Chapter 16

Buffy looked upset when she returned. Angel went to her immediately.

“What is it?”

“I think Riley and I just broke up.”

Angel sighed. “Come on.” He led her through to the kitchen and onto the back porch. They sat down in the shade.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really.” Buffy paused, picking at her nails. “I just… I couldn’t face it. I can’t be with anyone right now. And he was all needy and sad looking. So not what I need right now.”

Angel didn’t interrupt her.

“It’s not him. I know it’s not him. I mean… I mean maybe someone else would make it easier on me but I…” Buffy buried her head in her hands. “I’m just so confused.”

Angel put a comforting arm around her and she leaned into him.


Karl reported to Leonard about the day’s activities. Leonard looked through the pictures.

“Good. She still looks demoralised.” He said to himself. “We need to find a way to reintroduce her to the poison.”

Karl didn’t answer, he had learnt that lead to a quick death and he was after eternal life, not death.

“Perhaps the groceries could be tampered with at source.” Leonard looked up from the pictures. “What do you think?”

“I think it’s an excellent idea sir.”

“Master!”

“Yes master.”

“So, how can we do it?”

“Um. Maybe we could poison all the supplies one shop has?” suggested Karl.

“Don’t be stupid. We only have a finite amount and it’s not cheep to get.”

“Sorry Master.”

“And yet they never leave the house for us to tamper directly with the food. Umm.”

“If I may suggest sir, perhaps someone could break in at night, while they’re asleep.”

Leonard pondered this. It could work, assuming Angelus and his vampire hearing didn’t get in the way.

“OK.” Said Leonard finally. “You will break in tonight. Place one vile in something that looks the most used.”

“Yes sir.” Said Karl turning to leave.

“And Karl?” Karl turned back. “Don’t screw up!”

“No Master.”