Family Ties

Author: MarieC

Rating: R for now

Pairing: A/S; G/S (friendship)

Spoilers: General timeline: Post Epiphany (ATS); Post Initiative (BTVS)

Disclaimers: I do not own these characters.

Note: Spike never fell in love with Buffy.

Thanks to Ghostforge for his fantastic beta skills!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 
 
 
 

~Part: 1~

Los Angeles, CA

"What did you want to meet with me about, Lilah?"  Lindsey McDonald burst into his colleague's office.

The tall, slender brunette lawyer brought her finger to her lips to quiet him.  "Ah."  She said as she found the object under her desk. In her hand was a small metallic object which she smashed with a heavy law journal.  She sat in her chair and looked up to see a very annoyed Lindsey staring at her.  "And I suggest you search your office for bugs as well."

"Gee, Lilah."  Lindsey smirked.  "I didn't think you cared."

Lilah rolled her eyes.  "Just because the Senior Partners are keeping us both alive for now doesn't mean they trust us."

"I don't trust you."  He responded with venom in his voice.

"Maybe; but, you need me."

Lindsey sighed and glanced at his watch.  "I have a 10:30 appointment. Do you have a point?"

"Actually, I do."  She gracefully rose from her chair and walked towards the dark haired lawyer.  "After your girlfriend's massacre in the wine cellar, we both better be on our best behavior."  She paused and grinned evilly.  "By the way Lindsey, how is Darla?"

At the mention of the blond vampire's name, Lindsey flinched.

"What's the matter?"  Lilah taunted as she strode behind him. "Haven't heard from her lately?  Did she dump you?  Oh wait, you actually have to be in a relationship to be dumped."  She chuckled.

Lindsey grabbed her wrist tightly and hissed.  "What. Do. You. Want?"

Lilah wrenched her arm away and smiled.  "Okay."  She said while placing her hands in the air.  "The white flag is up."  Her voice lost its mocking tone.  "I wanted to talk to you about our next move."

"Our?"  Lindsey's raised his eyebrows.  "Since when has this been a team effort, Lilah?"  He eyed her suspiciously.

"Since our ass is in a sling."  She responded nervously.  "Do you think just because Holland is worm food that the Senior Partners will just give up on Angel?  This 'special'  project is still a high priority."

Lindsey watched her closely.  As much as he did not want to admit it, she was right.  He exhaled and bowed his head.  Lilah interpreted his action as permission to continue.  She walked back to her desk and sat down in the plush leather chair.  Lindsey took the seat opposite to her.  They gazed at each other for some time.  He  finally spoke. "What do you have in mind?"

"Maybe we're approaching this from the wrong angle."  She said as she chewed on her right index finger.

Lindsey added.  "Holland thought that Angel's Sire was the best bet to turn him to the dark side or at least get him out of the game somehow."  He paused.  "We underestimated his resolve when it came to Darla.  After all, he did kill her previously... And what about Drusilla?  He didn't seem too phased about her presence while she was here."

"What happened to her?"  Lilah asked.

"I don't know."  He answered quietly.  "After Darla came to me burned, I never saw her again."

"I'm okay not dealing with her.  She's psychotic.  She's always talking about her 'Daddy'.  It's creepy."  Lilah added as a chill travelled down her spine.  She turned towards her computer and started typing.

"What are you searching for?"

"I'm looking through the company's file on The Order of Aurelius...." She replied slightly distracted.  "Here it is."  She said as Lindsey approached her desk to see the computer screen.  "Darla was sired by the Master and she sired Angelus."

"We already know this Lilah."  Lindsey said with an annoyed tone.

"Hold on..."  Lilah scrolled down.  "Angelus sired Drusilla the Seer. We can cross her off our list, by the way.  He also sired a man named Penn the Puritan."  She clicked on his name.  "Well, well, well. Isn't this interesting?"

"What?"

"Penn, Childe of Angelus.  Staked by Kate Lockley of the LAPD in the presence of the Dark Avenger himself."

"He essentially killed his own Childe."  Lindsey added.  "He is such a bastard."  He turned back towards the screen.  "Look, there is one more member of the Order.  William the Bloody.  Click on him."

Lilah read from the screen.  "William the Bloody.  Otherwise known as Spike.  The Slayer of Slayers.  By some accounts, the youngest Childe of Angelus and by others the only Childe of Drusilla the Seer."

Lindsey smiled.  Lilah looked up at him and said with some uncertainty.  "I don't know, Lindsey.  If this Spike was sired by Drusilla, he may be just as nuts as she is."

Lindsey began to pace across the grand office.  "There has to be an Achilles heel with Angel.  It obviously wasn't Darla, Drusilla, or Penn.  We were close with Darla, but not quite there.  He is clearly affected by his family, though.  He still had a Soul when he allowed Drusilla and Darla free reign in the wine cellar.  It's possible to tap into his dark side."  Lindsey said as he shook his head. "Although, Darla was not able to be controlled once she was a vampire again.  In the accounts I've read on Angelus, even if he was 'back in the game', so to speak, this might be a disaster for us.  Perhaps pursuing the Spike avenue might be an alternative.  We may not be able to bring Angel to our side but maybe we can make him hurt or get rid of him."  He said the last sentence very slowly.

"You really have a yen to hurt Angel personally, don't you? Is it because of Darla or your dearly departed hand? Or perhaps," she said slowly, " you have more than just a passing interest in Angel?"  Lilah looked at him with half closed lids and slyly grinned.  "Look, this is business Lindsey.  Our objective is to remove a champion who is a potential player in the Apocolypse."

Lindsey ignored her Wolfram and Hart rhetoric and spoke.  "We need to find out more about Spike and how best to use him to our advantage." His eyes burned with conviction.

"I agree."  Lilah nodded.  She pressed a button on her phone.  A voice came over the machine.

"Yes, Miss Morgan?"

"Melinda, I need you to set up a meeting with one of our Private Investigators.  Contact Mr. X, of Special Projects.  I want to see him tomorrow morning at 9 am."

"Is there anything else I should tell him, Miss Morgan?"

"Tell him not to be late."  Lilah released the button and the two lawyers smiled at each other.  "I think things maybe looking up."

~Part: 2~

"Good job, Slayer!"  Spike laughed as he leaned against a large tombstone.

"Shut up, Spike!"  Buffy yelled as she tried to wipe off the green demon pus that covered her petite body.  "You call yourself backup?  I think all you can say is that you just sat on your ass while the Trackstar Demon pissed all over me."

"Actually, it's a Trochlar Demon."  Spike answered with a smirk.  "And I did have your back, pet."

"Don't call me pet!"  She screamed as she started to stomp away.

"Oh, come on!"  Spike responded as he jogged to catch up with Buffy. "I killed 'im in the end!"

"Whatever, Spike."  Buffy sighed.  She closed her eyes briefly and said, "Just leave me alone."

"You best wash up, pet.  Don't think Cap'n Cardboard will shag you tonight smelling like shit, literally.  And I'm sure that green goo will do wonders for your hair color!"  He chuckled.

Buffy quickly turned back to the blond vampire.  "You know what?  Go away.  No one cares if you're here anyway!  You're just a neutered pain in my ass!"  For a second, Buffy thought she saw a hurt expression in Spike's eyes.  It was so fleeting that she probably imagined it.

Spike walked up to her.  "Fuck you, Slayer!"  His nostrils flared. "See if I help you and your pathetic lot again!"  He turned in the opposite direction and strode off.

"PROMISE!"  Buffy shouted to the retreating form.  "Stupid vampire." She mumbled as she began the walk back to her dorm wondering if her hair color would survive her latest patrol.

*

"Stupid bitch."  Spike mumbled and pouted as he walked towards his destination.  Before entering through the door, he looked around to make sure he was not followed.  He opened the heavy cast iron door and marched in.  Suddenly he found a sword pointed towards his throat.

"Oi, watch where you point that thing!"  He said as he tried to back up from the sharp object.

"Spike, is it too much to ask for you to possibly knock once in awhile?"  The sword was retracted.

"And where would the fun be in that, Watcher?"  Spike plopped down on the plush green couch and placed his Doc Martens on the coffee table.

Giles straightened his glasses and proceeded towards the kitchen. "The usual, Spike?"

"Yep.  Blood and whiskey.  The perfect combo."  He spoke as he fiddled with the TV dial.  "You should try to come into this century, Watcher. Buy yourself a new telly, mate."

Giles returned to the room with a tray with Spike's drinks and a cup of tea for himself.  "And risk you coming over more often?  I think not."  He answered playfully. "How was patrol?"  He asked as he placed the tray on the coffee table.

"Saved Slutty's arse once again."  Spike answered but was met with a disapproving glare by Giles.  "Sorry, BUFFY, not Slutty."  He corrected himself.  Spike walked over to the chess set in the corner and was joined by Giles.  "So, whose move was it?"

"I do believe it is yours."  Spike sat down and placed his drink on the table.  He slapped his hands together as he contemplated his next play.  After about 10 minutes, he moved his piece.  Giles silently acknowledged the bold move and continued formulating his.

"You know, Rupes, "  Spike voice pierced the quiet, "you should come down to Willy's and play poker."

Giles looked up annoyed with the interruption.  "Do you not use kittens as currency?"  Spike nodded.  " I will not go to a demon bar and play poker for kittens with demons."  He answered emphatically.

"Yet, you'll sit here on a Saturday night playing chess with one?" The vampire smirked.

"Well, I cannot say much for the company."  He answered sarcastically as Spike pretended to be hurt by the statement.  "Chess is a civilized game that takes wit to play.  Somehow, I am amazed that you defeat me regularly."

Spike snorted as he looked at the Ex-Watcher.  "You really think I'm a stupid bloke, don't ya?"

"Living as long as you have, Spike, it is inevitable to accumulate some knowledge."  Giles answered politely insulting the blond vampire.

"Just because I talk like gutter trash, don't make me trash, ya know." He answered plainly.

Giles realized he hurt his feelings.  "I did not mean to offend you Spike."  He smiled.  "I detest losing."  The two shared a smile and continued the game. After some time, again, Spike spoke.

"I went to University."  He said with his head bowed as he continued to concentrate on the chess board.

Giles looked up with an amazed look in his eyes.  "Come again?"

The blond vampire sighed and began to speak in his native high class accent.  "I attended Oxford University.  I studied to become a barrister as my brothers and father had done before me.  I excelled in my studies and was to graduate with top honors."

Giles sat transfixed as Spike's true voice emerged.  Spike seemed lost in his thoughts as Giles spoke.  "What prevented you from completing your studies?"  The Ex-Watcher knew the answer before he finished the question.  He watched Spike's head fall again.  "You were turned by Drusilla."

"D-Drusilla?"  Spike asked and realized he hesitated.  "Oh, yes, Drusilla."  He hoped Giles did not notice his babbling.

Giles stared at the vampire anomaly for some time.  "Why Spike?  Why all the bravado...the accent...the hair..all of it?"  Since Giles and Spike became friends, the older man had understood that Spike did not often talk about his past.  Giles could relate to this as well; he did not share his past indiscretions.

Spike hesitated but realized that he trusted the fellow Englishman. For the first time in his life and unlife, he felt as though he had a friend.  And this friendship was the only good thing that had resulted from the chip.

"I hold our conversations in the strictest confidence, Spike.  Please know that."  Giles smiled warmly.  "While I do not condone your life as a demon, the chip has given you an opportunity to relate to humans in a totally different manner.  It cannot be easy to deny one's nature, but you have always appeared to me to have a strong sense of humanity."  He could tell that Spike wanted to speak, so he was quiet until his friend was ready.

"Angelus." Spike whispered.

"What?"  Giles asked perplexed.

"To answer your question.  I adopted the accent etc. because of my S...my Grandsire ."  Giles noted a sadness to his voice.

"He said the name William didn't strike fear in people and that I was weak and pathetic."  Spike laughed bitterly.  "In life, people thought I was weak and pathetic and in death, nothing had changed.  So, I decided to transform myself."  Spike's voice rose a bit and he had a look of pride on his face.  "I started calling myself Spike and, " Spike paused as he looked at Giles, "well, you know why."  Giles nodded his head.  He spared Giles the graphic details. as he saw him shudder a bit.

"'M sorry, mate.  Bit violent, I know."  He smiled.  "Angelus started noticin' me after that.  Said he was proud of me."

"Did this mean a great deal to you?"  Giles asked as he removed his glasses.

Spike sat silent for a moment before answering.  "At the time, yes."

"You do not seek his approval anymore?"

"Why should I?"  Spike stood up and paced the room.  "The stupid poof treated me like shit most of the time and up and left me...I mean us without even a goodbye."  The vampire was seething with anger.  Giles noticed that Spike had said that Angel left him, but he quickly corrected himself.  The Ex-Watcher pondered the nature of the relationship between Spike and Angel.

"Does his abandonment still hurt?"

"You a fuckin' shrink now Watcher?"  Spike hissed at his fellow Englishman.

Giles ignored Spike's anger for the time being.  "How did you react when Angelus returned?"  He saw Spike lowered his head and chuckled.

"Was real happy for about 10 minutes. Wasn't the same person, though. Don't know if being caged for all those years made him go bonkers."

"How was he different?  You said he treated you poorly before...what changed?"  Giles asked.

"Was just different, 'kay, Giles?"  Spike did not want to delve into his past relationship with Angelus anymore.

Giles thought back to his time at the mansion as he suffered torture at the hand of Angelus.  He remembers hearing the screams of  Spike echo through the home when he would receive a brief rest from Angelus' attention.

"Angel doesn't give a piss if I'm dust in the wind or not, so let's drop it, 'kay?"  Spike's eyes pleaded with Giles.

"Indeed, Spike.  I am sorry to upset you."

Spike sat down exhausted.  " 'M sorry.  Just don't like to talk about the past.  What's done is done."

Giles nodded.  "Well, I think we shall call it a night.  Feel free to use the couch tonight, Spike."

"Ta, but I should get back to me crypt.  Don't wanna have ta make a mad dash for me digs tomorrow if I wake up too late.  Might end up all dusty and that would give the Slayer a happy and we can't have that." Giles smiled as Spike walked towards his duster.

"Goodnight, Spike."

"Night, Watcher."  Giles closed the door behind him.

~Part: 3~

3 Days Later

Lindsey sifted through the papers on his coffee table, concentrating on every detail.  He looked up when he heard a knock on his door.  He slowly rose and followed the sound.  He opened the door with a smirk. "You're late."  He said to the figure as he immediately turned around to walk back into his apartment.

"I wanted to make sure I wasn't followed."

"Don't be so paranoid Lilah.  After all we are 'Joint Acting Executive Vice Presidents of Special Projects' ."  Lindsey remarked sarcastically.  "That has to carry some weight in the Firm.  Besides, if they wanted us out of the way, we'd be dead already.  Or at least one of us would be."  He went towards the kitchen.  "So, relax."  He ordered.

"Whatever."  Lilah huffed as she removed her coat and placed it on the couch.

"Red wine?"  Lindsey offered as he sauntered out of the kitchen with a bottle and two wine glasses.

"Sure."  Lilah answered somewhat uneasy. She was still attempting to adjust to their temporary truce.  "Did you get the report I sent?"

"Yup.  A good read too."  He responded as he handed her a half full glass.  He raised his own and continued.  "A toast."

"What are we toasting to?"

"To the destruction of Angel."  He laughed as he sipped the vintage drink.

"Here.  Here."  Lilah agreed.   The two lawyers sat down and began to strategize.

"According to the report,"  Lindsey began, "Spike is about 1 1/2 hours away in Sunnydale.  So, that part is easy."

"He ran with Angelus for twenty years until he was cursed.  They seemed to be quite close during that time."  Lilah added as she brushed her hand through her long brown locks.

"For the better part of the last century, they have been adversaries. I think this is what we need to focus on.  They had encounters in World War II and most recently in Sunnydale.  They hate each other. Spike opposed Angel when he was soulless."  Lindsey remarked as he looked at the papers.

"Do you think he's strong enough to kill him?  Angel is much older than he is."

"If anyone can do it, maybe he can.  They are both considered Master Vampires. Spike is apparently well known for his fighting skills."

"We should be able to get him to come with us hopefully; but, if we have to force him, it shouldn't be too hard."  Lilah added.

"Why not?"

"Did you see the part in the report where he has a behavioral modification chip in his head?  He is unable to hurt humans.  He was captured by a group called the Initiative two years ago.  They experiment on demons and make them harmless."

Lindsey thought for a moment.  "The Initiative?  Huh, seems familiar."

Lilah nodded her head.  "That's what I thought too.  I researched the group.  It was a government agency that at one time, Wolfram & Hart gave generously to.  Apparently, though,  they killed a few demons that were clients of ours and we pulled our funding.  It's all a moot point anyway because the facility is destroyed."

"By his description, he sounds strong willed and unruly.  We'll need to offer him something to make this worthwhile."  The male attorney added.

The two thought silently for a few moments before Lilah spoke.  "We could offer to take the chip out..."

Lindsey's eyes were wide as he looked at her.  "And have the same problem that we had with Darla and Drusilla?  We would be back at square one."

Lilah rolled her eyes.  "If you would let me finish...I was going to say, that we could offer to remove the chip after he takes care of our Angel problem.  I didn't say we would actually do it."  She smiled evilly.  "We can eliminate him after he completes his task.  It's simple.  This will be a much cleaner operation than the Darla fiasco."

"Hopefully."  Lindsey sipped his wine. "Let's talk to Agent Hauser and his Operations team tomorrow to coordinate the acquisition of Spike." Lilah nodded.

**

Spike weakly knocked on Giles' door and waited for it to open.

"My goodness, Spike.  I had not realized it would be you.  Since when do you knock?"  Giles asked wryly before looking up at the blond vampire.  "Dear, Lord, Spike?"  He gasped as he noted the appearance of his friend.  Spike's face was riddled with bruises and he leaned against the doorway to support his weight.

"Look that bad, eh?"  Spike's attempt at humor only worsened the pain in his ribcage as he chuckled.

"What happened?"  Giles asked as he helped Spike to the couch.

"Nothin' to worry about."  He practically whispered as he was eased down.  "Just need some blood...that's all."

"Yes, hold on a bit."  Giles rushed to the kitchen to prepare some blood from his refrigerator.  When he returned he noticed Spike's eyes were closed.  "Spike?"  He said as he extended the blood towards the vampire.

"Ta, mate."  Although weak, he quickly drained the blood like he had not fed in days.

"You haven't fed."  Spike ignored the statement.  "Spike.  Answer me." Giles voice rose as attempted to receive an explanation.

Giles' tone of voice reminded him of Angelus' so Spike's eyes opened quickly.  He sighed.  "No, I haven't."

"What happened?"  The Ex-Watcher's eyes were filled with concern.

After some time the vampire answered.  "Long or short version?"  He laughed bitterly and coughed.  He gazed at Giles and realized that he better cooperate.  "Two days ago I went to Willy's to get some blood. Bunch of demons were pissed off and beat the shit out of me."

"What did you do to them?"

Spike's answered with an angry tone.  "Why do you assume that I did somethin'?  They beat me up because they say I'm a traitor...the Slayer's lapdog.  They compared me to the Great Poof."  He said dejectedly as he searched his pockets for cigarettes.  "Haven't been able to go back for some blood and the butcher's closed at night."

"Why didn't you come to me?"  Giles asked with care. He watched the emotions flicker across Spike's face.  His lips pursed as he clenched his jaw and abruptly stood.

"Do you know what it like?!"  Spike's voice rose with fury.  "I'm a VAMPIRE!  William the fuckin' Bloody!  And I've got to rely on humans to survive?  I work with an 'effin Slayer, for God's sake!"  As if the absurdity of his situation became clear, Spike laughed manically as he threw his hands in the air.  "Demons hate me because I kill our kind; but, I'm not a man either, am I?"  His azure colored eyes watered as his despair became evident.  "Don't fit in anywhere."  His head bowed down as a tear traversed his sculpted cheekbones.   Giles watched silently as Spike continued.  "I've turned into such a nancyboy."  He stood and paced.  "Things are so messed up.  Unlife was so simple before, ya know?"  He added as he looked at the Ex-Watcher.  "Feed, fight, and fuck.  Simple.  This chip has changed everything!  Don't know who I am anymore."

"Spike, the chip has altered your sense of relating to humans."  Giles removed his glasses.  "If the chip was removed tomorrow, would you kill me?"

The blond vampire sat silent for some time.  "No."  He quietly answered.

Giles smiled a bit.  "Why not?"

"Well, you've been nice to me and all...and well, you're a decent bloke, I guess."  He added sheepishly as he rolled his eyes.  After realizing his response he added.  "See?  That's not normal!!"

"What?"  Giles countered.  "To have feelings?  You loved Drusilla, correct?"

"But it's weakness!  Angelus always said so.  He tried to beat it out of me."

"Whether you like to admit it, Spike, you are an unconventional vampire.  You are quite human in your emotions.  They drive you.  The chip has made you re-evaluate your moral compass."

"I don't have morals, Watcher.  Watch your mouth!"  He said angrily.

"I do not think you would kill Buffy even if you had the opportunity. You know it would be wrong."  He heard Spike snort and then turn his head.  "In a way, I think the chip has made you realize this.  It is almost like having a soul, I would wager."

Spike's head shot up.  "A SOUL?  I'm not Angel, Mate.  A chip is not a fuckin' soul.  All it is are fuckin' wires and metal to keep me from being the real me!"

The room was eerily quiet as the conversation reached an impasse. Giles sensed that Spike was deep in thought.  He rose from the couch to procure some more blood for the vampire.  Spike nodded in appreciation but continued his silence.

Spike quietly spoke again.  "I saw Dru yesterday."

Giles eyes immediately widened?  "D-Drusilla is here?"  He asked nervously.

Spike sensed Giles' fear and reassured him.  Don't worry, Rupes. She's gone."  Spike dropped his head and concentrated on his nails.

"What happened?"

Spike smiled.  "She came back for her prince she said.  Seems she got into some trouble in LA.  She's still nutters so I had trouble figuring everything out.  But she kept talking about Daddy and how Grandmummy was her baby now too."

"What did she mean?"

"Seems some blokes used some mojo and brought Darla back human to get the Great Poof's panties in a bunch."

"Darla, as well?  Dear Lord."  Giles nervousness returned.

"Yeah, can you believe they brought back that bitch?  Anyways, things didn't go so well...Dru ended up siring Darla.  Then she started rambling on about fire and Daddy."

"What did  Angel do?"

"Who knows, but Dru looked burned.  Can't believe he'd do that to her, ya know?  Darla I get, but..."  Spike looked sad for a moment as his voice trailed off.

"Was Darla with Drusilla?"

"No, thank whoever.  That bitch always had it out for me."  He said as he took a long drag from his neglected cigarette.

"For what reason?"

"Don't know."  Spike lied as he looked away.  He knew Darla detested him secondary to the affection Angelus showed for the former poet.

"So Drusilla is gone, then?"

"Yeah...she said she wanted her boy back."  Spike looked up.  "I was tempted but, Dru only wants me when she can't have her 'Daddy'.  Sick of gettin' sloppy seconds.  'Sides, she fucked around on me twice. So, I told her to leave.  She was right pissed and told me Miss Edith wouldn't be happy.  Stupid fuckin' doll.  Dru got real agitated and started ramblin' on 'bout animals and the stars and shit."  Spike laughed.  "Don't know how I put up with her riddles and visions for a hundred years."

"You loved her."  Giles added.

"Yeah, well,"  Spike snorted, "Love don't mean nothin'."

The Watcher in Giles appeared for a moment.  "Were her visions accurate?"

"Sure...if you could figure them out."

"Did she have one this time?"

"Hardly paid attention really, because when I told her to get the fuck out, we fought for a bit."  Spike looked up attempting to remember as he rubbed his bruised cheek.  "I think she kept talkin' about foxes and deer and how the stars said they were comin'.  She's so freakin' nuts."  He laughed again.  "Don't think she meant anything...just ramblin' on as usual."  Spike continued to smoke his cigarette and. "You know, you should charge by the hour, Rupes."

"What?"  Giles answered, confused by the change in subject.

"For the therapy session.  Maybe I should lay down on the couch, next time, Dr. Giles."  Spike felt a bit unburdened after talking to Giles and laughed a hearty laugh.

"Indeed, Spike.  Indeed."

~Part: 4~

One week later, Spike sat in his crypt alone on a Saturday night.  His usual plans with Giles were canceled because of an emergent trip the Ex-Watcher had to take.  There were problems with his family back in England and he left two days prior.  Spike was draped over his easy chair bored out of his mind watching reruns on the television. Suddenly, he sensed a few heartbeats and heard a large knock on his crypt door.  He lazily sauntered towards the noise. "Don't know why the 'effin Scoobies bother knockin'," he grumbled.  "Stupid Slayer usually barges right in anyways!"

As he opened the metal door, suddenly men in black with masks charged in.  Some held guns, while others garnished stakes.  Spike stumbled backwards as his fear set in.  His first thought was 'The Initiative.' He felt himself panic as he watched the team surround him.  He was greatly outnumbered and realized any attempt to retaliate was futile: he was dealing with humans.  He slowly tilted his head as his blue eyes fixed upon the men.

To his right, a man in black spoke.  "William the Bloody?"

Spike's only option was to project his Big Bad image.  "Who wants to know?"  He held his head high.

His question was ignored.  "We are asking you to come with us.  There are some important people who would like to meet with you."

Spike squinted his eyes as he measured up his situation.  "Do I have a choice?"

"No.  But we suggest you cooperate with us."

Spike felt he had nothing to lose.  He screamed as he lunged for the leader.  He was able to punch him before his chip activated.  He screamed as he held his head, but he tried not to give in to the pain. He was able to strike two more soldiers before he felt blind from the excruciating pain exploding in his head.  He received kicks to his abdomen and face as he felt himself fall.  He shuddered to the ground as a taser came into contact with his body and spasmed as he hit the floor.  He was still conscious laying on the cold concrete but immobile.  He sputtered as he took unnecessary breaths and felt himself succumbing to the darkness as a needle penetrated his forearm. The last words he heard were, "Agent Hauser.  Subject bagged and ready.  Out."  His eyes fluttered slowly as the world turned black.

*

Spike slowly opened his eyes and braced himself for white walls and scientists.  He was surprised to see that he awoke on a comfortable bed in a place that resembled a hotel room.  His eyes traversed the room and the first thing he noticed was a decanter full of blood with a glass resting on the coffee table.  'Not fallin' for drugged blood again' he thought to himself as he waited for the fog clouding his mind to lift.  He turned around and winced as held his head.  'Bloody chip.'

Based on the light peaking through the curtains, he surmised it was late morning.  He was unsure how long he had been unconscious.  A sense of dread spread through him.  He suddenly heard a key inserting into the locked door.  He stood in a fighting position as the door slowly opened.  Two well dressed persons walked through.  A tall slender brunette and a slightly shorter brown haired man.  Spike growled as they approached him.

"William the Bloody?"  Lilah began as she strode towards the vampire with her right arm extended.  "Lilah Morgan."  She cheerfully added. Spike did not reciprocate the gesture.  She turned to her colleague. "This is Lindsey McDonald."  The two men stared at each other.  "We hope your trip here wasn't too traumatic.  I know sometimes our boys can get a bit rough."  She laughed nervously as she noted the predatory look in the blond vampire's eyes.  She walked towards the coffee table.  "You haven't fed in two days.  Enjoy."  She said as she pointed to the blood.  "It is fresh O-Positive: straight from the vein."  She smiled.

Spike tilted his head.  "Why don't we cut through the pleasantries and tell me why 'M here."  He said as he noted a sly grin on Lindsey's face.

The male attorney spoke.  "We work for Wolfram & Hart, Attorneys at Law..."

"You're kiddin', right?"  Spike started laughing.  "You're fuckin' lawyers?  What the hell do you want with me?"

"Please, have a seat."  Lilah gestured towards the couch.

"I think I'll stand, luv."  Spike crossed his arms.

"Well, Spike, " Lindsey began, "we brought you here because of your reputation as a fighter and a Slayer killer.  Your exceptional skills could be useful to our organization."  Spike rolled his eyes as Lindsey continued.  "We think we could partner in a mutually beneficial way."

Spike smirked as he listened to the lawyer.  "Cut the shit, kid.  I know my resume.  What do you really want?"

"We will discuss that in due time."  Lindsey responded.  "In the meantime, enjoy the room; order room service.  You will find this hotel accommodates demons, so feel free to order a different blood type if you prefer."  Lindsey walked around the room. "There's a great jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.  We'll be back tomorrow."  He smiled widely.  "Lilah."  He said with a nod as the two prepared to depart.

Spike could only watch as the two humans walked away.

"Oh and Spike?"  Lilah turned around before leaving.  "The door has a mystical shield surrounding it.  Demons can neither enter nor leave. See you tomorrow. "

Spike heard the door lock behind them.  His anger rose as he looked around at the plush surroundings of his luxurious prison.  He suddenly grew tired and sat on the edge of the bed.  His eyes watered as he came to the realization that he was in deep trouble.

~Part: 5~

Angel Investigations attempted to return to their routine over the past few weeks.  The demon fighters moved back into the hotel to continue to fight the good fight as a team.  Although Angel was happy to relinquish the leadership role to Wesley, he worked everyday to regain the trust of his friends.

Angel sat brooding in his room one night when Cordelia entered. "Jeez, Angel.  I was knocking for like five minutes."

"Sorry, Cordy."  Angel answered distractedly while continuing to look down.

She walked towards Angel and stood before him.  "Do you remember what Wes said?"

Realizing she was still in his chambers he raised his eyes.  "Huh? Wes said something?"  He said as he looked around the room for the former Watcher.

"All right, oh broody one.  What gives?"  She said as she placed her hands on her hips.

"Nothing, Cordelia."

"Wesley told you that you need to engage your co-workers...talk about what's bugging you."  She paused as she looked at his hands.  "What's this?"  She grabbed the paper from his hands and turned to walk towards the window.

"Cordelia, wait!"  Angel shouted as he started after her.

In her hands, she held a tattered, old photograph of Angel and others; and underneath this was another one as well.

He yanked the pictures away from her and growled.  "That's private." He returned to his seat.  Cordelia grabbed a chair and sat down opposite the dark vampire.

"I'm sorry, Angel."  Her eyes reflected her remorse.  "You know that you can talk to me, right?"  She smiled warmly.  "I won't judge."

Angel sighed as he looked at the picture and handed it to his friend. "It's my family."  He said quietly after Cordelia had a chance to peruse the first photo.

The picture was worn around the edges and yellow secondary to the age of the object.  Darla sat in a large ornate chair with Angel standing to her right.  To her left appeared to be Penn and sitting at Darla's feet were Drusilla and Spike.

"When was this taken?"  The seer asked.

"1885.  We were in Vienna."  He said wistfully with a hint of sadness.

"And the other?"  The second picture looked just as worn as the first. It showed Angel standing next Spike.  There was a sly grin on Angel's face and a genuine smile on Spike's as his face was slightly turned up looking at the dark vampire.

"Spike looks so sweet.  How scary."  She said as she handed the pictures back to Angel.

Angel chuckled slightly.  "That picture was in 1887 when we were in Hamburg."  He leaned back and appeared to be reliving the past in his head.

Cordelia watched transfixed.  This was a side that she had rarely seen from Angel.  He was loathe to discuss his soulless past.  She placed her hand on his knee.  "I know you don't like to talk about your past or your feelings, but you can talk to me.  That's what friends are for."  She smiled brightly.

Angel hesitated.  "I know.  It's just..."  He trailed off.

"Angel, please.  Fresh start, remember?"

He bowed his head for a moment and then made a decision to change how he related to the people around him.  "So much of what I did before the Soul was so evil.  I feel guilty thinking back fondly on the times that didn't involve killing or torture.  Although as Angelus, those parts were a highlight."  He laughed bitterly.  "No, there were times that my family and I sat around the fire talking or laying in bed playing certain games."  He grinned slyly.

"Ew..."  Cordelia scrunched her nose, "You can skip over the kinky vamp sex stories okay?"

"No problem."  He chuckled lightly.   "We vampires are incredibly social creatures; we surround ourselves with family."  He eyes became sorrowful.  "That was one of the hardest parts about wandering the world for eighty years after I got my soul: the loneliness.  The shame and guilt I felt for all my actions were intensified because of my isolation from the world...but, it is what I deserved."  He spoke with conviction.

Angel appeared to be lost in his thought again.  Cordelia after some time broke the silence.  "Tell me about this picture.  She pointed to the picture of Angelus and Spike.

Angel smiled.  "Will and I were alone in Hamburg for a month.  It was wonderful.  Penn had already left the family to strike out on his own, and Darla and Dru had gone to the Master's Court.  I was happy that Darla did not make me go."  Cordelia raised her eyebrow.  "The Master and I never saw eye to eye on most matters.  And Will?"  He smiled. "He was happy that Darla was gone."

"Why?"  She asked.

"Darla hated my Will.  She was angry at me for siring him and furious for the attention I paid to him."

"Wait, I thought Drusilla sired Spike?"

"Stupid Watcher Journals; a lot of their information is erroneous."

Cordelia gazed upon the picture again.  "He has a very loving look in the picture."

Angel smiled sadly.  "Will, even after he became a vampire, was still a sentimental fool at heart.  I think, in my own twisted Angelus way, that I cared for him as much as he cared for me.  But, love and feelings were weak and inconsequential."  He shook his head.  "I tried to beat it out of him.  Tried to make him hard.  Like me."  Cordelia noticed his eyes water and she understood.

"Hence, Spike?"  Angel nodded.

"I killed this beautiful creature with the true face of an angel and created a blood thirsty killer.  When it comes to my family, his death and my subsequent actions relating to Will haunt me the most.  He personified innocence and I just had to have him."  Angel continued nearly whispering.  "But part of me doesn't regret it."

"Angel, I thought you hated him?"

The dark vampire stood and began pacing.  "I do!"  He said weakly. We're enemies now.  I have vowed to help humans and good demons; I betrayed him by leaving and he hates me for it.  But after I was cursed, how could I stay?  I couldn't be who I was.  I couldn't kill." He slowly returned to his chair and shook his head.   "You know? Looking back, I bet if I had asked Will, he would have come with me." He buried his face in his hands.  "But, Darla made sure that 'my filthy Soul' would not come near the family.  I tried to find them after it had happened, but they were gone.  When I found them in China two years later, he was so angry with me that he barely acknowledged me.  And well..."  He voiced trailed off as he looked up at Cordelia. She had a blank look on her face.  Angel felt self-conscious for a moment.  "I'm sorry.  Did I share too much?"

"God, no, Angel."  She shook her head and leaned in to reassure her friend and lighten the mood..  "Thank you for trusting me.  I've read about vampire families.  What you have told me isn't too shocking.  It helps me understand you better... I don't want to imagine all the icky parts; but, if you get past the bleached hair and the way too tight jeans, I guess Spike is okay looking."  She said with a slight smile on her face.

Angel stared at her for a moment and suddenly burst out laughing.  The friends giggled together.

Angel stood.  "Thanks, Cordy."  He said as he walked over to his bureau and placed the pictures away in a drawer.

"No problemo!  Now, let's go downstairs and go help the helpless!"

"Sure."  Angel said with a smile.

~Part: 6~

The next morning, Spike absently walked around the large room.  His hunger eventually led him to consume the offered blood.  He slowly became agitated as he felt claustrophobic.  He assumed he was being monitored and only once attempted to break beyond the barrier that kept him locked in his cage.  As he sat back on the bed, he heard voices coming near.  He strained to hear what they said, but was unable to.  He knew the identity of the voices: the two lawyers.

"Good morning, Spike."  Lilah said cheerfully as she entered and sauntered towards the heavy curtains shielding the windows.  She threw the crushed red velvet fabric open.  Spike flinched and darted off the bed as sunlight bathed him.  "Oh, goodness."  Lilah said with a smirk. "I guess I didn't mention that you are safe behind this glass."  She knocked on the window.  "Necrotempered glass.  A safe way for vampires to see the sun."

Spike walked towards the window attempting not to look impressed. But, feeling the warmth of the sunshine for the first time in one hundred plus years, even for a brief moment, was an amazing feeling. He closed his eyes to revel in the glow and then slowly turned to the two lawyers.

"Trying to impress me with fancy magics?  Great."  He said forcefully as he went to sit on the sofa.  His blue eyes were icy in intensity. "I will repeat what I said yesterday.  What do you want with me?"

Lindsey smiled as he appreciated the candor of this vampire.  He sat opposite  Spike on the another couch.  "Well, Spike.  I believe we have a mutual enemy and  we are looking to eliminate this adversary expeditiously."  Lindsey expected Spike to interject at this point but he could not read any expression on the blond vampire yet.  He continued.  "To purge our organization of the threat is our highest priority."  The two lawyers looked at each other and nodded.

Spike sat silent for a moment.  "And you want me to do the purging. Right?"  He stood to stare menacingly down at the lawyers.  He snorted and walked a few steps away.  "And this is beneficial to me how?" Spike's patience was wearing thin.

Lilah stood.  "By completing this task, you would be aiding our Firm; but also, helping yourself two-fold."  Spike raised his scarred eyebrow but then turned his head away.  "We can make it worth your while.  We have the capability to do the one thing that no one else can."  The vampire turned back to face her.  "We can remove the chip." She smirked as she noted Spike's eyes widen.

'We've got him.'  Lindsey thought to himself.

Spike was unnerved by the fact that the lawyers knew of his chip. Yet, after two years of being crippled, the thought of removing the burden was tempting.  "The Initiative is destroyed."  He stated plainly.

"We have access to many things at the Firm, Spike.  You would be amazed by what we can do."  Lilah replied.

"Wouldn't brag, pet."  Spike said as he placed his hands in his duster to search for some cigarettes.  He slowly lit one and took a long drag.  "Still need me to do this for ya.  Clearly you can't do everything on your own."

"Touché ."  Lindsey countered as he joined the others across the room. "Look, Spike, what we are offering will return you to your true form. Take the mark out and we remove the chip.  That's the deal.  Take it or leave it."  Lindsey grew annoyed.

"Now, hold on a minute, Cowboy."  Spike held his hands up mockingly. "Didn't say I wasn't interested."  He sauntered over to a chair and sat down and propped his legs up on a table.  "What's the creature that you need me to rub out?  Is it a Grocksclar Demon?  Nasty buggers they are.  Fought a few back in the day."  His eyes look up curiously and grinned.

The two lawyers looked at the other and Lindsey proceeded to speak. "Angel."  Lindsey eyes gazed upon the vampire as he noted the smirk fall from Spike's face.

~Part: 7~

Spike placed his legs on the ground as he sat up.   He was not clear on Lindsey's request.  "Did you say, Angel?"

Lindsey answered simply.  "Yes."  The lawyer noted the lack of expression on the vampire's face.

Spike stood and paced around the room.  He seemed to be in deep thought as the two lawyers awaited an answer.  Suddenly, he turned to them.  "And you'll take the chip out?"

Lilah answered grinning.  "That's the deal.  We told you, this would solve our problems and help you two-fold.  You would be eliminating an enemy of yours and have the chip removed at the same time."  She looked at her colleague and continued.  "I can see you may need a few minutes to decide.  We'll be back."  Lilah added as she turned on the charm.  The two left the room quickly.

Outside the chamber, they congregated.  "It's in the bag."  Lilah chuckled as the two lawyers shook hands.  They remained outside for a few minutes as a mere formality.

Spike paced frantically throughout the room.  Finally, he could get the bloody chip removed.  "All I have to do is off Soul Boy."  Spike said out loud with a smile.    "Wonder what the Poof did to piss off these lawyers?"  Spike snorted as he realized that his salvation would lie with the attorneys from Wolfram and Hart.  He chuckled at the situation.  He sat down to light another cigarette to ponder his options.  He took a long, slow drag.  "Hold on a mo'...Wolf, ram, and hart...oh, bloody hell!"  Spike shook his head as he realized who they were. Drusilla had warned him and he thought she was simply rambling. "What the hell is goin' on here?"  He mumbled quietly to himself.  As much as Spike wanted the chip removed,  he was not going to allow a bunch of lawyers to take down Angelus.  As much as he would like to see Angel suffer,  this was not the way.  'It's not like I care for the bloke', Spike thought to himself as he dismissed his feelings.  He was torn.  'Why do I care?  Angel doesn't give a shit about me...hasn't for a hundred bloody years.'  The blond vampire head turned quickly to the door as the two lawyers reentered with smug looks on their faces.

"Well, Spike?"  Lilah said.

Spike eyed both brunettes very slowly while continuing to smoke his cigarette.  "Yeah, about that."  Spike paused.  "'M not interested." Both lawyers' eyes were wide with surprise.

"Excuse me?"  Lindsey practically hissed.

"You heard me, Mate."  Spike punctuated the last word with venom in his voice.  "Appreciate the offer and all; but, find someone else to do your purging."

"Do you realize what we offered you?"  Lilah interjected; her face crimson with anger.  "A return to the killing fields."

"Yikes."  Spike chuckled.  "Don't take it so hard, pet."  Spike's eyes sparkled with glee.

"We can be a powerful ally, Spike.  I don't think you understand our offer."

"No, I think I do."  The vampire countered as the two stared at each other.  "'M no one's puppet.  So, that's that."  Spike said as he dropped the cigarette to the carpeted floor and ground it out with tip of his worn black Doc Marten's.  "I'll be on my way, then.  Thanks for the room."  He added sarcastically as he walked towards the door.  Two armed guards stood just outside the entrance as Spike attempted to walk through.  He was unsure if the barrier was still armed.

Lindsey walked up just behind Spike.  "I think you should reconsider." He said quietly.

"Boy, you all have trouble with the word no, don't ya?"  He turned to face the guards again.  "Outta my way."  Spike said forcefully.  From behind him, Lindsey nodded.  Suddenly, Spike screamed as he felt his face burning.  A guard doused his face with holy water.  The other produced a taser that rendered Spike to the ground.  He was moaning as the two dragged the vampire up by his arms.  They turned to Lindsey to await their orders.

"Take him to the Chamber."  The two nodded and then disappeared with Spike.

Lilah looked at Lindsey.  "Now what?"  She said impatiently.

"Don't worry, Lilah."  The male attorney spoke with cold eyes.  "This isn't over.  Not by a long shot."  He smiled.

*

Spike's eyes painfully fluttered open.  He attempted to sit up and soon realized he was held down by leather restraints.  He felt three leather strips across his torso and legs and his arms were held out to the side each bound with a band of leather.  As his eyes surveyed the darkened room, it was clear he was no longer in a hotel room.  His stomach twisted slightly with fear.

"Wakey, wakey."  Lindsey said from a chair to the side of the chamber. He laughed a bit as he watched Spike turn his head toward the lawyer's voice.  He sprung put of his chair and walked up to the vampire.

"Fuckin' pillock!"  Spike sneered as he tried to break his bonds. "Let me outta here before I kill you."

"Um..."  Lindsey looked up, "no!"  He laughed again.  "Come on, Spike. Glare at me all you want, vampire.  You can't hurt me."  Lindsey walked around the table to the other side.  Spike's eyes did not follow.   He looked straight up at the ceiling.

"What do you want?"  He asked reluctantly.

"Do we need to go over this again?"  He huffed.  "We remove the chip after you kill Angel."

"Yeah, like I believe you fuckin' lawyers."   Spike rolled his eyes.

"You have the skills to fight him."  Lindsey leaned over and looked directly at Spike.

"Stop, I'm blushin'!"  Spike said sarcastically as he spit in Lindsey's face.  "Ow!!"  He added as his chip fired and his body shuddered.

The brunette lawyer paced around the table taunting the blond vampire. "Can't even spit in my face...pretty pathetic there, Sport!"    There were a few moments of silence before he spoke again.  His voice was low as he spoke directly into Spike's left ear.  "Look, it's simple. Do as we say and you get to go. "

"Get bent."  Spike uttered defiantly.

"Have it your way...Julius!"  Lindsey turned to a man in black lurking in the corner.  The menacing figure slowly stepped into the dim light. "Loosen him up a bit."  Lindsey turned and proceeded to walk out the door as he heard the first groan of pain coming from the vampire.

~Part: 8~

Giles smiled as he pulled his cherry-red BMW convertible into his spot in front of the Magic Box.   After he locked the door, his arm shielded his eyes from the intense rays of the sun.  'Such a contrast to England', he chuckled to himself.  He was growing rather fond of the brightness of Southern California.  'It's good to be back, even if it is a Hellmouth.'  he thought.  As he walked into the shop, a jingling of the bell over the door alerted the establishment to his presence.

"Welcome to the Magic Sh..." Anya started.  "Oh, it's only you Giles." She said with disappointment in her voice.

"A joy to see you as well, Anya."  Giles countered with a strained smile on his face.

"H-Hi Giles!"  Willow exclaimed as she ran up to the Ex-Watcher and hugged him.

"Willow, how are you?"

"Peachy!"  She answered with a big grin.

"Good.  Good."  Giles said as he placed his briefcase on the counter and perused the shop.

"I've made a large amount of cash in your absence."  Anya said proudly as she counted receipts while sitting at the table.

Giles smiled as he started to tend to the log behind the counter.  He looked up suddenly when the door opened and Buffy and Xander walked through in the midst of a heated debate.

"I appreciate your help, Xander, but Bleach Boy is stronger than you. I can't risk you getting hurt.  Now if he'd only come back then...Giles!"  Buffy blurted out as she ran over to her mentor and hugged him tightly.

"H-Hello, Buffy."  Giles strained as his circulation was blocked by the strength of the Slayer.  "Air, Buffy."  His eyes implored her.

"Sorry!"  She let him go quickly.  "We're happy you're back."

"G-man!"  Xander shouted and waved as he saw the older man.

"Hello, Xander."

The group naturally gravitated towards the table and sat down.

"H-How was England?"  Willow asked.

"Quite wet, really."

"Well, you're back in the warm bosom of SunnyD, G-man!"

"Xander, please refrain from calling me that horrid name."  Giles said as he cleaned his glasses.  His attention turned to his Slayer. "Since I did not receive any calls in my absence, no apocalyptic occurrences while I was away?"

"Nothing, big, really."  The petite blond answered.  "You know, the usual vamps and some pathetic demons.  A lot of them, though."

"What were you and Xander discussing when you arrived?"  Giles inquired.

"Oh, that."  She smiled as she looked at her brunette friend.  "Like I said, there were lots of vamps.  Usually the Bleached Wonder helps out.  I just had my hands full and Xander tried to help."  She looked sympathetically at Xander before he opened his mouth in protest.

"I helped!"  The Zeppo whined.

"I know, Xander, but you almost got hurt a bunch of times."  She said while patting his hand.  "I do appreciate it, though."

"Well, I am happy none of you were injured."  Giles said as he placed his glasses back upon his face.  "Now, what is this about Spike?  Is he away?"

"Yeah."  Buffy huffed.  "He should be grateful that we don't stake him.  He's supposed to be here and help."

"Where is he?"  Giles asked the group.

"Who cares?"  Xander answered as he leaned over to kiss Anya's cheek. "We haven't seen him in a while."  He chuckled.  "I, for one, appreciate the silence."

Giles' stomach twisted.  "When was the last time you have seen him?"

The Slayer thought for a moment as she looked up.  "Um...about the time you left."

"W-What?"  Giles slightly shouted which made the group tense.  "Buffy, I have been gone nearly one month."

"And?"  She countered as she rolled her eyes.  "I looked at it like a vacation from the pain in my ass."

"Do you mean the 'ass'  that aides you over and over again?"  Giles snapped back at Buffy.  She stopped and looked at him with wide eyes.

"You're defending Spike now?"  She stood with her hands on her hips. "Is this like the Twilight Area or something?"

"Zone, Buffy."  Xander quietly added.

"What?"  She whipped head over to him.

"Twilight Zone."  He said as he, Anya, and Willow exchanged looks.

"Shut up, Xander!"  She turned back towards Giles.

"Why do you care?"  She glared at him.

Giles ignored her tirade for a time.  "Does anyone know where he is?" He noticed blank looks on the children's faces.

"I-I did go by his crypt."  Willow added quietly as she felt Buffy's stare.  She looked back defiantly.  "W-What?  I like him.  He's harmless."  She shrugged her shoulders.

"Will!"  Buffy shouted.  "He tried to kill you!"  She huffed.  "He tried to kill all of us!"

"So did Angel, Buffy."  She countered and watched how quickly Buffy deflated.

"Willow, did you find anything?"  Giles asked trying to steer the conversation back to the original point.

She shook her head.  "The crypt was locked with a pretty strong looking padlock.  Tara and I figured he went out of town or something."

"When was this?"

"A few weeks ago."  She thought for a moment.  "D-Do you think something is wrong with him?"

"Hello?"  Xander interjected.  "This is Spike we're talking about. He's a demon!  The Big Bad.  Why should we care?  Demon's can't change!"  He said as he threw his hands in the air.

"Really, sweetie?"  Anya added as she gazed at her boyfriend.

"W-Well, of course, some can.  Right, An?"  He nervously giggled and then hugged her closely.

"Very well, then."  Giles nodded to the group and walked over to grab his briefcase.

"Giles, you're going to look for him?"  Buffy asked with puppy dog eyes.  "Since when do you like Spike?"  She said with a sarcastic tone.

Giles did not feel the need to explain his motives to her but did respond.  "Buffy, you all people should know that certain circumstances can cause someone to change his or her path."  With that he proceeded towards the door.

"W-Wait!"  Willow shouted.  "Can I go with you, Giles?"  The Ex-Watcher smiled as he held the door open for the young witch.  They walked silently to his car and sped away towards Resurrection Cemetery.

*

As the two got out of the car, Giles walked around towards his trunk. He opened it and produced a brown leather bag.  He slung it across his shoulder and motioned towards Wilow.  The two walked silently towards Spike's crypt.  Willow chuckled.  "I guess we don't have to worry about any vamp attacks."

"Indeed."  Giles agreed.  "Traversing a cemetery in daylight is quite the new experience."

They arrived at their destination and Giles dropped the bag to the ground; he rummaged through it and produced a lock cutter.

"Handy contraption to have."  Willow quietly said.

After a grunt or two, Giles broke the lock and opened the crypt door. He placed his tool back in the bag and retrieved a flashlight.

"Spike?"  Willow said skittishly as the two walked down a few steps into the cold, dank  area.  They stopped abruptly when they saw the condition of the crypt.  They slowly perused the space with their eyes.  Spike's TV lay shattered on the floor.  Two chairs appeared overturned.  There were candles strewn across the room.

"Giles?"  Willow asked with uncertainty.

"There appears to have been a struggle."  Giles said as he walked around.  The only sound heard was that of broken glass grinding into the floor with Giles' footsteps.  "Clearly something occurred...but what?"  He asked himself.  He looked around for a few more minutes and then turned to Willow.  "Willow, let us go."  The red headed Witch nodded in agreement and the two left.

*

When the two returned to the Magic Shop, they were relieved to find Buffy and Xander were gone.  Anya sat at the counter.  She looked up. "Did you find Spike?"

Willow shook her head as a look of sadness enveloped her face.

"Willow, is it possible for you to do a locater spell?"  Giles asked the witch.

"S-Sure, Giles.  If you think it would help."  She smiled nervously.

Anya walked over to the bookshelf and retrieved a spellbook and handed it to Willow.  "I'm surprised you're helping us, Anya."

"Well, Spike's kind of like me: a neutered demon.  He makes sarcastic remarks and sometimes helps me lift heavy things around the shop.  I like him."  She shrugged her shoulders and went back to the counter.

"U-Um..."  Willow said as she thumbed through the book.  "O-Okay." She looked at Giles.  "Ready?"  She sat on a mat and slowly began an incantation in Latin as her eyes closed.  Suddenly her head raised quickly.  She gasped and then her head fell.  She looked at Giles.  "I know where he is."  Giles looked at her and raised his eyebrow, eagerly awaiting an answer.  "LA."

~Part: 9~

Giles and Willow sat at the round table.

"I'm sorry I can't be more specific, Giles."  Willow said as her eyes reflected her sadness.  "The spell revealed that he was in LA; but it seemed so fuzzy.  Almost like I couldn't get past something."

Giles sat silently as he pondered the situation.  "Why would he be in Los Angeles?"  He muttered aloud.  "Whatever the reason, I fear that he may be in grave danger."  He removed his glasses.  "Oh course!"  He said suddenly as he looked at the young Witch.  "Before I departed for England, Spike informed me that Drusilla had visited him."

"Drusilla?"  Willow asked with fear in her voice.

"Yes, he told me that she recently had been in LA..."  Giles looked up as he attempted to recall the details.  "Darla was there as well and Angel was involved somehow."

"Eek.  Darla too?  I'm not sure I understand."  Her eyes reflected her confusion.

"It is a long story.  I will fill you in later."  Giles stood to pace. "If Spike is now in Los Angeles, this cannot be a mere coincidence. Somehow, this is all connected."  The Ex-Watcher walked over to the counter and opened a drawer.  He retrieved a pen and a pad of paper. He wrote something quickly and taped the piece of paper to the register.

"You're going to LA?"  Willow asked as she walked to the counter.

"Yes.  I believe I need to have a talk with Angel.  I can search for Spike once I arrive."  He smiled to reassure Willow.  "Would you like to accompany me?"

"Yeah."  She answered.  "Can you drive me to my dorm so I can grab some clothes and call Tara?"

"Of course."  He said as the two left the Magic Box.

*

"Wesley!!"  Cordelia yelled from her spot on the counter.

"Cordelia, please refrain from shouting when you know very well that I was in my office."  The Ex-Watcher emerged from behind the sliding doors with a scowl on his face.  He huffed as he walked over to her. "Did you need something?"  He asked with his arms crossed.

"Jeez, Wesley.  Angry much?"  The Seer flipped her hair.  "You're getting to be as moody as Mr. Broody Pants."

"Cordelia."  Wesley drew out her name slowly as he attempted to contain his annoyance.  "Did you have a point?"

"Oh, yeah!  Did Mrs. Taylor pay you and Gunn for the protection you provided her against that vamp?  And since you dusted it, I hope you charged her extra."

"Yes, Cordy.  Here is the check."  He reached into his wallet and retrieved the check and handed it over.

"Yes!"  Cordelia exclaimed.  "Mama needs some new shoes!"  She said excitedly as she kissed the check and placed it in the Accounts Receivable box.  Her smile faded as she watched Angel descend the grand staircase.  He looked pensive.  As he passed by the two on the way to the kitchen, he did not even seem to notice them.

Wesley looked at Cordelia.  "He appears to be rather moody the last few weeks.  I had hoped after the fiasco with his Sire and Childe, his disposition would gradually return to normal."  He thought for a moment while Cordelia nodded in agreement.  "Why don't you talk to him?"  He asked her.

"What, me?  Why not you?  You're the boss!"

"I agree.  And as the Boss, I think he might share his feelings better with a female co-worker.  Good luck."  He smiled as he patted her hand and returned to his office.

"Stupid Wesley."  Cordelia muttered as she slowly made her way to the kitchen.  She noticed Angel sitting at the table staring at his mug full of blood.  "Hey."  She said quietly.

Angel looked up and half smiled at his friend.  "Hi."

"So."  She said as she fiddled with her fingers searching for the right way to begin the conversation.  She settled on the direct approach.  "What's got you all broody now, Angel?"

"What?"  The dark vampire countered.

"Look, some thing's going on.  You been all bad moody for a few weeks now.  You're upstairs a lot and really quiet. "  Cordelia looked at him with wide eyes.  "Oh, God!  You're not having freaky-ass sex dreams about Darla again.  Are you?"

"W-What?  No!  No, Cordy."  He shook his head.  "I don't know.  Do you ever get a bad feeling?"

"Yeah, when I get a vision."  She tried to make light of the situation.

"No.  I mean, a sense of dread.  Like, it's a warning that there is something coming."

"Well, we always look forward to an apocalypse."  She noticed Angel smirk at her.   "Come on, Angel.  We only have to wait for my next vision to know that there is badness around the corner."  She patted his hand.  "So, let's deal with it when it comes, right?  We can't worry about things that haven't happened yet."

The dark vampire smiled at her.  "You're right.  I'm probably overreacting."  he chuckled.  "When did you get so wise?"

"Hello!?  I'm Queen C."  She smiled widely.  "Come on."  She stood and grabbed Angel by the hand.  "Why don't you help me file."  Before Angel had a chance to protest, she dragged him out of the kitchen. They were laughing as they burst through the door.  Their laughter immediately dissipated as they found Giles and Willow standing in the lobby with small suitcases.

*

"Willow?"  Angel said as the red-headed witch came to embrace him. "How are you?"

"Okay."  She said quietly.  "Hi, Cordy."  She waved.

"Wow, Willow.  It's been a while.  How are you?"

"Good.  You?"

"Peachy.  Hi Giles."

"Hello, Cordelia.  Angel."

"Rupert."  Angel nodded at the Ex-Watcher.  Angel led them to the sofas and motioned for them to sit down.  "What brings you to LA?" Somehow in the pit of his stomach, he was sure this was not a social call.

"W-Well."  Rupert hesitated because he was not sure how Angel would react.  "We are sorry to descend upon your place of business unannounced, b..."

Suddenly Wesley came out of his office searching for Cordelia.  "Oh, my!  Mr. Giles.  Miss Rosenberg.  What brings you to Angel Investigations?"

"Wesley.  Wow, you look different."  Willow responded.

"Wesley."  Giles nodded politely.  He looked at Willow and smiled and then  turned his attention back to Angel.  "May I speak to you in private, Angel?"

"Sure."  The dark vampire stood.  "Cordelia, can you show Willow to a room?"  He stopped for a moment.  "We have plenty of rooms.  I assume you do not have a place to stay?"  The two Sunnydale travelers nodded. "This way, Rupert."  He walked the two towards the kitchen, since Angel technically did not have an office anymore.  Not that he was bitter that Wesley now occupied his big leather comfy chair.

The two sat down and initially shared an uncomfortable silence.  Angel stood abruptly.  "Tea?"

"Please."  The Ex-Watcher nodded gratefully.  After a few minutes, Angel placed a teacup with a bag of Earl Gray and a small container of milk in front of the Giles.

"Thank you."  Giles cleared his throat.  "W-Well," he started nervously, "the reason for our visit."  He sipped his tea and began. "Spike."

At the mention of his wayward Childe's name, Angel's head shot up. He said nothing for the time being.

"Much has happened to Spike over the last few years."  Giles began to inform Angel of the Initiative, Spike's tenuous pact with the Scoobies,  and subsequent close friendship formed between the Ex-Watcher and the blond vampire.  Angel was silent while Giles relayed the story.  He did notice Angel's eyes flirting with yellow as he discussed Spike's time at the Initiative.

Angel's anger grew as he listened to Giles' story.  He was shocked at what his Childe endured, guilty for not being there for him, and felt regret that their relationship was in shambles.  'We're enemies...he is soulless...why should I care?'  Conflicting thoughts raged through the mind of the dark vampire.

"I last saw Spike approximately one month ago,  prior to my trip to London.  He came to my flat with some bruises.  He had been in a fight with a few demons that were angry with him for being a traitor." Angel's eyebrow raised.  "For helping the Slayer."

"I see."  Angel sat stone-faced while listening to Giles.  This lack of reaction was starting to annoy the Ex-Watcher but he continued talking.

"He also said that a few of his bruises were from Drusilla."

Angel's head shot up.  "Drusilla?  She was in Sunnydale?"

"Indeed.  She told Spike she had a run-in with you in LA and had sired Darla.  She was there to get Spike back.  Spike did not share in her wishes and they fought and then she departed."

Angel stomach started to twist.  His mouth was dry as he asked, "Where is Spike now?"

"I arrived back in Sunnydale earlier this morning.  The children informed me that Spike has not been seen since I left for England. Buffy and Xander were quite pleased with his absence as you could imagine.  Willow and Tara..." He paused as he saw Angel's eyebrows raise.  "Tara is Willow's girlfriend."

"Oh."  Angel said with some confusion.  "Oh!"  He said as he realized that Willow had gone through some changes since he left Sunnydale.

"We digress.  As I was saying, Willow and Tara were worried and they went to his crypt a few weeks ago.  It was secured with a padlock. Willow and I returned to it prior to coming here."  Giles eyes looked sullen.  "His home was in disarray.  There appears to have been a struggle."

Angel was not sure what to think.  "Why did you come to me?"  He regretted the words as soon as they flowed from his mouth; especially after he saw anger upon the face of the Ex-Watcher.

"W-What?  Angel, I would think that you would care that your Grandchilde was missing.  I know you two have a complicated history. Spike has revealed a few things to me."

Angel hung his head in shame; then, he looked up.  "What do you mean Grandchilde?  William is MY CHILDE."  His growled as his eyes became yellow in hue.

Giles sat stunned for a moment and then nodded.  'It all makes perfect sense now.' He thought.  Spike's reaction to Angel had always perplexed the Ex-Librarian.  He postulated how strong family ties were despite the fact that Spike was not born directly to Angelus.  Now, he understood their connection clearly.  And he also realized the depth of hurt Spike felt.

"Well, he informed me otherwise."  Giles said curtly.  He felt guilty for a moment goading Angel, but he needed to know if Angel would help them.  "He refers to Drusilla as his Sire.  He speaks occasionally of you with some emotion.  I believe Spike has abandonment issues." Giles watched as Angel turned his head away.

The dark vampire spoke quietly.  "He will never forgive me for leaving him."  He looked at Giles.  "Did he tell you that I went to China in 1900 to get him?"  Giles simply stared back.  "He had just killed his first Slayer and I went to find him after begging Darla to take me back.  The look that he gave me was pure hatred.  His beautiful blue eyes turned to ice as soon as he saw me.  He wouldn't let me explain; Darla had told Dru and Will that I had died."  Angel was wringing his hands.  "I think he overheard me talking to Darla.  That is how he found out that I had a soul and was wandering for two years feeding on rats, wallowing in my guilt.  I made a mistake leaving him; but, it was an error I could not reverse."  Giles saw tears in the eyes of the Master Vampire.

"In Sunnydale, Angel."  A thought occurred to Giles.  "Did you want to kill him?"

Angel shook his head.  "I know I fight on the side of good, Rupert." Angel eyes burned with conviction.   "But, I would not let ANYONE kill Will."

"B-But, when Angelus returned..."  Giles removed his glasses.

Angel placed his hands over his eyes for a moment.  "He...I was crazy. Will was so happy when he realized my soul was gone...but...I hurt him all over again."

Giles was surprised at the candor of Angel.  Normally, the dark vampire did not speak with many words; he always seemed to shield his nature with secrecy.

"I came to you because I hoped that you would still care enough about him to help."  He continued after Angel nodded.  "Spike told me, in our last conversation, that Drusilla rambled about animals and the stars.   Because Drusilla was here in Los Angeles prior to coming to Sunnydale, I presumed there could possibly be a connection."

"What kind of animals did she see in her vision?"  Angel asked.

"Let me see..."  Giles thought.  "I believe she mentioned deer and perhaps foxes."

Angel sat silently for a moment.  "Oh, God..."  He said abruptly. "They wouldn't..."  Angel stood and started pacing.

"W-Who, Angel?"

"Wolfram and Hart."  He seethed as his face changed away from its human form to reveal the demon inside.

*

The chamber was dark and quiet.  Huddled in the corner was a pale figure stripped naked and bound by chains.  Spike's body was riddled with blood and bruises.  He lay, nearly catatonic, on the cold concrete floor shivering; his eyes cold.  He retreated inside himself to withstand the torture that was inevitable.  Time meant nothing anymore.  How long he had been there, he did not know.  His lips were cracked and his tongue was parched as he had no water or blood in quite awhile.  He was not sure how much longer he could last. He felt the pull of permanent catatonia calling to him with each passing moment.  A lone tear traveled down his hollowed cheeks as he realized there was no hope.

~Part: 10~

Cordelia opened the door to a room on the second floor.  The two former classmates looked at each other and half smiled.

"So, Cordelia..."  Willow hesitated as she tried to search for words to break the uncomfortable silence.  "I didn't know you were in LA."

"Yep.  Came here after graduation."  Her head bounced up and down a few times as she stood looking at Willow.

The red head placed her bag upon the deep purple velvet comforter. "So...anything new?"

"I'm a Seer.  You?"

"Witch...a-and a lesbian."  She smiled nervously.

"Oh!  Great."  Cordelia smiled back and the two burst out laughing. "This is stupid, Willow.  We're not in high school anymore."

Willow stopped laughing.  "Hey, I just wanted to say sorry for the whole Xander thing.  I'm not sure if I ever told you that."

Cordelia flipped her hair.  "That's okay.  He's a big loser, anyway!" She grinned widely.  Cordelia went to the sofa to sit.  "So, what brings you guys to LA anyway?"

"Spike's missing and we're here to find him.  We're worried sick." Willow answered as she removed a few clothes from her bag.

Cordelia stood immediately.  "Excuse me?  Are you joking?"  The brunette yelled.

"Cordy, a lot has changed over the last few years.  Spike has a chip in his head that prevents him from hurting humans.  He was forced initially to help us; but that has changed.  Some of us became friends with him."

Cordelia thought for a moment.  "Well, Angel recently revealed some things to me about Spike.  But, he was here like two years ago trying to kill us for the Gem of Amara."

Willow chuckled.  "Yeah, Spike told me about that."  Cordelia frowned as she realized Willow was making light of the frightening time.  "He swears he just wanted to see the sun!"

"And you believed him?"

"Partly...but I think he might have killed you anyway.  But that was the old Spike."

"How do you know he wouldn't go back to that if he had the chance?" Cordelia asked.

"I don't.  But I have faith in him that he wouldn't."  Willow smiled warmly.

"Are you settled a bit?"  Cordelia said as she surveyed the room. Willow nodded.  "Let's go back downstairs."

*

Angel stormed out from the kitchen growling.  Giles followed closely. He needed to know about this Wolfram and Hart that Angel mentioned.

"Angel, please."  The Ex-Watcher implored.  "Calm down."  He walked closer to him slowly.  "What is Wolfram and Hart?"

Angel reverted to his human features and turned to Giles.  He was too upset to even talk.  Suddenly, Giles heard Wesley coming from his office.  The fellow Englishman talked in Angel's place.

"Wolfram and Hart is an evil interdimensional law firm hell-bent on destroying Angel and this agency.  They will employ any means necessary to complete the task.  They are our greatest adversaries."

"For what reason?"

Suddenly Angel, from across the room, spoke.  "Because we exist." He paused.  "We help the helpless and in our quest to do so, we have run across Wolfram and Hart many times.  We ruin their plans time and time again."  Angel sat down on the circular couch.  He quickly relayed the recent events involving the law firm and Darla and Drusilla.

Angel sighed.  "They used Darla and Drusilla to try to get to me."

Wesley added.  "And it nearly worked."

"Somehow Spike is involved now as well."  Giles postulated.  "But how?"

Wesley's eyes were wide.  "William the Bloody?  How is he a part of this?"

"Willow performed a locater spell,"  Giles explained, "and Spike is somehow in Los Angeles.  I worry by the state his home was in that he was taken by force."  He turned to Angel.  "Perhaps they are attempting to take advantage of the rift in your relationship with your Childe; as they did with Darla and Drusilla.  I worry, though, that because he has been unaccounted for for nearly one month, something more sinister is at play."

"Where in LA is he?"  Angel asked.

"We don't know."  The three heard Willow answer as she and Cordelia descended the grand staircase.  "It was like I was unable to see beyond the general location.  I-It felt like strong magics were protecting his whereabouts."  A sad look came upon her face.  "I'm sorry I couldn't be more help."

Angel stood up abruptly.  "Wesley.  Call Gunn.  Tell him to meet us at the corner of Oak and 5th."  Wesley nodded.  He smiled as he realized Angel was not going to shut them out this time around.

"I would like to accompany you."  Giles said adamantly.

"No."  Angel said briskly.  "I don't need these damn lawyers knowing who you are.  They would somehow use it against us or Spike.  Stay here."  Angel stalked over to the coat rack and grabbed his three quarter length duster.  He started walking to the door with Wesley at his side.

Cordelia asked him.  "Where are you going?"

Angel continued towards the exit as he said, "To see a lawyer."

*

The car ride was silent.  They had picked Gunn up a few minutes ago. Wesley brought the vampire hunter up to speed.

"So,"  Gunn asked.  "How are we playin' it?  Are we going to the offices, or what?"

"Yes, Angel."  Wesley added.  "We cannot simply storm in there and expect to receive answers.  We have attempted that before.  That never works."

"I know."  The dark vampire answered.  "That's why were are going straight to the source."  He screeched to a halt as he turned into a parking lot of an expensive downtown LA apartment building.  He quickly got out of the car and began walking towards the high-rise.

The three men went to the side of the structure to wait.  Angel glanced at his watch.  "Lilah has to come home sometime.  Even the evil need to rest."  The two others shook their head in agreement.

After about an hour, they saw a black four-door sedan with tinted windows pull up.  Suddenly, the back door on the passenger side opened and Lilah Morgan stepped out.  She muttered something to the driver and slammed the door shut.  As she walked towards the door, she suddenly opened her mouth to scream as she felt something pull her away.  A hand was over her mouth before her shout was heard.

She stared into the yellow eyes of Angel.  He sniffed the air as he allowed his demon to revel in her fear.  He leaned towards her ear. "Don't scream and I'll take my hand off, okay?"  She frantically nodded her head.  He released his hand.

Lilah gasped for air as she stood facing the men of Angel Investigations.  "There's security cameras you know."  She said in a feeble attempt to intimidate the crew.

"Shut up, Lilah."  The dark vampire said with a chill in his voice. She stared back at Angel.  This was a side she had not seen from him before.  "I want you to tell me what you did to Spike."  He glared.

"What?  What's a Spike?"  She said as she looked around for an escape route.

"Don't even think about running.  In a split second, I will break your neck."  He smirked.

"I'm human, remember Champ?  You won't kill me.  Oh,but wait, I guess if you have other people do the murdering it doesn't count against your 'no killing humans' policy?  Does it?"  She grinned.

"Darla and Drusilla were fools to spare you."  He leaned closer to her.  "Now, tell me what you have done with Spike. " He growled.

"I have no idea what you are talking about!"  She said emphatically.

"You're lying, Lilah.  I can smell your fear and your heart is beating too fast."

"Yeah, because you scared the daylights out of me.  Look Angel, whoever this person is, I'm not involved.  A guy like you probably has other enemies right?  Why don't you go stalk them?"  She turned to walk away.  When she realized Angel wasn't following her she sped up and ran into her building.  The security guard met her at the door as he realized she was a bit shaken.

"Everything all right, Miss Morgan?"  The stocky guard asked.  "Did something happen out there?"  He reached towards his gun as he peered outside the door briefly.

"No.  I thought I heard something."  Lilah massaged her neck as she stared outside from behind the door.  She sighed and proceeded to the safety of her apartment and to the comfort of an extremely strong cocktail.

*

The three sped away into the night.

"Well, that was useless."  Gunn said as he broke the silence.

"She's lying."  Angel replied as he gripped the steering wheel tightly.

Wesley added.  "What shall be our next move?"

"We need to watch Lindsey and Lilah.  Sooner or later they will trip up.  And when they do, we'll find Spike."  They arrived at the hotel and were walking towards the entrance.

Gunn pondered something.  "So, who's this Spike to you, Angel?"

Angel did not answer right away.  "He's my Chlide."  He said quietly.

"You have a kid?"

"No, my Childe.  I made him.  He was...is my Most Favored." Angel said as he strode into the dark  lobby.

"Well, how come you've never mentioned him before?"  Gunn asked.

Angel bowed his head for a moment and looked at his two colleagues. "Good night, guys.  See you in the morning.  I appreciate your help on this."  The dark vampire ascended the stairs.

*

The next morning, Lilah threw her briefcase on top of her desk as she entered her office.  She immediately picked up the phone.  "We need to meet, now!"  She said to the voice on the other line.  "Fine...I'll be right there."  She replaced the phone and walked quickly to Lindsey's office.

The male attorney was sitting at his desk reading a file.  He looked up at Lilah as she burst through his entrance and closed the door swiftly.

"We have a problem."  She announced.

Lindsey sighed and rolled his eyes.  He was starting to get annoyed with Lilah's theatrics.  "What now?"

"Angel, that's what."  The statuesque lawyer began to pace.  "He knows we have Spike."

"What?"  Lindsey was wide eyed.

"Yeah, he and his do-gooder squad paid me a little visit last night. Well, I guess you could call it more of an ambush."

"What happened?"  Lindsey stood.

"Well, Angel threatened me.  And, he was scary."

"He thinks he is so intimidating.  But, he's full of it."

Lilah shook her head.  "I've been on the receiving end of that Angel, Lindsey.  No, what I saw last night scared me.  The look in his eyes and the sound of his voice..."  She trailed off.  "We need to end this now.  We've had Spike for a month.  And despite making mince meat of him, he hasn't come around."

"What are you suggesting?"  Lindsey's eyes narrowed.

"Clean him up and drop him back off in Sunnydale."  She paused. "We'll come up with another plan.  Eventually."  She sighed as she rubbed her eyes.

"Are you kidding me?  If Angel is this rattled, then we have exactly the right plan already."  Lindsey's anger was building.

"Lindsey, if you had been there...you would understand."  The two lawyers reached an impasse as they stared the other down.  "I saw Spike last week.  He's of no use to us anyway.  You had Julius do too good of a job."

Lindsey huffed.  "I think this is a big mistake."

"Well, I don't.  We'll come up with something else.  Come on, Lindsey."  She grinned.  "Trust me on this.  My gut tells me this is the right way to go."

"Fine.  Whatever, Lilah."  Lindsey sat back in his chair and swiveled around to face the window as Lilah left.

*

Lindsey walked down to Chamber in the deepest recesses of Wolfram and Hart.  In his hand, he held a thermos full of warm human blood.  As he nodded his head at the figure guarding the entrance, he placed a piece of paper in his hand.  "Tell Agent Hauser to drop the subject at this address when the time arrives."  The guard nodded and proceeded to unlock the heavy steel metal door.  Upon entering the dark area, Lindsey proceeded to the one-way mirror.  The inner door opened and Julius walked out.  The two nodded at the other.

"Mister McDonald."  The deep voice began.  "Just in time.  Are you here again to watch today's session?"

"Actually, all sessions are canceled until further notice."  Lindsey extended his right hand.  "As usual, a job well done."  Julius nodded. "You will, of course, be paid for today's session.  Make sure to talk with Margie in accounting."

"Thank you, sir."  Julius knocked on the outer door and was let out.

Lindsey placed the thermos on the lone table.  He looked into the one-way mirror at the figure huddled on the floor.  He often watched Spike's torture since he arrived.  Lindsey was impressed with the strength and constitution of the blond vampire.  He had endured so much; yet, he never gave in.  Lindsey almost admired him for it.  At times, he had felt sorry for him.

He turned to grab the thermos and went into the chamber.  He slowly walked up to the vampire who appeared to be sleeping.  As Lindsey crouched near Spike, suddenly Spike's eyes flew open and he whimpered and scooted as fast as he could towards the corner.  Chains dragged behind him.  He was curled into the smallest ball he could make himself as he leaned against the wall.  He shivered and shook with fear as Lindsey came closer to him.

"Spike."  Lindsey said calmly.  "Look, I'm not going to hurt you.  I brought you some blood."  He saw Spike turn away.  "Come on, it's been awhile.  It's human."

Spike's mind was so confused.  His body screamed for blood.  He was so desperate with hunger that he turned his head back towards Lindsey. The soft light in the room illuminated his gaunt pale face.  Lindsey inched closer and closer to the blond vampire to offer the blood.

"It's over, Spike.  Okay?  It's over.  Drink the blood."  He extended his arm, holding the thermos in his right hand.

Bright, blue eyes stared at him and then at the thermos.  Spike's bloodlust overwhelmed him and his hands made a weak attempt to rise to grab the thermos.  The weight of the chains were overwhelming and his hands fell heavily to the ground with a large noise.

"Here."  Lindsey placed the thermos on the ground and produced a key from his pocket.  He released Spike's bindings and helped the blond vampire grasp the thermos.  Spike hungrily gulped the blood down. Half of it spilled down the corners of his mouth, but he didn't even notice.  When he had his fill, he released the thermos and stared at the lawyer in front of him.  Spike felt so confused.  Wasn't this one of his captors?  His mind was so fuzzy.  He suddenly felt tired as his eyes flickered.  Darkness captured him and he slumped onto the floor.

Lindsey kneeled over the unconscious vampire as he threw the thermos across the room.  He stroked the sunken cheek of Spike and grinned evilly.

next