Expecting to wake up and feel the mistake of last night cringing in her stomach, Anna was surprised and the overwhelming feeling of happy when she opened her eyes. The first thing she thought of wasn’t, “Oh my God, what did I do?” Instead, she stretched and enjoyed the slight soreness of her well-loved body. He’d kept his word and loved every inch of her, and when they’d finished and caught their breath, he started again.

He had to have put something in the food. She’d never heard of an aphrodisiac in chicken or salad, but damn there had to be something. All of her reservations about their relationship just up and left, seemed to fade into the ether. Probably where they had belonged anyway. But even she wasn’t sure what caused her change of heart, no wait, it wasn’t her heart it was her head. Or was it? Damn, as hard as she’d tried, she had fallen for him. The slippery little sucker slid right into her heart without her noticing. And now she couldn’t wipe the shit-eating grin off her face.

It was Sunday, the one day she didn’t go into the office, but her staff did. There were lots of open houses and buyers who could only shop on the weekends. When she took over the business, she’d tried opening one Sunday a month to see how it went. Now they were open every Sunday. Which reminded her that she needed to call in and check how things were going.

After helping Ethan clean up after breakfast, they settled on the couch in the living room. She flipped on the TV, and they grabbed their phones to check on work. She’d never realized just how sexy a man could be in only a pair of jeans, sprawled out on the couch. Dang. He was wreaking havoc on her concentration and her body. It took all her willpower not to lean over and run her tongue across his washboard abs. She must have been in some kind of a daze not to have noticed them before. Although, they hadn’t spent any time together outside of the bedroom without being fully dressed. She’d stick to that excuse for being temporarily blind to his many assets. Oh God. He’s not wearing a shirt because I ripped it apart last night. Her face was so hot it had to be glowing three shades of red. Thank goodness, he was distracted by whatever he was reading on his phone. Hopefully, he wouldn’t notice. Shaking her head at her ridiculousness, she caught sight of the TV.

“Hey. That’s my office.” She grabbed the remote and turned up the volume.

The female reporter was outside of the Willow Haven Realty building. “…The house that was broken into was 3232 Seashell Lane. I contacted the Willow Haven Police Department for a statement, but Lieutenant Mark Watson said at this time they had no statement but promised a press conference tomorrow afternoon. A person who didn’t wish to be identified said this is one of a string of robberies that have occurred lately. That’s all for now. Reporting live for KHTZ News this is Sam Watson.”

Anna turned toward Ethan who was staring at the TV like it had grown a second head. “Do you know what she’s talking about? I can’t believe I was in that house yesterday. I wonder if it will affect the sale? Duh. Of course, it will.”

Ethan had a weird look on his face as he turned from the television screen to face Anna. At first, he didn’t say anything. A myriad of emotions crossed his face, the last looking a bit like guilt. What did he know?

“The call I was on when you got home last night? It was the LT telling me about the break-in. Steele and I have been working this case.”

“And you didn’t tell me about it? Don’t you think it might have been good for me to know?”

“No, well yes. But it’s work. I can’t just talk about open cases we’re investigating. And before you say another word, you were never a suspect. But we don’t know who is, we’re still running down leads.”

“But this is one my houses. How long has this been going on?”

“Anna, baby, I really can’t talk about this. Well beside the part you’re involved in. We’ve been lucky to keep it out of the news, but it was bound to break eventually. I was really hoping we’d be able to solve this and you’d never have to know.”

“How long?” When he didn’t answer at first, irritation forced her to her feet. Frustration, followed by anger sent her into the kitchen. She needed time to think. It was his work, they didn’t—couldn’t discuss his open cases, for just that reason, they were open. She shouldn’t be pissed off at him for not sharing this, but irrational or not she was still pissed. What if Adria had been there when they broke in?

“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? 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. 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 dripped 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, they took their mugs and went onto the patio where the sound of running water from the waterfall on her pool helped to create a more Zen-like 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 TV, though. It’s not like he hadn’t already planned to discuss it with her today. The LT had given him the go ahead because of her knowledge of the real estate scene in Willow Haven and that some of her listings were involved. But then it would have been on his terms, not the freakin’ news.

He loved her backyard. Typical Florida, lots of flowers, orange and avocado 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 status 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 outburst, not that he was sorry he’d said them, only that she hadn’t said it back.

Waiting until she was settled in one of the chaise lounges, 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 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 being older couples it wasn’t always easy to get answers. Last week’s robbery was a new listing, although not with your company, it was the only one that 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 already.

“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. I already said you weren’t a suspect. How could I think it’s you?  Jesus Christ, Anna. C’mon, give me a little credit, will you? Besides, what would be the motive to steal from your listings? Face it, you have more money than you know what to do with.” 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 a suspect. Okay? But we can’t rule out one of your employees. They all have access to the lockbox codes, right? And would know the schedules? Or at least be able to find them?”

“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. My newest employee is Adria, and I know it’s not her. You have to know it’s not too. As far as financial troubles, I wouldn’t know. How would I, unless they came to me to ask for a loan or help? I don’t run financials on my employees.” She worried her lower lip between her teeth, a sure sign she was focused on a problem. “Are you sure it’s not just a bunch of kids looking for kicks?”

“At first, we thought that was a definite possibility. But no. There has been too much planning, precision, patience, in and out before anyone realizes. No damage to the home. Teenagers wouldn’t be able to resist damaging something for the hell of it. 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.”

“It feels like they are taunting us. But they’re smart and careful. Not even a fingerprint has been left at the scene. They think they can’t be caught, and that’s when we’ll get them. They’ll get cocky and make a mistake, and we’ll be waiting.”

“But how many more homes have to be robbed first?”

“That’s the issue. The LT thinks you can help us try to narrow it down.”

“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 home, photographs for the listing, 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 into the system, and everyone has access to that.”

“What’s the MLS?”

“Multiple Listing Service. It’s basically a huge database of all available homes, usually with pictures. It also gives information about upcoming open houses, caravans, and listing agents.”

“Caravans?”

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

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

“Yes, but not just mine. Any licensed real estate agent can get access to the realtor side, and then there is the public side.”

“The public has the same access?”

“No. But the can see a listing of all of the homes for sale and the realtors to contract for more information to see the house.”

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

“It might be. Let me get the laptop.”

“While you’re doing that 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 and laughed. “I guess I should be happy I didn’t hear from you last night. I figured after the LT called you’d be sending me a text to meet you at the scene.”

“I thought about it, but I was 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 since it was at the station, you were sort of on your better behavior. I don’t think you ever have a ‘best’ behavior.”

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

“Thanks. I appreciate it. Oh, 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.