Chapter Sixteen<\/b><\/p>\n
Dr. Red Bear sat in his car, staring questioningly at the Hyperion hotel. It wasn\u2019t at all what he expected a Detective Agency to look like. But this was the address on the business card.<\/p>\n
The doctor had contemplated waiting until dark and breaking in to search for the necklace. But John didn\u2019t know for sure if the necklace was even in the hotel. And well, the aborted break-in attempt at the museum aside, John wasn\u2019t really inclined to commit burglary.<\/p>\n
No, he thought, he could learn more by trying to gain Wesley Wyndam- Price\u2019s trust to find out if there was actually a client and where the necklace was located.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel glanced away from Wesley\u2019s narrative on what had transpired between the investigators and the Professor. Angel stared at the doorway as Dr. Red Bear walked into the lobby.<\/p>\n
Wesley broke off his recital of the day\u2019s events. \u201cDr. Red Bear,\u201d he gawked.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Wyndam-Price, Mr. Gunn,\u201d the Professor nodded to the two stupefied slacked jawed men. He turned to Angel. John narrowed his eyes in consternation at the dark man\u2019s intense scrutiny. \u201cYou are\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, Dr. Red Bear, this is Angel. Angel this is Dr. Red Bear, the expert we went to see at the University,\u201d Wesley introduced.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel? The Angel of Angel Investigations?\u201d the Professor asked.<\/p>\n
The vampire merely nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cYoa, Doc, why are you here? Have you found something or remembered something?\u201d interjected Gunn.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe,\u201d the bronzed young man answered. \u201cI was thinking about your questions after you left and I got curious, so I reread some of the older renditions of Native American legends. I may have found a relevant myth.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReally?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I unearthed a fable involving an ancient necklace. The story was incomplete, but it suggested that the necklace had miraculous healing abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid the story explain the origins of the necklace and its purpose? Did it describe the piece of jewelry? Was it comprised of turquoise and rose quartz?\u201d Wesley fired the questions at the Professor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story did not mention a description or the necklace\u2019s origins. Just that it was the ultimate healing tool.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWas there any indication that it was a instrument of good or evil?\u201d interrupted Angel. \u201cDid it say what the effects of it\u2019s power had on its possessor? Did it?\u201d He asked urgently.<\/p>\n
\u201cAgain, no. As I said, the story was incomplete. But traditionally the power to heal is considered a good one, not one of evil. But, why are you so concerned, the story is obviously just a parable? That is why you came to me, right? To prove to your susceptible client that the old shaman\u2019s tales were false?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, yes, of course,\u201d stuttered Wesley. \u201cBut, you really haven\u2019t added any new information. Did you bring the book, I think it would beneficial if I had a chance to study it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Red Bear shrugged. \u201c No. I left it in the office. I thought perhaps I maybe able to speak to your client.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy? You didn\u2019t seem to be all that interested before,\u201d Gunn asked suspiciously.<\/p>\n
\u201cLike I said, I thought about what you said after you left. And the fact that someone is out there using a \u2018Native American\u201d legend to deceive someone that wants to believe in the attributes of Shamanism irritates me. Shamanism is a real. And to dismiss its truths by basing some sort of con game on its tenets is unconscionable. So, if you\u2019re still willing I would like to talk to the young lady and expose the fake Shaman.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s scrutiny of the young doctor was diverted as he sensed Cordelia about to descend the stairs. He quickly moved up the stairs to intercept his seer. Angel wasn\u2019t sure about the Professors sincerity. Angel had nothing specific to point at to confirm his uneasiness. But where Cordelia\u2019s safety was concerned he would take no chances.<\/p>\n
Angel stopped Cordelia on the steps out of view from the downstairs occupants. He placed his hand gently over her mouth, as she was about to speak. Her brown eyes widened in both questions and indignation at the vampire\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust listen,\u201d he whispered, pulling the resisting girl back up the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, what is going on and let me go,\u201d she griped as soon as he released her mouth, keeping her voice low at the vampire\u2019s insistence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe \u2018expert\u2019 is downstairs. He wants to meet our client.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat client?\u2019 she whispered. Cordelia hadn\u2019t been downstairs when Wesley had explained the lie he had told to the Professor.<\/p>\n
Angel quickly told Cordelia the details of Wesley\u2019s ruse. \u201cI don\u2019t want to him to see the necklace,\u201d he added, glancing at the ornament resting around Cordelia\u2019s neck. The scooped neckline of Cordelia\u2019s blouse completely exposed the piece of jewelry.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t trust him,\u201d he stated. Angel couldn\u2019t help but notice how the gold, silver and copper contrasted with the smooth creaminess of her skin. He stood momentarily memorized by the sight.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Angel, this could be good,\u201d she whispered urgently. \u201cWho would have thought Wesley would have the sense to create such a tale. Who knows maybe the book guy as what it takes to become a detective? Wow, Sam Wesley Spade.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d shushed Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d she said pulling away from the vampire. \u201cWesley set up the story, now we have to just go with it. I personally think that it\u2019s not needed. I know that the necklace is good, but if it will satisfy your overly suspicious grr instincts, then I say I become the dimwitted client and find out what he knows.\u201d Cordelia eyes beamed with excitement.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, you stay up here,\u201d Angel ordered.<\/p>\n
\u201cBah,\u201d she said loudly, her voice carrying down to the lobby. \u201cI don\u2019t believe you. I don\u2019t care what you and Daddy say the Necklace\u2019s power is real. Your stupid \u2018expert\u2019 won\u2019t convince me otherwise,\u201d she yelled, her eyes daring Angel to do anything but go along with her.<\/p>\n
Angel stood shock still, amazement and anger warred with in the vampire. He glared at his seer\u2019s self-satisfied smirk. Angel couldn\u2019t decide whether he should drag his brazenly impetuous seer up into his room and lock the door or hug her in pride at just another example of her inherent courage and impulsiveness.<\/p>\n
Both traits that he had long ago began to appreciate and love in Cordelia. Hold on, love? He didn\u2019t love Cordelia. He appreciated her and cared about her that went without saying, but not love. Angel couldn\u2019t love her that wouldn\u2019t be right. She was his seer, his friend, a young beautiful innocent, someone who meant more to him than his own life, but he didn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n
But, while he couldn\u2019t love her, he did need her and value her tremendously, though sometimes he didn\u2019t know why, he thought, as Cordelia scrunched up her face and stuck her tongue out at him in smug glee.<\/p>\n
Cordelia had taken Angel\u2019s indecision on a course of action as supplication to her wishes. She bounded down the stairs quickly, just in case she was wrong.<\/p>\n
Angel shook his head and followed. He would play along up and until the situation became dangerous to Cordelia, if that occurred then he would lock her up in the bedroom and take charge.<\/p>\n
Chapter Seventeen<\/b><\/p>\n
Wesley and Gunn looked at each in confusion as they heard Cordelia\u2019s loud comments.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour young client?\u201d Dr. Red Bear asked.<\/p>\n
Wesley shrugged lamely.<\/p>\n
Dr. Red Bear waited expectantly watching the foot of the stairs.<\/p>\n
Angel almost bumped into Cordelia as she stopped suddenly. Angel heard her sharp intake of breath. \u201cWow,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia?\u201d the vampire questioned, looking for what had grabbed at Cordelia\u2019s attention. His brows drew together in puzzlement as he saw that it was the Professor that had captured her fascination.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeez, why didn\u2019t any one tell me that the Indian Dr. Animal guy was gorgeous, wow..\u201d she said again. Angel\u2019s confused expression was replaced with a frown.<\/p>\n
Gorgeous, Cordelia thought that the Doctor was gorgeous? Angel studied the Professor. Angel guessed the Indian was good looking, but what did that have to do with anything? And why did it bother him that Cordelia thought the young man was attractive.<\/p>\n
Cordelia stared at the young Professor. He really was gorgeous, she thought. Every female cell in her body, screamed out in appreciation of the young man\u2019s tall muscular build and his strong classical features.<\/p>\n
The Indian oozed virility and masculinity. Cordelia hadn\u2019t reacted this way to a man\u2019s physical appearance in geez, she didn\u2019t know in how long. Definitely not since she first saw Angel in the Bronze all those years ago. Cordelia had thought Angel was the hottest, sexiest guy she had ever seen back then.<\/p>\n
That was of course before she found out he was a grr guy and enthralled with Buffy. Once she had discovered those relevant tidbits Cordelia had managed to block out any feeling of attraction that she had had regarding the vampire.<\/p>\n
Objectively she still considered Angel good looking, after all he was. But, the whole blood drinking and not breathing aspect of being a dead guy was not really big a turn on.<\/p>\n
But, this man, was definitely a live, breathing example of male beauty. He was almost as sexy as Angel was. Whoa, Cordelia stopped her thoughts. Where did that come from? She could have sworn that she had crushed all those thoughts of Angel a long time ago.<\/p>\n
When had she begun to think of him as being sexy again? Cordelia turned and studied the frowning vampire as if for the first time.<\/p>\n
Yep, her friend was sexy all blood drinking, non-breathing, broody, annoying, strong, good, caring parts of him. Her stomach danced and nerves sung at the acknowledgement of her long suppressed awareness.<\/p>\n
Oh dear, she thought; now she would have to squelch that realization all over again. It wouldn\u2019t do for her to get all tingling every time she was in the presence of her best friend, no good at all. Cordelia shook her head and concentrated on the handsome Professor.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, you are supposed to convince me that this necklace is fake. Hi, I’m Cordelia.\u201d She walked up to the professor, shooting him her best Cordelia smile.<\/p>\n
Wesley and Gunn\u2019s eyes widened, they both shot questioning looks at Angel. Angel just scowled more and shrugged.<\/p>\n
Dr. Red Bear gazed at the young girl and the necklace gleaming around her neck. The professor had not thought that it would be this easy to find the necklace. But there it was right in front of him resting around the neck of a very pretty young woman.<\/p>\n
\u201cUmm, Hello.\u201d The young man resisted the urge to grab the necklace and run.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, start convincing, but let me tell you. It is going to be rather difficult. Daddy has been trying for just ages. You know I think it would be a whole lot cheaper for him just to let me buy this,\u201d she pointed again to the necklace.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are charging him an arm and leg,\u201d Cordelia gestured to Angel, Wesley and Gunn. \u201cLike they could convince me of anything, ummph,\u201d she huffed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Shaman told you that this necklace has healing properties?\u201d John forced his eyes away from the necklace to meet Cordelia\u2019s smiling brown ones. John gulped. The young woman wasn\u2019t just pretty she was beautiful.<\/p>\n
\u201cYep, and it does. The stone, the metals, all of it.\u201d She nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe gave you the necklace with out payment?\u201d John asked, trying to concentrate on anything rather than the necklace and the girl\u2019s large brown eyes. Actually, they weren\u2019t just brown, he thought as he saw tiny specks of gold shining through the darkness of her irises giving her eye\u2019s a deep warm glow.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gave a wide smile. \u201cOh, I paid him some money. Just not the whole amount. You see that\u2019s when Daddy found out. It seems, I can only take so much out of my trust account without the bank-notifying Daddy,\u201d she pouted.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess, I took too much,\u201d she said smiling again. \u201cBoy, he was mad. Anyway,\u201d she shrugged. \u201cThe Shaman said that if I wore it the stones would become attuned with my body\u2019s natural elements and I\u2019d be able to utilize its power. He said, he would come back for the rest of the money in a couple of days, after I\u2019m satisfied that it works. And I am satisfied that it works.\u201d Cordelia couldn\u2019t help but shoot a purposeful look at Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, why do you think that,\u201d John asked, finally able to focus on the subject and not the girl or the sight of the necklace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just do,\u201d she smiled. \u201cNow, why don\u2019t you tell me why I shouldn\u2019t. By the way, I told you my name, what\u2019s yours.\u201d She looked expectantly at the young man.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, sorry, John, John Red Bear.\u201d He stuttered. The light- hearted babble of the young girl was making him unbalanced.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just John, though is it, it\u2019s Doctor, uh. An all scholarly one, gee, I always thought Professors were all old and stodgy,\u201d Cordelia smiled. \u201cBut, you\u2019re not, are you John,\u201d Cordelia smiled happily.<\/p>\n
Wesley and Gunn looked worriedly at Angel. The vampire had been watching Cordelia\u2019s performance intently. He hadn\u2019t moved or said a word, but both Gunn and Wesley could sense the growing tension in Angel\u2019s stance.<\/p>\n
\u201cUm, Wes, man, you better do something, I think I see smoke puffing from the vamp\u2019s ears,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n
Angel glared at the young black young. Gunn\u2019s words hadn\u2019t been low enough to escape the vampire\u2019s sensitive hearing. He wasn\u2019t angry at the attention Cordelia was giving the young doctor; he was just worried about the Professor\u2019s real motivation for being here.<\/p>\n
Cordelia was oblivious to the quiet exchange of her friends. She lightly pulled at John\u2019s hand and moved him towards the couch. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s sit and you can tell me all about why I shouldn\u2019t believe the old man.\u201d<\/p>\n
John followed unresistingly, sitting next to the lovely young girl. John suddenly felt like he was fifteen again, all legs and arms, with too large of features and feeling awkward around the opposite sex. He couldn\u2019t understand it. He hadn\u2019t felt that way around woman, since well, since he was fifteen.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t until the summer of his sixteenth year that his body caught up with the rest of him. Then the girls no longer laughed at him, but giggled in flirtatious appreciation of his looks. Since that time, he had never felt shy or bumbling around females of any age.<\/p>\n
But, this girl with her wide smile and frank warm stare was making him nervous. It wasn\u2019t just that she was beautiful, he saw pretty co-eds daily in his classes and they never effected him, not in this way. It was her eyes, he thought.<\/p>\n
His father had always told him that a person\u2019s true spirit could be seen through the eyes. And what he saw in this young woman\u2019s eyes took his breath away. John saw pain within her eyes. This young woman had experience tragedy, but that pain could not dim the joy and compassion with in her.<\/p>\n
What he saw was a spirit that would never give up and never stop caring. There was no part of her that was evil; she was a true innocent. He had to get the necklace away from her anyway he could, even if that meant ripping it off her neck and running, because, if Bathym found her, her spirit would be broken and her innocence destroyed.<\/p>\n
John glanced at the other occupants in the room. The path from the couch to the exit was clear. He could make it. He was very fast. John smiled at Cordelia. \u201cCan you please take the necklace off, I would like to examine it,\u201d he asked preparing himself to take the necklace and run.<\/p>\n
Almost instantly, Angel appeared next to the seated Professor. He placed a strong hand on the larger man\u2019s shoulder, preventing the doctor from moving or reaching for out for the necklace. The vampire had sensed the Indian’s preparation for flight. \u201cNo,\u201d both he and Cordelia said at the same time.<\/p>\n
Cordelia scrunched her face at Angel. \u201cAngel,\u201d she grumbled, her expression telling the vampire that she could handle the question and to stay out of it, completely unaware of John’s hidden intention to take the necklace and run.<\/p>\n
John stared up into Angel\u2019s cold dark eyes. Those eyes, the young Indian couldn\u2019t read, if there was a soul in those eyes it was hidden in the black fathomless orbs of the man\u2019s eyes. John studied the pale dark man, Angel had moved with a sudden speed and grace, his grip was hard and strong. John wasn\u2019t used to submitting to another man\u2019s power.<\/p>\n
Since, he was sixteen he had always been the faster, stronger boy and that hadn\u2019t change since he had become an adult and had learned better to utilize his physical strength and abilities. He tried to move his shoulder away, but it wouldn\u2019t budge.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia called again in exasperation. Cordelia didn\u2019t know why the vampire was being getting all \u2018grry\u2019, but if he so much as let out a little growl, she would lay into him something terrible.<\/p>\n
She smiled apologetically at John. \u201cYou will have to forgive him, just because Daddy is paying Angel a lot of money, he thinks of the necklace as being his. But it\u2019s not is it Angel, it\u2019s mine the wise one gave it to me,\u201d she emphasized. \u201cNot to you, to me. Now let go of John\u2019s shoulder you are messing up his nice expensive suit.\u201d She glared at the vampire.<\/p>\n
John didn\u2019t know what surprised him more Cordelia\u2019s nonchalant use of the First Shaman\u2019s title or that Angel had immediately let go of John\u2019s shoulder. For one brief instance, John had been able to read Angel\u2019s eyes. The young Indian cringed at the anger evident in the other\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n
The rage was directed towards the young woman. Cordelia unflinching met his fierce gaze. \u201cThat\u2019s better,\u201d she commented. \u201cAre you all right?\u201d she asked John sweetly. \u201cHe didn\u2019t hurt you or anything, did he? Sometimes, I think Angel forgets that he is not some sort of supernatural superhero, but just an ordinary human private eye.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia, Cordy,\u201d both Wesley and Gunn jumped in attempting to say anything or do anything to diffuse the tension in the lobby.<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up,\u201d Cordelia glared. \u201cThis is obviously not the place for us to talk. Come on, John. Let\u2019s go and get some lunch. Yes, let\u2019s go find a nice outdoor caf\u00e9, with plenty of UV-filled bright sunny rays.\u201d She tugged at the Professor to get up.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d Angel warned.<\/p>\n
Both Cordelia and John stopped at the growl the emitted from Angel\u2019s throat. John had stopped in surprise and some trepidation. Cordelia, though, had stopped in anger and irritation. Cordelia left John\u2019s side a marched over to Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I\u2019m going. There is nothing you can do it about it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d Wesley begged. He wasn\u2019t sure when he had ever seen Angel so enraged. \u201cCordelia, please\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBe quiet.\u201d She ordered without breaking eye contact with the vampire. \u201cAngel, like I was saying, there is nothing you can do about it, except tie me up and lock me upstairs. But you won\u2019t do that because that wouldn\u2019t be polite. What would Dr. Red Bear think, after all he is here at your request to find out the information that you need, not me,\u201d she said succinctly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s going to do it,\u201d Gunn whispered to Wesley. \u201cThe vamp is going to tie Cordy up,\u201d the young black man paused. \u201cDo we try to talk him out of it or do we let him,\u201d he questioned.<\/p>\n
\u201cSh,\u201d Wesley ordered.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Cordelia whined, her anger vanishing at the vampire\u2019s fierce glare. \u201cCome one, it\u2019s not like I\u2019ll be alone. I know that as soon as I walk out that door, you will send the dynamic duo to follow me. I\u2019ll be all right. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t promise me things that you can\u2019t control.\u201d Angel whispered harshly, his hands reaching up to cup her face.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, you can\u2019t hold my hand when I go out into the street, you know it. Now be good. I\u2019ll be back soon,\u201d she promised, her hands embracing his gently.<\/p>\n
John was even now even more confused. Angel\u2019s eyes still reflected his original passionate fury, but the Indian had also seen love and concern in that same passion. Angel did have a soul, but as far as John could interpret it was a very conflicted one. John wasn\u2019t at all sure that an innocent such as Cordelia was safe in such a strife-ridden soul\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n
It may be necessary for him to save Cordelia not only from the potential danger of Bathym but from Angel as well.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, Gunn- go,\u201d Angel ordered as Cordelia and Dr. Red Bear left the hotel.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Gunn said and went to go get his keys. Wesley went to follow.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley,\u201d Angel called after his friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d Wesley was relieved to see that most of the anger had left Angel, now he was just concerned.<\/p>\n
Angel beckoned the former watcher closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, what is it, Angel?\u201d Wesley stared in amazement as Angel\u2019s expression became befuddled. That was the last thing he expected after the earlier tension filled hour. \u201cSpeak up, Angel. I don\u2019t want to loose Cordelia. I\u2019m sure you don\u2019t want us to either,\u201d Wesley emphasized.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, I don\u2019t. Keep Cordelia in your sight\u2019s at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, well, that will be a little difficult if you don\u2019t tell me what\u2019s on your mind, so we can go.\u201d Wesley prodded.<\/p>\n
Angel nodded but refused to look at his friend, but stared at Gunn getting his stuff together to go. \u201c Do you think he is good-looking?\u201d Angel finally asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho, Gunn?\u201d Wesley squeaked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? No, the \u2018expert\u2019\u201d Angel spit out. \u201cCordelia said he was gorgeous.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh,\u201d Wesley said in relief. He hadn\u2019t been at all comfortable with dissecting Gunn\u2019s attractiveness. \u201cUm, I don\u2019t know, I guess he was handsome, if you like the type.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe type?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you know, tall, dark, handsome, well-built, intelligent, successful, etc. You know that type.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, so you do think Cordelia is attracted to him,\u201d the vampire said dejectedly.<\/p>\n
Oh lord, Wesley thought, first they had to put up with Angel\u2019s whining about whether Cordelia was still mad at him. Then they had to put up with his over-protectiveness and the ranting and pouting that it caused in Cordelia, now they were going to have to put up him Angel\u2019s sudden insecurity about his attractiveness to his seer.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, don\u2019t worry. I\u2019m sure that Cordelia thinks you are much better looking than Dr. Red Bear.\u201d Wesley reassured the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? What do I care if Cordelia thinks I\u2019m good-looking? I\u2019m just worried that she will let the fact the he is \u2018gorgeous\u2019 effect her judgment as to her own safety that\u2019s all. And what are you still doing here? Go after them. And call me if anything, I mean anything happens.\u201d Angel ordered, turning away from his friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, of course.\u201d Wesley sighed and went to join Gunn at the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, what was that about,\u201d asked Gunn.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t ask, just don\u2019t ask.\u201d Wesley shook his head and headed out the door.<\/p>\n