Chapter 2:
Elizabeth Walker knew that Detective Decker thought she had something on her. It was obvious in her questions, obvious in the way the detective tried to be casual but authoritative. Elizabeth also knew those type of assumptions did not come from a Google search.
Mimi was missing and someone told the police to question Elizabeth.
Of course, she wasn't satisfied with Mimi's work ethic, or lack thereof, but kidnapping her? It seemed a little extreme under any circumstance. The only logical thing Elizabeth could do was figure out where Mimi happened to be before things got worse and Larmes was the face of a PR scandal that no one could recover from.
Elizabeth might be the brains behind the entire operation, but clients solely requested Larmes' services because of the name Mimi's father created for the company. Elizabeth didn't have enough saved to branch out on her own. Without Mimi, her career would suffer.
Elizabeth knew that she was going to have to play detective—discreetly, of course.
Kitty Parker had an entire meltdown before she left the Larmes, but she didn't seem to be thinking of anyone but herself and her upcoming wedding. Kitty wasn't the brightest tool in the shed, so she didn't pick up on Detective Decker's accusation. Instead, she figured that Mimi had gone missing solely to destroy her wedding out of jealousy.
Apart from the promiscuous club owner, Mimi never took anything seriously. Lucifer Morningstar was this month's conquest. Next month, it would be a different billionaire. Despite coming from money, Mimi was always chasing the paper. It was the only thing that she could commit to besides clubbing and the occasional European getaway.
Elizabeth asked Kitty to return tomorrow morning with all of her new wishes for the wedding and a final date. Desperate, Kitty agreed and then left.
After she was alone, Elizabeth tried to call Mimi but reached her voicemail each time. "Madam," She rolled her eyes at the pretentious nickname, "It's Elizabeth. A detective stopped by looking for you. I'm worried. Call me back."
After her voicemail, she attempted to call back one more time, but she got Mimi's voicemail again.
For the rest of the day, she worked on her client's pieces and tried to be as productive as possible. She opened InDesign and started a fact sheet layout for an up and coming artist. The Madam never wanted to take on artist, but it was truly Elizabeth's passion. When Mimi decided that she was more interested in yachting and social events, Elizabeth kept Larmes running on client's willingness to be featured.
The process of creating an accurate and relevant fact sheet was typically challenging because of the fluctuations in social media followings. Also, including relevant design methods that don't overshadow the artist's work but simultaneously holding a standard.
After she laid the framework for the fact sheet, she moved onto designing a few social media postings for some events with art galleries and clubs. She attached the postings to secure emails and sent them to her clients for feedback. For the most part, she used Canva for social media posts because it was easier, and the graphics were already paid for. The main goal was to have entertaining posts because everyone hated standard advertisements.
Elizabeth knew that she was just trying to run out the clock before she had to delve into her new role. At 5 PM, she finally left the office and headed home. Jethro was waiting at the door and looked positively excited for her to be home.
Jethro was a black Labrador retriever and exceptionally lazy unless the concept of food was brought up. Elizabeth hired a dog walker a while back because of how hectic her hours were. The walker often sent her pictures of Jethro napping in different parts of the dog park. In truth, if it wasn't for Jethro, Elizabeth would be extremely lonely.
She greeted him with a healthy ear scratch and proceeded to walk into the kitchen section of her studio apartment. It wasn't much but LA prices were traumatizing to anyone's bank account. Jethro wagged his tail as she drank from a carton of orange juice.
"I've got to take a shower." She told the happy pup, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. She laughed, "Got a date with the devil."
Ultimately, Elizabeth knew that the best way to find Mimi was to track down Lucifer Morningstar. He was the last person that saw her and probably the one with her at the moment. Detective Decker seemed to know all about him, so she most likely already paid him a visit.
It didn't matter.
The detective didn't know Mimi.
7 PM, Thursday
"I look like a cheap hooker." Elizabeth said in horror as she stood in front of the body length mirror in an emerald halter dress with a plunging neckline and a massive slit. Elizabeth wasn't even sure she was legally allowed to say she was wearing a dress. Would she get cited for indecent exposure? It was the type of dress that did allot for a bra, which was a dangerous fashion choice considering Elizabeth was busty—a curse, really.
Elizabeth decided to stick with her signature bun, although it was a lot neater than Wednesday mornings up-do. In an attempt to stick with trends, and to emulate Mimi and all the other girls that lined up outside of LUX, she did a dark smoky eye with a silver lid. It made her beautiful green eyes pop and complimented the dress.
At first, she was going to accessorize with a choker, but she thought that might be overdoing it, so she put on the silver locket her mother bought her when she graduated college for good luck. A little bit of nude lip gloss later and she was ready to face Mr. Morningstar and find out what happened to Mimi.
Nightclubs don't usually open until 10 PM, but there was probably a line forming already. Elizabeth grabbed her car keys, kissed Jethro goodnight and left her apartment building with high hopes.
And a little bit of fear.
What if something malicious happened to Mimi and Lucifer Morningstar was behind it?
When she got into her car, she hooked her iPhone to the USB jack. Her dashboard glowed blue and she flipped on the heated seats. It was her method of relaxation before facing Mr. Morningstar. If she's being honest, her entire plan is completely bonkers.
What if Lucifer Morningstar was a bad man?
What if he did something to Mimi?
The drive to LUX wasn't that bad, but she was definitely right about the line. Beautiful women were standing outside of the building, mindlessly flirting with the bouncer and the valets. Anything to get inside of the club and closer to the owner. Elizabeth suddenly felt ridiculous in her outfit.
What was she even going to do? It's not like she could just walk up to Mr. Morningstar and demand to know information about Mimi. He was one of the most talked about men in the social circuits. Everyone either wanted to sleep with him or wanted to be his friend. As far as contacts go, Lucifer Morningstar was way out of her league.
Elizabeth turned into the line of cars and patiently waited for a valet to come to her window. She listened to an entire song before she moved up in the line and was finally greeted by a young man who looked as if his entire life had been made.
Okay, she really regretted the dress at this point. The slit up the side almost exposed her entire backside. Elizabeth carefully exited the car with the assistance of the valet. She noticed how the other girls stared at her, obviously making fun of her car.
"Um, here you go." Elizabeth said as she handed over her keys. The large fluffy dog keychain jangled in the process, almost adding to her embarrassment.
Her confidence didn't boost as she started to walk to the back of the line. Elizabeth could tell that she was starting to panic by the tightness in her throat. Fuck, she internally cussed as she made the executive decision to just turn around.
As soon as she spun on her heels, she collided with something hard and warm. Elizabeth heard a soft and dramatic oompf in response and then strong hands on her shoulders. "Now, what would you be doing at my club, tonight?" The seductive draw of Mr. Morningstar's voice only added to her embarrassment.
The sight of his curiosity was a little bit undoing. He seemed so positively focused on her as if no one else existed in his vast world. Elizabeth could feel the blush rising to her cheeks again. Mr. Morningstar was wearing a black suit that probably contained an expensive label on a seam somewhere. Ironically, the shirt he was wearing today was as green as her dress. As green as her eyes.
"The Detective stopped by today. You see, I work for the LAPD as a consultant and the detective often comes to me for advice." He seemed to be bragging about his position with the police. The sinking feeling that she felt earlier returned.
Of course, of course, that's why Detective Decker knew him…he's a colleague. A partner.
They'll never suspect him.
"The Detective thinks that you have something to do with the beloved Madam's disappearance and then you show up here." Mr. Morningstar's brown eyes are piercing. It's hypnotizing almost. It reminds her of the time she ate an edible with her college roommate and thought she discovered the meaning of life. Her entire body felt numb under his gaze.
Elizabeth licked her lips, "I came here to find Mimi. I don't know why this Detective Decker thinks I'm involved, but I promise, I'm not. I thought Mimi might be with you, enjoying the party."
"Even when she didn't show up to work?"
"Mimi never shows up to work." Elizabeth rolled her eyes before she could think better of herself. She covered her mouth when she realized how wholly unprofessional it was to reveal Mimi's actual self to a potential client. "You know because she's so busy working from home—"
He chuckles, "You're a terrible liar. How positively refreshing in the city of lies."
Elizabeth suddenly realizes the implications of the conversation. Mr. Morningstar had no idea where Mimi went. She didn't know why, but she could tell he was being as genuine as a man with a devil persona could be.
What if she's really hurt?
"Do you know why the detective thinks I'm responsible?" Elizabeth asks, but then she's blinded by the flash of a camera.
"Lucifer! Lucifer! Look over here! Who is the woman?" A paparazzo was yelling from the sidewalk, snapping pictures of the pair as if his next meal depended on it. Mr. Morningstar quickly turned Elizabeth away from the camera and towards the entrance of LUX.
The entire time, he was furiously muttering comments about hell and a special place for some paparazzi members. He directed her towards the elevator, and she followed willingly because she was shocked. The elevator was small but in a cozy way.
She would be lying if she said that being this close to an attractive man wasn't stimulating. He was one of the sexiest men alive. It would be completely ridiculous not to recognize it. Mr. Morningstar caught her staring, which seemed to change his previously agitated mood.
Elizabeth cleared her throat, "I need to find Mimi and set things right before Larmes suffers. You were the last one to see her."
"Playing cop, are you?" Mr. Morningstar faced her, taking in her appearance with a look of approval. "I do have some handcuffs, but they may need testing."
Elizabeth squeaked in shock and try to cover it up with a cough.
"Tell me, Miss Walker, did you get dressed up on my account?"
The heat was rushing to her face, but she still managed a semi-intelligent response. "Don't flatter yourself. It was more of a when in Rome situation. I had to be sure that I would be let in the door."
"You could wear a potato sack and still be let in the door." Mr. Morningstar said under his breath. No one had ever said anything like that to her before. Elizabeth didn't think she was ugly, per se, just wholly average in every way possible.
Elizabeth gasped, "You remembered my name."
It was stupid of her to say out loud, but she only realized it after the fact. He smiled like a cat who had eaten the prized bird like he had all intentions of making her his next meal. It was just enough to make her heart speed up.
"Hard to forget."
"Because of Mimi?"
"No, because of you."
The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Mr. Morningstar walked out but waited for her to join him. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll get us some drinks and then we can discuss the allusive Madam Tanner."
Elizabeth eyed the leather couch for a moment before she decided to take a seat. The penthouse was modern, dark…maybe even a little seductive. Her blush refused to let up as she watched grab two scotch glasses and search for the right bottle. For once, Elizabeth could see why Mimi liked him so much. He had a way about him that was unlike any other man. Absolutely timeless. A ride worth taking, even if it left you with a broken heart and deep seeded emotional scars.
Lucifer finally turned around and smiled when he noticed she was watching him. "Like what you see Miss Walker?"
She chose not to respond so she did not incriminate herself. He joined her after he poured two fingers of scotch each. Elizabeth decided to hold off on the drinking—she did have to drive home after this.
"When was the last time you saw Mimi?"
"Shortly after you left. I'm afraid I annoyed the Madam to the point that she was no longer considering LUX for your delicious ideas." He took a seat across from her. "That journal you so graciously brought her was yours, correct?"
"Yes."
Mr. Morningstar takes a sip of his drink, "She abuses you."
"Mr. Morningstar, it's the business."
"Call me Lucifer."
"Okay, Lucifer. It's the business. I started interning for Mimi my senior year of college. I've worked there for two years as an associate. I'm only 24 and I handle accounts that people my age would kill to access. It's not all bad." Elizabeth sets down her clutch on the couch as she starts to get more comfortable in his presence.
Lucifer considers her words, "Mimi has a reputation of being…"
"Demanding."
"Not the word I was searching for, but sure…demanding." Lucifer frowns, "The detective painted a picture earlier. The LAPD thinks that Mimi Tanner is hurt or dead. They think the jealous associate is the best suspect." He holds out a hand in defense, "You don't strike me as a killer."
"Mimi is difficult, but I would never hurt her. I don't know what information they're basing these claims off of, but I need Mimi to help me launch my career and start my own place. Her absolute laziness has given me so much free will—" Elizabeth stopped, cleared her throat, "I wouldn't hurt her."
"It looks like you need my help, then."
"Excuse me?"
"Chloe Decker is one of the greatest minds that I have ever encountered, and she thinks you had a hand in all of this. You need my help. A favor."
Elizabeth slides back against the couch, "A favor?"
"Quid pro quo, really. I help you clear your name and then you do something for me when I ask." He takes another long sip of his drink.
"What is this?"
"What do you mean?"
"Favors? Really?" Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh. It was the most ridiculous thing that she ever heard.
"Oh, darling, I am all too serious. You may not realize it now, but you need me. And I know just what I want in return." He smirks at her and Elizabeth's fear spikes. He's serious. Oh my god.
Elizabeth doesn't mean to stutter, "W-what do you want from me?"
"A date, Miss Walker."
Everyone loves a flirty Lucifer Morningstar. Still trying to figure out if I can order one on Amazon Prime. Until then, I will eat taco bell.
Reviews Appreciated.