author's note: I found (a version of) this while cleaning out some folders on my computer. I wrote it in 2005, and apparently had intended to take it farther - there were a few lines for a next scene - but I have no idea at this point where it was going. But with a little trimming and a little clean-up, it worked as a short-short. I hope you enjoy it.
-l-
One Second Later
Play dead.
Do not move, do not even breath. Listen to Lorne, wait for the footsteps, the gun falling to the floor, the click of the latch. Breath now, slowly, ignoring the pain.
-l-
Five Seconds Later
Open your eyes.
Try not to gasp in pain or lose yourself in shock. Pull yourself up. Crawling is good enough. Get the gun, ignore the leaking blood.
Hope Lorne is distant enough not to hear. Pull out the cell phone and call a cab. Hope you can crawl out to the curb by the time it arrives.
Lorne had never killed before. He did not think to check. You shoot someone, they die.
But not Lindsey – not this time.
-l-
One Hour Later
Agree.
Living is worth their price. He knows what waits when he dies. A dozen hours, they promise, maybe a few more if he does not exert himself. Then he will have to sleep, recover. But it will be enough to get to the office, get things moving to minimize the damage, start the spin going. Make himself the boss, just like Angel promised.
Angel will regret lying.
For now he is fine, aside from the dried blood. And the years of life they charged. The hand did not match their magics, and is not there any more.
Maybe he will take Lorne's hand.
-l-
Five Hours Later
Smile.
Having a plan in the midst of chaos makes you the leader. He is firmly in charge when the Partners contact what remains of the office. He is already minimizing the damage caused by Angel and friends.
The Partners are pleased with his work.
-l-
One Day Later
Watch.
They set the box down.
Confirm the rest is in storage. Open it and smile. Pull the head out.
"Hello, Lorne."
-end-