Instant Rewind: Chapter 11
Angel and Wesley stood in the lobby of Wolfram & Hart as if nothing had ever happened to it. Harmony was behind her desk fielding calls, Gunn was on the phone heading towards his office, Lorne was also attached to his phone with his assistant following at his heels, Fred and Spike were talking in the corner as she showed him some kind of report. The elevator sounded and four large men entered with the sarcophagus that was doomed to destroy Fred. Wesley and Angel stared at each other and both headed towards the object. Fred noticed and went towards them. Knox was at the head of the team and he smiled at her.
"Check it out!" He said. Angel stood in front of him and smiled. He hit him square in the face and broke his nose. Fred went to his side and looked up at him.
"Angel! What are you doing?" She asked. She helped Knox up and he stared at Angel. Addressing the men behind him Angel talked over Knox's protests.
"Get that thing out of this building, now." He said firmly.
"I second that." Wesley replied.
"This is important, we need to examine and open it." Knox said. Angel looked at him again.
"No, we don't. Get it out of my sight I NEVER want to see it again." The four other men hesitated but ultimately did as Angel asked.
"What do you want done with it sir?" They asked. Angel smiled.
"Take it downstairs and burn it."
"NO!" Knox cried. He lunged at Angel would grabbed him around the throat. Angel smirked and with a swift twist of his hands snapped Knox's neck. Knox's body fell to the ground and the four men carrying the sarcophagus promptly turned and took the heavy box to the basement to be destroyed. Fred looked at him sternly and put her hands on her hips.
"Is there a reason you decided to kill him?" She asked.
"Yes." Angel replied.
"But your not going to tell me are you?" She asked him.
"Nope." Angel turned away from them all and went up to Harmony, "Get rid of the body." She nodded and picked up the phone, "Emergency meeting, my office, now." He said as he walked back towards his office. Wesley shrugged and took Fred's hand as they walked towards Angel's office. Spike, Gunn and Lorne were close to follow. Spike closed the door behind him and hung back slightly as Angel turned and addressed the group. Wesley and Fred were both alive; all his friends except for Cordelia were here. It felt good to have them all in the same room. He just hoped he didn't screw it up. Wesley was the only one who knew how badly that could happen. Wesley was visibly happy that Angel had killed Knox and gotten rid of the box that would have taken Fred from him, his arm tightly around Fred's waist.
"I've had a change of heart." He said, "We are getting the hell out of here."
"What are you talking about?" Fred asked.
"We are leaving Wolfram & Hart. You were right all along, this place is evil and we never should have come here. I was so blinded by trying to save the world and thinking I could do it from inside the belly of the beast. We need to get out before it's too late." Lorne sat down and crossed his legs.
"How do you propose we do that Angelcakes, if you haven't noticed we are in a contract with the company, there is no getting out." He said.
"Yes, there is. We need Lindsey."
"He's in a hell dimension getting his heart ripped out, how do we get him?" Spike asked.
"We go down and get him. Screw what the Senior Partners want. Screw this place." Angel stated firmly.
"Why the sudden change of heart?" Fred asked.
"It's not sudden. It should have happened a long time ago. But here we are. So are you in or not? Wesley and Gunn can work on the legal end of things while Spike and I get Lindsey."
"What are we doing with the Texan once we have him?" Spike asked.
"Giving him Wolfram & Hart. It's what he's always wanted well he can have it. I'm done with it." Angel sat on his desk and for a moment thought of stopping. Wesley saw it in his eyes but quickly gave him a stern look, which said to Angel, we have no other options. Fred noticed the exchange but didn't ask questions.
"Are they really going to let us walk out?" She asked.
"Not sure, but we can dig out the contracts and find out." Gunn said, "I'm good with leaving if you guys are."
"I think I've had enough of this place to last me the rest of my life." Lorne replied honestly.
"Could you a change in scenery myself." Spike admitted. Angel knew what that meant. I'll be damned if Spike gets to be with Buffy. Angel thought. Angel knew that when this was over he was going back to his reality where she was waiting for him, if there was one thing he was determined to do other than what he had to, it was to make sure that this Buffy was waiting for this realities Angel. Angel didn't let the comment physically bother him as he surveyed the group. Wesley smiled.
"Let's get started then shall we." He said. Angel nodded indicating that their emergency meeting was over. Slowly the group left Angel's office leaving Angel alone with Wesley. Angel looked at his friend and smiled. Angel sat behind his desk and put his feet up. Wesley laughed and sat in front of his boss, mimicking his posture. Slowly, Wesley shook his head.
"What?" Angel asked.
"How did you know that Knox was the one that turned Fred into a demon? Did the same fate happen to your Fred?" He asked. Angel shook his head.
"No actually. Nothing happened to my Fred and Cordelia certainly isn't dead."
"So, how did you know then?"
"I can't explain it…but when we walked through the doorway something came over me. Its like I just knew. Like I became your Angel, or I was given his memories. I don't know…does that make sense?" Angel asked.
"Not really, but I'll take it. Anything else we should be wary of?"
"I don't know. Its hard to explain when the memories come, they just happen."
"Well, thank god for that. I was worried I would have to explain everything to you." Wesley said.
"You still might." Wesley stood and walked towards Angel's office door. He stopped at the entrance to the office and turned back to Angel.
"You know where I'll be." Wesley said to him. Angel nodded and watched the door close behind him. Angel looked around his office taking in every detail of it. This might be the last time he got the chance to sit in his office and be the boss. He swung his chair around and stood. Angel got up out of his chair and looked out the window. The scene he saw was much different than the one he had woken up in. Instead of burning buildings and an abandoned city, he saw busy streets and blue skies. Angel smiled. Sighing deeply Angel knew there was one other thing he had to do. This Angel had a hard life, it was time he had something good happen to him. Walking back to his office, angel picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. He waited on the other end until someone picked up the line.
"Hey." He said. A familiar voice sounded over the other end, "Hey."
--
(The Merger negotiations)
It only took them three hours to finally get the clans to agree to the terms. The largest demonic merger in history had just been achieved. As all parties shook hands and signed the treaty in blood, Angel included realization began to sink in. Angel was done what he was told to do. He'd finished the merger, he planed on signing over the CEO position to Lindsey in the morning and he'd mended the relationship between himself and Buffy. As Hamilton showed the parties out and Harmony handed them their own copy of the treaty, Angel thought for a moment about his counterpart. He wondered if he was keeping up his end of things, or if he even knew about it. The room slowly emptied out and Lindsey and Angel were left alone. Lindsey walked up to him and gave him a hug. If this had been any other time, Angel would have hit him, but he knew that this Angel and Lindsey were good friends. Angel hugged him back and smiled. Lindsey let go and held his shoulders for a moment.
"We did it. This is the biggest thing to ever happen to Wolfram & Hart in centuries. I can't believe we did it. I think I'm still in shock." Lindsey said. He walked away from him and sat down. He leaned to the side and pulled out a bottle of champagne, "Care to join me in a victory glass?" Angel smiled and sat down next to him as Lindsey poured. Lindsey handed him the glass and together they drank. Angel leaned back in his chair mimicking Lindsey's posture.
"It's all over. Thank god. I've had enough of having to look over my shoulder for someone trying to kill me."
"And you can bring your family home." Lindsey interceded.
"Yeah. I can bring them home." Angel wasn't sure how much Lindsey knew about where they were but he figured after all they had been through it was time he told him what was going on, "Look I haven't been completely honest with you about some things."
"Don't worry about it. Really. We're friends and that's all that matters. Its all behind us now."
"No, I really need to tell you." Angel told Lindsey everything about what was going on. From the point when he woke up in the wrong world to where Buffy and the kids were and the secret meetings he'd had with Wesley. Lindsey listened and for a moment Angel thought he didn't believe him until he laughed.
"I knew there was something wrong with you. I didn't realize it was this big, but I knew. Some of the things you were doing and saying were just not like the Angel I knew. We'll to be honest, I'm glad it wasn't our Angel dealing with this. He would have used violence." Angel laughed at the comment.
"There were times I seriously considered it." He admitted. Lindsey finished his drink and put the glass on the table.
"So now what? Now that you're done this, what next?"
"Not sure. I've done what they've asked of me, except for one thing."
"And what's that?" Lindsey asked.
"That I give Wolfram & Hart to you." Angel said finishing his drink. Lindsey stared at Angel with a dumbstruck look on his face.
"Are you serious? They want you to leave the company to me?" He asked.
"Yeah they do. They want me to sign everything over to you and leave L.A." Angel stood and walked towards the window.
"What do you think this Angel's reaction is going to be when he gets back to find you've handed over his law firm to me?"
"Not really sure, but the only way home is to do it and no offence but I don't know if I'm cut out for this." Angel stated.
"What about Buffy? The kids?"
"I was never meant to be in this world. Buffy is in my world, I'm thinking maybe I should make some changes; go to her instead of waiting for her to come to me. Kids, well, I have Connor in my world. That's good enough for me."
"Something tells me that is a lie."
"I'm not meant to be here. I was never meant to be here, I know that. It's time I got back." Angel said.
"Fair enough. Besides, I like my Angel better. Not as tortured." Angel laughed and turned back to Lindsey.
"She knows about the affair." Angel said quietly.
"I know." Lindsey said. Shock registered on Angel's face when he turned to Lindsey.
"How…"
"I'm the one who told her." Lindsey stood and walked up to Angel, "I couldn't stand what was happening to her under her nose. I love Buffy like a sister; it bothered me that I was covering up for you so often. So I pushed her in the right direction to find out. She was more grateful than hateful. I did it for your own good."
"I'm not sure if I should thank you or beat you up."
"I didn't do it to hurt anyone, I just wanted to stop lying to her. I was sick of covering up the late nights and making up excuses for you to go out with her. Buffy's a good woman and you should be lucky she stayed with you." Lindsey finished.
"I know I am lucky. I promise you Lindsey, that all of that is over forever. I can even make sure that your Angel promises you that."
"I sure hope so." Lindsey said turning to face Angel, "So when do I take over?" He raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Tomorrow at the board meeting. I will have the new contract there for you to sign and as of nine o'clock tomorrow morning you will be the new CEO of Wolfram & Hart." Angel said.
"Wow, that is soon. I should be grateful, but for some reason I'm a little worried."
"Don't be. You know what you're doing. I'm sure they wouldn't ask me to do this if they didn't think you knew what you were doing. Besides someone has to run this place."
"I won't let you down."
"Sure you will, but that is the difference between me and you. You know how to do this properly, I don't. You'll do fine." Angel walked away from Lindsey and headed towards the door. Angel put his hand on the knob and opened the door.
"Where are you going?" Lindsey asked.
"To get my family." Angel walked out of the office and closed the door. Lindsey stood in the conference room attached to Angel's office, his office. Lindsey looked around and thought about all the things that Angel had done over the years and hoped that he could do just as well. Despite Angel's good boy exterior, he had done amazing things with this company and Lindsey only hoped he could keep it running.
--
Angel walked through the double doors of the Hyperion with no fear. He was sure that the other Angel would have thought twice about it, but now with everything coming to an end there was no reason to fear anything. Cordelia was sitting on the round couch with Liam as he was doing his homework. Fred came over and interceded when necessary. Gunn and Connor were practicing with swords in the corner. Wesley was on the phone with Bella sitting on the counter talking in his other ear. He didn't hear Buffy come up behind him and touched his shoulder.
"Hey." She said. Angel turned and wrapped his arms around her waist kissing her full on the lips. She leaned into his body and smiled into his kiss. She moved back and continued to smile.
"Hey. I missed you." Angel said.
"We missed you too. So with you being here does that mean it's all over?" She asked.
"It's all over. Officially over as of nine tomorrow morning." Angel noticed that everyone had stopped what they were doing and were listening to what they were saying, he didn't care.
"What happens tomorrow morning?"
"I sign the entire company over to Lindsey McDonald." Buffy's mouth dropped and her eyes widened.
"What?"
"What?" The rest of the room said in unison. Angel took Buffy hand and walked into the lobby of the hotel. Bella had begged Wesley to get her down and she raced into her dad's arms. Angel lifted her above his head, received a cry of joy, and settled her on his hip.
"I'm giving it all up, like I promised." Angel said, "We finished the merger today. Made history with it, but I think I've outstayed my welcome. I promised you guys a vacation, its just going to a lot longer than you expected."
"I suppose we should all be grateful that things are coming to an end with Wolfram & Hart." Wesley said.
"Yeah, things are going to go back to normal. In a sense." Angel replied.
"Well, you've certainly been busy." Cordelia said standing. She walked towards him and wrapped her bronzed arms around his neck. Angel hugged her back and smiled.
"It's good to know that the old Angel is still with us." She said. Bella laughed as Cordelia tickled her belly. Bella roughly hit her head against Angel's shoulder and turned her face so she was looking into her father's chest. Cordelia tickled her again and moved towards the rest of the team.
"We've been talking and we'd like to offer you your job back, when your done with the vacation thing I mean." She said. Angel sighed.
"That sounds amazing, but as part of my agreement to leave Wolfram & Hart with Lindsey I have to leave L.A." Buffy's face fell.
"What do you mean, leave L.A.? You mean for good?" She asked.
"Yeah."
"Don't you think we should have talked about that first?" She asked him crossing her arms.
"I didn't think you would care. I thought you'd want to get out of her and start fresh."
"Start fresh where?" She demanded. Angel put Bella down and placed his head on Liam's head messing up his hair.
"I have a piece of land and a house in Ireland that I've been hanging onto. It was my grandfather's. I thought we could go there."
"Well sounds like you've got your plans." Connor said as he put his sword down and walked away from everyone. Angel called after him.
"Connor! Wait!" Connor stopped and remained standing with his back to his father, "I want you to come too. I'm sorry for whatever I've done to you and I know I have a lot to make up for, but I'd like to try." Connor turned slowly anguish on his face.
"I…I can't just leave." He said, "It's not that easy for me. What about my friends, I'm not going to abandon them like you did."
"Okay, I deserve that. I know its not easy for you, but the offer is there if you want it." They stared at each other for a while before Bella grabbed Angel's pants.
"Are we going home now?" She asked as Angel looked down at her.
"Yes we are." Angel replied. Bella's face erupted into a smile as she raced up the stairs to get her things. Liam smiled and lowered his head. Angel sat down next to him and put his arm around his shoulders.
"What's wrong?" Liam looked up and smiled.
"I don't want to go back." He said.
"What do you mean?" Angel asked.
"I like it here. Everyone's really nice. Fred helps me with my math homework and Connor's really cool. I want to stay." Liam said quietly. Angel smiled and hugged his son closer. He looked at Buffy as she slowly nodded to him.
"I like it here too." Angel said, "If Wesley and his friends will let us stay."
"Didn't we just offer you your job back?" Cordelia stated. Angel laughed.
"I suppose you did."
"Does that mean we can stay?" Liam asked.
"Of course you can stay." Fred said for everyone, "Can't they?" She looked around to her friends who all nodded slowly, even Gunn. Liam smiled and looked over at Connor. Connor nodded to his little brother, slowly turned and walked up the stairs. Bella stood at the top of the stairs with her little back in one hand and Winnie the Pooh in the other. Connor passed her and patted her head. She ran down the stairs and went up to her father.
"Ready!" She said.
"Change of plans monkey, we are going to stick around for a while." Bella pouted. Angel put a finger under her chin and lifted her face.
"I'm going to stay this time." He said.
"Yay!" Angel smiled and hugged his daughter. She let go of him and bounded back up the stairs. Quickly she turned at the top and smiled wide, "I really like it here!" She disappeared down the corridor and closed the door to their suite. Buffy walked up to Angel and put a hand on his shoulder. Angel turned his head and smiled.
"Are you really serious? We can leave and have a normal life?" She asked.
"No more evil, no more Wolfram & Hart. I promise." Buffy threw her arms around Angel's neck and held him close. Angel wrapped his arms around her tiny waist and pulled her closer.
"I love you." Buffy whispered.
"I love you."
--
Hours later Wesley, Gunn, Connor and Angel sat around a large table with four shot glasses. Bella and Liam were asleep and the girls had headed out to a movie, it was the perfect opportunity for the guys to have some time alone. Wesley had pulled out a deck of cards earlier and they were on their third bottle of Whisky when Connor pulled out another Full House. Connor laughed and pulled the winning chips towards him. Gunn threw down his cards and frowned.
"How do you keep doing that?" He demanded.
"Not telling, it's my secret." He replied. Angel laughed and threw his cards in.
"Well, I'm done. I have an early day tomorrow and travel plans to make." Angel stood and put down the money he owed the game, "Goodnight." Angel picked up his coat and headed towards the door.
"I thought you were staying?" Connor asked.
"One more night away and then everything will be over. Believe me, I would give nothing more than to stay with my family and friends, but I need to make sure everything is in order and to get our things out of that building. As soon as I sign over the company they aren't going to way me to stay much longer."
"What do you want me to tell…"
"Tell them the truth. Tell them I'm at Wolfram & Hart for one final night and then I'm all theirs. No sense in lying, it gets you into a lot of trouble."
"Dad," Connor said standing, "Did you hit Buffy?"
"No. I would never hit Buffy, ever." Angel said sternly.
"Then who…"
"Hamilton. He…Buffy was the one stealing files from Wolfram & Hart and feeding them to you guys." Off their look Angel smiled, "Don't be so surprised. Lindsey told me…Hamilton took her Slayer strength and…He did it as a threat to get her to stop stealing files."
"Why did he just kill her?"
"Because he knew what I would do to him. I may not be happy about the fact that she was doing it, but I've done worse things to her." Angel smiled and pulled his coat on, "Look, she doesn't know that I know. She thinks I believe it was Sara who did it, lets just leave it that way." Connor nodded. Angel moved towards the door and opened it, walking into the night towards Wolfram & Hart for the final time.
--
At nine o'clock the following morning, Angel had managed to pack the entire penthouse. A moving truck was going to arrive at the building by ten; it was ten minutes to nine and Angel was more than ready to move on with his life. Surveying the penthouse one final time Angel smiled. Moment later he arrived in his office where Lindsay and Hamilton were waiting. The representative body of the Senior Partners was also present, a beautiful brunette with a slender figure and an angelic face. Hamilton looked angry, Lindsay hopeful and the Senior Partners, amused.
"You are making a mistake Angel." Hamilton declared. Angel laughed slightly.
"No I'm not." The contract lay on Angel's desk ready to be signed by all four parties.
"You are sure about this?" The Senior Partners asked, "There is no going back."
"I'm sure. I've done all I need to do. The rest is up to you." Angel sat down at his desk for one final time. The Senior Partners physical body sat on the corner of Angel's desk. She placed her finger on the contract and a stylized 'SP' appeared on the paper. She folded her arms and waited. Hamilton moved towards the desk and picked up the quill. He pricked his finger and signed the witness line. He handed Lindsay the quill and following Hamilton's lead, did the same signing the line indicating him the new CEO of Wolfram & Hart. Handing the writing instrument to Angel, Lindsay held his breath. He had been waiting for this all his life, to become the CEO of Wolfram & Hart. He was never a bad guy, but this was what he'd been working towards ever since he joined the company all those years ago. He believed in what Angel had done with the company and he had every intention of continuing Angel's work. Angel took the quill and pricked his finger; there was no hesitation as Angel signed his name. When he put the pen down the contract sealed itself and disappeared.
"Done." The Senior Partners said. She extended her hand and Angel took it, "It's been interesting working with you. You do realize you need to…"
"Leave town. Got it covered." Angel replied. She smiled.
"Excellent. Well if that is all, Lindsay congratulations, we always knew that you would do great things." She said. She stood and walked away from them disappearing before their eyes.
"Well, I don't think you need to know you have to leave the building." Hamilton said.
"I'm aware. Don't worry I'll be gone within the hour." Angel watched Hamilton leave. Still sitting in his chair he regarded his friend. Smiling, Angel stood and pulled the chair out for his friend. Angel put his hand on the back of the chair and motioned for Lindsay to take a seat. Lindsay walked around behind Angel's desk and ran his hand down the chair.
"Stop admiring it and sit down." Angel said. Lindsay slowly took a seat in his new chair moving it from side to side. Angel walked around to the front of the desk and sat in the chair opposite.
"Now this is strange." Lindsay said.
"Yeah, but you deserve it. This is all yours now. I know you'll do well Lindsay. Just believe in what you know and what you don't, you never know where your instincts will take you."
"Thank you Angel, you have no idea how much you've taught me." Lindsay replied honestly.
"I'm sure…"
"No really. I won't let you down." Lindsay reached his hand out and Angel took it. They shook hand for a moment before releasing. The buzzer on the desk sounded and Harmony's voice filled the office.
"The moving truck is here boss."
"Hmm, their early. Thanks Harmony." The speakerphone clicked off and Angel took one final look around the office. Angel stood and walked towards the entrance of the office. Lindsay stood and followed him out. Together they walked to the elevator where Harmony and several other Wolfram & Hart staff members were waiting. Harmony handed Angel a bottle of champagne and kissed his cheek.
"See you later, boss. Good luck and all." She said.
"Thanks Harmony." The elevator sounded behind him and Angel regarded Lindsay one final time.
"Good luck, Mr. McDonald." Angel said.
"You too." Angel let go of the hold button on the elevator door and watched slowly as they closed in front of him. The elevator descended to the ground level where the movers loaded the last of Angel and his family's things. Angel's car was waiting for him, his GTX, Angel opened the door and started the car. The movers were quick; they were waiting for him to show them where to take everything. Angel smiled and drove off the Wolfram & Hart property for the final time.