Pairings: W/S, W/L (poss. W/S/L)
Disclaimer: Tobias is mine! The rest isn't
Spoilers: Angel season 1, Buffy season 4
Rating: R
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 1~
"You must understand Ms-"
"Rosenberg, Miss Rosenberg."
"Yes, Miss Rosenberg, you must understand that this is a highly sought after post in a very prestigious firm. I was not even aware it had been advertised."
"I was- made aware of the vacancy and I believe that I am the woman to fill it."
"Wolfram and Hart, as a rule, pick their own. Despite your very high credentials and shining references, you must realise that your chances of being offered this position are slim. There is much competition and the Senior- and Junior- Partners are biased towards applicants who have been with the firm for a while, and the post is most likely to be offered to one of those hand trained by those loyal to the corporation."
"Mr MacDonald. I am not in the business of failure. I intend to fight for the job. Clients I have represented in the past have always been satisfied with my services and I have failed to win only one case in the course of my career- when both my client and the prosecuting client were killed under mysterious circumstances- and you can hardly call a complete adjournment a failure. Aside from this, I have other talents beneficial to the firm. The security system at my old firm is impenetrable- unless you're me- and I can find information on a wide variety of subjects within minutes if given a computer."
"That's as may be, Miss Rosenberg, but there are other considerations for those making the final decision to take into account."
"I can be advantageous not only to the firm, Mr MacDonald, but also to all its clients, in a way that few people could. I am equipped to deal not only with humans but many other species also. I am the woman you're looking for." Having put her case across, Willow Rosenberg stood to leave, gathering her briefcase and jacket, before walking out of the door. As she left the building, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a cell phone
"Spike, it's me. Where are you?. You need to get your ass to LA,
I'm gonna need your help."
~Part: 2~
"What was so important as to make you late, Lindsey?"
"We have an unexpected applicant for Tika's post."
"I wasn't aware there were and applicants as yet, either unexpected or otherwise. Which wing is she with?"
"None."
"Pardon?"
"She's not from Wolfram and Hart. I have heard of her though. Very respected lawyer, works mostly in Europe. She's beaten our Asian partners too. An impeccable record and she's just turned up in my office telling me in no uncertain terms that she intends to fill this position and that she knows the different natures of some of our clients."
"Her name?"
"Willow Rosenburg."
"Her papers?" Lindsey handed the documents over, giving his superior a moment to glance over them "They're impressive."
"That they are sir."
"Invite her to a cocktail party next Tuesday evening. Perhaps the post won't be filled by Lilah as originally planned. I want to see the two of them together. Also, dig up her past. I want everything, right down to the first time she sneezed. This takes priority over everything, understood?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Dismissed."
~Part: 3~
"Look Junior, you had to hit a rock somewhere."
"I'm not losing this job, Spike. I've been after this kind of post for years. And with Wolfram and Hart! This is the big one, I can feel it, and I'm not going to lose it just because you were stupid enough to get caught by your sire."
"I did not 'get caught' by Angel, I got cornered by your wolf."
"Oz? What's he doing in LA?"
"Helping the bleedin' poof and his posse."
"Do they know I'm here?"
"I haven't' told them if that's what you're asking, but I'd keep a low profile if I were you. They've got a pretty extensive network of informants throughout the city. If they hear you're here, they'll be after you."
"Damn it. I'm not gonna give up now, I'm too close. Why didn't I change my bloody name?"
"Have you been in England again?"
"Ha ha."
"I've gotta go, I can hear them all getting back. I'll phone when I get a chance." Switching off the cell, Willow kicked off her shoes and went through to the hotel bathroom. She ran water into the tub and took down her hair. She was in the process of finger combing it out when she heard a knock on the outer door. She was surprised to see Lindsey McDonald on the other side
"Mr McDonald."
"Miss Rosenburg. I hope I'm not disturbing anything."
"Nothing of astronomical proportions." Willow stepped to the side of the door, allowing Lindsey to enter, and then followed him through to the seating area of the three-room suite.
"This isn't a social visit."
"I'd guessed as much."
"I've been asked to invite you to a cocktail party. It's a viewing of prospective replacements for the recently vacated position within the firm. It's an unusual event, but the this is an unusual case."
"You don't usually have applicants from outside the firm."
"No."
"When?"
"Tuesday. 7:30 onwards."
"May I bring a guest?"
"A date?"
"A client."
"From your old firm?"
No, an independent. One I'll bring with me if I am offered the post."
"I'll arrange for an extra invite."
"I'll see you Tuesday then."
~Part: 4~
[Spike, Tuesday, 7:30, Cocktail party, W&H- Applicants inc. me! I got you an invite. Make sure you're free. Pick me up at 7:00 outside usual place. Dress smart.]
Shutting down the computer, Spike laid down on the so-called bed his sire had provided him with. Both dreading explaining to Angel and his cronies where he was going, and eagerly anticipating seeing Willow again, Spike was startled when there came a knocking on his bedroom door. Quickly hiding his phone, computer and other business accessories, he called out a lazy invitation. It was the wolf who entered
"What d'you want?"
"Angel sent me, there's news."
"And I'm supposed to be bothered, why?"
"Because whether you like it or not, you're fighting with us now."
"Oh joy. Tell me the bloody news then."
"Tika Bayanam." Spike tensed at the name
"And she is?"
"Junior Partner at Wolfram and Hart. Word is she's dead. Attacked by the new group of vampires Gunn's been having problems with. The firm's unstable, if we can get our way in now, before they fill her place, it could topple."
"That's risky."
"Agreed, the favourite for replacement, Lilah Morgan, is a strong force, but selfish and greedy, Cordy's meeting with her, making her an offer. This could be our big chance."
"Sounds smooth. Where's the hitch?"
"There's another candidate. The firm's keeping their identity very hush hush, if it goes to them, we've lost. All we know is that the applicant is strong, determined and loyal. Whoever it is will be a huge boost to the firm- make it even bigger. Their only disadvantage is that they're new to the firm- they won't have the trust Lilah does and so are less likely to get the job. We have to feed that distrust."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Find out who they are, how they can be manipulated, what their past hides. The usual."
"And I'm supposed to do this how?"
"However you want. You have free reign of the city. Just find them."
"Whatever." Oz left the room and Spike reached for his phone
"Hello?"
"It's your personal back scrubbing service, calling to apologise for the absence."
"How d'you do that?"
"What?"
"You can always tell where I am as soon as I answer the phone."
"Well the sound of water droplets trickling over your gorgeous breasts give away when you're in the bath."
"So you called to hear the sound of dripping water? Why don't you just go outside, it's raining cats and dogs out there."
"I told you, too long in England."
"I'll come back cockney for you next time."
"We have trouble, Junior."
"I guessed as much."
"I've just been assigned the task of finding out everything about you."
"I'm a threat?"
"To the state of LA apparently. They're going to be watching you with a hawk's eye. You're not gonna be able to hide forever."
"Well then maybe it's time to face them."
"There's something more isn't there?"
"Yeah. She's a native Sunnyheller."
"She's from Sunnydale?"
"Born and Bred."
"If she's 25, that means she would've graduated about the same time as you guys."
"I'll pull up a list of females that graduated. She'd have to be smart to be that successful."
"The list shouldn't be that long- only those native to Sunnydale and still alive. But it could be slow progress. There were only two schools in the area- Sunnydale and that private one. Go through those you know first." Os stood and walked to the computer, Cordelia following, as Spike put on his duster.
"Where are you going?" Spike glared at his sire
"I've got another lead. Vampire who used her a couple of years back."
"You should get more then?"
"Possibly. Has the deal with that Lilah person gone through yet?"
"Yeah. If she gets the job, she'll help us collapse the firm."
Spike left the building and jumped into the Desoto, speeding through the city to Willow's hotel. Parking around the back, Spike grabbed his things and entered the hotel, climbing the stairs and knocking on the door of Willow's usual suite. She opened the door and he pushed his way in
"You're early."
"And you're almost naked. Damn, my timing's off."
"I was getting ready. Which dress, long casual and sexy, or short, slutty and businesslike?"
"You'd look good in anything. Or nothing." Off her look he decided, "The long one."
"You didn't say why you're here early."
"Gotta get changed. The poof's been around all day so I haven't had a chance."
A half hour later, the pair were ready and exited the building.
"Did you get the info?"
"Yeah. Junior partners make the decision, Holland someone or another okays it, and then you get to meet the seniors."
"How many junior partners?"
"Three- Tika's dead, one's in Europe and the other's your Mr McDonald."
"What's the European one's name?"
"Tobias Richards."
"Shit."
"Not good?"
"He hates me. I beat him in a big case a few years back. He's been after me ever since. He'll be voting for the Morgan chick."
"That's where I come in." Willow looked at him, puzzled "Lilah Morgan is working with Angel."
"What?" A grin began to spread across her face
"If she gets in, she collapses the firm from the inside. Also McDonald's on your side whatever. He and Lilah hate each other- always have."
"So how is Holland made aware of this?"
"I'll see him tonight, drop some hints. From what I hear, there'll be mind readers there. If his suspicions are raised she won't last long."
"A demon called Teevius, but it's a high profile job, they want a human, and a couple of minor lawyers. You've practically got it."
"Still, maybe Lindsey could do with a bit of persuading. I want to count on his voice of support with Holland."
"Willow Rosenburg!" Spike's voice was full of mock horror. "Are you suggesting sleeping with a man to better your position?"
"Would I do such a thing?"
"Yes." Willow laughed before her face again fell serious
"Angel?"
"I told them your age and that you're from the Hellmouth. They're going through school records."
"Hold them off for a while longer. I won't let them find me; I'll let them know at the same time that the world finds out. They think they've got the city covered, but they'll find out they're wrong."
"That's my girl, give them a taste of what's to come."
"You have to go back tonight?"
"Why?"
"Well if Lindsey won't be seduced tonight, I may need someone else to warm my bed."
"You know I'm like an ice block."
"Yet you always manage to make me hot."
"You either leave with him or with me then?"
"Yes."
"It's alright for you, you're definitely getting sex tonight, me, I have to content myself with being a beautiful lady's second choice."
"A beautiful lady?"
"And a bloody good lay." Willow laughed
"You're not so bad yourself old man."
"We're here." Leaving the car in the capable hand of a rather strange looking bright blue demon, Spike and Willow entered the building and were escorted up to one of the top floors. They were met at the door by Lindsey
"Miss Rosenburg."
"Mr McDonald,"
"For tonight, Lindsey."
"Willow, and this is my client, Spike."
"Spike? William the Bloody? Childe of Angelus?"
"Pleased to meet you too."
"So, Spike, you've not been known to cooperate with a firm before."
"I work with Willow. She's an excellent lawyer; she keeps my affairs in order and helps me in court. I don't need anyone else."
"It's a dangerous job she does though, what if something were to happen to her?"
"I'd decide after I'd killed the bastards who did it."
"So you push pens as well Miss- Willow."
"For Spike, yes. I prefer to work on my own terms. Should I hire someone else, who knows what would happen?"
"And yet you're applying for a job with Wolfram and Hart."
"I'm ready for bigger things."
By this time, the trio had moved into the centre of the gathering and were met by a man and a woman that Spike recognised as being Lilah Morgan, he hissed in warning to Willow
"Willow Rosenburg, this is-"
"Lilah Morgan and Holland Manners, yes." Lindsey looked at her wide-eyed and Lilah blinked a little too rapidly. Holland, though, appeared unmoved
"You're well-informed, Ms Rosenburg."
"It's Miss."
"Yes," There was no trace of civility in his voice, "I suspect your thoroughness is a bi-product from your years working with the Watcher."
"And I suspect yours is from practice of checking up on colleges."
"He doesn't know everything, Pet."
"I'm guessing he has an idea."
"Miss Rosenburg, why don't we break away from the testosterone driven of this party and have a female heart-to-heart." Willow looked over at Lilah. She was testing her. She was going to regret it
"Very well, Miss Morgan."
"Lilah, please." Willow failed to return the invitation. Once they'd left the others Lilah turned her cold eyes on her competitor. Willow matched her gaze
"Wolfram and Hart won't trust you."
"I'm not asking for trust, I'm asking for a job."
"Your strength lies in the vampire. You won't have that here."
"I very rarely work with Spike, I prefer to work alone. I've stood against entire companies before and thrown them to the ground, this firm respects me for doing so and surviving. The question is, can you do the same. Even with Angelus behind you." Lilah was silent for a moment, then;
"This job is mine. If I have to kill to get it I will."
"I've heard death threats before, Ms Morgan, most from much scarier mouths, and I'm still standing. I'll be standing a long time after you. I always succeed in my projects. This one is no exception."
~Parts: 6 - 13~
"Rupert, we're talking international emergency here."
"I don't see how a new lawyer falls under the category of international emergency."
"This new lawyer is going to have control over an awful lot of demons, and will protect them from people such as us. No doubt, if she has a personal interest in Sunnydale, she'll be only too happy to target it."
"Angel, what are you asking?"
"There can't be too many European lawyers from Sunnydale around, now that you're back on speaking terms with the council, all I'm asking is that you see if you can get any names."
"I'll try."
"If this gets out of hand, we may need all your help down here."
"Understood."
"Angel!!"
"I have to go, Rupert. Bye." Hanging up, Angel climbed the stairs to meet Cordy
"Some help would be appreciated, what with Spike traipsing off god knows where."
"He's with a possible informant."
"He's probably drunk."
"Never mind, what do you want me to do?"
"Call out names then I can search the police database- see if any have died outside Sunnydale, or are in prison or whatever."
"Trinity Goodwyn- with a `y' in Goodwyn."
"Nothing, put her in that pile."
"Anne Keneally- that's K-e-n-e-a-l-l-y."
"In prison for five years- released next week- other pile."
"Will- Who did this list?"
"Oz I think."
"He doesn't know."
"Who doesn't know what?" Oz entered the room followed by Wesley
"What have you been doing for all the time you were away?"
"Travelling, staking stray vamps etc. Why?"
"You didn't keep tabs on any of us?" Oz shook his head "And when you returned last month you didn't check anything?"
"No, what's this about?"
"Willow's dead."
"What?"
"She was killed by a demon while patrolling with Buffy."
"Oh my god," Oz sat down heavily on the nearest chair, "When?"
"About four years ago."
"You're lying."
"Oz, he's not. We've all seen her body. I'm sorry but you're going to have to deal."
"She's not dead."
"Oz-"
"NO! Listen, I saw her. Last year, Istanbul."
"It wasn't her."
"It was, we spoke for hours."
"She's dead."
"No she's not, she was different, but not dead."
"Why was she there?"
"She said she needed to get out of the dale that was Sunny. She had some well-paid job, was going round in suits, with black hair, but it was still her. Deep down it was still my Will."
There was a silence as everyone absorbed the information. Eventually Angel spoke
"Run a check on her, Cor."
***
"We've made some mistakes in the past, Miss Rosenburg, why should we trust someone who worked with the Slayer with a top job like this?"
"You just hit the nail on the head, Mr Manners. Would you rather trust someone who did work with them, or someone presently working with them?"
"The point remains."
"I'm a different woman to what I was, I had an accident that opened my eyes to the truth of things, and I have no intentions of returning to what they remember me as."
"We used a girl in a similar position once. Once she was re- acquainted with her old friends she became a liability, an expense that almost lost all of us our jobs- and our lives. We don't want a repeat of that."
"You're talking of Faith."
"Yes."
"She turned on you, when confronted by Angel."
"Yes."
"Angel has no influence over me. He's a sorry son-of-a-bitch who spent most of his time in Sunnydale pointedly ignoring me. And if worst comes to worst, then I have Spike to back me up."
"The vampire?"
"Yes. So?"
"I think I could be learning to call you Willow."
***
"I'm in. Care for a little celebration?"
"You betcha, Luv. Let me just say me goodbyes."
***
"Got your speech ready, Love?"
"This is my big moment. He still doesn't know?"
"He has no idea."
"Well then it's time to change things."
***
"Angel! Wesley! Oz! It's about to start. Get your asses down here. Now!" The men were quick to appear and joined Cordelia in front of the television.
"It's a beautiful sunny day here in LA. We're here to see the announcement of the country's most powerful law firm's new partner. It was only two weeks ago that Tika Bayanam, the firm's last junior partner, was killed under mysterious circumstances."
"Yes, okay, we know this. Get on with it you stupid whore."
"Cordelia!"
"Sorry, I'm impatient."
". this Saturday morning, the announcement is to be made. The front runner for the position, Ms Lilah Morgan has- oh, we'll have to finish that there, because here, live to make the announcement is Mr Holland Manners, and Mr Lindsey McDonald."
"Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the press. Thank you. I'm not going to bore you with long speeches, so without further ado, let me introduce to you our new junior partner, Miss Willow Rosenburg."
The members of Angel Investigations sat stock still and silent, as the very professional, but still infinitely attractive, Miss Rosenburg was escorted onto the podium. After only ten or so seconds of motionless, Angel was over by the phone.
"Xander? It's Angel. Switch on the LA news channel. We have a problem."
***
Willow was vaguely aware of the cameras, of Holland and Lindsey, and of Spike lurking a few feet away in the shadows. She was sure her lips were moving and that sounds were coming out, but the only thing she could focus on was the feeling she had inside. She'd found her inner peace. She was finally where she wanted to be in life. She knew that in less than an hour she's be facing Angel, facing a past she wanted to forget. Everyone here know she was capable of the job, everyone here knew she was far from scared, but only she, and possibly Spike, know the extent of the sheet hatred she felt for her former friend. Tuning in, she gave the end of her pre- prepared speech
"And don't forget Wolfram and Hart for when those demons are at your door."
As she stepped off the podium, she felt Holland take her place. She felt a surge of emotional turmoil overtake her and rushed over to Spike. Hugging him, she buried her face in his shoulder
"I did it, Old Man, I did it."
***
"And Holland takes the stage as Miss Rosenburg embraces a friend. This must be a huge moment for her, originally from California, she has spent the past four years practicing law in Europe, and has never lost a case."
"That son-of-a-bitch! Angel, you said he could be trusted."
"He's been playing us. He knew who she was the whole time."
"She's not dead. She never told us, she's not dead." In the room around him, Angel was assaulted with voices, both from the occupants of the room he was in, and those in the room at the other end of the telephone. But he was just as, if not more, confused than any of the others
"Angel, we're coming down, the five of us. We'll be there in two hours- no, make that an hour and a half, Buffy's driving."
"Hurry. Please do."
***
"The Slayer's coming." Willow looked at Spike. Emotions poured through her. She discovered she could only form one word
"Good." Slowly, her new colleges assembled around her and she began her battle plan
"The first thing I promised as a member of this firm was to bring your problem to the ground. There'll be nine of them, four women, five men, one slayer, one werewolf, one vampire, one witch. The others won't be a problem. And we have our own weapons." The small army around her knew their job. They were good, independent but used to taking orders. She didn't' know if she'd need them all yet- but they'd be nice to have. As they dispersed to their various forms of transport, she felt Spike at her elbow
"Be careful Junior- I won't be able to remind you in there. Hate is a double edged blade- be careful to grab the hilt."
"Another bit of Spike-wisdom to store away. You'll be in there with me?"
"It's your plan, you should know where I'll be."
"Promise?"
"Have I ever let you down before?"
"There's a first time for everything."
"You're starting to sound like the Red they know. That's not you Junior."
"You're right. Let's go."
"And Eb?" She turned to face him again, "You don't need it, but I promise."
"I know you do Spike- you'd stand an ice cube's chance in hell without me."