Part 3
“So how was your first..err..second night as a married woman?”
“Shut up, Gunn.”
“C’mon girl. Don’t hold out on all the dirty little details.”
“OK but just remember you asked.” She leaned in and whispered in a loud voice. “The things that vampire can do with his tongue should be illegal. He had me..”
“WHAT?”
“I’m joking. Geez. You used to have a sense of humor. I think you’ve been spending too much time with Wes.”
“That wasn’t funny, girl.”
“We slept. That’s all.”
“Good. I don’t think it’s a good idea to trust him. As a matter of fact, I was thinkin’ that Wes and I should move into the hotel too. Just to make sure you’re safe.”
“He’s not going to hurt me.”
“Unless you stand between him and a book he wants.” Gunn watched her body tense and her eyes darken at the memory. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have dragged that up. It’s just he’s a vampire. I forgot that before but now I know havin’ a soul doesn’t stop him from hurting people. Maybe he won’t hurt you physically but there are other kinds of hurt.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m never going to give him another chance to hurt me like that again.”
“I know. I don’t know why I brought it up. You’re not the sort of girl we need to worry about anyway.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? I’m not a skanky blond ho or a blond powerhouse freak so there’s no reason to think Angel might be interested. Is that what you’re saying? Huh? Is it?”
“Damn girl! Back up a step. I only meant you’re not the kind of girl that gets hot and bothered over a corpse.”
“Eww gross. Wait. Is Angel supposed to be the dead body in your scenario?”
“Damn straight. He’s not zombie dead with parts falling off, ’cause I gotta say that was a whole new level of freaky. Gun toting zombie cops are too weird for words and not good for Wes’s health. Angel’s a vamp kind of dead. You do know that’s what a vampire is, right? It’s a walking, talking, biting dead body.”
“Yeah but Angel’s not gross.”
Wesley’s head popped up as he finally acknowledged the conversation going on around him. He inspected Cordelia for signs of thawing.
“I mean yeah he’s a jerk and I trust him about as far as Wesley can throw him but he’s not gross.” Both men had strange looks on their faces. “What?”
“Thanks. It’s good to know you don’t find me disgusting.”
She spun around. “Oh spare me your kicked puppy face. I was defending you. Don’t worry I won’t let it happen again.”
“Perhaps we should try to get some work done. Cordelia, I believe you have a large stack of paperwork on your desk that requires filing.”
“I don’t see why I should have to file them. It’s Angel’s fault we had to move them to our new office only to move them back here.”
“I can..”
“No. I’ll do it. If you file them, I’ll never be able to find anything.”
“Yeah.” Gunn gently elbowed Cordelia. “The vamp would never know to file the Thompson case under P.”
Wesley looked up from his book. “I know I’m going to regret this but why would Mr. Thompson’s case file be under P?”
“Because he was a total pig! While you two were off playing Starsky and Hutch, he was using every sleazy line he could think of on me. The pig actually had the nerve to grab my ass.”
“What?” Angel glared at the two men. “And you guys just let him get away with that?”
“Don’t look at me. I just found out.”
“I would’ve offered to kick the guy’s ass but after Cordy spoke to Mrs. Thompson, I didn’t think it was necessary.”
“I don’t recall him being married.”
“He wasn’t. She told his mom. The 40something dude was still living at home.”
“You told his mother?” Wesley bit his lip to keep from laughing.
“What? She called looking for him and it came up in conversation. I thought it was my duty to tell her how her son behaved when he wasn’t at home.”
“That’s it? You told his mother? He still got away with treating you like that.”
Cordelia arched a perfectly sculpted brow. “What exactly should I have done? There wasn’t a wine cellar I could lock him in. I had to improvise.”
Angel’s face fell. “I didn’t… You shouldn’t have to deal with a man like that.”
“It’s nice of you to show your concern now. Where were you when it happened? Oh right, you had your head stuck up your..”
“We are getting way off topic, people. I believe we were discussing work. I suggest we stop talking about it and start actually working.”
“Sorry. I can’t stay. I have an appointment.”
“What? Where?”
“Nosy much? I don’t answer to you.”
“Well you do answer to me. I am the boss, remember? If you require time off during working hours, you..”
“Get over yourself, Wes. We don’t work 9 to 5 days here so until I get overtime I will take time whenever I need it. I put in a whole helluva lot more time than 40 hours.”
Wesley was surprised by her reaction and tone. “May I speak to you privately before you go?”
She silently walked past him and into the office.
He closed the door behind them, ignoring Gunn’s huff at being excluded and Angel’s scowl. “What’s wrong?”
“Why did you take his side?”
“I beg your pardon.”
“You took his side. It’s none of his business where I’m going.”
Wesley gave her a wry smile. “Well you are his wife. I think that entitles him..”
“You are so not funny. Don’t think you can joke your way out of this.”
“Cordelia, in case you haven’t noticed trouble tends to seek you out. It isn’t unreasonable for us to worry about you when you’re not here.”
She rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. “I made plans to see Lorne this afternoon. I’m going over to Caritas. Are you happy now?”
“What ever for?”
“What difference does that make? You’re worried about my safety so I told you where I would be. Why I’m going is none of your business.”
“Cordelia..”
“Don’t use that tone with me, buddy. We may have elected you the boss of office but no one is the boss of me. I’ll see you in about an hour.” She stormed out of the office, grabbed her purse and walked out of the hotel.
“I take it Barbie didn’t feel like explaining.”
“She told me where she was going.” Wes spotted Angel heading towards the basement. “Don’t even think about following her and in the future, eavesdropping is against company policy.”
Angel reluctantly walked back to the counter. “She didn’t say why she wanted to see Lorne. She’s hiding something.”
“Perhaps but that doesn’t give you the right to follow her. It won’t help you earn her trust. I think we’ve wasted enough of our day. Let’s get to work.”
***
“Hi Lorne.”
“Hi sweetie. You’re looking as gorgeous as ever.”
“Thanks. At least someone notices. Have you found her?”
“I’m sorry, kitten. She must have taken your threat seriously and skadaddled right out of town. Maybe you should let it go. Beating yourself up about it isn’t healthy.”
“I can’t help it, Lorne. I should’ve known better.”
“It’s hard to forget the past when it’s staring you in the face.”
“But it wasn’t really her. Harmony died at graduation. That was a demon using my former friend’s body and adopting her personality and memories. I shouldn’t have let that interfere with doing what’s right. I let her go. She’s a vampire. She feeds on people to survive.”
“Sweetie, you..”
“No. I’m partially responsible for every death she causes. I let her go.”
“I’ll keep checking my sources. I know I’m repeating myself but you do work for a detective agency. Isn’t this more your area of expertise?”
“I can’t talk to them about this. Not after the way I acted when she was here. This is my problem.”
“OK. Enough with the doom and gloom for now. When are you going to dish?”
“About what?”
“The word is out, honey. Your and Angelcakes’ wedded bliss is big news. Tell Uncle Lorne all the seedy details.”
“How do you know about that?”
“Who doesn’t? I got my ear to the ground, honey, and it has been shakin’ ever since you two kids tied the knot. So how’s the bond workin’ out for you? Is it everything I’ve heard?”
“Are you drunk? We are annulling it. Why would we…”
“That’s a shame. The divorce rate today is scandalous. At least the getting out is fun too. So you and his broodiness will be sharing a bed for 40 nights? Oh to be a fly on that wall.”
“It’d be about as much fun as watching paint dry. We sleep. We wake up. It’s no big deal. I prefer men who don’t treat me like dirt.”
“Oh honey. You know he’s sorry. If you give him a chance, he..”
“Too little, too late.” Cordelia glanced at the attractive man who walked into the club. “Hello handsome.”
Lorne turned and followed her gaze. “Brian. Come on over and meet a friend.”
The tall handsome man approached their table. Cordelia discreetly looked him over. He stood at about 6 feet with broad shoulders and a nice lean build. He had light brown hair and bright blue eyes. The man was undeniably gorgeous.
“Brian Jacobs meet Cordelia Chase. Cordy, this is Brian. He handles my books.”
“It’s quite a challenge but someone has to do it.” He shook her proffered hand.
“I’m not that bad. OK. I like to round all my number to whole dollars. All that change makes my books look messy.”
“Those pennies add up.” He smiled at Cordelia. “I’m not interrupting, am I? I can wait at the bar.”
“No. Don’t be silly. Why don’t you join us?” She returned his smile. “So you’re an accountant? Excuse me for saying but you don’t look like any number cruncher I’ve ever seen.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He shrugged. “I’ve always loved numbers and my father is an accountant. I guess the love of numbers runs in my family. My sister is an accountant too.”
“Do you work with your family?”
“No. I’m from San Francisco but I studied at UCLA. I fell in love with Los Angeles and I’ve been here ever since.”
“You must get lonely with no family around.”
“I see them when I can and I have made friends here.”
“Friends?”
Lorne laughed at Cordelia’s coy smile. “He’s as single as they come, kitten. He’s also quite the catch. Why don’t I go get those books? I’m sure Cordelicious will keep you company while you wait.”
She glared at Lorne’s retreating back. “I’m sorry about that.”
“Don’t be. He’s right. I mean about the being single part.”
She smiled. It had been so long since she flirted. It felt good. “So how did you meet Lorne? You don’t seem bothered by the whole he’s a demon thing.”
“One night I was being chased by what appeared to be an extra from some campy vampire horror movie. I saw the lights for this club and ran in here for help. I took one look at the clientele and knew I was dead. Lorne came up to me and told me this was a sanctuary. We talked in between sets. It was quite the awakening. I started coming in from time to time. We became friends. Eventually I offered my services. It’s important for him to stay below the radar and the best way to do that is to keep an accurate record. If you don’t raise any red flags, you get left alone. What about you?”
“I work for a detective agency. Lorne has been a good source of information as well as a friend.”
“And you’re not bothered about the whole he’s a demon thing?”
She smiled at his use of her phrase. “No. I’ve known about demons since I was sixteen. I grew up on a hellmouth. The cases we handle revolve around the things that go bump in the night. I know from experience that things aren’t always black and white in the demon world.”
“I know what you mean. Just the other day Lorne mentioned something about a vampire with a soul. I thought he was pulling my leg but then last night I overheard two demons talking about how the vampire with a soul just married his seer, whatever that is. I don’t remember his name but it was something girlie. They mainly talked about how hot the woman was. It seems she was considered to be the vampire’s property long before the marriage took place. I guess he may be one of the good guys but he’s not very enlightened.”
“They called her his property?”
Brian nodded. “I won’t go into graphic detail but they expressed their disappointment that they hadn’t met her first.”
“I am not..”
“Here you go, Brian. I’m sure you’re in a hurry.”
“Oh. Actually I am. I’m on my lunch break.” He glanced apologetically at Cordelia. “It was very nice to have met you, Cordelia. I’m sorry to rush off like this. I enjoyed our conversation.”
“I did too.” Cordelia pulled out her business card. “In case you ever run into trouble again.”
“And if I just want to continue our conversation?”
She smiled. “That would be okay too.”
He flashed a smile in return.
Lorne cleared his throat. “It was nice of you to drop by and pick those up. I’d go to your office but then there would be screaming and running. Give me a call if you can’t read my writing.”
“What? Oh right. I’ll be in touch. Bye.”
Cordelia watched Brian leave. As soon as he was gone, her outrage returned. “I am no one’s property. Especially Angel’s! What the hell have people been saying?”
“Calm down, sweetie. Now what’s got your feathers ruffled?”
“Brian just told me he overheard two demons talking about my marriage. They referred to me as Angel’s property and apparently I’ve belonged to him for awhile now.” Her eyes flashed in indignation.
“Ah that. Well you..”
“I am NOBODY’S property.”
Lorne backed away slightly from the growling brunette. “I would never refer to you as property. I have supported cows’ rights since I was little.”
“What? What do cows have to do with anything and I’ve seen you wear leather?”
“Sorry. I had a flashback of my hometown. As I was saying, I would never refer to you as property but some might use that word, incorrectly of course, simply because of how protective Angel is of you. He has on occasion inflicted pain on those who’ve hurt you or insulted you. And in some cases those who complimented your umm… assets. Word spread that not only should demons not touch, they shouldn’t even look.”
“Yeah I felt his concern when he fired me.”
“I know that was a difficult time for you but Angel was going through a rough patch. He is allowed to have his bad days. He’s allowed to make mistakes and he’s allowed to act like a horse’s ass occasionally. We all are. You know if the two of you would talk to each other about what you both went through it might bring you closer.”
“And why would I want that?”
“Because you missed Angel and he missed you. Because you care about him and he cares about you. Because you like..”
“Tell me about Brian. Have you ever read him?”
Lorne decide to let her change the subject. She had more in common with Angel than she cared to admit. They were both too thick headed to see what was right in front of them for one thing. They were both too frightened to listen to their hearts for another. “You know I can’t divulge what I read. It’s private. How would you like it..”
“I’m not asking for the seedy details like some people. He may call me and before he does I’d like your assurance about him.”
“What about him?”
“That he isn’t evil or secretly working for Wolfram & Hart or looking for a vessel to insert his demon spawn into or looking to settle a grudge against Angel. He said he was chased in here by a vampire. It wasn’t Darla, Drusilla, Spike, Harmony or Angelus, was it? Or even Angel while he was beige? I don’t know if I ever told you but I haven’t had the greatest luck with men. Just tell me if there’s a reason I should steer clear of Brian.”
“Well there is your other half to consider.”
“Very funny. We both know Angel would never think of me that way. Not that I care because I don’t think of him like that either. That ship sailed a long, long time ago. So?”
Lorne sighed. He had a sinking feeling about this. Something told him he was going to be visited by an angry clueless vampire with a serious case of denial. “He’s not evil. He’s completely human, no demon spawn to speak of. The vampire that chased him followed him in here. He was no one you know. I heard he was dusted in Gunn’s old stomping grounds. Brian doesn’t have a grudge against anyone and Angel wasn’t hunting humans which deep down you already knew.”
“He locked those..”
“He didn’t kill them.”
“He didn’t help them either. We don’t punish humans. That’s not a part of our mission. If it were, I’d have Wilson Christopher’s balls on my mantelpiece.”
“Oh sweetie, I think the world would be all the better for it.”
“You’re probably right but that’s not my decision. Angel helped Faith even though she was a killer and had tortured Wesley for hours.” She sighed and looked away. “He was a different guy back then. He was someone I respected. Someone I trusted. Someone I… Maybe that was my mistake. He wasn’t a guy back then. He was a vampire and I forgot that. There’s no point dwelling in the past. Guy or no guy, that person doesn’t exist anymore.”
“If there’s no point in dwelling in the past then there’s no point in holding a grudge and for the record, I would say Angelcakes is all kinds of man with a little demon on the side.”
Cordelia folded her arms and glared at the green demon. “It’s not a grudge and if you think he’s so wonderful, you marry him.”
“I’m no homewrecker.” He winked saucily. “As for the grudge, honey, if it looks like a duck and it sounds like a duck..”
“It’s called being in touch with reality. Angel can’t be trusted. I lived under the misconception that Angelus was the only one who would hurt me if given the chance. Now I know I was wrong.” She absently twisted a napkin in her hands. “Is his soul really permanent?”
“It sure is. He can have a happy as often as he wants which begs the question..”
“Why isn’t he in Sunnydale?”
“Actually I was wondering what you’re doing here when you could be..”
“Will you be serious for five seconds? It’s only a matter of time before he leaves.” She shook off her thoughts. “I have to go. I’ve already been gone longer than I planned. I’m sure I’ll have to face the Spanish inquisition when I get back. Don’t forget..”
“Not a word about why you were here, I promise.”
“Thanks Lorne. You’re the best.”
“Thank me by giving Angel a chance. You need each other whether you want to admit it or not.”
“I know. I’m vision girl.” She offered a weak smile before leaving.
“That’s not what I meant, you thick headed beautiful girl. Those two kids are going to drive me crazy with their auras. If only they could stop protecting their hearts long enough to listen to them.”
“Were you talkin’ to me, boss?”
“No but since you’re here, let’s go over it again. A seabreeze has one part…”