Deadly Questions (Hardy Brothers Security Book 8) (14 page)

“You look like hell,” Grady said, pulling up short when he caught his first glimpse of James Wednesday morning.

“I feel like hell,” James said, rubbing the stubble on his chin.

“What’s wrong?”

“Women.”

Grady pursed his lips, his eyes lighting with amusement. “They are odd creatures. What’s wrong with yours?”

“She’s not speaking to me.”

“Why?”

“I … I screwed up,” James said.

“What else is new?”

“I shouldn’t have asked her to lie to Ally,” James said. “It was unfair.”

“I take it Ally found out what Jake has been up to?” Grady settled in the chair across from James’ desk. “How did she find out?”

“Mandy told her.”

“Well, you had to know that was coming,” Grady said. “Mandy held on a heck of a lot longer than I thought she would.”

“Ally called Mandy all hysterical last night because she thought Jake had lost interest in her and was cheating on her,” James supplied.

“It’s been four days,” Grady said. “How is that even possible?”

“You know our sister,” James said. “She can convince herself of almost anything.”

“So, Mandy told her the truth? Well, at least it’s out now. I don’t understand why Mandy isn’t speaking to you, though.”

“Ally didn’t take things well,” James said. “She’d been crying. It looked like she’d gone all out and made dinner for Jake, and then when he didn’t show up she just … melted down.”

“She has to understand why we did it,” Grady said.

“I think she does,” James said. “She wasn’t screaming and yelling when we got there. She was pouting, and she’d been crying, but she was calm.”

“That doesn’t sound like Ally.”

“No,” James agreed. “She didn’t even try to pull my hair.”

“I still don’t understand why Mandy is so upset.”

“Ally called off their friendship,” James said. “She says that Mandy betrayed her by not telling her right away. She said she expected Jake and me to lie while trying to protect her, but she can’t forgive Mandy for doing the same. I left Jake with her to work things out. I’m hoping she calms down.”

“So, Mandy is upset because Ally is upset,” Grady said.

“Yup.”

“And you’re upset because Mandy is upset.”

“I’m … frustrated,” James said. “I don’t understand why everything has to be so dramatic with them. It’s ridiculous. They’re adults, for crying out loud.”

“They’re adults who were close as kids,” Grady corrected.

“So?”

“So, that means that they regress when they fight,” Grady said. “Ally will get over it. She always does.”

“Well, until she does, I’m on punishment,” James said.

Grady arched an eyebrow. “Punishment?”

“Mandy says I’m grounded.”

Grady barked out a laugh. “You’re grounded? So, that’s why you look like you do. You’ve been cut off from the loving.”

“Oh, it’s not so funny when it’s you, is it?” Finn asked, wandering into the office.

James scowled. “Were you eavesdropping?”

“You guys were talking out in the open,” Finn shot back. “That’s hardly eavesdropping.”

“Whatever,” James said, running his hand through his hair. “Please tell me we have something new.”

“Nope,” Finn said. “We’re exactly where we were a week ago. Where’s Jake?”

“He went back to the warehouse,” James said. “He sent me a text this morning.”

“I thought Ally would have put the kibosh on that,” Grady mused.

“Maybe she’s more reasonable than we give her credit for,” Finn suggested.

“I doubt that,” James said. “Maybe I should go and try to talk to her?”

“That sounds like a really bad idea,” Grady said. “Give her some time to cool down. She’ll forgive Mandy, and then everything will be fine.”

“I don’t like it when my wife won’t talk to me,” James said. “She was talking to me last night. It was pouty, but she was still talking. This morning, though? Nothing.”

“You were hoping she would just wake up and be happy?” Grady asked.

“Not happy,” James conceded. “I was hoping that she would be calmer, willing to listen to reason.”

“That’s not going to happen until they make up,” Finn said.

James massaged the back of his neck, considering. “So, what you’re saying is, we have to get them together so they hash things out.”

“I don’t think that’s what I was saying,” Finn hedged.

“No, that’s what you were saying.”

“What are you thinking?” Grady asked.

“I’m thinking that Sophie is going to take Mandy out for drinks tonight,” James said.

“She is?”

“Yup,” James said, nodding. “And then Emma is going to take Ally out for drinks, and they’re just going to happen to show up at the same place.”

“When did you become a teenage girl?” Finn asked. “All this plotting is very
Gossip Girl
.”

“I’m not sure Sophie is going to agree to this,” Grady said. “She’s … obsessed right now. She spends every waking moment searching through files and doing research on the Internet. I don’t think a girls’ night is on the agenda.”

“You’re worried about her, aren’t you?” James asked.

“I’ve seen her go crazy for a story before,” Grady said. “There’s something different about this. She’s only sleeping like four hours a night. She’s going to kill herself.”

“Have you tried talking to her?”

“Of course I have,” Grady replied. “She says nothing is wrong and to stop worrying. I’m in a bad spot. She doesn’t like to be crowded, but the more she overworks herself, the more I start to crowd her. I feel like a needy chick.”

Finn smirked. “Oh, poor Grady,” he said. “Such a sad lad.”

“You’re a pain,” Grady said, cuffing his brother on the back of his head. “You have no idea how frustrating it is to live in the same house with Sophie right now.”

“Hey, Emma isn’t much better,” Finn said. “She’s got all this guilt coursing through her because of the Lily situation, and she blames me for having to force Lily out.”

“Is she speaking to you?” James asked.

“Barely.”

“Well, you’re still doing better than I am.”

“I can’t believe how whiny you are today,” Grady said. “It’s not like Mandy has never been mad at you before. Heck, she was royally pissed the day she had to pick us up downtown after we got arrested. She’ll get over it.”

“It’s not that she’s angry,” James said. “I can deal with that. If I thought it was just because she was angry, I would just wrestle her down and sit on her until she forgives me. She can’t stay mad for very long.”

“So, what’s the problem?” Grady asked.

“She’s hurt,” James said. “She hurt Ally, and then Ally hurt her back, and she’s all … sad and morose. I can’t fix it, and I think that’s the biggest problem. This is completely out of my hands.”

Grady sighed. “I’ll call Sophie. She could probably use a night out, and if I tell her why, she’ll be willing to do it. She doesn’t like it when we all fight.”

“Emma will do it, too,” Finn said. “She loves it when they all go out. She should especially be happy when she hears you’re paying for everything.”

James growled with disgust, but he dug into his wallet. “I’m going to go broke because of these women.”

“It’s a good thing your blonde is worth it then, huh?” Grady teased.

“She’s worth it,” James said. “I just … I can’t stand it when she’s sad.”

“HEY
, Jake,” Wayne said, sidling up to his new co-worker with a sly smile. “You look like you had a rough night.”

That was an understatement, Jake thought. Even though Ally said she’d forgiven him, she’d been distant when he kissed her goodbye this morning. He’d been wracking his brain for ideas on how to make her feel better since he got to the warehouse. The problem was, Jake wasn’t sure he could fix the problem. Sure, his lies had hurt her, but the real problem was Mandy. Ally was off balance without her friend, but she was adamant about not forgiving her. There was no way things between Jake and Ally could be fixed until Mandy and Ally made up. Jake didn’t know a lot about women, but he was sure about that.

“I didn’t get much sleep,” Jake admitted.

“I thought you were swearing off women?”

Jake faltered. “I had a few too many beers,” he lied. “Trust me, if I’d been with a woman last night, I would feel a lot worse than this.”

“Oh, that sucks,” Wayne said, brightening. “You really are anti-women right now, aren’t you?”

“Definitely,” Jake said.

“So, why did you tie one on?”

“It’s that rat hole I’m living in,” Jake said. “I need to find a way to make some fast money so I can get out of there.”

Wayne looked him up and down. “I might have something in a few days.”

Jake kept his face neutral. “What?”

“I’m not sure yet,” Wayne replied, refusing to expand on the offer. “I’m still waiting to hear details myself. When I know, I’ll let you know.”

“Cool,” Jake said. “I can’t tell you how much I want to get out of this place.”

“Hey, brother, you’re preaching to the choir,” Wayne said.

“ARE
you sure this is a good idea?”

When Sophie had seen Grady’s name pop up on her cellphone, she’d considered not answering. Only the hope that he had new information could tear her away from the files she was poring through. She’d asked the Detroit Police Department for a copy of all their missing-person files for the past year. She had no idea that would encompass more than a thousand people – and each one of those people had to be individually followed up on. It was exhausting.

When Grady had broached the subject of a girls’ night out, Sophie had immediately begged off. She had a big story sitting in front of her, and it wasn’t going to write – or solve – itself. When Grady explained about the previous night’s blowup, Sophie’s resolve began to fade.

“James is miserable,” Grady said. “From what I understand, Mandy and Ally are miserable, too. And, even though I haven’t seen him today, I think it’s a fair bet that Jake is miserable. The only way for everyone to stop being miserable is for Mandy and Ally to make up.”

“Don’t they always fight and then make up on their own?” Sophie argued.

“Yes,” Grady said. “Although, I think this time they’re going to need a push.”

“What if they get mad at me?”

“Once they see each other, they’re going to get everything out,” Grady promised. “They’re tragically co-dependent. Twenty-four hours without talking to each other is pretty much going to be their limit.”

“I don’t know.”

“Sugar, you could use a night off, too,” Grady said.

“I’m fine,” Sophie protested.

“I know you’re fine,” he said. “I just want you to take a step back for a few hours and get some air.”

“Watching your sister and Mandy fight doesn’t sound like a relaxing evening,” Sophie countered.

“Fine,” Grady said. “You don’t have to go. I just thought you would want to help Mandy and Ally. It’s not a big deal. They can both cry themselves to sleep for a few more nights until they’re ready to make up on their own.”

“Oh, that is such a low blow,” Sophie grumbled.

“I’ve got to use whatever weapons I have,” Grady said. “You’re a tough nut to crack.”

“Fine,” Sophie said. “A girls’ night out it is. If this blows up in my face, though, James isn’t going to be the only one grounded. I can promise you that.”

“I’ll have the switch ready so you can whip me,” Grady teased.

“So, why are we here again?” Ally asked, shifting her gaze from Emma to the busy bar. “I didn’t think this was your kind of scene.”

“I just needed a night out,” Emma said. “I didn’t want to do it alone. I figured you’d want to go out, too. One of the other models at the fair the other day mentioned this place. I figured it couldn’t hurt.”

Ally shrugged. “Whatever. I just want a few drinks. I need to drown my sorrows.”

“I heard about what happened last night,” Emma said, scanning the crowd until she caught sight of two familiar figures sitting at a table in the back corner. “I’m sorry about all of that.”

“It’s not your fault,” Ally said. “It’s not like you lied to me.”

“I think there’s an open table over here,” Emma said, tugging on Ally’s arm. “Let’s get some drinks in you.”

“That sounds good to me,” Ally replied. “I just … oh, what the hell?”

Mandy jerked her head up when she heard Ally’s voice, shooting a hard look in Sophie’s direction. “You just had a hankering for a beer, huh?”

“Oh, wow, what a coincidence,” Sophie said. “Fancy seeing you guys here.”

“The bar is busy,” Emma said. “There are no other tables.”

“We just happen to have two extra seats,” Sophie said, pointing. “Why don’t you sit down?”

Ally scowled. “I’m going to kill … someone.”

“Why don’t you sit next to Sophie,” Emma said, directing Ally to the opposite side of the table from where Mandy was sitting. “I’ll sit next to Mandy, just to be on the safe side.”

Ally slid into the chair, crossing her arms over her chest as she proceeded to pout. “Whose idea was this?”

“They have great appletinis here,” Sophie said. “You should try one.”

“Seriously, whose idea was this?”

“Don’t look at me,” Mandy said, her face grim. “Sophie just said we were going out for drinks. She didn’t mention anything about the two of you.”

“We just thought it would be a good idea for you two to hash out your issues,” Emma said, twisting her hands nervously. “We don’t like it when you’re fighting.”

“And we thought forcing you two into a public setting would keep the screaming to a minimum,” Sophie added. “Or, at least we’re hoping that will be the case.”

Ally rolled her eyes. “I have nothing to say to her. She’s a traitor.”

“Ally, I don’t know how many ways I can say how sorry I am,” Mandy hissed. “I wanted to tell you. James told me it was a bad idea. He told me if I told you that you would be worried about Jake. I didn’t want that.”

“Is someone talking? I hear this weird buzzing in my ear, like a gnat.”

“Stop that right now, Ally,” Sophie warned. “Mandy is apologizing.”

“I don’t care,” Ally said. “She lied to me.”

“Your brothers and Jake lied to you, too,” Sophie pointed out. “You don’t seem half as angry with them.”

“I’m used to them lying to me out of some inane attempt to protect me,” Ally said. “James still looks at me as if I’m five and I can’t cross the street without holding his hand. Mandy was supposed to be my friend.”

“I am your friend,” Mandy said. “I … I shouldn’t have done it. I told James I wasn’t comfortable with it. He just made me think that telling you was going to be the same as hurting you, and I let him convince me to go against my own conscience.”

“You were just doing what you thought was right,” Emma said, patting her hand. “Deep down, Ally knows that.”

“No Ally doesn’t,” Ally countered. “She was doing what was best for her.”

“That’s so unfair, Ally,” Mandy complained. “You know I would never purposely hurt you.”

“And yet you did.”

Mandy and Ally both crossed their arms over their chests, refusing to look at one another. Sophie and Emma exchanged helpless looks. This wasn’t going as planned.

“Hello, ladies.”

Ally scowled as she glanced up at the man staring down at her. “What do you want?”

“Oh, don’t be like that,” the man said. “My name is Kevin. What’s your name?”

“Not interested.”

“Is that hyphenated?” Kevin asked, flashing a set of charming dimples in Ally’s direction. “So, do you mind if my friends and I join you?”

“Actually we do,” Mandy replied. “We’re in the middle of something.”

“You could be in the middle of us, if you want.”

Mandy held up her left hand and pointed to her ring finger. “I’m married.”

“Happily?”

“Yes,” Ally said, swatting Kevin’s hand away as he tried to touch her hair. “We’re all in relationships. Go and hit on someone else. We’re having a discussion.”

“It looks like you were fighting,” Kevin said.

“We were,” Ally said. “That’s why we don’t need your help to make things worse.”

“You’re kind of rude,” Kevin said.

“I’ve worked hard at perfecting my craft,” Ally deadpanned.

“It’s a good thing I like rude,” Kevin said, nudging between Ally’s legs with his knee. “Why don’t you get up and I’ll sit there. I’ll even let you sit on my lap.”

“She told you we’re not interested,” Mandy said. “Stop bugging her.”

“No one is talking to you, bitch,” Kevin said. He turned back to Ally. “Why are all blondes such bitches?”

“Don’t talk about her that way,” Ally warned. “I’m not joking. Leave us alone.”

“I like your mouth,” Kevin said. “I have lots of ideas for things to do with it.”

Ally grabbed Kevin’s hand, twisting viciously and causing Kevin to yelp. “If you don’t leave right now I’m going to break it.”

Kevin jerked his hand away. “There’s no need to be hostile.”

“Obviously there is,” Ally said. “You don’t seem to understand English.”

“Fine,” Kevin said. “Have a nice night, bitches.”

Ally glanced across the table, finally meeting Mandy’s eyes. She wasn’t ready to forgive, but she’d already had enough of this place for one night. “Let’s get out of here,” Ally said. “I really don’t feel like drinking anymore.”

“Where do you want to go?” Sophie asked.

“There’s a coffee shop down the street,” Ally replied. “Let’s go there.”

THE
walk to the Mud Hut wasn’t long, but it felt tedious. Ally refused to fall into step with Mandy, so that meant Emma had to take a lead position while Sophie and Mandy followed.

“Are you okay?” Sophie asked.

“I’m fine. I just wish Ally would forgive me.”

“She will,” Sophie said. “Just give her time.”

“I hope so,” Mandy said. “I miss her.”

Sophie wrapped her arm around Mandy’s back. “I know you do.”

Emma held open the door of the coffee shop, ushering everyone inside ahead of her. Once their orders were placed and filled, they filed into a booth.

“This is nice,” Emma said. “So quieter than the bar.”

“And without the annoying entertainment,” Mandy grumbled.

Sophie arched an eyebrow as she met Emma’s gaze across the table. The Hardys were good people. They were a strong family. They were also an unbelievable amount of work. Sophie was about to say just that when a tentative hand on her shoulder caught her attention.

The young woman standing there looked lost and unsure. She was busily scanning the coffee shop, even while she was trying to get Sophie’s attention.

“Can I help you?”

“You’re Sophie Lane, aren’t you?”

Sophie nodded.

“You’re the reporter from the Daily Tribune who is investigating the missing women down by the border,” the girl pressed. “That’s you, right?”

Sophie stilled. “It is. Can I ask how you know that?”

“I heard it from someone down by the bridge,” the girl said. “I came looking for you. I’ve been up here for two days. You’re never at your office.”

“I wasn’t told anyone had tried to contact me there,” Sophie said.

“I didn’t leave my name,” the girl said. “The secretary was … mean.”

“Marge is a real piece of work,” Sophie agreed. “Why don’t you sit down?”

The girl looked unsure.

“How about some coffee?” Emma offered.

“I don’t have any money,” the girl said, brushing her hands down her ragged shirt, embarrassment etched on her face.

“What do you like?” Emma asked.

“Oh, no, I couldn’t,” she said.

Emma got to her feet. “I’ll pick something out for you.”

Sophie gestured to the seat Emma had vacated. “Sit.”

The young woman did as Sophie instructed.

“So, someone down at the bridge told you about me?” Sophie asked.

“There’s a lot of talk down there right now,” the woman said. “Your name came up. They said you’re investigating the missing women.”

“What’s your name?” Sophie asked.

“I … um … you can call me Misty.”

“Okay, Misty,” Sophie said, doubting very much that the girl had given her a real moniker. “Do you know something about the missing women?”

“Everyone knows down there,” Misty said. “They just don’t want to talk about it.”

“What are they saying?”

“They’re saying that women are disappearing, at least one a week now,” Misty said. “I didn’t believe the rumors at first, but then … well, a friend of mine went missing.”

“What’s her name?” Sophie asked.

“We don’t use real names down there,” Misty said. “It’s easier to just create a new person when you’re doing what we’re doing. It makes it easier to … you know … not think about it.”

“Okay,” Sophie said. “What did you call her?”

“Satin.”

“How long has Satin been missing?”

“Two weeks,” Misty said.

“When was the last time you saw her?”

“She was supposed to go over for a quick job on Belle Isle,” Misty explained. “She promised to be back before dawn, but she never showed up.”

“And no one has seen her since?”

“No.”

“And you’re sure she just didn’t decide to leave, or move someplace else?”

“She had no place else to go.”

Sophie nodded sympathetically. “Did you check area hospitals?”

“They’re not very helpful with people like me,” Misty replied.

“Okay, what does she look like?”

“She’s blonde,” Misty said. “Her roots are dark, though. Her eyes are green, and she’s thin. I don’t know how else to describe her.”

“Okay,” Sophie said. “I’ll call the hospitals and cops tomorrow. Maybe she was picked up in a prostitution sweep or something.”

“They don’t do those anymore,” Misty said. “There’s not enough manpower.”

“Well, I’ll check anyway,” Sophie said, exchanging a quick look with Mandy. “Where are you staying? Is there a someplace I can get in touch with you?”

“I … I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Misty said. “If people find out I’ve been talking to you … I’ll disappear, too.”

“Misty, if you need help … .”

“I don’t  need help,” Misty said, jolting when Emma appeared at her elbow and handed her a cup of coffee.

“I got you a café mocha,” Emma said. “I figure you can never go wrong with chocolate.”

“Thank you,” Misty said, accepting the drink. “I guess I should get going.”

“Why don’t you stay here and rest with us for a little bit,” Ally suggested. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. You just look like you could use a few minutes of … rest.”

“Yeah,” Mandy agreed. “We promise not to talk your ear off.”

Misty looked unsure. The front door of the coffee shop jangled as it opened, and her face was white when she fixed her attention on the door.

Ally shifted in her seat, scowling when she caught sight of the new patrons. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“Oh, look who it is,” Kevin said, approaching the table. “I guess you guys just can’t stay away from me.”

“We were here first,” Ally said.

“It must be fate then.”

“I should be going,” Misty said, slipping out of the booth. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“Misty, wait,” Sophie said, getting to her feet and making a move to follow.

“Yeah, Misty, wait,” Kevin jeered, stepping in front of her and grabbing her shoulders. “You don’t want to leave when things are just about to get interesting.”

“That did it!” Mandy crawled out of the booth and grabbed Misty’s arm, pulling the girl away from Kevin. “I’ve had just about enough of you.”

“Shut your mouth, bitch,” Kevin said. “That woman is a whore. We’re just going to utilize her services.”

Mandy smacked Kevin across the face, the slap echoing throughout the coffee shop and causing the few customers not already watching the scene to fixate on the crowd. “Don’t touch her.”

Kevin’s face was a mask of rage. He slapped Mandy back. Hard.

Ally was out of the booth and on her feet. “Don’t you dare touch her!”