Author's note: Others own the rights to the Kindred: the Embraced characters. All other characters are my creations. Please do not use them without my permission.

The Investigation Part 5

By Diane Maher

Alan watched as Sasha left with the Brujah named Jason. Since the people on his list were Brujah, he might be able to use her to his advantage. It seemed that Julian wasn't too keen on her attitude towards him. Alan smiled inwardly. Sasha could help him identify the people on the list given to him by Archon, but having her near him would draw Julian's attention and he didn't need that.

While doing some research on these people, Sharon had already found out that several of them were dead due to gang-related violence. It seemed that the lack of leadership in the Brujah clan was already taking its toll.

Alan went to a pay phone and made a call. He made arrangements to meet with Archon in several hours' time. In the meantime, he had other business to attend to. He left the Haven and headed for the Dock Workers' Union offices. There were few lights on and he was able to enter unseen from the roof of the building next door.

Keeping to the shadows, Alan's body gradually changed color to match that of his surroundings. Except for his eyes, he was virtually invisible as he slowly approached a room where he heard voices. He listened to their conversation.

"What? How can you do this?" Mario demanded.

"I am the new Primogen of the Brujah clan in this city," a man said. His voice had the ring of authority. "My name is Cameron."

"NO!" Mario shouted.

"The Brujah need a leader who knows how to deal with the Ventrue on their terms. You can't take a city by muscle alone. You must know how to wield your power. Eddie Fiori was a brute who relied on force and coercion to rule this clan. If you don't understand what I'm saying then you won't be among my inner circle for long," Cameron said.

From the shadows above, Alan watched as Mario paused to collect himself. Mario must have realized how precarious his situation was with this new Brujah.

"Also," Cameron continued, "you need to stop obsessing over this woman; I believe her name is Sharon St. James."

Mario gasped. "But, Cameron I merely..."

"Wanted to make her Brujah," Cameron replied, nodding. "It's not necessary. This gang war has already increased the size of the clan considerably."

"How do you know that?" Mario asked.

"I have my sources," Cameron said.

Alan considered what he had heard. He cautiously moved back the way he came and left the building. As he climbed on his Harley a couple of blocks away, he considered what this would mean to Julian. Alan started the motor and headed for the place where he was to meet with Archon.

When Alan arrived, he entered the building and went up in the elevator to the penthouse and knocked once as he had been instructed to. The door was opened by Sonny. Alan frowned as he entered.

"Follow me," Sonny said.

Alan followed Sonny through into a room overlooking Golden Gate Park. The lights of the city sparkled in the darkness. It was quite pretty. As they entered the room, Archon stood, dismissing Sonny.

Alan watched as Sonny left, and heard the door close behind the departing Ventrue. "I have completed the task you asked of me."

Archon replied, "That was quick."

"I should say that the Brujah clan took care of it. Sharon and I checked out all the people on the list. Only one of them is still alive," Alan said.

"Then your job isn't finished," Archon said, frowning.

Alan walked over to the window. "I beg to differ. I just returned from the Dock Workers' Union offices where the last person on your list was formally taken out of the running for Brujah Primogen."

"How do you know?" Archon asked as he joined Alan at the window.

"I was in the room with them, they just didn't know," Alan replied calmly. "There is a new Brujah Primogen who introduced himself to Mario a short while ago." He pulled a small tape recorder from his pocket and pressed play. Archon listened with interest as Cameron introduced himself.

"I should have known," Archon said. "You assassins are clever."

Alan replied, "I was in the right place at the right time."

Archon walked over to a picture on the wall. He pulled on the lower corner and it swung back, revealing a wall. He pressed a hidden button and a panel slid open, revealing a wall safe. Archon opened it, pulled out an envelope, and closed it again. When everything was in place, he walked to stand behind Alan.

"Here is the rest of your fee, Alan," Archon said. "I also decided to give you an extra bonus."

Alan took the envelope, inspected the contents and inclined his head. "Thank you."

Archon replied, "It's no trouble. For me, it's a small sum. Good night."

Alan nodded and took the cue to leave. He left the suite and took the elevator back to the garage where he'd parked his Harley. He climbed aboard, started the engine and left to return to his haven.

Later that night, Alan took a copy of the CD containing the data regarding Cyrus and the Assamite to Julian's mansion on the hill. As Alan pulled up to the gate, he was stopped.

"I'm here to see the Prince," Alan said.

The gate opened and the guard said, "Cash will meet you at the front door."

Alan drove through the gate and up to the front door where he parked his Harley. Cash was waiting for him.

"What's up?" Cash asked.

"I'm here to give Julian this CD, which contains the results of my investigation, as he requested," Alan replied, showing him the jewel case.

"Follow me," Cash said.

Alan followed Cash into the mansion and up the stairs to Julian's study.

"Alan," Julian said.

"Julian, I have the information you wanted on this CD," Alan replied, handing the jewel case to Julian.

Julian took the case and said, "Come, I want to see what you found."

Alan followed Julian to a room where there was a computer set up. Julian turned on the power; once the operating system had finished its boot sequence, he inserted the CD into its drive, then opened the file and examined the information. It took Julian ten minutes to read the information in the file.

"Is it what you expected?" Alan asked.

Julian nodded. "It is."

Alan said, "I have an additional request. I want to embrace Sharon St. James."

"Does she know of us?" Julian asked.

"No, but I believe that because of how her former boyfriend abused her, she suspects something," Alan replied.

"Our agreement was that you would do me this service and I would consider your fate at that time," Julian said.

"That time has come," Alan said. "My investigation is complete."

"Where is Sharon now?" Julian asked.

"She is at the precinct with Sonny, trying to see if she can help get Mario put behind bars," Alan replied.

Julian frowned. "I see."

Alan said nothing. Julian turned to Cash and said, "Call a meeting of the primogen for Monday evening." Cash nodded and left the room. Julian took Alan aside and added, "I'll allow you and one childe to remain in my city. If you choose to make Sharon one of us, then you are responsible for her until you feel that she is ready to be introduced into this society. The future of your clan in my city is dependant upon you. Keep in mind that Kindred law is harsh." Alan nodded.

The next evening, Alan and Sharon were at his apartment relaxing in front of the television. Alan was thinking about what Archon had said and what he hadn't said.

"Alan," Sharon said, interrupting his thoughts, "of the people on that list, the only one left alive is Mario. Do you think that perhaps Mario is involved in this gang war?"

"It's a possibility," Alan replied.

"What do we do if he is?" Sharon asked.

"You aren't going to do anything else. Things will be getting nasty since he's the only one left," Alan replied.

"But you'll be in danger too!" Sharon exclaimed.

"I can handle myself. You're the one I'm worried about. I can't be in more than one place at a time," Alan said.

"Aren't we safe here?" Sharon asked.

Alan shrugged. "As far as I know, yes. However..."

"However, that can change at a moment's notice," a man said from behind them.

Alan and Sharon whirled to find Mario, Jason and Sasha standing there.

"Mario?" Sharon gasped.

Mario grinned evilly. "Yes, Sharon."

"What do you want?" Sharon asked, nervous.

"I want you to come back to me," Mario replied.

Sharon shook her head and reached for Alan's arm. "No. I don't want anything to do with you, Mario."

"Too bad. You'll be one of us, like it or not," Mario said. "You will be one with me."

"Go to hell, Mario!" Sharon exclaimed.

"Sharon, go down the fire escape," Alan ordered.

Sharon turned, went to the window and gasped. "Who...?"

"Don't worry, we'll protect you," Sonny said as he and Frank climbed through the window.

Mario scowled. "You've been warned, Sharon." To Jason and Sasha, he said, "Let's go. We'll settle this another time."

After the Brujah left, Alan said, "Thanks."

"You can thank me; it was my idea to keep an eye on this place," Frank said. To Sharon, he said, "You should steer clear of these people, they're dangerous." With a glance toward Alan, he added, "All of them."

Sharon said, "I know Mario is dangerous. Alan has protected me from him."

"What will you do when Alan isn't there to protect you?" Frank asked.

"I'll defend myself," Sharon replied.

Frank looked at her and then stared intently at Alan for half a minute before Sonny pulled him away.