Thanks to everyone who has reviewed or commented by email. All comments are welcome. I hope to get another chapter up before next weekend, but there will be a delay after that as real life intervenes to curb my alter ego. Hopefully, updates should be regular again from the beginning of November.

Chapter 3 - Separating the Friends

Grianne left the next morning with promises to keep in touch. Giles and Jenny stayed another day before they too had to travel south. Within a week, Alasdair had followed. At Alasdair's insistence, Emily moved in with the other two vampires. She wasn't happy about it, but he had been so unhappy at the prospect of her being alone that she had eventually given in. She was going to miss him so much anyway, and she didn't want him worrying unnecessarily.

Fortunately, that state of affairs didn't last too long, as within a fortnight of Alasdair going to London, they got word that he had found an ideal flat. Knowing that a move was imminent, Buffy and Spike were largely packed already, so within a couple of days, the three vampires bundled their belongings into Spike's Land Rover and headed for London.

The flat was in Swiss Cottage, close to the underground station. It was in the basement of what had originally been a rather grand house and it had three bedrooms, a kitchen, largish lounge and two separate shower rooms. There was also a small garden to the back with tall trees at sides and the end. This, coupled with the height of the building itself meant that there was little direct sunlight at any time of the day. The street outside was tree-lined, and it was obvious that on all but the sunniest days, it would even be possible for a prudent vampire to get to the underground station in daylight.

The biggest problem was that parking was at a premium in the street outside. There was no dedicated parking, and little room.

Alasdair had already moved into one of the bedrooms, and Emily approved his choice. Their room had high level windows that looked out into the garden, and a garden view, even if you had to stand on your toes to see it, for a vampire, was a real treat.

In County Wicklow, Grainne was spending her days in a dark office in the basement of the local library. She had arrived to several crates full of papers, and had been told that the events she was investigating were included. Her attempts to have someone help her sort through the papers to find only those relevant had fallen on deaf ears. It seemed that someone had pulled every document and newspaper report for the past hundred years which could arguably refer to witchcraft of some sort and placed it in random order in several large packing crates. To make matters worse, the languages included not just Irish Gaelic and English, but Latin, Greek, and several other languages Grianne didn't actually recognise. She tried to report the state of things to her boss in London, but was told in no uncertain terms, that her job was extremely urgent and important, and that she had better get to work.

Giles flew off to Malta in higher spirits. He was always sad to leave his family at home, but he had never visited Malta before, and had spent a couple of days finding out about the history of the island. What he found fascinated him, and he was determined to spend his spare time learning as much as he could.

He arrived at his hotel in Valetta, and found instructions for him from the Council. He was directed to contact a Mr. Moretti, who had an office in the old capital, Rabat, and he would have to hire a car to go there. He made the necessary arrangements, and with great excitement, headed inland the next morning.

He arrived at the address he had been given, only to be given another address. He followed a paper trail of addresses all morning, becoming angrier and angrier as he did so. It was hot and he was dressed as the Council considered appropriate - a suit with a white shirt and a tie. It was three in the afternoon when he was finally given an address in Valetta, and with a certain amount of relief, he headed back to the coast.

The building was an unprepossessing one close to the harbour. He climbed some dingy stairs and was admitted to an office. At last, he was admitted to the inner office and was greeted by his quarry.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Giles. I am so glad to meet you at last. I was expecting you this morning, but perhaps you wished to spend some time exploring our lovely island before you got down to business?"

Giles was incensed at the implication that he had put pleasure before business, but managed not to react visibly.

"Mr. Moretti, it's good to meet you, too. In fact, it's something of a relief considering I've spent the rest of the day on a wild goose chase in Rabat after the message that was left at my hotel."

"Oh, you were sent to Rabat? I'm so sorry. I'm sure I told the Council I had moved to Valetta, quite sure. But, no matter. I'm sure you enjoyed your little jaunt this morning. I'm afraid you may have to spend some more time getting to know our little country. You see, the artefact you're here to look at has recently been impounded by the Government. There has been some suggestion that foreign interests wish to remove it from Malta, and it has therefore been taken to a place of safety. We are, of course, fighting this move in the courts. It is imperative that such an important find be available for the scientific community to study. I am therefore sad to report that I cannot take you to begin your study. I hope that in a few days, …"

"I see. Do you envisage it taking longer than a few days?"

"No, no, I should think a few days, a week at most, and you will be able to begin your work."

"And you'll contact me when you hear something?"

"Of course, Mr. Giles, of course."

At that moment, Mr. Moretti's secretary called to tell him his three o'clock appointment had arrived, and it was obvious that Giles was supposed to leave. He did so with relief, thinking happily about a cool shower in his hotel room.

After he had showered, he made two calls. The first was to Jenny to let her know he was well. The second was to the Council to report on the delay. He managed to speak to the secretary to the assistant assistant director of the Council who told him his comments would be reported back. He was advised, however, that if it was urgent that he examine the artefact, it would be best for him to remain in Malta while the legal details were sorted out.

In London, Buffy and Spike moved into Alasdair's flat and made themselves comfortable. Emily was delighted to see Alasdair again, and the two of them headed for their bedroom, not to be seen for the best part of a day.

Spike spent the first evening showing Buffy the sights. They took the tube and travelled around. It was like having a professional tour guide. Not only could Spike tell her about London in its current state, he could also tell her how it was when he was alive. They walked arm in arm along streets and down alleys. The night was mild, and they were lost in the crowds of other young people out for the evening.

"You know, Spike, I don't think you've spoken so much for a long time."

"Is that a complaint? I mean, I can't remember you ever telling me I don't talk enough before. Made a few comments along the lines of 'shut up', especially when you were losing an argument, but …"

He was rewarded by an elbow in the ribs.

"Remind me not to talk to you again for a while. I just meant, last year, and it's good to have the talk back. And the time is probably fast approaching when I'll be back to asking you to shut up. So, why don't you just kiss me?"

Spike complied, and pulled her into his arms.

A while later, they had finished their sightseeing for the night, and were heading back towards a tube station, walking close to the river. It was obvious to Buffy that Spike had something on his mind.

"Ok, what's up? You're brooding, and you don't normally brood, well, not much."

"I never brood. I just don't." Spike was actually looking hurt.

"Well, it looks like brooding, but whatever it is, I just want to know what's worrying you. You're not still worried about the Council of Watchers, are you? I mean, Alasdair doesn't think there's anything to worry about."

"Yes, I know. Look, Alasdair's a great guy, good friend and all that. But, he's just too nice."

"How can someone be too nice?"

"Easy. He always sees the good side of things, of people. I mean, within hours of meeting me, he trusted me. Now, that didn't exactly show good judgement. He's not going to see a plot until it bites him in the arse."

"Oh, and you can?"

"Yeah, I'm evil. It takes evil to see it in others. There's something going on, and I just want to know what it is."

"Look, I know Grianne said things weren't going too well in Ireland, but Giles seemed very excited about things. You know Giles, give him something old and dusty, and he's all, animated. I just wonder how Jenny keeps his interest. I mean, not all that old, and I've never seen a speck of dust on her."

Spike gave her a look that said more than words could. It started at her toes and travelled up her body, lingering on several areas on the way up.

"I think I know what keeps Giles interested." He was openly leering by the time he reached her face. After six and a half years with Spike, Buffy was still glad she couldn't blush. Even so, she could feel the heat rising in her.

"Home?" she asked.

"Home" he agreed.

When Monday morning came along, Alasdair headed off for the Council offices, looking forward to his new assignment. Spike had spent a proportion of the weekend trying to impress upon his friend that there was something going on, and that he was best placed to find out what. He returned that evening with little information beyond the fact that he had been given his own office, and spent the day catching up on a year's worth of memoranda on subjects ranging from stationery supplies to booking annual leave.

A week later, nothing had changed with Alasdair. He'd managed to finish the general memoranda, and had been given some research to do, but the subject matter implied it was neither important nor urgent. He was becoming more and more demoralised, and he confided to Buffy that if it hadn't been for Emily he would have resigned.

The news from Giles was similarly disturbing. He had been cooling his heels for a week, and had nothing to show for it beyond a bit of a suntan.

"Not that I haven't enjoyed immersing myself in the history of the island, of course," he told Buffy on the phone. "It really is fascinating. The islands changed hands on a regular basis throughout history, and each culture left its own mark. But I came here to do a job. I've tried to get in touch with my contact here, but he's permanently 'in conference'. I've tried to persuade the Council that I should return to London, but they are adamant that I'm needed here. They claim to be expecting the court hearing to be taking place any day, and want me to be able to testify to the international importance of the find."

This news was coupled with the fact that Grianne seemed to have disappeared. They had called her hotel and been told that she had checked out. She certainly hadn't returned to her London flat, and Alasdair had enquired at the Council only to be told she was in Ireland on important business. In the end, it was Jenny who had the first news. She had a telephone number for Grianne's only living family, a sister who still lived in Ireland. A phone call to Siobhan had elicited the news that Grianne had written to her, and the letter was read over the phone.

Dear Siobhan,

I've been giving a lot of thought recently to my life. I realise that I haven't really achieved anything, and I've decided on a change of course. I'm not yet sure what I want to do, and intend to do some travelling. They always say that travel broadens the mind, and there are so many places in the world that I want to see.

Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I've got some savings, and I'll be in touch again when I know what I'm going to do.

Love,

Grianne.

At that point, Spike's paranoia was being shared by the other occupants of the house. Spike and Buffy were considering travelling to Ireland to find out what had happened to Grianne, but the next day, their plans were changed by another call from Jenny.

Buffy answered the phone to find a very distressed woman on the other end.

"It's Giles," she began, desperately trying to curb the rising panic she was feeling.

"What is, Jenny? What happened? Is he hurt?"

"No, I don't think so. He's been … arrested."

"Arrested?" Buffy's voice was shrill with disbelief. "What for?"

"He's been accused of trying to smuggle antiquities out of Malta! Giles would never, … He's a great believer in studying things in situ. He wouldn't .."

"I know, Jenny, I know. What does the Council say?"

Jenny was silent for a few seconds as she tried to keep her temper under control.

"They say, and I quote, 'The Council of Watchers in no way condones the smuggling of antiquities. If Mr. Giles has been arrested on such a charge, it seems likely that there is evidence to support the charge. Mr. Giles is a freelance researcher, not an employee of the Council, and therefore not entitled to legal representation paid for by the Council. I can only suggest you find a suitable solicitor.'"

It was Buffy's turn to be silent. Spike had come to the phone as the call progressed, the half he heard worrying enough.

"Look, Jenny, do you want us to come out? Would you feel better if we came for a visit?"

"Y .. yes, I would. Could you please?"

"Of course we can. Spike and I will be there later. I don't know about Alasdair and Emily, I'll speak to them before we leave. I know it's easier said than done, but take it easy, Jenny. We'll get a lawyer, and Giles'll be home in no time."

Buffy hung up the phone and explained the details of the call to Spike and Emily. Spike's reaction was predictable.

"I knew it. It's the Council. First Grianne disappears, then Giles. There's something going on. Where's Emily?"

"She's gone out. She wanted to do some shopping for Alasdair. I think she's trying to change his image a bit."

"When's she due back?"

"I don't know, Spike. She's loving the freedom so much, I haven't had the heart to try to keep her in. And, I mean, she's in a public place. You know, she's gone to the mall. The Council won't try anything there, will they?"

"I hope not," Spike conceded. "Look, Alasdair's due back within the hour, so Emily will probably be back soon. Let's discuss things with them, and then we can head out to Giles'. How is Jenny anyway? How's she bearing up?"

"Not good," Buffy replied. "She sounded frantic. What do you think the Council want?"

"Don't know, Pet, I really don't. It just worries me that Barrat's been given the Research job. I'm worried he's gunning for you or Emily. You know, souled vampires? Pretty unusual. Of course, I should be ok, not having a soul any more."

"Yeah, and that really made a difference, didn't it?"

"Didn't know I had one for the first five years, can't say I miss it now. What can I say? I think they're overrated."

Alasdair rang an hour later to tell them he'd be late. He was as surprised as the others that Emily hadn't returned, but didn't seem worried. As a result, Buffy and Spike decided to head out to see Jenny.

The drive took the best part of an hour. Traffic was heavy on the M1 "Isn't it always?" Spike complained. The Giles home was in Bedfordshire. It was within commuting distance of London, but far enough out to have a more open feel than the city itself.

Jenny was at the door before they even got out of the car. Her worry was evident on her face, her eyes red rimmed and her face as pale as Buffy's. She hugged both vampires as they came in, and took them into the lounge. She filled them in on the calls she'd made since she spoke to Buffy. She had managed to engage a solicitor, but he was unable to do anything until the next morning. His first step then would be to find Giles representation in Malta.

Several hours and a significant quantity of alcohol later, Buffy managed to get Jenny off to bed, and she and Spike made themselves comfortable in the guest room.