1. San Francisco 2022, October 7th(RP)

October 7th, 9pm
The sun set about 2 hours ago. A light rain blows into the city, from the bay. The city's alive with the sound of traffic; people heading to bars, and clubs; locals and tourists.



In the alleys, dark penthouses, and shadowy corners of seemingly mortal establishments is a world that not all are privy to...

Giulia had been for her customary run. The night was the best time as the many colored street lights and signs served as beacons for her, guiding the way and telling her how long she had left. As her feet hit the ground, she varied her pace. Crossing her legs, wider strides, occasionally skipping for periods, she was determined to make the most of it even if it meant looking foolish. To hell with them.

Nearing a park with stone benches and wooden planks, she stopped to tie her laces. The air was clear and the night’s indigo washed over her giving her confidence. The benches would provide excellent vaults and it would be a great opportunity for her to practice her leaps and arm work.

She never knew, there might even be a quiet friend somewhere nearby. I post workout snack.

Erik stands in the alley, feeling the rain hit him. Standing there as he takes in the sights and sounds of the nighttime traffic, Erik smiles a quick predatory smile as he steps out of the alley and onto the sidewalk.

Walking along with the flow of traffic, Erik moves with a purpose...even if he doesn't have a destination. Looking around at the humans that are moving around him, Erik wonders what they would do if they knew the truth. The truth of what really walks in the night. Allowing himself another quick smile, Erik continues down the sidewalk.

Feeling boredom begin to settle in, Erik makes his way over to where the high-priced bars and nightclubs are located. While he doesn't feel to hungry, Erik does feel like seeing what's on the menu.

October 7th, 9 o'clock Hour | Giulia

From the edge of the park, under a stand of trees, the strong scent of cigarette smoke wafts toward you. The cigarette's cherry blooms red as its smoker draws upon it. A young mans features are illuminated for a brief moment...

...A "young" thin-blood. He leans against one of the trees watching you.

October 7th, 9 o'clock Hour | Erik
Mortals scurry across streets, car horns blare. On these higher-end streets, people wait in lines hours to get in to the cramp, ear-numbing clubs.



I'd imagine you'd see one such club, that you frequent--mortals waiting in the cold and damp, dressed both elegant and provocative.

Erik heads towards the one club he knows will be packed. The Olympus...the supposed home of the Greek gods. Yet now it's the name of a popular night club.

As he walks towards the door, Erik smiles as he sees the doorman. With Marko on duty it'll be simple to get inside.

As Erik continues towards the door, Marko catches sight of him and removes the rope from the stanchions and nods his head in respect as Erik continues through.

Returning the nod with one of his own, Erik opens the door and walks inside the club.

October 7th, 9 o'clock Hour | Giulia
He takes one last, long draw from his cigarette thing flicks it toward the nearby glow of the damp street.

Looks like he's building courage.

"Help?" He looks around nervous, then focuses his gave on you, Giulia. "I mean, uh, maybe." It's more a question than a statement.

"I've--we've--seen you round here." He motions across the street. You'd be able to just make out a couple shapes huddled between two run-down Queen Anne style homes.

He holds his hands at his sides, non-threateningly. "We don't know--God, this sounds stupid--we don't know what to do. You know? We're... new. You know?"

"We've seen others, like us. But you seem... approachable?"

It's clear he's trying to get a gauge of your attitude toward him, Giulia. It's also clear that he's in some form of distress and not sure how much he can say yet, or if approaching you was even a good call...

October 7th, 9 o'clock Hour | ErikOlympus is as crowded as always. Music with heavy bass; dance floor shoulder to shoulder; lights colored and strobbing; servers and staff in provocative takes on ancient Greek tunics.



Staff who know you, Erik, would be happy to take you to one of the bottle service tables.

A dapper dressed promoter, known to you, sees you walking through the crowded room and heads in your direction.

Giulia quickly becomes impatient with the man’s saying nothing but always talking. Irritated beyond belief that her exercise regimen has been interrupted by this odd being’s quiet muttering, Giulia is perhaps more blunt than should would normally be.

You don’t look like you’ve come for a run, but it’s not a bad cover. Come with me a couple of times round the park. Maybe you can start with who you are, why you’ve been ‘noticing’ me, and what the problem is.

Erik watches as the Promoter moves to intercept him. Since He was in a decent mood, Erik waves him forward so they can speak over the music. Erik watches the man approach...He must be one of the newer employees.

As the man approaches, Erik's hearing picks up the man's voice. Mr.Larson...it's a pleasure to see you hear tonight. Is there anything that I can do for you tonight?

A private VIP booth upstairs. Something with a view of the bar and dance floor. Erik follows the new guy as he keeps the way upstairs.

October 7th, 10 o'clock Hour, a San Fran Park | Giulia
Dawing comes to Patrick's face and he nods in understanding and agreement. He joins you for a run.










Patrick seems to still be unused to his new existence and body, and his gait is rather awkward. He elaborates as he keeps pace with you.

"Look, I'm sorry. I'm--we're all--still having trouble with all this. Up until two months ago I was still...human. And now, I don't know, I guess I'm," he half laugh half sobs as he says, "a vampire. It sounds so stupid! I mean, not for you. For me."

He seems lost in thought for a few paces. "So this guy...he did this to me in some seedy loft in Haight Ashbury after a party and just left me like this. I didn't know what to do...waking up like this. I don't know, the body just kinda took over though. Anyway I found others like me--you saw them back there. And we've been kinda looking out for each other--some of us still work even."

"But a couple weeks ago this woman...another vampire," he chuckles at the absurdity of it all, "she breaks into our apartment and," pause, "killed Heather."

"She came after the rest of us but we got out of there quick. But she's killed two more of us since then. She calls us "thin-bloods" or "abominations", and that we shouldn't exist."

He stops now counting on Guilia to stop with him. "But we DO exist and we didn't ask for this. But we don't want to die now. Die, die. We've been looking for others--other vampires--to help us. Or at least to tell us what to do! Well?! What do we do?"

October 7th, 10 o'clock Hour, Club Olympus | Erik
The second floor of the club is scattered with private booths, far enough apart from each other to offer privacy to the VIPs who occupy them. Bottle service and food is provided here, and nowhere else in the club. The throbbing bass of the music is lessened up here.

You're led to a spacious, dark both that overlooks the dance floor.

The promoter introduces himself as you go. Once your situated he says. "Mr. Larson, I was told to tell you, if you came in, that a Mr. Halvor Akre would be expecting your call, if you'd like to use our private line."

Craig has already flagged down a devastatingly attractive server to bring you a bottle of CLIX Vodka.

"Just let me know if you need the private line sir. Or anything else I can get you."

Erik found himself intrigued as he heard Craig speak. I'm unaware of this...Mr. Halvor Akre and of what he could possibly want. I'll use the private line to contact him. I'll ring if I need anything else.

October 7th, 10 o'clock Hour, Club Olympus | Erik
He nods, looks around inconspicuously, produces a small key and unlocks a case attached to wall of your VIP booth. He pulls a phone from the case--a landline--and leaves it on the table. Then he nods at you, turns and leaves.






One of the buttons on the phone blinks in a slow, consistent pattern, asking to be pushed.

Watching the crowded dancefloor, you'd be drawn to one of the club goers...they fit your profile exactly. When Erik picks up the receiver and presses the button, he'd hear a faint click then a few rings before hearing a voice on the other line.

The voice is thick with a Norwegian accent. You'd swear you'd heard it before... but can't quite place the face. But Kindred, you know.

"Mr. Larson? It's been awhile since you have been to Elysium. I'm extending an invitation for tomorrow night. For you and your coterie."

You'd describe the voice as smiling.

Elysium... Erik thinks to himself It's been a solid couple of months since I've been there. Why would they be extending a personal invitation to come back?

Erik takes a moment and thinks the offer over. I'll admit Mr....Akre I'm abilities intrigued by the personal invitation to the club. Those are not exactly handed out every night. I graciously accept your offer and will see you tomorrow night at the club.

As Erik talks on the phone he finds his attention on the blonde woman moving about on the dance floor. An obvious beauty she had a grace about her that kept Erik's attention on her and no one else's.

October 7th, 10 o'clock Hour, Club Olympus | ErikYou hear the smile in his voice widen, lips against fang clear in the pronunciation of his words. "Not just you, Mr. Larson. Do not forgot your Coterie"

"Ha det." You hear a click as he hangs up.

You'd know Elysium in San Fran is a magnificent penthouse, high above the city at an exclusive address.

The mortal you've tracked with your eyes has headed to the bar.

You'd notice a rough looking mortal is also following her with his eyes, trying to be furtive. He happens to be in your line of sight as well.






'

Erik watches the thug who in turn watches the blonde woman. Looking at him, like an Alpha does to an intruder, Erik decides to see how things play out.

Pouring himself a healthy shot of the vodka, Erik drains it with no effort. Erik keeps his gaze on the woman, mainly to see if she's alone, and to see why she's caught his attention in the first place. Occasionally Erik switches his gaze over to the thug...praying he's here with friends. I haven't been in a decent fight in a while. Here's hoping tonight's different. Erik says to himself as he drains another shot.

October 7th, 10 o'clock Hour, Club Olympus | Erik
In fact, Erik can tell the man is here with a group of at least for other individuals, all standing around a tall table grinning and laughing with each other. Knowing the streets, you could guess they're some criminal element.

The woman is closing out her tab at the bar.

The man watches her, looks to his "friends" and nods.

One nods back to him.

Giulia shuddered visibly by the news of such killings. Internally she cursed and looked at the creature before her. This was awful and such that he was, they wouldn’t deserve such fate. Breaking her stride Giulia halted. You’d better keep out of sight for a while. She sounds awful but I don’t know much that I can do alone. I’m going to need to meet with some others and try to figure out what the hell you do in this circumstance.

Unusually, she tried to offer him comfort. Look I come running here most nights. Why don’t you get a decent pair of shoes and come join me tomorrow? Maybe I’ll have something for you by then?

October 7th, 11 o'clock Hour, a San Fran Park | Giulia
Patrick gives a half smile--he seems hopeful that Giulia can help...but disappointed there is not an immediate solution.

He perks up suddenly. "Yeah. Yeah O.K. I'll be back here tomorrow night then."

"I'm Patrick, by the way." and he puts out his hand to shake. Wind blows from deep in the city, carrying with it the smell of smog and fried food.

Bring my coterie...I haven't heard that word in a while. There's a couple of kindred that I can call. See if they're interested in going.

At that moment Erik sees the blonde woman close out her tab. He also sees the group of thugs paying a little too much attention to her as she gets ready to leave. Thinking to himself for a moment Erik's mind makes a split-second decision. Leaving some money on the table by the bottle, Erik makes his way down the stairs and out of the club.

Soon enough the blonde woman leaves and is shortly followed by the thugs. Erik falls in a short distance behind the thugs. A small predatory grin breaks out on his face. Either you look at the situation, I'll be eating soon.

Giulia she replied meeting Patrick’s hand. A thousand thoughts went swimming through her mind. This kind of thing wasn’t unthinkable but it sure was taboo. Giulia had an idea that it would be worth talking with others in her coterie. She sniffed the wind even now that it would do her no good the smell of the junk food brought back memories of forbidden temptations from her training days.

Ah screw it. Patrick why don’t you buy me a coffee and tell me everything you know about this predator? Might help when I investigate a little.

Giulia had come round. In truth before she had just been irritated and probably wasn’t going to do much, focused as she was on other things. Now, why not the evening’s routine could wait one night.

October 7th, 11 o'clock Hour, Outside Club Olympus| Erik
The young woman hustles across the busy street and turns down a smaller, narrow one-way.

She walks over a steaming grate and turns off to a large parking garage.

The men follow at a distance, hands shoved in the pockets of their heavy wool coats.

When she turns into the parking garage they speed up their pace.

October 7th, 11 o'clock Hour, A Small Coffee House | Giulia
Less than an hour later, you'd find yourself in a coffee house that does its business to a late-night crowd. The place smells like ground beans, tampered down with sweetness. The clink of spoons on mugs.



Patrick tells a long, rambling tale for you; but the key points are as follows:

He's only gotten a look at the female Kindred from afar, but she has a long, wild mane of black hair. She wears a tight blazer-like jacket. Her eyes are piercing blue.

She has an American accent, but speaks oddly.

She last chased the group out of Union Square--this was two nights ago.

"And she's strong," he says. "She can... rip a person limb from limb. I've seen it..."

For know Erik simply follows at a distance, moving behind cars and into alleyways as he follows the thugs that are following the woman.

Smiling to himself, Erik knows this will play out one of two ways. Either way involves...dinner and a show.

Moving up slightly, Erik prepares to enhance his speed and move in for the kill.

It’s not much to go on. Giulia muttered to herself, wracking her memories for any such person. I’ve seen a few women like that frequent the gyms I go to but the wild mane. She’s certainly strong but quick too. Odd mannerisms. Hmmm. Sounds like some kind of nut. The blazer, I don’t suppose it had any kind of emblem on it?

I think it might be an idea to start with my gyms. At the very least I can try and keep a look out in the locker room for her.

October 7th, 11 o'clock Hour, In a Wet Alleyway | Erik
Erik, following at a slight distance you'd see as the men charge as one in to the dim parking garage, it's overhead lights flickering and dull.

She's become aware of the pursuit and speeds up, kicking off her heels...

...as the men converge and and run toward her, their boots echoing in the confined space. They're within 10 meters of her...

October 7th, 11 o'clock Hour, The Coffee Shop | Giulia
Patrick sips from his cappuccino. He looks pensive.

"Should I even be able to drink this? I mean, I still enjoy it and it gives satisfaction..." He shakes his head waking from his reverie.

He asks Giulia, "what should we do as you're looking for her? Do you know of any place that's safe for us? What do you even plan on doing when you find her? Could you even handle her?"

He looks at you, worry on his face--both for himself and you, you'd suppose. He waits for an answer.

It’s not for enjoying. It’s for blending in. Giulia muttered taking a sip from her own coffee.

Patrick’s questions on her competence had irked her. It was probably because what he hinted at he was correct. You seem to have me confused for management. Giulia whispered with a scowl. I don’t know what I’ll do or what I can do but I know this: you have to find out the competition first and see what they’re about.

Giulia sighed. I’m going to need help, though God know’s who I’ll ask. Pausing slightly, she looked Patrick in the eye. I don’t know where you can go…maybe we should find somewhere quiet just outside of the city? Any ideas? If you’re all as green as you say, it’d probably be best if you stick together. Somewhere quiet where we can sit and plan and I can find out exactly what your people know.

Erik can feel the hungry beast inside him begin to rise up and scream to be let out. With a sudden burst of speed, Erik moves ahead of both the thugs and the woman. Coming around and in front of the woman, Erik slows down long enough to appear as if he's simply headed in the direction they are running from.

As Erik steps out and allows himself to be seen by the woman and thugs, Erik catches the woman in his arms as she runs into him. As the scared woman tries to fight him off, Erik holds onto her. Easy...are you okay? What's going on?

Erik asks his questions without taking his eyes off the approaching thugs.

October 7th, 11 o'clock Hour, The Coffee Shop | GiuliaHis skin still able to blush, Patrick does so when he realize he may be causing Giulia trouble.

He sips from his mug again. "My grandmother owns a place in Nappa Valley. She moves to Texas a few years ago. The house should be empty. Mary-Anne has a Volvo we could pile in to."

"But should I give you my number? So you can keep us up to date?"

October 7th, 11 o'clock Hour, The Garage | Erik
Erik, her brief struggle in your arms shows you she's stronger than you'd have thought she was. She quickly stops when you speak. "Wait, but how--" she seems off balance by this turn of events.

But she's interrupted by one of the men now facing you down. "Hey a**hole; mind yourself and get the hell out of here!" He points a finger at you, stern.

The other men spread out from him, in an attempt to surround you in a semi-circle. Firsts clenched ready to fight.

"We're not joking. Clear out now." You've got seconds before they act...

Sorry! I kept like reposting my draft and it kept changing the DC from my first go round! It should read Moderate (3)!

Sure. But, you know, keep your heads down for now. Reaching for her own phone, Giulia entered the number and sent a hello text. There now you have mine. If you find out anything else, let me know as soon as you can. Drowning the last of her coffee, Giulia turned to Patrick and looked at the nervous man. She wondered.

Have you fed recently?

October 7th, 11 o'clock Hour, The Coffee Shop | Giulia
Patrick looks out the window of the café. He watches a group of mortals walk by, obviously headed for a bar and a fun evening.

"You ask that so casually..." he sighs. "No. I've not "fed" recently. And I don't know how much longer I can put it off... should I be fighting it?"

Giulia you can see, when now that he mentions it, he's starting to look gaunt, and ghoulish for a Thin-Blood. You can practically smell the hunger on him.

Look I’m not going to give you the usual nonsense about ‘the lion and it’s prey’, but it is a fact. You are what you are and you want to survive otherwise you wouldn’t be coming to me if you didn’t care about your own survival. If you don’t, how can you expect to carry on?

Giulia almost felt pity. Want me to take you?

Erik smiles as he reassures the scared woman. It'll be okay. They won't lay a hand on you.. Gently Erik moves the woman behind him and then looks back at the thugs.

With a feral grin on his face he drops into a boxing stance and simply wades into the thugs..swinging hard.

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, The Garage | Erik (Success)
After the first few blows, the gang know they're in over there heads.

The garage is quiet but for the sound of fabric whooshing, shoes squeaking on concrete, and your preternatural fists connecting with the bones of their faces.

Erik, you'd feel the beast lurking inside you, trying to get out, but you're able to keep your composure and only do just enough damage.

The last of the five falls to his back, head bouncing off the concrete with a *crack*!

"Jesus Christ man, enough!"

The young woman is behind you, holding a snub-nosed revolver in one hand, and a dull, shining police badge in the other. Despite the shout to stop, she looks rather impressed with the work you've made of the thugs.

"Detective Laurie Callahan," she says as she flashes the badge.

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, The Coffee Shop | Giulia

Patrick seems to relax at your point. Your observation seems to have click with him. "Fuck, but you're right."

He looks you dead in the eye. "You're right. I want to go on and I need to get the hang of this. Yes, take me to feed. I'm a fast learner. I'm an engineering lead at Chase Innovations. This can't be too hard..."

Giulia, he's ready for you to take the lead--he'll follow where ever you take him.

As Giulia and Patrick left the coffee bar, she took him a little giddy and excited by the prospect though she tried not to show it. They wound through the streets until they reached a quiet place, a closed pawn shop. Do you have a usual way of doing this? If not, why don't you go hide out in that alleyway there? she pointed across. I'll find someone willing to follow me, then we spring them.

Any preferences?

Erik stands looking down at his handiwork..smiling a predatory smile. The hunger wells up inside him and threatening to unleash itself, but Erik manages to keep it pushed down and locked up.

Satisfied the threat has been eliminated, Erik turns and looks at the female....the female that's now holding a badge and gun. Erik's smiles from a predatory smile to one of curiosity. Putting his hands out in front of him..wrists touching, Erik simply says Detective in an almost flirtatious way.

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, a San Francisco Street | Giulia The neighborhood you two walk through is gentrified; "up-and-coming" some would call it. Businesses like the pawn shop, not long for the neighborhood, still huddle among the overpriced townhouses.

"Dean works at the hospital, as an orderly. He gets us bags of blood now and then." Patrick runs the back of his neck in embarrassment.

"Other than the one time I "lost it" and attacked a hippie in the park, bloodbags are my usual way."

"Just pick someone who, I don't know, "deserves" it. If you know what I mean." He heads for the alley.

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, a San Francisco Street | Giulia (Critical Success)
As you wait, the breeze blows leaves scattering across the still damp street. It's not long...

Stumbling down the street comes a young man, dressed in stylish, casual clothes. He sees Giulia leaned near the alley.

With a grin he puts a cigarette in his mouth and walks up to her. His colonge smells strong and gourmand.

"Hey. You got a light?"

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, The Garage | Erik
She blushes, slightly, at Erik's tone, and then gets annoyed that she did.

She seems satisfied you're not a threat and outs her revolver in a holster attached to her thigh. She walks toward the unconscious thugs, high heels clicking loudly.

"Some of these guys look like they'll need a hospital." She looks to Erik, quizzically. "So who are you? Good Samaritan?"



She approaches the groaning thug who appeared to be the leader, and, with an ungodly amount of force, stomps her heel into his upper thigh.

He half sits up and screams in pain

"Hey asshole!" She shoves a small picture in front of his face. "Have you seen her? Did you take this girl?! Look at it asshole!" She twists her heel and he cries out, further in pain. Her anger is palpable.

Erik watches the detective and her interrogation technique. A grin flashes across his face as watches. Feeling like he's in the mood to play nice, Erik answers her question. I saw them eyeing you in the club, their intent was rather obvious so I followed them. You pretty much know the rest.

Watching some more as Laurie continues to question the thug, Erik reaches over and gently pulls the picture out of Laurie's hand. Looking at it Erik tries to remember if he's seen her around the city or at the club. Who is she...a runaway?

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, The Garage | Erik
Erik, the picture is of a young woman, smiling happily at the camera. She wears a college sweatshirt, and her hair is in a relaxed tail.

It would be hard to recall and compare the girls appearance in the photo with women you see in the clubs.Laurie looks over to you. "She's not a runaway, she's my--" she sighs. "Shes my cousin. And just an ordinary 22 year old. Anne."

The gang member sputters that he's never seen Anne before. Resulting in Laurie stomping his leg again before she grabs his hair and pulls his head up until his neck is stretched out. She points at a tat on his neck.

"You see this," she asks Erik. "The tattoo of two yellow eyes and a two fangs. They deny it, but these assholes are a gang, The Boogeymen, and they all have this tat."

She releases the man's head, stands and walks closer to Erik. "It's not news yet, but young people are dissappearing--snatched off the streets after going out for the night. A couple have been attacked, and gotten away. In both cases they identified these tattoos as markers on the perps."

Erik looks at the picture and tries to think if he's seen her or not.

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, The Garage | Erik (Failure)
Erik, there have been too many faces in too many clubs to recall if you've seen this one young woman.

She watches Erik think over the photo, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Look... I'm not calling this in, so you're not gonna need to file a report."

She pushes her hair behind her ear. "To be honest, I'm not even supposed to be out here looking into this--I was told explicitly not to. But it's personal to me. And the "danger" isn't going to put me off."

She hands you her card. "I'm going to leave these losers here, and we can both pretend this never happened. But if you think of anything, or see anything, call me--what was your name?"

Erik Larson... Erik says as he takes Laurie's card. Looking at the thugs that are still on the ground, Erik looks back at Laurie. Who are these...Boogeyman? The name sounds like they're just starting out? Have they passed off any of the locals yet?

Looking down at the number Erik can't help, but to respect Laurie a bit more. Here she is trying to help her family out. Shit! Wasn't I like that..way back then. Looking over at Laurie, Erik gazes into her eyes...contemplating if he should get involved. Finally he gives her a brief smile and speaks I'll keep an eye out for anything on your cousin. Is there a report on the survivors and the other missing people?

Letting Laurie process his questions, Erik goes silent as he let's her think. Which gives Erik a chance to fully check her out. What is it about this woman that makes me pause in midstream of doing anything. If she was anyone else I'd have ripped her throat open and bled her out. Yet here I am stepping in to help find her wayward cousin.

Erik finally breaks the silence and speaks to Laurie. No worries Detective...your secret is safe with me. Besides where's the fun in doing what we're told and being where we're told to be?

Giulia smiled and motioned towards her shorts pocket and for the man to fetch the non-existent lighter himself. As he smiled and smirked, she smiled back and once his hand was fully inside with a snarl she twisted her hips to throw the man off-balance and tossed him into the dark alley, Patrick waiting. Immediately she pounced to stifle the man’s cries and pleas and bit deeply. The anguished cry muffled was nothing to Giulia’s raspy call to the thin blood.

Come. Feed.

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, The Garage | Erik She hesitates before answering your questions, obviously starting to struggle without how much she should be talking about this.

She relents. "The name Boogeymen doesn't show up in taskforce records until last month. In fact, most the "members" (they still refuse to acknowledge they are a gang) are not from the area. My contact in the gang taskforce even contacted his contact in the FBI to see if there's some national movement here, but there isn't as far as they can see. They don't even have a turf in the city as far as he can tell." She motions to the surroundings. "I mean, last I knew this was Towerside territory."

"All the people who've gone missing have reports, at least the ones who have families that filed, but we've only been able to tentatively link a few to the Boogeymen via CCTV and eye-witness account. Like I said, the department is not publicly stating a connection. "

"But I know these creeps are behind it. It's a gut feeling, ya know?" She looks at Erik asking with her eyes if he thinks she's crazy.

October 7th, 12 o'clock Hour, a San Francisco Alley | Giulia
Patrick looks at Giulia and her prey with a mix of horror and curiosity. But that only lasts a moment.

The beast quickly takes over, his eyes narrow and he can no longer conceal his fangs. The predator in him has shown itself.

He moves forward, at Giulia's direction and feeds.

Erik stands there listening to Laurie as she fills him in. Watching her as she speaks, Erik can tell Laurie doesn't have many options left. Mentally making his mind up, Erik flashes her a rare smile. If these guys are new on the streets, With this being Towerside territory, it's only a matter of time before they move on these...Boogeyman. That happens and it'll get messy, hell I wouldn't be surprised if these guys make it over the next couple of days. Most gangs don't like it when you set up shop in their territory.

Looking at the picture one more time, Erik hands it back to Laurie. Always trust your gut, it'll never let you down. Mine has kept me alive...for years. Do you have something to write on?

As Laurie hands him a small notebook and pen, Erik quickly writes his number down. This is number to my cell. Call me when you hear something or if you need anything.

Looking down at the thugs on the concrete floor, Erik flashes Laurie another playful and flirtatious grin. As you can see I'm good with my hands and I'm not afraid to shake the trees and see what falls out.

After the feeding concluded, Giulia sat up to adjust herself, her hair, and wipe away the dribble of blood from the corner of her lip. Licking her finger clean, she turned to Patrick. There wasn’t so bad was it? Just try not to think about it too much. I know this was new for you but you’ll get the hang of it. Or you’ll die. she thought carelessly.

Quickly she retrieved her phone and quickly began to message Erik. I’m just going to let my associate know about your situation. Once we’ve had time to chat I’ll call you tomorrow.

Erik, lot to tell you. There’s a diablerist in the neighborhood. She’s shortish, speaks in a stilted accent, and wears tight fitting office clothes. Piercing blue eyes. Stay safe but meet me soon.

October 7th, 1 o'clock Hour, The Garage | Erik
She thanks Erik for his intervention, his willingness to help, and any insights he's provided.

She looks at Erik, firmly assessing him. Maybe he's connected...the mob? Honestly, I don't care, she thinks.

She nods "I'll call if I get anymore leads." She looks at the gang members who are now starting to groan in pain. "Yeah, I'll leave 'em here with you--if you want to 'shake' anything out."

She gives a half-smile to Erik, turns and walks away, her heels echoing in the cavernous parking garage.

October 7th, 1 o'clock Hour, A Windy San Francisco Street | Giulia
Patrick takes his leave, truly thankful for the assistance Giulia has provided. After the feeding, he was looking more confident--and less human; a good thing.

Leaves scatter down the street. The wind tugs at your hair.

Does Giulia head anywhere else while she waits for Erik's response? Is there anything else she's planned for this evening?

October 7th, 1 o'clock Hour | Giulia
Giulia returns to her lair.

But what does this lair look like?! What does one see when they tour her place? What's her setup? Where does she sleep for the day?

Erik watches as Laurie leaves the area. Still wondering why he's helping her, Erik turns his attention back to the thugs. Looking down at the group of them, Erik grabs the leader and roughly pulls him up into a standing position. Looking at the others , he simply gives them an undeniable order..Disappear...I see you in this area again and all bets are off.

As the thugs stumble off, Erik moves in the opposite direction, half dragging his prisoner. Once they're outside the garage and in a dark alley, Erik starts his own line of questions. Tell me everything you know about what the good Detective was talking about. Cooperate and it'll go better.

Giulia returns to her old family home. Long since abandoned it has remained unchanged and is in dire need of a redecoration. There she sleeps during the day in her childhood room surrounded by her past glories. A sad end to a once lively house.

October 7th, 2 o'clock Hour, A Quiet San Francisco Street | Erik
As Erik heads home to his lair, perhaps the following would bound around his head:

At some point during the feeding / interrogation, the thug desperately told as much as he could. You'd have seen no reason for him to lie--his eyes earnest as he babbled. He listed all he knew for you.Erik arrives home. Where does he live? What does it look like? What does he respond to Giulia?!

Erik walks into the penthouse suite that he calls home. Locking the door and turning the lights on, Erik looks around at the suite. Being a suite it has spacious rooms and a full kitchen and living Ares. The two bedrooms are large enough for king beds with space left over.

Hitting a switch on the wall, Erik slides the floor length curtains back automatically. Staring out the full length windows, Erik stares at the view of the city. Mentally making notes, he wonders how long it would take to gain any real power.

Hearing the soft footsteps coming up behind him, Eric smiles to himself. Loki...it's good to be home. I'm guessing that you behaved yourself today The large Rottweiler sat beside Erik and looked out the window as well. One day..old friend. One day..

Turning away from the windows Erik and Loki walked back into the living room. Hitting the switch to close the curtains, Erik turned the TV on listen to the local news. Moving into the kitchen Erik opened the wine color and selected a bottle with a red cap on it. Pouring himself a glass and putting the rest in a bowl, Erik set the bowl down in front of Loki. There wasn't much on the menu tonight. There was a chance for a blonde, but it didn't play out like I thought. So it's leftovers tonight.

Lori gives Erik an almost sarcastic look, but digs into his dinner anyway.

Sitting down at the counter, Erik pulls out his phone to look at his messages. Seeing one from Giulia, Erik opens and reads it. Quickly pressing the keys he sends a response. Sorry for missing your message. Apparently, I'm a magnet for strays. I just got done with some bad take out and came home. We've been invited to the Elysium club tomorrow night. Not sure why, but you can bet it's political. Wear something that puts your Sunday best to shame. Call me tomorrow when you get up. We can talk about this...poacher.

Pressing send, Erik next opens up his laptop and powers it up. Once it's ready, he taps on an icon and opens a secure link to Jynx, his Hacker contact. Typing a simple message out, Erik asks for her help.

Jynx, need your help on a pet project. I'm looking into the disappearance of some locals. It's both males and females around college age. The police thinks a local small-time gang called The Boogeymen may be behind it. I'm attaching a list of what details I know. Can you send me a copy of any reports the cops have as well as any pertinent information you can dig up on the gang. No rush, so a day or two will be fine.

Erik sends the message and then shuts down the computer. Looking down at Loki, whose just finishing his dinner, Erik smiles and scratches the dog behind his ears. Well old friend, it's time to sleep. I'll see you tonight.

Knowing Loki will lay down in the living room and guard the apartment, Erik goes into the bedroom. Getting undressed Erik climbs into bed and goes to sleep.