"My Fairy Lady" - KALEO
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Lucifer and Chloe walked out of the flower shop with their hopes crushed. It was a dead end. As much as Chloe wanted to believe this would be her big break in the case, she knew it was too good to be true. As they made their way over to the car, she made sure to give Dan a call.
"Hello," Dan sang out.
"Hey… Did Michael make it to the precinct?"
"Yup. He's being looked over for any injuries by Ella. I just stepped out to give them some privacy."
"Was he complaining of being hurt?" Chloe asked with concern.
"No, Ella just wanted to make sure he was alright. Did you know the paramedics didn't look at him?"
"I uh…" She looked over at Lucifer and made a face. She didn't know what to tell Dan. It wasn't like she could tell him he was an angel and that Michael couldn't be physically hurt. "I totally forgot. I was so wrapped up in trying to keep Michael and Lucifer from tearing each other apart, I didn't even bother to ask if he was okay."
"Well, he seems fine, but I'll make sure to keep you posted if he complains of any serious injuries."
"Thanks… Oh!" She had forgotten why she had called Dan in the first place. "Lucifer and I just got done with interviewing the shop owner... It turned out to be a dead end. Mind telling Ella to get the evidence ready for me, so that when I arrive, we can give it another run through."
"Sure. Anything else?"
Chloe let out a sigh, "no that's about it."
"Sounds good."
"Oh! Sorry one more thing, can you keep Michael occupied. If you leave him alone with Ella for too long he's bound to distract her. Please keep the two away from each other. I really need her to focus on this case."
"Sure thing. I have a few cases I could use his help in. Mind if I use him as a consultant?"
"Nope, take advantage. He's pretty good at helping. Just keep him busy, yeah?"
"Got it. I'll let you go."
"Thank you so much Dan and again I am so sorry I stuck you on babysitting duty."
A light chuckle could be heard from the other line. "You're good. Michael and I are pretty close actually. It's not babysitting, you're fine. I'll let you go. See you soon?"
"Yeah…"
Chloe ended the call and placed her phone back into her pocket. Lucifer was on the passenger side of his car. The door was opened as he waited for the Detective to finish her call.
"What did he say?" Lucifer asked.
"Michael made it to the precinct safely. He'll be working on a case with Dan until we get back. Nothing much."
"Please tell me you're not thinking of making him a police consultant as well… I don't think I could handle going to work and seeing him everyday."
"Stop it," Chloe chuckled. She pulled the driver door open and slipped into the driver's seat. Lucifer did the same, sliding into the passenger seat. She went ahead and turned on the engine. "I wouldn't worry, I can only handle one of you at the precinct at a time. And lucky for you," she turned in her seat, "I like having you around more."
"Ooo, that's what I like to hear, Detective." Lucifer leaned forward. He was inches away from her lips. His eyes fell to her lips.
"Lucifer…" She warned.
"Hmm?" He kept staring down at her lips.
"My eyes are up here."
"I know."
Chloe let out a chuckle. She reached out her hand and placed it under his chin. It slowly slid along his jawline. He turned his head into her touch.
"One more week," she whispered.
"One more week," he repeated with sadness.
Chloe was unaware of the sorrow behind his words, but she knew their long distance was starting to weigh on them. She flashed Lucifer a smile trying to correct the mood. When Lucifer returned the gesture she leaned forward and locked her lips on his. Caught by surprise, Lucifer hummed against her lips. Her lips curled upwards as she threw him off. She tried pulling away, but his head only leaned forward to keep his lips on her.
"Hmm, no more. We have to get back to the station," Chloe said.
"No no no," he reached out and placed his hand behind her head. "Something tells me we won't be having any alone time tonight and I am determined to get as much alone time as I can with you." He parted his lips trying to grant access to hers. Chloe didn't even bother to argue with him, she parted her lips and kept kissing him.
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Precinct
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Michael was currently standing in front of a white board jotting down information that Dan was reading off to him. The two were coming up with possible leads for his own case. So far, the two had a solid foundation. Dan was proud of himself. He had been stuck on the case for some time, but with Michael's help he was looking closer to wrapping things up.
"You know…" Dan called out. "I wouldn't mind having you as my very own police consultant."
"Me? A police consultant?"
"Sounds a little weird, huh?"
Michael shrugged his shoulders. "A little. I mean I'm flattered, but I know I wouldn't be much help."
"Dude, you're a huge help. You literally just pulled me out of a funk with this case. If I had Lucifer, I doubt I'd even be this far."
Michale chuckled. "Well to be honest, I don't think my brother works well with anyone else but Chloe." He set the marker down on the table and had himself a seat. He looked through the clear window and watched Ella run around the bullpen. A smile crept onto his face.
"Very true…" Dan stated. He started closing the file in front of him. "I'd give it some thought, Michael. You know I can get those assault reports expunged from your record if you help out more around the precinct."
"Bribing me, Daniel?"
"No," Dan chuckled. "I just know you don't like having them on your record." He looked over in Ella's direction. As far as he knew, Ella didn't know about Michael's small folder. "They can go away if you help around more. The Lieutenant really appreciated your input with the Charles Harvey murder. I bet we could work something out."
"I'll think about it…" He pulled his eyes away from the glass walls and smiled at Dan.
"I would," Dan stressed. He began stacking his folders up, his attention no longer on the case. "Might come in handy when your kids are placed back in your custody. I wouldn't want that to be the reason the social workers don't release them back into your care."
"That's something I actually have to worry about?" Michael asked.
"Well yeah," Dan chuckled. "Having a record of violence whether in self-defense or not, doesn't look good, man. The CPS looks at that kinda stuff before releasing children back into the care of their parents… You also need your own place. I'm not sure living in a nightclub will rack you up points with them."
"I mean… You're right, but…" Michael reclined back into his chair. He couldn't believe he didn't know all this stuff. He placed his head in his hands.
"Hey…" Dan leaned forward and patted Michael's back. "Don't worry, man. I'll get you an interview with a social worker. They will go over what you need done before everything is situated. I'll even help you check out apartments or a house."
"You'd help me with all of that?"
"Yeah…" Dan slapped the back of his hand across Michael's chest. It was meant as sentiment to make Michael realize he had him in his corner. "You're my friend, Michael… I know all of this isn't easy for you. Having your kids ripped away from you isn't an easy thing to process. You've been lashing out trying to find them. Take a breath and let us help you."
"I… I just don't want to be a burden. This case…" Michael motioned over to Ella who was practically pulling her hair out trying to find new evidence for Chloe. "It's wearing Ella down. The last thing I need is to add to that pile. You and Chloe have your own child. I don't want -"
Dan cut him off, "yes, Chloe and I have Trixie, but our daughter is fine. She's getting good grades. Keeping out of trouble, at least I hope she is. She's always starting something at school these days. But! What I'm saying is that, sometimes having a different task helps us think. Ella needs a new puzzle to help move things along. Chloe and I have agreed that having you smolder in a corner beating people up isn't for the best. We're willing to throw in some extra hours to help you out."
"I… I don't even know what to say, Dan."
"You don't have to say anything. Let the three of us help you. Start with letting me get a hold of that social worker you wanted to meet with. We'll get a rundown of what you need. As we're doing that, you and I can go look for apartments around L.A. I'm sure Lucifer's going to want his place back once he returns."
"I… yeah, I guess you're right." There was a lost look in Michael's eyes. His glare was far off into the distance just thinking.
"Unless you weren't planning on staying in L.A…"
"Huh?" Michael snapped out of it. "No, no I was. I wouldn't plan on leaving Ella behind. It's just a lot to take in." Michael let out a chuckle. "Sorry, just…" His hands moved around his head. "A lot to process. I didn't realize how under prepared I was."
"That's all parenthood is about, Michael. You think you're ready, but in reality, you're three steps behind trying to catch up. Your kid is running in the opposite direction and you're running with your shoes tied."
Michael's face showed a look of horror. Dan reached out and wrapped his arm around Michael's shoulder letting him know he was going to be alright.
"Relax. It's not as bad as it sounds. I love being a dad to Trixie. There's no other title I'd rather have."
"Trixie is a rather special little girl."
"Thank you."
"No, thank you, Dan." He tapped his hand against the man's chest. "I've been running around for so long I forgot I have people that can help me. One's that are probably more resourceful than a demon."
Dan shook his head, "You and Lucifer must have had a really fucked up childhood if you're stuck on this celestial-demon stuff as well."
Michael shrugged out of Dan's arms. He made a face like he didn't care if another human didn't believe him.
"My youth was tolerable. We all have dysfunctional families."
"Don't I know that," Dan chuckled.
"So what are you going to do with all this?" Michael motioned towards the evidence they had collected. The topic of conversation changing once more.
"Well... I need to get a judge to issue a warrant. I'll put in the request, but I'll most likely not get a response until Monday."
"Monday? But it's Friday."
"I know… But Judge Turpen likes to take an early weekend and his assistance probably won't even show it to him until Monday morning. It's fine," Dan waved it off.
"Well, that won't do. I can help you with this." He motioned toward the folders in Dan's hands. "I can pretend to be my brother and get it signed for you before he leaves…" Michael checked the time on the wall. "It's a little after lunch, we might be able to catch him." Michael picked himself off the chair. "Yeah?"
"I... I… Really? You'd do that for me?"
"You're my friend, Daniel. Of course, I'd help." Michael flashed him a smile. Dan's own words playing right back at him.
"Yeah! Yes please. Oh my God, you're the best." Dan started packing up his folders. The warrant request was already in his hands.
"I know I am." Michael's face was bright with a smile.
The two finished collecting their work and rushed out of the room. Before Michael could follow Dan out of the bullpen, he voiced that he needed to check in with Ella. He slipped into the room unannounced.
"Looking beautiful as ever, I see."
Ella kept her eyes on her microscope. A smile pulled at the edges of her lips notifying Michael she had indeed heard him. He quietly made his way over to her, slipping his hand along her waist.
"Can I assist you with anything?" Ella asked. Michael shook his head. He leaned over and placed a kiss on the back of her head.
"No. Just came in to tell you that Daniel and I are going to run down to the courthouse real quick and file for a warrant. I don't know how long we'll be."
"Oh!" She took her eyes off her work and looked up at Michael.
"Is that okay?"
"No, yeah. That's fine." Ella ran her hand along his torn clothing. "Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah. I told you I'm fine." He placed his hands on her's. He brought them up to his lips and placed a kiss.
"Alright…" She wasn't completely confident in his reply.
"Mind telling Chloe and my brother we just stepped out. I don't want Chloe to think I ran away."
"Yeah… I guess I could do that." Michael nuzzled his face in between her neck. He placed a kiss under her ear.
"Mmm."
"Michael…"
"Hmm?" He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Just showing you I'm fine." He pulled his arms off of her.
"Mhmm, sure." She had her eyebrow raised doubting his actions. Michael lifted his arms with a smile.
"So you'll do that for me?" Michael asked.
"Sure. Just stick close to Dan, yeah? Don't overwork yourself. I don't need to find out you've been rushed to the hospital."
"I'm immortal, darling. Nothing can hurt me."
"I've heard that one before and to this day I still don't believe Lucifer. So please… be careful. You just got in a car accident."
"I will, Ells." Michael stepped in front of her once more and opened his arms. She looked at him with hesitation, but gave in when his arms waved in the air.
"I still think you should go to the hospital and get checked," she mumbled against his chest.
"It'll be a wasted trip and a waste of money, if I go."
"We really need to get you insurance."
"I don't need insurance…"
Ella picked her cheek off from Michael's shift and scowled up at him.
"Alright alright… another thing Dan will have to help me with."
"Thank you," she smiled.
"Mhmm." Michael leaned his head down and placed a kiss on Ella's lips.
"Okay okay…" Ella pushed Michael away. "You're distracting me. Go. Off you go before Dan thinks you've ditched him."
"Alright…" He leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Happy sciencing." He motioned to her work. "See you after work?"
"Of course."
Michael walked backwards out of her office never letting his eyes leave her. As he exited the room, he turned around and caught up to Daniel who was waiting by the stairs.
"Big dork…" Ella whispered under her breath. Her smile only grew bigger as she listened to Michael laugh leaving the bullpen.
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Lucifer and Chloe stepped out of the elevator and made their way down the stairs into the bullpen. The two were bouncing off ideas for possible leads. As they stepped off the stairs, they realized how quiet the bullpen was. Chloe stopped dead in her tracks and scanned the room.
"Detective?"
"Where's your brother?" She started to panic. Lucifer looked around the room completely forgetting he was supposed to be sitting idly waiting for them. "Lucifer?"
"Son of a…"
Ella came rushing out of her room, over to the couple.
"He just stepped out to help Dan with a warrant. He didn't leave, leave."
"Oh, thank God," Chloe said. She let out a breath of air she didn't know she was holding. Lucifer let out a scuff.
"He literally just left. No more than twenty minutes ago."
"Was my brother on his best behavior?" Lucifer asked.
"I believe so… Dan didn't seem to have any problem with him. The two were in the conference room this whole time."
"No doubt chatting about nonsense stuff," Lucifer replied.
"No," Ella shook her head, "from what I saw, Michael actually helped with the case Dan was stuck on. Hence why they went down to the courthouse."
"The gang-rival case?" Chloe asked. Ella nodded her head. "Wow… Dan has been stuck on that case for some time now."
"I know… I went to check on their progress on the whiteboard to see if he was telling the truth and…" Ella nodded her head, "Michael and Dan cracked it."
"Impossible," Lucifer spoke up. "My brother doesn't have the patience for things like this." Chloe made a face that caught Lucifer's attention. "What?"
"He's actually been pretty good at this stuff… not saying he's replaced you!"
"Replaced me!?"
"I said NOT," Chloe clarified. She turned away from Lucifer and faced Ella. "Do you know when they will be back?"
"Michael mentioned something about seeing him at the end of my shift… but that was it."
"Shit…"
"Why what's wrong?" Ella asked.
"Captain Urias stressed that he didn't want him leaving the precinct, but it's fine. He's with Dan. I think if he was with Lucifer and I, it'd be a problem…" Chloe shook her head, "it's fine."
"You sure?"
"Yeah." Chloe waved her hand and motioned for Ella and them to walk over to her work space. "Did you find anything for me?"
"Not exactly. I'm still trying to find more evidence, but our killer is so clean…" Ella let out a sigh, "nada. I'm starting to think we may have to call in the big guns."
"Big guns?" Lucifer asked.
"F.B.I," Chloe and Ella replied.
"No, no, no, no, no. This is our case, not theirs. We can solve this. We have more angles… don't we?" He looked down at Chloe.
"Not exactly… I've been on this case with nothing to go by for a month now."
"So what? We wait for another body to drop before we have more evidence?" Lucifer asked.
"As morbid as that is… yeah."
Lucifer pulled Chloe over to the side, leaving Ella at her table.
"How about I pop down to Hell and see if your victims managed to find themselves unworthy of Heaven. I can ask them who killed them."
"I…" Chloe was surprised to even hear the suggestion. "I totally forgot you could do that."
"See," he lifted his eyebrows, "perks of having your very own Devil. I can pop on down and be back within the hour. Case solved." He clapped his hands together.
"I…" Chloe shook her head. "I don't think it will work. Our victims were innocents. They were upstanding people. I highly doubt they would have done anything to get them into Hell."
"It's guilt that gets you into Hell, Detective. They don't necessarily have to be mass murder to get into my kingdom."
"Really?" A frown fell upon her face. "That doesn't sound right. Didn't your father set a better standard for this kind of thing? What if a sociopath doesn't feel guilty? Is there an angel that steps in? What if -"
"When it comes to things like that my sister lets me know. It happens more than you think. As for my dad…"
"Not to be rude, but you did ask to go over the evidence I collected. I have a mountain of other cases I have to debrief and I could really use the time to go over them. So what are we doing with this case?"
"Sorry…" The pair responded.
"Since I know the evidence is going to be the same. Lucifer is going to go check on a contact and see what he can find," Chloe said.
"Oh… by yourself?" Ella asked Lucifer.
"Sadly, yes… As much as I enjoy having the Detective by my side for these kinds of things, I know that this one is unsafe for her… So the Detective will be staying put for the meantime."
Chloe gave Lucifer a small smile. As much as she wanted him not to go back so soon, she knew if he could figure out who the killer was, she'd take it.
"I should probably head out now actually. The faster I leave the more likely I'll be able to return for our little dinner date with Trixie."
Chloe made a face.
"No?"
"I have Michael with me for twenty-four hours. I mean we could still have it, but Michael would be tagging along."
"Excellent," Lucifer said with sarcasm.
"Or…" Chloe pointed out. "We could double date?" She looked over at Ella.
"Oh!"
"I mean if that's okay. You don't have to. I know the two of you had a date scheduled for tomorrow."
"No, no. Yeah, sure! I'm down to go out tonight."
"You sure?" Lucifer asked. "If I remember correctly, you and my brother had a date last night. I know seeing him multiple times in a row can be a lot."
"No it's not," Ella slapped Lucifer on the arm. "I'd love to go on a double date with you guys."
"Well not entirely a double date. I have Trixie. It's more of a game night," Chloe pointed out.
"Games?" Ella gave a wicked smile. "Oh, it's totally on! What are we playing? Monopoly? Charades? Pictionary?" Ella was bouncing side to side hyped at the ideas.
"We uh…" Chloe looked at Lucifer, "we actually haven't decided on that just yet."
"Charades would be fun," Lucifer voiced.
"I got some board games at my apartment I could bring. Just let me know and I will bring whatever you want."
"I'll keep you posted on that," Chloe replied.
"I should uh… I should head out," Lucifer pointed out. "Would you mind walking out with me, Detective?"
"Sure," she shot Lucifer a smile. She knew he wanted to squeeze one more moment in before he left.
"I'll see you tonight, Miss Lopez?"
"Yup! Get ready to go down." Her voice dropped a few octaves to make herself more intimidating.
Lucifer let out a chuckle, "challenge accepted."
"Shall we?" Chloe motioned to the exit.
"Ah yes! See you in a few hours Miss Lopez, make sure to bring your A game." He pointed two fingers at her, letting her know she was going down. "After you, Detective."
He held the door open so she could exit the room with him. As the two walked out of Ella's work space, the two slipped their fingers into each other's hands and walked up the stairs.
"How long do you think you'll be gone?" Chloe asked.
"I wouldn't say more than an hour or two, but if I'm not back by then, I wouldn't worry. Lilith is probably just chewing my ear out."
"Should you not go back? We don't have to use this lead, we can -"
"It's alright, Detective." They reached the elevator, so Lucifer pressed the button. "I'm already late to the time I promised Lilith I'd be back. I need to go back and bide myself some more time."
"You sure Maze's mom will let you just come back so soon?"
"Well it's my kingdom, I haven't handed the place over just yet."
"True…"
Once the doors opened the two stepped inside. They were alone once more. Lucifer pressed another button to close the doors. Chloe smiled as she could feel Lucifer's eyes racking up her backside.
"Lucifer…" Chloe warned.
"What?" He responded with innocence. He walked over toward her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Chloe leaned her back into him relishing in his embrace. "You were saying?" He whispered into her ear.
Chloe just shook her head. She didn't bother ruining the moment they were sharing. The two stayed in each other embrace until the doors opened once more. Before she could step out of his arms, Lucifer spun her around and leaned into her lips.
"Lucifer," she warned him about the open doors. He pulled away reluctantly.
"Sorry, Detective."
"Don't be," she smiled. "Come on."
She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the elevator. The two walked through the building, out into the parking lot. She reached her hand into her pocket and began pulling out his car keys. Lucifer stopped her.
"Keep them." He closed her hand. "I'm just going to fly down to Hell, I don't want to lose them. Watch my baby for me?"
"Alright," she rolled her eyes.
"I know you enjoyed driving her."
"I did," she giggled.
"If it takes longer than expected, go ahead and take my car. Don't let my brother drive it. I saw the dents in his car. I don't need his reckless driving on my car."
"You sure?"
"Yeah." He stepped into her personal space. "I trust you, Detective."
"That's a lot of trust."
"It is," he whispered. He leaned forward, inches away from her lips.
"I lov…"
She stopped herself from going any further with that declaration. When he raised his eyebrow questioning her, she shook her head dismissing it. Instead of answering, Chloe reached up and placed a kiss on Lucifer's lips. Her hands found the sides of his face, bringing him close. A smile spread across his lips as she ran her hands along his jaw. His hands rested on her hips pulling her close.
She wasn't sure why she stopped herself from uttering those three words. It wasn't like she had not told him before. As his lips parted hers, she hummed against his lips. Her train of thought lost as Lucifer deepened their kiss.
When it was time to pull away for air, Lucifer rested his forehead on Chloe's. He had his eyes closed relishing in her touch. He missed her. More than he was sure he cared to admit. He wasn't ready to head back just yet, even if it was just for a short time. It was still time away from Chloe.
"Stalling?" Chloe voiced.
"It would seem so," he chuckled. "I just got here. It's hard to leave."
"It's only for a few hours…"
"You're right…" He pulled his head back and smiled down at Chloe. "You think you can handle my brother for a few more hours?"
"I'm a pro by now," she smiled. "I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about Michael."
"I'll always worry about him." Lucifer ran his hands along the sides of Chloe's arms. "He was never this reckless growing up. It wasn't until… well his time in Hell that he started acting out."
"He's been through a lot, Lucifer… We all deal with trauma differently."
Lucifer nodded his head. He knew his brother was going through something. He wasn't sure why he was being so hard on him. Instead of pressing on the subject, Lucifer dropped his arms and took a step back. "I should get going."
"Okay."
"Meet you at the apartment, if I'm not here by the time you get off?"
"Sure... What about the corvette?"
"Drive it. Just don't let Michael take it," he stressed. He bent down and placed one last kiss on her lips. "I'll see you soon."
Chloe nodded her head with a playful laugh on her lips. Lucifer released his wings and shot Chloe with a wink. Before she had time to marvel at his bright white wings, Lucifer took off. The sound of his wings bearing off in the distance was all she could go off of as she didn't see him leave.
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A few hours later
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Chloe's eyes had been bouncing from the clock to the stair every thirty minutes for the past few hours. She knew Lucifer would take longer on his trip to Hell, but she really didn't expect him to be gone longer than three hours. With nothing to do, she just sat at her desk trying to look busy. Ella had left to go do some other forensic work for the department. Dan and Michael were still out trying to track down Judge Turpen. Just as she was about to give the boys a call, Michael and Dan's head popped around the corner of the stairs. She stood up from her chair and gave Michael a death glare.
"Miss me?" Michael sang out. Chloe could see the fear in his eyes as she stared him down.
Chloe rolled her eyes, "where were you? It doesn't take that long to run down to the courthouse."
"You know I can hear the frustration in your voice…"
"Michael." Chloe ignored Dan on the side of her. He was trying his best to get a word in.
"Dan took me to meet with a social worker."
"A social worker?" She replied in disbelief. "Michael, you weren't even supposed to leave the precinct."
"I've been by Dan's side the whole time. I've been on my best behavior… Haven't I Dan?" Michael turned to the man in question.
"He has actually... I wouldn't worry, Chloe. Everything was fine."
"I…" She rolled her eyes and sat back in her chair. "Fine." She threw her hands up in the air and leaned back into her chair. "I heard that both of you got a lead on that gang rival case?"
"We did actually," Michael answered. He held his wrist out and bumped bracelets with Dan. The two collided their hands and showed a blast off in unison. "Team Detective 2.0." Dan stood on the side with a smile on his face. "Charmed Judge Turpen's assistant into letting us grab an audience with his honor."
"It's Friday," Chloe pointed out. She turned to Dan, not believing Michael for one second.
"That's what I said… But the guy got us an audience right before Turpen left for the weekend. He signed the warrant, Chlo." He pulled the paper out of his pocket and showed her. Chloe took it in her hand and smiled.
"Wow… That's really Judge Turpen's signature." She handed the warrant back to Dan and smiled. "I'm happy for you. I know this case was bugging you."
"It was. I'm glad I can finally grab a few of my guys and search Los X's garage. Which reminds me… I have Trixie tonight, right?"
"No, I do. So you don't have to worry."
"Okay…" Dan looked down at his watch. "I should probably get this warrant issued before Los X starts moving their stuff." He turned to Michael and gave him a fist bump. "Thank you again, man."
"No, thank you, Daniel. I'll start working on those steps the social worker advised."
Dan gave the two a head nod before turning in his spot, walking off. The two watched him collect a few uniformed officers and head up the stairs.
"So a social worker…" Chloe called out. She motioned for Michael to pull up the chair beside her. He nodded his head and had himself a seat besides Chloe.
"I uh…" Michael looked down at his hands that rested on his lap. "Daniel helped me realize that I haven't exactly taken precautions for when I get my kids back. I was uh… I was getting help."
"I've mentioned this to you before, you know?"
"I know…" He rang out his fingers, showing he was nervous. Chloe pushed herself off the back of her chair and leaned forward. She reached her hand out and placed it on Michael's restless twitching fingers. He looked up at her with sad eyes.
"What did the social worker say?"
"He advised me to work on my assault record. Possibly take some anger-management classes."
Chloe watched as Michael rolled his eyes. She smiled as she knew he would hate every second of it. She went ahead and gave his hand a squeeze.
"Anything else?" She let go of Michael's hand and sat back in her seat.
"Seek therapy…"
"As I've instructed before."
"Are you going to point out every suggestion you've made over the months?"
Chloe lifted her hands.
"I'm just saying," she said.
"You think Linda has an open spot in her schedule to see me?"
"I believe she does... You're thinking of going to her?"
"Why wouldn't I? It'd be a lot easier to talk about everything. I don't have to talk in metaphors or hidden text. I mean she knows everything. Might as well go to her."
"No, yeah… That's actually a really smart idea." Michael nodded his head already knowing it was a great idea. "So, you're up to talking and opening up?"
"I suppose. I have to do this, right? It's a step to getting better for my kids."
"Yeah… But you know these aren't things you can just check off a list, it has to be meaningful. You actually have to work through your trauma and anger."
"I know…"
He looked up from his hands and turned his head over towards Ella's work space. He wasn't only doing it for his kids, but for Ella. His nightmares were becoming a problem. The darkness Michael had endured in Hell was slowly bubbling back to the top and he knew he had to deal with it fast. When Michael turned his head back over to look at Chloe, he noticed the smile on her face. She scooted to the edge of her seat and wrapped her arms around Michael's neck.
"I'm proud of you."
Something about the combination of Chloe's affection and her words hit Michael tenfold. He slowly brought his arms up and wrapped them around her. It felt nice to have someone care about him. Someone other than Ella. Michael leaned his head into her shoulder and accepted the affection. For once in his long life, Michael understood the full power his father possessed. The woman in front of him held so much love in her body it came as a shock to him. When she pulled away he mourned the loss.
"I meant it Michael, I am proud of you."
"Thank you…"
He needed to hear it. A wave of relief washed over him. Chloe reached out and squeezed his hand once more.
"You're welcome."
Ella rounded the corner and found Michael and Chloe holding hands. She smiled at the two acknowledging herself.
"Hope I'm not interrupting?"
Chloe shook her head, pulling her hand away. She flashed Ella a smile accepting the woman's presence.
"Nope. What can we do for you?"
"I was actually wondering if I could steal Michael away for a little. Don't worry, it's on the books. I just wanted to go over something with him real quick."
"Oh." The angel turned his head between both women and smiled.
"As long as the two of you can contain yourselves… I guess it's fine."
Michael shot up from his seat and placed a kiss on the top of Chloe's head.
"I promise I'll keep my hands to myself. Now if you'll excuse us." He pulled Ella away and over to her work space. He spun her around, grabbing a three-sixty view of her all around. The light chuckle escaped Ella's lips. "You wanted my help?"
"Nope, no help from your end, I just wanted to hand this over to you." She showed him a small folder in her hand.
"What's that?" He walked over to her and held his hands out.
"A possible lead I've been working on for you."
"A lead?" Michael asked. Ella placed the folder into his hands and smiled.
"You told me about the mother of your children. I did some digging and found her birth record, last known location, and close family."
"I…" He walked over to her work table and placed the folder in front of him. He was nervous to open it. "How did you find this? Maze and I have been looking everywhere for any information on her."
"I have connections." Ella walked over to Michael's side and nudged his shoulder. "I gotta say she was a tricky one to find."
Ella's words went deaf to Michael. His hand hovered over the top of the folder not entirely sure if he was ready to receive information about the mother of his children. Ella placed her hand on his shaking one and helped him open it.
"I'm right here."
Michael nodded his head and let Ella's hand guide his down to grabbing the manilla cover. He pulled open the thin cover and found a picture of Jude Easterman. His heart started beating fast in his chest. There she was. The human he endured Hell with. The mother of his children. Jude Easterman.
"She's beautiful," Ella whispered.
"I…" He broke eye contact with the folder and looked at Ella. Her eyes were locked onto the picture of her competition. Michael went ahead and wrapped his arm around her waist. He leaned his head over to the side of her head and placed a kiss on her cheek. "I only have eyes for you, Ells."
Ella kept quiet and flipped the photo out of the way. Behind the picture was information on Jude. Michael pulled his arm away from Ella and had himself a seat on a stool. He pulled the folder in front of him and immediately started reading the file. Ella stood to the side, biting the inside of her mouth. She was nervous.
"I had no idea she was married…" Michael voiced. He flipped the page to read more. "For ten years!" He looked off the page with shock in his eyes.
"She didn't tell you any of this?"
Michael shook his head, "we rarely talked… I can't even remember a conversation we shared with one another. It's… it's all a blur."
"David Easterman," Ella pointed out, "born June 12th, 1967."
Michael looked over at Ella confused.
"That's the husband's name. Well ex-husband…" She stepped closer to Michael and pointed at the information she had gathered. "They divorced a few months before you said the two of you met. He's alive. He seems to be living in the backcountry of Colorado. A remote little town up in the mountains."
Michael nodded his head. He didn't care for the man, but appreciated the information Ella had gathered. He had not known that Jude had been married prior. If there was some information he could gather from the woman's possible whereabouts he was sure the ex-husband would know.
Michael flipped the page once more and found more names written on a small packet. Ella got excited and stepped in front of Michael. Her butt was sitting on his lap. Michael smiled against her hair leaning forward to see what she had discovered.
"So this…" She pulled out the packet, "these are medical bills of Jude Easterman."
"Okay?"
"I wasn't allowed to get medical records because of HIPPA, but I was able to contact one of my buddies and get a collection report that couldn't be granted, again due to HIPPA…"
"You're losing me, babe."
"Sorry, sorry! What I'm showing you is actual evidence of a lead to finding your missing baby mama. These collection reports are from ten years ago. You said your kids have been missing for what fourteen, fifteen years?"
"You found her?" Michael pulled the folder closer for him to get a better look.
"Well no!" She pulled the folder to her side. "She was in New York ten years ago. Her emergency contact was written on the bills. The bills have her parents' name on them." Ella pulled out another piece of paper.
"You found her parents," Michael smiled.
"I did… And if I found the parents?"
"They would know where their daughter would be," Michael finished. He looked at the information on Jude's parents and ran his hand over the names. A smile started to spread across his face. "Ella…" He pulled her chin to the side so she could see how happy she had made him. "You might have just found my kids for me."
"Oh… well we don't know that just yet."
"Trust me, I've had no leads of Jude being alive. You just found proof that she was alive ten years ago. She's alive, Ells. My kids are here…" he whispered the later. His heart started to pound against his chest. All doubts of his kids being in another plane alone were silenced. They were with their mother hiding somewhere. Michael held Ella close. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
"I told you I would help," Ella replied. She wrapped her arms around Michael's neck. Her hand played with his hair on the back of his head.
"I know… but this," he motioned to the folder, "this is more information than I've been able to collect in the months I've been here."
"You just got to ask the right people. Have the right connections."
"How much did this cost you? I'm willing to return any favors or cash you used."
Ella shook her head. "It didn't cost me a thing actually. My friends out on the east coast were more than happy to do me a favor."
"Well, it would seem I am in your debt, Miss Lopez." He rested his chin on her shoulder. His nose brushed against her neck. A giggle escaped out of her lips.
"It would seem so," she smiled. Her hand still rested on the back of his head.
"Maybe I can make it up to you tonight," he whispered. "We could grab dinner and maybe I don't know," he pulled her close, "see where the night takes us."
"Oh ho ho," Ella chuckled. "Don't you know how to tempt a girl."
"I try." He leaned up and placed a kiss on her neck. His hand slid down to her thigh.
"Michael," she warned in a whisper. Her head looked toward the window making sure no one could see them.
"I can stop?" He asked.
Ella shook her head. Michael smiled against her neck, leaving kisses along the way.
"So dinner tonight?" He asked again. His hand crept inwards.
"Mmm…"
"Was that a yes, darling?" His lips ghosted along her neck.
"I… yes. A definite yes."
"Excellent." Michael turned her around so he could place a kiss on her lips. As his hand left her thigh, Ella managed to snap out of his trance. She was taken by surprise as his lips found its way onto hers.
"Mmm, wait… wait," she said.
Michael pulled away confused, "what's wrong?"
"I completely forgot you still needed to be observed by Chloe."
"I'm sure my brother can pretend to be me so he can have some alone time with Chloe."
Ella shook her head, "no can do. You and I already have plans for the night."
"I know we do. Dinner and then," he pulled her close. His eyebrows wiggled insinuating a night of fun.
"No," she chuckled, "game night with Chloe, Lucifer, and Trixie."
"Game night?" A frown melted his smile.
"It'll be fun, I promise." Ella's hand ran along Michael's right cheek. "I promise."
"Alright…" He mumbled.
"We still have tomorrow night," she whispered. "You haven't forgotten have you?"
"That we do." He puckered his lips and placed a kiss on her lips. "I suppose we could continue my gratitude on Saturday."
"Cheer up," Ella said. She fixed his hair and shot him a smile. "Tonight is going to be fun, just you watch."
"I'm holding your word to that. I don't think my brother is too thrilled with the events that unraveled today. It was just supposed to be them. Lucifer wanted to talk to Chloe about something."
"Like what?"
"Stuff about their relationship, I'm not entirely sure of the logistics," Michael lied.
"Oh… well maybe we can take Trixie off their hands for a little, so they could talk."
"Maybe…" He shook his head and placed a quick peck on Ella's lips. "Thank you for this," he motioned towards the information she had collected.
"You're welcome. I wish I could have given it to you this morning. It probably could have saved you some trouble."
"That's fine. I'm well aware of my father's mysterious ways. He might have wanted this to play out this way."
"Well then, I am glad he kept you safe during that car accident. You really dodged a bullet there."
"I promise I'll always be okay. You don't have to worry so much."
"But I want to." Her hand scraped against his afternoon scruff. When she noticed the white hair popping out of the black, she smiled. "On that note… I should probably get back to work."
Michael checked the time on his wrist watch. It was almost four in the evening. Ella had about two hours to go before she was allowed to leave. He nodded his head and released his hold of Ella. She stood up immediately and kissed the side of his head.
"I'd keep Chloe company. Maybe jot down some notes for her?" Ella offered.
"I can do that," Michael replied. He lifted himself out of the stool and corrected his jeans.
"See you in a few hours?"
"Of course." He leaned down and placed one last kiss on Ella's lips. "See you in a little."
He left Ella's side and retreated over to Chloe's desk. She didn't even bother lifting her head as she already knew who it was.
"Ella fill you in with tonight's plans?" Chloe asked.
"She has… Sorry about ruining yours and my brother's night." He looked around unsure where Lucifer was. "Speaking of the Devil… where is he?"
"He popped down to Hell to check on something for me."
"Like what?" Michael had himself a seat besides Chloe.
"He went to check and see if our victims were in Hell. I could use a new lead on the case."
"They wouldn't be in Hell. Ella told me your victims were innocents."
"I know… But Lucifer brought up a good point about them having a possible guilt lurking over their conscience. I have to take into account that one of them made it into Hell."
"And if they didn't?" Michael asked.
"Then I'm back to square one," she admitted. She pushed herself back into the chair, stumped on where to go next.
"Would you like me to go up to the Silver City and check for you?"
"You'd… you'd do that for me?" Chloe leaned over so no one else could hear their conversation.
"I've realized I made a mess out of today. It's the least I can do to make up for you getting stuck with me all day."
"How… How long do you think you'd be gone? I can't have you gone for half the day."
"I wouldn't," Michael clarified. "I'd give myself an hour. I just need the names and faces of your two victims. I'll ask them if they remember who killed them and report it back to you."
"I… I can't even express how thankful I am for you doing this Michael. Really."
"Well I wouldn't thank me just yet. They may not even be there after all."
"Right… But either way, thank you." She reached her hand out and gave Michael's hand a squeeze. Michael nodded his head. He stood up from his seat. Chloe did the same.
"Mind coming up with something so Ella doesn't think I up and left. I shouldn't be gone for more than an hour."
"I'll tell her you're being interviewed by Captain Urias' men. You don't have to worry."
"Okay…"
Chloe searched the folders on her desk and found the pictures of their latest victims. Michael looked over the women's photos. Once he got a good look at them, he placed the pictures in his back pocket.
"I'll bet I can return faster than my brother. Ten bucks on the board."
"Fifty," Chloe corrected.
"Well…" Michael lifted an eyebrow impressed, "fifty it is."
Michael looked around and waited for the cost to be clear. As soon as he had the opening, he took off in a blink of the eye. Chloe shook her head in disbelief. She had not even noticed his wings when Michael took off. She shook her head and plopped herself down on her chair.
Angels. I'm friends with angels now. I've officially entered a new stage in my life.