"Damn!" said Hyacinth, slamming down the phone. Of all the times to have a crisis, this was not one of them. "Like I care if the Ventrue are stomping on your egos, " she mutters, although no one is listening. She takes a deep breath, for practice more than anything.

Of course, she's going to have to explain why Rhys wasn't coming back with her. But he was hers to do with as she pleased, and she'd rend anyone to shreds who dared accuse her of anything untoward. New York was NOT where she wanted to be this week, but she must go shepherd her flock.

/speaking of shepherding flocks/ she thought with a bemused grin, /it seems strange things are afoot at the circle K. Oh well, Albuquerque is *not* my concern any longer. Let them find themselves a real prince if they don't like the one they have./

Of course, the most irritating factor was that she would have to leave town before she could properly evaluate the potential of that new musician. There was something distinctly off about him. Perhaps it was just underenthusiasm. She was doing horrible with her aura reading lately, must have to brush out the cobwebs and try it again.

But if he was worth anything, someone would surely snap him up in the next few days. Handsome dishes are too few and far between in the sleepy town. She cursed the crybaby tories once again, and would make them pay if she lost out on this hunt.

Still, there might be a chance, if only Peregrine would help out. She could neither rely on Peregrine nor expect him to do anything. The help around here was really pathetic. But then again, they had no incentive. She'd have to start giving out favors here and there, so that she would have something to call in later.

As she packed a light bag for the trip down to the city she mumbled, "We're going to have to do something about waking up this town.."