A/N:  Thank you to everyone who reviewed.  It makes me feel great, to know that people like what I write. 

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Chapter 32: A Casual Meeting

Spike stalked around the antique store.  He couldn't believe that Buffy had kicked him out.  What the hell is going on with her?  He grumbled as he unloaded shipment. 

Joyce winced as she watched Spike unload the priceless antiques.  "Spike, honey, I know you're frustrated, but do you really need to take it out on the statues?"

Spike looked down at the delicate sculpture he was holding.  "Sorry," he said and gently put it down. 

"That's alright.  Why don't you see if Rupert needs any help with the books?" Joyce suggested.

Spike nodded.  At least I don't have to worry about breaking them. 

In his office, Giles was categorizing the book shipment for a display.  "Hmm, Ancient Greek Incantations and Spells, that can go into the fantasy pile." 

He looked up and saw Spike.  "Ahh, William, come to help me out?"

Spike smiled.  "You know I hate being called William."

Giles laughed.  "Yes, well, I suppose it will take me awhile to get used to calling you Spike."

Spike laughed.  "Try hard."

Giles nodded.  "I will."

Spike picked up some books.  After a quick explanation of his cataloguing system, Spike and Giles worked in silence.  Giles began to internally debate with himself.  Tell, or not to tell? 

Giles was weighing the pros and cons of both sides when he heard Spike swear.  "What's wrong?"

"Buffy's not answering the phone.  I'm heading over there," Spike said, pocketing his cell phone. 

"Wait, I'm going with you," Giles said.

The two men quickly gathered their things and headed for the door.  Joyce caught up to them of the way out.  "Where are you guys going?"

Spike told Joyce about Buffy.  "Wait for me," she said and grabbed her purse.  Giles locked the store and they piled into Joyce's car. 

Joyce quickly drove back to her home.  The three of them bounded up the stairs and into to apartment, calling for Buffy.

She was no where to be found. 

Spike checked all the rooms.  He checked her room last.  Buffy wasn't there, but a note lay on her bed. 

Spike,

Don't be mad at me.  Who am I kidding; of course you're going to be mad.  But please understand why I have to do this.  I can't let them get you too.  I love you.

Buffy

Next to Buffy's note was another. And a rose.

I TOLD YOU SHE WOULD BE MINE.

 Spike's legs gave out from under him.  He collapsed onto the bed. 

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Buffy swallowed nervously.  What have I gotten myself into? 

When she called Angel, she didn't really think he actually agree to meet with her.  But he had, and now here she was, sitting in a diner, in the middle of nowhere, drinking coffee and getting more nervous by the minute.  What the hell am I doing here?  This really isn't a good idea.

Buffy stood up to leave, and walked directly into Angel.  "Leaving so soon, Buff?" he asked in a laconic voice. 

Buffy swallowed a sarcastic response and, instead, sat back down at the table.  "We have to talk."

Angel sat across from her.  "I really don't know what about."

She narrowed her eyes.  "Don't play stupid.  I know you know what's going on.  I want to know why Edward was killed.  I want to know who's doing all this and I want to know why."

"You sure demand a lot for such a small lady," Angel said.  He ordered a coffee from the waitress. 

Buffy restrained herself from bitch-slapping him.  "Tell me, Angel.  I have to know."

"What's in it for me?" he asked. 

"Money," Buffy replied. 

Angel rolled his eyes.  "I've already got money.  I want something else."  He leered at her. 

Now it was Buffy's turn to roll her eyes.  "Not in a million years.  What else do you want?"

Angel pondered the question as the waitress served him.  "Thanks, doll," he said.  The waitress blushed and Angel smiled. 

Buffy coughed.  "Are you done?  'Cause I really don't want to spend any more time in your company.  I think I'm getting hives."

Angel chuckled.  "Wow, Buffy, still sore about the office incident?"

Buffy barely resisted strangling him.  "Either you answer me, or I'm gone."

Angel shrugged.  "Wish I could help you, Buff, but I don't know who's pulling all the strings.  All I know is that Edward's death sent Ethan into a tizzy.  He's making plans to leave the country.  Ditto for the DeLuca's.  Me, I'm just a lowly slave, do what the boss-man tells me to."

Buffy sneered at him.  "God, you are absolutely useless, aren't you?"

Angel's eyes narrowed.  "I'd be careful if I was you.  Seems to me that you asked me for help, not the other way around."

"Oh and you've helped me so much.  Face it, Angel; you don't know shit because nobody really gives a damn about you.  How does your enormous ego like that?" Buffy spat out.

Angel's hand shot out and grabbed Buffy's arm.  "Better be careful, little girl.  You have no idea who you're messing with."

"Then tell me.  Tell me something.  You owe me that much, Liam," Buffy said quietly. 

Angel sighed, rubbing a hand down his face.  "I'm just tired, you know?  Tired of all the bullshit.  I used to be a good guy, once upon a time…"

Buffy cut him off.  "Spare me, Angel.  I'm not buying your woe-is-me shit.  Just tell me something."

Angel was silent for a moment.  "Sorry, Buff, but I can't."

He stood up and walked to the door.  Moments later, Buffy head tires squeal.  "Shit," she whispered. 

Buffy stood up and reached for the tab.  Bastard even made me pay for his damn coffee, she thought bitterly. 

She picked the check up and a piece of paper floated down from it.  On it, written in Angel's too-neat handwriting, was a name and an address.  Buffy mouthed a silent word of thanks to Angel, threw some money down and headed for her car. 

Outside, dusk was beginning to give way into night.  Buffy took a minute to adjust her eyes to the darkness before walking to her car.  She dug around in her purse, looking for her keys.  Head down, hand searching frantically, Buffy head a noise behind her.

She stopped and stood completely still.  "Hello?  Is anyone out there?" she called out. 

Feeling very much like a character in a horror movie, Buffy inched forward toward her car. Her eyes darted to every shadow, and she jumped at every sound.  God, could I be any more pathetic?  Resolve flowing through her, Buffy straightened her spine and walked purposefully toward her car. 

She didn't see the person behind her, nor feel the blow to the back of her skull.  The last thing Buffy saw was a shadow, right before the darkness overtook her.

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A/N: Until next time, my pretties.