Disclaimer: All Buffy or Angel characters were created by Joss Whedon. Not me.
Author's Note: As I promised, a week. This and the next part are probably containing scenes that I wanted to get to from the start of this story. Which inevitably set the course for the remaining chapters. Unfortunately, the next one will probably not be in a week ;(
Chapter Seven: Red Light In My Eyes, Part I
Tyler sipped his beer slowly as he looked through the crowd of people around him. Currently, he could only see drunk ones and those who were even more wasted. Which was at least a bit surprising to him, given that it wasn't even midnight yet. There were fewer people here than he was used to. On the other hand, it made kind of sense. It was the middle of the week and almost no one employed would get that smashed, knowing they'd have to rise in the morning to make their way into their respective jobs. Which is why he decided to limit himself to only two beers at most. This was the second one.
''When I suggested we go for drinks, I didn't mean for you to sit there with that 'kicked puppy' look on your face.'' Jaime slid into the seat across the table from him, watching him with disapproving eyes.
''I'm not really in the mood for any celebrations. You knew that.'' He countered.
''Okay, it's time to fess up kid.'' She said seriously. ''Whatever it is, you can't bring work into your home, which happens to be our home, so it's affecting me and I have every right to know what it is.''
Tyler raised his eyebrows. ''Really? Anyway, how was work? Old Roberts gave you any trouble?''
Jaime waved her hand. ''Nah. He knows that the only reason half the attendees show up is to stare at my ass. Guys stare in wonder, girls in envy. Most of them, 'cause I'm pretty sure I caught one or two and that was so not a jealous look.'' She laughed. ''The way they blush when they realize they've been spotted, man... That's priceless. I should be flattered, I think.''
''At least one of us gets to enjoy their job.'' Tyler said.
''Come on, we've had this conversation how many times now?''
''Way too many.'' He murmured.
''Yup.'' Jaime took a swing from her glass. ''So I think it's about time you actually remembered something from it.''
''I know. I know, okay.'' Tyler groaned. ''It's just hard sometimes and this is one of those times.''
''Let's leave it at that, then. Because you know what happens when you lie to me, dear brother.'' Jaime tilted her head to the side with a playful smirk on her face.
''How could I forget?'' He smiled back. She always knew what to say to him. He drank a little from his beer. ''Heard anything lately from mom and dad?''
Jaime shook her head. ''No. But I think that's a good thing. You know, some peace and quiet. They deserve that.''
''Sure. Maybe we should go visit one of those weekends.'' He proposed. ''Been a while.''
''Yeah, perhaps. But if I have to sit through another conversation about your lack of love life, or what's worse mine - then I'm out of there before you can even blink.'' She stated and took a swing from her bottle.
Tyler laughed. ''It's nice to know they're concerned. They just want grandkids.''
''Oh yeah, then you go and make them some, why don't you?'' Jaime looked around the bar. ''Come on kid, there's plenty of, uh-'' She stopped, watching as one of the women near them tripped over her own feet and fell to the floor, taking the nearest person down with her. ''Right. No, I wouldn't try that.''
''Who do you take me for? I have standards.'' He exclaimed, watching her critically. ''Why won't you-''
''Let's just drop it right now, yeah?'' She cut in, silencing him.
''Uh-huh.'' Tyler leaned back in his seat, finishing what little he had of his beer. ''You satisfied for today?''
''Maybe.'' Jaime looked him in the eye. ''Or maybe-''
''Hold on.'' He said, trying to fish out his cell phone from his pants.
''Saved by the bell.'' She rolled her eyes and downed her own bottle.
''Hello?''
Jaime sighed.
Tyler snapped his phone shut and moved to leave. ''Come on, we got to go.''
''What? Why?''
''Grace's in the hospital.''
***B***B***
Clare kicked an empty can and watched it roll for a little while. She's been patrolling alone for close to an hour now and the only things she saw were homeless people. At least that's what she thought most of them were. When she and Jean agreed upon this area, they figured that the homeless would be at most risk, mainly from vampires. After all, they pretty much have no one to look for them if they go missing. Or no one anyone would listen to, anyway. Patrolling really was not all that exciting. It mostly consisted of walking through the worst possible neighborhoods and hoping to catch a sight of something unnatural.
She was a bit relieved, to be honest. Clare didn't feel that confident without Jean by her side. Of course, she was capable of holding her own, but having someone at her back really eased her mind. Absently she patted her chest, feeling the stake she hid in her inner pocket.
A gust of wind breezed past her and Clare ran her hands up and down in an attempt to warm herself just a little. No more than thirty more minutes. Thirty minutes and if nothing happens, she's going home. To hell with this patrol.
Of course she didn't. Twenty minutes and two blocks later, the trouble finally caught up to her. She was looking at her watch when it happened.
Five people came from around the corner on the other side of the street. At first, they didn't pay much attention to her. Neither did she, for if Clare managed to sense them first, she might have had a chance. They came to a sudden stop and stared at her, which is when she realized that something was off.
''Slayer...'' A low growl could be heard through the night. They knew what she was, just as she knew their true nature. At this very moment, she cursed her apparent calling. Were she a normal, regular human, Clare was ready to bet everything that they wouldn't spare her a second glance.
Quickly assessing her chances, she broke into a run. She was many things, but suicidal wasn't one of them. They followed.
Clare ducked into a side street, jumped at the chain-link fence and rolled over to the other side. She could hear them as she ran through the darkened backyard of some house. She made it to the first step when one of them jumped at her back. Her knees buckled under the sudden weight and she tumbled down, shaking him off. Just as she did so, there was a second pair of hands that grabbed her from behind and threw her away from the house. By the time Clare got to her feet, she was surrounded. She took out her stake.
One of them looked at it. ''Are you scared?''
Clare didn't need to glance down to see that her hands were shaking.
''Good.'' With that, they attacked. She elbowed the one at the right and kicked the woman in front of her, but Clare couldn't defend herself completely. She got hit from her left, followed by a punch to the ribs from behind and a kick to her thigh. The slayer swung at whoever was closest to her, received a punch in return and stuck her stake into someone's stomach. One of them must've picked something up, because she was struck across the back with it and crashed into another vampire, pushing him away.
At this point, Clare found a little opening and broke into a mad run. She braced the impact with her shoulder, smashing into the door and making it into the house before they could reach her. Once inside, she tripped in her haste and fell down flat on her face. Immediately she scrambled to her feet and looked at the vampires outside.
''Looks like you didn't get your meal.'' Clare wheezed out, breathing heavily. She hurt all over.
The vampires glanced at one another. ''Take a look around you.''
Clare did so and paled. There were few people inside with her, laying in the corners on variously made beds and by the looks of it, they didn't own the property.
''Abandoned buildings. Essentialy a public place. No owner in sight.'' Vampire said slowly and took a deliberate step across the threshold. ''And anyone can enter.''
Clare took a step back and when they hesitated, spun on her heel and sprinted out of the front door. Her leg hurt and she lost a bit of her speed because of that, which turned out to be her damning factor. They caught up with her before she could even run a block. Which ultimately didn't matter for Clare realized that she has been going in the wrong direction. Not toward people, but to the area that seemed not to have seen a living soul in a long time.
A body slammed into her and a pair of arms encircled her around the waist, bringing them both to the side. Whichever one of them did this must've trained or watched a lot of sport, because that's how Clare imagined felt to be professionaly brought down. She wrestled free, but it didn't matter. She was kicked in the face and the pain blinded her. She could taste blood in her mouth.
Before Clare even comprehended anything that was happening, she was picked up and two vampires held her arms secure behind her back while another grabbed her around the throat and squeezed. She tried to push them away, but they held too tight and soon she could feel herself fading.
He let go of her.
Clare gasped for breath, coughing and spluttering blood. She realized that the vampires' attention was now focused on someone else. A girl, probably a little younger than her stood a few feet away. The bright red hair, visible even in the dark sparked something in Clare's memory. She was there in the house with the homeless. God, if she followed them to try to help her, she was just as dead.
''Let the girl go. You do as I say, I'll let you go.'' She said conversationally.
The five vampires around Clare looked at each other, lost. ''Huh?''
The girl sighed. She raised her hand and with a flick of her wrist, the two vampires holding Clare were thrown away. Without them, she landed on her butt and watched the situation with wide eyes.
Two other rushed at her savior, but she only narrowed her eyes and a stream of fire shot from her palm, swallowing them.
The one who was still untouched couldn't decide what to do, staring at the girl with a similar expression to Clare's. The witch, because that's what she had to be, Clare reasoned, reached out and grasped at the air. The vampire suddenly started choking and clawing at his chest. She made a fist and pulled.
The vampire turned to dust.
The last two, those who were holding Clare decided to beat it and both of them ran in opposite directions. The girl held out her hands and flicked her wrists. Vampires crumbled to the ground.
''Who are you? Why were they after you?'' The witch looked down at her.
''Who are you?'' Clare countered.
She rolled her eyes and held out her hand. ''My name is Emily.''
''Clare.'' Slayer said, allowing herself to be pulled up.
''Damn. Shouldn't have killed them.'' Emily said under her breath.
''Huh? Why the hell not?''
''I needed info. Some of my friends haven't showed up to meet me. Probably had some cash on them too and now it's dust.'' She answered. ''Anyway, how far do you live? Come on, I'll walk you.''
''I'm fine.'' Clare said, but it sounded like anything but the truth even to her own ears. ''So you're a witch.''
''Obviously.'' Emily nodded. ''So what have you done to get on their bad side?''
Slowly, they walked back to the main streets. ''Nothing. They didn't need a reason. I'm a slayer.''
''Really? I've heard stories about you.'' Emily said excitedly.
''Really doubt that.'' Clare winced. ''I'm just one of many now. You probably heard of Buffy or someone.''
''Never caught the name. Only heard that there was someone out there who fought demons and stuff.'' Redhead shrugged.
''What kind of a witch are you? Where the hell have you been these past months?'' Clare asked ridiculously.
''Here, obviously. Roaming the freaking streets.'' Emily waved her hand in no particular direction. ''I'm self-taught. Never met another witch and I'm not planning to. Kept a low profile, for the most part. Been looking out for my family for the last few years.''
''Your family?''
''You know, everyone here is like family.'' Witch said by a way of explanation.
''You're a very powerful witch.'' Clare noticed. ''All that by yourself?''
Emily nodded. ''Let me ask you something. What in the world possessed you to come and explore on your own?''
''I wasn't. There was-'' Slayer hissed as she touched her face. ''It's a long story. You saved my ass back there. I owe you one.''
''Good thing you said that, 'cause I might need some help.'' Emily chuckled. ''People have been disappearing lately around here. Might be vamps, might be something else. I could use a hand to help me find out.''
''Sure, no problem.''
''Come over when you'll feel better. During the day.'' Emily said pointedly. ''Ask anyone there for Barnes. They'll point you toward me.''
''Barnes?'' Clare stopped at the red light.
''My last name.'' Emily clarified, leaning against the lamp post. ''You know, we should've cleared you up a bit. People are staring.''
Clare hid her freshly bruised face in her hands.
***B***B***
''Tell me, did you ask for that color?'' Jean laughed once she saw Grace walk out onto the hallway. Shorter woman held up her hand and wiggled her fingers, showing a brand new blue cast that reached almost to her elbow. It was a few shades darker than her hair.
''Sure and if you're good, I'll even let you sign it.'' Grace said with a false cheerfulness in her voice. In addition to the broken wrist, a bruise formed on her right cheek that looked even nastier under a good light. ''I called my partner to come and help out with the suspect.''
''Think he woke up yet?''
''Hope so.'' Grace muttered. ''Come on let's go and sit somewhere. I'm gonna need your I.D and phone number.'' She pressed a button to get the elevator. ''And all that.''
Jean frowned. ''Huh? Why?''
''You're a witness.'' Grace stepped inside and waited for Jean to follow. ''So's your friend.''
''Right. Isn't putting him in a trunk like,'' Jean hesitated. ''Against the rules or something? You guys have a book of do's and dont's, yeah?''
''They'll take my word over his.'' Grace said uncaringly. ''Not like he doesn't deserve it. There's a waiting area there, come on.'' She added after getting out of the lift.
''Whatever.'' Jean shrugged. ''How long you have to wear that thing for?''
Grace pulled out a chair and sat down, searching through her pockets. ''Three weeks. At least. Shit.'' She said, letting her arms fall down.
''What?''
''My notepad's in the car. Great.'' She whined. ''Might as well wait for Tyler there.''
''Alright, just... let me get a coffe or something.'' Jean said, getting up. ''Want anything?''
Grace shook her head. ''I'm good.''
***B***B***
Spike nodded his thanks to a man and handed him few bills as Connor received two hamburgers. He passed one to Spike and they continued on their way.
''What do you think we're gonna find there?'' Connor asked, biting into his food.
''Not a fainstest clue.'' He answered before doing the same. ''Whatever that might be, I reckon it's about time we pick our pace. Nathaniel is out there doing anything he wants and we're stuck with no leads, so let's hope this little trip pays out.''
''At least we've got an inside man now.'' Connor noticed. ''Or a ghost, in that case.''
''Fat lot will that do when he's stuck in that damn building.'' Spike looked through his hamburger and carefully picked out a slice of a pickle. Connor expected him to throw it away, but he popped it into his mouth with a smile on his face. ''What?'' He asked, realizing that Connor was looking at him with a strange expression on his face. ''Who doesn't like those?''
Connor just shrugged and took another bite. ''So what do we do when we get there? Just stand in front of the place and wait for something to happen?''
''Huh,'' Spike thought about it. ''Let's walk around it. Make a circle or two.''
''You go one way, I go another?''
''No, better not to risk it. Together is the safer option.'' Vampire decided. ''Don't need no Angel going all 'Terminator' on my ass.''
''Scared of my father?'' Connor chuckled.
Spike snorted. ''Vampire ballerina? As if.''
They fell into silence, finishing their respective burgers. A little time later they found themselves in front of their destination. Connor looked up. ''Thought it'd be bigger.''
''Let's just do this thing and head home.'' Spike said. ''See anything?''
''A lot of things, but nothing that would be even remotely interesting.'' Connor exclaimed.
They stood there for a minute or two before following their earlier plan and walking around the area.
''Out of curiosity, what was the average rate of successfully solved cases when you guys had your gig in Los Angeles?'' Spike asked.
''Uhm, I've no idea. Never stayed around long enough to keep count. Why do want to know?'' Connor looked at him.
''Wanted to compare, that's all. We've had two cases here so far and solved exactly zero. Bang up job so far.'' Vampire explained.
''Yeah, that doesn't look good.'' Connor scratched his head. ''Do you think we'll actually find anything here?''
''Don't know. But I'm willing to find out.'' Spike carefully looked around. Nothing out of ordinary.
''Think we can really trust this guy? No, scratch that. Let's say that he can actually see the future. From what he said we're screwed either way. '' Connor remembered. ''I mean is it possible that no matter what we do – no matter what happens, it's gonna end dark and bloody?''
Spike waited few seconds before answering. ''I don't believe in permanence of things. Everything can be changed.''
They got back to the front, looked around and started the second circle.
''There was this demon Sahjhan, you know, the one who sent me to Quor'Toth? He did this so he could get rid of me because of a prophecy that said I'd kill him. I mean, he wanted me dead, but that obviously didn't work out. So I get back here, even though it was supposed to be impossible. And then Angel erased my memories.'' Connor recalled slowly. ''Everything was against it, but I still killed the guy.''
''Your point?''
''Some things are just maybe... unavoidable.''
Spike scoffed. ''Come on mate. That was a prophecy, they tend to be, y'know... foretold or whatever.''
''How do we know that there isn't one about what's gonna go down here? Have we looked? No.'' Connor pointed out.
''And if there was, is that going to change anything?'' Spike asked. ''Probably would bloody confuse you, they tend to be not that straightforward. It's better not knowing that everything is going to hell and you'll die.''
''If one is sure he's gonna bite it, gives him nothing to lose.''
''Exactly. Poor sucker will start to act reckless and die while feeling justified, because it was all preordained and there was nothing he could do except kick the bucket.'' Spike argued. ''Not knowing the outcome gives you hope. Something to fight for, not roll over and wait for death.''
Connor stopped. ''Speaking from experience?'' He asked quietly.
Spike hesitated.
''Gentlemen, may we see some I.D?'' A voice asked and Spike cursed under his breath. He didn't sense anyone near and judging by the look on Connor's face, neither did he. Too engrossed in their conversation. They turned to see two police officers approaching them.
''Why, is anything wrong?'' He asked.
''No, just a standard check up. Late hour.'' The taller of the two said. There was something in his tone that made Spike unsettled.
Connor slowly reacher for his wallet and when Spike failed to do the same, he realized something. Vampire hadn't actually bothered to score himself a fake one, all he had was the detective card.
''Something the matter, sir?'' Second officer asked warily.
Spike pretended to look for it and came up empty. ''Sorry, must have forgot it. We're only here for a walk.''
''Uh-huh.'' He said dubtiously. ''Then you wouldn't mind coming with us.''
Connor and Spike exchanged pained looks. No way this was random. They were made.
''Not at all.'' Vampire said and attacked. Connor immediately followed. The two officers were dealt with quickly, Connor put his in a chokehold while Spike's got the worst end of the deal, getting knocked out after the fourth punch.
''We've gotta go mate.'' Spike grimaced. Connor nodded his head and they ran. As soon as they rounded the corner, they were met with three guns pointed at them.
''Freeze!'' One of the men bellowed.
They did. Connor assessed the situation and the odds were not in their favor. Spike couldn't be harmed by bullets, but he certainly could and that was the only thing that stopped him from acting. They were too far to get the drop on them.
''Hands in the air!'' He kept shouting.
''Okay, okay!'' Connor held up his hands and Spike did the same. They stood.
''What now?'' Spike asked once it was clear that none of the policemen felt comfortable to approach.
''We've got them. Requesting immediate assistance.'' One of them spoke into the radio.
Connor inched closer.
''Don't move!''
''Aren't you gonna take us in?'' He questioned, taking a small step forward. Just a bit more, he thought. A little closer.
''I said don't.'' Officer said firmly. ''On your knees!''
Spike lowered his hands and moved to the side, hoping to distract them and give Connor the time to act. It almost worked.
Two of the officers immediately trained their guns on him. Connor shot forward. There were two shots. Spike blinked.
Halfway to the third policeman Connor swayed on his feet and fell down. He pressed a hand to his stomach. It came back bloody.
''You, on the ground! Now!'' The shooter roared once the initial shock wore off, pointing his gun at Spike. Vampire growled and changed his face. They stared at him in fear and that was all he needed to strike. A bullet caught him in the chest before he was upon them, but ultimately it didn't matter. He didn't hold back.
He was angry, but he wasn't a fool. He didn't move in for the kill, even as he threw the last of them across the street. He hit a street sign and didn't move back up. Spike was pretty sure that at least two of them were in for a long stay in the hospital, but they would live. He knelt down next to Connor.
There were two wounds, one in his right shoulder that Spike deemed non-lethal and the one in the stomach that was more worrying. ''Come on, we need to go. We gotta go.'' He said, pulling him up. Connor groaned.
He could see the red and blue lights of police cars reflect on every surface around him.
***B***B***
Angel creeped through the mostly empty corridors of the third hospital he's been so far. At first he though to simply call them all one by one – starting with those closest to the house they found Talya in. He was halfway through dialing when he put the phone down and realized his mistake. There was already too much exposure. The only thing he would accomplish this way was probably bringing the whole force down on them.
So he chose a marginally safer option. Finding her himself. Even in someone saw him and paid more attention than he should've, there was the certainty that Angel wouldn't led them straight back to their office.
He peeked around the corner. Clear. It was extremely hard not to make any noise as he walked, but so far Angel managed. He checked the rooms. No sign of the girl. Two more floors to go. He wasn't completely sure in which wing she'd be put in and so resolved to searching them all. Chosing the staircase instead of the elevator, he ascended.
Upon walking out onto the hallway, Angel almost collided with a nurse. Fortunately for him, she only nodded her head at his apology and kept on going. He stopped short upon looking into the second room on the left wall. Talya was in there. She looked battered and bruised, but the machine that was undoubtedly measuring her pulse kept on giving strong beeps. Angel sighed in relief. She was so young, a child still. Ever since becoming a parent, there was one thing he detested the most. Harming kids.
He sniffed the air and looked down on the chair that stood right next to the door. There was a lingering scent hanging in the air.
His phone rang.
''What?'' Angel barked once he finally got it out.
''You need to get back here now. Now.'' Came a strong voice, the words spewed out faster than considered normal.
''Spike?'' He asked, confused.
''Get back into the bloody office.'' Spike's voice came, stern. The line went out. Spike hung up.
Angel stared at the phone and felt dread wash all over his form. There was only one reason...
He spun on his heel, ready to sprint. A police officer stood there, clearly not expecting Angel here, yet his instincts were good. He was already searching for a weapon. Angel cursed. Of course they would have someone watching Talya.
Not caring, Angel ran at him.
***B***B***
Jean sighed over her still lukewarm coffee. Or what was left of it, really.
''I think he's still out. Jesus, how hard did you hit him?'' Grace asked in wonder.
''Probably hit his head when he fell.'' Slayer dodged the question.
A car pulled up next to them. A man and a woman got out, both way taller than Jean.
''What the hell happened to you?'' Man questioned, walking closer. Then he noticed Jean. ''Oh. I'm Tyler, that's my sister Jaime.'' He introduced.
''Jean.'' She waved her hand a bit awkwardly.
Siblings nodded their heads and turned to stare at Grace questioningly.
''I got jumped.'' She explained.
''That's one way to put it.'' Jaime said and crushed the smaller woman in a hug. Tyler joined a second later. Now Jean wished to be anywhere but here.
''Wait a minute.'' Grace pulled out from the embrace and looked at them suspiciously. ''Are you guys drunk?'' She shouted in a hushed tone.
''No.'' They both denied at the same time.
''Are you out of your mind?'' Grace pressed and pushed Tyler, or at least that was the idea because the tall man took half a step back.
''I'm sorry. It's just we, uh... we panicked. It's late, you're hurt. We just wanted to get here as fast as we could. I was careful.'' Tyler said.
''Hey Jean, can we pretend you didn't just hear all that?'' Grace asked her.
''Hear what?'' Jean casually leaned against the car.
Jaime laughed. ''So I guess the guy got away?''
Grace fidgeted. ''Yeah, no. He's cuffed and unconscious in my trunk.''
Tyler and Jaime looked at each other, blinked and turned their heads back to Grace.
''No he's not.'' Tyler said.
Grace opened the trunk wordlessly. They took a peek inside. Tyler immediately slammed it shut.
''Are you crazy?'' He whispered, checking if no one was around. Assuming it to be safe, he pried it open. ''Damn girl. You did quite a number on him. Remind me not to piss you off.''
''That's not quite how it happened.'' Grace admitted. ''He broke my wrist, got my gun and had me on the ground.'' She recalled. ''Jean and her friend showed up out of nowhere and put him down with one punch.''
Siblings turned to her. Jean thought they must've been psychologically linked, because both rushed to her at the same time and she got her own version of the bear hug.
''It's nothing, really.'' Jean said hesitantly.
''You've got a mean swing.'' Jaime said somewhere above her head.
''Why did he assault you?'' Tyler asked and they released Jean from the hug.
''He uh, he...'' Grace took a deep breath. ''He tried to steal my car. I chased him.''
''Why in the world would you do that?'' He said incredulously.
''I wasn't thinking straight?'' She offered.
Tyler shook his head. ''Don't scare us like that, huh? Please.''
Grace allowed herself a ghost of a smile. ''Scout's honor.''
Jaime snorted. ''You, a girl scout? As if.''
''Okay.'' Tyler said decidedly. ''Get him out of there and I'll call for someone to pick him up, alright?''
Grace opened the trunk and Jean moved to remove the man from there. Just a she leaned down there was a yell.
''Stop!''
All four of them raised her heads up. A man ran out from the inside of the hospital, a security guard chasing him. Jean recognized him immediately. Angel. He was heading straight for them.
Tyler and Grace froze at the sight. They both fumbled to get their weapons. Jean watched this with furrowed brow.
''Freeze!'' Tyler roared once he got his pistol out and stepped into Angels path.
''What are you doing?'' Jaime cried. Angel took one look at them and his eyes lingered on Jean for a fraction on second, before changing directions and shooting off to the left with incredible speed.
''Call it!'' Tyler yelled to Grace, who finally got her own gun out, and began pursuit.
''Tyler!'' Jaime screamed after him.
Jean knew that he would not catch up. Witnessing it, she doubted that she herself could.
''What was that?'' She asked carefully.
***B***B***
If you could take the time and tell me what you think, be it good or bad, please I beg you to do so ;) I realize that there was little of the main trio in these last chapters, but I needed to establish all the characters. And now I did.