The Florist

Every Breath You Take

            Capri made sure to pack up all the files so Mel could return them to the station. She was confident that she collected enough data for their meeting with Franco the next day. Despite the tragic circumstances, she was excited to see him again.

            The tone of her ringer echoed throughout the room. She was beginning to get used to the sound even though her phone had never been as popular before. She was thankful for the voicemails of condolences and prayer. The messages inviting her to drink the pain away made her laugh, but of all the calls, the most heartbreaking were the ones from Nia’s mother. She heard the agony in her sobs and the poignant terror in her voice when she begged for a return call.

            I just want to know that you’re all right! I can’t stand to lose another daughter and your parents would never forgive me if I didn’t keep you safe. Where are you? Please call me back, Capri. Please, honey! Please.

            Capri fought back tears silently wishing there was someone she could confide in. There was only one person she was allowed to call, and she didn’t know how open he would be to the idea. She searched for Mel’s direct number in her phone and pressed dial. The urgency in his voice threw her for a loop.

            “Are you all right?”

            “Huh? Yeah, I’m fine. Why, are you okay?”

            His eyes enlarged with shock. Much like her, he was surprised by the concern in his voice. You’re supposed to be worried about her, he told himself. That’s why she was placed under your protection. It’s nothing else. Don’t think of it as anything else. Change the subject … quickly! “It sounded like something was on your mind. Do you need to talk?”

            Capri sat with a puckered brow wondering if he was secretly psychic. “You’re busy, right? I’m sure you’re busy. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I probably shouldn’t have called.”

            “Hey, hey,” he eased with a mild laugh. “There’s a reason I gave you my number. Now, come on. What’s wrong?”

            “I know your captain said I – I shouldn’t have contact with anyone while we’re working this case but …”

            “What, has your boyfriend been blowing your phone up?”

            She cracked a smiled at his teasing. “Do you have some kind of trouble remembering that he’s my ex-boyfriend?”

            “Oh, I remember just fine, but it doesn’t sound like he does.”

            “And you sound jealous. Are you?”

            “Would it matter?”

            “Well, I don’t know until you answer.”

            “Are you flirting with me, Miss Winters?”

            “No more than you are with me, Detective.”

            He laughed heartily. “What can I do for you?”

            “I was wondering if Captain Grayson would allow me to talk to Tristeza. She’s taking Nia’s death pretty hard and …”

            “As I expect she would be. That was her only child, right?”

            “Yes, and I don’t want her to feel like I abandoned her. She’s alone now. I’m all she has.”

            “I understand,” he nodded as if she could see it. “I don’t think Cap is going to approve of you calling her, though. It’s a matter of keeping you safe.”

            “Well who’s gonna keep her safe? If y’all think I’m a possible target, how is Tristeza not on that list?”

            “Don’t take this the wrong way, Capri, but you were a resident at the murder sites of your parents and Nia; Tristeza wasn’t. That’s why we were most concerned about you. But if it’ll ease your mind, I’ll call her for you. Let her know you’re safe.”

            She breathed in relief. “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”

            “Yeah, no problem. Now, you go take a nap, grab a bite to eat or something, and relax.”

            “Grab a bite to eat? From where? I can’t leave the house! I mine-as-well be surrounded by electrified barbed wire, rapid dogs and motion-controlled sensors.”

            “I don’t think too many people get pizza in jail,” he sneered as she laughed.

            “You know what I mean, Mel. I can’t smell the fresh air …”

            “Open a window.”

            “I can’t jog around and feel the wind in my hair …”

            “There’s exercise equipment in the basement. Turn the fan on and you can feel all the wind you want.”

            “Oh, come on!”

            “Capri, I get it. Cabin fever. But I need you to lay low until we catch this guy. I need you safe, okay?”

            A few moments passed before she whined, “Okay. I’ll let you go ahead and get back to work.”

            “Hey, not so fast! What do you have a desire for?”

            “Huh?”

            “Food,” he clarified. “I was thinking of bringing something in again, but I realized … I don’t know what you like.”

            “Are you asking what my favorite food is?”

            “I’m asking what you want for dinner.”

            “Are you on the menu?” she mumbled.

            “What’d you say?”

            “I said, uh, whatever you’re into. Just make sure it’s, uh … meaty … and fulfilling enough to reach the deepest corners of … uh, our appetites.”

            “Mm-hmm. Something tells me we’re not talking about food anymore.”

            “Are you flirting with me, Detective?”

            “No more than you are with me, Miss Winters.”

            “I’ll see you when you get home.”

            “Oh, you bet you will,” he hummed temptingly before they exchanged goodbyes. Once he got a hold of Tristeza’s number, he placed the call. Her voice sounded uneasy when she answered. “Mrs Woodruff?”

            “Miss,” she corrected.

            “Miss Woodruff, this is Detective Perrin with Nolan PD.”

            “Yes. Hello, Detective. How may I help you?”

            “I was actually calling to help you. I understand you’ve been rather worried about Miss Winters.”

            “Capri?” she asked excitedly. “Is she alright?”

            “She’s fine.”

            “Well, where is she?”

            “That information is classified, Miss Woodruff.”

            “What the – what do you mean it’s classified? I have a right to know where she is! I’m her legal guardian!”

            “She’s an adult, Miss Woodruff. I’m notifying you of her safety out of courtesy, but I am in no way obligated to tell you her location.”

            “This is ridiculous! Where is your boss? I’m going to make a complaint! You can’t keep her from me. She’s the only person I have left!”

            “I understand that, Miss Woodruff, but until this case is solved, we have a right – an obligation if you will – to keep Miss Winters safe.”

            “Keep her safe? Wh – do you, do you think The Florist is coming after her next?”

            “We’re not sure, but we are taking every precaution to ensure that if that is the case, she will be out of harm’s way.”

            “Oh, God!” she shrieked.

            “Miss Woodruff, I’m going to need you to calm down.”

            “Don’t let anything happen to her. Please!”

            “Miss Woodruff …”

            “I can’t take another funeral!”

            “Miss Woodruff!” he called finally getting her to stop. “She will be fine. I promise you that.”

            “Hey, Perrin!” Ward called from a distance. “We got another lead on The Florist case. Let’s go!”

            “Miss Woodruff, I have to go. We’ll talk soon.”

            “Yes, please keep me posted and please keep Capri safe.”

            “Yes, ma’am,” he ended before jumping up to run behind his partner.

                                                                                                §

            Capri found herself feeling more comfortable in Mel’s presence with each passing day. She couldn’t help but wish she could talk to Nia about it. Capri wondered what she would say, what advice she would give, before falling to her knees.

            “I never had a day where I couldn’t talk to you. No matter what, you were always there. Girl, I hope you’re here with me now because … I have a thing for the detective and I’m not sure what to do about it,” she told before taking a moment to pause. “Nia, stop laughing. Yes, I know I don’t exactly pick the right guys to eye … but he’s just so damn cute and kind, gentle and protective, and adorably polite. Ugh, what am I talking about? We’re working together for goodness sake! I shouldn’t have my eyes on the detective; I should have my eyes on the prize, avenging you and mom and dad! But does that mean I have to be blind to any bonuses along the way? It’s probably nothin’ more than a little lust playing tricks on me, and I don’t need to take any missteps over that … but … what if there could be more? What if he could be more? You’ve got the best seats in the house from where you’re sitting, girl. Help me, if you can. Please let me know if I’m moving in the right direction, or if I’m getting too big for my britches. Amen.”

                                                                                            §

            Mel glared at Ward while they sat in the apartment of Dixie Oise, another student of Nolan University. He felt slightly uncomfortable as she pranced around in a sheer white lace overcoat, matching chemise and heels. His partner, on the other hand, happily took in the sights.

“You boys want something to drink? I just made some fresh lemonade and sweet tea.”

            “No, thank you, ma’am.”

            “I – I’ll take some,” Ward stuttered before Mel nudged him. “What? I’m thirsty.”

            “Then we’ll stop by a convenience store on our way to the station,” he said through his teeth. “Miss Oise …”

            “Please, call me Dixie.”

            “Dixie,” he appeased. “I understand you told Detective Ward you might have some information on The Florist killer.”

            “Mm-hmm,” she chirped sipping her iced beverage nonchalantly. Mel’s face dropped blankly.

            “You want to tell me what it is?”

            “So, there’s this old guy who works at the flower shop up the street, and I don’t know. He’s got a creepy way about him.”

            “A creepy way. Uh-huh. I think we’re good here. Thank you for your time.”

            “Wait a minute there, partner,” Ward interrupted gazing at Dixie. “Miss Oise took the time to reach out to us, and I think we should listen to what she has to say.”

            “Ward, you’re not interested in listening to a damn thing. Ma’am, I’m afraid that if you don’t have anything pertinent to this case then we best get going.”

            “Wait!” she shouted desperately. “He’s a florist and he writes all the little messages that go out with the flowers. I’ve seen it!”

            “Ma’am, has this gentleman given you any reason to suspect that he might be involved with the murders other than his occupation?”

            “Well … uh …”

            “Do you have any reason to fear for your life at all?”

            “My ex-boyfriend can be a little scary. Does that count?”

                                                                                                §

            As they walked toward the car, Mel shook his head in annoyance. “Now the murders are an incentive for horny college girls to treat 911 like a singles hotline.”

            Ward let loose of a lengthy whistle “Did you see the legs on that horse? Man, I’d like to take her around the track! I might need to look into that.”

            “Look here, if you plan on taking a new case, keep it to yourself. The less I know the better.”

            “What chu tryna say?”

            “I’m sayin’ that if little miss Dixie or any of your other conquests decide to make themselves known at the job looking for you, I want to remain obtuse.”

            “Whatever, man. You coming out for drinks tonight or what?”

            “Can’t. I need to get home.”

            “To what?” Ward exclaimed getting into the car. “Oh, I get it. You got a little filly of your own coming over, huh?”

            “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

            “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I bet you don’t.”

                                                                                            §

            Capri blissfully closed her eyes and enjoyed the heat from the shower engulfing her body like a passionate lover. The gentle caress of the steady steam seduced her skin as the musical sound symbolized rain. Stepping out of the tub, she was aroused by the idea of comparing the shower’s warmth to that of Mel’s body. Of course, the reality of such an experience was unlikely, so she had to settle for her fantasies as motivation.

            Capri ran to look at the clock in the living room. He should be home soon, she thought before rushing into the bedroom. Better make it quick. After the towel fell to the floor, she reached for one of the button-up shirts hanging in his closet and slipped into it. The mattress supported the back of her body as she teased herself by inhaling Mel’s scent from the collar. She grazed her bare legs and bit her lip in anticipation of pleasing herself to the thought of him … before the resonance of the front door opening and closing made her jump. A smile appeared on her face as she slowly lifted from the bed and followed her ears to the sound of his voice calling her name.