Disclaimer: I do not own anything except maybe the idea for the story. Angel, Buffy and the others belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, 20th Century Fox and others.

Email: TiaLorna@aol.com

Part 1:

Rupert Giles quietly entered Mrs. Crawford's bedroom. She glanced up from the papers she was going through.

"Did you find someone to help me out?"

Giles smiled and nodded, "Yes Mam' a young girl who is willing to stay here and do as you ask."

Mrs. Crawford frowned, "Tell me about her."

Giles gave a soft sigh, "Her name is Buffy Summers and she is 21 years old. Trained in some light nursing skills."

Mrs. Crawford laid down the papers she was holding, "Isn't this the mute?"

Giles shook his head, "Yes, she is the young girl who hasn't spoke in almost 10 years. But I can assure you she is quite capable of doing her duties. She is rather smart."

Mrs. Crawford nodded, "As long as she does her job I will have no complaints. Besides unlike the last girl she won't drive me crazy with her constant chatter."

Giles gave a soft chuckle, "Good then, I shall bring her here this afternoon and get her settled in."

Mrs. Crawford picked up the papers and started going through them, "I will meet with her tomorrow morning around nine. Oh and go get my Grandson I wish to speak to him."

Giles turned to the door, "I will inform Angel that you wish to see him."

Giles stepped out of the room and sighed. Turning he headed towards Angel's part of the old mansion.

Angel looked up from the canvas he was frowning at. In his right hand he was holding a paint brush that was dripping red paint.

"Giles what do you want?"

Giles shrugged, "Your Grandmother wishes to speak to you."

Angel put down the paint brush, "Have any idea about what?"

Giles shook his head, "Not a clue. Oh I have another girl to come and be your Grandmother's assistant. Buffy Summers."

Angel sighed, "She can't speak if I am thinking right. Poor little thing makes one wonder what happened."

Giles nodded, "Yes, I know."

Angel stared at his canvas, "I might as well go see what the old gal wants I am getting no where with this...painting."

Giles opened the door, "Having one of your spells?"

Angel nodded, "I guess. My headache of the last few days is finally gone."

Giles sighed, "The doctor still can't figure out what is causing them?"

Angel shrugged, "He says it's tension that I put to much pressure on myself. If it's tension it is coming from others not me."

Giles chuckled, "Ah yes, well you need to go see your Grandmother and I need to make arrangements for Miss Summers."

Angel followed Giles out of his studio. He made sure the door was locked before he took off for his Grandmother's side of the mansion.

Part 2

Two weeks later. Buffy smiled as she finished putting away her laundry. She didn't mind living in the old Crawford mansion. It was better than the group home she'd been living in. Some thought that just because she couldn't speak that she was dumb and couldn't take care of herself. They were wrong and she was determined to prove it. That was why she took the job when it was offered to her.

Done with her own personal tasks Buffy left her bedroom. Going into Mrs. Crawford's room Buffy found the old woman sound asleep. Buffy knew that Mrs. Crawford had taken a rather nasty fall a couple years ago and broke both hips. Ever since she refused to get out of bed or for that matter go any where. She conducted her life from her bedroom.

Buffy quietly shut the bedroom door. She knew that she had at least an hour of free time. Since moving into the old mansion Buffy had explored the gardens and some of the house. She knew that the south wing was where Mrs. Crawford's Grandson lived and that she would not be welcomed. Buffy had yet to meet Angel or even see him for that matter.

Sighing Buffy stepped out into the rose gardens just outside of the library. The red roses were in full bloom as were most of the white ones. Buffy went over to a small wooden bench and sat down. She looked at the book she'd choose to read. An old Agatha Christie mystery.

Buffy was about thirty pages into the book when she realized she was no longer alone. Looking up she found herself staring into the face of a very handsome man. He had dark hair and eyes that seemed to look into her soul.

Smiling Buffy closed her book and looked up the man. He sort of smiled back.

"I take it you're Buffy my Grandmother's new assistant."

Buffy nodded and smiled. Angel shook his head thinking she's pretty but how does one talk to her.

"Umm my name is Angel so what are you reading?"

Buffy held out the book so he could see the title. Angel frowned, "Ah, Ten Little Indians. Is it good?"

Buffy shrugged. Angel sighed, "Why aren't you with my Grandmother?"

Buffy put her hands together and closed her eyes as she held her hands to her cheek.

Angel took a deep breath, "She's sleeping?"

Buffy grinned and shook her head yes. Angel looked around, "Well, I need to get back to the painting I am working on."

Angel was startled when Buffy reached out and took his hand and smiled at him. Angel couldn't help but smile.

"I'll see you around sometime. Maybe invite you to my studio I could even do a painting of you. Would you like that?"

Buffy stood up and smiled. She shook her head yes.

"I can walk you to my Grandmother's room if that's where you're going."

Buffy grinned and nodded.

Angel led Buffy into the house. He was wondering more and more about Buffy and why she stopped talking. She was pretty he had to admit that.

Part 3

Angel had to smile at Buffy. This was her third visit to his studio. She was fun to be around despite her silence. He had gotten use to her ways of communication. She had learned sign language for one thing and was teaching it to him.

He looked up from the canvas. She was sitting on a red lounge chair with several colorful pillows around her. He was still having trouble with her nose.

Giles stepped into the studio, "Miss Summers, Mrs. Crawford is now ready for you to return to her rooms."

Buffy sighed as she stood up. She turned to Angel and gave a quick wave before she hurried out of the room.

Giles turned to Angel, "You seem to have made a friend."

Angel shrugged, "She's sweet and very smart. She is teaching me sign language."

Giles nodded, "She does manage to get things done. Your Grandmother actually likes the girl."

Angel chuckled softly, "Now that's a first."

Giles shook his head, "She has her moments. One thing Angel, be careful with this girl don't use her."

Angel looked at Giles, "I don't plan to she isn't the type one uses and then toss aside. She is quite special and I don't mean because she can't talk."

Giles smiled, "Good I am glad you think like that about Buffy. Oh and another thing I saw you leaving the Mc Donald's late last night. Darla is nothing but trouble."

Angel frowned, "It isn't what you are thinking. I went out for a walk last night and found Darla passed out near the path up the hill. I took her home. Lindsey was there and I gave her to him."

Giles sighed, "I see. Still be careful."

Angel nodded, "I had enough of Darla back in high school. I know all about her and her ways."

Giles frowned, "Oh I see. Your Grandmother wants you to have dinner with her tonight in her rooms around six."

Angel folded his arms, "Great. I'll be there."

Giles opened the studio door, "See you then."

Angel sat down on the stool in front of the painting he was working on and frowned. He was still not quite getting Buffy's nose right.

Part 4

A few days later. Buffy picked up the morning newspaper from the front hall table. Settling down to have her breakfast she opened it up. The main headline got her attention.

"Young Woman Found Murdered"

Buffy started to read the article. "Last night Margaret Hollings was found murdered after being reported missing by her family the night before. Miss Hollings did not return home from work at her usual time and her Father became worried. After an extensive search Miss Hollings was found in an old abandoned house only a few blocks from her home. The police refuse to give any details except to say that no she was not sexually assaulted.

Miss Hollings and her family moved here to Sunnydale fifteen years ago. Her Father is recently retired from being the district manager of Barn's Food Stores. Her Mother is a teacher at the local high school and has been teacher of the year twice. Miss Hollings worked at the Museum in the art restoration department. We will report more as it becomes available."

Buffy put the paper down. She knew Margaret. They had known each other in high school. Margaret was a year ahead of her. Buffy and Margaret made friends quickly. Buffy didn't talk and Margaret stuttered. Both girls were the butt of many jokes.

Hearing a noise behind her Buffy turned around. She gave a half smile when she saw it was Angel coming into the small breakfast room. Angel paused and smiled back at Buffy.

"Morning Buffy."

Buffy signed morning to Angel. She held up the newspaper and showed Angel the article.

Angel shook his head, "It's a shame. Did you know her?"

Buffy nodded yes. Taking her time so Angel could get most of what she was telling him Buffy signed about them being friends in high school.

Angel sat down with his cup of coffee, "Would you like to go see her folks? I can talk to Grandmother and take you."

Buffy nodded yes.

Angel drank his coffee and watched Buffy. When he was done he stood up.

"Let's go talk to Grandmother."

Buffy stood and followed Angel upstairs. At Mrs. Crawford's bedroom door Angel paused, "Let me go in alone."

Buffy sighed and shook her head okay. A few minutes later Angel came back out.

"She said to take our time. Also I was to give my condolences on behalf of the Crawford's."

Buffy glanced around the Hollings' living room she'd spent time in it before with Margaret, watching TV and eating popcorn. Angel was busy talking with Mr. Hollings. Mrs. Hollings was upstairs, refusing to see anyone. Margaret's younger brother came and sat down next to Buffy.

"I wasn't supposed to hear this but Margaret had a note taped to her mouth that said "Wrong"."

Buffy frowned at Billy. He nodded, "Yep real odd. She was coming home from work she always walked home when it was nice out."

Buffy took his hand and gave it a squeeze. Billy squeezed her hand back. He'd always liked Buffy she was nice to him.

Angel walked over to where they were sitting, "Buffy would you like to leave? Maybe go get lunch somewhere?"

Buffy stood up and nodded yes. She turned to Billy and have him a quick hug. Angel led Buffy out the Hollings' house and out to his car.

Part 5

Once they were settled in the car Buffy took out the small note pad she carried in order to explain in detail what she wanted to communicate.  Quickly she wrote down what Billy had told her. She handed the note pad to Angel.

Angel read what she wrote. Looking up, "I know a couple of detectives I'll ask them about this. If it's true then I fear we might have more murders."

Buffy sighed and nodded in agreement. Angel could sense her fear. He reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.

"Everything will be okay I'm here to protect you."

Buffy gave a slight smile. She still was afraid of what might happen next.

Later on that afternoon Buffy sat and took notes as Mrs. Crawford spoke. Rupert Giles sat in a chair close to the window listening to everything that was being said.  He was watching Buffy. So far the girl was working out. One thing they had worked out was a way for her to communicate with him over the phone.  She would tap several times letting him know it was her. Three taps if he was wanted at the mansion.  

It didn't help that Mrs. Crawford wouldn't allow a computer in the house or for that matter anything that was according to her just an unneeded bother. Giles had to hold back a smile though he knew that there were several TVs and a VCR or two in the house.

Mrs. Crawford turned to Giles, "When will the deal with the Chases be done?"

Giles sighed, "He is out of town at the moment and Mrs. Chase refuses to speak to me."

Mrs. Crawford shook her head, "They had better decide soon or else the deal will fall through. You know as well as I do that they need the money."

Giles nodded, "I agree we just need to convince them that their days of wealth are over if they fail to sell us that land."

Mrs. Crawford gave one of her almost evil smiles, "Yes, the IRS is sniffing at their door."

Mrs. Crawford turned to Buffy, "Girl I am through now you may go. Remember tomorrow that I will require your services when my friends come over for lunch."

Buffy stood up. She smiled and shook her head. Buffy quietly left the room. She hurried to her room thinking about what she'd overheard about the Chases. She knew Cordelia, not really a friend but still they got along.

Part 6

Four days later Buffy and Angel attended Margaret Hollings' funeral. Buffy held onto Angel's hand making her feel safer. She looked everyone over and wondered if the killer was among them. So far no clues as to who the killer was.

After the grave side services were over Angel took Buffy back home. He could tell how upset she was. He wished there was something he could do to make her feel better.

As they pulled into the driveway Lindsey walked up. Angel got out of the car.

"Linds what's wrong?"

Lindsey sighed, "I had to spend last night in Los Angeles when I got home this morning Darla wasn't home. Her car is still in the garage. I have called everyone she knows and none have seen her since last night around one. That was Willie. He told me she came into the bar around ten and stayed until just after one. She was drunk when she left. Had caused a ruckus even with a couple of guys. Got them to fighting over her."

Angel shook his head, "I saw her leave the house around six yesterday in the evening. She was walking so I figured she was going to do some drinking at one of the bars near by."

Angel turned to Buffy, "Did you see her?"

Buffy shook her head no. She was getting a very bad feeling about Darla.

Lindsey groaned, "Guess I'd better call the police. Well, thanks."

Angel and Buffy watched as Lindsey walked away. Buffy took Angel's hand and gave it a slight tug to get his attention. He turned to her with a frown.

"What is it Buffy?"

Buffy held out her note pad. Angel took it and read, "Darla, dead like Margaret?"

Angel shrugged, "I sure hope not."

Buffy sighed and nodded in agreement. Angel handed Buffy her note pad back.

"Come on let's go inside. Grandmother asked me to come by and tell her about the funeral."

Buffy followed Angel into the mansion. She stopped when they got to his Grandmother's rooms. She pointed towards her own bedroom door down the hall.

Angel smiled, "Go on I'll handle Grandmother."

Buffy gave Angel a smiled of thanks as she turned and headed for her rooms.

Part 7
 
Darla Mc Donald was missing for three days. She was found strangled in an old log cabin in the woods a few miles from her home. The murder hit the newspapers the morning after she was found.

Angel laid the paper down and glanced over at Buffy as she ate breakfast, "They found Darla."

Buffy looked up from her bowl of cereal. Frowning she signed, "Dead."

Angel nodded, "Yes, murdered."

Buffy swallowed her bite of food. Signing, "Like Margaret?"  She held her breath waiting for Angel's answer.

Angel sat back, "She was strangled as was Margaret."

Buffy stood up signing, "I'm going to my room." She quickly hurried out of the breakfast room.

Angel stood up and went to his Grandmother's suite. Another murder to tell her about. This one was even closer to home than the last one.

Mrs. Crawford looked up when Angel stepped into her room, "A visit from my Grandson must be something wrong."

Angel handed his Grandmother the newspaper, "Buffy is in her room. So just leave her alone for now. I am heading over to Lindsey's to see if he needs anything."

Looking up at Angel his Grandmother sighed, "Go ahead as for Buffy she can take the day off."

Angel gave her a slight smile, "I'll let her know."

Angel left his Grandmother's rooms and went to Buffy's. Knocking slightly he smiled at her when she opened the door.

"Grandmother told me that you can take the day off. I am going next door would you like to come with me?"

Buffy sighed and shook her head no.

Angel gave a slight smile, "I understand. I'll check on you when I get back."

Buffy smiled and signed, "Good, I will be here."

Angel made his way over to Lindsey's. He'd known both Lindsey and Darla in high school. He'd even dated Darla for a while his senior year. Lindsey was a grade behind the both of them. Angel was surprised when he returned home to find that Lindsey and Darla had married.

Lindsey's sister Drusilla let Angel in when he knocked. He gave her a half smile.

"Dru it's been a few years."

Dru shrugged, "Linds called me right after they found Darla. Spike and I got here as quickly as we could."

Angel frowned, "So you're still with Spike?"

Dru nodded, "Of course silly."

"My, my if it isn't good ole Angel."

Angel groaned and looked over at Spike, "Hello Spike still as obnoxious as usual?"

Spike chuckled, "Me obnoxious never."

Dru giggled, "Now boys be good. Angel if you want to speak to Lindsey he's in the den."

Angel gave a slight nod, "Thanks Dru."

Angel turned and left Dru and Spike. Dru had been a year ahead of him in school. Spike was the older, biker boyfriend she took up with her senior year of high school. Seeing the two of them brought back memories he'd rather forget.

Part 8.

Angel found Lindsey standing by the window looking out at the garden. Angel quietly shut the door behind him.

Lindsey turned, "I find it hard to believe she's gone. The last couple of years have been rough but I never stopped loving her. She wanted out, wanted to travel and see the world. Maybe I should have given her what she wanted."

Angel shrugged, "Maybe, but it might not have changed anything. Besides if she really wanted out she'd have left."

Lindsey sighed, "Probably. As bitchy as could get she didn't deserve being murdered and left like that. Angel she didn't start drinking until she was told she couldn't have children. That seemed to unhinge her, said she was being punished."

Angel nodded, "Lindsey do you know she is one of the reasons I left right after high school?"

Lindsey went and sat down, "Darla told me some of what happened but not the whole story. That she got pregnant and you helped her pay for an abortion. Also that the baby wasn't yours. She said that you kept her alive that weekend."

Angel went and sat in the chair across from Lindsey, "It's best if that weekend is forgotten. Spike and Dru were there they saw what happened I think that's one of the reasons they left Sunnydale."

Lindsey sighed, "I was surprised when they showed up this morning. They didn't come when Darla and I got married."

Angel shook his head, "A strange couple always wondered what they see in each other."

Lindsey chuckled, "Yeah they are quite a pair."

Angel leaned forward leaning against his knees, "Lindsey is there anything I can do to help out?"

Lindsey shook his head, "No, her insurance will cover most of the funeral expenses and she will be buried in her family plot at Restfield. I think after the funeral that I will close up the house and get away, go someplace where I don't have to think."

Angel nodded, "Sounds like a good idea."

Lindsey closed his eyes, "The police think that the guy who killed that Hollings girl is the one who killed Darla. Both were strangled and like the Hollings girl a note was taped to her body that said "Wrong"."

Angel sighed, "Sounds like someone is going around deciding to get rid of those he thinks are imperfect."

Lindsey opened his eyes, "If that's true keep an eye on Buffy she could be next."

Angel stood up, "I was just thinking that. Look I'm going home if you need anything just call."

Lindsey nodded, "Will do. Now go and keep that little girl safe. I can tell you like her and she feels the same way."

Angel shrugged, "Buffy is special. Later."

Angel left as quietly as he came. He was thankful that he didn't run into Spike and Dru as he left Lindsey's home.

Part 9.

Angel knocked softly on Buffy's bedroom door. He heard her moving around before she finally opened the door.

"Can I come in?"

Buffy nodded and smiled. Angel stepped into the small room that had been given to Buffy.

Shaking his head Angel turned to Buffy, "We have bigger and better rooms than this."

Buffy shrugged and looked around the room.

Angel smiled, "You don't mind do you?"

Buffy shook her head. She frowned and signed, "How did it go with Lindsey?"

Angel sighed, "Darla was strangled and a note was left on her body saying "Wrong"."

Buffy groaned and sank onto her bed. Angel went over and sat down next to her. He reached over and took her hand in his.

"I am not letting you out of my sight this killer is picking women who have a disability of some sort. In Darla's case her drinking is what he considered to be wrong with her. Or no it couldn't be?"

Buffy tapped Angel's arm to get his attention, "What?" She signed.

Angel was frowning, "Lindsey told me Darla couldn't have children. That the note was pinned to her body. The note on your friend was taped to her mouth."

Buffy stared at Angel wide eyed. She was trembling slightly at the very thought that it could be someone they all knew. Someone who had inside information on them.

Angel felt Buffy tremble. He reached over and pulled her into his arms, "Shh it's okay I'm here. Buffy let me reassure you I am not the monster doing this. I didn't know about Darla until Lindsey told me."

Buffy looked up at Angel and gave a slight smile letting him know she believed him.

Angel couldn't resist her little smile. He leaned down and gently kissed her soft lips.  Buffy was shaking now from that simple kiss. Angel pulled back and looked at her.

"Buffy you've been kissed before, right?"

Buffy shook her head then looked down at her hands. Angel put a finger under her chin and lifted her face back up so he could look into her eyes.

"Buffy you are so sweet I think I am falling for you without meaning to."

Buffy blushed slightly and smiled at Angel. He leaned down and began to softly kiss her. She gasped slightly giving Angel the opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth.  Buffy hesitantly kissed Angel back.

Angel sighed as he stopped kissing her, "We should maybe go speak to my Grandmother about Darla. Make sure the house is secure."

Buffy nodded. Angel stood up and gave Buffy a quick smile. She took his hand as she stood.
Part 10.

Things were tense in Sunnydale the next few days. Two murders had everyone eyeing each other suspiciously.

After Darla's funeral Lindsey locked up the house and left town. He didn't care what anyone thought about his leaving.

Almost two weeks after Darla's funeral the body of another woman was found. Her neighbors heard screaming coming from her house and called 911. By the time the police arrived it was too late.

Rene Poindexter was dead. Strangled with the note "Wrong" taped to her eyes.

Angel was the first one down to breakfast. He picked up the morning paper and read the headlines. He groaned slightly as he read about Rene Poindexter. Buffy coming into the breakfast room heard the groan.

Gently touching Angel's shoulder she got his attention. He looked up at her from where he was sitting. Sighing he held out the paper.

"There's been another murder. If I am thinking right Rene was blind."

Buffy quickly read the paper. She looked at Angel and nodded yes.

Angel shook his head, "I bet there was a note."

Buffy sat down across from him. She reached over and took his hand with hers. They just stared at each other no words were needed. The last two weeks had been one of discovery and getting to know one another. So far only kissing with a little petting but Angel was taking things very slowly with Buffy.

Giles watched Angel and Buffy briefly. He could tell that the couple were falling in love with each other. He just wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad one. Coughing slightly Giles stepped into the room.

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything?"

Angel stood up, "I need to go check on that Finn guy he was supposed to trim the hedges the other day and didn't. I told him to come by this morning."

Giles frowned, "Oh yes him. He does a decent job."

Buffy stood up she got Angel's attention and signed, "Dr. Price is coming over this morning."

Angel nodded, "Oh great he is a good doctor but he caters to my Grandmother a little too much. Let's her get away with her wanting to stay in bed when she could get out and do things."

Giles smiled, "I have to agree. Buffy I'll drop by Mrs. Crawford's room later on."

Buffy gave him a smile then turned to Angel smiling at she waved as she left the room.

Giles looked over at Angel, "Make damn sure you know what you are doing getting involved with her. I doubt very much if your Grandmother would approve of the two of you."

Angel shrugged, "Don't worry I'm not rushing her into anything we are both taking it slow. As for Grandmother it doesn't really matter if she approves or not."

Giles chuckled as Angel turned and left the breakfast room.

Part 11

A week later as the sun was setting a storm was blowing into Sunnydale. Nerves already on edge made everyone afraid of their own shadows.

Thunder and lightening started right after nine that night. Buffy lay in her bed trembling with fear. Stormy nights brought back horrible memories of the night she saw her Mother murdered.

It was storming that night when Buffy who was supposed to be at a friends spending the night heard her Mother call out, "Please no."

Creeping down the stairs Buffy could see into the living room. She could see a man standing over her Mother who was trying to crawl away from him.

As the memories started to grab a hold of Buffy she heard someone scream. Sitting up in bed Buffy clutched the sheet to her. The lights went out as a loud boom of thunder passed over head followed by lightening.

The last thing Buffy wanted to do was leave her bed or her room but she had to find out who screamed. Creeping as quietly as possible Buffy opened her bedroom door. It was too dark in the hallway to see anything. Buffy wished for a flashlight or candle.

Taking a deep breath Buffy stepped out her room keeping her back to the wall. Slowly Buffy made her way to Mrs. Crawford's room. She knew for a fact that the old lady kept a flashlight in the nightstand on the left of the bed.

Arriving at Mrs. Crawford's room Buffy found the door standing open. Buffy took several deep breaths before stepping into the room. She was looking at the bed when lightening flashed outside lighting up the room briefly. It was enough for Buffy to see Mrs. Crawford laying half in bed. A pillow over her face. One hand clutching the edge of the pillow the other splayed out at an odd angle.

Buffy opened her mouth in a silent scream. She turned and ran into the darkness of the hallway. Blinded by the dark Buffy stumbled over something laying in the middle of the hallway. Falling to her knees she found a hand then an arm. Gasping she took the wrist and gave a sigh of relief, she could feel a pulse.

Buffy followed the arm upward to find that it was Giles laying there. She touched his face and felt wetness. She gasped as she realized it was blood. He'd been hit on the head.  

Crawling away she hoped she was heading in the right direction for Angel's side of the house. Angel, where was she was thinking. He'd told her he'd bring dinner for the both of them up to her room. He never showed up.

Buffy managed to get back to her feet. She began to run in a panic afraid of finding Angel dead.

The thunder and lightening. The darkness all made Buffy remember that night ten years before. Of seeing that man grabbing her Mother and slamming her against the wall next to the fireplace. Of her Mother whimpering in pain as the man then kicked her in the side. All Buffy could was watch in silence, gripped by fear unable to move or do anything to help her Mother.

Finally Buffy found herself in Angel's part of the mansion. His door was open. with fear in her heart Buffy entered the room. She felt something roll under feet, looking down she could barely make out a paint brush in the flashes of lightening.

Buffy looked around the room. She knew where Angel kept candles and matches. Shaking she finally got a candle lit. Looking around the room she didn't see Angel anywhere. The easel was laying on the floor, the painting was face down.

Going over to it she turned the painting over to find that is was the one of her. Angry red slashes were splashed across her throat. Buffy backed up and looked around. Not finding anything of use she turned and left the room.

Fear gripped Buffy as she made her way down the stairs. Kitchen I'll check there for Angel. As she went around the corner the candle was blown out. She felt strong hands reach out and grab her. Buffy lashed down with the candle stick splashing hot wax on her hands as well as those that held her. She was let go and she could hear mumblings of anger as she fled.

Stumbling into the kitchen Buffy found the housekeeper laying against the far wall. Buffy stopped and stared at her. Slowly she made her way over to the woman. Buffy could tell she was breathing.

Backing away Buffy found a knife laying on the counter next to a plate with a roast on it. Several slices had been cut. Two plates were next to the roast. Angel must have been fixing our dinner she thought.

Angel must find him. Stumbling around Buffy left the kitchen area. She was in laundry room now. Hearing a soft moan Buffy finally found Angel. He was laying next to the door that led down to the basement.

Going over to him Buffy knelt down. She gasped when she was that his shirt was bloody on the front. Touching him she could tell he was hurt bad and needed help.

She heard him softly whisper her name. Buffy stood up she didn't want to leave him but she needed to get him some help. Going back into the kitchen Buffy went for the phone. As she reached for it. She was grabbed again and dragged backwards. Whomever had her was breathing hard. She went limp hoping he'd let her go. All she got was a soft chuckle.

Buffy didn't know where she was being taken too but she had to get away. Buffy reached out with hands and grabbed a table as they went by it. She wouldn't let go it was being dragged along with her. She was slapped hard. Gasping Buffy made one last attempt to get away grabbing the first thing she could get. It was a vase filled with flowers.

Holding onto the vase with both hands Buffy flung it's contents backwards over her head. She felt the flowers and water as they rained down on her and her attacker. It was enough for him to let go of her. Buffy stumbled forward as she was let go.

She swung the vase as hard as she could. She smiled when she felt it make contact with something solid. She heard a groan then thump. Not taking time to see if the person was out or just catching his breath.

She needed to find a phone. Buffy knew there was one in the kitchen. She made it back to the kitchen. She found the phone and picked it up. Sighing in relief she dialed 911.

When she heard the voice on the other end ask what was wrong Buffy frowned, the very softly spoke for the first time in ten years.

"Help, he's trying to kill me."

The voice asked, "Who."

Buffy took a deep breath, "Don't know. He hurt Angel send help."

The voice, "Help is on the way. You're at 5221 Crawford Street, is that correct?"

Buffy in tears, "Yes."

Buffy dropped the phone then and went to Angel.

Kneeling down to him she found him still breathing she sat down next to him.

Taking his hand Buffy spoke softly, "Angel I love you don't die."

Hearing her voice Angel opened his eyes, "Buffy you spoke."

Buffy nodded, "Yes, help is on the way."

Angel smiled, "I love you."

Buffy clutched his hand. Listening for the promised help.

Part 12

As Angel was loaded into the ambulance Buffy stood near by crying.  Detective Kate Lockely stood next to her. Her partner Charles Gunn was leading a handcuffed man to a waiting police car.

"Now Miss Summers calm down we have the man in custody."

Buffy nodded, "I know. He hurt Angel and killed Mrs. Crawford."

Kate sighed, "Yes, and he may have been the one behind the other murders in town lately."

Buffy was still in shock, "I want to go with Angel."

Kate turned to another cop, "Will you see to it that Miss Summers is taken to the hospital."

The officer nodded, "I will. Miss Summers come this way."

Buffy followed the officer to his car. Getting in she looked around and sighed.

At the hospital Buffy found Giles sitting on a gurney a white bandage on the left side of his forehead.

Going over to him she sighed, "Are you okay?"

Giles was startled to hear her voice, "Yes I'll live as will Mrs. Jenson."

Buffy looked towards where the nurse told her Angel was being taken care of, "Angel was stabbed they think he'll be okay."

Giles sighed, "They are taking good care of him."

Kate Lockley joined them, "He confessed to killing the other woman and Mrs. Crawford."

Buffy turned to Kate, "He's the one who killed my Mother. I recognized him."

Kate Lockley and Giles stared at Buffy. Kate frowned, "Are you sure?"

Buffy nodded, "I am I'll never forget that night or his face. I was so scared he'd find me once he was done with my Mother. I hid in a cupboard upstairs with the towels. That's where the police found me. I was scared speechless."

Kate nodded, "I was still in high school but my Dad was the officer in charge of the case. I remember him talking about Daniel Holtz. He was my Dad's number one suspect. The Reverend Holtz was known for his cruelty towards those he considered inferior.  He may have been a man of God as he claimed but he was so cold and harsh."

Buffy nodded, "He told my Mom she was a pornographer when she was showing those statues of men and women in various poses in her gallery. He even destroyed a few of them. I remember he came to our house a few times threatening my Mom. She was so afraid of him but refused to back down."

Kate shook her head, "He left town before my Dad could get enough evidence against him. Wonder what made him return?"

Dr Price walked up, "I can say that Angel is going to be fine. Luckily the knife missed any vital organs."

Buffy sighed, "Can I go see him?"

Dr Price smiled, "He asked for you and I told him I'd come and get you."

Giles and Kate watched Buffy followed the doctor to Angel's room.

Epilog:

Four months later:

Angel stood proudly watching Buffy being escorted by Giles to where he was waiting.

Buffy stepped up to Angel. Both smiled as the Priest united them in marriage. It was a dream come true.

Some thought they should wait a little longer to get married but they saw no reason to do so.

Holtz had confessed to murdering Margaret Hollings, Darla Mc Donald and Rene Poindexter along with Mrs. Crawford. At first he'd denied murdering Joyce Summers but when confronted by Buffy and her lawyer he relented and admitted his guilt.

When asked why he'd returned to Sunnydale all he'd say was unfinished business.

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