Go TeamC/A
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Title: Cordy the TV Star
Author: anne
Posted here: 08/05
Rating: NC17
Category:
Content:
Summary:
Spoilers: Birthday (Cordy’s options were to go with the TV fame or death, (for now I’m forgetting the demon choice- so-there)
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: NF- yes of course, whatever…. the rest- while I’ll always say yes, please just ask. Wow. I almost felt important.
Notes:
Thanks/Dedication:
Feedback:
Part 1
“I don’t get it, man.” Gunn jerked his head towards unkempt lumped figure staring at the TV screen. Wesley glanced at the black man then back to the vampire huddled directly in front of the television.
“Definite hottie, but him- I don’t get it.” Gunn urged.
Wesley sighed and straightened. “I’m not sure. But, he knew her in Sunnydale, as well. Perhaps it’s just that she is familiar to him. A face he can remember. The show seems to calm him for a few days at least.”
Both men looked back at the TV as the credits rolled and the theme song faded along with the imagines of the beautiful young woman.
Gunn rubbed his face. “Got to hope that syndication deal with the WB goes through. ‘Cordy’ every night would be a nice break from his raging crazy mad hatter routine. Maybe allow him to actually make it through a vision without descending into the rabbit hole and maybe even sleep.” Gunn shook his head.
“If not WB, then UPN, both of them want it.” Wesley shrugged his shoulders, making obvious the loss of one arm. “Angel, the vision?” The vampire turned and took the cup.
Wesley sighed, still amazed. Every week, the vampire sat glued to the TV set watching a sitcom starring Sunnydale’s own Cordelia Chase. Once the credits ended, Angel almost seemed to be normal. Or as normal as a vampire with a soul and visions+ and centuries of guilt producing package can be. But, still there would be no need for restraints for at least a couple of days.
“Taken care of.”
Angel nodded, slowly moving back into his bare room settling on the lone mattress on the floor. “I’m tired,” handing Wesley the empty mug.
Wesley motioned Gunn to the door. “Good night, Angel.”
“Hey, Wes,” Gunn said as soon as the door was closed. “You know her, call her write her, maybe she’ll send an 8’ by 10’ glossy we could have better than the screen version for him.”
Part 2“Cordy, you have to call the police.” The young man waved a letter around in the air. “It’s the third one. From the same sicko, no doubt.”
The beautiful young woman scrunched up her face. “Nevin, they don’t really threaten me, they’re just the usual. Don’t be such a worry-wort.”
“Cordy, he’s a sicko, pure and simple. The creep somehow has the ability to just drop this crazy fan notes off. He’s got to have an in on the inside.” The young man looked suspiciously out the door of the office to the sound stage. “Cordy, you’re a big star and that causes all the crazies to come crawling out from their rocks. And this guy is crazy.”
“Calling me a princess, isn’t necessarily crazy, it’s kind of sweet.”
“Sweet? How about ‘your life is a lie, your destiny is with me. I am your champion. Demons or dimensions won’t separate us. The beast will never touch you’, Uh? Not real high on the sane scale. ‘I’m coming’- not reassuring. Jesus, Cordy, you know the stories- some crazed whacked fan kills or shoots the ‘star’ they adore. Call the police.”
“Nevin, I believe you are over reacting. The firm agrees with Ms. Chase. There is no need for police involvement. Wolfram & Hart can conduct a discreet investigation into this matter. This is not the time for sensational publicity. The Emmys are not far off. Lindsay McDonald stood. “Cordy, if I could have that letter. I’m sure it is nothing to worry about, I’ll handle everything.”
Cordelia reluctantly gave the letter over to the lawyer.
Lindsay flashed a smile. “Maybe dinner next week?”
“Ah, my schedule is pretty booked. I’ve got to make the talk show circuit, the Emmy’s.” Cordelia shrugged and smiled regretfully.
Lindsay nodded and left.
“Nevin, who recommended Wolfram & Hart? Remember, please, so I can cross them off my Christmas list. I just don’t get warm fuzzy feelings from that group. Even Lindsay with all his good looks and charm gives the heebie jeebies.
“They’re lawyers, they’re not supposed to make you feel warm and fuzzy.” Nevin commented. “Cordy, I still think….”
“No, police. But, if it makes you feel better- a compromise, give me the phone book.”
Cordy flipped through the yellow pages. Her eyes were drawn to the first listing. It was smaller than the rest. Not big on the advertising. It was very simple, really, just a name. Angel Investigations. Angel? Lord, Cordy hadn’t thought about the Sunnydale vampire in ages. In fact, she had pretty well blocked all of the memories of the Hellmouth out of her head. It seemed so far in the distant past, more a nightmare, not her reality. But, she couldn’t deny that the recent letters had sort of freaked her. The usual mash notes she received as a celebrity didn’t mention demons, dimensions or beasts. All things that reminded her too much of her hellish hometown. Well, Buffy wasn’t around and her boyfriend vampire wouldn’t be swooping down in all of his ‘salty goodness’ to fix this. God, Cordelia was glad she was away from all that. She scrunched her nose at the listing. Still, it could be an omen. And things were getting kinda of weird and maybe she did need help. Whatever, Cordelia pushed the yellow book forward. It was the damn books fault. Can we at least try to bypass the ‘B’s and go straight for the ‘c’s. Or any other odd combination of the alphabet. “Talk to me Nevin.” Cordelia glared.
“I…look….the guy I talked to didn’t seem real professional. He wants to meet you at a coffee shop. Not the sign of high rent. He didn’t even discuss a fee. Just seemed anxious to see you. He’s another crazy, I bet. I say don’t go.”
“Nevin, give me the address.” Cordelia held out her hand.
“Fine,” Nevin handed the paper to Cordy and spoke into his cell phone at the same time. “Josh, bring the car around for Ms. Chase and don’t let her out of your sight.”
“Oh, Nevin, did this guy have a name?”
“Yeah, Wesley Windy- Price or something. Sounded great, had that PBS voice, but still he sounded crazy?”
“Wesley…” Cordelia turned. “Wesley Windem-Price?”
“I guess that could have been it.”
“Oh.” Cordelia walked to her waiting limousine in a daze. Wesley working for a private investigation firm named ‘Angel Investigation’. That just seemed very weird. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. Emmys or no Emmys, Cordelia was beginning to feel that she hadn’t left Sunnydale as far behind as she hoped.
Part 3“Are you comfortable?” Lindsay said from the doorway of his office.
“Very, I like this office. Better view.” Lilah Morgan smoothed the expensive silk of her suit skirt, her long legs resting on Lindsay’s desk.
“Too bad, honey. It’s mine.” Lindsay pushed Lilah’s designer clad feet to the ground.
“We’ll see. Well, what’s up with the bimbo starlet? More ‘fan’ letters?”
“That’s not your concern.”
“Actually, it is now. Holland just gave the word. I’ve been assigned to help you baby-sit America’s TV sweetheart. So, fill me in. Why is Wolfram & Hart interested in a nobody actress.”
“Nobody? She’s won two Emmy’s; her show has been the highest rated show since it aired. And she’s been able to crossover into films, as well. Both that she starred in broke box office records. There is talk of an Oscar for the last one. Cordelia Chase is golden.”
“Fine, she’s the next Sally Fields, what’s Wolfram & Hart’s interest?”
“That’s it- she’s golden. She exploded onto the Hollywood scene with a powerful agent and a hit TV show within two months of arriving in LA. About the same time, the big heads in the basement sensed a major surge in mystical energy right here in LA. The type that can create or destroy universes.”
Lilah tapped her long nails on the hard surface of the desk. “She caused it? I find that hard to believe.”
“No, but she was the center of whatever happened. Someone or something has provided Cordelia Chase with her very own little garden of fame and fortune to play in.”
“And since it wasn’t us, we need to know.” Lilah said understanding.
“And make sure it remains, so.” Lindsay added.
Lilah raised her brows.
“The statistics on the balance of good vs. evil spread sheet has been swinging to our side since the little occurrence. It’s marginal, but the slide is there. They want it to stay that way. Why were you reassigned? I thought you were monitoring Project ‘Angel’?”
“It’s been de-prioritized.”
“Really? I thought it was number one because of the prophecy.”
“The vampire with a soul came on the scene strong, but his increasingly unstable mental state as made the fruition of the prophecy skeptical. It’s projected that his influence on the balance will be non-existence in another year.”
Lindsay looked out across the city, thinking. “Angel came to LA, when? Almost three years ago?”
“Yes. Why?”
“That’s about when Cordelia Chase showed up. Her career skyrockets, Angel’s effectiveness as the ‘champion’ plummets and the balance is swinging in Wolfram & Hart’s favor.”
“You’re seeing a connection.” Lilah shot up straight in the chair.
“I’m seeing a possibility of one. Cordelia Chase grew up in Sunnydale, where Angel was before he came to LA.”
“She’s a Hellmouth babe? Did they know each other?”
“No clue. Maybe we should find out. But, first we need to make sure that whoever or whatever is sending Cordy love note’s is not a threat.”
“Whatever?”
“Yeah, most human stalkers don’t mention demons and dimensions in their fan mail. Oh and Lilah, you maybe resigned to this project, but remember it’s my project, just like this is my office. Now, please get your ass out of my chair.”
Part 4Cordelia searched the shop for the tweedy presence of Wesley Windiem-Price. She blinked as her eyes shot back to the two men sitting in a booth. The tough black man was definitely not the pressed stuffy young watcher. But, neither was the other man. It couldn’t be. But it was. “Wesley?” Cordelia walked up to the rumbled man. “What happened to the prim and proper attire?” She glanced at the worn jacket and t-shirt underneath. “For that matter what happened to your arm, it’s gone.”
“Hello, Cordelia.” Wesley stood. “Still stating the painfully obvious, I see.”
“You had two the last time I saw you. Now you have one. Two minus one is one. I can subtract.”
“Yes. A Kungai Demon a couple of years back. I don’t like to talk about it.”
“Then don’t.” Cordelia shrugged and sat down. “So, you’re a private investigator, uh and fighting demons. How does that work with you’re habit of screaming and fainting like a girl.”
“I resist the urge.”
Cordelia shrugged again. “Hi.” She turned to the black man. “You can close your mouth.”
Gunn’s mouth slammed shut.
“I’m sorry, Cordelia this is Charles Gunn, my partner. Gunn, this is…”
“Dawg, I know who this is. You do know her. Wow.”
Cordelia smiled. “Yeah, we go way back.”
“Is it true that you and Wes…you know. Had a little thing…”
“…Humiliating kiss. Where he drooled all over my chin? Though, I’ve worked really hard to repress it.”
“Right. Cordelia, your assistant called and said that you had a stalker or was this just your way to get me to enjoy a forced death march down memory lane?”
“Yes to the stalker. No to the stroll down memory lane. I didn’t know you were ‘Angel Investigations’ until Nevin told me your name. ‘Angel’? In tribute to broody dead guy? I never took you as a fan of Angel’s.”
“No, Cordelia.” Wesley hesitated. “It’s not a tribute. It’s Angel’s agency.”
“Angel? Here? A private investigator, too? What’s Buffy, his girl Friday? Better be careful, Wesley, you know how bosses and secretaries are. One minute of groiny joy after hours and wham- Angelus. Great and I’m in LA. They were supposed to stay in Sunnyhell with all the rest of the weirdness.”
“As far as I know, Buffy is still in Sunnydale as the slayer and Angel is in no condition to be getting joy from anyone.”
“Really? They broke up, again? How many times would this make it?”
“The last. Angel came to LA after graduation.”
“Wow, so did I. How come I didn’t know? Granted, I was barely talking to the Scoobies at the time while blowing up the school. Still, you’d think I would’ve heard the whole traumatic scene. Must have happened after I left.”
“I’m not aware of the exact timing. Cordelia, you’re stalker?”
“How’s Angel? I want to see him.” Cordelia said. Cordelia wasn’t sure why, but she thought seeing the vampire was some how important.
“Cordelia, Angel is not the same vampire you knew in Sunnydale.”
“What, he’s no longer the big jokester always the un-life of parties? Gee, how unusual.”
“Cordelia, Angel came to Los Angeles in pain, vulnerable- and when Doyle, his only friend died he just…retreated into himself.”
“His getting the visions didn’t help either.” Gunn added.
“Visions?”
“Angel sees visions of people who are being attacked by demons, etc. And we go save them. Most of the time.” Wesley rubbed his face.
“Let me get this straight. Angel has visions about people who are going to die. He tells you, you go out and slay, and this is how you make a living? That’s got to be the suckiest job in the world.”
“Pays, the bills. Occasionally.” Gunn shrugged. “We do regular PI on the side to help with the whole living and eating thing.”
Cordelia nodded. “Which is what my case is- regular- no demons, no weirdness just a nut job writing crazy letters. So how much?”
“Excuse me.” Wesley rubbed his face again.
“Money, fee? How much?”
“Cordelia, we couldn’t’ charge you. You’re a friend in need of help.”
Cordelia rolled her eyes. “No wonder you can only pay the bills ‘occasionally’. That’s sweet, Wesley, but I’m a friend with money. Overcharge me. So, when do I get to see Angel? Guess not now is good, the whole daylight issue and stuff.”
“Cordelia, I really think that should wait. He recently had a vision and well…it takes a lot out of him. He’s not up for visitors. We’ll tell him hi for you. Now, back to your stalker. Please describe each instance.”
Cordelia scrunched up her face. She wanted to see Angel. Though why she did was a bit confusing. Cordelia shook her head. “It really isn’t a stalker. Just somebody writing crazy letters like I said. I get them sometimes. But these are weirder and have Nevin freaked. And my lawyers. This last one got me a impromptu visit from Lindsay.”
“Your lawyers?” Wesley repeated. “The firm?”
“Wolfram & Hart,” Cordelia shivered. “I don’t really like them. For the life of me, I can’t remember who recommended them. What? Why are you looking like that?”
“Wolfram & Hart. We’ve run across them. They seem to have a connection with many of the situations Angel’s vision portray.”
“As in a bad connection?”
“We have information that we believe indicates that Wolfram & Hart’s main cliental are of the demonic nature- evil. It is disturbing that they are your lawyers.”
“Disturbing? Disturbing? I’m being represented by Satan’s toadies- I say it was more than just disturbing. I told Nevin they gave me the heebie jeebies. Are you sure? Damn’t, I left the Hellmouth for more than just fame and fortune. Well, they’re fired.”
Part 5“Wow,” Gunn repeated over and over again. “That girl is DAMN hot. You messed up that- man that sucks.”
“Yes, Charles, Cordelia Chase is a very attractive young woman and I’m eternally heartbroken that our brief non-relationship didn’t evolve into an happy ever after fairytale.”
Gunn shrugged at Wesley’s caustic tone. “Just saying, she’s hot.”
“Cordelia is a client and friend in trouble can we please concentrate on that particular issue.”
“Why didn’t you want her to see Angel? Given his reaction to Cordy on the box, seeing her live might just be what the vamp needs to keep him this side of reality.”
Wesley nodded. “True, ‘The Cordy Show’ does seem to have a calming influence on Angel. However, one cannot be assured of his reaction to actually seeing a live Cordelia. His interest is borderline obsessive as it is. There is no telling how he would react. Cordelia Chase already as one overly enthusiastic fan, I don’t believe we should give her another and it’s that fan we need to be concerned with now.”
“Are you even going to tell him about our new case?”
“What new case?”
Gunn and Wesley started at Angel’s quiet question coming from the darkened doorway.
“Angel, how are you doing? You look well.” Wesley studied the vampire. Angel did look much better. The Cordy Show, sleep, blood and the successful completion of his previous vision seemed to bring Angel back to reality. Wesley shook his head. Hopefully, Angel wouldn’t receive another vision for a while, allowing the vampire some period of lucidity.
Angel merely nodded, moving slowly to the armchair sinking into its depths. “The case?”
“Angel, you needn’t concern….”
“Wesley, I’m fine for now. I would like to do something productive for as long as I can before another vision hits. Please.”
Wesley took a deep breath and made his decision. He knew that when Angel was able to have coherent thoughts, the vampire hated the knowledge of his bouts of insanity and feelings of uselessness.
“Angel, you remember Cordelia Chase.”
Gunn looked up in surprise- 0ne because Wesley seemed to have changed his mind regarding telling Angel about Cordelia hiring them and second- why Wesley would ask the vampire such a stupid question. Remember her? The vampire watched The Cordy Show every week. Angel couldn’t get the woman out of his mind.
Angel blinked, slowly nodding at Wesley. “From Sunnydale. She’s in LA acting. I’ve…I’ve seen her show.” The vampire frowned as if he was trying to remember something else.
“Yes” Wesley agreed. He had suspected but hadn’t been sure until now that Angel wasn’t completely cognizant of his obsessive habit to watch Cordelia’s show.
“What does she have to do with our new case?” Angel said his speech still slow his face now expressionless.
“She is our case. Cordelia’s assistant contacted us, it seems that she has acquired a stalker. Gunn and I met with her earlier today, she gave us the copies of the letters she has received.”
“Cordelia is in danger?” Angel looked up, something akin to anger flickered in his solemn gaze.
“That is not clear at this point but the letters are disturbing in content and unsettling in that they have the ability to show up in highly secure locations as well as her home. Whoever is sending them has access to her.”
Angel stood. “Where is she now?” looking at Gunn and Wesley. “You left her alone?” His voice uncharacteristically tinged with anger as well as being disapproving.
“I was going to check in on you, then go over to her house. Though, Cordelia was highly unreceptive to the idea of a bodyguard. Tomorrow, Charles is going to her studio to watch over her and question those there.”
“I should….”
“Angel, it’s true that as a vampire you possess the greatest strength however we can not be sure when a vision will hit. And under those circumstances it would be best for you not to be around Cordelia.”
Angel closed his eyes, his body becoming stiff; he turned on his heels and retreated back into his stark bedroom. A large resounding crash came from behind the closed door.
Gunn glanced worriedly over to Wesley. “He didn’t take that well.”
Wesley shrugged. “Angel's inability to control the effects of the visions angers and frustrates him when he can actually remember that he’s not a useless lunatic. They’re killing him. I’ll see you in the morning.”***
Angel paced in the darkened room. He knew that Wesley was right. The unpredictability of the visions and the debilitating effects of them made his usefulness outside the safety of his locked bedroom and comforting restraints practically non-existent. Yet, he couldn’t just stay in this room waiting to see if Wesley could protect Cordelia. Angel didn’t understand, he and Cordelia hardly knew each other in Sunnydale. He just remembered the beautiful teenager standing on the outskirts of Buffy and her friends, sarcastic, tactless, and lovely- and having the unique ability to make him laugh on a few rare brief instances.
Angel remembered more, Cordelia Chase, the star of The Cordy Show, even more beautiful and…god forbid…making him laugh when he wasn’t out of his mind from the visions. An act, not real but it called to him. Angel couldn’t identify the feeling or know the source of his need but Cordelia must be protected at all cost. It was as if her existence, even through a TV show, held the remaining portion of his sanity. The vampire strode to the iron bars sealing the lone window in the room. For the first time since the bars had been secured, Angel tugged using his strength to remove the barrier to him and the world.
Part 6“Oh, hi,” Cordelia let Wesley into her multimillion dollar home.
“You don’t have any guards. A security gate would at least be expected.” Wesley dropped his duffle bag filled with weapons in the foyer.
“I’m rich not a prisoner, eww.” Cordelia waved away Wesley’s concern. “Anyway, this is the first time anyone has actually bothered me here.” Cordelia sighed, sitting on the leather couch. “So, have you solved the case yet?”
“No,” Wesley sat. “It’s only been six hours.”
“Hmmph.” Cordelia leaned back crossing her arms against her chest. “I don’t like this.” Cordelia sat back up. “Are you guys any good?”
“We’ve been known to solve a case or two.”
“Losing the arm was that a successful case.” Cordelia raised an elegant brow.
“It was a miss calculation.” Wesley squirmed, getting up. “You have too many windows in this place.” The man walked around the room studying the expansive windows overlooking beautiful scenery.
“I told you I’m not a prisoner, Geez. So what’s, Angel, the broody dead private eye doing? No offense but a vampire, while ‘eww’ would be just the thing to scare away any crazy fan.”
“He’s still resting off the effects of the visions.”
“Visions, too weird. I can’t believe I’m being subjected to such weirdness again. Hmmph. Want some wine or anything?” Cordelia moved to the kitchen.
“No thank you.” Wesley took another turn around the living area. “Do you have any help, live in or otherwise?”
“Cleaning crew comes in every day, sometimes Nevin stays over if stuff gets too busy.” Cordelia shrugged. “I’ve been having to go to a lot of talk shows and stuff for the pre-Emmy press-fest. Tonight, he’s at the Bel Air Hotel, setting up the commendations for the ‘A Season Is More Than A Time Of Year' premiere. Though, why I can’t just sleep at home, I don’t understand, but Nev says I have to go to all the parties and stuff.”
“You have a part in that movie.”
“Yeah, the female lead’s best bitchy bimbo girlfriend. Almost on the ‘A’ list, but not quite. But, at least in this movie I get to stay alive for the whole thing.” Cordelia flashed a great big smile, convincing Wesley that Cordelia and the ‘A’ list were not long to be separated.
“Maybe until we find out who has been sending you those notes, you shouldn’t go.”
“Not go to a top ‘A’ list movie premiere. Duh. Don’t think so. Hey, did you hear that.” Cordelia left the kitchen area and wandered to the large plate glass window.
“Cordelia,” Wesley pulled at the woman, placing his body between the young woman and the glass.
Cordelia pushed and peered again into the darkness. “Hey, isn’t that the dark dead guy?” pointing out into the darkness.
Wesley looked more closely, slowly opening the plate glass door. “Angel?” Wesley pulled back as the darkness materialized into the form of a man.
“I thought…”
“I needed to be sure. I’m alright.” Angel said stepping closer into the light from the living room.
“Angel.” Wesley’s concerned tone was obvious.
“Wow.” Cordelia stepped up. “It is you. Still ‘grr’ and everything, uh.” The young woman faced the vampire.
“Cordelia.” Angel stepped even closer to the young woman.
“Angel,” Wesley said again. “I don’t think…”
“I told you I was fine.”
Wesley blinked back at the anger in the vampire’s tone.
Cordelia looked back and forth at the men. “Well, are you going to come in or just lurk and blend into the darkness?”
“I have to be invited.”
“Oh, right.” Cordelia scrunched up her brow. “You haven’t received the joy or anything have you? No way am I inviting the evil ‘grr’ guy in.”
“No.”
“Oh, good. Okay, you can come in. But hey, wipe your feet.” She pointed to Angel’s mud coated boots.
“Yes, Cordelia.” Angel obediently brushed his feet against the outdoor mat before coming in.
Cordelia nodded. She moved towards the counter as her phone started to ring.
“Angel, I thought we…”
“No, Wesley, we didn’t. Look, I’m okay. I just needed to make sure that Cordelia was safe.”
“I…Angel, I understand that you would be worried since she is a remembrance of a better time for you, but you two were not close in Sunnydale.”
Angel turned looking at the beautiful brunette holding the phone to her ear. “I know.”
“Nev, I don’t know. Okay…. I ….who? No way. Of course I can’t go alone, but I’m not going with him, egoistical idiot, I’m not. Anyway, the Private Investigators you forced me to hire don’t think it’s a good idea that I go to the Premiere. I realize that…. Hold on.” Cordelia covered the mouthpiece of her phone. “Okay, which of you stalwart protectors will go with me to the premiere tomorrow night.” Cordelia looked straight at the vampire, jerking away as she realized that she was silently wishing the dark handsome man to say he would be the one.
“I…”
“I’ll go,” Angel said over Wesley’s attempt.
Cordelia bit her lips. “Okay.” She turned back into the phone. “I’m going and I already have a date, a tall, dark and broody one, so tell what’s his names’ agent to go find a ditzy blonde. Hmmph. What? No, that’s a go. The breast cancer commercial needs to get on the air as soon as possible. I’ll be there tomorrow. Bye.”
Cordelia hung up the phone. “Well, I’ve got plenty of rooms, make yourself comfortable, I’m going to bed. Night.” Cordelia went up the circular staircase.
“Angel.” Wesley said again to the vampire.
“Christ, Wesley, I said I’m fine.”
“For how long?”
“If you feel the need to stay than stay. But, I’m not leaving.”
Wesley narrowed his eyes at the conviction in Angel’s words. “Okay. I’ll take the couch.” Wesley slumped down on the sofa.
Angel nodded as he sat in the corresponding armchair.***
Cordelia tossed and turned. Wow. Weird dreams. Dreams of her and Angel actually being…she didn’t know….close…like friends…like almost more…Cordelia shot up in bed. She blinked around, her gaze settling on the chair. “Angel?”
“Yes.”
“Oh.” Cordelia scrunched up her face and pulled herself up against the backboard of her bed. “You’re in my bedroom. Why are you in my bedroom? Is Wesley here too.” Cordelia looked around. “Okay, he’s not. So why are you? You sure you’re not evil? Damn, I threw out all the vampire killing stuff when I moved away from Sunnydale. If your evil stay put while I scream for Wesley.”
“Cordelia, I’m not evil. I…I just ….Wesley said that you received the last note in your bedroom.”
“Oh.” Cordelia wrapped her arms around her legs. “So, how are you? Wesley said you were getting really weird nasty visions and you broke up with Buffy, again and you’re still dead, but not evil just a bit insane. So, other than all that- you doing okay?”
“I’ve not seen Buffy in three years.”
“Eek, hence the craziness. Yuk, guess that explains the whole Angel whacked years. Why not? Granted, that love wasn’t a barrel of laughs more like a Shakespearean tragedy, but you left Buffy?” Cordelia scrunched up her nose.
“I…Go to sleep Cordelia. Nothing, no one will touch you. Sleep.”
Cordelia stared at the dark vampire. “Okay, don’t want to talk about it- still playing the dark mysterious loner card, uh,” lying back down. Cordelia shot back up to the seated position. “You said you would be my date tomorrow night. You’ll need a tuxedo. Not that you don’t look good in the skulking leather ensemble, but tomorrow night a tuxedo- don’t worry- tuxedos are black.” She watched as the vampire reluctantly nodded. “Good night then.” Cordelia curled up into her covers.
Angel watched as the young woman settled into sleep. He tentatively reached up bringing a hand to his mouth. He was smiling.
Part 7“Can I help you?” Lindsay stood at the open doorway.
Gunn looked up from the drawer he was searching. “No,” going back to his search.
“I’m calling security.”
Gunn straightened. “Who are you?”
“I believe I’m the one that has the right to ask the questions.”
“Yeah, whatever, who are you? Do you work here?” Gunn moved his larger frame towards the smaller man.
“Oh, Mr. McDonald, I see you’ve met Mr. Gunn.” Nevin ran into the office. “Here, Mr. Gunn, these are all the personnel files.”
“Thanks.” Gunn took the papers.
“Nevin, who is this.”
“I though you met, this is Mr. Gunn, he’s one of the private investigators Ms. Chase hired.”
Gunn raised his head. “Just Gunn, two 'Ns' no mister, damn man.”
“Private Investigator? When did Cordelia do that?”
“Yesterday,” Cordelia entered into the office. “Nevin, could you please go and make those phone calls we talked about earlier. Thanks.” She said as her assistant ran from the room.
“Lindsay what are you doing here? Did we have an appointment?”
“No, I just wanted to make sure that you hadn’t received anymore letters. I told you the firm would investigate the matter there is no need to hire outside help.”
“Who are you?” Gunn repeated his earlier question.
“Lindsay McDonald, Ms. Chase’s lawyer. Your services are no longer required.”
“Ain’t that for the lady to decide.”
“Yes, it is.” Cordelia glared at the lawyer. “And they are staying on the case until the creepy letter writer is caught.”
“Of course, I apologize, Cordy. It’s just that I’m sure that Wolfram & Hart has the better resources to identify the stalker. There’s no reason to waste your money on yellow page investigators.”
“That’s my decision. If that’s all,” dismissing Lindsay with her tone.
“Of course it is, again I apologize. But, also I was hoping that you would allow me to escort you to the premiere tonight.”
“What doesn’t Wolfram & Hart get free tickets?” Cordelia raised a brow.
“I think that you shouldn’t go alone, especially with the stalker about.”
“Who said I was going alone.” Cordelia raised both of her brows.
“Nevin informed me that you refused the studio’s request to go along with their choice of a publicity date.”
“Well, then he should’ve also told you – I have a date and protection. Angel.”
“Angel?” Lindsay frowned.
“Angel of Angel Investigations. I'm sure you heard of us. We’ve got the lady covered, Wolfram & Hart can just sit their evil asses out on the sidelines. Cordy's protected from the stalker and anything else skanky and vile." Gunn promised.
Lindsay studied the other man then slowly turned to Cordelia. “You hired Angel?”
“Sounds like you know him.”
“He’s worked on some of the cases that Wolfram & Hart has had interest in. It was my understanding that Angel wasn’t the most mentally stable investigator out there. Really, Cordelia, if you want to hire a private investigator, I’m sure I can provide you with a sane recommendation.”
“Angel’s not crazy, just reclusive and I bet he looks damn good in a tux.”
“He’s potentially very dangerous, there are aspects of his personality that you are unaware of.”
“Is that your round about legal way to warn me that he’s a vampire? If it is don’t bother- knew it- know it. Still trust him. He’s saved my life and the lives of my friends on more than one occasion in Sunnydale.”
“It seems you do know him.” Lindsay considered the young woman.
“Yeah, soul and everything- Angel’s one of the good guys. Oh, and Lindsay, this seems the right time to tell you, at this moment Nevin is making the arrangements to cut all ties between me and your evil law firm. You’re fired. Tootles.”
“Cordelia, I’m sure that any information Angel has told you about any prior dealings that he may have had with Wolfram & Hart have been exaggerated. I’m sure I can explain away any concerns you may have been misled into believing.”
“I’m sure you can’t. Wesley and Angel say you’re a bad guy that’s good enough for me. Angel- Wolfram & Hart,” Cordelia lifted her hands weighing her next words in the air. “Who to trust.” Cordelia studied her hands, her right palm dropping. “Look, not Satan’s law firm.” Cordelia shrugged. “Out, Lindsay, and as of now, I’m telling security that you or any Wolfram & Hart employees are not welcomed in the studio.”
“You’re making a grave mistake, Cordelia. Wolfram & Hart can be a great benefit to your career.”
“Hey, evil shyster, you heard the lady, leave.” Gunn stepped up closer to Lindsay.
Lindsay shot a look at the black man. “You’re kidding aren’t you, physical intimidation?" You are so out of your league. Remind Angel of that if he’s attempting to get back into the game.”