Chapter 11

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY,

EN ROUTE TO SAN FRANCISCO

MICK ST. JOHN'S P.O.V.

There was a slight delay as we went to Willow's house, so she could explain to her mother that she would be spending the weekend at Buffy's house. Then, we went to Buffy's house, where I was surprised to learn that Mrs. Summers knew about her daughter's...extra-curricular activities!

When I asked Xander if we had to stop at his house next, he lost his Cheshire cat-grin, and shook his head.

"I don't have to cook up any elaborate alibi for _my_ folks. They'll never even notice I'm gone!"

I didn't press. I just waited for Buffy to finish packing some extra things. When she finally-and cheerfully- announced that she was ready, I helped tote her and Willow's luggage out to my car, and put it in the trunk. Then, off we went.

As I drove along the PCH, I thought about the now-clearer picture I had of Angel.

Once upon a time, he'd had more issues than an LAX news stand! Mostly with stern authority figures. But, now that his conscience had been mystically restored to him, he was using his vampiric abilities to help the helpless. Sort of like me; only more extreme.

And, I swore to myself to do everything in _my_ power to help him keep on doing just that.

SAN FRANCISCO

(THE NEXT NIGHT)

Allen Francis Doyle looked at the pocket watch he had been given as a twenty-first birthday present from his mother. When he discovered, on that same birthday, what he had gotten from his Brachen demon-father, he had initially used it (in conjunction with his power) to win big betting on horse races!

That is; till the Powers That Be started including headaches with the precognitive visions.

Now, he was trying to use that precognition for good. Starting with saving the lives of Angel and his friend, Cordelia. And, in less than four minutes, he would have accomplished just that. Giving him a sense of satisfaction that his usual cynicism could not erode.

He, Angel, and Cordelia were now on the sidewalk, in front of the doors to the lobby of the House of Lavender Flame. It felt like they had been waiting forever! But, another glance at the pocket watch revealed that only about thirty seconds had elapsed since the previous time-check.

Suddenly, the disparate trio were illuminated by the headlights of an approaching car. It pulled up to them, and its driver rolled down the window.

"Which one of you is Angel?" asked the black man at the steering wheel.

Angel stepped forward, holding up his hand.

"Who are you?" he then countered.

"Sonny Toussaint. Mr. Luna's personal liaison with the SFPD."

"Could I see your badge?"

"Sure thing."

It was at this point, while the police detective was fishing for his identification, that Doyle got a splitting headache. And, the vision that came with it showed someone else at the steering wheel of the unmarked police car.

Someone dressed like a female ninja.

"Oh, bloody hell!" he exclaimed: "ANGEL! It's a trap!"

tbc