Chapter Text
You have. One. New. Voice. Message. First voice message. Sent. Today. At. Eight. Forty-seven. A.M.
Hi Chloe, this is Ben Rausch. I apologize, what with all the excitement going on at your mother’s cabin the other day, I completely forgot to tell you that both Lee and Jerry Mitchelson were arraigned last Thursday. They had to do a closed-link TV proceding from Jerry’s hospital room, but the arraignments went well. Jerry insisted on pleading guilty, but he was sober when he made the statement, and had his attorney present. He pled guilty to seven counts of first degree murder, five counts of attempted murder, including your case, assault with intent to do bodily harm, assault with a deadly weapon, aka his truck, and a whole slew of other charges. I’ll tell you this, Chloe. If you never remember what happened to you that day? Consider it a gift. As you very well know from your own experience, one of the conditions of his guilty plea was that he had to confess to the judge everything he did. As the father of one of his victims, it was really hard to hear. *cleared throat* All I can tell you is that it’s over. He will never hurt another innocent victim ever again. We’re free to go out and buy candy without fear. The judge gave him life in prison without eligibility for parole, so once he’s been discharged from the hospital, he will be taken to Pelican Bay to serve out his sentence. He’ll probably be facing more charges once the FBI gets done with him, but that’s not our problem.
Lee entered a not guilty plea. I promise you, I didn’t laugh out loud. Wanted to laugh out loud, didn’t laugh out loud. His bail is set pretty high, so I think he’ll be sitting in Big Bear Jail until his case goes to trial, seeing as the rest of his family is incarcerated, and his wife isn’t so damn pleased with him. Well, that’s my interpretation, anyway. I mean, if Patti slapped my face in the middle of a crowded courtroom, I’d take it to mean that she was a little upset with me.
Speaking of all the excitement at your cabin, Ma, Pa, and Brent Mitchelson are in court getting arraigned right now. I’ll update you when I hear back from the courthouse. Again, I apologize that I forgot to let you know the other day about the arraignments, but I’m hoping that you’re feeling better and that everyone got back to LA safely. Take care and I’ll talk to you later. Be safe. Beeeeeep
Chlo: Hey! Did you hear from Ben Rausch?
Dan: Yeah, just got off the phone with him. Pretty good news about Jerry, huh?
Chlo: Ikr? I don’t know what he said to the judge, but if he ended up in a SuperMax, it couldn’t have been good.
Dan: All the more reason to put him away!
Chlo: Amen to that!
Dan: Are you going to Lux tonight for their NYE party?
Chlo: No. I’ll probably go to the penthouse for the night, but I’m really not up to partying yet. Lucifer kept saying that he’d hang out with me, but I told him that he really needs to be at Lux for the sake of his business. He’s the host, after all, and NYE is one of his most lucrative nights, obviously. So, I promised him I’d be there for the final countdown, so he could have his midnight kiss, and he was very quick to agree with the compromise, lol.
Dan: He’s really stepped up for you, Chlo!
Chlo: He has! It’s sad, though. Whenever I tell him what a fantastic caregiver he is, he keeps brushing it off. I don’t think he’ll ever get used to being told that he’s a good man.
Dan: Yeah, no shit! Look, he and I haven’t had the best relationship. A lot of that is on me, and I know it. But, I would love to punch his Dad in the face and tell him what a shit parent He is!
Chlo: Same!
Dan: BTW, your daughter talked me into having a sleepover here with Paige and Livvie. We’re going to ring in the New Year with sparkling grape juice and noisemakers and an unbelievable mountain of snacks! [facepalm emoji]. My debit card was literally smoking when I put it away. She’s already decorating the living room with balloons and streamers, lol.
Chlo: Sounds like your daughter has her daddy wrapped around her little finger.
Dan: That’s exactly where I’m supposed to be. Right?
Chlo: LOL! It’s genetic. She gets it from the Deckers. OK, I’m going to call Ben back right now. Enjoy your party! Send me pics!
Dan: Thanks, will do! See you tomorrow night.
******
January 3, 20##
Mom: According to the Bear Township Gazette, Jerry Mitchelson pleaded guilty to your attempted murder and several other attempted murders, and assault with deadly weapon charges. He also pleaded guilty to seven vehicular homicides. The FBI might be charging him with even more. He’s been sentenced to life without parole at Pelican Bay. I’m sure Detective Rausch updated you, yes? Did you go to court that day?
Chloe:
******
January 7, 20##
Mom: Do you remember Ginny Petersen? She and her family used to have the cabin across the street from us. She still lives in the area, but she moved into a condo in Big Bear City when her husband died. Yesterday, she gave me a call because she ran into you at the hospital up in Big Bear. You were going for a follow-up appointment. I hope everything went well.
Chloe:
******
Douche: Oh, NOW she cares about Chloe’s health. Smh!
LM: Funny, that’s exactly what the Detective said, only she said it with a magnificent eyeroll.
******
January 9, 20##
Mom: My surgeon performed a lumpectomy yesterday. I’m a little sore, but I didn’t need to arrange for visiting nurses, I just need to take it easy. I thought you should know.
Chloe:
******
January 16, 20##
Mom: The doctor said that if the biopsy confirmed cancer, they would call me. If not, he would discuss his findings at my follow-up exam. I didn’t hear from him. I had my follow-up today and was told that the tumor was benign. He said that everything was healing well, so I’m clear to get back to my usual routine. My friends, Peggy and Ellen, have been helping me since you are unavailable.
Chloe:
******
You have. Three. New. Voice. Messages. First voice message. Sent. Today. At. Four. THIRTY-eight. P.M.
Hi Chloe, this is Ben Rausch. This is not a singing Valentine, I assure you, but could you give me a call, please? I need to set up a meeting with you. There’s been a major development in Ma Mitchelson’s case, and I don’t feel it’s appropriate to give you the news over the phone or in an email. Plus, there will be questions I’ll need to ask you. I’m willing to arrange for a meeting space at your precinct, or ask you to come to the San Bernardino barracks I work out of. Technically, you will be consulting on a case, so I can present the necessity for our meeting to your superiors, no problem. Either way, I’m flexible. Sorry for being so vague, but what I have to say is very disturbing, and like I said, I want you to enjoy Valentine’s Day with your partner, if you two celebrate it. So, please give me a call at your convenience. Thanks. Beeeeeep
******
Douche, Dr. Linda, Feathered Arse, Mazie, Eve
Douche: ARE YOU SHITTING ME?
LM: I assure you, I shit you not, Daniel.
Douche: Unbelievable!!
Dr. Linda: So, let me get this straight. Natasha “Ma” Mitchelson’s maiden name was Smith. She and her brother, Perry, grew up in Running Springs, CA. Natasha Smith married Joe Mitchelson and moved to Bear Township, where she raised three criminal sons while her husband stole everything he could get his hands on because he was part of a major theft ring. Perry Smith moved to Los Angeles where he eventually became a prison warden. He specialized in paying off guys to take guilty pleas because they happened to be down on their luck and unable to provide for their families. And when Chloe’s dad discovered what he was doing, Perry Smith arranged to have him murdered.
So, when Chloe arrested Perry Smith, she ended up with a target on her back because Ma Mitchelson decided that Chloe the police officer had no right to arrest her poor, sweet brother. Then, the Russian mob took Perry Smith out, and Ma Mitchelson decided that it wouldn’t have happened if Chloe hadn’t arrested him. And that sealed Chloe’s fate. At that time, Ma just bided her time because she knew that Penelope had a cabin in the area.
The Thursday before Christmas, she happened to be in the grocery store and saw Penelope, who was chatting it up with the butcher. She overheard that Chloe and all of us would be there for the holiday, so she decided to get her rev
Dr. Linda: enge. Sorry. Ran out of character space. She went home and convinced her idolized son, Jerry, to step off his pedestal and take Chloe out, because why talk your son into doing the right thing and turn himself into law enforcement when you could use his sociopathic tendencies for your own evil plans? Lee ran Chloe’s registration and got her plate #. The family waited for just the right time. Lee saw Chloe pull into the grocery store Saturday morning, and let Jerry know when she left the store and was heading back. Jerry finished his beer at the bar and went out to meet Chloe.
Don’t get me wrong, I know this whole thing is crazy, but this makes more sense to me than just her getting pissed because her kids were in jail instead of at her house for Christmas dinner.
Eve: Seriously! That’s more understandable as a revenge motive. I mean, it’s still screwed up, but it makes more sense than killing a bunch of people over a missed meal.
LM: I agree. The way Detective Rausch presented it, the whole Mitchelson clan was upset because State P.D. had gotten to the scene of the Detective’s accident before Lee. By then, Daniel had collected all the evidence that Lee would have “lost”, normally, and the Detective was safely spirited away by Yours Truly. So, everyone spent the weekend drinking and stressing out about the entire situation. Then Monday came, and the worst case scenario, to their way of thinking, happened and Jerry and Lee ended up behind bars. That’s when Ma Mitchelson decided to exact her ultimate revenge on the Detective. In her mind, everything that the Detective did was an insult directed at her personally. From causing her brother’s death, to having the unmitigated gall not to die when Jerry pushed her off the road, to causing her family to miss Christmas dinner.
Dr. Linda: Perry and Natasha, huh? Should have named them BORIS and Natasha.
Mazie: [laughing emoji]
Eve: [laughing emoji]
Dan: [laughing emoji]
Feathered Arse: ???
LM: I’ll explain it to you later, Brother. Wouldn’t want to short circuit the one neuron firing in your brain.
Feathered Arse: [rolling eye emoji]
Eve: So...wait. I don’t get it. Ma Mitchelson was awaiting trial, but was probably going to either get off, or get a stupidly light sentence, because she was impaired when she masterminded the home invasion, and nobody was actually killed. Why would she just suddenly fess up like that? That part still makes no sense.
LM: Detective Rausch has no idea. She pleaded not guilty at her arraignment. All she had to do was wait for her trial. Then yesterday, she had a sudden change of heart. She became very remorseful and confessed everything. It was odd. Two days ago, she was so smug, arrogantly informing Detective Rausch that “I don’t have to tell you shit. My lawyer says he can get me off all the charges, and you won’t have anything on anyone.” Then, the next day, she’s baring her soul. It’s truly remarkable what remorse can do to a human.n.
Douche: Just like that she changed her mind, huh?
LM: Just like that. It’s amazing what a guilt-filled mind will do.
Douche: A guilty mind that received a little persuasion?
LM: Interesting conjecture, Daniel.
Dr. Linda: How did Chloe take everything?
LM: Like the true stoic that she is. She filled Detective Rausch in on the Perry Smith case, answered all his questions, and took everything like a champ. She was calm as could be in the car ride back to LA, but then when I got her home, she broke down, of course.
Douche: She’s okay now, though?
LM: Oh yes. She got everything out of her system.
Mazie: Should we come over and cheer her up? I mean, she CAN drink now, right?
LM: Thank you, Maze, but I think she’s okay. Right now, she’s helping Trixie with her homework.
Feathered Arse: It saddens me.
LM: ???
Feathered Arse: Every time that Chloe is at peace over her father’s death, something happens to bring all her pain back again. It just isn’t right.
LM: I agree, Brother. Fortunately, she is surrounded by people who genuinely care about her.
Eve: True!
Dr. Linda: Agreed!
Mazie: Word!
Feathered Arse: 100%
******
February 15, 20##
Mom: So, you couldn’t even tell me that everything that happened was caused by the sister of the man who had my husband killed? What is wrong with you? I should NOT have found out from Detective Rausch. YOU should have been the one to tell me. This silent treatment of yours is disgraceful! This has got to be one of the most hurtful, disrespectful things you’ve ever done to me. Don’t think I’ll forget this anytime soon.
Chloe:
******
Last voice message. Sent. Today. At. Ten. FIFteen. A.M.
Top of the mornin’, Chloe, if you celebrate St. Paddy’s Day, that is. And by celebrate, I don’t mean go out and arrest five hundred drunks. Anyway, I know that LA is a freakin’ shitshow right now, but could you and Dan give me a conference call anytime today? It’s important. Thanks. Beeeeeep
******
Chlo, Lucifer, Maze, Eve, Linda, Amenadiel
Maze: Lee Mitchelson got shanked? Damn! What happened?
Dan: Apparently, while the prisoners were out in the yard for their daily exercise time, he was ambushed. By the time the guards got to him, he was already stabbed.
Maze: He dead?
Dan: Very!
Linda: Oh that’s horrible! I mean, he wasn’t an upstanding citizen by any stretch, but he didn’t deserve THAT.
Maze: I don’t know. Seems kinda fitting, don’t you think?
Chlo: No, Maze, it isn’t. He died before he went to trial.
Eve: Yeah, but that just saved us a lot of money. Isn’t that a good thing?
Chlo: No, because he died before he had a chance to be tried before a jury of his peers. Because he wasn’t afforded that opportunity, he is automatically declared innocent.
Maze: WHAT? That’s FUCKED. You humans, I tell you. You even torture yourselves.
Linda: I wasn’t aware of that, Chloe. That’s deeply disturbing. Is that true of any crime?
Chlo: Yes. If you die before your case goes to trial, you are declared innocent. And yes, Maze, it’s totally fucked.
Maze: Well, I’m sure he’s receiving the punishment he earned.
Lucifer: Sorry! My cellphone fell out of my pocket when I was flying out of Hell. It survived the fall without a scratch. Color me impressed. Anyway, I can definitely confirm that disgraced officer Lee Mitchelson is currently living the afterlife he created for himself.
Dan: Okay so, the investigation has just started, but I asked Rausch if they’re looking into the possibility that this wasn’t a bunch of disgruntled prisoners taking their anger out on a cop, that maybe it was Guillermo Santos’ work. Naturally, Rausch couldn’t say too much, but he COULD tell me that they’re definitely looking into that angle. Lee helped his old man for a long time, so he had a lot of knowledge about the inner workings of Santos’ business. They’re moving Pa and Brent Mitchelson to different facilities. Separately for extra security. I don’t know where Pa is going, but they’re moving Brent here to North County Correctional Facility. Hope that works out for him!
Lucifer: I can assure you, Daniel, that Brent Mitchelson will be perfectly safe in that particular facility. I will personally ensure his safety.
Dan: Do I even want to know?
Lucifer: It’s best that you don’t, but trust me, I know people. Brent Mitchelson will survive unscathed at that facility. You have my word. I will meet up with my people tomorrow.
Chlo: I suppose that Ma Mitchelson will pin THIS on me, too.
Dan: It doesn’t matter what she thinks, Chlo, she can’t hurt you, anymore. She’s just a mean old lady without any friends.
Lucifer: She’ll have to go through me to get to you, anyway, Darling.
Amenadiel: What does shanked mean?
Maze: [shocked Pikachu face meme]
******
March 19, 20##
Mom: I saw in the Bear Township Gazette that Lee Mitchelson was stabbed to death in jail. That’s horrible! Did you know that?
Chloe:
******
April 18, 20##
Mom: I know that Lucifer’s Christmas present for Dan was an all-expenses paid trip for two to San Francisco during Trixie’s spring break. I know that she and Dan are there, but her birthday is today, and I have a present for her. Can I stop by and drop it off?
Chloe:
******
April 19, 20##
Mom: Chloe Jane Decker, this has gone on far enough. I am Trixie’s grandmother, and you have no right to keep her from me. Your silent treatment has gotten out of hand. I am calling my lawyer and suing you for Grandparents’ Rights. You can ignore me all you want, but you have no right to keep Trixie from me.
Chloe:
******
The Law Offices of Franklin, Goldsmith, & Howard, LLC
April 22, 20##
Dear Ms. Decker:
This letter is to inform you that I am representing your daughter, Chloe Decker, in your impending lawsuit regarding visitation rights with your granddaughter, Beatrice Espinosa. It has been brought to my attention that your daughter has expressed her desire to cease contact with you following her expulsion from your property at 1182 BearTownship Road on December 28th of last year. Despite her stated request, you have repeatedly attempted contact with her electronically, as well as presenting yourself in person at her place of residence. The latter attempt was captured on video surveillance, in which you pounded on her door for almost twenty minutes while demanding entrance, although my client was still at work. When threatened with police action by her neighbors, you left a gift on her doorstep, intended for your granddaughter, with whom you have been instructed to cease contact.
Pursuant to the issue, above, you are hereby ordered to cease and desist all attempted contact with both Ms. Decker and Ms. Espinosa pending trial. Should you disregard this order and continue your attempts at contact, we are prepared to move forward and ask the court to issue a Restraining Order against you. From this day forward, any and all communication between you and Chloe Decker will be handled by me. Please send any and all messages for your daughter to the enclosed email address. Furthermore, please inform your attorney that I am the attorney of record for the impending lawsuit. You may direct them to talk to me directly. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Regards,
Jonathan Howard
Attorney at Law
******
[email protected] April 23, 20##
Chloe how could you do this to your mother? She sacrificed so much so you could get ahead in life. How could you cut her off like this? She loves you so much. Don’t you feel any shame at all? You are all she has left, but you have turned your back on her. I was personally outraged that you refused to care for your mother after her breast surgery. Although I was more than willing to care for her, that should have been YOUR responsibility. Are you going to care for her in her old age, or are you going to make US do it for you?
She is your mother, Chloe. She is family. Family doesn’t turn its back on family. It breaks my heart to see her abandoned like this, and I can’t help but wonder what went wrong with you? You were such a sweet child. You should have remained in acting. Policework has made you cruel and heartless. I don’t even recognize you any more. Please, I’m begging you, stop this nonsense. Forgive your mother and stop your silent treatment. You have no right to treat your mother this way.
-Aunt Peggy
******
The Law Offices of Franklin, Goldsmith, & Howard, LLC
April 25, 20##
Dear Ms. Decker:
It has come to our attention that our client, Chloe Decker, received an unwarranted email sent directly to her workplace account from one of your friends, Margaret Crosby. Unfortunately, despite the fact that this communication came from your friend, it constitutes a breach of the cease and desist directive forwarded to you on April 22 of this year. Due to this breach, we will move forward with our efforts to procure a Restraining Order through the court system. We will advise both you and your attorney of the scheduled time and day.
Regards,
Jonathan Howard
Attorney at Law
******
April 28, 20##
Dear Attorney Howard:
I am Penelope Decker’s lifelong friend, Margaret Crosby. I wrote the email to Chloe Decker when I found out that she had cut her mother out of her life because I was so outraged. I know that sending it to her work email was inappropriate, but I have no other contact information for her. I did everything of my own volition. Penelope had no idea that I did it. I was so upset that a child would do that to her mother. Please don’t take action against Penelope. She doesn’t deserve it. If you have to take legal action against me for what I did, so be it, but Penelope shouldn’t be punished. Having her daughter cut her out of her life is punishment enough.
Sincerely,
Margaret Crosby
******
The Law Offices of Franklin, Goldsmith, & Howard, LLC
May 1, 20##
Dear Ms. Decker:
After consulting with our client, we are willing to refrain from obtaining a Restraining Order at this time. Chloe Decker surmised that, although she has grave doubts, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Margaret Crosby did, in fact, act independently of you in this matter. Bearing this in mind, we will not go forward with any action. However, should another breach occur, we will not hesitate to go to court.
Regards,
Jonathan Howard
Attorney at Law
******
You have. Three. New. Voice. Messages. First voice message. Sent. Today. At. Three. Twenty-four. P.M.
Hi, Ben, this is Chloe Decker returning your call. Thank you so much for telling me the time and date of Brent Mitchelson’s trial. I guess I’m a V.I.P. laughs. The D.A. and Brent’s attorney called me with the same information. Anyway, I will be there. Lucifer and I will be heading up there after work today. We have a room booked for the night, so it will be easier for us tomorrow morning. Looking forward to seeing you again! Again, thanks for your phone call, and stay safe! Beeeeeep
******
“Chaos ensued today at San Bernardino Superior Court following the trial of Brent Mitchelson, who was charged for his participation in a home invasion in Bear Township during the early hours of December 29th of last year. According to eyewitnesses, LAPD officer Chloe Decker, a witness for the Defense, was walking with Mitchelson when her partner, Lux nightclub owner and police consultant, Lucifer Morningstar, caught sight of a rifle barrel when it glinted in the sunlight. Upon his alarm, Detective Decker threw Mitchelson to the floor, shielding him with her own body, as shots rang out and people scrambled for cover. Within minutes, police arrived at the location of the shooter only to discover that Mr. Morningstar had already apprehended the suspect. So far, police have not disclosed a motive to the public. This story is still unfolding, and we will keep you updated as details become available. This is Katelyn Benoit for KWTF news.”
Anchor: Katelyn, do we have any word on casualties at this time?
“Thankfully, Jim, although there were reports of a few minor injuries such as cuts and scrapes, miraculously, there were no reports of deaths or serious injuries at this time. Several windows will need to be repaired, but despite the fact that the lobby was crowded, everyone, fortunately, remained unharmed.”
Anchor: Katelyn, we have received raw footage from the CCTV cameras that caught the scene. Are you able to comment as we show it to our viewers?
Pause. Katelyn nodded her head. “Yes, Jim, I can certainly narrate the events for you.”
“Ok, first, you can see [computer-generated arrow points] the glint of the rifle, which is obviously what Mr. Morningstar saw, as well. Then, we see the gun firing several rounds. Now, this is our first glimpse of the perpetrator as he attempts to flee the scene. But this is where it gets interesting. Here, the perpetrator gets to a shadowy area? See? Then, you see what looks like a dark arm reaching forward and grabbing him. Now, you see what turns out to be Mr. Morningstar, but he simply looks like a tall shadow to our perspective.”
Anchor: It’s an interesting trick of the light, Katelyn. It almost looks as if Mr. Morningstar’s eyes are glowing red.
“Yes, and you’re not the only one to comment on that bizarre effect, Jim. It certainly gave Mr. Morningstar an almost supernatural look. But what was even more incredible is this next part. As you see, Mr. Morningstar grabs the suspect and holds him up with one hand. He remains in that stance until the officers arrive to take the perpetrator into custody.”
Anchor: Well, that certainly is remarkable footage, Katelyn. Thank you for your report, and we’ll look forward to your updates.
“Thank you, Jim. Back to you.”
Dan: HOLY SHIT CHLO!!!! ARE YOU OKAY?
Ella: Chloe! Call me ASAP!!!!
Linda: Oh my God, Chloe! I just saw the news footage. Please tell me you’re okay!
Amenadiel: Chloe, could you please call me as soon as you can? Linda and I are very worried.
Maze: Decker! You dead?
******
Katelyn Benoit: Detective Decker, what went through your mind when your partner shouted his warning about the gun?
Chloe: What went through my mind was my training, the protocols that law enforcement follow during an active shooter incident. Your job, as a police officer is to serve and protect, so while I was shielding Brent Mitchelson, I was surveying the scene, mentally assessing where we could place and triage the injured, where we could move people and shelter in place should this be a long-term siege, where we could position officers in defensive positions to return fire, lots of procedures.
Katelyn Benoit: Were you concerned about your own safety? Did you think about your friends and family and how they would feel?
Chloe: The truth is, every police officer wants to go home at the end of the day. Safety is always our number one priority. But, in an active shooter situation, you have to put your own feelings aside. Your main concern is the welfare of everyone else involved in the incident.
Katelyn Benoit: So, were you willing to lay down your life, if need be?
Chloe: Of course. What kind of cop would I be if I wasn’t willing to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Katelyn Benoit: Detective Chloe Decker, thank you for your time.
Chloe: My pleasure.
Katelyn Benoit: Mr. Morningstar, you ended up being the hero today. How do you feel about that?
Lucifer: Katelyn, Darling, I have never been the hero, make no doubt about that. I am the very antithesis of a hero, an anti-hero, if you would. But nowadays, I do try to do the right thing, and I was able to do so today, to everybody’s benefit.
Katelyn Benoit: I see. Well, here’s the question I know everyone is dying to know. How were you able to catch and lift a man with one hand and hold him up in the air like that?
Lucifer: Body mechanics.
Katelyn Benoit: There you have it, folks. Body mechanics is the hero today. Back to you, Jim.
******
Lucifer, Dan, Ella, Maze, Eve, Linda, Amenadiel
Chloe: Hey guys! Got your texts. We’re both okay and more importantly, so is Brent.
Maze: Glad you’re not dead.
Chloe: Love you too, Maze.
Ella: OMG! I’ve never been so glad to get a text from anybody in my whole life!!!
Linda: Chloe! Thank God! I was so worried.
Lucifer: I assure you, Doctor, my Father had nothing to do with the Detective’s welfare.
Dan: Doesn’t matter who’s responsible, man. The point is, you’re both okay, and we’re all relieved. That was one conversation I really didn’t want to have with my daughter.
Chloe: It’s okay, Dan. We’re all fine.
Lucifer: We most certainly are NOT! Detective Rausch pulled a bullet out of the Detective’s bun. I almost lost her AGAIN. If the Detective hadn’t been wearing her hair up, it would have been disastrous. Disastrous, I tell you.
Chloe: If I hadn’t been wearing my hair up, the bullet would have gone over my head and taken out Detective Rausch. I would have been fine.
Lucifer: Potato potahto.
Dan: Any idea of why the shooter was there? I mean, there was an awful lot of people there.
Linda: Good question!
Chloe: Yes, we know why, but no, we can’t disclose yet. Especially over the internet. I’ll give you a hint, though. I ran into Patti Gerhardt after I gave my statement.
Dan: So Brent is okay you said?
Chloe: Yes he is. The attorney Lucifer retained for him had worked out a plea deal, so the FBI got the information they needed on Santos, and Brent pled guilty to lesser offenses. He’ll serve six months in North County, then he’ll be on probation for a couple of years. I gave my statement, and so did Ben Rausch. But what was really nice was that his boss showed up and testified. He promised Brent that he’ll have a job when he gets out. In fact, he said that Brent will ALWAYS have a job with him.
After the shooting and all the chaos calmed down, we walked with him to the transport van because I had a surprise for him. I had found his sister, Leanne, and reached out. She was so happy that I did. She never wanted to cut contact with Brent, but she was afraid to reach out to him because he was still in contact with their parents. Sad! Anyway, she was waiting for him by the van. It was very moving! She promised him that she would visit, and she’ll bring her son so Brent can meet him.
So, Brent is bullet-free and on his way to North County. Actually, he’s probably already there. Lucifer has already ensured that his protection is still in place.
Linda: As long as everyone is okay. That’s all that matters!
******
J_Howard@FranklinGoldsmith&Howard.org June 12, 20##
Hi Chloe! Enclosed is a copy of the email that your mother sent today, June 12th. If you wish to reply, please let me know.
-Jonathan
[email protected] June 12, 20##
Hi Chloe. I have been following the story out of the San Bernardino courthouse. You and Lucifer certainly made quite a name for yourselves. According to KWTF, the gunman was the brother of Guillermo Santos. He was trying to kill Brent Mitchelson as a threat to Pa Mitchelson to keep his mouth shut. My goodness, what a crazy family!
That wasn’t why I was reaching out, however. I was reaching out initially because you testified for the man who held a gun to your mother’s head. The night of the home invasion, I know you said that you would testify on his behalf, but I thought you were just saying things to get him to drop the gun. How could you? How could you go in front of a judge and defend the actions of a man who held a gun against my head and was ready to pull the trigger?
But then, I started thinking. That night, you said that you didn’t care if that young man pulled the trigger. We’re at a point in our relationship where you don’t care at all. You haven’t spoken to me not because you’re sulking, not because you’re snubbing me like a junior high school student whose friends didn’t sit with her at lunch. You have cut contact because you actually don’t care about me. When you walked into that courtroom, and defended the man who was willing to kill me, it was because you have no love OR HATE in your heart for me. It’s worse. You don’t care at all. So, after putting it off for months, I actually picked up the phone and called the therapists from the list that Linda gave me. One of them had an opening, and I start therapy next week. I’m very nervous about going and learning just how awful I am, but I don’t want to continue like this forever. I want to work for a day when I have a place in your life. I really do love you. I only wish I could find a way to prove it to you.
-Mom
[email protected] June 12, 2033
Hi Jonathan! Thank you for forwarding my mother’s email to me. I don’t wish to reply at this time. Thanks!
-Chloe
******
Last. Voice. Message. Sent. Today. At twelve. O’ clock. P.M.
Hi Chloe, it’s Ben Rausch. When I spoke to you the other day, Joe “Pa” Mitchelson was refusing to cooperate with the FBI’s investigation into Guillermo Santos’ organization. Well, we had a repeat of Jerry Mitchelson’s situation. The prison guard went to let him out of his cell for breakfast, and there he was, sitting in a corner, rocking back and forth, whimpering about the devil. And just like that, he couldn’t give Patti information fast enough.
So, thanks to Pa, the FBI finally learned where Santos’ base of operations was-Magdalena, New Mexico. Talk about random, huh? Anyway, they secured a warrant and raided the place. They not only found enough evidence to bury the guy, but they took down Guillermo, and most of the key players. I guess Christmas came a little early for the FBI.
Anyway, unfortunately, Pa Mitchelson got the deal of a lifetime. He’s been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony. I know that’s not ideal, but it’s literally out of my hands. This is all on the FBI. The only positive thing is that he’s going to be alone for the rest of his life, if he even lives that long. I doubt very much that he can be kept from Santos. He’s in a safe house, but we all know how “safe” safe houses can be. I’m very sorry that I didn’t have better news for you. Hope you’re all doing well. Take care. Beeeeeep
******
J_Howard@FranklinGoldsmith&Howard.org July 1, 20##
Hi Chloe! Enclosed is a copy of the email that your mother sent today, July 1st. If you wish to reply, please let me know.
-Jonathan
[email protected] July 1, 20##
Hi Chloe. If you would like to use the cabin for the 4th of July, feel free. I won’t be there, so you and your friends can have free reign.
The day you were snowed in and couldn’t leave because of the blizzard, Lucifer lost his temper. I saw his horrible face and heard some terrible things about myself. When he walked out of my bedroom, he slammed the door so hard that the beautiful portrait of the two of us fell off the wall and was destroyed. You were just four years old when the photographer took that picture. You were absolutely beautiful with your white blond ringlets and your big blue eyes. That picture had been hanging in my bedroom for years. It survived earthquakes and everything else, but after what happened, it couldn’t be saved. I had to throw away the frame, but I took the picture to a restoration business I know of. Unfortunately, the photo itself is unsalvageable. Sadly, I had to throw it away. I’ll be honest with you, that absolutely broke my heart.
My therapist suggested that I find an object that I can use as a metaphor for my relationship with you. I chose that portrait. At the moment, our relationship is in as many pieces as the portrait, but I promise you, I will continue to work on us. I don’t want our relationship to be as unsalvageable as that photograph was.
-Mom
Hi Jonathan! Thank you for forwarding my mother’s email to me. I don’t wish to reply at this time. Thanks!
-Chloe
******
Chloe: Hey Linda. I have a quick question. Is it normal for a therapist to talk to family members of their clients? My mother’s therapist wants to talk to me.
Linda: It’s fairly common, but not protocol for every patient. It literally depends on the patient’s diagnosis. It CAN BE very useful. Just keep in mind that You. Do. Not. Have. To. Talk to her. Did your mother give her your phone number?
Chloe: No. I’m really surprised. That would definitely be something my mother would have done in the past. But no, she sent an email to my attorney asking if I would be willing to talk.
Linda: It’s up to you and what you feel comfortable doing, Chloe. Remember, you aren’t the client. If you would be more comfortable not talking to her, you have the right to say no.
Chloe: What if she wants me to have a session with my mother?
Linda: Again, you don’t have to go. What you, personally, want to do is just as important, Chloe. You CAN have your own needs and your own boundaries. It’s okay. Do I understand that you question the intent behind the email?
Chloe: Yes. Last December, my mother asked me to join her for therapy and I refused.
Linda: You stopped contact at that point, correct?
Chloe: I did, yes.
Linda: And your mother continued to attempt to get you to talk to her?
Chloe: Yes. That’s why Lucifer retained an attorney for me. She threatened to take me to court over Grandparents Rights. She found out that she didn't have a case and couldn't move forward, but I kept my attorney on as my mediator. She still has to send her communications through him.
Linda: So, you think that this is another attempt to talk to you?
Chloe: My mind just goes there, yes.
Linda: It’s understandable, especially considering the circumstances, and you are probably right. Again, you don’t have to talk to the therapist. What I would suggest is that, if you decide to talk to them, consider giving them an alternate number, like your landline number at LAPD, not your cell phone. Let me stress again, though, you don’t have to talk to them at all.
Chloe: Okay. Thanks, Linda!
Linda: You’re welcome!
******
Dan: Hey Chlo? Penny just texted me and asked me to install a security system at the cabin. I told her that unless it’s a simple Ring doorbell, she should really hire a professional to do it.
Chloe: smh! What did she say?
Dan: She asked me for recommendations. I told her to go online. There’s sites for hiring professionals all over the place. So, I guess I’m officially on her shit list now.
Chloe: LOL! I guess she’ll have to find some other way to get gossip on me.
******
J_Howard@FranklinGoldsmith&Howard.org September 23, 20##
Hi Chloe! Enclosed is a copy of the email that your mother sent today, Sept. 23rd. If you wish to reply, please let me know.
-Jonathan
[email protected] Sept. 23, 20##
Hi Chloe. If you would like to use the cabin during the fall, please feel free. I have a new security system installed, and I got the door in the garage repaired. You’ll be perfectly safe. Just let me know. I won’t be up there at all this fall because I have a role in a mini series, so I won’t be in the area much. I don’t even think I’ll be here for Thanksgiving, so if you’d like to use the cabin to host, please feel free.
After you left, I found a Hershey Kiss on the floor. I kept it. Whenever I find myself getting angry at you, I take the Kiss out and look at it. It reminds me of my part in what happened between us. My therapist says it’s a good idea because it helps me redirect. I’m learning how to look at different situations and break down everything.
I hope that Trixie is enjoying Middle School! Could you please send me a copy of her school picture?
-Mom
Hi Jonathan! Thank you for forwarding my mother’s email to me. I don’t wish to reply at this time. Thanks!
-Chloe
******
J_Howard@FranklinGoldsmith&Howard.org December 18, 20##
Dear Ms. Decker:
As requested, I passed along your invitation to your daughter to spend Christmas vacation at your cabin, along with her partner, her daughter, and all her friends. The only response I received was uncontrolled laughter. I think it is safe to assume that Chloe et al will be unable to attend.
Regards,
Jonathan Howard
******
One year after the last email:
J_Howard@FranklinGoldsmith&Howard.org Dec. 21, 20##
Hi Chloe! Enclosed is a copy of the email that your mother sent today, Dec. 21st. If you wish to reply, please let me know.
-Jonathan
[email protected] Dec. 21st, 20##
Dear Chloe,
It is now the second anniversary of our ill-fated Christmas adventure. I am sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace, thinking back on everything that’s happened. I am sitting here alone, and I know that’s what I deserve. The cabin is so quiet. In years past, I appreciated the silence. This place was always my escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in LA. When your father was still alive, this place was our sanctuary. After he died, this was my comfort place. I still felt your father’s presence whenever I came here, and it kept me sane, frankly.
But now, it’s only serving as a reminder of everything that I destroyed. I am seriously considering selling the place. I don’t use it often enough, and you have no wish to ever set foot in here again. I think that my time in the cabin has run its course. Not every relationship lasts, and it’s time I admit that.
Every time I close my eyes, all I can picture is you lying on that air mattress, delirious, and in pain. I can see you, barely able to move without Lucifer’s help. I see you lying on the lounge, covered with that throw, trying to hide your pain from Trixie so she would have a good Christmas.
I spoke to my therapist about why I was always so uncaring when you were sick. You were a very healthy child, usually. You rarely missed school, but once in a while, a bug would hit and you’d catch it. You didn’t ever fake illness. I know that. I had no right to accuse you of faking illness to get out of things. My therapist suggested that perhaps my reaction came from my own guilt, that I felt I was less than a good mother because I had to go to work and couldn’t stay home with you. So, it made me feel better to say that you were perfectly healthy while I headed off to the soundstage. It makes sense, but it’s only an explanation, not an excuse.
I knew that you were sick, and I knew that you were badly injured two years ago, but you were right. I relied on an old tried and true delusion, that you were perfectly fine and simply being dramatic. But I know better. I should have been a mother to you. I should have helped Lucifer take care of you. I had a chance to do over every time I failed you when you were a sick child, but I failed. I failed because I wasn’t getting my way. All I can say is, Chloe I am so sorry. I’m sorry that I doubted you and wasn’t there for you all those times in your life when you were ill. And I’m very, very sorry that you had such a terrible Christmas two years ago because of it.
-Mom
Hi Jonathan! Thank you for forwarding my mother’s email to me. Please send the following reply:
That’s progress, Mom. Merry Christmas!
-Chloe