Lucifer's face lit up at her simple reply, a devilish smirk forming as he sensed an opportunity. With a deep, seductive voice, he looked at Raven and asked, "Oh, what for?~"
However, Raven wasn't paying attention, her distant gaze betraying sudden tension in the room. Putting on a fake smile, she said excitedly, "Because I want to talk to you over a glass, would that be okay?" Grabbing his arm, she led him out of the warehouse.
Lucifer chuckled and went along with her sudden change in demeanor, intrigued by this side of her. Yet something still felt off - the grip on his arm was slightly demanding, not urgent, and he sensed Raven was hiding something behind her mask. As an expert in human nature, Lucifer knew better than to ignore the signs of urgency.
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Raven sat on a bar stool in Lucifer's penthouse atop Lux, lost in deep concentration. Lucifer had anticipated a flirtatious date or even something more intimate, but Raven's demeanor shifted abruptly the moment she arrived. Despite sensing an underlying desire, Lucifer found himself intrigued by Raven's enigmatic personality. He admired her intelligence and composed approach to every situation. Determined to break through Raven's emotional barriers, Lucifer employed his charm and charisma to gradually chip away at her stern facade.
"Lucifer poured Raven a drink of bourbon as he said, 'Are you going to fill me in on the case, Darling?'" Though Raven remained guarded, Lucifer knew from their interactions how to please a woman. Gradually, she started to let her guard down, accepting the glass of bourbon with a gentle nod. She took a sip, allowing the alcohol to warm her senses and relax her body slightly.
Raven stared down at the glass, her expression calm and nonchalant. "This case isn't religious," she said. "I think - no, I know - that these murders run much deeper. But I have no proof yet to confirm my hypothesis."
Lucifer looked at Raven curiously, taken aback. Behind her glassy, reddened eyes, he could sense a darkness that Raven had concealed for who knows how long
As Raven methodically uncovered the enigmatic truth behind the case, Lucifer realized that winning her affection would take more than simply solving the mystery. It would require patiently earning her trust, deeply understanding her multifaceted personality, and tenderly cherishing the unique bond they shared. Intrigued by Raven's suggestion that the case lacked a religious element, Lucifer asked, "Could you elaborate on that?
"I believe a British underground network may be operating in LA, but proving this could take time. While reviewing the computer files, I've identified two significant patterns. However, I'll only share one, as the other is uncertain, and I need to gather more evidence before concluding the assumption." Raven said lowering her violet and red gaze toward the glass ahead of her. She rotated the glass to watch the bourbon drink to watch the smooth flow of the liquid forming the direction of the glass.
"My theory is that the unsub may work for an organized crime boss in the UK. Figures like the notorious Kray twins were known to wield significant influence in the British underworld. Rumors abound of powerful crime lords who operate in the shadows, either working to keep the streets "clean" or actively perpetuating criminal activity, depending on their ability to manipulate public perception. However, the general public is often unaware of these shadowy figures. Many property owners pay protection fees not just to the government, but to the criminal underworld as well. If someone wanted a person eliminated, the underworld would ensure it happens - for these crime bosses, it's all just business. I've seen similar patterns of organized crime from my experiences growing up."
Despite Raven's calm, sincere tone, her words did not reveal the full truth of the story. Lucifer observed Raven's body language - the slight dilation of her pupils betrayed an underlying loathing, even as her outward demeanor conveyed resolve and silent scrutiny.
Lucifer's amused tone carried a playful lilt as he said, "Are you seriously telling me you used to be part of the British Mafia? I wouldn't have pegged you for that."
Raven simply rolled her eyes. "Far worse. There were countless factions, group leaders, and corrupt agencies involved. However, there was a single, true darkness orchestrating all the calculated crime. Not all underlords are just businessmen - they are pure evil incarnate."
Raven's grave tone and rigid posture revealed the gravity of her message. Lucifer sensed an urgent urgency from her, but it was not desire. Raven was gripped by a sense of peril. "I see. Let's move our discussion in a new direction for a bit," Lucifer said, glancing down into his whiskey glass before bringing it to his lips and swiftly downing the entire contents in one gulp, his head tilting back.
Raven sighed, "I promise to fill the rest once there is more evidence to-"
Lucifer spoke with amusement as he pulled a bottle of expensive Irish whiskey from underneath the bar, one of the most expensive in his collection. "I just said we're changing the subject, darling. Let me help ease your stress and let you forget about work for a while, hmm?" Normally, he'd invite some beautiful women over and share a few drinks laced with Molly, but it seemed Raven needed his attention today. He gave her a slight wink.
Raven glanced at Lucifer, and he noticed the stress etched on her face. She had only just started this case today, not to mention getting shot twice less than two days ago. "I doubt doing molly would be healthy for me right now," she said with a light nod. "Though, I'd gladly take that bottle."
Lucifer's playful grin widens, "That's the spirit Detective."
Raven watched Lucifer closely. "I have a game I'd like to play with you," she said with a light nod. She stood up and walked toward the living room area of the penthouse. Lucifer's penthouse was more like a studio apartment - it had its own personal patio, bar, large living room, and bedroom. The space had a Victorian, old-fashioned aesthetic that created a beautiful environment, perfect for airing out one's troubles.
The grand chandelier, adorned with diamond-shaped shards, hung elegantly over the living room, exuding an air of wealth and opulence. Despite the penthouse's old-fashioned and comfortable ambiance, it maintained a relatively modern aesthetic. The lights and brick walls, though appearing realistic, seemed artificially constructed, as if carved from concrete and meticulously painted. Lucifer observed as Raven surveyed her surroundings, taking in the details. After allowing her a moment to get comfortable, Lucifer softly snapped his fingers to gain Raven's attention. "You look lost," Lucifer said rather amused.
Raven blinked as she took a seat on one of the lounge chairs. The chair looked like it could have been plucked straight from a movie set, the kind a therapist might use to interrogate or comfort a patient. Raven gently caressed the soft, velvety leather fabric.
"I'm very curious what game you have in mind, Detective," Lucifer said, settling onto the matching leather sofa across from Raven. He gave her space, knowing full well that if he continued to tease her, Raven might lash out or even harm herself. Not that he would particularly care, of course, but seeing Raven in distress would ruin the mood.
The game may seem simple, but it's not for the faint of heart. It follows the same rules as Clue, but the objective is to deduce the other player's true identity. Raven said gently, "I do love playing games, and gambling can be intoxicating when your life is on the line. However, I've noticed something interesting about you, Lucifer." As she glanced down at her pilsner glass, Raven continued, "This game sounds like the kind of challenge Sherlock Holmes would relish. In fact, I think I'll give you a new nickname - Detective Holmes. It suits your character quite well, don't you agree?" Lucifer teased lightly, his tone playful.
"I'll follow your lead Detective Holmes," Lucifer said amused.