Author's Note:  I'm sorry it's been so long since I have updated, but real life keeps getting in the way. Here is a short chapter to keep you going.

Disclaimer:  I begged Joss to let me have Spike, but he just reminded me that he owns it all.  It's just not fair.

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I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone

U2

Chapter 4 - Research Party

Buffy closed her notebook and stood up with a look of determination on her face.  She thought to her self.  Enough is enough.  I've been sitting here feeling sorry for myself when I should have had everyone researching that damn amulet.  That was the key to what Spike was trying to tell her.  She knew it.  All right, enough pitiful Buffy!  Now it's time for action Buffy!

Downstairs there was a huge conference table sitting in the middle of the lobby.  Angel had brought in the table at Giles' request.  Giles had explained to Angel that a place was needed to set up Research Central.  So now gathered around the table were Giles, Wesley, Willow, Fred, and Andrew in full research mode.  Willow had her laptop open in front of her and was diligently studying what was on the screen in front of her.  Giles and Wes were putting together the groundwork of the New Council.  Fred and Andrew were busy going through ancient texts trying to locate any pertinent information on the new Slayers.

This was the scene observed as Angel made his way through the lobby of the Hyperion Hotel.  He paused briefly eying Willow wishing to get her attention.  Willow, who has sensed Angel when he had entered the lobby, looked up and caught Angel's eye and the exact moment he was eying her so intensely.  She blushed deeply at the intensity of his stare as he continued to hold her eyes locked with his own.  Without saying a word, she got up from the table and walked towards him.  He was about to speak when he felt his Vampire senses pick up a slayer.  Not just one slayer either, but a busload full.  He turned just in time to catch the door to the Hyperion open and a huge group of giggling teenagers strolled through the door followed closely by Xander.  As they made their way down the stairs to the lobby, they didn't acknowledge anyone else as they passed through and made their way up the stairs to the rooms above.  Xander and Dawn were the only two who remained in the lobby as the others passed through.  Angel looked down at Willow who was standing close.  He had feelings for the red-head and suspected she did for him as well, but those feelings would have to be put on hold till the current situation improved.  He sighed as his thoughts turned to Buffy as he wondered if she was dealing any better with her loss.  His hand pressed into the small of Willow's back as he guided her to his office.  After they entered, he gestured for her to take a seat.  "As you know Willow, I am extremely concerned about Buffy.  I was wondering if you thought it might be a good idea if you and I go up to her room and speak to her."

She chanced a look at Angel. "Well it may be time to speak to her, but I don't think we should gang up on her."

"Hmm, you're probably right.  Who do you think should go speak to her?"

"Actually I probably need to be the one who does it."

"Oh," said Angel as he crossed his office and stood next to the door with his back facing Willow.

"Angel, please don't take this the wrong way, but I think maybe Buffy may resent you speaking to her.  Especially, since you are the one who brought her the amulet."

Just then Willow and Angel heard someone bounding down the stairs.  Then they heard chairs scraping as if they were being scooted away from the table.  They looked at each other with confusion written on both of their faces.  Angel opened the door just in time to see Buffy striding towards Giles and the others.

"Guys, I need your help.  We need to help Spike!"

Giles looked at her with concern written on his face.  "Buffy we realize you have been under an incredible strain, but you do realize that Spike is gone."

"No, Giles I had a dream last night.  It was a slayer dream and Spike was in it.  He needs our help.  I…we need to figure out how to help him.  Please Giles."

The pitiful look in Buffy's eyes was more than Giles could stand.  "Of course, dear we will help.  We will all help," he said as he took Buffy into his arms and held her, while gently patting her on the back.

"Thank you," she sniffled.  "Thank you so much."

Please read and review. I need ideas for the upcoming chapters, so suggestions, but not flames are wanted. J