Switcheroo Day Part 4
As the group in Dan's car continued to wait, Ella decided to step in and acknowledge what she learned about Jophiel earlier that day. Hoping it would pass the time and help her learn more about her partner/best friend who is filled with more surprises than expected.
Jophiel: Sorry this isn't a little more exciting for you, Ella?
Ella: Are you kidding? I'm on a stakeout and helping take down a drug-ring. And the best part is, this will totally give us all a chance to know each other better. So, Jo, uh… Lucifer mentioned that you used to be a military photographer.
Jophiel: Oh, Lucifer told you about that?
Ella: it's true?
Jophiel: Yeah. But I was stationed overseas for only 18 months, so it's no big deal.
Ella: No a big deal? Joei, you were in Iraq taking pictures of war as they were happening. Surely you have some stories about that experience.
Jophiel: Well, it was quite the experience. And because I'm short I was able to take important pictures from certain angles. Some of my pictures are probably still in an art gallery somewhere in the UK.
Ella: Whoa, for real?
Jophiel: I'd should think so. Considering they were still there from the last time I visited the UK. Which was maybe… six months before I came out to LA.
Dan: Well, where you living till then?
Jophiel: Nowhere. I was traveling mostly and visiting some old friends.
Ella: So, up until the day we met you were still traveling the world?
Jophiel: Yep. And part of the reason I came out here to LA was so I could check up on this one here. (Referring to Buster) Making sure he was staying out of trouble and maintaining a job.
Buster: Hey, I don't always get into the trouble. Assuming you don't count this situation.
Dan: Mind me asking, how did you guys end up meeting in the first place?
Jophiel: Oh, we met in Ireland, where I stumbled upon this old pub in Finglas to grab a drink, and guess who happened to be working there at the time?
Buster: It was my. My family owned the pub and they gave me a job as a bartender. I was pretty good at it too. Well, minus the three bottles that broke because that slipped out of my hands. Anyway, I was working at the time when Joei first came in then one thing led other and we've been friends since. Isn't that right, Jo?
Meanwhile in the other car, Lucifer and Maze were sitting with Chloe in her car, also watching the building. Well, Chloe was, Maze was listening to her music and Lucifer was texting one of his flings. Although, in between watches, Chloe was secretly glancing at Dan's car, wondering what they were talking about over there. Especially since, they were currently sitting with a criminal who probably murdered his own mother. But without any evidence she couldn't prove this.
In addition, It didn't take long for Lucifer to notice her simultaneous glancing and then question her about it.
Lucifer: You seem distracted, Detective. Which is troubling because that's normally my occupation. What's up?
Chloe: What? Nothing. Nothing, I'm just checking the building from any movement.
Lucifer: Oh, come now, Detective, surly there most be something on your mind. One minute you're staring at the building, the next your staring at Daniel's car. Why?
Chloe: Since when have you become more observant?
Lucifer: I asked you first.
Chloe: *Sighs before finally deciding to come forward* Okay. I will you tell you, but you have to promise not tell your sister.
Lucifer: Oh, I like where this is going already. Proceed.
Chloe: I may have looked into Buster earlier.
Lucifer: Detective…
Chloe: I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. I just wanted to know what his deal is. You know, making sure he says who he says he is and he wasn't taking advantage of Joei.
Lucifer: And is he? Is he who he says is and is he taking advantage of Jophiel?
Chloe: I'm not entirely sure yet. But, Lucifer, there's something off with this guy. Did you know Buster is an ex-con who was reported missing 8 years ago. His family still have no idea where he is. Why do you think that is? I mean, did he commit a crime that was so bad; he had to leave the whole country of Ireland. And if Joei was involved, that would make her an accomplice and if that's true then I'd have to arrest her.
Lucifer: Well, that sounds a little excessive.
Chloe: Lucifer, as we speak, our friends are sitting in that car with a possibly dangerous criminal.
Lucifer: *Chuckles* Are you serious, Detective? Did you not see the look on Buster's face when he saw Matthew Davis' body. I thought he was going to pass out then and there. Does that sound like the usual response of a low-life criminal with dangerous tendencies? Besides, you seem to be forgetting that this situation involves Jophiel Dina. And didn't she mention that she once saved that young man's life. So whatever was going on, she must've had a good reason for bringing him here to America.
Chloe: Like what?
Lucifer: Well, you can either build a case and figure it out for yourself, or you can simply ask Jophiel herself. I'm sure she'll provide you with some answers.
In that moment, Chloe was left to question her previous suspicions about Buster. Yet, was still boggling her was the wondering question… 'If Buster wasn't involved with his mother's death then why did he run?' But she'd never know unless she simply asked Jophiel.
Before developing a new theory, Chloe was soon drawn the large white truck that drove up to the old building and then reversed a few feet near the front entrance. In each car, Chloe and Dan pulled out their walkie-talkie and communicated.
Chloe: You guys seeing this?
Dan: Yeah. Question is what are they dropping in?
The answer to that question came to be when the group witnessed a shady group of men opening the back and pulling out some sort of cargo in wooden crates. As luck would have it, one of the men opened the crate to check and see what was inside. Even from a distance, the group knew that this was indeed a drug deal in process. With that being so, Chloe and Dan called for backup and briefly awaited their arrival.
By the time backup arrived, the group (minus Buster) Placed on their bullet vests and prepared to ambush the dealing. Before rushing into building, Buster couldn't help but ask…
Buster: Hey, Joei, would you think less of me if I said I wanted to stay in the car and avoid the gunfire?
Jophiel: No.
Buster: Great thanks. (Sits back and relaxes)
While Buster remained in the car, the others raided the warehouse, arrested several of Turk's men, but Turk himself was able to escape through the back. Luckily, Jophiel went the opposite direction at great speed and by the time she caught up with him, Turk attempted to pull his gun on her, but using her fighting skills, Jophiel easily countered and overpowered him. She even finished him off by head-butting him.
In addition, Chloe, Lucifer, Dan, Ella and Maze were able to witness Jophiel fearlessly running towards Turk, using the fighting techniques she claimed to have known, and officially confirming it when she took him down.
# Never underestimate the knowledge and skills you've learned from your teachers. Especially from the ones who graciously teach how to beat someone's arse.
Ella: Whoa, two takedowns in one day! Way to go, Joei!
Jophiel: Great, thanks. Now, can one of you please pass me the handcuffs?
In the aftermath of the raid, Turk, his men and the two men who stalked Jophiel and Buster earlier were brought into custody. With all the drugs the LAPD recovered, their connection to the Matthew Davis' murder and the attempted murder on Max, Turk and him men would soon be brought to justice. Regardless of Turk's request for a lawyer present.
However, when Dan and Lucifer stepped in to interrogate Turk, they learned something that would exclude one of the charges against him! At first, Turk attempted to deny his involvement with the murder of Matthew Davis and the attempted murder on Max, but then Lucifer stepped in and used his on mojo on Turk in order to get the truth out of him. (Unaware he had broken the rules of the bet!) Anyway, once entranced, Turk confessed…
Turk: I want that bastard, Max to pay back every ounce of cash he owes me.
He then openly admitted to threatening Max because he was massively in debt with Turk and was still refusing pay him. Which meant, he would've had motive to have his henchmen brake into Max's apartment and attack him to send some kind of warning. Except they couldn't have been the ones to attack Max because both Turk and his men had a solid alibi.
As for Matthew Davis, the group looked into it and discovered that he no connection to Turk at all. In addition, they also discovered the gun that was used killed Mathew wasn't a match to Turk's or anyone associated with him.
From observation, Jophiel and Chloe looked to each and asked themselves. 'If none of them attacked Max in his apartment, then who did? And if Turk had no connection to Matthew, then why was he killed?'
Needing answers, Jophiel decided to exit the room, look for Buster and ask him what else he knows regarding the investigation. Beforehand, Chloe followed after her, wanting to have discussion with Jophiel. A discussion that would reveal all the questions Chloe's been asking herself throughout the case.
Chloe: Hey, Joei, what are you exactly going to ask Buster?
Jophiel: Simply, what he knows about our two victims. Maybe he remembers something we missed.
Chloe: Yeah, maybe? Although, how much do you think he knows?
Jophiel: What are you trying to say here?
Chloe: Well, I mean, we already knows he has an alibi for Mathew Davis' murder, but does he have one for the attack on Max Martinez?
Jophiel: Wait, you can't be insinuating that Buster…
Chloe: Attacked the man who was extorting money from him, yes, I am. I mean, it's an understandable motive and I'm sure any jury would sympathise with that. Maybe even give him a reduced sentenced. But I doubt you could see that, Joei, because you're too close Buster.
Jophiel: (Before responding, she grabs Chloe by the arm and drags into an empty interrogation room so they could speak privately) Alright, I'll admit it, I get a little protective when it comes to Buster because he's one of my dearest friends. But here's what you need to know, regardless of what you might think of him, I've known Buster for a long time now and know for a fact, he's not capable of hurting anyone.
Chloe: Okay, now you're just proving my point…
Jophiel: Hey, hey, still talking here! You saw how he reacted when he saw the body earlier. He could barely keep his own yak in. And I know for a fact, he didn't attack Max.
Chloe: And how could you possibility know that?
Jophiel: Because as we speak, Max Martinez is currently lying in a hospital bed, and if I hadn't gotten there in time, he would've already been dead. And it couldn't have been Buster because he was here the whole the time. So, the precinct is his alibi for that one. And anyway, what exactly has brought this on? Why are you trying to build a case against Buster?
Chloe: What, nothing. I just wanna make sure you weren't letting your emotions get in the way of this investigation. Especially given your friend's history as an ex-con with a record for thievery.
Jophiel: Oh, so that's what this is all about. You looked into Buster's history, didn't you?
Chloe: Well, I'm sorry, Joei, but I couldn't help it. I just had make sure Buster wasn't some con-man taking advantage of you or making you an accomplice to one of his crimes.
Jophiel: Well, I can assure you Buster is no con-man.
Chloe: No, but he is thief and I figured you're the one who brought him out here less than a week after his own mother died from supposedly accidently falling down the stairs.
Jophiel: Chloe, Buster had nothing to do with his mother's death.
Chloe: How do know that? How do know he didn't lie to you? How do you know he didn't kill his mother and then got you to help him evade the charges.
Jophiel: Because he told me exactly what happened that night and he would never lie to me.
# And with that, I told Chloe the full story. On the night Buster's mother died, he showed up at my flat in the middle of night, he was all sweaty and shaky because he witnessed what truly happened to her. His mother falling down the stairs wasn't an accident… she was pushed. By Buster's scary older brother Scab.
Around the time it happened, she found out Scab was selling drugs in their neighbourhood, so she brought him back to their house and confronted him. There was yelling, intense shouting, Buster could hear the whole argument from downstairs and before he had a chance to step in and help… Buster heard a scream, a loud crash and then a thump from the bottom of the stairs. And to his horror… Buster found his mother lying lifeless on the floor and his brother staring down at the body!
Utterly terrified by what he had seen, Buster bolted out of the house and rushed over to Jophiel's, hoping she'd give him sanctuary, comfort him and keep him safe from his murderous brother.
# When he told me what happened, I told Buster to go to the police, but before I could even pick up the phone, these two men who were sent in by Scab came in banging on the door, demanding for Buster. But I wouldn't let them. So I flew us both out the window and got away. Which is also how Buster found out I was an Angel. Although, Chloe didn't need to know about that last part. Anyway, just as I was halfway done, Chloe stopped me to ask…
Chloe: Well, why else would you risk bringing him all the way out here, unless… Unless, you were trying to keep him away from his brother.
Jophiel: Yeah. And the reason Buster's family reported him missing was because he didn't want anyone to know where he was going. He was worried Scab would hurt them for information, and once Buster's disappearance was reported, Scab would think the family knew nothing. Which they don't. So, both them and Buster were safe from Scab.
By then, Jophiel had already reached out to a friend who provided her with a fake passport for Buster and soon enough they were on the first flight to America where Buster could start over and build a better life for himself. And he's remained here ever since. In addition, whenever Jophiel came to Los-Angeles during her worldly travels, she'd stop by to check on Buster to insure he remained safe and provided.
Once Jophiel concluded the story, Chloe stood astonished by the lengths Jophiel went through just to project a friend. She also came to realize just how quick she came to judging Buster and Jophiel. For automatically assuming that because Buster is an ex-con, it meant he was capable of committing all the worst crimes including murder. And thinking Jophiel was some kind of accomplice. Leaving Chloe feeling foolish for not simply asking Jophiel that much sooner.
Moreover, after telling Chloe the story, Jophiel exited the interrogation room, approached Buster at Dan's desk and then asked him about what he knew about Matthew. When asked…
Buster: Nothing really. He was one of my regulars. Although, he was a massive cheapskate. The amount he tipped me was barely enough for three pastries. Which is strange because he was actually loaded.
Chloe: What do mean he was loaded?
Buster: When I delivered to him last, he was already high as a kite, and he was droning on and on about how he recently got a major promotion at his job. I'm not sure what he did for a living, but it certainly paid a lot. Although, it would've been nice if he had given me a little taste that doe.
Jophiel: Do you think he told Max about his recent promotion?
Buster: Well, he did seem pretty excited about it, so who wouldn't he tell.
In that moment, the wheels in Jophiel's continued to turn until… she figured it. Between everything she and the group uncovered throughout the entire case, she figured the one person who was at the centre of it all. However, in order to confirm her suspicions, she reached for her phone, called her friend from the hospital and requested the current status on Max Martinez. Only to discover… Max woke up less than a couple of hours and then checked himself out soon after! Proving exactly what Jophiel now knew. That Max Martinez is at the centre of the entire investigation.
By the time Max finally arrived back to his apartment, wearing a large bandage around his head, he then turned on the light and to his surprise… saw Jophiel pulling a Lucifer by nonchalantly sitting in a chair waiting for him with a drink her in hand.
Jophiel: Hello, Max. You seem to be recovering well from your recent attack earlier today.
Max: (Seeing Jophiel in his chair) Who are you? How'd you get in here?
Jophiel: Well, I guess it would be hard for an unconscious victim to remember seeing his survivor. You know, given the amount of trauma he's already endured. I'm the one who found you here and brought you to the hospital.
Max: Oh, yeah. Oh, god, yeah, thank you so much. You may have saved my life. I'm very grateful for that, Ma'am. But I think you should leave.
Jophiel: Why? Is it because you're too modest about having a woman's present or perhaps, is it because you're worried what I might find in this flat? Like proof that you killed Matthew Davis and then faked an attack on yourself in order to point the finger at Turk. I mean, I have to ask, how long did you wait for me to turn up at your flat before you knocking yourself out?
Max: Alright, listen here, I don't know who you or what you're accusing me of, but you need to leave right now or else… (Reaches into a draw only to find it empty)
Jophiel: Looking for this? (Showing his gun in one hand and a packet of bullets in the other before settling them down) Had a little time to spare. Oh, don't worry, I already got warrant, so i'm not technically trespassing here. Now, what's the likelihood of matching the ballistics from this gun to the one that killed Matthew Davis?
Max: I don't even know a guy named Matthew Davis.
Jophiel: Actually, you do. He was one your regular customers even though he was a well known cheapskate. Even with his recent promotion.
Before Max could have a chance explain himself, Jophiel called him out. Because Max is a degenerate gambler, he was in debt with the wrong set of people. Specifically with Gavin Turk. He wanted money from Max, but he didn't have any, so he started extorting money from Buster, but Max couldn't resist the opportunity to double the money and bet it all.
Jophiel: You gave into temptation and you gambled it all way. Leaving you further in debt with Turk. Until you found out about Matthew's recent promotion and demanded money from him. So you killed him when he refused. Now how should we go about this? You can either come with me to the police precinct peacefully or you can resist and allow my friends to do the rest.
Max: What friends?
The friends she was referring to were the ones who stood outside, awaiting to arrest Max for his crimes. Once they made their presence known, Dan did the honours of arresting Max and passing him on to a couple of unis before they all returned to the precinct.
When Buster saw the man who extorted money from him being escorted down to the holding cells, Buster stood with a great sense of relief because he was now free of him. However, Buster relief was cut short when he received a phone call from his boss at the bakery. And he did not sound happy considering he was yelling at Buster through the phone. In addition, Jophiel stood beside Buster, listening in on the boss' outburst.
Jophiel: Ugh, Buster, maybe you should turn off your speakerphone?
Buster: I would, but it's not on speakerphone. It's my boss. (By the time his boss finally ends the call) Well, I got some good and I got some bad news.
Jophiel: What's the bad news?
Buster: Well, even though I was proven not guilty of murder or dealing drugs, I'm still got fired for making off-course deliveries. That and my boss found out that I've been leaving the door unlocked, taking naps in the storage room, eating the one or two of the cupcakes without paying…
Jophiel: You're fired, I got it. Sorry, Buster.
Buster: Meh, it's fine. Still, what am I going to do? I'm jobless and I'm broke. No to mention, I still have multiple unpaid parking tickets, which means I'm going to jail and then eventually getting deported back to Ireland.
Jophiel: Actually, I don't think you'll be going back to Ireland anytime soon.
Buster: What do you mean?
Jophiel: I have a friend in the DA's office and she'll try to convince the jury to drop a couple of the charges against you…
Buster: Really? Oh, god, thank you, Joei! You're the best! (Openly gives Jophiel a bear hug)
Jophiel: Now, now, hang on. There are however a couple of conditions that you will need to follow. First off, your driver's license will have to be suspended, so you won't be driving anywhere for a while and secondly, you'll have to br willing to endure over 2100 hours' worth of community service.
Buster: 2100 hours?! How long will that take?
Jophiel: A least three months, maybe more. But I'm sure you'll be fine. It'll all pass by just like that. *Snaps her fingers*
Buster: Three months picking up crap from the side of the road in the whole city of Los-Angeles! How am I supposed to get around without a car?
Jophiel: Well, if I were you, I'd start with looking for a bicycle to get around in. (Buster: Ughhh!) I know, I'm sorry, but that's the best I can do for you, Buster. Although, I will help you find another job. Again.
Buster: Oh, actually, that won't be necessary this time, Joei. That's actually the good news. Because I already got myself a new job.
Jophiel: Really, where?
Buster: Well, earlier while you were out, I was talking with your brother, Lucifer, and…
Jophiel: Oh, no. What'd you do?
Buster: Nothing. It was your brother who said he'd help me get a job at his nightclub. And I don't I know if you remember, Jo, but I have a lot of experience as a bartender back when I working for my families pub back in Ireland.
Jophiel: Yes, I am aware. Because it was the only job you could actually do. Even though you broke two bottles the first week you were there.
Buster: Hey, I have improved since then. If you don't believe me, then come down and see for yourself.
Jophiel: Fine, I will. Even though I already live there. (Suddenly hears an alarm going off from her phone) Oh, whould you look at that.
# It was my alarm clock alerting me that it was now 6pm. Switcheroo Day was finally over. When I announced it to the others, they all literally dropped everything they were doing and rushed back to their original stations. Relieved that this day was finally over.
As for the penalty, it looks like two players were hoping they wouldn't caught, but after looking into the timestamps from when the criminal database was last searched and given that one of them used his own mojo to expose a confession from a suspect, it was a tie between Chloe and Lucifer. They now had to pay everyone's bartab for the next month.
#As for my little side-bet with Maze, wait until she finds out that I have catched not one, but four bounties today. Besides Buster, I've also brought in Max, and a couple of Turks men that were on the bounty list. She was so going to lose it when she find out that she now owes me a few drinks.
With switcheroo day finally over, the group decided to head over to LUX for those victory drinks. Before heading over, Chloe noticed Jophiel working in the lab by herself. Feeling guilty for underestimating her earlier and accusing her friend of murder, she entered the room with the intention of making an amends to her friend. She walked into the room and gave a light knock on the doorway.
Chloe: Hey, got a minute?
Jophiel: (Signing some paperwork) Depends if you think I can handle it.
Chloe: *Sighs* Listen, Joei… I'm sorry. I never should've doubted you. I should've listened and trusted you. And I'm especially sorry for going behind your back and looked into Buster's files.
Jophiel: Well, that part I can understand. You were just doing your job. But as for the rest of it… why didn't you trust me?
Chloe: I… I honestly don't know. But, Joei you have to know that I do trust you. I mean, you're smart, you're independent, you're worldly, and you're willing to go through great lengths just to protected someone else without a single drop of fear on you. Not many people I know have that much fearlessness in them.
Jophiel: Well, as much as I appreciate the flattery, it still doesn't answer the way you behaved today.
Chloe: No. But… I don't know, I guess when I heard that you were going to be bounty hunter today, and given the kind of people Maze brings in… I guess panicked a little.
Jophiel: "A little?"
Chloe: Okay, okay. Maybe I got a little carried away. But it's only because, well, you and Ell are like sisters to me, and I got nervous that might've gotten hurt out there.
Jophiel: I am big girl, Chloe, I can take care of myself, you know? I have been doing it for a very, very long time now.
Chloe: Yes, I know. And after seeing the way you took down Turk, makes me believe that now. And to show you how sorry I am, I'll be buying you the first round tonight.
Jophiel: Of course you will, you and Lucifer managed to crack at the same time, so now you're both paying for everyone's tab.
Chloe: Oh, great.
Jophiel: Oh, come now, like Buster's community service hours, it'll just fly by.
And with that, Jophiel and Chloe made peace and then left the lab to attend their group gathering at LUX. By then, it was later in the evening, LUX was packed, and the group had gathered for their winning drinks. Even though it was Lucifer and Chloe who lost the bet, everyone still decided to pitch in the first round as a way of celebrating their accomplishment over enduring the bet and taking down an illegal drug operation.
Just as the group were getting ready to order the first round, they were first greeted by the new bartender. Buster Maguire himself.
Buster: Alright, lets celebrate. Who feels like what? (Attempts to do a trick with a bottle but accidently drops and shatters it on the floor) Oh, I guess I'm a little rustier than I thought.
Before joining in the festivities with her friends, Jophiel decided to go upstairs to change her currant attire. As she was making her way towards the elevator, she was stopped by the sound of Amenadiel calling out to her.
Having spent the whole day waiting for her, Amenadiel finally caught up with Jophiel and then urged her to talk with him about an "important matter" that just couldn't wait. In order to gain some privacy, the two Angels stepped into the elevator, closed the doors behind them and once they were alone…
Jophiel: Alright, brother, what is so important that you needed to discuss it in the elevator?
Amenadiel: It's about Maze. (Jophiel: Oh.) As you know, Linda and I have been seeing each other in secret for a few of weeks now, and although things have been going great, there's still the matter of discussing a "certain elephant in the room" who may eventually find out.
Jophiel: You mean Maze.
Amenadiel: Yes. And well, Linda and I worried that Maze will eventually find out about us and if she does…
Jophiel: She'll slice & dice the two you with her blades. I can definitely see that happening but what does any of this have to do with me?
Amenadiel: Well, I just wanna make sure Maze hasn't caught onto the relationship… through you, Jophiel.
Jophiel: Seriously? You waited all day to tell me that. Okay, Amendiel, I think this whole keeping your newfound relationship a secret from Maze has now reached it's breaking point. Look, I already promised not to tell her, so she won't find out from me, but I will longer be a part of this. So from this day forward, leave me out of your drama.
Afterwards, Amenadiel departed from the elevator, went back to bar, whereas Jophiel remained inside the elevator, procced to go upstairs and then changed. However, there was something else she needed to achieve in her flat before meeting with her friends.
Meanwhile the others were sitting at the bar, reminiscing their experiences throughout Switcheroo Day.
Maze: Ugh, finally this whole Switcheroo Day is over. First thing tomorrow, I can go back to doing what I do best. Beating the ass out of bounties.
Dan: Lucky you, it'll probably take me a week to fix every error Lucifer made today.
Lucifer: I heard that, Daniel. And for your information, I'd say did a fine job doing what you do.
Dan: Oh, yeah, then how come you lost the bet?
Lucifer: Hey, it's not as if I was the only one. The Detective also cracked. And honestly, I don't know how you do it, Daniel. Assisting every other cop and detective with all of their cases, going back and forth throughout the entire precinct and being lucky enough to receive a literal 5-minute break. I was only able to drink from my flask at least twice today.
Ella: Oh, is that how you get by when you and Chloe don't have any major cases to solve? I don't know you handle passing the time while waiting for something exciting to happen, Lucifer.
Lucifer: Not always. Sometimes the Detective makes me do paperwork. I don't do it, obviously, which is why I recommend drinking, sex and playing the piano.
Maze: Hey, I'll take boring consultant over forensics artist any day. I don't know how Joei does it. Listening to people trying to remember another person's face, getting me to draw it for them, and when I got it wrong, they me have me start over all over again. It was excruciating.
Hearing them all rant over how hard the other person's is, Dan made an epiphany.
Dan: Well, this whole thing started because Joei wanted us to learn what's it's like doing someone else's job for the day and looks what's happened.
Ella: Yeah, you're right, Dan. She wanted everyone to experience the other person's job from their point of view. And based on everything we've through today and our current debate on who had it rougher, it looks like Joei's plan actually worked.
Lucifer: *Chuckles before fully realizing…* That cheeky little bitch.
Chloe: Well, looks like we all learned a little something today.
Lucifer: Yes. But can we all agree to never let Jophiel know that?
Ella: Hey, where is Joei anyway?
Chloe: Ah, I think she said she went up to change.
Unknowingly to the others, throughout the entire day, Jophiel had a secret agenda of her own. She made sure she was chosen to be a bounty hunter so she could go out into the city alone and purist her own investigation. And it involved Pierce.
# Regardless of Lucifer's agreement to help him die, I refused to believe that my own brother was capable of ending a human life for the petty purpose of regaining his old Devil-face and getting revenge our Father in the process.
Even so, Jophiel felt she couldn't stand by and allow Pierce to continue running the Precinct. Especially since he's the real Sinnerman. Which makes him both corrupted and extremely dangerous. He may not be currently involved in criminal activity but he was still a dangerous threat nonetheless. Making it Jophiel's mission to find at least one shred of evidence that would expose Pierce and bring down his entire "Sinnerman" operation before someone else got hurt and Lucifer does something he would undoubtedly regret for years to come.
# You remember what Lucifer went through after Uriel's death. He nearly tore himself after that. But back then, Lucifer didn't have a choice, and it was only because he was trying to protect Chloe and our Mother from Uriel. But this… Who knows how killing Pierce would affect Lucifer if he goes along this?
She also couldn't confined her investigation with Chloe, Dan, or even Ella because she knew they'd never believe her unless she brought them one shed of proof. So Jophiel was determined to find it and thus began her true quest by figuring out how people heard about the Sinnerman to began with.
That "pit-stop" Jophiel had to make earlier took place at a women's prison. While Buster waited outside for her, Jophiel placed on a blonde wig, a fake beauty mark and bangles before entering the facility.
The reason she didn't want to include Buster was because she feared that if either of them were seen investigating together, it would've put Buster's in harms ways. Hence, entering the facility in disguise. In order not to be recognized by anyone who may be associated with Pierce/"The Sinnerman."
The very person Jophiel went to see was Maggie Cole from the 'Sin-Bin case.' She was currently serving time for falsifying an abduction, associating with a highly dangerous criminal and involuntary conspiracy to commit murder.
Anyway, when Maggie walked in from the other side of the glass, she of course, didn't know the identity of her surprise visitor. Yet, out of curiosity, Maggie sat herself down, picked up the end of the phone and asked…
Maggie: Who are you?
Jophiel: Don't worry, I'm an ally. I'm here because you might have the answers I've been look for.
Maggie: Look, I don't know who are you. And I don' know if you're pulling some kind of a sick of joke and I'm really in the mood to chat, so… (Prepares to stand up and leave when…)
Jophiel: That's a shame, because I was hoping you could provide me with some information about… *Whispers into the phone* the Sinnerman.
The second she heard his name, everything she experienced with the monster who put her behind bars came flooding back.
Maggie: No, no. No, I will not be involved with him again. We're done here.
Jophiel: Maggie, wait, wait. I just wanna know where you heard about him and how you were able to contact him. That's all.
Maggie: is that why you're here? You wanna find that creep who ruined my life and forced me to kidnap and almost drown myself and got me put in here?!
Jophiel: No. I want to make sure what happened to you doesn't happen to anyone else. I want to bring him down. But in order to do so I need your help. I need to know what you know.
Maggie: Even if I told you, why does it matter? The Sinnerman is dead. I saw it on the news. It was actually the highlight of my day. (Jophiel stares at her in complete silence) He is dead, isn't he?
Jophiel: …There's a slight chance that the Sinnerman may have associates out there who are still loyal to him and I need to bring them down too. So please, tell me how did you find him? Where did you hear about him? In a pub or a nightclub… anywhere at all?
Although, she dreaded the thought of talking about the Sinnerman, Maggie reluctantly agreed to help. From what Jophiel could gather, Maggie didn't technically find the Sinnerman, it was more like, he found her.
# Apparently, Maggie was at a pub with a friend one night, ranting on about not being chosen to be her teams lead-jammer until someone came up to her, left her a phone-number for a man who grants people favours for a price to be named later. The Sinnerman. And I'm guessing you all recall how this story ended. Even so, it was a still great start.
By the time she finally returned home, Jophiel wrote down what she learned from Maggie, climbed up to the very top of the rolling-ladder, leading to the cozy nook she had built above, pulled back the sheer curtains and stuck the note behind a large poster that hid her very own investigation board.
# It wasn't much, but it was a start. Pierce may be able to cover his tracks, but hopefully I can be the one to dig them up. It won't be easy. Especially since I'll be doing this alone. The less who know what I'm up to, the less chance they'll be in danger.
Well, it took me ages, but it's finally done. Hope you've enjoyed reading this because I will be taking time to update some of my previous stories before coming with new ones. (While enjoying Christmas with my family of course) And if you liked his character, I will be making Buster Maguire a recurring character in a few of my upcoming stories. Anyway, Happy Christmas to you all and have a lovely holiday.
