Armand had attempted to probe her mind in order to discover her intentions, but, curiously, he found himself blocked.  He was certain that she didn't know she was being probed.  At the same time, however, she was effortlessly blocking all of his attempts.  

     Now as Armand attempted to penetrate her thoughts again, he still found himself blocked.  In fact, he sensed a power within her.  He had never before sensed such power in anyone, either vampire or mortal.  He thought to himself, this one may bear some watching.  As much as I would wish to, I cannot kill this one yet.  

     He was becoming quite frustrated by his unsuccessful attempts when he saw an old man staggering down the sidewalk.  Ah, Armand thought, I will use this one.  I cannot kill her just yet, so I'll send her away.  He sent silent instructions to the old man.  Go to the woman, he thought.  Frighten her away from this place. Warn her there are vampires roaming about.  And then, once the message is relayed, you will forever forget this night.  In fact, you will not want to drink alcohol ever again, he added, figuring he could do some good in the poor man's life.  Doing good, he thought with a slight smile, that's Lestat's job.  Maybe we are more alike then we are willing to admit.  Armand quickly squelched that thought with a slight shudder.  

     Armand watched as the old man had reached the woman, and he, with his keen vampiric hearing, could hear every word being spoken.  The old man delivered his message as instructed.  Armand, however, was surprised to discover that the man's words had very little effect on the woman.  Even though he couldn't pierce her thoughts, he could sense her amusement.  She almost laughed in the man's face, but she restrained herself.  Even though he would never admit aloud, he felt a twinge of admiration for the woman's courage.  

     Armand saw the woman pat the old man's hand as she gently sent him on his way.  He saw her face tighten in concentration as she pondered, however unwillingly, the old man's words.  But then she brushed them off and entered the carriage.  As he watched the carriage pull away, he noticed her pull our some headphones and turn on some music.  He sighed in disgust.  Lestat will love this one, he thought to himself, they both love rock music.  But he was intrigued by the peaceful smile that spread over her face.  

     As the carriage finally pulled out of sight, Armand pondered over the woman's obviously untapped power and her presence in New Orleans.  Since Armand could not breach his beloved's thoughts to obtain more information on the woman, he knew without a doubt that he would need help.  That left only Lestat, Armand thought with an exaggerated sigh. 

     As Armand was walking to Lestat's and Louis' flat, he thought to himself, I hate needing his help for anything, I always dread what he is going to demand as reimbursement.  But then again, Lestat does love a good mystery.  And Armand was positive that one had just fallen into his lap.   

     Armand felt Lestat's curiosity, but he didn't allow anything further.  When he reached the front steps, Lestat was already waiting for him.  They bussed each other on the cheek, and Armand followed Lestat into the flat.   
     Louis was waiting in the parlor.  He looked beautiful as always.  “Armand,” he said, nodding at the older vampire. 

     Armand responded by saying, “Louis.”   
     “Armand, what brings you here, with none of your usual warnings and announcements?” Lestat broke in.   
     Armand muttered, “I need your help.”   
     Lestat leaned closer to Armand. “How's that, Armand? What was that you said?”   
     Armand looked at Lestat squarely in the eye, and said, “I said, I need your help.”