13 Flowers: The Broken Microphone Trilogy, #3

By H. Eugene

THE BEGINNING WILL BE HER END

The last book of the smash trilogy will send your mind into overdrive. 
13 flowers marks 13 means of devastation for our heroine Brooke Hannah. 
This time she is the target. Will she unravel the mystery before its too late? Her life and everyone else's depends on it. 

This time, chocolate will kill you!

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. Eugene
• Release date: Sep 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781536545562

H. Eugene

H. Eugene is: A writer, author, video game player, sushi/pizza/burger junkie, powerlifter, wannabe Captain America, wannabe bowler, and father of three. He was born, raised, and still resides in the city of Detroit. Outside of writing, his career has span 25+ years in various facets of the customer service industry. His penchant for writing developed at a very early age, as he began writing stories while he attended middle school. After winning two first place prizes for poetry in high school, the fuse was lit. He hopes that through his writing, he can reach and affect many. What you will find in his books is a renewed and fresh perspective of storytelling. For more information, please visit his website www.InkThriller.com

Book preview

PROLOGUE

THE HOUSE IS FINALLY settled after the guests have left for the evening. There is a sense of calm that has escaped Brooke and her family most recently. Brooke receives a call that stops her heart.

Hello, Brooke Hannah speaking.

Brooke, its Kyle... Kyle Craiger. You do remember me, right?  His voice is low but excitable.

Kyle!? Wait, I don’t recall your..."

I’m the one that called you about the letter -—the one that Trekker told me to deliver to you!

Yes, my apologies. I do remember you. Why are you calling? What’s happened now?

Did you receive any flowers?

Flowers!? I have lots of flowers. What do you mean?

He now sounds desperate. "Did you receive any chocolate cosmos flowers?"

Brooke quickly remembers the expensive arrangement.

Y—yes, Mr. Craiger I did. I received four of the flowers. Her heart rate intensifies.

Shit! You pissed off the wrong group. There’s a contract out for your head.

What! No! What are you... ?"

9:30pm Book Cadillac downtown, room 217. I came back to help you. I probably won’t be alive for long after that. But we have to meet, or you might not make it to see the morning. Don’t be late!

CHAPTER ONE

The Florida Knight

Approximately one month earlier

IT’S BEEN LESS THAN a month since Brooke, Charlie, and Agent Lana Quivner laid to rest one of the most disturbing events in history of the world. Due to the exceptional covert operations and collaboration of France and the US, the world would never know the true story of former President Simon City.

The past two years have been laden with controversies and unbelievable events. In fact, it’s been so long since she’s had some normalcy in her life, Brooke almost forgot how smooth things could go sometimes.

A trip to her second home would give her the opportunity to infuse her spirit with the warm Florida air. It would also give her the opportunity to infuse her spirit with something she’s put off for far too long... Detective Brett Engler.

OK, Brett, what’s that look on your face? She asked. You’ve gone a little quiet on me.

Brett looks up at Brooke with the sad face of a small child.

Aww! Are you pouting?  she touches his face. That is so cute. But why the pouty face?

"For the record, I am not pouting. Well maybe just a little bit. Listen, this weekend has been non-stop and wonderful. As soon as you landed on Friday, we were faces to the wind. When I picked you up from the hotel yesterday, we did so much. We did simple things that seemed like the most important things I’ve done in a quite a long time. Well... maybe ever. Today has started out the same way. And now, here we are only a couple of hours away from me dropping you back off at the airport.

Since I came to visit you last December, we have spoken at least a few times a week. And when we can’t speak, we at minimum text each other. When you called to tell me you were coming, I lost it. And I’m not one bit shy about telling you that. Once you leave, it’s going to drive me crazy wanting to see you again. I guess what I’m saying is, I wish I didn’t have to miss you for so long.

"Brett! My goodness that was so incredibly sweet of you to say. It really means a lot to me that you opened up. I really like the thoughts going on in your mind about me. I came here because I’ve been putting myself on the backburner for far too long.

"So, let me tell you a thing or two, mister, and please know that this is slightly outside of my comfort zone. When I landed and walked out to see you waiting, it took everything I had to keep my mouth from showing every single one of my teeth and looking like an idiot. When I saw you, I exhaled for the first time in a long time. I have been through so much these past couple of years. But, even more so, I’ve been through far too much by myself.

There are the obvious complications about you and I, right? I mean, we both stay in two different states and we both have demanding jobs. Where does this go? How does this story end? Does it end? I don’t know the answers to any of it right now. But I can tell you this. Us, you and I, these moments that we’ve shared, has allowed me to experience feelings I’ve always been curious about. Our destination is unknown, but I’m ready to continue the journey. How about you?

Brett takes her hand and lifts her up gently from her chair. They kiss each other gently with rhythmic percussion.

Would the pretty lady allow me to buy her some ice cream? I think it would be perfect, along with a stroll along the beach.

I can’t think of anything that I’d like more Mr. Romance Detective.

They enjoy the rest of their time together and make a commitment to visit each other at least once every few months. Finally, things were starting to look up for Brooke in her personal life.

CHAPTER TWO

The Storm After the Calm

July 5, 2017 9:49pm

THE DAY AFTER THE HOLIDAY and Brooke is still recovering from all of the festivities. She hadn’t enjoyed the fireworks that much since she was small. After a short day at the office, her favorite cup of Earl Gray Green Tea comforts her thoughts as she enjoys her newly purchased book. Her phone rings giving her an instant smile.

Hello, mom. I know why you’re calling. Yes, I am now officially caught up on my back log of shows. We can start watching...

Brooke, honey, I’m sorry. I need your help.

Sure! What’s wrong?

It’s your dad. You know how hardheaded he can be sometimes. He tried to go the bathroom by himself, but he still wasn’t feeling well. He hasn’t eaten anything but some soup all day. I guess he was just too weak. He sat up in the bed and as soon as he placed his feet on the floor, he just slid down off the mattress.

Oh no! Is he hurt!? I’m on my way.

No, he’s not hurt, honey. He gently slid on the floor. It was almost like slow motion. But I can’t lift him up by myself, and he’s too weak to help me. I need to get him back in the bed. He’s going to the doctors in the morning.

No problem, mom. I’m leaving now. Be there in 10 minutes.

Dad wasn’t himself yesterday. He really didn’t eat much then. He said it might have been the medication, but he just didn’t seem the same. I’m glad he’s going to the doctors in the morning, and I’m going too. On my way!

Brooke arrives swiftly at her parent’s house. As she pulls up, she’s relieved she decided to move much closer to them. She is greeted by her mother at the door.

Come on in, honey. He’s upstairs with that sad face. You won’t believe this, but he was just fine with me calling you for help. He didn’t fuss one bit.

Well, that’s a first. Let’s see if we can continue this no-fuss streak when I tell him I’m going with you two to the doctors tomorrow. She smiles deviously.

Oh no, honey. You can’t miss work. I will have no such thing. We will be fine.

It’s already a done deal, mom. Now, let’s go and get Mr. Man off the floor.

They ascend the stairs. When Brooke reaches the top, she sees her dad resting against the slightly misaligned mattress. He raises his head and looks at her.

Hey, dad! I’m here to help you up off this floor. We need to get you back in bed. And guess what? I’m going with you and mom to the doctor’s tomorrow. We need to get you better. You’ve been moping around here for the past two days.

OK, her dad says softly.

Brooke looks back at her mom and whispers, It worked.

Honey, I’m going to grab one arm and Brooke is going to grab the other. Do you want to sit up in your chair?

OK, he said.

Come on, Brooke. Let’s get him up.

They kneel down and easily pick up her dad from the floor and help him sit in his chair. Her mom sits next to him on the bed, while Brooke remains on the floor.

Dad, are you OK!?

Her dad gently tries to raise his head and gives a partial smile.

Dad, I need you to do me a favor. Squeeze my hand for me. Give me a handshake. 

Her mother watches on in nervous curiosity. Her dad squeezes her hand once, softly.

Not bad, dad. I need you to do it again. Firmer this time, OK?

Her dad is unable to squeeze her hand. Not even gently. A million thoughts flow through her mind.

OK, stay calm, girlie. You don’t won’t to excite your mom. Slow your breathing down and... Mom, I need you to call 911.

Oh god no! No please... what’s wrong with him?

Brooke’s voice is calm, but her heart is pounding.

Mom, it’s going to be alright. We need to get him some help right now. Call them so we can get him taken care of.

Her mom calls 911 to have an ambulance dispatched.

I knew I should have taken him to the hospital when he was throwing up yesterday. He said he was feeling better. Look at him. Oh God please don’t take him. My baby! Please don’t leave me. Please don’t.

Mom, we have to be strong for him. You know how stubborn he is. He will fight this. We will fight together...

What’s wrong, honey? What’s wrong?

No dad please! His pulse, mom... we can’t wait for the ambulance. I have to do CPR right now. Mom, please go and wait for the ambulance. They will be here soon. I’m going to take care of dad, I promise.

I can’t, Brooke. I can’t leave my baby.

OK, mom you can help me. We will listen out together. Hang in there, dad.

Brooke and her mom do all they can to resuscitate her dad. The ambulance arrives quickly and goes to work immediately. They are on the floor with her dad for nearly ten minutes. They place him on the stretcher, where his partner of nearly 35 years rides along with him for the fight of his life. Brooke trails behind the ambulance with tears flowing abundantly.

The ambulance has the flashers on, yet it’s going at a speed that seems too slow. The thoughts torture her mind. She calls one of her best friends.

Well, hello, girlie, said Lana. What’s up with you this late evening?  There is prolonged silence on the other end. Brooke, what’s wrong!?

She calms her voice just enough to be audible. It’s my dad. We are on our way to the hospital. I had to do CPR. I massaged his chest and gave him mouth to mouth. I did everything I could. I’m scared. He just didn’t look good, Lana.

Oh no! I’m so sorry. Where are you? Are you driving there now?

Yes, I’m behind the ambulance. They are driving at the posted speeds. They only do that when...

No, no, no! I’m not going to let you do this. You stay strong, Brooke. He has been through a lot. He will make it through this. He has you and your mom by his side. He will make it through this.

I don’t know what I will do if he... no you’re right. He’s a fighter. He will be just fine.

That’s right. I’m here for you in any way you need. I will jump on the next flight if you need me.

No, that won’t be necessary. Listen, we just pulled up. I will let you know how everything turns out.

Please do. I love you. I’m praying for him. We got this.

Brooke and her mom sit anxiously in the waiting area. They already know this routine. The doctor will come to get them and take them back to the room where he is. He will let them know what they found and what the next steps are.

The family for Mr. Hannah! a voice called out.

Brooke and her mom rise. I’m Mrs. Hannah, his wife and this is his daughter, Brooke.

Hello, my name is David and I’m going to take you back now.

Thank God! her mom breathed.

They follow David just inside the badge access doors, where he leads them to another waiting room.

I’m going to have you both wait in here. The doctor will be in shortly.

But wait a minute, winced her mother. Aren’t we going back to see my husband first? That’s how we’ve always done it. We met the doctor while he was talking to my husband."

I’m sorry for the inconvenience, ma’am. I’m going to get the doctor right now.

Brooke’s mom turns to her. This is not good honey. This is not good. This is a consultation room. They bring you in here to tell you that someone has passed away. Oh god, Oh God no!

Please mom, don’t do this to yourself. This is a different hospital. We’ve never been to this one. This is probably how they do things here. 

Brooke hugs her mom being the total comforter that she has seen replayed a million times with her mom and dad in the Hannah household.

Mrs. Hannah!? said a voice.

Yes... yes that’s me. This is my daughter, Brooke.

Hello. My name is Dr. Garvey

Hello, doctor. How is my husband doing?

Mrs. Hannah and Brooke, I’m so sorry, but your dad didn’t make it. He passed away before the paramedics got him here. They did all that they could. They tried all the way until we got him inside the hospital.

The tears stop flowing in both Brooke and her mother’s eyes. A numb feeling overcomes them both, as they are unfamiliar with the language the doctor just used. The language stating her dad had passed away.

Can we see him? asked Brooke

"Yes, of course you can. But I have to