Deadly Intentions (Hardy Brothers Security Book 1) Read Online Free

“I wasn’t really paying attention. I’m sorry.”
    James was still processing Mandy’s story. She really was in trouble, which was a blow to the part of his ego that thought she was making up a story to get to see him again. He was all business now. “Is that all that happened?”
    “Isn’t that enough?” Finn asked.
    James ignored him. He didn’t know why, but he got the distinct impression that Mandy still had more to her story.
    “There is one other thing,” Mandy admitted.
    The brothers waited for her to continue.
    “The day before yesterday, when I got home from work, the door to my apartment was open,” she said. “Someone had been in my apartment.”
    James felt dread pooling in the pit of his stomach. “Are you sure you didn’t accidentally leave it unlocked?”
    “I never have before,” Mandy replied, her face going cold as she regarded James. “I don’t know why I would start now. I don’t make it a point to try and be stupid if I can help it.”
    “I’m not accusing you of anything,” James said. “I just wanted to make sure.” He didn’t know why, but he didn’t like the dark look she was casting in his direction.
    “Was anything missing?” Grady asked the question of Mandy, but his gaze was focused on James. What was up with him?
    “I don’t think so,” Mandy said, shaking her head so blonde waves cascaded around her shoulders. “The only thing disturbed was my office.”
    “What do you keep in your office?” Finn asked.
    “Not much. Books. Work stuff. Personal files.”
    “How was it disturbed?” James asked.
    “The files were spread all over the floor,” Mandy replied. “I don’t think anything was missing, but it’s hard to tell.”
    “Do you have criminal files there?” James pressed.
    “A few,” she replied. “Only ones that I didn’t have time to type up at the office.”
    “Have you been present for any bad cases lately?” James asked.
    Mandy shrugged noncommittally. “Define ‘bad’. We see a lot of bad cases every day. It’s circuit court. You don’t get to the circuit-court level unless you’ve done something pretty bad.”
    She had a point, James realized. “Is there anyone you can think of who would want to hurt you?”
    Mandy considered the question. “I’ve been trying to think about that very thing, but I just can’t think of anyone. I was telling Ally about it at lunch yesterday, and she said I should talk to you guys and see if you have any suggestions. I don’t want to be scared but, well, I’m kind of scared.”
    James leaned back in his chair. This wasn’t the kind of job they usually took. This was someone they knew, though. He didn’t see the harm in checking it out.
    “Well, let’s start with letting me have a look at your apartment,” he said. “We’ll run some background checks on the people at the courthouse and go from there.”
    Mandy was surprised at his response. “Really?” Relief washed over her.
    James smiled. “Really. Why don’t you wait for me in the lobby? I’ll be right there.”
    Mandy got up, saying a quick goodbye to Finn and Grady, and then exited the office. Once she was gone, James fixed his attention on Grady. “Why don’t you see what you can find out at the courthouse,” he suggested.
    “Why me?”
    “Because those gossipy secretaries on the county level are going to love your hair,” James replied. “You’ll be able to charm them out of information – and maybe find a date at the same time. Isn’t that a win for you?”
    Finn snickered, causing James to turn to him. “Why don’t you run a background check on Mandy and see if you can find anyone in her past that might be a threat to her.”
    Finn nodded thoughtfully. “I could go with her and check out her apartment,” he offered.
    James frowned at the suggestion. “Why?”
    “I want her to feel safe,” Finn replied evasively.
    “I want her to feel safe, too,” Grady chimed in. “Maybe I should stay at the apartment with