LUCAS

“To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.”

— Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

“Let me tell you, people who can walk in heels? Magical creatures. I’ll take my chances driving to work in reverse.” 

“I’m so sorry, Sir.” she flushed a bit, carrying the flowers she had cut just behind the fence “I thought these were still public grounds.”

;;

Lucas stared for a moment, quietly bemused by the wildflowers clutched in the submissive’s hand. They were weeds -- really, she’d been doing him a favor. But, still, she should be mindful. 

He glanced around. “No harm done,” he said. “Ain’t no one ever got arrested for picking wildflowers. Just get permission next time, yeah?” 

“Says who?” Zane asked and frowned “Nobody has ever stopped me before, and there’s no sign. Maybe you should think about putting one up.” he said, leaning down to pat his pitbull.

///

Lucas wasn’t really an animal person. They tended to make a mess and he quite liked things neat and orderly. He wasn’t really sure he liked this guy’s attitude, either. 

“Says the deed,” he returned. “Recently purchased. Some guy from down south. You can take it up with him. Name’s Morton.” 

Clem looked up from her canvas. “ I promise you I’m almost done, your house struck me on my walk this morning and I wanted to paint it.  Was planning on giving it to you as soon as it has time to dry.” 

///

Lucas was a private person. He liked it that way. But, he also didn’t go around being an ass for no good reason. The painting was nice. It looked charming. Lucas didn’t know a damn thing about art, but he figured Callum, at least, would like it. 

He didn’t feel right getting something for nothing. That wasn’t how the world worked, in Lucas’ experience. “You take commission?” 

“Paranoid much? I’m not the police if you’re worried about someone finding a body in some abandoned shed.” 

///

“Well now you’ve gone and made me paranoid, talking about finding bodies. Still doesn’t change the fact this is private property. You got a name? Ain’t right to snoop and not introduce yourself when you’ve been caught.”