too abruptly. Lucifer’s lips quirk with what reads as amusement. He then offers Morgan a card. “Detective Morgan,” he greets. “If you need us, you know where to find us.”
Morgan scowls, the scar on his lips protruding as he does. “How did you know who I was?”
Lucifer’s reply is smooth and simple. “It’s my job to know.”
In other words, I think, fear me. I see you. I see everything. Lucifer is really good at this game, but then I suspect this to be true of all members of the Walker team.
“Did you need help with something, Detective Morgan?” I ask.
His gaze shifts to me. “I just ran a couple of cases over for Deanna. I’m just leaving.” He casts Lucifer another quick, grumpy look and steps around him to leave.
Deanna is one of the ADA’s who works with Morgan frequently. His story is believable, but somehow it just feels off. Whatever the case, I’m certain Walker will figure it out. I refocus on Josh. “I need to get with my team.”
When I would step around him, he says, “Can we have a word?”
“I have a meeting soon,” I say, thinking of the dinner with my mother while avoiding any conversation that might pin me in a bad spot. “Can you call me later? I mean unless it’s urgent.”
He grimaces and his expression takes on a bull doggish look before he concedes. “I’ll call you.” He steps around us and leaves.
“Dirty, dirty dog,” Lucifer murmurs.
I glance over at him. “You think?”
“Oh yeah,” he murmurs. “And I do believe it’s time for me to meet Grace.”
We start walking and I point a finger at him. “She’s my friend. Do not lead her on, Lucifer.”
He holds up a hand. “It’s business, Pri. I don’t play on the battleground.”
Battleground.
God, that word, and the reality it represents.
Chapter Thirty-Two
PRI
Lucifer and I are still standing in the hallway, after our Josh and Morgan encounter, when I hear, “Pri!”
At the sound of Grace’s voice, I turn to find her and Cindy rushing toward us, two beautiful girls, two targets for the devil himself.
Grace is quick to fling her arms around me. “I’ve been so worried about you.”
“We texted.”
“I know, but—” She pulls back and studies me. “What’s wrong with Pitt? There are all kinds of rumors. He’s dead. He’s missing. And two federal agents dropped by to see you.”
“Which happens often,” I say, trying to calm her down. “It could be about Waters. Did you get a name?”
“No,” she says. “They wouldn’t talk to anyone else. They were at the front desk. There might be a card up front.” She casts Lucifer a look. “Hi,” she says. “I’m Grace.”
And she’s so sweet and charming, too. The girl next door, with cute dimples and all.
Cindy, who’s more of a blonde goddess, and presently staring at Lucifer, cuts me a look. “Yes, Pri, what’s up with Pitt, and who is the blond tattooed god you have with you?”
Lucifer laughs, a low, entertained laugh and I can almost imagine Savage and Adrian cracking jokes as they listen in. “Lucifer,” he introduces himself. “From Walker Security, an international team contracted by the DA at Pri’s request. We’re here to assist with the investigation in an official capacity.”
“We?” Cindy asks. “How many of you are there?”
“Unlimited resources,” I say, following the plan. “Walker is quite well-known, sought out by heads of countries around the world. They’ve also taken our witnesses into their protective care.”
“But why?” Cindy says sarcastically. “I mean, law enforcement was doing such a good job. Not,” she adds. “Talk about a major fail that got people killed.”
I motion them forward. “Let’s head to the conference room and bring Lucifer up to speed.”
Cindy smiles at Lucifer. “I’ll be your guide.”
Lucifer glances at me and I nod my approval. Cindy knows this case. She’ll be a good, and obviously willing, resource for Lucifer. Now it’s Grace rolling her eyes as she falls into step with me behind them. “Seriously,” she says softly. “How are you?”
“Seriously,” I reply. “I’m good. I’ve just had my hands full today.”
“What’s going on with Pitt?”
We pause outside the conference room. “The less you know right now, the better. Okay?”
Her eyes go wide. “Oh God. Is he okay?”
“I don’t know,” I say, but I do know. Pitt was hurt badly and at this point, he has to be dead. Doesn’t he?
“That doesn’t sound good,” she says. “Please tell me if you get word on his safety. I didn’t know him that well, but I knew him often. You