Chapter 31

Dru was sitting on the sofa, staring off into space.

“Dru…DRU – I said, do you want to take Daddy his morning coffee?” Lorne had put the tray down on the coffee table. She turned dead eyes to him, and like an automaton, she moved to do as he’s suggested.

“Are you okay, plumcious? – Taken your medicine?” Dru just nodded

“Still a bit hung over from last night?” Lorne looked concerned

Dru just shrugged and looked sad.

“Well look, do you want to go back to bed – oh god, what’s happened now?” The loud thud from upstairs had Lorne dashing up the stairs two at a time, he flung open Cecily’s bedroom door.

“Oh god cup-cake, are you alright?” Cecily had fallen out of bed, and was trying to crawl. Her eyes rolled and she began to heave. Lorne tried to get her to the bathroom, but didn’t quite make it with her, and she threw up over the bedroom and hall carpets.

“Baby – couldn’t you have…oh god, is that blood? Hell yes it is…oh god, um – Dru………DRU………D“ Dru appeared at the top of the stairs

“There you are – go tell Daddy to phone the doctor – HIS doctor, okay – NOW please, I’m worried about Cecily” Without comment Dru went back downstairs.

“Come on Cec………come on girl…let me get………there…soon have you better” Lorne carried Cecily into the bathroom, and a minute or so later, Sweet came in with Dru following

“What’s all this Dru was …oh god – “ Sweet surveyed the state of Cecily, and the carpets

“Have you phoned your doctor – she’s vomiting blood” Lorne asked trying to wipe Cecily’s face.

“I’m right on it” Sweet flipped open his cell phone and did just that.

**********

“I don’t believe this! She’s not in AGAIN!” Spike angrily threw down the phone scowling.

“I take it you’re referring to Glory?” Cordelia said, looking up from her monitor

“Yeah…nobody knows where she is, she SHOULD be in, AND there’s no answer from her home or cell phone numbers either or so one of the researchers just told me”

“Well no doubt if she doesn’t turn up tomorrow night for the meeting, they might send a search-party out for her” Cordy said.

“MeetingTomorrow? What meeting tomorrow?”

“Didn’t Xander tell you, I asked him to, the monthly meeting has been bought forward to tomorrow instead of Friday – you’d already left when the diktat came down from on high”

“Oh right, yeah, now I come to think of it, he did say something…
And that’s another thing, this monthly meeting wasn’t supposed to be happening at all – I had THAT from the horses mouth – doesn’t think anything of telling me to drop everything here and summoning me to bloody ‘Fort Sweet’ to a meeting when you were on holiday and Xander was out, as if I didn’t have a bloody ‘nough to do– ‘I’ve called you in because I won’t make the monthly meeting this time’ he said, I knew then when he said it, it was bollocks – he’s flown in from the Caribbean before now to be at a meeting. AND the meeting I had with him was, well, – I’d already got things covered, what does he think, I don’t know my own job after all these fucking years?” Spike raged. Cordy frowned, stopped typing and swivelled her chair to face him.

She’d never seen him like this before. Spike was usually so laid back and calm, letting things wash over him.

“Okay Spike, what’s the matter?”

“What?”

“You. I know it’s more than this, this thing with Glory. It’s more than Sweet too, you don’t usually let things get to you like this”

Spike looked at his feet for a few seconds and heaved a sigh.

“Did something happen at the party last night” Spike looked her straight in the eye.

“Yeah. Yeah it did. And I’m afraid it’s going to start ALL over again – but this time…” Spike shut up as a messenger came in, handed Cordelia some post and went to leave.

“S’cuse me, is - Glory Benson in?” Spike asked

“No, somebody is going to go around to her place at lunchtime though” the messenger said

“Right thanks”

“Any message?”

“No. Yes – just get her to phone me soon as possible, okay?” the messenger nodded and left.

“Want to go to coffee and tell me all about things?” Cordy asked, and Spike nodded, and they both went out of the office.

***

“So you see, I just don’t know what to do – I’ve got Buffy to think about too – if Dru – huh, I say IF, what I mean is, Dru is STILL totally unhinged – there’s no telling WHAT she might do – and if she tried to hurt Buffy, well………”

Cordelia nodded, frowned and said,

“I see your predicament…can’t you, well as Lorne seems to be on your side from what you tell me happened last night, can’t you get him to have a word with Sweet for you?”

“And say what? Keep Looney Tunes off the scene – she could turn up anywhere. She sees Buffy as a rival to me, and I know that there’s no stopping her if she’s determined to do something.”

“She needs locking up”

“Huh! You can say that again!” Spike concurred. They could both hear Buffy and Harmony coming along the corridor.

“Do me a favour Cordy, say nothing, – I want to figure some things out, and I don’t want Buffy worried unnecessarily, okay?” Spike asked, just as Buffy and Harmony entered the café. Cordy nodded and said,

“Sure “ Then she called out–

“Hey okay then Harm, Katmandu is the capital of where?”

Smiling, carrying her latte over to where they were sitting, Harmony proudly said,

“Katmandu is the capital of Nepal!” Buffy came over with a juice and kissed Spike on the cheek, and then she sat down next to him.

“Hey, babe – have you heard the latest?”

“What’s that kitten?”

“Somebody just told the messengers in reception. Glory’s cleaner found her all bound up, tied to the bed – the place had been ransacked – burglars so they reckon” Buffy said

“Tied to the bed? That sounds like a lover getting revenge to me – why else would she be tied to the bed?” Cordelia said, grinning.

Everyone grinned and agreed

“She’s been playing kinky games…ha, serves her right!” Harmony said. Xander came over and said,

“Who’s been playing kinky games?”

“Glory’s cleaner found her tied to the bed, apparently”

“Did she –oh when was this?”

“Somebody came into reception and told the messengers, just as we got in from the quiz rehearsals” Buffy said

“They tried to say it was burglars” Harmony said

“Ah, and burglars would just tie you up…I see what you mean – oh bloody hell – she hasn’t been around for a while – I wonder how long she’s been tied up?” Xander mused.

“Who cares, bitch probably got what she deserved…anyway, I must go – I’m already staying late because of the meeting tomorrow night” Cordy got up leaving the others chatting.

“See you later Cordy…hey Spike…tomorrow at the meeting, you could say, ‘I’ve been trying to get hold of you Glory, I KNOW you’ve been TIED UP lately…”

“Oh very droll, don’t THINK she’d appreciate it though, do you?” Spike said smiling.

*********


“Well….from what I can tell, I’d say she overdosed, but not quite enough to kill her, she was lucky this time though, her heart rate is tremendously accelerated – she was on some amphetamine based drugs I presume?” The doctor continued to examine Cecily, shining a pen-torch into her still widely dilated pupils of her eyes.

“I’d like to do an endoscopy” the doctor stood up and began to pack away his stethoscope

“What’s that?” Sweet asked, then wished he hadn’t. Anything medical – any sort of invasive procedure had him running for cover usually.

“It’s a tube with a camera on the end of it to look into internal organs. I’d like to look at her stomach, I think she has a bleeding ulcer – that’s what the blood was. She’s underweight (the doctor flashed a look at a Zombified Dru, and thought she too was severely underweight and so obviously on something also)
I’ll book her into the clinic, bring her in tomorrow, 10 o’clock” As Sweet had suddenly taken a ‘back seat’ and had moved away, the doctor spoke quietly to Lorne.

“The other girl…what is she on?”

“Oh Dru, don’t worry about her, she’s um…she’s schizophrenic…we keep an eye on her, don’t worry, she’s on proper prescribed medication”

“Right. Only it looks to me like a few good decent meals put their way wouldn’t do either of them any harm, but saying that, don’t give this young lady anything to eat today, I want a completely empty stomach when you bring her in in the morning, just sips of water only”

“I understand” Lorne said.

“I’ve given her something to bring down her heart rate, and she should sleep pretty much all day, okay?” Lorne nodded again and the doctor left.

When Lorne came back into the bedroom after seeing the doctor out, Dru was sitting by the bed reading, Sweet was nowhere to be seen.

“You okay there sweetie – don’t worry, she’ll be okay, you help me look after her, yes?” Dru just gave him a tiny smile and nodded.

“Good girl, now I’ve got to make Daddy some more fresh coffee, see you later”

**********

“Come on, come ON! Answer you fucking MORON!” Glory paced her lounge holding the phone.

“Hi, you reached ME, the Bestest Best Dresser in the Business – I’m not avail – Hello?” the Ansa-phone message was cut short by Alphonse answering.

“Alphonse – thank fuck for – look, I NEED to know something”

“GLORY – What can I do for you, you’re Queen Bitchiness – Willy want a rematch?”

“Just SHUT the FUCK up for a moment and tell me something…have you – “ when it came to it, Glory couldn’t bring herself to say it.

“Have I what, Bitch?”

“Have you…(she swallowed hard) I need to know, have you got AIDS?”

“WHAT!!” Alphonse shrieked totally outraged.

“Well THANKYOU VERY-“ he began

“SHUT UP! I NEED TO KNOW!”

“Listen dearie, if that little barman is ill, then it wouldn’t show up yet – oh fuck, OH MY GOD - HE hasn’t got it, has he?”

“I DON’T FUCKING CARE ABOUT HIM!” Glory hissed, then she continued

“Are you HIV positive?”

“What – why do you want to know for?”

“ARE YOU?”

“Truthfully – I don’t know”

“OH FUCKING…JESUS CHRIST AL!”

“What does it bother YOU for?”

“You’ve GOT to be the only fucking poof I know who hasn’t had the test…SHIT!”

“Why are you so bothered about…oh, OH, I get it! Willy’s all enlightened now, isn’t he – and he’s done what, threatened you?”

“I’ve got to go…” Glory ended the call. There as no way she was telling Al what had happened. She felt sick and shaky, hell, she couldn’t even hold the cigarette still enough to light she was shaking so much. She’d have to have a test now, and wait three months. She knew one thing, she was going to KILL Willy REALLY kill him, stone fucking dead!

Al sat there thinking…ever since his lover died of AIDS five years ago, he’d um’ed and ah’ed whether or not to have the test. They’d always been careful, and used condoms and spermicide. But now, every time he got a cough or cold or even a spot, he scared himself shitless, wondering if it was the beginning of the end for him, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to have the test, ignorance was bliss. He thought that if ever he got into a serious relationship again, then he’d probably take the plunge…over the years, he’s had so many friends die…

Glory was panicking. She was crying and trying to think rationally. Then it suddenly came to her – Alphonse – if HE had the test, and it was clear – then they’d be alright. He’d said to her he hadn’t had sex for months before de-flowering Willy, so the first test would be enough, no incubation time…she began to breath easier…all she had to do, was to get Alphonse to have the test………

**********


“Spike Carling………Hello, Spike Carling’s office” Silence. Spike, irritated was just going to throw the receiver down in disgust, when it suddenly struck him who might be making these ‘silent’ calls to him.

“Is that you, Dru – because if it is – (CLICK) – hello………hello? BOLLOCKS!” Spike threw down the receiver, picked it up again and pressed ‘0’ for the switchboard.

“Yes well, I’m sorry, but it’s either all calls come through you via the switchboard, or you get maintenance to change my phone number here today, choice is yours” Spike put the phone down. Cordelia came over to him and put three pieces of paper in front of him to sign.

“Another silent call?”

“Yeah” Spike rubbed his face and sighed, picked up a pen and scribbled his signature on the sheets. Cordy gathered them up and said,

“Look, I’ll swap phones with you, that way you won’t miss any important calls, you can just come over to my desk” Spike brightened at this suggestion

“Are you sure – that would be great, you are a good girl…I wish the solution to ALL my problems were as easy as that” Cordy smiled and said,

“Well, who knows? Tonight you may be able to solve a few more”

“Tonight?” Spike looked puzzled

“The meeting – end of month one – tonight, see Sweet, and more than likely Glory”

“She’s in, is she………good. There have been that many rumours flying around about her, I don’t know what to believe. First I heard she was tied to the bed, then it was by the ankles over the balcony, I don’t think her place even HAS a balcony! Then I heard the place was ransacked, then somebody in the lift said it was set on fire, she’d been there four days, two days, a week…she’d been very badly beaten up, and somebody else said that there wasn’t a mark on her”

Cordelia nodded

“Yeah, I know. I was talking to one of the researchers from her office when I was in the elevator this morning, she said she went to see her last night, and everything in the place was just as normal, not an ornament or lamp out of place the DVD and Video players intact – hardly ransacked, she wouldn’t be able to get replacements within 24 hours. And as for being very badly beaten, she’s got a slight scab on the bridge of her nose and two black eyes, just little marks underneath”

“Chinese whispers………sounds like it could be an insurance fraud – or as Harmony said, she was playing kinky games and her partner just left her tied up!”

The phone on Spike’s desk rang, and Cordelia said,

“I’ll get that, shall I?”

“Spike Carling’s office………hello – Spike Carling’s office, can I help you?” Cordelia’s eyes slid to Spike’s and he mouthed ‘silent?’ Cordelia nodded

“Keep talking to them” Spike whispered and went over to Cordelia’s desk.

“Spike Carling’s office, can I help you?” Cordelia repeated

“Switchboard, can you trace a call please?……… You can’t – oh well, never mind” he put the phone down and turned back to her

“Cordy – forget it” Spike said, so Cordelia put the phone down.

“Switchboard can’t trace it…”

“You know what might be worth you getting? One of those phones that flash up whose calling – the number – or name, if you programme it in, you know like your cell phone does. My mother is always amazed that I answer the phone with a ‘Hi mom!’ she thinks I’m psychic!”

“Yeah – could do…or I could just do………this” Spike picked up the phone and dialled.

He spoke for two minutes and then put the phone down, smiling.

**********


“Dru, who are you calling?” Lorne asked. So engrossed in her task, she hadn’t heard him coming into the office. She had her back to him, standing at Sweet’s desk.

Dru quickly slammed down the phone and turned guiltily

“No-one!”

“That’s not true is it…come on, out of Daddy’s office, you know very well that you shouldn’t really be in here when he isn’t”

“But I…what are you doing – no…NO – LORNE, DON’T DO - STOP, STOP IT!” Lorne went to the phone and picked it up, Dru made a dive for the receiver, but Lorne leaned out of the way, so then she tried to cut him off by pressing the cut-off buttons, just then Sweet came into his office and asked,

“What’s going on, what’s all this noise…Dru, what are you doing in here?” and she looked wide-eyed and petrified, and she ran out crying.

Lorne pressed last number re-dial, and it rang.

“Spike Carling’s office”

“Hi Spike, yes, you’re right, it was her – I caught her red-handed, I pressed last number redial…okay, I’m sorry she keeps bothering you, bye” Lorne put the phone down. Sweet’s face looked thunderous, Lorne said,

“She’s making nuisance calls to Spike. Silent calls. She’s got to learn to leave him alone Daddy – he’s getting really, and I DO mean REALLY sick of all this from her”

“All what?” Sweet steeled himself to hear more of the truth

“She won’t leave him alone – I don’t like telling tales, but it’s like I told you at the party – I spent over half the night stopping her from bothering him – he’s got that singer as a girlfriend now, he doesn’t want to know Dru, he said it’s best if he isn’t even friends with her, because he knows it won’t be enough for her”

Sweet looked serious and nodded.

“Where’s Cecily?”

“At the clinic still, they will bring her here when she’s finished having those tests done on her stomach”

“Right, check with the doc that she’ll be well enough to travel, and get some things packed for us all…we’re going to the boat for a little holiday”

“Okay, when?”

“Today”

“But don’t forget you’ve got the monthly meeting tonight”

“Cancel it………no second thoughts, I’ll do it, but we can leave straight after, okay?”

“Yes Daddy…shall I put Ahmed on alert, are we getting to the boat by helicopter?”

“Yes…and um, where’s my diary”

“Here Daddy”

“Have I any other meetings this week?” Lorne flipped open the book and scanned the page for the rest of the week.

“The accountant on Wednesday morning…we can do that via a computer link up if you like…um golf with the head of Svensson Electronics on Thursday afternoon…and er…let me see, your um…doctor on Friday”

“My doctor, what for?”

“Not your doctor, doctor………the um, ‘recreational substance’ doctor”

“Oh him, oh. Well, you better call him to come this afternoon instead, and cancel the golf, send my apologies”

“Yes Daddy, anything else?”

“Not that I can think of…I’m going to see if I can find Dru, have a little chat with her”

“Don’t………”

“Don’t what?” Sweet asked firmly, standing in the doorway, not liking to be told that word………

“Don’t f-forget the meeting’s booked for 7 0’clock, will you”

“I won’t” Sweet left. Lorne had changed what he was going to say. Originally he was going to say ‘don’t be too hard on her’, but it was probably what she needed, a few home truths while she was lucid enough to understand them………


**********

“Aye up Willy, how’s the old ‘WAR WOUND!”
Pavayne eased his bulk onto one of the bar stools and grinned to the back of the white-jacketed barman, who turned around, the smile went from his face, as it wasn’t Willy.

“Sorry sir, but Willy is…well, truth be known, we don’t know, he was out sick, came back to work for a few days, then we haven’t seen him again for…this is the third day running he hasn’t turned up for work, boss has tried phoning him, but…” the small dark-haired barman shrugged as he explained.

Pavayne wasn’t happy at all. He’d have to pay for his drinks now, and he was down to his last $20

“Anyway, I’m Jonathan, what can I get you?”

“Scotch, make it a large one”

“Sir”

The barman put a little drip mat in front of him and served his drink.

“That’ll be $6” Pavayne almost winced as he threw the $10 note onto the counter.

He’d have to go in search of Willy for himself, he wanted his starting pistol back, and he needed to find out the date of the show, coz if Willy had decided to renege on their deal, well, he better have found somewhere safe to hole up in, coz if this deal went tits up………

**********
 

Chapter 32

“Okay then baby, I’ll come straight to your place after the meetings over. Shall I bring in take-away or what?”

“I’ll ring for pizza, as the meeting might over-run and I’ll get starving so – is that alright with you?”

“Fine – okay then Kitten, I’ll see you later – have fun”

“Don’t forget about that TV programme of Glory’s” Buffy gave him a light kiss and left with Harmony for the studios to do the quiz.

“I won’t, see you later babe” Spike went back into the office and continued work. Cordelia came in carrying a pile of paperwork and some folders.

“Oh, hey…want a hand with those?” Spike, ever the gentleman could see Cordy struggling to put them all on the table without dropping them everywhere, and came over and took over half of them off her, putting them down on the desk.

“Thanks…these are for the meeting later………Sweet has these so called ‘brilliant’ ideas…doesn’t think who has to do all the bloody work though” Cordelia was grinning

“That’s true…so tell me, if THAT won’t wipe that big grin off your face, are you going to share the good news?” Spike was smiling too.

“Go on then, as it’s you. He’s got it! Officially that is – the press call is on Friday night, and he wants me with him!”

“I see. Now tell me in words I can understand…who’s got what, why, when and-“

“Wes – he’s OFFICIALLY the new Bond! I know it was supposed to be official before, but that was just official that he was in the running – this time, he’s GOT IT! He’s had dinner with the producers and that, and he beat off all the competition, it’ll be announced on Friday – so no spilling the beans before hand – the bookies favourite was that black guy, I forget his name, but he won’t sign for a three picture deal, so – my Wes has got it!”

“Great, only…”

“Only what?”

“It was Xander’s flat warming on Friday”

“What –hell – oh……… poo!”

“Don’t worry, I‘m sure he’ll understand”

“Yeah…but I mean, I just CAN’T pass up a chance like this, can I?”

“Course you can’t, like I say, he’ll understand”

“So, I’ve told you my news…going to tell me what you did to stop Miss Loco from phoning?”

“Okay, fairs fair I suppose…come on, I’ll help you take these upstairs for the meeting and tell you on the way” Spike said, picking up the big armful of folders.
***




“Simple as that then eh? Well, you did need to say something it was creepy………there. Pencils, the folders, water carafe and glasses…anything I forgot?” Cordelia looked at the tables then at Spike

“Over head projector?” Spike asked with his brows raised. Cordelia shook her head.

“No. Not this month – I think he was so embarrassed about his hand shaking so much when he was trying to point out things last time, that’s why we’ve got the folders. Guess who spent the best part of an hour photocopying yesterday afternoon – this is what I was on about – as if I haven’t got enough to do”

“Well you want to delegate, send stuff to the other secretaries, from what I can see they do little else than stand at the water-cooler gossiping talking about their love-lives! – And that one upstairs – god alone knows how she types, have you SEEN her fingernails – they’re out here!”

Cordelia smiled

“Oh, I know who you mean, that’s Marcia…but the thing is, if I do the job, I know it’s done then”

“You’re like me…too conscientious. Shall we go for a coffee, I know it’s only 9.30am but!”


“Yes, come on” So Spike and Cordelia went up to the café, on the way passing Glory’s office. There seemed to be an awful lot of people in there, milling about, and Cordy said,

“Looks like she’s here then, judging by all those in there. Did you want to go in and see her?”

“It’ll keep, my body needs caffeine at the moment!”

The people seemed to part around Glory, revealing her sitting on her desk, wearing a scarf, dark glasses, and a neck brace. Both her wrists were bandaged too.

“Ever the bloody drama queen” Spike muttered, holding the door open for Cordelia as they made their way to the café.

**********



Getting their security passes, Harmony and Buffy walked from the reception area to the lifts to go to the fourth floor.
Already standing there waiting was Latino singing star, Rico Martinez.

“Oh my god! I haven’t seen him for about two years, we did a Florida Sun-Splash show together – oh my, isn’t he HOT!” Harmony squeaked to Buffy

“Down girl, you’re spoken for, remember?” Buffy said with a grin, although she had to admit, he was very good looking...IF you like that sort of thing!

“Oh I know that! Can’t blame a girl for looking – MY GOD – he’s seen me!” Harmony quickly spun round to face Buffy; she had her eyes closed and a big grin on her face

“He’s coming over!” Buffy managed to whisper, hardly moving her lips – and Harmony squeezed Buffy’s arm, then she heard the deep velvety voice say,

“Hola! Harmony – it is you – wow – let me look at you – you look AMAZING!” Harmony turned around, beaming a smile

“R-Rico! Hola! What are you doing here – oh – I’m such a klutz – I – AAHH -AAAAAAHHHHH!”

Buffy turned and looked in horror as the lift announced it’s arrival with a ‘DING’, Harmony had dropped her security pass, and both she and Rico bent to retrieve it at the same time, resulting in a clash of heads, when they both stood, or in Rico’s case staggered, he had blood pouring down his face, and one of Harmony’s crown’s stuck in his forehead

“OH MY GOD! Quick – um somebody, HELP ME!” Buffy shouted, not knowing who to try and comfort first, The Latino guy looked very rocky on his feet, and Harmony just about managed to lean against the wall, clutching her mouth.

“Buthy – Buthy – ‘ook, my toot oh!” Harmony began to cry trying to cover her mouth, meanwhile Rico had put his hand up to his head and felt the tooth embedded in his forehead, and had passed out in a dead faint at the sight of blood.

“My toot – ‘ook!” Harmony raised her top lip to show Buffy the filed down peg
of her own tooth that had been the anchor for the false crown. Buffy grimaced.

“Oh god…you can’t go on TV looking like that – oh hell, um, HELP! WE NEED SOME MEDICAL ATTENTION HERE”

Buffy shouted, and two security guards and one of the receptionists came running over to them.

Ten minutes later, Buffy was sitting in the ‘Green Room’ with a cup of vending machine coffee, awaiting news of her friend and teammate.

There was a knock on the door, and a very harassed looking woman, wearing glasses and carrying a clipboard stuck her head around the door.

“Are you Buffy?”

Buffy stood and said,

“Yes. How’s Harmony, have you heard – I’m told I can’t switch on my cell– excuse me – I SAID EXCUSE ME!” Rudely, the woman had left Buffy mid-sentence, so she marched over to the door and yanked it open. Out side the harassed looking woman was talking to a guy who was wearing earphones around his neck, he was also carrying a clipboard. Both were talking at the same time.

“Er, excuse me – but would SOMEBODY please tell me what’s going on?” The two people stopped talking and looked at her. the man said,

“And you are?”

“I’m Buffy, Buffy Summers. I was here to do the Celebrity quiz, but my team-mate and friend had an accident downstairs ten minutes ago and nobody will tell me what’s happening”

“Which are you then, soap star, singer, writer, or sports person?” the man asked her.
“I’m sorry, I don’t under-“ Buffy frowned,

“It’s quite simple Miss, what do you do? – Are you a singer or actress” the woman asked

“Singer, I’m a singer, what does that have to do with-“ Again Buffy was interrupted

“She can go with the guy who was going to be Rico’s partner – problem solved, so it can all still go ahead – thank god, right, get everyone onset – we must get the rehearsal started in the next ten minutes” The guy left and the woman said to Buffy,

“Follow me”

“Will somebody PLEASE tell me what’s happened to Harmony? – Oh…I give up!”

Heaving a sigh, Buffy trudged resignedly behind the rapidly moving away from her harassed woman, who paused at the fire doors, and encouraged Buffy to,

“Hurry up, we only have five minutes, I’ll see what I can find out for you, now,
go in there…have you been to make-up? – (She scrutinised Buffy’s face) and said,

“You’ll do, I’ll get Rachel to put a bit of powder on your nose…um, and your new partner will be here directly”

Buffy was shown into a room, where there were some vaguely familiar faces from soap opera’s, a couple of athletes and one writer she knew.

“Good morning!” Buffy said to be polite, and everyone was friendly back to her, making her feel a little more at ease.

“Was your friend taken ill or something?” One of the girl athletes asked, and Buffy, explained what happened

“………So when they both stood, he’d got the tooth embedded in his forehead – and poor Harmony was missing a crown” A few people winced. The door opened and Buffy heard the woman with the clipboard say,

“There, in you go, now introduce yourselves, TWO MINUTES EVERYBODY PLEASE…Two minutes.”

Everybody started to throw away paper cups, put away magazines and stand up an tidy themselves. Buffy turned around to see who her new quiz partner would be.

“YOU!” She was shocked, then she thought, *shit, Spike’s gonna LOVE this, NOT!*

“Buffy…how are you?”

“I’m um…I’m fine thanks, Angel. How are you?”

“Peachy!” he said with his sickly grin

“Okay people, follow me!” The woman with the clipboard propped open the door and everybody dutifully filed out into the corridor, Buffy being the last.

“Miss Summers, your friend Harmony has been taken to her own dentist, she insisted that she wouldn’t see any other one – she has a fear of them apparently, and her own has calming sessions for her or something, she’ll be alright though, but she won’t be back in time to record the show”

“Oh, um, right…thankyou” they all walked on set in the studio.

“Right settle……PEOPLE, PLEASE…settle down” the director clapped his hands and everybody stopped talking.

“Right, now the run through has slightly changed, due to circumstances beyond our control, so things will now be like this………”

***********
Lunchtime.
“Oh, he’s not there? – Only his mobile is switched off too” Buffy sighed

“Actually, it’s here, on my desk, re-charging that’s why you can’t get through to him” Cordelia explained.

“Have you heard how Harmony is?”

“We got a call from her dentist, and I’ll tell Xander as soon as he comes in – want me to give a message to Spike – you sound very down, don’t worry about Harmony, she’ll be okay you know”

“I know that Cordy, it’s not that…I – oh god, Spike’s gonna go ape-shit when he finds out”

“Accidents happen!”

“Not that…it’s who they’ve put with me. We’re teams of singers or soap actors or athletes or writers” Buffy explained

“Yes, and?”

“And well, two minutes before we go on-set…he’s going to be ever so angry, but it isn’t my fault!”

“Are you going to tell me who they’ve-“

“Angel”

“ANGEL? – As in Angel Stebson Angel, he of the Sharks – well ex of?” Cordelia said alarmed

“Yup – he was Rico’s partner”

“Oh. Oh dear”

“Well thanks for putting me at ease! Oh dear indeed – honestly Cordy – everybody here is SO rushed and wants everything done yesterday, that I didn’t have time to say no – he’s going to be mad, isn’t he?”

“Well…” Cordy began cautiously, knowing Spike couldn’t STAND Angel in any way, shape or form.

“Cordy! You’re supposed to be making me feel better here!” Buffy whined, frowning

“Do you want me to tell him for you?”

“No. It’s probably best coming from me, can explain fully then” Buffy said flatly, and although not her fault, she didn’t relish the task.

“Okay, well good luck! – For the quiz, I mean!”

“Thanks………I’ll see you tomorrow”

“Okay, bye then – don’t forget, it’s the meeting tonight, so Spike will be late, his mobile will be charged but will be switched off still”

“Yeah, thanks, bye”

“Bye” Cordy put the phone down wide-eyed and brows raised. Spike wasn’t going to like this little turn up, not one little bit…

*********

When Pavayne got home, he found his starting pistol on the floor in the hall, crudely wrapped in a brown paper bag. Along side it was a note that read;

‘Show on Friday the 28th, studio 5, West, lot 9, Burbank – Willy. PS, I gotta lie low for a while.’

Pavayne screwed up the paper bag and checked his pistol over – it was fine He re-read the note and put it in his top pocket. Well, surprise, surprise, Willy hadn’t let him down on EVERYTHING…if he could they exclusive picture rights on this little blonde singer’s career going down, he’d be rich!

**********

“Okay then Buffy, the next question is yours” The compere beamed at her, and Buffy stood up straight – she felt Angel’s hand on her shoulder, and ignored it.

All through rehearsals she’d repeatedly asked him not to touch her, but Angel said that all the other’s couples were doing it, some even hugging when they got the answers right.

“What year, did Abraham Lincoln take office as president – was it A. 1851, B. 1855, C. 1861, or D. 1866 – the countdown starts…NOW”

Quick as a flash, Buffy pressed the ‘C’ button, and the clock stopped on one second.

“And you’ve picked ‘C’, 1861 – correct!” the audience clapped and Buffy smiled

“Okay, Angel, your question – What is the capital of Surinam is it - A. Caracas, B. La Paz, C. Paramaribo or is it D. Lima – the time starts………NOW”

“Um…let me think…Caracas is…no, er-“

“Hurry up! – its Paramaribo!” Buffy hissed.

“Hold on…don’t want to get this wrong…Lima, that’s Peru…”

“Angel – the time –its Paramaribo press ‘C’!”

“Okay, I’m getting hassled here – (he grinned) I’ll press ‘C’ – if you’re wrong Missy! He turned and gave Buffy a wink, she in turn was glassy-eyed and had a fixed grin, but inside she was seething. He pressed ‘C’, and the answer flashed up correct – just a second or two before the 10 second ‘time-out’.

Buffy breathed a sigh –

“Don’t mess about – you get timed out, WE are out, and I want to raise some money for the children!” Buffy hissed. Angel just smiled maddeningly and put his hand on her waist.

**********


Everybody was seated at the meeting, except Xander and Glory. Spike played with the pencil, and the door opened and Xander walked in and took his seat, saying quietly to Spike and Cordelia,

“She’s at home, they’ve like super-glued a temporary cap on for her, she’s going to have the proper one fitted on Friday”

“Friday – that’s your party day – and that’s another thing Xand, I can’t come – you see it’s-“ Cordelia was cut short by the door opening, and one of the researchers wheeling Glory into the room in a wheelchair. There were lots of eye rolls and sighs from the others - boy did this girl know how to go for maximum impact.
She still had the dark glasses on and the neck brace and bandages on her wrists, but had foregone the scarf over her head.

“Doesn’t matter, I’ll tell you later” Cordy whispered to Xander, who just nodded.

“Right then, as we are all here – can we get on. I want you all to open the folders in front of you and take out the first sheet – sheet ‘A’ - Music Sales figures…I want to know why they are down” Sweet said……………………

**********

“Okay, things are hotting up now, Ladies and Gentlemen, with just two of our couples going head-to-head for the final, we have for the Sports team, two of our top athletes from track and field, Bobby Johnson and the lady that’s smashed all records at last years Olympics AND Bobby’s fiancé, Lacy Morris”

The compere paused to let the audience applaud, and then he continued,

“And on the pop stars side, we have the lovely Buffy and her partner, Ex front man of the Sharks, now carving himself a solo career, Angel, everybody” Again the audience applauded.

“Okay then folks – the final – subjects will be chosen now at random, and the contestants have ten seconds to answer – if they don’t, they are timed out, AND the question can go to the opposition, right then folks – Oh and remember – the winners will take $25, 000 dollars for a charity of their choice –the losers go home, with nothing – So lets get right on and play –

And the first question is to the sports team”……………………………


**********


“………But it isn’t OUR fault if somebody just downloads it from the Internet – what can we do – we didn’t put it there for them to steal!” Spike insisted.

“Well it SHOULD be made illegal!” Sweet spluttered.

Practically everybody in the room chorused, “IT IS!”

“Well then, why isn’t there somebody doing something about it!”

“They try…”

“They, who’s this ‘they’”

“I don’t know, the people who run the sites I suppose – you get sites like Napster and SoundsExpress taken down, and a few days later, another one pops up. It’s very frustrating. Not only that, the singers loose out on royalties too” Spike said. Sweet looked serious.

“Look into this please Miss Chase”

“I will” Cordelia wrote a note on her pad.

“Other business…”

“Can I just say something………I’d like a little more co-operation form my ‘colleagues’ if I may – and NOT have them book things for MY artistes without prior consultation from me first” Spike said, looking pointedly at Glory. She smiled and took off her dark glasses and said,

“This is a dig at me, I suppose…well darling – I can’t do as you ask, when you’re not there, can I, not you, or the secretary – or even the whelp here – what’s a girl to do?”

“Me not there, ME – THAT’S RICH COMING FROM YOU!” Spike said angrily, and then added,

“Well, she’s not doing it!” Glory smiled and looked at Sweet, said one word,

“Daddy?”

“She’s doing it Spike, it’s already in the TV schedules, it would cost too much to pull now” Spike looked murderously from Glory to Sweet, pushing his chair away from the desk.

“Right – I don’t know WHY I bother to come to these fucking meetings, waste of EVERYBODY’S bastard time!”

And with that, Spike got up and left, slamming the door behind him. Xander and Cordelia kept their heads down. Glory revelled and beamed and the others felt sympathy for Spike, as they knew he’d be for it now………

Sweet wound up the meeting and said quietly to Cordelia,

“When you see Spike tomorrow, tell him I want to see him first thing Monday morning, will you? – My office, 9am”

“Will do”

“Oh, and tell him…”

“Yes, sir?”

“Nothing, doesn’t matter, tell him 9am, sharp”

“Yes Mr Sweetly” Cordelia was surprised Sweet was leaving things until next week to see him.

As people left, Glory took the brakes off her wheelchair and said to Xander,

“Hey, you - wheel me into the corridor” No please, no thankyou. Xander leaned over and said menacingly through gritted teeth,

“Wheel your fuckin’ self – and if Spike’s in ANY kind of trouble now because of you, I’ll – “

“Come on Xand, let’s go, leave her to it” Cordelia practically yanked Xander out of the room, switching the light off as she went, leaving Glory fuming in the dark.

**********

Spike got outside and felt for his mobile – darn it! It was still on Cordelia’s desk, charging up – although it should be well done now. There was nothing else for it, he’d have to go back for it.

“Spike…SPIKE!” Cordelia had just come down the steps and saw him step into the lift, and called him. He stuck his hand out and the doors opened again.

Cordelia had her coat on ready to leave, and she came running over.

“Was anything said?” Spike asked

“He wants to see you first thing Monday morning, in his office, 9am – not that HE knows 9am even exists”

“Monday? I thought it would be tomorrow”

“Me too – but there you are – you’ve got nearly a week to put your case across” Cordelia straightened Spike’s collar and patted his shoulder.

“If I bother”

“WHAT - now come on…what way is that to talk, hmm?”

Spike shrugged.

“It’s the way I feel at the moment. Anyway, times getting on, I forgot my phone, it’s still on your desk”

“Want to go for a drink or something?” Cordelia suggested

“Well, ordinarily I would, but I don’t know what time Buffy’ll be back from this quiz thing”

“Right, well look, don’t brood on it – Sweet couldn’t do this without you, you know, so he’s not going to sack you” Cordelia cupped his cheek and smiled.

Spike gave her a resigned little smile too.

“There, now I’ll be off then, see you tomorrow”

“’Kay Cordy, and you know, thanks” he winked and the lift doors shut taking him to the fourth floor.

**********
 

Chapter 33

As Spike exited the lift, he could hear voices, female voices, and immediately recognised one as being that of Glory, and kept himself well hidden around the corner.

“Have you checked the guests?” he heard Glory ask

“Um, yes, they are already for their flights tomorrow, I have to check one though – I’ll do it first thing” Spike heard another female voice answer.

“See that you do…I don’t want ANYTHING to go wrong with this pilot show, I want to start with a great big bang!”

“Yes Glory”

Spike saw the two women get into the lift, Glory miraculously being able to walk now.

“What the hell are you up to?” Spike muttered to himself, and walked to his office.

Picking up his phone and un-plugging it from the recharging lead, he saw he’d got two messages, both from Buffy.

The first one said she’d be late, and the second one said that recording had gone way over schedule, and they were all going out for a drink afterwards, and she see him tomorrow instead.

Feeling a little disappointed, Spike made his way out of the building, deciding that perhaps after all, he could play ‘catch-up’ at home, and pay some bills, do some laundry and generally tidy up.

**********


“So, you know Angel from before you became famous?” Lacy asked Buffy.

“Yes, we dated briefly. Honestly, how thick is he – I nearly died with embarrassment – I thought EVERYONE knew who painted the Mona Lisa!”

“Everyone except him or so it seemed!” Lacy said, sipping her orange juice.

“I could be at home now, snuggling with my boyfriend!” Buffy said

“Well, one night away won’t hurt…with Bobby and I training for the same events we can almost see too much of each other, then there are other times he’s say, at the European Championships, and I’m running for the Commonwealth –and it can be weeks apart”

Buffy and the girl athlete chatted for as long as they could, but the music started, and it got harder to hold a conversation.

Angel asked Buffy to dance, and she immediately refused.

“Don’t be like that!”

“Like what – Angel, I’m tired, hungry, to tell you the truth, I only came to be sociable – I really want to go home and-“

“Actually, I’m hungry too, we could go find us a nice restaurant and-“

“Er we could NOT, thankyou very much!”

“Still sore at me for giving the wrong answer, huh – look I DID really know it was Da Vinci who painted the Mona Lisa, I said Beethoven coz I wanted to end the game, I’d had enough, I was fed up”

“What – oh great, so I lost out on giving the disabled children a play-scheme, because YOU were fed up? Well thanks very much –I’m going!”

Buffy downed her cola and stood up, snatching her purse from the table.

She said ‘goodnight to all those assembled, and went to leave. Angel caught her arm, causing Buffy to drop her purse, and several things fell out.

“Now look what you’ve made me – and GET OFF me!” Buffy jerked her arm out of his grasp and angrily bent and shoved keys, mobile phone, credit card holder, hairbrush and a lipstick back into her bag.

She stood and was infuriated to see Angel smirking at her.

“You’re beautiful when you’re angry – did you know that?”

“Oh…oh bugger off!” Buffy left the venue, the cool night air hitting her as she opened the door to the outside. She started down the steps, when she heard the door open behind her and a loud whistle made her turn around.

“Here baby, you dropped this” Angel held his hand out, and Buffy turned, lifting her hand to his to take what ever it was off him.
The whistle had not only attracted Buffy, but had caused the two paparazzi who were always stationed outside this LA nightspot to do a ‘heads up’ too.

“Who’s that?”

“Not quite sure, but he used to be in the Sharks…oh I know, that’s that Buffy” The one photographer said to the other, and they snapped away.

Buffy looked in her hand and saw a broken earring.

“What is it?” She frowned asking Angel. He shrugged

“Don’t know, I thought it might have fallen out of your purse, just” Buffy threw it to the ground.

“Not mine no, nothing to do with me”

“Come and have dinner with me now…Buffy…BUFFY”

Ignoring him, Buffy ran down the rest of the steps and over to the studios to get her car and driver. Angel shrugged and went back inside.

On the way home, she wondered whether to phone Spike. She looked at the time, 11.20pm – it was a bit late, it would be practically midnight by the time she got home, and Spike probably would have gone home from the meeting and had an early night when he saw the two text messages she’d sent, so she wouldn’t disturb him now, she’d see him first thing.

*********



“There, what do you think?” Sam twirled round giving her husband a look at the new dress he’d told her to buy.

“S’beautiful, baby…like you. Come here!” Grinning Sam slipped into his arms and they kissed.

“You can wear that to the television studios!”

“Television – Oh wow - where are we-“ Wide eyed and grinning, Sam was incredulous

“Ah-ah, surprise – wait until we get there!” Riley said, putting his finger on her lips to stop her asking questions.

Sam then thought that perhaps they were going to see a show being recorded, or even take part in one – she was almost bursting wanting to ask questions, but she knew that Riley wouldn’t tell her – and now she was like a child waiting for Christmas, she couldn’t wait for tomorrow to come!

**********


“’id’ite!”

“I’m sorry?”

Spike heard Buffy spit, and then the faucet running.

“I said, midnight! It was midnight when I got home. Sorry, I was cleaning my teeth. That’s why I didn’t phone you, I thought perhaps you’d have an early night, and got some sleep. I wouldn’t phone in case I woke you. How was your meeting?”

“Don’t ask”

“That bad eh – was Glory there?”

“Yes, look, I’ll see you at the studios okay?”

“Oh, okay”

“Are you all right, baby? You sound…I don’t know, fed up – did um, did Cordelia say anything to you?” Buffy asked, then she bit her bottom lip.

“Cordy? – About what?”

“Doesn’t matter, I’ll see you soon”

“Okay pet, but it might be nearer lunchtime before I see you, I’ve got to do these contracts for the new bands”

“Right, later then. And Spike,”

“Yes love?”

“I really missed you last night” Buffy knew he was smiling when he said,

“I really missed you too pet. See you in a bit”

Buffy’s car was late, and she didn’t get to Aphrodite until gone 10 o’clock.

She made her way up to the fourth floor and into the office.

“Morning – I don’t know……… traffic gets worse – AND the car was late –anyway, how are you Harmony?” Buffy went to walk over towards Xander, Harmony and Cordelia, suddenly becoming aware of their frosty stares.

“What’s up…?” For some reason, Buffy looked at her clothes and brushed herself down, not being able to understand why the trio were giving her odd looks.

“Enjoy yourself last night Buffy?” Xander asked coldly

“Me? – No, not particularly – actually, I really didn’t if you want the truth, it was bloody awful…why – have you told them about me being with Angel, Cordy? – Look guys, it wasn’t as if I had any choice in the-“

“Cordelia didn’t HAVE to tell us anything, LOOK” With a look of disgust, Harmony threw the morning paper at her, and puzzled, Buffy fumbled with it.

“Page six – speaks volumes, doesn’t it” Xander said, staring pointedly at her.

Frowning, Buffy opened the newspaper at page six, and to her horror saw a photo of herself, standing on the steps of the nightclub, turning to look at Angel, who was grinning like an idiot, and it looked like she was holding his hand, leading him down the steps.

“Oh my god – this, this ISN’T WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE! I dropped my bag – he thought that – hey hold on, please – you got to believe me!”

Xander, Harmony and Cordelia all gave her a disbelieving look, Xander and Harmony crossing their arms. Buffy was horrified, she felt sick and faint.

“Oh FUCK! – Has Spike seen this? – It isn’t what it looks like – I SWEAR TO GOD - to you, it isn’t, honestly!”

“It LOOKS, like you, coming out of a nightclub, leading a guy YOU say you don’t like, a guy you USED to date by the hand” Cordelia said icily.

“He was giving me something! I dropped my purse in the club; he was giving me a broken earring! He thought it was mine – I was leaving, I wanted to get home – I – I’d had enough!”

Buffy started to cry, and immediately Harmony softened, deep down she felt slightly guilty for leaving Buffy in the position she was put in, even though it wasn’t her fault. Frowning, she glanced at the other two, then back to Buffy. Xander still looked stern and Cordelia looked at Xander and sighed.

“Well, it LOOKS like you were holding his hand, and you ARE leaving the club with him – why were you in Scandals Nightclub anyway?” Harmony put her arm around Buffy’s shoulders and led her to the sofa.

Not making much sense squeaking through her tears, Harmony just let Buffy cry a little. Cordelia came over with some tissues and a cup of water from the cooler.

Shakily Buffy took both items and tried to explain.

Watery eyed and red-nosed from crying Buffy said,

“Has Spike seen this yet?”

“I shouldn’t have thought so, he’s been down with Roman Holiday all morning” Xander said. Buffy sniffed deeply and tried to stay calm.

“So are you going to tell us what happened?” Cordelia asked

“We all went for a drink after the show…I didn’t really want to, but we’d over-run the shooting schedule as we were so good at the quiz. I had one glass of cola, and I went to leave – (she sniffed, tears threatening to fall again) then that, that fat jerk pulled my arm and I dropped my purse – everything fell out, my keys, phone, credit card holder, lipstick – I shoved everything back in and left. Just as I got outside, I hear this piercing whistle, look round, and it’s him, holding out his hand, saying I’d dropped something. The whistle must have attracted the photographers too…he gives me this, this broken earring, which I throw away…he didn’t leave with me, I left alone, I swear to you I - Oh GOD I hope Spike believes me…I was talking to Lacy Morris the whole time…”

“Who’s Lacy Morris?” Xander asked

“Athlete. She was on the other team”

“Well, I believe you, but you must admit, it DOES look like you’re leading him down the steps – with him grinning and all” Harmony said.

“I know!” Buffy said tearfully

“He kept on touching me all day – on the shoulder, hand on my waist – I kept on telling him to lay off – he said all the others were doing it, even hugging when they got questions right – I told him to forget that – then he asked me out to dinner – why couldn’t he just leave me alone – Spike’s going to hate me now!”

“Okay, look, I’m sorry, I believe you – but you can see how it looked…we think a lot of Spike, we won’t have him messed about” Xander said

Buffy blew her nose and nodded.

“How…how did the meeting go – was it bad – when I asked him this morning, he said to me ‘don’t ask’”

“Um, well, we’ll leave him to tell you, okay – probably the best idea” Cordelia said

“Oh god. Oh Harmony, how’s your mouth?”

“Temporary cap, look – (she raised her top lip for Buffy to see) I have the real one fitted on Friday”

“Oh – on, FRIDAY - but that’s the day of the party!”

“Was, what with neither you nor Cordy being able to come –we’ve – oh, um…”

“I can’t?” Buffy’s brows rose Xander closed his eyes at his faux pas, rubbing a hand over his mouth.

“Oh shit! Um, sorry. I was going to let Spike tell you – Glory’s got her own way I’m afraid, and the show stands – anyway, you won’t miss the party we’re going to have it next weekend instead” Xander said

The phone rang on Cordelia’s desk, she answered, and Buffy heard her say,

“Yes she is Spike…okay, I will, bye”

“Spike’s on his way up”

“Oh god, I MUST look a fright!”

“Actually, probably better that you do, he’ll see that you are genuinely upset then” Cordelia added.

**********

Hank Summers looked at the ticket and smiled. He had a holdall packed, and his taxi was due to arrive any time now.


**********


“Sam, taxi’s here – are you ready – got everything?”

“Coming! Have you got the tickets?”

“In my pocket, honey”

“Is the back door locked?”

“And bolted, petal, now come on – we don’t want to be rushed, I thought we could have a coffee before the flight”

“There, will I do?” Sam presented herself before her husband, grinning and putting on her jacket.

“You look beautiful, babe…you get into the cab, and I’ll just lock up here…”

**********


“………So nobody would tell me what was happening at first, I was just put in this room, then about ten minutes later, a lady came and asked me if I was Buffy, she was very rude and left while I was still talking to her, asking about Harmony”

“Okay baby, but why are you so upset? Harmony’s fine – she’s having her new tooth on Friday”

Buffy nodded and reached for Spike’s hand, and squeezed it holding it tight.

“I know. They, well, I went to another room where all the other contestants were, and the director was harassed and everything, and with two minutes to go onto the set, the door opens and the lady that took me down said, ‘here’s your partner, introduce yourselves…I turned around, and it was………well, it was Angel. Angel Stebson, I’m sorry, I didn’t have time to object”

Spike mashed his lips together, then rubbed them, Buffy could see he was annoyed.

“I – They didn’t give me a-“ Spike leaned forward and said,

“Hey, it’s okay Kitten, it wasn’t your fault, I understand!”

He cuddled her to him, and for a few seconds, Buffy closed her eyes and relaxed, but when she opened her eyes again and spied the folded newspaper on the coffee table, the panic she’d felt earlier came back.

“Baby…there’s something else…………………”

“…………………I mean, I threw it away immediately what would I be doing with a broken earring in my bag? – It’s just that the photographers caught the pose wrong, and it looks like I was, well sort of holding his hand………it’s on page six”

Buffy could see Spike was trying to keep his anger in check.

“I’m sorry Spike, you know I love you, please say you understand” She felt the tears dripping down her face. Spike looked at the picture and threw the newspaper down in disgust, and started through gritted teeth,

“I bet you ANY money that bastard whistled like that on purpose to get the photographers attention – “ It was then he noticed Buffy was crying.

“Oh, oh hey, Hey, BABY – Oh Kitten, don’t cry my sweet…ahh, come on my little baby, come here!” Buffy gratefully cuddled up to him, the tension released in her. She sniffed deeply, gulping and gasping for air.

“Shh, my little one…there…I know none of this is your fault – I’m angry with him for acting like a jerk, not with you Kitten!” Buffy closed her eyes and held onto him even tighter.

“And Cordy and the gang gave me a hard time first thing, until I explained, they thought I was messing you around, and I’ve been SO worried all night about things, and then you said to me this morning, ‘don’t ask’ when I mentioned the meeting, and - I – “

“Did they pet, well I’m sure they didn’t mean it – you’re all friends now, aren’t you?”

Buffy nodded as she blew her nose.

“Don’t cry baby, it creases me when you cry!”

“I’m sorry, I was just so worried!” Buffy held him close, and felt Spike kissing her hair, and then he cupped her face.

“Now kitten, you stay and have a coffee, then go freshen up, and by that time, I should have finished these contracts –then we’ll nip over the road for bite of lunch – eh a little tiramisu to treat ourselves, what do you say?” he kissed her forehead and smiling, Buffy readily agreed.

Smoothing her hair from her face, Spike kissed her tenderly, and Buffy eagerly reciprocated, holding him tightly to her.

“Love you baby”

“Oh Spike, I love you too” Closing her eyes again Buffy hugged him, until Xander barged in and spoilt the moment!

“Spike – news just breaking – Rack’s had a massive heart attack – the clinic have issued a statement – you better got down to the press room! – Oh and um, sorry to barge in”

“Lunch can wait, as long as you know I love you, and we’re okay, yes?” Buffy said holding Spike tightly.

“Of course we’re okay baby, I love you. Now, um, get Cordy to tell you about the meeting will you, and I’ll come and find you soon as I can” he snatched a quick kiss and Buffy went to go and freshen up.

**********


“Daddy…when are we going to the boat ………………… you said we were going to the boat,” Dru asked, spreading a little conserve on half a slice of toast

“Hmmm? Well, we were going yesterday, but Cecily wasn’t allowed home. She’ll be coming home this afternoon, but she, er, well um…she’s got to stay in bed, she’s had an operation on her stomach”

“Okay”

“Now, I’ve got to go meet some people, but we’ll have lunch, then if you want you can go and fetch Cecily from the clinic with Lorne, if you like”

“Okay”

“Here, do you want the papers, I’ve got to go and give a press statement … bloody Rack – fancy having a heart attack there…he’s supposed to be getting better, not bloody worse!” Sweet dropped them next to her.

Ignoring his mutterings and the financial sheets, Dru began to turn the pages, looking at the fashions and then she turned to the society pages, and she immediately homed in on the photo of Buffy and Angel. She picked up the paper and read…

‘…Looks like Buffy’s found a new man to lead – after her soldier left her blue”

Dru smiled, then she grinned, then she positively beamed – she KNEW that that Buffy girl wasn’t REALLY Spike’s girlfriend! It was a test! That was it! She SHOULD have known all along – he was testing her to see if she still loved him! And naughty Lorne had been in on it too! She should be cross with him…but he did make her feel better sometimes... unless it was Spike being naughty, and he tricked Lorne too! Now, all she had to do, was to think of a cunning test for Spike now………Lorne opened the door to the dining room and said,

“Oh hey, there you are sweet-cheeks…want to go and tidy Cecily’s room for when she comes home?”

“Oh yes! And I’ll go pick some flowers, and make it all pretty!” Dru beamed, jumping up readily. Lorne smiled, quite surprised at her happiness.

“She’ll love that, but um, well, don’t be too disappointed if she doesn’t notice too much at first Angel-cakes, she’ll be a bit sore from the operation and be on powerful meds”

“That’s okay – and I can sit and read to her, keep her company, I’ve got lots to tell her!”

“Good…um, good”

“And I’ll come to the clinic with you to fetch her, Daddy said I could”

“Okay honey – um, are you okay precious?” Lorne asked tentatively. Dru beamed and nodded,

“Wonderful! – never better!”

“Oh, right, good…that’s good honey. Okay then, I’ll leave you to do her room”

“’M’kay, don’t forget to come get me when you’re ready to go!”


Lorne closed the door to the dining room with a puzzled frown. He knew she suffered from manic depression, but wow- WHAT a transformation, from sullen and barely speaking, to the bright, happy girl he once knew of old…he wondered what cocktail of drugs Sweet was giving her – because whatever it was, he’d hit the nail on the head with this combination, Dru looked positively radiant!

Before going out to pick flowers, Dru very carefully ripped the photograph out of the newspaper, and put it in her pocket.

***********


“Hi – at last! I’ve been leaving you tons of messages, at the house, on your mobile, at the studios; I even left one at the Four-“ Jenny said, brightly

“I know, is there something you want?” Anya asked coolly

“Anya…are you aright? – Is there something the matter?” Jenny asked, puzzled

“Is there something you want Jenny, only I’m extremely busy – I’m trying to write my next album”

“Oh god, sorry – I’m sorry, I should have thought – stupid me! – Look, I was wondering…although, if you’re writing…are you at your house?”

“No, Jenny I’m not………um…I er, I haven’t got it anymore, I sold up”

“WHAT – Oh wow! – That was quick! You didn’t say you were thinking of selling!”

“Because I wasn’t! I had…um…a certain offer, and I decided to go with it, I put my house on the market – three hours later, I get a phonecall from some real estate agent, it’s just what the actress Jennifer Alyston and her husband were looking for”

“Wow…lucky old you eh? – So where are you staying?”

“Me? Oh um, I, well…” Anya was undecided whether to tell her or not, and then she decided to take the bull by the horns, and she said,

“Actually Jenny, I’m staying, well, living at Rupert Giles’ place” Jenny didn’t even seem fazed at all by this answer

“Really? – He is a lovely old thing isn’t he, do anything for a friend – be a sweetie and ask him if there’s room for one more would you? – I could squeeze on the sofa – it’ll only be for a couple of nights”

Jenny asked, not grasping the concept of what Anya was saying. Anya’s knuckles went white holding the receiver. She knew if she didn’t put the phone down in the next ten seconds, she’d blurt it all out, and she really, REALLY wanted to see Jenny’s face when she told her about her and Giles…

“Sorry, but you’ll have to ask him yourself, I MUST go, bye-ee!” Anya ended the call and switched to message, then decided that she ought to phone Giles first………

“Well, I TOLD her I was living at your place, but I think she thinks it’s like some temporary arrangement, just a stop-gap until I find somewhere else - she knows I’ve sold my house”

“Okay pumpkin, don’t worry, I DID promise to meet her for a drink when she was here again, didn’t I? – So that’s what we’ll do. Invite her over, and we can tell her about us together, okay?”

“Fine – great, I’ll see you later, Big Boy” Anya drawled, and Giles chuckled and put the phone down.

**********


“I’m looking for a guy called Willy, he works here, I believe”

Jonathan took in the big brute, with his typical boxer’s look of broken nose and big hands. He was a good six-foot, and seemed almost as wide as he was tall.

“Join the queue! He’s been missing for nearly a week now, nobody has seen hide or hair of him! The boss wants him, there’s this photographer, a journalist – oh – um, ow…OW, You’ve got my chest hair, OW!”

“You wouldn’t be covering up for him by any chance, would you?” The man drew Jonathan close to him by a handful of jacket lapel.

“What- ow, look, let me go – ow OW…that’s better” Jonathan straightened his jacket and eyed up the big bruiser of a guy and frowned.

“No, I would not! What is it with all you big guys looking for him? Look, to tell you the truth, I HATE it behind the bar, I usually work the floor , I’m a busboy, waiting tables, I get more tips that way – in fact, I’ve had to take a cut in pay – so I don’t owe HIM any favours while I’m stuck behind here!” Jonathan stated indignantly.

“Right…any idea where he lives?”

“Nope, all I know is, you’re not the only one looking for him, and the boss is going crazy…nobody mixes a vodka Martini like he does, he was off sick, came back for a couple of days, then nobody’s seen him since. Can I get you something to drink?”

“No…no thanks…I better go”

“Want to leave a message – you know, just in case he comes back?”

“No…um, wait a sec…no, no it’s okay”

“Night then”

The guy left and Jonathan wiped down the counter muttering to himself.

“You sure are popular Willy…that’s the fourth big guy that’s been looking for you this week”


**********


“Baby – there you are!” Spike touched Buffy’s shoulder, she woke with a start.

“Huh – oh hi babe” She yawned and stretched, after falling asleep on the sofa in the office. Spike perched next to her.

“I missed you the first time round, I just looked in through the window, couldn’t see you as you were lying down and thought you’d gone up to the café!”

“Sorry babe…I had a lousy night – I couldn’t sleep – I was worried about, well you know, being put with ‘you-know-who’ on that show”

“Poor little one…are you hungry?”

“Um………actually yes, I’m starving! – I missed breakfast”

“Me too, come on, Luigi’s is closed now, but we can go upstairs to the café, if you want”

Spike bought her over a Banana/Mango Smoothie and a Latte for himself. He’d ordered two toasted ham and cheese sandwiches.

“Thanks…” Buffy shook and poured, took a drink.

“Hmm…delish! – So, tell me, how’s Rack?”

“Oh, don’t ask me, I’m ONLY the manager! – No seriously, Reuters News had got onto Sweet apparently, and HE gave a press statement – I was talking on the phone to some doctor at the clinic – some fan had taken him something in, heroine or crack, I don’t know, anyway - they’re not even sure what yet, they are waiting on the toxicology reports. So, the stupid prat took it on top of his methadone – and it all mounted up to an overdose – gave him a massive heart attack, he’s VERY lucky to be alive – one of the other ‘inmates’ found him frothing at the mouth having a fit”

“EW! – I thought all visitors were banned to those places?”

Spike shrugged and said,

“Me too pet, but they find ways, I suppose. Did you get a chance to see Cordelia?”

“No, she had to go and shake up the post-room messengers, she got all the wrong stuff this morning”

“Well babe, I’m afraid you’ve got to do Glory’s show”

“Um, yeah, I know. Xander sort of let the cat out of the bag. I asked Harmony about her tooth, and she showed me the temporary one, said she was having the replacement one fitted Friday. I said ‘ oh, the day of your party’ and Xander said because of me doing the show, and Cordelia not going and that, it was cancelled. – So this show of Glory’s, what’s it all about?”

“I’ve no idea…I really don’t know…But I DO know one thing, I don’t trust her – AND she’s obviously got to Sweet – she knew I’d been trying to cancel – and when I raised my objections at the meeting – I actually asked for co-operation – Glory’s grinning like a Cheshire cat and when I said, ‘Well, she’s not doing it’ Glory just turns to Sweet and says, ‘Daddy?’ the bastard doesn’t even have the decency to look up from reading – he say’s ‘she’s doing it Spike, it’s in the TV schedules now, it’ll cost too much to pull’. So pet, just be on your guard…I don’t know what she’s got cooked up”

“Will you be there with me?”

“Of course! Try keeping me away!”

“Then I’ll be fine – she can throw anything she likes at me – I don’t care, as long as you’re there” Spike smiled at this, squeezing Buffy’s hand, but he still felt very apprehensive – especially what he’d heard Glory saying about the pilot show to go with a bang to the researcher as they got into the lift last night, not knowing he’d heard them………

“Was anything else said after that?” Buffy asked

“Um…I er, I couldn’t tell you”

“Oh. Private stuff?”

“No, no – nothing like that. I stormed out – told him in no uncertain terms what I thought of the meeting” Spike looked a little sheepish and then gave her a rueful smile.

“Oh Spike! – I bet he was angry!”

“He wants to see me on Monday morning – first thing, would you believe…as Cordelia said, as if HE knows nine o’clock in the morning exists – I bet you he’ll still be all tucked up snug and warm in bed – propped up on his pillows so he can breathe properly, eye-mask on so the light doesn’t keep him awake on account he can’t close his eyes due to the dodgy eye lift he had, ugh !”

Buffy looked worried, and she asked,

“But, well –what if…I mean, are you worried?”

“Me? – Nah pet”

“Oh, good, that’s good. He wouldn’t sack you, would he?”

“I doubt it, I don’t care anyway!” Buffy gave him a worried glance, and began to think of all the ramifications this remark could have…he wouldn’t be her manager anymore… he wouldn’t be able to go places with her if he got another job…would he still be her boyfriend?

She felt that worry come back in the pit of her stomach, and when Spike put the toasted sandwich in front of her, she’d gone right off the idea of eating.

“What’s up pet…don’t you want it – it’s good!”

“I’m um…I suddenly don’t feel like it anymore…you have it, if you want”

“Are you alright, sweetheart – I thought you said you were starving?” Spike frowned and looked worried

Buffy just nodded. Cordelia came breezing into the café moaning.

“I’m okay, just – gone passed it I suppose” she said with a shrug, sipping her smoothie.

“………I wouldn’t pay them in bottle tops – honestly – just look at this – it clearly says, ‘Basement Maintenance’ so where do they deliver it to – our office – and this one – ‘Reception Desk’…and I know for a FACT some cretin opened two of Sweet’s ‘Private, For The Attention Of’ letters…he’ll go ape when he finds out – hi you two, take no notice of me…just having a moan…ah, that’s better!”

Cordelia sank down into one of the comfy leather chairs, and kicked off her shoes. She spied Buffy’s sandwich, and the fact that Buffy wasn’t eating it.

“Oh, can I have a bite…sod the carbs, I’m STARVING!”

“Help yourself – in fact, you can have it” Buffy said, a little quietly.

“Want me to get you something else Kitten?” Spike looked concerned.

“No, no it’s all right thanks”

“Cordy – want anything?”

“You could get me drink, if you would – a tall anything freshly squeezed, ta!” Cordelia said, biting into one of the triangular sandwiches.

“Okay…Buffy, another Smoothie?”

“No thanks I’m fine”

“Right, won’t be long” Spike went to the counter again, and Buffy leaned forward and said quietly,

“Cordy…I’m worried, Spike told me about the meeting with Sweet on Monday. Do you think he’ll will sack him?”

Cordy sucked melted cheese off her thumb, shook her head and said,

“No, never – Sweet knows Spike is the best manager he’s got…he couldn’t run the place without him!” Buffy smiled and nodded, sat back feeling happier.

“Sure you don’t want anything Kitten?” Spike said, putting a freshly squeezed orange juice in front of Cordelia.

“No thanks, I’m fine, I’m tired is all”


**********