A Dog, a Murder Mystery, and Being the Messenger Who Gets Shot At

A few days went by quietly after the meeting at Anthony's. On Thursday Paul and I were out on a drive and as we were passing by King Street Station, I saw Vince on the corner with a really tall, wiry, PALE guy who I figured was Kindred. I had Paul honk to catch his attention and when I saw that it didn't seem like he was in a hurry, I had him pull over and let me out. I was curious as to who this guy was and wanted to meet him. Vince introduced him as Sarkozy, his sire! He seemed a teensy bit edgy around me, but to be honest, I'm getting kinda used to people not being overly friendly with me. Sigh... We call ourselves "Kindred" but it sure seems to take a long time for us to even establish a connection remotely resembling kin!

Vince said Mike wanted to meet up at the diner on 4th in SoDo. I tagged along. We made our way down the street and a few blocks away from our destination, we saw Jericho sitting at the sculputre-bench thingie with a statue sitting on one half of the bench. He was just sitting there, staring up at the night sky, but he looked a bit cleaner cut than usual. I bounded over to him and gave him a hug in greeting. He patted me on the shoulder and when Vince and Sarkozy caught up, he said hello to them and asked if any of us knew anything about astronomy. Huh? That's kind of a weird question. None of us did so Jericho just nodded and pointed up at a constellation above us saying he thought it was Gemini. I didn't know what to make of this, but I didn't dwell on it since Jericho asked us to move along because he has some thinking to do.

About a block or so down, I got a call from an unfamiliar number. I normally don't answer if I don't recognize the number, but on a whim, I picked up. The voice on the other end of the line made me stop dead in my tracks; it was Genevieve! She apologized for calling me when I hadn't given her my number (well, she's the damn Prince; I'm sure she has connections to all kinds of violations of privacy!) and said that she had a request of me. She said she was going to be opening up part of her territory, the two buildings next to the cathedral on the Seattle University campus, as Elysium for everyone to use, and was going to be holding a series of concerts for the next several weeks. The shows were mostly going to be religious in nature, but some were big name organizations like the Vienna Boys Choir and the Boston Pops Orchestra! Genevieve said that she has already spoken to the Sanctified, but asked that I spread the word and make sure everyone knew of this invitation. Of course, I agreed, but... why me?? She also asked that I get in touch with her when I arrive at the concert because she wanted to talk to me about something. Hrm...

I relayed the news to Vince and Sarkozy since they were right there and told them I'd meet them at the diner. I ran back to Jericho who was sitting just as I found him earlier and told him the news. What was strange was that he finished my sentence when I said the Vienna Boys Choir was going to be one of the shows. I asked him how he knew and he said he didn't know. I couldn't tell if he really didn't know or just didn't want to tell me, but I didn't press it. I just wrapped my arms around his shoulders from behind to say goodbye and he told me to take care of myself as he tousled my hair. I told him the same.

When I got to the diner, Mike was talking about a favor Elena asked of him. Apparently one of her retainers, Nicolai, was missing. Our lead was to look for him in the Three Pines area of Seatac. It was known that he was a good bowler so we decided to make Federal Way Lanes our first stop. I told Mike and Xavier about Genevieve's message, and in true fashion, they both started freaking out that it was a set up and that people were up to something.

I rode with Xavier and Mike down to the bowling alley and immediately went to the bar area to see if there was anyone I could make eyes with for later. I didn't get to look around much because when I looked back to where Mike was seated, I noticed he was being approached by two Kindred: a woman who was seated and a man standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders. The air seemed tense so I made my way over there. I overheard the guy saying "are you messin' with my lady...?" so I mocked him by putting my hands on Mike's shoulders saying "I think your lady was messin' with my man." Oh, I could almost HEAR Mike blushing! When the pair were told that we weren't here to take over their (crappy) land, they eased up. We told them we were looking for Nicolai and they said a guy down a few lanes was on the same bowling league.

This guy, Jose, was quite sloshed already and given that Mike had the forethought to order a pitcher of whatever they were having to bring with us, he gave us what information he had. He hadn't seen Nicolai for a few days either, but had his phone number and knew he lived in Briarwood. Vince and I actually bowled a game with the guys while Mike pinpointed the exact unit and after I took Jose aside for a quick bite, we were on our way.

The unit was supposedly 253. After knocking, there wasn't an answer, but some barking from a dog on the other side of the door. Xavier was going to pick the locks open, but Mike asked them to wait to try the concerned neighbor approach. I thought it was a bad idea, especially if we were going to break in if we had no other option, but he went ahead and knocked on the door before I had a chance to protest. A grumpy looking dude answered the door and asked what Mike wanted. He described Nicolai, but Mr. Cheerful hadn't seen him in a few days and just hears the dog barking. Mike turned and nudged me, but the guy shut the door before I could talk to him. Just as well. I'd rather not be recognized. So we were back to plan A.

Xavier popped the lock and a retriever came barreling towards the door, barking it's flippin' head off! I stepped in, found a box of biscuits, and gave him a couple. That seemed to calm him down a bit. He was really unhappy about us being here, but quieted down enough for us to step in and at least shut the door. His food and water bowls were empty so I refilled them and he started SCARFING it down. He must have been without food for several days. The place was really clean, spotless even, except for a few doggie messes and a stench that made your stomach turn. We started poking around but when we tried to get near the closed bedroom door, the dog abandoned his food, stood in front of it and snarled. Knowing it was probably where we needed to go, I offered to take the dog out for a walk. He reluctantly came along, and probably only because I had a few treats in my pocket to lure him away. As soon as we got outside though, he seemed pretty happy to be running around.

When we got back, I took one look in the room and immediately regretted it. It was quite the gruesome scene. Nicolai had his head severed and a message, "REPENT! Where are your Kindred now?" was written on the wall in blood. Great. Now we had a murder mystery, needing to cover up the fact we were present at a crime scene, and a furry witness who didn't particularly care for us too much. I wondered aloud if Blade or Jericho, being Gangrel, would have the ability to speak to beasts. Vince didn't think Blade did, didn't know about Jericho, but Sarkozy chimed in saying that Rafael was actually known to do that. I ignored the groans coming from Mike and Xavier. Our plan was to have Xavier erase any evidence we were here, leave, and Mike would put a call into the police pretending to be a burglar who stumbled upon a dead body. I can't say I agreed with the decision, but I didn't have any other ideas so I got a ride with Vince and Sarkozy out of there.

On the way, I texted Rafael and asked him to meet me at the dog park on Pike and Boren. Just as I got dropped off, I got a text from Mike saying he knows of someone who could talk to the dog. When I told him I was just about to meet Rafael to do just that, he sent a rather frazzled response asking me not to because the dog was now technically Elena's because his owner was Elena's retainer and she wouldn't like him getting involved, blahbitty blah, blah... He asked me to just keep the dog safe for a night. Hm. That should be easy, considering I have no where to go that's dog friendly!! What the hell did he expect me to do?! He said I could go to some guy named Earl's place and gave me an address. The sun was due up too soon for me to give him a piece of my mind for making me cancel on Rafael now, plus I was making Rafael wait even more so I grudgingly agreed and ran down to meet him.

I let the dog run around in the fenced area and stood just outside of it with Rafael. He looked really concerned about me and asked what was going on. I really hated keeping things from him, but since I was specifically asked not to, I apologetically said that there was an incident, but I couldn't go into any details. He looked at me sympathetically and said that it was sad my compatriots didn't trust him when he has shown them nothing but kindness. Ugh... I don't need any more guilt than I have, Rafael! I keep telling them the same thing! I apologized for dragging him out here for nothing, but said that it was good to see him. He understood, but that he was likely to be busy the next couple days and might need my assistance in return for coming out tonight. I agreed, but I must have looked remorseful because he said he had a gift for me. He gave me a little bottle, saying to use it as protection. He thinks there are dangerous times coming.

Just before we parted ways, I told Rafael about the concerts Genevieve was holding. He asked if he could meet me at the show so of course, I agreed. Hey! Maybe I can wear that amazing dress again! When I got to the address Mike sent me, a nerdy looking guy around my age answered and let me in. Man, was he nervous!! Mike sure knows how to seek out his own paranoid kind to make friends with! The dog seemed to take a liking to him though so that made me feel a bit relieved. Mike showed up after an hour or so and I took him up on the suggestion to take a nice long bath while they nerded out. I went to bed surprisingly relaxed.

When I woke up, Mike and Earl were making preparations to go meet with his dog whisperer. I took Mike aside and told him that his contact had better work out because I may have lost mine. I noticed I was a little edgy in my tone mostly from Mike's apologetic reaction. I took the opportunity to add in that it was sad no one seemed to trust Rafael to push the point a little further.

After they left, I set out to complete my Genevieve task by finding everyone else I needed to talk to. I called Gabe on my way down to the pier since I had to talk to Sam in person. Gabe got the message after a bit of shouting over the music he was spinning. Next I called Elena and got voice mail, so I left a message and asked her to contact me to confirm she got the message. A few moments later, I got a text from her saying she got it.

Remembering my last incident walking near Sam's territory, I played it safe and stood at the corner at the very edge of his place, hoping he'll show up some time. I saw Vince wandering around so I called him over and we started chatting and Xavier coincidentally showed up on his Vespa on his way somewhere too. He was stopped at a light and I thought it was a bit strange that a car going across the road had stopped because they should have a green. Well, well, who should show up but fucking VINCENZO again!! He and three of his goons aimed guns at us from their El Camino so Vince and I ducked for cover behind a cement barrier just before shots were fired. Xavier actually ran over a guy with his scooter! Vincenzo threw a cheap shot of tossing a concussion grenade at us. Just as I was about to run out to tear him apart despite the shot guns and rifles, a motorcycle came BLAZING by and ran up with a wheelie on the divider in the street. As the rider was about to pass Vincenzo, he drew a fricken cavalry sabre and lopped his head off. Thus, Vincenzo was no more. Our savior looped around and stopped in front of us, lifted his visor with the tip of the blade and it was Liam! Looking pointedly at Vince, he said "you're welcome!", then turned to me and said "let it be known that we listened to your complaints. I'm not going to have some fucker from Everett shooting up our town!", and tore off. Wow.

I got out of there as fast as I could. I went around to the other edge of Sam's territory and hung around there. He showed up and asked what was going on. I told him briefly what happened and he said he took care of the noise complaint from the kine by saying it was just the construction. Good. At least that was one less thing to worry about. I told him what was going on at Seattle U, and cleared the air about our last meeting. He said that it was in the past and to not worry about it. Feeling relieved, I left and headed towards Beacon Hill to try to find Little Jim.

On my way there, I got a call from another unfamiliar number. Given the track record so far, I figured I had better answer and picked up. It was The Eye. He asked me to meet him around 2am at a coffee shop on Broadway. We both knew why, so I agreed.

When I got to Jim's place, I knocked on the door for a while and didn't get a response so I called Vince. I told him I was just outside Jim's place and asked if he could meet me there. I was a bit concerned because no one had seen him in a long time, and given the demise Nicolai met, I didn't think it was out of the question to wonder if Jim met the same fate. Vince was a bit unsure, but he picked the lock and we looked around the place. No sign of him, living nor dead, but I did find a box in a closet with a commercial grade whetstone and some SHARP knives. It was getting close to 2 so I had Vince take me up to Broadway for my meeting with The Eye.

The testimony went normally. He asked me what happened and I told him the truth. When he asked me who the motorcyclist was, I hesitated. I was fairly sure this was a self defense situation and Mister The Eye was too, but he couldn't guarantee that my savior wouldn't be in trouble. I certianly didn't want it on my conscience that I got my him in trouble for murdering a murderous rogue so I said I was prepared for any consequences for obstructing an investigation. I plead the fifth. Luckily it didn't seem like it was a big deal and he let me go. Unlife sure seems to be full of excitement...

I had Blade, Dennis, and Little Jim left on my list of people to pass along the invitation from Genevieve. I didn't know how to get in touch with Dennis, but knew he was Invictus so I called Blade first thing the next night since I needed to talk to him anyway. To my surprise, he actually answered. I gave him the info and asked how find Dennis. He said that he was right there so he'll pass along the word. I asked politely to have him text me when he gets the message so I know for sure. I just didn't want to fuck up a Genevieve Job.

Blade then took a bit of a serious tone with me asking if I had seen Jericho. I said the last time I saw him was two days ago and then it dawned on me that it was strange Blade was asking others about his own childe so I panicked a little. He said that he was acting a little strange and asked if I noticed anything out of the ordinary. I told him that he looked cleaner cut which didn't sit well with Blade. When I asked him what he's noticed, he said he was asking what the brightest star in the Gemini constellation was so I told him about the time I ran into him on the way to the diner and how he somehow knew about the Vienna Boys Choir before I told him about it. I could tell Blade was concerned about this and said that he knew Jericho was trying to figure out who made an attack on him so if I knew anything, to work together with him. I said that I definitely would as I wanted to know who the fucker was too. I asked, though I knew he was closer to him than me, but because Jericho was the closest to a friend I had in the city, to keep me posted about him. Blade seemed to understand and said he would.

I called Genevieve after I got off the phone with Blade and told her I talked to everyone outside of the Sanctified except for Little Jim. She thanked me for completing the job and then mentioned she had a proposition for me concerning Rafael. I had a sense that this was going to cause or at least end in chaos so I told her I'd have to think about it for a few days. She mentioned it was all she asked and she had to figure out which job she wanted me to do for the deal anyway so we'll get back in touch in a bit. Oh boy...