Dear Seneschal Jack, Priscus of the Ventrue, Speaker of the First Estate,
I hope that this report finds you well. I have been involved in the investigation into the dropping bodies, the term I coin for someone killing Kine after Kindred feed upon them. The investigation has hit some pitfalls with the departure of Mr. JC Smith, Dirt Nap and Edward Heinrich.
Reeve Durant, Mr. Smith, Dirt Nap and I staged a potential victim through feeding on one of my herd, which may have drawn the cat. A Kindred arrived following the cat and carrying a body bag. Reeve Durant, Mr. Smith, Dirt Nap and I captured a Kindred by the name of Angela and a cryptid that looks like a cat some months ago.
Dirt Nap and I investigated some occult texts. My research of creatures suggests this cryptid's intelligence and reactions suggest a familiar. A type of creature called to a witch.
Reeve Durant went to investigate an antique store. I believe she charged the coterie of Mariposa Sanchez to investigate the customers of this shop.
Whip Northbridge investigated the site of one of the murders, a bar by the name of the Wrangler.
Hierophant Wood investigated a night club by the name of the Rapture.
I investigated a homeless encampment that was near the site of the capture of Angela and the cryptid. I discovered that the encampment is well organized and called Feather River. There is a woman looking for Angela, she questioned the residents of the camp as to her whereabouts. The woman introduces herself as Lottie. Lottie states that she has been staying with a friend and that Angela went missing near a nightclub (while we took her very close to Feather River). One of the residents directed Lottie to the overpass. I followed Lottie while using my Blood Gifts and observed her investigating the scene of the fight between our group and Lottie. She seems to have some forensic knowledge and she took something. I observed the vehicle that she departed in, recording the license plate and color and model of the car: A black 2018 Honda Civic.
Reeve Durant, Whip Northbridge, Hierophant Wood and I met where the cat is being held. Hierophant Wood used her Gift to communicate with the cat while we observed.
Reeve Durant, Whip Northbridge, Hierophant Wood and I met at Nox to compare information and make a plan moving forward. We first established what the cat had said to Hierophant Wood. Hierophant Wood reported the following: "It's a male that the cat works with. The man feeds the cat fish. Then the man gets what he needs from the cat. He calls the cat to different places. He's been calling for the cat, even now. The man lives near a pond with falling water. He smells like false flowers? And he is sometimes with others who smell like shut ins who don't see light."
The man needs what the cat takes from the weak. It's not blood but life energy. I'm not really sure what the cat meant. But the cat also didn't understand the word controlling, so I’m not sure if the cat is being controlled or how it's being called. But, well I can call animals to me. So maybe the same way I call them? If that's so then the cat is only doing things of it's own free will."
"I looked into the Rapture. There is a backroom I couldn't physically go into. It has guards. But I was able to see into the room. On a table there was a spreadsheet from Forten Holdings LLC. On a paper there was a message...Expecting Gillian Keibler to accept a shipment tomorrow evening. There was a woman there with an attractive brown-haired man. I would recognize them both if I saw them again."
Reeve Durant reported: “For my part I didn't learn to much more except the name Ashea, and they think we are hunters. Still waiting for Ms. Perez and Co to check in with information on what they are selling out of the shop.”
Whip Northbridge stated that he met a gentleman by the name of Roderick Singer At the Wrangler. Roderick stated that he is waiting for Angela. Roderick invited Whip O'Brien to the Rapture where he would meet with Roderick's friends. Roderick suggested that Whip Northbridge bring friends of his own.
The group made a plan to interrogate Angela. I suggested using my Family Gifts and Whip Northbridge offered his own Gifts. Reeve Durant stated that "We will start with the mildest methods and work our way up, as they say."
The four investigators confronted Angela in her cell. I brought a local map to determine where her conspirators are. Angela indicated where the club, Rapture, is located. She indicated where Forten parks his care throughout the week.
I have not been able to contact Reeve Durant. I contacted Mister Wells on June 6th, asking him to contact me when he has been in contact with the Reeve Durant, Priscus of the Mekhet. I have not been informed of any news.
Outcome: Angela remains a prisoner in the cells. I plan to periodically visit her with sustenance to keep her prime for interrogation. It is my will to use my Family's gifts to gain some insight into what she may know. A photograph was recovered that hints that she may have an adult daughter. I plan to investigate the identity of this person. I shall feed the cat, and believe it best to be kept confined.
I have completed a plan on where I expect to find the remaining individuals who risked the Masquerade. I have discovered that there have been no more ‘dropping bodies’ tied to feeding death reported. I plan to check with a few Kindred personally to ensure this is accurate. As I was given leave to reach out to potential investigators, I have reached out to Alder Soldier Quartermain to join the investigation. I muse on the thought of approaching Mister Wells and Madame Kingsley. Have you any thoughts on the matter of their appropriateness for this task?
Once I have assembled competent investigators, I plan to step back into research for the investigation as needed, and have the investigators pursue the leads as they see fit. I believe there is a need to see who has a sound mind and good instincts about investigations in the Domain.
May you be well until we speak again.
Lady Notary Jennifer Hazelton, Priscus of the Nosferatu