Chapter 2

Joss made a last minute decision to stop by her favorite coffee shop a block away from the precinct. The owner of the shop and the employees were very festive today. The store was heavily decorated in red and pink, there was a special on Valentine's themed lattes, and even the cashier was dressed up as Cupid. She ordered two coffees to go and smiled at the handsome, young, and flirtatious barista behind the counter.

"Happy Valentine's Day, beautiful. Any plans tonight?" he asked.

She grinned at his attempt to flirt with her and peered at his name tag before she replied. "Nope. Can't say I do, John**."

"Maybe we could hang out later?"

As flattered as she was, she had to turn him down. "You'll just have to work your charm on the next girl in line."

"But they're not as pretty as you." She laughed and shook her head. He sighed and replied, "Oh well. Maybe in another life and in another story..."

"Maybe." She reached in her purse to take out the money to pay for her order.

He held up his hand and shook his head. "It's on the house, sweetheart. Happy Valentine's Day."

"Thanks for the coffees." She held up the two cups and gave a brief nod. "Happy Valentine's Day." She walked out of the coffee shop with a grin on her face and headed to the precinct.


Fusco sat at his desk and stared at the ostentatious display of long-stemmed dark red roses on his partner's desk. There had to be at least three dozen roses in the expensive looking crystal vase. I guess Wonderboy finally decided to make a move, he thought as he eyed the gift basket next to the flowers.

He usually hated this time of year, but this time around he was looking forward to tonight and the rest of the weekend. He and Rhonda had planned a romantic getaway this weekend at the Poconos. He made a mental note to stop by the florist to get flowers for Rhonda before he picked her up to make the drive out to the resort.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee from a cup placed on his desk in front of him brought him out of his musings. He looked up to see his partner with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes. Maybe Wonderboy already made a move and those flowers are just a gesture of his appreciation for her moves.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Fusco. Got you a coffee."

"Thanks. Some rookie screwed up the coffee maker this morning so I haven't had my morning dose of caffeine yet." He took an appreciative sip of the coffee.

"Glad, I changed my mind and stopped by the coffee shop around the way."

"Yeah, I know that place. Rhonda likes going there. She says it's because the coffee tastes good, but I think it's because of that young guy behind the counter. Black guy, maybe mid-20s, with dreadlocks. Good looking guy, but a flirt."

Joss chuckled. "Yeah, I know who you're talking about."

"Oh, no. Not my partner, too!" he replied with faux disappointment.

With a smile, she shook her head and turned to walk over to her desk. She nearly stumbled when she noticed the large bouquet of blood red roses. The fragrance was potent and heady and she wasn't even close to her desk.

She turned to Fusco and gave him a questioning look. He responded with a shrug and took another sip of his coffee.

The roses were exquisite and expensive, as was the vase they were held in. She tapped a fingernail against the vase and the distinct 'ding' let her know that it was crystal. She let out a low whistle and wondered who would make such an over the top gesture. There was no card with this bouquet, so she looked at the gift basket.

The basket was filled with indulgent dark and milk chocolate candies, wedges of rich cheeses, and a 1997 vintage Bordeaux. Needless to say, she was stunned into a silence. Who was the sender? The corner of a white envelope was sticking out under the box of chocolates. She removed the card from the envelope and took a seat before she fainted of sheer embarrassment. She knew who it was from before she ever read a word because of the familiar handwriting.

Detective Carter,

As I understand, it's no longer officer now, which I believe is cause for celebration. I also wanted to express my gratitude, for I owe you a blood debt. Flowers and fine wine can never be enough to pay you back for saving my life, but I've always been a believer of the saying, "It's the thought that counts."

I know our alliance is short-lived, and I have no doubt that once the trial of Quinn comes to a close, you will come after me. But for now, I'll enjoy having a woman with your temerity on my side.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day,

Carl

P.S. Perhaps the wine and chocolates would be best if shared with a mutual friend of ours. I'm sure you two have avoided it long enough. Although I'm not so sure that Anthony would be happy about it.

Fusco watched Joss while she read the card. Several emotions ran across her face. At first there was a look of shock that soon changed to embarrassment. Embarrassment was followed by a look of amusement, and as she finished the letter there was a look of confusion and another expression he couldn't quite read. It almost looked like she was blushing. It definitely had to be Wonderboy.

"So... Who's the secret admirer?" Fusco asked.

With the expression on her face, she looked like a deer caught in headlights. "What?"

"Who sent the flowers? And the goodie basket?"

"Um... A um... A C.I. of mine."

He snorted. "Yeah, right. Since when did Wonderboy become your C.I.?"

"Who?"

"You know, Big Guy. Bane of my existence. John."

"It's not from him." She genuinely did not understand why he thought they came from John.

After their moment together in the morgue when he kissed her, they hadn't really had a chance to be alone and talk about what happened. He, Finch, Shaw, and Root had been busy dealing with whatever it was with the super computer of Finch's. Or 'the machine' as he called it. Anytime John contacted her, it was work related. Their interactions weren't awkward. If anything, it was the same flirtatious banter between them that it had always been, but work was getting in the way for both of them.

"Oh... Well okay. Obviously you don't wanna tell me so I'll leave it alone. However, if it wasn't him then I feel sorry for the guy who did send it to you once GI Joe finds out."

Joss rolled her eyes and sighed. "Drink your coffee, Fusco." And mind your business, she thought. She signed in to her computer and started on her work for the day, wondering if this was the end of an interesting morning or just the beginning of a very intriguing day.


**Author's Note: Special thanks to one of my favorite authors, Jakela, for letting me borrow one of her fabulous original characters. I wasn't going to give him back, but I did. ;-p

For those of you unfamiliar with John the barista, I highly recommend you take some time to check out jakela's fic, Near Death Experience, if you haven't already. Happy Valentine's Eve! :)