” James asked, annoyance getting the better of him. “You were fine when I saw you earlier. Speaking of that, where is your car? You obviously didn’t park in the driveway.”

“I parked on the street because the driveway was full and I didn’t want to block anyone in,” Mandy explained. “As for my mood … well … it was still good when I left the courthouse. Clint walked me out, by the way. He’s very excited about his engagement.”

“That’s nice … I guess,” James said. “I’m happy he’ll be married so he can stop drooling over you.”

“He doesn’t do that.”

“He does.”

“Whatever,” Mandy muttered. She had no idea why her irritation level was in the red zone, but walking into the garage and hearing Jake talk smack about her while James said nothing caused her last normal nerve to fray. “I’m going upstairs to change my clothes.”

“Not until you tell me what’s got your panties in a twist,” James snapped. “I don’t like your attitude.”

“You don’t like my attitude because it’s on display in front of your macho male club,” Mandy said.

“Wow, I don’t even recognize you right now,” James said. “The woman I left in her office this morning was the sweet wife I know and love. I’m pretty sure you’re an imposter.”

“And I’m pretty sure that you just sat there listening to Jake while he badmouthed me,” Mandy shot back. “That’s also really nice considering I gave up an entire day Sunday to help him shop so he could make Ally’s proposal perfect.”

“Proposal?” Rose’s eyes lit up and it was only then that Mandy realized her mistake.

“Oh, no.”

“Good one, wife,” James muttered, making a disgusted face as Jake dropped his forehead into his hands. “Now Ally is definitely going to find out. Great job.”

“You’re going to propose to Ally?” Rose was atwitter as she approached Jake. “When? Can I see the ring? Ooh, I’m so excited.”

“I’m sorry.” The apology sounded lame to Mandy’s ears. “I didn’t mean … .”