A woman of her word, Lilith did show up at the police station, once she had finally dressed and dropped Dominique off at the hospital for another long shift. As she started down the staircase, she was glad to see that Det. Decker was not around. That should make things much easier. She did loath that woman, although it had not always been that way. It had grown over misunderstandings and perhaps a touch of unspoken resentment regarding each other's relationship with Lucifer Morningstar.
The misunderstandings began with Lili's seemingly miraculous return from the grave after being murdered by the Preacher-man's henchman. Unable to believe in the supernatural, or perhaps unwilling, Chloe was sure she had been conned and placed the line share of the blame at the demoness feet. In her eyes Lilith Eden was nothing more than an oversexed master manipulator and a liar. There were even times, given Lili and Lucifer's long history, when she didn't wonder if the infernal woman wasn't the root of all his strange weirdness.
The Queen of the Lilim's opinion of Decker could be summed up in two words: boring harpy. Her first true dislike of Chloe had come after the son she had with Lucifer had been abducted. She had assumed they would naturally go looking for him together but instead he had seemingly ghosted her in favor of the detective. Actually the devil had a good reason for doing this, but failed to share this information with his old friend, at least for a while. The next time she saw Chloe the detective had not minced words regarding her opinion of the demoness. Now when Lili looked at Decker all she saw was a nagging, judgmental woman who deeply needed a night of fun and sex but was too straight-laced to even put a few drops of hot sauce on her eggs. That she had ever had the balls to bare her breasts in a movie completely amazed her.
What neither of them would ever admit to was the biggest reason for hating each other was a deep jealousy. Both women loved Lucifer. Chloe would readily admit that the tall, dark and handsome playboy was not exactly her type. He went by the name Lucifer and liked to pretend he was the devil for crying out loud. He could be unreliable, inappropriate and a complete aggravation. She also knew that he made her a better cop. He helped her see things that she might not otherwise notice. He could completely anger her one minute then in the next do something utterly wonderful, unexpected and even romantic. There was a time when she would have liked to have taken things to the next level, but her partner's habit of wanting her close then pushing her aside made that impossible and honestly she wished they could just sit down and talk it out.
Lilith loved the devil as well, but preferred to remain in a state of denial. Ask any of her children (except perhaps the eldest) and you would be told that Lili had no heart and was incapable of loving anyone. The truth was quite different. The Lord of Hell was her friend, her lover, her confidant and probably the only one she ever considered her equal. If he thought he needed someone to advise him in the underworld he went to her. On those occasions when he simply wanted someone to talk to, she was the one. Of course, Lilith was no fool and since coming to earth she had quickly seen the writing on the wall and knew who lay claim to Lucifer's heart. Could she fight for him, yes, but ultimately what would she gain? If he didn't belong to her before Chloe, then getting rid of the competition would not bring him any closer.
Fortunately Lilith was not one to brood over her losses, even if it was the only one. Instead she kept moving and as of late she had found someone else to fill her life and time with. Six feet, four and a half inches of sculpted masculinity had walked into her life and with him the demoness had acquired a new sparkle in her eye, smile on her lip and spring in her step. What had started out as merely a nights distraction had quickly grown into something more. Dominique Cable had little in common with Lucifer. He was practical, steadfast and knew what he wanted in life. The past few months that they had been together were some of the happiest in Lili's long existence. Certainly the happiest since losing her human fiancé, Christian.
That morning after the devils departure they had gone to breakfast and Dominique had casually commented that on his next day off he had some things he wanted to talk to her about. Lilith agreed, but really wasn't paying that much attention. At the time she was thinking about the cuneiform writing in the picture Lucifer had shown her and was wondering what it was about. Now that she was at the station she was eager to get a look at it and was headed towards Decker's desk when she heard her name called out.
"Lili! Oh my gosh, it's been so long!" The demoness barely managed to turn around and see who it was before Ella managed to run over and threw her arms around her.
"Oh . . . yes . . . yes it has. I see you're still a hugger." Lilith was terribly uncomfortable being embraced in such a fashion, but it was Ella and she just couldn't bring herself to say anything. There were people she didn't mind offending, but the adorable forensic scientist was not one of them. Hurting her seemed worse than kicking a puppy.
"So, what's new, what have you been doing with yourself?" She asked, releasing the demoness from her loving grip.
"Oh, not much." Lilith answered straightening her crocheted spaghetti strap crop top. "I've just been running my bar. I don't have the exciting life that Lucifer does."
"Who does?" Ella teased. "So . . . any good-looking men in your life?" She hinted with a playful look.
"There could be."
"Is he as hot as the new Lieutenant?"
"That I wouldn't know. I wasn't even aware there was one. Perhaps you can fill me in on all the important things like the shape of his ass."
That was enough of an invitation for Ella and she immediately dived in. Her brain changed into a full thesaurus as she began to speak of the round, firm piece of perfection that was his buttocks. She then moved upward speaking of his strong powerful, well-muscled chest. Lilith was impressed with the level of detail with which Miss Lopez spoke of his robust arms and large brawny hands. She then continued up to his imposing square jaw and beautiful but formidable blue-eyes. It was a wonder the forensic scientist hadn't gone into writing. She ended with his dark hair and arresting stance. Given the level of perfection Ella gave him, Lili wasn't sure this man existed at all. Of course Miss Lopez, being who she was, couldn't resist mentioning all the sparks flying between Chloe and Pierce It was difficult to say if there was really any attraction, but to Ella it was a five alarm fire between them.
"Is there now?" Lili commented, wondering how the devil felt about the detective's attention moving to someone else.
"So, Tell me about your guy."
Lilith leaned over conspiratorially and started telling her about Dominique. She started simply with basic information such as how he was divorced and had a son that he only got to see sporadically due to his hours as a resident and trying to line up schedules with his ex-wife. She then went into the juicier details describing his six-pack abs and intense blue eyes that possessed a natural touch of melancholy. She smiled wickedly as she started to tell of his prowess in bed. The demoness had known many lovers, but few were at his skill level. Ella listened, and before long had a sudden desire to go to a bar and pick up the first hottie that walked by. At the very least she was picking up some romance novels. Lili told about their first meeting and accidentally leaving the open sign on and her offer of a drink on the house if he came back the next night. How amazing he had looked when he returned the following day wearing a simple button down shirt and blue jeans. As the two women talked, a young beat cop strolled over and asked if she needed any help. The demoness was politely declining the officer's assistance just as Chloe Decker was coming down the stairs.
"Unbelievable." She complained. The detective was not in the mood to deal with an oversexed drama queen stirring things up at the precinct. She certainly didn't need her already flighty partner being distracted at a time when she needed him to focus on the case. "What are you doing here?" She snapped.
"I . . ." Lili started only to be quickly cut off.
"This is a police station not a place for you to pick up men. Save that for your bar or for when you feel like spinning around a pole at Lux." Chloe growled.
"The only reason I came here is . . ."
"If you're looking for Lucifer, then he's not here. Next time just call him and I'm sure he'll tell you where he is. In the mean time you can just . . ."
"Good God, do you ever shut up?!" Lilith shouted, silencing the detective. The demoness preferred to keep things peaceful between them for Lucifer's sake, but this was too much. Since this woman had chosen to attack her in front of God and the precinct, Lilith was not going to hold back. "How do you ever manage to get information, let alone a confession from a suspect when you don't let them speak? I don't know how Lucifer puts up with you? I'd have wrapped your head in duct tape by now." Chloe's mouth dropped open in surprise. Everyone that normally milled around at the station were suddenly trying to appear busy yet couldn't resist listening. Dan suddenly found the stack of paperwork on his desk beyond interesting and Ella put her ear buds in yet conveniently forgot to turn on her Ipod. Even Charlotte Richards narrowly missed overflowing her coffee cup as her eyes watched the scene. "I've personally seen that man order the tongues cut out of people who disrespected him even slightly, yet for some reason he tolerates it from you! No wonder he finds it so difficult to open up to you . . . you won't let him get a word in edgewise!"
"You have no idea what it's like to work with . . ." Chloe interjected unsuccessfully
"Oh I know the devil, detective. He can be a walking talking pain in the ass, but I also know you. You're the type of person who can't see beyond the wrong that you think someone has done you. When you're hurt and angry you refuse to listen to a thing that person has to say." For a moment Det. Decker started to turn away, but Lilith was quicker as she immediately moved in front of her. "Oh no no no, you don't get to walk away from this. Not this time. You will listen because I'm the bitch that's going make you. In fact I'm the original bitch and it would serve you well to remember that." The detective tried to give the appearance of not caring, but the truth was she was never quite sure if Lilith could or would snap. It was one of those things about her that reminded her of Maze at times. "Do you have any idea how many times your partner has run after you with his tail between his legs like a whipped dog trying to somehow make things right? Too many and I should know because if he can't talk to his therapist then he calls me!"
Even as Lilith was speaking her mind, Lucifer stepped into the precinct and quickly caught wind of what was happening. He stopped at the balcony above, not wanting to make his presence known, but was close enough so if things really went bad he could intervene before Lilith could hurt his partner. He really hadn't heard what was previously said, but he was definitely listening now.
"You once told me that he keeps a wall up and won't let you in. Did you ever think that there are moments when he tries, but you just won't shut up long enough to hear it?" The Detective could only stammer in response. "What's the matter, your sharp tongue suddenly dull? Why don't you do the precinct a favor, detective and get laid." At the statement Dan could no longer hold back a momentary snort of laugher and Charlotte dropped her cup. Chloe blushed slightly as Lilith continued without noticing anything. "I have a feeling it would do you a world of good and I'm sure you can find some man out there that you could talk into it. Now, I came down here because Lucifer asked me to translate some writing he had on his window. Since clearly you know everything . . . you handle it." She once more glared at Chloe who appeared justifiably humbled before heading up the stairs. A murmur of whispers began to fill the precinct as Lilith reached the top and shook her head. "What a waste of humanity." She mumbled. The demoness looked up in to see Lucifer standing by the balcony and couldn't resist informing him of her opinions. "That's quite a partner you have, 'old scratch'. I hope someday she introduces her upper lip to her lower lip and shuts up." For a moment she started move passed him only for him to stop her.
"I have no idea what just happened, but I did not ask you to waltz in there and defend me. You haven't been here and you really don't know everything that has been going on.
"You're absolutely right, I don't. I came in here to do you a favor and instead your lovely partner decided to criticize me and make it clear that I needed to leave. I'm guessing you never once told her I was coming or why." The devil didn't answer but his slightly sheepish expression clearly answered it. "I need a drink." Once again she started to go only to have him stop her once again.
"Wait, Aḻakāṉa, we have a deal and I still need you to translate that writing."
"I guess you're just going to have to suck it up and ask Amenadiel. You can thank her." She snarled.
"I already told you, I do not want him to be a part of this. He's a big enough pain in my ass without giving him any more reasons to hang around. Please." Perhaps it was the look of earnest in his eyes, or the fact for once he actually did need her, but heaving a big sigh she acquiesced.
"Fine. You bring it to me without her being there are having any part in this. I see her face and we're done." Relief swept through him and he kissed her forehead.
"You have my word."
"You better hurry down there, 'old scratch' before your 'fishwife' starts tapping her foot and snapping her fingers." For a moment he started to argue that point, but Lili only shook her head and continued walking towards the door.
Passing through the entrance, the demoness noticed the gentleman coming in and in particular a red mark on his upper right arm that appeared as a red circle that didn't quite close. She looked up and her emerald eyes locked with Lt. Pierce's blue/grey gaze. Cold recognition ran through them both, although neither spoke or stopped. She glanced back in time to hear someone greet him by name. So that's Pierce, she thought to herself. Once Lilith had reached her car, she took out her phone and dialed the precinct. When the receptionist answered she immediately asked for Pierce, explaining that she was an old friend of the family from back home. Perhaps it was only a minute but it seemed like an eternity before he picked up.
"Well, well, the son of Adam still walks the earth. The world is truly a small place."
"I thought that was you. What do you want, Lilith?"
"I understand you're making a play for Lucifer's partner. He genuinely loves that woman while you . . . well the only thing you've ever loved was your reflection."
"My interests in Chloe Decker are mine and mine alone." He answered coldly.
"Well, Cain, just so we understand each other, I couldn't care less about the detective. The two of you probably deserve each other, but Lucifer does matter to me. Should you be the cause of any physical or deep emotion pain to him, you'll discover what Hell truly is."
"Really, and how do think you're going to accomplish that?" He sniffed.
"I'll expose you."
"Right. You're going to expose me. No one believes Lucifer is the devil and they sure as hell don't believe you're a demon. How are you going to expose me?" the lieutenant challenged.
"It's going to be a real bitch when a knife strikes you directly in the heart and you're forced to explain why you just bled out in the middle of the precinct and then came back to life." Suddenly he was silent and she knew she had his attention. "How many phones do you think will capture your miraculous recovery? Do you think the scientific community will be gentle?" She smirked as she heard him hang up his phone.
Driving away from the precinct Lili passed a car being driven by Lucifer's bartender. He had received a text from his boss and was headed up to his home in the Hollywood hills. Lucifer owned many properties, and this mansion with its infinity pool and amazing views was only one and generally reserved for special occasions. This young man had been called out there before to make 'special' deliveries but not often. He pulled into the drive and was surprised not to see the corvette parked out front, but assumed that it was probably in the garage. He rang the doorbell, but it was not Lucifer who answered. Standing in the doorway was a man he had never seen before and seemed equally surprised to see him. Politely he asked to see Morningstar and a sudden recognition filled the man's large black doe eyes.
"You've got to be Marc. Yeah Lucifer told me you were coming up here with a . . . 'delivery'." He held up his phone and showed the bartender the text he had received from the boss. "Come on in. He's working some case with the LAPD right now. I'm Ahri, his gardener/pool boy/ house sitter/ whatever it is he needs done around here. As long as he pays me, it's all good." He laughed as he swept a couple of coal black curls from in front of his face.
He led Marc through the house and out onto the patio where he took off his shirt and picked up a long pool net. He then told the bartender to leave the 'package' in the bedroom nightstand where the money was waiting for him. He nodded and gave a slight thanks then left the pool boy to his work. This seemed a little out of the ordinary for Morningstar, but sure enough a roll of cash was there inside the drawer. He checked, and the amount was correct. In its place he set a small bag of brightly colored ecstasy pills and casually slipped the money in his pocket.
Heading back out he walked by the patio and noticed Ahri's back. Along each shoulder blade was a large deep scar that was crescent in shape. He had never seen two marks like that before. He couldn't even imagine how such a thing would happen. Walking out to the pool he waved, getting Ahri's attention then told him he would be heading out. Marc started to go, but his curiosity got the better of him.
"Man, do you mind me asking, what happened to your back."
"I had an uncle once." He began, his face becoming cold and serious. His sparkling eyes were dark and sinister as he looked out past Los Angeles to the point where sky and ocean merge into a blue haze. "When I was a kid he decided that there was something wrong with me . . . that I wasn't 'all there'. He had this idea that as I got older I would get too strong. I don't know maybe he was afraid he wouldn't be alpha anymore. Shall we say, he took my 'wings' to keep me down."
"What kind of sadistic son-of-a-bitch does that to a kid?" Marc asked, horrified at the idea. "Your parents just . . . just let him hurt you?
"My dad wasn't there because he didn't want me. My beautiful mother stood by and did nothing while my uncle mutilated me." A sudden smile appeared on Ahri's face and he looked over at Marc. "But hey, I'm free now. He can't touch me and I can do whatever I want."
"I guess whatever doesn't kill you, right?" Marc smiled, impressed by this man's resilience.
"I like the meme that says 'whatever doesn't kill you, better fuckin run.'" Ahri joked. Both men laughed and exchanged a fist-bump in agreement. "Can I get you something to drink before you go?"
"Yeah, that would be great."
As the hours passed into late afternoon, Lucifer had finally managed to sneak behind Chloe's back and into her files. He wanted to get a print out of the writing from his bedroom window. He managed to locate it in a file marked 'Luciferian Weirdness'. Evidentially, the detective had more of a sense of humor then he gave her credit for. Carefully he slipped the picture out then went to the photo copier and made a couple of duplicates. There was no way Pac-man was getting these. He was sliding the photograph back into the file when his phone rang. Once again it was a number he didn't recognize.
"Hello." He said after touching the screen and putting it to his ear. All he heard was Michael Jackson's song Threatened playing loudly. A whistle sounded amidst the music in his ear signaling a new text. It was the same number and said: You took something from me, now I will take everything from you. Even with the phone being held so far from his ear, he could still hear the song playing.
The unknown monster is about to embark
From a far corner, out of the dark
A nightmare, that's the case
Never Neverland, that's the place
This particular monster can read minds
Be in two places at the same time
This is judgment night, execution, slaughter
The devil, ghosts, this monster is torture
You can be sure of one thing, that's fate
A human presence that you feel is strange
A monster that you can see disappear
A monster, the worst thing to fear
