Part 7

Angel looks up as he hears footsteps outside the office. He hears Doyle greet Hello Kate Angel stands going to his office door.

Hi Kate Angel greets

Angel Kate says seeing the vampire in the doorway How are you? she asks

Fine. You? Angel asks

Working she answers

Come on in he says returning to his office. Kate follows and sits in the chair across from him. What can I do for you? he asks

I need your help with a case she replies handing him a folder

Is it my type of case or yours? he asks

Thats just it Angel I dont know. she responds frustrated. I come up with the profile but every time a new victim is found I have to change it

Why? Angel asks

Kate stands Its like one victim is personal the next isnt. One he cares about the other her doesnt. Then the ways they are killed.

How do you know the killer is the same? he asks opening the file

When we find a new victim he always writes this death frees you written in blood. Nothing connects the victims but these words. Look at
these pictures she says. Angel shuffles through them. Angel look at these in some he kills them carefully. The others its like he just wants to
see them dead. When I did the first profile I thought he wasnt experienced then the next one it was like he had done this a million times.
Sometimes his kills are done with maturity the others its like hes a child.

He could be reacting to how hes feeling at the time of the kill.

The two talk over the photos and then Kate stands Look Ive got to get going she says standing Thanks for looking over those

Not a problem. Ill do some more looking and check and see if I can find anything else. Angel stands and walks her to the door

Thanks Kate says again as Briena and Cordelia enter the office

Angel Briena greets excitedly as she runs over to him hugging his leg tight

Kate is surprised to see the little girl hugging the vampire. Angel picks Briena up kissing her forehead he looks at Kate Briena this is Kate.
Kate this is Briena.

Overcoming her shock Kate says Hi Briena. Its nice to meet you

Briena smiles at her Hi she says wrapping her arms around Angels neck.

I better get going Kate says heading out the door

Ill call if I come up with anything else Angel promises as Kate leaves. So did you two have fun shopping? he asks

Yep Briena laughs Cordys fun

I had fun too Cordelia laughs she looks a Doyle Go get the rest of the bags out of the car. We are going downstairs and Briena is going to give a fashion show for you two she says taking the bags she takes Briena downstairs

Ill go get the bags Doyle groans heading outside

Ill be downstairs Angel smirks as he locks the file in his desk. The vampire takes the elevator down to the apartment as Doyle heads out to the car. Angel is sitting on the couch reading when Doyle comes downstairs with the other bags.

The bedroom door opens Angel and Doyle look over to see Briena standing in the doorway wearing a light blue dress. Here is the first Cordelia announces

Angel and Doyle grin and clap Perfect Angel says

Look mighty pretty Doyle adds

Just what I thought. But she didnt want to get a dress. I talked her into it for you know important dressy occassions.

Cordy if she didnt want a dress you should have left it alone.

Look Mr Im a vampire I dont care what I wear. She will occassionally need a dress. At least this way you wont have to go out and buy one
last minute she turns and takes Briena back to change into another outfit.

Dont argue with delia Doyle laughs

I know. I should avoid that Angel groans

For the next half hour Briena models her new clothes for Angel and Doyle. Finally she picks out a pair of overalls, sneakers and a t-shirt to wear for the day. Cordelia takes Briena upstairs to the office. Briena lays on the floor with paper and pens to color while the others work around her.
**** That Evening ****
After eating dinner and cleaning up Angel calls to Briena Briena you ready?

Briena enters the kitchen Ready she says excitedly grabbing his hand he pulls him to the living room. Sit she orders then crawls into his lap Read she orders. Chuckling the vampire opens the book and begins to read to her.

After half an hour Angel closes the book OK bedtime

No she protests

Yes. Youve had a big day Angel says standing he carries her to her room. Tucking her in bed Angel kisses her forehead Sleep well sweetheart

Kay she smiles sleepily Night Angel

If you need anything Cordelia will keep an eye on you. OK

Kay. she yawns closing her eyes

Angel leaves the door open partway and takes the elevator upstairs. Cordy shes sleeping right now. he tells her. I have to go out for a bit.
Ill be back in about an hour or so he says

OK Cordelia sighs grabbing a magazine she goes downstairs. While Angel goes out to his car.

Fifteen minutes later Angel reaches his destination the hide out for a demon he is hunting taking out his battle axe he quietly enters the dark seemingly empty warehouse.

You are tresspassing vampire a snakeish voice says from the shadows.

Angel shrugs Oh well he quickly defeats the demon and returns to the apartment.

Howd it go? Cordelia asks

Killed it he answers Howd it go here?

Shes been sleeping peacefully she replies closing the magazine she stands

Thanks for staying

Cordelia shrugs Not like I had a date or anything she grabs her purse See you tomorrow
**** Next Morning ****
Angel Briena calls

Angel opens his eyes to see the little girl rubbing her eyes and yawn. Did you just wake up? he asks

Uh huh she nods Still sleepy

He pats the spot beside him she curls up beside him her head on his shoulder How about tonight we start decorating your room he suggests

Really? she asks excitedly

Sure. We can even go to the toy store and pick out some toys

Is Buffy gonna help us this weekend? she asks

Im not sure. How about we call her this afternoon and see

OK

The two go back to sleep for a few more hours. Briena wakes Angel when she wants breakfast. The rest of the morning the two playing, drawing and reading. While they were reading Doyle comes downstairs. Hi Doyle Briena calls excitedly

Hello Briena he greets flopping on the couch putting his feet up on the coffee table. When Angel glances at his feet Doyle removes his feet
Sorry man he apologizes with a grin. So Angel how about I take the midget to the park this afternoon?

That might be a good idea. Angel agrees

No stay with Angel she pouts

Kids need to go outside and play. Angel tells her Go get dressed he says putting her on the floor. The two chuckle as the little girl huffs
and stomps off to her room

Boss shes been hangin with our Cordy too much Doyle chuckles shaking his head. Doyle sees the sadness in Angels eyes Angel even
some mortal parents cant take their kids to the park

Not many Angel mutters.

Maybe but unlike most parents you are able to spend more time with Briena...and you want to. Most parents would rather work or play leaving
their kids with a babysitter. You avent left her side for more than a few minutes since shes been ere

Briena clomps out of the bedroom wearing shortalls and a t-shirt. Help she demands standing in front of Angel holding her straps up. After Angel snaps them she smiles Thank you

Your welcome Angel grins then chuckles when he sees Brienas shoes untied. Want help tying your shoes? he asks

No Briena replies I wanna try she sits on the floor. She slowly begins to tie her shoes. After a few minutes Briena throws her shoe on the floor frustrated.

Angel watches that action then picking up the shoe he moves to the floor sitting before the child. Briena whyd you throw the shoe?

She shrugs Dunno

Here Ill help you Angel says pulling her to his lap It takes practice. Just keep trying and youll get it he tells her as he puts the shoes on her feet tying them. Done he announces standing her up.

Briena turns around and throws her arms around his neck Thank you Angel she says kissing him on the cheek.

Youre welcome he says hugging her back Now I want you to be good for Doyle. Is it cold out? he asks Doyle

Nah its warm enough Doyle replies

Have fun with Doyle

Briena nods and goes over to Doyle she slips her hand into his. Bye Angel

Bye little one. Angel smiles Doyle watch her close

I will Boss Doyle promises Well be back in a few hours the two walk out the door into the sunlight.

Angel is sitting there brooding when he hears the elevator start up.

Angel are you brooding again? demands Cordelia when she sees him sitting in the leather chair. Great what now?

Doyle took Briena to the park he answers his voice sad

And you wish you could Cordelia states

Yeah he nods
**** Outside ****
Doyle and Briena reach the park to find other kids playing while their mothers or babysitters are watching. Look at this playground. Man they
got a lot to play with. What are you going to do first? he asks

Briena frowns thoughtfully then answers Slide

Go to it kid. If you need me Ill be right over there. he points to the benches

Kay she says running off towards the slide.

Doyle keeps an eye on her as he walks over to the benches and takes a seat. He watches as the four year old goes down the slide.

So which one is yours? a womans voice asks

Doyle looks at the blonde haired blue eyed woman beside him. Oh shes not mine. Shes my bosss. he points to Briena playing on the
swings

Youre a nanny? the lady asks

Uh no. Im a private investigator. Doyle replies Im just keeping Briena busy why he works

Shes cute kid the woman says That ones my charge she points to a sandy haired boy. Im Tess

Names Doyle

Nice to meet you Doyle. Tess grins

So Tess do you enjoy being a nanny?

Tess nods Oh yes Matt is the sweetest little boy. Do you enjoy your work Doyle?

Doyle checks on Briena Yeah. Its hard work at times but its worth it save someones life. We take on the odd cases that cops cant solve.

Wow is it dangerous? Tess asks

At times but Angel keeps a handle on things. He checks on Briena to find her playing in the sandbox. So how long have you been working
with kids?

Tess shrugs As long as I can remember. I wanted to be a teacher but I find working as a Nanny right now is better. It gives me a chance to
work one on one

Being a teacher is a good aspiration Doyle remarks You should still go for it

I will when Im not needed as a nanny Tess notices that Briena is playing by herself and says Briena seems to be shy

Shes not used to other kids Doyle explains

She needs the interaction Tess states Having friends is very important for a child

Doyle nods I know. She just moved here a few days ago.

Oh. Was she living with her mother? Tess asks

Doyle shakes his head Uh no her uncle he lies Ill talk to Angel about daycare or something

Tess reaches into her purse and pulls out a piece of paper and a pen Heres my number if you need anything she gives him the paper

Doyle reaches into his pocket pulling out his wallet he takes out a business card. Heres our business card. You can reach me there. And if
you need any help of the odd kind call us. If Im not there talk to Angel or Cordelia.

Sure. I better get him home she says standing Matt she calls to the sandy haired child. Matt runs to her. Time to get home

See you around Doyle calls to Tess

Same

Doyle Briena calls waving from the top of the monkey bars

Doyle laughs and goes over to her Howd you get up there?

Climbed she answers smiling brightly

Arent you a regular little monkey he grins

Uh huh she nods excitedly

So now on Im gonna call you little monkey he laughs

OK she agrees

You need help? he asks. As she nods he reaches up lifting her off the monkey bars. So what do you wanna do now? he asks setting her on
the ground

Wanna go see Angel she answers

Doyle crouches before her What else do you want to do? Angel is working right now.

Something catches Brienas attention she tugs on Doyles hand she points Whats that?

Doyle follows her finger Thats a garden. Want to go check it out? he asks

Briena nods OK Doyle picks her up and carries her to the garden and puts her down.

Doyle crouches beside her Arent those pretty?

Briena nods her head she looks down at the dirt. Curious she bends down Look she giggles

What? Doyle asks he laughs when he sees what shes looking at. Oh the worm

Worms are funny she giggles picking it up she inspects it closer

Yes they are. he agrees

Squirmy too she observes

Come on little monkey Doyle stands up

Briena sticks the worm in her pocket when Doyle isnt looking. Time to go see Angel?

Yep monkey time to see Angel

Yeah she says jumping around clapping her hands



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