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"You'd better be careful how loudly you say that," Bouchard says with a sniff.

"My dear, Mekuztli," Alisha says, walking up from behind you. The rabbi she'd been speaking with has moved on to talk with a small cluster of neonates. "I thought you'd have a better appreciation of my efforts here." She waves an arm at the window. "Their reactions are the art! The contortions they'll resort to, the confusion on their faces blooming into manufactured understanding masquerading as enlightenment! It's better than I could have hoped for!" She looks up at Bouchard and you could swear her eyes twinkle. "Even the old Leper appreciates it!"

As fascinating as the artistic revelation is, you can't get over the nagging feeling that you may be missing something. Why did Hauberk ambush you in the street? What's happening tonight that Ward might have wanted you distracted from? Did he want to keep you away? You nervously run your finger over the edge of Ward's business card in your pocket.

Alisha scoffs. "I'm sure the Anarch threat will be dealt with in short order." She eyes Qui in the opposite corner of the room. "Assuming that our good Sheriff isn't too caught up in investigating Vivian Maier's crucifixion to remember his duties. Arundel may be known for accepting unusual Kindred into his city, but violating the Tradition of Hospitality and staying here without his blessing? Well, that's what he has a Sheriff to deal with, is it not? The extermination of pests?"

"She may be right, Alisha," Bouchard gurgles grotesquely. It sounds like something has come loose in his throat. He pounds a fist into his chest and the wet rattling stops. "You promised us that this place of yours was safe. And if you don't care about your reputation, think about your delicate features—you wouldn't want to risk losing a nail, would you? At least up security."

Alisha bites her tongue and waves a hand in mock surrender. "Fine. But such mewling is hardly becoming for either of you." She waves over one of her aides and speaks to her quietly before turning back to you. "There. We've got it covered. Happy?"

"Delighted," Bouchard says with a scowl.

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