Anita Blake - Chapter 10 - When the Mighty Fall

[Maxx]

December 23rd, 7:50 p.m.  - -  Seattle Police Department -Ian

"Don't get me started on the humanity of humanity,"  the werehyena muttered under his breath.  It was likely only the humans in the room missed it.  His eyes found the vampire.  "I didn't catch your name, baby blue," he said, pointing to his eyes to indicate where the nickname had come from.  "People don't care where the money comes from.  Shit, they'll turn a blind eye and hand out the tax receipts to anyone from the mafia to the porn industry, just as long as the money keeps coming in.  I think we'd do better trying to keep things centered on ourselves.  I'm not sure if this is the direction this meeting is supposed to go, though.  Are we supposed to come up with some plan to get shapeshifters and vampires into uniform or are we trying to figure out how to work more easily with the cops so that they don't have a shoot first and ask never situation?"

[Cassie]

December 23rd, 7:50 p.m.  - -  Seattle Police Department - Tristan and Jonah

As Jonah sighed and took notes on the conversation and the direction it went, he thought about what it was that he should say. There was a point that the argument should end and he knew he should be the one that ended it but he was curious on what would be said in retort of Ian's comment. He had a job to do but could not help but study the individuals in the room. The lycan felt he could serve a better purpose by being quiet, observing and figure out what those that had come are about. As for his offer to fund, he merely said he would front funding. He knew that there was more to do that just that but he figured letting them discuss it would aid in him figuring them out. Though, the difficulty lied in those that would remain silent rather then speak up. They were either reserved or shy. This mean that he would have to take his time to speak with them one on one. So far, at couple of them seemed to have very strong views on the manner and the Hyena was starting to seem dangerous on his manners alone. Jonah noted ever detail of the meeting and how it went on.

Meanwhile, the vampire known as Tristan, had been sitting there drawing and then using one of the free sheets to fold origami birds. The first one he worked on was being folded while comments were made on the subject of school. He listened but he did not say anything until someone addressed an issue of knowing his name. "That is because I said it earlier. It is not my fault you and red were late and did not hear it." Those cold baby blues locked onto the Hyena. He bit his lip and dropped the first complete bird onto the table. He glanced at the priest and then back at the  back at Ian while wondering how aggressive he was.

[Maxx]

December 23rd, 7:55 p.m.  - -  Seattle Police Department - Father Domenic Sozio

"The purpose of this meeting is to allow the Seattle Police department and the members of the preternatural community to come together, with the hope that the two groups can figure out a way to work together,"  Domenic said.  "You aren't going to see any lycanthropes of vampires in uniform any time soon.  Hopefully what you will see is the groups coming together to deal with the particular issues facing the shapeshifters and the vampires.  The current situation with the werewolf Alpha, for example.  According to the letter of the law he's facing execution.  I... we would like to see him pardoned and given counseling to help deal with the trauma he's been through."

"Anything being done about the murder of Ben Stillwell?" the werehyena asked.  It wasn't a casual question and even the humans in the room knew that.

"Friend of yours?"  Domenic asked.  "You have my condolences."

"How about I have your word that you'll catch the bastard instead?"

[Cassie]

December 23rd, 7:55 p.m.  - -  Seattle Police Department - Tristan Crow - Jonah Ravenos

"First off," began Tristan stand up, "I agree with him. Something needs to be done and someone like that needs to be caught." He gestured towards Ian and then glanced over at the Father. "Secondly, I think I have heard enough. I do not get why a Lycan or vamp could not be one of the po. We have criminals of all breeds. But I guess there will not be an answer and had the victim been human...." He sighed heavily and then began to walk towards the door. "I will find you later, Padre..."

Meanwhile, Jonah gave a soft sigh and a faint smile. "I am sure there is a perfectly good explanation on why things are the way they are." He had an idea but he was not going to force anyone into a discussion. Jonah looked to Ian and added, "I am sure all that can be done will be. If we, as a society of our own, learn to work with the Police Department, we can solve this issue and many others. The murder will be brought to justice."

[Maxx]

December 23rd, 7:56 p.m.  - -  Seattle Police Department - Father Domenic Sozio

Domenic sighed.  His discomfort filled the room.  Even the humans could pick up on it.  "Ian, I can't say for certain that Ben's killer will be caught.  From the look of it, we may be dealing with a preternatural serial killer.  Serial killers rarely hunt outside their sex or their racial stereotype although there are exceptions.  Jeffrey Dahmer, for example, hunted blacks and asians, even though he was white.  For someone to hunt shapeshifters, they would have to also be preternatural.  As far as we can tell, these killings have been happening on or around the full moon.  That suggests a preternatural link although it's unlikely to be a shapeshifter.  The killing is too precise for that close to the full moon.  That means vampire or one of the many variations of witch.  If we can determine what time the killings took place we'll be able to potentially eliminate the vampires.  So, as much as it looks like we've got nothing to go on, we've got a great deal of information.  I'm sure you all realize that leaking any of this to the press will make the case that much harder to solve?"