"Thanks for coming with me, Spence," Morgan said, taking his hand as they strolled away from the car. "Usually, I come here alone."
"I know," Reid nodded, opening the cemetery gate. "I'm—I appreciate you taking me." Morgan looked at his partner, a single brow crinkling. "I mean," Reid continued, "this is a part of your life that's intensely personal. The fact that you're choosing to share it with me…" he brought a hand to the back of his neck, "I just, I appreciate it."
As they neared the modest headstone, Reid released his partner's hand to wrap his arm around Morgan's waist, pulling him close and his left leg falling into step with Morgan's right. But when they stood directly in front of it, Morgan shrugged out of Reid's embrace to stand a few steps ahead of him, his hands together and his head bowed. Reid bored his hands into his pockets, waiting in silence for Morgan's signal that he had paid his respects. After a few long moments, Morgan turned around.
"Do you think it's weird that I come here?" He glanced back at the stone. "That I…visit him?"
Reid shook his head, his chestnut hair wavering in the light wind. "Not at all."
Morgan gave a small half-smile. "You wanna get outta here?"
"One more thing," Reid said, his fingers wrapping around the short stems he had in his pocket. "I…I brought something."
Morgan stared in confusion at the white stringy flowers and tiny fruit pods, soft and tender in Reid's right hand. "It's Eucalyptus melliodora," Reid explained, holding it up to show Morgan.
"Like, koala food?" Morgan asked, not understanding.
"The Eucalyptus plant is largely believed to symbolize protection, although I don't usually participate in superstitious things like this," Reid continued, nearing the headstone. "By placing the flowers at a certain place, it's thought that that place is protected from malice. I—I chose melliodora because white's a symbol of purity—that's more a fact than a superstition." He laid them down gently in front of the granite base. "They grow mostly on the southeast coast of Australia."
"How the hell'd you get it?" Morgan asked, tentatively taking a few steps toward his partner. Reid turned and gave only a sly half-smile as his response. "Thanks, Spence…that means a lot to me."
"I know," Reid said, rising and taking Morgan's hand.
As they neared the black sedan Morgan had rented for the weekend, he saw they were not alone. A few thugs lingered threateningly around the car—waiting for them.
"Get behind me, Spence."
"What's the matter?" Reid asked, squinting. "You're being paranoid."
"I know those guys," Morgan said quietly. "Get behind me." When his partner did not comply, Morgan stepped ahead, putting his right shoulder in front of Reid's left.