Page 47 of Smoldering Nights
“Something like that,” Mitch said.His gaze shifted toward the shop counter where Izzy worked with Ms.Jillie, arranging flowers.She turned her head as if she could feel him watching her and offered a small smile.
It settled something in him.She smiled.Her trust.It made him feel whole.
“This ends soon.One way or another.”Mitch quietly said to Jayson.
Mitch and Jayson moved their tools and locks to the front door.Mitch crouched down and began removing the door handle and lock from the old wooden door.He began working on the lock as Jayson removed the strike plate and pulled the new locks from the package.The clink of metal tools echoed in the quiet shop as Ms.Jillie hummed faintly in the background, arranging lilies and hydrangeas at the display table.Izzy worked on red roses in a vase.When she handled the flowers, she looked peaceful and happy.This was her happy place.At least it used to be.
“She’s lucky you caught this,” Jayson said under his breath.He looked closely at the old lock in his hand.“The frame was scored.Someone’s used that lock a lot, or picked it.”He held it out to Mitch.
Mitch examined the damaged lock, running the pad of his thumb gently over the scratches on it.“Yeah.And they’re getting bold.Watching from across the street, creeping around the greenhouse.This guy thinks he owns the place.”He pulled his thumb away and showed it to Jayson.Small shards of golden metal gleamed on his thumb."This is fresh."
Someone approached the front door, and a chipper voice called out, “Morning!”
Mitch stiffened.He looked over his shoulder just as Noah stepped in, balancing a cardboard box in one arm and flashing an overly friendly grin.
“Got a surprise delivery,” Noah said.“Said it was urgent, fresh orchids from McHenry’s.They didn’t say why it didn’t come in with yesterday’s batch.”
Mitch stepped back as Noah entered the shop.Izzy smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.She met Noah at the wooden checkout counter near the middle of the room."Thank you.That's strange, I didn't order these."
Noah chuckled, scratching the back of his neck.“You didn't?”
"No."
Noah handed her a slip of paper and noticed Izzy's fingers shaking as she took it.He watched as she read the paper, and he saw her swallow.Mitch stepped closer.
"You didn't order these?"
"No.The invoice says I did.But I didn't.Orchids need attention.And I don't have any orders to fill with these."
Noah shrugged."I don't know what to say.They asked me to deliver them."
Izzy swallowed again but said, "Okay.Do you mind putting them in the cooler?"
Noah shook his head, "Not at all."
Noah carried the container to the cooler.Izzy stared into his eyes for a moment.She shook her head, "I didn't order them."Her brows bunched, and she looked at Ms.Jillie, "Did you order them, Ms.Jillie?"
"No, honey.I only order when you ask me to."
Noah returned from the cooler and set Izzy's pruning shears on the countertop."You left your favorite pair of pruners in the cooler, Izzy."
Izzy stared at the shears as if they were poison.She absently whispered, "Thanks."
"No problem.You were probably looking for them."
Izzy nodded."Yes.Thank you.I was."
Noah nodded."Glad I found them then."
Noah stared at Izzy, and Mitch's jaw tightened.Noah then turned to Mitch."I didn't mean to interrupt anything."
“You didn’t.”Mitch rattled the old lock in his hand.“We’re just changing out locks.Shop’s had some trouble lately.”
Noah’s gaze lingered on the old hardware.“Yeah?That’s gotta be rough.Izzy doesn’t deserve that.”He looked over at her.“You doing okay?”
Izzy offered a polite smile.“Thanks, Noah.I’m fine.”
“You sure?If there’s anything I can do, anything at all...”
