Deadly Payback (Hardy Brothers Security Book 22)

by Lily Harper Hart

  Mandy opened her mouth to argue, but Jenny was already slipping a needle into her arm. “Grady.” She sounded pitiful.

  “I promise I’ll be right here the whole time,” Grady said, grappling with James’ weight as he pushed him onto the bed next to Mandy. He situated James so his head was on the pillow. He was already out cold. “I’ll watch both of you, Mandy. I promise.”

  Mandy closed her eyes, but Grady didn’t miss the leaking tears.

  “Her blood pressure is through the roof,” Jenny said. “We need to separate them.”

  “Don’t separate them,” Grady ordered. “I promised to keep them together and that’s what I intend to do.”

  “We need to get her blood pressure down,” Spitzer said.

  “I’m working on it,” Grady grumbled, moving to the other side of the bed and slipping his hand under Mandy’s waist so he could push her into a different position. He didn’t stop until her head was pressed to the spot above James’ heart. Even though he was dead to the world, James’ arm instinctively went around her waist as he pulled her close. “There,” Grady huffed out. “She’s out cold. He’s out cold. Fix her foot and get some medicine in her.”

  Spitzer had no idea how to respond. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Sir, her blood pressure is already dropping,” Jenny said, pointing toward the monitor. “Perhaps he knows what he’s doing.”

  “I do know what I’m doing,” Grady said. “These two have been through one of the most hellish experiences ever. They haven’t had peace in days. If you separate them, it’s akin to torture.”

  “They’re unconscious,” Spitzer argued. “They would have no idea.”

  “They’ll know,” Grady shot back. “Please, leave them be. I’m begging you.”

  There was something so earnest about Grady’s expression that Spitzer didn’t have the heart to argue. “Okay,” he said, giving in. “We’ll treat them like this.”

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s totally against the rules, though.”

  “I’m fine with that,” Grady said, throwing himself onto the couch against the wall. “That’s the way the Hardys live their lives.”

  “Let’s see what we can do,” Spitzer said. “I want them as comfortable as possible.”

  “That would be a nice change of pace,” Grady said, pressing his eyes shut. “Whew.”

  JAMES felt as if he was slogging through pea soup as he tried to wake. When he finally managed to open his eyes, he found early morning light filtering through the hospital window … and Grady staring at him.

  Instinctively James tightened his grip on Mandy. Her head was still pressed to his chest and she remained mired in slumber.

  “I had to do it,” Grady said, keeping his voice low. “I know you’re angry and you’re going to beat the crap out of me when you’re feeling up to it, but I didn’t have a choice.”

  “You had a choice,” James grumbled, brushing his lips against Mandy’s forehead as he smoothed her hair. She hadn’t showered in days and he didn’t care in the least. She was still his beautiful soul mate. “I wasn’t out of control.”

  “You were completely out of control,” Grady countered. “You were scaring Mandy and you were terrifying the hospital workers. I did what I had to do to keep the two of you together.”

  “Whatever.” In his head, James recognized Grady’s words as truth. In his heart, he was annoyed and angry that he fell apart when his wife needed him most. “How is Mandy?”

  “They’ve got IVs running into her and sewed up her foot,” Grady replied. “They considered giving her a blood transfusion but opted against it. She’s going to be tired and sore for days, but that’s probably good because you’re going to dote on her anyway. At least now she’ll be open to it.”

  “Ha, ha,” James muttered. “What about Clint?”

  “We’re still looking for him,” Grady replied. “He ran. Whether he’s still in the area or not … .”

  “He’s still here,” James said. “The only thing he cares about is Mandy. He won’t leave without her.”

  “I agree, but we’ll deal with that when it comes to it,” Grady said. “Peter already has men surrounding your house … and I mean freaking surrounding it. We won’t have another Lance Pritchard situation. Sophie and I are going to be staying there, too, just to be on the safe side. Jake and Ally are moving in as we speak. Finn and Emma are staying at the security building, but only because Mom and Dad took over the final guest room.”

  “Great,” James intoned. “That sounds … just great.”

  “Look at it as a labor of love,” Grady said. “Mandy is going to need people to take care of her.”

  “That’s my job.”

  “You can’t cook and mother her,” Grady countered. “That’s what Mom and Ally are going to do. You can take care of everything else. You can carry her around like a doll even because she’s not going to be able to walk for a bit. She’s going to need crutches.”

  James almost looked happy at the prospect. “That’s going to drive her crazy.”

  “Yes, well, at least we have her back,” Grady said. “It will be fun to see her go around the bend now that she’s safe.”

  “My baby,” James murmured, pressing his lips to her forehead three times in quick succession. “We should get her favorite breakfast. She hasn’t eaten solid food in days.”

  “I’m already on that,” Grady said. “Sophie is at McDonald’s right now. She’s getting stuff for all of us. Jake and Finn have been stationed outside the room all night. We’ve been taking shifts sleeping.”

  “Thank you.” James was grudging with the acknowledgment, but he meant it. “Thank you for everything.”

  “I knew you would see things my way,” Grady said, beaming. “After all, I am the smartest Hardy of them all.”

  “You’re something,” James muttered, widening his eyes when he felt Mandy shift. He turned to face her. He wanted to make sure his face was the first thing she saw when she opened her eyes.

  It was a struggle, but when Mandy finally wrenched open her eyes, she couldn’t help but smile. “You’re still here.”

  “I’m going to be here forever,” James said. “I promise.”

  “That’s good,” Mandy said, a tear sliding down her cheek. “I knew you would find me.”

  “Oh, yeah?” James pursed his lips. “I didn’t do so well without you, baby. Grady is the one who found you … and Jake … and Finn.”

  “You found me here,” Mandy said, pressing his hand to her chest, making sure the fingertips rested above her heart. “I knew you would come for me. You always do.”

  “And I always will,” James said, fighting off his own crying bout. “You’re going to have to be tied to me from here on out, though. I can’t take another two days like these past few.”

  “I can live with that.”

  Mandy closed her eyes and kissed his chin. “You need to shave.”

  “The second I get you home, that’s the first thing I’m going to do,” James said. “Well, after I get you in the shower, that is.”

  Mandy smiled. “Is it wrong that the fact that you couldn’t function without me somehow makes me feel better?”

  James barked out a laugh, taking everyone by surprise. “Oh, baby. Never change.”

  “I have no intention of changing,” Mandy said. “The mere knowledge that I’m so much woman that you can’t live without me is enough to sustain me forever.”

  James smiled as he hugged her. “I can’t argue with that.”

  Even Grady had to grin. “And all is right with the world.”

  17

  Seventeen

  “What do you need, baby?”

  James was ready to be attentive as soon as Mandy wiped the crusties from her eyes and managed to prop herself against the pillows.

  “Honestly? My mouth is really dry.”

  “I’ve got it,” Grady said, getting to his feet and pouring a glass of water from the pitcher on her n
ightstand. “The nurse thought you would be thirsty.”

  “The drug gave me cottonmouth,” Mandy said. “I was afraid to drink or eat anything in case he drugged me again, though. It got to where it hurt a little bit.”

  James fought the urge to hit something and instead petted the back of her head. “You can drink to your heart’s content now.”

  Grady handed Mandy the glass, his heart constricting when he saw the way her hands shook. She spilled half the water on the front of her hospital gown before getting it close to her mouth.

  “I’m so sorry,” Mandy said, moving to wipe some of the overflow liquid from James’ lap.

  “Don’t ever apologize for something like that, baby,” James admonished, capturing her hand and pressing the palm to his lips. “Give me the glass.”

  Mandy did as instructed and James situated her in the crook of his arm and held the glass for her. She downed everything inside, gasping when she finished.

  “More?”

  Mandy nodded sheepishly. “I’m sorry.”

  “Oh, baby, if you don’t stop apologizing, we’re going to have issues,” James said, watching as Grady filled the glass again. His heart hurt thinking of his wife locked in a basement and suffering from dehydration and thirst. “You can have eight pitchers if you want. I don’t care. In fact, I’ll make sure the house is filled with your favorite drinks for when we get home.”

  “And when will that be?”

  James opened his mouth to answer and then snapped it shut. He had no idea. Instead he held the glass and watched as she downed it, almost relieved when she waved her hand to beg off from a third glass.

  Mandy was ready to press James further on the issue when Dr. Spitzer walked into the room.

  “Well, I see our patients are up,” Spitzer said, smiling. “How are you two feeling?”

  “Like I probably owe you an apology,” James answered. “I didn’t mean for things to get so out of hand yesterday.”

  “It’s okay,” Spitzer said. “Your brother explained everything that happened and I understand. You don’t have to worry about it.”

  “I’m still embarrassed,” James offered. “I just … couldn’t seem to get myself under control.”

  “That’s what happens when you go without sleep and food,” Spitzer said. “I think you were almost as rundown as your wife.”

  “That doesn’t make me feel better,” James said. “She was held against her will. She was drugged and starved.”

  “And you wanted to switch places with her,” Spitzer said. “I think that makes you both heroes.” He turned his attention to Mandy. “How are you feeling?”

  “A little weak,” Mandy admitted.

  “That will be better in a day or so,” Spitzer said. “You need solid food.”

  “My girlfriend is bringing her favorite breakfast,” Grady said. “One steak and egg bagel from McDonald’s coming right up.”

  Spitzer made a face. “Is there something wrong with the food here?”

  “Where do you want me to start?”

  Spitzer shook his head and scowled. “You’re a piece of work. You know that, right?”

  “I’ve been told that a time or two,” Grady said, smiling. “She gets her favorite breakfast whether you like it or not.”

  “I don’t care what she eats as long as she eats something,” Spitzer countered. “I would suggest eating multiple smaller meals instead of three big ones to start, though. Your stomach might fight the sudden invasion of food – especially since you’re starting with grease.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” Mandy said, her expression hopeful as she locked gazes with Spitzer. “Does that mean I can go home today?”

  Spitzer pressed his lips together as he regarded her. “I would feel better about keeping you here another night.”

  “Oh, but … .”

  James gripped Mandy’s hand and cut her off. “What specifically are you worried about here?” he asked. “I can tell you now that she’s not going to give this up until she gets her way. If you have legitimate concerns, I’ll make her stay here. If you don’t, I would rather get her home.”

  “I want to go home,” Mandy said. “I want to sleep in my own bed.”

  “Well, how about we make a deal?” Spitzer suggested. “The sheriff is here and he wants to talk to you. I want to look over this morning’s test results before giving you an answer. If I don’t see any major cause for concern, I will release you to your husband’s capable hands this afternoon. I have a feeling he knows how to take care of you.”

  “Done,” Mandy said hurriedly, the first part of that statement taking a moment to land. “Wait … the sheriff is here?”

  “He’s waiting outside,” Spitzer said. “He wants to talk to you. I told him I had to check on you first. If you don’t feel up to speaking to him, I can tell him you’re not medically cleared to do it.”

  “Tell him she’s sick,” James instructed. “She’s not ready for that.”

  Spitzer ignored James and focused on Mandy. “What do you want?”

  “I want to get it over with,” Mandy replied. “Let him in.”

  “Oh, baby,” James groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Do you really want to do this now?”

  “I really want Clint to be caught,” Mandy answered. “I also don’t want them showing up at our house. Just … let’s do it now.”

  “Okay,” James said, throwing up his hands. “Let them in.”

  “While you guys are talking to the cops, I’m going to talk to the people anxiously waiting in the lobby,” Grady said. “They claim they’re not leaving until they see Mandy, but if there’s a chance she’s going home … .”

  “Get them out of here,” James ordered. “They can smother her at the house. This room is too small for all of the Hardys.”

  “I’m on it.”

  Spitzer offered Mandy a warm smile as he lifted her wrist. “Your color is better and your blood pressure is down. Somehow your brother-in-law knew that if he pushed you two together your hearts would fall into sync. How did he know that?”

  “We’re tragically codependent,” James said without a trace of guile. “That’s the way we roll.”

  “Well, at least you’re honest,” Spitzer said. “I’ll show the sheriff in and check your tests. With any luck, you’ll be home in a few hours.”

  Mandy beamed. “I can’t wait.”

  “That makes two of us, baby,” James said, kissing her cheek.

  “I’M Danny Bradshaw. I’m the interim sheriff.”

  The man who sat in the chair closest to Mandy’s bed looked young. He couldn’t be older than forty. Mandy was sure of that.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Mandy said, extending her hand.

  James remained in the bed with his wife, taking Bradshaw’s proffered hand even though he wasn’t sure about this being the best course of action. “I’m sorry we were unavailable yesterday,” he said. “Things kind of … spiraled.”

  Bradshaw chuckled at James’ word choice. “I looked in on you while you slept,” he said. “I talked to your brother and he explained everything. I’m so happy you’re okay, Mrs. Hardy.”

  “Me, too,” Mandy said, rubbing her cheek. She knew she looked awful, but there wasn’t much she could do about it given her current circumstances. “Have you found Clint?”

  “Mr. Miller is in the wind,” Bradshaw replied, leaning back in his chair. He had a uniformed deputy with him, but the man was silent as he watched his boss work. “We have no idea if he’s still here or if he fled the state. If he was smart, he’s gone.”

  “He’s still here,” James said. “He’s obsessed with my wife. He won’t just leave her behind after all the planning he did.”

  “I think you’re right,” Bradshaw said. “We saw the shrine in the Eastpointe house and it’s clear he’s been monitoring your wife’s every move for quite some time.”

  “What shrine?” Mandy asked, her forehead creasing.

  “I’m not eve
n sure what you’re talking about with that either,” James admitted.

  “That’s right. You were knocked out when all of that information came to light,” Bradshaw mused. “It seems Mr. Miller has been taking photographs of your wife for years. Some look to date back to before you were together, if your brother Finn is to be believed. He said they were taken at your wife’s old apartment.”

  James made a disgusted sound in the back of his throat. “He took photographs of her?”

  “And put them on a wall in his father’s old home,” Bradshaw replied. “We counted one hundred and forty-seven of them.”

  “That sick bastard,” James muttered.

  “I don’t want to upset you, but some were taken in your back yard,” Miller said. “Some were of your wife. Others included you, although any photo you were in was somehow … altered.”

  “What does that mean?” Mandy asked, confused.

  “In some instances, Mr. Miller used a marker to destroy your husband’s image,” Bradshaw replied. “In others, he put his own head on Mr. Hardy’s body.”

  Instead of being upset, Mandy snorted. “What a freaking tool.”

  James pressed his lips together to keep from smiling, his hand steady as he rubbed the back of Mandy’s head. “So he’s been watching us. I don’t think that comes as news given what’s happened.”

  “We’re still figuring out some things, and I hope to be the contact person with you on this,” Bradshaw said. “I do need to ask your wife some questions about her time with Mr. Miller, though. Perhaps you would like to wait in the hallway while we do that, Mr. Hardy?”

  James made a face. That sounded more like a demand than a request. “Why would I want to do that?”

  Bradshaw cleared his throat and glanced at his deputy before plowing forward. “Because we have to ask your wife some graphic questions about her incarceration and they will be of a sexual nature,” he said. “I find that most husbands can’t handle that.”

  “Oh.” James’ heart dropped. He hadn’t even thought about that possibility since finding Mandy. “I understand.” He clutched the back of Mandy’s head and kissed her temple. “Do you want me to go?”

  Mandy shook her head. “No.”