[center][url=https://imgbb.com/][img]https://image.ibb.co/kRiHzc/strom_sig.png[/img][/url][/center] [hr] “Why are you here, Nicolaus?” The same question surfaced from the lips of the middle-aged Jewish man behind the glass counter more often than not, and yet he knew the answer that followed, as it was the same response given by the vampire each time he'd had to come around. “Information.” And yet on this particular occasion, his duty to protect Camarilla interests and gain much needed intel were once again being tested as one's reach clearly exceeded their temporal grasp. “And the truth, Mister DeLeo.” [b]Wexler’s Market and Deli[/b] on South Broadway had been the first of many stops in the Ventrue Archon’s current investigation, knowing that the longtime owner and operator, Stewart DeLeo, would be more than obliged to assist considering a few of his failed businesses within California -the Market being one of them- recently resurrected via funds provided by Nicolaus and other non disclosed partners through various holding companies and shell organizations that co-labored with the Camarilla. It was a mere drop in the bucket as far as business ventures go, and the whole operation was essentially a front to launder money being collected by those underground organizations working for the Sect, and in some cases, directly with members of the Inner Circle. Through the process of “structuring", incoming cash was broken into smaller deposits of money, thereby used to defeat any suspicion of money laundering and to avoid governmental anti-money laundering reporting requirements. In addition to those safeguards, certain law enforcement officials were gifted a percentage of the “cleaned profits” in exchange for turning a blind eye. However, what the true concern was, the focus of the visit, and one of the leads to a greater cause, were recent dealings with a centuries-old enemy. “Truth?” DeLeo asked with his best quizzical expression. “What ‘truth’ would that be, Mister Strom?” If the little man had at least one solitary tell, it was his usage of the title ‘Mister’, which he rarely ever spoke when addressing Nicolaus, unless of course, he was apprehensive about a particular matter... “You have disappointed me Stewart.” The vampire gazed at the other with a deadpan expression, deviating from the former friendlier visage that he'd greeted with only minutes earlier. “Tell me about the deal you’ve recently made with the Lewis Brothers meat packing plant, as well as the names of those involved.” It didn't take a high degree of supernatural ability to sense that the mortal was becoming quite uncomfortable with the sudden interrogation, especially one taking place in the front area of his store, specifically . The deli was an hour from closing and DeLeo would rather not be within earshot of any remaining customers. But Nicolaus didn't have the time to wait, and the handful of people doing their last minute shopping were nowhere within range, a detail the vampire didn't miss. “Before something is said that may be detrimental to the future of your business...” For a moment, the Archon turned his attention toward the unaware shoppers scattered about before returning his gaze to the man. “I would suggest an early closing.” Allowing a sigh to escape coupled with a furrowed brow, but otherwise ceasing any further comments he’d had ready to interject, the owner stepped toward the P.A. system. “Unfortunately folks we will need to close early for the night, so...my apologies for the inconvenience. Please make your way to the register for checkout.” The man’s voice couldn’t have sounded more drab and monotone if he tried, and the grumbling echoes from the now hurried customers only added to his tension. The next few minutes found Stewart fielding questions about his abrupt closing and apologizing numerous times while ringing up specialty kosher food items, during which time, Nicolaus stood on the sidelines until the last of them were shuffled out the door and the electronic lock secured behind them. “So, where were we?” The deli owner asked rather nonchalantly as he passed by the other to scoot around to the other side of the glass display counter. The Ventrue stood in silence, arching a dark eyebrow slightly as he waited for an answer to his previous question. “Oh right.” Deleo spoke up and nodded as though he'd just recalled. “Lewis Bros.” “Look Nicolaus.” The man cleared his throat, and the vampire could hear the rapid thumping of his heart. “I haven’t forgotten what you’ve done for me, but I didn't know it was-” “You ‘didn’t know’?” The Ventrue promptly interrupted, something he rarely did to another out of respect, but this instance was different. “Or you chose to [i]ignore[/i] it in hopes we wouldn't find out considering the small percentage of funds passing through here? Is that a correct assumption, Mister Deleo?” There was a pause from the other before he nodded in acknowledgement, sweat running down the side of his balding head. “You're smarter than that.” Nico frowned, yet his tone remained calm and even. “Why had you not come to us about this first, per our original arrangement?” Again, a long pause came from the owner as he appeared to be sulking in his failures, averting his eyes from the vampire. “They threatened me and my family if I didn't comply, and they knew your [i]Association[/i] was involved, which seemed to entice them even more so, but never gave a reason.” Stewart clenched his fist as he continued. “They knew where I lived, Nicolaus, as well as the names and addresses of relatives. I was just...looking out for my family you see.” Nicolaus stood for a moment contemplating the man's words, sympathizing at least in part for his decision under duress. And while the Archon already knew that the Sabbat had taken control of various meat and produce distribution businesses throughout California and beyond, interweaving themselves like a virus into an otherwise legalized system, he was curious as to their unusual way of doing it. If anything was known about the Sabbat within the kindred community, it was that they rarely did anything unnecessarily, and with enough preconceived planning, could go unnoticed for years until the time was right to surface. But this situation seemed different from their usual “sleeper cell" tactics, as though they were either being deliberate in their actions to eventually get caught, or they were becoming slopping out of desperation. In a way, Nicolaus figured it was both scenarios: anger and desperation for the loss of San Francisco, and to give the middle finger to the Camarilla in general. In either case, Stewart DeLeo had been a victim in this, and as it usually went with the Sabbat involved, the mortal pawns in this game would be the ones who suffered for the “greater good" of their demented vampire master. “Then continue your dealings with Lewis Brothers as normal.” The Archon finally responded after consideration. “However, our people will be keeping close tabs on their transactions specifically, and you will be required to check in with us every six hours, especially if they are to meet with you again. We want all details. Am I clear?” The other nodded without hesitation, and while he knew very little about his “business partners”, or whether they were part of some kind of mafia, he knew that there was very little he could do to back out of the deal. [i]Either[/i] side of the deal. “So, business as usual then?” Stewart asked with a sheepish grin, patting his face and forehead with a damp dish rag. “Until further notice, yes.” Nicolaus nodded, heading toward the front door. “You’re a good man Stewart, but do try to be more careful.”