Hells Mouth: Chicago Twilight

[The Mark]

Two weeks Before: http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15069

The Mark walked into the parking garage a hood covering his face. A voice behind him told him to stop and turn around slowly. The Mark complied he wasn't in Chicago for a war well not yet anyway. He was summoned here for business and the meeting spot this dim lit parking garage. The garage was below a skyscraper known to be own by the Camarilla and a place the prince Peterson frequented for business.

The Mark: "I'm not armed. I came on the belief that I was needed for a job."

Peterson: "Of course you did but I highly doubt you are unarmed. Your kind rarely is. My name is Peterson your name would be?"

The mark: "Nice try Peterson you know better then that just call me the Mark."

Peterson was nervous noticeably he had a twitch in his right eye. The mark was calm even with the gun Peterson held in his hand pointed at him. Peterson was a one nervous twit that was for sure the mark pointed out to himself.

The Mark:" So what is it you need me for exactly?"

Peterson: "Well I am the prince and I must establish an Iron fist when things get out of hand. I believe the Anarchs are plotting an uprising and I intend to squash it before it happens."

The mark: "So what does this have to do with me. I don't care about your cami politics."

Peterson: "Well I can't personally take a hit out on the anarchs and I can't let people know I was involved. That’s where you come in your a hunter there are no laws the bind you in this city."

The mark: "So you want me to take out a hit on the anarchs to squash a little uprising you think will happen?"

Peterson: "I want you to attack a specific person his name is Jason Dreggs. I believe you have heard of him."

Peterson Handed the Mark an envelope with all the details on it. Also enclosed was payment that was needed to even meet with the mark.

The mark: "I have heard of him yes he was part of the reason my little experiment in Alexandria got canceled. It will cost you ten thousand up front and five decent men that can help with the job."

Peterson: "The money is fine but why the men?"

The mark: "Surveillance mostly cause I need to get an Idea where the best place for this hit to take place. If we tail him we can do this allot easier."

Peterson: "I see. I will get you the men and the money but can I ask you one last question before this conversation ends?"

The mark: "You can ask any question you like doesn't mean I will answer."

Peterson: "Why are you in Chicago anyway last I heard you gave up on all your dreams."

The mark laughed at the question Peterson posed to him. It was true he had retired for the most part but in Chicago he saw something maybe a chance to finish what he originally started. Then again there was a deeper reason he had ended up her in this city.

The Mark: "I'm here for revenge of course."

Peterson: "On who Jason Dreggs?"

The mark just laughed at the thought and walked away. Who he wanted revenge on was none of Peterson’s business. Jason may have helped in ending his operation in Egypt but he was nothing compared to the man the mark was really after.

[Jason Dreggs]

Two days after: http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15069

Jason Knelt by the remains of the bar across the police tape that surrounded the area. The Policeman on watch was asleep across the street in his car unaware that someone had already past the Barricade. Kneeling there the rage in Jason’s eyes had steal not gone away, he wanted revenge. He reached down and pickup some of the ashes and shifted it between his hands while he was deep in thought.

This was his fault he should have stayed in Alexandria. There at least people respected or feared him for what ever they thought he was or could become. Jason though wasn't nor did he think he would become what the rumors of him said. Yet here in this city those rumors where even blown more out of proportion then they where in Egypt. People feared him to the point of wanting him dead and that put innocents in danger. That danger he put his friends in was what Jason feared most of all. He didn't care if he died but if people like Bill and Carl died for him that was torture on what was left of the soul he hoped he still had.

"Who could have done this to all these people with no remorse for anyone’s life. Just to get their petty fears of me out of their mind."

The question he posed to himself was one he couldn't truly answer but he had his suspicions. He knew the Cami didn't like his presence in the city and a few anarchs where disappointed that there elders would send him here to help. But the cami's where the prime suspects in his mind. At what cost would the cami go to have him dead though he had to wonder. Then the tears began to flood again as he thought of all those that lost there lives or where hurt because of him. His mind set on the Image of the Bartender Charlene then.

[Brigid Cassidy]

12:15 A.M.

:: Brigid rode through the Chicago streets, on her usual patrol in Fiona's absense. The incident of the firebombing had reached her ears from some locals at the Succubus club. It was a strange feeling hanging out there in a peacable fashion. Thirteen years before, she had helped trash the place during the war. There were a few vamps, like Gengis and Damien, who remembered her. She had taken out Pham Hong, one of Capone's enforcers, with a sword. It made a lasting impression on them, so they didn't give her any trouble.

She stopped her motorcycle across the street from the burned out ruins of the Last Resort and made her way onto the site. There was someone there, sifting through the ashes ::

[Charlene Briggs]

By all rights, I should still be in the hospital. I had enough bruises, cracked ribs, and cuts for an army. Not to mention all the smoke inhalation that royally messed up my lungs. What was it? Day and a half later. Yeah. My wounds healed up nicely, save for the cracked ribs, but they're on their way to mending too. Docots were baffled and couldn't explain why I was able to heal so quickly. Scares the hell outta me to be honest, but I'll take it as one of the few miracles the guy upstairs decided to throw my way.

Hurts to breath still because of the busted ribs but least I know I'm still alive on this oh so beautiful crisp night. I decided to see what was left of my job since I got cleared to leave Rush. Hopped on a bus and two transfers later, here I am; walking down the lonely street to a job that ain't there for me. I can see the carcass of what was once the Last Resort. The death of the place hadn't happened that long ago, so the stench of burned wood and plastic still sorta hung in the air. Not a surprise really but something did catch my attention. Actually someone ...

Hah! Jason got out all right. Good for him. I wasn't sure if he did but I have this weird sense that Carl and Bill didn't make it. I dunno. Maybe it's women's intuition or something.

I kick a broken piece of wood over his way and throw him a lopsided grin. "Search no more! You found me."

[Jason Dreggs]

Jason turned as a piece of wood was knocked his way and heard the voice. He reached up and cleared away his teary eyes. Then he smiled at Charlene with out much hesitation.

"Well I see your doing well health wise?"

He wasn't really that surprised by how fast she had healed it was due to him that she did. Yet he pretended pretty well at least he thought he did. He didn't speak for a moment as the two stood there in a bit of silence.

"I'm sorry about the bar."

[Brigid Cassidy]

:: Brigid stepped past the police tape, but waited at a distance to hear more before she made a judgement ::

[Charlene Briggs]

What the hell? "You gotta be kidding me. How in the hell was the bar burning down your fault?" I shrug a bit and kneel down to pick at the wreckage. "Okay yeah, I'm outta a job and yeah I got beat up pretty good but I fail to see how that's your fault. It was those bitches that threw the cocktails through the window's fault."

Okay, the truth is that I'm pissed off. This gig was good and I was making decent cash and tips to save for school. But now I'm gonna be in the hole again till I can find another job.

[Jason Dreggs]

"How was it my fault well the people that did this where after me."

Jason didn't lie he was pretty sure the hit was meant for him. He didn't exactly know who or why but that would come with his investigation. He knew he wasn't very well liked by quite a few people some of which might have followed him Chicago even. Bill and Carl he was for sure they weren’t the hits cause they where to low ball players in this giant game.

Bill had been around for a while but he wasn't much of the warring or starting trouble first type. Carl was a cami outcast his own mastered turned a blind Eye to him. He was nothing in no ones mind except a cast away. That left Jason pretty much as the soul possible hit.

"Allot of people died cause I'm a... Um because of what I do for a living. You got hurt because I just wasn't smart enough to leave the city. You lost a job because of my invincible attitude. I don't like it when people get hurt because of me and those that hate me."

[Brigid Cassidy]

:: Brigid turned on her flashlight, and shined it on the faces of the two strangers as she spoke gruffly ::

"You two wanna tell me what you're doing nosing around a crime scene?"

[Charlene Briggs]

I wince and see stars from the bright light shining in my face. I hold up a hand to fend off some of the glare. "Yeah. Great question. How about answering it yourself."

[Jason Dreggs]

Jason shuttered back from the light his wince even greater then Charlene's. Some days it sucked being undead especially the light sensitivity part. Yet unlike sunlight the flashlight's beams didn't hurt they where just annoying. Charlene spoke first and Jason almost had to chuckle at her forwardness. Jason pointed to Charlene.

"I agree with her. If you’re a cop show us your badge or something at least?"

[Brigid Cassidy]

"Detective Cassidy, and I'll ask the questions." Brigid replied. She stood strategically in the shadows, still shining the light in their faces in an annoying police-like manner.

[Charlene Briggs]

"And ya ain't getting any answers till we see a badge." God I hate pigs. I really do.

[Jason Dreggs]

"You think you might be going a little over board with this demanding stuff?"

Jason had to ask cause he had seen some horrible atrocities happen to people for not listening to an officer of the law. Rodney king mostly and that horrible TV show called cops came to mind of what happened to people who didn't listen to the cops. Gah American TV was crap and there news was even worse.

"I really don't want to get beat down by cops at this moment I have seen your TV show called cops you know. I know what happens to the people that don't listen. I really don't want to get chased down by a cop dog and bit in the nads at the moment."

[Brigid Cassidy]

:: Brigid held up a badge just long enough to glint some light on it. She was very careful not to lose track of them, or let any light shine on her own face as she kept them in the glare of the flashlight ::

"Alright kids, let's see some I.D."

[Charlene Briggs]

Ah well, messing with the pig was fun while it lasted and I fished out my I.D for her. "Here."

I flip my wallet open and show my driver's license. "Anyway, I used ta work here all right. Was visiting the place like last rights."

I toss the cop my wallet. "You'll find a pay stub for the bar in there too."

Bitch.

[Jason Dreggs]

Jason reluctantly reached in his Jacket slowly and pulled out his passport and tossed it the cop’s way. In side was his name Jason Jr. Mcgraves-Dreggs although he only used the later of the two last names. It stated he was a citizen of both the US and England. It stated his age as 30 although he looked young for his age. Also the even stranger part about his passport it stated his Fathers name. Jason Mcgraves Sr. Diplomat and owner of Underground enterprises.

The reason it stated this was Cause Jason Mcgraves Sr. had diplomatic immunity and by default Jason had the same for being direct family. Jason didn't like showing his ID for that fact it was a sad fact of life that he had to depend on his fathers name to get him by from time to time.

"Any questions officer if not charge me and deport me already?"

[Brigid Cassidy]

:: She scrutinized the IDs before passing them back ::

"You're not carrying any drugs are you?"

[Charlene Briggs]

"For the love of ..." I snatch my wallet back before I say something I might regret. "No. I'm. Not."

Took me forever to get that through my teeth but then I decided to have more fun. "Course, if ya wanted to strip search me, I'm sure Jason wouldn't mind." I give the cop a wink. "Who knows? I might not mind either."

I'm so bad.

[Jason Dreggs]

Jason’s jaw dropped a bit of course he wouldn't mind he was male after all. Even though he was a vampire those urges never really go away. Hell didn't he see that in a bad American porn once a female cop, one male and another female. He shook the thought from his mind and got back to business well sorta.

"Sure I got drugs about thirty Kilo's of Cocaine up my anus. You want to check or are just going to trust me and arrest me already."

Jason was starting to think this really wasn't a cop he didn't know why but there was something about the way this female cop poser went about things. So he decided to take Charlene's attitude with the situation. Most cops wouldn't take Charlene's attitude, which is why Jason was even more leery now.

[Brigid Cassidy]

"Alright, both of you ... move it over to the curb and put your hands on your head."

[Charlene Briggs]

I bust out laughing because this is how it always ends regardless if I was being cooperative or not. I gave up on that a long time ago and always like having fun with the pigs since I end up having to spread em in the end anyway. Yeah, ya heard that right. I have a bit of time under my belt but nothing more the several months at a crack. But once you're labeled, you're always labeled in Chi Town.

"As you wish, M'lady." I turn around and put my hands on my head as I head over to the curb. "So how ya want me? Bent over or on my knees?"

I've done this song and dance several times. Can ya tell?

[Jason Dreggs]

Jason turned around and put his hands on his head. He didn't like this situation again it was turning into that dammed cops show. At least he didn't have to see it through that single handheld camera though that was a plus. Then his thought shifted didn't that porno he saw start out this way to although it ended up the two women frisked the man. By far that would be the best way it could turn out.

"I ain't bending over no matter how much you ask. I don't even want to know about the horrible things you might do with that flash light of yours."

Jason paused then as he saw the wall acrossed the street and the graffeti on it. His hands dropped imidiately from the back of head. He didn't turn around he just stood there almost as if in a trance. Amongst the various graffati was a symbol he recognized as the symbol of chaos and the symbol of the mark.

[Brigid Cassidy]

:: Brigid fought back a chuckle. These two were far too gullible. Then she followed Jason's gaze to the wall ::

"What?"

[Charlene Briggs]

So I get nosey and see what the hoopla was about. It was just the same old graffiti that's been on that wall for a week now. Some new gang must've come inta the area and decided to cover up the local gangs mark as a sign of power. Thing was, no one knew who the hell these guys were.

So I shrug. "Just some new gang symbol. Someone decided to move inta town."

Course then I started following Jason's line of thought. "You don't think they had something to do with the bar, do ya?"

[Jason Dreggs]

"It ain't no new gang symbol. I know that symbol it's an old occult symbol for chaos and there is only one man I know who uses it."

Jason stopped at that he didn't want to divulge to much to the two people present. Both where more then likely nothing more then mortals. Telling them all of what he knew of the symbol would but him in a hairy situation. One he didn't think he could talk his way out of. So instead he quickly fabricated a lie that would suffice for the moment.

"The symbol belongs to an assassin. Not much is known about him other then the fact that he was one of the best in Alexandria Egypt. He was a feared man killed twenty four known people before he got caught and was imprisoned for life in Alexandria."

Jason didn't tell the part about how only one of those people was a mortal the rest where vampires like him. Jason had been apart of the group that had set the hunter up to get caught using a ghoul as bate. A ghoul who looked like Jason.

"I was the person on his hit list. He was highbred by a rival company that didn't want the negotiations I was working on to come to life. The authorities found out about me being on the list some how. They used me or rather a plant that looked like me as bate. That’s how they caught the assassin. He calls himself the mark but his real name is John Barton or Father Barton if you will he claims to be a humble priest although the holy church has no record of him."

Jason was walking a very thin line here of telling the truth and half truths of what really happened but he had to. This John Barton fellow never really existed anywhere the only way the authorities got his name was cause John himself told them his name. Although John denied being the mark they stilled ended up convicting him of the crimes.

"He wrote a book while he was in prison where he tried to claim his innocents. It's a book you will never find her in America and it is hard to find in Egypt itself since people where afraid to print it. The story told in that book explains just how crazy the mark is. In the book he tries to play off that he was doing the world a service in Gods eye's destroying evil before it destroyed us. He claimed in that book he had killed over a hundred people that where really not people at all but demons and vampires."

It was true the one Jason believed to be the mark did right a book. Most of which was true even though it got printed in the fictional section.

"The Mark managed to escape from prison no one really knows how."

This wasn't true Jason knew exactly how the mark escaped. The mark was known for working with the Camarilla and they owed him allot. They helped him escape to repay there debt and cover up there own tracks before he talked anymore or wrote another book.

"He is a very crazy man and he is after me and anyone that stands in the way of his goal. He never leaves a job unfinished or so I am told. It would seem he has followed me here and I am the cause of what happened to this bar."

[Brigid Cassidy]

:: Brigid blinked, and looked at Charlene for a reaction ::

[Charlene Briggs]

Okay, what the hell? How is it then when I remotely dig a guy, then end up being a jerk or certifiably insane. Corporate rivalries and assassins? And what's up with calling yourself The Mark? Oooo. Scary. I'm quaking in my boots.

I look at the cop who has the same dumbfounded look as me. I do what any rational human could do in a situation like this and take the back of my hand and check Jason for fever. He doesn’t have one, but the dude is cold as hell. I was originally doing this as a joke, but maybe he really isn’t feeling well … “Are you sure you’re all right?”

[Jason Dreggs]

"I'm fine just ain't happy with the fact that this is all my fault."

Jason had to walk the line carefully here. He had already cause enough mass confusion to make him credibly insane. Now not only was Charlene caught in this mess of insanity so was this mysterious cop. This cop Jason wasn't even sure was really a cop.

"If you don't believe what I am saying to you check your police records for a man named John Barton aka the Mark. He should be on your list since he is on the FBI's list. He is a dangerous man and he will rip this city apart just to get what he wants."

Jason was borderline paranoid but not crazy. Nor was John Barton really a corporate assassin but he could not tell ether of them that. The mark was a very chaotic man with only one thing on his mind making the war between the vampires one sided.

"He was called the mark because he always leaves a symbol of his passing where he commits his crimes. The symbol of chaos like the one on that wall over there. He more then likely isn't just after me either he rarely shows up in a city just for a single kill. Where he is havoc follows."

[Brigid Cassidy]

:: Brigid was about to ask another question when the cop across the street discovered them. Cursing, she made a break for it, knocking him down as he fumbled for his gun ::