Chapter Twenty-seven<\/b><\/p>\n
John sat in his car, fidgeting with the strings of a small leather pouch. The bag was filled with a strong sleeping potion. Just a pinch and a person would be rendered unconsciousness almost instantaneously.<\/p>\n
Now the question was how to administer to Cordelia. He had been waiting outside the hotel for hours, trying to figure out that particular equation. Burglary, kidnapping, he sighed. He was turning into a regular criminal type. Though thinking back to the Museum break in or rather his aborted attempted break- in, he wasn\u2019t a very successful type.<\/p>\n
But his father was correct; they needed to get Cordelia. They needed her knowledge, her dreams, and the necklace. And John rationalized, if she was with them, they could protect her from Bathym.<\/p>\n
He stared again at the hotel. Now, how was he going to get her? John could wait until the morning and ask her innocently to breakfast. What\u2019s a lie, when he was contemplating a major felony?<\/p>\n
John started as he saw Cordelia come stumbling out of the old building. The young girl was running blindly along the street.<\/p>\n
John turned on his ignition, slowly moving his car in her direction. He looked in concern. Cordelia was obviously upset. His first reaction was to go to her and comfort her; his second was that this could be the opportunity he was looking for. As soon as, his car came abreast of Cordelia, he stopped.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordelia,\u201d he called, getting out.<\/p>\n
Cordelia bolted upright at the sound. \u201cJohn?\u201d she gulped.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you alright?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, yeah,\u201d she said, puzzled at the Professors sudden appearance.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you sure, you seem upset,\u201d John asked. The concern in his voice was real, no matter what his objective of the night was. The young girl shouldn\u2019t be alone, crying at this time of night.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m\u2026just going home,\u201d she brushed at her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn foot, alone, in the middle of night?\u201d .<\/p>\n
Cordelia looked up the dark street, back at the hotel, then back at the doctor. It did seem pretty stupid. Actually, it was really pretty stupid. She looked back at the hotel. No, she wasn\u2019t going back. She couldn\u2019t be near Angel right now.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, maybe, maybe you could drive me home. It\u2019s not that far,\u201d Cordelia smiled and shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d he nodded. \u201cCome on.\u201d John smiled.<\/p>\n
Cordelia nodded and got in. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cEnglish. That was the doc.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI got a real bad feeling. This just ain\u2019t cool. What\u2019s the doc doing hanging around?\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley nodded in agreement. There was no innocent logical reason that Wesley could think of that would explain why Dr. Red Bear just happened to be driving very slowly outside the hotel at 3:00 in the morning. \u201cLet\u2019s go.\u201d He said, turning quickly towards Gunn\u2019s truck.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d Gunn nodded back at the hotel, following Wesley.<\/p>\n
Wesley stopped. \u201cUm, why don\u2019t you go tell him. I will follow them. We don\u2019t want to loose them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, my keys, my ride.\u201d Gunn tossed the keys up the air, jumping into the vehicle in question. \u201cI\u2019ll call.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley rolled his eyes and headed back to the hotel. Wesley really didn\u2019t want to do this.<\/p>\n
Chapter Twenty-eight<\/b><\/p>\n
Wesley stood outside Angel\u2019s bedroom door.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is it?\u201d Angel lifted his head, his eyes emotionless.<\/p>\n
Wesley counted to ten. He had no clue what had gone on between Cordelia and Angel or why she went tearing out of the hotel. Or why Angel was obviously also upset. And this was not going to make the vampire any happier. Wesley started on ten through twenty of his silent counting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley,\u201d Angel asked again, roughly. Angel wanted Wesley gone; he wanted to be alone. He didn\u2019t need or want any of Wesley\u2019s oh so sage advice right now about how to deal with Cordelia. Angel needed to dwell alone on his horrendous actions and his despair.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, well, it\u2019s Cordelia.\u201d He paused.<\/p>\n
Angel could smell the trepidation oozing out of his friend\u2019s pores. Wesley wasn\u2019t there to lecture. Angel eyes narrowed, waiting for Wesley to continue.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d Wesley repeated. \u201cIt seems that Dr. Red Bear was outside the hotel. And that he just picked up Cordelia,” Wesley paused,” as she was running, crying down the street.\u201d His last words taking on a reproaching tone. Wesley couldn’t help it, he just knew that Angel had somehow had a part in Cordelia’s hysterical flight.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s body became even more still as he processed Wesley\u2019s words. He shot of the bed in a sudden swift movement. The compressed tension and growing rage in his body urged him upwards. \u201cGunn?\u201d Angel.<\/p>\n
Wesley leaned forward to catch the vampire\u2019s low snarl. \u201cFollowing. He said he would call.\u201d Wesley answered as he made out the vampire\u2019s words and meaning.<\/p>\n
Angel strode out of the room, shoving Wesley to the side.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight,\u201d Wesley nodded hurrying to catch up with Angel.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cHey,\u201d Cordelia looked out the window. \u201cThis isn\u2019t the way to my apartment. I said take a left at the last light.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, but it looked like you could use a cup of coffee and a shoulder to lean on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d Cordelia protested.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were very upset.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026Coffee would okay, I guess,\u201d she shrugged.<\/p>\n
Cordelia didn\u2019t really want to be alone in her apartment. All that would do was give her time to relive the horrible scene in Angel\u2019s bedroom. God, how had it gotten so awful. She knew that Angel didn\u2019t want her to use her power, but\u2026she shivered.<\/p>\n
Angel had been more than just mad; he had be \u2018grr\u2019 enraged. It was just so unfair; all she wanted to do was help Angel. Why couldn’t he see that? No, her mind cried, she didn’t want to think about it anymore. She smiled weakly at John. \u201cCoffee would be good.\u201d<\/p>\n
John smiled.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn, where are they?\u201d Wesley asked into his cell phone, all the while shooting discreet looks at the vampire.<\/p>\n
Angel hadn\u2019t said a word, since he got in the car. He wouldn\u2019t answer Wesley\u2019s questions about what had gotten Cordelia so agitated. Angel just looked ahead, his hands clenched around the wheel. Wesley looked nervously at the Angel\u2019s clenched knuckles. Wesley just hoped that they would reach Cordelia before the steering wheel splintered apart.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t let them out of your sight, we are almost there.\u201d Wesley hung up the phone. \u201cIt may not be anything,\u201d Wesley reassured the vampire. \u201cThey\u2019ve stopped at the coffee shop on Main St.” He paused.<\/p>\n
“Yes, that\u2019s it. Dr. Red Bear just happened to be driving by, saw Cordelia and offered to take her for some coffee, that\u2019s all. Nothing dangerous. No, I\u2019m sure they are just sitting and talking, that\u2019s all.\u201d Wesley commented with forced optimism.<\/p>\n
Angel did not respond in anyway to Wesley\u2019s comments, except to drive faster.<\/p>\n
Chapter Twenty-nine <\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cWho were you talking to?\u201d Cordelia pointed to the phone John put in his pocket.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father. He\u2019s staying with me. He expected me home awhile ago. I\u2019m a grown man, but he still worries.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cParents that worry, that\u2019s nice,\u201d Cordelia sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour parents?\u201d<\/p>\n
She shrugged. \u201cThey haven\u2019t worried about me in\u2026. well a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d John could see that the subject of parents was an uncomfortable one for Cordelia. It was part of the pain that he had sensed earlier in her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d she shrugged, brushing off his sympathy. \u201cHow was it that you just happened to be outside the hotel?\u201d she asked, changing the subject.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoincidence, it just happened to be the quickest way home from a friend\u2019s house. A lucky coincidence for both of us.\u201d John lied.<\/p>\n
\u201cA friend, a woman?\u201d Cordelia\u2019s natural need to know surfacing through the mire of her own depressing thoughts.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, a boring old stodgy scholarly type,\u201d he smiled, reminding Cordelia of her first description of John.<\/p>\n
Cordelia gave a small laugh. She nodded as the waitress placed a cup of coffee in front of her. \u201cI probably shouldn\u2019t be indulging,\u201d she smiled softly at John. \u201cI haven\u2019t been sleeping that well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe dreams. Is that what upset you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEm, no,\u201d Cordelia shook her head, evading the question. Cordelia dropped her head, sipping at her coffee. \u201cOuch,\u201d Cordelia\u2019s face scrunched up. \u201cThat\u2019s hot,\u201d she commented waving her hand in front of her face.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere let me.\u201d John smoothly passed his hands over her steaming cup. Then picking it up, he blew gently over the mug.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks,\u201d Cordelia gave a sweet smile taking the coffee from his hands. She sipped at the liquid.<\/p>\n
\u201cBetter?\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordelia laughed. \u201cNay, now it\u2019s frigid.\u201d She took another larger sip.<\/p>\n
John watched as Cordelia\u2019s eyes got heavy finally closing. His hand shot out and propped up Cordelia’s shoulders as they began to slump towards the table. He swiftly moved around to her booth, pulling her body into his arms.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m\u2026wha\u2026..\u201d Cordelia mumbled against his chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cSh, I\u2019ve got you,\u201d John whispered leading her out the back door to a waiting car in the alley. John held the young woman in his arms, wishing there were another way.<\/p>\n
But what he was doing was for the best, the best for his people and the best for the girl.<\/p>\n
\u201cAng..\u201d She gasped.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Angel jumped out of his car and rushed towards the diner, bypassing Gunn, who was just getting out of his truck.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, man, Cordy and the doc haven\u2019t left,\u201d Gunn called after Angel. \u201cI\u2019ve been watching, they went in, but never came out,\u201d Gunn told Wesley as the former watcher joined him. \u201cThat\u2019s the doc\u2019s little red sport\u2019s car.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank goodness,\u201d Wesley sighed in relief.<\/p>\n
Wesley and Gunn followed the vampire into the diner. Wesley glanced quickly around searching for Cordelia and the doctor. A sick feeling descended over his body as he saw Angel storm through the near empty restaurant out the back.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo where is Cordelia?\u201d Wesley asked.<\/p>\n
Gunn\u2019s eyes widened. There was no sign of the lovely brunette or the Indian. \u201cAw, shit,\u201d he grunted.<\/p>\n
\u201cAw, shit is right,\u201d Wesley grumbled.<\/p>\n
Chapter Thirty <\/b><\/p>\n
The old customer sitting on the corner stool leaned in to the counter pulling his body inwards as much as possible, trying to make himself invisible to the dark man stalking the diner.<\/p>\n
Maggie, the waitress pressed back against the grill, her hand searching for anything that could be used as a weapon, the strange man was scaring her. The dark man stood in the middle of the restaurant his face pointed upwards, his brow rippling into a grotesque shape, his nostrils flaring and his mouth snarling.<\/p>\n
Maggie was reminded of a National Geography documentary on wolves, she had seen months ago. . The show explored the intense, almost personal relationship of the canines.<\/p>\n
The researchers had tracked a male wolf and his mate for over a month. It seemed that wolves mated for life, she hadn\u2019t known that. Maggie paused in her channel surfing to watch the male and female wolf frolicking around.<\/p>\n
She was enthralled by their play and obvious affection for each other; it was endearing, romantic even. Then the show was edited to show the female wolf alone trapped in a poacher\u2019s deadly snare. The documentary switched to the frantic behavior of the male at the loss of his mate. Maggie had been riveted to the TV screen.<\/p>\n
The image of the fierce male wolf snarling and sniffing in the air had been so intense, so desperate. The wild animal\u2019s body had remained motionless, the only movement that the camera had captured was that of the beast\u2019s ears, nose, and mouth, twitching and flaring. But Maggie could see the concentrated violence that rippled under his fur.<\/p>\n
The wild animal\u2019s sole attention was on the various scents floating through the air. In an instant the wolf let out a howl and bounded towards where his mate was trapped. It was the same behavior that she saw in the man before her. The same desperation and violence bundled up in human form. Maggie didn\u2019t want any part of it. The man was dangerous.<\/p>\n
Maggie gulped in relief as the man stormed out the front of the restaurant, her hand releasing the knife clutched in her fingers. Okay, so the man hadn\u2019t howled, but that was definitely a growl she heard emitting from his mouth.<\/p>\n
The waitress nodded, not listening or caring about the babbled explanation that the man in glasses was trying to give her. Her body relaxed in gratitude as that fellow and the bald headed black guy finally left.<\/p>\n
Angel ran towards the red convertible parked along the street. He stopped at the passenger door, gripping the handle with a fierce pull. The door went flying through the air.<\/p>\n
Wesley and Gunn split in different directions, dodging the flying metal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWas that right? The top was down, man,\u201d Gunn whispered, practically whining to Wesley. Gun had admired the Professor\u2019s antique MG ever since he started to follow it.<\/p>\n
Wesley shot a reproving look at his friend, telling him silently to shut up. \u201cThey went in, but haven\u2019t come out,\u201d Wesley retorted to Gunn.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d Gunn paused. Wesley shot him another look.<\/p>\n
Gunn shut up. Damn, he hadn\u2019t thought that the Indian was a real danger to Cordelia. Gunn hadn\u2019t thought it necessary to properly scope out the diner. Sure, he had his suspicious that something was not right. But, the Professor seemed okay, or at least not demon-type bad.<\/p>\n
He had forgotten, stupidly, that demons and vampire\u2019s were not the only bad guys in LA.<\/p>\n
Chapter Thirty-one<\/b><\/p>\n
Wesley hesitantly walked up to the vampire. He ducked as a small piece of debris flew over his head. Angel had torn the glove box loose from the vehicle. He was rummaging through the gaping hole in the dash. Finally, with a growl Angel stood upright with a card in his tight grip.<\/p>\n
Wesley took notice of the small paper, suddenly realizing what it was. \u201cYou are most likely right, Angel. I\u2019m sure that Dr. Red Bear wouldn\u2019t take Cordelia back to his office. So, the registration, does it show his home address? We\u2019ll go there now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Angel growled. \u201cYou and Gunn will go to the university just in case.”<\/p>\n
Wesley hesitated again. He wasn\u2019t sure if the vampire should be left alone, especially if he actually found the Indian. Angel was acting way to unsettled, for Wesley\u2019s peace of mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley,\u201d the vampire snarled.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight, of course. But, what\u2019s the address? We\u2019ll meet you there if we don\u2019t find anything, okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel slowly nodded, handing Wesley the card. Angel turned towards his car. He paused and then turned back. \u201cWesley,\u201d Angel said lowly.<\/p>\n
Wesley waited.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you find her and lose her again\u2026\u201d Angel\u2019s brown expressionless eyes met Wesley\u2019s concerned one\u2019s. \u201cSomeone will die,\u201d the vampire said coldly and concisely.<\/p>\n
Wesley\u2019s eyes blinked rapidly. \u201cCordelia won\u2019t be lost. She\u2019ll be found and she\u2019ll be safe,\u201d the former watcher promised.<\/p>\n
Angel\u2019s intense stare held Wesley\u2019s eyes for long short moment before Angel nodded and moved away.<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn,\u201d Wesley shook his head in disbelief. \u201cHow could you lose Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026I didn\u2019t know there was a back door. Okay, okay, I know everything as a back door, but I didn\u2019t think\u2026I just\u2026\u201dGunn grunted, his eyes not leaving the road.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe, it was really just weird coincidence that the doc was outside the hotel.\u201d Gunn said, contradicting his earlier suspicion about the presence of the doc. \u201cMaybe, Cordy went with him willingly, I mean you saw her get into the car. Maybe, she is just back at his place, you know, getting comforted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley actually growled at Gunn’s comment. Wesley shook his head. \u201cYou don\u2019t really believe that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d Gunn said, worried and angry with himself for not preventing Cordelia\u2019s disappearance. \u201cThe vamp is really mad isn\u2019t he.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley stared at his friend. \u201cWhat part of that,\u201d he said indicating the previous scene. \u201cDid you not experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn\u2019s eyes left the road meeting Wesley\u2019s, Gunn\u2019s grasp tightening on the steering wheel. \u201cWe have to find Cordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be for the best,\u201d Wesley said dryly.<\/p>\n
Chapter Thirty-two<\/b><\/p>\n
Angel drove towards the address that he had seen on John Red Bear\u2019s registration. His hand tensing against the wheel. Angel\u2019s mind was frantic; his body set on one goal-to find Cordelia.<\/p>\n
This was his fault. If Angel hadn\u2019t struck out at Cordelia, commanding her to leave the hotel, she would still be with him, safe.<\/p>\n
Maybe Cordelia wasn\u2019t in danger, he tried to rationalize. Maybe for some legitimate, unlikely happenstance the doctor came upon Cordelia running outside crying\u2026Angel\u2019s thoughts trailed to a stop. Angel was the one who caused her to be so upset.<\/p>\n
How could he have done that, his mind cried out. No, Angel was losing focus. Maybe, Angel tried again, maybe Cordelia went with the young professor, and after all she thought he was \u2018gorgeous\u2019. Maybe Angel would be barging on an intimate moment between the two of them.<\/p>\n
Those thoughts abruptly stopped as Angel heard the steering wheel crack. The pressure of his hands had been too much for the solid plastic.<\/p>\n
Angel looked at the piece of equipment, except for a large crack that ran through the wheel, it was still intact. Angel sighed in relief, he couldn\u2019t be bothered with trying to fix or find another ride. Angel had to get to the Professor\u2019s address, no matter what he would find. Angel had to know that Cordelia was safe.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cFind anything?\u201d Gunn asked Wesley.<\/p>\n
Wesley looked up from behind the desk. He and Gunn had gained entry into the Professor\u2019s university office. Wesley had already searched through Dr. Red Bear\u2019s books lined up against the wall. If there was a text on the necklace, he couldn\u2019t find it. Wesley turned his attention to the large desk.<\/p>\n
Wesley shook his head. \u201cYou?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn shrugged. \u201cNaw, but then I\u2019m not real clear on what I\u2019m looking for.\u201d The young man slammed the file cabinet drawer shut. \u201cCordy ain\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, but there may be some clue or sign of where the doctor may have taken her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you expect a big map saying \u2018Cordelia\u2019s here\u2019\u201d.<\/p>\n
Wesley ignored Gunn and bent down neatly rifling through the contents of the next drawer. \u201cNothing.\u201d Wesley yanked at the last drawer. He grunted and pulled at the drawer.<\/p>\n
It was locked. Wesley picked up a silver letter opener and started to pry at the opening in the wood. He grunted again this time in satisfaction as the drawer came loose.<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn,\u201d Wesley called urgently. He pulled out a file folder.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, this is really not cool,\u201d Gunn sorted through the pictures of the necklace and museum surveillance photos.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, it would definitely confirm that the good doctor did know more than he said about the necklace. But what and why does he have Cordelia? And where?\u201d<\/p>\n
He picked up a letter addressed to the Professor; it was from the Hopi Tribal Government. It was a letter of appreciation from the Chairman of the tribe to the doctor.<\/p>\n
It seemed that the doctor had been a big help in lobbying the federal government for more money to support the new health center on the reservation. Then on a personal note, the Chairman had gone on to wish John and his father well and a hope that John\u2019s father would return to the Reservation soon.<\/p>\n
Wesley glanced at the Arizona mailing address. Disgruntled he placed the letter back in the stack. Nothing there, it just raised more questions as to why a respected Professor and obvious good citizen type would be interested in the necklace and engaged in kidnapping.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe better go. Maybe Angel has had more success.\u201d Wesley got up rearranging the items on the desk to their original position. His hand hovered over a framed snapshot. The young boy in the picture couldn\u2019t have been more than ten years old. The older man standing close resembled a more mature John Red Bear. \u201cFather and son?\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn shrugged, \u2018so what\u2019 clearly etched on his expression.<\/p>\n
Wesley studied the photo. The young boy had a fishing pole in his hands and a big smile. They were both standing on a pier along a body of water. There was a cabin and trees in the background. On an impulse, the former watcher pocketed the photo and picked up the file on the necklace.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, let\u2019s just hope he has found Cordelia and hasn\u2019t left a trail of broken bodies and stuff. They\u2019re a bitch to explain and to clean up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley took one last look around the office satisfied that everything was in its proper place, except for those in his possession. \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n