Page 22 of Deadly Forever

“Because he didn’t want to go to prison?”

“He mentioned prison rape in a roundabout way,” Mandy supplied. “I think he was more frightened of prison than dying.”

“He was a young kid. I don’t blame him.” Grady turned back to the computer. “Are you worried about James? Is that why you’re his shadow today?”

“Did he tell you about that?” Mandy asked, legitimately curious and confused. “I know he’s been agitated because I insisted on going with him, but I honestly can’t figure out when he had time to call or text you.”

“Not him,” Grady replied. “Sophie told me. She also told me about your dirty assistant game and I was looking forward to leaving the office early because I didn’t want to risk seeing you guys dusting the desk.”

“Ha, ha.” Mandy flicked Grady’s ear. “I just want him to relax a little. He’s tense, even though he won’t admit it.”

“He’ll be okay, Mandy,” Grady said. “He loves you more than anything and as long as you’re together he’ll be fine.”

“I just wish it didn’t happen,” Mandy lamented. “He deserves better than having his hero badge tarnished because the bad guy was essentially a kid.”

Grady snorted. “His hero badge?”

“It’s a thing … that I just made up.”

“Oh, you guys are so cute you make me want to puke sometimes,” Grady said, shaking his head. “I’m surprised you didn’t make him a hero crown or something.”

“Oh, fun.” Mandy clapped her hands. “A crown would be much better. I’m going to make him stop at the crafts store on the way home so I can get some gems to glue to his crown.”

“Yay, a new filthy game for the two of you to play,” Grady said, shaking his head. “You’re a sick, sick woman.”

“I’m going to be a sick, sick queen to his bossy king tonight,” Mandy said. “I … .” She didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence because the bell over the front door rang, signifying a customer’s entry. When she lifted her eyes to the door, she found an angry man, fists clenched at his sides as he sucked in huge mouthfuls of air, staring at her. “Um … Grady?”

“I’ll be right with you,” Grady said without glancing up, shifting the computer to Mandy’s lap. “Read through that and tell me if you find anything.”

Mandy took the computer, but her eyes remained on the red-faced man in the entryway. “Grady … .”

Grady finally recognized the shift in Mandy’s demeanor and swiveled toward the door, hopping to his feet when he sensed danger. He didn’t waste more than two seconds ascertaining the situation. “Go into James’ office right now.”

Mandy considered arguing but wisely changed her mind when she saw the man storm in Grady’s direction. She didn’t knock on James’ door, instead throwing it open and scurrying inside.

James didn’t look happy to see her. “What are you doing?”

“Something bad is about to happen,” Mandy announced, pointing. “I think he’s going to try and kill Grady.”

James’ face flooded with color when his gaze drifted toward the lobby. “What the … ? Now what?”

7

Seven

“Marty, what are you doing here?”

Graham looked confused when he focused on the new visitor. James ignored his reaction and prodded Mandy closer to the wall as he eased through the doorframe. Grady remained rooted to his spot, his hands clenched at his sides in case the new face opted to attack. James hoped for a peaceful outcome, though, so he decided to talk to the man rather than attack right out of the gate.

“Can I help you?”

“This is Marty Landers,” Graham supplied nervously. He didn’t move to stop James, or join the other man, but he was clearly worried about the situation coming to blows. “He’s Dakota Landers’ father.”

James pursed his lips as he studied Landers, his weighted gaze long and considering. “Is there something you want?” he asked finally. He wasn’t keen on making the man’s grief worse but he wasn’t going to put up with nonsense either.

“I’m here to talk to you,” Landers barked, his face red. “I want to know why you killed my son.”

“As far as I know, I didn’t kill your son,” James replied evenly. “I killed Nathan Graham, at least that’s what Mr. Graham just informed me. Do you have information that says otherwise?”