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“Are you sure? I mean, there’s so much history between us.” Her voice is filled with concern, but I swear there’s also a hint of hope, which gives me the boost I need to keep going.
“A lot of history was good, some not so great, but you’ve always been Rose and I’ve always been Michael. Two people searching for what makes us happy. Let’s enjoy the night. I’ll take you home and we can talk some more, or I’ll leave you to think on your own. When you’re ready, all you have to do is call.”
She opens her mouth to speak, but the alarm on her watch starts flashing. She glances at it and shrieks, “My shop is being broken into!”
Her terrified expression says it all. I get it. She’s invested everything into Petals.
“I’m on it,” I say. Taking her by the hand, I call out for Ghost and Guard. “Rose’s store alarm has gone off. I’m going to check it out and could use some backup.”
Ghost rounds up Hammer, Wildcard, and Roscoe. They race over to follow us out while Ghost explains the situation. Guard tosses me the keys to his SUV. “I’ll meet you there,” Ghost shouts as we take off.
FOUR
The Break-In
THUNDER
“Stay in the car,” I command. “Lock yourself in.” I wait for the locks to click before approaching the shop. Hammer and Roscoe are with me, while Wildcard has gone around the back. The front door is ajar, and the lights are all on. The place is in shambles. Potted plants lie on the floor, with dirt splattered all over the floor. The cooler glass has been smashed and broken flowers are strewn on the tiles. They’ve been trampled and aren’t salvageable at all. Worst of all, there’s a message spray-painted on the wall.Found you. You owe us.
Wildcard comes in through the back. “They were in and out fast,” he says. “Got some tread marks. Risk and Saint are better at tracking. We should get them involved.”
Roscoe’s over by the cash register. “It’s empty,” he tells us.
“Shit! She’s going to freak the fuck out,” I grit out. I stomp out of the shop and see Rosie staring from the car. She unlocks the door and runs toward the shop. I stop her before she can get past me. “Slow down, baby.”
She eyes me cautiously and does a deep swallow. “It’s bad,” she whispers, looking past me and in through the window.
“Yeah, Rosie. It’s bad. But you need to know I got you covered,” I say. “How much did you have in the register?”
She shakes her head. “Not much. I keep a couple hundred for float. I use the nightly deposit slot at the bank.”
“That’s good. Really smart.” I hug her closely. She’s shaking in my arms.
“I need to see it,” she murmurs.
I want to prepare her for what she’ll see. “The place is a mess. This wasn’t about the money.”
“Vandalism? But why? I don’t know anyone in this town besides you guys. I’m nice to all my customers, and they’ve been super great to me. Who would do this?”
I’ve got an idea, but I don’t want to say it out loud. Her parents moved to get away from the scum Clarissa owed money to, and I have a feeling they found Rosie instead.
“I’m not sure yet, but Risk and Saint are great trackers. They’ll get a lead from what we find. I don’t want you to touch anything until we’ve done our thing. Okay?”
“I have to clean up. I need to make a living. I have loans to pay.” Her voice grows louder, panic starting to set in. “Oh my God, I’m already running tight on cash. I can’t put out any more money. I can’t ask my parents for help. They’re living off a retirement income.” She’s hyperventilating.
“Hey. Hey. Stop! We’ll figure this out. We’ll get this place fixed up tomorrow, and you’ll be open in a few days. Do you trust me?” I ask, tucking my finger under her chin and lifting her gaze to mine.
“Yes.”
“That’s right. I’ve got your back. Take a deep breath, calm down. Then I’ll take you in.”
She inhales and exhales slowly, once, then again, closing her eyes. When she opens them, she sounds steady and calm. “All right. I’m ready.” She holds my hand, squeezing it. “Lead the way, big man.”
* * *
Rose
Itry to hold myself together, but one look at how my cute, little shop was trashed and I fall apart. Thunder holds me in the back room as I let the tears flow.
