The young man with a little green apron and a small brown dog walked around a little flower shop, rearranging the flower bouquets. It was late in the afternoon so the rush of customers died down, leaving an almost deserted shop and tired man behind.
"The red roses are always prettiest, aren't they." He sighed, seemingly speaking to the dog.
The dog, in reply, barked once, bringing a smile to the weary face.
With a ring of the bell attached to the door handle, the door opened, revealing a face the man wished he would never have to see again.
"Hello there, Ray." Came the deep voice from under the mask the newcomer wore.
Ray grimaced and responded rudely, "What do you want? You've ruined many lives already, I would rather not be on that list thank you very much."
Removing his mask, Ryan revealed his stubbly face. "Oh dear, quite a moody one, aren't you-" He started.
"Shut up, Ryan! Just… Leave me and take your stupid plans somewhere else, ok?" Ray said, turning from the larger man.
Ryan let out a small laugh before continuing from where he left off. "As I was trying to say, I have plans to overthrow the king."
"Are you insane?!" Ray asked loudly, turning to look at the older man with a look of both anger and confusion. "You'd be completely destroyed! Michael would kill you before you got to King Geoff's room."
"If that's how you feel, so be it. But remember, I only save those that are worthy of being saved." Ryan shrugged, beginning to walk off.
Ray cringed. This slight movement was loud enough to signal Ryan to stop. Turning around, Ray, with his head down, said to Ryan, "What do you want me to do?"
Ryan, now with a wide smile on his face, said with a welcoming tone, "You know those lovely red roses of yours?"
Ray knew the end of his request, "You want some, don't you...Poisoned, as per that day, if I'm not mistaken."
"What a sweet boy…" Ryan said in a sickeningly sweet tone. Satisfied, Ryan said in a whisper as he was leaving the shop, "Now you won't be the one in the hole, my dear child."
After assuring himself of Ryan's full departure, Ray told himself while rearranging one more rose bouquet, "Poison takes a long time to make…"