"Lucifer, what the fuck!" Juan stuttered in utter disbelief. "What are you doing here?"
"Who are you!?- How did you get here, Miguel chimed in right before he picked up his radio. " Rodriguez! Valbuena! come in!
An unsettling feeling loomed as a static white noise filled the room.
"If Rodriguez is the one with the brown set of teeth, then he and his partner are on a time out I'm afraid," Lucifer grinned.
"You mean you took out all the guards?" Juan sputtered.
"Just the ones that were in my way."
"What the fuck man? I told you I'd get back to you in a week!" Juan's eye bulged as his face grew red.
"Well, I had a feeling you were hiding something from me so I followed you here. Like I said, my request is an urgent one."
Just as Lucifer spoke, Don Pedro's two bodyguards grew into his view, grunting as they scowled down at him. Lucifer scoffed, amused by the heaviness of their breaths down his face.
"You two love this show of masculinity, don't you?" He asked with a chuckle. "But as much as I'd like to, I don't want to disgrace you both in front of your boss--"
Lucifer's taunt was cut short by the cocked sound and cold end of a Mag45 pressed to the back of his nape. He could feel about three more guns pointed at his head.
"You're not so much of a talker now, are you?" Alejandra voiced with a smirk.
And Like clockwork, Tony staggered into the room with a push from one of the goons.
"I'm harmless, please don't kill me," He pleaded.
I knew this was a terrible idea, Henry, who had been quiet up until that moment, blurted.
Shut up, Henry, Lucifer shunned in his head before averting his gaze to Juan.
Juan, amigo, I think some introductions are in order, he said nudging his head at Pedro.
The goon behind him made the same clicking sound with his mag45 again, Let me waste him, boss, he offered and immediately, the rest cocked their guns too.
Oh my God! Tony repeated thrice with his trembling hands raised slightly above his head as sweat dripped from all parts of his body. The tension in the room sizzled to a very high degree. Tony suspected everything boiled down to the boss to give the final command. A single wave could decide whether they walk out with their brains intact or splattered on the floor. It was probably a different case for Lucifer who didnt seem to flinch but the same couldnt be said for him.
He closed his eyes for a moment, desperately hoping for this not to be his end. He suddenly remembered his dream- that and everything that has happened the past two weeks. He still didnt believe in the divine and supernatural but he wasnt willing to wait until he went to the great beyond to be proved wrong.
Dear God, He began praying his head.
I know I didn't pretty much believe you existed until recently but please, I don't want to die. And if I do, don't let me go to hell. Being Lucifer's assistant here on earth is enough torture already.
Finally, Pedro spoke.
Its alright. Let's hear what he has to say, he has come this far.
Tony heaved a sigh of relief as he opened his squinted eyes. All the lieutenants and goons felt a bit disappointed by their boss's decision, switching perplexed gazes among themselves as they withdrew their weapons. Juan was the most confused with a dropped jaw as he stared at Lucifer, wondering if it was just the alias that bestowed so much confidence in an ordinary scientist or something more.
I knew you were a reasonable man, Mr. Pedro, Lucifer said, straightening his jacket. My name is"
Doctor Henry Bates, Pedro continued. Famous billionaire scientist now infamous for his failed experimental project- yes, I do know you. Normally, I'd put a bullet in you where you stand without taking a second thought but there's something about you that has suddenly piqued my interest. Is that why my nephew calls you Lucifer?"
Lucifer chuckled. Something like that, but thats a story for another day.
Pedro studied his grin for a while before moving on to take a seat. Alright then, what do you want?
Well, my company is on the verge of a financial shipwreck and"
You need money, Pedro added.
A whole lot; more than your nephew can offer and more than anyone from the business world is willing to give without wanting a stake in the company in return.
So thats why you came to a drug lord, eh? Don Pedro said with a dry laugh. But you see doctor; I am also a businessman. I cant seem to grasp why you expected better from my end.
I didnt, Lucifer replied. Thats why I came with an offer you cant refuse.
Pedro's gaze swayed to Juan before returning to Lucifer. Im listening.
So, back in prison, there was a particular night Juan had a few more bottles than he could handle, and seeing as I was the one who indulged him in the first place, I decided to stay awake a little longer while he blabbed on and on about the cartel.
Juan ignored the fuming look shot everyone at him. If there was such a night like that as Lucifer claimed, he didnt remember it.
So you see, I know of your problems and I want to offer a solution, Lucifer declared with his arms open wide. I know it has been difficult to distribute your merchandise under the radar for a year now, I know the pigs in blue are now gaining on you; I know you need me as much as I need you.
The incessant tapping of Pedros fingers on the table was the form of control he could muster while Lucifer bragged. Well then, lets hear what your master plan is.
"Think about how much easier it would be to use Omega Tech as a front to push your drugs, weapons, and your money. Think about how much more smoothly it would be to operate on a level higher than your competition. Think about how much fun it would be fooling the entire justice system. Thats what Im offering.
Pedro now straightened himself on his chair, deep in thought as he studied Lucifers alluring countenance. You sure know how to cut a deal, doc.
Thats what Im about actually. And please, call me Lucifer, Lucifer said with a smile.
But I can't just give you what you want just because you spewed some pretty words, you have to do something for me first. Think of it as the stamp to whatever you're proposing.
Lucifer was a bit taken aback but he decided not to show it.
Okay, Im all ears.
We're meeting the Russians down at the docks for a little exchange tomorrow, youd be the one to represent us.
Ohh, Lucifers eyes lit up in excitement. That would be nice.
But uncle, the package is too important to put your trust in outsiders, Miguel complained.
Thats why the package must be retrieved at all costs else the deal is off, Don Pedro retorted. Also, you'll be taking your buddy Juan along with you Get him killed and I'll come for one of your own too, He added, his eyes shifting to Tony in his final remark. Do we have a deal?
Lucifer gave both Tony and Juan a glance then chuckled. Yes, we have a deal.
** ** **
"About time you showed up,"
Modriel was a bit taken aback when Cortez didn't turn, arching his brows in a frown. He thought perhaps he became a little too loose and Cortez became so over-familiar with his presence that he didn't even flinch when he appeared out of nowhere.
The view of the street from Cortez's penthouse balcony was quite a serene. His eyes lingered a bit longer before he turned to face Modriel.
"Being cooped up in the house all day takes its toll on you man," He continued. "Is it finally time to sub me in, coach?"
"Lucifer is on the move, yes, Modriel decided to look past his clumsy remark. "But before I go over what his plans are with you, I want you to have this," He added, tossing an item over to Cortez.
It was a beautifully crafted necklace with a bronze-like luster. A triangular emblem with some inscribed writing was attached to the end. Cortez couldn't make out the language as he examined the item closely but he could bet it was from an ancient time.
"What's this?" He questioned with his eyes still on the necklace.
"The mark of Cain," Modriel answered. "You should have this on you at all times around Lucifer if you wish to live."
"Mmhm, so it's like my own personal protective cloak. Nice, Cortez highlighted with a grin as he fondled the emblem on the necklace. He could finally return to work without worrying about Lucifer.
"You could say that," Modriel nodded. "Now, shall we go over to our main business for tonight?"
"Sure, let's go inside. Would you like a drink?"