8<\/u><\/p>\n
Her head didn\u2019t feel any clearer in the morning.<\/p>\n
Cordelia leaned against her kitchen counter, pouring herself a glass of juice. She\u2019d done the usual \u2013 woken up, brushed her teeth, jogged along the beach with Jack running beside her, heard about Riley\u2019s wild night with another large-breasted bimbo over the phone, and brushed off several of his attempts to learn about *her* evening \u2013<\/p>\n
Which brought her back to the problem at hand.<\/p>\n
Angel.<\/p>\n
Angel and their so-called \u2018date\u2019.<\/p>\n
Her feelings were still a mess. She wanted him and she didn\u2019t want him. She certainly couldn\u2019t deny the attraction – it had pinned her like a dart and spread through her veins like poison. She felt a strange tingle when she thought of him, and that wonderful feeling of excitement and desire a woman felt when beginning a new relationship with a man.<\/p>\n
Only this was a man\u2026pire. Cordy rolled her eyes. Not that *that* was a valid excuse. It didn\u2019t bother her really \u2013 her life wasn\u2019t exactly the epitome of normal either. Sure, there were limitations to consider but she could deal with those as they came. Then again, there was that happiness clause\u2026<\/p>\n
Cordelia shook her head, pushing the sensory overload that was the idea of \u2018sex with Angel\u2019 out of her mind and trying to regain her train of thought.<\/p>\n
It bothered her that Angel was a client. Their relationship<\/i> or whatever the hell it was, was incredibly unprofessional and incredibly unlike her. So what if he made her feel things she hadn\u2019t really felt before? So what if he was tall and dark and gorgeous \u2013<\/p>\n
\u201cNot helping, Cordy.\u201d She said out loud, sipping her juice. Something just didn\u2019t feel right to her about the whole thing and it made embarking on whatever *he* had in mind impossible. She was a powerful, professional woman and she wasn\u2019t about to start a dubious love affair with a client<\/i> for goodness sakes, no matter who he was or how he made her feel.<\/p>\n
Cordelia slammed her glass down resolutely, her mind made up. The feeling of discontent didn\u2019t seem to disappear with the decision but Cordy ignored that completely, glancing at her watch. She had to be at the office soon.<\/p>\n
Grabbing her towel from the back of the chair, she headed for the shower.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cI changed your conference call to 4.30 and remember you have a meeting with the Nyaskins\u2019 clan at six – \u201d<\/p>\n
Angel barely heard what Harmony was saying. Sure, he\u2019d pretty much started tuning her out ever since he\u2019d hired her but there were more important things on his mind at the moment.<\/p>\n
Like why Cordelia hadn\u2019t answered *any* of his calls.<\/p>\n
A growl escaped him. He felt like a desperate teenager all over again, new to the rules of dating. Was he supposed to call the morning after? Was there a three-day waiting rule? Was it better to seem aloof, or risk seeming desperate?<\/p>\n
He\u2019d called once in the early afternoon, when he\u2019d woken up and against his better judgement. At the sound of her answering machine, he\u2019d hung up the phone, disappointed. He\u2019d lifted the receiver and dialled her number a couple of hours later, only to get her voicemail again. This time, he\u2019d left a message.<\/p>\n
When he\u2019d finished, the strange feeling in his stomach hadn\u2019t dissipated. Cordelia wasn\u2019t answering his calls, and he wasn\u2019t fool enough to believe there wasn\u2019t something behind it.<\/p>\n
Something he knew he wouldn\u2019t like.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Buffy sighed resignedly, flipping through the notes Wesley had given her and passing the stack of sheets on to Cordy. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Faith talking to Wes, unusually cheerful and probably as a result of her fantastic evening. Buffy swallowed, her heart plummeting into her stomach. She tried not to think too much about it.<\/p>\n
Cordelia nudged her. \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d Buffy nodded half-heartedly, fully aware that Cordy knew her better than almost anyone. \u201cWhy do you ask?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, you cancelled on the blonde for starters.\u201d Cordelia frowned. \u201cThen there\u2019s the big black cloud hovering over your head.\u201d She shrugged. \u201cAnd you don\u2019t usually sit and stare at inanimate objects – \u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy glanced at her. \u201cCordelia – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey.\u201d Faith dropped onto the couch opposite them. \u201cWhat we talking about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, nothing.\u201d Buffy did her best to smile and act normal. \u201cHow was the date?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease Buffy.\u201d Faith winked at her. \u201cI never kiss and tell – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo,\u201d Cordy said quickly, seemingly noticing the crestfallen look on Buffy\u2019s face. \u201cWes? What\u2019s the plan? Any ideas how to bring down the big bad building?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMight I remind you,\u201d Wesley said, taking a seat himself, \u201cThis is about helping Angel. NOT demolishing Wolfram and Hart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeaking of Angel\u2026\u201d Faith grinned at Cordelia and the girl shifted uncomfortably. \u201cHow was the big da \u2013 oh, I\u2019m sorry, business meeting?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI forgot about that.\u201d Buffy turned to Cordy, her curiosity peaked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told you.\u201d Cordelia replied with a glare. \u201cHe just wanted to\u2026talk.\u201d She barely seemed to hide a shiver. \u201cAbout work. Amongst other things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy raised an eyebrow. \u201cWhat kind of other things?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryday things.\u201d Cordy said shortly. \u201cHe can\u2019t do that with anyone else and I was the guinea pig.\u201d She looked up at Faith. \u201cReally, it was just dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith huffed, disappointed. \u201cDamn. I was hoping for hot monkey love details.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley grimaced. \u201cOr details on anything else perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d Cordy took a deep breath, trying to remember, \u201cHe mentioned he\u2019d been to hell. Twice.\u201d She half smiled at the way Buffy\u2019s eyes widened. \u201cOne of the times was with a Wolfram and Hart employee, *in* Wolfram and Hart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Faith frowned. \u201cHow is that even possible?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy shrugged. \u201cHe said the guy referred to it as their \u2018home office\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHell?\u201d Wesley asked, then seemed to consider it. \u201cWell I suppose that isn\u2019t hard to believe. Did he reveal how he got there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe said it was down some sort of elevator shaft.\u201d Cordy shook her head. \u201cI didn\u2019t push him about it because he looked a little nauseous. I was worried about my interior.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley rolled his eyes. \u201cAlright, I\u2019ll make a note of it. Anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knows his way around the building. Which by the looks of it, we do too now.\u201d Cordy glanced over at the blueprints. \u201cOther than that, not a lot. He said he\u2019d let us know if anything else came up but for now he should be able to get us anything straightforward if we need it.\u201d She looked down at her sheet. \u201cAnything that doesn\u2019t require, ya know\u2026\u201d Her eyes widened and she looked up. \u201cAn eye scan?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPretty cool, huh?\u201d Faith grinned.<\/p>\n
Cordy stared at Wes. \u201cHow the hell are we gonna get past all this security?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have a few ideas.\u201d Wesley had a twinkle in his eye, the same one he got whenever he knew the answer to a difficult question. \u201cWe have the names of the two people who can freely come and go into the building thanks to the personal files. One is in charge of security and other is a liaison to the senior partners.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy raised an eyebrow. \u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, we did a little background search on \u2018em.\u201d Buffy piped up, handing another sheet to Cordelia. \u201cWhere they go, what they like doing\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you manage that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hired a P.I.\u201d Wesley said matter-of-factly.<\/p>\n
Cordy frowned. \u201cAren\u2019t we P.I\u2019s?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, but some of us are all too busy dating.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy had the grace to colour slightly. Then, she grinned. \u201cSpeaking of dating Wes, what\u2019s going on with you and Kate?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley shot Buffy a menacing look and she smirked. \u201cI hardly think – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRelax Wes, it\u2019s just harmless curiosity.\u201d Faith punched his arm affectionately. \u201cWe were always rooting for you two crazy kids to get together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy laughed, winking at the other girl. \u201cThey are kindof cute.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAww.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright, that\u2019s enough.\u201d Wesley snapped, though he seemed to be fighting a smile. \u201cCan we get back to the matter at hand, please?\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy sat up straight. \u201cAye aye, cap.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, Faith, according to our source this Park fellow goes here every Saturday evening.\u201d Wes handed her a small card with the address and a photograph of an Asian \u2013 American man. \u201cHe\u2019s recently been through a terrible divorce.\u201d He added at her grimace. \u201cForgive me if I cause offence but I believe you\u2019d be most confident to go incognito in a place like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTitty Kats. Classy.\u201d Faith glanced at the strip club flyer, then broke into a grin. \u201cAnd no offence taken.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood. Buffy,\u201d Wes glanced at Buffy. \u201cGo with her. I want this operation to run smoothly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy nodded. \u201cWhat do you want us to do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll be carrying a security key card with him at all times.\u201d Wesley looked at each girl. \u201cYou must obtain it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith shrugged. \u201cEasy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright, now that\u2019s settled, I\u2019ll acquire the eye scan from Eve.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa.\u201d Cordy stared at him. \u201cYou? In the field?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley glared at her through his glasses. \u201cI\u2019ll have you know I\u2019m a fantastic dick.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith jerked her head towards him. Buffy choked on the water she was drinking.<\/p>\n
Cordy merely raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, a dick, a detective, a gumshoe.\u201d Wesley sputtered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no doubt.\u201d Cordy said, a hint of a smile on her lips. \u201cBut this woman works for Wolfram & Hart. She\u2019s bound to be a, how do I put this\u2026vicious bitch?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley frowned. \u201cYou don\u2019t think I can handle a vicious bitch? I have the British charm.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, but I just think we\u2019d be better off using someone who\u2019s used to *dealing* with vicious bitches.\u201d Cordy\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cWhich you\u2019re NOT.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley glanced from her, to Buffy, to Faith. \u201cAh, yes well\u2026\u201d He cleared his throat. \u201cAre you volunteering?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy shrugged but Faith shook her head. \u201cI doubt a woman like that would respond well to another.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we need a man<\/i>, other than Wes.\u201d Buffy said. She looked at their boss. \u201cA Casanova rather than a James Bond.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI suppose you\u2019re right.\u201d Wesley appeared quite pleased at being compared to James Bond. \u201cSomeone with more confidence and experience with promiscuous women would be better suited for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need a man-whore?\u201d Cordy asked with a knowing grin.<\/p>\n
\u201cPossibly.\u201d Wesley raised an eyebrow. \u201cWhy? You happen to know one?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRiley.\u201d Faith grinned. \u201cMan after my own heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy laughed. \u201cHe\u2019ll get the job done, alright.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll ask.\u201d Cordy grabbed her phone, grimacing when she glanced at the screen. \u201cYeesh.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith frowned. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing.\u201d Cordelia said quickly, lifting the phone to her ear. \u201cMaybe we should get Xander to go with him? Make sure Riley doesn\u2019t get out of hand?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood idea.\u201d Wesley nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll call him.\u201d<\/p>\n
The words came out of their mouths at the same time and Faith and Buffy stared at each other, shifting uncomfortably. Faith shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, you call him. I\u2019ve gotta think about my outfit anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOutfit?\u201d Wesley shot her a bewildered look. \u201cYou mean disguise?\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith flashed a wolfish grin. \u201cI mean outfit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally, Faith – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright.\u201d Cordy said, putting her phone away. \u201cRiley\u2019s in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo is Xander.\u201d Buffy hung up, sliding her phone into her pocket.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat! So we\u2019re set.\u201d Wesley scribbled something down onto two sheets of paper. \u201cHere are the addresses for both locations.\u201d He pocketed one of them, handing the other to Faith. \u201cCordelia, I\u2019ll need your help here planning the, uh, the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBreaking and entering?\u201d Buffy offered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s such a negative term.\u201d Wes muttered.<\/p>\n
Cordy smiled, her hand flying to her chest when her phone rang.<\/p>\n
Buffy grinned. \u201cLittle miss popularity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia only rolled her eyes, lifting the phone out of her handbag. She sighed when she saw the caller I.D, swiftly throwing it back in.<\/p>\n
Faith looked up. \u201cAren\u2019t you going to answer that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Cordelia answered shortly.<\/p>\n
\u201cOookay.\u201d Faith stood, holding her hand out to Buffy, who took it, standing too. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna go strip, uh I mean, go *to* the strip.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeak with the manager first, Faith, I don\u2019t want any added confusion.\u201d Wesley said, handing her the flyer she\u2019d left on the table. \u201cAnd good luck.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel snapped the phone shut, nearly crushing it in his fist. Cordelia *still* wasn\u2019t answering any of his calls. Well, he thought, as he barged through the door of the small office on the thirteenth floor, smiling sardonically at the way the sole occupant of the room jumped in fright, he\u2019d just have to find other ways of contacting her. Three of the four desks in the room were empty but Angel walked over to the young man seated behind one, raising an eyebrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you have the information?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cY\u2026yes.\u201d The man stuttered, pushing his glasses up and retrieving a brown envelop from the first drawer in his desk. \u201cThe\u2026the address is inside.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel took the envelope, sliding it between his shirt and jacket. \u201cThis stays between us.\u201d He said, his tone making it clear there was no room for argument.<\/p>\n
The man swallowed. \u201cOf\u2026of course, s\u2026sir.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d Without another word, Angel turned on his heel, strolling out of the office.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cOW!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cQuit being such a baby.\u201d Cordy muttered, fingers fluttering around Riley\u2019s rapidly blinking eye. \u201cYou\u2019re the one who can\u2019t do this yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley pouted. \u201cIt hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUgh.\u201d Cordy held the scanning device (conveniently disguised as a contact lens) on the tip of her finger, tapping her foot. \u201cHere we are, sending you off to do a man\u2019s job and you\u2019re acting like a little girl.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey!\u201d Riley grabbed her wrist, glaring at her. \u201cIt feels\u2026weird. I\u2019m not used to stuff being\u2026inserted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia heard Xander snigger from the couch. \u201cYou just had to take it to the gutter, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou bring out the best in me, Cor.\u201d Riley winked, then blinked several times. \u201cDammit!\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy laughed, rubbing his shoulder. \u201cCome on, I\u2019ll be gentle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley frowned, then took a step closer to her, closing one eye.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo what\u2019s my role in this again?\u201d Xander asked from the sofa, taking the tiny contraption Wesley handed him. \u201cAnd what\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFlip it open.\u201d Wesley ordered, taking a seat next to him. Xander did so, revealing a calculator like panel with a small cross-sectioned screen. \u201cIt\u2019s a transmission device attached to the scanner. The moment Riley acquires the scan, it\u2019ll show up on the screen. You\u2019ll need to let him know so he can make a hasty exit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to be nerd-boy while he gets to hit on the girl?\u201d Xander scrunched up his nose. \u201cIt\u2019s like high-school all over again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy gave him a sympathetic smile as she sat down, Riley following behind her, the scanning device now firmly in place. Wesley only frowned, seemingly pondering something.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to need to get them *into* that party.\u201d He said finally. \u201cEve may get suspicious if they\u2019re hanging around waiting for her when she gets outside.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDidn\u2019t you say it was a private party?\u201d Xander asked.<\/p>\n
Riley squinted at him. \u201cYou\u2019ve never crashed a private party before?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley smirked. \u201cAre ya scared, Harris?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be no crashing.\u201d Wesley said, before Xander could retort. \u201cI want this done as quickly and quietly as possible.\u201d He glanced at Cordy. \u201cAny ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy was quiet for a moment. Then, she shrugged. \u201cHow about Nabbit?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course!\u201d Wesley said, throwing his hands up. \u201cThat man has more connections than the human body.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley frowned at the metaphor. Cordy smirked, reaching for her phone. \u201cI\u2019ll give him a call.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander just looked confused. \u201cWho\u2019s Nabbit?\u201d His eyes widened. \u201cDavid Nabbit? THE David Nabbit?\u201d He was on his feet in front of Cordelia so fast she barely saw him move. \u201cYou *know* him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSsh.\u201d Cordy moved away from him, smiling when she heard Nabbit\u2019s voice. \u201cDavid? It\u2019s Cordy.\u201d Her smile widened at his squeal of delight. \u201cFine, fine. And you?\u201d She laughed. \u201cGreat. Actually David, I need a favour\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRemarkable man, really.\u201d Wesley said to Xander. \u201cIncredibly well off for such a young fellow. And he\u2019s always come through for us when we\u2019ve needed him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley frowned. \u201cThat\u2019s just cos he\u2019s got a huge crush on Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander nodded, indicating he sympathised.<\/p>\n
Cordy hung up, taking a seat once again. \u201cHe\u2019s on it.\u201d She turned to Riley. \u201cI\u2019ll confirm it with you when he calls. You should be able to walk straight in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCool.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcellent then, we\u2019re all set.\u201d Wesley stood, grabbing the picture of Eve from his desk and removing the address from his pocket, handing them both to Xander. \u201cHere\u2019s hoping it all goes smoothly.\u201d His lips pulled into a frown. \u201cIt should do, providing Xander doesn\u2019t fall asleep and Riley doesn\u2019t shag her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both boys looked up in outrage. \u201cHEY!\u201d<\/p>\n