The Fall of William
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon owns Btvs.
A/N: Okay these past two chapters have been full of angst and well I never actually intended that. It just sort of snuck up on me. So this is going to be the last flashback chapter. We'll move on with the current plot in chapter 12. Don't worry though more flashbacks will be coming when needed. I want to thank all who have reviewed this story so far. I am very grateful. Onto the story. Enjoy. Skyz
~*~
Gunn stretched and rose from his slouched position on the couch as the men came back in plates of food in their hands.
"Whatcha get us?" he asked curiously, as he wandered toward one of the men.
"This is ours," he replied as he clutched his plate closer.
"But....but I thought you were getting us food? I'm hungry and I don't need this! I want some food," Anya exclaimed as she rose too striding over to the leader and getting into his face.
"Step aside," he ordered.
"No," she replied stubbornly looking down at his plate. It was just sandwiches and chips but to her it looked divine. She hadn't eaten since that morning and she was starving.
"Give it to me," she demanded as her hand reached out and she snatched it up and stuffed half of it in her mouth.
"Hey," the leader yelled as he put his plate down and went after Anya.
"Anya," Willow started. "Give him back the sandwich you don't want to make them mad do you?"
"Shut up," Anya spat between mouthfuls as she dodged the leader who was chasing her.
Willow rose and tried to intervene.
"Listen she's already eaten half why don't you just let it go?" she asked.
"Shut up," one of the other men said as they watched the chase with amusement.
Gunn leaned against the wall next to one of the men and smiled widely.
"Now if Will would get into it and there was a pool of mud....that would make my day," Gunn said leering at Anya as she zigzagged around.
"I know what you mean," the man replied with a laugh.
"Do you?" Gunn asked laughing too as he turned and brought his fist up and smashed it against the guards nose. "Didn't think you did."
He watched the man slowly slid down the wall and grabbed the gun he had been holding.
He looked around and was pleased to see while the guards were busy watching Willow and Anya the other men had done the exact same thing he had.
Now armed and back in control Xander stepped forward and tapped the leader on the shoulder.
"Hi," he said with a grin as the larger man whirled and gaped in shock at the sight before him.
"He's mine Xander," Anya said as she came to stand in front of Xander.
"No it's okay Ahn I have it," Xander replied easily as he tried to move her aside.
"Don't touch me Xander! I don't need your help in this. I may not be the Slayer but I know how to kick some ass," she hissed bitterly as she reached out and lifted her fist.
"No you don't honey," the man began but Oz who had snuck up behind him gripped his arms from behind in a surprisingly strong grip for such a small man.
"Go ahead," Oz, urged as the man struggled.
Winding her arm back, she let her fist fly forward...
The man managed to jerk his head aside at the last minute and Anya teetered and fell forward. Xander reached out and caught her around the waist before she could slump to the floor.
She gave a huge sigh and pouted as she jerked from Xander's grasp.
"I would have had him," she muttered.
"Right," Willow readily agreed.
"Yeah Anya you almost had him. Good job," Xander felt the need to add.
Quickly Oz knocked the leader out and with Gunn's help tied their new prisoners up. He couldn't help but shake his head at what Xander said though. Would he never learn?
"What?' Anya asked incredulous. "Good job? Xander it was your fault, you were standing so close I couldn't think straight!"
Xander couldn't help the grin that formed as he took a step closer to her. His hope shining brightly in his brown eyes.
"Does that mean you forgive me?" he asked hopefully.
"Does that mean I forgive you?!" she echoed angrily as she took a step closer to him. She jabbed a finger at his chest. "No! It was your overwhelming offensive presence that made me miss!"
"But....but Ahn I don't love her! C'mon I've known her for over ten years. Of course, there would be some feelings there. I love her. Like a friend. Like I love Willow-" he broke off knowing he shouldn't have said that last part as he saw Anya's face turn red.
Quickly he raised his arms in defense and took three quick steps back.
"Don't hit me," he pleaded.
Willow rolled her eyes and settled back down on the couch to continue trying to crack the code Spike had given her. She was curious as to what it was. He had only told her he had gotten it from Riley.
Whom he had killed, she thought with a shudder.
Therefore, it had to be important.
"Here," Gunn's voice broke the tense silence as he came forward and gripped Anya by the arm and stuffed her gym bag into her arms. "Here's your money babe. Better count it. Never know..." he began leadingly.
It was enough.
She let out a muffled moan as she retreated to count her money.
Gunn turned back to the men and jerked his head to the stairs.
"Coming?" he asked as he reached the first stair.
"Yeah," Xander exclaimed following quickly.
Oz glanced back at Willow questioningly.
"Keep it simple and don't hurt him okay? Cuz if she finds out you have she'll be furious. Keep Xander away from him too," she added as he bounded up the stairs with a curt nod.
Then there was silence except for the quiet voice of Anya as she counted her money.
".....One hundred and three, one hundred and four, one hundred and five."
~*~
Flashback...
It was a relief to wake up and find himself alone. Slightly groggy Spike lifted himself up on his elbows and looked around the large bedroom for any signs of Buffy.
When he didn't hear any he rolled out of bed and gave a slight yelp as he realized what he was wearing. One of Buffy's too small t-shirts was stretched across his chest and barely covered half his stomach. And.....his eyes widened in horror as he took in the mid calf length sweats she'd put on him. A glaring shade of pink.
Rubbing his head, he shook it.
"Well damn," he muttered.
A fella couldn't even sob himself to sleep any more with out having to worry about waking up looking like an over sized Ken doll, he thought bemusedly.
Amusement was close to coming out and he forced it away as he realized that she had actually wasted the time in dressing him while he'd been in a deep dreamless sleep.
A scowl appeared quickly followed by the thought that he had cried in front of her. No, not cried. He'd sobbed and it hadn't been pretty.
Way to go you bloody git, he thought self deprecatingly. Make a wuss out of yourself.
Glancing around he found that his clothes were nowhere to be seen. He wandered into the en suite bathroom and then out into the livingroom.
He gave a frustrated sigh before he went in search for a note of some kind. She'd probably gotten his clothes cleaned, he thought as he looked for a note.
Finding none, he contemplated waiting for her to come back, or calling room service. But dismissed them as the reason he was in London came flooding back. He had things to take care of.
This meant he had to go back to his hotel and set things up.
Snatching up the phone, he made a few quick calls and finding a stray piece of paper and a pen, he wrote Buffy a quick note.
Hesitated over adding the last part but did anyway.
With one last look around the room, he hurried out.
He took a lift to the lobby and ignored the odd looks he had gotten from the other occupants of the lift.
The doors swooshed open and he stepped out as if he owned the place.
Through the revolving doors and out onto London's rainy streets. He had only a few minutes to wait before his limo came.
His driver pulled up with a squeal of tires and hurriedly got from the car to open Spike's door.
"Thank you," Spike replied as he brushed past him and into the car.
The driver craned his neck to get a better look at his bottom.
Laughed aloud.
Spike turned to look at him with narrowed eyes.
"Something funny?" he asked curiously.
The man brushed his amusement aside immediately.
"No sir," he muttered shut the door and hurried back to his side. But he couldn't help but grin as he thought of the words displayed defiantly on the rear end of Spike's sweat pants.
Bitch.
Shaking his head, he got into the drivers seat and drove away from the hotel.
~*~
Buffy walked briskly through the crowded pub, made her way to the back, and was immediately spotted.
"Slayer," the owner exclaimed fearfully as he eyed her suspiciously.
Buffy smiled slowly and gave Willy a pat on the back.
"Hey Willy. Got a minute?" she asked as she swung a companionable arm over his skinny shoulders.
"S....Sure anything for you," he managed to get out.
She let him lead them into the back where his office was. Once the door was closed behind them, Buffy lost her smile and good attitude.
"Why didn't you answer my calls Willy? If you had I wouldn't have had to come down here to get what I want!"
Willy looked anywhere but at her.
"I uh....I'm sorry. I couldn't. I was busy," he replied quickly.
"Well listen I need a favor," Buffy quickly told him what it was and he couldn't help but shake his head in surprise.
"Don't you have your own for this?" he couldn't help but ask.
All he got was a cold blank stare in response.
"Okay. Okay. I'll do it. Just uh...okay. Can you go now? I do have a business to run you know," he muttered.
Buffy flashed a quick grin.
"That's only because I let you. Remember that Willy," she warned him as she turned on her heel and left him standing staring after her.
Quickly he gave a deep breath and picked up his phone.
"Hello? It's Willy," he said urgently.
~*~
Quentin Travers lounged behind his desk a relaxed expression on his face that was misleading. Inside he was tense and impatient.
"What is it Willy?" he demanded.
"The Slayer was just here," he exclaimed.
Quentin clucked his tongue and closed his eyes.
"Was she? What did she want?" he asked.
Willy hesitated and then spoke, not knowing why he lied but knowing if he was going to cross someone he rather it be this old goat than the Slayer.
"Um she was just checking in on.....any more leads on William the Bloody like you said she would. I gave her nothin' though," he added with a grin.
"That's the only reason you're calling me?" Quentin asked displeased as he sat up and rested his elbows on his desk.
"Well yeah. She freaked me out. She's intimidating man! Which is weird cuz she's so small and harmless looking. You would never know she was a trained-"
Quentin hung up on Willy's incessant voice and dialed Angel's number quickly.
"Tierney," Angel answered drawlingly.
Quentin gritted his teeth to keep from growling.
"Well?" he demanded.
"He went to see her last night," Angel replied immediately.
"Then?"
"He stayed the night."
"So they're sleeping together?" Quentin demanded.
"Yes," Angel grudgingly replied.
"I thought I told you to get in good with her?! How did this happen? It they're lovers it won't make this any easier. In fact it-"
"Calm down Quint," Angel said easily. "If I know Spike and I do he's gonna be out for blood. He warned the guy who sold those drugs to his mom he'd die if he did it again. He's reckless like that. He'll get sloppy. And what is your straight laced agent gonna do once she sees him in action huh? She's gonna take him out. In fact I'm certain of it. They'll kill eachother. Just have to give her a nudge in the right direction Quint. I'll handle this."
Angel hung up without waiting for a reply from Quentin and smiled to himself as he called Buffy's hotel room.
By tonight, he was certain he would be in control of all of Spike's territory.
His smile turned into a grin.
~*~
Spike leaned against the wall as his men busted down the door to the small house that night and followed them in slowly.
His eyes took in the emptiness of the house and he gave a small smile.
"Skipped out on me did you boy?" he murmured to himself.
"Boss we got him," one of his men said as he hung up his cell.
"Two blocks down. Was looking for another hit. Seems he hasn't been here in some time. Who do you think cleared this out?"
Spike shrugged and turned on his back to them as he strode out.
He had a pretty good idea who had and he'd deal with him later, he thought as he made his was down the street.
He found the dealer being held in an alley two blocks away and let a small smile play around the corner of his lips.
It hadn't been too hard to find out who'd been the one supplied his mum with the drugs that had finally killed her. In fact, since she'd mentioned the dealers name a number of times he'd made it his mission to get his message across to the pissant. He'd had a few of his men beat the shit out of him.
Seemed it hadn't stuck with him.
Spike smiled as he approached the man with deceptive calmness.
"You know who I am?" he asked casually.
"Should I?" the man replied arrogantly.
"You should," Spike replied as he slowly stepped forward and raised a gloved hand to point one finger at the man.
"I warned you didn't I? I warned your boss and look what happened. I guess I know now, if you want something done right you gotta do it yourself huh?"
The man began to struggle in earnest now as he saw Spike change right before his eyes.
"What was her name?" Spike asked.
The man groaned as he felt the knife slid easily into his stomach. The hand clamped over his mouth muffled his scream as Spike twisted it.
"What was her name?"
"E.....E...llie," he gasped out as the hand was briefly removed.
"That's right Ellie Devlin and I told you if she died you died. You messed with the wrong man here mate."
Spike ripped open his shirt and with the skill of an artist carved the letter W into the man's chest.
"We're finished here," Spike muttered as he finished and his men released the man and he slumped to the ground. "You're an example Warren. Mess with William the Bloody and you die. I'll see you in hell."
They left the alley and soon disappeared.
~*~
Buffy slipped out of her car and made her way across the street.
She'd seen Spike exit the alley and now with a feeling of dread she made her way into it.
The stench of blood was overwhelming and she narrowed her eyes and pulled out a mini flashlight. Flicking it on she wasn't surprised when she spotted a body lying on the ground or the puddle of blood that pooled around it.
She shone the light on the man's face and shook her head.
She didn't know him but as she reached out to feel a pulse she was saddened to know she'd let a man die while she'd been busy wondering whether to come here tonight or not.
The call from Angel had been surprising and she'd been doubtful when he said William wanted her to keep an eye on Spike. She had explained she hadn't seen Spike since last night and didn't feel the need to keep tabs on the man. He had just lost his mother and she hadn't wanted to intrude on his grief.
So reluctantly she'd put out feelers and had ended up at this alley in time to see Spike come strolling out followed by a group of men that could only have been muscle.
Not a good sign, she thought now as she felt for a pulse and found none. Her eyes and light drifted to the man's chest. They narrowed quickly as she saw the shape of a W carved through the thatch of hair that covered the center of his chest. The knife had easily cut a path through it and deep into the skin.
William the Bloody, she thought numbly. It screamed out at her and rising she pulled out her cell. Called the Bobbies and quickly left the scene.
Spike couldn't be William the Bloody, she thought. No, he was just the driver and that was all he was.
She shook her head.
She didn't believe that.
She wasn't stupid nor was she blind.
What better way to hide but in plain sight? She thought mockingly as she slid into her car and gave a humorless laugh.
"Oh...he's good," she muttered. "Almost had me fooled."
But it wasn't for sure, a voice in her head announced. He could be killing in William's name. He could just be a driver.
True.
However, she wasn't buying that.
Disgust filled her at how she'd comforted him last night. Now she was glad the bet hadn't been fulfilled that she hadn't wound up in bed with him.
Sleeping with the enemy would have taken on a whole new meaning.
"Doesn't matter I'll know one way or the other," she mumbled.
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon owns Btvs.
A/N: Okay these past two chapters have been full of angst and well I never actually intended that. It just sort of snuck up on me. So this is going to be the last flashback chapter. We'll move on with the current plot in chapter 12. Don't worry though more flashbacks will be coming when needed. I want to thank all who have reviewed this story so far. I am very grateful. Onto the story. Enjoy. Skyz
~*~
Gunn stretched and rose from his slouched position on the couch as the men came back in plates of food in their hands.
"Whatcha get us?" he asked curiously, as he wandered toward one of the men.
"This is ours," he replied as he clutched his plate closer.
"But....but I thought you were getting us food? I'm hungry and I don't need this! I want some food," Anya exclaimed as she rose too striding over to the leader and getting into his face.
"Step aside," he ordered.
"No," she replied stubbornly looking down at his plate. It was just sandwiches and chips but to her it looked divine. She hadn't eaten since that morning and she was starving.
"Give it to me," she demanded as her hand reached out and she snatched it up and stuffed half of it in her mouth.
"Hey," the leader yelled as he put his plate down and went after Anya.
"Anya," Willow started. "Give him back the sandwich you don't want to make them mad do you?"
"Shut up," Anya spat between mouthfuls as she dodged the leader who was chasing her.
Willow rose and tried to intervene.
"Listen she's already eaten half why don't you just let it go?" she asked.
"Shut up," one of the other men said as they watched the chase with amusement.
Gunn leaned against the wall next to one of the men and smiled widely.
"Now if Will would get into it and there was a pool of mud....that would make my day," Gunn said leering at Anya as she zigzagged around.
"I know what you mean," the man replied with a laugh.
"Do you?" Gunn asked laughing too as he turned and brought his fist up and smashed it against the guards nose. "Didn't think you did."
He watched the man slowly slid down the wall and grabbed the gun he had been holding.
He looked around and was pleased to see while the guards were busy watching Willow and Anya the other men had done the exact same thing he had.
Now armed and back in control Xander stepped forward and tapped the leader on the shoulder.
"Hi," he said with a grin as the larger man whirled and gaped in shock at the sight before him.
"He's mine Xander," Anya said as she came to stand in front of Xander.
"No it's okay Ahn I have it," Xander replied easily as he tried to move her aside.
"Don't touch me Xander! I don't need your help in this. I may not be the Slayer but I know how to kick some ass," she hissed bitterly as she reached out and lifted her fist.
"No you don't honey," the man began but Oz who had snuck up behind him gripped his arms from behind in a surprisingly strong grip for such a small man.
"Go ahead," Oz, urged as the man struggled.
Winding her arm back, she let her fist fly forward...
The man managed to jerk his head aside at the last minute and Anya teetered and fell forward. Xander reached out and caught her around the waist before she could slump to the floor.
She gave a huge sigh and pouted as she jerked from Xander's grasp.
"I would have had him," she muttered.
"Right," Willow readily agreed.
"Yeah Anya you almost had him. Good job," Xander felt the need to add.
Quickly Oz knocked the leader out and with Gunn's help tied their new prisoners up. He couldn't help but shake his head at what Xander said though. Would he never learn?
"What?' Anya asked incredulous. "Good job? Xander it was your fault, you were standing so close I couldn't think straight!"
Xander couldn't help the grin that formed as he took a step closer to her. His hope shining brightly in his brown eyes.
"Does that mean you forgive me?" he asked hopefully.
"Does that mean I forgive you?!" she echoed angrily as she took a step closer to him. She jabbed a finger at his chest. "No! It was your overwhelming offensive presence that made me miss!"
"But....but Ahn I don't love her! C'mon I've known her for over ten years. Of course, there would be some feelings there. I love her. Like a friend. Like I love Willow-" he broke off knowing he shouldn't have said that last part as he saw Anya's face turn red.
Quickly he raised his arms in defense and took three quick steps back.
"Don't hit me," he pleaded.
Willow rolled her eyes and settled back down on the couch to continue trying to crack the code Spike had given her. She was curious as to what it was. He had only told her he had gotten it from Riley.
Whom he had killed, she thought with a shudder.
Therefore, it had to be important.
"Here," Gunn's voice broke the tense silence as he came forward and gripped Anya by the arm and stuffed her gym bag into her arms. "Here's your money babe. Better count it. Never know..." he began leadingly.
It was enough.
She let out a muffled moan as she retreated to count her money.
Gunn turned back to the men and jerked his head to the stairs.
"Coming?" he asked as he reached the first stair.
"Yeah," Xander exclaimed following quickly.
Oz glanced back at Willow questioningly.
"Keep it simple and don't hurt him okay? Cuz if she finds out you have she'll be furious. Keep Xander away from him too," she added as he bounded up the stairs with a curt nod.
Then there was silence except for the quiet voice of Anya as she counted her money.
".....One hundred and three, one hundred and four, one hundred and five."
~*~
Flashback...
It was a relief to wake up and find himself alone. Slightly groggy Spike lifted himself up on his elbows and looked around the large bedroom for any signs of Buffy.
When he didn't hear any he rolled out of bed and gave a slight yelp as he realized what he was wearing. One of Buffy's too small t-shirts was stretched across his chest and barely covered half his stomach. And.....his eyes widened in horror as he took in the mid calf length sweats she'd put on him. A glaring shade of pink.
Rubbing his head, he shook it.
"Well damn," he muttered.
A fella couldn't even sob himself to sleep any more with out having to worry about waking up looking like an over sized Ken doll, he thought bemusedly.
Amusement was close to coming out and he forced it away as he realized that she had actually wasted the time in dressing him while he'd been in a deep dreamless sleep.
A scowl appeared quickly followed by the thought that he had cried in front of her. No, not cried. He'd sobbed and it hadn't been pretty.
Way to go you bloody git, he thought self deprecatingly. Make a wuss out of yourself.
Glancing around he found that his clothes were nowhere to be seen. He wandered into the en suite bathroom and then out into the livingroom.
He gave a frustrated sigh before he went in search for a note of some kind. She'd probably gotten his clothes cleaned, he thought as he looked for a note.
Finding none, he contemplated waiting for her to come back, or calling room service. But dismissed them as the reason he was in London came flooding back. He had things to take care of.
This meant he had to go back to his hotel and set things up.
Snatching up the phone, he made a few quick calls and finding a stray piece of paper and a pen, he wrote Buffy a quick note.
Hesitated over adding the last part but did anyway.
With one last look around the room, he hurried out.
He took a lift to the lobby and ignored the odd looks he had gotten from the other occupants of the lift.
The doors swooshed open and he stepped out as if he owned the place.
Through the revolving doors and out onto London's rainy streets. He had only a few minutes to wait before his limo came.
His driver pulled up with a squeal of tires and hurriedly got from the car to open Spike's door.
"Thank you," Spike replied as he brushed past him and into the car.
The driver craned his neck to get a better look at his bottom.
Laughed aloud.
Spike turned to look at him with narrowed eyes.
"Something funny?" he asked curiously.
The man brushed his amusement aside immediately.
"No sir," he muttered shut the door and hurried back to his side. But he couldn't help but grin as he thought of the words displayed defiantly on the rear end of Spike's sweat pants.
Bitch.
Shaking his head, he got into the drivers seat and drove away from the hotel.
~*~
Buffy walked briskly through the crowded pub, made her way to the back, and was immediately spotted.
"Slayer," the owner exclaimed fearfully as he eyed her suspiciously.
Buffy smiled slowly and gave Willy a pat on the back.
"Hey Willy. Got a minute?" she asked as she swung a companionable arm over his skinny shoulders.
"S....Sure anything for you," he managed to get out.
She let him lead them into the back where his office was. Once the door was closed behind them, Buffy lost her smile and good attitude.
"Why didn't you answer my calls Willy? If you had I wouldn't have had to come down here to get what I want!"
Willy looked anywhere but at her.
"I uh....I'm sorry. I couldn't. I was busy," he replied quickly.
"Well listen I need a favor," Buffy quickly told him what it was and he couldn't help but shake his head in surprise.
"Don't you have your own for this?" he couldn't help but ask.
All he got was a cold blank stare in response.
"Okay. Okay. I'll do it. Just uh...okay. Can you go now? I do have a business to run you know," he muttered.
Buffy flashed a quick grin.
"That's only because I let you. Remember that Willy," she warned him as she turned on her heel and left him standing staring after her.
Quickly he gave a deep breath and picked up his phone.
"Hello? It's Willy," he said urgently.
~*~
Quentin Travers lounged behind his desk a relaxed expression on his face that was misleading. Inside he was tense and impatient.
"What is it Willy?" he demanded.
"The Slayer was just here," he exclaimed.
Quentin clucked his tongue and closed his eyes.
"Was she? What did she want?" he asked.
Willy hesitated and then spoke, not knowing why he lied but knowing if he was going to cross someone he rather it be this old goat than the Slayer.
"Um she was just checking in on.....any more leads on William the Bloody like you said she would. I gave her nothin' though," he added with a grin.
"That's the only reason you're calling me?" Quentin asked displeased as he sat up and rested his elbows on his desk.
"Well yeah. She freaked me out. She's intimidating man! Which is weird cuz she's so small and harmless looking. You would never know she was a trained-"
Quentin hung up on Willy's incessant voice and dialed Angel's number quickly.
"Tierney," Angel answered drawlingly.
Quentin gritted his teeth to keep from growling.
"Well?" he demanded.
"He went to see her last night," Angel replied immediately.
"Then?"
"He stayed the night."
"So they're sleeping together?" Quentin demanded.
"Yes," Angel grudgingly replied.
"I thought I told you to get in good with her?! How did this happen? It they're lovers it won't make this any easier. In fact it-"
"Calm down Quint," Angel said easily. "If I know Spike and I do he's gonna be out for blood. He warned the guy who sold those drugs to his mom he'd die if he did it again. He's reckless like that. He'll get sloppy. And what is your straight laced agent gonna do once she sees him in action huh? She's gonna take him out. In fact I'm certain of it. They'll kill eachother. Just have to give her a nudge in the right direction Quint. I'll handle this."
Angel hung up without waiting for a reply from Quentin and smiled to himself as he called Buffy's hotel room.
By tonight, he was certain he would be in control of all of Spike's territory.
His smile turned into a grin.
~*~
Spike leaned against the wall as his men busted down the door to the small house that night and followed them in slowly.
His eyes took in the emptiness of the house and he gave a small smile.
"Skipped out on me did you boy?" he murmured to himself.
"Boss we got him," one of his men said as he hung up his cell.
"Two blocks down. Was looking for another hit. Seems he hasn't been here in some time. Who do you think cleared this out?"
Spike shrugged and turned on his back to them as he strode out.
He had a pretty good idea who had and he'd deal with him later, he thought as he made his was down the street.
He found the dealer being held in an alley two blocks away and let a small smile play around the corner of his lips.
It hadn't been too hard to find out who'd been the one supplied his mum with the drugs that had finally killed her. In fact, since she'd mentioned the dealers name a number of times he'd made it his mission to get his message across to the pissant. He'd had a few of his men beat the shit out of him.
Seemed it hadn't stuck with him.
Spike smiled as he approached the man with deceptive calmness.
"You know who I am?" he asked casually.
"Should I?" the man replied arrogantly.
"You should," Spike replied as he slowly stepped forward and raised a gloved hand to point one finger at the man.
"I warned you didn't I? I warned your boss and look what happened. I guess I know now, if you want something done right you gotta do it yourself huh?"
The man began to struggle in earnest now as he saw Spike change right before his eyes.
"What was her name?" Spike asked.
The man groaned as he felt the knife slid easily into his stomach. The hand clamped over his mouth muffled his scream as Spike twisted it.
"What was her name?"
"E.....E...llie," he gasped out as the hand was briefly removed.
"That's right Ellie Devlin and I told you if she died you died. You messed with the wrong man here mate."
Spike ripped open his shirt and with the skill of an artist carved the letter W into the man's chest.
"We're finished here," Spike muttered as he finished and his men released the man and he slumped to the ground. "You're an example Warren. Mess with William the Bloody and you die. I'll see you in hell."
They left the alley and soon disappeared.
~*~
Buffy slipped out of her car and made her way across the street.
She'd seen Spike exit the alley and now with a feeling of dread she made her way into it.
The stench of blood was overwhelming and she narrowed her eyes and pulled out a mini flashlight. Flicking it on she wasn't surprised when she spotted a body lying on the ground or the puddle of blood that pooled around it.
She shone the light on the man's face and shook her head.
She didn't know him but as she reached out to feel a pulse she was saddened to know she'd let a man die while she'd been busy wondering whether to come here tonight or not.
The call from Angel had been surprising and she'd been doubtful when he said William wanted her to keep an eye on Spike. She had explained she hadn't seen Spike since last night and didn't feel the need to keep tabs on the man. He had just lost his mother and she hadn't wanted to intrude on his grief.
So reluctantly she'd put out feelers and had ended up at this alley in time to see Spike come strolling out followed by a group of men that could only have been muscle.
Not a good sign, she thought now as she felt for a pulse and found none. Her eyes and light drifted to the man's chest. They narrowed quickly as she saw the shape of a W carved through the thatch of hair that covered the center of his chest. The knife had easily cut a path through it and deep into the skin.
William the Bloody, she thought numbly. It screamed out at her and rising she pulled out her cell. Called the Bobbies and quickly left the scene.
Spike couldn't be William the Bloody, she thought. No, he was just the driver and that was all he was.
She shook her head.
She didn't believe that.
She wasn't stupid nor was she blind.
What better way to hide but in plain sight? She thought mockingly as she slid into her car and gave a humorless laugh.
"Oh...he's good," she muttered. "Almost had me fooled."
But it wasn't for sure, a voice in her head announced. He could be killing in William's name. He could just be a driver.
True.
However, she wasn't buying that.
Disgust filled her at how she'd comforted him last night. Now she was glad the bet hadn't been fulfilled that she hadn't wound up in bed with him.
Sleeping with the enemy would have taken on a whole new meaning.
"Doesn't matter I'll know one way or the other," she mumbled.