Summary: as before

Angel sat reviewing the information Willow had found with her computer. The car was registered under the identity of Mr John Raymond. They had also found a social security number, bank account and credit cards for him.

The picture on the driving licence was clearly Leonard. Shorter hair than the last time they met but still him.

Angel was going through the most recent card statements looking for pay payments what might give a clue as to his whereabouts in Sunnydale. Willow was then looking each transaction up for more information.

“This one,” said Angel. “To SG Carter Inc for $400. Reference 135286.”

Willow typed. “Nothing helpful. I’ll look the company up on the search engines.”

She typed into the computer and scanned the results. “It looks like a letting agent. They have offices all over California.”

“What’s the closest office?”

“Santa Monica.”

Angel pulled out his cell phone and called Wes.

“We think we have a lead.” Angel explained. “A Mr john Raymond paid SG Carter $400 recently, they’re a letting agent. I’m guessing it was for a short tern let. I want you to go to the Santa Monica office and see if they have any thing coming up soon in the Sunnydale area.”

“OK, I think I can handle that.” Wes paused. “Angel, I don’t mean to pry but what does all this mean? You called yesterday about the drugs, and then the licence number, now this. What’s going on?”

Angel wasn’t sure if he should tell them. He wanted to respect Buffy’s privacy. On the other hand they did have a right to know why they were doing all this.

“Buffy was raped the other night Wes. We’re trying to track down who did it.”

“Oh… In that case consider it done. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”

“I appreciate it Wesley.”

“And Angel?”

“Yeah?”

“Take care of her.”

“I am.”

Angel hung up. They continued going through the rest of the card statements but couldn’t find anything useful. They would just have to wait for Wesley now and hope he could get the information hey needed.


Xander came by shortly after to check on Buffy. Willow explained the whole story.

“Oh man! That’s gotta… I mean she must be…. Poor Buffy.”

“I know.” Said Willow. “She’s getting over it. She’s out with Giles now, her first trip out. She will bounce back Xander.”

“But will she bounce back the same?”

Willow hadn’t considered that. She had been so focused on helping Buffy and solving the puzzles she hadn’t stopped to consider the long term changes this could cause in her.


Buffy and Giles returned to a house full of delicious smells.

“What’s going on?” Buffy asked entering the kitchen.

“Nothing. We just thought we’d get dinner started.” Said Willow. “Is it ok if we stay?”

Buffy looked around. Willow, Xander and Giles plus Angel who had to be somewhere in the house. That was a lot of people. Well it seemed like a lot.

But they were her friends and they were trying to help her.

“Sure. What are we having?”

“Something Tara taught me, chicken in mushroom and red wine sauce with new potatoes and roasted peppers.”

“Umm, sounds yummy. Where’s Angel?”

“Upstairs. Exercising I think.”

“I’ll just see if he’s OK.”

Buffy excused herself from the many bodies in the kitchen. She found Angel practicing his tai chi in the spare room.

“Buffy.” He smiled. “Was it OK? The walk I mean?”

“Fine. You were right, it did me good.”

“So your OK then?”

“I’m a few county lines over from OK but I feel better.”

“Do you feel up to practicing with me?”

Buffy wondered if she did. It was something she enjoyed. But it also reminded her of her slayerness and the fact she’d have to face Leonard soon.

“Maybe tomorrow.”

Angel didn’t press it. “I’m nearly done anyway.”

“Good.” Buffy paused. “The gangs all here.” She said.

“I know. Does that bother you?”

“A little. But I have to get used to people again. Most of all them.”

Angel just nodded.

“Yeah, I’m OK with it.” She decided.

“What time is it?” he asked.

Buffy looked in her bedroom at her alarm clock. “Almost 5, why?”

“I need to go out and buy some clothes after dark.”

“Yeah, I guess you do need something else to wear. Riley left some clothes here, you could wear them.” She suggested, not wanting him to leave.

“Thanks but army surplus isn’t my style.”

Buffy was silent.

“You’ll be OK.” Angel reassured her.

“I know!” Buffy snapped. “Oh god. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound like that.”

“It’s OK. Can I use your shower?”

“Sure. I’ll be downstairs.”

Buffy ran out. He wasn’t who she was angry with. She was angry with herself. Angry that she’d let it happen, angry she felt weak, angry that she couldn’t face going out at night… the list went on and on. She sat alone in the living room, her emotions bubbling under the surface, trying to reason her way to being calm again.