CHAPTER 12
Historical Note: By now, the story takes place in the end of the fifth season of Buffy, and the fourth season of Angel.
Author's Note:
Author's Note/Historical Note: This part takes place three months after where the second one left off. Angel is still missing, leaving Buffy to deal with the Hyperion Hotel, and to raise Connor. Cordelia has also gone missing, and the crew is searching for her as well. Also, Joyce gets terminally ill, forcing Buffy to go back to Sunnydale and take care of things for awhile not knowing she'd end up doing it permanently.
"Ah, I think we need to have a group discussion," Angel said. Buffy could tell he sounded slightly worried.
"Cordy has no memory of anything. Herself, us, or the job we do. I think it would be a good idea if we leave out the 'demons-are-real' part of her life until she's ready for it," he suggested.
"I agree. She'd probably get creeped out by the whole thing, and that's the last thing we need," Buffy said.
"So that's the plan? Keep Cordy out of the Demon knowledge?" Gunn asked.
"For now," Buffy assured them. "Also, it might be a good time to call Lorne. Maybe we can get him to read Cordy," she suggested.
"I'll do that now," Wesley volunteered before heading over to the phone.
* * *
A few minutes later, while Angel and Buffy helped Cordy try to gain her memory back in Angel's office, the rest of the crew hung out uneasily in the lobby. Just then, the phone rang, and before anyone could reach it, the answering machine picked up the call. Cordelia walked out into the lobby when she recognized her voice.
"See. You're safe here," Dawn assured her as she walked over to her. Just as Dawn finished assuring her, the caller's voice came into hearing, explaining about his problem with a 'Demon Broad.' Buffy quickly ran over to the phone and picked up the phone before their new client could further explain.
"Demon Broad?" Cordelia repeated sounding uneasy.
"Uh, it's not what it sounds like. That's a case were dealing with. A nasty divorce," Angel lied, trying to cover up the truth. She looked at him, and Angel had a feeling she wasn't buying his lie.
"OK, um, our client needs to meet with someone," Buffy said as she walked back over to Angel.
"Now?" he asked.
"Now."
"Ok, Gunn? I need you to go out and meet one of our...clients," Angel told him.
"At this address," Buffy added as she handed him a piece of paper with an address scribbled on it.
"Sure. Be back later," he assured them.
"Are you sure you're going to be alright alone?" Wesley asked.
He nodded. "Yeah, I think I can handle a dem- I mean, our client alone," he assured them before leaving.
"Ok. Dawn? Why don't you help me settle Cordy in for the night?" Buffy suggested.
"Why doesn't she stay in the room where we have her stuff?" Angel suggested.
"Right; good idea. Cordy, why don't you follow us, and we'll get you settled in for the night?" Buffy suggested before heading up the stairs.
* * *
Buffy opened the door to the room where Angel had kept all of Cordelia's belongings that had been brought from her apartment.
"Ok, here we are. All your stuff, and clothes, are in here," she explained.
"Thanks. I really appreciate you helping me out," she said.
Buffy smiled. "No problem. If you need anything, we'll be downstairs," she said as Dawn headed out the door first. Buffy paused at the doorway.
"And Cordy?"
"Yeah?" she asked.
"You really are safe here; among friends," she assured Cordy before leaving her alone.