Chapter 6

Ella's Abuela went out for tea with Jasmine Flower. They called some of their friends and complained about what had been done. They found out that Lucifer used his knowledge of different languages to often help various communities.

Then Abuela smiled at her new friend, "I think I am going to call a reporter friend and let them know the entire precinct is suffering from 'we hate our Lieutenant illness' and see if that helps."

The reporter was very interested, and met with the two older woman and discussed the situation.

Then he went to the Police Commissioner's office. This was because he was a good reporter, but also aware that a precinct without cops in attendance was in danger. He told the secretary what exactly he was there for, and instead of being ushered into the office, the Commissioner popped out, and pulled him into his office

The Police Superintendent happened to know Lucifer Morningstar. Lucifer had helped his family in the past dealing with a kidnapping and had saved a young child. He knew that Lucifer could drive a man to drink, and then make him pay top dollar for that drink. He also knew Lieutenant Bragswell was a blowhard who had been promoted because of a lack of qualified and honest officers.

He pulled out a cigar and smelled it thoughtfully. He had no idea that Lucifer had been such an asset to the Department. It appeared he spoke all the languages of India, several versions of Chinese, including some dialects that were rare, Japanese, French, Spanish, and Russian. He also understood French sign language. Go figure. The man was sharp as hell. He had apparently helped Detective Decker solve literally hundreds of murders and other crimes.

He hadn't known that Bragswell was such a bully. He had kicked back Morningstar's credentials as a consultant, and given Detective Decker a month's suspension without pay. She was a single mother, and a diligent officer. He had known her father too, back in the day.

He picked up the phone and dialed Bragswell's personal phone. The man damn well better pick up.

"So James, how's it going over there," he asked pleasantly, giving him a chance to tell the truth

"Fine, Sir," Bragswell said.

"Oh Really?" he asked, "Then why did everyone under your command go home with the blue flu?"

"Nothing I can't handle, Sir. It's Decker. She put them all up to it because I kicked her boy toy."

Commissioner Hollywell snarled. "You know, you don't have the right to put Decker on suspension without pay for a whole month without it passing through my office. So you can have the same vacation without pay that Decker has. And a nice demotion for bullying. I'm sending you back to your old precinct as a desk sergeant. I better hear you do go there too, and that you don't mess about making trouble for Morningstar or Decker, or you'll be walking a beat for traffic. Capiche?"

Bragswell made walrus noises over the phone. The Commissioner smiled across his desk where the reporter was grinning at him. He slammed the phone into the receiver so that it made a slamming noise and then airily remarked, "Hope he doesn't have a heart attack."

Lucifer Lucifer Lucifer Lucifer Lucifer

Lucifer and Chloe picked up Trixie and took her out for dinner at a restaurant that had a pirate show going while they ate. Trixie was thrilled, Chloe laughed and giggled, and Lucifer was massively pleased with it and was thoughtful about some of the costumes too.

They walked out of the venue, relaxed and full of good food as Trixie danced and skipped and shouted, "Arr me buckos," and "blow me down."

Chloe suddenly stopped and hugged him, "Thank you," she said, "This was fun and I forgot all about my troubles at the office."

"What's wrong, Mommy?" asked Trixie.

"Lieutenant Bragswell told Lucifer he can't work with the police anymore and he sent me home for a month with no pay."

"Will we have money for food?" asked Trixie, suddenly anxious. Lucifer picked her up. "I helped your Mom, because you are both my friends. Don't worry about anything." He looked into Trixie's eyes and then smiled, "In fact, as long as you are off work for a month, let's go someplace on a short vacation."

He put Trixie down and turned and looked at Chloe with hope in his eyes. She looked at him with interest and said, "Where?"

He whispered very softly in her ear, "How about Disneyland?"

It wasn't a place he really wanted to visit. It would be full of children. But Chloe's eyes grew warm and Trixie, he could see Trixie there having fun, her little face filled with happiness.

He looked at Chloe and begged with his eyes. She did something wonderful. She pulled him to her and kissed him on the lips! Her lips were soft and tasted like caramel and honey. "Yes, you dear, that's a very nice thing to suggest from someone who is afraid of children. Thank you."

"Trixie," she exclaimed, "Do you know where Lucifer wants to take us?"

Trixie looked inquisitive.

"Disneyland!" announced Chloe, and Trixie shrieked like a banshee and jumped in her Mom's arms and kissing her and then hopped down to jump in Lucifer's arms.

Chloe called the school and informed them she was taking Trixie to Disneyland for a week. Then she called Dan and told him the same thing. "I have no intention of coming back if the Precinct needs me. The Lieutenant let me know how much he values my work, and I need a vacation. I'll check the phone for messages every evening."

Then Lucifer arranged transport by a helicopter that rushed them to Disneyland.

Lucifer Lucifer Lucifer

Hollywell hung up and called the main HR people who knew Bragswell's people and asked them to call and request the people to return. The next morning everyone came into work and were greeted by the Commissioner, who was waiting for them.

"Bragswell has been demoted back to desk sergeant at his old precinct. He didn't have what it takes to be a good Lieutenant," he announced and was surprised when everyone cheered and clapped.

"Now where are Mr. Morningstar and Detective Decker?"

Dan Espinoza raised his hand. "They called me yesterday before I knew this situation was being handled, Sir, and told me they were taking Trixie to Disneyland for a week, and weren't taking their phones."

"Well considering they think she's on suspension for a month and that he's no longer welcome here, seems like a sensible course of action and a good way to decompress after all the stress. I want you know that I know Lucifer personally, and while he can have a bit of a mouth on him, he's a really good man. I'm proud of you all for sticking up for him and Detective Decker."

Lucifer Lucifer Lucifer

Lucifer was in hell. Children were squealing and shrieking and being messy. Cartoon characters walked about. People were pushing and he had a sudden urge to disappear, but then he looked down at Trixie's face and saw raw joy there. She gave him a grin that went straight through his misery and made him smile back.

He could survive.

So he let the guide lead them into an area with less crowding and they went on what Trixie called the kid's rides. She wanted to be on Dumbo the Elephant and to see Peter Pan's flying adventure. She also liked the idea of the tea cups. Everything else was too young for her. She was a mature young woman.

The Dumbo ride terrified him because Trixie went alone. He watched the child whirling through the air, and found himself eyeing Chloe. She was grinning happily. Must be okay, but he prepared himself to sprout wings and break the sound barrier if necessary. On the other rides, he chose to sit next to Trixie, because he figured she was the one most likely to jump out or get stuck or somehow get in danger. Chloe was more likely to be safe.

He actually liked Peter Pan, once he was sure Trixie was holding his hand on the safety rail. It reminded him of times he flew invisibly. It was both imaginative and beautiful. He found himself grinning.

Trixie then decided she wanted to go to Toon Town. Lucifer hoped that Jessica Rabbit would show up, but consented to travel with his two enchanting dates, and looked around with fresh interest. Suddenly Trixie touched his hand and pointed. A small child was sitting on a stone seat. The child was quiet, but Lucifer could smell the fear and sorrow.

They all walked up to the child. "What's wrong?" asked Trixie.

The miserable specimen of humanity looked up at them with big blue eyes and replied in perfect Scandinavian, "I don't understand you, but I want my Momma."

Lucifer knelt before her and said, "What is your Momma's name, darling?" in the same language. The child's horrible crying stopped immediately, and she held out her arms to be picked up.

She appeared rather sanitary for most urchins and Lucifer found himself smiling as he asked her about her Momma and how she liked Disneyland and how long her Momma had been lost.

Chloe and Trixie smiled with approval and it was a nice feeling. He looked around and motioned to their guide who had gotten ahead of himself again. He radioed for assistance and after a few moments, a blonde Scandinavian beauty was kissing and hugging her little girl while heaping praise on him. Another unusual occurrence in his long life. A rather nice one.