"A fair point, Agad the Imperishable," Qui says. "It's not that I disagree with Lang's assertion, it's the tenor of his message. Our Tremere colleague knows the contempt I hold for Anarchs, and he's also aware that they are at the top of my list of suspects. But if I've learned anything over long decades as Sheriff, it's never to overlook the less immediate elements of a case. As much as none of you would dare admit to your desires aloud, we all know that an absence of power causes a rising tide for the ambitious. Who stands to gain the most from the upheaval? That is an uncomfortable question which needs to be asked."
"An astute observation, Sheriff!" The response comes not from Lang, but from Kashif, the Banu Haqim vizier you received for Corliss two nights prior. "Lang would have us forget that it was not only the Brujah who left this city with souls harboring disdain for Arundel. The Tremere were furious when the Prince extended his hospitality to my clan, and now only one of the warlocks remains here—a token of anger, a festering boil who wants to see the Broken Clan regain their lost honor. It is easy to look upon the outsiders with hate in our hearts, but it is injustice to punish them without determining proof of their guilt." He shifts toward Qui. "Is that not so, Sheriff?"
Qui chooses his words carefully, taking his time. "There is little benefit to punishing a guiltless party; we all have an interest in prolonging our own existence. Vivian Maier was found not only staked, but bound to a crucifix with barbed wire. Her servants were poisoned and her butler was cut open with ruthless precision. I would like to believe that if I were to find any of you in such a position, that you would want me to leave no stone unturned during the investigation. Everyone will be answering questions regarding their whereabouts. No exceptions."
"We could do no less, Sheriff," a voice rises with crisp clarity above the din of muttered bickering. "Any loyal Kindred should be prepared to answer your questions and aid the investigation." It's Ophelia, a Primogen of clan Malkavian. "As you say, Vivian was the last of us to speak with Arundel. The sooner we can resolve this little dilemma, the faster we can move on and put a rest to these boorish rumors about our Prince." She inclines her head in Qui's direction. "I'll speak with you as soon as the meeting is adjourned."
"Perhaps it is for the best," Kashif says in agreement from his seat beside Ophelia. "The Sheriff is only doing what he needs to do."
"That's strange," Jordan whispers. "Why would she volunteer herself? Answering questions about their comings and goings is usually the last thing any of the council wants to do. Everything's a secret to these people—she's got to be playing an angle…"
Qui returns Ophelia's nod respectfully. "We'll discuss the particulars in a moment. For now I'd like to speak with Vivian while we have everyone assembled."
All Eyes to Vivian