Chapter Seven: Character Assassination
A/N Trigger warnings: Foul language, some physical violence, sexual violence implied, but not described. As before, any songs used; partial or otherwise are credited in the body of the text.
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"That's the sort of crap night that's enough to make people change careers." The tired voice speaking was met with murmurs of agreement from the others. Six people dressed in blue scrubs decorated with the raiment of turmoil were collapsed on the cracked faux-leather chairs in the trauma lounge.
"We should go out. We deserve it." Same voice.
"Eww. Like this? I feel like I need to bathe in lye."
"You probably do anyway, Blake. How the hell else would you sponge off the shit-ton of eye makeup you wear?" Tired laughter.
"Shut up, asshole!" The younger blonde threw an empty cup at him as Ben laughed, ducking. "We're not all married and dead inside."
"Stop. Enough." Canaan walked into the room with the new trauma resident beside her. "You all did an amazing job last night. Tomorrow's the last day on this rotation schedule, so if you want, I'll buy us lunch before or something."
"No, we don't have call or a schedule for 36 hours after 11P tomorrow – let's just go out after. Like "out" out. It's a Friday for chrissakes'. Seriously. It would be fun to just relax away from this dump."
Canaan hedged. Socializing with work people (socializing in general, actually) wasn't high on her list of interests.
"C'mon…you have to go – you're paying!"
Rolling her eyes at the resident beside her (yet another hotshot newb doc who hadn't learned to be a person yet) she said, "Fine. As long as it's not something completely stupid. Talking to you, Blake – no top 40 karaoke hellholes, thanks."
"There's supposed to be a new piano bar opening in the spot where Mickey's used to be….what about that? And it's right around the corner."
"Man, that spot is cursed; everything that opens there is gone in a matter of weeks it seems."
"OooOOOooh…spooky!" Finger waggling and scary noises from the three younger ones to Ernie's comment.
Faye rolled her eyes. "Now, now children. That actually sounds like fun. We can babysit the idiots for a bit..." smiling indulgently at the younger members of the team "…and still be able to get decent alcohol for us 'more experienced' folks."
"Speak for yourself, crone. Not all of us were old enough to remember when this place was built from sticks and mortar."
As the older nurse threw a half-hearted swing at the CRNA's head, Canaan smiled to herself, evaluating them. They were a good team, a blend of younger energy and wiser experience. At forty, she and Ernie the CRNA were right in the middle, Faye at sixty-three had more drive and vibe than most a third her age. The surgical techs, Ben and Shep were the young marrieds, in love with love (though they'd die of embarrassment before telling their wives all the sappy stories they waxed on about over long cases). Blake was the baby, fresh out of nursing school and had only started here a few weeks before Canaan had. Dale was the trauma surgeon, younger but smart AND kind…not traits always seen together in a place like this. Saul was their new resident, still learning how to fit in. So far, no one was really thrilled with his dickish machismo, but nationwide every July, like clockwork, new residents rolled out of the medical machine and most people gave them at least a few weeks to try to settle themselves. If after that the fit wasn't good…well…most wound up elsewhere. In an environment such as this, where lives depended on the relationships and interdisciplinary skill of the trauma staff, thorns weren't long tolerated. Their team of medical, nursing and tech was one of several here, she respected them, and Canaan was willing to step out of her comfort zone to keep them happy.
"Piano bar it is then. And yes, my treat." Using her 'shut up' hands to quell the cheers from the young and broke. "Get some decent sleep today and pray for a decent evening tomorrow. And guys, tell your wives to meet us there after; I'll make sure Dr. Bohner and his team are in on time to relieve us no matter what's going on." She deliberately ignored a few sniggers from Blake. The older surgeon might try to needle her and was scared of Faye since she remembered him as a wet-behind-the-ears resident, but he tortured Blake simply because she was young and female. Remembering her own trials in nursing and practitioner school, Canaan felt obliged to protect talent regardless of age or gender, as she'd been protected elsewhere. Some things were hard enough without stupidity to compound it, and trauma was certainly that.
"So, can we un-chained bring dates?"
Speaking over the underhand comment 'you might have more dates if you used chains' from Saul to Blake she said, "Sure…why not. See you guys tomorrow – go get some sleep." With that, Canaan walked out to change and hit the gym before going home. It was after nights like this one that she really appreciated the pool, and smiled a little at the thought of the one who had made that possible. She hadn't seen him since breakfast a few weeks ago as she and her departmental partner alternated meeting attendance, but she and her 'imaginary friend' been regularly texting and emailing. It was sort of…fun…to have a secret, pleasant diversion to round out the harshness here and the solitary nature of the rest of her life.
Saul watched her leave, eyes on the back of her scrubs. "Man, love to tap that. She's pretty hot in that 'quiet librarian' kinda way – make a great cougar for a rough and ready dude like me…OUCH!" he rubbed the back of his head where Faye had hit him, hard.
"Hey 'dude', shut your trap before everyone knows you're as stupid a person as you are a doctor."
He looked around. Silence as everyone just eyed him. The ribbings they gave one another bordered on malicious but was all in fun. Like any other team, they were protective of their own, and their subtler NP was an appreciated member.
"Whatever, gotta go." Saul took off, ego barely dented.
"He's a dick." Murmurs of agreement from the rest to Blake's statement.
"He is. But maybe he'll learn. It's still early in his rotation here."
"Dale, you're a fucking saint. We should just clone more of you."
"Yes, you should. I'm faaaaahhhhbulouus." With a smile and fake sassy wiggle he left as well, leaving Blake to sigh after him.
"Oh honey, save that look. You have a much chance with him as that young jerk does with Raene." Faye pitied the look on her younger colleague's face.
"Oh, I know. But he's so cute, and smart and…"
"Gay." Chimed in everyone else.
'Shut up! I know! Maybe he has a brother or something…"
"Dream on, little girl." Ernie extended a calloused hand to pull her up. "C'mon. It's going to take you until the next shift to peel all that makeup off. You're Asian. How can you even see through all that mascara?" Laughing as she hit him before enclosing her in a strong side-hug as they headed off.
"Come on, kiddies. School day tomorrow. Let's go." Faye herded up Ben and Shep, linking arms with them. "Escort a weak old lady to her car."
"You're 'weak' like Dale is straight. You've probably got some booty call on the way home."
"What makes you think it's just one?" she purred, fluttering her eyelashes at Shep.
"Damn, woman."
"I'm like a fine wine, boy…better with age."
"Or skunked and moldy under the cork – OW! Watch it, ya old wench! Me and the missus are trying for kids!" Laughter from the three as her punch landed.
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11:37P the following evening found the team and their social periphery sitting in the new lounge of 'The Keys' with two sticky tables shoved together. Place had only been open a week, yet already had that comfortable dive-bar feel. It had been a decent work night for a change, and after the first obligatory round of shots Canaan nursed a coffee, smiling. It actually was nice to see everyone in civvies, enjoying each other. If only Saul wasn't so close in on her left, making what he probably thought were alluring remarks about her collared loose green dress and low-heeled sable thigh-high boots. In her outfit, and hair pulled back in a twisted ponytail she actually did feel decently feminine for a change. Some obnoxious horny child was not what she'd consider bothering with, if so inclined. And she wasn't.
Ignoring the yammer in her ear by turning to Faye and Ernie on her other side, she asked, "So this was your idea, E. How does this place work?" When they'd arrived, a DJ in a corner had been playing music for a few people lunging around the space in the middle of the floor and there was indeed a piano under a spotlight at the far center. It had been empty since they'd arrived ten minutes ago, and no signs of any activity.
"Let's find out!" Dale grabbed a flashy redhead walking by in what appeared to be the standard uniform of 'Finger My Keys' T-shirts and tight jeans worn by staff of both genders. Despite leaning in, the music was loud enough to drown out the conversation across the table. Turning back, grin flashing, he said, "You just sign up on a list! I'm gonna go over." He left quickly, taking his drink, Blake not the only one watching him walk over as a few from nearby tables turned.
"He plays. Of course he does. Bet he's got great hand control…"
Laughing, Faye closed her own over the younger nurse's fingers. "You know he does honey – you've seen him in surgery. And unless you've suddenly sprouted a penis, I think you'd better change your trajectory."
"Maybe he's bi? That could work."
Chuckle from Ernie. "I don't think so, 'Tammy Faye'. Look."
Across the room Dale had stopped to chat with a gorgeous blond. With a crewcut and shoulders of a linebacker. "Oh well…"
"Here, have another shot to drown those sorrows – another round for everyone! C'mon…you too." Saul elbowed Canaan a bit roughly. He'd been sucking down drinks as fast as he was blurting out stupid remarks. She appraised him coolly. "I'm good, thanks. Got a bit of a drive later. You better be careful too and slow down, Slick. We're all adults here. You're a big boy and no one wants to take care of a sloppy drunk."
"I am a 'big boy'. Maybe I'll let you find out." Turning her back on him in irritation, Canaan was just about to move away when Dale came back AND the lights lowered further in the room. Looking over at the DJ as the music went silent, Dale used the unexpected calm to fill them in. "I'm third." Looking over at Canaan rising half off her stool. "Oh no you don't, missy. I know you're gonna try to duck out early, but you'll at least stay until you hear me, right?"
Canaan sighed. "Right.". Saul smirked and tried to slip an arm around her waist which she blocked with a low hiss.
Across the room, one of the staff introduced a tall, austere-looking woman in a plain black sheath dress.
"What the hell? This ain't the symphonic. Don't want to hear no fancy-schmancy tonight!"
"Shut UP, asshole!" The chorus, not just from their table, cowed Saul into a sullen pout. Canaan hoped it would last for the rest of the night – the resident was way more intolerable with alcohol on board. The room erupted in cheers as the woman's hands crashed into the piano with the strong chords of AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck'. She followed it with 'Who Made Who' and 'Hells Bells'. She rose from the piano just as silently as she'd sat down, but now with a big smile on her face as she took in the cheering crowd. She'd never sang, but didn't need to – the room had filled the space over her bold sound with enthusiastic, if not pitch-perfect notes of their own.
"Excellent start! Dale, for your sake, I hope you don't suck."
"Oh I do, and never a complaint…not that you'll ever be lucky enough to find out, Ernie." Laughter all around the table.
Laughing herself, Canaan turned sharply as she heard, "Well, what an introduction. Thanks, darling. Might switch it up a bit, though." In a very familiar accent. She brushed Saul's pawing hand off her arm as she watched Mr. Lucifer Morningstar, philanthropist-turned-performer of a completely different ilk sit down at the piano bench. Jeez, even in a dive the man looked like he'd stepped out of a GQ shoot in his buttoned vest, dark shirt and pants. The lights being set up as they were, he couldn't have seen her being this far back, she but felt a little twist, nonetheless. Probably just the combo of whisky and strong coffee on an empty stomach. Aware that she might be fooling herself she decided to ignore it and just listen. He pulled a mike toward him, eyes narrowing. She had no idea he could play, much less sing: he'd never mentioned. This might be interesting.
Oh he'd seen her all right.
And seen that filthy brat swatting at her as well.
It took her the lead in and a few lines to recognize 'Song for Someone' by U2. And no, she'd already established that he (couldn't possibly, no way…) be looking at her, but that low spin in her stomach begged to differ.
"…I've got some scars from where I've been
You've got eyes that can see right through me…"
Chills. Probably not from the toxic combo of alcohol and caffeine. And certainly not from the absolute jerk beside her who was still (STILL) trying to lean in and talk to her despite Canaan shouldering him off and trying to shush him.
"If there is a dark, we shouldn't doubt
and there is a light, don't let it go out…"
Lucifer saw clearly what was going on, annoyed resolve pooling under the center of his vest. Strange feeling. Stranger words, seeming oddly to fit it.
"You let me into a conversation
A conversation only we could make
You're breaking into my imagination
Whatever's in there is yours to take…"
Torn between fascination and glower as he played, watching. That boy….that boy fondling at her arm. Why did it matter? The errant child was clearly no threat to her here. Certainly not for him. Or 'them'. They were mere friends: she'd made that crystal clear. Still…
"…you were so long to heal…"
Ah. Maybe that's what the warning bells were for. The way she'd reacted to him in the garage when he'd tried to touch her, surprising her when her eyes were shut. The same sense of familiarity Canaan had for him regarding keeping secrets he now shared. Hidden pain. They might have this in common. And strange, strange, the words still fit. He heard them differently now, musing as he sang. This wasn't his intended selection; it had simply popped in his head as his hands covered the keys.
"If there is a dark, within and without
And there is a light – don't let it go out."
Looking right at her.
"And I'm a long way from your hill or cavalry
And I'm a long way…from where I was; where I need to be."
Steadily.
Despite the obvious annoyance beside her, he knew he had her full attention. Good. He didn't know why, but it pleased him. What did NOT please him was that degenerate, being handled by Canaan or not. He finished his song to expected applause, deciding not to do any others as he saw Canaan be more forceful in shoving the child off before turning to speak to someone on her other side. Lucifer strode to the shadows outside the light on the piano, stalking up behind their tables. Hearing her voice.
"Faye, please give my apologies to Dale. I'm going to go. This is getting a bit out of hand here."
"Aww, you sure?"
"Most positively. I've had enough." She shrugged Saul off again, reaching into her wallet for a few bills, laying them in front of her. "This should cover what we've had, and some more fun, okay?"
"Naw….I got thish…I'll cover it…and you." Saul clamped a strong hand on her wrist, squeezing.
She decided she'd been polite enough for long enough.
"Hey! LITTLE MAN. Power DOWN, before you really find yourself in a world of hurt."
"Don' call me 'little' anything…bitch. M' not done with you yet." Slurring his words, but his eyes turning menacing. His grip twisting harder. Ernie from Faye's other side and Ben and Shep from Saul's began to stand up and move closer. Faster than all of them, a third hand came down on the table, long elegant fingers painfully digging into the resident's forearm. The strength of the grip a complete 180 from the soft threat of the voice.
"Oh no, my good man. I think you're quite finished. Apologize to the nice people for being cranky out way past your bedtime. Then go. While you're able to do so under your own power." The last words were spoken so quietly only Saul could hear them. And only Saul could see the eyes that glittered crimson as Lucifer leaned in close. Gibbering, he pushed away from the table, bumping into some other annoyed patrons on the way out. A few cheers from their table and the ones around it rose up at his departure.
"What a total prick. You okay honey?" Faye made to lay her hand over where Saul had grappled Canaan's wrist, but once again, someone was too fast. Lucifer picked up her hand, stroking her skin.
"You're fine, are you not?"
"I am, thanks. Kid's just a jerk, drunk or not. I had no idea you could play! And sing. A man of many talents."
"Indeed. Impeccable timing being one of them, apparently."
Around the table, quick introductions for 'the committee guy' were made, as Lucifer occupied the vacant seat. Everyone took in both Dale's performance and the fact that Blake had someone new to moon over. Someone dark haired and sitting right across from her. After her friend's two songs were over, Canaan stood to excuse herself.
"So soon?" Standing, she was exactly eye-to-eye with Lucifer seated. Those same eyes that had been looking at her while he played. The same slow twirl in her belly, amped up with closer proximity and the edgy fending she'd had to do.
"Yep. Afraid so."
Not soon enough. It was the end of a long day, she'd just been through something annoying and was already mentally exhausted at thinking of how she could get that ignorant jerk off their service and somewhere the hell else as quickly as possible. She deliberately chose to ignore the most perplexing; Lucifer sitting beside her, making amiable small talk with her team and letting his leg just brush against hers under the table. Faye's had been doing the same thing on her other side: they were squeezed in like sardines. Why did she notice his so? They were friends. Just friends. Just.
Not wanting an answer to that (yet?ever?), she made to go, actually a bit relieved when Faye said she was ready as well. Saying their goodbyes, the two women headed back around the corner toward the hospital and garage. They'd barely turned to climb the stairs when from behind them, a drunken snarl.
"Well. If it isn't the frigid bitch and a slutty old bat. Teach you to laugh at me…"
Coming from the darkness under the stairwell, Saul grabbed onto Canaan's ponytail, twisting the end of it around his hand, pulling her off balance against him. Making her gasp in pain and surprise.
"Yeah, you like that, huh? Knew you would. I'll ride your ass AND pull your hair. Get off me you old cow!" Canaan saw Faye fall to the ground as he shoved her back. The slow burn of irritation she'd felt all night flared to sudden, incandescent fury.
She spun to him, feeling his grip on her hair tighten, ignoring the sting. Behind her, she could hear Faye whimper. Canaan barked at her. "Get your phone. Call security right now!"
She could smell more than hear Saul's curse at her face as he leaned his rancid mouth toward hers. Taking the opportunity of distraction she drove a knee into his groin and two knuckles into the notch of his throat, his breath worse as he choked. Strength of anger and alcohol kept his grip and stance strong. With his other hand, he grabbed at the high collar of her dress, twisting the material. Becoming desperate with her wind cut off, she ran her boot over the front of his shin. She was grateful to hear Saul's reaction of pain and Faye's voice on her phone – at least someone knew they were out here - but the edges of her vision were beginning to haze and darken.
Security was on their way across the street now, but 'someone' was already here.
Lucifer had followed them from a distance, feeling uneasy about the boy he'd scolded and scared. Seeing Canaan being lifted off her feet, throttled and still fighting made him move with preternatural quickness. She was still conscious, but going limp and fuzzy when she felt someone behind her.
Did Faye stand up?
No, she could hear her voice from the ground, yelling "Bottom floor, parking garage! B entrance! Right fucking now!"
Who else was here?
She felt a strong arm go around her waist and the small conscious part of her remaining was grateful for the support. With the amount of adrenaline and energy expenditure she wouldn't be standing long with her wind cut. She felt a huge thrash, heard a sickly hollow thud then was pulled to the ground.
Blessed, blessed air. She alternated between coughs and gasps, drinking it in like the priceless elixir it was. After a few deep breaths she got her bearings. Loud voices, all around her. Faye being helped off the ground. Saul down in front of her, his hand still tangled in the ends of her hair. The familiar voices of night security. But they had black uniforms. The bent knees beside hers were clad in subtle navy blue pinstripes. They looked far too expensive to be kneeling in the city dirt next to her boots. A quiet voice in her ear.
"You still fine, darling?"
That accent.
"Almost."
That chuckle.
Canaan tugged at her hair, trying to loosen it from the sweaty paw it was wrapped through.
"Faye!"
"Yes honey, oh god, you okay?"
"I will be. Hope you are. Give me your trauma shears." Knowing the old nurse always carried some in her purse.
She felt the woman slap them into her outstretched palm with the same professional snap she delivered her surgical instruments. Running her hand down her ponytail as far as she could, Canaan hacked her hair, freeing herself from the unconscious pile in front of her. She could not be restrained for one more second. Not one.
"Oh honey…"
"No worries, Faye. Been overdue for a trim." She rose on her knees, still feeling unsteady. Her hair was so long that even with a few inches gone it still fell well past the bottom of her shoulderblades. She pulled it back and knotted it in a tight bun. Lucifer, silent beside her, cupped her elbows gently to rise with her. Holding her around the waist as her legs were still trembling from adrenaline's rush.
She recognized that feeling of security.
'What did you do?'
"I introduced this foul miscreant's head to this welcoming cement pillar behind him. Rather abruptly."
She turned to look up at him. His voice was light, but his jaw clenched and eyes dark.
"Thank you, friend."
He looked down to smile at her, but it was strained. Hers probably was as well.
After medical checks had been performed and statements taken at the police station Canaan and Faye were free to go. Assured she was all right and just wanted to go home, Lucifer saw her off. He had plans of his own anyway.
Stepping outside the station doors, he called Maze.
"What do you want at this hour?"
"Hello to you, sweet Mazie. I want Hell's favorite torturer to bring cash for bail money and meet me at this address. We're going to take a long, lovingly detailed trip down memory lane, you and I. I have new pal I'm just dying for you to meet."
The slow, avidly sick smile spreading over Mazikeen's face nearly turned Amenadiel's stomach as he looked at her.
"Where are you going?"
"With your brother. To do what we're best at. Don't wait up."
