Chapter 192
Angel saw the news in the paper. Andrew Hoelich, teenager and member of Sunnydale highschool's gymnastics team, was dead. Based even on this paper's description of Hoelich's death it seemed clear to Ange that it was a vampire attack. Hoelich might even rise as a vampire. The Master was recruiting, he'd already turned Buffy's friend Jessie for information. Seemed likely that the order would want a gymnast on their team. They might attack the karate class next. Angel feared the Master, but more than his own life he feared for Conner. Angel feared what Darla could do. She'd been the Master's favorite once, perhaps she could bring their son to the Master. To protect Conner Angel went to his greatest enemy, Daniel Holtz. Angel came to Holtz' house shortly after sunset. Holtz recognized Angel. He spoke from inside, but didn't invite Angel in.
Holtz: Why are you here Angelus?
Angel: Name's Angel, and I'm here for Conner.
Holtz: His name is Steven.
Angel: Fair enough. Spike is corrupting him. Together they'll release Darla and Drusilla.
Holtz: Drusilla and Spike were after my time. I've heard that Spike killed two slayers. Drusilla was insane, and a seer. If Darla is free she'll kill innocent people. Steven will have to live with the guilt.
Angel: We don't like each other, but neither of us wants him to be hurt.
Holtz: Agreed.
Angel: How did you trap Darla and Drusilla, I need to know how to stop them from being freed.
Holtz: How do I know you won't use that information against me?
Angel: You don't. But we have to trust each other.
Holtz: I don't trust you, but I seem to have little choice. Darla was weak from childbirth, that's how I was able to incapacitate her. There is a cave in the Sunnydale woods, a vampire can enter, but once inside they cannot leave. A human however has no problem leaving. It's similar to how a vampire can't enter a home unless invited. I trapped Darla because I wanted her to suffer. Without blood a vampire withers away to a skeleton. But if Spike gives her blood it's possible Darla could be revived.
Angel: And Drusilla?
Holtz: I never encountered Drusilla. I don't know where she is. All I can say is I never did anything to her. When I trapped Darla, it was because of the spell on the cave. I didn't invent the spell, I merely took advantage of it. Darla tried to escape, but couldn't. For awhile I enjoyed watching her suffer, until she was too weak to move. Know this Angelus, I will work with you to protect Steven. But if I have an opportunity to place you in the cave I will not hesitate.