Chapter 3: The language of the angels

Chloe Decker was pressing her way through paperwork. The case was wrapped up, now it was just the final details to finish. Lucifer, true to form, had vanished the instant she had mentioned paperwork. She expected nothing less from her devilish partner. "I didn't have to do paperwork in Hell; I shouldn't have to start now." He had told her loftily last time she had asked. Chloe had decided not to press the subject. He would scrawl a signature on something if she asked him to and that was such a big step up she didn't want to backslide.

Her computer pinged though a new email. Chloe flicked a glance at it and frowned slightly. It was labelled URGENT. She flicked it open.

This is a country wide request for assistance. Following a murder in New York City we have a series of symbols which we are unable to translate. If someone is able to provide guidance it would be greatly appreciated by the detectives involved and the family of the victim. Captain Gates, 12th Precinct NYPD.

Chloe opened the attachment and grimaced. It was a crime scene photo of writing in blood. She had never seen any language like it, or any code like it. It looked more like a series of children's scribbles, or the doodles of a bored student, than letters.

Chloe was just about to close the attachment when a voice sounded over her shoulder. "Why are you trying to read Enochian Detective?" Chloe jumped and turned to look at Lucifer. He had a coffee in his hand which he gave to her. His dark eyes however were on her computer screen. "You can read this?" She asked in surprise. Lucifer had told her that while he could speak any language you cared to think of he could actually only read a few.

"Of course I can Detective, its Enochian. My first language if you will." Lucifer explained with that tone that suggested she was being a bit dense. She must still have looked confused because he added. "It's the language of Heaven, I think you humans call it the language of the angels." Lucifer rolled his eyes and dropped into his chair, rolling it around to sit on her side of the desk

Chloe turned the computer screen to him. He was probably the one person on earth who could read this then. "Translate away."

Lucifer looked disgusted but did as she asked. Chloe scribbled it on a piece of paper to email back. "Glory and Hallelujah to God's shining city." Lucifer shook his head, looking disgusted. "Someone's trying to attract attention."

"Thanks Lucifer." She said quickly clicking reply to the email. Lucifer tilted his shoulders in a dismissive shrug and hoisted himself to his feet. "Always a pleasure detective." He put a little more stress on the 'pleasure' knowing it would get an eye-roll out of her. "I'll leave you to the joys of your paperwork. Goodnight." He tugged his jacket straight, bent his head in her direction and strolled towards the exit. "Night Lucifer." Chloe called after him before turning her attention back to her email.

Captain Gates. My civilian consultant can read this; apparently it is the language of the angels. It says: Glory and hallelujah to God's shining city. I hope this is helpful. Detective Chloe Decker LAPD.

She clicked send and with a feeling of having done something well she turned back to her paperwork and coffee.