City of Sin
Obsession II
***Once more, I own nothing of the show Lucifer or comics etc. ***
*Follow me on Twitter at AngelSlayer135 for, hopefully, more frequent status updates.
***CoS***
Chloe Decker was sitting at her desk in the precinct typing absently at the keyboard. It had been a slow day, and she was more just trying to waste time before going home than being productive.
"You need to be careful" A voice suddenly declared, shocking the woman from whatever she had been thinking about and drawing attention to the young woman now seated across from her. She was on the short side, with obvious blunt bangs and a neutral expression adorning her neutral expression.
"Uhm, hello, who are you?"
"I am…" She replied, but whatever came next didn't seem to reach the blonde's ears, forcing a frown. The response earned a similar expression on her guest, "Odd, I thought he would have told you by now. Well don't worry too much about it or you'll get a headache. I wanted to warn you about agent Canaan. He is not what he seems."
The detective blinked in confusion. Oh yes, the federal agent. Why was it so difficult to remember who the man was? "Why are you…"
"I'm going to need a favor in the future," she replied easily. "The best way to do that would be to begin earning it now, that and…" she trailed off, and Chloe noticed her gaze shift for a split second, looking towards Ella's lab. "But don't worry about that now, just remember what I said. They are both dangerous, especially when pushed. Take care of yourself Chloe, we will speak again soon."
She wanted to ask more, wanted to demand answers and how this young woman seemed to know so much about both her and others. Instead, her voice came out silent. She couldn't speak, and she was in pain all over.
What was happening? Why were the lights beginning to grow dark? Why couldn't she speak or move? Why…
She looked down, and there was blood covering her chest.
What…
A strangled groan emanated from the blonde as she opened her eyes and took in unfamiliar gray walls.
***CoS***
The sound, an alien one in a room that was almost always silent save for the occasional whispered conversation and the soft beeps of machines, immediately drew the attention of everyone else.
"Chloe?"
Another groan and the blonde attempted to move, only to find a pair of hand gently keeping her down, "No, you aren't supposed to get up. It's Beatrice, everything is okay I promise just stay still okay?"
Another attempt at answering was choked out. "Hold on a second, Ella is grabbing a nurse to get the tube out."
Tube? Why was there a tube down her throat? Where was she? Why was Beatrice and Ella there? Why…
She felt the plastic slide out a moment later and gagged a bit when she could finally breathe again. "Worse than a shot" she managed to mutter out, earning a snort of laughter from her best friend, both remembering how much they hated vaccines when they were younger.
The nurse continued to check up on a few things, before making some adjustments to her painkiller and departing. "Where, where am I?"
"In the hospital, my dear. What all do you remember?"
Chloe frowned and slowly brought her arm up to rub her forehead, "I… was coming home and then texted you and then… pain?" A whimper escaped from her best friend as she reached for her hand.
Lucifer's eyes flickered for a moment, a flash of red appearing and disappearing before anyone could even notice, "You were shot at your apartment. You were in surgery until yesterday."
"O-oh…" she trailed off, falling silent for a moment, "Did they catch him?"
"No, not yet."
Chloe's gaze fell onto the crime forensic technician, who shook her head, "Sorry, I haven't exactly been back to work since I found out."
"They just… let you take time off?" The injured woman figured they might deny the request if it wasn't put in with enough notice, a ridiculous policy in her opinion.
Again, Ella merely shrugged, "I didn't exactly ask. More of I found out and then left. I haven't spoken to anyone since then."
"Ella…" Chloe attempted to scold, despite the warmth that formed inside at her friend's actions. "You are already under investigation, I don't want you losing your job over this."
"Fuck em" the Latino woman replied, earning a snort from Beatrice, "No seriously, if I am going to get fired because I am visiting my best friend in the hospital after she was shot then at least it is a better reason than being framed."
Lucifer glanced back and forth between the two throughout the conversation, frowning as it continued. "Framed? You never mentioned anything like this to me."
"Not really something you can help with Lucifer," Chloe noted softly, "I've taken advantage of you and our relationship enough as is."
"Nonsense, I'll make a few calls and ensure that Miss Lopez' job will be secure from any investigations but that is for later. How are you feeling?"
"Sore, tired, overall a bit confused."
Ella nodded, "All understandable. I've talked with the doctor and those are all common side effects of both the operations and the medicine you are on."
"How long have you been here?"
The girl shrugged, "Two days now? It isn't important Chloe I already told you I don't care if I get fired."
"You need to get some rest too."
"I'm…"
But she was interrupted by Mazikeen, strolling into the room, "I think she's trying to tell you that you smell and need a shower."
The woman blinked, before taking a discreet sniff of her shirt and flinching backwards, "Oh… okay yeah that's fair. I'll run home real quick and get changed then come back okay?"
A fearful thought crossed the detective's mind, "Wait why don't you…"
"Use Lux of course." Lucifer interrupted, picking up on the injured woman's fears. "With the shooter still on the loose we don't want to risk anything. You and Beatrice use my loft to clean up and get some rest then you can swap out later today with myself and Mazikeen. I'm sure Eve would love an update and to do some outfit shopping with you two."
Hesitantly the two stood and left, promising they would be back later that evening. Mazikeen immediately shut the door behind them, leaving only three remaining individuals.
"I promise you they will be safe at Lux." Lucifer assured, earning a hesitant nod from the detective.
"I just… if someone went after me then they might go after someone else I care about as well. I don't want anyone getting hurt because of me."
Maze sat in a chair next to the bed, "He won't hurt them, I promise."
The blonde stiffened, "I thought they didn't know who was responsible."
Biting her lip, the demoness let out a whispered swear. "I uh…"
"You know who it is don't you… is he… is he at Lux?"
Shaking his head, the club owner reassured her otherwise, "No, of course not my dear. He is several levels below Lux, chained up and completely secure I assure you."
Chloe's world, and head, spun. They had kidnapped someone and were probably going to kill him. She knew this was a possibility, deep in her mind, but having it spoken so bluntly brought those fears and doubts back to the forefront of her mind. "I… I don't know how to handle this Lucifer. I mean I know you are some sort of mafia boss or crime lord or… something but I… I haven't figured out what to think, how to deal with this fact."
A sad expression flashed across the Devil's face, "Chloe, I can assure you that whatever you think I am, I promise it is far worse." Ignoring the sudden intake of breath the man pushed forward. "It has to do with what you texted me, the mystery I gave to you. Once you know the truth…"
"Then maybe we can wait?" Maze interrupted, a small amount of desperation in her voice, "Just for a little bit? The doctor wants you to rest right? Less stress, worrying, and more recovering."
The detective understood without asking further. The dark-skinned woman was scared something would change, that she would hate them both, or at least Lucifer and by extension herself. It was something Chloe didn't want either. She didn't want to lose them, didn't want to give up the friends and lovers she had made. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."
***CoS***
"How is she?" The interruption caught both women off balance, and they turned to where Eve was standing, uncertainty and a twinge of fear on her face. "Maze told me what happened. I know I'm not exactly close to Detective Decker but…"
"She is recovering, still really weak though." Ella interrupted, seeing that the woman before them did genuinely seem to care. "You can just call her Chloe though, I'm sure she wouldn't mind."
A soft blush appeared on her face, "When she's released, if you need help taking care of her… I mean I can certainly help if that's okay. I can cook, clean, and just help with anything she needs."
This time it was Beatrice who nodded. Although she didn't live at Lux, she certainly knew who Eve was, and how close she was with both Lucifer and Maze. If she were being honest, she would have probably approached Chloe closer to her release about how comfortable she might be with the other's help.
Eve was almost motherly in how she took care of others, or maybe wifely depending on what views one took about gender roles.
"We will certainly be able to use the help Eve, just let us talk to Chloe about it today and it should be fine."
She nodded, "Thank you. You two look like you could use some clean clothes, let's find out what fits."
***CoS***
Ella wasn't quite sure what it was that drew her attention. Maybe it was their appearance, just enough to be strange, or the scene they were making. Shit, maybe it was just her nerves ever since being told about her friend and being on edge.
Either way she delayed her journey towards the elevator with Beatrice and moved a bit closer to the older couple.
"…Are just so worried for our daughter, we heard about what happened, but we weren't contacted for some reason. We had a falling out, but she is still our daughter."
The lab tech's frowned deepened, something didn't' feel right about the situation, or the conversation.
Regardless, the woman at the desk seemed to be taking pity on the older two. "I am so sorry for what you two must have been going through, let me just look up her room number Mrs. Decker."
Decker
A quick glance saw confusion replaced with rage in her companion's eyes, and the two made a mental agreement on how to approach.
"Oh my gosh, Mrs. Decker, how are you?"
The woman turned to face the two young individuals, confusion on her face followed by hesitance. "Well, it has been a very difficult time…"
Beatrice nodded, "I know, what with Chloe and all. You remember me, right? From Middle school?"
Glancing towards the man, and receiving no help for her effort, the woman hesitantly nodded, "Yes… yes of course I'm just… well like I said Chloe and I have been out of touch for so long that…"
"Trixie"
"Trixie, yes of course. How are you dear?"
The stripper forced a fake smile in response. "I'm doing okay, stressed like you I'm sure. Ella and I are both just so happy to see you here."
This time the man nodded, trying to take any suspicion away from his 'wife'. "Well, we are happy to see you both too."
Ella picked up the conversation, "Are you both feeling okay? I'm a bit surprised to see you both up and about after the whole… well you both being dead for over a decade situation."
The two gaped and struggled for a response, while the receptionist's eyes widened a moment later and reached for the phone to call security. By the time any of the glorified mall cops arrived the two had fled, leaving two fuming women and an apologetic woman behind.
***CoS***
"I cannot fucking believe that!" Beatrice snapped as she entered Chloe's room with Ella, "I mean, I get reporters are bottom feeders, but I figured they would have at least a little decency!"
The three occupants looked up, with Maze speaking first, "Who do I need to kill now?" It was asked so casually that it elicited a laugh from the two. Chloe, on the other hand forced an uncomfortable smile, not entirely sure about whether the dark-skinned beauty was being serious or not.
"Some… bitch was trying to pose as Chloe's mom, and I assume the asshole with her was trying to be a comforting husband or something. They ran off before security could show up though."
Lucifer frowned, before pulling a phone from his pocket and pressing a few buttons. A moment later his conversation was overheard by the others. "Yes, this is Lucifer Morningstar… yes that Lucifer. It has come to my attention that Miss Decker's recovery at the hospital is being interrupted by some rather rude intruders. From now on all guests looking for information, or to have any interaction with her in any way will be sent by me first. Yes, that is correct, even gifts. You may call this number for authorization." With that he hung up and gave a smile, "Problem solved, we really should have done this sooner."
Before anyone could change the topic, the injured blonde decided to perhaps ease into the situation she would be living in. "Lucifer, do you own the hospital or something?"
The man shook his head, "No, but I am the largest donor towards it, giving up a few million here and there tends to earn a few privileges besides just my name on a building."
Something urged her forward, an idea that gave her a burst of renewed hope, "Do you contribute to anything else? I mean a hospital is an odd choice I would think."
This time he nodded, albeit a bit slower and with a bit of puzzlement in his eyes. "Yes, of course. Numerous medical facilities, universities, relief funds, those sorts of things."
While the two former residents of Hell remained unaware of the significance, Ella did not. "That's really charitable of you. Does that mean anything with the reference of 'Morningstar' is due to you?"
He blinked a few times, "Yes, I suppose so."
"That… is really amazing of you." The blonde praised, and if the Devil sat just a bit taller then no one was going to say anything about it.
***CoS***
It was a question that Chloe had been dreading ever since her mind caught up to the situation that she was stuck in. "Do you have anyone to stay with dear?"
She didn't, not really. Sure, she was dating Lucifer and had best friends she was incredibly close with but… but they weren't family. No one was obligated, by blood or otherwise, to help her recover. Her friends all had jobs, Lucifer had a club, and probably a crime syndicate, to run.
She sure as fuck wasn't going to even consider her ex as an option.
"She will be staying with me."
All heads turned towards the sole male in the room, who looked casual at the answer, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I have a full staff and employees who will wait on her hand and foot." The man's eyes took in the other women sitting nearby, "And of course her friends are more than welcome to help as much as they want."
Beatrice nodded almost immediately, "Definitely. She won't be alone or doing anything strenuous."
The nurse nodded, before making a few notes on the paper-filled clipboard and departing. Turning, the blonde opened her mouth to either protest or thank them, she wasn't quite sure which at this point, but was interrupted.
"You aren't going back to that fucking shithole Chloe." Surprisingly, it was Maze whose object was the most forceful.
Lucifer nodded, "Quite right, we will have everything transferred over in the next few days. Your lease will be paid off and you will be moving in once you are cleared medically."
"But I…"
"Chloe…" Ella whispered, tears forming in her eyes, "Please."
Her heart sank a bit, and the decision was made, "Okay… okay that's… thank you, all of you. I just don't want to be a burden."
"And you won't be my dear. If the situation were reversed would you consider any of us a burden?" Despite injuries, she quickly shook her head, No, of course not. Fuck she would give up her home, all her possessions, and her life in a heartbeat if she thought it would save one of them. "Then don't think we will see you that way."
"Honestly," Maze grumbled, "You should just move in permanently rather than ever going back to that place."
The comment seemed to hover in the air, no one making any obvious remarks, until Lucifer let out a sigh, "Discussions for another time hm? One problem at a time as it were."
***CoS***
Lucifer had some 'business' to take care of, Ella was being called in for an interview early the next day for something work related, and Beatrice looked ready to pass out. All these factors created a 'perfect storm' in which the only one who had time to stay with her was Mazikeen.
Initially, Chloe had tried to give her the evening off as well, "Oh, that's okay I think I can be alone one night if you have plans or just need a night off."
But the dark-skinned woman had merely shrugged her off, saying she didn't mind in the least bit.
Thus, the others slowly departed, leaving only the two women, and an awkward silence. Chloe wasn't quite sure how to talk to the woman. The only interactions they had ever truly had were of a sexual nature, either physically or simply in conversation.
Time dragged on for what felt like hours, until the door slid open and one of the doctors came in, "So, how are you feeling today Chloe?"
Not noticing, or perhaps ignoring, the uncomfortable shift in the other woman when the man used her first name, the blonde gave a slight shrug, "Okay, I guess. Still sore and I don't have much energy to even try and move around."
He nodded, "That's normal. You lost a lot of blood along with the physical trauma. Add to that your lack of solid food and it will likely be a while before you can even get up the strength to stand, much less walk. We do need to check a few things though so if you are able to sit up a bit."
She did as instructed, but when he moved to begin unbuttoning her shirt a hand grabbed his wrist, the other woman now standing next to the bed with a warning in her eyes.
"Maze, it's okay he needs to check my injury."
Slowly the man was released, who made a subtle pass at rubbing his forearm from the pain and continued his procedure. "Okay, this might sting a bit but that's normal" he warned, eyes glancing over to the other woman for a moment before cutting the wrap to expose the stapled wound.
"Alright, I need to check around so just bear with me."
The injured woman was about to respond when he pressed a metallic tool against her, earning a whimper of pain while she reached for something to grab in response. The closest thing, however, was Maze's hand, which she tightened her own fingers around instinctively.
Another hint of pressure sent another wave of pain through her, and she swore she bit down on her lips hard enough to draw blood.
Mazikeen, in the meantime, was staring, fixated on where they were joined. Chloe was holding her hand, squeezing it actually, in what she understood was a human attempt at dulling pain or comforting oneself.
She had never had it happen to her before. No one went to a demon for comfort, or to get away from pain. Hell, no one had really sought her out for much of anything unless they wanted a favor or sex.
Chloe, and to an extent Trixie, were the only two she could think of off the top of her head.
And now? Now the, potential, future Queen was holding onto her as if her life depended on it. Another whimper of pain and something shifted inside the demon, her hand twisted around, allowing her to give a gentle squeeze back in reassurance.
She wasn't the best with words, generally preferring actions, but she hoped this would get her point across. 'I'm not going anywhere' she whispered in her mind, 'you're safe, I'll protect you.'
An eternity passed, an eternity of being forced to listen to the blonde whimper in pain, of being hurt to heal, until the doctor finally seemed to have finished. "Alright, all done. You are re-wrapped and your wounds are healing nicely. No signs of infection either. Keep doing what you are doing Chloe, low stress, eat what you can, minimize movement for the time being, and lots of rest."
Practically panting, Chloe gave a nod and the man departed, although his steps were just a bit faster than normal, as if to distance himself from her 'bodyguard.' A moment or two passed before Maze figured the blonde wouldn't want to be touching her any longer, and moved to pull her hand back, "I'll uh, get you something to…" only to have the other squeeze just a bit tighter.
"Please don't leave." the injured woman whispered, desperation now in her voice. "It hurts less with you here and… I'm scared."
Shit
Maze did not know how to comfort a scared human, especially one in pain. She was usually the reason they were in such a state in the first place. "What can I do?"
"Can you hold me?"
Okay, that was something the demoness could do… probably. Looking at the wires, and the already small bed, Maze planned out her position in an instant. She was good at moving around undetected and getting into the bed was a simple task for her.
Soon enough the two were lying next to each other, with Chloe holding her in an almost suffocatingly tight embrace. Strangely enough, the blonde fell asleep minutes later, and Mazikeen could imagine doing the same, if the situation were not as it were. Instead, she was hyper aware of the injured woman resting in her arms, and of any movement or sound in the nearby area.
***CoS***
His phone gave out a low tone, signaling an incoming call, just as they were about to step onto the elevator. With a glance, and a sigh, Lucifer stepped back out, followed closely by a confused Ella Lopez, and answered his cellular phone.
"Yes?" He didn't give his name when answering a phone, because they were calling him. It was a receptionist, apparently someone was asking for his future, hopefully, Queen. Inwardly, he hoped it was another group of con artists or reporters, because Mazikeen had been a bit pissy ever since she was denied the initial rights to torture the cop who had shot Chloe and could certainly use a bit of fun. "I will be right there."
"Anything wrong?" The woman at his side inquired.
Normally he wouldn't have bothered answering such a frivolous question, but she was rather close to the blonde and there was more than a little chance she would end up in Chloe's court of lovers or pets.
Depending on how you looked at it.
"Someone wants to speak with her." He didn't need to explain further, if the tightening in her face was any indication. Minutes later and they were back, and for once the individual at the front desk was actually being useful rather than just a hindrance.
"What about 'police business' don't you understand?" The man snapped, clearly annoyed at being told 'no'.
"And what part of 'this is a hospital, and you aren't in charge here' don't you understand, detective?"
Amidst the stare down, the lab technician seemed to have come to a decision and marched up towards him. "What are you doing here Dan?"
"E-Ella?" The man sputtered, as if he had been caught, yet again, at Lux. "What are you doing here? I thought you were talking to the captain."
Her eyes narrowed. Apparently, he was looking for the time when Chloe would be most alone to speak with her. "I did talk to him, about where I have been for the past few days."
This is where the, thus far silent, man decided to intervene, "And I gave a few helpful mentions of how empathetic Miss Lopez has been, barely leaving Chloe's side for a moment. Can you believe that your boss was considering punishing her for such devotion? Imagine how bad the publicity would be if an officer of the law was shot and not a single one of her coworkers visited."
"I'm here now." The annoyance proclaimed, and Lucifer didn't even bother to hide the roll of his eyes.
Why should he, after all?
Before he could start a new argument, Ella refocused the conversation on herself, "Again, Dan, why are you here?"
"I need to interview Chloe concerning the case, official police business."
She blatantly made eye contact with the club owner, who nodded in turn. They both knew the shooter would never be found, but at least this way it would divert suspicion from anyone in particular.
"Fine, follow us."
***CoS***
It was an… odd scene that the three walked into after an elevator ride and the walk down a private hallway. The two women were still sharing a bed, Chloe still practically wrapping herself around the dark-skinned demon, and Mazikeen had been gently stroking her hair for the better part of an hour.
Unfortunately, it seemed as though all of his time in the police had never taught Dan Espinoza anything about subtlety.
"Chloe what the fuck!?"
The blonde groaned from the noise, and Maze gave a 'if you speak again, I'll rip your throat out' glare towards the man.
"Loud…" the blonde muttered, burying her face further into her partner's chest, much to the other woman's delight.
Ella coughed awkwardly, which seemed to finally wake up the injured woman. She turned, frowning at the intrusion but rather than freak out or overreact merely gave a grumbled, "Could you turn the light's down. It's really bright." Lucifer did as requested, dimming those above them and closing the door enough to keep out most from the hallway. Seeing as she no longer needed to squint the detective disentangled herself and sat up as best she could. "What's wrong now?"
"What's wrong" her ex-husband seethed, "You are sleeping with a woman!"
Mazikeen looked ready to throw in a lewd comment but held back. The woman lying next to her, however, seemed to have grown tired of the arguments. "It isn't like you walked in on us having sex Dan, and we aren't married. Get over it."
He openly gaped at the response. Sure, he and Chloe hadn't been best friends following the divorce, but she had never been so blunt towards him before. "People are going to get the wrong idea Chloe."
Whatever he was expecting, the shrug he received was certainly not it. "Pretty sure we are past the 'wrong idea' stage. Maze and I have already had sex."
If there was gaping before, it was jaw dropping silence now, at least until a familiar glint formed in the club owner's eyes, "Oh? Did I miss something? Other than our threesome I wasn't aware you two had 'bonded'."
Now even Ella was wide-eyed in surprise, but the blonde laughed it off, "No, that was what I was referring to. I don't think I'm cleared for anything that intense or physical yet."
"Soon as you are though…" the dark-skinned woman muttered, one of her hands, which had been underneath the blankets, stealthily sliding across the blonde's thighs, earning a bit of a twitch from her 'victim'.
"Ch-Chloe, what the…"
"I haven't eaten yet Dan and the doctors probably want to talk to me this morning as well. So, if you are here for something other than overreacting about my sex life…"
The man finally caught the hint, and fumbled around with a notepad, "Well uh, we are doing an investigation and all things considered we thought it best to do your interview as soon as possible."
She nodded, expecting this already. Interviewing the victim was standard police procedure that while no one enjoyed, on either side of the conversation, it needed to be done. The sooner the better considering how memories could fall into a haze.
"Where were you three nights ago?"
Blinking, and frowning in confusion, she mentally figured out how many days she had actually been in the hospital. "Well, it depends on the time. I got home around seven-thirty and then…"
"After that." He interrupted, now earning annoyed expressions from the others as well.
"The hospital, when they were operating on me."
He scribbled a few things down, "Did you speak with Malcolm Graham at any point that day?"
Her blood froze, Graham? Was he the shooter? No, that couldn't be right. Sure, the guy was a creep and a perv but a cold-blooded murderer? It didn't fit his personality, the guy was too much of a coward to actually pull the trigger, much less against a cop.
"Is he a suspect?"
Dan looked up, confusion on his face, "What? No, he's missing."
Her mind spun, so her ex's partner was missing, and they were talking to her about it? Why? "Okay… what does this have to do with me? Do they think whoever shot me was involved with…"
"A cop is missing Chloe. Focus on him rather than yourself for a second."
Ah, so it wasn't about her at all. Her expression turned to stone as she blanked her features. "I saw him at the police station several times throughout the day during my shift. I do not remember exact times, but he appeared to be acting a bit more jumpy than usual. I did not see him after he left for the day around four."
The man jotted a few things down, "What would you say was your…"
"This can wait." Lucifer interrupted, far past the point of dealing with the douche. "Chloe undoubtedly has an alibi for any point in… 'whoever you said went missing's' disappearance. Unless you think she kidnapped him after being shot multiple times?"
Dan opened his mouth to reply, when a snarl came from the demoness, "That means leave, now."
After he practically bolted from the room Chloe shook her head sadly, "Guess they don't care at all."
A hand found hers and gave a gentle squeeze, "We do though."
The blonde allowed a smile to break through the sadness.
***CoS***
While Mazikeen and Lucifer had returned to Lux, presumably to freshen up and change, it had been Ella and Beatrice who stayed behind to keep her company. Her best friend was currently sleeping in a chair, while Ella had opted to go for a cup of coffee to help stay awake, much to Chloe's protest about simply getting some rest as well.
It was a moment of silence; broken only by the beeping of the machine's she was strapped to in the evenings and the quiet breathing of her friend. Chloe began review everything she knew, everything she had been told and had found out since waking up.
There were a lot of things that she needed to decide upon, to analyze and come to grips with or… she banished the idea of completely abandoning Lucifer and Mazikeen. Sure, they might have done some bad things, but they always seemed to be for good reasons. Lucifer wasn't, as far as she knew, ordering the murders of innocent people. If anything, he was more resolute about bringing criminals to justice, especially those who seemed to avoid persecution through normal means.
The question was, could she set aside what illegal activities he was involved with, along with whatever conversation they were putting off, and only see the good he was doing?
Shaking her head, the detective closed her eyes and rubbed tiredly at the bridge of her nose.
"Perhaps the headache is a sign."
Chloe practically jumped out of the bed, or would have if she wasn't barely able to move without having pain spike in her chest. There was a man standing in the corner of her room, a man she recognized and who sent fear and dread through her veins as a dream reemerged in her mind.
Agent Canaan
The man stepped forth, dark eyes examining her form. "It seems you have received punishment for your sins."
She frowned, and bit back the immediate response, "How did you get in here?"
He continued on, as if she hadn't spoke in the first place, "Are you so surprised? You lied to us Chloe, withheld evidence, obstructed justice, at the very least. None of this includes your sexual misconduct. Adultery, divorce, sexual promiscuity? Any one of these would demand punishment but all of them? You should be ashamed of yourself.
Her gaze dropped, shoulder slumping, but it was all a performance. Feign shame and despair to have the man's attention focused on her and not the sleeping woman in the corner. All she had to do was buy time until Ella saw what was happening and contacted security, until a nurse came to check on her, until…
"You will be judged, along with all those involved in your crimes."
Her eyes snapped back up to meet his, "You leave them alone."
The dark-skinned man crossed his arms, eyebrow raising in challenge. "What makes you think you have any authority to make such a demand? We will punish those who are guilty."
"Like the one who shot me?"
"Judgment is not a crime."
"Judgment according to you. Attempted murder is still a felony."
His pupils burned into her, but this time she held it with her own. In the end, he shook his head in disappointment, further strengthening her resolve and anger towards him. "You'd best take stock of your allies and allegiances detective. I would hate to see something even worse happening to you or…" here his attention finally shifted, towards the other individual in the room who was still sleeping away peacefully, "your friends."
"If you so much as…"
"We will be in touch."
The door slid opened, and Chloe turned to warn Ella, but when looked away the man was gone, without so much as making a sound and leaving the blonde more disturbed than she could ever remember being.
***CoS***
A/N: The curse of writing one chapter at a time? Coming up with ideas after it would have been most advantageous to use them. I really wish I would have introduced the dream sequence earlier on, considering the individual will be decently important later on.