Night Nine

Finally there is a moment to sit down and write. These days I’m so busy with all of the little details.  So many small bothers can add up to enormous consequences.  Taking time to write in a journal is not high on my list of priority.  Yet I did promise myself to write, so I will.  However this will be short and sweet.

The night began solemnly with a funeral.  Silently I sat beside Lord Reynolds in the front row.  On a table before three pictures were reflected in flickering candle light.  Wary as I am of fire I didn’t dare approach.  From my vantage point they were barely visible.  

“You seem down.  Is everything all right … I mean outside of the obvious. 

The question surprised me because this was a funeral.  Then again final death might be commonplace for all I knew.  Yes, Lord Reynolds agreed, but it wasn’t every night we lost someone as extraordinary as Grace Hartford.  In time I would grow use to loss. 

Other Kindred began to file in.  My Lord and I discussed the current political situation.  At one point he mentioned that Mika was becoming bothersome.  At first she was a cute puppy but now she was becoming an embarrassment.  Soon he planned to sell her life boon off to the highest bidder.  This worried me but I didn’t say anything at the time.

Organ music began tracing out the melody of Hallelujah as sung by Jeff Buckley.

“And every breath we drew was Hallelujah.”  Singing quietly under the music.

Speakers began their eulogies.  Merket Prisci Simon Cantwell opened with a few calm words.  A deeply despondent Jim Beasley mourned the loss of Cassie Twain.  Once again I only wanted the sparkle back in his eye.  While knowing anything I might do or say would only exasperate his emotions. 

Our new Prince Donovan Mcquinn spoke of Prince Grace.  Remembering silly offhanded quotes of hers that had affected him deeply.  This I could relate too very well.  Words that Grace had said would stick with me as well.  For Prince Donovan, Grace taught him everything.  Starting with how to breathe to accepting his responsibility to the city. 

The Marquee Evengii reflected on his relationship with Miss Twain.  Their engagement was a joke between the two of them.  In his tribute he read an extensive passage from the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.  This was a book I had read and enjoyed and knew it was a peculiar choice for a funeral.  As was the conclusion he drew from it.  Perhaps I was merely idled in my haze of grief.

“You better leave right now.” 

The gruff voice of Shane Anderson startled me out of my reverie.  Forcefully he blocked Jude Elliot from entering the church.  Only once had I conversed with Lord Elliot.  Remembering back to my second night in the city.  Prince Grace had been overly concerned with the procurement of a piano.  In response Lord Elliot had rolled his eyes at me in exasperation.  At that point I had agreed with him. 

Then was more beyond that.  Going by rumours Jude had worn out his welcome basically everywhere.  Yet somehow he was convincing enough to make his way in.  Stuck in our seats we watched him take the podium.  While we all made mistakes he had made the worst of all.  Proclaiming himself a villain was only the beginning.  The smell of gasoline filled the church.  Without even considering it I stood up and ran. 

No point in bravery when this was not my battle to fight.  Truthfully I had no wish to see a man burn to death.  Tragic was the victim and the perpetrator being one in the same.  That particular drama was free to play itself out without me. 

The door slammed shut of it’s own accord at my heels.  Lord Reynolds was still in there as was Evengii and other Kindred I knew.  En masse those of us who escaped moved to The Cradle from sheer habit.

At the Cradle things began slowly but quickly picked up.  Remaining as adorable as ever, Mika and her ghoul were present.  Smiling I greeted Lena and once again mispronounced her name.  Thankfully I was forgiven when I corrected myself.  Over to the right I saw Jim in serious conversation with unknown Kindred.  Briefly I thought about jumping him but reconsidered last minute.

When Isabella arrived I was happy to see her.  At first I had been uncertain about her and Sonny both but I was beginning to relax.  Chiding and petting me, she was aghast when she learned I was living in a library. 

“You can’t live in a library!  You need to come live in one of our bungalows in Bridgeport.”

Surely it wasn’t that easy?  Stunned I accepted the offer because how could I not?  When I tried to offer compensation Isabella was nearly insulted of it.  The house was a gift and she wouldn’t hear any differently.  Naturally she had to ask Sonny before the deal was sealed.

“Yeah.  Sure.” 

When I recognize idiosyncrasies in a person is when I can begin to relate.  Both of us knew the magnitude of the query.  Yet it was Sonny’s way to give a nod and a shrug while looking away.  As if all of it hardly mattered.  Without a doubt there was another shoe somewhere.  Only it was my way to wait and see where it might be. 

My pending departure from the library was another step away from Reynolds.  This long and painful separation process was beginning to wear thin.  Restlessly I expressed this to a table full of Kindred.  Watching me cautiously were Lena Krisna, Ellen Peters, Roger Lafferty, Desdemona, Nathaniel Redford, Jeanette DeBrebant, a sombre Sherri and a new blue haired girl. 

Being typically difficult, Nathaniel demanded to know just why someone would set himself on fire at a funeral.  To which I replied the actions of the insane couldn’t be explained in rational terms.  Even though I had a sketchy idea of what happened I stuck to the script.  Trying to convince Mr. Redford who would not be convinced.

If I had told Nathaniel that Lord Elliot was either the sire of liege or both of Lord Reynolds he might have begun to understand.  This would be especially true if I mentioned that Lord Reynolds was surprisingly being given his own province.  Soon to be given the title of Baron even.  After being nothing but a bother and an embarrassment to the Chicago court.  Not a word of this was said.

My loyalties were shifting.  If anyone even mentioned Chicago court as a possible suspect I shut that down hard.  Ignoring the image of Evengii and Elliot watching The Manchurian Candidate while playing solitaire.

Inside I stewed while outside I was full of nervous energy.  As I talked on a motor many different Kindred visited my table.  No one could quite understand why I would give a blood oath to Reynolds.  To which I replied that is the way it was done.  For my part I was proud to be part of the First Estate. 

A stunning yet sinister Nosferatu in a glorious long black dress slithered over and watched me scathing.  Gallantly I continued to insist that Reynolds was my liege.  For Evengii I only did small tasks as he lead the city’s Invictus.  Seeing Lord Reynolds approach Mae turned devious. 

“So how do you manage yourself working for two Masters?”

“Well I certainly do the best that I can …”  I began grandly but then froze when I realized what I had just admitted too.

Abruptly Reynolds excused himself and I looked appalled back at the triumphant table.   Oh yes that had been deliberate and my runaway tongue had done me in.  As I pouted they continued to tease me.  Due to my nerves I was standing as they sat.  This eventually got to everyone and the chair behind me was indicated.  After considering it for a moment I did sit. 

Undeterred they continued to scoff at the Invictus.  In particular Miss Peters asked me what was the last choice I had made for myself.  Being a servant to either Reynolds or Evengii or both obviously allowed for no free will.  Plainly I told her the last I had made was the decision to sit down.  That answer quieted her questions.

Understand that it was my pleasure to serve the Invictus and my liege however I can.  Yet it is my pleasure that I do so.  This is the path I am choosing to follow into my future.  Even as I hold no pretension about just where I was headed.  

With his trademark charismatic smile Evengii walked into The Cradle.  Yes Elliot was dead and wasn’t it evident that he was our great suspect.  Just like that everyone’s doubts seemed to dissipate.  Yet the split second when the Marquee’s eyes shifted in my direction told me what I needed to know. 

Devotedly Cardinal Eddie asked for Elliot’s ashes to give a blessing.  Showing concern more than I would have credited her with. Flippantly Evengii answered that he would supply her with a pile of shit.  That she could bless if she had to bless something.  The Cardinal settled for a prayer for Elliot’s soul.

When Alder Ivanovich entered I rose in respect to greet him.  In return he introduced me to a Kindred I had not met before.  Going by the name of Mr. Evens he seemed very interested in our introduction.  Seemingly he had previous knowledge of my name.  This made me wonder what people said about me when I wasn't around.

Agreeably Roger Lafferty joined in the conversation.  This was nice until Alder Ivanovich offhandedly mentioned Roger’s habit of consorting with demons.  Naturally Mr. Lafferty took adamant exception to this. 

“Isn’t it true you fixed a game so the demon who committed diablerie would win?  Thus consorting with demons.”  Casual as anything, Alder Ivanovich was not pulling punches. 

“I didn’t fix it so he could win.  I just wanted other people to lose.”  Pointedly Mr. Lafferty did not look in my direction.

Some time ago I had concluded the game had been rigged against Evengii, Reynolds and myself.  Yet I still didn’t know the reason why he would set up such a humiliation.  This was my opportunity to ask him.  It seems I’m still too tenderhearted to kick a man when he’s down.  Lightly I mentioned the number of strings ‘Quincey’ procured had exceeded the number distributed.  On the defensive Mr. Lafferty informed me his rules had been exceptionally loose for a reason. 

Even as a Daeva, Roger Lafferty is on the losing side.  That knowledge was enough to satisfy me.  Besides the future is uncertain and my position continuously vulnerable.  It is my intent to not spitefully burn bridges.  Before we moved away Roger stopped me as if to relay a secret.  Last minute he changed his mind even after I called after him.  Perhaps he sees me as to Invictus to confide in.  Although I am the same as I ever was?

There was some court business I eavesdropped on.  A visiting Gangrel had taken to insulting the female Kindred of our city.  When I arrived Desdemona was giving witness.  Amusingly Evengii urged her to be ‘concise’ and she did try, bless her.  The Gangrel named JJ had called her a stripper.  There was some discussion on the validity of the charge.  In a way being called a stripper could be a compliment.  Similarly to being called ‘hot.’

My opinion was not called for and so went unspoken.  In my estimation it was an insult.  Referencing a woman as a stripper reduces her to a pair to tits and nothing else.  Choosing to be a stripper is different than having it assigned to you.  The evidence was enough to call JJ in and he came easily enough. 

To reach the Gangel’s whiskey soaked brain, Evengii attempted allegories.  Chicago was a house and JJ’s assholery was mud trampled on the Persian rugs.  This had limited effect, as JJ personally preferred a muddy abode.  Eventually the two parties concluded with a concession and separated with stipulations. 

Given the opportunity, I timidly attempted to amuse The Marquee.  Only to be interrupted by Sheri the Harpy.  The sparkle I had known in her before was greatly reduced.  It was clear her responsibilities weighed heavily on her.  In Grace’s memory she continues on.  As do I with my own reasons.

The Invictus called a meeting to announce Lord Reynolds new appointment.  There were shockingly few of us present.  Sitting down next to Isabella, I watched from the rafters.  Over time Elgin had become a drain on Chicago’s money and resources.  Given the current state of the city it made sense to cut ties.  To oversee it all Reynolds was being sent down.  If the city didn’t burn to the ground in a month he would be promoted to Baron.  Provided Sir Davis reported progress in his retraining. 

The best part of me was gratified at this news.  There were some objections but they were obviously prefabricated.  This was a two birds and one stone situation.  After that Prince Donovan talked in his roundabout way of the laws of Chicago.  Thankfully he intended to uphold Grace’s ideals and maintain order as it has been.  No random killings are allowed at this point in time.

                       

In cheerful tones, Evengii announced plans for a grand coronation for our new Prince.  In Donovan park no less and over summer solstice.  This was exciting news and I hoped to play a role in the party.  Nervously Mr. Evens asked if he could organize the details.  This offer was turned down in the politest way possible.  So I remained quiet and trusted that my eagerness to be of assistance was evident. 

Unnoticed by me, Shane Anderson walked into the room.  In his stilted rough speech he told Evengii that it was over.  Miles McManus was dead.  Earlier in the night he was a swarm of flies according to Jeanette DeBrebant.  Now he was no more.  So much death was disorienting.  Never was there a good word about Miles but he had been a person.

This was par for the course for Evengii naturally.  Off to the side he conferred with Sonny and I spoke more with Isabelle.  Exchanging information on where I was to live.  There was particularly cute red house on Union Street in Bridgeport that I liked.  Honestly I was still wrapping my head around on receiving a house at all. 

Previously the Marquee had asked me find a proper place for a greenhouse that wasn’t.  Giving me the chance to grow Mandragora plants raised on blood and vitae.  Producing lacrima, a concoction that is highly prized and addictive.  Now I asked Isabelle about secluded parks and other places.  Forgetting that such a greenhouse would need to be inside. 

Formally I was asked by Evengii to join in his conversation with Sonny.  After I cautiously approached I was informed I would be working under Lord Scalice.  Straight to the point Sonny said he was giving me some soldiers to handle and part of his neighbourhood to look after.  This was followed by a clap on my back as my eyes widened. 

Stopping the Marquee I told him my steps in pursuing his greenhouse plans.  Discretely I attempted to be subtle in the relaying of my plans.  Under the impression that lacrima was unlawful.  Illegal or not Evengii had no qualms of declaring himself to be a regular distributor of the substance.  So with Isabella’s knowledge of the area we discussed possible places to set up the conservatory.  There were some empty warehouses in the area that could be easy transformed and used.

There was one last point of interest I wished to bring up with the Marquee.  Only when he turned his attention to me I couldn’t voice it.  It had been previously discussed once and never mentioned again.  Yet I was eager for it and hoped he had not changed his mind.  Unfortunately I froze up at the wrong moment.  At some point I need to realize I am indeed an incubus.

The way Shane Anderson was staring at me was not easing my tension.  As solution Evengii told me not to look directly at him.  Still I know that even if Mr. Anderson had a sense of honour it wouldn’t stop him from shooting the back of my head.  As he left Evengii remarked I really should calm down and stop being so nervous. 

“Stay that nervous because you might die at any second.  But calm down just a little bit.”

Reassuring me, Isabella pointed out that he did indeed like me.  After all if he didn’t he wouldn’t be giving me all my tasks.  This maternal streak of her gave me a chance to pout a bit and get petted in return.  Sure I still enjoy that kind of attention.

Carefully I approached Lord Reynolds back at the gathering.  The question of whom I was truly under had been answered.  Part of me feared I had betrayed Reynolds in some way.  Before I could say much to him, a fascinating man approached us.  The best way I could describe him is a witch doctor.  One that was simultaneously friendly and disquieting.  Simply he called himself Papa Rose.  The name was familiar and clearly meaningful to Reynolds. 

“Do these belong to you?”  Papa Rose indicating Mika and I with skull topped stick.  

“Mika is my servant.  A type of secretary for me.” 

Before I could hear his response concerning me I was called away.  Across the club Sonny had sent a Kindred to fetch me to his side.  Bowing my departure I crossed over and sat down beside the intimidating Italian man.  In that I suppose I answered Papa Rose's question right there.    

As long as I worked for him Sonny didn’t want me associating with Reynolds.  In any way at all because he was a peace of shit that would only drag me down.  These were harsh words but at this point I am naturally inclined to obey.  With that one chapter of my life was closed and another one begun.  To get me started Sonny was setting me up with some wiseguys in a rough neighbourhood. 

Oh that moment when I first stepped into my own house.  There was not a stick of furniture but it was all mine.  Nearly it felt as if I was free.  When Sonny’s men arrived they were more amicable then I expected.  Taught to know things on a need to know basis, they didn’t question my need to secure my basement.  Similarly they didn’t ask about the heavy wooden box they carried down there. 

In this task I determined to succeed.  After the next sunset I was over in my small section of city.  There was quite a bit of potential for a parasite such as I was.  For example there were quite a few buildings that had been foreclosed on and empty retail space.  Not only that but it also had a youth centre and a CVS Pharmacy.  Let the exploitation begin.  It was perfect really but for the police station.  That was only a mere complication.

If the whole upset with Freddie and Fannie taught us anything it is that real estate makes money.  If you are a bad guy that is who doesn’t care about others.  Buy a foreclosed building, fix it up and have it appraised for double.  Sell it to an associate who gives you the difference of the mortgage.  Wash, rinse, and repeat until it becomes ridiculous.  Then simply walk away and leave the failing bank to pick up the difference.   

Another great scam is taking advantage of the American demand for instant convenience.  Who says you have to wait for your boss to pay you?  Hand over the title to your car and I’ll give you the money right now.  After all it’s your money!  Use it when you need it.  Oh and I’ll charge 800 percent interest on that.  When you find you can’t pay, I’ll just give you another loan.  So on and so forth until there is nothing of you left.   

Curiously a very powerful Invictus member has taken an interest in me.  Their name will not be mentioned but our conversations have been enlightening.  When I was entertaining them I received a very disturbing phone call.  One of my men wildly reported an attack by a man with a bat.  Borrowing my visitor’s car we raced down to the scene of the crime.  There was nothing left by the time we arrived.

As consequence Sonny called for a meeting at his club. The club, "Bada Boom", fantastic name, was very accommodating and the gorgeous girls within even more so.  Through my haze of lust I heard Sonny give me a job.  A particular bartender had knowledge of a man who sought employment as a hired gun.  So I was tasked with finding out what I could.  Then dealing with it accordingly.  Naturally I was anxious to begin until I was distracted 30 seconds later.  At Sonny’s gesture a girl named Flower became my best friend in the world.  Effectively wiping my mind clean as my fingers explored what was very wet indeed. 

In a flurry of business endeavours my excursion to O'Shea's Pub in Edgewater was backlogged.  So as of this moment my interrogation skills go unpractised.  In my mind this will serve to ease them into complacency and help ease their suspicions.  For when I eventually do show up, which will be very soon. …

That is if Sonny doesn’t kill me for receiving visitors when I should be working.  Luck may be on my side with that.  Right now he seems more distracted about reports of man with an axe taking down gangsters.  Sounds almost like an urban legend but I’m keeping an eye out.  Informing my boss that I would be performing free castrations on anyone who came at me with an axe.  Then serving up the fruits of the surgery raw whether they liked it or not. 

There have been a few visitors stopping by to see my new situation.  Including a Merket who seemed interested in aiding me in return for a favour from me.  Perhaps I haven’t been as cautious regarding my haven as I could have.  Although not a soul knows where and how I sleep.  That is one secret I will not reveal on here or anywhere else.  This is my house and I enjoy showing it off.  No matter how little or how much of it there is.  Fact of the matter is that it’s all mine. 

For me this life is still going night by night but there is a horizon ahead.  The goal right now is just to keep my head down and stay observant.  Given time I will grow in strength and knowledge.  The key is to continue on learning and just persist in staying alive.