Dark Roses Chapter 1
Bernadette Walters, stepped inside her flower shop like she did every afternoon after her brief lunch break, a big smile brightening her face as she looked around, of course, no one called her Bernadette anymore; she was Benny to all of her friends and clients.
Benny was a heavy set woman with piercing black eyes, her hair was also black thanks to the aid of a very good hairdresser she liked keeping it really short, after all she was no longer a teenager; when she retired some years before she had chosen to open a flower shop as a way to keep herself busy and because she truly loved growing things, surprisingly it had turned into quite a success maybe due to the very special clientele she tended too, Benny was Goth and her shop reflected as much, instead of pink or yellow roses you'll find black, blood red, purple or green ones, instead of clear crystal vases, you can see several containers looking like skulls, headstones, coffins and every other thing her clients would like to put flowers in.
Benny was capable of filling the most bizarre requests with great artistry and good taste some people said, in any case she loved what she did.
The silver bell placed over the front door alerted her to the first afternoon costumer.
Timothy!! It's great to see you – Benny said walking from behind the counter to greet Timothy McGee with a hug.
Hi Benny, I've missed you.
I have missed you too kid , come on lets sit over there.-
Benny led McGee to a pair antique chairs resting against the wall opposite to the counter, she had know the young NCIS agent for several years now, Benny loved him as the son she never had, McGee was one of the few people who knew her full name and former profession, who would believe the owner of Dragon's Blood Flower Shop had been Director of the Rocket Fuel Division at NASA? Probably no one she thought , they constantly had great conversations some times just the 2 of them others they shared with Abby Sciuto, her friend and former student, Abby had helped her find the place in which her store was now located, very near NCIS headquarters, behind them, in fact.
Abby's birthday is coming, isn't it? Benny asked trying to meet his eyes, which were fixed on the floor in front of him. – Are you alright McGee?
I'm ok Benny.
Are you? – She asked placing a comforting hand on his arm.
No, I am not – He answered taking a deep breath before adding - Abby told me in no uncertain terms that we are not right for each other, and that we should remain as friends and coworkers from now on – Tim said very fast still looking at the floor.
She said that?
She did, I will of course do as she wants and step aside, but it hurts Benny, I just love her so much.
Maybe she's just afraid of commitment, you know how free spirited she is.
Maybe, I am sorry to drop this on you Benny, but with things so difficult at work, you are the only one I can talk too.
At work? What do you mean?
Deep Six?
Oh, I see.
They hate me, all of them, even Abby. – He said hiding his face between his hands.
Abby could never hate you McGee, I don't think any of them does.
I know I used them as models for my characters, but everything else, the relationships between them, the stories, that is all fiction, and …. I shouldn't have written it.
Never said that, you are a very good writer Tim and you love writing, maybe you should have talked with them before and asked them if they minded, but that's over now. I am sure they will forgive you if you ask them too.
I have tried, they won't talk to me, only Gibbs and Ducky do sometimes, anyway Benny I want to buy something for Abby's birthday, she loves your flowers most of all.
Benny smiled, Mc Gee was hurting but he will always find a way to put Abby before anything, even his own feelings.
What do you want to give her?
Black and Red roses, a big bouquet, something special, it's like a goodbye present also.
McGee?
Its ok Benny, I am not going anywhere. – Tim said standing up and walking towards the counter.
It will be ok McGee, I know it will, you know I can tell.
He smiled; Benny was indeed really good at reading people, he started searching for his wallet while she began choosing black roses from a tall vase.
I forgot my wallet at the office, would you mind if I came back later, some time after work?
Don't be silly McGee; you don't need to come back today.
I am going to the Gym, and then I'll come back I know you close late.
Mc Gee …..
Benny, you know me, I won't sleep if I don't pay you today. – He said smiling for the first time since his arrival, he was right of course, and Benny knew it, McGee's sense of rightness was beyond belief.
Ok, if it makes you feel better, I'll make something really special for Abby and have it delivered today.
Thank you Benny, oh here, this is the card – he added handing her a small red envelope and kissing her on the cheek before turning to leave, he still had several work hours before him, he wasn't looking forward to it, but he had no choice about it, several cases were open and Gibbs was in a terrible mood.
XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXX
Good Morning Abby.
Good morning Jerry – Abby said to the not so surprised night guard, NCIS forensic expert regularly came to work at dawn, she was after all Goth, she loved darkness.
Hey Abby got something for you – Jerry Thomas said turning around to reach under his work station, and coming up again with a huge flower bouquet.
This …. Came for you at 0200 from Benny's – he said panting a little.
Oh Jerry aren't they gorgeous!! – Abby said excitedly, taking the flowers in to her arms.
Well, I suppose if you like black ..
Jerry!!!- Abby said laughing as she started for the elevators.
Oh Abs! I forgot to tell you, a team is checking on the electric system, the light is off on most floors, lifts not working, no light in the staircases those are fried for good, and so on, and so on…
Got it Jerry, you are forgetting I am the Lady of the Dark – Abby twirled around herself hugging her very black flower bouquet and headed for the staircase. The staircase was pitch dark but it didn't bother her a bit, it was the instant that she took a hold of the handrail that she knew something was wrong.
Abby was not a field agent but she knew more about blood than anyone in NCIS and the sticky substance that was wetting her hand sure felt familiar.
Jerry!!!
I told you it was dark Ab…. – Jerry came into the staircase with a flashlight in hand, he froze as the light hit Abby and the space around her, there was blood everywhere not much but a enough to make a trail that could be seen coming from the lower floor, the garage area.
Jerry, we have to go see – Abby said her voice shaking a little, she was scared but she also knew that who ever was injured had to work for NCIS, the garage lift and stairs door could only be open with the retina scanner. Jerry Thomas took out his gun and got in front of Abby; they climbed 2 floors up following the trail until they reached the forensics lab floor, Abby's heart was beating so fast it hurt, she had a really bad feeling about it all.
Jerry took out his radio and called the electric maintenance crew
This is Thomas, I need the lights back at the Forensics Lab, right now.
In a minute Officer – came a distorted voice from the radio.
The moment, they reached the correct floor the lights came on, it was the noise of her own scream that made Abby jump in fright, there sprawled on the floor on a pool of blood……
- Oh my God …. Mc Gee!!!!!!!!