Chapter 20

Dru crossed her ankles demurely, her eyes steady on the face of her former lover. Ethan flicked his gaze at her crossly before bidding his wife goodbye.

“How is Aunt Gwen? Is she still battling that nasty cold?”

Ethan glared at her. “Why are you here? I thought our business was finished, and yet, here you sit.”

Dru smoothed out a non-existent crease in her skirt. Her legs were long and shapely, and she knew his eyes were on them. “I remember the first time I noticed you looking at me in a fuck-me way. It was the Fourth of July, and I was 16. I had on this teeny bikini, and you couldn’t stop watching me.” She said, reminiscing. She sighed and looked up, her black eyes shining with laughter. “It took you 3 years before you made your move. 3 years of waiting, but it was worth it. Remember our first time. You were so hard for me, you couldn’t wait till Gwen went to bed. Pushed me into the maid’s quarter and ripped my panties off.”

She paused and turned in her seat, parting her legs. “Do you remember, Uncle Ethan?”

Ethan remembered all right. Remember the thrill of having her. God, she was so uninhibited, so exciting, it had made his mouth water. That was then, this was now. “I ask again, Drucilla, why are you here?”

“No reminiscing, then? Just as well. I can always go back and watch some of our more lively encounters on tape. Things were kinda fuzzy from the night I got pregnant, but it’s all there on video. Our little game. You, me, the pool table. You were a naughty, naughty Daddy.” She said, lifting her skirt with each word.

“It doesn’t work anymore, Dru. Nothing kills my erection quicker than imagining you naked. Nothing.” Ethan stated, taking perverse pleasure in the flash of anger in her eyes.

Dru ground her teeth so hard, she was sure they would shatter. “I called your man, he’s yet to return my calls. Where is he? If you’re bullshitting me, Ethan, so help me, I’ll release that tape. It’ll ruin you. It’ll ruin your marriage.”

Ethan strode across the room, his hand wrapping around her neck. One good, strong shake, and it would snap like a chicken’s. “He will contact you when he’s ready, Dru. Don’t mistaken my lack of action to mean I wouldn’t hesitate to rid the world of you. Don’t ever threaten my marriage again.”

He released her and Dru caressed her neck, wondering if he left marks. She laughed hard, till tears ran down her face, and ruined her makeup. “Ah, Ethan, I didn’t think you had the balls, but you do, don’t you? Well, so do I. I’ll do what I want, when I want, and to whom I want.” She stood up in one fluid movement, and strode to the desk, her hips swaying as she did. She pressed her body to his, rubbing her head against his chest.

“I own you. I always have. You’ll never be rid of me. Should have thought of that before you started lusting after a teenager.” She whispered. “But don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. As long as you do what I tell you to do, we’ll all be happy. Now, get your man in touch with me, or be prepared to see yourself on TV.” She lifted her head, pressing her lips firmly to his.

“Don’t forget to tell Aunt Gwen, I said hello.” Dru threw over her shoulder as she walked out the room.

*******************************

Buffy studied the various cameras and lenses sprawled across the carpet. Her mind was on a thousand things, mainly what equipment she would need for the wedding. She rubbed at her neck, the pleasant ache there a reminder of Spike’s lips and teeth from the night before. God, the man was an animal in the sack, and thankfully, she had the stamina to keep up with him. Or reverse that. Thank goodness, he had the stamina to keep up with her. Gotta give one up for the women. Power to the clit, and all that.

Buffy giggled. “I could make a fortune in t-shirt with that logo.” The phone drew her attention away for money-making schemes. “The Bronze Studio.”

“Hey, sis.”

“Dawnie, hey.” Buffy said relieved to finally hear from her. “I tried calling you on your cell earlier, but it was off.”

Dawn grinned. “Well, to be honest, Buff, I didn’t want to talk about last night. Everybody has called. I was tempted to put ‘I’m fine. Stop calling.’ as my new voicemail message.”

“But… but… I’m your sister. I’m supposed to care and be concerned.” Buffy said wounded.

Dawn laughed, imagining the pitiful look on Buffy’s face. “And I’m grateful, but there are some things I’m going to have to deal with on my own. And breaking up with my boyfriend is one of those things.”

Buffy sat on the stool, her head tilted to the side. “Dawn, I just don’t want you to be hurt.” She admitted.

“I will admit to bingeing on Italian Ice when I got home, but that was just the initial shock. After further review and an upset stomach at 5 this morning, I’m okay. He has every right to go out with whomever he wants to. And in his defense, he looked as shocked to see us as we did to see him. I don’t think it was guilt, Buffy.”

After running the incident over in her head this morning, Buffy realized she had overreacted. A tad bit. She also admitted to having every right as the sister of the aggrieved individual to dislike on sight the girl walking beside Connor.

“Are you still upset with Spike?” Dawn asked, curious. Her mouth dropped open when the first salvo had been launched, by none other than her ‘I’m head-over-heels in love with the tall, nicely shaped British author’ sister. After picking her jaw off the grass, she was further surprised to hear Cordy rip into Lindsey. Now, she would admit to being a tad bit immature about some things, but she was pretty sure neither couple had ever said a negative thing about the other. Guess it was time to smash those rose-colored glasses.

“No. It’s kinda hard to stay mad at him.”

“I bet it is hard.” Dawn emphasized, giggling at the shocked gasp from Buffy.

“I’m telling Mom you’re thinking dirty thoughts.” Buffy told her.

“Ooh, I’m so scared, little girl.”

“Hey, no short jokes. Are you sure you’re okay?” Buffy asked, guiding the conversation back to the Dawn.

“Yeah, surprisingly I’m okay. We need to talk.”

“Well, Sweetie, you’d better hurry. I’ve got a wedding at 4.” Buffy told her, checking the clock behind the counter. She had to meet the bride at 2 for pictures.

“Umm… I wasn’t talking about us. I need to talk to Connor. We haven’t really talked since the breakup, and with last night, I feel the need to see him.”

Buffy sighed. “You’re so grown up about this. Wish things with Riley could have ended so easily.”

“Has he showed his face since the letter?”

Buffy snickered. “No. Not really sure if he’s scared of me or ashamed. I’m hoping he’s found something else to occupy his time. Maybe, a dog or a fish. Something along his intelligence level.”

Dawn grinned broadly. Finally, after years of her telling Buffy what an idiot Riley was, it finally sinks in. Guess hanging around with Spike was rubbing off on her. “Buffy don’t insult the fish. They have it rough as it is. No need to label them as Riley-safe.”

“I know. Bad Buffy. Give the goldfish credit. I’m even insulting the dog. You know it has more sense.”

“I’m not so sure about that Buffy. Riley followed you around like a little puppy, so they could be of the same species.”

*********************************

The Spanish Inquisition was probably less painful than this interrogation. Connor thought. Just don’t look them in the eye, and you’ll get out of this alive. Just let them say their peace, nod appropriately, and get the hell out of here with all your parts in tact.

“Of all the stupid things you’ve done, this one takes the cake!” Cordy shouted. And considering the number of dumb ass stunts he’d pulled in his 21 years, that was quite an accomplishment, but he doubted Cordy would see it that way.

Oh, hell, here comes Mama. You’re 21. You’re not 10. She can’t reduce you to a crying, apologetic, little snot. Oh, no, not gonna happen. You’re an adult.

“Connor, you’re not a mean person. You’re too much like your father to be deliberately cruel to someone, especially to someone you care deeply about.” Maria told him, caressing his cheek lightly. “So why did you go with that little tramp to the concert?!” She shouted, shaking her head as she walked away. He could see the disappointment in her eyes.

Hell, even Lindsey looked disappointed, but that could also be damnation, since Cordy had some choice words for him last night. Oh, he got to hear all about how he and Spike had paid for Connor’s sins. Not that Spike was complaining, but he wasn’t any happier that his first official argument with Buffy had to do with Connor being a bonehead. Nope, he wasn’t on anyone’s favorite’s list at the moment. Worse, was the feeling he’d carried since seeing Dawn that she thought he’d done it on purpose. She was the last person he wanted to hurt.

“Mama, Amy isn’t a tramp, and I didn’t do anything stupid.” He said, directing the last comment to Cordy. “I went to a concert with my friends. I went with them because hanging with Dawn would have hurt. I still care for her. I didn’t want this breakup, she did. So why am I getting the cold shoulder and the blame? She broke up with me.”

Lindsey shook his head. Bad move bringing up Dawn and the breakup. Lord, would the boy never learn? Just setting himself up for more questions. Shoulda taken it like a man, dude.

“She broke up with you because you were being a poopy head and wouldn’t tell her you loved her. That’s why she dumped you. She was protecting herself. It’s called self-defense.” Cordy crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him.

Connor glared at Cordy, wincing at the sting he felt from her words. “I wasn’t going to hurt her, damnit. She never gave me a chance.”

“Exactly. Why should she give you a chance, when you act like falling in love with her would be the worse thing to happen to you next to crabs?”

Maria chuckled. God, she loved to see them bicker. Reminded her of when they were children, and the house would be filled with their laughter and their shouts. “Cordelia, really” She huffed. “Connor, I would like to know if you went with…” And she sneered as she thought of the tall, brunette, who always had a look of mischief in her eyes. She never trusted her. Never. Not in all the months they went together. “Amy to make Dawn jealous or are you really not that smart?”

Lindsey almost fell out of his chair, but he managed to keep upright and a straight face.

Connor buried his head in his hands. This was going to be a long morning.

********************************

The warm jasmine scented oil brought tiny tendrils of pleasure to Wes’ naked skin. There was nothing quite so erotic as the feel of oil being rubbed languidly into your skin. Wesley squeezed his eyes shut as he felt her hands kneading the knots out of his shoulder blades.

“You’re so tense.” Heller commented.

“I know.” Wesley grumbled, wincing as a particularly tight muscle was massaged. “Those two cases with Merck Industries did not help. Hell, couldn’t even enjoy the concert for worrying about my depositions on Monday.”

Heller nodded, stretching her fingers out above her head. “I enjoyed watching the fireworks between Spike and Buffy, though.”

“Mmmm… yes, I did too. They were getting boring. All honey-toned, blonde goodness. They needed a bit of a rough and tumble to bring them down off their pedestal. Oh, dear god, there.”

“You are both so tense. I may need to bring in someone to replace me and Helga.” Elka told them as she kneaded Wesley’s low back.

“Okay. Whatever you wish, Elka, just don’t stop doing that.”

Lee turned her head as Wesley’s voice rose an octave. She rolled her eyes at him as he sighed happily. Elka had her elbow in his back, working the muscles. Betcha he has a woody. She mused, laying her head back down. Knew I should have requested Julio.

“What about you? How’s that case going?” He knew better than to mention Angel’s name. Never knew who was listening, and who was paying them to listen.

“About as well as any divorce case can go. Lots of suspicions and accusations. Some scariness from the wife, but the husband is taking measures to neutralize her. Remind me to call Faith Monroe, my Psychologist friend.”

“I…um… right there. Just a bit harder. Haven’t heard you mention her in awhile. Is she still practicing at that private clinic?” Wesley’s toes spread and arched as his sore muscles got much needed attention.

“Helga, I’ve been having some pain in my shoulders, going down between my shoulder blades.” Lee motioned with her hand to the spot. “Well, the husband wants the wife examined. He thinks she’s crazy and may need to be committed.”

Wesley rose up on his elbows. “Are you serious? He’s just now realizing she’s crazy. He doesn’t need to hire a psychologist for that. He does realize the impact of throwing his wife into the loony bin.”

Heller sat up as well. “Yes, he does. I told him, but he feels he would get the sympathy vote. I do too, especially with the threats she’s made toward his assistant.” Heller tilted her head and widened her eyes, hoping Wesley got the message. And he did. God, she loved a smart man.

“Oh, oh…She’s been…well, that’s understandable.” Wes said, finally laying back down.

“Understandable? Why?” Heller asked, genuinely interested.

“Well, he’s in love with his assistant, isn’t he? I’m sure his wife has picked up on it. You have.”

***********************************

Spike peered over Anya’s shoulder at the paint cards she held in her hand.

“Which one, Spike? I really want your honest opinion.”

Spike shuffled through his memories to find a note on Anya. Note to self: Anya really doesn’t want your opinion. Don’t say anything.

“I think this room should be all about you and Dad. This is your baby, after all.”

Anya turned to glare at him. “But this is your little brother or sister. Don’t you want to have an opinion on what color scheme they sleep in?”

Don’t do it, buddy. That way lies much badness. She’s pregnant. Dad’s out of town, and she really, really doesn’t want your opinion. Don’t let the sad eyes get to you.

Spike smiled at Anya, and quickly sought to redirect this conversation. “Buffy and I had a fight last night.” He blurted out. Did her eyes just light up?

“Finally.” Anya said, discarding two paint cards, one of which was the color Spike preferred.

“What do you mean, finally?”

“Well, you had to crack at some point.” At Spike’s bewildered look, Anya patted him on the cheek. “You were too good to be true. I mean, really, the two of you agreeing on everything, liking the same things. It was getting boring. Well, except for the fact, Rupert thinks you’ll need to replace your mattress soon.”

“Anya!” Spike blushed.

“What? Oh, come on. Don’t tell me the two of your aren’t humping like bunny rabbits? Ick! Why people think they‘re all cute and cuddly is beyond me.” She shuddered. “Anyway, you got the first one out the way. That’s good.”

Spike shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe I’m chatting about my sex life with my stepmother in my kid brother or sister’s room.”

“It’s not as if we’re that far off in age.“ She explained. “I’m only 4 years older than you. Jeez. You’d think I was your Grandmamma’s age. But then again, she did ask me how many times Rupert and I had sex in a week.”

Spike’s eyes bulged out, and he backed out of the room. “I’m going… somewhere. You call me when you’re ready to leave.”

Anya muttered to herself that she thought Americans were too reticent about sex for her tastes.

*******************************

“Why am I doing this again?” She asked Lorne. They were sitting in her car, not too far from Connor’s complex.

“It’s simple, Sweetcakes. You want to reassure that cutie of an ex that you’re fine. That his appearance did not shake you. And because I’ve goaded you into it. But I’m bored, and this is more exciting than listening to the Orgasm report from Tara and Willow.”

Lorne let his window down, trying to create a breeze. “Listen, Dawnie, we can leave, but in my opinion and my experience, if you want to remain friends with the ex, you need to establish that from the beginning. You and Connor didn’t have a messy breakup, so there should be no reason not to let him know you still value his friendship.”

Dawn banged her head against the steering wheel. “I know. If you’d asked me what I wanted after the concert last night, ‘his balls on a platter’ would have been my response.”

Lorne turned away from Dawn, crossing his leg protectively. Why did women always want the little boys? They had other things they could wish hacked off, without targeting the defenseless.

“Dawnie,” he said patiently, “what are we doing here?”

Dawn huffed defeated. “I feel bad. I saw how everyone looked at him last night. Like he’d committed a murder or something.”

“They just want to protect you. He was with another girl.” Lorne offered feebly.

Dawn shrugged. “He was at that.”

Lorne shifted in his seat, turning to face Dawn. “Okay, then, get off that nice little tushy of yours and go talk to the boy. Drop me off at that tanning salon over there. I’m going to inquire about a membership and get a free tour.”

“You already have a membership with me at Hollywood Tans.”

Lorne looked up at Dawn, his eyes twitching with delight. “The tour involves seeing the facilities.” He said, motioning with his hands. “Seeing the facilities will allow me to meet the members, without having to actually pay. I see I have much more to teach you, my dear. Now, drive.”

******************************

Dawn studied her toes, wondering again if she was doing the right thing. They needed to talk. She knew that. They needed to sort things out in person, not on the phone, and certainly not in front of their family and friends. Talking is what got us into this mess in the first place. Her brain reminded her.

“I know. I know.”

“What do you know, Dawn?” Dawn screamed and jumped a good 2 feet in the air. With her hand over her rapidly beating heart, she spun around to find a bemused Connor leaning against his car.

“I thought you were inside.” She said, her face red with embarrassment.

“I walked down to the Q-trip to get some snacks. Do you want to come in?” Connor asked, sheepishly, studying his toes with equal zeal.

“Can we sit out here? It’s such a nice day.” Go inside, Dawnie, and you might as well get ready to rumble. “We need to talk. If that’s okay with you?”

Connor smiled and reached out to push a strand of hair behind Dawn’s ear. She caught herself before she leaned into his caress.

“Sure.”

Connor pushed open the door, searching for his roommate. Luckily , there was no one inside, so they were not likely to be interrupted.

“Want something to drink?” Dawn shook her head and sat down on the stoop with a loud sigh.

“Connor, I.... about last night... I’m so sorry.”

“You’re sorry.” Connor asked, confused. “I’m the one that should be apologizing to you. I wasn’t trying to hurt you by going with Amy.”

Dawn smiled. Oh, so her name is Amy. Well, isn’t that interesting?

“You really don’t owe me any explanation. We’re not dating anymore. If you want to go out with your friends, I don’t have a say.” Dawn assured him, patting him awkwardly on the shin.

Connor nodded. “Yes, you do.” He said bluntly. “When I saw you last night, I wanted to crawl in a hole and disappear.”

“I would have joined you.” She laughingly admitted. “We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?”

“Yes, we are. I hate the fact we’re broken up. I didn’t want it to end this way.”

Dawn stared at him, her crystal blue eyes sad. “You understand why I did it, though? It wasn’t you. It was me. I didn’t think it would be so hard being in a real, adult relationship.” She said, modestly. “I thought it would be like Spike and Buffy. All perfect and everything falling into place without any effort. But it wasn’t.”

Connor nudged her shoulder companionably. “Hey, I’ve had to live with Cordy and Lindsey for 5 years. Believe me, I’m just as clueless as you are. They make it work with very little effort. Or so it seems.”

“I put a lot of pressure on the both of us to make it be....terrific, awe-inspiring. Buffy tried to warn me, but I was so sure we had enough chemistry to keep all the bad stuff at bay.” Dawn pulled her knees up and rested her chin on them.

“We do have chemistry.” Connor said, glancing at her from underneath his lashes. God, she could fall back into his arms so easily, but that wouldn’t solve anything, and they had issues that needed to be worked out first, before the horizontal mambo could commence.

“And sometimes that’s enough, and sometimes it isn’t.” Dawn smiled. “I’m too young to be in a serious relationship. I need to discover myself, away from Mom and Dad, from Buffy. I need to figure out what makes Dawn Summers tick. And San Diego is the place for me right now.”

Connor smiled at her, leaning over to kiss her softly on the temple. “And I’ll be here, finishing up school, and preparing to go off into the real world. But I’m here, if you ever need me. You know that, right? Just because the romance fizzled, doesn’t mean I’ve stopped caring.”

Dawn stood up, brushing the seat of her pants off. “I know. So, I guess you’ll be at the party next week?”

“You betcha.” He said, standing up as well. “Wouldn’t miss the big send off.” He wanted to reach out, pull her back into his arms, but they were on good footing now. No point in ruining the moment by pushing the boundaries. “We good?”

“Yeah, we’re good.” Dawn arched her brows comically. “I’ll talk to you later. Tell your mother I said hello, and I’ll stop by to see her next week.”

“I will.”

Dawn walked to her car, feeling decidedly lighter than she had in over a week. They were friends. If more was to come of it, then she’d be very happy. For right now, though, she was an incoming freshman with classes and a new apartment to worry about.

Connor watched her go, and felt sadden. They were friends and all, and it really was for the best at this time in her life, but he couldn’t help the worried feeling he had. What if she found someone else? Would he turn into some tragic romantic hero who lost the love on his life just when he realized he loved her and couldn‘t live without her?

Over dramatic much? His mind teased.

Nah, they were good. And it wasn’t as if he couldn’t pop up in San Diego and sabotage any relationship she was forming. Oh, yeah. He opened the bottle of Fusion Red and took a big drink, whistling as he went in the house.

*******************************

Buffy pulled her legs up under her, and leaned back into the pillows. It amazed her at times how in sync she and Spike were with each other. It was both scary and reassuring to know that there was someone else in the world, an equal, who got all the little quirks you think you hide so well. But Spike knew what made her tick, and if he didn’t know, he asked.

“You’re staring. Do I have a booger hanging from my nose?” Spike strummed the cords softly, almost lulling her to sleep.

“No.” She laughed. “Just thinking about you and me, Dawnie, life.”

“That’s some deep thinking for 14Below. Care to share?” Spike leaned the guitar against the stool he’d been sitting on, and sank down onto the sofa next to Buffy.

She reached up, pushing a stray curl back up onto his forehead. “I was at that wedding today, and it struck me that the bride and groom weren’t much older than Dawnie and Connor. They were so young, so innocent.” She shrugged.

“I guess I couldn’t see myself making that kinda of leap at that age.”

Spike leaned over her, teasing her with a kiss. “I would have taken the chance with Dru. I thought I knew all there was to know about her. If she’d have waited another 6 months, I would have married her.”

Six months. The difference between the love of her life and a life of Rileys. Buffy shivered and sat up immediately, wrapping her arms tightly around Spike’s neck. “Would you think me awful, if I said I’m glad she didn’t?”

Spike sighed and squeezed her tightly. “Nope. If I had asked you to run away with me that night, would you have come with me?”

This was straying into unfamiliar territory, but an area that Buffy knew was the next step in their relationship. She edged back, staring directly into Spike’s eyes. Blue pools of love and friendship, and she could see herself in them.

“Yes. I would have. If you asked me to go to Vegas and get married by Elvis, I would have done it. I know there’s no where else, no one else, I belong with. You’re it, Mr. Giles. You’re stuck with me.”

“Stuck. Melded. Bonded. Pick a word, any word, and it couldn’t adequately describe the fact that I‘m not leaving, Ms. Summers. We’re together, forever, and if you like, I’ll draw it on the wall of the bathroom. Buffy and Spike. 2-together. 4-ever. Just like high school. Just like my heart.”

************************************

Ethan Rayne watched the man in front of him with a guarded expression. One never knew what would set him off, and Ethan would just as well not stumble onto that particular trigger.

“You think this will help my case. I’m no narc, you know. I don’t snitch.”

“Look, Parker, I’m only making a suggestion. If you can prove to the cops your willingness to help them, they’ll talk to the DA and get a sentence recommendation.”

Parker, no last name or first name needed, pursed his lips together in thought. “How can you be sure this broad’s going to ask me to do something illegal?”

Ethan ran a hand through his salt and pepper hair. “She’s a bitch. She will do anything to get what she wants. She’ll do anybody to get what she wants. Trust me, she’ll ask you to do something illegal, and when she does… I’ll have her. And better yet, she can become somebody’s else bitch for a change.”

Parker snickered. He wondered what this woman had done to the old man for him to be wishing tongue baths on her in the joint. “Well, she’s already called me several times. I’ve got her voice on my machine. Do you want me to call her back?”

Ethan grinned. “No, let her wait. The longer she waits, the more desperate she’ll become, and she’ll slip up.”

Ethan leaned back in his chair, his hand laced behind his back. “And when she does, I want to have a front row seat for her downfall. If any woman deserves her comeuppance, it’s Drucilla.”

************************************

Sunday Brunch at Hayes House should have been called Brunch at the Insane Asylum. In the 4 years, he and Dru had been married, there wasn’t one of these things that he could remember as being warm or about family. They were all walking around on eggshells, preening and primping with each other, while waiting for their food to digest.

“So, Liam, what progress have you made getting that endorsement from the Sierra Club?”

For some reason, Angel sat up straighter in his chair. The old man always had the effect of making him nervous, which Angel hated, since he didn’t like anyone having power over him, especially this bastard.

“Darla has a meeting scheduled with them for Monday. We’re going to discuss the emission legislation before the House. They want reassurances I can’t give them without damaging my stance with the logging companies.”

Saxby Hayes sipped his coffee, regarding his son-in-law carefully. “Those damn tree huggers would like nothing better than to get you on tape supporting their ridiculous legislation. Forget about the money to be made from and saved by burning that fuel.”

“Daddy, Liam is well aware of what he should and shouldn’t say in front of the Sierra Club. We have been working to formulate a battle plan, so to speak, since they approached us.” Dru piped in, rubbing Angel’s hand. It wouldn’t do for her parents to think there was anything wrong between them.

“Dru, Liam can answer for himself.” Saxby scolded.

Dru shrank back in her chair, and Angel felt some sympathy for his wife. Growing up in a mausoleum with a prick like Saxby, and a wuss like Marilyn, for parents was sure to cause serious problems in adulthood. That was an understatement. Dru was a lunatic, and he was lucky enough to be shackled to her.

“Dru knows as much about the meeting as I do. She’s sat in on all of the planning sessions.” He said, feeling the need to defend his wife.

Dru smiled, grateful for the sudden change in Liam’s demeanor. She thought she’d lost him, and with those few sentences, she saw she hadn’t.

*******************************

Angel shook his head in wonder. Dru had a smug look plastered to her face, and it was starting to remind him of the Joker in Batman. Downright scary to have a permanent grin attached to Jack Nicholson’s face, bone-chilling terror when it was on hers.

“What’s got you in such a good mood?” Angel asked, knowing full well he was going to regret prying.

Dru turned slightly in her seat, reaching across it to place her hand on Angel’s thigh. “You.”

“Me? What did I do?”

“You defended me to my father.”

Angel shrugged. “He doesn’t give you enough credit, Dru. I was just stating the obvious.”

She smiled, and looked so much like the little innocent, he almost, almost forgot she wasn’t. “It was still nice. I didn’t think you cared anymore.”

“You are my wife, Darla.” Angel said, unaware of the slip. Dru was well aware of it, though, and struck out, slapping Angel across the face.

“You bastard! You may wish your whore was your wife, but I am! She will never be!”

Angel touched his cheek. He pulled over as carefully as possible. He gripped the steering wheel tightly. He had never raised his hand in anger to a woman, but Dru was just seconds away from him breaking one of his solemn vows. And he didn’t have many.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Dru tried to strike him again, but this time, he caught her wrist and pinned them to the seat. “Don’t!” He warned. “Now, what is your problem, Dru?”

“I suspected you were fucking that bottle blonde, but I didn’t have proof. If you think for one second, I’m going to step aside while the two of you ride off into the sunset, you’ve got another thing coming. Now, let me go!” She screamed, trying to pull free of his hands.

Angel released her, leaning his head back and laughing. He laughed till tears ran down his cheek. “I’m not fucking Darla. I wish I were, but I’m not. We are stuck together, like two mice in a cage. I will not do anything to jeopardize my campaign, unlike some people.”

“I don’t believe you. You’ve been sniffing after her like some dog in heat for months now. Just waiting for the opportunity to cheat on me.”

“I’ve had plenty of opportunities, Drucilla. You’ve been less than attentive these last months. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were hot for William again. But we both know, he wouldn’t touch you with a ten-foot pole. You disgust him, and really, why should he lower himself to fuck you, when he’s got Buffy.”

Angel gunned the engine, pulling away from the curb and back onto the road.

“I hate William.” She stated flatly.

“Oh, I believe you do, Dru. I really do, but for some reason, you can’t let go. You should have done a better job of destroying him, because now, he’s so happy and successful, you’re like a wad of gum. You’re stuck to the bottom of his shoe, and all he wants to do is scrape you off and forget about you.”

Angel saw her eyes darken. He knew in her present state of mind, goading her wasn’t the best move, but he was so sick and tired of tiptoeing around her.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” She gritted out.

Angel chanced a glance in her direction. “You’re right. I don’t understand why you are so obsessed with Spike. You cheated on him repeatedly. You set me up so he could see us fucking. You did everything in your power to make him as miserable as possible, and that was 4 years ago. So explain to me this sudden interest in him? And don’t insult me by telling me it’s that book. It’s not. Spike’s known about the abortion for years. He could have spilled the beans at anytime. He had plenty of reasons to make our lives miserable, and he hasn’t. That speaks to his character.”

“You know nothing. This isn’t about him. I’m doing what I can to protect us. Can’t you see that?”

Angel smirked. “Protecting us? Is that what you call harassing Buffy Summers? Her mother?” At Dru’s shocked look, Angel laughed. “Oh, that’s right, darling. I heard Joyce Summers threaten you. Me. What I don’t know is what you said to get her so upset. I can only guess it had to do with Spike and the baby.”

Dru stared straight ahead, the only sign that she was concerned about his allegations came from the slight tremble to her lips. “Don’t worry. I won’t ask you what you did. Just know that I know. And if you continue to put them ahead of me, you’ll find yourself looking for a new place to live.”

That got her attention. “What are you saying? You can’t divorce me.”

“I can and I will.” Angel pulled into the drive of their home, and shut the engine off. “Believe me when I tell you this, Drucilla. I won’t allow you or anyone to keep me from winning this election. So you’d better think real hard about what is more important to you, the Governor’s Mansion or William, because I can get to Sacramento without you.”

TBC

Chapter 21

Riley sat on his surfboard, gazing absently at the serenity of the day. Out here, he could forget about Buffy and work. Out here, there was nothing more important than the feel of the water on his skin, the strength of the wave under his feet. Buffy never got that. Never understood why his surfing was so important to him. To her credit, she’d tried. She tried to listen to him when he spoke about the feel of the crest as he rode it into the shore. But he could see it in her eyes, how little it interested her. He could see that, but missed the fact her eyes didn’t shine with love for him. He was a dunderhead. That much was evident. And Harmony… what was he thinking sleeping with her? Granted, not much sleeping was done last night. He rubbed at his shoulder, feeling the muscles stretched and taut. He should have known she liked it rough. Wasn’t that the image she projected? Well, rough, didn’t even begin to describe last night. The whip, the lube, the handcuffs. He cringed thinking about the leather get-up she had him wear.

“Why? Why? Why?” He screamed, and the ernes flocking around him scattered at the sound. Why do I have a thing for domineering blondes. Okay, Buffy wasn’t a dominatrix like Harmony, but she was close, except for the total lack of hardware to back her up.

Riley lay back down, and began to swim into shore. It was getting late, and the beach was getting crowded. What was he going to say to her tomorrow? Would he still have a job?

“You really are stupid, you know that.” Harmony told him as he walked up to his car. “All the public beaches in California, and you choose to surf right down the street from her house.”

Riley hefted his board up onto the rack of his car, turning and giving Harmony a hard look. “What are you doing following me?”

Harmony laughed, lifting her shirt to reveal her bikini top. “I’m here with my friends, when lo and behold I see your car. And if I want to see you, I will. I thought we established that last night.

Riley blushed. “Yes, we did Harm.” Okay, can I be any more of a dildo?

Somewhere there was a chorus of “No’s” being shouted.

“That’s better.” Harm said, slipping the ever-present lollipop back in her mouth. “Did you like what I did to you?”

Riley thought about the paddle, and how the pain had turned to pleasure after awhile. He gulped as he felt his little friend come to life. It wasn’t unusual for him to be sporting a woody after riding the waves. It was a spiritual experience to him, and at times, he felt strongly connected to the planet. But right now, it wasn’t Mother Earth that was stroking his cock.

“Yes.”

Harmony stepped closer, pressing her body in all the right places to his. “You are such a good boy, but you still need discipline. I’ll see you tonight. Before I get there, I want you to use the chain and collar. Wear it.”

Riley felt drawn to her, despite the fact, he felt totally used and abused. “I look forward to my lessons, Mistress Harmony.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“There are other alternatives than using the lumber from that land.” The spokesman from the Sierra Club began. Angel listened intently with one part of his brain, but the other part was involved in a continuous loop of yesterday’s blow up with Dru. Someone needed to kick him square in the ass for revealing his plans. Dru would be nothing but suspicious now of every little thing he did. Which was probably the reason she’d had accompanied him to this meeting today. Darla, thankfully, said nothing when Dru arrived. She merely arched a brow at him quizzically. And Dru, for her part, was nothing except the politician’s wife.

I live in a fucking circus. Angel thought, his eyes flicking quickly from Dru to Darla. Double Ds. Double trouble. If he could, Angel would slam his head repeatedly against the solid oak table and gladly suffer a concussion if it meant one day away from this charade of a marriage. Maybe, he could have himself admitted to a hospital for exhaustion. No, can’t do that. That would make me appear weak.

Darla’s cough broke through his musings, and he realized somewhat abashedly, that the spokesman had finished speaking and was regarding him with anger in his eyes. Angel was a politician, though, and no one could talk or smile their way out of a potentially embarrassing situation better than him.

Darla pulled him aside after the meeting, shooting daggers at him, while smiling prettily. Through clenched teeth, she asked him what in the hell was wrong with him?

“I‘m sorry, Darla. It‘s a bit difficult to concentrate when my wife wants to chop my balls off and feed them to me flambé style.” Angel flinched, as he knew any other man hearing that particular thing would.

Darla peered around Angel and sure enough, Dru was watching them. “Well, if you hadn’t married the woman, you wouldn’t be in this situation. Better yet, if you’d have kept those balls inside your pants, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”

Angel leaned in, his voice low. “True, but then I wouldn’t have met you either. I think that’s a fair trade off, don’t you?”

He wiggled his eyebrows, stepping back into the role of State Representative and away from seducer slash adulterer. Darla couldn’t decide which role she found sexier, but she knew that eventually, she would have a chance to choose.

Dru’s face hurt from smiling at the people who walked by. The only thing that kept her from turning this meeting into a bloodbath was the call she’d received before leaving the house. He was finally going to meet with her, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. She now had two blonde bitches to get rid of, then the throbbing in her head would cease, and she could go back to her prim, sedate life. She could see Sacramento and the lovely life she would have with Angel there, and that got her through. Because she knew with their winning personalities and attractive figures, they would be the new darlings of the Republican party. Just have to keep Angel’s tagglewagger in his pants and away from the Darla, Ms. Home Wrecker 2002.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lee smiled and stood up as Faith walked into the restaurant. “Faith, I’m so glad you were able to come.”

The two women hugged. Faith took the seat offered by the waiter. “No problem. I was in the neighborhood and it’s been too long since we got together to shoot the shit.” Faith took her napkin off the table and placed it in her lap.

“How’s Wesley?”

Lee couldn’t stop the salacious grin that spread over her face. Nothing like a little phone sex before court to get the juices flowing, figuratively and literally. “He’s doing well. Swamped with cases, but doing well. What about you? Got a beau, looking for a beau, screwing a beau without entanglement? What gives?”

Faith threw her head back, her dark, brown hair accenting her pearly white teeth. “I’m too busy with my new office to even think about anything, sex included. I’m barely able to remember to get my coochie waxed without adding a man to the mix.”

Heller giggled. “Faith! I’m shocked. I didn’t think doctors talked like that.” Lee sipped her water around a huge grin.

Faith rolled her eyes, scoffing at anything she said shocking Heller. “Whatever missy. Just remember I know you. Not as well as Wesley, but well enough.”

“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Heller said with so much saccharine in her voice, Faith knew she’d have a rotten tooth by the end of lunch. “Why did you decide to leave the hospital?”

Faith sighed. “I needed a change of pace. There were so many people that the state had committed, and so few doctors. I felt inadequate. Like I wasn’t helping anyone. But that’s not why we’re here, is it?”

Heller grinned sheepishly. “No. I have a client who’s concerned about his wife. He wants to commit her, but doesn’t know if he can.”

“Lee, you only deal in divorce cases, so I’m assuming this will have some bearing on a pending divorce.”

“Yes. The wife has become increasingly unstable in the last couple of months, exhibiting behavior that gives her husband some concern.”

Faith toyed with her napkin. “I hate to ask, but is this legitimate or is the husband looking for a way out of his marriage without any type of penalty?”

Heller looked Faith in the eye. “At first, he was looking for an easy way out, but believe me, the woman is unstable. That’s the only way I can describe her behavior as of late. The stunts she’s pulled. I can find no other reason for them.”

“Maybe, she’s trying to save her marriage?”

“She doesn’t know it’s in danger. She’s lashing out at her ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend.” Heller pursed her lips together. “If you feel uncomfortable with this, Faith, and want to back out, I’ll totally understand.”

Faith smiled and reached across the table to touch Lee’s hand. “I know you wouldn’t have called me with something that wasn’t above board. I’ll observe the husband and the wife. Then, I’ll give you my professional opinion. Okay?” She said, picking up the menu from the table.

“Okay. And thanks.”

“No problem.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parker sat in his car, taking a long drag of the unfiltered Malboro. He knew they’d kill him someday, but since he was going to die sooner or later, he might as well enjoy himself while he was here. He checked the recorder one more time. Had to make sure he got all of the conversation on tape. Not only had Rayne provided him with the recorder, but anything else he’d asked for. He really had it in for Druscilla Cavanaugh. He wondered about the history between the two. Ethan Rayne wasn’t the type of man to allow a woman to drag him around by the family jewels, yet this woman had. Parker knew he’d have to keep on his toes.

A black Mercedes pulled into the empty parking lot, and parked next to Parker’s beat up Impala. The window rolled down, and her Gothic beauty struck Parker. She was dark, not only in her hair color, but her personality. He could see it in her eyes. They were empty and devoid of any trace of humanity. He liked that in his women.

“I want you to trail this woman.” Dru said, skipping the pleasantries. She handed him a file.

“Is that all you want me to do? Trail this woman?” Hell, if that’s all, Rayne could have found someone else. The police will laugh at me if I come to them with this shit.

“For now.” Dru answered. “I want you to follow her and establish her routine. Once you’ve done that, I’ll make the decision on what’s to be done next.” Dru leaned back in her seat, appraising the man in the next car. She wondered what Ethan had told him. How much did he know about her relationship with Ethan?

“Can I ask you a question?” Parker was curious and desperate. He needed something to take to the cops. “How far are you willing to take this? Because a private investigator can follow this woman for a lot less than I’ll charge you.”

Dru smiled. “Don’t worry. For what I’m going to have you do, no private investigator would be qualified.”

Before Parker could comment, Dru pulled off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, Spike. Now, beat it.” Tara said, delivering a rather wet kiss to his cheek.

Spike wiped the remnants of the kiss away, and closed the door behind an equally jovial Willow. “Why exactly am I being banished from the three most delicious women in California?”

Tara’s eyes twinkled. “Because you couldn’t handle all of us. Buffy’s just a wee thing, but we would rock your world, William. We wouldn’t want you to cry for mercy.”

Spike grabbed Buffy by the neck, tilting her head back. He kissed her long, hard, and deep. When he pulled away, Buffy was clutching his shirt tightly and gulping for air. “I think it would be the other way around, Tara. See ya.”

Spike picked up his laptop and notepads, whistling as he sauntered out the house. Buffy watched him go with a familiar ache in her groin and a tingle on her bruised lips. She turned back to find Willow and Tara staring, mouths gaping wide open, at the door. “Honey, you should see him naked. I never knew sex could be so good for your health. I’m in the best shape of my life.” Buffy gushed.

“Probably all that straddling.” Willow quipped.

“Probably.” Buffy replied, thinking of said Sex Olympic event. “So what’s keeping me from scoring? Why did I have to rush home from work if not for orgasmic pleasure?” Buffy leapt off the couch and stalked into the kitchen. She grabbed a bottle of water, contemplating sticking it in her panties to cool off.

“We’re worried about Lorne. He hasn’t been on a date in weeks, and that thing we went to was a disaster.” Willow shuddered from the memory. “All those stuffy, little pricks and not one good looking guy among the lot of them.”

Tara rolled her eyes, throwing a pillow into Willow’s face. “Lorne’s ex told everybody he needed a little boost to keep things on the up and up.”

The water that Buffy was drinking spewed out of her mouth ala Exorcist and landed on Tara. “That is so attractive. And here I thought, you swallowed.”

“She told people he wasn’t adequate in bed. But...but... that’s a lie. I mean, we all know Lorne does the horizontal mambo quite well. Why else would he have a date book the size of the yellow pages?” Buffy told them while wiping the water off her chin.

“Calm down, Buff. We know that and half the women in Southern California know that, but Lorne’s pride was damaged, and now he’s damaged in that way.” Willow said, pointing to her crotch.

Buffy sat back against the cushion, a smile etching it’s way onto her face. “Oh, my god. He must be mortified.”

“Mortified?” Tara huffily said. “He’s not mortified. He’s terrified that he’ll never be able to get it up again. He calls us last night while we were having Xander for dinner. Just when things were getting good and hot, Lorne calls.”

“Next thing we knew, he was laid out on our sofa, pouring his heart out to Xander. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Xander so pale in his life.” Willow commented.

“He ruined our night of sex, and he’s coming over again tonight. We need to find him a woman and fast.”

Buffy twisted the cap closed, and placed it on the floor. “Still not seeing what I can do for you. The only women I know wouldn’t go near Lorne with a ten-foot condom. They think he’s loose.”

“Loose. I’ve heard that phrase in conjunction with a woman’s vagina. Not so much with a man’s penis.”

Tara and Buffy gave Willow matching looks of bewilderment before dismissing her off-hand comments.

“Well, Operation Get Lorne Fucked is now in the planning stages. So, get your little paper and pads out and we are going to go over a list of potential fuck buddies for Lorne.” Tara announced, pulling a pen and pad out of her bag.

“I feel like a pimp.” Buffy grumbled.

“Better a pimp, than a hooker.” Tara shouted back.

Willow tapped her pen on the sofa. “I think I’d like to be the hooker.” She said, earning a raised eyebrow from Buffy.

“Do tell.” Buffy said, trying not to fall off the sofa.

“Well, think about it. All that sex and the power to make a man cum or not. I think it would be liberating.”

“And disease prone.” Tara told them. “Can we get off the subject of Willow’s new career goal and back onto Lorne?”

“Not in that sense, I hope.” Buffy shuddered for effect.

“No.” Tara answered. “We know that saddle only fits Spike.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Is she gone?”

“Yes, I checked and her car is gone.” Angel sat behind his desk, staring out the window. “The private investigator is still following her, correct?”

“I’ll have to check. He might not be since she’s been with us all day. That’s the least of your concerns. You have an election to win, and this Dru situation needs to be taken care of soon. If we’re going to have her committed, we need to get her to a psychiatrist to be diagnosed with something. I talked to Linda. She’s spoken to a doctor, who’s willing to see the two of you together.”

Angel guffawed and leaned his head back. “Are you serious? There’s no way Druscilla would go to counseling, much less admit there’s a problem in our relationship.”

“Well, you have to get her there. The psychiatrist was adamant about seeing both of you in her office. She said she would observe you both, then decide if she could render an opinion.” Darla stood up and leaned on the desk.

“You need to talk to Dru about this. Tell her the fight the other day has you concerned. If someone from the press gets a hold of this, we can always say the rigors of the campaign were taking their toll, and you wanted to make sure it didn’t damage your relationship any further. We can spin the story anyway we want.” Darla perched her hip on the table, looking at Angel with compassionate eyes.

“I have faith in you. You’re very good at what you do.” He said, standing up and assuming the same pose. “You always have my best interest, Darla. I never have to worry about you.”

Darla smiled, her eyes never leaving his. “And you never will.” Oh, boy, she thought. A few more inches and I can officially say I’ve lost my mind. A few more inches and there will be no going back.

Angel’s feelings mirrored Darla’s. If he continued to move closer to her, physically as well as mentally, he would be committing adultery. He would be putting all thoughts of Druscilla and their marriage aside. He was a bastard. He knew that, but he’d never looked at another woman in four years of marriage. Darla was the exception, but he also knew he’d never had feelings like these before. He wanted to protect her and cherish her. Her feelings mattered to him, and he didn’t want him to think he had so little respect for her. She wouldn’t just be his mistress. She’d be more. He could see the future in her eyes and that scared him more than all of Dru’s antics of late. She meant that much, and they had never been intimate? When could he ever say that happened? Never.

Darla closed her eyes as his lips drew closer to hers, but they popped opened in surprise. Well, that’s a bit of a disappointment. She thought as she felt Angel’s lips pressed into her forehead. The act wasn’t overly sexual, but seemed more intimate than anything she’d ever experienced.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Obsidian moonlight. The perfect words to describe the night sky and her mood. Her head throbbed mightily with the weight of her burden. Her life was so much simpler before William’s book, before she saw how happy he was. Was it a mere 3 months ago that she’d seen him laughing gaily with his friends? What a shock it had been to realize that unfortunately she hadn’t been poison to him, that her betrayal hadn’t been fatal. Pity that. When you brought a man to his knees, he was supposed to stay there. Why couldn’t William, her mother, even Liam understand that? Liam should have understood. Being ruthless, merciless, was the only way to get what you wanted. She once thought Liam had that same tenacity, that same strength, but he was weak like the rest of them.

There was one man who hadn’t disappointed her, Ethan. He was still the same, pathetic, sniveling, old man he’d been all her life. She hadn’t counted on her birth control pills being neutralized by alcohol. Who knew the old geezer’s boys were still working? One thing she could compliment Ethan on, was his ability to be manipulated. She manipulated him into that incriminating tape. She manipulated him with the baby. She owned his nuts, and she squeezed them whenever she got bored.

Certain actions needed to be undertaken. She would have take care of Buffy herself. Always hit them where their hearts lay. And Spike’s was with Buffy, so Buffy had to pay for Spike’s failings.

Stepping out of her car, she eyed the studio. Nice place. Bet you spent all your time getting it just right. Making sure it reflected your style. Everything that says I’m Buffy Summers. So sweet. So innocent. Picking up the brick, and calling on all her rage and strength, Dru threw it through the plate glass window. It crumbled, and the alarm went off. Rushing inside, Dru took the black spray can and wrote “Bitch” qnd “Slut” on all the walls and countertops. She surveyed her handiwork.

“Beautiful. Hope you like your present, Buffy.“

She heard the sirens in the distance, and snickered as she climbed out the broken front window. She barely made it around the corner before the lights from the police cars came into sight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“In all the months we’ve been together. You never told me what happened after that first night.”

“Buffy? Luv, is there a reason we’re tripping down memory lane?” Spike reached behind Buffy to grab the bottle of Merlot.

“Just thinking about how strange life can be. I waited around for a year for you. I didn’t date. I went out with my friends expecting to see you around every corner. Even when I got together with Riley, I still wanted to see you.” Buffy watched with rapt attention as Spike brought the bottle to his lips. Drops of the red wine spilled over the side of his mouth, and Buffy bent to suck them into her mouth.

“Mmmm. A nice blend of wood berries and Eau de Spike. My favorite midnight snack.” Buffy kissed her way from his chin to his lips, pausing briefly to slide her tongue inside and sate her taste for more of the unique blend Spike presented.

Spike laced his fingers in her hair, guiding her head to his chest. “I was in shock for about 2 days. I couldn’t stop smiling. Cordy thought I was on drugs. Dad was so happy to see me happy, he didn’t care what it was.” Buffy smiled, planting kisses around his nipple.

“Then, the haze wore off and I realized what an idiot I was for letting you go. It was too late. Two days had passed. I told Cordy to be on the lookout for you and your friends, but you never came back in. Why was that, luv?”

Buffy looked up, resting her chin on her hand. “It was complicated.” She said. “As much as I wanted to fall back into bed with you, I didn’t know you. You were in a haze? I was in shock. I’d never, ever done anything like that. I wouldn’t have changed a thing, but the part of my brain that governed rational thinking was back in control, and it knocked me for a loop.”

Spike’s laughter made Buffy laugh in return. “Dawn pestered me for days. She wanted to know what had happened. She knew something had, and Tara and Willow were no help. They knew we’d slept together in the backroom, and they wanted details. I wanted you.”

Buffy sighed, scooting up till her head resting in the crook of Spike’s neck.

Spike settled his hands at the small of her back, rubbing his fingers lazily in the dip between her back and butt.

“I wanted you too. I wanted so many things. When I realized you weren’t going to miraculously find me, I decided to move on. So, I quit my job. I boxed up everything that had anything to do with Dru. I called Lindsey and Cordy up. They called Wes and Lee, and we had a nice bonfire on the beach with her stuff. I burned it all. I felt tremendously better.”

Buffy’s eyes drifted closed. Spike’s fingers gently caressed her arms and back. “I decided the gods had given me a gift, you. I was going to make sure I didn’t waste what you’d given me, my freedom. I had a new lease on life. To borrow a cliche.” Spike turned his head to bestow a kiss to her temple.

“That’s not a bad one to borrow.”

Buffy giggled as her hand snaked between their bodies. The sound of the phone ringing startled her. She sighed, patting Spike’s shoulder as she reached over to answer it.

Answer it now, then we can forget about them calling back. She mused.

“Ms. Summers, please.” The voice on the other end asked.

“This is she.” Barely awake, and hoping to get you off as soon as possible.

“This is the RBPD. Are you the owner of the Bronze Photo Studio?”

Buffy sat up, inadvertently grinding her pelvis into Spike’s groin. “Yes? Is something wrong?”

“Yes, Ms. Summers. There was a break-in tonight. We need for you to come down immediately.”

“Of course, I’ll be there shortly.” Buffy hung up the phone, replacing it in the cradle. Spike peered at her intently. He sat up, grabbing Buffy’s arms and turning her towards him.

“Someone broke into the studio. The police need me to come down there.” She told him, woodenly. She moved to get off the bed, but Spike hauled her into his lap.

“I’m going with you. Don’t worry.” He reassured her, kissing her repeatedly about the face.

They got dressed and down there in record time. Buffy clutched Spike’s hand tightly, her eyes watering at the sight of the broken front window.

“Ms. Summers, I’m Detective Graves. I’m sorry we had to call with this type of news. It doesn’t appear as if anything was stolen. Just some vandalism. They spray painted some words on the walls, but nothing outside of the main room was disturbed.”

“I have insurance.” Buffy answered meekly. “I can’t believe this happened.”

Spike wrapped his arm around Buffy’s shoulder, forcing her to lean into him for support. She gratefully sagged into his side. Nothing bad like this had ever happened to her, and she was shaken to the core.

“Any leads, Detective?” Spike asked, his mind taking in everything from the broken glass to the obscenities on the walls.

“Nope. Might have been a bunch of punks out for some fun. Do you know of anyone with a grudge against you?” Thinking of the words on the walls. Someone didn’t like this little lady. That much was obvious.

Buffy looked up into Spike’s eyes. She could see in his eyes who he thought had done this. Thing was, she couldn’t she couldn’t believe Riley would do something like this. From the look in Spike’s eyes, he’d already found Riley guilty.

Buffy sighed. “I just went through a messy breakup. My ex was harassing me and Spike, but we haven’t heard anything from him in weeks.”

Spike debated telling the policeman about Dru. She was a loon and bent, but there was no way she’d do something so public. But then again, she was amoral, so he couldn’t dismiss her either. He wouldn’t say anything until he spoke to Angel. No point in getting into another libel suit with her, if she was truly innocent. Though, no one who really knew Dru would associate that word with her.

“I just can’t believe Riley would do something like this. He’s not a violent person. Dimwitted, sure, but not physical. He gets upset if you squash a bug. He says it messes up the balance God has created.” Spike heard the last part of Buffy’s sentence and shook his head. What kind of idiot had she gotten herself involved with? Was he in one of those surfer cults or something?

The detective seemed to understand Buffy’s reluctance, but he pressed on for a name. “Ms. Summers, we’ll check him out and if he’s innocent, no harm, no foul. What’s his name?”

“Riley Finn.”

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