Chapter 24

"Come on, come on, pick up!" Ella muttered impatiently as the phone continued to ring. "Dammit, I really need-"

"Who's this?" A gruff voice interrupted the ringing.

"My favorite demon! Hey, I've got an update for you. Dan's actual car was left in Compton, and a team found his phone on the side of the highway. It's pretty smashed up, but it looks like he was heading east. We're guessing Phoenix. There was blood in the trunk of the car, but we didn't recover anything else. It also looks like he stole a couple kilos of cocaine from the evidence locker, but we think that's what turned up at that warehouse shooting down in San Pedro."

"Huh." Maze absorbed this new information, fit it into the puzzle. "Musta stolen the drugs for the gang, got surprised by the Sinaloas in the warehouse."

"There's more. He shot some Irish bad guy who's wanted for another shooting, and dumped him at the community hospital. Then it looks like he drove up to Sinaloas territory, up by Mar Vista Gardens? Seriously crazy. That wasn't long before he showed up at Linda's house."

"Why the Hell would one human try to take on a whole gang of those guys?" Maze asked, shaking her head. "Well, I have news for you, too. There's a crappy car with no plates sitting out behind Dave's Discount Autos and Garage, and Eve just came back from talking to one of the idiots inside. Apparently, there was a dark-blue SUV, a few years old, went missing from their repair bay earlier. They thought maybe one of the other workers took it, but it turns out he didn't. They said they were 'just getting around to' calling the cops, meaning this is exactly the kinda place Dan woulda thought to steal a car from."

"Did they have the plates on it? Sounds like he switched them out, but we can run them anyway and see if we can get a VIN, or if the car has a GPS."

"Hang on."

The sounds on the other end were muffled, and Ella could imagine Maze with her hand over the phone's mouthpiece, asking Eve for the information.

"California tag," Maze said, reading off the string of letters and numbers. Ella repeated it back to verify. "You got it. I'm gonna gas up, and then I'm gonna head east on the 10. Tell your cop buddies that I'm after Espinoza—I'm not stopping til I find his ass. Call me back when you know more." She hung up and turned to Eve. "I'll drop you back at the apartment." A bar across the street was just opening for the night, music pouring out into the street. Maze didn't know the song playing, but made a note to add it to future bounty-hunting playlists.

So lost for so long, trying to find my way
I failed to follow, now I'm out of place
Crossing lines, small crimes
Taking back what is mine

I'm fine in the fire, I feed on the friction
I'm right where I should be
Don't try and fix me

"Why? No, Maze, I wanna-" Stay with you. "-help," she finished. "I'm not going anywhere. Let's go find Dan."

"You sure?" Maze asked, straddling the bike again. "Could be days before we catch up, and there's a bunch of jerks chasing him. Might get dangerous."

"Yeah, I'm in." Eve grabbed hold of Maze as they pulled away from the garage. Maze wove expertly through city traffic to the nearest gas station and fueled up quickly, not even stopping to flirt with the attendant. Before she knew it, they were speeding onto the freeway. Adrenaline coursed through her as they flew through the dark, passing rumbling semis and smaller passenger cars alike. I like this feeling, she decided. Adventure, danger...can't find anything like this in Heaven. It's so safe and boring up there. I wonder if Maze will show me Hell one day. The wind against her skin was cool, and Eve shivered slightly before pressing tighter against the demon. I don't know where we're going, but I'm definitely enjoying the ride.

"Thanks, Amenadiel," Chloe said again, hugging the eldest angel goodbye before she walked back to her car. Lucifer waited for her, unspeaking as he opened the passenger door and climbed in. The hush continued as she drove back to the precinct, until she couldn't hold the question in any longer.

"How did it go, with your Dad? Obviously, you're still in one piece, so he didn't...smite you, or anything."

"There hasn't been a good smiting in centuries," he responded absently, still deep in thought. Chloe shook her head and got out of the Charger, leaving him alone to re-live the "chat" he'd had only a few minutes ago.

"My son, I am very sorry," his Father had said without preamble. "Your behavior was out of line, of course, and some punishment was justified—but it was never meant to carry on this long, in this way. I had to give you a way out, since despite my best wishes you haven't found it on your own."

"So you just manufactured a girlfriend for me? What about her emotions, Dad? What about her chance at a life?"

"As I told Chloe, Samael, the chances that the two of you would fall in love were infinitesimal at best. I did nothing to push either of you toward that path, no matter how fervently I hoped you would end up there. Your feelings for one another are real, a result of the choices each of you made—your own free will, so to speak. I could not be more pleased, son. I want you to be happy."

"Oh really? You've got a funny way of showing it—kicking me out, sending me to do your dirty work. Why, you've been punishing me for thousands of years now!"

"I'm not punishing you any longer, Samael. You've been punishing yourself. There is a way out, but you must prove that you are ready."

"Great, another test," he'd scoffed, "because that turned out so well the first time! Look, I don't need to come back here, Dad. I know how Michael and Remiel and the others feel, and I've no interest in reopening those old wounds. I know I'll never be the son You wanted, and I've made my peace with it, truly. I don't belong here, Dad." The emotion behind the statement had caused his voice to waver, and he'd had to work at maintaining his composure. "But that doesn't mean I don't deserve a life."

"Of course you do. Samael, I want you to know that I forgive you. Please, forgive yourself. Let go of the past—it is the only way to move on to your future, whichever route you choose. You will have a chance soon to be free of your reign. Let your heart guide you."

"Cryptic, as usual. Thanks for that," Lucifer had retorted, still reeling. He forgives me? Really? "How did I end up in Hell twice when I died, then, Pops, if I'm so forgiven? And what is with the vulnerability thing, anyways? Doesn't make it seem like I have much of a future at all, does it?" He took a breath, but God was silent. "And I see you've no intention at all of answering my questions. Bloody typical. I should go. I've only a short time left to help Chloe." He'd begun to back away, desperately in need of some solitude to absorb what had been said. But he wasn't able to get out before his Father dropped yet another bombshell.

"No matter what you may think, you are still my son and I will always love you. In fact, I never stopped."

"You had me thrown out, cut off entirely!" He'd frozen, in shock and utter rage. "You couldn't even do it yourself, you had Michael do it. My own brother! And he didn't just push me out the front door—that was quite the Fall you had me take!"

"I couldn't do it, Samael. As much as I knew it was the right thing, so help Me I couldn't do it. It hurt too much. I knew the betrayal, the pain you would feel. And some part of me was certain that even if Michael were acting on my orders, you'd still set some of your resentment aside for him instead of directing all of it at me."

"Well, surprise surprise, You were right. Can't believe he actually went through with it, although he always was Your perfect little soldier."

"He still hasn't forgiven himself, either." God had cautiously advanced, Lucifer watching him carefully, until He was within arms' length. He set His hand on Lucifer's shoulder. "I want you to know, Samael, that I am very proud of you. You've been through a lot, even for such a long time period, and you have come so far, grown so much. I am sorry for the way humanity has vilified you, but I will always be glad that you are my son. One day, maybe soon, you will understand a little better. Please, come back and visit me, when all of this has blown over, I miss you, Samael."

"I...I'll think about it, Dad," he'd finally promised, tears streaming down his face. He'd allowed his Father to pull him into a quick embrace, then he'd all but run back down the steps to take a few deep breaths. Can't think about this until later...Don't want to put all this on Chloe right now. She's worried about her offspring, and I must admit I'm a bit fond of the little urchin as well. Right, get it together, Lucifer. Patting his face dry, he shook his shoulders, adjusted his cuff links, and set off for the fountain.

They'd all managed to get out without attracting too much more attention, and they'd bid Gabriel and Raphael good-bye. Chamuel had returned to Earth to take over for Azrael, who had a backlog of souls to attend to; he had gone directly to the precinct, but Chloe, Lucifer and Amenadiel had stopped at the latter's house first.

Now, Lucifer needed to return to Hell as quickly as possible, but he had to be sure Chloe was all right. He ground his teeth at the idea of leaving her with Chamuel—he'd seen the effect his brother had on humans, mostly women but a few men too, and was more than a little jealous at the thought of her feeling that way about anyone else. Not that it matters. When I leave this time, it must be the final time. What do I care who she thinks about instead? Although...she's immune to my devilish charms, so maybe Chamuel's little love spell won't work on her either. The thought energized him enough to take off quickly after his partner (girlfriend? Can I say 'girlfriend?' Sounds...odd. Surely there must be some term for what we are that doesn't make us sound like a couple of horny teenagers.), just catching the door in time to hold it open for her.

"I must be going, Chloe. I will leave you and Miss Lopez with Chamuel. You may notice her acting a bit...strange. It seems Chamuel is either unwilling or unable to dampen his effect on humans. Part of it is the divinity, but the rest, well—don't let him, mmm, influence you too much."

She looked at him strangely. "I've spent plenty of time around Chamuel today, Lucifer, and I don't feel anything out-of-the-ordinary. What is it you think I..." Chloe trailed off as they walked into the lab. Chamuel was casually lounging in the rolling office chair, reading the latest copy of Forensics Today, and Ella was staring so intently at the other angel she was actually drooling. "Oh, wow. That's even worse than people get around you. You really think he can't control it?"

Lucifer snorted. "I've no idea, and I don't really care to ask, although it's bloody inconvenient at the moment. As for me, I've had quite a few years of practice at blending in. I'm able to project my aura at whatever level I want. Not that you'd notice, anyway." He pouted a bit for effect.

Chloe rolled her eyes. "Like your ego needs any help from me. Didn't you say you needed to get going?"

"Yes." His playful mood was gone, replaced instantly by regret. "Chloe, I—I wish I could stay, but..."

"No, it's OK, Lucifer. Thank you, for everything. I'll, uh, talk to you later?"

Lucifer shot one last scowl at his brother. Is that a barely-concealed smirk? Smug bastard. "Be careful, darling, and let me know when Beatrice is back home. Now I've one last errand to take care of before I pop back to Hell. Goodbye, Chloe." He kissed her, pouring all of the day's feelings into it, backing her up against the lab's window. While she was catching her breath, he sauntered around the corner and was gone with a soft rustle of feathers.

Still dazed, Chloe returned her attention to Ella, who was still standing stock-still, one elbow propped on a filing cabinet, hand fisted beneath her chin. "Earth to Ella! Hey! I still need your help."

"What? Oh...right, right, Trixie. Dan. OK." The scientist shook herself off and turned back to her computer. "What was I doing?"

Chloe marched over to Chamuel. "Hey, pal. I suggest you turn your volume down a little, because I need Ella functioning at her very best. My kid is missing and right now you," she poked him in the bare, muscled chest, "are messing with my chances of finding her. So I don't care what Lucifer says, find a way to mute your—whatever that is, and do it fast." She crossed her arms and gave him the same stare she used on suspects.

"I am not sure what you mean, Chloe. I am reading about forensics. Science is actually quite fascinating."

"You know exactly what I'm talking about! That innocent act may work on everyone else, but I am on to you, buddy. Now turn it off, or I will personally tell your Dad what you've been up to down here."

Chamuel was silent for a moment, then chuckled softly. "You are wise and cunning beyond your years, little sister. Very well, I will do as you ask. I meant no harm. I remember a time when angels were loved, respected, worshiped. Now humans are such fragile creatures, where even a low level of pure divinity is too much for them. It makes it difficult to interact at all."

She studied him for a moment. "You're...lonely?" He flipped a page in the magazine, but couldn't help sneaking a peek at Ella, who was typing frantically away. "Trust me, you could not have picked a better person to try to befriend. She's got the biggest heart of anyone I know, she's very loyal, and she will talk both your ears off if you let her. But you gotta put the mojo away, OK? We're counting on you to keep us safe while we try to get Trixie back, so try just being...a normal guy for a while."

"Hey, Decker?"

"What is it?" She hurried over to Ella's workstation.

"I think I found him." She clicked away a bit more. "Yeah, little town outside of Quartzsite, Arizona."

"That is where the camels roamed, after your government set them free."

"Awwwww! I love camels! I didn't know there were camels in Arizona!" Ella cried.

"I don't believe they are there anymore. That was about 100 years ago," Chamuel answered, returning to the magazine. "Oh. What are 'particulates,' and why are they so important to everyone?"

"Oh, man. So many ways to answer that question! So particulates are these-"

"Ella. How do you know it's Dan?" Chloe cut in before the conversation could delve into specifics.

"Oh! Gas card," Ella smiled back. Chloe pulled her phone out and called Maze.

"Hey, we think we found him. He's still heading east on 10. He just stopped in-" she consulted Ella's screen, the space in front of it vacant as Ella had wandered off and begun discussing the merits of vinyl gloves vs latex ones with an apparently interested angel. "Morgantown. He got gas. Paid cash for anything he bought, but he used his rewards card. I have the same one, so I gave Ella the numbers on all the accounts we share in case Dan slipped up and used one."

"Just couldn't resist those points towards a free slushy."

Chloe heard the scorn in the demon's voice, and while she normally would have agreed on Dan's inability to prioritize, this time was different. "Well, I'm glad he couldn't, because now we know where he is. How far away are you?"

Maze caught sight of a road sign posting mileage to upcoming cities. "Twenty miles...so about ten minutes."

"You're only going 120 miles an hour?" Chloe asked skeptically.

"Course not, Decker. Don't be ridiculous. I stopped to talk to you, and Eve's getting tacos. Don't worry, though. I'll make up for it."

"Uh...huh."

"I'll let you know when I get him." Maze disconnected.

Chloe shook her head and dialed Janson's number off the card he'd left with her back at Linda's house. "Hey, it's Decker. We've tracked Dan to Morgantown, Arizona. Figured I'd let you know. It's out of our jurisdiction but I sent Maze after him. Should buy you some time to call the local PD and get them onboard. We're running the car he stole now—hopefully it has built-in GPS."

"Wow, thanks. OK, I'll call Arizona State. Have your team let me know about the vehicle. What'd you say it was?"

"Twenty sixteen Chevy SUV, dark-blue, stolen plates from an '88 Ford sedan that had no VIN."

"Great, I'll give them the heads-up. Stay in touch."

"Sure thing," she promised as she hung up. "Ella!"

"...so you can tell exactly what kind of—oh, Chloe! I'm so sorry! You know how I get with all the forensic-y stuff, it's like I could go on forever...but I won't," she caught herself at the look on Chloe's face, "because I am gonna get this info to Susan down the hall right now so she can tell us about the car Dan took. Here I go! Bye!" Ella jogged off towards the DMV liaison's desk.

Pleased with his plan, Dan finally closed his eyes. Yeah, too obvious to take the 10 straight to Phoenix. I'll hop on 95 in the morning, head south, ride along the border a bit. If they're getting close, I'll pick up the 8 in Yuma, but if I see any cops I can duck across to Mexico. He tugged on the scratchy motel blanket a few times, trying to get comfortable on a bed that somehow managed to be rock hard while sagging in the middle. In the other double bed, Trixie slept soundly, worn out from the long day. He lay still for a few more moments, then sat up and punched the lumpy pillow a few times. He caught a flash of red from the nightstand, his exhausted brain belatedly processing it as the alarm clock. The display read 1:13am. I really need to get some shut-eye if I'm gonna make this drive. Too exposed here, too close to LA. Annoyed with his inability to sleep, Dan rolled over onto his other side and faced the window.

His city-boy mind was having a hard time with the relative quiet of the streets outside, so it was with relief he identified the rumble of a motorcycle engine tearing through the night. It became louder, and seemed to slow in front of the motel, but picked up again and faded off into the night. Sounds like it's going pretty fast. The events of the day were taking their toll, and his stubborn eyelids finally stayed shut. A lone car passed by a moment later, lulling Dan into a trance-like state. He heard, or imagined, the motorcycle passing by again, pulling into the overflow lot behind the motel. The sounds of several car engines, numerous voices, and doors shutting all played like a faraway soundtrack as he finally gave himself over to sleep.

Mere seconds later, he was startled awake by the rattling of the front door. He rolled swiftly out of bed onto the floor, checking that Trixie hadn't woken up. Her breathing remained slow and even; he could just make out the rise and fall of her side in the scant yellow light slipping through the inevitable gap in the curtains. He snagged his new weapon from the nightstand, its heft unfamiliar but comforting. Dan duck-walked over to the window and used the muzzle of the gun to nudge the tatty fabric aside, revealing a sliver of the sidewalk in front of the door. What the...how did they find me?!