(Takes place in between the events of Season 5x04 & 5x05 = A Dog is an Angel's Best Friend)
So sorry for the long wait dear readers. Hope this will make up for it, enjoy.
Summery: When a lost puppy finds it's way into Joei's backpack, it's up to her and the others to find the little pup's owner while also investigating the murder of an Animal Attendant at a local Animal Shelter. Along with the kidnapping of several other animals from the facility! Meanwhile, Lucifer is struggling to get Chloe to talk to him.
(Opening music: Opening Theme from the 1992 family–comedy film Beethoven by Randy Edelman)
Our story begins at a local animal shelter in Central LA and our primary focus is on the 8-week old border-collie puppy named Nana. Like any other puppy, she was adorable, sweet, playful and above all, she was always excited to meet new people in the hopes of being adopted.
Although she possessed every quality that suited any kind of dog-lover, most people who came into the shelter, would either pick the smaller dogs that could fit into their purse or the larger ones that would grow up to protect them from any sort of danger.
Nevertheless, within each arrival and departure from a potential adopter, one of the carers was always there to support Nana. A young Hispanic man with wavy hair named Alex. He loved and cared for all the animals in the shelter. Most evenings, he was the last to leave the facility because he wanted to do a last minute check-up's on the animals before leaving. To ensure they were all fed and comfortable in their pens.
Which brings us to the very night when everything would change for sweet little Nana. After another day of being unable to get adopted, Nana was sitting in her pen, waiting for her supper to arrive before bedtime. By the time Alex brought in her meal…
Alex: (Opening Nana's pen, kneels down and gives Nana her last meal of the day) Here you go, Nana.
Nana: *Whimpers*
Alex: Oh, don't worry, girl. You've only been here for a couple of weeks, so there's plenty of time to find you a new owner. In fact, I bet the next person who comes walking through that door, will be your official owner. I know this because who wouldn't want a pup as sweet and beautiful as you? (Loving rubs Nana's head and then scratches behind her ears)
Then suddenly… there was sound coming from the back entrance of the building. It sounded as if someone had gained entry using his or her employee key-card. Which was strange because other than Alex, no one usually comes back in after closing hours. Curious, Alex ordered Nana to stay behind before going to investigate. Unknowingly leaving Nana's pen door unlocked in the process.
Due to her young age, Nana had trouble obeying orders, so instead staying put, she approached the door, stood on her hind legs and pushed the door wide open. Allowing her to exit from her pen while also alerting the other dogs in the area. Causing them bark excessively loud.
As for the strange sound Alex heard earlier, Nana could hear his voice along with another voice and what sounded like a large dog growling. Hearing this particular growl startled Nana. So much so, she started running in the opposite direction, while letting out a loud squeal that alerted the intruder!
Mysterious Intruder: Someone get that pup!
Elsewhere, it was the next morning at her flat, and Joei was babysitting Trixie and baby Charlie. Trixie's parents were at work and couldn't pick her up until later, Linda was doubled booked with a patient, Maze was off bounty hunting until the next morning and with Amenadiel still in Hell, Linda needed a little help with Charlie and Joei offered to watch them.
Of course, Joei had no problem with it came to looking after her favourite student and nephew. In fact, the three of them were sitting at the table, all dressed-up like blackjack dealers and Joei was teaching them how to play Texas-hold'em.
# Don't worry, we weren't playing for money, we were playing for chocolate and sweets. You know like, skittles, kit-kat's, twinkie's, and a few homemade chocolate-chip cookies.
(Background music #2 = The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Theme)
Trixie: Okay, here comes the turn.
Joei: Actually, pet, it's called the River. Which is also known as…?
Trixie: Um… Fifth Street?
Joei: Correct. Now, let's see how we all did so far. (Reveals her hand to be a Flush) Arlight, I have a Flush.
Trixie: *Snickers*
Joei: What?
Trixie: You said flush.
Joei: Okay, okay, Miss Snicker-pants, let's see how you did. (Watches as Trixie turns over her cards and reveals…) A Four of a kind. Which sadly for me, triumphs over a Flush.
Trixie: Yes! Read'em and weep. (Attempts to reach out and gather up all the sweets when…)
Joei: Ah-ah. However, we still need to see what Charlie got.
Just as Joei was about to reveal Charlie's hand, Lucifer suddenly came in through the elevator doors. Upon entering, Lucifer's first response from seeing his sister, his nephew and his partner's child dressed-up like blackjack-dealers and playing cards was….
Lucifer: What are on earth are you doing?
Trixie: Joei's teaching us how to play Texas hold'em.
Joei: Yeah, and it appears we have a couple natural players here.
Lucifer: You're teaching Amenadiel and the Detective's offspring's how to gamble? I'm rather impressed. Deal me in.
Joei: Well, then I hope you like gambling for twinkie's and skittles because that's all we're playing for.
Lucifer: On second thought…
Joei: Just sit down.
Lucifer: Very well. (Sit down with Joei, Trixie and Charlie) So, who's currently winning?
Joei: Well, so far it looks like Trixie is in the lead, but Charlie's say… (Finally unfolds Charlie's cards which say…) A Royal Flush! And we have a winner. Yeah! *Clapping*
Trixie: *Clapping* Oh, man, I can't believe I just lost two bags of skittles to someone who's not even potty-trained yet.
Charlie: *Coos*
Lucifer: *Sniffs* Speaking of potty-trained. (Notices Charlie smirking from passing gas)
Joei: Alright, you cheeky little winner, let's see if we can get you into a clean nappy before your Mammy comes up to collect you. (Gets up, picks up Charlie from his chair and carries him into the bedroom for some privacy)
While Joei was busy changing Charlie in the other room, Lucifer took this moment to talk to Trixie about Chloe. As of now, it had been over a day since the evening Lucifer went over to Chloe's apartment to check on her after telling Trixie his story from 1946 and she refused to see him.
Presently, Chloe was still spiralling with her identity crisis after discovering she's a gift from God. Since then, Chloe has been avoiding Lucifer because he's part of the reason why she's struggling. Even though she knows it wasn't entirely his fault, Chloe just couldn't bear to be around the man she thought she had fallen in love with, when really, she was literally made to feel that way about him by the Almighty God himself.
Nevertheless, Lucifer has continued to remain on Earth and is refusing to leave until he's mended his relationship with Chloe. However, he was determined to do so as soon as possible because he couldn't risk leaving Hell unattended and the Demons to go rouge again. Regardless of Amenadiel currently holding the fort for him.
# I know this is a very difficult situation for her, but Chloe has to talk to Luci at some point, right? He can't stay here for too much longer and he can't let Charlie grow-up without his dad. He may never say it out loud, but Lucifer would never want Charlie to grow up the way we did.
Lucifer: So, how's your mother?
Trixie: She's okay, I guess.
Lucifer: You guess? Really? Has she… been busy with work lately, or by any chance has… my name come up recently?
Trixie: Um, not really, no. Why?
Lucifer: Never mind.
If what Trixie said was true, then it meant from Lucifer's perspective, that Chloe was clearly repressing her issues by keeping him at bay and focusing all of her attention on her job and Trixie. Moreover, by the time Joei finished changing Charlie; Linda came in just in time to collect him.
Joei: Well, what do you know? I managed to change you right before your mother came in. (Hands Charlie over to Linda) There you go, sweetie-pop.
Linda: (Happily embraces Charlie) Hi, sweetie. Aw, look at you, my little blackjack-dealer. *Nibble kisses Charlie's cheek* Mm, did you have fun with Auntie Joei today? Huh? Huh?
Joei: Well, he won a game of Texas Hold'em, but since he can't eat these for a good long while, he won 'you' a few treats. Hold on, I'll get you a doggie-bag to go. By the way, Trixie, your own mother will be here soon, so I suggest you get yourself ready beforehand. Your bag and hoodie are my room.
Trixie: Okay, Joei. (Gets up and rushes into the bedroom to collect her things)
Linda: Thanks again for watching Charlie, Joei. I owe you big time.
Joei: (Placing Charlie's 'winnings' into a doggie-bag before handing it to Linda) Oh, it's no problem at all. I love having either Charlie or Trixie around. They brighten the whole place. And to be honest, it's been awfully quiet around here since a 'certain someone' went back to 'you know where' for two months.
Lucifer: Well, what do you expect? Amenadiel was running the place in my absence.
Joei: Actually, he did pretty good job, but I'm not talking about LUX. I'm talking about here in my flat. It's been so quiet lately. In fact, I'm actually thinking about getting a pet.
Lucifer: A pet? You're planning on allowing a filthy furry beast to leave in the walls of my home?
Joei: Why not? I never complained about any your overnight guests. Besides, your stay here is only temporarily, oh, and let's not forget the part, that for the last couple years since I moved in, I have dealt with a lot of your overnight guests and I never complained once. Regardless of them being… (Glances at Charlie before deciding to spell…) N-U-D-E. So in a way, you owe me.
Lucifer: Really? That's the card you're choosing to play, Little Sister?
Joei: Oh, yeah. That's the card I'm playin.
Before they spoke further, Trixie exited from Joei's bedroom in her original attire, carrying her backpack and receiving a text.
Trixie: It's my mom. She says she's downstairs waiting for me. Thanks for the game, Joei. It was fun.
Joei: It was my pleasure, Pet. Also, here's your doggy-bag to go. (Hands her the doggy-bag filled with leftover treats) Don't eat it all in one go.
Trixie: I won't.
Joei: You're lying.
Trixie: I know.
Joei: (Receiving a text from Ella) Oh, well, it's good thing you're departing now, because I have to go to work. I better get in and change before I head out.
While Joei was changing in her room, Lucifer thought he'd offer to walk Trixie downstairs in the hopes of running into Chloe. But before he could even open his mouth…
Linda: Hey, Trixie, would you mind if Charlie and I walk downstairs with you?
Trixie: No, not at all.
As much as Linda wanted to see Lucifer resolve his issues with Chloe before returning to Hell, she also knew that Chloe needed a little more time and space to process. Even if it meant, keeping everyone favourite pair at a distance. And as much she wanted her baby's daddy back on Earth too, Linda still needed to consider Chloe's wellbeing.
In addition, Lucifer was well aware of Linda's actions. If they were having a session in her office, she'd would be telling him what he already knew. That for the time being, he needs to respect Chloe's boundaries and give her more time to process through things until she's ready to talk with him.
Nevertheless, Lucifer remained strongminded to his current agenda of getting Chloe to talk to him. However, he knew that if approached Chloe in person, then she'll feel pressured and then will try to avoid him. Which is why, Lucifer decided to get someone else to talk to her on his behalf. The question was who should he send?
By the time Linda and the children finally left, Joei exited from her room, dressed and ready for work. The moment he saw her, Lucifer had found the right person for his latest plan.
Hairstyle: French-Plait
Dress: Black/Mint ballerina print cami-dress by Sidecca + Mint leather bow belt by Kate Spade
Footwear: Black combat boots
Jacket: Sky-Blue cropped denim jacket
Earrings: Hot-Pink rose studs
Bag: Brown one-strapped floral print backpack
Lucifer: Jophiel, I need you to do something for me. I need you to help the Detective with her identity crisis.
Joei: What, how?
Lucifer: I don't know. But I'm sure you'll improvise and figure out as you go along. You're best friends after all, so that means she'll have a better chance of listening to you.
Joei: Luci…
Lucifer: Look, Joei, I need to resolve things with the Detective before I return to Hell, and I can't do that unless she talks to me first. Which I doubt will be happening anytime soon.
Joei: Look, Luci, I'm sorry to hear that, but I can't just…
Lucifer: If you do this, I'll let you get any kind of pet you desire without a single complaint. From the shiniest goldfish to the most exotic tiger there is. I'll even pay for all the necessities required. Jophiel, please. I'm running out of time here and don't want to leave these with the Detective like this.
Joei: *Sighs* …Okay. I'll try and talk to her for you. But not just because you're promising me a pet, but because I don't like the thought of you two leaving things like this either.
Lucifer: Thank you, Joei. But just in case, while you're working on the Detective in person, I'll be working from side-lines. You know, help with her paperwork, and maybe even send her some flowers…
Joei: Wow, you're really desperate, aren't you?
Lucifer: I prefer determined.
Joei: Whatever stops the tears, brother.
# *Sighs* The things I do for Deckerstar.
(City Montage song: Bad Blood by Rayelle)
Later one, Joei arrived at the latest crime-scene while holding a cardboard tray containing four cups of cups for herself, Ella, Dan and Chloe. As for the location of their latest crime-scene, it took place at… the Animal Shelter!
Joei: ^Cap & Gloves^ (Looks around the area until she spots…) Chloe!
The moment Joei saw her, Chloe was exiting from her car (After dropping Trixie off at her mother's), standing tall and firm in order to look professional. Regardless of her personal crisis, the only thing that was keeping Chloe stable and feeling in control was her job working cases. However, when she saw Joei walking up to greet her, Chloe was once again reminded of her crisis.
Of course, Chloe was well aware that Joei wasn't involved with her being a gift either, but as of now, Chloe just kept wondering to herself, if she was also 'made' to be best friends with Joei as well. If she was destined to cross paths with Lucifer in order to become his perfect match, then what was the likelihood of it being a coincidence that lead her to meet Joei too?
Joei: Morning.
Chloe: Hi.
Joei: Hey, so um, I got some coffees for everyone. (Offers her a cup filled with her favourite) One tall non-fat almond-milk latte with sugar-free caramel drizzle, your favourite.
Chloe: (Kindly accepts the coffee) Thank you, Joei. That's very sweet of you. Oh, and thanks for watching Trixie earlier. I really appreciate it and she told me she had a lot fun.
Joei: Really? You don't mind that I taught her how to play Texas hold'em?
Chloe: Well, as long as she's only playing for chocolate, then it's fine by me.
Joei: *Snickers* Got it. So, um, how've you been? I mean, I feel like haven't seen you in a while. Given the, um…'recent circumstances.'
Chloe: You mean, given that I recently found out that I'm Gift created by the hands of God just for your brother, and that I never had any control over my entire life. Not to mention, my own partner and best friend knew about it for over two years and kept it secret from me.
# And we're still on that sore topic.
Joei: Look, Chloe, I'm sorry you found out about being a gift from that gobshite, I call a brother Michael, but to be fair, when we found out the truth about you, you didn't even believe we were celestials back then. And when you finally did find out, you were always so edgy.
Chloe: And this was your best solution? To keep it all secret from me, so I wouldn't end up losing my mind?
Joei: Yes. Because we didn't want to see you end up like… well, this. Plus, you have to know, when Luci found out, he so crushed and it was awful.
Chloe: Well, then I'm sorry that he was so disappoint with his 'Gift.'
Joei: Okay, you know that's not what I meant. Chloe, at some point, you have to talk to him about this. You know he won't be able to stay here for too much longer. He'll have to go back to Hell soon.
Before she could make a comeback, Chloe was being called over by Dan; she accepted to answer and then walked away from her conversation with Joei.
# Well, that went well.
Afterwards, Joei walked up to the police van, where Ella was preparing her gear.
Ella: Hey, partner.
Joei: Hey. Here's your caramel triple frappe with extra whipped cream and sprinkles. (Offers her coffee)
Ella: Oh, man, thanks, Joei. (Gladly accepts the coffee before noticing the distant look on Joei's face) You okay?
Joei: Yeah, I'm fine, it's just that, Lucifer and Chloe are having trouble commutating, so he's asked me to help. My job is to help get them to talk again.
Ella: How's it going?
Joei: So far, not so good. But not to worry, there's still some time left before Lucifer has to go back and take care of... 'The family business.'
Ella: Wait, so he'll be leaving again?
Joei: Well, eventually, he has to go back to… 'Florida,' and let's just say, he was lucky to get his return here extended for the time being.
Ella: Oh, man, that totally sucks. He was gone for two months, then he comes back and now he might be leaving again.
Joei: I know, it does suck. Which is why, I have to get Chloe talking to Lucifer again beforehand. Because if they don't talk things out soon, then they'll never be able to resolve their problems for a very, very, long time.
Ella: Okay, so what are you going to do?
Joei: … I don't know. But I'm sure I'll think of something.
Unknowingly to them, from the distance, Nana popped her head out from behind the bushes. Revealing that she had somehow escaped and hid from the intruders. From her vantage point, she watched as Joei and Ella were about enter the facility when Joei stopped to put down her backpack in the police van while it's door remained opened.
When no one was looking, Nana saw her chance to jump out of the bushes, make her ways towards Joel's bag, climbed up the large steps, and then crawled her way into Joei's backpack without being seen by any of the patrolling officers.
Meanwhile, from inside the shelter, the area was a mess and right beside the counter, laid their latest victim… The caretaker, Alex! He was lying on his back and there was blood dripping from the side of his head and his left forearm.
As for the pens containing all of the other animals, dozens of them were empty! Meaning, the murder was the result of a pet abduction gone wrong! Furthermore, while Ella and Joei were examining the body, Chloe came in asking…
Chloe: Hey, what do we got?
Ella: Meet, Alex Garcia. 27, he was one of the caretakers here. Cause of death was blunt trauma to the head. There's also a large incised bite mark on his forearm. Which indicates that he was attacked by a dog during the struggle. The dog charged towards him, attacked, causing our victim to fall back and bang his head against this counter.
Chloe: Any security footage.
Joei: Sadly, no. The footage was completely erased so, either someone really knew what they were doing, or…
Chloe: This might've been an inside job.
Dan: Hey, unis swept the area and there are lot of animals missing here. According to the staff members, there at least 17 dogs and 12 cats unaccounted for. Mostly puppies and kittens.
Joei & Ella: Aww! Not the puppies and kittens.
Ella: Uh, what kind of evil monster would take all those innocent little animals?
Chloe: Let's hope we'll find out. Who found the body?
Just then, a tall middle-aged Caucasian man with grey hair approached them. Based on his uniform and name-tag, he worked at the shelter and the label on his tag confirmed he was the manager and his name was…
Manager: Hi, I'm Oliver Perez. I'm in charge of this shelter. Are you the leading detective?
Chloe: Yes, I'm Detective Decker. Can you please tell us what happened when you found the body this morning?
Perez: Ah, I came in this morning like I usually do, but when I came in… the main area was trashed and then I found poor Alex on the floor. God, this is just terrible. Poor Alex, he was one of our best caretakers.
Chloe: Is there anything you can tell us about Alex? Did you know if he had any enemies or anyone he didn't get along with? Did he recently seem different to you in anyway?
Perez: No. No, everybody loved Alex, and he loved every single animal that came in, and he was so dedicated to his job. In fact, most days, he'd work overtime and he didn't even care if he got paid or not. He was such a good and happy worker. And the fact that he died trying protect all those animals… Uh, it's just a great tragedy for us all.
Chloe: Mr Perez, the surveillance footage was wiped, do you know of anyone who could've had gained access?
Perez: Well, our fulltime staff members are required with a key-card for the back entrance. Wait, you don't think any of them had anything to do with this?
Chloe: Well, we're going to need you and the rest of your staff to give a statement down at the station. We're also going to need the full list of animals that were stolen.
Perez: Yes, of course, detective. Whatever you need to find and catch those crooks.
Chloe: Thank you, Mr Perez.
By the time they were finished at the crime scene, everyone prepared to return to the precinct. However, little did Joei know, Nana was still hiding in her bag! Joei was completely oblivious to realize that there was indeed a little puppy in her backpack. Due to the bag being already closed and Joei being too lost in her own thoughts about thinking of solution that would result getting Deckerstar together to communicate.
Moreover, once they finally returned to the precinct, Ella and Joei went into lab to look over the evidence they recovered thus far, Dan planned to reach out to the rest of Alex's colleagues and friends. while Chloe was about to look into the list of animals that were stolen, in the hopes of figuring out if any of them possessed any sort value for the black-market.
When she reached her desk, Chloe was quite surprised to find a vase containing a large bouquet of flowers. No surprise when she figured they were from Lucifer. Because every flower placed in the vase was a symbol of forgiveness. (Daffodils, Roses, Tulips, Orchids, etc.)
She knew this because she remembered when Joei told her fascinating symbolisms/meanings within different flowers from the last time Chloe came over to her flat to hangout. In addition, there was a note saying…
'Detective, here's to say I'm sorry for keeping a lifelong secret from you. Hope these will be a good start –Lucifer.'
Although she was deeply touched by Lucifer's kind gesture, Chloe still put them aside and continued to work. Meanwhile in the lab, they girls were about to start working when…
Ella: Joei? Joei, there's something moving in your bag.
Joei ^Cap & Gloves: Off^ What?
# The moment I looked to my bag that I was still carrying on my back, I was surprised to see it moving from the inside. When I opened it, I couldn't my eyes when I saw… the most beautiful little puppy I've ever seen!
Joei: *Gazing at the little puppy* Oh, my, goodness! (Gently picks up the puppy) Hello there. Where did you come from?
Ella: Aww! She is so cute! (Rubs the pups heads) How'd she get into your bag?
Joei: I don't know. She must've crawled in while we were in the shelter. *Makes a realization* Wait a minute. Hold her for one second. (Hands the puppy over to Ella, while she looks into bag) Oh, man!
Ella: What? Did she leave any… dog business in there?
Joei: Fortunately, no. But she did eat my sandwich. (Holding an empty and droll covered paper-bag)
Nana: *Whimpers*
Joei: Oh, don't worry, little one. You were hungry, I get. (Notice's Nana's pink collar) Hey, look, she's wearing collar. Aw, if you have a collar, then that means you have an owner who's probably worried sick about you.
Nana: *Whimpers*
Ella: Oh, don't worry…. What's her name?
Joei: (Looks at her heart-shaped dog-tag) Nana.
Ella: Nana? Just when you think she couldn't get any more cuter. God, I just wanna cuddle and play with her all day.
Joei: Me too. But we have to get her back to her home and work on the case. So here's what we should do, Ella, you start looking over the evidence, while I try to track down this little cutie's owner.
Ella: (Hands Nana back to Joei) Okay, and while I'm at it, I'll get us all some water. Cause someone here looks a thirsty. (Rubs Nana before exiting the lab)
Once they were left alone, Joei placed Nana on the examine table, ordered her to sit and stay put while she took out her phone, read the phone number on Nana's tag, and then began dialling.
Joei: *Waiting for an answer on the phone* Don't worry, Nana, we'll find your family and then you'll be back… *Hears an answer* Yes, hello? Hi, my name is Joei Dina. (Turns around) Yes, I'm here to tell you that I found your dog. …What? What do you mean you don't have a dog? …Well, she's a border-collie puppy with a pink collar and her heart-shaped tag says this is her owners number. …Well, if you're not her owner then who is? *Caller hangs up* Hello? Hello? And he hung up on me. Now that was just rude.
Unknowingly to Joei, while she was still on the phone with her back turned, Nana once again noticed the door opened and decided to climb down from the table and used her muzzle to move the door outwards so she could get out! By the time Joei was finally off the phone…
Joei: Don't worry, Nana, I'm sure there's another way we can find your… (Sees Nana gone) Nana? Nana? (Notices the door opened) Oh, no. Nana? Nana?
End of part 1. What do you think will happen next?
Will Joei be able to find Nana?
Will she figure out what truly happened to Nana and why she can't reach her owner?
Will Nana finally be adopted?
Will Joei and the other find the missing pets from the shelter and Alex Garcia's killer?
Will Chloe ever speak to Lucifer before he has to return to Hell?
Find out next time. See you then.
