Switcheroo Day Part 2
Back at the precinct, the others were settling into their newly assigned jobs for the day. However, each of them were having trouble with the adjustments.
Being the assisting detective means Lucifer has to go back and forth throughout the entire precinct and assist the other detectives and unis with their cases. Making it three times the amount of work than what he usually does. (Which is nothing)
Ella was just itching to look into something that required a forensics touch, but unless they were needed for an active case that required going out into the field, Ella couldn't do much, except sit back and maybe help sort through a couple of case files with Dan.
Speaking of Dan, although he was quite pleased to have his original job back for the day, Dan was still left with tons of paperwork and responsibilities. Still, the highlight of his day was watching Lucifer struggle to do his job. Especially when he was the one giving Lucifer the hardworking tasks. In addition, with Ella by his side, this basically made him and her partners for the day.
As for Chloe and Maze, they were currently working in the lab together, struggling just as much as the others. Chloe was reading the forensics reports (while secretly looking up the words she couldn't understand on her phone), and Maze got frustrated over an "incident" that occurred when she tried sketching a suspect for a witness.
Maze: Ugh! Are all humans so whiney? I did what they asked. I drew them the stupid sketch of the stupid criminal they described and what do they do? They tell me it's wrong and then started screaming and running.
Chloe: (Seeing Maze's sketch) Uh, maybe that's because you drew it a little too… "graphically," Maze. (Translation; Maze drew the image so intensely that it scared away the witness. And slightly disturbed Chloe too)
Maze: Oh, whatever. Still, how does Joei put up with it? Being forced to listen to random people as they're trying to remember what some pitiful thug looked like. I mean, how does her job help anyone?
Chloe: Maze, Joei's job is about identifying criminals. She uses the information she gathers from a witnesses' description and if they're in the system, we can run her sketches through facial recognition.
Maze: That's what Joei does? Ugh, no wonder she wanted to switch jobs.
Chloe: Speaking of Joei, do you know where she is? I need to ask her something.
Maze: Well, last I checked, she got my job. And knowing Joei, she's probably out in the city, trying to catch bounties by saying please and thank you and hope they just willingly turn themselves in peacefully.
Chloe: Wait, what? Joei is hunting a bounty? All by herself?
Maze: Yeah, it surprised me too. I mean, 'sweet, angelic, and well-mannered Jophiel Dina' hunting down criminals… *Cackles* Even the mere thought is funny.
She wouldn't admit it, but much like the 'Ben Rivers case' that took Maze to Canada, Chloe was beginning to worry over Jophiel's safety and wellbeing. What was she to do? She couldn't run over to her desk and track her down because then she'd risk forfeiting the bet and it would also be a massive invasion of privacy. Leaving Chloe with only one simple option. Calling Jophiel and asking how she's doing. When Maze noticed this intention…
Maze: Oh, don't tell me you're going "Momma Decker" over Joei, are you?
Chloe: What, no. No, I just wanna call and check in. As her friend, I'm allowed to do that. I mean, there was no rule that said we couldn't call to check up on each other, right?
Meanwhile, Amenadiel arrived at the precinct in search for Jophiel. When she was nowhere to be found in the area, Amenadiel grew curious and decided to walk up and ask Lucifer as he continued to work at Dan's desk.
Amenadiel: Lucifer, have you seen Jophiel? I need to… What are you doing at Dan's desk?
Lucifer: Oh, didn't you hear? It's switcheroo day.
Amenadiel: It's what?
Lucifer: *Sighs* It was Joei's idea. We're partaking in this bet to see who can do the other persons job better. As of today I have Daniel's, Daniel has the Detective's, the Detective has Miss Lopez's and Miss Lopez has my job. And as for your previous question, no, I haven't seen Joei. But I'm guessing, since I noticed Maze is currently working in the lab with the Detective, so I assume this means she and Joei are doing each other's job.
Amenadiel: So, what I'm hearing is, is that our younger sister is currently out in the city, all by herself, tracking down dangerous criminals just to win a bet.
Lucifer: That's one way of looking at it, yes.
Amenadiel: Luci, we need to find her. She could be in danger.
Lucifer: Relax, brother. I wouldn't worry about it too much about it. Jophiel is immortal and she's lasted this long on Earth so I'm sure she can handle tracking down one measly bounty.
Amenadiel: That's not the point, Luci. You may be my test, but it is still my responsibility to watch over my siblings who've chosen to remain here on Earth. That includes you and Jophiel. Therefore, we must find her now before she's put in harm's way.
Lucifer: Okay, what's brought this on, Amenadiel? We both know Jophiel can handle herself in the 'big bad world,' so why the sudden urgency to find her? What's this really about?
Amenadiel: It's just… There's just an important matter I need to discuss with her and it's crucial that I find her right away.
Lucifer: Well, from the looks of things, you're going have to wait. If you want, you can sit here and help me with all these case files. I could use a break anyway. I feel like I've been working non-stop for hours. What time is it anyway?
Amenadiel: It's almost 11 'o clock.
Lucifer: It is? It's only been two hours? Ugh, even time in Hell moves faster than this. How does Daniel endure it all?
Amenadiel: Well, since you're so exhausted, why don't you just take a break and help me track down our sister.
Lucifer: Sounds tempting. But beforehand, why don't you try using your phone and calling her first. You do know how a phone works, right?
Following Lucifer's advice, Amenadiel took out his phone and began dialling Jophiel's number. Unaware that both he and Chloe were calling her at the sametime.
By then, Jophiel and Buster had already finished making their "little pit stop" and were currently relocating to a new hiding spot for Buster's car. It took place in an empty corner around an alleyway and before moving forward, Buster began grabbing piles of cardboard and other pieces of junk in order to hide his car.
Jophiel: Really?
Buster: What? They can't boot or tow your car if they can't find it first.
Jophiel: Oh, Buster McGuire, you haven't changed a bit.
Buster: Thank you. So, ugh, what now?
Jophiel: Well, we are going to pay your best customer Matthew Davis a little visit. Hopefully, we can convince him to cooperate, turn on his dealer, build a case and then bring down an illegal narcotics ring. Thus clearing you of any unwanted debt.
Buster: And this plan of yours won't risk the possibility of me getting, well… 'Deported?'
Jophiel: Well, maybe if you hadn't gotten yourself into this situation in the first place, then your immigration status wouldn't be at risk, now would it? Now, Matthew Davis, how far away is he from here?
Buster: Uh… maybe at least seven blocks.
Jophiel: Great. Then let's… (Gets interrupted by the sound her phone ringing and sees that it's Amenadiel calling) Hold on a second. *Answering" Hey, wasn't expecting to hear from you, brother. How's it going?
Amenadiel: It's going fine. So, Luci tells me you're currently hunting bounties today. How's that going?
Jophiel: It's going fine. In fact, I'm with my bounty right now.
Amenadiel: Wait, you found him already?
Lucifer: (Overhearing the conversation) Well, I'll be. Jophiel actually caught herself a bounty. I'm actually impressed. Well done, Little Sister.
Amenadiel: *Sighs* Where are you? I need to discuss something with you right away, Jophiel.
Jophiel: (Before responding, she receives another phone-call) Hold on, Amenadiel, I'm getting another call. (Holds on Amenadiel before answering the second caller) Hello?
Chloe: Hey, Joei, it's me. I just thought I'd call and check in. So… how's it going? Maze told me you got her job for the day. You don't need any help, do you?
Jophiel: No, there's no need for help here. As I was just telling Amenadiel, I've already found my bounty. He's right here with me.
Chloe: Wow. So, you're with your bounty? Right now. At this very second.
Jophiel: Yep. Impressive, huh?
Chloe: Yeah. "Impressive." So, uh… are you on your way back to bring him in?
Jophiel: Oh, yeah, we'll be there soon. We just need to stop by this flat and see someone about a sensitive topic beforehand. See you back at the precinct. Gotta go, Amenadiel's still on the other line.
Chloe: No, no. Joei, wait…! (The phone-call already ends)
Jophiel: (Back with Amenadiel) Hey, thanks for waiting, brother, but I'm afraid we'll have to talk later. There's somewhere I need to be at the moment. (Hangs up before Amenadiel has a chance to respond)
In the aftermath of that "interesting" phone-call with Jophiel, Amenadiel was preparing to leave to go and find her by himself when…
Lucifer: Where are you off to in such a hurry, Brother?
Amenadiel: I'm going out there to find our sister, Luci. I need to find her before she puts herself in grave danger.
Lucifer: *Chuckles* Okay, now you're just being ridiculous. Amenadiel, this is Jophiel we're talking about. She's walked the Earth longer than either of us have. She's also the dull and sensible one, remember? Honestly, what could she of all people possibility get herself get into?
(City Overview Song: BORN READY by ZAYDE WOLF)
The answer to that very question came to be when Jophiel and Buster finally arrived at Mathew Davis' apartment building. They entered the building, made their way up to the fourth floor and walked through the corridors until they came across apartment 4D.
# When they reached the door, all we could be hear from inside was music playing from a radio. It wasn't loud enough for any of the neighbours to complain about, so why wasn't Mathew answering the door?
Sensing a disturbance and unwilling to wait for someone to open the door, Jophiel took it upon herself to use what Ella taught her and picked the lock. Once opened, Jophiel and Buster entered the flat. However, upon entering, they had the displeasure of inhaling a disgusting odour. Before walking further to find the source, Jophiel reached to her upper thigh and pulled out a tazer she had secretly strapped.
# Don't worry. I've had a permit for the last two years.
They proceeded to walk further, continued to follow the foul stench until it led them to the now deceased Mathew Davis lying on the floor! Based on the temperature and lividity, Jophiel confirmed that Matthew had been dead for at least 72 hours. His cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the chest.
As for Buster, unlike Jophiel, he was not used to the sight of corpses. So by instinct, he slyly excused himself before running out of the room and screaming like a girl. Moreover, with her bounty hunt now turned into a homicide, Jophiel took out her phone and called in the group.
By the time they arrived at the scene, they began their newly assigned tasks in honour of switcheroo day. Chloe was the one taking pictures of the body (While wearing Ella's forensics windbreaker) with Maze standing by her side (While also wearing Jophiel's forensics cap), Lucifer was gathering information from the residents of the building, Dan and Ella got to observe the process, leaving Jophiel to stand on the sidelines.
Maze: I can't believe you called the cops, Joei. You're supposed to be me for the day and you're already screwing it up. Although… (Seeing Jophiel's currant attire) I do approve of the new look you went for.
Jophiel: First off, I am only doing your job, I am not actually trying to be you, secondly, I haven't screwed anything up, and thirdly, there is a decomposing body on the floor! How could I not call this in? Oh, and also, thank you for complimenting my look.
Chloe: Well, you did the right thing, Joei. So, Ella, what do we got? (Jophiel *Clears throat*) Oh, right. I'm supposed to know this. Force of habit. Okay then, I'll just take a look at the body then. (Takes a closer look at the body and begins taking pictures)
Jophiel: (Noticing Maze is just standing around doing nothing) Uh, why aren't taking notes, Maze?
Maze: What?
Jophiel: Well, that's what you do at a crime-scene. You take notes and see if there's anything significant to be acknowledged later.
Maze: Seriously?
Jophiel: Seriously. Surly you can handle this part. After all, this isn't as hard or important as being bounty hunter, right?
Wanting to prove so, Maze began taking notes of the situation. As for the crime-scene itself, it didn't seem like a robbery gone wrong because nothing was taken. However, after a careful examination, Chloe confirmed that the victim was under the influence of cannabis when he died because his eyes were red and his pupils were dilated. In addition, there was a bong and pieces of cannabis left on the coffee-table.
Elsewhere, Lucifer was having trouble finding out what exactly he was supposed to do. Leaving him to turn to Dan and asking him…
Lucifer: Oh, sorry, Daniel. But what exactly is it that you do?
Dan: Seriously? You have no idea what I do everyday?
Lucifer: Well, to be fair, I don't really pay attention to what you do.
Dan: Just… go talk to the landlord or any of the neighbours and see what you can lean about the dead guy here. Can you do that, Lucifer?
Obeying Dan's orders for a change, Lucifer left the room to interview the neighbours and landlord while the others continued searching the flat. Not a moment later, Buster finally returned after running out of the room screaming out of pure shock. Upon returning…
Buster: I'm back, I'm back. Just needed a moment to catch my breath.
Jophiel: Given the amount girly screams you let out from your lungs, I'd agree.
Buster: I wasn't screaming. I was… calling for help. You know, because we just found a dead body. A gross decomposing body with a bleeding hole in his chest… *Feeling nauseous* Excuse me. (Excuses himself from the room)
Maze: Okay, who the hell is that?
Jophiel: That is my currant bounty, Buster. Buster McGuire.
Maze: This is who you chose to be your bounty? *Chuckles* Man, you really know how to pick them, Jo. What's he's been charged with? Being unable to keep his stomach and dignity in tacked.
Jophiel: No… Multiple unpaid parking tickets.
Overhearing this exchange between the girls while continuing to examine the body, Chloe was secretly relieved to hear that Jophiel took on such a simple bounty. One with no tendency's for violence and who clearly didn't pose a threat to Jophiel's wellbeing. That is until Jophiel announced…
Jophiel: And for your information, Mr McGuire and I happen to know each other quite well. We go way back. All the way from Ireland to be exact.
Maze: And now… you're hunting him? That must've been quite the reunion.
Jophiel: It was, especially when we were nearly followed by two shady men earlier.
Chloe: Wait, hold on. You two were followed? By who?
Jophiel: 'Nearly' followed. And I don't know who exactly, but I'll run a description for ye when we get back to the precinct. Which will be your job to sketch and run through facial recognition, Maze.
Chloe: Okay. Let's finish the sweep, bag all the evidence including that bong and then we'll head back the precinct.
Jophiel: Uh, Chloe… I believe Dan is one's who supposed to be giving the orders. After all he is the leading detective for the day.
Chloe: … Right. Dan, we do you suggest we do?
Dan: Uh… We'll do exactly what Chloe suggested. We'll gather up all the evidence and then head back at the precinct. (Seeing Buster entering the room again, looking less nauseated) And as for you, Mr McGuire, because you are now witness, we're going to need a statement from you so you'll have to come with us.
Buster: Really? Oh, well, sure. But, uh… If it's alright with ye, I'd prefer it if Joei… I mean, Miss Dina, brings me back to the station. I'd feel a lot more safer.
Lucifer: You'd feel more safer with the woman who was sent to hunt you? Well, then it's true. Some humans do have the strangest tastes.
Buster: (Realizing exactly who he was talking to) You must be Joei's big brother, Lucifer. Nice to finally meet you, I'm Buster.
Lucifer: Buster? *Chuckles* Your name is Buster? * Oomph's from being elbowed in the stomach by Jophiel*
Jophiel: Luci, adults are talking here. And as for your previous request, Mr McGuire, of course I'll be escorting you back to the station. You are my bounty after all. Come on then. Let's get you out of here before you decide to pass out from seeing the body. (Begins escorting Buster out of the facility, leaving the others to finish the crime-scene)
Soon enough, the group returned to the precinct to review the evidence they uncovered thus far. From what they could gather, Matthew Davis was shot by a 9mm. Since it was both a common and unregistered weapon, it made it tricky to find it's owner.
Luckily, they still had a link to help them identify the possible shooter. Buster McGuire himself. He was currently sitting in the interrogation room, nervously awaiting to be interviewed. Beforehand, Jophiel went in to check on him and discuss his plan of approach because given his immigration status, Buster was more than anxious about being questioned by police officers.
Which is why Jophiel came in to insure her dear friend that the police officers she's associated with are only interested in the murder, not his immigration status. Hoping it'll help keep him calm enough throughout the interview.
Jophiel: Buster, you're going to be fine. They just want to ask you some questions about the murder.
Buster: Yeah, but what's the likelihood of it backfiring and then… boom! They find out I'm a foreigner with a criminal record and I'm going down for murder. I'm screwed for sure!
Jophiel: Buster, that's not going to happen because I won't let it. Look, if it'll help, I'll try to convince the others to let me sit in with you.
Buster: Alright. But just so you know, I won't being saying a single word unless I see you in this very room again.
Jophiel: Agreed. (She and Buster shake hands to show agreement to this arrangement)
By the time Jophiel fished talking to Buster, she exited from the interrogation room, only to be caught by the rest of the group. Chloe saw her entering the room earlier and wanting to know the reason why, she alerted the others and when they began asking questions...
Jophiel: Look, Buster was freaking out so I calmed him down.
Lucifer: You seem to have a very close connection with this boy, little sister? Why is that?
Jophiel: Uh, because he doesn't have the highest opinion of police officers. Which is why I think you should let me to talk with him. I know Buster better than everyone and I'm the only one he trusts. Plus, he says not speaking to anyone unless I'm in the same room as him. But it's still your call either way. (Slyly leans against the wall with her arms crossed knowing the likely response to her offer)
Of course, Chloe and Dan were sceptical about Jophiel's offer because she clearly had a personal affection for Buster. Which would create a conflict of interest in the case. However, due to his terms, they may require Jophiel's assistance in order to gain Buster's cooperation in the case. Therefore, they allowed her to sit in with Buster.
In addition, due to the circumstances regarding the bet, the person who would be doing the questioning with Jophiel was Dan. Once inside, the two sat across from Buster and began asking him the basic questions about the murder and his relationship with victim.
From Buster's point of view, he didn't have a personal relationship with Matthew Davis. It was a mere acquaintance between a delivery boy and his best paying customer. Besides, Buster highly doubted if Matthew actually knew him because he was high nearly everytime Buster came to deliver his pastries. Moving on, in order to exclude Buster as a suspect, they needed his alibi. When asked where he was three days…
Buster: Depends… what day was it three days ago?
Jophiel: Saturday.
Buster: Oh, Saturday. Oh, yeah, I was out on a date with a girl. Yeah, we went out to this great pub on Fairfax Avenue. I believe it was called, uh… Molly Malone's!
Jophiel: You took your date to a pub?
Buster: What? They had food and live music. We ate, we, danced, we had a few drinks and then had a little "sleepover" together at her place afterwards. Preciously in that order. I'd say we had a blast.
Dan: And can your date vouch for your whereabouts that night?
Buster: I should think so. I did say we had a blast, right?
Jophiel: Well, if that's the case, we're going to need her name and number and if your alibi checks out, you'll be free to go.
Buster: Yes! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you…
Dan: Now hold on a sec… Before getting to that part, what were two doing at the victim's apartment in the first place?
Buster: Uh… Didn't Joei already tell you that part?
Dan: She did, but I'd like to know exactly why you were there. You clearly weren't delivering any pastries because you weren't carrying any, and I looked into your delivery route and it says here that Matthew Davis' address was never on it. Yet, you claimed that you went to see him over a dozen times. Care to explain?
Buster: Well, uh, uh… well, it's uh… *Begins to sweat nervously* Is it hot in here?
# Uh-oh, Buster was beginning to panic sweat. When he gets really nervous or tries to lie (which he can't do), he sweats. A lot. It gets especially bad when he starts sweating through his clothes. Which is why beforehand, I convinced him to tell Dan the truth about the man who's been blackmailing him and those two men who were clearly sent after him.
Following Jophiel's suggestion, Buster slowly began to calm down, stopped sweating and finally told the story of the mysterious man he witnessed delivering weed to the victim just moments before Buster bumped into him and the dealer began blackmailing him.
Although Buster couldn't remember the full name of his blackmailer, he did know his name was Max. He was at least 5'8, tanned skinned, he also had long dark blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail, along with a beard and was last seen wearing a beanie, a red t-shirt, worn out jeans and a brown waistcoat with matching sandals.
Using this description, Lucifer was the one who looked into it on the criminal database. Soon enough, Lucifer found at least five matches. When showed to Buster, he confirmed one in particular as the man he saw. Maximus 'Max' Martinez.
From what they could gather, Max had an arrest record for selling illegal narcotics and was also a well-known degenerate gambler. Which explains his reasons for wanting to extort money from Buster. To likely waste it away on poker games or to pay off his own debts.
As for the two men who attempted to chase them earlier, Jophiel gave the group her description of those very men.
# Once I gave them a description, we were able to identify those two men. The bald one we identified him as Matt Duncan. As for his partner, we also identified him as Paul Hernandez. Both have criminal records for extortion, assault, and apparently they work for this drug lord named Gavin Turk. That's not all, Chloe and Dan have had the pleasure of encountering Turk's "associates." They've been booked more than enough times for Chloe and Dan to know exactly who they are, who they work for and what they're capable of.
Duncan and Hernandez work for a drug lord named Gavin Turk, who also happens to run one of the most notorious ring in the city. For the last three years the LAPD have been building a case against them and trying to bring down the whole operation, but alas, they've been unsuccessful. However, with Jophiel and Buster as key witnesses, they could link Matthew's murder to Turk and it could be the key to finally bringing down his entire organization.
Beforehand, Jophiel went over to the kitchen area and was making herself a cup of tea and a sandwich when she was suddenly approached by Maze who seemed rather curious about her "fondness" for Buster. Obviously, this involved asking Jophiel about her sex life.
Maze: Hey, Jo.
Jophiel: Hey, Maze. I'm making tea, do you want any?
Maze: Oh, god, no. No, but I am curious if you're, you know… "making tea" for Buster.
Jophiel: Nope, I already checked, he's fine for now.
Maze: Uh-huh, and how often do you "make tea" for Buster when he "really, really" wants it?
Jophiel: Alright, Maze, we both know you couldn't care less about tea, also knowing you and given the fact that you have the sex drive of a dude, this is clearly some kind of inappropriate sex question. So, out with it. What are you trying to ask me?
Maze: Fine. Have you and Buster ever boned?
Jophiel: No.
Maze: Seriously?
Jophiel: Buster and I are just friends.
Maze: Friends can have sex too, you know.
Jophiel: Yeah, but Buster and I don't.
Maze: Oh, come on, are you really saying that you and this Buster guy haven't thought about "getting lucky for a pot of gold?"
Jophiel: No, what is wrong with you, Maze?
Maze: I'm just saying, if you don't swipe your v-card soon, it's going to get pretty thin and dry down there.
Jophiel: Not that it's any of your business, Maze, my v-card has been sweeped since 1526. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to get my tea and sandwich before we head over the conference room.
Maze: We?
Jophiel: Yeah, we're all meeting to discuss the case. And as the forensics artist, you have to partake as well.
In the conference room, the group had gathered to discuss the case. When Dan suggested they have Buster testify. During the meeting, Chloe couldn't help but ask herself why Jophiel is so concerned about Buster's wellbeing. Considering the fact that Jophiel openly asked…
Jophiel: So what's going to happen to Buster?
Dan: Well, if he encountered the killer then maybe we can convince him to testify against him.
Jophiel: No, no, no. You can't ask Buster to testify.
Dan: Why not?
Jophiel: *Sighs* …Buster is undocumented. He's been a refugee for the last few years and has been struggling to get a green-card. That's why he didn't attend traffic court the other day. He was worried someone would find out.
Dan: Joei, he's our only key witness so far.
Jophiel: Well, I'm sorry but we cannot let him testify.
Chloe: But we'll lose the case.
Jophiel: And I'll lose Buster because I'll risk him getting deported.
Dan: Well, what are we supposed to do then? Buster is our only key witness.
Jophiel: I'm sorry, but I'm not going risk my friend getting deported.
Because Buster was unable to testify, the group were left with the alternative. Finding hard-core evidence. The pressure was officially on. Luckily, they had a start that involved Max Martinez.
Dear Readers, for those of you who have favoured my channel and stories, I hope you're enjoying what I've written thus far because I have some news to tell you. On the 15th of September I will be leaving for a family holiday in Australia! I'll be gone for at least five weeks, so I won't be able to write or upload any stories until I return.
