Thank you Shikangae, dropletsoflight, Celeste, Maellowyn, Zaekka and rednightmare for the lovely reviews! I love you! (Just in case I didn't mention it earlier).

So now on to the chapter!

After the doors of the office closed behind her Katherine shut her eyes to collect the lost composure, slowly massaging her temples. Gladly the first meeting with LaCroix went better than expected; still she struggled with a tight feeling in her chest, only slowly escaping fear's grasp. Fine, onto the next topics on her list: Heather, then digging around in dirty laundry including dirty places. Even Baron Abrams didn't like business with the Nosferatu, yet Katherine couldn't shove the impression away that she was a constant guest down there. Not that she was turning into a Nosferatu herself. Good grief! Punching the elevator button while staring into space, she tried to find the right words for Heather. Sadly she didn't know much about her and the worst part was that she never had a very good insight into human nature, even when she was mortal. Interrogations were based on intimidation, so no candy words or deep knowledge of the individual psyche was necessary; besides her job was to investigate either criminal damage or 'accidents'. She could stick to Smiling Jack's words. 'What a scene, man! Hoo-wee! And here I just gave up smoking.'

The elevator's doors opened upon arrival but much to her surprise it was already occupied by a man dressed in a beige suit that possibly even rivalled LaCroix's expensive fashion collection. However the Kindred seemed to have a liking for light colours judging by the bright pastel blue shirt and white shoes. But the most remarkable trait was his flaming red hair – not coloured - and green eyes. Katherine stepped aside to let him pass, eyes glued to the unusual looking Kindred as his gaze met hers, startling the surprised young Ventrue for a second.

"The fabled protégée of Prince LaCroix," He stopped, smiling widely and baring his white teeth. "Cornelius Dupree, the new Primogen of clan Toreador. I'm pleased to meet you." Strangely enough, her eyes were glued to the Primogen and a jolt of euphoria went through her body as he took her hand, breathing a blow of a kiss onto it.

"Thank you Primogen, I'm honoured." Moving her tongue was difficult, it felt as if it were made of lead, her words pure blasphemy in the presence of this man.

"Oh no, in fact I am! Your tales and deeds are enchanting. I'd love to hear them in detail and I'd be especially enthralled to hear them from you personally. Please grant me this wish." If that was going to happen, Katherine first had to ask LaCroix. Those tales had quite sensitive details she couldn't spill out.

"I think they will bore you. A Primogen's night must be more entertaining I assume." Dupree sighed tormented and squeezed Katherine's hand gently.

"I wish! Meetings, proms and more meetings! You young ones are so enviable being free from all those social events, living to see the unadorned beauty." Definitely Toreador, still those words made her somehow smile. Prince what's-his-name? All her doubts washed away and there were several ways to bypass crucial points.

"If you insist but don't blame me if it's boring. I warned you, Primogen." How could she even consider denying the charming man a wish? Preposterous!

"Then allow me to ask you, if it's not too much, that you'll grace me with your company tomorrow night during Primogen Voerman's grand opening of the Ocean Hotel. It will be much less dull with entertaining Kindred around." Gladly undead creatures couldn't blush anymore. Katherine wasn't able to grasp her luck! To be asked by a Primogen to accompany him to such an important event was outstanding in her position.

"I...don't know what to say, Primogen. Of course! How could I not accept such an offer?" It felt like she was drunk from joy. An emotion she nearly had forgotten, feeling it the last time as she was mortal at the day when Tobias and she got engaged, sweet as honey could be, intoxicating like ambrosia. But this didn't matter at the moment. In fact little else mattered besides Primogen Dupree whose smile thrilled the young Ventrue.

"Again it is my pleasure that you're willing to sweeten this night for me. Else I'd have to fear to die of tediousness - Primogen Voerman may pardon me - but if she did not try so hard to imitate a Ventrue, it would be more entertaining. After all she doesn't share the royal blood like you do." Truer words have never been spoken in Katherine's opinion. "I feared Prince LaCroix would bring you along but he has his childe. So may I expect you tomorrow night at my humble dwelling before we depart to the event? Of course I'll cover all your expenses. Ten o'clock?"

"I'll be there." Dupree smiled and breathed another kiss on her hand to bid goodbye.

"Then I shouldn't the Prince wait any longer." Katherine was hit by a wave of guilt to have delayed Mr. Dupree and hoped LaCroix wouldn't unleash his anger upon him. Primogen lived a very dangerous life here in L.A. and the only exceptions were Strauss and Gary. The rest was changed like underwear.

Stumbling out of the tower, Katherine still felt a little bit dizzy and befuddled. But it was by any means not a bad feeling, well not as good as drinking fresh blood, however still enjoyable, feeling happy since, well since - not since Tobias asked her to marry him. There was something - someone - else which made her happy but who was it again? She pondered about it all the way back to Santa Monica, making a small detour to feed, finding suitable prey after several hours wandering around, head feeling like in a drunken haze, slowly blown away by the hunt.

The L.A. Sun, still waiting to be picked up at the floor which lead to her apartment, finally lifted the haze completely away and to reveal that she was in deep shit. LaCroix won't be amused to hear she accepted Primogen Dupree's invitation on her own. The fingers itched again. 'Oh for fuck's sake...' Katherine slumped on the chair like a bunch of misery, burying hands into the dark blond hair. Her first idea was simply not to show up but angering a Primogen was also not the smartest of moves. But she'd blame it on the Primogen's powerful presence. Indeed she didn't deal a lot with Toreador and Jezebel, obviously not as powerful as a Primogen, nearly managed to wrap her around the finger. Wasn't it possible to blame it on Dupree? No, it was again finding an excuse, violating her new standards of behaviour she set up. So there was only a single option left: facing the mess head on and informing the Prince before facing him tomorrow during Therese's little circus and why not having a little fun before being punished again? Katherine tilted up the laptop and started up the email program.

To: Sebastian LaCroix

Subject: For your attention

I've met Primogen Dupree in the tower. He invited me to accompany him to Primogen Voerman's event tomorrow night. I accepted.

Sincerely,

Katherine Falkner

Curt and without any attempt to talk around the essential subject, but the Ventrue stared at the few words for a long time. What else to do? All was at the Prince's mercy again.

The only thing she could do was containing the damage: she knew he would be absolutely furious, were she to pop up there unexpected, but he might feel a bit more forgiving if she announced her presence in advance. Slowly, finger hovering above the mouse button and finally sailing down like the blade of a guillotine. At least that's how it appeared to her. 'You're panicking. Perhaps it's not so bad and he'll understand how bad I was affected by Dupree's presence.' Short pause. 'Never.' Better expecting the worst rather than to be surprised by it. Optimism got lost somewhere in Los Angeles. There was also the chance he'll forbid her the investigation to find out who called Tobias. Indeed this was followed by the fear of punishment but running now out of her apartment could anger the Prince even more, that's why Katherine decided to wait for an answer. Perhaps one of the longest nights she'd faced so far, looking at the screen every few minutes while some local news were on the TV. A report about Ash River's comeback on the screen after it became public that the crazed fan staked not him but a poor bastard who looked alike. Didn't he learn after all the fuss with the hunters? 'Cecilia is protecting him after all.' Katherine smirked scoffing.

Hours passed, no email arrived. Waiting for Godot until sunrise and after raising the mailbox was still empty. It made her nervous. Very nervous. An angry LaCroix wasn't good but a LaCroix who doesn't react was truly unsettling. Leaving one in the dark was nerve-wracking and Katherine hated this Kindred habit. Probably the punishment already begun, letting her flounder like a hooked fish on a pole. The Prince knew which methods got under her skin. Again the urge to hide somewhere safe, even in the Nosferatu warrens again, crawled into her mind, however perhaps she exaggerated her worries. What, after all, could be bad about simply going to a party without spreading important information? She wasn't that dumb anymore. Hopefully. Katherine knew that she had to be careful and watch her tongue.

Driving in a taxi once more through Los Angeles actually the idea appeared that it also could be an opportunity to show LaCroix she wasn't always a brainless wannabe Brujah. That she possessed social skills – perhaps not developed – but still existent to some degree. Gladly some courage aroused in her body to drag herself further while scrutinizing the Primogen's mansion for a second. It was surprisingly modern with a lot glass and metal. Absolutely not to compare with the style the two former Malkavian Primogen used to show off, appearing like a relic of long gone times. Well, so did the Prince with his old Versailles décor. Katherine couldn't deny to be fond of Primogen Dupree. But at the same time she reminded herself to not drop her guard. Hargreaves also appeared like a friendly Kindred. The end of the story was a given. For the last time the young Ventrue straightened her clothes, cleared her head and pressed down the button for the door bell. Again, to her surprise, the Primogen himself opened.

"Accurate on the second," he smiled friendly. Katherine was this time a bit prepared to impact og his presence; however she couldn't shake off the whole effect and smiled confident. Yes, she can pull this off! "Please, come in." The interiors were just like the outside appearance: modern and bright coloured. Better to say something.

"May I note something, Primogen?" Like LaCroix 'taught' her: respect those who are older than you.

"I know you Ventrue are a bit stiff – no offense meant – but please, call me Cornelius." Like during their last meeting in the tower he took her hand and squeezed it cautiously. 'Get a hold of yourself.' Easier said than done, though. No doubt her heart wasn't beating anymore but it felt like it was about to jump up her throat.

"I thank you, Sir." A pat on her hand. "I-I mean Cornelius." She felt like a teenager again. They reached a larger room, where a woman was waiting, sitting on a chair. As she lifted her head and spotted the two newcomers, she sat up.

"You both met already," Cornelius said. "Mrs. Cruz is my ghoul and the best designer you'll find here in Los Angeles."

"Miss Falkner, I hope my assumption that you are Mrs. LaCroix didn't embarrass you." At first Katherine couldn't remember where she'd met the woman but after mentioning the pretty remarkable occurrence, she did. Mrs. Cruz was the inhabitant of this expensive boutique, where Mercurio sent her to.

"No offense taken." A blatant lie out of courtesy. After leaving the boutique, Katherine was about to strangle someone especially Mercurio. Gladly this little misunderstanding was out of the picture now.

"Mrs. Cruz will prepare you for this evening. So I'll leave you both alone now." Couldn't get worse than the first time, right? Interestingly, after Dupree – Cornelius – left, Katherine felt the wave of feeling calmed slowly down and she suspected that this ability of the Primogen could crush her intent to keep important information for herself. Despite his friendly behaviour, because of it, Katherine was suspicious. Dominate didn't work without eye contact and she always looked at him. Perhaps Cornelius' ability was similar in terms of requirements? But it was impolite not to look at the person you're speaking with. On top of that she didn't have a lot of time to think about a solution. Mrs. Cruz seemed to have a plan how to prepare Katherine, presenting the pondering Kindred a dark blue, pretty tight looking dress.

"It will let your eyes shine!" Well, Katherine didn't care about her eyes.

"Is there also space for this?" Opening the left side of her blazer and presenting a small glimpse of the holstered gun: it was really Katherine's greatest concern to lose one of her precious security anchors. Mrs. Cruz sighed.

"You are going to a social event, not to the shooting range." Demonstrating how seriously she meant it, Mrs. Cruz shoved the dress more energetic than necessary into Katherine's hands. "You can leave all the things you don't need in the car."

"You don't want to see my equipment when I visit the shooting range." There was no way she'd walk around without Mr. Koch! How could a mere ghoul tell her – a Kindred! – what she had to do and what not? Staring angrily into the other woman's eyes, she'd pushed the dress back. "I will keep my gun." Dominate was such a handy discipline, understanding even better why LaCroix was often relying on it LaCroix, LaCroix...Katherine remembered as much as she wanted to deny it: his image helped her during the little problem with Jezebel. It was worth a try and the only clue she had at the moment.

"Yes..." With an empty look in her eyes the ghoul stared into her gaze. "...I have a suiting purse in my boutique. I'll go and fetch it."

"Excellent. Meanwhile I put on the dress." More talk would have been wasted, as Mrs. Cruz walked out of the room and left Katherine alone for nearly an hour, but it was worth the wait to get her gun along as "brujahish" it might be, even for her taste. Not that she also cared for Mrs. Cruz's sour face for the rest of the time. Surprisingly she seemed not to have told it to Cornelius and the reason behind it was not impossible to guess. Perhaps she didn't want to admit a failure of some sorts to her master, but Katherine had to struggle with her own problem in regard of the Primogen. As soon as she laid her eyes on him the lovesick feeling crawled back into her brain, clouding her judgement. Most frustrating, hence she was aware of it but couldn't do practically anything against the effect. Even the attempt to conjure an image of an angry Frenchman failed miserably, like a card house standing near an opened window. At least she managed somehow to retain the sense not to tell crucial "tales". So she humoured Primogen Dupree with her "exciting" adventure in the Hallowbrook Hotel when it still was the glorious gory Sabbat base in L.A., mocking the Prince with its mere existence until they arrived at the Ocean Hotel. Fully renovated and illuminated, the former burned building lost a lot of its creepy atmosphere which it inherited at Katherine's first visit. The lawn was green and finely cultivated. Colourful flowers – at least colourful during daylight – were cradled by the wind. Nothing remained from the homicide which took place here. No exploding lamps and flying objects as both Kindred stepped into the Hotel and no blood covered apparitions – some with a huge fire axe – freaked out the present, among them some known faces. A lot had changed since her last visit here. The stairs were fixed and everything looked shiny and new. Still the style was all the same as if everything was out of an old Humphrey Bogart movie.

Of course the hostess Therese Voerman herself in a black dress greeted them. Correction: she greeted Primogen Dupree, chatting a good amount of time about seemingly uninteresting topics. Katherine was considered with a warning glare. Enough to tell the young Ventrue not to talk about the secret that surrounded the Voerman sisters and how Therese obtained the Ocean Hotel. Great. Even more tales got deleted from the list. On the other hand: Therese was not Prince LaCroix, who stood among some other Kindred Katherine didn't know. Strauss was nowhere to be seen and it fitted the mysterious Tremere to stay out of such events. But upon spotting the Prince, the cloud lifted a bit and fear got a small grip. All previous plans to stay confident foiled once more. Katherine felt misplaced, like a toy around those Kindred. Not long ago she decided not to be a toy anymore. But where the heart was unshakable, the mind was full of doubts.

"We should greet the Prince, shall we?" At first she wanted to shake her head, realising afterwards how hard it was to get rid of her hapless habit. How could she possibly avoid LaCroix this evening, else finding a way to get suddenly better in obfuscate? Fate sure was twisted in a certain way and Katherine's wish to hide herself in the darkness was granted as suddenly the lights went out. A murmur went through the room, more annoyance than surprise. However Katherine's muscles tensed, eyes darting around to recognise silhouettes which the faint moonlight offered to them. Sound of bursting glass and sudden bright light blinded her eyes; the smell of burning fuel filled the air, mixed with the sound of panicked screams as the fire found food in form of fabric and wood. As primitive as a Molotov cocktail was, it was effective and like any other Kindred Katherine had to fight with the natural fear of fire that every single one of them was born with. She fought the fear once before and emerged as a victor, besides Bach's conflagration was much bigger. Another bottle filled with the inflammable content shattered the glass of a window, exploding and setting more on fire, cutting them off from the main entrance, the only escape route Katherine knew of.

AN: Not much going on in this boring chapter. It was a pain to write. At last the fun is now starting but since I'm a bit occupied otherwise, it'll take some time until I'm finished. I have a chronicle to rule! Bwahahahaha! *puts her Plushie Gorilla on the head and readies some lightning bolts*

PS: A THOUSAND THANKS to dropletsoflight for sending me corrections about a lot of evil (and stupid) grammar errors!