Two hours after arriving in Sunnydale, Ian was walking down the main street. Faith had decided to wander the town rather than wait in the penthouse.
As he neared his destination he did a quick inventory. He was clad in his only dark Armani suit. As a result he was very uncomfortable, more comfortable in jeans or nothing at all. Faith, who was still in the dark as to his plan, had braided his long red hair. All in all, Ian looked like what he wanted: wealthy.
As he entered the store the strong scent of incense hit him. The room was darkly lit, creating a rather spooky atmosphere. Ian liked it.
He went immediately to the counter, where a pretty blond greeted him.
"Hello, valuable customer. How can I help you in your buying experience?"
"You're awfully peppy today." Ian said, switching to a believable Scotch accent.
"Any profitable day is a good day." She said grinning.
"Is Rupert Giles in? I believe I have an appointment."
"Who can I tell him is here?"
"Gabriel Ernest."
A moment later Giles came to meet Ian.
"Mr Ernest, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Please, call me Gabriel. And the pleasure is all mine. I am honored to be doing business with the Slayer's Watcher."
"You are too kind. I was surprised that you wished to move up our appointment."
"I was in the area conducted some unrelated business and decided to take advantage of the situation. I hope that this has not caused you any problems."
"Oh no, not at all. I am actually quite happy to get this taken care of. If you will follow me we can take care of it."
Following Giles into the back, Ian sat at a round table. Opening his briefcase he handed Giles a series of pages. He placed an identical set in front of himself. Both already had his signature on them.
"Would you like me to hit the high points?"
"If you'd please."
"I wish to buy a 51% interest in the Magic Box. I have a great deal of money and rather than merely squander it hedonisticaly, I wish to put it to good use. Thus, I started looking for a worthy organization. Given that many charities are either self serving or fronts for terrorist groups I do not wish to associate with, it was a trying ordeal. It came to my attention that the Slayer's Watcher had been fired from the Council a number of years ago, yet continued to aid her. It also came to my attention said business, while being brisk, was in danger of going under, due in part to the fact that massive renovation were needed more than yearly. Have I made any mistakes?"
"No. But I do wonder how you came by this information?" Giles asked suspiciously.
"Your suspicion is well founded, but unnecessary. Before i do anything I do my homework. To continue, the bank was prepared to call in your loans. I found it curious that they seemed so focused. Do you know why the wanted you out so quickly?"
"Unfortunately, I do. My former employer doesn't appreciate the fact that I refused to rejoin. My slayer and i have not seen eye to eye since an incident between her and several of her friends. She decided to rejoin the Council in an attempt to gain more allies. I refused to go along. Her and I are no longer close." Giles paused, trying to gain control of his emotions. "My position is little more than to inform her of impending dangers. That impudent child and her insipid soldiers." He yelled. Gaining his composure, he continued. "What are the terms?"
"Well, before the Council could get any further I purchased the balance. You are now in debt to me. At this point, we have two options. One, you can pay me back at your leisure, and that would be the extent of our relationship. Two, we become partners. In exchange for my 51% I will become your silent partner. Your debt will vanish. You will keep 85% of the profits after expenses. Should I open a similar business in Miami, you would receive 25% of those profits as a consultant on certain matters. As I informed you over the phone, I have a similar team forming in Miami. Also, should we come across certain items that would interest you on a more private level, we will negotiate. And finally, we will split the cost of extensive repairs. DO you have any questions?"
"This is a very generous offer. Almost too generous. I am curious with the 51%. Why would you want a controlling interest? Why not equal partners?"
"That is a safety feature. I have no illusions that the Council, along with several others, will give up. If they come after the Magic Box, they will have to deal with me. I have many allies, both financially and militarily. I myself have seen a great deal of combat. My girlfriend has a great deal of experience dealing with the supernatural. My apprentice is every bit as dangerous as I am. I have contacts within the Underworld. I believe that the Council is stuck in the past. Aside from you, I have no use for them. I believe the Initiative is filled with perverts and sadists. I wish to offer myself as a friend and ally. You are a man who stands by his values."
For once Giles was at a loss for words. The man before him spoke with such passion and certainty that Giles had no choice but to believe him. He took both copies and signed.
Ian placed one copy in his briefcase. Getting to his feet, he reached into his coat, producing a card. "If you ever need to reach me her is my phone number and e-mail. Contact me for any reason. My team and I can be in Sunnydale within hours." He handed him a folder. "Here is the deed to the store. I expect copies of all financial invoices and bank invoices every four months. Let me know when I should expect the first deposit into my account."
The two men shook hands and Giles saw Ian to the door.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faith entered their suite, lugging her bags through the door. She thoroughly loved having a sugar daddy.
"Ian, honey." she called out. "You home stud?"
Getting no response, she decided to take a shower. As she undressed, her thoughts turned to the people she now called family. She liked that Xander had not only forgiven her, but wanted to remain in her life. He still had his usual sense of humor, just a bit more mature. Spike was someone she could identify with. Both had been unwanted in the Scooby Gang. He was someone who understood how she felt. She didn't want to dwell on Dawn. It was nice to be with her again but she wasn't sure where the two women stood.
As she passed the bedroom she noticed a suit laying on the bed. At the foot of the bed were a pair of green boxer briefs. Hurrying to the door the sight that greeted her made her start dripping. Laying in the bathtub in all his masculine glory was Ian. While she had been sleeping in the same bed with Ian for several months she had never seen him completely nude.
She realized he was asleep. Faith took a moment to admire her man. She agreed with Dawn, he did look like a redhaired Tarzan, all lean muscle and primitiveness. Along his torso she saw the bruises Angel had left. A light covering of hair covered his chest and stomach leading into a nest of curls. Lowering her gaze her eyes grew. 'Wow. That's all for me.' she thought grinning. She became even damper.
Ian's nostrils flared.
Faith knew he was awake. Before he could open his eyes, she was across the room. She stepped in, her back to Ian. Leaning back, she felt Ian's arms go around her, his hands coming to rest on her belly just above her pelvis.
He nuzzled her neck, nipping occasionally.
"How was your meeting?" she breathed.
As he neared his destination he did a quick inventory. He was clad in his only dark Armani suit. As a result he was very uncomfortable, more comfortable in jeans or nothing at all. Faith, who was still in the dark as to his plan, had braided his long red hair. All in all, Ian looked like what he wanted: wealthy.
As he entered the store the strong scent of incense hit him. The room was darkly lit, creating a rather spooky atmosphere. Ian liked it.
He went immediately to the counter, where a pretty blond greeted him.
"Hello, valuable customer. How can I help you in your buying experience?"
"You're awfully peppy today." Ian said, switching to a believable Scotch accent.
"Any profitable day is a good day." She said grinning.
"Is Rupert Giles in? I believe I have an appointment."
"Who can I tell him is here?"
"Gabriel Ernest."
A moment later Giles came to meet Ian.
"Mr Ernest, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Please, call me Gabriel. And the pleasure is all mine. I am honored to be doing business with the Slayer's Watcher."
"You are too kind. I was surprised that you wished to move up our appointment."
"I was in the area conducted some unrelated business and decided to take advantage of the situation. I hope that this has not caused you any problems."
"Oh no, not at all. I am actually quite happy to get this taken care of. If you will follow me we can take care of it."
Following Giles into the back, Ian sat at a round table. Opening his briefcase he handed Giles a series of pages. He placed an identical set in front of himself. Both already had his signature on them.
"Would you like me to hit the high points?"
"If you'd please."
"I wish to buy a 51% interest in the Magic Box. I have a great deal of money and rather than merely squander it hedonisticaly, I wish to put it to good use. Thus, I started looking for a worthy organization. Given that many charities are either self serving or fronts for terrorist groups I do not wish to associate with, it was a trying ordeal. It came to my attention that the Slayer's Watcher had been fired from the Council a number of years ago, yet continued to aid her. It also came to my attention said business, while being brisk, was in danger of going under, due in part to the fact that massive renovation were needed more than yearly. Have I made any mistakes?"
"No. But I do wonder how you came by this information?" Giles asked suspiciously.
"Your suspicion is well founded, but unnecessary. Before i do anything I do my homework. To continue, the bank was prepared to call in your loans. I found it curious that they seemed so focused. Do you know why the wanted you out so quickly?"
"Unfortunately, I do. My former employer doesn't appreciate the fact that I refused to rejoin. My slayer and i have not seen eye to eye since an incident between her and several of her friends. She decided to rejoin the Council in an attempt to gain more allies. I refused to go along. Her and I are no longer close." Giles paused, trying to gain control of his emotions. "My position is little more than to inform her of impending dangers. That impudent child and her insipid soldiers." He yelled. Gaining his composure, he continued. "What are the terms?"
"Well, before the Council could get any further I purchased the balance. You are now in debt to me. At this point, we have two options. One, you can pay me back at your leisure, and that would be the extent of our relationship. Two, we become partners. In exchange for my 51% I will become your silent partner. Your debt will vanish. You will keep 85% of the profits after expenses. Should I open a similar business in Miami, you would receive 25% of those profits as a consultant on certain matters. As I informed you over the phone, I have a similar team forming in Miami. Also, should we come across certain items that would interest you on a more private level, we will negotiate. And finally, we will split the cost of extensive repairs. DO you have any questions?"
"This is a very generous offer. Almost too generous. I am curious with the 51%. Why would you want a controlling interest? Why not equal partners?"
"That is a safety feature. I have no illusions that the Council, along with several others, will give up. If they come after the Magic Box, they will have to deal with me. I have many allies, both financially and militarily. I myself have seen a great deal of combat. My girlfriend has a great deal of experience dealing with the supernatural. My apprentice is every bit as dangerous as I am. I have contacts within the Underworld. I believe that the Council is stuck in the past. Aside from you, I have no use for them. I believe the Initiative is filled with perverts and sadists. I wish to offer myself as a friend and ally. You are a man who stands by his values."
For once Giles was at a loss for words. The man before him spoke with such passion and certainty that Giles had no choice but to believe him. He took both copies and signed.
Ian placed one copy in his briefcase. Getting to his feet, he reached into his coat, producing a card. "If you ever need to reach me her is my phone number and e-mail. Contact me for any reason. My team and I can be in Sunnydale within hours." He handed him a folder. "Here is the deed to the store. I expect copies of all financial invoices and bank invoices every four months. Let me know when I should expect the first deposit into my account."
The two men shook hands and Giles saw Ian to the door.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faith entered their suite, lugging her bags through the door. She thoroughly loved having a sugar daddy.
"Ian, honey." she called out. "You home stud?"
Getting no response, she decided to take a shower. As she undressed, her thoughts turned to the people she now called family. She liked that Xander had not only forgiven her, but wanted to remain in her life. He still had his usual sense of humor, just a bit more mature. Spike was someone she could identify with. Both had been unwanted in the Scooby Gang. He was someone who understood how she felt. She didn't want to dwell on Dawn. It was nice to be with her again but she wasn't sure where the two women stood.
As she passed the bedroom she noticed a suit laying on the bed. At the foot of the bed were a pair of green boxer briefs. Hurrying to the door the sight that greeted her made her start dripping. Laying in the bathtub in all his masculine glory was Ian. While she had been sleeping in the same bed with Ian for several months she had never seen him completely nude.
She realized he was asleep. Faith took a moment to admire her man. She agreed with Dawn, he did look like a redhaired Tarzan, all lean muscle and primitiveness. Along his torso she saw the bruises Angel had left. A light covering of hair covered his chest and stomach leading into a nest of curls. Lowering her gaze her eyes grew. 'Wow. That's all for me.' she thought grinning. She became even damper.
Ian's nostrils flared.
Faith knew he was awake. Before he could open his eyes, she was across the room. She stepped in, her back to Ian. Leaning back, she felt Ian's arms go around her, his hands coming to rest on her belly just above her pelvis.
He nuzzled her neck, nipping occasionally.
"How was your meeting?" she breathed.