"Everybody Lies"

Rating: It ranges. But it will eventually lead up to 'M' later as the chapters progress.

Characters: Eventually Spuffy. Strong William/Angelus Friendship-Hate thing going on as well.

Summary: (All Human) William Eckhart and Angelus Byrne are best friends since child hood. Even when Angelus moves to New York and promoted to Captain on the New York Police Department, the two still remain close. A couple years later, fate moves William to New York as well, after he has been offered the job as one of the top editors for one of New York's most accomplished magazines. However, on the job, William discovers that his once best friend, hasn't been completely honest with him as he finds out that he has become corrupt and is now dealing in some rather dirty business. Angelus makes the decision to have William taken care of, he can't very well have him living, now that he knows his secrets. Now three years later, (everyone thinking that William is gone for good) comes back under the name of Spike, and he's stronger, badder, and hell bent on vengeance. He works on a plan of ruining Angelus. He wants to take everything from him, just like Angelus did to him. He wants to take his money, his career, everything he holds close to his heart. And what better way to hurt him then by taking his fiancée? The most sought after woman in all of New York, the beautiful, Elizabeth 'Buffy' Summers...But what happens when his own heart betrays him and he falls for her?

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Must I always write this? Great, just rub it in…

- a . n e w . b e g i n n i n g -

He stood in the doorway and looked around at the interior of the new home he had just purchased. And he stood all amazed. If he walked into this New York City apartment ten years ago he would have never believed he could ever afford such a home. Dropping his luggage he walked across the smooth wooden floor, and walked around, taking in the scene and the scent of newly polished wood. The apartment was bare except for the complimentary white leather couches that his best friend had bought and had sent over for him. William smiled and walked over to the floor to ceiling windows and started to laugh. He couldn't believe he owned this place. This place was ridiculously huge and expensive! Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen practically the size of a normal house and all the walls were made from marble. It truly was a beautiful home. What made it better was that he had the most magnificent view ever. Smiling to himself and basking in the morning rays of the sun William watched over New York and Central Park. He was home.

Angelus sat at an outside table of Starbucks, cradling his Cappuccino, warming his hands from the cold New York air. He stood up and waved as he saw his best friend come into view. "William!" Angelus stuck out his hand and William took it and they did that whole shoulder to shoulder manly hug thing that guys do. William sat down in the chair across from Angelus. "So did you sleep well in your new apartment?"

"Bloody 'Ell Angelus. The place is freaking huge! When I told my agent that I wanted to rent out a flat in New York City she really went all out didn't she? I mean, she told me a description of it but stepping into it for the first time…It was just so different. Never in a million years would I have thought that I'd be living in someplace like that. Not from where we came from."

Angeles gave him a slight smile. "We don't need to talk about our past anymore do we William? It's just not the deepest warmest memories I'd like to remember." William nodded apologetically.

"So? Did the transfer go smoothly? Are you enjoying being Captain?" William asked, taking a sip of his Iced Thai Espresso.

Angelus looked at him confused. "I don't understand how you can drink that out here? It's so cold. Anyway, the transfer went well. I like these guys. They look like a good team, good people. A little rough, but hey. Living here, I suppose it's sort of a requirement. I just hope they take me in as their Captain."

"Stop being such a ninny. I've known you since what? We were ten? I know you'll lead them well. You know it too, you egotistical bastard." William smirked.

Angelus smiled at that. "You know, I think this could work. We're both in New York, pursuing our career goals, we're both good looking…well, at least I am and we're both wealthy, single guys. I say, we go find the hottest club tonight, find the hottest shallow ladies, and celebrate our newfound success with a hot sex-filled goodness tonight."

"I'll take you on that offer," William agreed, "But we both know, that I'm the real ladies man."

Angelus smiled. He sure was glad that his best friend was in town now. William hadn't changed a bit. Still sarcastic, still headstrong, and still really smart. Angelus needed someone like him in his crew. However, Angelus wasn't about to just blurt out his secrets to William, no matter how much of a great friend he was. How would he have said it anyway? By the way Will, when I moved out here, I was a good cop turned bad. But no don't worry, I'm in no trouble or anything, I killed the previous crime boss and now I run a much better organized gang. I have the whole of New York City in my hands and that could be yours too. You can be like my partner. We'll always have money coming in. Beautiful women. What do you say? No. He couldn't let him know just yet what kind of business he really ran. Angelus decided that he needed to test him. But in awhile. Tonight was just going to be a fun night in the town. His town. And when the right time came, he would let William in on his secret and let him know of his offer of being his partner. And he hoped to God that William would accept his offer. Otherwise…Well, he couldn't let him live once he found out. No matter how much of a brother he was.

Oh, how the years have changed him.

-----

William practically ran into 'Hush' Headquarters, bumping into people on the way. He was not going to be late for his first meeting of his new job. He almost would have been too if not for the rude awakening he received in the morning. He had forgotten to set his alarm during the night to wake him in the morning, he was sort of er--preoccupied with company. But yet, sure enough at 8am the next morning, the alarm went blaring. Except it wasn't him that set it, it was the woman he bedded. Now that was a kicker. He had never had a one night stand where the woman left him in the morning. Goddamn New York and their career minded women.

Running into the corporate building he barely made it inside of the closing elevator doors. Thanking the business man inside for holding it he held the bridge of his nose as he stood in the middle of the tightly bunched up group of people, watching nervously as the elevator creeped up higher and higher.

17...18...19...

Watching the numbers he cursed Angelus for taking him out last night. He should have just said no, but then again, last night was worth it. The blonde chick he went home with was worth it too. The hangover however was something he could have lived without. It was giving him the biggest mindfuck ever.

They had gone to the posh new club in New York called 'Redemption'. Angelus seemed to be really popular because everyone who was there knew him. Girls flocked to him like he was the last man on earth, men all wanted to shake his hand and get on his good side. As the evening progressed, and after many shots of god knows what, William was surprised to find out that this new club filled with the elite side of N.Y. society, was owned by none other then Angelus. It was still such a shock to William that a NYPD Police Captain would be so interested in clubs and social parties and what not. But then again, cop or no cop, Angelus was Angelus. No career would ever change that.

William let out a tired sigh as the elevator stopped on his floor.

…44.

That's my floor… finally. William thought to himself, stepping out of the elevator. Instantly he was swept away by the scene in front of him. Everybody was in such a rush! People brushed past him, scurrying about everywhere, phones ringing on and off on and off, it was absolutely…

"Crazy, I know."

William turned around to face a very gorgeous young woman. Brown hair fell to her shoulders, with the slightest bounce to it, beautiful long legs, a curvy body wrapped in a skin tight black dress that although brought very naughty thoughts to the mind still seemed very businesslike. It had the collars and everything. Stylish yet sexy, William liked.

"This is usually how it is around here. Everybody's always rushing to meet deadlines. My name's Cordelia. Everybody around here calls me Cordy for short. And you're William Eckhart, our new editor. C'mon I'll show you to the meeting room. We're all expecting you." William raised a brow and smiled charmingly. Time to turn up the charm.

"So, what do you do for 'Hush' magazine Cordy?" William asked as the two made their way down the halls and quite chaotic cubicles.

"I'm in charge of fashion. I make sure nothing un-fashionable gets in the magazine."

"I see, so you're the woman in charge of deciding what's in and what's out. Must be a very stressful job."

"I know right." Cordelia scrunched up her face. "It's like the most hardest thing in the world. I don't get how some people don't see that. Like this one guy I met at a club, totally thought my job was stupid. He said I didn't know what labor is, as if looking at outdated clothes isn't hell enough."

William put his hand on her shoulder and stopped her, turning her slowly towards him. "Pet, if it makes any consolation, I don't think your job is stupid. Thousands of people who read the magazine depend on your opinion and good fashion sense. Your like the fashion statement."

Cordelia tilted her head and felt her knees weaken. Was this guy real? She looked him up and down. He was wearing regular jeans, casual yet in style, and a dark blue silky collared shirt, it brought out his eyes, which were the bluest eyes she had ever seen.

"Cordy. You in there?" William bent his head so he could see directly into her eyes.

"Oh uh huh." Cordelia smiled nervously. William smiled back as she continued to lead them to the meeting room. Hook, line, and sinker.

"So what's her name again?"

"Cordelia." William's face lit up at the name. "She's the most beautiful woman I have seen thus far. And she's amazing. She's funny and witty. Okay maybe a little self centered but hey, who isn't now a days?"

William's meeting had gone well. He introduced himself to all the top staff members of the magazine company and was instantly liked by everyone. He was told of his responsibilities and the rules and what not of being an editor. He was to be the editor of the newly added 'Just for the Mens' section of the magazine. It would include the latest cars, movies, electronics, hottest women, various intriguing articles about how to get women. It was sure to be a big hit. So his job was to make sure everything that was put in it was tasteful yet not too tasteful at the same. After the meeting, he was given a style of papers that he needed to read and find five articles or interesting pieces that would go in the new issue of 'Hush' next weekend. Since he didn't need to stay, he decided to call his best friend, thus the meeting at a Starbucks nearby.

"Whoa there William. You sound as if you stricken by her. Your not falling for her are you?" Angelus leaned forward in his seat, putting down his cappucino.

Willaim immediately became defensive. "After one day? No of course not." Angelus gave him a I-don't-believe-you-so-cut-the-bullshit face. "Okay, maybe a little. I didn't mean to. She's just so…lovely."

Angelus laughed. "C'mon William. Didn't I teach you better then that? Women are for one thing and one thing only. There's no need to date them. You have sex with them, you move on. Nothing more. Women will just rip your heart out. You know this."

"I don't like you talking about women that way mate. It's so-so--wrong. I enjoy a one stand just as much as anyone else does but it's always a mutual feeling between me and the bint. But I don't think women should be treated as our sex toys. Atleast not in the way you imply."

Angelus shook his head and sighed. "Still have the soft heart for the lesser sex. One of these days William, you'll step out of the naïve state your in and see things from my view." One of these days…Angelus thought. You'll step into the darkness. And you'll like it.

It had been almost a year now since William moved to New York and everything was going great for him. The magazine was off the charts, he had just gotten a higher pay salary (even though his now was already pretty high), he and Cordelia were still seeing each other and he was just insanely happy. He had a job he truly enjoyed, lived in a prestigious apartment in New York, a girlfriend who was remarkably beautiful inside and out. What more could a man want? What's better is that his best friend, had just gotten the Medal of Valor award from the Mayor and Police Commissioner for, what was it again William thought, oh right, his outstanding personal bravery intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent personal hazard to life under circumstances evincing a disregard of personal consequences. William sat down in his leather chair in his office and sighed. He felt like he was king of the world. Nothing could possibly bring him down. Smiling, he went about his work, when there was a knock on the door.

William looked up to see his beautiful girlfriend standing in the doorway. "The door's open pet. You didn't need to knock, coulda walked straight in."

"Will--" Cordelia started, she looked down at her Chanel heels nervously. "Will, there's something you should know about." Cordelia walked across the carpet floor to the chair across from William and sat down quietly. She handed him a manila folder and remained quiet as she watched him with wide eyes.

William looked at the pictures he held in front of him. It was Angelus. Angelus with--"Riley Finn?" William said aloud. Riley Finn, was the son of Ethan Rayne Finn and Maggie Kennedy. His mother, some sort of royal in another country practically gave him immunity in the U.S. Some sort of political thing. And his father was the CEO of a major trade business in New York. Rich, immune, handsome (or so he liked to believe) it was no wonder he was such a bratty kid. It was no surprise to anyone in the city either of all the crimes he had committed, that were simply washed away. He openly shared the fact to everyone, something to brag about in front of his friends. "Okay, so he's talking to some kid who is known for crimes, so what? What are you showing me?"

"I was supposed to just take pictures of Angelus at the award ceremony but I followed him. He was just giving me this really weird vibe and--" Cordelia cut herself off. How was she gonna tell him this? That his best friend is a lying bastard? "Well, I did hear some rumors that Angelus was into some bad stuff so I just followed. Keep flipping through the pictures, there's more. I didn't think it would lead me to--I'm so sorry Will."

William leafed through the pictures, he didn't want to think his best friend was into anything bad, he sure as hell hoped not, but looking at the next couple pictures doubts started to wonder through his mind. In the black and white images, Angelus stood next to two figures, Riley, and a big man William had never seen before. "Who is that Cordy?"

"That, William, is one of the crime lords in our city, Quint Travers. Police have been trying to find something that ties him to hundreds of murders they suspect he was behind but…he never gets his hands dirty. There's always someone else willing to give up his life to go to prison for him."

William squinted at the picture, there was a limo in the background, the door was open and he could make out a figure sitting inside, male or female, he couldn't tell. "Do we know who that person is, sitting in the car?"

Cordelia shook her head confused. "Who? I didn't even realize there was someone else in the picture." Looking closely she gave Will a weak smile. "You know, you actually have a keen eye for detail. I'm highly impressed."

William smirked, and gave his woman a hot and searing kiss. She was magnificent. He could possibly give up his heart to this woman, he felt something strong for her…could it be love? He couldn't tell yet, but whatever the feeling, he enjoyed it. Pulling back from the warmth of her he asked if she showed anybody else the pictures. Cordelia shook her head. William nodded and put the pictures back into the envelope. "Good. I'm--I'm supposed to be meeting him tonight, if anyone can get the truth out of him, I can."

"Are you sure? Is it safe?"

"Don't worry luv. I'll be careful."

William walked into Redemption, a fake smile on his face as he walked past the regulars of the club. He looked around him and couldn't help but suspect that most of the people here were up to no good. Seriously, how many security did one club need? Men dressed all in black were scattered all over the club, William suspected that they weren't weaponless either. How the hell did he never suspect anything before? All the extra money Angelus had flowing in, all the people who were always willing to go out of their way for him. William was way confused. He hoped to God he was just being paranoid and that his best friend, his brother, wasn't into something bad. Maybe Cordelia's picture was just a misunderstanding. So why was he getting the interpretation that she may have been right? William jumped when someone placed a hand over his shoulder.

"Whoa. William. What's got you in such a jumpy state?" It was Angelus. Calm and collected as always.

"Wha? Uh. Nothing. It's nothing. Just got a lot of things on my mind is all." William looked around nervously. "Is there some place we can talk? Privately?"

Angelus nodded, "Sure, my office. Just up here." Angelus led them up the stairs and past the upper foyer. William had never been in his office before. He had always stayed in the V.I.P. section of the club, never really wandering anywhere. Just up ahead was Angelus' office. It was entirely made from glass. He wondered why he had never seen it before. As if reading his mind, Angelus answered. "The glass is made so everyone on the outside just thinks it's a huge mirror. Whenever someone looks up at the office all they'll see is their own reflection, not even knowing that I can be looking directly at him. It's like a security thing." William nodded. "Now, what's got you so worked up my friend?"

William let out a quiet laugh. "It's funny actually. You see, this may sound really stupid and very odd, but uh--are you--" William took a deep breath and blurted everything out. "Areyouinvolvedwithsomereallybadpeoplemate?"

Angelus turned from William to the crowd of people dancing downstairs. "Look at them William. It's like a big circle. I make them rich and well liked in society. They help me by giving me loyalty and fulfilling my jobs. We all help each other out. In this world, there's no good and there's no evil. Just business."

"What are you talking about Angelus? You're a cop for God's sake. Captain no less! And you're telling me that there's no such thing as good and evil? What the hell has gotten into you?"

"Come. Let me show you something." Angelus headed towards the far right side of the office. The only side of the office that didn't look like it was made of glass. Using a switch from a marble statue a part of the wall opened up and William just stood where he was in shock. Angelus just stepped into the hidden passage way without saying anything to his friend, it took a few seconds for William to recollect himself before following. He walked down some steps and continued down a narrow hallway following Angelus. He suspected he was still in some part of the club because he could still hear the music bellowing loud beats all around him. He was getting even more nervous by the minute. Something was definitely up. Something definitely not of the good. Lost in his own thoughts he didn't even notice Angelus had stopped walking and walked straight into him.

"William, brother. I'm about to let you in on a little secret." Stepping out of Will's view Angelus moved to the side and William almost choked. Guns were everywhere, large stacks of money were being busily counted, and worst of all, there were criminals he recognized from the newspapers and TV, every which way he turned. "This is my world. It could be yours too. Think about it William. You as my partner, us as a team. We'll be the most powerful men in all of New York City. Money will be rolling in, endless amounts of beautiful women in our beds. Anything you ever wished for could be ours for the taking."

"I-I don't understand. You're supposed to be helping people. Not soliciting with criminals, what have you gotten yourself into? Do you owe a debt to someone, is that why you're here? Are you in trouble?"

"Trouble?" Angelus eyes' sparkled at the thought. "I'm not in trouble. I run things here. This is all mine."

"So…you're the one in charge? You're the one--" William ran a hand through his hair. This was too much. Too much to take in. His best friend, after all these years…he's been lying to him. To all of New York City. "Damn it!" William kicked a nearby trash can. This new outburst got him some audience attention. Angelus slanted his eyes studying him carefully. "Why the hell would you do this? What on bloody earth made you turn to crime for help? What the bleedin' 'ell is wrong with you?! Answer me Angelus!!"

"You should know above anyone else, why I would do this. I had nothing. Nobody. I moved to New York and worked my way up. But it wasn't going anywhere. I realized soon into the job that it didn't matter what side you were on, the only thing that mattered is being on the winning side. The side that makes money, the side that gives you power. Here, in the darkness, I became a leader. People followed me. People listened, they cared. No more fighting for worthless causes. No more fighting for justice, when the bad just keeps on coming, ten times harder. I've dealt with murders, rapes, kids being kidnapped by sick bastards. At least on this side, I have control of what goes on in my district. I know everything that happens. So you see, I'm actually helping New York more then before." William couldn't believe what he was hearing. Had his best friend gone absolutely mad?

Angelus frowned at the reaction his friend gave him. He wasn't going to get anywhere with this one. Angelus gave a sign to one of his guards and the guard nodded before leaving. "I'm a powerful man Will. I told you of my offer, now it's your turn to choose. Will you stand by my side? As my brother and colleague?" The guard that Angelus had motioned to earlier had reappeared but this time he had a surprise guest.

William at the sight of her, turned disgusted eyes to his once so called brother. "Let er go Angelus. She has nothing to do with this."

"Oh but she has everything to do with this. She knows my secret. Now, I can't let some bitch go after knowing my secret." Angelus walked up to Cordelia. Her hands and feet were tied and a gag wrapped around her mouth. He wiped a falling tear from her eye away and bent down low so that his lips brushed across her cheek, William could feel his heart start to pain at the sight. He couldn't speak, couldn't move. Angelus was behind her now, an arm hanging over her shoulder, his hand busily playing with her chest and amused smile dancing across his face. "No wonder you were so enamored with her William. She is a beauty."

"Let er go." William finally said, his hands balled into fists.

"Oh dear. Did I hit a soft spot?" Angelus let out a laugh. "You always were weak when it came to women weren't you?"

"Why are you acting this way?! This isn't the Angelus I know."

"The years have no doubt changed me William." Angelus stopped smiling now, a serious expression in it's stead. "William, I know this may seem wrong and scary but it's not. I assure you. You've known me for over ten years Will, you know I would never put anyone in any real danger. This? All this? Is just money. I don't harm anyone, well not really." Angelus' smirked once again at the thought. "Now, I'm going to ask you a very important question so please, think carefully. Do you choose me, your best friend, your brother, who is only looking out for your well being or do you choose her?"

"You're absolutely mad Angelus. I am not going to be in any part involved with your--your criminal lifestyle. That's your choice, it s'not mine. I won't go to the authorities as long as you leave me and mine alone, only for the sake of what we once had. Just leave me and Cordelia be and we promise we won't mention it to anyone."

Angelus frowned and shook his head disappointingly. "Fine," was all he said and stepped back from Cordelia, allowing William to untie her. He rushed over and began untying the knots, removing the gag and giving her a hard long kiss. Looking into her eyes he held her face in his hands and asked if she was alright. She gave a weak nod and he kissed her lightly on the forehead. Holding her tightly and without turning back the two of them made their way towards the exit. "William!" Angelus called right as the two were about to exit. William and Cordelia turned around. Angelus lifted his arm and pointed a gun towards them. "I'm truly sorry."

The pair didn't even have time to react before the first gun shot fired and the sound seemed to echo inside of the small basement. William closed his eyes expecting to feel the pain shortly but when it didn't come he opened it only to find Cordelia lying on the floor, her eyes wide and scared, her face empty…she was dead. A circle of crimson started to seep through her white shirt slowly, the bullet had pierced right through her heart, dead in an instant. William fell to his knees, cradling the woman in his arms. Too many thoughts were in his mind that he didn't even notice Angelus standing right above him, gun towards him until it was too late.

The second gunshot was fired…

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