"Eat. Then back in the closet you go. Tomorrow, we shall speak about your new life. Serve me well and you'll need not fear being a petty criminal again".
He complies, grumbling and nervous, but apparently too freaked out by this to try anything. It would appear you have a ghoul in the making, indeed, nearly finished.
The time loop definitely is the ultimate time waster for him, but then, isn't that what it's for? More or less.
"I understand," Paolo said. "Who wouldn't have questions? He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Me first, then. I'm only just a real estate investor. I make my money in computer security. I consult, mostly in what we call a red team except that it's usually just me. -I'm cheaper than a full team and I have no life so I work faster.- Clients hire me to test their security from outside. Obviously, they want non-disclosure agreements. Most of them are very strict. The joke in the industry is that we're not cleared to know who we work for."
That does Make Daphne smirk, Countessa, despite her concerns about Hank tries a slight smile.
"All I know about the people Hank was mixed up with is that they're dangerous and have connections. Maybe it's a little thing...but he had a bloody shirt. Hank was desperate," Paolo said, telling the literal truth. Hank is mixed up with us and whoever embraced him. Pretty dangerous and people in that room have connections with the police. "He wasn't able to explain everything -he was upset and in a hurry- and I was worried about my safety too so I wasn't at my best. Once I realized there was another life at stake and Hank treasured it more than his own, I wanted to honor that."
Contessa pales at the description of Hank's plight, and Daphne puts a hand on her shoulder to reassure.
It was right before I came to see you, Contessa. I didn't think to check my phone, but wasn't it around eleven or midnight? It might have been a little earlier or later. I wasn't in a state to watch the clock once it all happened," he looked Daphne in the eye again. The Abyss is with me. "I believe I met Hank on Pinchback Street. Still a lot of signs down there. I heard some rumors about redeveloped and going for walks at night helps me think through work problems." Paolo shrugged. He did go for walks at night.
"He seems to be telling the truth," Daphne looks at him with a trained eye, "But I've seen court trials and ..." She blinks for a moment, at the word believe.
Countessa is much easier, indeed, she grows sympathetic, "I am so sorry for all you endured just to help me." Yes, she trusts him.
A response "Hello? Alyson? What's up, why are you calling? Both of us have tonight off so I'm a bit surprised." Charlene sounds confused, and also not like she wants to talk right now.
"I...listen, are you with someone right now? I...really need to talk with you. I know it's in the middle of the night, but it's important! Won't keep you occupied longer than absolutely necessary, I promise!", Alyson probes, as she tries to flag down a Cab.
Arthur locks him in but then slides one more piece in front on the closet nailing that to the floor, it never hurts to be extra cautious. He then, drifts off to sleep under the bed.
[
"Any second now I'm about to be picked up by Lawrence, you know? The same Lawrence whose dad has those theatre connections? Nevermind that the Lakeside restaurant he's taking me to is, four stars. Maybe not five but close, and I'd like to eat a nice place. I'm in one of my best dresses, so this really isn't a good time. If this is an emergency call Sam or one of your friends?"
The good news? Sunshine Cabs pulls up while Alyson is talking
Manipulation plus subterfuge for old fashioned persuasion ontop of the dominate should finish it off.
Manipulation plus subterfuge for old fashioned persuasion ontop of the dominate should finish it off.
"Gina Giovanni," the woman turns, "And you would be wise to do business with me. It can gain you much to get me what I want, and refusing me? Well, many have refused my clan and it has cost them even more." A smirk. Then she looks to Lydia, "You can go, I clearly don't need to talk to a lackey now that your master is here."
"You really don't know how the art of negotiation works, do you? You have come here, wanting something from me. I have quite clearly stated that you will not treat individuals that way in my club, making me far less likely to give a damn about what you have to say."
Clearly annoyed by the aggressive, bullying behavior of Gina, Damien curtly states. "I will ask again, what do you want? Answer the question or get the hell out of my club."
"You really don't know how the art of negotiation works, do you? You have come here, wanting something from me. I have quite clearly stated that you will not treat individuals that way in my club, making me far less likely to give a damn about what you have to say."
Clearly annoyed by the aggressive, bullying behavior of Gina, Damien curtly states. "I will ask again, what do you want? Answer the question or get the hell out of my club."
"Someone came to you with some objects last night, a sale. I want to know who he is so I may...employ his services. And learn more of his methods. Help me get in contact with him, and I can make it worth your while," she sniffs, "Let's just say I have an interest in what he may have sold you. IF it is what I thin it is. I may pay you for that as well. Vials of Vitae already stored?"
"I know this is all a lot to take in; it is for me too. It sounds crazy and there's a part of me that feels like I shouldn't have anything to do with it either. But I don't want to be one of those people who sees something bad and just lets it happen when there's something I can do."
Paolo shrugged.
"I'm not sure what else I could tell you. I wish Hank was here, or he called or something. He just knew that he was in way over his head. I had to believe him. I know it's disrupting all our lives, and I'm sorry for that." Especially mine; I should have done this last night. Paolo looked up at Daphne, again catching her eye. And the Abyss is with me. "But I truly believe keeping quiet and holding on for a few days is the best for all of us."
"I'm not sure what else I could tell you. I wish Hank was here, or he called or something. He just knew that he was in way over his head. I had to believe him. I know it's disrupting all our lives, and I'm sorry for that." Especially mine; I should have done this last night. Paolo looked up at Daphne, again catching her eye. And the Abyss is with me. "But I truly believe keeping quiet and holding on for a few days is the best for all of us."
Daphne had more raw stubbornness than Contessa, a more aggressive personality, and Paolo can admire that, but here he hones both his skills of persuasion, and the power of his will!
And the woman finds herself nodding, slowly, "Yes. You're... right, we need to work together to get through this, whatever -this- is." Daphne says, "Maybe I'm just over protective."
It looks like he's won both of them over for now.
"Can I get you food, a drink?" Contessa offers, "It's no trouble. I am just bursting with energy." She really has taken to that vitae
Daphne had more raw stubbornness than Contessa, a more aggressive personality, and Paolo can admire that, but here he hones both his skills of persuasion, and the power of his will!
And the woman finds herself nodding, slowly, "Yes. You're... right, we need to work together to get through this, whatever -this- is." Daphne says, "Maybe I'm just over protective."
"That's nothing to be ashamed of," Paolo said. He turned to Contessa, "You're lucky to have her as a friend."
Overprotective and bound to me would be useful. Live-in daytime guard, maybe? More an alarm than a guard, probably.
"Can I get you food, a drink?" Contessa offers, "It's no trouble. I am just bursting with energy." She really has taken to that vitae
"No, but thanks. I'm pretty full just now. If I get the typical IT person body, there's a guy who wouldn't let me hear the end of it," Paolo said. He really ought to take Jacob up on that offer. Now that Paolo had crossed the bridge, kine servants had much more appeal. And Jacob would notice if Paolo got fat. If Paolo could get fat.
Not until this is settled, though.
"If you two are good for now, I should probably get going before it gets too late. Contessa, would you like me to walk by the house or something?"
"That's nothing to be ashamed of," Paolo said. He turned to Contessa, "You're lucky to have her as a friend."
"That's true" Contessa smiles at Daphne.
"Well, I'm not going to argue if your'e expecting modesty." Daphne says after an awkward moment, causing Contessa to laugh.
Overprotective and bound to me would be useful. Live-in daytime guard, maybe? More an alarm than a guard, probably.
While strong willed, physically she doesn't seem that impressive. then again, when the potence kicks in, who knows?
"No, but thanks. I'm pretty full just now. If I get the typical IT person body, there's a guy who wouldn't let me hear the end of it," Paolo said. He really ought to take Jacob up on that offer. Now that Paolo had crossed the bridge, kine servants had much more appeal. And Jacob would notice if Paolo got fat. If Paolo could get fat.
Oh boy would he get ribbed on that!
"If you two are good for now, I should probably get going before it gets too late. Contessa, would you like me to walk by the house or something?"
"Just once, please?" Grateful.
They wish him well, and Paolo heads out. There's a tangible sense of relief as he's gotten it all under control again.
Driving by her House reveals it is fine of course.
"Someone came to you with some objects last night, a sale. I want to know who he is so I may...employ his services. And learn more of his methods. Help me get in contact with him, and I can make it worth your while," she sniffs, "Let's just say I have an interest in what he may have sold you. IF it is what I think it is. I may pay you for that as well. Vials of Vitae already stored?"
"Come along with me, and we can civilly discuss business like two professionals, as opposed to how this has started." Damien says walking over to corner table of the club.
"Your sources are correct to a certain extent. My compliments." Damien begins. "I am afraid that the identity of the salesman will not be something you leave here with, as I have already contracted said individual to my employ, should anything else be found."
Pausing a moment, he continues, "Something has indeed come into my possession. What exactly is it you think has come into my possession, and why do you want it so badly?"
Gina does indeed come along. Clearly she finds the ghouls and humans here to be of little import, though she does not blurt anything that risks the masquerade where an unknown mortal can hear it.
"Your sources are correct to a certain extent. My compliments." Damien begins. "I am afraid that the identity of the salesman will not be something you leave here with, as I have already contracted said individual to my employ, should anything else be found."
Pausing a moment, he continues, "Something has indeed come into my possession. What exactly is it you think has come into my possession, and why do you want it so badly?"
"I am a Giovanni," She reminds, "And the dead carry many secrets that I don't expect you to fully understand. Let us just say, that any part of the deceased is of use to me, be that part solid, or liquid. Mmm? As for the whys, well, you're certainly tight lipped so I'm not sure I need go into my full plans. Thank you. I will find the identity of the sales man another way. Eventually my ...help, will find your help for me, or worse. Now, about those tremere vials? That is what were talking about yes?"
"I am a Giovanni," She reminds, "And the dead carry many secrets that I don't expect you to fully understand. Let us just say, that any part of the deceased is of use to me, be that part solid, or liquid. Mmm? As for the whys, well, you're certainly tight lipped so I'm not sure I need go into my full plans. Thank you. I will find the identity of the sales man another way. Eventually my ...help, will find your help for me, or worse. Now, about those tremere vials? That is what were talking about yes?"
"I suppose that could be the case, or also suppose we could both be wasting our time here." Damien calmly says.
"The basic fact of the situation is that you want something from me, be it information or otherwise. I did not seek you out, you sought me out. We've already discussed the information you seek, and I have a long standing policy of not divulging the identity of my suppliers. I have little doubt that you are capable finding that information via different channels, but that is not my concern." the Kiasyd flatly states.
"Rather than play cat and mouse here, yes, I have blood from a number of different sources, human, kindred, garou, magus, and otherwise. If there is something specific you want, nearly everything in my collection is for sale...for the right price. There rarer the find, the higher the price...simple supply and demand economics, yes? Tell me specifically what it is you want and make your offer. If it is something I have, and that I am willing to sell, we can continue the negotiation. Otherwise it would seem we have precious little to discuss."
[
"Any second now I'm about to be picked up by Lawrence, you know? The same Lawrence whose dad has those theatre connections? Nevermind that the Lakeside restaurant he's taking me to is, four stars. Maybe not five but close, and I'd like to eat a nice place. I'm in one of my best dresses, so this really isn't a good time. If this is an emergency call Sam or one of your friends?"
The good news? Sunshine Cabs pulls up while Alyson is talking
"Listen, Charlene, I didn't ask if you are with someone out of curiosity. I had a dream, a vision, that something bad will happen to you. It has to do with your date somehow. I forgot all about it, but then I saw a billboard from the dream and had a Deja Vu, so I inmediately called you. I know thats a lot I'm asking, but please, have Lawrence wait just a little while- don't leave right when he picks you up. Please? 10 Minutes of delaying is all I ask of you!"
Alyson heads to the cap, enters, mutes the speaker for a second and tells the driver Charlene's address.
If Lawrence was dangerous, it would do no good to get her to cancel the date...they would simply meet again later, or he would pick out another innocent girl. If it was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, a slight delay might help - there were so many dangers...what if someone targetted Lawrence and Charlene would be collateral damage?...Alyson didn't know how yet, but she wanted to make sure nothing bad happened. God had given her powers, it was time to use them...
"I suppose that could be the case, or also suppose we could both be wasting our time here." Damien calmly says.
"The basic fact of the situation is that you want something from me, be it information or otherwise. I did not seek you out, you sought me out. We've already discussed the information you seek, and I have a long standing policy of not divulging the identity of my suppliers. I have little doubt that you are capable finding that information via different channels, but that is not my concern." the Kiasyd flatly states.
"Mmmph" her eyes narrow but she lets it be for now.
"Rather than play cat and mouse here, yes, I have blood from a number of different sources, human, kindred, garou, magus, and otherwise. If there is something specific you want, nearly everything in my collection is for sale...for the right price. There rarer the find, the higher the price...simple supply and demand economics, yes? Tell me specifically what it is you want and make your offer. If it is something I have, and that I am willing to sell, we can continue the negotiation. Otherwise it would seem we have precious little to discuss."
"Left over vials from the Tremere chantry" She hisses, "I thought that was obvious. Now, five hundred per vial should be sufficient. It's not like I'm buying fae blood or something."
"Left over vials from the Tremere chantry" She hisses, "I thought that was obvious. Now, five hundred per vial should be sufficient. It's not like I'm buying fae blood or something."
Damien lets out a small laugh, "Five hundred per vial? No sale I'm afraid. I can make more than that by parsing it out via the various cocktails I make."
Pausing a moment he adds, "I'm sure the blood of two destroyed Tremere is worth more than that to a necromancer. What is it you hope to gain from the vials...give me a reason to work with you, Gina. As of the moment, you've given me no reason to even consider it."
"Listen, Charlene, I didn't ask if you are with someone out of curiosity. I had a dream, a vision, that something bad will happen to you. It has to do with your date somehow. I forgot all about it, but then I saw a billboard from the dream and had a Deja Vu, so I immediately called you. I know thats a lot I'm asking, but please, have Lawrence wait just a little while- don't leave right when he picks you up. Please? 10 Minutes of delaying is all I ask of you!"
Alyson heads to the caB, enters, mutes the speaker for a second and tells the driver Charlene's address.
"But Lawrence will be here by..." A sigh, "Okay, fine. I'll tell him I'm having a coworker in crisis, but a dream? A vision? I'm going out for dinner is all. But fine, I'll get him to wait."
The cab takes her on a quick trip enough and she's actually there in nine minutes.
Not ten.
When she arrives, she sees Charlene in a very nice dress talking to a guy at a lovely silver sports car. Said guy must be Lawrence, handsome, well dressed. And looking dissapointed but not angry.
"Here she is," Charlene says to him before turning, "Alyson, hey... still here, like I promised." Forced smile, "But we're going to be late. the restaurant doesn't stay open all night, you know?"
"Left over vials from the Tremere chantry" She hisses, "I thought that was obvious. Now, five hundred per vial should be sufficient. It's not like I'm buying fae blood or something."Damien lets out a small laugh, "Five hundred per vial? No sale I'm afraid. I can make more than that by parsing it out via the various cocktails I make."
"Fine, nine hundred per," A scowl.
Pausing a moment he adds, "I'm sure the blood of two destroyed Tremere is worth more than that to a necromancer. What is it you hope to gain from the vials...give me a reason to work with you, Gina. As of the moment, you've given me no reason to even consider it."
"Wait, two?" A worried look, "Was one cracked? It's no nevermind. I'll have them thank you at the 900 dollars each." And she locks eyes with Damien
"you agree, of course,"
"Fine, nine hundred per," A scowl.
"Wait, two?" A worried look, "Was one cracked? It's no nevermind. I'll have them thank you at the 900 dollars each." And she locks eyes with Damien
"you agree, of course,"
Damien smiles at Gina wickedly, "That was unwise. For all your resources, you haven't bothered to do all of your homework."
Taking note of Lydia, Damien holds up a hand telling his lover to hold her ground for the moment.
Locking eyes with Gina, Damien says, "Tell me why you want the vials that I am so reluctant to sell you."
Damien smiles at Gina wickedly, "That was unwise. For all your resources, you haven't bothered to do all of your homework."
She bristles. After all, this determines she's not as far up on the food chain as she thought.
"Obviously not."
Taking note of Lydia, Damien holds up a hand telling his lover to hold her ground for the moment.Locking eyes with Gina, Damien says, "Tell me why you want the vials that I am so reluctant to sell you."
Lydia gives the softest nod.
"Assuming your discretion apples to me as well?"
"Even the youngest tremere have much lore. And if one is to study their blood magic, one really should go to a source. Mm?"
She bristles. After all, this determines she's not as far up on the food chain as she thought.
"Obviously not."Lydia gives the softest nod.
"Assuming your discretion apples to me as well?"
"Even the youngest tremere have much lore. And if one is to study their blood magic, one really should go to a source. Mm?"
"It does." Damien confirms.
"You can unlock the secrets of Thaumaturgy with only their blood?" Damien's curiosity piquing. "If that is the case, there may very well a basis for an agreement between the two of us."
Paolo took two Ubers home. He had the first let him off outside a bar and complained to the second that he went home a little drunk last night, left his car, and now it was gone. Unbelieveable! He just got it paid off and now someone stole it!
He stayed home only long enough to be sure the Uber driver was gone, then got in his car and drove it out to abandon in one of the areas of Perle Perdu not yet rebuilt. Hopefully some actual thief will take it. Once he was sure he had everything he actually needed from the car, taking special care to make sure he didn't abandon any useful electronics, he walked to the nearest bar and called a local cab company to get him back home the second time. He said nothing of the "theft" of his car, but rode in silence to the end of his street and then walked the rest of the way home.
As soon as he was inside, Paolo called to report the theft of his car to the police. He didn't report sooner because he was drunk and then had work, plus being a little bit in denial that it happened.
And that should wrap up that liability.
She bristles. After all, this determines she's not as far up on the food chain as she thought.
"Obviously not."
Lydia gives the softest nod.
"It does." Damien confirms."You can unlock the secrets of Thaumaturgy with only their blood?" Damien's curiosity piquing. "If that is the case, there may very well a basis for an agreement between the two of us."
"I might be able to make their wraiths tell me." Smugly, "And yes, that knowledge is worth a great deal. If you're hoping for lessons, I'm not sure it will help you as much, as you can't see the dead, or hear them as I can. But i might pass you a few notes." Guarded but considering.
"I might be able to make their wraiths tell me." Smugly, "And yes, that knowledge is worth a great deal. If you're hoping for lessons, I'm not sure it will help you as much, as you can't see the dead, or hear them as I can. But i might pass you a few notes." Guarded but considering.
"I'm going to need more than might be able to-s and the passing of a few notes to make this deal, Gina. You do realize that the Tremere are supposed to be coming back into the city and setting up shop again, right?"
he'd like to check in on Betty and maybe go by Contessa's restaurant if he has the time.
Paolo took two Ubers home. He had the first let him off outside a bar and complained to the second that he went home a little drunk last night, left his car, and now it was gone. Unbelievable! He just got it paid off and now someone stole it!
"I hear you, pal," The guy he complains to nods, "This town will suck the right life right out of you."
He stayed home only long enough to be sure the Uber driver was gone, then got in his car and drove it out to abandon in one of the areas of Perle Perdu not yet rebuilt. Hopefully some actual thief will take it. Once he was sure he had everything he actually needed from the car, taking special care to make sure he didn't abandon any useful electronics, he walked to the nearest bar and called a local cab company to get him back home the second time. He said nothing of the "theft" of his car, but rode in silence to the end of his street and then walked the rest of the way home.
As soon as he was inside, Paolo called to report the theft of his car to the police. He didn't report sooner because he was drunk and then had work, plus being a little bit in denial that it happened.
And that should wrap up that liability.
It does, and all is solved except...
There is a knock at his window, and when he peeks out, he finds Betty. "Do you know..." She whispers, "That you have someone spying on your place? I promised to protect did I not? Bargain made, bargain kept."
"I'm going to need more than might be able to-s and the passing of a few notes to make this deal, Gina. You do realize that the Tremere are supposed to be coming back into the city and setting up shop again, right?"
"I can't promise you you will learn. I'm not in charge of your intellectual capacity." She snorts, "This is a gamble, but one that pays off well if it succeeds. And all the more reason to do give me the vials quickly. the sooner you give them to me, the sooner I can get to work and you can get those precious notes. What more do you want?"
"But Lawrence will be here by..." A sigh, "Okay, fine. I'll tell him I'm having a coworker in crisis, but a dream? A vision? I'm going out for dinner is all. But fine, I'll get him to wait."
The cab takes her on a quick trip enough and she's actually there in nine minutes.
Not ten.When she arrives, she sees Charlene in a very nice dress talking to a guy at a lovely silver sports car. Said guy must be Lawrence, handsome, well dressed. And looking dissapointed but not angry.
"Here she is," Charlene says to him before turning, "Alyson, hey... still here, like I promised." Forced smile, "But we're going to be late. the restaurant doesn't stay open all night, you know?"
While in the cab, Alyson will use her phone to quickly scan for Theater Lawrences last name, then regardless of success, search for the number of the Lakeside Restaurant, and call there:"Hello? I'm terribly sorry, but we'll be delayed for a bit, Lawrence got stuck in traffic and is just now coming to pick me up-could you hold the reservation for a bit longer?..."
If he was the one endangering Charlene, Alyson would have time until after their dinner if there was a reservation...if there was none, however-
"Hej Charlene, and Hi Lawrence!", Alyson greets both of them in turn, trying to see if anything seems off about the guy from up close.
"So, the Lakeside Restaurant? Great place with awesome food, I was there with a... friend once! I don't know what Charlene told you, but I don't want to stop you from going there any longer than necessary. How about I simply talk with Charlene will we drive to the Restaurant and I'll take a cab home from there?"
While in the cab, Alyson will use her phone to quickly scan for Theater Lawrences last name, then regardless of success, search for the number of the Lakeside Restaurant, and call there:"Hello? I'm terribly sorry, but we'll be delayed for a bit, Lawrence got stuck in traffic and is just now coming to pick me up-could you hold the reservation for a bit longer?..."
The Theater connection seems legit. Lawrence Payton, son of David Payton who has pretty good influence and ownership. It makes sense, from a selfish point of view, that Charlene would cozy up, but quick scans don't suggest the guy is a sleezeball who tries to use a 'casting couch' technique.
That doesn't mean he's a good guy, just that no one is talking about if he's a sleaze.
number of the Lakeside Restaurant, and call there:"Hello? I'm terribly sorry, but we'll be delayed for a bit, Lawrence got stuck in traffic and is just now coming to pick me up-could you hold the reservation for a bit longer?..."
"I'm afraid it's our last reservation of the night, officially" the voice replies, "Don't misunderstand, we're hardly packed, but our midnight dinner special is so named due to the late hour and beyond that we try not to book so we can end on time" A reasonable enough voice, "Of course we'll try to delay on your part, but I worry if you come into late it may rush your dining exper..." A pause, "Pardon me, there seems to be some trouble with some walk ins. I'll be right back."
But he doesn't come back.
"Hey Charlene, and Hi Lawrence!", Alyson greets both of them in turn, trying to see if anything seems off about the guy from up close....
Mostly he seems a bit confused, and is trying not to be impatient. Perhaps he is decent, perhaps he just wants to make a good impression.
"So, the Lakeside Restaurant? Great place with awesome food, I was there with a... friend once! I don't know what Charlene told you, but I don't want to stop you from going there any longer than necessary. How about I simply talk with Charlene will we drive to the Restaurant and I'll take a cab home from there?"
As she works her gift upon them, suddenly Lawrence and Charlene find her the most fascinating creature.
And she slows them down a great deal.
"I can't promise you you will learn. I'm not in charge of your intellectual capacity." She snorts, "This is a gamble, but one that pays off well if it succeeds. And all the more reason to do give me the vials quickly. the sooner you give them to me, the sooner I can get to work and you can get those precious notes. What more do you want?"
"Nor would I expect you to make such a promise, but I do expect a promise of clear, concise, detailed notes on anything you learn if I am to enter this bargain with you. Understood?"
Pausing to make sure both parties understand the agreement, Damien continues. "As you have said, this is a gamble. I am not one to push all of my chips into the middle of the table on the first hand. I will provide you one of the vials for now for you to conduct you experiments. We can discuss the second at a later date, should that be necessary. Fair enough? Do we have a deal? I provide the substrate and you provide a complete, detailed report of all you learn."
"Nor would I expect you to make such a promise, but I do expect a promise of clear, concise, detailed notes on anything you learn if I am to enter this bargain with you. Understood?"
"Very well, never let it be said a Giovannni doesn't trade fairly."
Pausing to make sure both parties understand the agreement, Damien continues. "As you have said, this is a gamble. I am not one to push all of my chips into the middle of the table on the first hand. I will provide you one of the vials for now for you to conduct you experiments. We can discuss the second at a later date, should that be necessary. Fair enough? Do we have a deal? I provide the substrate and you provide a complete, detailed report of all you learn."
"Oh very well, I suppose I can't blame someone not of a true clan to have some timidity when it comes to risking the Tremere's wrath. They're hard enough to handle if one is of a Clan. We have an agreement. You'll get regular and accurate reports. I'll send a messenger , should said messanger deliver it to you personally or your lacky?"
It does, and all is solved except...
There is a knock at his window, and when he peeks out, he finds Betty. "Do you know..." She whispers, "That you have someone spying on your place? I promised to protect did I not? Bargain made, bargain kept."
Paolo quickly let Betty in, to minimize the chance of her being seen.
"You did promise, thank you," Paolo said. "I didn't know that." Did she take care of them already? Was she seen? Was he seen with the car? "Did you...take care of it?"
"Oh very well, I suppose I can't blame someone not of a true clan to have some timidity when it comes to risking the Tremere's wrath. They're hard enough to handle if one is of a Clan. We have an agreement. You'll get regular and accurate reports. I'll send a messenger , should said messenger deliver it to you personally or your lacky?"
Clearly irritated by Gina's description of Lydia, Damien restrains himself from saying what he really would like to and responds, "Under the circumstances, have the messenger deliver the reports to me."
"Wait here. I'll be back momentarily with your vial."
Damien quickly goes upstairs to his precious collection and retrieves the vial labeled "Florence Redding", wrapping the vial in cloth before heading back downstairs.
Returning to the club below, Damien hands the cloth wrapped vial to Gina. "You may or may not need a magnifying glass to read it, but there is a name on the vial...along with a number of Hermetic symbols. Good luck. May this venture prove fruitful for us both."
Paolo quickly let Betty in, to minimize the chance of her being seen.
"You did promise, thank you," Paolo said. "I didn't know that." Did she take care of them already? Was she seen? Was he seen with the car? "Did you...take care of it?"
"I thought about killing him, but decided that might be unwise. Instead I have what he looks like, and the plate of the car he was in. I made sure he did not see me." She says answering some of his answered questions, "He was a white male, but not as pale as many of you. Hair, very light brown, eyes green, a bit of stubble, what you call, 3 o clock shadow? Had night binoculars. Dressed casual, loose. Had concealed firearm I think if bulge at shirt was right. Car plate was 2GAT123 . Black Toyota. He watch your place long time but left before you arrived. Thought of killing him, but if he works for someone... could backlash. Should I kill him if Isee him again?"
Clearly irritated by Gina's description of Lydia, Damien restrains himself from saying what he really would like to and responds, "Under the circumstances, have the messenger deliver the reports to me."
A nod. Fortunately she doesn't mouth off anything else insulting Lydia. Good thing.
"Wait here. I'll be back momentarily with your vial."
Damien quickly goes upstairs to his precious collection and retrieves the vial labeled "Florence Redding", wrapping the vial in cloth before heading back downstairs.
Returning to the club below, Damien hands the cloth wrapped vial to Gina. "You may or may not need a magnifying glass to read it, but there is a name on the vial...along with a number of Hermetic symbols. Good luck. May this venture prove fruitful for us both."
"I will manage just fine, rest assured. You've made a wide choice in working with me. A wise choice ." Payments and bargain made then Gina Giovanni leaves pushing past folks as if they better damn make way.
Once she's gone, Lydia gets to say what she's been wanting to say for a while, "What.a.b#$@&."
"I thought about killing him, but decided that might be unwise. Instead I have what he looks like, and the plate of the car he was in. I made sure he did not see me." She says answering some of his answered questions, "He was a white male, but not as pale as many of you. Hair, very light brown, eyes green, a bit of stubble, what you call, 3 o clock shadow? Had night binoculars. Dressed casual, loose. Had concealed firearm I think if bulge at shirt was right. Car plate was 2GAT123 . Black Toyota. He watch your place long time but left before you arrived. Thought of killing him, but if he works for someone... could backlash. Should I kill him if Isee him again?"
Paolo's mind raced. That was a professional. Armed.
"You're right to leave him for now. He's more useful alive and captured, but taking him here would cause problems. If he gets off a shot everyone in five blocks will be on 911. Did he approach the house at all, or just stay in the car?"
Paolo's mind raced. That was a professional. Armed.
"You're right to leave him for now. He's more useful alive and captured, but taking him here would cause problems. If he gets off a shot everyone in five blocks will be on 911. Did he approach the house at all, or just stay in the car?"
"Circled House," She slurs, "never came closer than fifty feet. Do not know if there was a pattern beyond that. I think he count windows, doors.That sort o thing."
The Theater connection seems legit. Lawrence Payton, son of David Payton who has pretty good influence and ownership. It makes sense, from a selfish point of view, that Charlene would cozy up, but quick scans don't suggest the guy is a sleezeball who tries to use a 'casting couch' technique.
That doesn't mean he's a good guy, just that no one is talking about if he's a sleaze.
"I'm afraid it's our last reservation of the night, officially" the voice replies, "Don't misunderstand, we're hardly packed, but our midnight dinner special is so named due to the late hour and beyond that we try not to book so we can end on time" A reasonable enough voice, "Of course we'll try to delay on your part, but I worry if you come into late it may rush your dining exper..." A pause,, "Pardon me, there seems to be some trouble with some walk ins. I'll be right back."
But he doesn't come back.
Realizing the other person won't come back to continue the call, Alyson briefly considers calling 911, then decides she'd rather not get the authorities attention...and does not trust number suppression to provide her with anonymity...but she left the call going, listening very carefully for any other noises she could make out past the fugue, only turning it off when they arrive.
There was trouble there without a question, but then, wasn't there trouble every night somewhere? A hit and run yesterday, a murdered neo-nazi in the news, now this. The country was going downhill, fast, no doubt because people lost their faith. No true believer would ever commit such acts against another...
Mostly he seems a bit confused, and is trying not to be impatient. Perhaps he is decent, perhaps he just wants to make a good impression.
"Again, my most sincere apologies, but I've had a really bad feeling about this...you should probably call the place, let them know you'll be delayed...considering the time, you probably picked the midnight dinner special?"
As she works her gift upon them, suddenly Lawrence and Charlene find her the most fascinating creature.
And she slows them down a great deal.
"Look, I can't undo this, I kinda ruined your date already with suddenly showing up and making you miss dinner and all that...and I'm terribly sorry. I mean, the mood wouldn't be the same after this, if I leave now. Tell you what, lets go out, all three of us, just friends, I'll be your wing-girl, Charlene, and you two go on your date in a few days? I can get you a reservation at a great place, I'll make it up to you! But you probably should get changed, Charlene...that dress is not made for this kind of party!", Alyson smirks, grins, gesticulates, and pauses as applicable to reinforce her point, fully aware of her powerful presence affecting them.
Once she's gone, Lydia gets to say what she's been wanting to say for a while, "What.a.b&~%~."
Damien smiles. "I think perhaps you give her too much credit, my love."
The unpleasantness of dealing with Gina Giovanni behind him for the time being, Damien slinks back behind the bar of the private club.
Looking at one of his patrons, he asks, "What can I get you tonight?"
"Circled House," She slurs, "never came closer than fifty feet. Do not know if there was a pattern beyond that. I think he count windows, doors.That sort o thing."
Entries and exits. Very bad.
"I'm going to give you a phone," Paolo said. "It'll have my number in it. Will you call if you see him again?"
Realizing the other person won't come back to continue the call, Alyson briefly considers calling 911, then decides she'd rather not get the authorities attention...and does not trust number suppression to provide her with anonymity...but she left the call going, listening very carefully for any other noises she could make out past the fugue, only turning it off when they arrive.
She thinks she hears laughter, someone cry out...but then the phone goes dead.
"Again, my most sincere apologies, but I've had a really bad feeling about this...you should probably call the place, let them know you'll be delayed...considering the time, you probably picked the midnight dinner special?"
He calls, and then, "That's funny, the line is down. I know it's far out, but they have tower of their own."
"We're not going to make it, are we?" Charlene sighs. Then looks back at her coworker and smiles again, just finding her amazingly fascinating.
"Look, I can't undo this, I kinda ruined your date already with suddenly showing up and making you miss dinner and all that...and I'm terribly sorry. I mean, the mood wouldn't be the same after this, if I leave now. Tell you what, lets go out, all three of us, just friends, I'll be your wing-girl, Charlene, and you two go on your date in a few days? I can get you a reservation at a great place, I'll make it up to you! But you probably should get changed, Charlene...that dress is not made for this kind of party!", Alyson smirks, grins, gesticulates, and pauses as applicable to reinforce her point, fully aware of her powerful presence affecting them.
Some part of enjoys the power, enjoys the attention. Is it vanity? something evil? Well, evil people don't work so hard to save others. So clearly not. "I guess I'll change. If that's okay with you?" Sbe asks her date as an after thought.
"Fine by me," He blinks trying to keep his eyes off the suddenly alluring Alyson and focus on the woman he's supposed be with "We can talk about my dad's theatre plans anywhere."
Charlene beams at that, and goes to get changed.
It's not too long after that she's got them where she wants them, and eventually, at her flat, she manages to feed lightly from each. Neither understood exactly what happened after, between the awe and the pleasure, but it's very possible she could build her herd if she chose to. Slowly, of course.
And she has the strangest feeling she's done a good deed...
and escaped something horrible.
Damien smiles. "I think perhaps you give her too much credit, my love."
She nods at that,"Yeah, I probably do. Hope you gouge her for everything she's got." Yes, Lydia will hold a grudge.
The unpleasantness of dealing with Gina Giovanni behind him for the time being, Damien slinks back behind the bar of the private club.Looking at one of his patrons, he asks, "What can I get you tonight?"
And normalcy, if anything is normal in this shadowyworld, is restored.
Entries and exits. Very bad."I'm going to give you a phone," Paolo said. "It'll have my number in it. Will you call if you see him again?"
"Okay, but since it helps me help you, does not count on debt. Okay?" Assuming he agrees she won't owe him for this, Betty is perfectly good with it.
Unless he needs her for something beyond that, Betty will slip out stealthily and leave him to his haven, and his thoughts.
The Abyss is calling.
On her way home, Alyson stops at a Gas Station to do some shopping. Back at her and Sams place, she checks her mail, finding a link to an online drive containing her performance at the veil from Tony. Alyson spends some time editing it, preparing it for upload, then, on a whim, checks tweets and news feeds for anything regarding lakeside restaurant, while playing with Sir Pouncer.
Sam's alarm would go off at 07:00 for work, way past Dawn. But still, she would do her best...as sunrise approaches, she locks the Kitty out from the kitchen, then cracks 3 eggs into a pan and lays out bacon in the oven, setting a timer on both, to start a few minutes before 07:00...just in case.
Then she sits down on the floor, checking Imgur on her phone and trying hard not to fall asleep.
"Of course," Paolo said. He'd have taken consideration if she offered, but right now that wasn't his concern at all. "I'll be using one of my backup havens today, 607. It's vacant just like yours. I'll probably come back here later on tomorrow night, but if you need to reach me urgently then that would be the first place to look. If you see him come inside the house, please call the police and leave an anonymous tip, then call me. Don't try to engage him unless you have to. No sense in either of us taking risks. There's nothing in here I can't replace or that would be incriminating."
As he spoke, Paolo ran down his contingencies. He had enough computer equipment in storage to be back up and running in a few hours. Every scrap of data he had that might be dangerous was encrypted thoroughly. It would only take him a minute to lock all the rest down too. He prepared for that kind of thing. Yes, that's all I can do right now.
It was getting early.
"We should both probably see about sleep."
The Lakeside Restaurant
The Lakeside Restaurant had capitalized on Perle Perdu's nightlife by having a skeleton staff stay on for midnight dinning experiences. It had actually paid off. Folks came in understanding they had limited time to eat, but rather than gripe about it, they rather enjoy the idea of ending at one or 'the witching hour'. People who wanted to avoid crowds found it delightful.
And it had worked, Mr. Garner, the manager on staff noticed with some satisfaction. The busiest table was the Reeve party. Well, the Reeve party and one lady who would soon be a member of their family it turned out. The couple, Micheal Reeve and his fiance Rachel Carter, were engaged, and this had turned into a way to get to know her better for the future inlaws, and so far the lovely young woman in the pretty but modest dress was doing well given she was outnumbered by his parents, his grandfather, and his younger brother.
That rather busy table was being tended to by Maria Lopez, who was no doubt looking forward to having tomorrow off so she could be with her own son. She an Arnold, the chief joked lightly
At a booth were two attractive black women in their early thirties; twins no less. Mr. Garner tried not to eaves drop, but it would appear they were here to celebrate one of them getting a divorce from an abusive husband and moving on with her life.
mm, one table for two reserved still hadn't had it's people arrive yet. Not that that was unheard of, they still had a little time.
His thoughts were intruded upon by the phone ringing.
Mr. Garner answered it right away, and found out that there was a delay. Well, best to be fair and give them the details and a chance to reschedule.
"I'm afraid it's our last reservation of the night, officially" he replied, "Don't misunderstand, we're hardly packed, but our midnight dinner special is so named due to the late hour and beyond that we try not to book so we can end on time" Mr. Garner always tried to sound as reasonable as possible "Of course we'll try to delay on your part, but I worry if you come into late it may rush your dining exper..." That's when figures strode in, rather unsavory looking ones at that. One of the discretely outfitted security move to talk to one. That seemed settled, until suddenly there was a crash of glass. "Pardon me, there seems to be some trouble with some walk ins. I'll be right back."
And out he moved. The incoming group looked, for all the world, like some sort of demented biker gang. A few wore jackets with the word 'Unrepentant' upon them. Their leader appeared to be a man of mixed heritage with dark skin yet green eyes.
The woman next to him had a mix of biker gear and..of all things, a classic Nun head garb, the sort most nuns did not actually wear anymore.
Others were behind them, most dressed less oddly, but very pale, and very much trouble.
Their leader smiled and called back, "Hoss, make sure we don't have company... kill the little cell tower they have here."
A voice in a thick texan accent replied from outside, "You got it, Loa Joe!" And there was sound as if the aforementioned tower were being torn down then and there, but with no engines or machinery running by what who could tell?
Mr. Garner moved forward, "No I don't know what you want but..." His eyes widened. Out side the window that had been broken was the body of his guard who appeared to have been thrown through it!
One amber eyed woman who had not spoken yet let claws extend from her hand, "it's a suit... I hate suits." And slit his throat a claw. Garner fell to the floor gasping.
There was a scream.
Loa Joe Ductus of the Unrepentant Sabbat pack, announced with delight, "Pick a partner and drink em dry! Let's see which of these shovelheads survives the week!" His eyes fell on Rachel, "Oh, you're do fine. Come to Loa Joe, pretty thing. You hide your fangs behind some rather boring scales. "
And Rachel felt her heart lurch. She, she knew she loved this man, and she would do anything for him.
Hers would be one of the gentler embraces, as over half a dozen vampires each picked at least one and began to drink them to death, and then, bring each one back... where they would find themselves later pounding against the thick black earth.
Their Lasombra, took he time to mess with the heads of the recruits, hastily planting suggestions and perhaps playing with memories.
The Pack Priest watched her work, and whispered to the Ductus, "You know Fiorella wants to impress her sire more than you yes? Kiss asses inductus pater's little girl."[/B]
The Serpent of Light grinned, "She's a a Lasombra, none of them take the idea of Camarilla versions of them well. It's one of the reasons we're here. Don't worry, we can use that passion. Though, if what i hear about the power of the elder Lasombra Antribu is true.. I plan to drink his blood myself."
"I shall pray for your success," The faux nun grinned.
"I appreciate that," He chuckled, then called out, "Please your bets, place your bets. Who rises first, last, and which ones are duds!"
No reason risking your unlives to fight the hated Camarilla couldn't have a little fun.
"Of course," Paolo said. He'd have taken consideration if she offered, but right now that wasn't his concern at all. "I'll be using one of my backup havens today, 607. It's vacant just like yours. I'll probably come back here later on tomorrow night, but if you need to reach me urgently then that would be the first place to look. If you see him come inside the house, please call the police and leave an anonymous tip, then call me. Don't try to engage him unless you have to. No sense in either of us taking risks. There's nothing in here I can't replace or that would be incriminating."
She nods, "We will use kine authorities against him if need be, force his hand."
As he spoke, Paolo ran down his contingencies. He had enough computer equipment in storage to be back up and running in a few hours. Every scrap of data he had that might be dangerous was encrypted thoroughly. It would only take him a minute to lock all the rest down too. He prepared for that kind of thing. Yes, that's all I can do right now.It was getting early.
"We should both probably see about sleep."
"Yes, I must rest. Good night, Paolo. I find you fair, but it seems some folks just do not like Lasombra." A chuckle, though she can't understand how right she is, and then she's gone back to the haven she is using.
And he makes his move to finally embrace the black.