The past couple of days were rapid, unforgiving and in many ways, futile. Utterly apathetic was the killer, playing God with the people (or toys as he seems to view them) and etching his way into the minds of 3. Carving his name into the identity of those who strive to stop the widespread fear that swept London off its feet like a cheap romcom.

  Zahra wasn't in the office first. T. The clacking of her heels comforted all as it signified the hope that she clung onto, the everlasting and neverending faith she brought to the whole team, yet they were absent. Julliette aimed to provide solace, gratitude, and positivity while remaining sensitive. Artemis acquired facts, his apathy being eerily helpful.

  “Have you the foggiest idea where Zahra might be?“ Artemis let a crack of concern creep out of his voice, keeping the volume low to smother the vulnerability he hides so naturally.

  Juliette could see him softly breaking like fine China, his speech becoming more formal in a bitter way, instead of being its normal endearing, “I can text her,” Artemis glanced at her with his eyes wide. However, he let them relax almost immediately.

  “Artemis, we all need to take a break,” she sucked in a breath.

  “How come? It has only been 3 days, or was it 4?“ He muttered to himself, his hand stroking his chin.

  “I'll go find Zahra, you should go home and- do whatever you do to relax. Maybe read a book or have a glass of wine.“ She was shorter than him by a mile, yet she managed to make him shrink and bow his head in defeat. A hidden talent she used often and was ever so proud of.

  “I agree this case hasn't been the kindest to us but-” Juliette gave him a sharp stare, he felt his tongue fall flaccid in his mouth as the gaze stabbed through him, impaling him cleanly. She needn't say more, leaving the office with her phone up to her ear, he presumed she was calling Zahra. Artemis could all but stand like a pole, his head lolled down, tail between his legs.

  After a sharp minute had passed, assuring he was now alone, he let out an annoyed sigh. He wouldn't let the murders go with such ease, he wasn't worthy of a break when the killer was out -unknown and loose- him reading a book with no intentions of furthering his research would be, well, laughable. Harvey wasn't worthy of losing a mother, the world doesn't deserve another cardinal sin placed methodically on top of the already massive pile of disappointment, (if he truly did exist) God doesn't deserve another frown on his wrinkled, joy-deprived brow.

  With that, Artemis did in fact leave, to conduct his own private research. No plan behind any of what today would bring upon him, yet determination battled heroically against his fear of the brittle unknown.

  ~???~

  Juliette took the bus after a rather unsuccessful phone call, the way it swept side to side aggressively comforted her in a way she couldn't explain, buses were one of the things that made her think of London. It truly made her feel at home when she first moved from the quiet nature of her hometown in Normandy, France. The soft sand she was used to was now replaced with heavy rocks and boulders, her excitement very prominent nonetheless when she moved to England.

  When she took her absence, she powered through the streets, looking like she had a purpose in a world full of futility, her enjoyment of the community sprouted from the seed which was their ability to make everything they do purposeful. No matter the occasion, they all had the same determined expression on their faces whilst striding down the pavement. All business suits, professionalism and loudness which Juliette couldn't get enough of. Even the noisy tourists, excited to be faced with the grey, smog-filled, humid and poverty-ridden London were a sight to behold.

  Continuing on her independent mission, she pushed her way through crowds of people to a path so recognisable and transparent in nature. The atmosphere had calmed down, quieter but maintaining that same force that couldn't be accomplished from where she was from, the leaves crushed under he heels as she finally knocked on a rather familiar door.

  Some crashing, tripping and comically large amounts of noise of surprise ensued until a figure appeared in front of her.

  "Zahra."

  "Juliette."

  "May you be so kind as to let me inside?" Zahra's frame could only be described as frail, measly as his confidence disappeared in only a couple hours, letting Juliette inside with a weak nod of the head as she locked the door behind her.

  "What brings you here? I already called in sick so I'm not coming to work," Zahra explained with no bounce in her voice, standing in her plain pyjamas with her hands crossed. The jagged, hospital-like light above her still made her look like an angel.

  "I'm here for you, I will not let you wallow in doubt and sadness- at least not by yourself," Juliette smiled, a sort of pity smile, yet it still felt charming.

  They remained in silence until Zahra beckoned Juliette into her living room, only asking if she wanted a beverage. Juliette admired her living room, the walls were all white, yet covered in paintings, decorations and floral hanging plants. Similarly, her sofa was a delicate, velvety nude brown with leaf patterns. The table in front was glass and dark oak, in the middle was a vase containing Bethlehem stars and forget-me-nots, a new combination yet admirable.

  Finally, Zahra walked into the room holding two cups of raspberry-meringue tea, a favourite of hers, she always seemed to have a story with anything she owned. If the particular event that led to Juliette coming over for tea was any different than now, Zahra would've talked her ear off about her dad buying this certain tea accidentally. Then she would've explained the love she gained for it afterwards.

  The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  "You had no business in checking up on me, I'm perfectly capable on my own," Zahra started, slicing at the tension yet not completely breaking it, almost teasing it.

  "Yet here I am doing it," Juliette answered assertively, "What happened with you and Adelaide? I can tell something bothered you."

  At that, Zahra hesitated, she didn't reply as she tore away her gaze from the azure blue of Juliette's eyes. The fact and blatant display of her true determination and respect were crystal clear, with no hint of remorse as she showed Zahra a clear window into what her intentions were, juxtaposing the very foggy and clouded-up emotions she was experiencing on her own. Well, not anymore of course.

  "How the hell did you convince Artemis to come check on me? Would've been up my ass if I decided to have the day off," Zahra had completely avoided the topic, unwelcoming it.

  "I told him the truth, we all took a hit from this cruel case, we all needed a break, and he especially needed a glass of whiskey. The attitude on him can be poisonous," Juliette moved to a lighter tone, an easier topic of how stuck-up Artemis could be. Zahra let out an exhale and a small yet noticed giggle.

  "He always had that attitude, I love him for it," the small sighs of contentment didn't last long as the silence etched its way back. Shivering at the ice it formed over the pools of unsolved distress.

  It was then that Zahra could sharply squeeze out, "I saw myself in Adelaide," for it to crack and release wave after wave of embarrassment, dread and defeat. Juliette nodded, an encouraging move for Zahra to continue.

  "I knew what she was going through. I felt it with her. She was acting, trying to protect her siblings. I could tell she put on a strong front. It was as if- as if she was obliged to do it. Fill a role destined for her. Yet she knew it wasn't what she dreamed of, she wanted a fairytale ending. A happily ever after. But all her wanting ended up washed away as she gritted her teeth through my questioning. Do you know what the worst part is?"

  Juliette could only shake her head.

  "I could see her innocence being shredded apart. Yet my only selfish thought was the fact that I felt the same way when my mother died."

  As the penny dropped, spinning menacingly until softly tapping on the metaphorical floor, it wasn't silent. Juliette could still hear the police sirens that never ceased to end, the wet footsteps on the moist pavement, the patting of velvet as Zahra tried to soothe herself from what was to come by caressing her couch.

  "Zahra, you aren't selfish. Including personal life is bound to happen in any job, you are a blinding beacon of faith in the office," She took a deep breath in, "I hope you didn't feel forced to say that," she didn't want to downgrade a death to just 'that', however, she seemed to be lacking words. Her mind working overtime yet her mouth slacking, only to mime the words she wishes she could speak.

  "You didn't force me into anything, I shouldn't have had that thought to begin with" Zahra pained.

  "This-," Juliette looked exasperated, "Isn't the problem. Thoughts will come unwelcomed, they are unstoppable. What counts is what impact they have on us."

  Zahra forgot the meaning of words at that, bursting into tears, that were well overdue, dripping hastily down her flawless skin. Juliette enveloped her in a yearning hug. 3 days it took for the poet the break her enough to cry into Juliette's arms.

  It took 3 years of painfully dwindling her self-worth and mourning until what she thought was ashes. Just for it to rise like a phoenix, burning her, scolding her yet sympathising with her.

  Not many words were spoken after, the two women spent the rest of the day similarly. Enjoying each other's company, smiling through tears. It could've been pure heroin from how addictive the atmosphere around them warped, dancing with the flame that once seared and blistered Zahra's delicate tissue.

  ~???~

  Artemis was an idiot. He knew it, yet his stubborn mind refused to submit or let him lay down. Maybe that glass of wine wouldn't be such a bad idea.

  In any case, he was now walking through the streets of London, he himself used to be skittish, eyes on the ground, avoiding the world and focusing solely on his task. However, now he walks with confidence, a stride of which he was proud yet still hyper-focused on the mission he set himself on.

  This time, he had decided to go to a local flower shop, the murderer seemed to adore placing an innocent, living creature on top of his deceased, decaying creations. If the theory of symbolism behind the flowers was true, he might as well be informed.

  Entering the shop, he saw women idly standing behind the till. She was a pretty sight, with long, straight blonde hair that was thrown over her shoulder in a long braid, her eyes were emerald green (fitting with the vines that covered the walls) wearing her work uniform. Her nails were painted bright chartreuse green.

  "Good afternoon," Artemis walked towards the till with a small smile, still avoiding eye contact as he examined the foliage and decor.

  "Hello! How may I help you? My name is Maddie," her voice was high, her face slightly flushed red.

  "I've had a sudden... interest in flowers as of late, I'd like to have a conversation about the history and symbolism behind some of them. Would you care to help me in my search?" Maddie was shocked at his way of speech, nevertheless, she was intrigued just like anyone is when they first meet the man.

  "No problem, any flower you are specifically wondering about?" She asked politely.

  "Not necessarily, I'm happy with any knowledge you decide to share with me," he smiled at her, looking her in the eyes briskly before tearing them away again.

  She moved her gaze in the direction of Artemis' eyes, he was currently scanning a pretty bouquet, it was made up of mostly white flowers but there were some flutters of pink and blue.

  "I see you might be interested in this bouquet, sir. I made it for a client's engagement party. He requested forget-me-nots. The name makes it obvious to the meaning, yet it also shows true love," she laughed slightly, "White lilies symbolise hope, rebirth and purity, most white flowers mean a new beginning. Roses are the classic flower of love, yet dark red roses are deemed sinful since they express sultry desire." She moved smoothly along, grabbing another bouquet that was almost completely yellow.

  "Yellow roses symbolise friendship and joy, this client, in particular, got this as a goodbye gift."

  The more Artemis listened, the more curious his mind became. It beckoned him to learn more. He didn't say much, merely nodded and asked a couple dozen questions about the poisonous plants, as well as the carnivorous ones and where they tend to grow. Every word spoken out of Maddie, he would write down in the little notebook as she moved around the shop and introduced him to things he had never considered.

  A sudden cold rushed over him as Maddie was next to him, perplexing Artemis as he stood listening to the stories behind the displays of plants. A melancholic chill, something that made him feel like he missed out. Or was currently missing something? Ignoring the pain, he listened to Maddie as she informed him of marigolds, lilies of the valley and chrysanthemums, never taking a break as she passed him the flowers to hold. That was until, evening came and another customer walked in, requesting a funeral service. Artemis weakly said his goodbyes at the change of atmosphere, unknown territory caused him to take his absence.

  Leaving the shop, he gained a good insight into what the killer may have been thinking, and buying and/or plucking these plants to mess with the police. To mess with London in general.

  He meandered through the street, taking the long way towards his apartment to enjoy the sunset. Twisted yellow and red hues mixed to make sweet oranges, misty purples crept in as the dark inky black swept over the city, peppered with a faint litter of stars that desperately tried to shine over the smog. Artemis would never be able to get sick of the repetitive sunset. It was one of the only things he could predict, something he couldn't change and didn't want to change.

  After some clacking of his keys, he managed to get inside the warm embrace of his small yet spacious home. He took off his leather brown coat, hanging it up before reaching into one of the pockets to grab his phone, he needed to call Juliette.

  Unfortunately for him, he dug his hand inside the wrong pocket, feeling around, only a small parchment could be felt. He pulled it out with caution.

  He only made a small noise when he slowly unfolded the teasingly neat paper. It couldn't harm him- he forced himself to think.

  At least not physically.

  The only words written were such that Artemis never wanted to read again.

  "You should be more aware of your surroundings, Mr Nektarios.”