And now, the story continues.
An Eternal War
Chapter Fourteen
By IceWing (icewing@one.net)
Xander swallowed. Looking down the barrel of the Uzi's silencer was like looking down the main gun barrel of a Sherman tank. 'Damn Green Beret memories,' he thought. 'Why can't you come up with something useful right now. Oh wait, I know How about cuz I am like royally screwed right now.'
The man with the gun took a step inside the apartment and kicked the door closed behind him. "Now, I see that the photos in the dossiers match each of you. But, in the interest of accuracy, I need to confirm. Faith Stevenson?" The Slayer chose to respond with naught but silence. "Well, if you don't answer, I'm going to have to shoot him in the knee"
"Yeah, I'm Faith."
"And you sir would indeed be Alexander "Xander" Harris?"
"My friends call be Xander. You, I don't even want you calling me Alexander."
"Very well Mr. Harris. As I said, I am from Wolfram and Hart. We at the firm have been given a mission to carry out, were certain events to occur. They have and so we are here. I apologize for the weapon, but we know that both of you have been immersed in the fighting here in SunnyDale for quite some time. I assure you it is simply for my safety and to insure that I am able to carry through and not be eliminated as the messenger sometimes is." From the interior of his jacket, he removed a small package and tossed it towards the two teens. Xander managed to catch it before it bounced off his head. "Inside of that package there is a video tape and a series of documents. I suggest you watch the tape and read through the contents. Also included is a number which you may reach us at the firm in case you have any questions or wish to contract the firm yourselves." With that the man, swung the door open, then dashed into the hallway.
"Do we follow him?"
"Offhand Xander, I'd say no. Personally, I don't want to see if Slayer speed can let me dodge full auto gunfire. Think we should take care of whatever is in that envelope, or should we bail first?"
"Personally, I'd say lets get out of here. We can check that out back at my place."
"Sounds like a plan to me." With that, the two began gathering up the belongings Faith had picked out and loaded up the Chevy. As they wrestled the steamer into the backseat, Xander asked what she had in it. "Maybe someday Xander. But I want to find out whats on that tape first"
The fading light shone through the windows. Or attempted to at any rate. Years of dirt on the windows made sure that any light than did manage to past was so defuse when it hit the floor that it may as well not bothered. Parked by the door were the three vehicles which had drawn more than a couple of passing glances as they moved through the industrial district. Above the main area, three figures sat around a conference table. The door silently swung shut and Harlequinn walked from the shadows.
"Welcome to SunnyDale, my old friends. Welcome back to the War. We have a lot to plan, and not a lot of time. "
Faith hit the play button, then headed back to the couch with Xander. Whatever was on this tape, it had involved people who knew A LOT about her and what she had been doing for the past few months That worried her. Something told her this wasn't going to be good news, which is why she had insisted Xander watch it with her.
After a few seconds, the face of the Mayor appeared on the screen. He was in his office, sitting on the front of his desk.
"Faith," he started as he looked at the camera. "If you get this, well. It means that the large amount of planning I have done in the past century pretty much must have missed something. Offhand, I'm going to guess that it was Miss Summers and her cadre. Nobody else in this town really have a clue as to what's going on, much less be inclined to stop it. But hey, they're fighting for what they believe in, and I actually respect that. Don't hope they win mind you, but I do respect them. Now, on to business. Earlier I recorded a tape and left it to a demon to deliver to you. Upon reflection of what I said in that tape, I decided that there were some other things I could do for you even if I wasn't around. I have contacted some associates of mine in Los Angles and got some wheels turning in your favor."
The Mayor paused for a moment before continuing. "You're a good kid Faith. I wish things had worked out better for you. You deserve so much more than life has presented you with. So, I am going to assume for a moment, worst case scenario, that I do not survive the Ascension and that I fail to attain my goal. In that case, well, we know what it means. So, I have contacted Wolfram and Hart, a rather specialized law firm in LA who are known to cater to some of the more, shall we say, unique, individuals around. On file with them is a copy of a will, which I just wrote up, bequeathing my entire estate to you. I can only hope you will have recovered from the coma that holds you prisoner right now. Also, in addition to executing my last will and testament, Wolfram and Hart has agreed to take care of that annoying little trifle which has led to a warrant for your arrest. As of ten minutes ago, all charges and investigation into the untimely demise of my assistant have ceased, and they will never rise to light again. I hope you never have to see this tape Faith. That all this is unnecessary precaution. But if not, Faith, have a good life. You helped me quite a bit while you worked for me, and this is my way of saying thank you. May all the best follow you. Goodbye." And with that, the tape ended.
"Well, there's something you don't see every day."
Faith looked up from the documents she was leafing through "Xander He left it to me" The young Slayer seemed to be in shock.
"What did he leave to you?"
"Everything. His whole Everything I'm rich. Do you know what this means? I can finally get out of here!"
Even as he was congratulating her, he could feel an emptiness in his chest swelling to encompass him.