11<\/u><\/b><\/p>\n
10:58 AM<\/p>\n
\u201cMornin\u2019 Bill, Tim.\u201d Jerry, the delivery guy nodded at both men on the other side of the security desk, pulling out a clipboard as Bill got out of his seat. \u201cYa\u2019ll havin\u2019 a good weekend?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDull is the word you\u2019re looking for.\u201d Bill muttered, signing the sheet of paper. He took the parcel Jerry handed him, shooting him a strange look. \u201cWhat the hell you doin\u2019 delivering packages on a Sunday anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t look at me. You guys are the ones who work every Sunday.\u201d Jerry grimaced. \u201cThat\u2019s gotta suck, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim grunted. \u201cDon\u2019t I know it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Bill grinned at him. Jerry ripped the under-sheet off his clipboard and handed it to him, making a saluting gesture as he turned on his heel. \u201cI gotta head off. You fellas have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSee ya, Jerry.\u201d Bill grabbed one of the doughnuts his wife had packed for him from the plastic container and settled in his seat, flipping the newspaper open as Tim stood, picking up the package.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll take this upstairs.\u201d He muttered. Bill acknowledged him with a nod, never taking his eyes off the paper. He bit into his doughnut and sighed, shifting in his seat.<\/p>\n
Just another uneventful day at Wolfram & Hart\u2026<\/p>\n
14:47 PM<\/p>\n
Cordelia grinned at Buffy from her semi-crouched position, extending her left hand forward, palm up, as her right arm bent at the elbow and stretched back, the hand aligned flat and rigid with her cheekbone. She made a come hither motion with her left hand, resuming her still, fighter\u2019s stance.<\/p>\n
Buffy paused, one second, two, three \u2013 then charged forward, jumping up on one leg and kicking out with the other, catching Cordy in the shoulder. She stumbled but recovered swiftly, wrapping her hand around Buffy\u2019s ankle. The other girl spun through the air, landing hard on her hands but quickly rolling into a standing position.<\/p>\n
Cordelia lunged from behind and Buffy spun promptly, their hands throwing and blocking punches with immeasurable speed. Buffy blocked Cordy\u2019s knee inches from her abdomen, dropping to one knee and kicking Cordy\u2019s legs out from under her with an extended leg.<\/p>\n
Cordelia collapsed on the ground, grunting harshly when the wind was knocked out of her. Buffy smirked down at her, panting as she wiped the sweat off her face with her palm. She reacted too late to the sudden, deft kick Cordy delivered, catching her behind the knee. Buffy yelped, falling forward on her hands. She laughed, dropping down on the mat and turning onto her back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still win.\u201d She managed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever Summers.\u201d Cordy said breathlessly. \u201cIf I was the bad guy, you\u2019d be in shit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you were the bad guy, we\u2019d *all* be in shit.\u201d Buffy said good-naturedly, pushing herself into a seated position. She stretched her arm across her chest, holding it there with her inner elbow. \u201cWe should head up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia\u2019s eyes were closed. \u201cDon\u2019t\u2026wanna\u2026move\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy laughed, smacking her in the side. Cordelia immediately tackled her, winding her legs around her hips as they rolled over the mat. Buffy screeched, bucking wildly until she felt Cordy\u2019s grip loosen. She scrambled to her feet, watching as Cordy flipped into an upright position.<\/p>\n
Buffy pushed both hands forward, one tilted firmly in the air, the other curled into a fist. \u201cI thought you didn\u2019t wanna move, Cor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy blew a short strand of hair out of her face. \u201cA girl can change her mind, can\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell are you guys doing?\u201d Faith\u2019s voice sounded from the entrance to basement as she jogged down the stairs. One look at their attacking stances and she grinned, stepping eagerly off the last step. \u201cOoh, fun – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFaith,\u201d Wesley stopped her mid-step, appearing suddenly behind her. Buffy blinked. \u201cWe need to get a move on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith pouted, glancing at her watch before retracing her steps and running back up the stairs to the office. Buffy and Cordelia grabbed their towels, throwing them over their shoulders and strolling leisurely, albeit a little stiffly, towards the staircase.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 80 year old grandmother can walk faster than you two.\u201d Wesley quipped with a smirk, crossing his arms. \u201cWhat does that tell you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDiabolical scheming can wait an hour, Wes.\u201d Cordy said, pushing past him. \u201cI need a damn shower.\u201d<\/p>\n
16:06 PM.<\/p>\n
Buffy squinted in front of the mirror, inserting the contact lens with the scan into her eye. She blinked several times until her sight was once again comfortable and focused.<\/p>\n
\u201cSummers.\u201d Faith\u2019s voice rung out from behind her. \u201cThe boss is getting impatient.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy rolled her eyes, turning on her heel and heading for the computer where Wesley was seated, his face scrunched up in confusion at the screen. \u201cWhat\u2019s up Wes?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley blinked. \u201cRun me through this again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe you should stay here,\u201d Cordy said, her mouth pulling into a frown. \u201cIf Mr Technically Inept makes a mistake, this entire operation is blown.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot to mention our cover.\u201d Faith added.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, bite me.\u201d Wesley huffed, giving Buffy an apologetic grin. \u201cI\u2019ll get it this time, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy only smiled, running through the security site once again. She\u2019d hacked into the site and programmed the functions to respond to *their* computer. Now they\u2019d need Wesley to access the system, switch certain barriers on and off and guide them to the personal office. Once she\u2019d finished, Wes nodded his head, looking well informed.<\/p>\n
Faith smirked. \u201cEureka.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley ignored her completely. \u201cCordy, did you speak to Angel?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia nodded, avoiding his eye. \u201cHe said he\u2019d come over this after – \u201d<\/p>\n
The ringing of the doorbell interrupted her and Buffy quickly straightened, walking across the room. She opened the door to reveal \u2013<\/p>\n
– a blanket.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh\u2026\u201d Buffy stared at it, unsure of what to say or do. \u201cCan we help you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI need to be invited in.\u201d Came the muffled reply. And then Angel peeked out at her from underneath, a small smile curling his lips.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh God, of course, come in!\u201d Buffy took a mortified step back, pulling the door wide open. \u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d Angel coughed once, removing the blanket as though it were a cape and folding it neatly. He placed it on the back of the couch, his eyes landing on Cordelia. \u201cHey.\u201d He said gently.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey.\u201d She replied, a soft smile passing between them.<\/p>\n
Buffy raised an eyebrow, exchanging glances with Faith.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel.\u201d Oblivious, Wesley stepped forward, shaking the other man\u2019s hand vigorously. \u201cI\u2019ve heard so much, it\u2019s a pleasure to finally meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah.\u201d Angel freed his hand before it came loose. \u201cWesley, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIndeed.\u201d Wesley grinned, crossing his arms and leaning against the couch.<\/p>\n
Angel crossed his arms. \u201cSo, Cor said you needed my help?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cor?!<\/i><\/p>\n
\u201cOh, yes.\u201d Wesley nodded, gesturing him around the couch. \u201cShe can fill you in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s smile seemed to widen as his eyes locked on Cordy. Buffy\u2019s heart did an excited little flip as if it were her he was drinking in. She stared at Cordelia, who\u2019d suddenly gone very pink. Faith was grinning from ear to ear, only to drop her jaw when Angel held out his hand and Cordy slid her fingers into it, allowing him to pull her up.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d Wesley blinked, clearly a little shocked himself. \u201cYes, well, the tape\u2019s in the back room.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks.\u201d Angel didn\u2019t spare him a glance.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo problem.\u201d Wesley pushed his glasses up, clearly unable to stop his staring. Angel however, only had eyes for Cordy. Buffy stifled a snort of laughter when he pushed open the bathroom door and began to lead her through it, only to pause when she tugged at his hand and he realised his mistake. He grinned sheepishly and Faith giggled, not one for demonstrating the same courtesy as Buffy.<\/p>\n
Cordelia only smiled, brushing an affectionate hand against his jaw before pulling him through the right door and into the back room.<\/p>\n
Buffy could only stare wide-eyed as silence settled over the room. She glanced at Faith, who now wore a similar expression. They were both thinking the same thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think maybe we missed a news bulletin?\u201d Faith asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn episode of what-the-hell-is-going-on, even?\u201d Buffy quipped.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel and Cordelia\u2026\u201d Wesley muttered. He stared at the girls. \u201cWhen you suggested it, I don\u2019t think I ever acknowledged that you were serious.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy smirked at him. \u201cThat\u2019s what you get.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDammit.\u201d Faith growled, drawing their attention back to her. \u201cI knew I should have bet on it.\u201d<\/p>\n
16:23 PM<\/p>\n
Cordelia could feel Angel watching her as she led him into the back room. She suppressed a shiver as his finger slid up her hand, tracing cool circles over her wrist. Cordy cleared her throat, dropping his hand and scanning the tall, wooden shelf along the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll only be able to turn off the cameras for a minute \u2013 any longer and they might get suspicious. You\u2019ll have just under 60 seconds to replace the current tape with this one.\u201d Cordelia pulled the tape off the third shelf, handing it to Angel. \u201cThen the rest is up to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can manage that.\u201d Angel said, smiling at her. \u201cDid you get my note?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy\u2019s lips tugged up at the sides and she nodded, blushing. \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d His touch was tender as his hand brushed her cheek and he pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. \u201cI didn\u2019t want you thinking I was the wham-bam type.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy scrunched up her nose. \u201cThere was hardly any\u2026whamming.\u201d She smirked. \u201cOr bamming at that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPity\u2026\u201d Angel murmured, trailing his fingers down her cheek and giving her chin a gentle tug upwards. Electricity crackled in the air between them as he took a step closer, his lips nestling against hers, feasting hungrily on her mouth. A jolt shot through her as his tongue snaked out, urging her to give in. She allowed herself a moment, allowed him to pull her so close she felt his chest against her own, hard and unyielding.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2026\u201d She mumbled. He growled low in his throat, arms tightening around her. \u201cAngel\u2026stop.\u201d Cordelia pulled back, a soft, popping sound hitting the air between them as they separated. For a beat, she simply stared, fascinated by his wet lips. Then she shook her head, curling her fingers around his lapels. \u201cI have work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight. Work.\u201d He nodded, clearing his throat. Silence descended over them as he straightened his collar, seemingly contemplating something. Finally, he spoke. \u201cI don\u2019t really like the thought of you doing this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy stiffened slightly, rolling her eyes. \u201cIt\u2019s my job, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoesn\u2019t mean I have to like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her eyes flashed with irritation. \u201cI could care less whether or not *you* like it.\u201d She retorted.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy\u2026\u201d He frowned when she scowled at him, shaking off his attempt to grab her hand. He paused then, knowing he\u2019d hit a nerve, and looked imploringly at her. \u201cDon\u2019t get mad at me, I\u2026\u201d He sucked in a breath, stared at her. \u201cJust, be careful tonight, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel\u2026\u201d She warned, never having taken well to being mollycoddled.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia\u2026\u201d The pleading facade disappeared and the vampire didn\u2019t back down, instead straightening to his full, intimidating height and pinning her with a firm look.<\/p>\n
Cordy stared at him for several seconds, participating in a brief battle of wills before she sighed and her face softened at the pure concern in his eyes. \u201cOkay.\u201d She whispered, pressing a quick, hard kiss to his mouth before taking his hand and leading him back into the front room.<\/p>\n
17:12 PM.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey should pay us for this crap, man\u2026\u201d Xander muttered, untangling his foot from a bush he\u2019d stepped into while getting off the bike.<\/p>\n
Riley shot him a look. \u201cRiiight. Cos a guy like you really gets to drive a Harley Davidson on a daily basis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not about the bike.\u201d Xander snapped, though he was staring at the damn thing like it had breasts. \u201cIt\u2019s about the human labour.\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley rolled his eyes. \u201cSuck it up, Harris.\u201d He adjusted one of the potted plants in front of him, making sure the bikes were completely hidden from view. \u201cYou think this is good enough?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander walked around the plants, stopping just in front of them. \u201cLooks fine.\u201d He turned around, looking up at the tall fa\u00e7ade of Wolfram and Hart a few yards away. \u201cMan\u2026\u201d He breathed, turning back to face Riley. \u201cIt ever bug you that Cordelia\u2019s tougher than you are?\u201d<\/p>\n
Riley\u2019s head snapped up, thrown by the unexpected question. \u201cShe\u2019s not tougher than me!\u201d He groused, narrowing his eyes when he saw Xander grinning. \u201cI don\u2019t know what *you\u2019re* giggling about Alexandra<\/i>. Buffy could probably snap you in half.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHey!\u201d Xander yelped, running after Riley when he began to walk off. \u201cThere\u2019s no need for name calling. Yeesh,\u201d He mumbled, \u201cThat\u2019s the problem with you jocks. No sense of humour – \u201d<\/p>\n
He was cut off when Riley shoved him, sending him sprawling into a rose bush.<\/p>\n
18:29 PM.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bikes have been parked here.\u201d Wesley pointed to a spot on the map, glancing up every now and then to see the girls were still following. Angel had left a little while ago with his instructions. \u201cI will guide you through the building via earpiece and this camera,\u201d He lifted a small pin from the table, handing it to Buffy, \u201cwhich will be pinned to one of your shirts. However, you do need to memorise the plan in case there are any technical hitches.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia shot him a wary look that he promptly ignored, continuing. \u201cYou\u2019ll gain access through this door on the terrace. Once you\u2019re in I\u2019m going to lock it so you must remember you cannot exit from there. Angel will have switched the tapes by then and I\u2019ll de-activate the security systems inside so you can pass freely.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pinned each girl with a hard, concerned stare. \u201cYou must be cautious in there. There may be obstructions you wont be able to see. Just do as I say and – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo funny business.\u201d Faith finished for him, nodding. \u201cWe hear ya.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean it, ladies.\u201d Wesley said. \u201cNone whatsoever.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cZip, squap, bupkis, nada.\u201d Cordy said, grinning.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright, then.\u201d Wesley stood, wincing when his knees clicked. \u201cOnce you have the required information, get out as quickly and as quietly as you can. Your transportation will be the bikes. The helicopter will have left by then.\u201d He held his fingers out, dangling two sets of keys from it, which he dropped into Cordy\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n
He clicked on the remote control and the wall across the room opened, splitting in between to reveal weaponry. The girls each grabbed a gun, sliding it into the holster at their side. Buffy adjusted the contact lens once again and Faith took the miniature camera from her, attempting to pin in to her shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see you all went with the black on black ensemble.\u201d Wesley said with a grin. \u201cDeadly.\u201d His grin quickly faded when he noticed Faith jabbing the pin into her outfit, evidently having difficulty with the clasp. \u201cGood God woman, this is ridiculously expensive technology! It\u2019s not a bloody toy!\u201d<\/p>\n
Faith smirked when he grabbed it from her, his eyes squinting in concentration as he pushed it through the material. \u201cAny excuse to cop a feel, huh Wes? I could sue for sexual harassment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The look he shot her could have cut her in half.<\/p>\n
Cordelia rolled her eyes, turning to Buffy. \u201cCan we go now? Before either of them starts up again and my ears bleed.\u201d She grinned cheekily at Wes and Faith when they frowned at her.<\/p>\n
Buffy laughed. \u201cYa know we love ya, Wes.\u201d She kissed him on the cheek and gathered her jacket before following Cordy out the door, Faith right behind her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI bet James Bond never had to put up this shit.\u201d Wesley grumbled, turning on his heel and heading for the computer.<\/p>\n
20:34 PM<\/p>\n
\u201cEvening Bill.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMr Angel!\u201d The security guard scrambled out of his seat, dropping his doughnut back in its plastic container and adopting a more casual stance against the counter. \u201cUh, Tim\u2019s just doing a check upstairs with the other fellas.\u201d He smiled widely. \u201cWhat can *I* help you with, sir?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel was careful to keep his expression blank. \u201cDid you do a perimeter check like I asked you to?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boys are on it right now, sir.\u201d Bill leaned forward. \u201cTwelfth floor, right? Secretary told you she saw a cleaner she didn\u2019t recognize hanging around one of the booths just before she left?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s correct.\u201d Angel\u2019s eyes narrowed dangerously. \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you with them?\u201d Bill opened his mouth to respond but Angel cut him off tersely. \u201cYou\u2019re the head of floor security, Bill. I\u2019d hate to get the impression you of all people weren\u2019t doing a thorough job.\u201d<\/p>\n
The security guard swallowed. \u201cOf\u2026of course, right away, sir.\u201d Bill nodded dutifully, his hand locking onto the gun at his hip. \u201cI\u2019ll join the guys.\u201d He muttered something into his walkie-talkie and Angel heard a brief affirmative response under several bars of static.<\/p>\n
\u201cI appreciate that.\u201d Angel said, staying perfectly still barring the quick flick of his wrist as Bill moved past him to punch the elevator key. The doors opened with a sharp pinging sound and Bill stepped inside, tipping his hat in Angel\u2019s direction as the doors closed on him.<\/p>\n
Swiftly, the vampire pulled his phone out of his pocket flipping it open and punching in a number. He held it to his ear, the voice on the other end filtering through.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow.\u201d Angel ordered.<\/p>\n
20:37 PM<\/p>\n
Wesley typed in the access code, his fingers a blur of movement beneath him. The screen lit up and Wes clicked on the required section, punching in another password. He smiled when the site enabled him access, displaying a variety of different options on either side of the screen, the large space in the centre revealing several different feeds, each from a different location.<\/p>\n
A large red button beneath the feeds read, OFF. Wesley clicked on it. Immediately the images disappeared, a triangular warning signal appearing and flashing on the screen. Wesley scrambled for his phone, putting it against his ear.<\/p>\n
\u201cSixty seconds. Go.\u201d<\/p>\n
20:38 PM<\/p>\n
Angel moved with preternatural speed, stopping behind the security counter. He bent down, scanning the dark storage area beneath the desk. He pulled the keys he\u2019d sneaked off Bill\u2019s belt, flipping them in his fingers until he found one that fit the lock on the locker, tucked away under the desk. It slid in easily and he turned it, yanking the door open.<\/p>\n
Several wires obstructed his vision and Angel blinked, pushing them aside as the recorder was revealed to him. He pressed the eject button, grabbing the new tape and replacing it with the old one hidden inside his jacket. Angel looked up quickly at one of the cameras, the one carrying the feed from the twelfth floor. It revealed a dark, empty corridor flanked by over a dozen vacated booths. The time showed 20:38 PM.<\/p>\n
The security guards were nowhere in sight.<\/p>\n
Satisfied that the tape and the recorder were both working as planned, he swiftly closed the locker, locking it once again. Angel stood, dropping the keys onto the counter and sliding the new tape into the lining of his jacket. He walked leisurely to the elevator, pulling his phone out along the way.<\/p>\n
Wesley\u2019s voice sounded through the receiver once again and Angel stepped through the opening doors of the lift with a wicked smile. \u201cIt\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n
20:41 PM<\/p>\n
Wesley replaced the phone in its cradle, glancing at his stopwatch. 39 seconds.<\/p>\n
\u201cImpressive.\u201d Wes murmured, swiftly clicking on the red button in the bottom centre of the screen again. The flashing sign disappeared and the video feeds clicked back on, transferring to the site via the main feed.<\/p>\n
Wesley smirked. \u201cVery impressive indeed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n