Part 7<\/b><\/p>\n
Xander glanced nervously at Cordelia who had risen from the bed and was checking out the room. There wasn\u2019t much to see, but it was something to pass the time. It also gave Xander a moment to collect the thoughts that were ricocheting off the walls of his brain like a million superballs set loose at once.<\/p>\n
He\u2019d awoken two hours earlier, warm in the type of cozy comfort one only gets when sleeping skin to skin with another human body. He\u2019d slowly opened his eyes, smiling lasciviously as he focused on the voluptuous breast so close to him that was begging for his mouth, then frowning as he realized something wasn\u2019t quite right. His first thought was, \u201cwhen the hell did Anya get a boob job?\u201d He jerked his head up with a snap as he realized that he recognized this breast; it just wasn\u2019t Anya\u2019s. He hadn\u2019t seen this bit of goodness in a very<\/i> long time. Xander felt dread build in the pit of his stomach as his eyes traveled up the golden column of skin, reaching the beautiful face of his sleeping ex-girlfriend.<\/p>\n
Anya was going to kill him.<\/p>\n
He\u2019d quickly adjusted Cordelia\u2019s clothing to cover her and located his shirt, slipping it on and buttoning it up in haste. He had no idea how long it would be before Cordelia came out of her drug-induced nap, but he didn\u2019t want her to know what had happened. His experience with unpredictable women had increased significantly since he\u2019d started dating Anya, and he knew that Cordelia was made from a similar mould. It was better that she was ignorant about this.<\/p>\n
Xander had instinctively known that he\u2019d been drugged and positioned like that with Cordelia. There was only one possible explanation. Sighing, he tried not to think about the look on Anya\u2019s face as she looked at the picture she was bound to receive.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoever this guy is, he had enough sense to hire a decorator,\u201d Cordelia\u2019s words interrupted his worried thoughts and brought him back to the present. \u201cThe color palate is fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess you would know,\u201d Xander said absently, watching her riffle through drawers and rearrange knickknacks of fertility gods and phallic symbols.<\/p>\n
Cordelia frowned as she rattled chains and manacles attached to the wall near the fireplace. \u201cKind of a kinky motif, though. Who does he think we are, thwarted lovers with a bondage fetish?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf he really wanted us to rekindle the flames of our lost love, he\u2019d have found a smaller room with less light,\u201d Xander quipped. \u201cI saw a walk-in linen closet on my way back upstairs earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes. \u201cHa, ha, Xander. Funny.\u201d She strolled unhurriedly back across the room. She gasped and stopped abruptly as she neared the end of the bed.<\/p>\n
Xander followed her gaze to a black circle hiding among the leaves of a silk plant above the fireplace.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, god, is that a camera?\u201d<\/p>\n
Well, he\u2019d tried.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Wesley slipped the offending picture back into the manila envelope and hid it under a stack of books on the table. The image was forever burned in his brain anyway, so there was no need to keep it for reference. He didn\u2019t think Angel wanted the reminder either.<\/p>\n
Turning to his boss, he asked, \u201cSo what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel filled him in. \u201cI don\u2019t know what that force was, Wesley, but it was powerful. I felt as though someone had completely drained me of strength. If I\u2019d stayed there any longer, I wouldn\u2019t have been able to stand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd him?\u201d Wesley motioned to the unconscious man in black.<\/p>\n
\u201cA guard. Maybe we can get some useful information out of him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley didn\u2019t want to bring up the picture again but he couldn\u2019t see any way to avoid it. He cleared his throat. \u201cWhat shall we do about Xander?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s jaw clenched as the photo\u2019s contents flashed through his mind once again. He knew it was a set-up\u2014Cordelia wouldn\u2019t be with Xander willingly again\u2014but it slashed him nonetheless.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess we should call\u2014,\u201d<\/p>\n
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2014Buffy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel reached for the door, opening it to find the subject of their conversation on the other side, flanked by Giles, Willow, a very distraught Anya, and, horror of horrors: Riley.<\/p>\n
Angel growled menacingly and Buffy frowned.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi, Angel,\u201d she stated simply.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy,\u201d he returned. He stood there, waiting.<\/p>\n
She raised her eyebrows questioningly. \u201cCan we come in?\u201d she prompted.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, um, yeah,\u201d Angel sounded reluctant, flashing a warning glare at Riley. God, he hated that pretentious mama\u2019s boy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Riley greeted through clenched teeth. Obviously he wasn\u2019t happy to be here, either.<\/p>\n
\u201cRiley,\u201d Angel ground out. Thoughts of their last meeting echoed in both their heads, Angel\u2019s memories bringing a small smile of satisfaction at the smack down he\u2019d dealt this kid.<\/p>\n
There was a hurried exchange of greetings between Wesley and the present members of the Sunnydale gang.<\/p>\n
\u201cI assume you\u2019re here about Xander?\u201d Wesley asked, getting right to the point.<\/p>\n
Giles nodded, answering for the group. \u201cXander was abducted yesterday. Anya received a call earlier today demanding that she produce Willow in exchange for Xander. She asked for proof that he was alive, and she received an e-mailed photograph of he and Cordelia. . .\u201d Giles trailed off, as if uncertain whether he should explain the photo.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen it,\u201d Angel said, his expression implacable.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy poor Xander,\u201d Anya wailed, \u201ctrapped in there with that heartless bitch\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t say that about Cordelia,\u201d Angel demanded threateningly. \u201cShe\u2019s changed.\u201d At the disbelieving faces of Willow and Buffy, he added forcefully, \u201cShe\u2019s different. You don\u2019t know her anymore, so don\u2019t pretend that you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
His tone said that the conversation was closed, eyes threatening the life of anyone who dared bring it up again, either.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnya, did they say why you and Xander were targeted?\u201d<\/p>\n
She looked at Wesley tearfully. \u201cThey said that I was a traitor to demon-kind everywhere. That I had to pay for turning my back on seeking vengeance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley looked at Angel. \u201cIt fits the MO.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel nodded tersely, then turned and picked up his sword, cleaning the blade in preparation for their upcoming assault on the mansion.<\/p>\n
Wesley explained the situation to Giles. \u201cApparently this guy has some kind of business going, extorting money out of reformed demons.\u201d He told them about the force field preventing Angel from getting in.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes it affect just demons, I wonder?\u201d Giles mused.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it affects anyone with supernatural ability,\u201d Angel stated quietly, looking at Buffy.<\/p>\n
Riley spoke up, earning a frown from Angel for making his presence known. \u201cWell, I don\u2019t have any supernatural abilities, just extensive training. I\u2019m willing to help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel ignored him, but Wesley nodded his agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did they want in exchange for Cordelia?\u201d Buffy asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou,\u201d Angel stated simply, his hard gaze meeting her surprised one.<\/p>\n
Part 8<\/b><\/p>\n
Giles looked perplexed. \u201cI can think of several reasons why someone would want to abduct or kill Buffy; we deal with that on a regular basis. But why not just abduct her or kill her outright?\u201d he wondered.<\/p>\n
Wesley jumped on Giles\u2019 intellectual bandwagon. \u201cYes, and why would they ask Anya to provide Willow and Angel to provide Buffy? Why not just have Anya provide Buffy and use Angel for something else?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGuys, I think you\u2019re forgetting something important,\u201d Buffy pointed out. \u201cI\u2019m not exactly easy to kidnap, even if the baddie has a tranq gun. Been tried before. Never works out very well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giles nodded, \u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d He looked disappointed that his fledgling theory died young.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only that,\u201d Buffy continued, \u201cBut Willow isn\u2019t very easy to steal either. She\u2019s become a pretty powerful Wicca and I don\u2019t think anyone could hold on to her for very long.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s right,\u201d Willow confirmed. \u201cI don\u2019t think there are many people who could keep me by force.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow smiled forlornly and looked over at Anya. \u201cAnd Xander, while we all love him, doesn\u2019t have much going for him in the supernatural power department.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOr any other department,\u201d Angel added half aloud, earning a few dirty looks from the pro-Xander camp.<\/p>\n
Giles began pacing, lost in thought. \u201cSo,\u201d he postulated, \u201cthe perpetrator abducted Cordelia for leverage over Angel, and Xander for leverage over Anya. His goal is to have Buffy and Willow both in his grasp. What possible reason could he have for wanting all of you, if not to kill you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMoney,\u201d Wesley said quietly. \u201cThat\u2019s the common thread in all the abductions. The demon running this show abducts someone important, then blackmails the victim into stealing something or betraying someone. I think he has some type of underground auction going on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Silence descended over the room as everyone thought about the situation. A loud moan broke the stillness, and Angel was on the semi-conscious guard in a matter of seconds, his sword at the man\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going to tell us what we need to know, or you\u2019re going to die, slowly and painfully,\u201d he said, pressing the blade of his weapon uncomfortably against the guard\u2019s neck. His tone left no room to argue his sincerity.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, I have a wife and children,\u201d the guard whimpered. \u201cI don\u2019t want to die.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s mouth curved in a cruel smile. His face shifted to his demon visage as he said, \u201cFine. You won\u2019t. They will.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fear in the man\u2019s eyes grew thicker. \u201cW-What do you want to know?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
After what seemed like hours of perusing the countless antiques and bondage equipment their luxurious cell had to offer, Cordelia was bored out of her mind. Just as she began to entertain the unpleasant prospect of small talk with Xander, the doorknob-less doors swung open dramatically to admit the last person Cordelia ever expected to see (well, besides Xander): Kenny, Jeremy\u2019s \u201cnicest\u201d friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia. Xander,\u201d Kenny nodded to each in turn.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are we being held here?\u201d Cordelia demanded. She wasn\u2019t about to pander to him; she didn\u2019t care who he was.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re leverage,\u201d Kenny admitted. His grin turned carnal as he looked Cordelia up and down. \u201cThat photograph of you two in repose was quite artistic. I\u2019m certain that Anya and Angel were very touched by what a beautiful picture the two of you made.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cXander,\u201d Cordelia hissed, \u201cWhat is he talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n
Kenny ignored her as he continued. \u201cThat was quite sweet of you to protect Cordelia\u2019s sensibilities by covering her up, Xander, but it was really unnecessary. We\u2019d already gathered the visual proof we needed of your safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander clenched his fists and made a threatening step towards their captor. \u201cI am so gonna\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not going to do anything,\u201d Kenny interrupted calmly. \u201cYou have no power here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough with the evil power trip already!\u201d Cordelia yelled impatiently. She\u2019d had just about enough of Kenny\u2019s posturing. \u201cWe\u2019re your captives. We get that. We\u2019re sufficiently terrified, please don\u2019t kill us, yada, yada, yada. Now what exactly do you plan to do with us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing, yet. Angel and Anya have both been given a mission. They\u2019ve been told to bring the slayer and Willow Rosenberg to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn exchange for us?\u201d Xander asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey think so,\u201d Kenny added, smirking, obviously in love with his nefarious plans. \u201cThey won\u2019t be leaving here, so they won\u2019t be able to take you with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you want with Willow and Buffy?\u201d Xander asked suspiciously, concern for his friends coming to the fore.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re worth a great deal of money, you know. It isn\u2019t every day that one can obtain a Slayer and a very powerful Wicca for one\u2019s collection.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou still haven\u2019t answered my question, moron,\u201d Cordelia rolled her eyes, ignoring the glare that Xander gave her as she goaded Kenny. \u201cWhat are you going to do with us?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll be sold for your Seer\u2019s ability. Your friend, here, will be disposed of.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019d better start my bidding out at a decent price. Last time I was up for sale they tried to sell me for a paltry $2,000. I am so<\/i> worth more than that,\u201d she complained.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello! Head on the chopping block, here!\u201d Xander hissed, obviously miffed that she\u2019d ignored the fact that his death sentence had been handed down.<\/p>\n
\u201cPfft. Your precious Buffy will save you. Don\u2019t worry about it,\u201d Cordelia\u2019s confidence was palpable.<\/p>\n
Kenny frowned at Cordelia\u2019s unwillingness to accept his plans. \u201cBuffy and Angel will not have any power here. You have no hope. You are worth nothing but the price you bring at auction.\u201d His speech seemed to convince him, his chilling smile returning.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s with all the money, anyway?\u201d Cordelia sniped. She gestured at the room. \u201cIt\u2019s not like you don\u2019t have enough already.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not the money, dear, it\u2019s the power,\u201d Kenny said patronizingly. \u201cBesides, the Powers that Be and I aren\u2019t exactly best friends. This deal will allow me to significantly disrupt their plans.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think they\u2019re going to just let you wipe out their Champion and Seer all in one blow?\u201d Cordelia asked incredulously.<\/p>\n
Kenny only smiled, filled with the arrogance of a man who feels he\u2019s already won.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave a pleasant evening, children,\u201d Kenny added, turning on his heel and sweeping out of the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s the evil \u2018Mua-ha-ha\u2019 and requisite handlebar mustache?\u201d Xander griped. \u201cGeez, could this get any worse?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Cordelia managed before she grasped her head and cried out in pain, sinking to the floor as the images flashed before her eyes.<\/p>\n