Answers (Part 2)

The Scoobies looked on as Spike took his frustrations out on Riley down the phone, by letting rip with a loud and somewhat incoherent rant. The Scoobies weren't aware it was Riley, though. Buffy was able to guess, based on what the ex-vampire was saying – making references to events only the three of them knew about – and also based on the jealousy and anger he was feeling. She got up, placed a small hand on his forearm, and gave him a look until he handed the handset over. She also kissed him, briefly, before unceremoniously asking her ex-boyfriend what he wanted.

Choosing not to answer her Riley asked, "Why is Spike in your house? Are you okay? I knew you shouldn't have gotten his chip taken out. Now he's a dangerous animal and why is he in your house?!"

The Slayer took a deep breath before replying, "Spike and I are married now. He's also human again, and not your concern. What do you want?"

"Human, really? You're not just saying that to-"

"Riley, please, it's been a really, really bad time lately, can you please just tell me why you're calling."

"Right. Sorry. Remember Ethan Rayne?"

Of course Buffy remembered her father figure's old friend turned enemy. Her heart dropped, a little, at the mention of his name, and she glared across at Giles in annoyance for ever bringing the chaos worshiper into her life.

"I do," was all she answered.

"Well, he was released from military hold about eighteen months ago, and we recently picked him up again for practicing the dark arts on humans and endangering society."

The Slayer couldn't help but gasp a little in surprise. She hadn't expected them to hold him that long. It didn't seem fair, but if he was up to his old tricks again then she figured it probably was.

"If he's back in a cell and no longer a threat I'm guessing there's more to this story that just that," she said, almost expecting his next revelation.

"We found a journal in his personal possessions. It had – I can't believe I'm saying this – it had had all these notes about taking your soul. And there's even this little jar with a 'Buffy Summer's Soul' label on it, but I know that's not possible, so I'm really not sure why I'm telling you, I just-"

"That bastard!" Buffy yelled, cutting the commando off.

"You know something about this?" he asked.

"Riley, you need to get me that jar."

"I can't do that. It's evidence. And, actually, it's a little rich for you to be expecting me to break protocol for you. After everything in the past, and you and your husband talking to be like-"

"Riley, I swear to God I will send Spike to rip your head from your shoulders if you don't send me that jar!"

"This phone call was clearly a mistake. Goodbye, Buffy."

"No! Wait!" she tried to tell him, but he was gone.

Buffy put her head in her hands and Spike held her tight until she stopped shaking with frustration and rage. When it had passed she explained the whole thing to the group, and her mate was just about ready to make good on her threat.

To be continued...