Alan gets his way

The elegant office was intentionally decorated with expensive and elaborate objects to instill a simple concept in anyone that visited, "I'm rich as fuck". Despite that however, the large room smelled of cigars and was far darker than any mortal would be comfortable in, cheapening the effect. The man who occupied it cared little for the opinions of his visitors, as long as they felt intimidated when they entered.
This was not the reason Alan Sovereign was intimidated when he walked in the room, quite to the contrary he had been here many times and he knew this place well. No, today, it was not the room but rather the news he was bringing to the man that occupied it.
"I presume this unscheduled visit has something to do with this", Horatio Ballard turned up the volume on the massive 70-inch tv mounted to the back of the room which was the primary light source in the room causing the entire room to flicker slightly. The channel 5 news reporter was wrapping up her report on the car accident on the I-90. "As of yet, none of the occupants of the car have been identified, but according to the statement from the police, this was definitely a gang-related incident adding to the ever-increasing crime rate of the windy city, back to you Bob".
"It's confirmed, Rosa Hernandez was killed, however, it was not Carl Owens who killed her. They were tracked by werewolves from the Red No.5 and were ambushed on the highway", Alan figured it was best to just come out and say it.
"Why do I get the feeling this is not the end of the story", Ballard shifted in his seat as he spoke then took a big long drag from his oversized cigar filling the room with smoke.
"We have no information on the wolves responsible and according to my sources, Owens had nothing to do with the warehouse fire, apparently it was a setup", Alan wasn't quite done breaking all the bad news, but he thought he would give the big man in the big chair a moment to absorb it. This was something of a routine between the two, Alan rarely ever ranted and Horatio enjoyed slipping in micro-commentary during their conversations.
"Why do I get the feeling that you are yet to tell me the real bad news", Horatio chuckled at his own comment, but it was so brief that Alan barely noticed and certainly was not foolish enough to acknowledge it.
"Rosa maintained a pretty low profile, of all the kindred for the wolves to target, she should have been last on their list which means either this was random, or someone is feeding them information", Alan's voice suggested there was just a little bit more to this and although he gave Horatio the opportunity to slip in another comment, he didn't bite, leaving a brief albeit awkward momentary silence.
"According to the sewer rats, our good prince already had a meeting with Duncan before these wolves attacked, It would seem there will be no negotiations this time and that this is far from over", Alan was done now and what started out as another momentary silence turned into a fairly long and uncomfortable staring contest. Alan did not relent, he knew better than to show weakness in front of his boss.
Horatio leaned back in his chair, taking another long drag on his cigar while he formulated his thoughts, when he finally broke the silence, his voice was commanding.
"Get our people underground, we are going to sit this one out and make sure the kids aren't sneaking out to party, I want everyone indoors.", Horatio's relaxed posture lasted only as long as those two sentences, he sat up straight and put out his cigar.
"I'm sure they both already know, but let's follow the protocol, let Khalid and Jackson know about Rosa, and inform them that we will spare no resource to get justice for her murder. Then do nothing and make sure it's painfully obvious that we are doing nothing. We are not going to let this be our problem." Horatio now stood up and as he walked over to his liquor cabinet on the other side of the room he continued.
"I'm sure there will be an Elysium called in short order and our prince will be calling on the troops to defend the city, let's make sure the attendance is low and the invitations get lost in the mail. "As he spoke he poured himself a drink from an unmarked crystal bottle, the liquid was thick.
"There is also the matter of Mr. Youngblood. The last time I talked to Rosa, apparently Miss Blood Disco herself was making herself very comfortable, it may become a problem", Alan sounded genuinely concerned as if talking about a lost pet.
"Any suggestions", Ballard sipped on his drink as he turned around to face Alan to see the expression on his face, knowing full well what Alan was about to say.
"You know my feeling, I understand he is a great asset, but he is also a serious liability, he will not be protected by reputation alone and... " Ballard cut Alan off with a smile.
"Alright, alright, I get the picture. This was supposed to be something to keep Rosa out of my hair and a tap on the prince's resources, I doubt he'd agree on a replacement anyway. You want to do this, it's on you, but don't think just because I'm agreeing here that I'm taking any responsibility whatsoever. This is your deal with the devil, you make it on your own", Ballard looked the man up and down. "Understood", he added.
"You know he brought back his old lawyer friends, I'm certain our arrangement will be una....", again Ballard interrupted Alan. "I really don't like repeating myself", Ballard's expression was annoyed, it was clear he was done talking about this.
"My apologies", Alan said. There was an awkward silence and Alan realized that this meeting was over. Alan turned around without saying another word and headed for the door, after years of dealing with Horatio Ballard, he knew that his boss was about as fond of saying hello and good-bye as he was of repeating himself.
"Alan, I hope I don't need to remind you that I expect this boy to be properly educated", Ballard added as he sank back down to his office chair, reaching for a fresh cigar to compliment his drink. "Of course not".