While Olivia took a bath, Giles made meeting arrangements with Holden. They would meet at Epping Forest. Holden was paranoid, and the forest seemed like the only isolated environment that came to mind. At least it wouldn't be as conspicuous as meeting at the park.
Then, Holden scanned outside through the curtains, and dashed off like a hyperactive cat.
As Giles and Olivia sat at the dining table, it became apparent that something was amiss. Despite his claims of being famished, Giles barely touched his tea and frittata. Giles finally noticed Olivia's concerned stares.
"Oh, I think I put too much paprika. It isn't quite agreeing with me," said Giles as a lame excuse.
"Poor Rupert. Would you like more tea? Maybe it will make you feel better?" asked Olivia.
"No, in fact, I need to go the library…for research," said Giles.
"Oh, but you're off this week. And…I thought we were going to the market today. To pick up a few things for our gathering tonight," said Olivia.
"We certainly will do that still, Livia. It's just…I forgot to complete my research on a particular text. It will ease my mind to have that ready for my return. Travers hinted that he'll be giving me additional assignments. It's best to finish one project before starting on the other, I always say," said Giles.
Lying to Olivia made him feel uncomfortable. He was always straightforward with her, and it pained him to know that he was deceiving her.
"I understand," said Olivia. "Just…don't take too long. I'm absolutely hopeless when it comes to picking out petunias for the centerpiece."
"I promise I won't be long, my love," said Giles, as he kissed Olivia on the forehead.
"You're leaving now?" asked Olivia.
"At light speed, my dear. The sooner I finish that mundane research, the sooner we can have our afternoon excursion," said Giles. "Leave everything there. I'll tidy up when I return. Just, uh, think of some exquisite side dishes for the quail."
"Will do, love," said Olivia. Although Giles was still in the other room getting dressed, she felt very isolated.
Giles met Holden at the same spot where they used to hang out as teenagers. Back then, their interaction involved beer and hallucinogenic substances. It was there that they once got so high that Ethan Rayne convinced everyone to summon a demon. Giles shuddered at how careless he had once been. He was glad to have Olivia to keep him ground.
"Thank you for meeting me here, Rupert," said Holden. "Do you think anyone followed you here?"
"No one followed me here, Holden. They have no reason to suspect that you're back in England," said Giles. "I'm still finding it hard to believe that you're here."
"I'm sure Albert's lies have altered your perception of me," said Holden.
"Actually, yes. What we supposed to think, Holden? You went missing and so did the Slayer," said Giles.
"It was absolutely necessary, Rupert. I should've known what Albert's intentions were from the start," said Holden.
Eventually, Holden and Albert entered the room to observe the band. Holden expected to be studying Ananda the whole time. Instead, it was Ananda who kept looking in Holden and Albert's way. When band practice ended, and students began packed up their belongings, Holden started conversing with Mrs. Harker—the band teacher.
"Why yes," said Mrs. Harker, "Principal Stokes told me about your visit. Ananda is an extraordinary student."
"How long has she been with the school band?" asked Holden. He could see Albert rolling his eyes in his peripheral vision.
"She has been with the band since her freshman year. Two years, and she's still going strong. Especially considering what she's been through."
"We heard about her grandmother from Principal Stokes," said Holden, trying to include Albert in the conversation.
"Yes, but fortunately there have been some bright spots. Her heart defects have miraculously healed. She was going to get surgery for it."
"That is miraculous," said Holden. Just then, Ananda made eye contact with him as she packed her violin.
"Well, we hope to see you tomorrow," said Mrs. Harker.
"Sure will," said Holden.
Mrs. Harker pulled out her cigarette pack. "God, I've been dying for one of these," she muttered to herself.
Ananda was busy speaking to her classmates, so Holden signaled Albert for them to wait outside.
Holden remained silent as they walked out of the music hall. Once they were out of sight, he unleashed on Albert.
"What the hell's the matter with you?" demanded Holden.
Albert remained silent.
"So you have nothing to bloody say about your demeanor. You almost ruined our plan! How are we supposed to get close to the Slayer?"
"She's not a Slayer, Holden. Just because she can play a damn violin doesn't make her capable."
"Why are you prejudging her? Is it because of her disability? Like it or not, Albert, she is the Slayer and we must guide her."
"She might not be for long," said Albert.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" asked Holden, getting close to Albert's face.
"I mean…I mean she might not last long out there," said Albert.
"Really? And why? Because she wasn't properly trained by her Watchers. Which is exactly what I don't want to happen," said Holden.
"Fine, mate, I'm sorry. I was just…surprised. It's just an adjustment for me, that's all," said Albert.
"Well, you better get adjusted quickly. We need to report back there tomorrow morning. Be prepared…you're supposed to be an expert cameraman from a top film school. Do you think you can handle that?"
"Promise," said Albert.
"Splendid," responded Holden, coldly.
They could see Ananda leaving the school grounds with some friends.
"It looks like our meeting will have to take place tomorrow," said Holden. "We'll be here first thing at noon. Perhaps we can have a word with her during the lunch hour."
"Fine by me," said Albert.
"We have a mission, Albert. And we will accomplish it," said Holden, "Now, let's go back to our hotel and prepare."
"Right," said Albert. "I promise to do what the Council asks of me."