The Florist of Amalfi – Part 2: The Signal

They talked in the back of the shop among the buckets of roses, their voices low.

Marco explained that for two years, fishing boats had been disappearing from the harbour at night and turning up days later, empty and wiped clean. The coastguard suspected smuggling but could not prove when the boats were taken or who gave the signal.

Luca laid out the Ricci family's old flower orders on the counter.

"Every time," he said. "A single red flower, facing the sea. Someone on a boat out there is watching for it."

Marco stared at the papers. "The Riccis," he said slowly. "My sister is marrying into the Riccis." He paused. "Does she know?"

"I don't think so," Luca said gently. "I think she's in love."

Marco wanted to go to his superiors. But a florist's theory about roses was not evidence. They needed to catch the boat in the act.

"So we let the signal happen," Luca said. "And you wait."

"It's my sister's wedding," Marco said. "You want me to turn it into a trap?"

Luca put a hand on his arm.

"I want you to protect her," he said. "And I'll make sure the flowers are perfect."

The night before the wedding, Luca stayed late in the shop, finishing the bouquet. Seven white roses. One red.

At midnight, there was a knock at the door.

He opened it, expecting Marco.

It was a man he had never seen, with a polite smile and the Ricci family ring on his hand.

"Signor Bellini," he said. "The family asks me to check the bouquet." His eyes went to the counter. "And to ask why the bride's brother has been visiting you so often."

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Next: Part 3, Facing the Sea. The wedding, the grey boat, and an invitation that comes with a sprig of jasmine.