prodigal.

well, she had expected him to tell her the name and leave as quickly as he could ascertain that his efforts weren’t in vain. the Lictor had gotten used to the animosity from Lucifer, so to see him settle in was rather unnerving… she should have known there was some ulterior motive.

initially, it was all business. “very well, i shall have the Lictor in charge of that case verify that name, though i see no reason why you would lie. that would be easily discovered and send quite a blow to your dignitas. i believe that you did acquire the name, and as such, i’m ready to speak to you about the resources i’m ready to share with you.”

but not even the Ventrue, Elder and controlled as she was, could prevent the drop in her jaw as Luc explained how he got the information. for fifteen minutes, she just looks at him, unsure if she misheard –– surely she had! –– but when it all clicked together, her voice is slow and measured and more than a little disbelieving, “… did you pimp me out to the Brujah?”

at her own shock, her own surprise ... he too reflects a similar expression upon those once-stoic features, his jaw gaping as he stares over at her. why, surely, another Lictor could have prevented the astonishment she appears to present before him ... surely!

“ pimp?  such a ... vulgar and disturbing adjective, my dear Jeanette. why, I merely sought to enhance the inter-clan relations between ourselves and those so often deemed as ... lower-class!  we have had quite enough of dealing with the Toreador and Tremere. it is well past time for us to extend a reach to the Gangrel and Brujah; to embrace those common Camarilla ties between us before the Sabbat claim us whole. would you not agree ... my dear clansmate, my fellow Lictor? “

what a prickly position he’s put his dear Jeanette in :: and those dark pupils of his remain fixed upon her as he gauges her response, knowing a false move to the inch right or left could prove her undoing for the next thousand years. after all, this was no mere Newborn that she’d opted to trifle with ... and he fully expected the evidence she had possession over since he had provided her the name she’d so sought in her own investigations.

“ ... and your resources, Ms. Mandel?  what did you find of the evidence i so kindly provided you in your own investigations? “

the Lictor is tiredly scanning file after file when Lucifer arrives at her door. each pound of the fist against the heavy wood feels like he’s banging his knuckles against her temples. with an almost imperceptible groan of fatigue, she calls out “come in” with neither enthusiasm or much hope that he got done what she’d asked of him… perhaps, he would try to barter or bargain, give her a false name, or insist on a different task… but if he had indeed retrieved the name she had requested of him, then this was not a man to be lightly trifled with. “i dislike surprises greatly.”

“ Nash Metzger. “ the name is out before he’s even fully through the door ... though ---- with both his breadth and his width ---- luc takes quite a while to get through any door. he promptly seats himself in the chair facing her desk and steeples his fingers, looking quite pleased with himself :: quite like the household cat with a canary feather or two between his teeth. he nods at her, his countenance dropping into something resembling Ventrue stoicism ... or at least, enough to indicate he is serious about the words he speaks.  “ that is the name which Derek Medina provided me ... Nash Metzger. whatever ---- or whomever ---- that is. i assume you should know, if he is closely related with ... whatever other case you are working on. “

waving a hand dismissively, that errand done with :: now they can return to their business at hand. which was, namely ...

“ ---------  as for the surprise. well ---- fortunately for you, it is not so much a surprise as it is an opportunity! it seems that you have caught the fancy of Mister Medina!  i propose a date in neutral territory. Central Park. perhaps this upcoming Friday ... the weather is mild enough that there should be plenty of kine to hunt after-dark, strolling hand-in-hand ---- or presuming themselves to be the predators, and awaiting those who stroll hand-in-hand. and before you protest, for i know you shall ... “  here luc raises one of his hands, wagging a finger back and forth,  “ ... there is no declining. Derek provided us quite a service. not to mention that you have, for quite some time, seemed rather skeptical of my marriage. it would do you good to engage in ... inter-clan diplomacy. i trust that you shall comport yourself to the highest standards of Ventrue manners and behavior, and represent our own bloodline well. “

Derek was about to retort about how he doesn’t need to be paid in pussy that he still has to fight for –– he doubts Jeanette is going to come tamely to bed or be seduced very easily. who wants payment that isn’t even certain? but… at the end of the day, he is still a Brujah, quick temper and all, and to have his capabilities in bed questioned … by a Ventrue no less … well, that was too much for his pride to bear. a shame, if he had only the slightest control of his temper, he may have put up something of a fight.

“i can conquer whoever i damn well want to conquer. shut the fuck up.” Derek snarled, slamming a closed fist on the table. “fine, i’ll take your Lady Ventrue. though i doubt it’s gonna be as once in a lifetime as you say. name’s Nash Metzger. ‘least that’s what he’s going by the past hundred years. i dunno if you have him as something else from a while ago. supposedly he tangled with you lot a few centuries back. now leave me alone. you got what you came for.”

with that, Derek leaned back with a snarl and gestured for a different woman to come to him to be fed from. he was clearly ill at ease for spilling his source, and his foul mood was trickling through the rest of the bar… the awe may still have effect, but for many of them, it wouldn’t be enough to dissuade them from leaping upon Luc should Derek wish it… and the longer Luc stood before him and reminded Derek of his own stupidity, the more he wished it.

as soon as Derek provides the name, luc knows he’s gotten what he’s came for :: and makes no pretense of staying further. he is deep in the heart of Brujah territory, with an irate ---- and inebriated ---- Elder, whose younger clan-mates are easily swayed by his own temperament. standing swiftly, luc gives a swift but courteous nod to the Elder across from him before signalling the bartender for one final shot ---- this one, of blood ---- and slides over another hundred-dollar bill for the harried barkeep.  “ neutral territory, Derek. Central Park. i am sure our dear Jeanette would enjoy hunting after-dark with you. “

with that, he promptly departs ... and heads directly for where Cespenar is waiting with the Mulsanne. his vehicle’s speed should take them swiftly across the bridge to Manhattan, where the Ventrue Enclave lies ... and hopefully he can foist this name ---- and Derek Medina himself ---- onto the unsuspecting Lictor within.

***

within the span of an hour ---- is it less than that? ---- he is thumping loudly upon the female Lictor’s door, calling in a raised voice.  “ you had best be within. i have what you asked for ... and a surprise for you, to boot. “

blame the alcohol on why Derek was teetering between reason and nonsense. he was struggling to focus, wondering why his head felt a little heavier… but also being stubborn and proud, he did not want to admit that maybe this Ventrue had somehow pulled one over on him. he was fine. that, at least, was the Brujah’s internal mantra as he spoke to Luc further. “why do you speak so stupid. so old. we live in the 21st century now, old man, try talking like it.”

but his brow did furrow a little bit, wondering if he had, accidentally, let a good opportunity pass him by. but his inability to focus again served him poorly and as soon as the thought infiltrated his consciousness, the ongoing conversation forced him to let it go. “th’ name? damn Ventrues have been after this name for half a decade! … or half a year… fuck which…?”

he shook his head once more, clearly growing a little frustrated with himself and no longer having the clarity to hide it. “well, even if i did wanna give you the name, which i don’t, what would you give me? can’t get somethin’ for nothin’, golden boy.”

so stupid. so old. like they were?  Derek himself was an Elder ... and clearly Derek thought the same of him ( as was to be expected ---- that was his public persona, after all ). luc merely cuts his eyes across at the Elder Brujah, but chooses to hold his tongue and instead grant him that icy Ventrue silence ... at least, until Derek responds to his queries about the contact.

half a decade ---- or was it half a year?  hah. so time truly did not matter to Kindred as old as they ... and ---- better yet ---- the mezcal was working wonders on Derek. his Majesty has already awed the rest of the bar, and even Derek himself. here’s to his last lap in this particular race :: hopefully.

“ i already offered you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Derek. “  the Ventrue shrugs and smiles over at the Elder across from him, before pausing ... then he heaves out a sigh and leans forward once more.  “ look. i know for sure that Jeanette is looking for something ... different. she was possessed enough to say as much to me when i spoke to her about my case, and you know as well as i how on-edge a Ventrue must be to say such a thing to another Ventrue. come on, man. where is that Brujah courage?  where is that vigor of your bloodline?  or have the generations watered your clan down ... so much that you cannot even conquer a lady Ventrue? pfah. “  luc waves his hand dismissively, casting his eyes about to the other Brujah about the bar ---- those that have elected to remain, anyways. perhaps a sideways poke to the Elder’s manhood will stir him ... “ perhaps one of these others might have my name ... as well as the boldness necessary to properly sate Jeanette. clearly you are not up to the task. “

it gives Derek a little thrill when he sees Luc visibly react to a few of his words. perhaps he could still have fun here… why would he even have bothered talking to the Ventrue if he didn’t think he could get something out of it? even if it were just an evening of fun. he was made a little curious by Luc’s assessment of a Ventrue’s surrender, but all in all, he was relatively bored by the idea of bedding a Ventrue, especially this one.

“why would i want to meet up with her? she’s still a Ventrue whatever you say about her submission, and we all know what piss poor lovers you lot are. no imagination, no spontaneity, always the same shit… of course, i could get her bed, but what a waste of a perfectly good night. i don’t think the best fuck in the world could get that woman to crawl out of her own damn head. if i wanted a good time, she’d have to be a Tor or a Brujah or something. someone with a little passion. i dunno, Eve and I still talk about it, how Ventrue fuck compared to Tors. not really anything to tempt me there.”

his tongue seemed to loosen the longer he went on, stretching luxuriously as he took another long drink of the mezcal and the blood of his companion… she was starting to get woozy, both from blood loss and the mezcal, so with his permission she withdrew her wrist ––– but Luc’s plan worked after all. the mezcal was now fully integrated into his system, and for all his strength, Derek was most certainly more inebriated than he planned on being, “you didn’t come here to play matchmaker, so what the fuck do you want?”

as Derek rattles on and on about what a poor lover Jeanette would be, luc almost finds himself offended on her behalf ... almost. but despite his annoyance, the Ventrue’s eyes do narrow slightly at the Brujah across from him :: what a tale Derek seems to be weaving. how he seems to pounce most eagerly on the Ventrue stereotypes. what an odd mindset for an Elder Kindred ---- they who did not count time in nights, but in decades. what, indeed, was one night with a Ventrue?  if she displeased him or bored him, what of it?  she would fade into the obscurity of his memories, along with every other uneventful night that dotted his millennia of unlife ... how interesting that this Brujah protested most heartily :: and luc makes a verbal mention of it, if for nothing else but to add one more skewer to the fire.

“ methinks the lord doth protest too much. here you were not ten minutes hence, complimenting my abilities to keep a Toreador entertained for some time ... but if Ms. Mendel ---- with her hair, and her arse, and her need for release ---- is truly of no interest to you, so be it. i am sure someone else shall not dismiss the opportunity so lightly. “

with a shrug, luc dismisses it. a good Ventrue keeps all such opportunities tucked away ... but does not linger on them. if the shark finally turns toward the blood in the water, all the better for him.

Derek drinks more of the tainted blood, not liking the smug silence of the Ventrue across from him. he doesn’t quite feel the effects yet. after all, he is a Kindred and quite a large one at that. it will take a few moments for the liquor to fully work its way through his system.

Derek Medina is fluent in a few languages but German is not one of them. he doesn’t get the significance of the last name. he just knows it sounds stuck up and very white, so to him, it does make perfect sense for the tight-laced woman he’d met several times since her arrival in New York.

the lean that Luc adopts is familiar to the Brujah. after all, his body has reflected similarly when on the prowl for companionship for the night, when teasing a buddy about an early morning companion, or when urging someone to grow some balls and take a leap. he saw it in his friends that first night he bumped into Eve. no doubt he’d see it for the rest of his unlife. “can’t lie and say i haven’t thought once or twice about that posterior. you know what they say about women who like to be dominant in their lives… they love to submit in the bedroom. seeing a Ventrue submit to me… that’d be something. and gingers are wild in the sack, i’m sure i don’t need to tell y- … well, maybe i do. way people say it, Eve’s the first Kindred you fucked in centuries. she hasn’t hounded me… but i wouldn’t mind her knocking on my door after midnight. i’m sure you wouldn’t either. if you’re depraved enough to keep Eve dedicated to you, i’m sure you wouldn’t mind fucking her on some long Lictor business trip across the world. Eve would never have to know, right? she’d be here fucking someone else anyway.”

though it has only been a few minutes, luc can barely contain his impatience waiting for the mezcal to work :: then he could start the business of truly quizzing Derek about the information he’d provided to Jeanette and the other male Lictor ... but he didn’t want to arouse the Brujah’s suspicions beforehand. how odd ---- a Kindred who had been alive for nearly two-thousand years felt as if each minute dragged on. of course, the fact that his wife’s very safety and existence were tied to it probably contributed to his restlessness ...

... but none of that reflects on luc’s face, or in his body language :: he is a Ventrue, after all, and an Ancient at that. instead he focuses on the topic at-hand ---- one Ms. Jeanette Mandel, codenamed Almond. he chuckles when Derek mentions the female Lictor’s attributes ---- namely, her ass ---- and nods, as if agreeing with the other man.

“ whatever Ms. Mandel was in her mortal days, she surely kept a trim and fit figure. and as to being a dominant woman ... well, you surely will not find me disagreeing with that assessment. from the few Ventrue i have bedded over the centuries ---- and they are precious few indeed, to solidify an alliance or establish dominance than pure sexual lust ---- it does seem that once you convince them to surrender, they do so completely. “  hopefully that would whet the Brujah’s appetite :: he did seem to enjoy taking the lead in the bedroom, so to speak.

but when Derek moves onto the idea of him fucking Jeanette while he was away on a Lictor mission, well and away from Eve’s sight or influence ---- all while she was having her own liaisons ---- now that arrow found its mark, and he can barely withhold a grimace. a reminder of his wife’s infidelity while he was away ---- consensual between them, true ---- still stung. with a sterile manner, luc tries to summon the image of Jeanette as a possible lover ... and it does not come. the only desire he feels is for his wife herself :: any other sexual activity by himself would be done as previously stated ---- Ventrue only have sexual relations as part of a contract, or to seal ( or break ) an alliance, or to establish dominance ... not for sex itself, or the emotional bonds stereotypically attached to the act. no, any sexual actions with Jeanette would be done with Eve’s knowledge ---- and consent ---- and not done out of ... lust. now that emotion, he turns fully over to Derek.

“ with my case, it will be some time before fate or the New York Strategoi see myself and Jeanette working on the same case again. now as for you ... well ---- you are not tied to such constraints. i can certainly arrange to have our redheaded Ventrue meet you somewhere for discussions that are not of the case you are working. keep in mind, i do not promise anything :: she is her own person, after all. and this ... date will have to be in neutral territory. but you are a Brujah, are you not? “  ---- an appeal to his pride, and the pride of their bloodline ----  “ ... surely you can enchant, and seduce, and conquer. and if you succeed ... i pray you do. for i am sick to the sunrise of her stiff and haughty demeanor. it would do her a world of good to ... relax. “

Derek growled softly, irate at the idea of someone pegging him. narrowing his eyes, he looked at Luc irritatedly, “i would never let someone dominate me like that, Ventrue. just because you might not be strong enough to hold onto your power all the time, doesn’t mean i bend over.”

though he knows that having lost his temper meant he lost the round, though whether they were sparring or playing chess, it still wasn’t entirely clear. the girl took another drink of the mezcal, sipping a little slower this time, but Derek wasn’t paying any attention. he was drinking from the girl’s tainted wrist and unknowingly playing into Luc’s hand.

Derek chuckled lowly, a bit mocking, as he listens to Luc’s question and his subsequent mockery, “yet it’s important enough to waste your breath talking to me about it? her name’s Jeanette. Jeanette Mandel. it’s like the woman was born to be Ventrue with a name like that.”

though every cell within him longs to respond with something patronizing when Derek huffs out that he would never allow anyone to peg him ---- something like a sweet, drawled of course not! ---- luc decides that he’d keep his own temper. let the other Kindred get riled up ... all the better for him. hopefully soon he’d start seeing the mezcal-laced blood which Derek was drinking up begin to affect his senses even further.

“ Jeanette Mandel, “ he responds back, now unable to hide his obvious amusement. almond. she is an Elder and could change her name to be anything she wished, and she elects to remain an almond.  “ that is quite the Ventrue name. i could not have picked one better for such a ... woman. “

he leans forward now, curious if Derek will join him on circling in on the female Ventrue, who was not there to defend herself. normally, people ---- often males ---- were quick to join in on the hunt, especially if another was inviting them in. perhaps the deliberate baiting of Ms. Mandel as prey would entice Derek’s eagerness ... the other male was a Brujah after all :: the bloodline that lived for brawling, bloodletting, and just about matched the Toreador in their desire for sex. it was clear that Derek bore no strong love for the Ventrue bloodline, and that mezcal had to be working its way into his vitae by now. luc’s strong brogue dips into something more conspiratorial ---- a jest and gossip shared between old friends ...  “ now! if there was any Ventrue that needed a stick removed from their posterior, surely it is her. come ... surely you must have some opinion of her looks ... and charms. and ---- is she hounding you with your damned case, just as she has sent me running about half of New York City as well? “

when Luc entered using his Majesty, a few of the Kindred before him audibly gasped or inhaled. some slunk away into a corner not daring to be close to him, others openly stared with their mouths slightly ajar, and one or two even left the bar outright. even Derek was marginally affected, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, his fists clenching lightly as the Majesty proved to make him slightly insecure in his own power and standing in the bar… however, insecure men tend to compensate, and so he maintains that shit-eating grin even as Luc orders and walks up with a drink.

“not really insulting your heritage there, Ventrue.” Derek said, lazily pressing kisses and taking pulls of the blood of the beautiful woman beside him. “just talking about you and the stick up your ass.”

the girl blushed at the new attention paid to her and the glory and beauty of the man who pays it. Derek, irritated by the loss of her attention on him, grips her wrist tight enough to leave a bruise, making her yelp slightly. Derek grabs her face between two fingers, smiling possessively down at her, “oh we can talk pleasure, if that’s what you want. isn’t she beautiful? bears a pretty close resemblance to our girl, doesn’t she? when i fuck this one, she lets me call her Eve when i get it in my mind to. those are the days you can’t walk straight, huh, baby? man i miss Eve’s pussy. what a shame it ended up with a Ventrue.”

the girl, wanting to escape scrutiny, grabbed the drink as soon as Derek released her and downed it all in one go, wiping her mouth on the back of her hand. still, she stays curled close to Derek, her resemblance to Eve passable, but enough for the Brujah.

though his features remain completely stoic ---- he is never more thankful for his Ventrue dispassion ---- seeing the kine manhandled to the degree that bruises remain, and her face jerked about, irritates him. just as humans practiced good animal husbandry, so too should the Kindred properly care for their own herd ... though he knows that many bloodlines and individuals ( even himself, to some degree ) see humans as completely disposable. lifting an arm to signal to the Brujah bartender, he gestures for another shot of mezcal to be brought to their table. keep drinking, pretty one. keep drinking, Mr. Medina ... “ speaking of which ... have you ever tried a stick up your ass, Derek? “ he retorts calmly, the slightest hint of a smirk appearing on those thin lips.  “ who knows ... you may just enjoy it. “

the Lictor –– who seemed all the more entertained that Luc has not asked for her name, nor does he seem to know it –– has sent him to Brujah territory around Vinegar Hill in Brooklyn. the air is heavy, screams are muffled against gloved palms, violence lurks around street corners, it’s eat or be eaten in every shadow… and that’s long before Lucifer ever sets foot in the bar. Medina and the rest of his clan take up all of Black Claw Bar :: Derek has been a proliferative sire in his twelve hundred years of life, and his Childes surround him, playing pool, filling the booths, arguing over something at the bar. smoke is heavy in his vicinity, and his arm is slung around a dark-haired Hispanic woman even as he feeds from her proffered wrist. the younger vampires are situated close to the door, unable to summon the Willpower to combat the fear that the tiny ember in the middle of Derek’s cigar brings. only Derek’s closest, oldest, and strongest are near the booth. only they bear the smoke.

“Mr. Lucifer Morningstar… i would say as i live and breathe, but we both know that neither of us do those things.” his eyes flicker like a flame in and of themselves, and he smiles like a king about to enjoy a feast. “i never thought you’d step your fancy I-talian shoes in these neck of the woods, thought you’d be too scared to smudge ‘em on a little spilt blood, get a little dirt on that three piece suit. but i suppose beggars can’t be choosers.”

he smirks softly, “speaking of beggars, how is little Eve? shame she offed someone and got caught. but you know what they say about crazy women in bed… oh, i hear you need something? come to ask for my help. how the mighty fall…”

though the female Lictor’s terms were that he maintain neutrality and indifference ---- at least, externally ---- even though the Brujah may taunt him, she did not say anything about not using any of his vampiric powers. it would be idiotic, after all, to go deep into the heart of unfriendly territory ( Brujah were certainly not known as the upper-crust of Kindred society ) whilst completely unarmed. the Black Claw bar ... luc has Cespenar drop him off at the outskirts of Brujah territory, but before he departs the ( relative ) safety of the Mulsanne, luc has taken an extra dose of blood ... and for good reason.

once he steps a single foot inside the bar, luc activates his power of Majesty. his shoulders are back, his head up, the angle of his jawline tilted and proud :: he appears as a figure of utter power and authority, radiating a presence of sheer command. utterly ignoring the Kindred around them, his eyes are trained only on Derek ... and internally, he feels his resolve harden. he will do this ... he will get through this ... for her.

unfortunately ---- or fortunately ---- Derek’s insults don’t appear to register with the normally-literal Ventrue, who cannot imagine his wife as a beggar in any era. perhaps ---- during her younger years ---- she’s wandered as a vagrant, but to sit in a filthy alley with a bowl to plead for alms and spare change ... the sight almost makes him want to chuckle. almost.

instead of going to seat himself before Derek, luc casts his eyes over the room :: and his gaze falls on the young mortal woman at his side. a plan springs to his mind within seconds ... and smiling lazily over in Derek’s direction, he instead alters his path and moves towards the bar itself. positioning himself near the bartender, he orders a double-shot of strong mezcal before calling over the din towards his host.  “ Italian indeed, Mr. Derek Medina. insult my heritage as you may, at least we know how to be good guests. “

once the shot is poured and proferred ---- and he leaves a very generous fifty on the bar ---- he brings it over to the table and sets it down before the young woman at Derek’s side, smiling warm and golden at her with his Presence before focusing on the Elder Brujah.  “ cheers to your beautiful young kine, Derek. Miss, kindly accept that as an apology that I did not bring any Chianti with me, as a proper Italian should. and as for what i need ... oh, come now. two Elders cannot discuss pleasure before business? “

day six of fourteen

the first half of the evening was lost to the tailing of Diane’s suspect. whether or not it was intentional, it seemed as though the Kindred was disguising their actions by making it a part of an overall evening of errands. after all, the Kindred was too young, young enough to make this foolish of a mistake and be caught doing it. obviously also too young to have any ghoul yet to do these tasks for him. from meaningless shopping at the local convenience store for –– was that cleaning supplies? –– to meeting up with a few friends at a known vampire-run “bar”, both the suspect and Luc must have criss-crossed the city a half dozen times before finally arriving to the point.

it was clear that this had happened enough times that the Kindred was no longer half so furtive or jumpy upon entry. the whole night he hadn’t looked over his shoulder once, and now, entering the very place where he was storing all his illicit funds, he only glanced over his shoulder a few times and took the most cursory of pauses before walking through the door. he entered a restaurant –– Coriander’s — in SoHo, nondescript but somewhere familiar enough that he had a key to the side door, and when he left, his bag was noticeably flatter and he only did a few more errands before returning home.

***

Lucifer can do one of the following and perform one action at each subsequent location:

(1) he may speak to the party guests about what happened on the night in question and anything else they may know about the deceased or the accused.

(2) he can investigate the murder scene to see if there’s anything there someone else may have missed.

(3) he can go to the Enclave and see what the people there know about the case as well as follow up on any evidence he finds elsewhere.

(4) he can perform his task for the other Lictor and speak to the Brujah, Derek Medina.

well, half his night is gone playing cat-and-mouse with this Kindred that Diane would have him follow ... and as he takes a few photos of the restaurant ---- along with its side-entrance ---- and makes a few comments to himself on the Notes section of his phone ( good thing Eve had taught him how to use it some years ago ), he can only hope that whatever she finds is worth all this hassle. she certainly didn’t seem pleased to be lied to and swindled ---- any Ventrue worth their vitae wouldn’t ---- and he grumbles inwardly at the thought that she will soon get to visit violence upon this cheat ... whereas his desire for vengeance must be put off for a while longer.

... though, considering his next move was to perform his task for the other Lictor and interview the Brujah ...

---------  no. tempting as the idea was, he could not provoke the other Kindred to violence ... she’d warned him against doing just that. of course, were he to defend himself ---- that would be another thing altogether, wouldn’t it?  even she couldn’t expect him to simply stand there and tolerate physical violence upon his person just to prove a point.

stuffing his hands into his pockets, luc proceeds to the appointed location and time with a sigh. hopefully this will be straightforward ... even if nothing else in this case has proven to be.

“i am not stupid, Lucifer Morningstar. i don’t expect you to magically produce something to hold like a trophy proclaiming your coldness. your condescension and your sarcasm when i am trying to work with you are the height of the irrationality you wish to disprove. do you seek to estrange me even while you ask me for a favor?” she crosses her arms, unimpressed and vaguely disappointed.

“you cannot prove a negative. and you will remain biased in this, even marginally. i just mean that you need to show that you can set your emotions aside when it comes to your mate for the sake of the Enclave. so that you can show, even when biased, you can calm down and do what needs to be done. a Lictor who has been working with me has been splitting his time with this and another case he’s trying to work. he can be freed up more for this if the other case were to finish. all that remains are a few key pieces of information. one such piece is known by a specific Brujah, Derek Medina. he was Eve’s long-time lover that immediately preceded you, and rumor has it that he was upset by the break up and her subsequent union with you. i should like to send you in to retrieve the name of the Brujah’s source, the one who’s been feeding him all this information that he’s given the investigation. the source is now a person of interest. this will require you to stay calm, even as he attempts to rile you, especially in relation to Eve. can you handle such a task?”

her annoyance with him is at least ---- if nothing else ---- amusing to him, and cheers him up a bit. at least he shouldn’t be the only vexed one going around the Enclave. though nothing of his cheerier mood reflects on his face ---- only the slight upward tick of the corner of his lips ---- it was certainly better than the brooding, irate attitude that had been following him as of late.

ahh, an appeal to logic, that was not what she expected from this Ventrue on this night. five nights in may not seem like much, but she knows he’s only a few days from the end of his first week. that’s a scary place for someone to be when you only have two weeks to vindicate the love of one’s life. she steeples her fingers and takes a deep breath before turning off her computer screen and giving him her undivided attention.

“very well… but before we begin, no i have not followed any path. i am not convinced of your wife’s guilt, and i am happy to be dissuaded. the Nosferatu Ancient and the Justicar are calling for the head of the party responsible. if i do not deliver the correct one, justice will not have been served and our job not completed. i spent the first three days here thoroughly reexamining every piece of evidence and the crime scene. i fall upon your wife only because so far she is the only one with means, motive, and opportunity. if another should arise in the investigation who fits better than her, i will happily release her myself… but let us also get another thing straight. i am not lazy. and this is not easy. if this were easy, you would be an uncaring husband. you are the one that makes this case complicated. there is a whole Enclave of Ventrue who look at this, logically, and arrive at the same conclusions i have arrived to… and yet still i investigate further. for your sake. beyond a reasonable doubt… that is what seems to be preached here in this country.”

the Lictor here poured a glass of blood from an unmarked bottle beside her desk, but she did not drink it. thoughtful, she tilts her head and regards him. “in order for you to gain my trust, i shall need proof that you can set aside your emotions and your feelings about your wife to do what needs to be done for an investigation. the Ventrue here, your very own, have told me such a thing is impossible. warned me in my first steps upon entry. ‘Mr. Morningstar is bewitched. he has been for a century. he cannot be reasonable about her.’ i should like to prove them wrong. after all, even if i come to trust you, i’ll need something to show the others to prove i haven’t fallen into bias or caved to your threats. if that were to happen, they’d merely replace me with another Lictor and you would have to start over… if you do as i suggest, i will give you access to all evidence and crime scene photos collected so far, going over my own notes with you myself. i will also test any further evidence you may find with the equipment made available to me. would that be enough to earn your trust?”

ah, and here is where they are ... where all Ventrue end up eventually :: cold, dispassionate rationale. and proof ... for of course Ventrue wanted to see things as they are ---- masters of statistics, of probability; poring over stock prices, gains, losses; hundred-page contracts in fine print, with addendum upon addendum ... he knows these traits of his own bloodline, he’s loved and lived them well. but right now ---- what they are is an obstacle, and he is torn between being frustrated, tired, and vexed :: so he decides on a mask of cold focus instead.

“ something to prove you are unbiased and unthreatened. “ he repeats drily, fingertips drumming against the arm of the chair.  “ and how, precisely, do you suggest i do that?  i cannot prove a negative. i cannot prove i have not threatened you, unless you are recording this very conversation and the one we had prior to it ---- which would not surprise me terribly, as we are a rather suspicious clan. do you propose i share the evidence i have, and you can draw your own conclusions from it? or would you rather i carry out either a search, or an interview, to your satisfaction?  there are precious few material things i can provide for such a ... request. “

“you are an honorable man, Lucifer, and while we’ve never really interacted much, i have always respected what news about you i did learn. you will just investigate. i believe someone in my circle to be lying to and stealing from me. i have narrowed it down to a specific suspect, but i have been unable to find out where they’re storing the money they’ve siphoned from me. i know that every week, they add whatever new amount they’ve taken to their previous store. i, of course, cannot follow them discretely, and i do not know anyone i can trust who cannot be bought off with the amount they’ve amassed. that is why i ask you… i will deal with them appropriately when the time comes, but i just need you to tail them for the night, tomorrow is their next deposit, and inform me of where they store the money. they’re always done before midnight, so you should still have time to investigate something afterwards.” Diane smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. where normally one would ask if such an arrangement suited the other party, she didn’t bother. both she and Luc knew that this was merely business, and it wouldn’t matter if something didn’t suit the other. she’d do her task, and he would do his.

that was all, and she nodded, seeing him to her office door before letting him go on his way. fortunately, the Lictor was in her office once more, but she does let out a soft noise of chastisement when she sees Luc in her office, “Mr. Morningstar, i believe we spoke about notifying me if you should want to see me? i’d hate for your opinion of me to drop further just because i chose to be out of office for a reason or another on a night you dropped in… but i am here now, and i have a half-hour to spare. why have you come?”

he does not respond to the female Lictor’s non-verbals, instead seating himself directly across from her and folding his hands neatly in his lap. the ice in his gaze would stop a glacier in its tracks, and when he finally speaks his voice is crisp, matter-of-fact, and to the point.

“ i have come because i do not trust you, nor you me ... but we both need one another, whether you care to admit it or not. you are here to investigate a case to its conclusion, and ---- allegedly ---- remain unbiased in doing so. now, i speak as one well-acquainted with our particular profession ... imagine that you had missed a piece of vital evidence which led to the death of an innocent Kindred. now imagine the immediate blow to your dignitas, your abrupt removal from your position of Lictor, the refusal of any Prince or Strategoi to shelter you ... for the mate of this wrongfully-executed Kindred would have to swear ---- as any good Ventrue would ---- an undying vengeance on those responsible. i am just as old and powerful and influential as you ( and here, he internally chuckles at the ... white lie about his age ) and our bloodline is known for its ... long memory. “

a long, loaded pause.

Diane has received him in her own office, but his requests have her raising an eyebrow. clearly Luc is emotional if he’s asking for things and laying his cards on the table before even asking for a price. especially since Diane has no promised loyalty to him, and the syringe he offers is truly a secret even from the Lictor who investigates the case. what a strange choice to put such a precious piece of evidence in the hands of someone who may not be able or willing to do much with it at all.

she steeples her fingers, thoughtful at the wealth and bounty that’s just poured into her lap, and also wondering if she can truly pull off what he asks. “certainly you know, since you work in that department, that i myself am not a Lictor. nor am i directly connected to the Lictor in charge of this case who has priority usage of all our equipment. yes, it will take quite a few strings to have this done… and even more to keep it off the radar of the Lictor in charge. i mean surely someone has told you that most Ventrue in the Enclave favor her version of events? if even one person, a person who feels loyalty to her, finds out this information, it will end up in her hands anyway. why do you not work with her?”

of course, he’ll need to actually reply to that question, for he’s coming here asking for help and coming with no position of power to speak of. but perhaps something of him whispers of the strength beyond Elder status, something dangerous and Ancient… so, fortunately for Diane, she does not reject him outright.

“the only way i can think is to use the old equipment with the newborn vamps in the lowest levels of the Enclave. the results will take two nights to get back to you and… well, it’s old, Lucifer, as i’ve said. i can’t tell the level of detail or the state of the equipment itself until i’m down there. there’s a chance, if you are unlucky, that the whole sample will be lost. after all you have not given me much to work with to begin with. i will be happy to do so, and to keep my mouth shut to the Lictor, on these conditions.”

for the first time she smiles, and her red hair nearly glows like fire in the overhead light with the way she’s angling her head. “i should like money, of course. i think a hundred thousand is reasonable for the lengths i shall have to go and the risk to my dignitas. a drop in the bucket, i’m sure, to someone like you. i should like first choice of your cases for the next six months for whichever Lictor is dumb enough to help me work the equipment. and i shall collect on that favor now, sans caveats, tomorrow night i shall need you to investigate something for me. it shouldn’t take too much time, you’ll likely still have room in your schedule for something else, but it will take time.” she shrugs. “those are my conditions. if they do not suit you… well, i cannot help, but i also swear to you i will not speak to that Lictor regardless. it has taken you a great deal of strength to reach out to some Ventrue to help you in this, and i am honored that you have come to me. i will not spit in your face nor risk my dignitas by working underhandedly with you. trust that this is the best deal i can offer, and i have given you my lowest price.”

though his first instinct is to hiss at her offer ... luc is fortunate that he is a Ventrue, and has literal centuries of experience calming his initial instincts. am i some errand-boy, to be doing your own dirty work while the life of my mate hangs on by mere days?  but :: it is a difficult thing he asks of her, to obtain the truth of the mystery liquid he’d blotted onto the strip of gauze. he is fully aware it is a miniscule sample, and that she shall be doing it (a) without the assistance of their newest and most modern equipment, (b) doing this while actively preventing the female Lictor  or any of her allies from learning of it, and (c) working off what more or less amounts to a single drop of the substance. it is not a small thing he asks ... and upon reflection ---- which only takes a handful of moments ---- he makes his choice.

“ your terms are reasonable, “ he states, his voice flat and even. “ i shall transfer the required monetary amount to an account of your choice, once you provide me sufficient details such as a checking and routing number. my Secretary, Katya, shall do it on my behalf. whatever Lictor you can rope into assisting you shall be given the pick of my cases for the next half-year, which shall surely elevate their dignitas and status in the eyes of the Strategoi. and as for your last requirement ... “

here, luc’s eyes narrow slightly.  “ to clarify ---- when you say investigate, i should hope that is all you mean. i too am a Lictor, after all, and i cannot be committing murder or diablerie or some other such severe action ... at least, not without the blessing of the Strategoi. but if what you require is information ---- and there is no overt violence or harm to myself that need be committed ---- then i shall hear the details of what it is you wish for me to investigate. “

and, leaving her first question for last ... he merely chuckles when he reflects upon the female Lictor, who he is utterly convinced is seeking his wife’s death.  “ work with her ... in fact, she is going to be who i sought out next. but as you well know, Diane-------- “  ---- here he shoots her a look, from one ( supposed ) Elder to another ---- “--------  no Ventrue goes into an interaction without an Ace up their sleeve ... even if the rest of the deck is stacked against them. “ here he stands, giving her a brief ---- and extremely dry ---- smile.

day five of fourteen

Lucifer has elected to check in with his allies in the Enclave. as of right now, a great many of them are wary of him and the favors he may ask of them. after all, who wishes to look up at a six foot Ancient whose mate is in danger and refuse him? so for now, many are hiding or staying out of the way, only those truly loyal to him or those who feel they may have the most to gain by helping him are around.

LUC IS AT TIER ONE OF THREE

Sade Adeyemi

one of his most loyal friends and very close to Eve as well. Sade will help just to clear Eve’s name with no strings attached. such is her loyalty to the Morningstars. however, Sade is close to Eve’s age, and as such, is young enough not to have too much access to things… but the woman is sneaky and motivated. given enough time, she may be capable of much.

Ekaterina Lebedev

his secretary and a Toreador, but one well liked by quite a few Ventrue in the Enclave. she’s been his secretary for long enough that she’s familiar to the other Ventrue, but older Kindred will be more wary of her than the younger, more easily charmed ones. also, like Sade, most people know she works for and with the Morningstars which can close as many doors as it opens.

Petrov Kazinsky

Luc did him a favor in the late 1800s that has never been collected on. a person who strategically went missing and benefitted Petrov greatly. he is an Elder, but he’s also a coward. while you can collect on his debt, he may not be great under pressure, and his information may be limited.

Diane Abernathy

highly ambitious, incredibly ruthless, and notably efficient. she is new to Elder status, but she’s already highly regarded. her help will be most valuable since her ties through the Nosferatu, Toreador, and Ventrue communities run deep… but also the most costly.

Eliot Biskier

Diane’s rival in all things, and also ingratiated already to the Lictor in charge of Eve’s case. he will know the most about the case, and his cost will also be steep. however, can Luc truly be certain that this man will not inform the Lictor of his actions or queries? what would the price be on silence?

note: due to their rivalry, you cannot work with Diane and then work with Eliot or vice versa. once you work with one the other is shut to you. friend of my enemy is my enemy and all that sort of nonsense.

the last Kindred he approaches is Diane, and for good reason. a part of him was tempted to work with Eliot, to see what the other male Kindred knew ... but his ties to the female Lictor make him suspect ---- at least, in luc’s mind. better that he take his chances with this other Ventrue, for he knows her reputation :: it’s exactly the sort that he had at her age. if there is anyone here who can get him what he needs ---- at this stage of the game ...

though his mental state is cautious as he approaches, luc knows that she hasn’t hidden away or busied herself with Ventrue business for a reason :: she must be at least somewhat open to whatever overtures he might have ... or else she’d be quick to make excuses as to why she could not assist, or be downright absent. all the same, she is here ---- and he is formal, as a ( supposed ) Elder to another Elder, coldly polite, and ... extremely cautious of what it is he promises her. she is a Ventrue’s Ventrue, after all ...

“ good evening to you, Diane. i come seeking your assistance on a matter ... that will not require much, if any interaction with another Kindred at all. i need a certain substance identified ---- and i am sure that with your reach and connections, surely you can manage. i am positive you have heard of the ongoing case involving my wife ---- this substance is potentially tied to the murder of Arthur Buchanan, and i have it here ---- ready for testing ---- where we took a sample of the mystery liquid on a piece of gauze. i also have photographs and video of where it was found, and the syringe which held it, should that aid in your identification ... and any further commentary or observations you may have on the subject. perhaps the Toreador-------- or Arthur himself--------  were into illicit substances? “

( though he knows, from Sade’s information, this is not likely ... but it will be interesting to hear what Diane herself has to say. )

“ or perhaps this draught was administered prior to, during, or after the murder itself?  how curious that would be ... and knowing just what it was may help answer that.

“ that said ... i am curious as to what sort of cost your assistance comes with. something monetary ... or is it position ... or influence?  or the promise of a future favor, with caveats? “