Nanny McThief Part 3
I am so sorry this took so long. I've been suffering from a major case of writers block. I've also been attending classes, so my time has been somewhat limited within these last few months. But I am intending to make it right.
After finding McCoy's body, Chloe and Dan called in Ella and CSU and they arrived just in time to examine the scene. Jophiel was unable to attend because she was called in to draw a sketch for a witness.
Anyway, as previously suggested, Chloe and Dan believed there was somehow a connection between these two murders. It was too much of a coincidence to assume otherwise.
As for McCoy's cause of death, Ella confirmed that it was in fact blunt force trauma to the head and the murder weapon was indeed the broken table-lamp that laid beside McCoy's body. In addition, based on his temperature and lividity, James McCoy was murdered the day before Amy. Sometime in the afternoon at least. Making him the first murder victim in their case.
However, because his murder took place in the mid-afternoon, none of McCoy's neighbours could hear anything or see anyone enter or leave the apartment because they were either at work or picking up their children from school.
When asked why McCoy was home so early in the day, Dan came back after having contacted McCoy's colleagues and announced that on the day of his death, McCoy came down with the flu, called in sick, and requested to be sent home from work. This was proven when the crime scene unit found a half-drunken bottle of cold-medicine, a box of tissues and aspirin laying on his bedside table.
Furthermore, based on the dust prints found on the counters and the perfectly squared imprints on the walls it appeared that there were a few items missing from the premise. Leading to the conclusion, the killer was a burglar attempting to rob McCoy's apartment, only to be surprised when he came home early, and in a panic, the killer/burglar grabbed the lamp and killed McCoy with it.
The only question that remained was… 'How did Amy Curtis connect to all of this? What was she doing with a dead man's watch?'
Hopefully, all of their questions would be answered once they gathered up all of the evidence and have it properly examined back at the station. By the time they returned to the precinct, Lucifer had also returned from his trip to the winery.
Lucifer: I'm back. Sorry for the delay, Detective, but I'm here now. So, what do we got so far?
Chloe: Well, our investigation just turned into a double homicide. So, if you're interested in staying we'll be meeting in the conference room in five minutes. Unless there's somewhere else you'd rather be.
Lucifer: Uh… no. Not at all. I'm fairly certain I've ran all my errands for the day. Which reminds me, great news, I finally got that winery booked for Lily and I'm taking her over there tonight. She'll be so excited.
Chloe: Yeah. I'm sure she will be. Now, are you sure you don't won't to go home and get ready for your "meeting "with Lilly?
Lucifer: Detective, you just said this case became double homicide. I would never miss the opportunity to get involved with a case this interesting. (Chloe: Oh.) Shall we? (Gesturing to the conference room)
Before entering, Chloe took a moment to acknowledge Lucifer's decision to remain here and work on the case instead of getting ready for his date with Lilly. From where she stood, this meant Lucifer was still dedicated to their partnership. Regardless of things being "slightly awkward" between them.
When Chloe finally entered the conference room, herself, Lucifer, Dan, Ella and Jophiel agreed to gather in order to discuss the case in private. Trying to diagnose the connection between the two victims.
So far, besides Amy being in possession of McCoy's watch, there was no personal connection between the two. The group were officially stomped. Even when they set up a vision board, they were still at an impasse.
Chloe: Come on, guys. There has to be some kind of connection between Amy and McCoy.
Dan: I'm sorry, Chloe, but we couldn't find anything. We've already spoken with their families and co-workers and they knew nothing. Amy Curtis and James McCoy didn't know each other at all.
Chloe: Then why was she hiding his watch?
Ella: Maybe she's holding on to it for him.
Jophiel: Why would McCoy hand his $2000 watch to a woman he never knew?
Lucifer: Unless she stole it.
Right then and there, the group finally found a possible connection between the two victims. Their likeliest theory was that Amy was one who attempted to rob McCoy's apartment. Which also meant, she was his killer!
Dan: Okay, but how did she do it? How did she know when to break into his place? Someone would've have seen her.
Jophiel: Not necessarily. The daytime is surprisingly the perfect time of day to rob someone's house. Think about it. No one's home during the day because their either at work or taking their children to school. Ergo, no one's around to see what you're doing.
Dan: Okay, be that as it may… if Amy was the one who robbed and killed McCoy then who killed her?
Chloe: Maybe someone found out what she was doing and wanted the stolen goods for themselves. Things got physical until Amy was killed.
Then suddenly, a lightbulb went off in Jophiel's head. She had a theory developing from the moment she read McCoy's personal file and discovered exactly where he lived. Coincidently, he lived in building right across the road from the one Amy worked in.
The true relevance of this theory came to be when Jophiel steeped out of the room for a brief moment and went to retrieve files from the records room. She was only gone for a few minutes and when she finally returned, she re-entered the room holding a short stack of case files.
They were the reported burglaries Lucifer and Chloe spoke of earlier. Jophiel looked them over and discovered they had all occurred in the same neighbourhood. Including in the very building Amy worked in.
Lucifer: Hold on, you're thinking Amy was somehow involved with all those robberies?
Jophiel: It's a possibility. Think about it, she was left alone in Williams' apartment all day, everyday, right? For we all know, she could have been secretly spying on the neighbours in the buildings across from her and watched their daily routines. Knowing exactly when they'd be out.
Lucifer: Let me see if I'm hearing you correctly, little sister. You think that some ordinary Nanny, who's main objective was to watch over her wealthy clients offspring's, was spying on their neighbours, learning their daily routines and then robbed them blind until one in particular went horribly and tragically wrong?
Jophiel: Yep.
Lucifer: *Scuffs* Well, this is quite the story. Very elaborate.
Jophiel: I'm sorry, dear brother, but do you have a better theory?
Lucifer: Well, not particularly at this moment…
Chloe: Okay, okay. As "far-fetched" as that sounds… It is a possibility.
Lucifer: It is?
Chloe: Yes. So, go on, Joei, tell us more.
In secret, Chloe was hoping that if she got on Jophiel's good side by agreeing with her theory, the Jophiel would want to try again to get along with Pierce. When in reality, Chloe was just as sceptical as the others.
Moreover, the group then watched as Jophiel began attaching photographs of the apartments that were robbed onto the board along with strings of red yarn to pinpoint the exact location of where each robbery occurred.
As she previously pointed out, they all happened the in the same neighbourhood. All within broad-daylight when the residents weren't at home (Either at work or dropping their children off at school).
Ella: So, you really think Amy was robbing these people?
Jophiel: Well, as I theorized before, she could've been watching them from the windows. Figuring out exactly when they'd be out.
Ella: Well then, she must've had some pretty fancy schmancy binoculars on her because a couple of those buildings are way too far to be peeking through those poor people's windows.
Jophiel: Yeah, you're right. (Turns to Lucifer and Chloe) Say, when you two visited the Williams' how was the view?
Chloe: Uh, I don't know. We didn't get a chance to look.
Jophiel: Well, then looks like you two are going have to pay the Williams' another visit to be sure. And while you're at it, the three of us will see if there was any security footage of Amy going out of the building for a long a period of time.
With that being said, Lucifer and Chloe prepared to leave for another visit to the Williams' residence while Dan made a call and requested the security footage for only the building Amy worked in. (Without enough evidence, he couldn't requested warrants for the other building that were robbed).
As they were leaving, Chloe and Lucifer bumped into Pierce just as they were making towards the stairwell. Stopping them in their tracks.
Lucifer: Pierce. Well, as much as the Detective and I would like to stay and chat, we have a double homicide/home invasion case to solve, so we'd best be off. Right now.
Pierce: A double a homicide? Would you like me to help out? I'm almost done with my paperwork.
Chloe: Actually, we…
Lucifer: Appreciate the gesture, Pierce, but that won't be necessary because we already have a lead.
Pierce: Really?
Chloe: Well, yeah, we do, but at the moment, it's just a theory we're looking in to.
Lucifer: Speaking of, we should probably go and look in to right now before the LA traffic hits.
Chloe: Yeah, just hold on a second, Lucifer. Um, why don't you go pull your car up, and I'll meet you outside, okay?
Lucifer: …Very well. (Follows Chloe's instructions, proceeds to go up the steps and goes to fetch his car from the parking-garage)
Chloe: (Once Lucifer leaves the area) Hi. Sorry about him.
Pierce: Hey, it's fine. Listen, Chloe about what happened earlier…
Chloe: I know, I know, I'm sorry for that too. It was a terrible idea. I never should've put you on the spot like that. I really thought you and Joei would find something in common and get along.
Pierce: Hey, hey, it's okay. You just wanted the two most important in your life to get along. You don't need to apologize for that.
Chloe: *Sighs* You are the sweetest. I wish there was a way I could make it up to you.
Pierce: How about dinner at my place after work?
Chloe: That sounds great. I'll see then.
For a moment, Pierce was once again expecting another goodbye kiss, but because they were standing in the middle of precinct, Chloe simply turned and walked away. With the intention of making it right later in the evening.
Moreover, by the time Chloe and Lucifer returned to the Williams' residence, they began looking out the windows to see if Amy was in fact able to spy on the neighbours in order to rob them later when they went out. At that point, Mr and Mrs had already informed their children of the tragic news regarding Amy and they were presently grieving in their bedrooms.
While the parents were comforting their kids, Lucifer and Chloe proceeded with their search. During which, Lucifer took a moment to have chat with Chloe. Which only lead to more awkward small talk.
Lucifer: So, you and Pierce seemed to be chatting it up when I left to get the car.
Chloe: Oh, yeah. We were just making some last minute dinner plans. No big deal.
Lucifer: Mm-hmm. Is it to make up for that awkward coffee-date you two had with Jophiel this morning?
Chloe: What? How did you…?
Lucifer: You are aware I drive us into work everyday, Detective? Ergo, Joei tells me everything that goes on in her life. Rather I'm interested in hearing about it or not.
Chloe: Oh. Well… what did she tell her?
Lucifer: Another than it was awkward, and given the fact that Jophiel hates Pierce with a great passion, not much.
Chloe: *Sighs* Why is Joei being so difficult?
Lucifer: *Chuckles* You're just realizing this now? Detective, Jophiel has always been difficult. You have no idea how hard it was keeping her in one place when we were growing up. When Jophiel sets her mind to something, she won't change it for anyone. And everyone used to refer to me as the rebel.
Chloe: So, the likelihood of things being less awkward between her and Pierce…
Lucifer: Is practically impossible. She really doesn't like him.
Chloe: Yeah, but why? What does she have against him?
Lucifer: More importantly, why does this matter so much to you? So Jophiel doesn't like your boyfriend, so what? You know how many men and women I've brought in that she hated? I mean, one half-naked woman finds her way into joei's flat and breaks a figurine she made by hand and now she's on "Joei eternal hate list."
Chloe: Okay, as someone who's had the "pleasure" of interviewing some of your exes, I think can sympathize with Joei's feelings on that one. But those are completely different situations. Marcus has never done anything to offend Joei.
Lucifer: Other than accuse her of murder upon their first greeting…
Chloe: Hey! He was just stating a fact, and… You know what? We don't have time for this. Let's continue looking out the windows to see if Amy did in fact have a clear vantage view of the neighbours before robbing them.
And so, the two partners proceeded with the investigation. (Mainly in an effort to avoid their personal conversation) So far, Jophiel's theory proved to be wrong. Because when Chloe looked at the building located down the street and past the local playground, it was too difficult to see any activity. Therefore, Amy couldn't have robbed that building because she couldn't even see what was happening.
Lucifer: Well, do you want to tell Jophiel that her theory was complete and utter waste of time, or should I?
Before leaving, Chloe took a moment to think. Although Jophiel was wrong about Amy committing on the robberies on her own, Chloe was still willing to acknowledge Jophiel's theory. When she looked down at the local playground in the town-square, Chloe was developing a theory of her own. Just as she was about to reach a conclusion, she first tuned to the Williams' and asked…
Chloe: Excuse me, Mr and Mrs Williams. Did Amy ever take your kids down to that playground in the square?
Mr Williams: Uh, yes, she took them to the park everyday after school. Why?
Chloe: Are there other nannies who go down to the playground with their kids too?
Mr Williams: Uh, yeah, I should think so.
Chloe: Including Emily Muntz?
Mr Williams: Yeah, our kids and the kid Emily takes care of are friends, so they get together all the time. What's this all about?
It was within that moment Chloe came to realized that perhaps… Amy didn't commit her crimes alone. That it was possible she had partners in her bling-ring.
Once Chloe figured out a new lead, she and Lucifer finally departed the Williams,' made their way towards the elevator. However, Lucifer was presently unclear of what was supposed to happen next. By the time they reached the bottom floor, Chloe started walking in the direction of the local playground and course, Lucifer followed her.
Lucifer: Detective, where are we going?
Chloe: To the playground.
Lucifer: Ugh. Why?
Chloe: Because I need to have a word with some of the other nannies about Amy. See what they knew about her.
Lucifer: Why? We already know she was a thief.
Chloe: We don't know that for sure. Plus, when I looked out at one of the buildings, it was too far to see anything, so Amy couldn't have robbed that building over there.
Lucifer: Oh, so you think she had an accomplice to help with her little bling-ring?
Chloe: Exactly. And the only we're going to know for sure is by asking them questions.
Before officially entering the playground, Lucifer took a moment to acknowledge the fact that not only was Jophiel's theory proving to be right, but Chloe was starting to agree to it as well. And not just because of her currant dilemma with Jophiel.
Moreover, upon entering the playground, Chloe already began questioning the other nannies (Along with some mothers) in the area about Amy while Lucifer flirted with them.
From what she could gather, the other nannies and mothers didn't know much about Amy.
Soon enough, Chloe encountered Emma again. She watching her child from a park bench, and when she saw Chloe making her way towards her, Emma remained seated as if she knew the police detective would need to speak with her again.
During this, Lucifer proceed to interact with the nannies and mothers, and of course, they were all infatuated by his "devilish charms." They surround him while also exchanging flirty remarks. Eventually, Lucifer looked over and noticed a nanny leaving the playground with a small child.
The reason why this particular nanny caught his eye was because Lucifer could see that she was wearing an expensive pair of sunglasses and carrying a tote bag. Even from a distance, Lucifer could tell they weren't cheap knock-offs, they were both real. Which was odd because a nanny's salary could never afford those items.
Curious, Lucifer finally drew himself away from the other women, walked towards Chloe and Emma and attempted to ask a question.
Lucifer: Detective, I have a question.
Chloe: Hold on a sec, Lucifer.
Lucifer: But this is…
Chloe: Lucifer. You can ask after I'm done talking with Emma.
Lucifer: Oh, right, have you told that Amy was a cold-hearted thief and quite possibly a murderer?
Chloe: Lucifer!
Emma: What? Amy was a thief?
(Chloe: No) (Lucifer: Yes. And a killer)
Lucifer: (Chloe angrily glares at him) What? I thought we knew agreed on that.
Chloe: I will deal with you later. Emma, listen, we don't think…
Emma: You people are crazy! Amy wasn't a thief! And she especially wasn't a killer.
Chloe: Look, Emma, I'm sorry for my partner, but were just trying to put certain pieces together in order to solve this case…
Emma: You people want to solve this case so badly. Here's how. Try asking yourselves, 'who was Amy Curtis?' Because I can tell you for a fact, she wasn't thief and was she most definitely wasn't a killer. Do you know how I know?
Because she had a great job, she came from a loving family with stable jobs and security. She had two kids to take care of and they both adored her. Amy was a good and honest person who didn't need to take anything from anyone. She got by just fine on her own. She wasn't a thief.
Lucifer: Really? Not even when she needed the money to bail out that dead-beat boyfriend of hers?
Emma: The only time Amy took the time to bail Chad out of jail was when she could actually afford it. Stealing never once entered her mind. And you've already met Chad; do you really think she'd want to end up like him? So, if we're done here, it's my girl's lunchtime, so I need to go.
With that being her official statement, Emma stood up, walked towards the slides, picked up a little girl, gently held onto her hand and guided her out of the playground (While also giving Chloe and Lucifer the cold glare).
Although she was able to receive more information from Emma, Chloe was still infuriated by Lucifer's behaviour (Even more so than usual) and decided to confront him.
Chloe: Okay, what the hell was that, Lucifer? You can't just randomly blurt out sensitive information like that to a potential suspect?
Lucifer: Suspect? I thought you already checked Emma's alibi.
Chloe: We did, but you still can't be saying stuff like that. What is going on with you?
Lucifer: What's with me?
Chloe: Yeah, I don't see you for a week because every a case has been "unamusing to you," you keep bailing out on me whenever you get a phone-call from Joei's friend and even when you are around, you hardly doing anything to help.
Lucifer: Well, what can I say; I'm a busy Devil, Detective. And anyway, why do you care so much about what I'm doing these days?
Chloe: Because we are supposed to be partners, but the vibe I'm getting here is that you're avoiding me and I don't know why.
Lucifer: That is preposterous.
Chloe: Really? So, you haven't been keeping your distance because of…
Lucifer: Because of what? What are you asking of me?
For a moment, Chloe was about to say, 'Because of me and Pierce.' She noticed that from the minute she and Pierce got together, it was also the exact moment Lucifer decided to keep his distance from her. Yet, she couldn't fully understand why. Was he jealous, did he not approve of the relationship, or was it simply because Lucifer can't stand the sight of two people in a "maturely healthy and meaningful" relationship because he doesn't believe it'll ever happen for him.
However it may be, she still couldn't bring herself to ask him. So instead, Chloe quickly changed the topic by asking about his previous question.
Chloe: You what, nevermind. It doesn't matter anyway. What were you trying to ask before?
Wanting to also change the topic, Lucifer proceed to ask the question that had been crossing his mind.
Lucifer: Right, I just wanted to ask… do nannies make a lot of money?
Chloe: What?
Lucifer: Nannies. Like the one you and Daniel hired to take care of Trixie, does she get paid a lot?
Chloe: Uh, well, the agency we use is very reasonable, so… I'd say our nanny get's paid the right amount.
Lucifer: Enough to buy a Gucci set of sunglasses and tote-bag?
Chloe: No, why?
Lucifer: Because I just saw a nanny walking out of here wearing a real pair of Gucci branded sunglasses and tote-bag.
Chloe: Lucifer, they could have been cheap knock-offs. You can get them for like $3o at a flea market.
Lucifer: Yes, but I know for a fact that they were real. I could tell. The Devil's in the detail, Detective.
Chloe: Okay, say they were real…
Lucifer: They were.
Chloe: Then how could she have possibly afforded them?
It was then; Chloe and Lucifer began to think that perhaps, Jophiel was onto something after all. They thought that it was possible Amy wasn't the one committing the robberies at all, but the other nannies she worked with!
It made sense in a way. All the nannies that were present in the playground all worked for the same agency, therefore, they were assigned to watch over the children who happened to live in the very buildings that were robbed.
Leading to the conclusion that Amy might've witnessed one of the robberies occurring, somehow found and took the watch, hid it, likely intended to hand it over to the police when the killer/burglar found out, followed Amy down to the laundromat, demanded the watch back, things got aggressive until Amy finally fell and was tragically strangled to death.
Although this sounded like a very likely story from where she stood as a detective, the connection between the nannies and the robberies was purely circumstantial at best. Therefore, there was no evidential way of proving it.
When the two finally returned to the precinct, they gathered the others together in the conference room once again and discussed a plan. A plan that involved going undercover as a couple searching for a new nanny for their own child.
Unfortunately, Lucifer and Chloe couldn't be the pair to go undercover because the nannies from the playground would instantly recognize them. Therefore, they needed to send in a second pair with prior knowledge of the case.
Because the new lead came from her, Jophiel would be one of the two to go undercover. As for the second person, Jophiel insisted that it be Dan. She would've chosen Ella, but she felt she needed a partner who wouldn't be nagging in her ear over her failed attempted to get along with Pierce.
Once settled, Dan and Jophiel booked in a last minute appointment and arrived at the nanny agency with their cover story in place. A happy couple raising one child, both employed and searching for a new nanny to help take care of her.
Upon their arrival, Jophiel and Dan came strolling in arm in arm. Trying to appear convincing. When they first entered the facility, they first approached the receptionist to confirm their booked appointment.
Jophiel: Hi. My husband and I have an appointment booked. We're here to see the woman in charge about getting a new nanny.
Receptionist: Alright, let me just check on the computer and… (Checks the schedule on her computer) Oh, yes. Daniel and Joei Espinoza. You two are right on time. I'll let Mrs Walters know you're here.
While waiting, Jophiel took this moment to look around the area, in order to gain insight on the nannies that walked on by. So, they didn't seem to be anything off with them. That is until, she spotted a nanny wearing a Navy-Blue polo waist-tied shirt dress from Ralph Lauren (Worth at least $250).
Eventually, Dan and Jophiel soon encountered the woman in charge of the facility, Jessica Walters. Upon their first greeting, Jessica showed them politeness by gladly shaking their hands before guiding them to her office. Once inside, Jophiel and Dan proceed with their cover.
Jessica: So, you two lovebirds are looking for a new nanny? Because have best ones in store.
Dan: Uh, yeah. We're looking someone who can look after our daughter Trixie.
Jophiel: Actually, a friend of ours recommended this one nanny who had such a way with children. I believe her name was Amy… something.
Jessica: Oh. Well… in my opinion I'd say your friend would be right, Amy was one of our bests. But I'm afraid she's no longer available. She recently passed away.
Jophiel: Oh, my goodness, that's terrible, I'm so sorry.
Jessica: I know, it's just been so hard for us. It's been a horrible loss for the agency. We were all like a family here. But you know, we're doing what we can now.
Moreover Jessica began explaining their agencies match making program. When informed of a child's specific needs, the agency matches them to a nanny who can provide those very needs when their parents are absent. Example, if there is a child who struggles with their speech and language a nanny with experience will be assigned to them.
In addition, as a way of assuring the parents of their child's safety and welling, the agency offers to install secure nanny-cams in the home, so the parents can watch the nannies performance at any given moment. With their knowledge of course.
Dan: High-tech security cameras? That seems a bit excessive.
Jessica: Mr Espinoza, our number one priority is your child's wellbeing. We match a nanny to a child through a distinctive matching program that'll determine the best nanny suited for your child's needs. As for the security monitors, well, we just want to assure the parents that they know that their children are safe and loved.
Jophiel: And your nannies are well aware of this arrangement?
Jessica: Yes, of course. Come on, let me introduce you to our tech-guy Stanley. He's in charge of setting up the cameras.
Before following her, Jophiel pretended to receive an important text message from work and needed to take it privately. Leaving Dan to meet with the tech man alone. As soon as they left the room, Jophiel began searching Jessica's desk for clues that would link the agency to the robberies.
Eventually, she found the drawer containing files of every employed nanny that worked in or near the robbed apartments. Jophiel took out as many files as should could out, opened them and then quickly took photographs on her phone before placing them back in the drawer.
However, before she left the office to maintain her cover, Jophiel noticed something else within Jessica's desk. She felt something hollow from inside one of the drawers. Curious, Jophiel opened the secret the compartment and discovered… expensive pieces of jewellery!
With no time to further examine the jewellery, Jophiel simply took another picture, put everything back into place, finally left the office, caught up with Dan and Jessica and met the tech-guy Stanley.
Once Jophiel was able to grab the files, she and Dan soon returned to the precinct and
Jessica: Oh, there you are, Mrs Espinoza. You're just in time. This is our technician, Stanley. He's in charge of installing all of our best monitoring systems to ensure your child is safe and getting the best care from our nannies.
Upon their first greeting, Jophiel couldn't help but notice that Stanley was currently wearing a light cast on his right hand. The result of an unfortunate accident no less.
Jophiel: It's nice to meet me you, Stanley. (Looking at his injured hand) Are you alright there?
Stanley: What, this? Oh, this is nothing. Just had little accident at home involving a dinner plate slipping out of my hands and me trying to clean it without proper protection.
Dan: Ooh, that must have been nasty.
Stanley: It was. But like I said, I'm fine. Still able to do my job.
Jessica: Yes, yes, thank you for the update on your hand, Stanley, now, why don't we show Mr and Mrs Espinoza our agencies state of the art nannies-cams.
Jophiel: Uh, I'm very sorry to have to tell you this but my "Honey" and I have to go now. I just got a call from the office and they said need us back right away.
Dan: Right now, really?
Jophiel: "Really."
Although it seemed too soon from to leave, Dan could tell from Jophiel's tone that they did in fact need to leave the premise. Even though they caught completely off-guard by their sudden departure, Jessica and Stanley still bid the two farewell.
Once Dan and Jophiel returnedto the precinct, everyone prepared to gather in the conference room once again. Beforehand, Chloe took a moment to confronted another Morningstar for behaving inappropriately infront of company. When requested that they'd speak privately in the interrogation room, Jophiel reluctantly agreed because what subject would be in regards to.
It was of course about the disastrous coffee-date with Pierce. As Chloe continued her confrontation, she ordered Jophiel to apologize to Pierce once the case was over.
Jophiel: What do I have to apologize for?
Chloe: Uh, well, the fact that were practically grilling him before we even ordered breakfast.
Jophiel: Hey, I was trying to get to know him just like you wanted. It's not my fault he shows no interest in anything but rocks.
Trying not to lose her cool, Chloe inhaled and then exhaled before "calmly" acknowledging Jophiel's witty remark. In doing so, the subject regarding Lucifer and Lilly also came to light.
Chloe: You know, Joei, with you not getting along with Pierce, and with Lucifer slacking off throughout this whole case, I just needed you to do me this one thing for me as my friend.
Jophiel: Well, I'm sorry, Chloe, but I can't just change I how I feel about someone just because you ask me to. And what's this about Lucifer slacking off?
Chloe: Oh, you really haven't noticed that ever since… (At first, she was about to say, 'since Pierce and I got together,' but instead says…) since your friend showed up, he's goes AWOL every time he hears from her. I mean, doesn't it bother you that Lucifer and Lilly are spending time together?
Jophiel: No, why would it?
Chloe: Uh, because you and Lucifer are siblings, Lilly is your friend, and given Lucifer's track record with women... aren't you the least bit worried about how it might complicate your relationships with either of them?
Jophiel: Uh, I don't think that'll be an issue. Lucifer isn't really Lilly's type.
Chloe: Yeah, right. Because all women are repulsed by Lucifer. You know, I hear he's a virgin.
Jophiel: Okay, what's you problem?
Chloe: My problem? Am I the only who sees how inappropriate it is for Lucifer to be… you know… ditching work to spend time with a woman he barley he knows.
Jophiel: Okay, I don't know you're deal is, but I'm telling you that real reason Lilly Thunerblack came out here was so she could see me and ask for my help.
Chloe: Help? Help with what? And what was with that conversation I saw you guys having in the conference room the other day?
Jophiel: *Sighs* Lilly came here because she needed a favour from Lucifer. She was asking him to find her a venue…. For her upcoming fall wedding.
Chloe: She's engaged?
Jophiel: Yes. Happily, in fact. To the 'Woman' of her dreams. (Chloe: Oh…) Yeah. I'm surprised you didn't know. When Lilly's first hit album came out, she came out. I mean, the title of that very album was called, 'Coming out to my truth.' Sold at over 12 thousand copies within the first weekend.
Chloe: Well, I'm sorry if not entirely up to date with the latest trends.
Jophiel: Clearly.
Chloe: But, you know what, we're getting off topic here. You still had no right to behave the way you did infront of Marcus earlier.
Jophiel: Oh, we're back to this now. when just a few seconds ago you were ranting on about my brother doing a favour for my friend. Which I'm curious as to why you seem to care so much.
Chloe: I don't. Why I do care about is why you won't even try to give my boyfriend a chance.
Jophiel: Yeah, your boyfriend for now. I mean, I'm sure things are going great between ye, but… Pierce isn't like a real keeper, is he?
Chloe: What do you mean?
Jophiel: Well, it's just that you two seem so different.
Chloe: Different? How are we different?
Jophiel: You're smart; he's Pierce. You're interesting; he's Pierce. You have friends and a life; he's Pierce!
Chloe: Wow. I'm surprised you didn't even try to sugar-coding it.
Jophiel: That was me sugar-coding it.
Chloe: *Scoffs* You know what, Joei? I have been trying so hard to get you and Pierce to like each other, and you don't even seem bothered to at least give him a chance, why?
Jophiel: Because I don't trust him, Chloe. My instincts are telling me so and they have never steered me wrong before. It's how gotten by.
Chloe: Care to elaborate on those "so-called instincts?"
Jophiel: "Elaborate?" Chloe, I'm not a suspect with a dodgy alibi, I'm your friend and your colleague. I've always been honest with you and I've always trusted you. I mean, how many times have you asked us to trust your gut while working a case? Without evidence I might add.
Chloe: That is completely different.
Jophiel: How?
Chloe: It… It just is. And you're wrong about him, Joei. Okay, Marcus is a great guy. He is kind, sincere, rational, he treats me with the outmost respect, and when I'm with him, everything is just makes sense. And if you of all people can't see that, then… Then there's no point of even trying anymore.
It was within that moment Chloe finally realized Jophiel would never change her mind about Pierce because she was too stubborn to see what she did. Although this meant Chloe had to accept Jophiel's decision, but it also meant this decision would affect Chloe's very friendship with Jophiel. Which was something she deeply feared.
Once their heated confrontation finally ended, Chloe and Jophiel exited from the interrogation and decided to continue working the case. Before meeting the others in the conference room, Ella approached them with a new lead that would finally conclude the case.
Ella was able find blood on the murder weapon that killed James McCoy. Except, the blood wasn't from the victim, but from the man that killed him! They now had the killer's DNA!
When the killer chose to strike McCoy with the lamp, he had managed to scrap his own hand against the scattered shards. Therefore, the killer would've needed medical attention and based on the depths of his wounds, he was likely wearing a cast to seal the damage. And "coincidently," one of the suspects from the nanny agency was wearing a cast on his hand.
Soon enough, Stanley the tech man was brought into the interrogation room in handcuffs. Officially being arrested for the murder of James McCoy. In addition, the police were granted a warrant to search his apartment for the stolen goods and they were able to retrieve them. In addition, the blood found on the shattered lamp matched to his DNA perfectly.
When he brought in, Stanley remained silent until Lucifer did the honours of using his mojo on him. In the process, Stanley revealed his desire to confess the truth and requested to cut a deal for less time in prison.
Chloe: So, you confess to killing James McCoy, but you don't confess to killing Amy Curtis.
Stanley: Look, I wasn't even in that building. I was installing cameras for another couple that lived four buildings over. You can call them and ask them yourselves.
From that moment forward, Stanley confessed to using the nannies from the agency to spy on the neighbours and have him rob them, but claimed Jessica was the mastermind. He was merely a pawn. He claimed it was Jessica who came up with the plot to commit the robberies. Overtime, she became greedy and wanted more stolen goods.
Therefore, it was her idea to recruit the nannies. Jessica and Stanley only recruited the ones who were more than willing to anything for money. Ones who would gladly take a bribe or steal a small item from their employer's home. The rest, including Amy had a no prior knowledge. Eventually, Stanley wanted out but Jessica wouldn't let him and even went as far as threatening him by turning him over to the police and accuse him of being the brains of the operation.
When asked how Amy was involved, Stanley explained how on the day he "accidently" killed James McCoy, Amy witnessed it from the windows, and then afterwards she snuck into Stanley office and stole McCoy's watch. She intended to turn it over to the police and expose the agencies thieving operation.
Lucifer: And then you killed poor young Amy when you learned truth that she stole the watch and intended to bring it over the police.
Stanley: What, no. I did not kill, Amy I didn't even know she saw me through the windows.
Chloe: Yet, you knew she took the watch.
Stanley: Look I caught her breaking into my office, I saw her with the watch, I tried explaining to her that handing over that watch would've ended things. The agency would be shut down and everyone would lose their jobs. Including herself, but she wouldn't listen.
Lucifer: And you're certain you didn't kill you when she proceeded to ignore you?
Stanley: I didn't kill her. *Sighs* I think I know who did. She was just supposed to talk Amy. I told her to try reasoning with her, I didn't think…
Chloe: Who did you tell? Stanley, who did you tell?
Stanley told the one person Amy knew and trusted the most. In addition, it was the same person who nannied a child in the same building as her. Emma Muntz herself. She was Amy's killer. As soon as they brought her in, Emma was already crying. Clearly riddled with guilt.
Emma: I just wanted to talk to her. You know, that's all I wanted. To talk. I tried telling her that bringing the watch to the police would have destroyed us, but she didn't listen to me! I mean, how could she not listen to me? I saved her from her rotten ex, and she… she just didn't get it.
Chloe: And when she still wouldn't listen to you…?
Emma: *Finally gets emotional and bursts into tears* I don't even know how it happened. I just… I just snapped, and then she fell and hit her head against the table. There was so much blood. She started screaming at me, she said she hated me and I just… I just wanted her to shut up and listen! I just got so angry. I don't even how it happened. I didn't mean to… I didn't mean to kill her.
With her full confession, Emma was then taken into custody. Preparing to face the charges for her crimes. Along with Stanley, Jessica and every nanny that was involved with the robberies. Afterwards, Chloe made her way into Pierce's office with a new epiphany.
Pierce: Hey. Ready to go?
Chloe: Yeah, I am. But before we go, I just want to apologise.
Pierce: For what?
Chloe: For everything. You know, forcing you and Jophiel to be in the same room when I should have been honest with you. And the truth is, I've been worried about losing another one of my friends.
Chloe: Turns out Jophiel is incredibly stubborn.
Pierce: Look, Chloe. I don't care who knows about us. And I especially don't care if other people disapprove us. I like you. And all I want is to be with you.
Chloe: I know. It's one of the things I like most about you too. And I shouldn't let Joei get in the way.
And with that Chloe and Pierce finally shared a kiss before departing from the precinct hand in hand.
However, later in the evening, Pierce was casually making his down a dark alleyway in a rather shady part of town. Clearing meeting with someone. And that very someone was Maze.
Recently, Maze and Pierce have formed an alliance, and devised a plan that would get them both what they truly desired. And the key to their plan was Chloe. If successful, they'd finally escape from the very world they feel so tormented by. Pierce will finally die, and Maze will return to Hell. However, there were only two things standing in their way… Lucifer and Jophiel.
They weren't too concerned about Lucifer because to them, he's too foolish and susceptible to admit he true feelings. Especially when they involve Chloe's feelings. He's also easy to manipulate.
Although it was Jophiel who was proving to be the bigger threat. Pierce now had "two cats" to get rid of. Lucifer would be the easiest to manipulate, but Jophiel… she wasn't so easily thwarted. She was admittedly smart and crafty.
They couldn't risk killing her or making her disappear, because then the others would get suspicious, which will then lead to a very thorough investigation, which will ultimately cause their plan to fall apart, and disrupt the entire operation. Therefore, they needed to keep Jophiel alive in order to keep Chloe fully focused on her relationship with Pierce. Given the fact that the main objective of their plan relies on Pierce fully winning over Chloe's affections.
Maze: You want me to "take care" of Joei?
Pierce: No, it'll raise too many eyebrows. Besides, it don't think Dina will be getting in the way anytime soon. From what I heard, Chloe and Jophiel's friendship is on the rocks right now because Chloe doesn't believe what she says about me.
Maze: Gotta admit, it's pretty surprising. For Decker to trust you more than she trusts her own friend. You must be really working her.
Pierce: I'm just doing whatever it takes to make this plan work.
Thank you all very much for your patience, and to show my gratefulness, I will start working on 'The Angel of Art Vol 5' sometime in mid-August! I'm finally on holiday and all I want for the time being is to focus on my art and work on some other stories until then.