Page 47 of Honor ’N’ Duty

Huh?

Aside from that one little flicker of doubt he’d seen on her face the day of her wedding—one he’d ultimately attributed to wedding-day jitters—he’d always assumed Josh and Laia had a marriage that books were written about. Perfect couple. Perfect home. Perfect little girl.

Although in truth, he’d never really understood that term—wedding-day jitters—because if he ever proposed to someone, there’d be no doubt in his mind about spending the rest of his life with that person.

Especially if that person was Laia.

“What do you mean life with Josh wasn’t easy?” he asked because he couldn’t not ask.

“At first things were okay, I guess. I suppose every couple has issues.” The crease on her forehead deepened. “Ours were just…different.” She cleared her throat and smiled, although it most definitely never made it to her eyes. “Let’s go in.”

Without waiting, she unbuckled her seat belt and opened the door.

Ookay. Conversation over, clearly, although his curiosity was pinging like crazy.

He grabbed Smoke’s leash, then stepped outside. The hot, humid air slammed into him. Rosa’s idea of heading to the beach later was a no-brainer.

Kade popped Smoke’s door, then hooked on the leash. He wagged his tail as Laia approached, then wagged it faster when she bent to stroke his ears. She really would make a great vet. He wasn’t kidding when he’d said that.

“I’m not sure the Sandersons will appreciate a dog in their home,” Laia said.

Before leaving Asbury Park, Kade had a run a quick check to see who owned the house now. Mr. Bryan Sanderson and his wife, Jennifer.

“Then I’ll have to convince them,” Kade said. “I want Smoke to check the inside for hidden currency.”

“Currency? I thought he was a drug dog.”

“He is, but very often currency associated with drug transactions has drug particles on it, the odor of which can be detected by a trained narcotics K-9. I’m sure the house was thoroughly searched during the warrant. Like I said, they didn’t have Smoke.”

Hearing his name, Smoke woofed softly.

Kade went to the door and pushed the doorbell button. Twenty seconds later, the door opened but not all the way. A middle-aged woman with short blond hair and wearing a sleek blue top and matching pants stood there, her face somewhat distraught.

“Can I help you?” the woman asked.

He flashed his badge. “Mrs. Sanderson, I’m Officer Sampson. I’m with the Department of Homeland Security. May we come in and speak with you?”

The woman looked from Kade to Laia, then her eyes dipped to Smoke sitting at his side. “I don’t understand. What interest could the Department of Homeland Security have in this? I already told the police everything I know.”

He glanced at Laia, then back to Mrs. Sanderson. “Know about what?”

“This.” The woman opened the door the rest of the way and stepped aside.

Laia sucked in a breath. Kade catalogued the interior of the vestibule and what he could see of the adjoining two rooms. Papers were strewn everywhere, furniture pillows lay on the floor, their stuffing littering the expensive-looking rugs and marble tile. Other pieces of furniture lay overturned. Lamps and sculptures lay broken on the floor.

“We came home Friday night to this.” Jennifer Sanderson’s voice shook as she swept her arm, encompassing the room, then indicated the wide stairway. “It’s the same upstairs. Every single room is in shambles. I just couldn’t stand being here, so we’ve been staying at a hotel for the last few days.”

Laia went to her and rested a hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I understand exactly how you feel, Mrs. Sanderson. Not too long ago, my house was burglarized. To say it was upsetting is an understatement.”

Jennifer sniffled. “I feel like my privacy was invaded and I’ll never feel safe here again.”

“I know.” Laia nodded, meeting Kade’s gaze and conveying it all. She really did know.

He appreciated Laia’s discretion in not expanding on the fact that she used to live in the Sanderson’s house, although the implications were screaming in his head like a banshee.

The Sandersons’ house had been burglarized the day before Laia’s, suggesting that Fernando Colon had sent his goons here first, and when they didn’t find the ledger or Josh’s cash, they moved on to Laia’s duplex, then tracked her to Kade’s house. He also had to consider that they could have found the cash or the ledger but probably not both. Otherwise they wouldn’t have broken into the duplex or followed her to his place.

“I’m sorry this happened to you,” Kade said, taking in what he could see of the dining room with its overturned table and broken legs—the room where Josh and Laia once ate together as a family.