(A Dog is an Angel's Best friend Part 3)
Using their legally binding warrant, the LAPD now had full access to examine Eddie's dogs. However, due to the dogs' fierce nature, they all had to be placed in cages for the safety of others in the precinct.
Once they were brought in, Joei and Ella began examining their sharp teeth. Which at fist proved to be challenging due to their constant growling and barking. So much so, it made Ella nervous. Joei on the other hand, remained calm and steady.
Ella: *Nervously* So… which dog should we look at first? I vote for the smallest one.
Joei: ^Gloves: On^ As you wish. (Approaches Bitsy the Pitbull's cage) All right, Miss Bitsy. Let us take a look at your teeth. (Reaches for the lock when…)
Bitsy: *Growls before barking*
Joei: Oy! *Speaking in Spanish* Settle down now!
Bitsy: (Obeys command and lies down)
Ella: Wow. Joei, how'd you do that?
Joei: Well, Bitsy, along with her brothers and sister respond to Spanish commands. So, I commanded in Spanish. Now, let's try this again. This time, no growling. (Bends down to her knees, opens the cage, gently places her hands on Bitsy's snout, opens her mouth and properly sees her teeth) Okay, her teeth have clearly been sharpened, but they're all intact. Which means Bitsy here is innocent. (Let's go off Bitsy's snouts and pets her before moving onto the next dog)
# Overtime, I checked the rest of the dog's teeth and they all had the same result. All their teeth were filed too, but they were all still intact. Well, Gnasher had a crack in hers, but still. Nevertheless, the attack dog we're looking for has one missing fang. None of Eddie's dogs do. Meaning, they're all innocent.
Afterwards, Joei confirmed her result to Chloe and Dan and soon enough, they had all the dogs sent back to Eddie's scrapyard peacefully. In addition, they looked into his alibi and Eddie was indeed attending a strip-club at the time of the murder/animal-snatchings. Proving that neither he nor his dog's were involved with the case.
However, it currently left them with no new leads or suspects. At least until a tall, middle-aged, Caucasian man with grey hair and wearing, a beige shooting jacket came wondering into the precinct and then introduced himself as…
Strange man: Hello, I'm Dr Harvey Grant. I believe someone here called me about a little puppy named Nana.
Joei: Oh, I'm sorry, Doctor, but I think you've made a mistake because Nana is currently in my care and I didn't call you.
Chloe: That's because I did. Hello, Doctor Grant, I'm Detective Decker, we spoke over the phone.
Dr Harvey Grant: Yes, Detective. So, uh, if I'm not here to examine a lost puppy, then why'd you call me here?
Chloe: Well, I hoping you could help us with our most recent case. We're investing the murder of a young man named Alex Garcia, along with the snatchings of several animals that were stolen from the vey shelter he worked at.
Dr Harvey Grant: Oh, yes. I heard about that this morning. Dreadful thing. Especially what happened to that poor boy who worked there. So what can I do to help?
Chloe: Well, Doctor, I was hoping that you could provide us with some information regarding the animals that were stolen and maybe that could explain to us why those particular animals were taken in the first place. Mr Perez told us you were their vet.
Dr Harvey Grant: Ah, yes, yes, I was. So, where should we discuss this matter?
Chloe: The conference room is this way.
Once he was escorted into the conference room, Chloe, along with Dan began their discussion with Dr Grant. In doing so, he read through the list of animals that were stolen and confirmed to them…
Dr Grant: Well, I don't know what to tell you, detectives. Besides being magnificent and healthy sets of breeds of canines and felines alike, all these animals could've been taken for any number reasons. All of which, I'm not proud to say.
Chloe: *Sighs* That's what I was afraid of. By any chance, is there anything you can tell about the victim, Alex?
Dr Grant: Well, I met Mr Garcia a few times. He'd often brought in the animals for their check-ups. He was very good with them. In fact, he had a way of making them feel more calmer when either me or one of the nurses entered the room with a needle. Now, with him gone, I can only imagine how those poor animals are feeling right now.
As the three of them continued their conversation, Joei stood outside, making her way towards the small kitchen. With the intention of making coffee and tea for herself and Ella. However, just as they were about ready to be poured into two separate cups, Nana had once again, used her nuzzle to escape from the lab. This time, instead of running around to look for food, she ran towards Joei. Once she made her presence known by barking…
Joei: (Notices Nana sitting right beside her legs) Nana! What are you doing? (Picks her up before yelling out…) Ella, I told you to keep the door closed!
Ella: (From inside the lab) What!? I did! She most've slipped by me!
Joei: *Sighs* (Turns to Nana) What am I going to do with you, young lady? You are a mischievous little one, do you know that?
Nana: *Squeak-barks before she starts licking Joei's chin and cheek*
Joei: *Giggles* Okay, okay. Stop it that tickles.
Before Joei was about to walk back into the lab with Nana remaining in her arms, a few of the uniformed officers caught sight of the adorable little puppy and then instantly dropped everything for a moment out of wanting to gush over Nana. They started gathering around Joei and Nana, adoring the little pup's presence by taking turns to pet her and puppy talk to her.
Male Officer: (While rubbing Nana's back) Aw, look at her. She is such a sweetheart.
Female officer: (While allowing Nana to lick her fingers) She is so cute.
Joei: Thank you, everyone, but I really must bring her back into the lab…
Male Officer: Oh, come on, give us just two more minutes with the little puppy.
All the gathered officers: *While muttering* Yeah. Yeah, come on. Please.
While Nana was being worshiped, Lucifer came in and once he saw Ella from below the staircase after seeing the police officers focusing all of their attention on Joei and Nana, Lucifer's first question was…
Lucifer: What on earth is going on here?
Ella: Isn't it cute? All the unis have gathered around to cuddle over Nana.
Lucifer: You know, what is it with humans dropping all of their regular duties just to fawn over one small animal.
Ella: Bro, have you ever been around a puppy?
Lucifer: Not particularly, no.
Ella: What?! You're seriously telling me that you've never stopped to admire the cuteness of something so sweet and pure that it actually has the power to bring light and joy into your life?
Lucifer: Not really, no.
Ella: Oh, man. That is just sad. (Gives Lucifer an unnecessary hug of comfront)
Lucifer: *Sighs*
Meanwhile, after finishing their conversation with him, Dr Grant exited from the room, only to stop by the sight of the border-collie puppy continuing to be adored by the policemen surrounding her.
Dr Grant: Uh, excuse me, detectives, as I recall, didn't you mention something about a puppy that was able to escape from the abduction?
Dan: Ah, yeah, that's her right there. Our forensics artist, Jophiel Dina found her in her backpack earlier today.
Dr Grant: Well, if you don't… Jophiel Dina? That's that young woman's name?
Chloe: Yeah, would you believe it's God given? Which is what he does best. He just keeps on giving and his gifts have a way of turning out so great for everybody who's willing to follow through with his plan. And who knows, his plan will involve crossing paths with someone.
For a brief moment, Dan and Dr Grant stood in confusion by Chloe's sudden outburst. Luckily, the awkward tension ended when Dr Grant said…
Dr Grant: All right… But as I was trying to say before, if it's all right with you, I'd like to examine the little border-collie there. To insure she's not injured or anything like that.
Dan: Ah, I guess that'll be fine as long as Joei's okay with it. She's the one taking care of the puppy until we've found her an owner.
Dr Grant: I see. Well, then, let's go ask her then. (He, Chloe and Dan then approached Joei and Nana) Excuse me. Miss Dina?
Joei: Yes?
Dr Grant: I'm Doctor Harvey Grant, I'm here to check up on the puppy you've so humbly decided to take care of. If you want, I can take a look at her from office. Where it's a little more private.
Joei: That won't be necessary, doctor, you can take a look at Nana from inside the lab which is only five feet away from here. (To the other officers) Okay, everyone, go about with your regular duties, cause it's time for Nana to say buh-bye. (Uses Nana's paw to wave goodbye while walking back into the lab) Buh-bye, buh-bye.
All the gathered officers: Aw. Buh-bye. Buh-bye little Nana.
Once she was brought back into the lab again, Dr Grant began his check-up on Nana. With Ella and Joei watching from the side-lines. In the beginning, Nana seemed nervous because she wouldn't stop shaking. Luckily, she settled down after Ella gave her a dog biscuit. Furthermore, as Dr Grant examined her paws, body, head and even her mouth…
Dr Harvey Grant: Clean coat, clean gums and no signs of injury. Not even a scratch. It's a miracle given the circumstances. This little pup truly was in good hands.
Joei: Thank you, doctor.
Dr Grant: However, I would like to run further tests down at my office. Blood work, x-rays and all that.
Nana: *Squeals*
Joei: Ah, that won't be necessary, doctor. I can assure Nana is in perfect condition.
Dr Grant: Really? How's her eyesight?
Joei: Bright and not watering or red.
Dr Harvey: What about bowel movement?
Joei: Ah, not quite sure about that one. However, she was gone from this room for ten minutes earlier. Ella, we might have to look around the area later.
Ella: Aw, man.
Dr Grant: I also understand that you found her inside your backpack earlier today?
Joei: Yes. She snuck into my bag for food while we working the crime scene.
Dr Harvey: Uh-huh. And you're certain that Nana is one of the animals that was reported missing in your currant case?
Joei: Yes.
Dr Harvey: Miss Dina, is there somewhere we can talk privately, please?
Joei: Why not continue our conversation right here?
Dr Grant: Well, I'm sure if I feel comfortable talking about the condition with Nana when she's here. I'm afraid she might get nervous.
Joei: Uh, Alright. Ella, will you stay here and watch Nana?
Ella: Sure. And I promise, I'll leave the door closed tightly this time.
Joei: You better. Right this way, Dr Grant.
Wanting to speak privately, Joei guided Dr Grant into one of the interrogation rooms in order to discuss the matter of Nana's wellbeing. Once inside…
Dr Grant: Shall we sit?
Joei: No, I'm perfectly fine standing. So, what is it you wanted to discuss with me about the condition with Nana?
Dr Grant: Well, Miss Dina, have you noticed anything strange about Nana lately? Any signs of strange or unusual behaviour?
Joei: No, none at all. Then again I practically met her today.
Dr Grant: You know, your colleagues told me about her daring escape from those animal snatchers last night. Extraordinary thing, regardless of all of the trauma she probably had to endure. And when a young dog experiences either physical or psychological trauma… Well, it often lead to risks for the owners.
Joei: Risks? What risks?
Dr Grant: Well, based on Nana's experience with the snatchers and the murder itself, it's quite possible that Nana's ordeal will eventually lead her to become… well, unpredictable. Which can often lead to an act of aggression or violence.
Joei: Well, doctor, I can assure you that Nana has been here nearly all day and she hasn't shown any signs of aggression or has acted out in any way that's even remotely violent.
Dr Grant: Yes, I can see that presently, Miss Dina. But I feel as though I must inform you of what may or not become of Nana overtime. Now, I hate to be one to tell you this but I've had to put down several animals with a severe traumatic history. Dogs who've been involved with abusive owners or even illegal dogs fights. And even when they've been recused, some of them soon become prone to turn on people and then attack without provocation. I'm only telling you this because
# Is it just me, or did that sound like a load of rubbish to you? He's seriously implying that an 8-week-old Border-Collie puppy is cable of becoming notoriously violent after one bad experience that she won't even remember. I don't exactly know what happened that night at the shelter, but what I do know, is that whatever she had face, Nana was more startled then traumatized.
# I have a friend in Ireland, and she owns six rescued dogs that once belonged to abusive owners. It was difficult process at first, but overtime… They are much happier and well behaved now. They're not even remotely dangerous, they wouldn't harm anyone. There's something really strange going on with that veterinarian and with Mr Perez for that. Their desire to have Nana is something I would like to look into.
Meanwhile, in the lab, Ella was doing as she was asked and was taking care of Nana. Feeding her dog-biscuits, giving her belly-rubs and even playing with the pink squeaky bone toy Ella bought for her. As the two of them played a friendly game of tug of war with the bone, Dan came in asking…
Dan: Hey, Ella, have you seen Joei? (Realizes that Ella is currently too engaged with the game of tug of war game to listen) Ella? Ella!
Ella: (Finally lets go of the bone, causing Nana to roll backwards on the table) What? Oh, sorry Dan. I didn't see you there. I was busy trying to beat this little stinker in tug of war. But alas, she has bested me.
Nana: (Continues to play with toy bone)
Ella: Anyway, what were you trying to say before?
Dan: I was just asking if you've seen Joei?
Ella: Oh, she's in the interrogation with Dr Grant. Man, you should've been here earlier. The way Dr Grant was insisting that we'd let him take Nana away for a proper examination.
Dan: Really? I'm not a vet but Nana looks fine to me.
Ella: Joei said the same thing. That's why they're talking about it in the interrogation room.
Dan: Well, how long have they've been talking?
Ella: Almost ten minutes.
Dan: Well, I'm sure Joei can handle it. She does have a way with words.
Ella: She does, doesn't she? And isn't it interesting that you're well aware of that, Dan?
Dan: Well, yeah, I mean, as we both know, Joei is never afraid to speak her mind.
Ella: Mm-hmm.
Dan: What?
Ella: Oh, nothing, just acknowledging that you totally got a hot crush on Joei!
Dan: What are you talking about? I don't have a hot crush on Joei.
Ella: Na, ah, I saw the way you were looking at her earlier. You, my fiend, are totally vibing some Jophiel Dina.
Dan: Ella, that's ridiculous, Joei and I are just friends, that's all.
Ella: Mm-hmm.
Dan: I'm serious, Ella. I mean, after all, we work together, she's also Trixie's tutor and I'm finally in a good place again. And trust me, the last thing I want is to make things awkward between us. I mean, look what happened between us.
Ella: Yes, Dan, I do remember our previous little fling, believe me. And I do recall how awkward it was afterwards. But that was a totally different time. You and I weren't in the right headspace, which is why you and I were a major no, no. But who's to say the same thing will happen between you and Joei?
Dan: Ella, what makes you think it won't make things just as weird and awkward as it was with us?
Ella: Because, like I just said... we're both in the right headspace now and… Well, I don't think I've seen you look at anyone like that since… you know… Charlotte. And I'm not pressuring you to make a move or anything right now, but I do think you deserve to be happy with someone as great as Joei, Dan.
As comforted as Dan felt by Ella's kind words, he also found it surprising that she seemed completely fine with the idea of him wanting to be romantically involved with Joei. Because he's well aware of the girls being partners/best friends who've practically became sisters.
The last thing he'd want is to cause a rift in their relationship. For example, if by chance he and Joei somehow got together and became a couple, what would happen if they eventually broke-up? Would Ella get in the middle? Would he and Joei still be able to work cases together? Would Joei eventually stop tutoring Trixie? Above all, would Joei's brothers retaliate against him by seeking revenge for breaking their little sister's heart?
Regardless of those questions being mainly hypothetical excuses, Dan still wished he had the courage to simply follow the very advice he gave to Maze when she thought about telling Eve about her feelings for her. Saying how he and Charlotte would have spent more time together if he hadn't chose to wait for so long. Which is mistake he hopes to never make again.
Elsewhere, from outside the lab, Lucifer took another chance of trying to talk to Chloe. He simply walked up to her desk and said…
Lucifer: Hello again, Detective.
Chloe: Lucifer, as I told you before, now is not a good time.
Regardless of wanting to be supportive for her needs, Lucifer just couldn't handle Chloe continuing to give him the cold-shoulder.
Lucifer: Well, then when is it a good time, Detective? Look, I know you're going through a lot right now, and I know my presence isn't exactly helpful at the moment. Which is why I just want us to talk and work things out before I have go back to Hell again.
Chloe: I know, and I do want to talk things out before you do…
Lucifer: Great. Then lets…
Chloe: But, I'm just not ready yet. And honestly, I'm not sure when or even if I'll be ready to talk things out, Lucifer.
In that moment, Lucifer came to realize that he had officially overstep. By constantly bothering Chloe and not giving her the required time and space she needed to process through her currant dilemma, he had put too much pressure on her and delayed their need to talk by a lot. Which drove him to give her the space she currently desired. However, he still decided to remain at the precinct in case his services were ever needed.
In addition, Joei and Dr Grant had finally exited from the interrogation. However, despite Dr Grant's 'warnings' about the possibility of Nana going violently rouge due to her traumatic experience, Joei still refused to hand Nana over to him because she knew, Nana wasn't cable of harming anyone. Nevertheless, before officially leaving the precinct, Dr Grant turned to Joei and said…
Dr Grant: Miss Dina, I admire your faith and loyalty to Nana, I truly do. But I fear of the day you may come to regret your decision.
Joei: I doubt it.
Once he finally left, Joei looked over to find Dan and Chloe standing over at her desk. Of course, Lucifer was nearby. From the upstairs balcony to be precise, but he was still keeping a distant for Chloe's sake. Furthermore, once Joei approached Chloe's desk…
Joei: Hey, I think there might've been something we missed at the crime scene earlier. Does anyone mind driving me over to the shelter?
Dan & Chloe: I'll do it.
# In that moment, I had two choices. If I picked Chloe then, she'd get space she's been wanting from Lucifer. On the other hand, if I chose Dan, then Chloe will probably continue to ignore Lucifer. At least until he annoys her enough to get her attention. It was a hard choice, but when I saw the desperate look on Lucifer's face all the way from upstairs, I knew I had to take a risk and picked… Dan.
After asking Ella to continue, looking after Nana, Dan and Joei returned to crime-scene in order to figure out how Nana escaped. Upon their arrival, Joei first instinct was to make her was towards Nana's pen…
Joei: Okay according to the list, this was Nana's pen.
# When I first saw Nana's pen, it looked so small and empty. It was such a sad sight to see. However, when I looked to her pen and the others, I noticed something very strange. Nana's was the only one that was actually opened!
Joei: Dan, come here, look at this. Look at the other pens and look as Nana's.
Dan: They're all closed.
Joei: Which means the snatchers just reached in and grabbed the animals without even bothering to open their pens.
Dan: Then why is Nana's the only one opened?
Joei: (Notices the bowls of food and water within each pen) Because it was feeding time. Didn't Mr Perez say that Alex often worked late here?
Dan: Yeah, why?
Joei: Okay, so I'm Alex. I'm working late and taking care of all the animals. Before heading home, I stop to feed everyone, so I bring them out some food and water. So where did I get the food from?
Dan: Uh, a storage room.
Joei: Exactly, and I think I remember seeing one down this hall to the left.
The two of them then made there way down the hall until they turned to the left, which lead to a door labelled 'storage room'. However, the lock on the door was a keypad lock. Meaning, they'd need a passcode in order to enter.
Dan: Alright, I'll call in for warrant and then when the judge…
Unknowingly to Dan, from the moment he turned around, Joei had approached the locked door and managed to open it using only the supernatural strength from her hands.
Joei: Oh, look, the doors already opened. Shall we?
He was hesitant at first, but somehow without bothering to ask questions,
Upon entering the storage-room, Joei and Dan walked in to find it completely trashed. There were boxes, cages and cans of food scratted everywhere. As if a fight had recently took place. In addition, while searching the area, Joei noticed something beneath one of the boxes. Leading her to bend down, put on her evidence gloves, take out a pair of tweezers and recovered what appeared to be… a fanged tooth.
Dan: What is that, a tooth?
Joei: Not just any tooth. This is a fang from a dog with filed teeth. And look, there's dried blood on it.
Soon enough, Joei was able to retrace Nana's steps. Based on the untouched bowls of food and water in her pen, it meant, their victim Alex came into Nana's pen to give her a meal until he heard a sound coming from the backdoor and then went to investigate. Only to be surprised by the pet-snatchers. Before he had chance to react, one of them held Alex down against the counter while the other started gathering the cats and dogs!
However, they were unaware that Nana was able to escape from her own pen, which then lead her to witness the crime at hand until she was spotted by the very dog that attacked and killed Alex.
Joei: Nana was chased into this room by the very same dog that killed Alex until it crashed against these boxes so hard, it knocked out it's tooth.
Dan: Okay so how did Nana get out?
Joei: (Looks around the area until she notices an open window from above, along with the boxes lying in vertical-like line) From up there. These boxes must've stacked up first. Nana probably climbed up to the top of the boxes just moments before they were knocked down, escaped through the window above, then slid down the awning and into the water filled trough below before running away to safety.
Dan: Which would explains the crash and fallen tooth. Okay, and then, the attack dogs comes back into the main area…
Joei: By then, the pet-snatchers have gathered all the other cats and dogs except for Nana and are about to leave when they realize that Alex has witnessed too much.
Dan: And even with his missing tooth, they still ordered the dog to attack Alex. Oh, man, I gotta call the precinct and tell them to come down here and dust the place for prints.
Beforehand, Joei and Dan heard a voice coming from the other room! At first, Dan was reach out for his gun when Joei suddenly grabbed him and they hid from behind the cages and boxes. From their hiding spot, Joei and Dan could here Perez having a conversation over the phone. A rather shady conversation.
Mr Perez: Look, do we really need the Border-Collie? We already have plenty of dogs? Yes, I know how much money is riding on this. Okay, okay, I'll take care of it.
After he ended his phone-call, Mr Perez finally noticed the door to the storage-room opened, but without even bothering to investigate, he simply closed the door. Leaving Joei and Dan inside. Luckily, they left using another door leading to the outdoor play-area. Once outside, they watched as Mr Perez was hoping into his car and preparing to drive away. Curious, Joei and Dan decided to follow him, in the hopes of him leading to all the stolen animals.
Back at the precinct, Ella was currently left alone in the lab with Nana. While Nana was taking another nap, Ella was working one her latest forensics report until she heard her phone vibrating. Thankfully, Nana remained asleep while she went to answer.
Not wanting to risk waking the sleeping puppy, Ella decided to step outside the room before continuing her conversation on the phone. However, mere moments after, Nana suddenly startled awake. However, it wasn't from a loud sound, but from the scent of something appetizing coming from the floor.
The moment she looked down, Nana found a piece of meat attached to a long string! And sadly, against her own better judgement, Nana couldn't resist and followed the tasty meat. She continued to follow the meat until it lead her from the backdoor of the lab, down the hallway until Nana found herself locked inside a cage by mysterious figure in a grey hoddie!
Furthermore, by the time she finally finished her conversation with her brother, Ella returned to the lab, but was quickly saddened to find Nana gone!
