“They said that you were picked up at the bar by a man.”
Oh, that’s what this was about. “They know a lot about a situation they weren’t present for.”
“Actually, Jolene was there,” Marge said. “You just didn’t see her.”
Jolene was one of the blonde ad reps who had been fawning all over Grady when she dropped him off in the advertising department the day they met. Sophie didn’t know her well – but what she did know wasn’t complimentary.
“I caught a ride home with a friend,” Sophie replied.
“Grady Hardy is a friend of yours now?” Marge asked, her tone accusatory.
Sophie swiveled back around. “Why do you care?”
“I don’t care,” Marge said. “I just find it surprising. You two weren’t exactly friendly to each other the other day.”
“We’ve had some time to reassess,” Sophie said. “I’m sure that’s what you want to here, right? So you can spread it around the gossip mill?”
Marge was silent, her eyes dark.
“Or is this about his brother, James?” Sophie knew she’d hit the nail on the head when Marge flinched. “Oh, good grief. He’s a client of the newspaper, Marge. He’s not interested in you. He’s never been interested in you. He’s a nice guy. That’s all.”
“You don’t know,” Marge said. “He could be interested in me. I have a great personality.”
“I do know,” Sophie said. “I’ve met his girlfriend. She’s funny – and nice – and she’s his entire world.”
“Grady said they weren’t serious,” Marge replied.
“Grady was lying to make you feel better,” Sophie said. “That’s what he does.” She knew she was being mean, but Marge’s constant attitude where she was concerned was pushing her over the edge. “He’s a nice guy. James is a nice guy. James is a nice guy who is completely infatuated with his girlfriend.”
“You’re just saying that to be mean,” Marge said. “Admit it.”
For a second, Sophie considered lying. Marge looked upset – genuinely upset. Sophie realized the greater kindness was telling her the truth, so maybe then she would move on and find someone she could actually connect with.
“James Hardy is so in love with his girlfriend it hurts to look at them sometimes,” Sophie said, the honestly of the words washing over her – drowning her own heart. “We should all want what they have.”
Sophie left Marge stewing behind the desk. Part of her felt guilty. The other part realized that she was one of the people who wanted want James and Mandy had – even if it involved incessantly watching shark movies.
Once she got to her desk, Sophie found herself swarmed by curious co-workers.
“I heard you got attacked the other night?”
“Do the police have any leads?”
“Did you recognize the guy?”
“Do you think it’s because of the story you’re working on?”
Conrad scattered his employees as he joined the fray. “How was the funeral?”
Sophie shrugged. “Sad.”
Conrad glanced at his loitering reporters. “Don’t you all have work to do?”
Her co-workers were reluctant to leave, but they knew Conrad meant business, so they did. Once they were gone, Conrad fixed her with a hard look. “What have you got on the other thing?”
“It’s fluid,” Sophie said. “I got a huge packet of information yesterday – and there is some information there that’s important. I need to go through it all, though. It’s like two thousand pages.”
Conrad’s eyebrows lifted. “Crap.”
“Yeah.”
“You should’ve told me. I would’ve pulled you off the funeral.”
“It’s okay. It’s good to get a break,” Sophie replied. “I’m going to file my story, and then get out of here. I need to get back at it.”
“Okay,” Conrad said. “Keep me posted.”
“You got it, boss.”
Conrad smiled. “Make sure you keep safe, too. If the other night is any indication, you’re on someone’s radar.”
IT ONLY took Sophie a half hour to bang out her story and file it in the system. When she was done, she gathered her things and slipped out the back door of the newsroom to avoid prying eyes.
She found Marge pouting behind her desk in the lobby.
“Bye, Marge.”
Marge glared at her. “Bye, bitch.”
Sophie climbed into her car, pulling out her phone before starting it. Grady picked up on the first ring. “Hey, sugar.”
Sugar? “Hi. I was just checking in as instructed.”
“You don’t have to sound so happy about it,” Grady teased. “How long until you’re done?”
“I’m done now,” Sophie said. “I’m going to head home.”
“Okay,” Grady said. “I should be there in about a half hour.”
Sophie hadn’t invited him, but she was thrilled he’d invited himself. Although, part of her was mortified by the flutter of happiness in her belly. “Okay. Do you want me to pick up dinner?”
“I’ll do it,” Grady said. “Why don’t you go straight home?”
“You mean you want me to go home and lock myself in my house until you can get there and protect me, right?”
Grady sighed. “No. I mean I would like to buy you dinner.”
“I’m going to let you buy me dinner, but only if you let me pick where,” Sophie said.
“Fine.”
“Good. What do you like?”
“I like everything.”
“Okay, why don’t you stop at that Middle Eastern place on the corner by my house? They have great humus.”
“That sounds good. What do you want?”
“Just get me a beef kabob dinner with rice.”
“Okay. I’ll see you in a little bit. You can tell me about your day over dinner. I have a few things to tell you, too.”
“About John Madison?”
“Yeah.”
“Are these good things or bad things?”
“I’ll tell you over dinner.”
“Not even a hint?”
Grady sighed, she could almost picture the frustrated look on his face over the phone. “I’ll see you in a few.”
Sophie couldn’t help the smile playing at the corner of her lips. He was buying her dinner. He wanted to hear about her day. This was starting to sound downright … domestic.
Don’t think like that? He’s only hanging around until this is over.
Still, for tonight, things would be good. They would have a nice dinner, they would share important conversation, and then they would go to bed. Together. For now, that was enough.
Sophie started the car, pulling out into rush-hour traffic before merging onto the I-94 freeway to go home. She was lost in thought, but Sophie’s attention was drawn to the entrance ramp behind her. More importantly, it was drawn to the dark SUV that had pulled out of the gas station behind her as she passed.
Sophie tried to keep her heartbeat in check. There were thousands of dark SUVs on the roads during this time of day. There was no way it was the same one she thought was following her earlier. No way.
Sophie accelerated, testing her theory. The SUV sped up behind her. Sophie shifted lanes to the left, slowing down. The SUV stayed in the previous lane, but the driver decelerated, too.
Crap.
Sophie wasn’t sure what to do. She fumbled in the seat next to her, finding her phone. She pressed redial and held it to her ear.
“Do you want to change your order?” Grady answered, his tone flirty.
“Someone is following me on the freeway.”
“What kind of car is it?” All pretext of fun was gone from Grady’s voice.
“It’s a dark SUV. I think it followed me from the funeral earlier.”
“Can you see a license plate?”
“It’s behind me.”
“Can you see a driver?”
“The window is tinted.”
“Are you near an exit?”
>
Sophie glanced at the sign on the side of the road. “The Harper Road exit is coming up.”
“Take the south exit,” Grady said. “There are businesses there. Pull into the first one you see, and don’t get out of your car. Stay on the line with me. I’m on my way.”
“Okay.”
Sophie signaled, cutting back into the right lane of traffic.
“Don’t use your turn signal when you get off the expressway,” Grady ordered. “Wait until the last possible second, and then get on the exit.”
“Okay.”
“It’s going to be okay, Sophie. I’m coming.”
“I know.”
“Put the phone on speaker and put it on the seat next to you,” Grady instructed. “Keep both of your hands on the wheel.”
“Okay.” Sophie’s voice was shaking, but she did as she was told.
“Just keep talking to me,” Grady said, his voice soothing. “Tell me what you see.”
“I’m almost at the exit.”
“Just remain calm.”
“I know you’re trying to help,” Sophie said. “You’re starting to freak me out, though.”
“Okay. I’ll try to stop.”
“I’m pulling off now.”
Silence.
“He exited with me.”
Grady cursed. “Do you see a business?”
“Yes. There’s a gas station right across the road. I’m at the light.”
“Look in the rearview mirror. What do you see?”
“Nothing. It’s just a guy behind the wheel. I can’t make out any features.”
“Don’t worry about it. Focus on what’s ahead of you.”
“The light is still red.”
“As long as you stay in the vehicle you’re safe,” Grady said.
“It turned green.”
“Head toward the gas station.”
“I’m about to turn … oh, shit.”
“What?”
Sophie braced for impact as the SUV accelerated. She knew she was about to get hit, but there was nowhere to go. The traffic coming from the other direction was too heavy. She’d cause an accident, possibly kill someone, if she tried to get away.
The SUV smashed into the tail end of her car, spinning her. Sophie had one second to think she was okay, that the SUV was done and was leaving. Then another car hit her from the other direction – and light exploded all around her.
The last thing she heard before she lost consciousness was Grady’s frantic voice yelling from the phone.
Twenty-One
When James got to the hospital, the first person he searched for was Grady. The first person he found was Mandy. After his initial shock wore off, he realized the man she was comforting was his brother, not a random stranger, and he headed toward them.
“Any news?”
Mandy shook her head silently, her lips thin and tight. James realized that Grady was about to blow. He put his hand on his brother’s shoulder to calm him.
“What do we know?”
“We know she was brought to the hospital unconscious,” Mandy said. “I was about to go and try to get some more information, but I was waiting for reinforcements.”
James nodded. “Why don’t you see what you can do. I’ll … handle this.”
Mandy raised her eyebrows, doubt reflected back at him, but she did as he asked. When she was gone, James focused on his brother. “Do you want to sit down?”
Grady’s face was swimming with rage. “What do you think?”
“I think you should sit down.”
“I think you should … .”
They were interrupted by the arrival of a middle-aged man and a plump blonde as they rushed to the information desk a few feet away.
“We just got a call,” the man said. “A friend of ours was brought here after a car accident.”
“Name?”
“Sophie Lane.”
James exchanged a look with Grady, who shrugged in response.
“Ms. Lane is still being looked at by our doctors,” the receptionist said. “You can take a seat in the waiting area with your other friends.”
“You must be able to tell us something,” the man pressed.
“We’re still evaluating,” the receptionist replied.
When the man and woman turned, James found he recognized something familiar about the woman. He’d met her before. He just couldn’t remember where.
The man took a few steps, joining them by the chairs. “You’re waiting for information on Sophie Lane?”
James extended his hand. “I’m James Hardy. This is my brother, Grady.”
“And how do you know Sophie?”
“Mr. Hardy is one of our advertisers,” the woman said, smiling brightly. “One of our best advertisers.”
“Hardy Brothers Security?” The man asked.
“Yes.”
“I’m familiar with your work. You’ve got a good reputation. My name is Conrad Malcolm. I’m Sophie’s editor.”
“Someone from the hospital called you?” James asked.
“Actually, one of the reporters heard it over the scanner,” Conrad replied. “We had to call around to find out what hospital she was being transported to so it took me longer than I would’ve liked to get here. How did you find out?”
James shifted his gaze to Grady. “She was on the phone with my brother when it happened.”
Conrad’s eyes narrowed. “Did she say anything?”
Grady shook his head, refusing to speak. James wasn’t sure how to answer. Sophie hadn’t said a lot about her editor and what he knew about the investigation. “He’s a little … worked up right now.”
The blonde woman next to Conrad cleared her throat.
“Oh, I’m sorry, this is Marge Sandusky,” Conrad said. “She works for the Daily Tribune, too. We came together.”
“Mr. Hardy and I are old friends,” Marge said, smiling widely.
That’s where I know here from. “That’s right. You work in the front lobby, right?”
“That’s right,” Marge purred.
James was uncomfortable with the way she was looking at him. “Um, we were just going to sit down and wait for an update. Why don’t you join us?”
Marge immediately took the chair to James’ right, pressing her thigh against his. “So, you’re here to offer moral support to your brother?”
“I’m here to make sure Sophie is okay,” James said, shifting uncomfortably. Marge’s arm was taking over his armrest and invading his personal space. And why was she smiling like that?
“That’s so nice of you,” Marge cooed. “You have a big heart.”
James exchanged a glance with Grady, who had stopped pacing long enough to stare at Marge. “I guess.”
“Where is Mandy?” Grady finally spoke. “I thought she was going to get an update?”
“Give her a second,” James said. “She’s only been gone a few minutes.”
“Who is Mandy?” Conrad asked. “Does she work for you?”
“She’s my girlfriend,” James said, feeling Marge stiffen next to him. “She’s trying to get an update.”
“Your girlfriend?” Marge asked. “Is that an official title, or just a temporary position?”
James was definitely uncomfortable now. “I’m not sure I understand the question. Oh, look, here she comes.” Thank, God. James stood. “What did you find out?”
Mandy glanced at Conrad and Marge, clearly unsure of how to proceed.
“This is her editor and a friend from the office,” James said.
“I’m not her friend,” Marge replied. “I just came because I wanted to see if she survived.”
Yeah, that was odd.
“You’re Conrad Malcolm?” Mandy asked, reaching out to shake his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“You have?”
“You have a good reputation,” Mandy said. “I clerk for Judge MacIntosh. He has a lot of nice things to say about you.”
“Oh, th
at’s right,” Conrad said. “I know who you are. You’re the clerk who was attacked a few months ago.” He moved his eyes to James. “Which would make you the man who shot out the front door to get to her. You’re famous.”
“So I’ve been told,” James deadpanned.
“So, this is one of those brief but intense things that just burns out after time, right?” Marge interjected.
Mandy cocked her head to the side, sending a silent question to James. He didn’t know how to answer, so he merely shrugged helplessly in response.
Grady exploded. “What did the doctor say?”
Mandy turned to him. “He said that she has a concussion and she’s going to be sore for a few days,” she answered. “She’s going to have some bruises and a bump on her head, but she should be fine.”
Grady exhaled shakily. “Are you sure?”
“As sure as they can be until she regains consciousness,” Mandy said.
“And when is that supposed to happen?” Grady’s voice was sharp.
“Soon.”
Grady ran a hand through his hair, his expression still drawn. “Can I see her?”
“Are you going to be calm?”
“Are you trying to piss me off?”
Mandy shook her head. “No. I did manage to get you clearance to go into the room, but only if you’re calm.”
“How did you do that?” James asked.
“I told the nurse that Grady was her boyfriend and he was going to have a heart attack if he didn’t get to see her,” Mandy replied, watching Grady closely. “That means you can’t freak out when they call you her boyfriend.”
James was tense as he watched his brother. He almost jumped out of his skin when Grady reached for Mandy – worried his brother was going to shake her due to his frustration and emotional turmoil – but he relaxed when Grady pulled her in for a quick hug.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
Mandy patted his back soothingly. “You’re welcome. She’s in room 218.”
Grady disappeared down the hall. Once he was gone, James turned to his girlfriend. “You managed to get all of that done in five minutes?”
“I’m efficient.”
James wrinkled his nose. “I was going to say awesome, but we’ll go with efficient.”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “We need to order some food and call Finn.”
“Order food? We’re staying?”
“Are you really going to leave him here alone?”
Deadly Intuition (Hardy Brothers Security Book 2) Page 13