Buffy was unable to contact Angel before going on patrol that night. He wasn't in any of his usual hangouts and no one seemed to have seen him for a day or two. Still, she was the Slayer. She'd just have to be extra careful tonight.
Giles was busily reading through one of his many books. A past time he thoroughly enjoyed. It was about an hour past sundown when there was a knock at his door. He opened the door to find Angel standing on his doorstep.
"We need to talk," said Angel, looking around the street. "Right now."
"It can wait," said Giles. "Buffy is in need your help right now."
"There's no time for that now," said Angel. "We have to talk and I don't think you want to do it out here."
"Angel," said Giles, "the Berman Brothers are in town. Buffy killed Lucas last night. I'm sure the other two are after her and she needs your protection while she's on patrol. You should find her as quickly as possible."
"I know about that already," said Angel. "But that's not the worst of it. That's what we need to talk about. I'll find Buffy as soon as we're finished."
"There's no time for this," argued Giles. "If Buffy is on patrol alone, she's a sitting duck for. . ."
"The Berman Brothers are working for Amanda Walken," said Angel. "I just found out she's in town."
"Come in," said Giles without argument.
"Well, for vampires who live over the Hellmouth, they're pretty pathetic," said the woman with the black hair. "Still, I suppose they'll have to do."
"Who are you calling pathetic?" demanded the largest and most vocal of the six vampires. "You're just a female. I have half a mind to. . ."
The woman didn't hesitate. She reached up and grabbed the vampires' head with both hands, snapping it quickly to the left. There was an audible "crack" as she nearly severed the head from its' shoulders. Almost instantly the vampire vanished, transforming into dust as its' body dissolved.
"Now you have no mind at all," said the woman, smiling. "As for the rest of you, my name is Amanda Walken. I trust you all are aware of who I am. You all work for me, now. Displease me, and the same fate awaits you."
"Excuse me," said one rather young looking vampire. He appeared to be no older than fifteen or sixteen. "I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I was only brought over less than a year ago. I'm afraid no one has told me who you are."
The woman named Amanda smiled. This very young vampire was visibly afraid of her. Obviously, her object lesson with his more boisterous friend had been effective.
"I'm sure one of your friends will explain who I am," said Amanda. "All you need to know is that I'm here for a reason. What's your name?"
"Patrick," said the vampire. "Patrick McGee."
"Well, Patrick McGee," said Amanda, "just do as I tell you and you will have nothing to fear. Now, for the rest of you. I only have one reason for being here. The Slayer. I want to know everything there is to know about her. No matter how trivial it might be. Pass the word to all the others here. Anyone who knows anything about the Slayer is to be brought to me immediately."
"Uh, excuse me," said Patrick, "I know about the Slayer."
"You do?" asked Amanda, smiling. "Well, what can you tell me about her?"
"Her name is Buffy Summers," said Patrick. "We, uh, went to school together. Before I was turned. I sort of had a crush on her in those days."
"Buffy Summers," repeated Amanda. "I see. What else do you know about her?"
"I know she used to live in Los Angeles, I think it was," continued Patrick. "She had to leave there after burning down her school or something. From what I've heard, Sunnydale was about the only school that would take her in."
"This is very interesting," said Amanda. "Patrick, I want you to stay here and tell me everything you know about this Buffy Summers. The rest of you get out there and spread the word. I'm here to finish the Slayer once and for all. And anyone who gets in my way will regret it. Now, get out there."
The four remaining vampires didn't hesitate. Each turned and nearly ran from the mausoleum. They all knew who Amanda was. And none of them wanted to risk angering her.
"Now, Patrick," said Amanda, after the others had left, "come over here and sit next to me. And tell me every little bit of information you know about Buffy Summers."