Chapteer Ten: The Cross Roads

The rest of the week had gone uneventful save for the investigation of what happened to the Ragno that finally made it to the five o' clock news. Mimzy had yet to be reported missing by her employees, though Alastor wasn't surprised. Mimzy did tend to leave unexpectedly for some 'much needed vacation time' (as she put it) and show up after spending a week or so in New York, Los Angeles, or even Paris. It was perhaps the only few times he had gotten any peace when they were together. He estimated he had another week before investigators came knocking on his door. Thankfully, she hadn't appeared on the bar's cameras, but it raised more questions of how she obtained pictures of him and Charlie together. It could not have been either Husk or Niffty as they had appeared in the background of the photo. No one had seemed out of place.

The only thing that had piqued Alastor's interest was that Charlie had at least told her mother about him, and the older Magne woman had promised to help soften the blow to her husband. The radio host found it comical that even though Lucifer had expected a lot from Charlie, he treated her like a child when it came to her relationships. He couldn't blame him though, not after the events of her last boyfriend or the preservation of their family legacy. It would definitely be quite the show to pretend he hadn't a clue aside from what Charlie had told him.

"Oh... Al..." Charlie moaned as she leaned back to expose her delicate neck while she arched, pushing her breasts toward him. Alastor trailed butterfly kisses along her shoulder to her pulse, giving it a much gentler nip than earlier that week, "Harder baby." She rested one of her arms on the counter behind her while the other carefully held him around the neck. She had been preparing them a simple breakfast while dressed in only a pair of panties and one of his dress shirts when he came up behind her and began groping her, his hands finding their way into her panties and before she knew it, they were having morning sex in the kitchen with his shirt barely on her.

At this point, he had her pinned against the counter and his body, one leg up while he held her around the waist to prevent her from slamming into the edge as he rammed into her. "Charlie," he grunted, "Honey, good lord, you feel tighter and hotter than usual. Ah! I'm close, darling... So very close."

Charlie looked up at him with her eyes half open, glazed over with lust as she panted, "Me too." Her eyes shifted to his shoulder, satisfied it was finally healing and with every day, his strength came back little by little. She wouldn't doubt that within a month, he would have nearly full mobility again. "Fuck me from behind."

Alastor stopped long enough to turn her around and enter her from behind as she had asked. Charlie cried out as his pace became more frantic while he pulled at her hair and slapped her ass hard enough to leave a red handprint on her snow-white skin. She leaned forward, loving the tension on her scalp as she rested her exposed breasts on the cold countertop and reached down between her legs to fondle his testicles as they slapped against her clitoris.

"Oh yea... that's it baby." Alastor loved it when she praised him and begged him for release. "Cum for me, please. Fill my pussy up like you always do." He pounded into her impossibly harder as he let go of her hair, pulling her hips toward his pelvis as he groaned and gnawed on his bottom lip, "Ah! Ah! God, Alastor... please! Yes, baby! Yes! Right there baby, oh fuck! I'm cumming... oh god I'm gonna cum! Alastorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr ah! Yeah! Yeah! Ooooh!"

"Charlie!" the bit of stimulation on his scrotum was all he needed as he wheezed through clench teeth when he felt himself reach his breaking point, his seed spilling into her waiting womb. He held onto her waist, his fingernails digging into her hips as his orgasm came crashing like a tidal wave. Charlie teased his balls delicately as she retracted her hand to rub against her sensitive knub, extending her own release as she moaned loudly, not caring if their neighbors heard them anymore. Charlie let out a high-pitched whine as her body shook with spasms, feeling Alastor's orgasm ripple through him and into her. There was nothing she loved more than being intimate with him at every chance they had while they had yet to officially return to their respective offices.

As they finally caught their breaths, Charlie pushed him away with her rear and moved to kneel before him, taking his still half erected penis into her mouth and slowly went down on him, savoring their mixed taste with a satisfied moan. She watched his face contort with pleasure as he hissed and bit his lower lip, tenderly pulling her messy hair back to get a clear view of her handy work, his hips rocking into her on their own accord. She reached down and smeared their juices along her lower lips and clitoris.

"You insatiable woman." he grinned as he rubbed his thumb against her temple lovingly. "You're truly a sight to behold, love." His head rolled back as he moaned, feeling the tip of his sensitive and spent cock hit the back of her throat, causing Charlie to choke a moment, her eyes brimming with tears. She pulled back for a brief second to breathe, before engulfing its entire length until her lips hit his pelvis. "Ah!"

She let him go with a pop that made him shudder, "You're the one who attacked me, silly." she giggled and kissed the tip of his penis before giving it one final lick from base to tip then licked her other hand clean. Alastor watched her tongue slowly and sensually clean herself like a feline in heat.

He stepped away from her and leaned on the opposite counter, placing a hand on his chest as his heart continued to pound rapidly underneath, "How was I to resist when you look so delicious? You know very well how much it turns me on seeing you in one of my shirts with that cute bottom of yours sticking out when you bend down. No man could resist that kind of invitation, especially when you purposefully wiggle it at me." his breathing finally calmed down as he bent over to pick up his discard sleeping pants.

Charlie did her best to give him the most innocent look as she placed her right index finger on her lower lip, looking up at him from under thick black lashes and a small blush on her cheeks as he stood tall again. Her other hand opened up the unbuttoned shirt to reveal her naked breast, "Why, Mr. Gallow, I don't know what you're talking about. I was just trying to get some eggs to poach for you." She giggled as he opened his arms for her to snuggle into him. She held him close and smiled as she listened to his now steady heartbeat, loving the feeling of her bare chest against his. "Of course, now I don't think I have time to get a little fancy. I need to get ready for the funeral." Her hands rubbed his back. She sighed and kissed his pectorals.

Alastor held her delicately as he kissed the top of her head and looked at the clock on the stove, "It was at ten, was it not? Why don't you hop in the shower and I'll make us some bagels and eggs. Would you like some coffee? Or juice?" He lifted her chin up to stare directly into her face and smiled, "I can't have you leave without putting something in your belly."

Charlie laughed, "If I wasn't on birth control, you probably would have, technically." Alastor's eyes widen as he blushed. Charlie only laughed harder as she pulled away, "I'll take a coffee with some milk and four scoops of sugar, please." She stood on her tip toes and kissed him, "I'll be quick." She picked up her underwear before scurrying to the bathroom.

Alastor watched her retreating figure and smiled, "Perhaps one day, my dear." He shook his head and went to open his refrigerator to start their breakfast. "Thankfully, Husk and I don't need to be at the airport until noon."

Charlie hugged Angel as he silently wept, watching as the casket of his twin was gently lowered to the ground while he dropped the last rose into the grave that was dug adjacent to their mother's. It had been an emotional morning for him, starting from the moment they had entered the church and were the only four plus Razzle and Dazzle, and surprisingly Vox and Valentino who sat in the back, to sit through the Italian spoken mass. Each stood and said their final words (minus the two in the back and the butlers), then all six men carried her to her grave site just behind the church while the priest recited prayers. Vox and Valentino stood far enough away to not bother Angel or the Magnes, but close enough to hear Lilith sing hymns while the other five silently prayed. The whole ordeal took less than two hours as the twins began to shovel dirt on top of her casket.

"Lu, Lil." Vox said as he approached them, "I hope it's alright we attended." He gently took the slender woman's hand and brought it up to his lips to kiss her knuckles, "This was my fault. No words can express how much this saddens me." He straightened up and removed his fedora to place it over his heart, trying his best to look as sincere as possible when he honestly hadn't cared to come, but it was a better excuse than to assist Maverick with the gala's final preparations. He resisted the urge to whistle at Lilith as she still looked stunning in a boatneck black dress that reached just above her knee with a thigh high slit on the side, with three-quarter length sleeves. She wore sheer black stockings and modest size black pumps. Around her neck was a pearl necklace, and her hair was twisted up into an elegant bun and atop of her head was a small headdress.

Lilith removed her black veil, took off her black wrist length gloves, and dabbed the corner of her right eye with a handkerchief her husband handed to her as she sniffled, "It's fine, we know not everything can go according to plan, even for your famed hitman. Personally, I'm glad you decided to attend. You watched her grow up as much as we did. In fact, it brings me some peace that you two came to show your respects." She looked at Angel as he stared blankly down at the partially filled grave while he held Charlie's hand who glanced over at her parents and the two men she recognized in passing. "He's the last of his name."

Valentino, dressed in a dark gray Armani suit, shrugged, "Not that he had much of a fortune to claim thanks to Henroin and Arackniss wasting it all on silly investments. However, we're not here to discuss that. It wouldn't do to disrespectable Angel-cakes like that." He moved his sunglasses to the tip of his nose and gave the boy a once over, "Damn, kinda weird to see him in a suit." He noticed Charlie staring at him and winked. The youngest Magne was dressed in a black sweater dress with a pink belt around her waist, and her hair up like that of her mother's. She looked away with a huff. Angel was too zoned out to care.

"No, of course not." Lucifer sighed as he removed his trench coat and folded it over his right arm, "Why are you here though?"

Vox rubbed the back of his neck, "It's... about Maverick's son." Lilith and Lucifer looked at one another and raised a brow. "I just wanted to give you all a heads up, especially after that..." Who could forget? It was the one and only time Lucifer had lost control and nearly beat the boy into a bloody pulp had it not been for Vox and Maverick to pry him off. Maverick had forgiven Lucifer for laying a hand on his son, and as punishment, had banished Seviathan to one of their estates across the seas. Over time, or perhaps out of boredom, the lad had made a name for himself in the music industry and had been touring since as an international sensation.

Mrs. Magne turned back to them, "We know he'll be at the gala tonight. Our daughter is aware as well, but Maverick promised to do his best to keep some distance between them though at this point, they are both adults and can manage themselves. From my understanding, Seviathan regrets what he did and will abide by Charlie's rules. I'm not too worried about how she will be, it's been long enough." Knowing that her current boyfriend would be there to accompany her had brought her some comfort.

"Huh, that's good. Just making sure, is all." Valentino said as he pulled out a silver case of thin cigars. He took one out and offered to the others. Lucifer and Vox took one while Lilith shook her head, "Who would have thought the little shit could sing? He's supposed to be tonight's guest of honor and secret performer. So far, we've managed to keep the media away thanks to Vox's connections. Would make things a bit complicated with how heated things are with our friend-nemies thanks to his dumbass." He tucked the case back into his coat pocket and took out a zippo lighter. With a flick of his wrist, a small flame bursting as he lit his cigar first and offered it to his companions. "Mav would have come, but with the preparations and all..."

Lucifer waved his hand as he blew his smoke away from his wife, "We understand. Business comes first. Is it true there's a hit out from him from Luciano in Chicago because he supposedly got his daughter pregnant?" He chuckled and shook his head in disbelief, "I don't know what to believe nowadays."

Lilith rolled her eyes, "Oh please. Everyone knows she's a loose girl with no morals. I highly doubt it's his."

Vox laughed, "Damn, Lil, that's harsh. You're not wrong though. The kid ain't any better though himself." He looked back at the shorter blonde, "Nah, it's not a hit per say, more like he just wants to beat his ass too. He may be sorry for what he did to your girl but looks like he hasn't changed much when Daddy Mav gave him the boot to England. Luciano's not dumb enough to kill Mav's only son due to some business alliance bullshit and 30-mil on the line, though Helsa could just as easily manage the family business, if not better."

"You're only saying that because you're banging her." Val snickered, causing Vox to glare at him as he tugged at the lapels of his black suit jacket, "Though, I can see it. Helsa's fucking ruthless. Hard to believe she and Charlotte used to be good friends. Remember when they used to watch Octavia? Man, I thought that shit was wholesome until she hit puberty and saw her bust some dude's balls with fucking pair of McQueens because he catcalled her then called her a bitch." He whistled. "I don't even wanna mess with her, so props to you, man."

"Speaking of Stolas, where is he?" Lilith looked around, "I assume he's overlooking the catering for tonight."

Lucifer nodded, "No doubt. He did call me last night to give his condolences." he pointed toward a large arrangement of lilies and white roses, "He sent those."

"They're beautiful."

"We done 'ere?" Came Angel's voice. All four turned to stare at him as he sniffled and wrinkled his nose, "I said my goodbyes. I'm ready to leave this dump."

"Angel-cakes..."

His head whipped over to Valentino, "Don't fucking call me that anymore, I don't work for yas." He took a deep breath, "But... thanks for being here Val. I do appreciate it." He let go of Charlie's hand and crossed his arms as he looked away, a slight blush on his pale cheeks.

"Of course. I know how much she meant to you. At least you still got your adoptive sister." Valentino's attention turned to Charlie, "Well, well... you've certainly grown into a fine lady, Charlotte. We've met a few times when you were much younger." He raised a brow, 'Damn, Al really did fucking upgrade from that fat sack of shit. Holy shit, she's fucking hot up close. Look at those legs, those tits. Face of a god damn angel that could make some big bucks with a gangbang or some BDSM. Wasted opportunity.'

Despite her better judgement, Charlie extended her hand to shake theirs, "I faintly remember seeing you and Vox in passing, but I've definitely heard a great deal about you both from my father. Thank you for coming." Like Lilith, Vox took her hand and gave her knuckles a kiss. Her eye twitched in annoyance as a sudden wave of disgust washed over her. 'These guys really look like sleaze balls.'

"Of course. In a way, we're all family. We've known each other for many years." 'Crazy to think this chick has Al wrapped around her finger and she doesn't even know the kind of monster he is.' "It's nice to finally see you again, Charlotte, and have this opportunity to speak to you as an adult." Vox let her hand go and took a long drag from his cigar. "You were about ten when I had first seen you. I was... about twenty-one, when I started working alongside your father, I think? Didn't have a reason to say anything but a hello back then."

"Please, you can call me Charlie." she wrung her hands together, "That sounds about right. It was right after you took over Henroin's gang and um... executed a few of the older bosses my father worked with."

Vox grinned, "For not wanting to be part of this, you do know your history, sweetheart."

"As to better know who to avoid."

Lucifer cleared his throat, "Well, why don't us three head on over to Mav's and discuss the documents you sent me earlier this week while the ladies and Angel enjoy a spa day to freshen up for tonight, hmm? I wish for my wife to be at her best for the camera, but at the same time... I don't know if I want my daughter's boyfriend to see what kind of beauty she will blossom into."

Vox pretended to look intrigued, "Oh, he's attending the gala? I know most of the guest list. Who is he?" He knew full well who it was but decided to play dumb and see what the Magne had knew of Alastor.

Lu sighed and rolled his eyes, "Some radio talk show host from that studio you acquired some years ago when you started diving into media cross-ownership. Alastor Gallop-something. Probably wouldn't know him personally with all the employees under your company." he shook his head, "Not someone I would hope for my daughter, but if he makes her happy..."

Charlie laughed a little, "Gallow-LaChappelle, dad." she turned toward his business partners, "He's covering part of gala as well as interviewing S-sev." she scratched her cheek, "No doubt it's going to be a little awkward, but I won't tell him until afterwards. He's the morning host at the station, but likes to do late night work during October for Halloween."

Val reached out and placed a hand on Lucifer's shoulder, "Oh, that guy. Yeah... Kinda a bore, dontcha think, miss Charlie? Hey Lu, you know if we gotta send a message, you can come to us." deep down he was laughing. "Sometimes it's good to drop your standards a little to find some real people that ain't tied up with double lives as shit. Met him a few times, doing random drop ins for Vox. He ain't nothing special, though can be a cocky bastard at times."

Lilith nodded, "Thank you, that's what I've been trying to tell him all week once I remembered who he was, and it's nice to hear that from someone else who has met him more than once or twice." She smiled sweetly at her daughter, "I'm actually happy and relieved he seems normal, especially with what happened to Molly. Charlie really isn't suited for this lifestyle. Too delicate of a personality."

Charlie shook her head, "I want to help people, not hurt them. And I mean the masses, not the organization for profit."

Vox saw the irony of Alastor's relationship and suddenly understood why he wanted out, "How... respectable." 'I am not gonna make this easy for him. That'll teach him a lesson.'

"However," everyone turned to face her. She let out a shuttered breath, "It may still be possible. You have quite the empire, sir, and it's not out of the realm of possibilities you could make a positive difference in the world."

Vox chuckled, intrigued as to what she was getting at, "I already make considerable and honorable donations to local charities, if that's what you're getting at."

She shook her head, "I... I know. It's just that... after today, and seeing the kind of life Angel, Molly, and myself have had to live. What of the other children? Or the children yet to experience this? Not all of us want this kind of life, or can maintain it. So, what if... under a certain disguise... you create a self-help, almost kind of halfway home, to better adjust these individuals into a noncriminal lifestyle? Erase their past and remove the burden of their family names? It may not work for the bosses, but for the other, lesser families in your organization." Her heart was hammering. It had been just a whisper in the back of her mind since that morning, but when would she ever have another opportunity to talk to Vox in such a way? Her father nowadays only ever talked to him exclusively about work.

The mob boss drew in the final drag of his cigar before tossing it into a bird bath, "Hmmm. It would strengthen the organization by keeping those that want to put in the work, and it would be a really good tax write off." He looked at her father, "We can talk more at the Gala. I'm feeling kind of generous and open to some new ideas. Maybe have something that actually doesn't profit monetarily, so to speak, isn't such a bad idea to consider. You got a smart girl there, Lu. I like her."

Charlie couldn't contain her smile, "Thank you!" 'Maybe he's not so cut throat as I thought.'

Alastor sighed as he crossed his arms over his chest. He sat in the passenger side of the limousine while Husk drove them to the airport to pick up their assignment, Seviathan Von Eldritch. His flight was due to land at Stolas' private hangar within the hour thanks to the mobster's right-hand man and obvious lover, Blitzo and his team. He looked out the window, watching the tree zoom past them as they approached the landing strip.

Husk cleared his throat, "So... I thought about what you said. About the bar. Niffty and I agreed to sell it. I was going to talk to Vox at the gala tonight about quitting myself so no other jackass comes to take your place. If he wants the joint, he can have it for half price." With one hand he placed a cigarette in his mouth and lit it. "Niffty's already looking into what's available." he took a long drag and blew the smoke out the open window.

His companion glanced at him from the corner of his eye, "Still going to run a bar together? Never thought about doing something else with your lives?" He leaned his head on the window, "Honestly, after all this is done and over with, I hope Charlie will move with me back to Louisiana... one day. I won't lie, I'll miss the both of you and Rosie, but I need to put some distance between us and this life if I want to build something safe and stable." He thought back to what she had jokingly said in the morning, smiling to himself as he thought of her pregnant, "Of course, it wouldn't be immediately to cause her parents any alarm, but it'll be for the best for her and I in the near future. Maybe we could go to California, they have some good schools of psychology out there."

The older gentleman stopped at a light, "You're really head over heels for her, huh? Never thought I'd live to see the day."

Alastor laughed as he turned his head to look at Husk's profile, "Honestly, neither did I, but I couldn't be happier." He placed his hand over his heart, "I suppose I am a bit obsessed with her, but all this is very new to me, Husker dear friend. Hopefully now, I can take my time and enjoy everything life has had to offer me. I feel like I've missed quite a bit of the beauty that's out there, but it's not too late."

Husk turned into a small street then veered to the right onto a dirt road with a faded sign designating the entrance, "Ever regret things with Mimzy?"

"My, aren't we talkative today?" Alastor chuckled, "Of course I do. I regret wasting so much time with her. I hadn't realized how much darkness was in me until Charlie shown her light. I also," he sighed, "regret... not being able to truly love Mimzy as she supposedly did me. Honestly, I don't think she loved me like I do for Charlie. She was certainly very possessive of me and controlling. Or at least tried to be. I couldn't stand it. With Charlie though, if she wanted me to grovel at her feet every day, I would on a bed of nails if it would please her." he could feel his fingers begin to tingle as they craved to touch her soft, delicate skin and be warmed by her heat. He felt his phone go off and took it out to see who was texting him. He smiled as he opened the message to see a picture of her drowning in a fluffy bathrobe. "She's a beautiful person, and I don't mean just on the outside. She's truly too good for this world, but I can honestly say I feel blessed she chose to be with me when I know she can and deserves so much better, but I won't waste this opportunity. Not by a long shot."

"I know she's a great gal. That's what has me a little worried. Ever stopped to think what would happen to her if she found out about your past? How it would break her?" The air grew thick around them, "Even though Vox said he'd be willing to let you go, it's not going to be easy. You're lucky not a lot of people know your face, but who is to say he wouldn't give up your name just to spite you?"

"Isn't that why I'm to train someone to take my place? Hopefully whatever candidate he has for me will have something I can build on. If I must start from scratch... it could take years and that simply won't do when I want to settle down as soon as possible. I don't know if I can live a double life anymore as I had with Mimzy. I actually want to spend my time with Charlie, all of it."

The path lined with trees opened to a large field with a landing strip and two hangars. They noticed a sleek black Model S tesla parked to the side under a large oak tree. Outside sitting on the hood of the car was a petite olive-skinned woman with thick brown hair in pigtails.

"Hey, isn't that..." Husk began.

"Velvet." Alastor finished, "What's she doing here?"

The duo pulled up to her and parked the car beside her. She was scrolling through a tablet with headphones on. Noticing she had visitors, she looked up and smile. "Long time no see, guys!" She removed her earbuds and placed them in a charging case before putting them away in her back pocket.

Alastor got out of the car. She was the last of the people who knew his true identities, "Vel, darling, it's great to see you!" He made his way around the car. She lifted a cheek toward him as he gave it a chaste kiss, "You look wonderful!"

She was dressed in a fitted black pinstriped pant suit with black satin looking lapels and ornate brass buttons. Underneath she wore a pink blouse and had a crystal knot ankle strap heeled sandal from Jimmy Choo. "Psh, I'm still in work entire. Mav said I can have an interview for my behind-the-scenes article. I hate the guy, but the ladies love him." she laughed, "Teenyboppers don't know shit. I know the party is just a cover so all the major crime lords can have their annual truce meeting, especially since Henroin is out of the picture for the Ragnos, but it's still a benefit thing for the children hospital. I figured my teen readers would enjoy the scoop on what Sevi is up to. Maybe do a vlog."

"Fascinating." He honestly didn't care.

"How's Charlotte? We miss her in the office. I think she's supposed to come back next week."

Alastor was shocked, "How did you...?"

Velvet rolled her eyes, the glitter of her gold eye shadow catching the sunlight, "I may not be part of the gang anymore, but Valentino is still my cousin. He told me what happened with Mimzy. Brutal, but honestly, it's not a big deal. If anything, you did us all a favor as I'm sure at some point she'd probably say something and put the rest of us in jeopardy. I kinda like the quiet life I built for myself."

"Right... I forgot the both of you were related." He cleared his throat, "She's doing well, despite having lost Molly. If I could do things differently, I would have taken a bit more precautions to avoid collateral. I hadn't a clue their relationship was so personal." He placed his hands in his pockets and rocked on the ball of his heels. "Alas, what's done is done."

Velvet nodded solemnly, "For sure. Hey Husk! What's poppin'?"

"My kneecaps." he said as he leaned against the limo, arms crossed. "So... do you know this kid? Al and I only ever heard of him, but even then, not much other than he's Mav's kid and set to take over the family business once the old man retires."

"Sev?" She nodded, "Yeah, kinda. There was some major drama between his family and the Manges that rocked the entire organization concerning the main families. It was a scandal, Maverick's son forcing himself on Lucifer's only child at knife point. They were dating at the time, but I guess he might have been on something and wouldn't take 'no' for an answer." She glanced Alastor who stiffened, knowing full well his hands were balled into fists in his pockets, "If it hadn't been for Stolas' daughter Octavia and the Ragno kids... who knows what would have happened. I only met him a couple of times since there wasn't really a point to interact with the children back then." She shrugged, "The only reason I have Charlotte working for me is so I can keep an eye on her. She's no doubt special in a sweet way, but the kid is deemed a liability and will be the rest of her life, I'm afraid."

"Oh?" Alastor crossed his arms, "How so?" He didn't like where this was going.

Velvet, as if knowing what he was thinking, smiled apologetically, "She is the only child to one of the most powerful consiglieri in the country and because she's not fully indoctrinated into the organization, who knows who might pick her up and probe her for some secrets. Lucifer really tried to get her in, but she's resisted, and no doubt will continue to. She knows way too much. It wasn't until the incident did Lucifer finally stopped forcing it upon her, maybe out of guilt for putting her in the same field as an asshole like Sev. She's too soft for this kind of life, however, it wasn't soon enough so she's monitored. Since she never took the oath, Vox doesn't want her straying too far."

"Monitored?" Alastor's brows furrowed, his normal, calm smile strained.

Velvet nodded, "To ensure she's safe, but also not sing like a canary. It's complicated. It's not like she's bugged or anything."

Husk whistled, "Sounds like it, but not really. I get it, and it makes sense. I figure Lucifer would care for his only kid and keep eyes on her any way he can at any time. Does she know you used to be part of all this? For wanting to put some distance, she uh... sure associates with a lot of ya." He finished his cigarette and flicked the butt on the ground for him to stomp on. "Kinda crazy, if you ask me. I knew Vox had eyes everywhere, but this is bullshit."

"Not really. I went by my middle name when I was still working with Vox and the others, and we only met in passing but looks like she doesn't remember. She believes her position was earned, and don't get me wrong, she totally did outside the circumstances, but it was her father who reached out to me. I picked her up as soon as I saw her application before another place did and I made sure I kept her there." She turned her attention to the other male, "Al, does she...?"

"Know who I am? No. Not the slightest. This... has been an insightful conversation." His mind was racing. Taking her away would not be easy, but there was no way he would dare reveal his identity to Lucifer. On one hand, if he did know Alastor would ensure her safety as well as prevent anyone from trying to get information would a good selling point and maybe earn the man's blessing. However, Lucifer had been furious about Molly's death, demanding some kind of ramification that smelled an awful lot like an eye for an eye kind of deal. The Hunter would not become the Hunted or made into a painful and gruesome example when it came to messing with the main families of their gang.

Velvet slapped her forward, "Christ! Lucifer doesn't even know who you are... Dude, he wants your head and balls on a silver platter. Wow... you fucked up big time. How are you going to keep doing this?"

Alastor shrugged, "I don't plan to for much longer. I must train a successor to take my place as far as I know aside from this babysitting job, but I won't know exactly who the candidate may be or if I would need to find one myself. Vox is to give me more details tonight." He placed his hand on his chin and tapped a finger on his cheek, "Velvet, darling..."

"Yea?"

"About Charlie... and her being watched." He sighed and moved his hands to rest on his hips, "Is it indefinite? Who else is involved?"

Velvet smiled and shrugged, "I don't know... it's up to Lucifer and Vox on how long it would be, though I wouldn't doubt it would be for much longer. Things have changed, Vox and his influence has grown, and I doubt Lucifer keeps her updated really. I know he has been trying to play match maker with those he trusts, many in which are not directly involved with Vox but understand the situation. That chick she dated for a couple of years had quite the background check. Lu asked me to look into her social media to make sure she didn't come from anywhere questionable. To ensure they wouldn't get to his daughter through her, he made sure the girl worked for Rosie."

Husk yawned, "You still know a lot for not being part of the circle."

She laughed, "Tell me about it! My cousin likes to talk over dinner a lot and I somehow remained his confidante. Vox doesn't mind, he knows I'm still trustworthy which is why I survived the purge. He invested in my company, so it's safe to assume we're still good."

Alastor sighed, "Goodness me... I need to reevaluate some things. Thank you, mon ami, I appreciate the insight." The sound of plane engines hummed through the sky as a small jet approached. The trio stood straighter and watched it descend toward the runway. "Well, here's to hoping I don't strangle the guy. I've heard nothing but awful things about him." A ghost of frown stained his lips as he grimaced.

"He's an... acquired taste." Velvet said as she took out a tablet from her car, "But, he's not so bad. Just let him run his mouth. It will make things easier to deal with."

"Lovely." He sighed as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Tell me something, Velvet, while we still have some time to talk. Why did you leave?"

Velvet froze, her eyes widening, "Huh?"

"What made you leave all this behind? I just want to know if I am making the right choice. Not just for myself, but for Charlie. You definitely had, and still have, influence amongst the others, yet you don't return. Why is that?"

Her face softened as she stared at him apologetically, "I got bored of it, and I wanted to settle down, but Fizzarolli had wanted me to stay until Vox had him gunned down. I couldn't see myself forcing my children into this kind of lifestyle."

"Fizz... I was the one... I didn't know it was you he said goodbye to that day since he called you his 'marionette'. My apologies."

She shook her head, "Don't worry about it, it wasn't your fault. He tried to sell some of Vox's techs and contacts so he had it coming. Tell me, when he called me to tell me he was sorry, did he look like he meant it?"

Alastor was silent. The engines began to roar as the plane drew nearer. He thought about lying, but knew it was best not to, "No, if anything, he looked sorry for being caught."

Rather than feeling sad, Velvet laughed, startling Alastor a little, "I knew it. I was only his puppet to get to Vox. Thank you, Al, you did me a favor. After his death, I realized I didn't want to be part of this anymore anyway. The bloodshed... it gets boring after so long and the diplomacy and gang wars get tiresome. If you can get out, do try to get away, as far as you can. Vox likes to keep things within arm's reach and in fear, but he'll lose interest if you lay low enough for a while. He doesn't like it when things don't go his way, but he will not pursue if you promise never to come back. It'll do Charlotte some good. She's going to do great things for herself and maybe the world. She's got a light like nothing I've ever seen and I know you see it to. Help her break out of it."

Alastor smiled before covering the lower half of his face, "I plan to. My charming little belle deserves the spotlight. I'd be a fool to try and prevent it."

"Good. Vox may not understand what real love is, but it's a beautiful thing. I'm glad it's setting you free, Al. Just... be careful."

"I will. I hope you find it for yourself as well."

Velvet looked at her left hand and removed the diamond ring on it, pocketing it as she sighed, "One day."

"Christ, Moxxie, were you trying to fucking kill us with that shit landing job? God dammit... I think I hit my head on the roof." Said a thin, tanned skin male with a patch of vitiligo over his right eye as he took out his cellphone and began to look through his contacts, rubbing the top of his black mane.

"It wasn't that bad, sir. If Loona had lowered the landing gear sooner, it would have gone soother." Said a smaller male platinum blond hair and freckles on the apple of his cheeks.

A tall, voluptuous female with her black and silver ombre hair growled, "Blaming your shitty landing on me rather than admitting you need glasses?"

"Hey! Don't talk to my husband that way!" hissed a short black-haired woman as she wrapped her arms around her presumable husband.

"Millie, it wasn't Loony's fault your husband is a shit pilot. Maybe next time take a shit sooner so we don't nose dive to our deaths. Mmmk?"

Alastor adjusted his sunglasses and coughed behind his face mask, effectively interrupting the 4 arguing. They all turned their heads toward him as the employees at the hangar scrambled around to get the baggage out of the plane and load them into their respected vehicles. Blitz gave him a funny look before realization sunk in.

"Oh! You're the guy taking over for Ms. Sunshine on the plane. There really is a god. I thought I would have to bullet through my head to turn off his god-awful taste in music."

"Joy." Husk said in a monotonous voice as he spun the car keys around his finger, "Well, hopefully we don't need to watch him for too long. We get him to his folks' place and to the gala. Only a few hours and then we enjoy the party while making sure no goons fuck his shit up. This is actually gonna be cake."

Alastor watched as a figure descended the stairs from the plane. His lips pursed at the gaudy attire. This was Charlie's ex?

Jimmy Choo timberland boots with crystal embellishments glittered with each step. Baggy cargo pants two sizes to big sagged around the waist as the individual wore a loose-fitting tank top that sagged on his chest with several gold chains around his neck. Over that he wore an army green trench coat distressed to the point the jacket should have been in ribbons.

Alastor felt one of his eyebrows begin to twitch in irritation from the blatant display of money. Why would anyone spend over four and a half grand on Dita Epiluxury aviator sunglasses and over three hundred a Versace beanie? If he wanted to cover the toxic green colored hair, he was better off dyeing it a different color.

This wasn't going to be an easy assignment after all.