The next chapter, enjoy.
Thank you for Senema for her beta and her suggestions. Any remaining mistakes are my own.
Chapter 5
While Elijah sat in the back seat of the patrol car and saw the lights of the city go by, he pondered what to do next. Was it better to be patient and get legally out of this mess or should he use his skills?
He sighed in disgust as he decided that it was better to play along first. If necessary, he could still resort to compulsion.
Ok, the legal way involved a lawyer. If he were in New Orleans, he would know which law firm he could turn to. He smirked, not that anyone in New Orleans would dare to arrest him.
He had the right to one phone call and whoever he called, had to get him a lawyer here in Los Angeles. Which of his siblings should he call?
Elijah sighed internally. Actually only Freya could be considered. She was the only one of his siblings, who was discreet and wouldn't harass him too much about it. He shuddered at the thought of the ribbing, he would have to endure if Niklaus, Kol and Rebekah got wind of his mishap. The fact that he also had been arrested for a murder he hadn't even committed would be the icing on the cake for them. Really, this just added insult to injury.
Well, it would definitely be a new experience for him. It had been nearly two hundred years since he was last arrested. At that time, however, the arrest had been planned by him because he had to get Niklaus out of one of his own self-made messes, as usual.
When they got to the precinct, Elijah was taken to a small room by the two police officers, who had arrested him. A young woman was waiting in the room too, she wore a lab coat and carried a case with her.
The older police officer drew his gun and positioned himself next to the door while the younger police officer removed Elijah's handcuffs. Elijah rubbed his wrists seemingly unconsciously, which he didn't really need to but it would have been noticeable if he hadn't done it.
"Undress", ordered the younger police officer harshly.
Elijah obeyed wordlessly and stripped down to his underwear, then he handed his suit to the lab technician. She took the cloths just as wordlessly and put it in a plastic bag. Next she opened the case and took out a glass tube and a pair of tweezers.
"Please hold out your hands, sir!" she said politely to Elijah, who complied with her request. She carefully scraped the blood off her hands and filled the tube with it.
"Can I wash my hands now?" Elijah asked calmly.
Sam, the older police officer, nodded. "There is a sink over there and a towel that you can use."
Elijah washed his hands thoroughly, relieved as always when he did that. After drying his hands, he asked evenly. "And what happens next?"
"I want to check your hands for injuries, too", replied the lab technician.
Elijah heard, how fast her heart was beating and he had seen the furtive looks with which she looked at him again and again. "Of course, miss", he replied kindly and held out his hands again.
The lab technician examined the hands thoroughly. "There are no visible injuries that could suggest he had been in a fight or hit someone", she finally said. "I'll take his fingerprints, then he can be questioned."
"Do you have you something I could wear? Otherwise I'll get another complaint for causing public nuisance at a police station", Elijah said and smiled charmingly at her, making her blush.
"There are jumpsuits available for such occasions", she said slightly flustered. "When I'm done with my work, I'll bring you one."
"Thank you, that's very kind!" said Elijah and smiled again at her. He was secretly amused, how the younger police officer glowered at him for the way he flirted with the lab technician.
She took his fingerprints, grabbed the plastic bag with the suit and left the room. Ten minutes later she was back and handed Elijah a jumpsuit, which he put on immediately.
Elijah had to admit, it wasn't his normal style. "My thanks, miss, for your kindness." He then turned to the older police officer. "I think I have the right to a phone call."
"Why do rich guys like you always know their rights so well?" The younger police officer complained.
"I watch television", answered Elijah laconically. "And I have to admit, this is the first time I'm arrested by the police, so I want to do everything correctly." He grinned mockingly at the young police officer, who made an involuntary movement towards him.
His older colleague held him back. "We'll take you to the interrogation room, where you can make your call. Handcuff him again but this time the hands stay in front!"
The young police officer grumbled but did as he was told. The two police officers then led Elijah through the police station and he looked around with interest. In doing so, he made a note of where the exits were and everything else that could be useful in case the legal path wasn't working.
They took him to an empty room except for a table and four chairs.
"Sit down", said the younger police officer and roughly pushed Elijah down.
Again Elijah obeyed willingly but he had to admit that he was slowly starting to get annoyed by this disrespectful treatment. It was best if he ignored this rude human completely, so he looked at the older cop named Sam. "My phone call?"
There was a cordless phone by the door. The policeman took it and brought it to Elijah. "You have one minute."
"Thank you." Elijah keyed in Freya's number. The phone rang a couple of times, then someone picked up.
"Klaus Mikaelson." To Elijah's dismay he heard the voice of the brother, he least wanted to talk.
"This is Elijah. Can you give me Freya?" Elijah asked tensely.
"Sorry, she and Keelin have decided, they wanted a weekend for themselves, so I play Nik's babysitter for them."
Elijah closed his eyes and cursed inwardly. Today of all days but he had no choice. "I'm in Los Angeles and I desperately need a lawyer. I was arrested and am now at the police station. In handcuffs!"
At first there was silence, then Elijah heard roaring laughter. He narrowed his eyes irritated.
"And for what?" Klaus asked after he had himself under control again, but Elijah could hear from his voice that he was still grinning broadly.
The older police officer made a sign that Elijah didn't have much time left.
"I have to hang up before the phone is taken from me. And to come back to your question; for murder, Niklaus, for murder!"
Elijah hung up. Now he could only hope that Niklaus wouldn't decide to allow himself a bad joke and do nothing.
xxxxx
Klaus only heard the dial tone and he stared at the phone in disbelief. As funny as he had initially found it that his always proper brother had been arrested, the last five words had made sure that he immediately realized that this was serious business.
He didn't even have to ask if Elijah had committed this murder. Klaus was absolutely sure that he was innocent! When Elijah killed someone, it was in such a way that no one caught him or could find out that he was involved.
Klaus briefly considered how to proceed. Before coming to Mystic Falls, he had lived in Los Angeles for a few years. He had established contacts with a law firm there, and the senior partner owed him several favours. If the law firm still existed, he could find a good lawyer for Elijah right away. And then he would book a flight to Los Angeles.
Either his brother had been in the wrong place at the wrong time or someone had tricked him and lured him into a trap. Klaus growled softly. And if that was the case, Elijah needed someone to investigate for him. Klaus seriously doubted that the police could ask the right questions or had access to the circles in which Elijah moved as an Original.
Klaus made the necessary calls and he was lucky, the law firm still existed and the senior partner promised to put his best lawyer on the case.
The next flight was at 10 a.m., so Klaus didn't have much time to pack. He sighed. Unfortunately, he had to spoil Freya's love weekend for two, since neither Rebekah nor Kol were in town. He called Freya.
Freya answered immediately. "Did something happen to Nik, Klaus?" she asked anxiously.
"No, everything is fine with Nik", Klaus assured her immediately. "It's about Elijah, he has been arrested in Los Angeles, for murder."
At first there was silence, then Freya said strained. "Elijah?"
"Exactly my reaction", said Klaus calmly. "I already got him a lawyer and I've booked a flight to Los Angeles that leaves at 10 a.m."
"Keelin and I'll come back, we'll be there in an hour at the latest. And book a second seat, I'm coming with you." Freya hung up.
Klaus growled again. He really hated it when people hung up first when he talked to them. But he did what his sister wanted and booked a second seat. And it might come useful to have a witch with him.
xxxxx
Lucifer was surprised that Dan came back after a few minutes, went to Ella and whispered something in her ear. Ella stared at Dan in surprise, then she suddenly turned serious, got her things and followed him. Lucifer frowned. He noticed too the glances both Dan and Ella had given him before they left the club.
He had been so distracted that he was startled when Maze sat down next to him. "Oh, there you are again", he just said. "Where have you been?"
"Made sure that Linda got home safely", Maze explained.
Lucifer looked at her. "Why, wasn't she with Elijah? I can't imagine him leaving her alone if there isn't a taxi outside."
Maze sighed. "I had to watch over Linda because of Elijah."
Lucifer narrowed his eyes. He sensed again that there was something Maze was hiding from him. "Out with it, Maze!"
"Elijah is a vampire and I suspect an old one at that", answered Maze. "He admitted as much to Linda. I followed him and Linda so I could intervene if he tried something." She saw Lucifer start up. "Calm down, nothing happened! Elijah was the perfect gentleman."
"Interesting! Usually I can identify vampires better." Lucifer looked pensive. "He must be really old to be so good at fooling me. How did you find out about him?"
Maze enlightened him.
Lucifer laughed softly. "So it was just by chance!"
"Yes", replied Maze. She hesitated. "But that's not all. I followed him through the shadows because I wanted to know where he lived. On the way there he stopped at the alley next to LUX and went in. I followed him and saw him kneeling next to a man before pulling a knife out of his stomach. Then Elijah cut his own wrist and tried to give the man his blood but I don't know why. Next, he gets caught practically in the act by the police."
Lucifer blinked in confusion. "Why didn't he influence the cops and disappear from the scene?"
"He couldn't or wouldn't because Chloe and Dan came in from the other end of the alley, guns at the ready. Either there were too many witnesses to influence or he didn't want to resort to more final and brutal methods." Maze shrugged.
"Hm." Lucifer was thoughtful. "What about the injured man?"
"He's dead and Elijah has been arrested for his murder", Maze replied. "He was taken away in a patrol car. Chloe drove away while Dan stayed here."
"He just got Ella", Lucifer said calmly. "And both of them eyed me inconspicuously."
Maze laughed heartily. "Apparently Chloe doesn't want you to interfere."
Lucifer grumbled, but wasn't surprised. "The way you tell it, it doesn't sound like Elijah had enough time to attack the man with a knife."
"Oh, vampires are fast, he would have had more than enough time to attack him. But I find it more than unlikely that a vampire will use a knife against a human", Maze said laconically.
Lucifer nodded thoughtfully. Vampires were natural killing machines, they didn't need weapons. "Where you're right, you're right! And why stab him in the gut? Why not go for his neck, which would be much more logical for a vampire. So, Elijah didn't commit this murder, he is innocent." Lucifer rubbed his forehead. "The only problem is, how is Elijah supposed to explain this to the police?"
"What will you do next?" Maze asked interested.
Lucifer grinned mischievously and got up. "I'm going to the police station, of course. After all, I have to prove Elijah's innocence!"
Maze chuckled and watched her boss go.
xxxxx
Chloe watched Elijah from the other side of the two-way mirror. The two police officers had chained his hands to the ring forged on the table. She had already seen a lot of reactions to it, but she had to admit that Elijah looked like it was just a minor inconvenience for him. He gave the impression that he could simply tear the chains apart and walk out of the police station without problems, if he wanted to.
Chloe took a deep breath, left the room, and went into the interrogation room. "You can go", she said to the police officers who were still in the room.
"Sure, Chloe", said Sam good-naturedly. He gave his colleague a wave and the two left the interrogation room.
"How are you, Elijah?" she asked worried. He may be a murder suspect but she still liked him.
"I am fine, thank you, Chloe." Elijah shrugged. "I have to admit it's a disappointing end to a nice evening."
Chloe sighed. "Yes, I know what you mean. We talked to Linda, she gave us the exact time when she got into the taxi. Unfortunately, that doesn't help you, the time difference to the incoming anonymous call is too big, and it doesn't give you an alibi."
"It was an anonymous call?" Elijah smiled pensive. "How interesting!"
Chloe felt a little uncomfortable and threatened by that smile, but she didn't know why. "Let's go through the whole evening, please."
"Wouldn't it be better for me to wait for my lawyer?" Elijah tugged at the sleeves of the jumpsuit he was wearing.
"You are of course free to wait for your lawyer. On the other hand, you already made a statement at the crime scene", Chloe pointed out.
Elijah hesitated for a moment, then began to talk about the evening.
When he talked about his first meeting with the idiot, Chloe asked. "So, you guys had a quarrel before?"
Elijah chuckled. "No, we didn't. He just danced too wildly and almost bumped into us. I caught him and put him back on his feet. The only word I said to him was 'Careful'. All other exchanges after that were between him and Linda."
Chloe was taking notes. "Are there any other witnesses to this besides Linda?"
"Maze should have seen it too." Elijah shrugged disinterested.
"Please continue", Chloe said calmly.
Elijah did her a favour and went on telling the story. Finally they came to his second meeting with the dead man. "You were there. I didn't exchange a word with him then either, I merely put myself between the two of them."
"Yes I remember. You were remarkably controlled for someone who drank so much", Chloe said dryly.
Elijah chuckled. "Do I look drunk to you?"
"No, you look sober", Chloe replied truthfully. "Please go on!"
Elijah continued to tell and they were just coming to the part where Elijah had seen Linda drive away, when the door was suddenly pushed open forcefully.
Chloe involuntarily groaned when she saw the intruder. "Hello Charlotte, what can I do for you?"
"Well, you can leave, so that I can talk to my client alone." Charlotte smirked at Chloe. "His brother apparently has excellent contacts with my boss and he has promised him that his best lawyer will take over the case, namely me."
Chloe looked over at Elijah to check his reaction to these words. He had his head tilted to one side and Chloe got the impression that he was sniffing the air.
Charlotte looked over at Elijah now. "First of all, my client's handcuffs should be removed."
Chloe sighed and opened the handcuffs. Elijah rubbed his wrists slowly but his gaze didn't leave Charlotte for a second.
Charlotte stepped up to her client. "Elijah, my name is Charlotte Richards. I am delighted to meet you and will do my best to get you out of this."
Charlotte held out her hand, Elijah politely got up and took it, but the handshake was much shorter than an average one.
Chloe frowned as Elijah and Charlotte let go of each other's hand as if they had received an electric shock. Both seemed startled, almost shocked to her.
"Is everything okay, Elijah?" Chloe asked worriedly.
"Yes, everything's fine, Chloe", Elijah muttered and smiled at her, but the smile didn't look real and it didn't reach his eyes. "It was just static."
"Hm", replied Chloe, not believing a single word. "Would you like to speak to your lawyer now?"
"I think that should be best", answered Elijah.
Still worried, she asked Charlotte. "What about you?"
"Me too, of course. And turn off all recording devices", added Charlotte.
Elijah sat down again and Charlotte sat opposite him, both now made a composed impression.
But when Chloe left the room she wondered what had just happened. And if she was honest with herself, she would love to listen to the ensuing conversation.
Guest = Thank you
