A Story Not Meant To Be Told… Part 1 40's Noir with a Twist (Verse 7)

by MistyMay6886

Santa Barbra Ca. 1948 Magnus Bane is the top reporter. His efforts and notoriety have gained him a wealth of connections. This frequently puts him at odds with head Detective Alec Lightwood. But when the two men are told to drop a case things get complicated, secrets come to light, and the crack reporter realizes he may have read the 'straight-laced' detective all wrong…

8. Chapter 8-The Case Is On

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-Multiverse Mysteries-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

-*-*-*-*-*-*-40'sDetectiveNoir-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Chapter 8;

The case Is On

Wow…this one took a while! Sorry for the delay we had a lot to fit into this chapter (Plus real life keeps insisting on getting in the way of my writing damnit)

{*~********~*~********~*} *-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-* {*~********~*~********~*}

Crap…

How the HELL did he end up getting involved in this?

Why couldn't he keep his damn mouth shut? He was just trying to help damnit; trying to do the right thing, get justice for someone totally disregarded by human society. What cosmic force did he manage to piss off so much as to end up here?

Crap…

Aaand repeat.

It's the same thing that's been on an endless loop in his head since they left the Club/Demon lair…

The Lair of Raphael Santiago; The single most feared Demon known to exist. A being that can give the freaking elders nightmares. Who now knows him by name …who has taken to teasing, baiting and poking at him as if it's his new favorite hobby…

Again…HOW is this his life?

He was just trying to help damnit!

Ugh…

And now they're all piled into Raphael's stupidly flashy, blood red (Seriously, the bar, his shirt, the eye flashy thing and now the car too? Is he like color coding or something? He knows there are OTHER colors right?), polished to a shine freaking Cadillac convertible- because apparently if you're gonna totally flout the law and common sense by working a covert case you've been expressly ordered off with a crime boss/demon/supervillian in tow you may as well do it in style- heading back over to the station to the M.E.'s office.

Alright devil's advocate (Ha…apparently even panic, immortal danger and total absurdity isn't enough to turn off the punny part of his brain); let's just for a sec put the whole 'demon' thing aside…the people down at the precinct aren't gonna know it's a demon coming into the station…

Kinda get the feeling there may still be a BIT of an issue with this plan. Really, traipsing a random reporter and a freaking crime boss through the SBPD and down to a semi-restricted area…What could possibly go wrong there?

Seriously they were so gonna g-

"-o long as you can remember that we should be fine."

Simon startles faintly, head whipping up, coming out of his ever spiraling thoughts, glancing around realizing they've already parked along the street in front of the station.

"Wha-?" he mumbled, turning to Raphael, blinking in confusion.

Raphael chuckled, flashing an amused smile, shaking his head, glancing back at Magnus winking, eliciting a soft laugh. Alec sent an apologetic smile his way, clearly fighting off a bit of a laugh himself.

"See? Told you he wasn't paying attention."

"I was I j-"

"You were a million miles away and you know it."

"I w…" he trailed off, giving up the ghost, shrugging concedingly.

"Yeah, okay fine, you got me; I wasn't paying attention. I was too caught up in the crazy. It's kinda a lot to process. I mean really, we're just bumbling into the SBPD with a reporter and a freaking crime boss-"

"Ahem…?"

Simon snorted, rolling his eyes, waving flippantly.

"Sure right- 'most misaligned businessmen in the country'. Semantics aside this does not bode well. Seriously how are we gonna play this? I mean it's not like we can just walk right in like everything's normal."

Raphael quirked his eyebrow.

"Why not?"

Simon flailed animatedly, sputtering.

"Wh…what…w…umm…the reason I literally JUST said? And you say I don't listen."

He chuckled, flashing a playfully teasing smirk, leaning in faintly.

"I listen…and by the way I don't 'bumble'…ever…doesn't really fit with the 'Highly diversified businessman' thing…or the, you know, other 'thing.'" he smirked, flashing a playful wink, eyes flickering black, glimmering crimson.

Simon couldn't help a faint chuckle, shaking his head in surprise, before shrugging unconcerned.

"Yeah well pretty sure I do enough of that for all four of us combined so…"

Raphael chuckled, tilting his head.

"Good to know we have it covered. You don't really break the rules much, do you Simon?"

Simon faltered, shrugging.

"I-well…no…not if I can help it. I mean generally they're there for a reason. Okay yeah, sometimes like with this case the 'reason' is because people are backwards, close-minded, ignorami terrified of anything even remotely different that might upset their precious status quo. Clearly I'm fine with those rules being broken, but other than that? No, I really don't. I'm a detective; my entire job is to enforce the rules…it'd be pretty hypocritical if I just went about breaking them just for the hell of it…why?"

Raphael gave a soft huff of a laugh and a smile; not a smirk, just a real, genuine smile. Simon felt a bit lightheaded at that smile; near giddy, quickly swallowing to push back what felt worryingly like a nervous, slightly breathless giggle.

Geez…that smile was just not fair… How the hell was he gonna remember to be afraid of the damn demon when he smiled at him like that?

"If more people in law enforcement felt that way I'd have a fair bit more faith in the establishment. In my experience those 'enforcing' the law are the ones least likely to follow it, feeling a bit of training and a shiny piece of metal means the laws no longer apply to them.

As delightfully charming as your integrity and conviction is- and that's not sarcasm, that's just my standard tone- there are gonna be times when in order to do what needs to be done and protect those in need you will have to take a less than honest route. In those cases the most effective way is the most direct. The easiest technique to get away with doing something you're not supposed to be doing is to simply act like you're not."

Simon blinked.

"Huh?"

Raphael chuckled, giving a slightly flippant wave.

"The more you try to hide what you're doing the more suspicious you seem. If you act with confidence, as if what you're doing is just a typical part of the day then you're less likely to draw attention. Everyone in there should be pretty busy, caught up in their own business. Detectives bring people in all the time- witnesses, suspects, informants, staff from other departments and so on. An escorted unfamiliar face is not automatically gonna draw attention…so long as you don't act like there's reason it should."

"Hey! Why do you assume I'd be the one to blow it?"

And the teasing/vaguely mocking smirk's firmly back in place, eyebrow quirking pointedly. Simon glanced back at Magnus and Alec who were both clearly trying to fight off similar expressions. He huffed faintly, slumping in his seat, gesturing halfheartedly back towards Alec.

"Okay first off, Alec probably lies about as much as I do…why are you so sure HE won't blow it? And second it's not like we're just bringing in some random, kinda shady nobody type informant- you are literally one of the most well-known 'Highly diversified businessmen' in the city, possibly the country. One person recognizes you and we're screwed. I just don't know how you all can be so calm about this."

Raphael shrugged.

"Well as far as Alec is concerned that might be true in general, however as he's been working in the SBPD for over a decade and his father's the chief he has to have a pretty decent poker face, otherwise no way in hell he'd of made it that long. And while it is also true my reputation tends to precede me- and, okay most everything else- it's not as if I have wanted posters littering the city. I tend to avoid photo opportunities and make a point of stating that I do not wish to have my image plastered all over the media. Most people are respectful and considerate enough to follow my wishes in that regard."

Simon quirked his eyebrow.

"Yeah…kinda get the feeling people usually 'follow your wishes' on most things."

"True… I can be very persuasive when I want to be."

"Oh I bet…"

He chuckled, eyes flickering black, glimmering crimson, giving a slightly dismissive wave and an impish smirk.

"Now, now, none of that…I just appeal to their humanity."

Simon gave a surprised laugh, just barely fighting off the groan. He shook his head, flashing a slightly sarcastic smirk of his own, eyebrow quirking.

"Yes…humanity…of course."

Raphael winked.

"That's the story I'm sticking with."

Simon snorted, rolling his eyes, nodding.

"Yeah, real convincing 'story'. Anyways, we're getting sidetracked….and this is going a bit long-

So just so I'm totally clear. We're just gonna waltz right in like it's nothing and hope no one notices what is likely the single most infamous man in the city- if not the entire state…or possibly country. That's the plan we're going with here?"

Raphael shrugged, totally unconcerned.

"Yup…"

Simon gave a faint groan, reaching up, rubbing his eyes, pushing his hair back, before taking a deep breath, shrugging resignedly.

"Kay fine whatever…But I'm telling you all right now, this goes south and we get caught I'm playing the 'new in town, still wet behind the ears, don't' know anything' card. Most people assume I'm kinda naive or too green as of yet- might be able to use that to save my skin.

No offense guys but Alec's the head detective with over a decade experience, Magnus has so much political and social pull he's allowed to all but run roughshod over the entire precinct- despite a flagrantly homophobic Jackass for a Chief- and Raphael is…well…Raphael freaking Santiago.

Meanwhile I'm a newly transferred Detective with less than a month here and just barely a year of experience. Kinda get the feeling this hits the fan I'm out on my ass…so you know…"

Raphael chuckled, eyes sparkling playfully.

"Oh don't worry about it…if that happens you can always come work for me. I'm sure I can find a job for you."

Simon groaned yet again.

"As if I didn't need MORE incentive for this to work…" he muttered, taking a deep, centering breath, rolling his neck, trying to will himself calm.

It didn't work but it was the best he could do.

"Alright- no sense dragging this out…let's get on with it-

The insanity continues."

He took one last deep breath, turning in his seat, reaching for the door, climbing out, waiting for the others on the curb…

Wait...why is he waiting…maybe he could just like hurry ahead and pretend he's not with them? That mi-

Raphael chuckled, climbing out, quickly slipping over next to him, standing directly between him and the route to the precinct, seemingly reading his thoughts.

Crap…well so much for that…

He reached forward, unlatching the seat, moving it to allow Alec and Magnus to climb out, the quartet beginning towards the precinct, Simon and Raphael falling into step behind Alec and Magnus. Raphael moved closer, casually throwing his arm around Simon's shoulders, squeezing lightly, flashing an annoyingly appealing little smirk. Simon felt his breath catch, heart speeding up a few tics. The damn smirk picked up in response, Raphael leaning in faintly, close enough so only Simon could hear, stupidly pretty eyes playfully sparkling.

"No worries Detective, we'll be fine…I've got this…" He murmured softly, voice like velvet, winking, eyes flickering black, red glimmer brightening momentarily.

Simon felt the magic surrounding Raphael fluctuate almost like a pulse, strengthening, the air around him shimmering like a mirage. He couldn't quite fight off a shiver at the warm, somewhat dizzying, far too enticing sensation.

Oooh…kay…umm…wow…

T-that is…umm…

Damn…

Simon took a deep, somewhat gasping breath, trying to steady himself, stumbling slightly.

Geez…Raphael's magic was intoxicating when he's just standing there…when he's actually, purposefully, wielding it?

Woah…T-this…uh…this could be a bit of an issue…

Simon took another slightly gasping breath, using near every ounce of self-control he had to pull away from Raphael, his own magic flaring up in reflex, electric green sparks flickering from his palms clear up his arms and across his shoulders, eyes flashing gold, glimmering green, glaring. Raphael's eyes sparked in response, red aura blazing brighter, an excited smirk gracing those annoyingly appealing lips.

"Mmm…I do SO enjoy your reactions…"

Simon huffed, rolling his eyes, trying for annoyed and agitated…not…umm…not anything else from that look or that comment or that stupidly appealing, tingling magic buzzing all along his side, pointedly ignoring the blush coloring his cheeks, creeping up to his ears, moving a bit further away.

"You are SUCH an ass…"

"Eh I can be…it's part of my appeal."

"Yeah…it's really not…like…not at all. And anywa- crap!" He cut himself off, quickly picking up the pace trying to catch back up with the other two, who at this point were several yards ahead of them.

Damnit! Bad enough he had to be in the group trying to act nonchalant (SO not a skill set he has)- he couldn't use his rush ahead and pretend he's not with them plan but he definitely didn't want to look like he's the only one waltzing into the precinct with the freaking crime boss from hell…literally.

I mean yeah the smartass is using a shielding spell (Which he really should've seen coming from the get go) but even so it's not a spell of invisibility, just a little perception filter. The people in the precinct would see him; he just wouldn't really register…

At least he wouldn't so long as nothing drew any undue attention. Nothing like say a flustered, flailing, blushing clear to his ears detective twitchily keeping a good foot and a half between them. Hence his catching up with the rest of the little troop of craziness. The head detective, a reporter and two relative Randoms are much less suspicious. And seriously it's Raphael Santiago- gotta figure his spells are more than powerful enough to keep anyone from noticing him if he doesn't want them to… sure as hell feels strong enough.

Hmm…wonder if he's closer to Raphael if the spell could hide his nervous flailing? Mayb-Uh wait…no…closer to Raphael was NOT a good idea…blend with the group…maybe while putting the other two members of said group between him and Raphael…

Yeah…that seems to be a better plan…both for the situation at hand and his overall sanity.

He sped up a bit, grabbing the door, holding it for the rest of the group before slipping in himself, moving over falling into step next to Alec, kind of leaving Raphael trailing behind as the group made their way to the elevator on the other side of the bullpen. Alec glanced over but didn't say anything, just flashed a reassuring smile before tuning back into the conversation he and Magnus were having that is SO not even registering to Simon right now. He felt a guilty little twinge looking at Alec, not really sure how to act around the guy.

This was something he hasn't run into yet in his six months away from his Coven- none of the preparing for his Descoperire really covered this.

How do you act around a totally clueless human who's related to a minion? And not just any type of minion…

Izzy was a Diavolulnou: the rarest and most dangerous type of Minion. They're barely considered 'Minions' at all. A Diavolulnou is for all intents and purposes a demon…well…a human turned into a demon…but virtually the same thing.

Generally they're not as powerful as an actual born demon but they can most definitely be as formidable. Under the right circumstances it's thought a strong enough Diavolulnou can even begin taking on its own minions, becoming a fully-fledged demon in their own right.

And Alec's sister is one of them…

Alec's sister was a demon.

There was no mistaking it- he saw her eyes flash, flicker black, the glimmering crimson aura shining bright. She'd all but flaunted it, the ebony and blood flames licking up her arm as she'd extended it for a handshake, testing him nearly identically as Raphael barely an hour earlier.

He'd had to fight the urge to jerk away. He could feel the power from her- it wasn't to Raphael's level of course but even so it was far more powerful than he'd ever expect from a Diavolulnou-

Not that he'd ever expected to actually meet a Diavolulnou.

Which okay, he maybe should've thought it was a possibility considering Raphael was…well…Raphael…but to be fair it's not like he had a hell of a lot of time to prepare for any of this, He's totally flying blind here. He can be excused for being caught a little off guard.

Still what are the odds of meeting a Diavolulnou related to someone you've quasi known for weeks?

He sighed faintly, shaking his head as he reached forward, pressing the button for the elevator, waiting for the doors to open.

Man…Poor Izzy.

He'd never been able to understand how someone could get so low as to agree to be bound to a demon but…hell…after her story?

Being rejected by your parents, cut off from everyone you love, forced into a marriage to someone you couldn't even stand all in an effort to 'fix' you? To make you 'acceptable'?

Yeah…Chief Lightwood may as well of brokered the demon deal himself.

Miserable bastard.

Really he couldn't b-

"Hey! Hold the elevator!"

Magnus shifted forward quickly catching the door, stepping over, making room for the new arrival, smiling brightly.

"Well hello there gorgeous, always happy to help such a lovely lady."

Divya rolled her eyes, giving a totally unladylike scoff and a spectrally sarcastic look.

"Save the sweet talk Mags. I don't have any other tips for a story."

He gasped exaggeratedly, hand going to his chest.

"Oh really now! As if I'm only ever nice when I'm working an angle…"

"No that's just when you dip into the flattery so much…it's a wheedling kinda tone, pretty easy to pick up on once you know what you're listening for." Raphael chimed in, flashing a playfully teasing smirk.

Simon just barely fought down a flail or eeping noise.

Damnit! Shh! You're supposed to not be drawing attention to yourself! The more you interact with people the more likely they are to wonder who you are and why two detectives and a reporter are bringing you down to the M.E.'s office!

Divya chuckled, flashing an amused smile Raphael's way, quickly turning to press the button before glancing back, nodding.

"Yeah, it's his patented 'traveling salesman' tone. Every time he dips into it I feel like I don't know what I should be guarding more; my checkbook or my virtue."

Alec sputtered, flushing brightly, Simon giving a loud, surprised laugh, quickly covering his mouth in an attempt to muffle the sound, eyes widening. The other two chuckled, seemingly far less thrown by the brazen remark. Magnus shook his head, flashing a cheeky smile and a flirty wink her way.

"Well you know I've always had a weakness for a pretty face."

She quirked her eyebrow, giving a thoroughly unimpressed look.

"Mags, please…I've seen you at last call- you have a 'weakness' for a pretty anything…oh speaking of…." she paused, gaze shifting from Magnus over to Alec, giving a little fluttering wave and an overly bright, all knowing smile, dark eyes sparkling mischievously.

"Hey there Detective Lightwood."

Alec actually flailed, flushing brighter, clearly thoroughly confused, giving a bit of an awkward wave back.

"Umm…H-hey…Divya."

Magnus huffed, eyebrow quirking.

"Now, now darling, go easy on Alexander. Think he's a bit lost at the moment."

Simon blinked, holding his finger up, leaning in hesitantly.

"Uh…yeah…he's not the only one."

Raphael chuckled, flashing a stupidly pretty, totally amused smile, casually shrugging.

"Div's a regular at the club, she knows who I am and literally could not care less that I'm here. We're good…you can stop panicking about me being 'outed' detective."

Divya snorted.

"'Outing' you, that's rich. 'Outing' Raph is like 'outing' Mags- you both are SO obvious. You practically dare people to call you on it…sometimes literally…not that it isn't thoroughly entertaining seeing how much it confuses the ignorant jackasses darting between their bigoted views and the glimmers of self-perseveration."

Alec blinked in surprise, shaking his head faintly.

"You…so wait…you're-"

She rolled her eyes, waving him off.

"I'm about as interested in men as you are in women detective."

"I what I d-"

"Alec? Come off it- we're on the same team, I got ya…."

He swallowed, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Wh…h-how…how long have you known?"

She sighed faintly reaching in her purse, pulling out a compact and a lipstick tube, glancing at him in the reflection of the mirror.

"How long ago did we meet?"

"Umm…a-about two years, give or take…"

She tilted her head, kind of twirling the lipstick tube, casually reapplying the rich, brilliant red.

"Figured it out before we actually talked so I've known about two years and twenty minutes-give or take."

"Wh-" Alec began but was cut off by Magnus.

"What?! How did you not tell me?"

Raphael scoffed, quirking his eyebrow pointedly.

"Mags? Since when does anyone have to 'tell you' someone's sexuality? Usually you can read them better than even I can."

He actually faltered slightly at that, a blink and you'd miss it blush flickering on his cheeks.

"W-Well it's jus-"

"You know how it is Raph, wishful thinking's a hell of a blinder." Divya offered casually.

Magnus glared, flushing brighter, gaze nervously flickering over to Alec.

"That's j-"

"Hey so why are you heading down to the M.E's office Divya?" Simon interrupted loudly.

Okay so it seemed a bit rude but he could tell how flustered Magnus was getting. That kind of threw him - he didn't think much of anything could actually make the guy blush. Even so he couldn't just let Magnus flounder like that…and it was likely to make this even more complicated than it already was- they definitely didn't need any help there. Figured he'd cut it off before it got too bad.

Magnus flashed him a grateful smile, gaze shifting back to Divya.

"Simon does raise a valid question. We know why we're going to the M.E.'s office…how about you?"

She gave an unconcerned shrug.

"Couple reasons- first off Kevin's my roommate and I wanted to see what he wanted me to pick up for dinner as while it is technically my night to cook it ain't happening tonight. I'll compromise and let him pick what take out we get…well so long as he doesn't pick wrong.

Next I saw you guys coming down here- figured if Raph's at the station it had to be something interesting. You know I don't like to be left out, I'm the curious type. Besides I'm guessing this is about the body down at the foundry that Alec here's been ordered off. Meaning you're working something you've been expressly forbade from investigating.

Pretty risky. Figured you boys could use a bit of help covering- I'm killer at that and hardly anything comes in this station that I don't hear about first. I can give you a heads up if anyone's catching wind- maybe even throw them off the trail. Oh also I'll be sure to get you copies of any new info that comes across the blotter."

Simon blinked in surprise, shifting closer.

"Wow…thank you."

She shrugged dismissively.

"Hey I got the info on the case same as you, and I see the brass pushing this aside to cover their asses. If we don't look out for our own clearly no one else will, so that's what I'm gonna do."

Well that about summed it up didn't it? Good to know they'd have a little extra support with this.

The elevator dinged, all five of them piling out, beginning down the hall to the M.E.'s office. As they approached Simon felt the little twinge of nervousness kick back up. Yeah Raphael's spell seemed to work so far but it'd probably be a bit different here. The M.E. isn't gonna be as easy going as Divya having some random civilian wandering into their office, nosing around a case. Though he's a bit late to the party on that panicking point. Probably should've considered it BEFORE they were practically at the guy's door.

I mean yeah, blind luck has worked for them so far (Okay blind luck, helpful allies and demonic magic but still…). Guess they'll just have to roll the dice again. It's one person- they managed to make it through an entire bustling station without attracting any undue attention. And really the others don't seem overly worried so he should probably just try to take his cue from them.

Well…okay Alec looked kinda worried but he thinks that's mainly him spinning with how Divya knew (Probably not a good idea to mention he figured it out nearly as quickly- guy's got enough on his mind as it is). So Alec looked stressed but there were other factors in play there. On the other hand, Divya, Magnus and Raphael look perfectly relaxed as if there's nothing to w…

Wait…

WHY are they so calm?

I…is there…a reason that they…

Oh…

He shook his head, quirking his eyebrow at Raphael, giving a disbelieving laugh.

"You know the M.E. too, don't you?"

Alec startled, glancing over in surprise.

"What?"

Raphael shrugged, giving a faint nod and a stupidly cute little smirk.

"Very good detective, I'm impressed. I actually called ahead before we left so Kevin could get everything together for the case- figured it'd save us some time."

Simon groaned, waving animatedly.

"You couldn't of mentioned that when my mind was spinning in the car?"

"I could of…but where's the fun in that?"

"T-The 'fun'?! It's a murder investigation! A murder investigation we've been ordered off…There's not supposed to be 'fun'."

Divya smirked, tilting her head.

"Which is exactly why we should take any opportunity for it we can…break up the gloom and drama."

Simon huffed, sending a heatless glare her way.

"You're not helping…"

"Yeah I am…you just don't see it…s'okay you'll catch up soon enough. You're new and there's a learning curve and all that….Aaand here we are." she finished, gesturing towards the door.

Raphael chuckled, flashing an amused smile and a little wink her way, reaching up, giving a quick, familiar knock, pushing the door open, walking right in, the other's following along. Simon glances over at Alec who seems just as baffled as he does so at least it's something.

"Hey Kev; sorry for the short notice but we are on a bit of a time crunch." Raphael calls out in the least sarcastic tone Simon has heard yet, quickly crossing the room, stopping by the desk, flashing a surprisingly warm smile.

The guy at the desk is strikingly handsome. He has a rich, warm golden skintone, thick, dark chocolate brown curls and startlingly beautiful blue green eyes. He's gorgeous but what really sets his features off most is the brilliant smile he's directing at Raphael. He practically bounds up, laughing brightly, quickly reaching over, slipping his arm around Raphael, giving a quick hug. Raphael chuckled lightly, returning the gesture. Simon pretends he doesn't feel the little twist in his stomach at the clear affection between the two.

"It's no problem Raph, happy to help, whatever I can do, you know that."

Raphael smiles, nodding, squeezing his shoulder, leaning into him a little.

"Thanks Kev, I appreciate it, we all do."

Kevin laughs, waving him off, glancing from him over the rest of the group.

"Ah don't mention it, I'm happy to help, and anyw-" He trails off, gasping faintly, deep, blue green eyes landing on Simon…

W-what…o…Ooohhh…crap…uh oh…

His eyes flash electric pink, a glimmer of violet around the edges, snapping electric pink sparks of power flickering to life at his palms, climbing up his arms, clear around his shoulders.

What the hell?!

R-Raphael has a WARLOCK Minion?!

O-okay…Alec's demon sister seems less shocking by the minute…

H-how is that…That's not…I mean…that doesn't happen…he's never heard of anything that insane. Yeah he's heard of Minions that got warlock LIKE powers b-but it's not just the powers.

The man is-or was- clearly a warlock…there is no mistaking…none…

Yeah Raphael's stupidly gorgeous but how did a demon convince a Warlock to be bound to him?

That is SO not good…

Oh god what's he gonna do? What does h-

Kevin raises his hand, giving a sharp snap of his fingers, the sound unnaturally loud, echoing off the walls. Simon startles at the wave of power he feels ripple out over the room…

Uh…o-okay he's not like one hundred percent sure exactly WHAT that was…but he knows it was not good.

He swallows looking around at the others. Alec and Magnus are standing perfectly still, totally frozen in place looking like statues.

Umm…yeah…not good…like REALLY not good. That power's way beyond him- beyond near every warlock he knows…he's not even sure if Blake can do that…it's really-

"You know standing perfectly still isn't gonna make us think the spell froze you too…right?"

Simon startles yet again at the voice just to his left, head wiping around, gaze landing on Divya…who is not in any way frozen and is looking at him with a scarily dangerous smirk that rivals Raphael's (only it's less 'playfully impish' and more 'back away slowly no sudden movements').

Umm…a-and again…crap…

Simon gulped, blinking, eyes wide, giving a nervous wave.

"Uh-h-hey Divya..."

She smirked, eyes glimmering dark and bright, raising her hand, giving a little flicker of a wave right back, a brilliant flicker of flames sparking bright, dancing about her fingers.

He gulped again, taking a hesitant step back, holding his hands up placatingly.

"Uh…so…umm…did not see this coming…uh…I-"

Raphael chuckled, waving them off, slipping closer to Simon.

"Alright you two, enough. Stop tormenting the guy…that's kinda my thing."

Simon couldn't help shooting a faint glare Raphael's way, eyes flashing gold, glimmering green. A crackling electric, unmistakably warning type noise sounds from over by Kevin. Simon startles, subconsciously slipping closer and slightly behind Raphael. The demon flashed a bit of a smirk his way, glancing over at Kevin, shaking his head.

"Kev? I know…it's fine the guy's no threat. He's barely been away from his coven six months and the only reason he's in this at all is because he's too damn nice and moral for his own good…we're alright."

Kevin looked a bit unsure but tilted his head concedingly, the crackle of power around him drawing back in, lessening to a faint flicker…it's still pretty damn intimidating though. He quirks his eyebrow questioningly, slipping away from the desk, moving closer to the others, meeting Simon's eyes head on.

"That true warlock?"

Simon swallowed nervously, just barely fighting the urge to take a step back or move even closer to Raphael (And yeah that doesn't seem to make any more sense to him then it would to anyone else, but that's where he is now and he's given up on lingering on any one specific part of the crazy with this.)

"Y-yeah…well…that and I panicked and flailed and panicked a few more times to where my only options were either just go along with it or hurl myself out of a moving car…and I figured that might be slightly suspicious to the two humans so…uh…yeah…"

He took a deep breath, hand's again going up cautiously (and very slowly so as not to seem threatening in any way), glancing between the two, giving a faint shrug.

"I…look I don't really know what's all going on here…but…I-I'm just here to help. This guy was murdered and because of one stupid, insignificant little thing near everyone- including his own father- just flat out don't care…even think it was somehow deserved.

That's not right and I know I've only been at this station for a few weeks but even so I couldn't just set by and let that happen. I didn't know Magnus and Alec were still working the case and I didn't want the poor guy's death to just be written off as nothing.

I know this is insane and crazy and you guys trust me about as far as you can throw me- well…probably significantly less than that as I get the feeling that's probably pretty damn far.

I know you're suspicious of why I'm here or what I'm up to but I'm not…I swear I'm not trying to work some angle or whatever. I'm just a Warlock out on his Descoperire trying to figure out where I fit and do the right thing…that's it."

Raphael chuckled, settling close to his side, resting his hand on his shoulder, squeezing lightly.

"As I said, we're fine…besides this brings up an interesting point…Divya?" He glanced over, quirking his eyebrow.

"Yes?"She quirked her eyebrow right back (Okay seriously was that snarky eyebrow raise part of the Demon/Minion link or something?)

"Why didn't you tell me there was a warlock at the precinct? I told you to keep me up to date on any news."

She scoffed faintly, shaking her head, giving a flippant little wave.

"No you said to keep you apprised of any threats. The guy's no threat, not even close. He's an adorable flailing puppy. There are girl scouts that are more intimidating."

Kevin glances over, smirking, eyebrow quirking.

"You were a Girl Scout?"

She smirks right back, holding up her right hand, doing the little three finger salute thing, flashing an impish little wink.

Simon blinked, shaking his head faintly…

"Okay that's terrifying…umm…a-anyways like I said; I come in peace, I'm only here to help and even if I wanted to be an issue no way in hell I'd stand half a chance here. Can we just like, call a truce or cease fire or time out that doesn't involve freezing humans or something?"

Kevin glanced up, looking from Raphael over to Divya, hesitating for one more moment before sighing, giving a slight shrug, nodding over towards Alec and Magnus.

"Alright I'm going on record saying I don't like this, but I leave the spell up too much longer and they're likely to notice the missing time. Raph seems okay working with you and I trust his judgment. Besides you guys are on a pretty tight clock so far as the case and we really don't have the time to waste. The spell blanks the two minutes before the spell starts just as a way to blend their memories with reality and hopefully block out any magical type things they may have caught…a bit of a built in failsafe. Basically we just act out the last few minutes before and after the spell- minus the panic, flames and sparks…got it?" he glanced over, catching Simon's eye. Simon swallowed, nodded quickly.

Kevin nodded back, glancing once more at Raphael, gaze locking, an entire silent conversation passing between the two before turning, moving back over by the desk, Raphael following suit, moving close to the same position they were in at the beginning of the spell. Simon just tried to take a couple deep breaths and not look totally panicked. Kevin raised his hand, readying for the snap before pausing, glancing over, once again catching Simon's eye.

"Oh by the way 'Simon'? You screw us over in any way and your Descoperire's ending here." He flashed a sharp, overly bright smile and a quick wink, eyes blazing bright, glowing like a neon fire, snapping his fingers, that ripple of power again rolling over the room, Magnus and Alec unfreezing.

Whelp… so much for his non panicked look…

"-s no problem Raph, happy to help, whatever I can do, you know that."

Raphael smiles, nodding, squeezing Kevin's shoulder.

"Thanks Kev, I appreciate it, we all do."

Kevin scoffs, waving him off, smiling again, glancing from him over the rest of the group.

"Ah don't mention it, I'm happy to help, and anyways I did find some interesting stuff that could be of use…oh…but first…" He trailed off, eyes landing on Simon, head tilting curiously, slipping away from the desk over to the others, extending his hand towards Simon, the electric pink sparks again flickering from his palm up his arm, eyes flashing vivid pink, flickering flame like violet around the edges, glowing bright.

"Hi, I don't believe we've met; Kevin Teagan…"

Aaand for the millionth time today…

Crap…

{*~********~*~********~*} *-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-* {*~********~*~********~*}

Oh my stars…So help him if he makes it out of this alive he's just gonna call it. Say to hell with the whole 'detective' thing and go another route. He'll track down Blake, see what it's like to just say screw it and play by your own rules…

He suddenly sees the appeal of the nomadic life…

No coven elders scrutinizing and criticizing every move you make…

No parents trying to play matchmaker with you and some arrogant, pompous jackass you can barely even manage to feign politeness with.

No having to pretend to adhere to the judgmental, backwards, bigoted views of the day…

No depressing/incensing cases with victims far too easy to identify with…

No terrifyingly powerful/intriguing/confusing demon and his little demon-etts seeing him as their newest form of entertainment…

Yeah…he doesn't know what he was thinking with this whole detective thing.

He should've just taken a page from Blake's playbook and traveled. Last he talked to her she was in the Bahamas'. Pink sand, a little place right on the beach, palm trees, tropical drinks out watching the waves at sunset…

That could've been him damnit!

She'd offered.

Asked the night he left if he wanted to join her, had even done a spell to allow him to see what it'd be like to just spend his Descoperire with her, traveling the world, seeing new sights, figuring out where the journey takes them…

But Noooo….he had to want to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a detective. Helping people, doing good, making the world a better, safer place…

God he was an idiot.

Six months in and he's now working a case with two humans and Raphael freaking Santiago- thought to be the most powerful, feared demon in existence.

Raphael Santiago AND his multitude of minions. And of course since it's Raphael FREAKING Santiago these aren't just your normal, run of the mill minions…

Oooh no…

There's a disturbingly powerful Diavolulnou- also known as the estranged sister of one of the human's working the case cause that's not complicated enough, a pyrokinetic something or other who sits off all kinds of alarms in his head, and a warlock minion…

A. Warlock. Minion.

He's never heard of anything that insane. And it's not a warlock LIKE minion…it is an actual warlock who is also a minion…

What the hell?!

That's not a thing damnit!

Or at least it's not supposed to be. That should not be possible. It goes against near everything he's ever been taught…and yeah, okay he figures there's things the elders leave out, gloss over and otherwise ignore- his trust of them ranks just a rung or two below his trust level of Raphael and his Demon-etts…but even so this is big.

This flat out should not be possible.

And yet it is…

Kevin IS a minion.

Kevin IS a Warlock.

A scarily powerful Warlock…

Who is bound to a Demon…DEVOTED to a demon…

Seemingly completely.

He's very protective of Raphael- and it's not a solider willing to fall for their commander type devotion. There's a connection there totally unlike what he expected. It's not blind, ideological devotion.

It's love…

And going by their interactions he doesn't think it's in any way one-sided. There's a definite affection between the two. Raphael smiled more, was warmer, far less sarcastic around the man…

It was odd…

Disconcerting.

It kind of unsettled Simon seeing Raphael so warm and affectionate…umm…j-just because you know…

Demon.

That's all it was…Well, that and the whole Warlock bound to a demon thing. The extremely powerful Warlock bound to a demon thing. THAT was what was throwing him…nothing else. I mean Kevin was clearly leaps and bounds ahead of most every warlock he knows- he thinks the guy may nearly be able to give Blake a run for her money power wise and that is saying something.

Seriously if a warlock that powerful could be duped into agreeing to be bound to the demon what the hell chance did Simon have of getting out of this unscathed? It really threw him…concerned him. I mean really; A warlock bound to a demon…

Hmm…

O-or was he?

Maybe he's not a 'minion' per say…maybe he's just a warlock that is inexplicably, undeniably devoted to the demon…

Okay yeah…not so 'inexplicably'…

Simon has a pretty good idea how exactly Raphael could tempt the warlock into such loyalty.

He swallowed, trying to shake that away, focus back on searching Eugene's office. Kevin filled them in on his findings- there wasn't a lot but he did find a few interesting tidbits that might be of use. A few odd, deep green fibers, likely from either a carpet, car upholstery, or the lining of a trunk. In addition to the fibers he also found a powder blue button tangled up in his clothes. Lastly Kevin noted that Eugene's shoes had no leaves, dirt or debris found at the Foundry, and dirt on the back of his pant legs. It's looking pretty certain he was killed somewhere else and dumped there to throw off the investigation….they'd thought that but having actual, physical proof would definitely help.

After Kevin's briefing they'd decided to split up to cover more ground. Since Alec and Magnus already met Eugene's widow they went to follow up with her, check in, assure her they were still looking into it and see if she thought of anything else useful. While they were doing that he and Raphael went to Eugene's work to see if they could turn up anything - though he's thinking they may have bit off more than they can chew here.

Alastair Investments firm was a huge company, taking up the top three stories in the elaborate Brentwood building. Simon had no clue how they'd actually find just one office out of all that. Of course Raphael just flashed that annoyingly smug smirk and wink Simon's way, did some stupidly flashy little snap of his fingers spell like it was nothing giving them a trail right to the damn office, casually enacting a seemingly super powered version of his 'you see me but you don't 'see' me' type spell allowing them to just wander right on in.

Ugh…he's such a show off.

So now they're searching Eugene's office…though it's gonna take a while. They ruled out the office as the source of the carpet fibers as the entire building is carpeted in a deep royal blue, but that's about all they've found.

The rest is gonna be less straight forward. The office is both immaculate and nearly packed to the rafters. Apparently Eugene was an odd combination of fussily organized and total packrat…

It's a bizarre combination.

There's an elegant looking, chaise lounge beside the door, the other side bracketed by an elaborate brass coat rack and two file cabinets. Along the back wall there's a large mahogany desk, polished to a gleam, everything organized just so, not so much as a pen out of place. There's a large window taking up most of the left hand wall, with a short credenza running below it. The entire right hand wall is taken up with floor to ceiling bookshelves that are positively loaded with books, photos, postcards, awards, souvenirs and a plethora of just total randomness.

It's gonna take forever to go through everything but the last thing he wants is to rush through and miss something. He really should just do a divining spell but he knows his powers don't even hold a candle to Raphael's. He does one and he'd probably just do that obnoxious chuckle and smirk, snap his fingers and do one ten times more accurate.

It might be kind of petty but he just really doesn't feel like dealing with the overdramatic, flashy showboating right now. They've been here not even twenty minutes- he's gonna give it at least a bit longer before he gives up on the non-magical way. They are on a time crunch but an extra twenty minutes isn't gonna slow them down too much.

This was a bit of a long shot anyways but they didn't have too many other leads and Kyle did say he'd had some issues at work that day. If by chance his death was somehow connected to his work they couldn't really rule out near anything in here coming into play.

Well…maybe a few things….

He's pretty sure the odd porcelain clown and the weird bird statue can be ruled out as clues but the rest is anyone's guess...which is why he's taking his time and focusing on the task at hand…

Now if only Raphael would.

It's downright obnoxious…definitely not appealing. He's really being quite irritating, poking and prodding, doing most anything he can think of to get a rise out of Simon. He's now taken to mentioning how 'interesting' it is that he's been a detective for nearly a year yet only been away from his coven for just over six months.

Simon has taken to pretending he's not there and focusing on the search.

It is a task though.

The guy's so irritating. He has no idea how Kevin puts up with it.

He sure as hell couldn't…

Not that that's a-

"-and his antisocial mongoose too."

Huh?

Simon shook his head, blinking in confusion, turning from the bookcase, glancing over at the demon currently searching Eugene's desk.

"What?"

Raphael chuckled, glancing up flashing a bit of a smile.

"Thought that might snap you out of it…you seemed kinda lost in your own world."

Simon huffed faintly, rolling his eyes, turning back to the book case, again all but dismissing the demon.

"I'm not 'lost', I'm working- we're on a clock."

"We've been on a clock the entire day. I've talked more than you in the last two hours…That's not normal…not for you."

Simon scoffed.

"How would you know what's 'normal' for me- we've known each other for less than a day."

"Yes…and you've been babbling for most of that time…Then for the last two hours you've barely said anything…clearly something's off.

So what is it?"

Simon startled faintly at the voice barely two feet away, the demon now leaning against the bookcase just to his right…he hadn't even heard him move. He huffed, shaking head, turning slightly away from him, continuing his search.

"Nothing's 'off,' like I said I'm working a-"

"Is it about Kevin?"

"It's not about anything- it's not anything…I don't care who you're dating-"

"Dating? We're not dating."

"Sure okay, sleeping together, in love, involved, engaged whatever you want to call it. I don't care, s'none of my business…I'm just working the case and trying to figure out who murdered this guy. Sorry to disappoint you but that's a bit more important to me than your personal life- fascinating and colorful as I'm sure it is."

Raphael smirked, slipping closer, leaning into his line of sight.

"So that's what it is…you're jealous?"

Simon glared, eyes glimmering gold, flashing green.

"I'm not jealous…I. Am. Working…and I'd really like to get back to it. So j-"

"There's really nothing for you to be jealous about-"

"I'm n-"

"But even if you were, there isn't. It's nothing like that with me and Kevin. It never has been. He's like Mags- he's family. I do love him, but not in a romantic way. I've known Kev since he was fifteen, I could never see him like that." He shrugged, turning back to the bookcase, looking over the mishmash assortment of books, knickknacks, photos and other assorted randomness.

Simon paused, glancing over curiously.

"You…what? So…but…How d-"

Raphael sighed, shaking his head, flashing an apologetic smile.

"Simon, I really can't answer that. If Kevin wants to talk to you about it that's his prerogative but I don't go about sharing my devotee's stories. I just don't. It is not my place and they are not my stories. I know why they agreed. I realize it was likely one of the most difficult decisions of their lives and I treat it accordingly.

I know what warlocks think of demons in general, and me in particular. Thinking we're all opportunistic predators poised to pounce at any opportunity to get more devotees, more power, more status, just more…and I'm not gonna lie, there are demons who see the deals as nothing but a means to an end- but that is not me.

I don't take on a devotee just on a whim, or cause they slipped or had a bad week. I don't do it for me, I do it for them. I don't trick them into it- I ensure they know the reality, know all the risks, all the downsides, everything. I make absolutely certain they are under no illusions as to what they are agreeing to. Generally people do not willingly bind themselves to a demon just for the hell of it. Most of their reasons are tied to very painful, very dark parts of their lives. They're their stories and sharing them is their choice…I would never abuse their trust by taking that away from them.

I just wouldn't."

Simon blinked in surprise- both at the words and the sincerity and emotion he heard and felt in the statement.

Wow…

Gotta say he did not see that coming.

Alright, yeah he figured the minion's would be Loyal to the demon- that's kinda a given- but it never occurred to him that the loyalty would go both ways. I mean it's a demon deal…who expects genuine loyalty from a demon? A-and yeah…It could be an act.

But if it is it's one hell of an act.

Simon swallowed, shaking his head, trying to take in all of that without being 'taken in' by it.

It was not gonna be easy though.

Raphael was already utterly intoxicating, intriguing, stupidly gorgeous and annoyingly engaging…add in this and…umm…i-it doesn't matter.

It had to be an act…

It had to…

It was.

It was an act.

An act Simon was far too smart to fall for. He was not gonna be taken in by a stupidly gorgeous face and a few far too pretty to be true words. He was smarter than that. Still, might as well play along. Probably get him through this easier than calling the demon out on his lies.

"So the reason you have so many Minions i-"

"Devotees."

"Huh?" Simon glanced over, tilting his head in confusion at the rather sharp tone.

Raphael's eyes flickered black, ebony flames flickering about his shoulders.

"I do not have 'Minions' I have Devotees."

Oookay…umm…reverse…backtrack…something….

"I-sorry- I didn't mean to insult you or them or whatever. I haven't heard that term before. Is that like especially powerful Minions or something?"

His eyes glimmer brighter, the flames sparking, snapping and crackling, a sharp glint of a blood red aura slicing through, dancing about the edges of the unfathomably dark black flames.

Oooh Crap…

Reverse Faster...or just shut up…

"No it's not…it is not even close to the same thing. A Devotee is a person that goes into the binding wide eyed and willing. They know what they are agreeing to and go into it of their own volition. The relationship is mutually agreed on and mutually beneficial. A Devotee is seen as a person, an individual. They are not servants, expendable or just a means to an end- they are allies, companions, they are the demons support system, their family. They are equals.

A minion is for all intents and purposes a slave, a possession, seen by the demon as nothing more than a little power boost or a plaything, interchangeable and dispensable. They are duped, coerced, or even unknowingly bargained into being bound to the demon.

Taking on minions is absolutely deplorable…it represents the worst of the worst of my kind. It is dehumanizing, vicious and outright cruel.

Demons can only take on one type of followers- Devotees or Minions. The binding spells are inherently different and once you preform one you cannot perform the other. We choose which type of follower we take on…and which we choose says everything about the demon.

I have my flaws and I may be a lot of things but I would never, ever, under any circumstance sink so low just for a bit of extra power.

Understand?"

Simon gulped, nodding quickly.

"Y-yeah…devotees good, Minions bad, got it…pyrotechnic display totally unnecessary."

Raphael blinked, head tilting curiously, glancing to the side, seemingly just registering the sparking, dancing midnight black and blood red flames licking from his clenched hands all the way up over his shoulders. He stepped back slightly, shaking his head, glancing up apologetically, the flames flickering down, beginning to extinguish.

He flashed a slightly guilty look, placatingly holding his hands up.

"Sorry I did not mean to be so harsh, that was totally unintentional. It's just a bit of a sore spot- most every demon is fairly touchy on the subject. As I said my devotees are my family. The idea of aRăuvoitoare finding them before I did- of them being exploited and debased like that? On top of everything they'd already been through.

It's just far too much. I did not mean to scare you."

Simon swallowed, taking a deep breath, relaxing faintly, giving a quick, kind of fast nod, brushing his hair back, settling a bit closer.

"I-yeah, no…I-I got it. I bumbled into not only insulting you but pretty much every person you care about in one fell swoop. The flaming drama was totally warranted. Sorry- this time I wasn't actually trying to insult you."

Raphael shrugged, flashing a bit of a smile.

"I'll accept your apology if you accept mine?"

Simon bit his lip, giving a slight nod, relaxing a little more. Raphael's smile shifted to a near playful smirk, holding his hand out, a glimmer of the black flames flickering back up, just barely dancing from his palm up his forearm.

"Shake on it."

Simon gave a surprised huff of a laugh, rolling his eyes, the bright flicker of electric green crackling to life in his palm, dancing up his arm. He reached forward, catching Raphael's hand in a firm, confident grip. Raphael chuckled, squeezing his hand, tugging him closer, eyes flickering black, glimmering crimson. Simon tried to roll his eyes again, giving an annoyed huff but it didn't really manage to cover the blush warming his cheeks, or the little uptick in his heartbeat. Raphael's smirk took on a teasing tilt, eyebrow quirking, thumb lightly tracing along his knuckle. Simon's breath caught, his own eyes flashing brilliant gold, glimmering green dancing around the edge. Raphael gave a dizzying growl like hum, eyes flickering excitedly, shifting down to his lips, lingering before slowly sliding back up, again meeting Simon's gaze, tugging him closer, squeezing his hand. Simon gasped lightly, a soft little whimper like sound escaping, swaying closer t-

"Hey! What are you doing in here?"

The two startled, jumping apart, turning to face the interloper. He looked to be in his early to mid-thirties, a bit taller than Simon, with sandy blond hair and grayish blue eyes. He tilted his head, looking them over, gaze settling on Simon.

Simon blinked, totally at a loss for words -

Crap what happened to Raphael's spell?! He was counting on that spell damnit! W-

"Well?"

"W-umm…w-"

"We're investigating…what are you doing here?" Raphael cut him off, stepping forward, voice taking on a smooth, rather unsettling tone, folding his arms, sharp gaze shifting over the man expectantly, eyes glimmering bright, magic flickering.

The man faltered, a dash of his survival instincts picking up the threat, taking a hesitant step back towards the door (How the hell did he get so far into the office without either of them even registering it?! Raphael's spell was supposed to hide them from others, not vice versa!).

"I-I'm working…"

"So are we…"

The man blinked, glancing between the two, easing closer to the door, faltering a minute before shaking his head, straightening, going for assertive.

"Look, like I said before; I don't care who you work for, no one is allowed to go nosing around here unescorted. If you leave your name and number I'll be sure to give Mr. Dawson the message and see that he calls you when he gets in b-"

"Mr. Dawson won't be coming in."

The man blinked in confusion, looking Raphael over questioningly.

"What? Why? He sick?"

"No, murdered."

Crap…apparently subtly just isn't a 'thing' with demons…at least not this demon.

The man froze, paling, edging closer to the door. Simon sighed, sending a faint glare Raphael's way before turning back to the now very nervous man, holding his hands up placatingly.

"It's not what you're thinking. We're not involved in the crime; we're trying to find out who is. We're working the case, that's it."

He hesitated, gaze shifting from Simon back over to Raphael, shaking his head faintly.

"You really don't look like a cop."

Raphael smirked.

"That's because I'm not."

Simon shot yet another glare Raphael's way, shaking his head, turning back to the man, trying to subtly step between the annoyingly baiting demon and the now thoroughly confused man.

"He's j-"

"We're not with the department. Dawson's widow hired us to take up the investigation as the people who are actually supposed to be handling it have their heads too far up their collective asses to actually do their damn job."

He faltered a minute, a shadow of something passing behind his eyes before they shuttered, a false, confused look settling across his features, giving a slight shrug, folding his arms across himself, going a bit more on guard.

"Really? That seems a bit out of sorts. I can't imagine why the police would be unwilling to investigate a murder."

Raphael scoffed, shaking his head.

"Th-"

"Actually, I'm pretty sure you can…I have a feeling you know exactly why they would." Simon interjected, cutting off whatever snide comment Raphael was beginning.

Both the demon and the man blinked, looking over Simon in surprise. He sighed, giving a slight shrug, ignoring the demon, focus landing on the man, taking a slight step forward, meeting his eyes.

"Look Mr…?"

"Brentwood."

Simon blinked in surprise, gesturing vaguely encompassing the room.

"Brentwood- like…the name of the building we're currently standing in Brentwood? Like Alastair Brentwood… that Brentwood?"

He shrugged, giving a slight nod.

"Yeah, that's me…well technically that's my grandfather. I'm Alastair Brentwood III but close enough."

Simon nodded quickly, rolling with it- not like it's the craziest twist in this case, not even in the top five- getting back to the topic at hand.

"Okay well Mr. Brentwood it's admirable of you not wanting to besmirch Eugene's good name, it shows a good deal of class and character and I respect that. I'm sure there are plenty of people here who didn't like having someone like Eugene around. Would probably be all too happy to hear they no longer had one of 'those' people they had to work with…but that's not you…Is it?"

Again he faltered, swallowing, grey blue eyes shifting over him calculatingly, looking for the trick, head tilting in false confusion and indignation, giving another shrug.

"I don't know what you're implying about Eugene b-"

Simon shook his head right back, taking another step closer.

"I'm not implying and there's no since playing dumb. We know Eugene wasn't exactly subtle- he tried but even getting married didn't really fool anyone. Look, we don't have time for these games or the back and forth, platitudes and double speak to talk about something without actually mentioning it. We just don't.

Eugene was gay- everyone knew it. Now he is dead and it is entirely possible that's the reason why. That is also why the SBPD is all but burying the case. We promised his widow that we'd find out what happened. She knew about him, she doesn't care that he was gay, she cares that he is dead and no one seems to give a damn.

I understand not wanting to get involved or feeling you're somehow trampling on his memory or whatever but with all due respect platitudes and denial aren't gonna help find Eugene's killer. We need the truth, we need leads, we need a way to narrow down the field and focus the investigation on specific people who might have reason to want Eugene dead rather than just every homophobic jackass in the city of Santa Barbra.

You liked Eugene, respected him, got on fairly well. You didn't just see him as 'the gay at the office' you saw him as Eugene. I'm glad- it's good to know he had a bit of support at work- I'm sure he needed it. We're not trying to dig up dirt on the guy or cause trouble. All we want to do is find the truth, find out why someone took his life, see that they are held accountable, that they don't do it to anyone else. That's all.

So again, I know this is uncomfortable to talk about, and it's admirable that your first instinct is to protect your friend, but right now the best thing you can do for Eugene is just be straight with us so we have a shot at catching his killer.

Okay?"

He swallowed, seemingly faltering yet again before slumping a bit, the fight all but leaving him, giving a slight nod, moving over, taking a seat on the lounge, shaking his head.

"I-y-yeah…whatever I can do to help. Damn…I can't believe Eugene's gone, just like that…I really can't."

Simon flashed a gentle, empathetic not quite smile, slipping closer, hesitantly taking a seat next to him on the lounge, turning to face him, playing a hunch.

"I'm sure it's especially difficult as you guys didn't really leave things on the best of terms yesterday."

"H-how's y-"

"Someone mentioned he'd had a run in with his boss- guessing that was you, yeah?"

He swallowed, nodding, giving a faint sigh, turning more to face Simon.

"Yeah…It wasn't anything major. I'd just had a really rough day, I was in a bad mood and he just happened to be my last meeting- I kinda ended up taking it out on him."

Simon nodded.

"You were coming in to apologize, right?"

He blinked in surprise, but nodded, giving a hesitant shrug.

"Yeah…I felt bad…it really wasn't intentional. It was just a long, crappy day at the end of a long crappy week and I just kind of reached my breaking point. I hated that it was Eugene I ended up taking it out on- he's one of the few people around here I genuinely like…

Or…well…I…I guess he was…

Damnit…" He trailed off, shaking his head, looking kind of lost.

Simon sighed, settling closer, reaching over, lightly resting his hand on the man's arm. He glanced up, kind of unsure. Simon flashed a compassionate smile.

"I'm really sorry for you loss- I'm sure your friendship meant a lot to Eugene. I think he would have understood it wasn't about him- we all have those days when something just gets to be too much. I didn't actually know the man but from everything I've heard Eugene wasn't the type to hold one small misstep against someone."

He gave a breath of a laugh, shaking his head.

"No he absolutely would, but not in a vindictive way, more in an obnoxiously snarking about trust fund brats throwing temper tantrums kinda way. It's happened a couple times, he'd give me grief about it for a couple days then moves onto something else. We got on really well.

Eugene was a good man, a great worker. He ran circles around most of the others here…really burned them up I promoted him over them."

Simon tilted his head, giving a sympathetic nod.

"I'm sure you've taken a lot of flak for that."

He scoffed, giving a halfhearted shrug.

"No more so than on near any other move I make. I just took over the company from my dad this year- he hit a few legal troubles and had to resign. Not too many here were happy about it- mainly because a lot of them we're happily turning a blind eye in order to line their own pockets. I changed a lot when I took over- Fired the ones that were in too deep, wanting to distance the company from my dad's legal dramatics. Those that stayed had a pretty rude awaking. A lot of them where coasting with the whole 'good ol' boy' type system. I nixed that- if they don't do their job, pull their own weight, they're out. A lot of them were not happy with that. I've actually had a few of them call my grandfather to tattle on me about it- Eugene had a great laugh when I'd told him."

Simon gave a slight laugh, quirking his eyebrow.

"Oh I bet…did that cause any issues with you and your grandfather?"

He chuckled, shaking his head.

"No…The way I'm running the company is actually a lot closer to how he did things. The ones that called to bitch he fired on the spot- well, actually he told them he'd call me and advise me to fire them as it was now my company.

Eugene cracked up at that."

Simon nodded.

"I bet he did…" he paused, sobering, glancing up, again meeting Alastair's eyes.

"Look I know this is a lot to take in and I can only imagine what's all going through your head but we really could use your help on this."

He nodded.

"Yeah, of course- like I said whatever I can do to be of help…what do you need?"

"Was there anyone in particular here that had an issue with Eugene- beyond just the usual bigotry and vindictiveness?"

Both Simon and Alastair startle at the voice just to the side.

"Damnit, stop doing that! You need a bell or something." Simon grumbled irritatedly, flashing an annoyed glare towards the damn sneaky demon.

Raphael smirked, giving a bit of a shrug, settling on the arm of the lounge beside Simon, leaning into him a little, hand resting casually on his shoulder.

"Apologies lindo, that was not my intention, suppose you just forgot I was here. I'll try not to take it too personally..." He murmured, voice like velvet, fingers trailing along Simon's shoulder, fingertips lightly brushing along the side of his neck. Simon shivered, breath catching, subconsciously leaning into the touch, pulse picking up, just barely managing to fight down a whimper.

Damn demon….

Simon swallowed, taking a couple deep breaths, trying to get his heart rate back t-

Aaand there's that obnoxious eye flickery thing…he caught it…

Crap…Stupid demon super senses…

Raphael smirked, squeezing his shoulder once more, gaze shifting from Simon over to Alastair, flashing a- something Simon kinda hesitated to call a smile, a blatantly false surprised look shifting over his annoyingly gorgeous features.

"Oh, apparently we owe you an apology as well- never did properly introduce ourselves. I'm Raphael Santiago and this is my…associate, Simon Lewis."

Alastair blanched, freezing in place before slowly inching to the far end of the lounge. Stood to reason…That was the non-flaily version of Simon's first reaction to the name. Simon flailed, head whipping around, glaring at the damn demon.

"Are you freaking kidding me?!"

He shrugged, giving a falsely innocent look.

"What?"

Oh my stars…h-how d-

"Don't 'What' me! You know damn good and well 'what'…Ugh, I SO should have just tucked and rolled and ran like hell when I had the chance..." He muttered in annoyance, sending one more annoyed glare towards the demon before turning back to the definitely anxious businessman all but huddled against the far side of the lounge, clearly waffling between making a run for the door and trying to stay as still as humanly possible in hopes that they'd just forget he was there…

Well not 'they' so much as 'him': Raphael Freaking Santiago.

Ugh…

Simon sighed, holding his hand's up placatingly.

"Look Mr. Brentwood, Alastair- I know this seems insane alright? I get it, I really do. I reacted near the same way but as crazy as it seems he IS actually attempting to help- I know- it threw me too, but he is."

He blinked, looking between the two again, swallowing.

"W-umm…s-since when does Raphael Santiago work as a PI?"

Raphael smirked, giving an unconcerned shrug.

"Since about two this afternoon."

Alastair shook his head.

"Why w-"

"I was bored, needed a new hobby…" Raphael's gaze shifted from Alastair over to Simon, lingering, eyes flickering black, smirk taking on a playful, impish tilt.

"I quite like my new hobby."

Simon scoffed, quirking his eyebrow, giving a thoroughly unimpressed look.

"Your new hobby think's you're an ass."

Raphael chuckled, winking.

"It's part of my charm."

"No…no it's not." Simon muttered, shaking his head once more before turning back to Alastair giving a faint sigh and helpless shrug.

"L-look, Alastair? J-I know this is a lot to take in- I know HE's a lot to take in…J-just ignore him right now. I know this is beyond bizarre and you have no reason to believe me but we really are just trying to do the right thing. I didn't know Eugene…but at the same time I do. I know what he was- I know that isn't anywhere near all that he was but to so many that's the only thing they saw. I know what that's like, all too well…

So does Raphael.

Eugene was a regular at a place Raphael owns. I was looking into what happened to him and stumbled onto it- it didn't sit right with him, so he offered to help. I know this seems crazy and I can only imagine what all you've heard about him- and for the record I'm in no way saying I don't believe a good 90% of it…but in this one instance he's on the right side of things.

This isn't about me and it's sure as hell not about him- it's about Eugene…It's about finding out the truth about what happened to him and preventing it from happening to anyone else. So j-just try to put the Crime b-"

"Ahem",

Simon rolled not only his eyes but his entire head.

"'Highly diversified businessman' out of your mind and focus on doing what you can to get justice for Eugene…Okay?"

Alastair blinked momentarily, gaze shifting from Simon back over to Raphael before swallowing, giving a quick nod.

"Okay…what can I do to help?"

"As I asked before can you think of anyone here who had more than the usual narrow-minded jackassary level of issues with Eugene?"

Alastair startled a bit, glancing over at Raphael before giving a slight shrug.

"I-I really don't know. I mean there were a lot of the guys that had problems with him but none that seemed like they'd pose a real, legitimate threat. We have close to one hundred employees here- honestly I'd say there's less than twenty who genuinely didn't take some kind of issue with Eugene being here…even fewer since his promotion to Junior partner two months ago. There were five guys who really had a problem with it, feeling they deserved the promotion over him…Only three of them still work here.

Norman Monroe was one of them that called my grandfather to complain, I fired him three weeks ago. Louis Richardson ended up quitting when I made the announcement. With the promotion Eugene would have been his immediate supervisor- he couldn't seem to stomach that. I can get you guys the names and contact info for them and the other three but like I said I really couldn't see them actually killing someone over it.

They talk a big game and are obnoxious as hell but I really don't think they'd take it any farther than that…I'll get it for you though, and if you need to talk to anyone who's here today I'll make sure they cooperate."

Simon flashed a grateful, relieved smile, nodding, before pausing, head tilting something occurring to him.

"Thank you Alastair, that'll be a lot of help. So…hey, wait…exactly who did you think we were? You said you didn't care who we worked for- who did you think we worked for?"

Again he seemed to falter, giving a slight shrug.

"I-umm…"

"You said 'like I told you before'…have you found other people nosing around?"

He hesitated a minute before nodding. Raphael perked up, head tilting curiously.

"'Here' as in at the company or 'here' as in Eugene's office?"

"W-umm… in Eugene's office."

"When was this?"

"Last week b-"

Simon settled forward, relieved to have a bit of a plausible lead.

"That seems way too implausible to just be a coincidence…who was it? Who'd they work for?"

Alastair shook his head.

"Yeah I see where you'd think that b-but…it has to be coincidence. I mean there's just no way he'd have anything to do with it. Compared to that the pissed off coworkers sounds downright plausible. No one would j…I mean issues are issues, and yeah the man has a bit of a reputation as a hardass but, but that? There's just no way…It's…I mean…it's…"

"His father." Simon finished with a sigh, the pieces clicking into place, slumping back in the seat, giving a hopeless gesture, glancing over at Raphael.

Alastair nodded, looking between the two, shrugging.

"Exactly…so like I said it can't really be connected. I mean I know there's family drama and all that but honestly what kind of 'Father' would ever be involved in the murder of their own son?"

Raphael sighed.

"The kind of 'father' who's making a run for the governor's office, has a severely conservative platform and a blatantly gay son who could likely cost him the election…"

{*~********~*~********~*} *-Magnus-*-Magnus-*-Magnus-*-Magnus-*-Magnus-* {*~********~*~********~*}

"Well…damnit…" Alec muttered, slumping back against the wall, shoulders drooping, crossing his arms over his chest, glancing away.

Simon nodded, giving a slightly helpless shrug.

"Yeah…that was kinda our takeaway too."

Magnus sighed, shaking his head, settling on the edge of Raphael's desk just trying to take everything in. The four of them where gathered in Raphael's office at the club going over their findings. He and Alec didn't really get any new information from Ruth, though it was good they went by to touch base with her. Apparently one of Dawson's toadies came by to offer their condolences and assured her she didn't have to worry about anything 'unfortunate' coming to light as the case would be handled with the upmost tact and decorum (meaning it'd be buried and forgotten). She was relieved to find out they were still on it, and Magnus was grateful they'd went by, if anything to reassure her and help put her mind at ease but even so that was just yet another red flag pointing towards the former mayor. Add in what Raph and Simon came up with at Eugene's office and the case was seeming to point in one very specific direction…

The one direction they were really hoping to avoid. Throughout the investigation they'd been hoping it would take a turn, shift, head another way- near any other way- but all roads just seemed to come back to here.

Back to former mayor Albert Dawson.

Soon to be Gubernatorial hopeful Albert Dawson.

Crap…

This could be bad for all of them but for Alec? He had so much more to lose on this…

Magnus would be fine, he's been in worse scrapes, this would hardly be the first time a story landed him on the wrong side of someone who thought they were powerful enough that the law simply didn't apply…He'd gotten out of it before, he'd do it again…it'd probably just add another level of intrigue to his colorful rep.

And though he knew he was worried he kinda figured Simon was pretty much in the clear- no one's gonna pin the blame on the kid- he's barely been at the precinct a couple weeks, if anything Magnus will just say he tricked the guy into helping…that he didn't know they were ordered off the case. And Raphael w…well hell…to steal a quote from Simon- he was Raphael FREAKING Santiago.

He was good.

B-but Alec?

God…

Alec was in this up to his neck and there was no way around it…this came down on them he was the one dealing with the biggest fallout. He was expressly ordered off the case. He'd talked to his father. He'd talked to Mayor Dawson and his cronies. There was no way he could play it off as anything other than exactly what it was. He was disobeying a direct order.

All this time Magnus figured he'd find a way to spin the story- that's what he did after all. He'd planned to say he'd found the information, the proof, and taken it to the detective that had been working the case…figured any fallout he could direct towards him.

Orders or not there's no way Chief Lightwood could actually expect Alexander to just ignore irrefutable proof of a murder.

Alec was a freaking Boyscout- he was the most moral, upright, upstanding person Magnus had ever met…and he kinda got the feeling near anyone who met him saw the same thing pretty much right off the bat.

Chief Lightwood may be a homophobic jackass, a shady snake and a miserable bastard but despite glaring evidence to the contrary he was not in fact a total idiot.

He'd know Alec would do the right thing…especially when handed irrefutable proof.

That was the plan…that was HIS plan.

The entire plan hinged on finding irrefutable proof that even the most close minded, homophobic jackass of a cop (or chief) couldn't ignore. In order to find that they had to actually investigate…examine the trail, examine the evidence, talk to witnesses and potential suspects. ALL the potential suspects.

How the hell were they gonna investigate someone as high profile as Albert Dawson without tipping their hand? How were they gonna talk to the former mayor/gubernatorial hopeful/father of the freaking victim without it being glaringly obvious exactly why they were?

Especially when he himself was already putting pressure on the department to drop it? Yeah at the time they figured that was to keep his name in good standing, not wanting to drag his reputation through the mud…but what if it was more? What if he wanted the case quashed because HE was involved?

Alec gets within twenty feet of the guy and he's involved? Oh man. Dawson and his cronies are gonna be ringing up the chief- otherwise known as Alec's father- and that's it…case is gone and Alec is screwed.

Best case scenario he finds out Alec's working a case he's been expressly ordered off of (By him)…worst? If he starts to put things together? Wonders why Alec was working this specific case….why he's working this case with Magnus? If he starts to wonder just why Alec would be so willing to disobey a direct order? For this specific case?

Crap…

Izzy has not spoken to her parents or siblings in half a decade. She was flat out told she would be no longer seen as part of the family…She gave up everything because of the bastard. He finds out about Alec being like that too? His oldest son, head detective in his own precinct and what is generally seen as his heir apparent?

God…

He doesn't know what the man would do…Isn't sure he wants to know just what he'd do about such a perceived slap in the face. Magnus never had a high opinion of Chief Lightwood but Izzy's story struck him…let him see just what a cold, callous, conceded, wretched person he truly was.

Alec could lose everything on this…everything.

His job, his family, his reputation; everything he's worked his entire career for- his entire life for. Everything that means anything to him…

Just one slip up here and it can all be gone.

It is far too much…

He swallowed, settling forward.

"I think we maybe need to take a step back on this."

Alec startled, looking up, blinking in surprise.

"What? What are you talking about? We promised R-"

"I know we did and I'm not saying we drop it. We still need to investigate, find the evidence…but maybe we need to rethink how we go about that."

Alec tilted his head, eyes sparking suspiciously.

"What do you mean?"

Magnus gave a slight shrug, flashing a quick glance over at Raphael, relieved to see he's already following his train of thought, giving a slight, barely perceivable nod. Magnus relaxed a bit, glancing over at Simon before shifting back, gaze again landing on Alec.

"Maybe for the time being me and Raph should take up the witness questioning."

"What?! No, you can't-"

Raphael sighed, tilting his head in acknowledgment.

"It is not a bad plan Detective. Were we to be found out you and Simon have far more to lose than Magnus and I. We're private citizens, the department can't outright order us off looking into something, they might be able to throw up hurdles but they can't outright stop us. Mags is protected by freedom of the press and I'm protected by…well…let's just say I'm very well protected and leave it at that. Our involvement in this comes to light it's really nothing for us…for you two it's another story entirely."

Alec gave a slightly disbelieving scoff, shaking his head, gesturing over at Simon, waving.

"I-what…so you guys seriously think two detectives are just gonna step aside and let a couple civilians run an investigation, just to avoid a few complications? No…just…no we're not doing that."

"Alexander…it is not just a 'few' complications…not for you."

He gave a slight huff of a not quite laugh and a somewhat resigned shrug.

"I know that. Doesn't mean I'm gonna just ignore this and let it go, or use a couple of civilians as a shield…that's worse than letting it go."

Magnus sighed, slipping off the desk, moving closer, shaking his head.

"You're not 'using us' you're just playing the odds- going with the option that brings up fewer issues in the long run. And I'm not saying you just 'let it go'…I don't mean you flat out stop working the case…I want you on the case, we need you working the case. But perhaps you need to be a bit less straightforward about it. Maybe let me and Raph take the more visible parts of the questioning, you and Simon handle the paper work, comparing witness statements, tracking down leads. You two can coordinate with Divya and Kevin on the evidence…then when we get something really strong, really tangible, something we can point to and say 'ah ha!'- then we can just say we brought it to you guys, that you didn't know we were looking into it until we already had the evidence. You'd have plausible deniability…you'd have a cover.

I'm simply saying we need to be really smart about how we proceed from here on out. Yes, we need to track down the evidence, we need to solve the case and find Eugene's murderer, but we need to do it in a way that doesn't involve torpedoing everything you've built up to this point."

Alec scoffed, shrugging.

"Hey if that's what it takes-"

Magnus moved closer, settling against the wall beside him, reaching over, resting his hand on Alec's arm.

"And I have no doubt in my mind that if that was the only option you wouldn't hesitate…but at this point it is not- we have other moves. And recklessly throwing everything away just because you're pissed at your father isn't gonna make this case any easier to solve."

Alec glanced up, shaking his head.

"I'm n-"

Magnus settled closer, squeezing his arm, glancing up, meeting his eyes.

"Alexander…let's be real, this right now? This isn't just about Eugene…this is about you and Izzy and Chief Lightwood. I was right there when Izzy told you. I know how much it hurt…how much you regret not seeing it, how you're questioning, second guessing, wondering if you'd of just told him first, if you'd somehow realized, if you'd managed to step in how different it'd be. I know how much you wish you could have somehow known it was coming, found a way to spare her that pain.

You're the big brother, you feel like you let her down and now you want to make up for it." He paused, reaching up with one hand, catching Alec's chin, tilting his head back up, again meeting his eyes, reaching down with the other hand, catching his hand, squeezing tightly.

"But Alexander? You didn't…you did not let Isabelle down…he did. I know it hurts and I wish you guys didn't have to go through all this just because of his bigotry but that is not on you.

It's not.

I know right now you are hurt and angry and dealing with so many complicated emotions it's near impossible to sort through it all. Your mind is spinning with all this and on top of that the case is getting to you and you're seeing so many similarities between your relationship with your father and Eugene's with his and I know right now you would like nothing more than to call him on it, make him face what he did.

Right now you are pissed- and you have every right to be-and even if it's not your prime motivation, maybe not even a conscious one, I can see how throwing your defiance on this case in his face may seem like an ideal payback…

But sweetheart, it would not fix anything, it would just make everything else so much more complicated, so much worse…so much harder…and there would be no going back. You are an excellent detective, you care, and you are willing to put everything you have on the line for the public. There are far too few officers of such a high caliber. Eugene's case is important…but so is the next one…and the one after that, and every other one. Like you said you cannot fix the system if you are not part of it…The best way to fix it is to have as many genuinely good, honest, moral people on the job as possible to offset the bad…that is the only way it gets fixed.

Chief Lightwood is not worth sacrificing all the future good you can do on the job… He is not worth your career…he just isn't…He's not…" He trailed off, unsure what else to say but determined to get through, squeezing his hand once more.

Alec swallowed, blinking a couple times, giving a slight shrug.

"I-I know that…that's not what I'm doing…I just…" He trailed off on a sigh, slumping against the wall, brushing his hair back.

"I…Magnus…I know what you're saying…and I don't think I'd do that- consciously or otherwise. I know why you'd think that...and I'm not gonna lie, after seeing Izzy…finding out how much she missed, how much WE'VE missed because of him- I can see why you'd think that- why it would seem like a good idea-but…I-I can't work this case like that. I couldn't just hide in the background on the case…I know if we get caught it could be my career...and so much more…but…Magnus? All of this, all the complications, political and personal drama and all that other crap? None of it changes the fact that this is a murder investigation.

Someone murdered Eugene.

I know there are risks here- personal and professional and everything else, and I know it comes down to it and our investigation comes to light too early I'm screwed… but I cannot have two civilians running around trying to track down a murderer. I can't. I understand what you're saying…I do…but there is absolutely no way I can just sit on the sidelines here. It's too dangerous."

"Oh but With Raph-"

"Magnus…no…I can't…" He shook his head, squeezing his hand, flashing a bit of an almost smile.

"Look…I realize what you're saying…and thank you for the concern, it really does mean a lot…

But I can't just step aside.

I can promise I'll be careful, I won't go out of my way to get caught just to piss off my dad, but what you're asking? I really can't do that." He paused glancing from Magnus over to Raphael, giving a slight shrug, shifting back to Magnus.

"Maybe we can find a compromise? I won't like disappear into the archive room leaving you guys to do all the heavy lifting but maybe I can follow your lead on this…I'd be alright with that."

Magnus tilted his head, kind of unsure.

"Follow my lead how?"

He shrugged, again casting a look from Magnus over to Raphael and back.

"Well I may not be willing to go into hiding for the remainder of the investigation while letting you two run roughshod but if this is going the way it's looking like it's going we may have to approach this in a less than straightforward way. I mean if we're dealing with politicians and political handlers, hangers on, toadies and so on? Yeah, their entire job is to watch for angles, loopholes, tricks and workarounds. Nothing about this is gonna be direct. If we're gonna get any info on former mayor Dawson it's gonna take a lot of tact, guile and likely a bit of out and out deception.

Umm…yeah that's not really my strong suit…kinda betting you two may be a bit more skilled with that."

Raphael chuckled, tilting his head in acknowledgment.

"Fairly safe to say you'd win that bet."

"Couple times over…" Simon muttered, drawing an eyebrow quirk and a little wink from Raphael, causing the younger detective to glance away, blushing lightly.

Magnus gave a slight chuckle of his own, shaking his head before focusing back on Alec.

"True enough…."

Alec flashed a grateful smile, squeezing his arm once more.

"Alright…so…maybe we can j-" He's cut off by a sharp, trilling, chirping sound.

He startled faintly, glancing at his watch, giving a slight groan, shaking his head, silencing the alarm. He glanced back up at the rest of the group, shrugging.

"Damnit…I have to be at my parents for our family dinner in an hour. I can call and cancel…"

Magnus shook his head.

"You do and it's a huge red flag."

Alec sighed, nodding, slumping a bit against the wall.

"Yeah…kinda my thinking…though for the record right about now a political minefield laced murder investigation sounds far more preferable to this family dinner."

"No contest…" Simon sighed, sending an apologetic shrug and a slightly helpless gesture his way, looking between the other two.

Raphael tilted his head in acknowledgment.

"I do not envy you on this detective…this will most definitely not be 'fun', I hope it's as tolerable, quick and uneventful as possible."

Alec huffed out a faint laugh, shrugging.

"Thanks…pretty sure that's the best I can hope for here."

Raphael seemed to falter a moment, weighing his words before shifting, giving a faint shrug.

"If it helps Izzy genuinely is okay."

Alec sighed, shaking his head.

"I know she says that b-"

Raphael shook his head right back, looking up meeting his eyes, a flicker of something odd and mysterious in the deep gaze.

"No Alec. She is not just saying that, she means it. She's genuinely happy- she is where she belongs- who she is supposed to be. She has friends who love and support her, and she and Clary truly are one of the best, strongest, most stable couple I've ever met. She is smart and brave and fiercely determined…Isabelle is without a doubt one of the strongest people I have ever met…I don't think there is anything in this world she cannot handle."

Alec blinked.

"Yeah?"

Raphael gave a sharp nod,

"I trust her with my life."

Alec tilted his head,

"You mean you would trust her with your life?"

Raphael shrugged, meeting his gaze, something in that look sending a near visible chill straight down Alec's spine.

"I do every day."

Alec faltered, blinking, eyes kinda wide, giving a quick nervous nod.

"U-umm…o-Oookay…thank you…that…uh…helps…I-I think…" He trailed off, blinking again, shaking his head, pushing away from the wall.

"So…I need to get going." He paused, glancing over at Magnus, giving a slight shrug.

"I can give you a call after dinner we can pick this back up?"

Magnus sighed, shaking his head.

"Maybe we can just put a pin in it for the evening? We have a lot of information to go through and a lot to strategize. We've been working on this since eight this morning. And there was a LOT today. I think we need to just take a beat, have the rest of the evening off and start fresh tomorrow morning."

Raphael nodded.

"I think that's the smart move here. The last thing we want to do on this is rush it through and have the investigation come to light before we're ready…besides I have some things to deal with tonight and we could all probably use a breather. If anything the case centering around Dawson means our main lead isn't really a flight risk."

Simon gave a slight huff of a laugh, nodding.

"Uh yeah, gotta think skipping town and going on the lamb would kinda throw a wrench in the whole campaign thing."

Alec sighed, relaxing faintly, giving one more slight nod.

"Okay…well…no putting it off…no matter how much I may want to. I'll see you guys first thing tomorrow morning and we'll see what our next play is, everyone good with that?"

The other three nodded, Alec sighed, nodding back, pushing off the wall, making his way to the door, pulling it open before hesitating, glancing back over at Raphael, quirking his eyebrow.

"She's really okay?"

Raphael flashed a faint, real smile and a sure nod.

"She is more than okay…She's Izzy."

Alec gave a slight huff of a laugh, smiling back, nodding once again, making his way out of the room, pulling the door behind him. Magnus slumped, giving a sigh of relief, moving over by Raphael, slipping his arm around him, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

"Thank you for that sweetheart."

Raphael huffed, rolling his eyes, giving a slight shrug.

"All I did was tell the truth…"

Magnus smiled, squeezing his shoulder.

"Yes…but you did so in the nicest possible way- which isn't generally your style but was sorely needed in this case…so again thank you darling." He smiled, glancing from Raphael over to Simon, giving a slight shrug.

"I'm going to head out, you need a ride home Simon, or where you planning on hanging around the club a bit?"

The younger detective seemed to startled, lost in his own thoughts, flailing slightly, quickly shaking his head, moving over by Magnus.

"No…not I-um…I have some things to deal with too…so yeah I'll head out with you."

Raphael smirked, quirking his eyebrow.

"You sure? If you wanted to stay a bit I'd be more than happy to give you a lift home later."

Simon scoffed, quirking his eyebrow right back.

"Uh yeah no…I'm good…like I said things to do…things to do that aren't here…so umm…yeah…nice to meet you, see you tomorrow, have a good night…come on Magnus." He finished, beginning quickly through the door, heading for the bottom floor.

Magnus chuckled, shaking his head, giving a playful smirk.

"Sorry darling…think it's a bit of an uphill battle with that one."

Raphael laughed, shrugging.

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

Magnus gave a bright laugh, squeezing Raphael's shoulder once more, making his way to the door himself, a bit of a spring in his step.

Okay well…the case was gonna be a complicated, tangled, nightmare of a mess…but at least Magnus had a bit of a distraction to entertain him.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* *-*-*End Of Chapter Notes*-*-* *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Diavolulnou (Diavolul-nou)= New Devil- Humans turned into Demons *Rarest type of Devotee*

Răuvoitoare =Malevolent (Demon who takes on Minions)

Cavaleresc =Chivalrous (Demons who take on Devotees) (I know we haven't mentioned this one but I figure it'd be of use- I'll have them both again when it comes up again as well.

**Random thing but just FYI Eugene seems like he could be kind of an interesting character…because of that I decided he's gonna crop up in one of my other verses- he's the ghost haunting Clary's Occult shop in my Psychic Verse (Verse 6)…Just thought I'd throw that out there***

This should be a kinda interesting verse; it'll be a different twist on Kevin and Simon's relationship but no worries- we're still gonna end up with them totally BFF's…they'll just have a couple hurdles to get over first.

(FYI gotta admit- I kinda like semi- scary Kevin…that's a new one…he could be fun to play with)

Kay I know the end was a bit abrupt but it was the best I could do- this one seemed to start spiraling and I couldn't really figure out how to tie it up.

(And I think in the Shadowhunters series there is an 'Alistair' this is NOT that Alistair, it just fit the character…) FYI the next chapter I've been looking forward to quite a while (I've had a lot of it written out for months). I think you'll all really like it…

(Raphael's Car)

Chapter 9:

Drinks, Dates And Demon Deals

Chapter Complete!

Kay so this chapter is basically like 90% Jlijah flirting…a lot of flirting, a lot of very flustered Simon, a LOT of teasing Raphael and even a bit of a glimpse of the very rare teasing Simon and flustered Raphael…

Next chapter we're diving into the case hard…and well…the case is kinda sad so figure a nice healthy dose of fluffy flirty-ness is a good lead in.

(P.S. I know we've been light on the Xanic for the last few chapters…I swear I haven't forgotten them and we'll totally make up for it…trust me we have plenty of Xanic left both in remaining 3 chapters and in the 9 more stories to come in the series.)

Anyways I LOVE this chapter it's my favorite (I think of all my chapters…of all my series…)

Hope you like it too!

-*-*-*-*-*-*-40'sDetectiveNoir-*-*-*-*-*-*-

* 47 *