Deadly Memories (Hardy Brothers Security Book 18) (12 page)

“
I
’m not going
to pretend my son was innocent in all of this, but he wasn’t the one driving that car.”

Kevin Jackson was a sad man, and once Sophie got him a mug of coffee and a seat tucked away from everyone in the local coffee shop, all she could see was grief when she looked at him.

“I don’t blame you for being upset,” Sophie said. “Did the sheriff call you and tell you what he was announcing at the courthouse this afternoon?”

“No,” Jackson replied. “The last contact I had with the sheriff was almost two days ago and he said that once Nate regained consciousness he would be charged with vehicular manslaughter. I took him at his word because I had to plan my son’s funeral. His mother hasn’t been taking things well.”

“Why were you at the courthouse today?” Sven asked. Once he realized what was going on he relaxed, but not enough to leave Sophie to question Jackson on her own.

“I heard there was going to be an announcement and I wanted to make a statement regarding the accident,” Jackson explained. “We’ve been ignoring media requests, but they’ve been coming in at a steady clip, and I thought if I read a statement and asked for privacy we might get some respite.”

“What have you heard about Nate Foley’s condition?” Sophie asked. “I’ve tried several contacts at the hospital and they’ve all shut me down. All I’ve really heard is that he was unconscious at the scene. I’m not sure if that’s still the case, though.”

“He’s at the hospital, but his parents have him locked up and they’ve been the only ones allowed to visit him,” Jackson replied. “I know because all four of the boys in the car were members of the soccer team and Phil Trumball, the soccer coach, told me he stopped by with a card from everyone and wasn’t allowed to see Nate.”

“Does he know if he’s awake?”

“He said he has no idea what Nate’s condition is.”

“It’s possible there’s more wrong with the boy than we realize,” Sven supplied. “He might never be the same. He could be in a coma … or have brain damage … or even have memory gaps.”

“If that were the case, I think people would’ve understood,” Sophie said. “All Morgan would have to do is explain that Nate Foley isn’t capable of being charged with a crime at this time, but if his condition improves charges will be forthcoming. It wouldn’t thrill people looking for immediate justice, but they would’ve accepted that.”

“So what do you think is going on?” Jackson asked.

“I want to know what you think is going on first,” Sophie prodded.

“I think that Chuck Foley threatened people to get his own way,” Jackson said, not missing a beat. “He’s got a reputation for being a real bastard. Our kids were friends, but I can’t say I ever had much love for the guy.”

“I think you’re right,” Sophie said. “I think the important thing now, though, is that we don’t let this story die. Do you think you can get the other parents together for a public appearance? I understand some people might not want to come, but if you can get someone from each family to speak publicly, we’ll be able to put pressure on Morgan and Humphrey.

“Right now, Morgan and Humphrey can say and do whatever they want without upsetting too many people,” she continued. “We need people to voice their concern. We need you to connect with those people. There’s nothing that fires up residents more than possible political corruption.”

“Okay,” Jackson said. “I don’t think I’ll have a problem doing that. I know the other boys’ parents and I know they’re going to be as angry as I am. What’s the plan, though?”

“I think you need to call a press conference of your own,” Sophie said. “I can’t technically help you because it would be unethical. I can guarantee you’ll draw a crowd tomorrow afternoon if you hold it in front of the courthouse. I happen to know Humphrey will be there because he’s prosecuting a big rape case starting tomorrow.”

“Okay.” Jackson didn’t look convinced. “Who is going to help me coordinate this? I have no idea what I’m doing.”

Sophie slid a sly smile in Sven’s direction. “Did I ever mention that my bodyguard here is a master at mental warfare?”

Jackson narrowed his eyes as he looked Sven up and down. “I’m not convinced he won’t try to kill me again.”

“Oh, I’m past that,” Sven said, waving off Jackson’s concerns. “Now I want to help you. I understand what you’re trying to do here, Sophie, and I think it’s the best way to handle things. I can arrange it. I’m sure Peter will help.”

“Keep yourself behind the scenes, Sven,” Sophie instructed. “I need to place some calls and write a story alerting everyone about the new developments. Set the demonstration for noon. That’s lunch hour, so the area in front of the courthouse will be busy with jurors and lawyers on break.”

“And you really think this will work?” Jackson looked hopeful.

“I think it’s our best first step,” Sophie cautioned. “We’re going to have more than one step. Prepare yourself.”

“I lost my son,” Jackson said. “I’m the only one who can fight for him now, so I will fight for him as long as it takes.”

“And that’s what makes you a good father,” Sophie said. “A good parent doesn’t lie and threaten to get his son out of trouble. A good parent loves their child and never stops fighting for them. I had one of those, too. Let’s see if we can get some justice for your son, shall we?”

G
RADY
waited
on the front porch, watching as Sophie pulled her car into the driveway. It was almost ten, Sophie’s tease of an early night and fun in the hot tub all but forgotten after the press conference bomb.

Grady had no intention of giving Sophie a hard time – especially given the events of the previous evening – but he couldn’t hide his worry.

Sophie’s looked exhausted when she climbed out of her car, and she pulled up short when she saw Grady in the shadows. It took her eyes a moment to focus, and she blew out a relieved sigh when she realized it wasn’t a vandal bent on playing games but instead her heart’s desire set on plying her with love and kindness.

“Next time turn the porch light on so I don’t think you’re a strangler or something,” Sophie said, trudging up the walkway. “I almost ran in the other direction.”

“Well, I would applaud your instincts on another night,” Grady said, opening his arms to pull Sophie in for a hug. “I didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that I was waiting. I didn’t think about you not being able to see me. I’m sorry.”

“You’re forgiven,” Sophie said, lifting her chin to exchange a sweet kiss with Grady. “I’m sorry about our dinner. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“You don’t have to make anything up to me,” Grady said, slinging an arm over Sophie’s shoulders as he led her into the house. “I still have things to make up to you.”

“Yeah, well, not tonight,” Sophie said. “All I want tonight is a quick meal and some sleep. We only got a couple hours last night – and it wasn’t exactly restful – so I hope you’re not too disappointed when I put on my fuzzy pajamas and pass out in twenty minutes.”

“I could use some sleep, too,” Grady admitted. “I have pizza in the oven for you. I wasn’t sure when you would be home.”

“You’re such a good provider.”

“Yes, well, I’m a man of many talents,” Grady said, helping Sophie out of her coat and holding her steady as she kicked off her shoes. Despite the heavy cloud hanging over her, he couldn’t help but smile when she unbuttoned her trousers and walked into the kitchen wearing nothing but her simple black panties and work shirt. “If I wasn’t convinced you would fall asleep no matter what I did to you, I would be all over you right now, sugar. That is … freaking hot.”

“You have weird fetishes sometimes,” Sophie said, opening the oven and retrieving the pizza box. “I’m starving.”

“Sven called me this afternoon and told me what happened,” Grady said. “I’m glad you’re helping out the families, but couldn’t that put your job in jeopardy?”

“Only if the publisher finds out. You’re not going to tell him, are you?”

“Not a chance,” Grady said.

“That’s why I put Sven in charge,” Sophie said. “He can direct the action from behind the scenes and no one will know what’s going on. It’s going to be a big show tomorrow.”

“I heard about the press conference and demonstration,” Grady said. “James is spitting mad, by the way. I have a feeling he’s going to show up down there tomorrow and lead the charge against Humphrey. That guy must be a moron to say what he did about Mandy.”

“He’s an ass,” Sophie said, not mincing words. “He’s going to be sorry when I’m done with him. I promise you that.”

“I’m already terrified on his behalf,” Grady said. “I … .”

The sound of the doorbell jangling cut off the rest of his sentence and the couple exchanged a curious look as they peered toward the front door.

“Are you expecting someone?” Sophie asked.

“I was just about to ask you the same thing,” Grady said, moving toward the door. “You might want to put on some pants, sugar. I love the look, but you might turn on whoever our guest is so much I’ll have to beat someone up.”

Sophie let loose with a long-suffering sigh but climbed back into her pants and grabbed a slice of pizza as she listened for Grady to grant entrance to their late night visitor. After a few minutes, she got curious, and when she rounded the corner she realized Grady was out on the lawn with someone – and it didn’t sound as if they were exchanging pleasantries.

“I want to talk to that bitch right now!”

Sophie recognized Chuck Foley’s voice from the day in the diner, and she pushed open the screen door and peered outside. Foley moved to scamper around Grady when he caught sight of Sophie, but Grady was stronger and quicker.

“Don’t even think about taking a step in her direction,” Grady seethed, grabbing the front of Foley’s shirt and heaving him across the lawn. Foley wasn’t a small man, but Grady was trained and he wasn’t messing around.

“I heard you at the press conference today,” Foley yelled. “I know you plan on mounting some media vendetta against my son. I’m here to warn you that I won’t put up with that. I’ll go after you.”

“I’m sure you will,” Sophie said, refusing to rise to the bait and scream back. “If that’s all you came here to say, you can go.”

“I’m not done with you yet,” Foley seethed. “You strut around like you’re something special … like you can’t be touched … but I know what you are. Just because your father is a mafia kingpin, that doesn’t give you the right to mess up everyone else’s lives.”

“I think you’ve got me confused with yourself, Mr. Foley,” Sophie replied, unruffled. “I’m reporting the news. Your son killed three people and you’re working overtime to make sure he faces no consequences – even going so far as to point the finger at a dead boy. What about his parents’ lives? What about the lives of the other parents? Have you thought for one moment about how this will be for them?”

“I don’t care about them,” Foley spat. “I will not sit back and let my son be railroaded by the likes of you.”

“I’ve had just about enough of you,” Grady said, extending a finger. “This is our home. If you have a problem with Sophie’s coverage, take it up with her boss. You don’t have the right to come here and harass her. I’m not going to stand for it.”

“And who are you?” Foley challenged. “Are you one of Peter Marconi’s goons? Oh, wait, you’re one of the Hardy brothers, aren’t you? You guys think you’re something special. You’ve been in the news a lot recently. Let me tell you something, buddy, you’re not special to me.”

“Well, I guess that makes us even, because all I think you’re good for is putting my boot in your ass,” Grady shot back. “Now get off my property!”

Foley looked as if he was going to argue, but whatever he saw on Grady’s face convinced him otherwise. “This isn’t over.”

“You’re right,” Grady said. “It’s not. If you come near my girlfriend again, you’re going to find out how not over things really are … and I can guarantee you’re not going to like it.”

Grady remained rooted to his spot in the front yard until he was sure Foley was gone, and when he turned back his chest was heaving and his face was flushed. “Sugar, get in there and take your pants off. I know you’re tired, but now I need to work off some energy. I promise I’ll be quick.”

“Oh, that’s just what every woman wants to hear,” Sophie teased, squealing when Grady broke into a run and chased her into the house.

“You can bring your pizza,” Grady called out. “Lose those pants pronto, though.”

S
ophie had
no idea the monster she created when she let Sven off his leash to help Kevin Jackson plan a demonstration. She expected tons of media coverage. She expected interest from the public. What she didn’t expect was hundreds of people – many of them carrying signs crying out for justice – when she approached the courthouse shortly before noon the next day.

“Holy crap.”

“Holy crap is right.” James moved to stand next to Sophie, taking her by surprise. “This is pretty impressive, Sophie. I have to say I’m amazed at how your mind works.”

Sophie cast a furtive look around to make sure no one could overhear their conversation, purposely keeping her voice low. “Keep my part in this to yourself, please.”

“No problem,” James said, scanning the crowd. “Do you see that douche prosecutor? Humdinger, or whatever his name is. I need to have a talk with him.”

Sophie fought the urge to smirk – and lost. “I had a feeling you would show up today,” she said. “I knew you wouldn’t let what Humphrey said to Mandy go without saying something.”

“Yes, I have a lot of words for Mr. Humphrey,” James said, the set of his jaw grim. “He’s just lucky we’re in public because I would let my fists talk if I had my way. Mandy made me promise not to punch him.”

“How is Mandy?”

“She’s getting a lot of massages these past few days,” James said. “Let’s leave it at that.”

Sophie snickered, delighted. “You like massaging her, so it doesn’t sound too bad for you,” she said. “I’m not sure what you’re complaining about.”

“I love my wife beyond reason,” James said. “I like massaging her – mostly because she makes these groaning noises that make me smile – but my fingers feel as if they’re going to fall off.”

“I heard some of that is because you ticked her off.” Sophie adored James. When she first met him, she wasn’t sure what to think. He seemed brash and full of himself. Seeing him with Mandy, though – and this was long before they married – made her realize he was mostly talk. The way he loved his wife was an inspiration, and Sophie couldn’t help but marvel at the bond between the couple. “You know you earned your punishment, so you should probably just suck it up.”

“Yeah.” James looked lost in thought for a moment. “Hey, you’re a woman.”

“Thanks for noticing,” Sophie replied dryly.

“You know what I mean,” James said. “Would you be upset if people thought you were having a lot of sex? I can’t understand why Mandy is so agitated about this. Personally, I think it makes her look good.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. That was such a
man
thing to say. “James, you need to look at it from her perspective,” she said. “Men clap each other on the back and call each other studs because of all the boasting. In the same breath, though, they look at the woman involved and think she’s somehow beneath them and call her a slut.

“I want to know how all of these men get to be heroes while the women they’re doing these things with take the brunt of society’s judgment,” she continued. “If you were in the courthouse with Mandy, everyone would love and appreciate you. She gets whispers and innuendo.”

James frowned. “Seriously?”

“James, I’ve heard the whispers, too,” Sophie said. “I happen to know how you guys operate, so I think it’s funny a lot of the time. People who don’t know Mandy well, though? She’s got quite a reputation now.”

“This is just … .” James shook his head. “She told me she didn’t want to risk it and I pushed her. I keep telling myself that it doesn’t matter because she’ll be done here soon. What I fail to remember is that it will always matter to her.”

“Oh, don’t beat yourself up,” Sophie said, patting his arm. “You’re a good husband. Mandy wouldn’t trade you for anything.”

“I just know my fingers are going to fall off before the night is out,” James muttered, surprising Sophie when he turned to walk across the street.

“Where are you going? I thought you wanted to see the press conference.”

“I do. I’ll be back,” James said, checking the traffic before crossing. “For some reason I feel the need to buy my wife flowers.”

Sophie pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. “And that’s why you’re a wonderful husband.”

Without James to distract her, Sophie could focus on the crowd. She didn’t see Sven, and she’d been adamant he wasn’t to show himself at the demonstration for fear someone would link him with Peter and cause public sentiment to shift in the wrong direction, but the sheer number of people making their opinion known was heartwarming.

Sophie caught sight of Mandy as the blonde descended the steps, her friend Heidi at her side, and she waved to get their attention. Mandy and Heidi cut through the crowd and Heidi was beside herself with glee when they approached.

“This is amazing,” Heidi said. “I heard that Humphrey was upstairs pitching a fit in the executive conference room. He wants the sheriff to arrest everyone, but since it’s public property he can’t do that.”

Mandy narrowed her eyes. “How did you hear that? You’ve been with me in the same session all morning and I didn’t hear that.”

“Yes, but when we have a ten-minute break you go to your office like a good girl and I go to the cafeteria to gossip,” Heidi replied. “I think we both know who had more fun.”

Sophie chuckled, enjoying the interplay. Heidi was always a ball of energy. “I hope Humphrey comes down,” she said. “If everything I’ve heard about him is true, he might not be able to stop himself.”

“If Macomb County had a king of tools, it would be him,” Mandy said. “I … .” The blonde broke off, narrowing her eyes as she studied the street behind Sophie. It took the reporter a moment to remember in what direction James had disappeared. “What is he doing?”

Sophie swiveled, smirking when she saw the bouquet of brightly colored blooms in James’ hand. The first time James really upset the woman who would one day become his wife he bought her a single blue rose, and since then he’d taken to buying them whenever he was in the doghouse. The bouquet James held this time was different.

“What are those?” Heidi asked, her eyes widening as James strode in their direction. “Are those roses?”

“I don’t know,” Mandy said, her eyes darting in different directions. “Why is he buying me flowers?”

“Because he wants you to know that he understands your pain,” Sophie said, grinning as James stopped in front of the three women. “Those are really interesting.” Sophie leaned closer and studied the roses. They were three different colors – purple, teal and blue – all meshed together in the same flower. “Those must be hybrids.”

“They’re called pinwheel roses,” James said, extending the flowers in Mandy’s direction. “They’re very special and rare … just like my wife.”

“Oh!” Heidi pressed her hand to the spot above her heart. “He’s the perfect man.”

Mandy bit her bottom lip as she accepted the roses, studying the distinctive flowers with shiny eyes. “You didn’t have to get me flowers. I’m not upset.”

“You kind of look upset right now,” Sophie pointed out. “You’re not going to cry, are you?”

“Oh, baby, please don’t cry,” James said, opening his arms as Mandy stepped between them and rested her head against his chest. “I’m sorry I made fun of you for being upset about what people are saying. I don’t think I saw it from your perspective.”

“I’m not upset,” Mandy said. “I’m not embarrassed either. I just … these are beautiful.”

“No, you’re beautiful, wife,” James said. “I love you.”

“I think every woman should have a chance to nab a Hardy brother,” Heidi gushed, her eyes sparkling. “They’re so romantic.”

“They’re not always romantic,” Sophie argued. “Last night Chuck Foley showed up at the house and caused a scene. Grady and I were exhausted before his arrival and then after fighting with our guest, Grady made me run to the bedroom. He was very considerate and said I could bring my pizza if I wanted, though.”

James barked out a laugh. “Oh, that sounds like my brother. He told me about Foley showing up, too. What a jackass.”

“That sounds like something you would do, too,” Mandy said, gazing at her roses. “These really are the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. They’re so … unique.”

“You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” James said. “If I get this reaction for special roses, though, I’ll buy you a dozen every single day for the rest of our lives. That’s going to be a long time, so I hope you like roses.”

“I like you,” Mandy said, wrinkling her nose. “That’s good enough.”

“Be still my heart,” James said, planting a scorching kiss on his favorite blonde.

Heidi fanned herself as she watched the exchange. “Good grief. If I looked like those two I would never get dressed or leave the house.”

“Good idea,” James said, breaking the kiss. “Does this mean I’m out of the doghouse?”

“When were you in the doghouse?” Mandy challenged.

“I’ve been in it a lot this week,” James said. “I was thinking we could celebrate me being out of it tonight with another massage, even though my fingers ache, and that new shark movie I picked up the other day on Amazon.”

“You had me at massage,” Mandy said.

“Oh, I’m going to have you, wife.” James grabbed Mandy around the waist and dipped her low as he kissed her, causing Heidi to blush and giggle while Sophie shook her head.

“Well, isn’t this a … family friendly … picture.”

Sophie froze when she heard Humphrey’s voice, snapping her head in his direction as James straightened and narrowed his eyes.

“I think it’s a family-friendly picture,” Heidi said. “They’re married. They’re family.”

“Yes, I love it when married people fornicate in public,” Humphrey said.

“That was hardly fornicating,” James said, resting his hand on Mandy’s hip. “You’re the prosecutor, right? Humdinger?”

Sophie knew James maimed Humphrey’s name on purpose and she had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing.

“Humphrey,” the prosecutor corrected. “And you’re James Hardy. You’ve got quite the reputation around this area these days.”

“Yes, I’ve heard,” James said, his voice unnaturally pleasant. “I’ve also heard you’ve been trying to damage to my wife’s reputation. If you don’t stop, we’re going to see what kind of damage I can do to your reputation.”

“James.” Mandy’s voice was low and full of warning.

Humphrey squared his shoulders. “Was that a threat, Mr. Hardy?”

“No, just a promise,” James replied. “I don’t appreciate the way you’ve been talking to or about my wife. She doesn’t deserve crap from the likes of you, and if it doesn’t stop, then I’m going to make it my job to dig through every moment of your past.

“I have to think, if the rumors about you hitting on every single woman in the courthouse are true, that you’ve got quite a few skeletons in your closet,” he continued. “I have no need to harm you physically. I’ll just collect all of that information and give it to whoever runs against you in the general election and let him use it against you.”

Humphrey stilled, his chalky complexion flushing with color. “I think we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.”

“We have,” James agreed. “Don’t threaten my wife. Don’t talk about her. Don’t even look at her. Don’t call her out at press conferences. Don’t look at her legs when she’s walking down the hallway. Don’t spread gossip either. If you do, I’m going to start spreading gossip, and I can guarantee what I dig up is bound to be worse than my wife being in love with her husband.”

Sophie was impressed. James’ words were dark and dangerous, and yet he delivered them with a smile as he kept his arm around Mandy. He meant business, but he also wasn’t trying to cause a scene.

“Mr. Hardy, if you think I have time for idle gossip, we’ve obviously gotten our wires crossed,” Humphrey hedged.

“Just the other day you tried to spread gossip about Mandy to me,” Sophie pointed out, internally smirking as Humphrey cleared his throat and shifted from one foot to the other. “I believe you were digging for information about James potentially having an affair and Mandy being a murderer.”

James growled. The sound couldn’t possibly be mistaken for anything else. “I will never cheat on my wife,” he said, lowering his voice. “She’s all I’ll ever want. As for the other, perhaps you would like to be locked in a room with a woman giving birth and a crazy rapist bent on killing you and see what you would do. Personally – and this would be the one and only instance where I would say anything of the sort – I would root for the murderer to get you in that scenario.”

“I see,” Humphrey said, tugging his suit jacket down and glancing around. “I believe we’ve reached an impasse. Ms. Lane here has managed to twist your opinion of me, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“No, there’s not,” James agreed, leaning closer. “Don’t forget what I said. If you go after my wife, I’m going after you. Don’t forget it … and keep your distance from my wife. You’re not going to like what happens if you don’t.”