Title: A Very Special Christmas part 5/6
Author: Michelle
Date: August 2004
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Buffy/Giles
Summary: It's Christmas Eve in Sunnydale. What could possibly go wrong?
Disclaimer: These are not my characters. They belong to Joss, Twentieth Century Fox, UPN, WB & Mutant Enemy. This is purely for fun.
Spoilers: This story takes place in season four, but I did use some elements from season five.
Distribution: If you want it, you can have it. Just tell me where to find it.
Feedback: I love it, want it, and need it.
Website: http://bripper.drakeleather.com/index.shtml
This is the third story in a series. The first two stories can be found here: http://www.drakeleather.com/bripper/index.shtml/band_cookies01.html and http://www.drakeleather.com/bripper/index.shtml/unexpected_guests.html
Author's notes: Previous parts can be found here: http://fanfiction.angel-buffy.com/michellefics/averyspecialchristmas1 or http://vampirecows.com/odd/authors/michelle/veryspecialchristmasbg01.html
"Angel, this is crazy," Cordelia said for the fifth time since they'd left their office.
"I can do this alone if you don't want to help," Angel said.
"I didn't say I wouldn't help. I just said this is crazy. We can't just walk in and ask for the amulet."
"That's not the plan."
"Then what is?" Cordelia asked.
"We find the back entrance."
"What makes you think they've got one?"
"Their clients need a way to come and go during the day," Angel stated. "They would have an entrance that's out of direct sunlight."
"Wouldn't want paying customers to burst into flames,' Cordelia quipped. "So, we go in the back way. Then what?"
"I haven't worked that all out yet."
"Angel, stop. You need to have more of a plan than that. They're going to know when you enter the building." She was quiet a moment. "That's what's wrong."
"What?"
"You said the vampires were a distraction. Right?"
"Yes."
"I think this is, too. Think about it. Why would they keep the amulet where a vampire could possibly get it?"
"They have a security system, Cordelia."
"You got past it once before. How do they know it won't happen again?"
"What's your point?" Angel asked.
"They put the notice on the website, clearly stating that Wolfram and Hart has the amulet, but I bet they really have it in someone's home. Vampires aren't invited, so they can't get the amulet until Wolfram and Hart wants them to have it."
"All right, but whose home?"
"Hey. You can't expect me to think of everything."
As Angel started to protest, Cordelia swayed on her feet and put her hand to her head. He was quick to catch her. When he was sure she was okay, he asked, "A vision?"
"Yeah, and not about vampires or demons this time. That's a relief."
"What did you see?"
"An apartment and something that could be the amulet. Oh, and Lindsey. It's at his place."
"Let's go."
* * * * *
Angel an Cordelia sat in his car in an alley near Lindsey's apartment building.
"What now?" Cordelia asked.
"I distract him while you climb in through the window and find the amulet."
"Me? Why do I have to be the one to climb in the window?"
"Because I really don't think he'll invite me inside."
"Oh right. Forgot about that."
* * * * *
"Okay. That was way too easy," Cordelia said in disbelief.
"There's definitely something more going on here," Angel speculated as he started the car.
"I should not have been able to find the amulet that quickly. And where was Lindsey? You'd think he would have been there. You don't think they wanted us to find it. Do you?" she asked.
"What would be the point?"
"Maybe it's a fake. We should test it. Whose home haven't you been invited to?"
"I don't think I'll need to test it that way, Cordelia. Just give me your cross. If it doesn't hurt me, we can be pretty sure it's real."
"Oh. Guess I should have thought of that," she admitted as she handed him her cross.
He took it from her tentatively. "It doesn't hurt."
"Guess it's the real deal. So why would they let us have it? It doesn't make sense."
"I don't know, but maybe Giles will."
"Giles?"
"We're going to Sunnydale. Now that I've got the amulet, I can help."
"And see Buffy." She gave him a slight smile. "I know you haven't gotten over her completely. You still want to protect her."
"Cordelia, I don't. . ." he began. "Well, okay, but don't make a big deal about it. She's happily married. I wouldn't do anything to mess that up."
"Not intentionally."
"Cordelia," he admonished.
"Okay, okay. I get the message. No more talk about Buffy. Let's just get to Sunnydale and see if we can help."