A/N: my apologies for the delay in posting this chapter. Between the fan fiction site not working correctly and having a bad case of Real Life intruding, I was struggling to write. However, I think with this chapter we're finally back on schedule.

As Linda sat at her desk, attempting to concentrate on the file in front of her, she sighed in frustration as she realized that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop thinking about Lucifer. She stared at her phone again, wondering if she should call him, just to check in.

It had been several days since she'd heard from him, and, given how needy he could be from time to time, that in itself was unusual. However, in this case, she suspected he was making a greater effort than usual to hide from his own emotional 'demons', as it were. According to his wildly warped logic, if he refused to acknowledge the things that were bothering him, they'd simply disappear, and things would be back to normal...whatever that was.

While that was true with some of his more niggling complaints, Linda knew that Lucifer's childish method of problem solving wouldn't fix his relationship with the Detective, and as a result of his inaction, he might spend the rest of his immortal life restless and unhappy, all because he refused to let go of his damned pride. He would refuse to apologize for any rift he might've caused between them...it seemed he'd rather spend eternity without her in his life.

Still staring at her phone, Linda considered once again whether or not she should call her most aggravating patient. She cared for him, and hated to see him damage one of his most important relationships when it could most likely still be salvaged with just a little bit of effort on his part.

On the other hand, he was a grown man...a grown man who acted like a naughty little boy, but still, he was an adult...he could make his own decisions without her meddling, and in fact, based on her past experience with him, he'd resent her intrusion into his life, even if it was for his own good.

"Fine.," she muttered to herself as she pushed the phone away. "He can figure it out on his own. It's not like he listens to me anyway…"

A sudden sharp knock at the door shook her from her thoughts. "Doctor! Have you missed me?"

Linda couldn't help but smile at her visitor. "Well, as a matter of fact...yes!"

"Of course you have! I knew it!" Lucifer grinned happily as he sat down on her sofa and poured himself a glass of water. Crossing his long legs, he quickly made himself at home. "I have that effect on people, you know...they simply can't get enough of me…"

"Right." Moving to sit across from her patient, Linda arched an eyebrow. "I suppose you've been too busy getting ready for the show to keep in touch. You've missed a couple of appointments."

"Well, yes...I have been busy…," he purred. "...but that doesn't excuse my being neglectful towards one of my dearest friends." He held out a small gift bag. "For you...just a little something…"

"Oooh…what have we here?" Linda grinned as she looked in the bag. "Two tickets to the musical? How nice…"

"I'd love it if you'd attend...maybe you can convince Amenadiel to join you, but if not, I'm sure you can find someone else...perhaps that brawny young barman you've been admiring at Lux…"

"Perhaps." Setting the bag aside, she studied him intently. "So are you ready for tomorrow night?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't I be? I perform at my club on a regular basis…" Lucifer shrugged as his smile faded slightly. "I mean, when I'm singing at Lux, I'm more in control of the situation, and I don't have to rely on inept cast members to hold up their end of the bargain, but the general idea is the same. I sing...the audience applauds. It's really quite simple..." A slight frown creased his handsome face. "I'm still not happy with the misinformation presented in the production...you know, with the Devil being female and bargaining for a soul, but Greg assures me that it's merely 'artistic license'. He says I should just ignore it, since the play is fiction, but…"

"You know, I've been wondering about that." Linda's expression was thoughtful as she sat back in her chair. "Are there female angels?"

"Yes. I have several female siblings. We were all made in Dad's image, just like humans are. Because He has aspects of both genders, He made us male and female…and I just happen to be male..." He arched an eyebrow at his therapist. "...as I'm sure you remember…"

"Um...yes." Squirming slightly as she recalled the intimate moments she'd shared with Lucifer, Linda cleared her throat nervously. "Anyway, I'm glad to hear that you're prepared for your performance. Excellent!" Smiling, she regarded him with interest. "And I assume your friends from the precinct are going...maybe I'll look for them when I get there. It'd be nice to sit with them…"

"Well...um…" Lucifer sighed as he picked at his well manicured fingernails. "I believe Dan is planning to attend, but I'm not sure about the Detective…"

"I see. I suppose you could call her...give her a personal invitation…," Linda said quietly, watching for his reaction. "I can't imagine she'd want to miss your performance…"

"I've already extended the invitation...in person...but her response was vague." He coughed softly. "We've had a falling out, you know...my brother Michael was arrested for murder in the death of the show's costumer, and he has been incarcerated without bail. The Detective said there was nothing she could do to procure his release…but I wasn't so sure...anyway, we exchanged some sharp words about it...and so things are rather...up in the air...on that front...between us..."

"She explained the judge's decision about bail, and you didn't believe her? Come on, Lucifer! You know she isn't involved in that part of the court case…" Linda shook her head at him. "You're blaming her for something she can't control. You really need to apologize to her…"

Pouting, the Devil lashed out in frustration. "She was the one who arrested Michael! She should've taken me at my word when I said he wasn't involved in murdering anyone…she should've trusted me!"

"You know better! Does that really sound like something Chloe would do? She wouldn't have arrested him unless she felt she had enough probable cause...and knowing her, she most likely made sure the case was very solid out of deference to you…she probably had more proof than was necessary, just to be certain..."

"Out of deference to me?! If that was her aim...to be considerate of my feelings...she shouldn't have arrested Michael at all!," Lucifer growled, throwing his hands in the air in exasperation. "Anyway, who's side are you on? You're my therapist! You need to help me, instead of insisting that I cave in and apologize to the Detective for refusing to accept the fact that when she was 'just doing her job', she arrested my brother…someone who's very...dear...to me..." He averted his gaze from Linda. "Perhaps ending our partnership is for the best...it seems all we do is argue when we work together. I'm not convinced that the Detective and I have ever gotten along very well…"

"I see." Pursing her lips slightly, Linda sat back in her chair. "So you find her to be argumentative...frustrating...challenging…she never lets you get away with anything…"

"Exactly! She treats me as if I'm a child!" Rolling his eyes, Lucifer leapt from the sofa. "She's always pushing me to do the 'right thing', whatever that is, but, of course, as Lord of Hell, that's not really in my job description, is it? I punish evil! That's what I do! And sometimes the weapons I use to do so aren't in the normal police arsenal! I sometimes have to do things in a different way to accomplish anything! I have to fight fire with fire!" He smiled self-consciously at his little joke. "But the Detective's never satisfied, even if my efforts get good results…if the method is 'wrong', according to her point of view, she's still displeased..."

"Let me ask you something." Linda watched as her patient paced the room. "Does she expect anything from you that she wouldn't expect from herself?"

"What?" He turned to Linda in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it...she pushes you to be better, right? She wants you to live up to higher standards...standards she thinks you're capable of upholding…"

"Standards that are impossible to achieve!," Lucifer complained, slumping onto the sofa. "It's like I can never do anything right…"

Linda nodded. "She may seem hypercritical, but I think it's because she sees your potential. She knows how intelligent you are, and it probably really bothers her that you don't use all the gifts you have at your disposal." She tilted her head to one side as she watched Lucifer process her words. "I think she pushes you because she respects you...and she cares for you. She wants the best for you...and from you." Seeing his disbelief, she smiled faintly. "And you want to prove yourself to her, because you respect her as well, even though you find her aggravating. In fact, I think it's that aggravation that you find so fascinating. Surely you must see that she's far more interesting than any inane, anonymous one night stand you might involve yourself in, right? Chloe is a problem you've yet to solve...and you can't resist that temptation. You've just got to see what makes her tick…you're drawn to her because of that sense of mystery..."

Feeling exposed by Linda's blunt comments, Lucifer squirmed under her gaze. "I...um...I don't know what you're talking about, Linda." Shaking his head, he quickly rose from the couch. "Anyway, I need to be on my way. I have an appointment…" He checked his phone, hoping to avoid her slightly disapproving expression. "I hope to see you tomorrow evening. Goodbye."

As he turned to leave in a hurry, he stumbled slightly, much to his embarrassment. "Bloody clumsy oaf…"

Biting back her smile, Linda waved. "Until tomorrow…and break a leg...but not in my office!" As he slammed the door behind him, she chuckled softly. "Hmm...maybe I should give Chloe a call...she needs to go see that show..."

Oooooooooo

Still feeling frustrated after his session with Linda, Lucifer strode into the county jail and approached the desk sergeant. "Hello, Darling.," he crooned. "I need to visit one of the prisoners…"

"Visitation is strictly regulated…no visits for prisoners without appointments." The woman running the desk looked up at the extremely handsome gentleman standing in front of her and smiled in awe. "However, I think we might be able to make an exception in your case. Who do you want to see?"

He gave her a flirty grin. "Michael Prince. He just arrived yesterday, and I want to check on him...poor thing. He's my brother, you know, and I need to make sure he's okay…I'll only stay a few minutes, I promise...if that's okay with you..." He leaned closer and whispered softly. "I wouldn't want you to get into trouble on my account, Darling, but I'd really, really like to see him…"

"Certainly. The visitation rooms are down the hall…" She picked up the phone and made a call. After a few seconds, she hung up and beamed at the Devil. "He'll be joining you shortly…"

"Lovely. Thank you, Darling…" He winked broadly at her before turning to leave. "Now...let's see what my brother has to say…"

%%%%%%%

Lucifer waited impatiently until Michael walked in with a guard and sat down opposite of him. Waving at his sibling through the plexiglass window, the Archangel picked up the phone for the intercom system. "What's up?"

"I wanted to see how you were faring in your captivity, Brother…"

"I'm bored as Hell…" Chuckling as he saw his brother's annoyance, Michael leaned forward in his chair. "Seriously...except for having to fight off a few gangbangers, it's been terribly dull. I'm just biding my time until you can get me out of here…"

"I hope to accomplish that shortly." Lucifer pursed his lips slightly. "Have you given any thought to my...idea? What's your opinion?"

Michael was thoughtful. "I think, given your evidence, that you're probably correct. What are you going to do about it?"

"I won't be able to do anything until tomorrow evening. Remember, if I need you, I'll call for you…"

"And I'll arrive to assist you in cleaning the house…" Michael nodded in agreement. "Sounds good…"

"Unfortunately, after you run the errand, you'll need to return here until you can be officially exonerated." Seeing his brother's irritation, Lucifer sighed. "It's merely a formality, Mickey. Unfortunately, if you don't return so you can be officially released, you'll be considered a fugitive. Trust me...as soon as we nab the real culprit, the Detective will be more than happy to turn you loose. You just need to be patient…"

Michael interrupted. "Speaking of Chloe, do you have someone keeping an eye on her? I wouldn't be surprised if our little demon tries to get to you by hurting her…"

Lucifer puffed out a sigh. "I'm well aware of the danger she's in, Brother. Maze is watching her now, and I'll take a turn in a few hours. I've yet to contact Amenadiel…"

"Well, you should. You know what we're dealing with...we'll need all the help we can get."

"Right." The Devil was grim as he rose to leave. "See you tomorrow…"

"Count on it." The Archangel smiled as he waved at his brother. "It's nice that we're finally working together, isn't it?"

"Don't be so smug, Mickey. I know it won't be long until you're back to your 'good always defeats evil' schtick…"

"Maybe so...except it seems to me that you're not as 'evil' as you once were…"

Glaring at his brother, Lucifer snorted in disgust. "There's no need to be insulting!" Adjusting his cufflinks, he cleared his throat. "Don't be late."

"I'll be right on time." Michael hung up the phone and called to the guard. "We're done here…"

Oooooooooo

As he pulled out of the jail's parking lot, Lucifer made a quick phone call. "Well? Has anyone out of the ordinary approached the Detective?"

Mazikeen grunted as she looked down on the precinct from her rooftop vantage point. "Nobody. Are you sure this is necessary, Lucifer? I've got a lead on a bounty…I need to go take care of the guy before someone beats me to it."

"Yes, of course, it's necessary!" Lucifer's eyes glowed red as he listened to Maze's complaint. "Your purpose is to protect me, so by extension, that includes Chloe as well! Don't let her out of your sight! I'll be there in a few minutes."

Rolling her eyes at the Devil's theatrics, Maze sighed loudly. "Okay, but you pay me what I lose if someone else picks up that bounty…"

"Agreed...and anyway, it's just until tomorrow evening. I'm hoping to convince the Detective to come see the show." He smiled to himself as he pulled into the parking lot of a small shopping center. "I'll be equipped with a suitable bribe…"

"Whatever. I'll take care of it until you get here." Ending the call, Maze shook her head, mumbling to herself. "It'd be so much easier if he just told Chloe what he wanted…

Oooooooooo

"I know, Linda, but…" Chloe grimaced slightly as she listened to the person on the other end of the call. "I don't think it's necessary…"

Linda was insistent. "Trust me, Chloe...it'll mean a lot to Lucifer if you go see his show. I know things are strained between you two, but I think deep down, you still want to support him, right? At least think about it…"

"Okay." Sighing softly, the Detective nodded. "I'll think about it."

"Good. I hope to see you tomorrow night. Bye now…"

"Bye." Ending the call, Chloe tossed her phone aside. She was still undecided about going to see the musical. On one hand, she was extremely curious...the thought of seeing her former partner on stage acting in a play was quite intriguing. On the other hand, the thought that a successful premiere might mean his moving to New York, and therefore leaving her behind, was quite upsetting.

Her musings were soon interrupted by a familiar voice. "Detective!"

Chloe couldn't hide her surprise. "Lucifer? What are you doing here? I mean, I thought...you know...I just didn't expect you...to show up…with everything that's happened..."

"Well, I've come to realize that it wasn't your fault that my brother was denied bail. After all, you're not the judge. And just to prove there are no hard feelings…" He produced a small white carton and set it on her desk with a flourish. "Your favorite, I believe…"

"From La Madelene?" The Detective giggled as she opened the small box. "Lemon bars! I love their lemon bars." She paused suddenly as she glanced suspiciously at her former partner. "What do you want?"

"I beg your pardon! Can't a fellow bring his friend a treat without being suspected of duplicity?" Lucifer was incensed. "I can't believe this...I bring you a gift, and I'm treated with such...such skepticism…"

"Any other 'fellow' might be able to pull it off, Lucifer, but you always have an ulterior motive for every good deed you do, right? You give out a favor and then expect a favor in return...that's your usual MO." Chloe chose a lemon bar from the box and took a bite. "So? Let's get this over with…what do you want?"

Sulking slightly, the Devil plopped down in the chair next to her desk. "I came to ask you once again...would you please come to see the musical tomorrow evening? You were rather indecisive last time we talked…"

"You mean the last time we tried to talk...when instead of talking, you raised your voice at me."

"Yes, well...I've since seen the error of my ways. I'll admit...the treats were designed to pave my way into your good graces so you'd listen to my request." He offered a shy smile. "Was I successful?"

Knowing she was beaten by his manipulations, Chloe nodded slightly. "Okay...I'll be there."

"Excellent!" His smile broadened as he made himself comfortable in the chair. "I can get some excellent seats for you and...an escort…" He cleared his throat softly. "...if you'd like. I'd recommend that your offspring not attend...adult themes and such…but feel free to ask someone to accompany you...perhaps Detective Leprechaun..."

Touched by how happy Lucifer was with her affirmative answer, Chloe reached out to pat his arm. "It'll just be me. Trixie is staying with her friend Landa tomorrow night, and Sean is going as Fiona's guest. I think Dan is bringing a date…"

Lucifer chuckled slyly. "So Sir Douche found someone to take pity on him. Interesting."

There was an awkward pause between the former partners before Chloe coughed softly. "By the way, it looks like you were right about Claire Morgenstern not being on the up and up. We tried to run a background check on her, but we can't find anything on her before the last eighteen months. It's weird…"

"Really?" Shrugging slightly, Lucifer looked through the file the Detective handed to him. "Nothing? That's quite odd…"

"Even her social security number seems fake. I'm not sure what's going on, but I haven't been able to get in touch with Greg…"

Lucifer nodded as he thumbed through the pages. "I'm sure he's too preoccupied with the production to worry about such mundane things...you'd be better off to talk to Ms. Leveau. She'll know who's in charge of the day to day operations and payroll."

Feeling his phone buzz, he pulled it from his pocket, grimacing as he saw the message he'd just received. "Speaking of which, I must be on my way. Remember, the performance starts at seven, but perhaps you could arrive earlier...say...6:15 or so? As an actress, you might appreciate seeing how the magic is made on stage…"

"Okay...I'll be there." She studied her hands for a few seconds before looking up at him. "I'm glad you came by, Lucifer. Thanks for the lemon bars."

He gazed intently at her beautiful face, wishing for something insightful or romantic to say, but nothing came to mind. Finally he looked away. "You're most welcome. Until tomorrow then…"

She nodded. "Tomorrow. Goodbye."

She pursed her lips slightly as he walked away, wondering if she'd ever understand that man.

Oooooooooo

As he walked across the roof of the precinct building to join Maze, Lucifer called out to her. "What's going on?"

"It looks like you were right after all." Mazikeen pointed down at the parking lot. "That black sedan had circled the parking lot several times before it stopped behind Chloe's cruiser. A woman got out of the passenger side and tried the doors and the truck, but of course, it's locked so after a few minutes she got back in the car and it drove away."

"And? You called me up here for that?" Lucifer rolled his eyes at his demonic protector. "Bloody ridiculous…"

"Not ridiculous. Look what I found!" Maze held up a small electronic device. "Whoever it was had planted a bomb on the car's undercarriage." She tossed the object to Lucifer. "I've disarmed it…"

"Bloody Hell!" Muttering curses to himself, Lucifer jammed the object into his pocket. "It's worse than I imagined. Not a word to the Detective about this...do you understand? I don't want her to try to be a heroine...you know she'll pretend like this is not worth worrying about…but don't let her out of your sight! I've got to talk to Amenadiel!"

The Devil unfurled his snowy wings and quickly flew away, leaving an irritated Maze standing alone on the rooftop. "A 'thank you' would be nice…," she yelled after him. Hunkering down on her haunches, she flicked her knives nervously as she watched the parking lot below.

If Lucifer was that upset, something very bad was about to occur, but Maze was determined.

Nobody was going to bother her friend Chloe as long as she was around.

"That's not happening." The demon nodded resolutely. "Not on my watch!"

A/N: We get to go to the musical in the next chapter. Stay tuned...