Page 21 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

Something had shifted between them, a subtle change in dynamics that I couldn't quite identify but definitely felt. I glanced between them, curiosity piqued despite the gravity of the situation.

"So what now?" I asked, breaking the tense silence.

Collins turned his attention back to me, his expression once again professionally neutral. "Now you go back to work, act normal, and call me if anything unusual happens. Anything at all."

"Define 'unusual,'" I said dryly. "Because my threshold has been significantly reset over the past week."

The corner of Collins's mouth twitched, almost a smile. "Anyone asking about Jensen or Thompson. Anyone showing unusual interest in your shop or your deliveries. Anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable."

"That would include your partner here," I pointed out, nodding toward Reeves, who stiffened in response.

"Noted," Collins said, his lip twitching as he glanced at Reeves who had an offended look on his face, but he stayed silent from the look Collins was giving him.

I raised an eyebrow at Collins. "So I just go back to my shop, arrange my flowers, and pretend I don't know that there's a killer out there targeting Omegas who might be connected to this research?"

"That's exactly what I need you to do," Collins confirmed, his voice soft but firm. "The best way to keep you safe is to maintain normalcy. If whoever is behind this believes you're uninvolved, they'll have no reason to target you."

I couldn't argue with his logic, but the knowledge of what was happening—what could happen—settled like a stone in my stomach. "Fine. But I want Jamie protected too. He works with me, he's seen the footage, and he knows everything I know."

Collins nodded. "Already arranged. We'll have eyes on both of you."

Collins's phone buzzed, and he pulled it from his pocket, glancing at the screen. His expression shifted subtly, a tightening around his eyes that spoke of bad news.

"I need to go," he said, slipping the phone back into his pocket. "We'll review this footage immediately." He held up the flash drive, his gaze intensifying as it met mine. "Thank you for your cooperation, Ms. Reed."

I nodded, suddenly exhausted by the weight of everything I'd learned. "Just find them. Before anyone else gets hurt."

"That's the plan," Collins replied, his voice low and determined. He hesitated, then added, "Lock up properly tonight. Don't stay late."

"I never do," I lied, thinking of the countless evenings I'd spent alone in the shop, arranging flowers long after closing time.

Collins's expression told me he knew I was lying but he gave me one last look before leaving, Reeves following him close behind him as they got into his car and then left, leaving me alone and feeling very vulnerable.

Chapter Ten

Istepintotheshop,its smell wrapping around me like an old sweater, familiar and comforting.

"Morning, sunshine," he calls, arranging a cluster of carnations on the counter.

"Sunshine’s got nothing on me," I quip, tying my apron around my waist. The fabric feels rough against my skin, like it's trying to rub the truth out of me.

"Someone's chipper," he grins, tapping me on the nose with a carnation. "Didn’t know you were such a morning person."

"Surprise," I say, diving into a stack of orders and hoping work will anchor me. I focus on the list, the names and addresses blurring together as I struggle to make sense of anything other than petals and stems.

Jamie hums a tune, the sound easy and light as he unpacks a box of sunflowers. "Got three deliveries today," he announces. "You sure you don’t want the new Junior Minion to handle them all?" He was talking about the part time college student that only worked one day a week.

I try to match his energy, the way he seems to float above everything without a care. "Only if Head Minion promises to finish the bridal arrangements. On time, this week."

"Ouch," Jamie laughs, going about his daily tasks. "That was one time."

"Two times," I correct, moving to the fridge for the first round of roses.

It feels normal. We feel normal. I didn’t tell Jamie anything I had learned a few days ago. I didn’t want to burden him with some of the information or change him being dragged into this mess more than he was. Instead, I watched him carefully for any signs that he might suspect something was wrong. He seemed oblivious, as he arranged flowers with his usual cheerful demeanor.

"You're doing it again," Jamie said.

"Doing what?" I asked, wiping down the counter with more force than necessary.

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