Cuffed & Claimed

by Lori King

  “It’s an ongoing case. We had a deal remember? We don’t talk about work when we’re on our date—unwind time, right?”

  “I know but, dammit, Ethan. What if Adria was there yesterday when it happened? She could have been hurt, or worse.”

  “Do you think I haven’t been worried about that? Last night when I found out, my first instinct was to go to the crime scene. It could have been you. Not that Adria isn’t important, but I’m not in love with her.” He was right, she knew it, he knew it, but it didn’t do much to take the edge off her anger.

  “What can you tell me about the case, anything? I know there are rules, but I think you can do a little bending here.”

  “You do, huh? That’s because you’re the boss. But I discussed it with the LT, and he thinks you might be able to help us out.”

  “What could I do?”

  “All the houses burglarized have been vacant and for sale. Well, except for one. The couple was selling the house, through your office in fact, but they returned from vacation a few days early because of bad weather, in time to see a van pulling out of their driveway. If they’d gotten home any earlier, they’d have walked in on the robbery.”

  “One of mine? All of them? How many houses?”

  “Last night makes number nine.”

  “Nine! What the hell, Ethan. Nine houses and you didn’t think I needed to know?”

  “We’ve had extra patrols…”

  “They’ve worked really well, apparently,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. None of this was his fault, well except the part where he didn’t tell her—maybe—but he was the one in front of her, and she was angry, and he got to be “it.”

  “They might have worked. We don’t know for sure,” he said, anger building in his voice. “Do you want to know about the case or are you just going to throw snarky comments at me?”

  He was right, pissed off or not, this wasn’t helping either of them. “Yes, I want to know. How about some more coffee while we talk about it?” Her white flag retreat was accepted, and they both breathed a sigh as they realized they’d averted a huge argument. Adulting was hard, but someone had to do it.

  Coffee made, location changed to the back patio where the sound of running water from the waterfall on her pool helped to create a more Zen environment. She had a feeling she wasn’t going to like where this was going and the more help with calm the better.

  * * *

  This was exactly why he hadn’t told her last night. Thank God he’d kept his mouth shut. Too bad she’d put on the fuckin’ TV, though. He’d planned on talking to her about it today, just on his terms, not like this.

  He loved her backyard. Typical Florida, lots of flowers, fruit trees and a beautiful pool that looked like it was part of a tropical oasis. It screamed money, and he wondered if they got married whether their different financial statuses would matter. Not that he’d be proposing any time soon. If she couldn’t admit she was in love with him, even though it was plain for everyone to see, then he’d have to wait. Saying the words had been a spontaneous admission last night, but he wasn’t sorry he’d said them, only that she hadn’t said it back.

  Waiting until she was settled, he sipped his coffee and wondered where to start. She took care of that for him.

  “Are all the houses our listings?”

  “All but the first one and the one last Saturday night, so seven of the nine. Which is why I think the first one might have been a practice run.” She just nodded and waited for him to continue.

  “We didn’t think about the connection until two or three in, partly because with so many of the owners out of town and older it wasn’t always easy to get answers. Last week’s robbery was a brand new listing, although not with your company, it was for sale by owner.”

  “Seven? Holy shit. And never when anyone was there?”

  “Exactly. When Steele and I were talking to the LT on Friday, we started to connect the dots. They’re too well planned.” As she nodded, he could almost see the wheels turning in her head. Knowing her analytical mind, she was probably running every possible scenario.

  “You think it’s an inside job?”

  She was quick, but then she had more information than they’d started with. Still, overall he felt like he’d dropped the ball on this one. He should have put it together sooner. So much for protect and serve. “Yes, maybe, possibly.”

  “Do you think it’s me? Is that why you didn’t say anything?”

  “No! Of course not. How could I think it’s you? Jesus Christ, Anna. C’mon, give me a little credit, will you? He could hardly contain the instant spark of anger that sent his blood pressure skyrocketing. So much for headway in their relationship.

  “Sorry. But when you didn’t say anything, and most of the houses were my listings…”

  “You are not now or ever were a suspect. Okay? But we can’t rule out one of your employees. They all have access to lockbox codes, right? And would know the schedules, or could find out at least?”

  “Yes, that’s true. But most of them have been with the company for years, and we’ve never had this issue before.”

  “Have you hired anyone recently? Or has anyone had any financial difficulty?”

  “No, and I don’t think so.” She worried her lower lip between her teeth, a sure sign she was really concentrating. “Are you sure it’s not just a bunch of kids looking for kicks?”

  “At first, it was a possibility. But no. Too much precision, they get in and out before anyone realizes they are there most of the time. The only way we find out is when either a neighbor calls the next day because the lockbox is off or lights are on.”

  “That’s just bizarre.”

  “I think they’re taunting us. They think they’re smarter than we are, and want us to know they pulled off another one. It’s the only explanation for leaving that type of clue when there’s never even been a fingerprint that didn’t belong at the scene.”

  “You said I could help. What can I do?”

  “I’m going to give you all the addresses of the burglaries. Can you give us the files for your listings?

  “Yeah, but what are you looking for? Most of the stuff in our files are notes about the house, pictures, and the contract. We don’t have a lot of specific information.”

  “We’re looking for similarities between the properties.”

  “Okay, well I can do that now. Let me get my laptop. Since I computerized everything, it’s all on our server.”

  “Who has access to that?”

  “In the office? Everyone has access to some of the things, there are separate logins for each of the agents. The MLS is built in to the system and everyone has access to that.”

  “What’s the MLS?”

  “Multiple Listing Service. It is pretty much a huge database of all available homes, usually with pictures. It also gives information open houses, caravans and listing agents.”

  “A caravan?”

  She rolled her eyes. “No not what you’re thinking. A caravan is a once-a-month thing when a bunch of real estate agents travel from one new listing to another to get a feel for the home, etc. before they start showing it to their clients.”

  “Gotcha. And all of your agents have access to that?”

  “Yes, but not just mine. Any licensed agent can get access to the realtor side, but all the general public has access too, so they can see what’s for sale and who to contact.”

  “Fuck. I was hoping it would be easier to narrow it down.”

  “It might be. Let me get the laptop.”

  “You do that, and I’ll make more coffee.”

  “Perfect.”

  After starting the coffee, he called Steele to see if he’d heard anything new.

  “Fuck, seriously dude? I don’t get enough of you while we’re at work?” Steele said then laughed. “I guess I should be happy I didn’t hear from you last night. I figured after the LT called you’d be telling me to meet you at the scene.”

&nbs
p; “I thought about it, but I’m at Anna’s, and I was cooking.”

  “No way. It’s about fucking time. I thought I was going to have to lock you two in a room until you could work out your shit.”

  “There was nothing to work out. I told you we were going slow.”

  “Bro, there’s slow, and then there’s fucked up. Do you need me to tell you which it was?”

  Ethan laughed. He and Steele had hit it off in the academy and were lucky enough to get assigned as partners after they both made detective. He’d been his first friend outside of the Air Force and appreciated his blunt style, even if most people didn’t.

  “Just shut the fuck up already. I called for a reason, not an ass-reaming.”

  “Yeah, yeah. What’s up?”

  “I’ve been talking to Anna about the case, and we’re going over her listings. Can you grab the files from the station and bring them over? We’ve got leftovers from last night’s dinner, so I’ll make it worth your while.”

  “Yeah, no problem. Did you check with your ball n’ chain to see if it’s okay?”

  “Again, shut the fuck up. And you’d better be on your best behavior when you’re here, or I’ll toss you in the pool.”

  “I’m just busting you.”

  “I know that but Anna won’t. She hasn’t been around you like I have. You only met her the one time, and it was at the station and you were acting relatively normal since you were at work.”

  “Fuck you. But yeah, you got it. I’ll be a boy scout.”

  “Can you bring a t-shirt too?”

  “I’m not even going to ask, but yeah. See you in about an hour.”

  When he disconnected, he looked up to see Anna watching him from the end of the kitchen island. “Who was that?”

  “Steele. He’s bringing over our files and a shirt.”

  “Shit, I’m sorry.” A blush stained her cheeks, and she avoided his gaze as she set up the computer and plugged it in.

  “No sweat, baby. I didn’t bring anything to change into that’s all.”

  “Because you didn’t know you were staying…”

  “Exactly. But in the future, I’ll be prepared.”

  “Ugh, you don’t even have a toothbrush. I have spares, let me get one for you.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it. I used my finger earlier but it’s not exactly the best implement for the job,” he said and waggled his eyebrows making her laugh. Exactly his intention. Yeah, he had all the right implements for the important job, and if he had his way he’d be using them again later.

  5

  By the time Steele arrived, she’d explained to Ethan the difference between MLS and her listings and how it was all set up in her offices. Each of the agents had their logins to specific options but only she and Jenny had access to everything—and Tag—but she doubted he’d be able to login even if he tried. She’d set him up with access since he was part owner of the business whether he wanted it or not, and she needed a backup person just in case. After what happened with Ryan she learned life was way too short.

  Which of course made her feel even more stupid for pushing Ethan away for so long. Why did she think protecting her heart from hurt was better than living again? Sometimes she wondered at her own logic. Adria would tell her it was the pain talking. Since she still hadn’t gone on even one date yet after being widowed over four years ago, she’d probably know all too well. Her usual excuse was Scotty, but it was just that—an excuse.

  Anna had showered and gotten dressed leaving Ethan to look through the listings for the seven houses that were hers. It wasn’t long after she was done when the doorbell rang.

  “I’ll get it,” he said, dropping a quick kiss on her lips before heading to greet his partner. She’d only met Steele once, but he seemed okay. Ethan warned her he could be gruff and not to take anything he said personally. She wasn’t worried; she’d been dealing with Tag and all his shit for the last two years so she was more than used to obnoxious males.

  When they came into the kitchen, Anna was a little surprised. Seeing the two of them in the enclosed space took her breath away. They could have been cover models, but where Ethan was light, Steele was dark, foreboding, but hot damn he was hot. Her cheeks heated, and she was glad mind reading wasn’t one of Ethan’s many talents. It would have been just plain mortifying.

  “Close your mouth, sweetheart. You might drool on the keyboard.” Okay, maybe mind reading was one of his talents. Her cheeks had to be flaming now since her face was burning up.

  Steele actually saved her, as he stepped forward. “Hi Anna, nice to see you again.”

  “Same here. Sorry to ruin your Sunday.”

  “Nah. I was bored anyway. Besides, I heard you had Ethan leftovers.”

  She laughed. “Hey, I thought you said you’d never cooked for anyone else.”

  “I said no other woman besides my mother and grandmother. You need to listen better, and you talk about me.” He softened his words with a huge toothy grin.

  “Whatever.”

  “Uh oh bro, you’re fucked now. She said that word,” Steele said with a smirk.

  “What word?”

  “Whatever. Don’t you go on Facebook? It’s in one of these meme things, one of the four deadly words in a relationship. You need to pay more attention.”

  Anna couldn’t stop laughing. She liked Steele better with every word he said and the more confused Ethan looked. It was hysterical, and she needed to remember to tell Adria about it when they were in the office tomorrow. Thinking of Adria made her wonder what Steele’s availability was.

  “I may be slow on Facebook, but I know that look when I see it. She’s setting you up with one of her girlfriends. Look out, bud,” Ethan said as he elbowed his partner in the side. Now they were both staring at her with scared expressions, and it was classic. Oh yeah, she definitely had to figure out if he was single and then set him up with Adria. They’d be a great couple.

  “I don’t know what you two are talking about. But I thought we had work to do.” Her comment had the anticipated effect, and they both sobered and got down to business immediately. Steele pulled out the files from his backpack and spread them over the top of the island. One by one they went over the information she had for each house that was one of her listings, marking off every possible combination of information from the date first listed, the home value and who initially listed the home.

  After going through the seven listings that were hers, she brought up the MLS website and pulled the same information on the other two properties. Other than the MO they couldn’t figure out the connection between the other two break-ins and her listings. What they finally discovered upset Anna, since they’d all been listed by Hugh Johnson and Adria Harrison.

  Ethan and Steele were convinced it had to be Hugh since there was no way they could talk her into thinking Adria was involved. Hugh being involved didn’t make sense to her either. He’d worked for them since her parents ran the company, and he had to be close to retirement age. A cranky old man yes, a mastermind no way. It surprised her he’d been able to still get listings or make sales, and she’d figured he must be more pleasant to the customers than his co-workers. Over the years she’d had several complaints about his rudeness, mostly with the women in the office, but that was the extent of it. So again, none of this made sense.

  It took them about three hours to go through everything and while they debated back and forth about each and every piece of information. Anna wondered if this was how they always worked their cases and if so how they ever solved anything. But then again Willow Haven wasn’t a hotbed of crime, at least until now. Ethan had told her that he’d decided to stay after his discharge because it was so quiet.

  The guys went outside to the patio to come up with their plan of action while she heated dinner. Microwaving she usually could handle. But that was the extent of her prowess in the kitchen. No one could be good at everything, and growing up with a cook meant her mother never taught her the basics. Onc
e she was older, she was too busy doing everything else and learning to cook was low on her priority list. But having a man who could cook was like a dream come true. There were only so many salads a girl could eat.

  * * *

  “You were right, she’s a keeper. After listening to you bitch about how hard it was to get close to her I wondered if it was really worth the effort, but yup. You definitely got lucky. Now don’t fuck it up and lose her.” Steele imparted his sage advice as he paced the patio.

  “Yeah, tell me something I don’t know. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve almost fucked it up. But she’s amazing, and I think my perseverance finally paid off.”

  “What are you persevering at?” Anna asked as she opened the French doors while juggling the platter of chicken.

  “The case,” Steele answered, and Ethan was grateful. He’d probably have put his foot in his mouth—again.

  “Good because I really want you to find out who’s behind it, and I know it’s not Hugh. So the sooner you get over that, the better.”

  Ethan sighed. She was not going to be easy to convince. She protected her employees like a mother hen, which wasn’t a bad thing, but in this case might mean she was assisting a felon. “You have to at least admit that it’s too much of a coincidence. I do agree about Adria. There’s no way she’s involved.”

  “Maybe I should check into her background just in case. You never really know people until you know them,” Steele chimed in. Ethan cringed, knowing how close Anna and Adria were, but surprisingly she agreed. What was up with that?

  “Just don’t do anything stupid, Steele. She’s my best friend and already been through hell. I don’t want her hurt.”

  “I’m looking in to her background, not marrying the woman. Fuck.”