Baron Temple is much as I'd expected. The kindred doesn't so much occupy space as loom, taking up even more space in the lavish office than can be accounted for by his height alone. This is a man who understands that power lies in perception, even if his abilities to manipulate perception are all the vein of showmanship. The kind of skills acquired over the course of a successful career as an entertainment mogul. Skills that have served him well, if also exposing his lack of a military mind.
"You've generated a lot of good will by presenting yourself to me," he's saying, "but given the... tensions right now between the Anarchs and the Camarilla, I trust you'll understand if I'm a tad suspicious of anyone who claims to be here on personal business. Not the safest time to be in L.A."
I force a smile, "No, it isn't. But I'm good at keeping to myself. To be frank, Baron, I could have come and gone and you'd have never known. I'm talking to you now because I'm in the area, and I respect what you're doing. Simple networking."
"You'll forgive me if I note that you seem remarkably unconcerned about wandering into a war zone. Even the Nosferatu have been on edge, and they have the market cornered on coming and going without anyone knowing. You're either naive, or, again, forgive me, hiding something."
"We're all hiding something baron. But in my case, it's nothing you need to be concerned with. I'll be gone within the week, and no one in this city will be the wiser except for you."
"See, you talk like someone who has been around the block. But my sources tell me you're young. Barely a neonate. Are they wrong?"
"It's true I don't have as many years on me as you do," I answer, "but I've had some excellent teachers.
The baron is silent for a moment, calculating. "Very well. I'll give you leave to operate in my domain, but in return I want a small boon. Nothing to get you in trouble with the Camarilla. Just that you'll keep yours ears open as you go about your business. A member of my coterie, a nosferatu by the name of Jasper was recently taken by the Prince Vanovar's scourges. I'm not asking that you go looking, but if happen to hear anything about his whereabouts-"
"You'll be the first to know," I say. It's a simple enough request, one he'll have trouble proving I didn't try to fulfill, and will get me out of his office with at least one of the two warring factions of this city not gunning for me.