TITLE: DAMAGE CONTROL - Sequel to 'No I In Team'

AUTHOR: PHOENIX333

DISCLAIMER: See Previous chapters

DISTRIBUTION: Please let me know if it goes anywhere.

RATING: M - For Language, Violence and Adult themes!

NOTES: A BIG thank you to everyone who sent feedback! This chapter is dedicated to all of you. I tried replying to all the reviews but I'm having difficulty sending private messages to some. (SMGBEST; I still can't send you any messages so pleases don't think I have forgotten about you. I don't know how to contact to make them aware of this problem)

I decided to send this part out earlier because of all the positive feedback!

CHAPTER 7

LOS ANGELES

Angelus didn't even acknowledge the FBI agents as they stepped into the mansion for a briefing about the information they had on Buffy's kidnapping. He wasn't even going to be there for the briefing; it was only for the new agents that were joining the search.

As much as he would have liked to stay, it wasn't possible as he and his team had to go out on a mission. Of all the times to go on a mission, now wasn't the right time; none of them were focused enough to devote all their attention to the matter at hand. Then again, they also couldn't put everything on hold either. At least this mission was just a smaller one in relation to their other's and wouldn't take up too much of their time.

Within minutes everyone was ready to go as they all walked with determined strides towards their van and the waiting mission. The entire team was pissed off royally but the mission had been scheduled weeks in advance, before Buffy's kidnapping and they couldn't back out. The Hyperion team was known for their honor and they had to keep that in mind.

Everyone was silent as they drove towards their destination; a remote location five miles outside the city borders. They mission was to track and take down a group of fifteen men holding hostages and smuggling in drugs and other narcotics. According to their Intel and resources who had been working the case with them, there were four hostages, a mother and her three children who stumbled upon the land and landed smack dab in the middle of a very dangerous situation.

What counted in their favor was that the criminals didn't know they were on to them and that five teams were on their way to intercept them. Their goal was simple; neutralize the threat and get the hostages out alive. But that was easier said than done; the criminals were known drug addicts with trigger happy fingers. Just the thought that those men were holding a mother and her children was enough to send him into a blinding rage and he could only hope and pray that they hadn't been harmed.

As they neared their destination, Angelus glanced over at all the members of his team; Gunn was behind the wheel, his eyes focused ahead. Graham and Forrest sat silently together, each saying a prayer like they always did before missions. Lindsey was checking his gun over again and Spike was smoking, his face blank. He knew what was going through their minds, he was thinking it also; well maybe not precisely, but along the same lines as they were; Buffy should have been there with them.

Her calm and soothing presence always seemed to relax the team as they were on their way towards missions. Even when he and Buffy hadn't gotten along in the beginning, he also felt an unusual calm come over him right before they went in. Just her presence, feminine and protective, balanced out her much harsher counterparts.

"ETA; ten minutes." Gunn announced. No one acknowledged but he knew they heard him. Their plan was to stop at a remote location about a mile from the destination and carry on by foot, then spread out all along the borders as they waited for communication from the other teams. Once communication and visual was confirmed, they would make their way towards the criminals, several other teams coming in from opposing directions and then make contact and terminate the operation.

As their rendezvous came into view, Angelus took a deep breath, sent up his own prayer and clutched his gun firmly; time to get things started.

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LOS ANGELES

HYPERION MANSION

Five hours later Angelus and his team were back at the mansion, their bodies tired and sore from lack of sleep and tension. Everyone quickly left to disarm and take a shower before they meet down stairs to get back up to speed on the search for Buffy.

Angelus was freshly showered and as he reached the lower floor. Voices floated all around him, some people were discussing tactics and methods on how to go about the search, some on their phones to their informants and others talking amongst themselves or to the team. If they didn't get a lead on Buffy after this, he didn't know where else to start looking; not that he would give up, he'd die before he gave up on her.

Giles was busy speaking to some men in suits and the rest of the team was spread out around the room, everyone equally involved and absorbed in the matter at hand. When he heard the hushed voices of two men to his side he moved closer and gritted his teeth at what he heard.

"There's no way she'd going to be found alive. She's been missing too long and is probably dead already." One said despairingly, as he shook his head.

The other grinned evilly, "I doubt that. Who would kill off such a fine piece of ass if they could just take advantage of it? She's still alive, probably having a grand 'oll time." he snickered, entertained by his own joke.

Angelus saw red as his mind went blank with rage. Leaping towards him in one single stride, Angelus had him fly out of his chair as he ripped him out of it by the lapels of his jacket. The clatter of the chair and papers scattering didn't pull his attention, but it did everyone else's in the room. Panicked voices yelled at him but noting managed to cut through his rage.

With a wicked swing he nailed the asshole in the jaw, sending blood splattering down the guy's crisp white shirt. Another blow to his stomach coated Angelus' previously clean shirt as well. Throwing him back with all his strength, he sent the guy flying through the air then crashing into the wall before he descended on him again.

Lindsey and Groo were pulled from their conversation as they heard a loud growl and the sounds of scattering paper and chairs. Swiveling around, their eyes grew wide as they saw Angelus attack a man and shove him against the wall. Quickly jumping up and sending their own chairs flying, they rushed towards their enraged team member and friend.

Groo and Spike reached him first but they could do nothing to pull him off the other man. Lindsey jumped in and grabbed Angelus over his chest; when he pulled and nothing happened he locked his arm around Angelus' throat in a choke hold and everyone pulled at once. They all went stumbling back and fell in a heap on the floor as the man Angelus had been holding crumpled to a mass of quivering limbs against the wall, is eyes wide and shocked as he heaved and clutched his stomach and face.

Once Angelus was dislodged from his victim, Groo, Spike and Lindsey restrained him by either sitting or holding him down. Trying to calm his friend down, Lindsey gritted his teeth against the struggle, "Calm the hell down man." He said even though he knew that wasn't going to happen.

Struggling violently against his hold, Angelus jabbed his elbow into the stomach of whoever was holding him back. He saw nothing but the asshole who had made that comment about Buffy and he would pay for it with his teeth as he slowly knocked each and every one of them from his bloody mouth.

Giles and the suits also rushed over to the struggle but wisely didn't try to get into the middle of it. Giles fixed his glare on the man Angelus attacked, "Get him out of here and off my property." He said harshly and watched as he was picked up and dragged from the room by men who didn't look too happy with his performance either; not only did he get a thorough beating from Angelus but he was going to get a good tongue lashing from his captain as well.

After a few tense moments Angelus started to quiet down; his rage wasn't gone completely but he felt better now that he couldn't see that idiot anymore. His team mates got off him one by one until someone hauled him up from the floor by his shirt and slapped him on his chest in a gesture to calm him down. Angrily pulling at his ruined shirt, he huffed as he was let go.

Giles shook his head at the scene that just exploded in front of him. Looking over at Angelus, he tried his best to sound convincing, "We'll find her Angelus." In order for Angelus to believe him he had to believe it himself and even thought the situation didn't look good, in his heart Giles knew they were going to find Buffy, alive and well.

Resisting the urge to glare at Giles, Angelus instead turned and stalked out of the room, needing to get away from everyone and calm himself before he went back or tried to track down that worthless piece of flesh he just beat up.

Looking at Angelus' retreating back, Giles shook his head in despair and addressed Spike, "Go after him. Make sure he doesn't kill that man, if he's still on the property." He knew if Angelus did find him again, that man wouldn't be so lucky to escape in one piece.

Spike was already following Angelus before Giles even made the suggestion. He understood why Angelus blew up; the situation was getting more and more worrisome and the longer Buffy was gone, the slimmer their chances were of finding her. Not that he wanted to drag everyone down, but he also had to be realistic; Buffy had been gone for nearly two weeks and that didn't look good.

As Spike finally caught up to Angelus, he remained quiet as he strolled next to his friend, the sound of their footfalls the only thing breaking the heavy silence. Looking over at Angelus, Spike wished he could console him but knew there was nothing he could say.

Angelus broke the silence, his voice strained, "What am I going to do if she's… I don't know if I'll survive it Spike. I love her so much that I won't survive if something happens to her. She's everything to me." He said, the hollow pain in his chest pulling at Spike's heart.

Spike nodded, understanding so very well what the pain he was feeling. Spike remembered what he felt when he lost his wife; he still felt it every single day. True, it got more bearable with time, but the pain was always there, a constant entity that would remain with you forever; and he didn't wish that on anyone, least of all his best friend.

The day he lost his wife was the worst thing that ever happened to him and he relived that pain every day when he woke up without her. If it hadn't been for Angelus and the team that pulled him through, he would have followed her into the hereafter. It was so close but Angelus pulled him back, reminded him that there were people who needed and loved him and he believed that was the only thing that kept him going even till today. Would Angelus be able to survive something like that? He knew how much Angelus loved Buffy, knew she was in fact the center of his universe; if something were to happen to her, Angelus might not be able to get past that.

As Angelus and Spike walked to the outside garden, he followed a direct path to the bench Buffy loved so much. Quietly he and Spike sat down; just being in a place that Buffy loved made Angelus feel closer to her, stupid as it might sound. Thinking of how great things had been between them, of the ring he wanted to give her, made his heart ache so much he had trouble breathing. As thoughts ran through his mind, sorrow took over and he lowered his head between his knees and allowed the silent tears to fall.

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NOVIKOV ESTATE

Maddox glanced over at Bruce, not surprised that he wasn't paying attention. After what happened the previous night, he understood how upset Bruce might be. Just like he suspected, both he and Bruce woke up with pounding headaches after their round of drinking. Not that he minded; in times when he needed it, Bruce also did the same for him. Now as he looked at his long time friend's face, he too felt the pain he was feeling, and that he couldn't do anything to help was making him miserable.

Lost in deep thought, Bruce stared blankly ahead into nothingness. His mind was plagued with despairing scenarios he just couldn't avoid and it was driving him insane. Maddox sat before him, talking about something important but he'd long ago shut the sound of his voice out. Bruce should feel bad, apologize for ignoring him, but his mind failed to focus on anything except the events of the previous night.

After long contemplation, Bruce forced himself back to reality and focused his gaze on Maddox. As their eyes locked Maddox felt the silence so deep, it was unnerving. Neither said anything but their silent communication was all that was needed. Maddox wasn't sure what exactly Bruce was thinking, but the look on his face told him it was momentous and that things were about to change drastically.

With his mind made up, Bruce sighed heavily and rubbed wearily over his eyes in frustration. Calmly he pulled a non traceable cell from his desk drawer and switched it on. Getting the number form a folder in his top drawer, he leaned his elbows against the surface of the table. Taking a few deep breaths, he punched the number and waited for it to go through.

It took only two rings for the number to be answered and with that Bruce felt his anger and rage return full force. Gritting his teeth together to maintain rational thought and not back out, Bruce growled into the receiver, "I want to speak to Angelus."

The line went silent but Bruce heard frantic whispers and scuffling as people moved around. He grinned at their futile attempt to try and trace them but he left them to it, hoping the disappointment would make him feel better.

Mere seconds later the caller confirmed his identity to Bruce; not that he needed to, Bruce knew his voice, knew precisely who it was; knew it was the man that he would hate for the rest of his life. It would have satisfied him to kill Angelus Navarro, but he wouldn't because he didn't want to hurt Buffy, and the thought of her in pain was unbearable.

Resisting the urge to cut the connection, Bruce took another deep breath and cleared his throat, "I will only say this once, so listen carefully. Meet me at 21 Lakes Worth Avenue at eleven tomorrow night. Come alone. If you do not, I will take her and you will never see her again. If you fail to show at eleven precisely, I will take that as an indication that you do not want her and that she is mine to keep. Do not be late Mr. Navarro." Bruce sneered with such cold contempt that even Maddox felt it.

Cutting the line, he threw the phone down onto the table as if it just burned his flesh and closed his eyes tightly. When he managed to regain some semblance of control over his emotions, Bruce looked up into Maddox's face.

Maddox was stunned, that much was evident on his features, "Are you sure?" he enquired lightly, already knowing Bruce had made up his mind.

Bruce didn't hesitate to answer, "No. But I can't bare the thought of her being in any more pain. I've caused enough damage and by keeping her, I'm just hurting her even more. She deserves more than that." He confessed.

Maddox nodded, his reasons making sense even though it wasn't what he wanted, "I'll send Chase with a team to scope and prepare the area." Both of them knew it was risky to give the address and then wait for nearly 24hours before they made the drop off. The police could set a trap and then everything would be lost. At least they owned most of the property in that area so it counted in their favor that the police couldn't trespass and set up surveillance there without their consent.

As he stood up to leave the room, Maddox hesitated, not sure how to approach Bruce and give him support. But Bruce had never needed anyone to show him support or comfort, he was hard and callous and would never show weakness, in fact, except for his family and loved ones, this was the most vulnerable Maddox had ever seemed to him. Without giving it another thought, Maddox left to get everything ready.

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LOS ANGELES

HYPERION MANSION

Pieces of plastic gave way under Angelus' fierce grip as he still clutched the phone in his hand. The line had long since gone dead but he clutched it like a lifeline. Everything around him came to a screeching halt as the voice penetrated his mind; he knew that voice; Bruce Novikov.

He should have figured it out sooner. Who else would want to harm Buffy and ultimately the Hyperion team; after all, it was because of Buffy that he shot Bruce Novikov. This must be his revenge for what they did to him.

How badly had he treated Buffy; would she even be alive when Bruce handed her back…if he even intended to do that. What had she been subjected to during all this time that she was at Bruce's mercy? The possibilities were endless and he knew Bruce didn't lack creativity when it came to torture.

They should have looked harder for her; because of them she was still in his clutches, might still be suffering in pain. They should have known who it was and where to look…but they didn't; everyone had been too narrow-minded to even think about Bruce Novikov; but they had thought him dead, their resources told them so.

The broken phone finally slipped from his grip and Angelus realized that someone had pried his fingers open. Wide eager eyes regarded him, patiently waiting to hear what just happened. Glancing over at the tech kid who sat with the tracers, he addressed him with a cold voice, "Did you get a trace?" there was no way that this kid couldn't track that call, it lasted nearly a minute and that was more than enough time to get a location. Angelus knew the kid was a genius, at seventeen he surpassed people in intelligence he couldn't even think about.

Brandon shook his head, his expression baffled, "I'm sorry, I couldn't get anything…nothing…it's like the call came from nowhere." He said as he vigorously typed at his pc again, trying every known combination to get a link on the caller.

Angelus sighed but had expected the answer; Bruce wasn't stupid enough to let them trace him. He might be a criminal but he was very clever and knew how to cover his bases. Looking back at his team, he relayed the call, "That was Bruce Novikov. He said to meet him at 21 Lakes worth Avenue tomorrow night at eleven, where he will hand Buffy over." Everyone around him stared in absolute shock back at him. No one could believe what they just heard but knew better than to doubt the information.

Spike managed to collect himself first, "And I'm guessing the bastard wants you to be there alone, unarmed, am I right?" he asked, his voice filled with anger. At Angelus' nod he threw his hands up and cursed vilely, "That's bullshit. You're going to walk into a trap, you can't possibly go alone."

Angelus stood up, his face leaving no doubt in their minds as to what he was going to say, "I'll go alone just like he said. If anyone else shows up he'll take her and disappear; I'm not going to risk that. If it's a trap, then so be it. I'm going alone and that's final…an order if you need it spelled out like one." He said, his voice heavy with authority.

Spike clenched his jaw so hard he was sure his teeth were going to break, but he remained quiet. He couldn't believe that Angelus was going to walk into a trap like a blind fool. He understood it was about Buffy, but what good could Angelus do if he was shot or killed? And if Bruce didn't hand Buffy over, what would happen then? Spike shook his head, not even willing to think about that.

Shaking his head in defeat he turned on his heel and stalked out of the mansion; too angry to think straight. He needed to get away before he attacked Angelus for his stupidity. How could he be so naïve to think that a cold blooded criminal like Bruce Novikov would keep his word and show with Buffy while Angelus was alone and unarmed? Not damned likely. Slamming his car door shut he started the engine and gunned it out, leaving dust trailing behind him.

Angelus seemed to believe that Bruce would follow through if he kept his end of the bargain, but Spike wasn't such a fool to believe that. There had to be another way and he was going to find it…before eleven tomorrow night.

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NOVIKOV ESTATE

NEXT DAY

Bruce didn't sleep much the previous night; roughly less than an hour, but at least his body wasn't feeling the strain; too absorbed with what was coming to pay attention to his own needs. Early that morning he took Buffy out for a stroll through the gardens, trying to spend every second with her while he still could.

It was after lunch now and if Buffy hadn't been laying down for a nap he would have been with her even now. Luckily for him she didn't pick up the uneasiness and dread he was feeling; instead he replaced his scowl with a tight smile, hoping his bluff would last.

He looked up as Maddox strolled in, his face solemn and reserved as he closed the door behind him. As he took a seat he sighed heavily and rubbed a hand over his tired face; like Bruce, he hadn't slept much either, "Everything's set up. There's been no activity at the rendezvous point or the surrounding areas." He said in a gruff voice.

Bruce nodded silently; he knew that Angelus wouldn't risk anything where Buffy was concerned and so he was following orders. Even though he resented and hated the man, he could respect him for how much he seemed to care about Buffy; if the situation had been reversed, Bruce would have done the same. Following orders had never been his strong suit but as he thought of Angelus, he guessed they were alike in that aspect.

"I'll leave at seven along with Chase and Ashton and two other teams to take our places and assure everything is all right. Diego and his team will arrive with you at around ten thirty and if all is clear, I'll take Buffy until you instigate the exchange." Maddox repeated the plan. He'd made sure that there would be more than one escape route should anything happen, and took every care to ensure Bruce's safety.

"What will you do if he doesn't follow orders?" Maddox enquired; sure he already knew the answer.

Bruce looked at him, his eyes dead serious, "I'll take her, just like I promised." He replied. If they even so much as a saw something out of place or smelled a rat, he would be out of there and her lover would never see her again. He hoped Angelus screwed up because then the blame couldn't all be placed on him; if Angelus made a wrong move, he then forced Bruce's hand in the matter.

As much as he hated to admit, Bruce didn't think that Angelus would screw up; he was too loyal to Buffy and by the desperation he heard in the man's voice, it was obvious that he felt very strongly towards Buffy. What exactly did Angelus feel for Buffy? Was it just lust and infatuation; a current fancy or temporary bedmate to keep him warm at night? Or was it more; did he actually love her?

Bruce had no idea what Angelus' feeling entailed, but he knew what his own were; ever since he first laid eyes on her all those months ago, he'd been drawn to her and she'd been in his mind constantly. Now that he actually got to spend time and get to know her better…he fell in love with her…fell in love with a woman who would never feel the same about him.

Just that thought alone made his heart constrict so painfully he had trouble breathing. Bruce wasn't a fool, he knew love existed and had experienced it as well, but he knew Buffy would never return his feelings; her heart was already given away to someone else. So, despite his own feelings and his own happiness, he was going to put another's feelings before his own; he was giving up the one thing he wanted above all else, just to make her happy. Shaking his head to dislodge his musing, he stood up, intent to make the most of the few hours he still had with her.

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Looking down at the tray he carried in one hand, Bruce took a few calming breaths to steady himself. His hand hovered just inches from Buffy's door and his time with her was drawing to a close with each passing second. In less than three hours, he would hand her over, and be without her once again. Finally knocking on the door, he pushed inside with a forced smile and greeted Buffy, "I thought you might be thirsty so I brought some ice tea before we have dinner." He said casually.

Buffy smiled and moved to the tray he just placed on the table, "Thank you. Would you like some?" she asked as she poured herself a glass.

With his eyes glued to the golden liquid, Bruce replied, "No, thank you." The sparkling color drew him in, taunting him into the knowledge of what was to come.

The pitcher with ice tea was made especially for her, a formula calculated to Buffy's weight had been mixed into the drink to ensure she fall into a deep sleep while he transported and handed her over; or, in the case of something going wrong, that she be taken to his jet without fuss.

She didn't need to know she was going back just yet; he didn't want to dash her hopes if things didn't work out. He figured it would be best that she sleep through the entire event and just wake up at her next destination. He couldn't bear to see loathing in her eyes if she found out what his intentions were.

Silently Bruce watched as Buffy drew the glass to her mouth and swallowed a healthy dose, her elegant throat moving in slow gulps. It would take a few minutes for the drug to take effect but he didn't mind waiting; this was his last chance to look into her beautiful green eyes and to memorize them. Not wanting her to get suspicious, he made idle chit chat, silently counting the minutes.

The drugs affected her faster than he expected, causing him to worry; a doctor had mixed the formula himself, but he did warn them that the results may vary; some patients reacted quickly while others took longer, he did assure them not to worry though and Bruce clung to those words.

Buffy closed her eyes briefly as a wave of exhaustion swept over her. She'd taken a nap just a few hours ago so why was she feeling tired again? When a yawn escaped her she quickly covered her mouth and started to apologize, "I'm sorry, that was rude." She said sheepishly.

Bruce chuckled softly at her mortified expression, "Not at all." When Buffy returned his smile he felt better about the effects he was seeing. At least it didn't have any negative effects on her. If tiredness was all that she was feeling, he considered it a good sign.

Feeling ashamed at her earlier lack of manners, Buffy tired to recover, "What did Olivia prepare for dinner?" she asked as she stood up to replace the glass on the tray. A wave of dizziness swept over her and she didn't even notice Bruce jump up after her swiftly. Placing her hands on the table to regain her balance, she leaned forward. When it didn't pass, Buffy placed her one hand over her eyes, "I'm sorry…I…" she trailed off as the drugs took full control over her and ushered her into unconsciousness.

As her body started to fall, Bruce was right there to catch her. Lifting her small body effortlessly against his chest, he wrapped his arms securely around her and looked at her peaceful expression. Buffy would be asleep for the next six to eight hours, giving them more than enough time.

When Maddox appeared at the door with a soft knock, Bruce knew they had to get going. Placing a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth, he whispered softly in her ear, "Goodbye, my love." Nodding at Maddox, he trailed behind him to his waiting car, cradling Buffy as close as he could.

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Maddox silently watched the exchange before him, knowing it wouldn't be wise to comment right then. Three cars stood waiting in their garage, one where he and Buffy would be traveling in, one for Bruce and another for the guarding team who would remain close to Bruce at all times.

Getting into his car, he waited for Bruce to hand her over, half expecting him to refuse and back out of the entire thing. Only he didn't, Bruce's eyes remained trained before him, not once straying down to the unconscious body in his arms. With careful hands, he took Buffy from Bruce and placed her on the seat opposite him, wrapping a blanket around her body to keep her warm. Nodding at Bruce, he looked on through the window as Bruce got into the car and the three vehicles pull out together.

The hour long drive to the arranged location felt never ending and Maddox rubbed a hand over his neck, feeling the tension building with each passing minute. His car had turned off a hidden road to a secluded spot where he would wait until Bruce contacted him with further instructions.

As he looked at Buffy's serene expression and he remembered the look on Bruce's face, he wondered if this was a good idea. What if Angelus came armed and something happened to Bruce? Not that it would do him any good; if they arrested Bruce he still had Buffy and then would use her as leverage against them. But Bruce had seemed confident that the other man would abide by the rules.

Once again he wondered how this small woman had managed to affect Bruce so much in such a short amount of time. Buffy was indeed beautiful and had a caring and passionate personality, but just the thought that she was an officer of the law should have sent Bruce running in the opposite direction. Yet he didn't, he only wanted her closer and Maddox knew it wasn't out of revenge or some temptation to play with danger. No, Bruce actually cared about her and his giving her up was proof of that.

Another thing that surprised him was that Buffy managed to slip through Bruce's carefully erected walls; walls he'd build on for years. She slipped past every defense and filled him with something Maddox thought would elude Bruce; he cared and actually showed it with someone else except his daughter.

Michaela was the centre of his universe and she was the only one that ever managed to get through to him; not even his family or his ex wife with who he still had a close relationship with had managed that. Too bad happiness was going to elude him once again, because as he looked at his watch, he saw it was only ten minutes to go before everything changed for everyone involved.

TBC…?

DO I NEED TO BEG FOR FEEDBACK?

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