Peri stopped at a phone booth and dialed her number. It was several rings before Chris finally answered.
"Chris, it's me."
"Hey, babe, where are you? Renee just called looking for you." Chris said.
{Damnit, I thought I'd have more time.}
"What did she want? I just left the club."
"They were worried that you had disappeared. Said something important was happening. Beth's coming over here to wait for you."
{Shit, they don't trust me. Well, I'm not changing my mind. I'll just have to alter my plan a little bit.}
"Tell Beth I'm fine. I just needed some air." Peri said.
"Are you on your way home?"
"Not yet. I'm going to stop for a couple drinks, then I'll be home. Shouldn't be more then an hour or so."
"Beth's not going to like waiting."
"Then tell her she can come back later. I need this time alone, Chris." Peri said.
"Ok, baby, I'll give her the message. See you later. Love ya."
"Bye, Chris."
Peri hung up the phone, and leaned her head against the wall. She'd intended to leave with Chris, but that was out of the question now. She couldn't risk going back to her apartment. Luckily, she had enough money to get away and buy what she needed. Briefly, she wondered what they'd do with Chris once they learned she was gone. Maybe try to get Willow interested in him. Peri had one more stop to make before she left town for good.
"Beth just called. She's waiting at Peri's." Carrie said.
"Has Chris heard from her since she left here?" Lore asked.
"Yeah, she called just before Beth got there. Said she was going for a couple drinks. Peri said she needed some time alone." Carrie stated.
"Typical Peri, a few drinks are the answer to everything." Cara said.
"Has Aj found out anything about Pam yet?" Kim asked.
"Not much. Pam and Marc dumped her car, but Aj hasn't been able to determine where they went from there. She's cross-checking some other things now." Renee said.
"I want Pam found and brought back to face the consequences of what she did. Her betrayal will not go unpunished." Kim stated.
Peri kept glancing behind her, while she walked to the apartment. She entered the building and knocked on the door.
"What do you want?"
"I need to talk to you.....and Willow, it's important." Peri said.
Angelus backed away from the door, and let Peri enter. Peri took a moment to appreciate Angelus' appearance. Dressed only in leather pants, he looked delicious. {And deadly.}
Peri watched as Willow came out of the bedroom, dressed only in an oversized t-shirt. She walked over to stand next to Angelus, wrapping an arm around his waist.
"Sorry if I interuppted something." Peri said.
"What do you want, Peri? Did Kim send you?" Willow asked.
"No one sent me. I knew where to find you because Beth and Cara followed Angelus when he brought you here. After everything that's happened, I've decided to leave. I won't follow Kim anymore."
Peri saw Willow watch her, and knew that Willow was suspicous. She's learned that well.
"I know Pam talked to Angelus before she left, but I don't know how much she told you. So, I had to come before I left. I'll answer any questions you have."
"Why are you so anxious to help us?" Angelus asked.
"Because, I like Willow. I don't want to see her hurt anymore."
Angelus watched the exchange of glances. It seemed all of them knew what had happened to Willow, but she still refused to talk to him about it.
"So, let's get started."
Angelus and Willow sat on the couch, while Peri sat in a chair across from them. She took a deep breath, and began.
"Some of this is very hard to explain, and I don't have time to try. But, I'll give you the answers I can."
End Part 11
"Then why don't you start by telling us what you did to Chris and the others?" Willow asked.
Peri sat forward and leaned her head on her hands. "There's a doctor that Kim knows, and he performed an operation on them. I don't pretend to know how it worked. But, once we had decided on a man, Kim had us take him to this doctor. After the surgery, the guys were reprogrammed to obey whatever we told them."
"And you all went along with this?" Willow asked.
"It was fun at first. Chris was at my beck and call, willing to do anything I wanted. I didn't allow myself to think about what had been done to him. But, it gets old after a while. He's not the man I fell in love with anymore." Peri said sadly.
"So, I take it you're not planning on taking him with you?"
"I was going to. I thought I owed him for what I'd done to him, but I can't take the risk. Beth is waiting at my apartment as we speak. Ever since Pam left, Kim doesn't trust anyone."
"What happens to him when you leave?" Willow asked.
"I don't know, maybe they'll try to get you to take him." Peri said.
"No way that's going to happen." Angelus said angrily.
"Look, Kim and Carrie have been arguing all day about how to handle the two of you. There's so much tension between everyone, that you can feel it as soon as you walk into the room." Peri stated.
"What happened to the two you guys killed?" Angelus asked.
Peri looked up, shocked that Pam had told him about that. Her gaze flew to Willow, who looked back in confusion. Looking back at Angelus, she saw him shake his head.
"You just answered your own question. We killed them."
"I mean, what did you do to them *before* you killed them?" Angelus asked.
"Once we caught them, we tied them up down in the basement. Lore and Cara questioned them. They both refused to answer any questions. Cara went up to get Renee, and they were tortured. Renee handled the man, while Lore took care of the woman."
"Where'd Cara go?" Angelus asked.
"To fill Kim in on what was happening. Then she went to find Aj, and they proceded to set up phony records on the computer, so that it looked like the two people had never come here." Peri said.
"And after they were tortured, did they answer you're questions?"
"No, they lied. Kim came down then. She took over the 'questioning', and then she decided they wouldn't talk. Kim ordered them killed, and disposed of."
"How?" Angelus asked.
"They were given a lethal dose of drugs, then wrapped up and thrown into a dumpster on the other side of town. Their bodies weren't found for weeks. By that time, the bodies were too decomposed, and police never determined their identities."
"But, why didn't the police use fingerprints or dental records?" Willow asked.
"They did, but found no matches. Aj and Cara had deleted their records." Peri said nervously.
"Why did you do that? What did those people do to you?" Willow asked.
Peri looked to Angelus, then back to Willow. "They hurt one of us badly, and they had to pay for that."
"Is killing Kim the way to end this?" Angelus asked.
"Yes. If you kill Kim, the others will let you live. Lore or Carrie will take over the control, but they'll start a new game. It's an unwritten rule, if you destroy the leader, you win your life." Peri answered.
"And will it be difficult to kill her?"
Peri looked at Angelus, confused by the question. It took her a moment to figure out what he was asking.
"She's human, Angelus. We all are. Our strength comes from being smarter then the average person, and using our geniuses as a group. There is no supernatural power. If you can get to Kim, you can kill her." Peri admitted.
"And is there a way to get to her?" Angelus questioned.
"There's a secret entrance to Kim's office. I found it a long time ago by accident, but never told anyone about it. If you can get backstage, and into the maintenance closet, there's a switch at the top left corner. It opens into Kim's closet, and you can make your move."
"Then that's what I'll do."
Peri nodded, then stood up. "Willow, don't let the past destroy your future. Walk away and never look back."
Willow nodded, then watched Peri walk to the door. As she opened the door, Peri turned back to the couple still sitting on the couch.
"I hope you succeed. This wasn't how it was supposed to turn out."
"Thank you, Peri." Willow said.
Peri turned to Angelus, "Take care of her."
Angelus nodded, and Peri left the apartment. As she got to the front door, Peri noticed Cara and Renee across the street. {Damnit!} Peri turned and ran the other way. Looking out the back exit, Peri saw no signs of anyone. She ran out the door and as far away as she could.
Angelus pulled Willow onto his lap, and let his hands caress her legs. "I'm going to finish this, Willow. Then, we're going to leave."
Willow nodded, and leaned into his chest. "Are you going to tell me about those people they killed? And why you were so interested?"
"Someday, I'll tell you, but not now."
"Then when?" Willow asked.
"When you tell me what happened to you."
Angelus tilted Willow towards him, and captured her mouth. Lifting her as he stood, Angelus carried her back into the bedroom. Lying her on the bed, he took off his pants and joined her. Angelus took things slowly, and teased Willow with his gentleness. When he finally entered her, Willow cried out in release.
Peri sat on the bus, and watched as the city disappeared. She had gotten away, and now she was on her own. Peri didn't regret anything she'd done, but it was time to move on.
End Part 12
Willow laid with her head pillowed on Angelus' chest. She knew it probably wasn't fair to let him fight a battle that really didn't concern him. He'd never have been in this situation if it hadn't been for her. But could she do what he wanted? Could she open up nearly five years worth of memories........and pain? Willow shuddered as memories began replaying in her mind. It had started the summer after graduation.
Willow sat straight up, and ran into the bathroom. She stood in front of the mirror, and all she could see were the memories of what had happened.
"No!! I won't remember!" Willow said as she slammed her fists into the mirror continuously.
Angelus grabbed her wrists from behind, and pulled her back against him. He reached around her to turn on the water, and put her hands in the sink to wash away the blood.
"What the hell do you think you were doing?"
Willow didn't answer him. Her whole body began shaking.
"Willow, what's wrong?"
Angelus sat Willow down on the side of the bathtub and wrapped her hands. He looked at her, but she didn't seem to realize he was there. Willow's eyes were seeing something he couldn't comprehend. Angelus picked Willow up in his arms, and carried her to the bed. He pulled her trembling form to him, and held her tightly.
"I'm here Willow. Nothing can hurt you anymore."
Eventually, Willow drifted into sleep. Angelus held her close to him, careful to not bump her hands. He couldn't begin to imagine what had happened to her, but if Buffy and Xander were involved, he was glad they had suffered before dying.
"Looks like you're carefully laid plans are falling apart, Kim." Carrie said smugly.
"Nothing is falling apart, and you better learn some respect." Kim replied angrily.
"Well, Beth just called. Peri never showed up. It looks like she pulled a Pam." Lore said.
"What about Angelus and Willow?" Kim asked.
"Cara and Renee are watching his apartment. They haven't left." Lore stated.
"Did they see Peri there?" Kim asked.
"No, they haven't seen anyone coming or going. But, that doesn't matter. Peri's flown the coop." Carrie said.
"And you're just loving this, aren't you, Carrie? How do I know that you haven't planned this all along?" Kim yelled.
"Me? Why would I do such a thing? You know I'm devoted to you." Carrie answered innocently.
"Bullshit! I wasn't born last night. Don't you think I realize that both you and Lore are just itching to take over my position? Well, it won't happen! And if you try, you're going to find yourselves in very uncomfortable situations."
"Calm down, Kim. You really are becoming paranoid. Just because Pam and Peri betrayed you, doesn't mean the rest of us aren't loyal." Lore said sweetly.
"Just shut up! Aj will find both of the traitors, and then we'll handle Angelus and Willow." Kim said angrily.
"Don't you think we should deal with them first?" Lore asked.
"Are you questioning me? As long as Cara and Renee are watching them, we will know what they're up to. Right now, I want Pam and Peri found! Is that understood?" Kim screamed.
"Understood." Carrie said.
Kim stormed out of the office, yelling for Aj. Lore and Carrie sat casually in the office.
"It's a shame, really." Carrie said.
"What is?" Lore asked.
"That this whole ordeal is making Kim crack."
"Yeah, such a pity, really." Lore replied.
Both women looked at each other, and began laughing. Then they left the office, and went to get ready for the night's performances.
End Part 13
soul, but Buffy did leave town
As night fell, Angelus stood looking out the window. Tonight, he would free Willow and himself. He was so lost in thought, he didn't hear Willow come up behind him. She wrapped her arms around him from behind, and he gently gripped her wrists.
"How are your hands?"
"Fine, I don't even remember doing it." Willow said as she leaned her head against his back.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't push you to remember things that cause you so much pain." Angelus said.
"It's not your fault. Maybe someday I'll be able to face what happened, but right now I can't. It has nothing to do with you."
Angelus turned slightly to bring Willow into his arms. "As long as it hurts you, it's my business. But, I won't push. When you're ready, you come to me."
Willow nodded, and pressed intimately against him. A small giggle escaped.
"What's funny?" Angelus asked.
"Just that I never thought I'd be with you like this."
"Yeah, me either. But life has a way of playing tricks on a person." Angelus said.
A movement out the window caught Angelus' attention. "Looks like we have company."
Willow looked in the direction Angelus was watching. "It's Cara and Renee, Kim must've ordered them to watch us."
"Well, it won't do them much good. I can easily sneak out without them seeing me."
"You're going after Kim tonight, aren't you?" Willow asked.
"Yes, I need to strike before she can. Right now her attention is divided, so it's the perfect time to attack."
"What about the others?"
"What about them?"
"Are you going to kill them, too?" Willow asked.
"Only if they get in my way."
Willow knew that Angelus would do whatever was necessary to eliminate Kim. And if that meant killing the others, he'd do it. Willow was glad Peri and Pam had gotten away. Those had been the two she had been closest to, them and Aj.
"Angelus, can I ask you a favor?"
"What?"
"Don't hurt Aj. She's a hacker, like I was. Her only crime is that she does what Kim tells her to do."
"And if she's there when I get there? Won't she try to stop me?"
"I don't think so, but will you at least give her the chance to run. She's always been nice to me."
"Okay, I'll offer her the choice, but that's all I can promise."
"Thank you."
Angelus kissed Willow's forehead, then went to get dressed. Willow stood looking out the window. Renee and Cara were standing across the street, laughing and talking. {I guess it never occured to either of them that this building has a back exit.}
"I'm heading home for some sleep." Carrie said.
"Thanks for the newsflash." Beth said sarcastically.
"Oh, was that an attempt at humor?" Carrie asked.
Beth stuck her tongue out at Carrie and headed for the door.
"Real mature, Beth. Bet Nick just *loves* that side of you." Carrie said.
"At least I'm not heading home for *sleep*, Carrie dear. My man knows how to pleasure me. What's the matter? Michael doesn't do it for you?" Beth asked.
"Michael is more of a man then Nick!" Carrie yelled.
"For Christ's sake, would you two shut up!" Lore yelled, "Why don't you both head home, and do whatever it is you're going to do. As long as I don't have to listen to you."
"What's the matter, Lore? Is Jordan having problems in that department?" Carrie said sarcastically.
"You're a bitch, Carrie, you do know that, don't you?" Lore asked as she gathered her bag.
"Glad you noticed. It's something I've worked hard to become." Carrie said cheerily.
"Geez, good to know you can succeed at something." Beth added.
Carrie, Beth, and Lore left the club, still arguing. Kim walked into her office, and leaned forward on the desk. Her head was throbbing and their idiotic exchange had done nothing to help. {Why the hell did I send Ryan away earlier? He always knows just how to get rid of my headaches.}
"You wanted to see me, Kim."
"Aj, have you found anything on Peri and Pam yet?"
"Nothing, I'm sorry. They aren't using any of their credit cards, and there's been no transactions on their bank accounts. They'll be hard to track. After all, you had me teach them how to disappear if it became necessary." Aj pointed out.
"Yes, but you weren't supposed to teach them well enough so that they could hide from you!" Kim replied angrily.
"I'm sorry, but I'll keep trying."
"Damn right you will. And if you don't find them, it'll make me *very* unhappy." Kim said.
Aj nodded and headed for the door. "Are Renee and Cara still at Angelus'?" Kim asked.
"Yes, they'll stay there and follow him until they hear differently." Aj said.
"Good, now get back to work!" Kim yelled.
Aj left, and sat down at her desk. What Kim didn't know, was that she had found a trail on Pam. It was a very small one, so all it took was one punch of a key to delete the information. So far, Peri had remained invisible. {Good luck, guys, I'll help you cover your tracks.}
Angelus snuck out the back of the apartment building, and headed to the club. It was time for a confrontation. He'd take great pleasuring in squeezing the life out of Kim's body. {Guess I haven't changed as much as I thought.}
Willow stood in the window, and was relieved to see that Cara and Renee hadn't moved. That meant they had no idea that Angelus had left. So, that was two less that he'd have to worry about. Turning to look at the clock, Willow figured the others should've left for home by now. Aj and Kim should be the only two of the group left at the club. The other dancers in the club wouldn't be a problem, they didn't know anything about Kim and her group. {Please bring him back to me. I can't lose him now.}
End Part 14
Angelus slipped quietly into the back of the club. He noticed very few people in the back area of the club, but could hear voices coming from the dressing rooms. Slipping past, he snuck a glance into the room. He didn't recognize any of the girls, which meant Lore, Carrie, and the others were probably not on tonight. Quickly making his way down the hallway, he came to a woman sitting with her back to him. She was working on a computer. {This must be Aj.} How easy it would be to just walk up and snap her neck, but he'd promised Willow he'd give her a chance to leave.
Quietly walking up behind her, Angelus grabbed Aj and put his hand over her mouth. His other arm wrapped tigtly around her stomach.
"I promised Willow I wouldn't kill you, if you didn't force me too. Now, I'm going to remove my hand. You make a sound, and you'll die."
Aj nodded her head, and Angelus took his hand away. Aj didn't make a sound.
"Now, where's Kim?"
"At the end of the hall, it's the only office there." Aj whispered.
"And where's the maintenance closet?" Angelus asked.
Aj couldn't figure out why he wanted to know that, but she pointed it out to him.
"Do you want to live, Aj?" Angelus whispered in her ear.
"Yes."
"Then leave here now. I don't care if you stay in town or leave, just get out of the club. And don't come back tonight. If you try to warn Kim, or the others, I will find you and kill you. Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"When will the others be back here?" Angelus asked.
"Not until 3am."
Angelus released Aj, and watched her grab her bag and race out of the club. He figured she was too scared to try to cross him. Angelus moved to the closet, and entered. Leaving the light off, he felt around until he found the latch. It opened quietly, and he stepped into Kim's closet. The blinds on the door were partially opened so he could see Kim sitting at her desk. She was alone..........and about to die.
Aj ran into her apartment, and leaned heavily against the door. She should call and warn Kim, but she made no move towards the phone.
"Are you okay?"
Aj looked up as Eric entered the room. She loved him so much, and it had nearly destroyed her when Kim forced her into taking him to that damn doctor. Aj made her decision. She wasn't brave enough to leave behind the only home she'd ever known, but she wouldn't lift a finger to help Kim either. Maybe Lore or Carrie would make a better boss.
Aj walked into Eric's embrace, and held him tightly. "I'm fine, just had a little scare at work."
Eric began caressing her back, and Aj leaned against him. "Let me make you feel better."
Aj nodded, and Eric swung her into his arms, and carried her into the bedroom. She let her mind forget that before the night was over, Kim would be history. Aj surrendered herself to Eric.
Angelus threw the doors open, and smirked in satisfaction as Kim jumped out of her seat in surprise. Kim quickly reached for the phone, but Angelus yanked the cord out of the wall, and threw the phone against the wall. Kim backed up, only to find herself backed into a corner.
"You better get out of here while you can. The others are on their way here." Kim threatened.
"Not a very convincing lie, Kim. Renee and Cara are still watching my apartment, thinking I'm still there; Carrie, Beth, and Lore are all at home, and won't be back for several hours; and Aj had to leave early. So, I guess that means you're on your own."
Angelus pulled a chair away from the desk, and sat facing Kim. She'd seen his speed, and knew there was no way she could make it the door. Her only chance was to stall him, and hope Ryan or one of the others would show up soon.
"I guess I underestimated you, Angelus. You've thrown a wrench in my game."
"That was your first mistake. You should've found out who you were dealing with before you approached me." Angelus said.
"An oversight. I thought you'd come to hurt Willow, I never thought you'd become attached to her." Kim stated.
"So, if you thought I was going to hurt her, why didn't you eliminate me right away? Like you did Buffy and Xander."
Kim's anger began replacing her fear. "Who told you about them? Pam or Peri?"
"Does it matter?"
"No, since they're both going to pay for betraying me. As for why I didn't get rid of you to begin with, Lore had seen Willow's reaction to you. It was the first time she'd ever responded to a man. So, I took a chance." Kim said.
"Hate to burst your bubble, but the only one who's going to pay is you. I don't appreciate being used as a pawn in some stupid game, but I probably would've let it slide........until Willow became involved."
"That's something I don't understand, Angelus. From everything Aj found out about you, Willow was your enemy five years ago. You had tried to kill her and her friends, why the sudden turn around?"
"I like solving the mystery." Angelus replied cryptically.
"Hhhhmmm, good sex, huh?" Kim taunted.
Angelus was sick of the small talk, and attacked. Grabbing Kim by the throat, he slammed her against the wall. Kim's head felt like it would explode. She gripped his shoulders, and tried kicking him but nothing fazed him.
"Before I kill you, I must thank you." Angelus said.
Kim looked at him in confusion, unable to speak.
"For getting rid of Buffy and Xander. Willow's never told me about what happened to her, but Buffy and Xander have always been pains in the ass. And if they did something to hurt her, they deserved to suffer. Thank you for that."
Angelus kissed Kim passtionately on the lips.............before snapping her neck. He picked up her body, and set it in her chair. Leaning her head against the desk, he made it appear she was sleeping.
"Goodnight, Goddess."
Angelus turned and walked out of the club. He would've loved to be there when the others walked in and found their leader dead. But, he wanted to get back to Willow, and start their future.
End Part 15
Angelus entered the building from the back, knowing that Renee and Cara were still watching the building. It shouldn't be too long before they got a call telling them that Kim was dead.
Angelus walked into the apartment and saw Willow sleeping on the couch. She was wearing one of his shirts, and was curled up into a fetal position. Angelus hung up his coat then walked into the bathroom, careful to not wake Willow. He stripped out of his clothes, then stepped into the shower. He didn't want the smell of death on him when he went to Willow. Standing in the shower, Angelus let the warm water spray down on him.
Angelus dried himself, and threw on a pair of worn jeans. Shaking the water from his hair, he walked back into the living room. He walked over to the couch, and knelt down beside Willow. Her face was peaceful in sleep. He was glad that her nightmares had subsided in the past few days. Reaching out, Angelus gently pushed a strand of hair off her face. Someday, she'd be strong enough emotionally to tell him what had happened. And if it was as bad as he thought it was, he'd probably want Buffy and Xander to die all over again. He hoped they were suffering for eternity for whatever it was that they'd done to Willow. But, he wouldn't push. She was still too emotionally fragile.
Angelus watched as Willow's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled at him. Stretching out, she reached to pull him onto the couch. Angelus laid on his side, leaning on his elbow, facing Willow. Her hand moved to his chest, while his hand gripped her hip.
"Is it over?" Willow asked.
"Kim can't hurt you now. We're free of her and her followers." Angelus answered.
"Can we leave here? I don't care where we go, I just want to leave." Willow asked.
"Tomorrow night."
Willow nodded, and Angelus bent his head to hers. Willow grabbed him by the back of the neck and pulled his lips to hers. Angelus shifted so that Willow was underneath him. He kissed her passionately, while his hands got rid of her panties. Willow moved her hands down to undo his pants. Angelus reluctantly stood to remove his pants, while Willow pulled off her shirt. Angelus covered Willow again, spreading her thighs and entering her in one powerful thrust. Willow wrapped her legs around him, and met his thrusts. Angelus gripped her breasts, and recaptured her lips.
Willow exploded as she felt her body orgasm, and she tightened her hold on Angelus. He balanaced his weight on his arms, and she saw him looking down at her with a smirk on his face.
"What?" she asked.
"Glad you're getting into this more then the first time we were together. You were pretty cold after the deed."
Willow smiled sweetly, then slapped his bare ass. His yelp of surprise made her smile, and she stuck her tongue out at him. Angelus dropped his head, and captured her tongue, pulling it into his mouth. The kiss deepened, and Willow wrapped her arms around his neck.
"That was an invitation if I ever saw one." Angelus taunted.
Willow stared into her lover's eyes, and for the first time in years, she felt safe. Willow reached out a hand, and caressed his face.
"Thank you, Angelus."
"For what?"
"For saving me." Willow whispered.
Angelus gripped her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed each finger, then the palm. He knew she was talking about more then what happened with Kim, and he experienced feelings he thought were long gone.
"My pleasure."
Angelus shifted again, and pulled Willow across his chest. One of his hands moved up and down her back, while the other stroked her hair. They both drifted to sleep, content to be in each other's arms.
Carrie and Lore were the first back to the club. They walked into Kim's office, and saw her sitting with her head on the desk.
"Geez, Kim, lazy much?" Lore asked.
Kim didn't reply. Carrie looked at Lore and shrugged her shoulders. Lore walked over to Kim, and shook her. No response.
"Kim, get up already!" Carrie said.
Lore grabbed Kim by the shoulder, and pulled her head up. They immediately realized she was dead. Lore placed Kim's head back on the desk.
"Guess it's you and me now. How do we decide who takes Kim's spot?" Lore asked.
"I suppose we could have a game. Winner takes all." Carrie suggested.
"Sounds cool. We better call Aj and Beth, let them know what happened." Lore said.
"I guess we don't have to worry about Angelus and Willow anymore. That game is finished." Carrie said.
"That's good, because it was getting dull. We can call Renee and Cara too, and relieve them from survelleince. Guess we better call the cops. It's a shame these breaking and entering cases usually go unsolved." Lore stated.
Lore and Carrie left the office, never once looking back. Nor did they say any words for their fallen friend.
"Guess we better have that office redecorated before one of us can move in. It'd be tacky otherwise." Carrie said as they left the club.
"Definately, something with more class." Lore added.
They headed to Lore's apartment to make the phone calls, and try to come up with the proper way to decide who would succeed Kim. There was so much to do before a new game could be started.
Angelus carried Willow into the bedroom, and covered her with the sheets. Walking over to the window, he noticed that Cara and Renee were gone. Angelus smirked to himself before crawling into bed behind Willow. He and Willow no longer mattered to Carrie, Lore, and the others. They would find new interests, and he and Willow would leave town.
Pulling Willow into his arms, Angelus drifted back to sleep with a smile on his face. Life had been interesting before, but it was about to become even more so. He couldn't wait. Having Willow with him would change his entire future.
End Part 16
Since they weren't able to come up with an appropriate game, or figure out another way to choose Kim's successor, it was decided that Carrie and Lore would share the duties. Eventually, when one goofed up or made a huge mistake, she would be back where she started. Carrie and Lore both accepted the decision, and outwardly they were friendly and worked together. But, everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before they would start with the back-stabbing tricks. Both wanted to be the *only* one in charge. Jordan and Michael would also be accomplices in the fight for the top rank.
No one ever found out that Aj had seen Angelus that night, and had done nothing about it. She returned to the club, and pretended to be shocked by Kim's death. And no one suspected the truth. Aj tried to keep her distance from the others, not wanting to get any deeper involved. Thoughts of Eric got her through the nights at the club.
Beth, Cara, and Renee went back to concentrating on their dancing, careful not to favor one leader over the other. They would remain neutral till the outcome was permenant. Soon enough, either Lore or Carrie would take complete control and a new plan would be created. In the meantime, they would use the rest to get rejuvenated. And having their own personal love slaves certainly came in handy. Nick, Jason, and Jamie were always nearby.......willing and able to serve.
Peri and Pam were never found, and they never returned to the club. Chris was eliminated since they had no one to control him. They couldn't risk the truth being exposed. Finding them was no longer a priority, since it was Kim who had allowed them to betray her. That was a mistake that wouldn't be repeated.
As for Willow and Angelus, they left town and headed for New York. Angelus thought it'd be best to take Willow as far away from her nightmares as possible. Willow still hadn't been able to come to him about the truth of the past, but he could see in her eyes that she was at least beginning to heal. Although he desperately wanted to know the details, he realized it might be best if she never relived the nightmare. The things that happened five years ago destroyed her youth, her innocence. Willow had been able to push past that, and he didn't want her to get dragged back down by memories so horrible.
From the day they left, Angelus never brought up Sunnydale or anything connected with it. And he wouldn't tell her about Buffy and Xander's deaths. Willow knew he was there when she needed him, and always would be. If, in the future, she came to him and asked him to listen, he would. But, otherwise, he'd leave the past buried.
The nightmares of yesterday were gone, and only the dreams for tomorrow were necessary.
THE END!!!