Chapter 8 - A Meeting with Lucifer

"Mel, these should have been organized according to their court date. How will I know which case to prioritize?" a voice stung Helomoto awake.

"I expect meticulous work and constant vigilance. If we are to become the largest firm in Bremerton we do not have room for error, do you understand?" Lucifer asked Melon sternly.

Helomoto was in a new location. It was a smaller office with minimalist, but expensive furniture. Aside from the work desk and chair, there was a small reclining chair positioned strategically next to the only window in the room so that the sunlight would hit it squarely.

Lucifer paced around the room as she chastised Melon.

"Look at Apple's track record. Smith doesn't have to ask her for anything twice. I'm afraid if this behavior continues I'll have to take matters into my own hands."

She kicked off her shoes, exposing her pantyhoed toes and stretched across the recliner.

This woman screamed feline. Surely, she had been a cat in another life.

Helomoto hated cats.

Just at that moment there was a knock at the door and it opened.

"Here's your meal maam," said a stocky lady as she brought over a tray of food and placed it next to Lucifer.

It smelled healthy and fishy.

"Stinky.." thought Helomoto.

"Do you understand?" she asked Melon again as she placed her napkin on her lap completely ignoring the woman.

"Yes, I promise it won't happen again," admitted a sad Melon as she exited the room, wiping away a small tear.

Helomoto felt bad for Melon. He felt uncomfortable in this new room with hospital-grade organization. There were hundreds of books on the shelves, organized according to thickness. There was not a pen out of position. It was as though Lucifer licked the place clean herself. Helomoto tried to read the nameplate but there was another object blocking him.

"Who was this mystery partner?" thought Helomoto.

Knock Knock.

"Come in," said Lucifer as she bit into her salmon.

Samantha Apple walked in and sat across her.

"I have news for you," she spoke quietly, strategically.

"You can speak freely, Apple," muttered Lucifer as she wiped her mouth with her 100% Egyptian cotton napkin while avoiding eye contact.

"Ahhh pure Egyptian cotton," Helomoto basked in his thoughts, "I miss my pure Egyptian cotton sheets."

"People are asking questions," Apple posited, "I'm not sure what my position should be."

Lucifer was standing in front of the window looking out and picking her teeth.

She turned around gracefully and stretched. She picked up her fork, impaled 3 boiled peas with the leftmost prong and extended it to her nose before taking a sniff.

"Do you know why I pay you handsomely, Apple?" questioned Lucifer.

"So....Apple is working with Lucifer," thought Helomoto.

Knock Knock.

"I just forgot my stapler, I'm sorry!" a shy Melon blurted sheepishly.

She zoomed in to grab Helomoto and left instantaneously.