In the living room Cherri, Charlie, and Vaggie were trying to figure out how to find Angel. Cherri already checked Valentino's popular or most used locations and found nothing. She even asked around Angel's usual pick-up spots and still nothing. She really didn't have a clue where he could be. Meanwhile, Charlie and Vaggie couldn't even begin to think of a location. They didn't know Valentino or his usual activities. The most they knew was that he ran porn studios but not where it was or how far the business went.
After what seemed like forever Charlie finally just brought out a map she had of the underworld. With it, they started crossing out locations Angel was not at. After a few minutes, the map was covered in Xs. The situation did not look good since it looked like most of their area was crossed off.
Charlie leaned back in her chair and groaned. "Angel where are you?"
Cherri who was still determined said, " we can't stop now. There has to be somewhere else. Somewhere more private."
"Well, obviously somewhere more private. Since we can't find him anywhere else." Vaggie was starting to get really annoyed. For a split moment, she even thought all this work was not worth it but she knew who sad Charlie would be if Angel was hurt or worse so she ignored that thought.
After looking at the map again Charlie noticed one area that was unusually blank. "What about here?" She said as she pointed to the area.
Cherri looked at it and said, "I'm not sure. Never been there. Angel often tells me where he goes and complains about who he was with but I don't think he has ever been there." Cherri thought for a moment. "Now that I think about it I am not even sure Valentino has any businesses over there."
"Do you think he brought angel there? It's quite far and out of Angel's normal locations. So no one would not think to look there."
Cherri got a huge grin on her face, "you know blondie you might be right. Let's go check it out." Cherri wasted no time and jumped from her set and headed straight for the door.
"Wait! Let's think of a plan first.?" Charlie called.
"We might not have time. You stay if you want but I am heading out now." Cherri ran through the door leaving Charlie and Vaggie shocked.
After a moment Charlie called out, "wait let's take the car. It will be faster." They both then ran after Cherri who was already out of sight.
When all three were gone Alastor appeared from the shadows and walked over to the map. He took note of where they were going and gained a nervous grin. He then walked away without another sound.
Meanwhile, Charlie and Vaggie finally caught up to Cherri, picked her up, and then they went to the location they hoped had Angel.
~over to Angel's location~
Angel for the first time in quite a while actually was able to rest. He was covered in cuts and bruises but he wasn't serving clients and that was a relief. Currently, he was just sitting in his bed trying to eat the meal Val brought it. It was nothing fancy, just some bread, and tomato soup but it was food. However, because he was so hurt at the moment it was a little difficult to eat but somehow Angel was managing.
While eating Angel couldn't help but look in a nearby mirror With the way he looks it's no wonder he was given a break. Even he could admit he wasn't looking his best anymore.
"I guess this is what I get." He whispered to himself before shedding a few more tears.
Just then Valentino barged into Angel's room causing Angel to jump. "V-Val. What's up." Angel said, trying to hide his tears but it did not work.
Val walked over to Angel and reached for his face. Angel flinched at the jester but all Val did was wipe his tears away.
"What's wrong Angel cakes?" Val said, sounding concerned but Angel knew better. Val didn't care. He was only acting concerned to try and keep him under control.
"Nothing. Just a little tired." Angel said, trying to hide his true feelings.
"Well rest up. Tomorrow you have a huge party to serve." Val sounded excited since it was going to be a huge moneymaker.
Angel shuddered at the thought. He didn't want to work anymore and he didn't want to listen to Val's commands. Val noticed how unhappy Angel was.
"What's wrong? Aren't you happy? You will be even closer to making it up to me with this?" Val reached over and gently crested Angel's cheek.
Angel couldn't argue. He wanted Val to stay in a good mood. He didn't want to be beaten again for disobeying him.
"Right." Was all Angel could say. He gave a tiny smile to show he was trying to be happy and to Val that was enough.
He let Angel go and walked to the door. "You know if you really want to speed this up you could…" before Val finished Angel yelled.
"NO! I can do it." Every now and then when Angel showed to be really worn out Val would point out that getting Charlie and everyone to help would speed up his dues. However, Angel did not want that. He didn't want them to go through what he does. In fact, he resented the idea.
"Whatever you say," Val said before leaving the room.
Once he was gone Angel punched a pillow and buried his face in it. He began sobbing. He believed this horrible life would never end. He even began to blame himself for this whole mess. He was the one who agreed to go to the hotel. He was the one who made friends. He was the one who got attached. He was also the one who chose this life. There was nothing he felt he could do and he hated that. For now, all he could do was cry.