Disclaimer: If I owned Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I would not be writing this. Instead I would be sailing on a yacht halfway around the world.

And here's another chapter...

As Hank Summers pulled out of his driveway in his 2003 BMW convertible, all he could think about was the promotion. Finally after what seemed like ages, Hank was going to be THE man. The guy who cut the ribbon at all of WolframHart's grand openings. The guy who always first in line at the hot dog stand at the firm's company picnics. The guy who brought fear in an employee's heart.

The first think Hank would do would be to get a nice nameplate and put it on his office door. It would be gold plated complete with a mahogany finish. In the center it would say Wolfram and Hart Director of Commissions: Hank Summers. Of course he would have to get one for the Assistant Director as well. That thought put a frown on Hank's face. Assistant Directors. They were so unnecessary.

He pulled into WolframHart's impressive parking garage and tossed the keys to the valet. Running his hand through his thinning hair, Hank walked briskly through the lobby's front doors. Hearing his foot steps echo off the floor, he tried to not concentrate on the emptiness of the building. He walked up to the main desk and greeted the secretary, a blonde named Harmony.

"They'll see you in conference room B." she said. Hank nodded and walked into the room. He was greeted by four men dressed in black suits. One of them nodded and gestured for him to sit down. Not sensing anything wrong, Hank happily obliged.

The man farthest from him stood up.

"I think, Gentlemen, that we all know why we're here." The four other men nodded. "Mr. Collins has chosen this time to retire and we are left with a vacant position. I have contacted WolframHart's London branch and they have agreed to send us a young intern, who's apparently the best of the best." The three other Partners nodded and Hank stared blankly at the man.

"Excuse me," he started. "But I'm getting the promotion." The Partners stared at him with amused expressions on their faces. The same man who spoke earlier spoke again.

"I suppose Hank," he started, "that you've heard the rumors circulating throughout this building. And like most rumors, the one you have heard is false. You will be keeping your position as assistant director."

Hank stood up, "But sir-"

The man held his hand up and silenced him, "Hank, you do what you are told, and we value that here at WolframHart, but we need someone who thinks for themselves. That Hank, is where you come in. Our new director is somewhat, how do I say this? Young. And I'm afraid that your fellow co-workers aren't going accept him right away. So I would like you to stay with him and show him the ropes. Got that?"

A dazed Hank nodded. "Yes sir." The man grinned.

"Good show! Mr. Giles will be here tomorrow at 9:30. I would like you to be here at eight. You are dismissed."

Hank got up and walked out of the room. He didn't notice Harmony or the valet give him odd looks. He worked on autopilot. Not making one thought until he arrived home. Hank walked up to the door and rang the door bell. Buffy answered it. Her green eyes filled with worry.

"You okay?"

Hank didn't even look at her. He walked ahead, keeping his eyes firmly affixed to the floor. Buffy tried to get him to talk. "You need anything? Cause I was about to go out but I could stay and..." Hank looked at her with tired eyes.

"You go." He finally managed to croak. Buffy nodded, grabbing her stuff she exited the house. "Just call if you need anything." she hollered.

Hank watched his daughter leave and sighed. He turned, crossed the main hallway, and went down to the basement. Opening a small fridge, he took out several bottles of whisky. He opened the first one and took a long drink from it. Eyeing the other bottles he shuddered. It was going to be a long night.

sorry 'bout the uneventful chapter, but I had to get it out of the way. You guys will be seeing Spike very very soon.

Keep the reviews coming!

Rowe