48

You ascend metal stairs that thump with the bass of the EDM below, back up to the rooftop Elysium. Lettow's eagle watches you.

A Gangrel Prince is unusual, even in these nights. You wonder where Lettow came from. And you wonder what he wants with you. He is still watching the video and reviewing whatever information they got from the other USBs. Dove is scanning the parking lot below.

"You will be remaining with us for some time," Alexander says. "You understand what this means, yes?"

Of course you understand what will happen if you try to flee. You look toward that parking lot, too. You need a car.

"We are very friendly people in Tucson," Alexander says, finally smiling. It's an awful sight: little gray rat teeth, skin that crinkles like paper. "Not like other cities you may know. Speak to people about what you need. Dove was like you once. She drove. You need a car? She has cars. Her retainer, Carlos, is the one listening to the music from below. He is a police officer. He has, you know, rooms, 'stashes.' Of the shit. Is that what is said? He keeps evidence rooms with the good shit. Maybe you need that sort of man. He is proud and cruel, though. Do not let him bait you."

Carlos spots you and Alexander looking at him and gives you the finger.

"And if you need, hmm, blood?" Alexander says. "I was a doctor in my youth. When I was young, I said to my teachers, this bleeding, it does not work! It does not make the patients better! Isn't that funny, knowing what I know now? Ah, a little joke. But I have an important job—when Kindred feed and kill and endanger the Masquerade, I tell Prince Lettow. I hate telling him those things. I would prefer if Kindred came to me for advice. I will give you this advice now—do not hunt near the Viper. It is not permitted. And of course, do not use your gifts here. The sudden movement of Blood, it upsets Dove."