Chapter 6
----------------------
November 5, 2003
The next morning Angel lay with Buffy, entirely contented. He looked down at her now slumbering form and marvelled at her beauty, which seemed to envelop her now. Asleep, she looked so very delicate, like a china doll. Once again, he felt an overwhelming urge to protect her. Protect her. How could he do that now he loved her? How could he have allowed himself to fall in love with the girl he was meant to be his enemy? He had probably put her life in more jeopardy, from his family and hers. And yet... He loved her with his entire being. He would die for this girl. He would protect her now even better. Not just with his head, but with his heart. She sighed a little in her sleep and snuggled even closer to him, burrowing her head into his shoulder. Just then there was a knocking on his door he looked at his clock it was 8:05, he slid out of the bed making sure she was still sleep he put on his rob.
went to answer the door he opened it and said "well, well what brings you here"
his younger brother stood in the door "can I come in"
Angel said "let me think… hum… No! what the hell do you want"
he said "dad he wants to see you"
Angel said "you know he could have called… that's what phone's are for"
Connor said "and as you know the phones are tapped"
Angel said "well tell him I'll stop by later"
he said "he want to see you now"
Angel said "why… I'm a grown man that does not beckon to everyone of his calls tell him I'll be there when I can"
Connor said "have it your way… but dad's going to be pretty mad"
Angel said "and I don't care… are we done"
he said "yeah…"
he looked him over "your with a woman aren't you"
he said "Dear brother … that's non of your damn business" he slammed the door. He turned rubbing the bridge of his nose closing his eyes and shaking his head, god how much he hated seeing his father… he really hated seeing his father" he remembered there fight when he left home
Flashback
June 22, 2000
Johansson Compound
East Sunnydale
he had his things packed and in the car, he had come back for his last back his father called him he ignored the man going over to Cordelia who looked like she was about to cry
he said "Don't Cordy you know I have to do this… and I will be back"
his father said "Liam Adam Johansson… what is the meaning of this"
he said "I moving out… I can't be a part of this anymore, I've always done as you wished but I can't do this no now… not ever not after…Mom"
he said "I wished for a son, a son with honor and lived by his family… instead go gave me you, a disgrace… I thank god everyday your stubborn ness didn't where off on your brother"
he said "you would think that… all my life I went by your ways and your rules, you told me just what you wanted of me, no more… Mom is dead, this… this business killed her and I refuse to be part of it"
he said "I fear for you being a part of this family is in your blood… and you leave they will be after you" Angel rolled his eyes shaking his head "well if that how you feel then that how you feel moms dead I'll be damned before I stay in this house and business…maybe for once you could respect what I do"
he said "being a damn painter and photographer is not going protect you when they come after you"
he said "but it's an honest living, much more then I can say for what you do" he stepped out of Angel's way he walked by him "understand… you are my son and no matter what I do love you… I never stood in your way for anything, you're a Johansson, and that I will protect"
Angel said "good… I see one of your boys I swear to god I will kill then… have a nice life dad, mom would have loved to see it"
End Flashback
he sighed heading to the bedroom Buffy was standing in the doorway in his black shirt he said "hey did I wake you up"
she said "no I woke up when you moved" he sighed
she said "what's wrong"
he said "my father wants to see me"
she said "as I could gather now"
he said "yeah… I'm not going now"
she said "well sense your not going" she ran her hands over his chest "how about you come back to bed…"
she loosened the belt of his robe "and I make those heavy thoughts go away" he smiled she kissed him wrapping her arms around him and running her hand through his hair he backed her into the room and shut the door
That AfternoonAngel drove over taking the two hour ride to the Johansson compound, he pulled up in the drive way of the huge lush mansion made of stone with the beautiful garden walk up it was a huge home and he had live their all his life and never would again, he went inside and saw his sister in the back in the garden talking to her old friend Harmony from high school, he smiled "is that my favorite sister" she looked up and smiled running over to him giving him a hug
"Angel… I missed you"
she looked at him and said "did you bring me something"
he said "oh I didn't know I had to buy you things in order to be able to see you"
she said "no silly"
he said pulling something out of his pocket dangling it in front of her face it was a 18 karat gold watch diamonds all over it "I guess you don't want this them"
she gasped and said "yes… are you crazy"
she snatched the watch and took off the plan black Rolex she had on of and put that one on.
He said "you colored your hair… red"
she said touching the short red hair "what… you don't like it"
he said "No… I like it" she smiled.
Just then a voice said from behind him "Liam… so glad you could grace us with your presence" he turned seeing Eve his father's assistant behind him, he hated that woman she was just annoying.
He said "yeah well I wouldn't have but… I hadn't seen my sister in… so long"
she said "com your father wants to see you" he followed the woman.
He reached his father's office he came in his father said "Liam"
Angel said "father"
he said "shut the door" he did and flopped in the chair what was so important that I had to come this morning"
Henry said "I wanted to talk to you… why must you insist on defying me"
he said "because I don't like you running my life… what the hell s it that you want anyway"
he said "don't you take that tone with me"
Angel said "fine I'll be going"
he said "listen I called you for a reason"
Angel laughed "you didn't call you had Connor find me"
he said "same difference"
Angel rolled his eyes "What. Did. You. Want"
he said "there's a problem… the Romano's are trying to move into our territory"
Angel said "stop right there… I don't want to know or here anything about family business"
he said "if you would let me finish you could find out why I brought you here"
he rolled his eyes signaling for him to continue he said "the Romano's retaliated against us, they killed my other assistant Lilah Morgan as a warning there planning to come after you kids next… I don't have to worry about your brother and sister because they live here and I can keep an eye on then but not you"
he said "I sure as hell not staying here"
Henry said " you're a prime target… you don't live near and you refuse to have bodyguard protection"
he said "so what do you want now"
he said "will you at least let me put on guard on you… close, please… the rest will keep there distance"
he said "One… and only one, I see any of the others I swear"
he said "I know… you'll have them killed" he nodded Heary said "you pick"
he said "Penn"
he said "fine"
he called Eve, Eve walked in "yes sir"
Heary said "have Penn ready to leave he will be closely guarding Liam" she said "yes sir" and they left.
That evening Angel went home he said "Penn stay out in the car"
he said "my order's are to stay with you"
he said then stay out here" Angel went in his apartment and shut the door leaning on it he saw Buffy sitting on the couch
he said "hey… what are you doing here"
she smiled "waiting for you"
he said "you changed your hair"
she smiled "yes, I was feeling the platinum blond mix"
he ran his hands through it "it's different, I like it"
she said "what was that all about this morning anyway"
he looked back at the door and pointed to the kitchen they got up and walked into the kitchen he said in a low voice "my dad say's on of the mobs on your side killed on of our assistants and is afraid that something's going to happen to me if I don't have a guard on me at all times… I agreed for one close guard so we have to be very. careful what we talk about"
she nodded "okay" she said "I have to go I'm suppose to be going out with my sister having some bonding time"
he said "okay"
she said "good thing I don't look the same he might recognize me"
he said "looks like your back to Annabelle"
she said "got it" and he took her to the door and let her out.
She stepped out saying "I'll see you later, Angel"
Penn said "who are you"
Angel said "down Kujo… this is my neighbor"
Buffy said "hi I'm Annabelle, I live a few apartment's down on the other side of the hall"
he said "haven't we met before" she remembered that night
she said "um yeah"
Angel said "yeah… you kind of attacked her a few months back"
he said "sorry about that"
Buffy said playing dumb "why are you standing out here"
he said "um well"
Angel said playing along "security"
she said "oh… okay then I'll see you later" she smiled kissing kiss cheek she walked away.
Angel went inside Penn followed her out, he went to Maestro's car taping on the window and said "look like Liam has a girl"
he said "that interesting his father want to hear this one". He said "I'll go you go back and keep and eye on him"
Two Weeks later
Maestro went into the father's office, Henry said "what is it Maestro"
he said "I know something interesting"
he said "yeah what has someone tried to come after Liam" he said "no… looks like he has a new girl friend"
he said "oh really"
he said "I've been watching him for the past couple weeks nice blonde haired woman, they go out a lot together"
he said "I see, I would like to meet this girl"
he said "I'll inform him for you sir"
he said "thank you" he left and
Henry said "hum, so my son has a girl… let's see how she is"
Penn knocked on Angel's door he said "what the hell do you want"
he said "to tell you something"
Angel said "speak"
he said "well it appears Maestro has told your father about your female friend, and now he wants to meet her"
Angel said "why"
he said "just to get to know you better he wants to be in your life, he wants you to come to dinner when you can."
He said "okay… I'll ask her" he shut the door and grumbled, he sat on the couch and picked a picture taken a few weeks before on his birthday. He loved that girl that was true and he knew he would do every thing he could to keep his family from finding out who she really was.
One Week later
Buffy came over for dinner after they sat on the couch they were kissing he pulled away
she said "what"
he said "we need to talk"
she got a bit worried at his tone she said "what's wrong"
he said "it's my dad"
she said "what"
he said "to meet you"
before she could say anything he signaled for him to head into the bedroom they did she said "that's nice"
he said "but we have a problem"
she said "what"
he said "Buffy 'Bandicetti' "
she said "that shouldn't be a problem, they don't know what Buffy Bandicetti looks like"
he said "okay"
she said "it will be fine, I can handle it… I'm a trained assassin I live for descise"
he said "I believe you… I just don't want anything to happen to you"
she smiled "no one has cared for me like that before"
he said touching her face "well I don't think anyone has loved you as much as me" she kissed him and that was all that was said.
One Week later
Connor had come home a four o'clock he went in to check on Cordelia they were talking when they heard gunshots outside of the compound. He ran downstairs she followed him outside was surrounded by men she recognized as some of her father's men. "What's going on, Connor?" She asked.
He shrugged as if to say 'I don't know'. He walked over to one of the men who whispered in his ear he shut his eyes. he walked over to her and Cordelia looked around curiously. "What's happening?" She asked.
"I don't know, Cor. Doesn't seem too good." He told her.
She looked around and saw a group of men some distance away, crowded around something. Maestro was one of the men, she was sure. She broke away from Connor, running towards them. He tried to grab he but could he said "Cordy! You have to go to..."
he trailed off- she was already too far away. She sprinted over to Maestro. coming towards him, he looked horrified. "No! Cordy! Don't-" He was cut off by her arrival. She looked at the center of everyone's attention.
"Oh my God!" She said, before the sight knocked the breath from her body. Ricky, her nice but violently dangerous main guard was on the ground. Her sweet, considerate, loyal guard was on the ground, entirely still. His suit was soaked with blood from the holes that covered his body. Someone had riddled her guard with bullets. "Ricky,"
She said, choking back a sob at the sight of her slain. He was truly a grotesque sight to behold. Whoever had done this had done a thorough job, not taking any chances on Ricky's survival. A boot mark on his face also hinted that his assassin had kicked him in the head for extra measure. Connor grabbed Cordy and tried to drag her away. All she could think was he had been her only true friend out of all of her guards and now he was gone "Ricky!"
She screamed, trying to pull away from Connor and Maestro. "Cordy, come on. Cordy!" Connor said, himself trying to remain calm. Henry appeared from the house
"Cordy! Come inside. Now!" He shouted to her. Her father's voice shocked her out of her hysteria. "Now!"
He repeated. Cordelia fell limply into Maestro's arms and allowed him to lead her away from Ricky's body and towards the house. "she should have stayed inside."
Henry said to Connor. "I didn't know what was going on." Connor defended himself, but Henry was no longer listening. A hearse pulled into the compound as Connor followed Maestro and Codelia inside.
Two days laterThe funeral was held. There was some police investigation, but largely they allowed Mafiosi to kill each other, probably in the hope that they would self-destruct. She went home after the funeral it hurt her best friend was dead and it really hurt.
The following Week
Buffy was getting ready to go to dinner at The Johansson Compound, Angel was waiting sitting on her bed in the bed room he said "you know the plan"
she said putting on her earrings "I'm Annabelle Summers… born to Joyce a art gallery owner, and John Summers a stock market business man in New York" she walked over kissin him
he said "this is dangerous"
she said "My middle name is dangerous…me and dangerous are like this" she crossed her fingers
he said "this isn't funny"
she said "and I'm not kidding" just then the doorbell rang
she said "who in the world is that"
she walked out he followed and she answered the door she said "Spike"
he said "hi pet"
she said "come in"
they went into the kitchen he waved to Angel who rolled his eyes. She said "what are you doing here"
he said "came to see you but I see your going out"
he said "who's the guy at the door"
she said "Angel's guard"
he said "why does he need a guard"
she said "he has his reasons, he doesn't know my name, I'm going under Annabelle Summers so shut up"
he said "why are you all dressed up"
he said "were going to dinner at his parents house, so… go away"
he said "alright I'm gone"
he left saying "nice to see you again Angel"
and was out the door he left thinking so Angel has a guard… there something fishy going on here
Angel went into the office, knocking on the door he said "Father… this is Annabelle Summer's"
Henry looked up from his papers he smiled getting up "nice to meet you"
Angel said "this is my girlfriend" he smiled Buffy doing her best to look like the nervous normal blond "hello Sir"
Henry looked suspiciously at her. He said "how long have you been seeing my son" he demanded
she said "I haven't really counted… about 5 months about"
he said "well miss… I didn't catch your name again"
she said "Annabelle"
he said "will you be staying for dinner"
she said "only if you want me to, sir" he nodded and turned back to his papers they left the room
she said "that was refreshing"
he said "yeah and he was rude"
He went over to Willow's house, she answered the door, she said "hey spike what are… you doing here"
he said "I need to talk to you"
she said "Well… come in"
he said after shutting the door "I need you to look someone up on the computer… on the net"
she said going into her office "you got a name"
he said "all I know is that his name is Angel"
she said "looking up at him… if I say something you don't like you won't get mad"
he said "what you going to tell me I'm jealous of that poof… well you'd be damn right"
she said "just wanted to make sure we were clear" s
he looked up "Angel, I can't seem to find him… what is his name, born"
he said "I don't know… I think I recall him being a painter"
she said "painters… "he sat on the edge of the desk.
She said "oh, oh I found something… Angel, he is painter and photographer… Born name 'Liam Adam' she gasped "Johansson"
he said "you got a picture" she turned the computer.
He said "I'll be damned"
Angel gave Buffy a tour of the grand garden's Buffy looked at the cluster of houses and buildings in the grounds, she said "let me guess those are your family homes… like to keep family on ground"
he said "how did you know" she gave him a look he said " I know… dumb"
she said "my dad wanted me to move into the apartments near the house I refused… needed my own space"
he said "one belongs to my sister, and one belongs to my brother. The rest are family or guards."
He said "I always hated it, that's why I moved from home… Cordelia has no choice… as you know in the mafia daughters and sister, are sacred"
she said "yeah… I know and I'm extra special"
he said "yeah" he looked at his watch "time we head in for dinner."
He went to the house that night her Faith told him to come in he said "Mr Bandicetti, I have something I need to tell you"
he said "shut the door" and they had a long talk
Henry asked "what do you do for a living" the family sat at the table eating a lot of Irish dishes she had never had before and loved after tasting,
she said "waitress at the Vineyard restaurant"
he said "at an Italian restaurant"
she said "yeah I work there… that's all, I always loved art, my mother owned a gallery"
he said "that's very interesting" in a very patent false tone almost glaring at her "where are you from in the world"
she said "born and raised here in California, in Los Angeles"
he got more interesting "really I know a few people in Los Angel's"
Angel said "father"
he switched subjects "how old are you dear"
she said "oh about 23"
he said "Angel don't you think that a little young sense your 27"
he said "Father, were both consenting adults"
he said "well do you have any family Annabelle"
she said "a younger sister named Michelle"
he said "parents"
she said "my parent's split when I was 16, my mother died from a brain tumor when I was 20, my dad's a business man works stocks and other things in New York"
he said "I'm sorry to hear about your mother… my wife died 3 years ago as well hit my daughter pretty hard" Angel glared at him.
After dinner Angel said "you did a lot better then the last girl I brought here"
she said "last one"
he said "the last girl, Darla Cett'a I brought home was a real bitch and dad pissed her off and when she snapped at him he held her within a in of her life, but the odd thing was they still talk… she works for him actually"
she said "woah" she said "we should probably be going, I have to see about some stuff in the morning."
He said "I'll have the chauffer come and get us… Penn car will follow again, after Cordelia's guard was killed last week they are really tightening up on all of us kids"
she said "let's go"
They got to the apartment her, Angel and Penn Buffy said "goodnight Angel"
he said "good night Anna"
she said "can I at least get a kiss"
Angel kissed her sweetly, Penn looked at the door to keep from watching them. He said "wait a minute"
Angel pulled away from Buffy "what the hell is it"
he said "look" he looked at the door the lock had been broken. He pulled out his gun pushing open the door, Buffy didn't like this not at all.
She said "Angel"
he said "what"
she said "um… you want to come to my place until he's finishes I know he's not going to let you stay there."
He said "okay…" they went down the hall to her apartment she let them in. and they sat on the couch and he was worried she could see it in his face she rubbed his shoulder's
"there's nothing to worry about Angel… who ever it was they'll figure it out" he nodded.
Penn came back Buffy let him Angel said "what happen"
he said "looks like someone's ransacked your place they messed it up but it doesn't seem they took anything… just looked"
Angel nodded Penn said "your father's going to want you to stay at the Compound"
Buffy said feeling him tense up at mention "um he can stay here… it's no trouble, but why would anyone want to hurt him, or bother him"
he said "um nothing you should worry your pretty little head about" she nodded.
He said "I'll tell your father… the other are checking it out now, your father is going to want to see you in the morning" Angel nodded he went outside.
Buffy said "hey" he looked at her she said "it's fine… most important thing your fine, were okay"
he said "your right"
she said running a hand up and down his chest "how about we go to my bedroom" she pulled him up leading him to her bed room "and I see what I can do about making you feel better"
The Next Morning
Buffy and Faith went to the Bandicetti compound, Faith said as they sat in the living room "so what were you up to last night"
Buffy said "I went out"
Faith proded "on a date"
Buffy ansered "no and yes… to dinner at Angel's folks house"
Faith said "wow you getting serious"
Buffy said "shut up Faith"
she said "have you slept with him"
Buffy said "no"
she said "Buffy" she said smirking "maybe"
she said "oh my god you did he's like a major hottie… so spill was he good"
Buffy tried to keep a straight face "none of your business"
she said "so he was good"
Buffy corrected "mind blowing"
she said "ouch… just don't let spike hear you say that"
Buffy Scoffed "like I'm scared of spike… I can kick his ass"
just then her father called "Elizabeth Anne Bandicetti get your ass in here!"
her friend said "Ooh, someone's in deep shit… he called your whole name"
Buffy glanced up at her good friend Faith said from her seat on the edge of the couch Buffy said "I didn't do anything," she said immediately.
Xander came in "The boss called ya." he said, shrugging.
Buffy sighed and got up from her seat on the couch, he made her way to her fathers office, and knocked. What the hell did he want? The man had been in a horrible mood as of late and she had no clue why.
"Come on it, Elizabeth" her father called. Buffy opened the door, and was slightly surprised to see Spike sitting on one of the chairs in front of her fathers desk.
"Yes sir?"
he said "Come on in… shut the door" the man behind the desk said smugly, eying her curiously. Buffy glanced at her Father, and he nodded.
She came in, and shut the door behind her. "Elizabeth Anne Summers. You have done a lot of things in your life, robbed… cheated and stole, murdered like a true assassin, but nothing you have done is anything compare to the multitude of this… amazing." Her father said as if he was angry for a minute she thought he was angry with her or something, she studied the older man. He was tall dark and very intimidating when need to be that was his attitude, that one could see just looking at him.
"But what I want to know is," he said. "You know this man." He held up a color photo of a man in a tux, smiling at a camera. Buffy froze, then forced herself to relax.
"Liam… Liam Adam Johansson." Buffy said coldly.
"What about it?" She didn't like to think about him. Or what her father might be up to dealing with him… she wanted him as far away from this life as possible, he smirked and said "you did it"
she said "not sure as to what the hell your talking about"
he said "this… this was your plan, I have to say I told you to show me something big and you did… it's ingenious."
She said "okay but I'm not sure what I did yet and what it has to do with him"
he said "now your being modest"
she said "no I'm serious"
Spike said "are you not seeing him."
Buffy said "yes…" she looked at the two men and saw right where the conversation was headed
she said "you figured me out huh"
he said "why did you hid this from us"
she said smiling "didn't know I could do it"
he came to her she smiled. He said "infiltrating his life… just genius"
she said "yes" she hopped on her fathers desk facing him as he sat next to Spike she said "you broke into his house last night"
he said "yeah what can I say I was curious"
Buffy said "it was Stupid, his families all over it"
Hank said "you did that… you should have only told me"
he said "sorry boss never again"
Buffy said "well here's the plan" she was coming up with it off the top of her head. "he like's me… let me correct that.. he loves me, he gave me this ring" she turned the ring on her finger "it's a Claddagh ring where it this way means I belong to him and he has the same kind meaning the same thing"
her father said "even better then I thought"
she said smiling "well let's say, we get together, some time in the near future he asks me to marry him and I say yes… we marry I get in and we can take each and everyone of them out from the inside and I'm so good at what I do, they would never suspect it… Spike and Faith take over the heist and steal all the money from his casino" she smiled we end up rich… they end up dead"
her father said "I knew that I made the right choice let ting you take over:"
she said "well I'm going to need a few things… Spike I going to need Willow to rewrite my profile and get it set up on me so when they look all they find is stuff on Annabelle Summers"
he said "got you it" he did quite believe her alibi.
She said "I'm going to have a meeting with the others later and tell Willow to change all there profiles as well"
he left. She said "so have I proved myself enough yet daddy"
he said "you talk a good game prove it and then… then we can talk"
she smiled "don't worry I can handle this"
he kissed her "make me proud Buffy"
she smiled "you know me" she left the office. She knew that all she could do was use that as a bargaining chip to prolong Angel life she only prayed her big mouth plan worked.
Go to next chapter
