WHO: Amadeus Lazarus & Lucian Carlyle, Prince of New York (NPC) WHEN: July 1st, Late Night WHERE: The 'Ivory' Tower WHAT: The Sheriff reports in to the Prince about the death of the Ventrue Primogen and also discusses the state of the Hounds. WARNINGS: None STATUS: Complete
"So let me get this straight. Alex is in fact dead and you believe that Maya did it," Lucian asked for the second time since Lazarus had entered his office just to be sure he was hearing it right. It was perhaps a rather silly thing to do since he neither had a problem with hearing and Lazarus certainly never had a problem using his mouth.
Amadeus inclined his head towards the Prince. "I do believe that is what I said. Expect I didn't say that I believe Maya did it. I said that she did in fact do it but I believe that she didn't do it alone. I just don't know who yet. I have suspicions but we both know that is not going to do anyone any good. Especially since without proof, it will just be called personal bias." There was no use saying who because that last sentence spelled it out perfectly.
"Who else knows?"
"Just myself and my Hounds. The Malkavian who had the vision is new to the city and didn't know who Alex was in his vision and he couldn't make out Maya in it so while he knows someone died, he doesn't know who." It was the safest he could keep Devan. And it wasn't as if he had told Sunni who's number he had given her so he wasn't about to mention her. "The retainer that found Alex's body has been dealt with."
Lucian turned that over in his mind for a moment before nodding. "Good. See that no one else finds out about this until you have more information. If this got out..."
"It wouldn't be good for you. I'm well aware of that, Lucian. Lucky for you, it wouldn't be good for me either since it could tip off whoever else we're looking for and if I'm very lucky, they were counting on it coming out and so by it not, they may slip up in some way."
The look on Amadeus's face was a dangerous one and not for the first time since he had approached him the Prince had to wonder if he had made a deal with the Devil when he asked Lazarus to be Sheriff. After all they said to not trust the Tremere and it had been that fear—and the power that the Elder Tremere had—that he had been banking on when he came up with the idea. Now he had to wonder.
"One of the Hounds is new. That stray Gangrel that rolled into town a couple of weeks ago correct? An interesting choice to use a—" If Lucian had thought the look on Amadeus's face dangerous before it was even more so and it was enough to cut the Prince off.
"Be careful of the next words you choose to use," the Sheriff warned softly.
"Then the other rumors are true."
"That I'm fucking the Gangrel?" This time Amadeus smirked. "Sometimes. And sometimes he fucks me. It pays to mix it up a little. But yes, Ariel is my lover. My paramour. My boyfriend. Pick whatever term from whatever century you like." What Amadeus was making absolutely clear was that all that mattered was Ariel was his and as such it would be wise not to touch him. "And him being such had no weight on my decision to make him a Hound. He's already showing promise. I'd like to replace more of the Hounds actually. I need ones I can depend on. Kjell is loyal but the rest should have been replaced from the start."
Lucian frowned at that. "I'm going to assume you already have replacements in mind."
"I wouldn't have brought it up if I didn't. And remember Lucian. My Hounds. My choices."
The Prince frowned even deeper. He didn't like the remember that he couldn't argue with Lazarus on this considering the agreements they had made when he had asked the Tremere to take on the position. The painful truth was that for now he needed the Elder Kindred and they both knew it.
"Of course. I'm sure that you'll choose wisely. After all, you know what you need in a Hound and I do not."
Pretty words to make him feel like he was the one in control at the moment. Like he was granting Amadeus the choice. It was something that the Sheriff declined commenting on. Instead, he simply raised an eyebrow to see if there was anything else that the Prince wished to add. Finally, he did.
"Keep me updated on the situation and let me know the moment you have something solid to bring forward on Maya and whoever else you suspect is behind this."
Amadeus inclined his head once more. "Of course, my prince. While we're at it, I'm going to need to know everything that happened in that council meeting."