For the Love of Flowers Read online

  “Come on, let’s get moving,” I say. “We’re taking a little trip downtown. What’s your name?” I ask, hoping that I’ll get a straight answer.

  “Fuck off, pig,” he replies.

  “So, it’s like that,” I state, not surprised by his response. We’ll get his name once we process him at the station. We normally take him to the local precinct, but because of the case, we take him to headquarters.

  Liam is already at the park entrance as we get there, not looking at all happy.

  “Sorry, Wyatt, he got away.”

  “It’s okay, Liam. We got one,” I say, pointing to the guy in handcuffs. “That’s not too bad. Do you want to get the car? It’s not a great idea to walk this one through the streets.”

  “No problem,” Liam says, nodding in agreement. “I’ll be five minutes.”

  I watch as Liam jogs off in the car’s direction, and I turn to the perp, looking him over. He doesn’t jump out at being the regular user we pick up. His clothes are clean, and he looks quiet smart. There are no dark circles under his eyes, so either this is his first time, or he’s a new user. I hope to God it’s the first time; we might have saved his life.

  “You don’t look like a normal user. Things will go a lot better if you cooperate,” I say to him.

  “FUCK YOU!” he spits back at me.

  Rolling my eyes, he’s not the first and won’t be the last person to talk to me like that. In all honesty, it’s water off a duck’s back. Spotting the car coming around the corner, I walk the guy to the curb. Once it’s parked in front of me, I open the back door and sit him inside, knowing that once the door closes, it can only get unlocked from the outside. Making my way to the passenger seat, once I’m settled, Liam pulls out to make the journey back to headquarters.

  “So, is he talking?” Liam asks, but the look in his eyes tells me he knows what I’ll say.

  “Just the normal shit,” I reply with a smile on my face while looking at the guy in the rearview mirror.

  Once back at police headquarters, we enter the processing entrance and hand our guy off to the on-call sergeant. “Let us know when you’ve finished.”

  “Will do, Detective.”

  Liam and I make our way to our desks to fill out all the paperwork that comes with an arrest. All too soon, the desk phone rings. “Detective Johnson.”

  “Detective, your guy’s all ready for you.”

  “Thanks, Sergeant. Will come and get him.”

  Looking over to Liam, I smirk and say, “Come on, it’s showtime.”

  Chapter 3 - Lorenzo

  The loud beeping noise rudely draws me from my sleep, and I lean over to hit the off button before it wakes the gorgeous man sleeping next to me. God knows what time he got to bed. Leaning over to look at his face, I gently ease some hair from his forehead. He’s the most handsome man I know, and I hope that if he ever finds out everything about me, he’ll still love me. With that thought in my head, I take a deep breath and get out of bed, so I can get ready for another day at work.

  Once showered, I dress in simple black trousers and a white shirt, nothing over the top but something that says professional and approachable.

  Walking back into the bedroom, I go over to the sleeping man in the bed and give him a kiss on the forehead, whispering, “Goodbye, handsome.” Just as I’m about to leave the bedroom, I hear the faintest, “Bye, gorgeous,” before sleep retakes him.

  Making my way into the kitchen, I put the coffee machine on, making myself some much-needed caffeine and some toast for my breakfast. Ten minutes later, I grab my bag and leave the apartment, starting my fifteen-minute walk to work. I’ve always loved this time of day when the streets are relatively quiet, the city hasn’t quite come to life, and the promise of a new day is still ahead.

  The walk is over all too quickly. Soon I’m standing outside “Romano’s Flowers,” the family florist that I run. I love this shop so much, with its glass front and the shop name in simple black letters at the center. I wanted a simple shopfront so the flowers could talk for themselves.

  Unlocking the front door, the smell of flowers hits me, and I can’t help but smile. God, I love that smell. Walking to the back of the shop, I get to a counter and walk behind it, placing my bag on the shelf. Reaching behind me, I pick up my apron from a hook on the wall and place it over my head and tying it at the back.

  I pull out my diary from my bag, checking what orders I need today before setting up the shop. I make sure all the flowers are still fresh and remove any that might have died or had dead heads.

  The first bouquet is for an old lady’s birthday, and her daughter has requested pink roses and lilies. I choose five open and six closed lilies and five roses, combined with the eucalyptus foliage that’s my greenery of choice. It stands out against so many flowers. I pull all this together with the clear cellophane and tie it with a pink bow. I carefully pour in some water, and it’s ready for collection.

  I’m looking at the flowers with a satisfied smile on my face. I created something that will bring joy to someone else, and that’s one of the main reasons I genuinely love my job.

  The ringing of the shop phone pulls me out of my thoughts.

  “Good morning, Romano’s Flowers. How can I help you?” I say brightly.

  “Good morning, Lorenzo.” Just like that, my good mood vanishes, and my heart sinks as I recognize the voice on the other end as one of our couriers.

  “What is today’s order?” I make no pretense of being polite. I want this call to be over already.

  “Dozen red roses to upstate and two dozen yellow roses to Brooklyn.”

  “Okay, will get it organized.” I hang up the phone without even saying goodbye.

  Picking up a different diary from the shelf, I open it to today’s date and write in the order. It’s how I keep track of the product movement and what areas are doing better than others. If anyone is to look at the book, it will look like a typical flower delivery; no one will realize it’s heroin going out to the city’s dealers.

  I make a call on my cell that gets answered within two rings. A long time ago, I refused to make the drop myself but would be the point of contact. My plan was always to leave at some point; I never meant this to be my life. All I’ve ever wanted is to create beautiful flowers and live with my man.

  “Good morning, boss.”

  Oh God, that name again. I wish they would call me by my name; Dad is the boss, not me.

  “Today’s order is…” I repeat the order given to me.

  “Okay, a drop will be made tonight.”

  The phone call ends, and with a sigh, I have a quick look through the diary. I make a mental note of where all the drops are going now, to see if any places are requesting more than usual. Picking up my cell, I open the contacts and make the call to Dad, who answers on the first ring.

  “Lorenzo.” No ‘good morning,’ or ‘how are you.’

  “Two orders today, kilo for upstate and two kilos for Brooklyn. It looks like there’s more going to Brooklyn now; we need to monitor that. We don’t want too much going on there. It could draw attention.”

  “Thank you, Lorenzo. You might be right about Brooklyn. We have to make sure we stay ahead of the cops; the ships getting raided are a worry.”

  “I’ll make sure the drops get reduced in Brooklyn without affecting the business,” I tell him, knowing that’s the answer he wants to hear.

  “Good.” The call disconnects.

  I’m not surprised that Dad doesn’t say goodbye. If it weren’t for Mom, Dad would see me as another employee. For Mom, family has always come first and as the firstborn, I must follow into the family business. My brother thankfully doesn’t have to share this fate as he managed to escape and become a teacher.

  I’ve never been jealous that my brother doesn’t have to follow me. He gets to live a life he deserves. But I also know my family will never accept me if they know I’m gay. I dread to think what will happen if they also find out I’m living wit
h a man. One day, I’ll have to tell them, but it scares me. I don’t know how long I can keep living a lie. Something will give at some point, or I’ll lose the man I love or my family, and maybe even both.

  Shaking my head to stop the train of thoughts, I turn back to the shop diary, look at the next order, and roll my eyes. The order is for a dozen roses to be tied with a red ribbon. If only the customer who had ordered these flowers realized the irony of it all.

  Chapter 4 - Wyatt

  For some reason, this case is getting to me. I’m missing a vital connection, but something in my gut tells me I won’t like the link when I find it, but it doesn’t stop me from doing my job. I need to find out how heroin is getting into the city. I hope the interview with the perp will help.

  Sitting across from the suspect who now looks scared shitless, I try to get some answers.

  “Okay, let’s try again. What’s your name?” I ask him.

  “Fuck you.”

  You’re scared out of your mind, and you’re still giving me attitude.

  Looking at him, I change my tactic.

  “Look, we got you for possession whatever you say, but I don’t recognize your face. You’re either from out of town or a new user. If you give us your name and some information, I might be able to help. If not, you’re looking at jail time.”

  This seems to work. The suspect deflates in front of me, and I think we’ll get some helpful information.

  “Paul Thomas.”

  “That wasn’t so hard, was it? Now Paul, let’s have the story, shall we?”

  “Look, this is the first time I’ve ever done this. I needed something to get me through.”

  “Through what?” I think I know what’s coming.

  “Twelve months ago, I was in a car accident, and the doctor prescribed me some painkillers, but they aren’t working anymore. I cannot deal with the pain anymore. A friend, and no, I’m not giving you a name, said to try smoking heroin. It’s the same as the painkillers but stronger,” he explains to me.

  I had heard the stories in the news about this type of thing, but this is the first time I see it face to face. No wonder this guy doesn’t look like a typical user. At the end of this, I’ll give some harsh lessons and send him on his way. Hopefully, I don’t run into him again. First, I need the answer I’m desperate for.

  “Go on.”

  Paul thinks for a second, deciding what to say.

  “My friend gave me a number to call, told me to say I wanted an ounce. As my first time, that should be enough to ease the pain, so that’s what I did.”

  Paul then surprises the hell out of me by saying the one thing I’ve been thinking. I need that number.

  “Look, you said you would help me. The only information I have is the number. I didn’t get any names, just told to say what I wanted and leave a number and wait for a call back.”

  “Will you give me the number?” I keep my fingers crossed.

  “Yes.”

  I take the number and leave the interview room, heading straight to Liam to briefly explain everything. Liam knows what I’m thinking.

  “I’ll call and make an order. Let’s see if we get a break.”

  “I’m going back to the interview room. Come get me once you’ve made the call.”

  As I turn to make my way back, an idea hits me. “You got those files with the photos of users we use in the drug talks?”

  The photos are before and after images. We use them to show the effects drugs have on the body; it can be a powerful tool. I hope they might scare Paul into rethinking his decision.

  Liam hands over the file, with that damn knowing smile of his. “You’re going to let him go, aren’t you?”

  “Yep.” I make my way back to the interview room.

  Once I sit back in front of Paul, I stay silent, but it’s all for dramatic effect. I want him to stew for a while, to think he’s in more trouble than he is. It’s all part of my attempt to make sure he doesn’t end up in front of me again.

  “I hope you gave us the right number, and you aren’t stringing us along, especially with the entire accident story.”

  The story he has given us is genuine; there’s truth in his eyes.

  “I promise, Detective. Everything I’ve told you is the truth. Just call the number,” Paul pleads.

  “Believe me, Paul, we plan to.”

  Right on cue, there’s a knock on the door. Liam pops his head in. “Detective, can I see you out here for a moment please?”

  “Be right back. Don’t move, Paul.”

  Outside the room, I can tell by the look on Liam’s face that I won’t like what he tells me.

  “Dead end again. The cell was disconnected. I sent the number to the tech team to get a trace, but I think it’ll be a burner cell.”

  “You have to be kidding me. This case is going to kill me.” The hope I’ve been feeling is snuffed out.

  Liam nods his head. “They must have thrown it away after the bust last night. They probably saw us arresting that guy.”

  “Yeah, they’ll have a new cell by know, and we’re back to square one. I’ll finish the interview. Then let’s go over what we have and see if we missed anything.”

  Making my way back into the interview room, I take my seat opposite Paul. “Well, the number you gave us was a dead end,” I tell him, and his reaction doesn’t let me down, as the color drains from his face.

  “I swear to God that was the number I called yesterday,” Paul states, shaking as panic takes hold.

  Seeing the panic on Paul’s face, I decide that it’s time to stop the charade. Opening the file, I bring out three photos and slide them over to Paul.

  “I know, Paul. It was a burner cell that’s already disconnected. They probably witnessed your arrest yesterday and got rid of the cell, knowing you would likely give us the number,” I explain.

  Paul relaxes and looks down at the three photos in front of him. He looks up at me with a confused look on his face. “Who are these people? I have no idea who they are. I only called that cell number.”

  “Oh, I know, but I want you to take a close look at these people. They look like good people, don’t you think?” I ask.

  Paul nods his head, still very confused. I then bring out the next three photos. Paul looks over, and his eyes widen with surprise. They aren’t pleasant photos to look at, but I hope the point gets across.

  “What’s this?” Paul finally asks.

  “This is what will happen if you go down the path you started tonight. These people were the same as you. Good people who have had a bum deal. Sadly, we see them all too often now.” I wait for that information to sink in before carrying on, “They have lost everything to heroin. Families, friends, and even homes. I don’t want that happening to you. I must process the possession, but I’m only going to write you up a warning. You’re damn lucky that I’m doing that. You could have ended up in jail. Have a good look at these photos, and figure out another way to fight the pain. If I see you here again, you won’t be so lucky.”

  The look on Paul’s face is priceless. There’s a mixture of shock and relief, but I see he’s looking more closely at the photos, and I feel it might make a difference.

  “When all the paperwork is completed and signed, you’ll be free to go.”

  The only good thing to come out of that interview is that we might have saved Paul from a life of crime and drugs. Within the hour, he’s on his way, with my contact details in his pocket. If temptation ever comes knocking, or if he gets any information regarding the case, he has promised to call me, but I hope I never see or hear from Paul again.

  Liam and I spend the next few hours looking over what we have, but nothing jumps out.

  “Don’t know about you, but everything is swimming in front of my eyes. I’m going to call it a night and spend some time with my man.”

  Liam knows I’m gay and has never batted an eyelid. Some guys at the precinct are funny to begin with, but over the years, they have learned to acce
pt it.

  “You’ve been working opposite shifts this week, so I don’t blame you. Get some sleep, and we’ll start again tomorrow. I very much doubt you’ll get that much sleep though.” He winks at me.

  “Yep.” I chuckle. “See you tomorrow.”

  Twenty minutes later, I let myself into the apartment and place my keys into the bowl on the table by the entrance. I make my way to the bedroom. It’s not that late, maybe after midnight, but my man will be fast asleep.

  Entering the bedroom, I see him lying on my side of the bed hugging my pillow. The sight puts a smile on my face; looks like he’s been missing me.

  Just the sight of him has my cock growing hard, pushing uncomfortably against my zipper. I walk into the closest, remove my trousers and shirt. Leaving my boxers on, I make my way back into the bedroom.

  I take a minute to look at his face; he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. He has a boyish face, but a distinctive jawline. He has Italian olive skin which blends with the chocolate-brown hair. If he were looking at me right now, his green eyes would be shining. I lean down and kiss his plump pink lips. Suddenly, eyes that were closed a second ago flitter open.

  “Hey baby,” I whisper.

  “Hey yourself. What are you doing home?”

  “Case hit a dead end, and I missed you, so I called it a night.” Something crosses his face but before I have time to think about it, we’re kissing again. His tongue licks my lips. I part my lips, and soon our tongues are dueling together as the kiss heats up. I push him to the center of the bed, removing his sleep shorts and my boxers along the way.

  Without breaking the kiss, I straddle him and feel his hard cock rubbing against my own. Not even thinking, I start grinding. For the briefest of moments, I stop our kiss, grab his hands, and hold them above his head, causing his eyes to shine with desire. He licks his lips in anticipation.