Kindergarten Slayers

See Part 1 for Ratings and Disclaimers

Questions and Answers/Answers and Questions

"It looks funny," says Aly as she looks down at it.

"But it will stay dry and you won't get all stinky," she smiles as she tickles her daughter. Aly giggles and so does Annie as she watches her sister squirm away from the wiggling fingers of her mommy.

Aly rolls her eyes and looks at her mommy, "I guess."

"Come on I'll get the water just right." They continue to giggle as they go past Annie and to the bathroom.

Annie goes to the nursery, inside Kennedy is nursing Alex who is fighting sleep and is a little fussy. She looks up and sees the child in the doorway and smiles. "Ready for bed?" She nods but steps into the room. "Wanna sit with us awhile?" She smiles and runs to the other rocking chair and sits down. She watches as Alex nurses, Kennedy can tell she has something on her mind-listening in isn't necessary. She begins to fix her shirt as Alex finishes. She puts him on her shoulder and pats his back.

"Mama-can I go to school tomorrow?"

Kennedy looks at her and considers the question, "I'm not sure yet. Mommy and I are going to talk about it later."

"I think I should go-"

"Why's that?" She asks as she stands and walks to the crib. She puts Alex down and covers him, then kisses his head. "Night little man-Mama loves you." She turns to see a determined look in the face of her pint-sized Slayer who is now standing at her side.

"I should go cause someone needs to keep Jake and Katie safe."

"Keeping them safe isn't your job-"

"I'm a Slayer-"

"You are-and that's a lot of responsibility for a little girl, but this isn't Slayer stuff-this is police stuff. It's their job to keep them safe."

"How Mama, if they don't know?"

Again she considers the child's words. She has a valid point, someone should be there to protect the Evans' children-she just isn't sure that it should be her five-year-old. "We'll work something out."

"I can do it-" Kennedy can't help but smile. "I can, Mama-I'm not afraid." Her tone is serious, so much older than her years.

Kennedy picks her up and holds her so that they are now eye to eye, "I know you can-"

"Then why wouldn't you let me?"

"Cause it's dangerous and I don't want you to get hurt." She watches the little Slayer's face as she digests her mama's words.

"But I won't."

Kennedy presses her lips to the child's forehead as thoughts race, 'She's as smart as Willow and more hardheaded then I am-this can't possibly be good.' She looks her daughter in the eyes, "We'll see-but for right now let's get you tucked in bed. Then when Mommy gets Aly ready I'll read you a story."

"Two stories?" she smiles.

"Maybe-" they smile and walk out of the room. As they do the stuffed animals start to rise above Alex's head and slowly begin to spin.

Kennedy is standing on the balcony staring into a starless sky. Willow walks out and wraps her arms around the young Slayer's waist. "I think they're finally down," smiles the redhead.

Kennedy turns her head so that their lips meet in a soft kiss then she turns back, "I finished the stories-that means you answered the questions, got them warm milk, and had a little cuddle time?"

"Check-"

"Then that should do it-or it would for me." She turns in Willow's arms and the redhead leans in and kisses her.

It gets intense quickly, as she pulls away slightly out of breath, "Wanna crawl in bed and I'll see what I can do-" She wiggles her eyebrows playfully.

"I'd love to-" says Kennedy as she bites her bottom lip, "But we need to talk."

"No talk-let's just keep them here with us." She can sense that Kennedy wants them to go, "Please baby-just one more day?" The young Slayer's eyes meet hers. "Just till we know more-" her green eyes beg.

"Red, Annie wants to go-"

"I know-but we're the mommies."

"True but the Slayer in me says she's right-she can keep them safe."

"I don't doubt that-" she lets her arms fall to her sides. "I just-"

"I know why you want them here why I want them here, but I see her point too. They're Slayers Red-"

"They're my Slayers-and they're just five years old."

"They've faced demons-"

"And had nightmares for months-remember?" The young Slayer nods and wraps Willow in her arms. "Kennedy let the police handle this.-Or-or we'll call Gail and tell her what we think. Maybe she'll keep her kids home too."

Kennedy nods, "Calling's a good idea." They separate and walk inside holding hands. Willow picks up the phone and starts to dial. She stops as Kennedy speaks, "How do you know the number?"

"I asked Aly-"

"And she knew it how?" Asks Kennedy the whole not gonna date till they're thirty thing flashes through her mind.

Willow smiles, "She asked Katie for it."

"I didn't want to know that." Kennedy shakes her head.

"You asked," smiles Willow, "Sorry."

"No you're not-"

"You're right I'm not." Her smile brightens.

"You're loving this."

"Actually I am-"

"Call-" says the Slayer pretending to be hurt.

"I'm calling," she dials the phone number and giggles as she does.

"You are so gonna get it."

"Right."

"Second thought you're not getting any at all-"

The redhead's smile fades as she realizes Kennedy's double meaning. "You w-no you don't mean that."

"Don't I?" smiles Kennedy smugly. Willow pulls her Slayer into a hug then kisses her neck. Kennedy gasps softly-then she bites her lip as her redhead's hands caress her body. "I don't." She leans into her touch.

Willow backs away as Gail answers the phone. "Hi- Gail this is Willow."

The next morning Willow and Kennedy go into the twins' bedroom. Both are still sleeping; Annie's covers are in the floor and Aly is sleeping sideways, her broken arm resting protectively across her waist. Willow sits down on Annie's bed and Kennedy sits on Aly's. She asks mentally, 'Sure you want to wake them?' Kennedy nods and reaches to touch the little girl's cheek- Willow does the same. "Annie wake up baby." She kisses her forehead and the child's eyes open slowly meeting hers.

"Is it time for school?"

"No school today."

"But Mommy-Jake-" she protests.

"They're coming here to spend the day. It'll be fun."

Annie sits up unsure of what she heard, "Here?"

Aly who must have gotten the same conversation sits up too, "Really Mama?" asks Aly.

"They should be here by the time we finish breakfast," says Kennedy with a smile.

Willow smiles, "So up and at'em-" the words are barely out of her mouth when they are hugged by two happy girls and then five year old feet hit the floor. They are in a hurry to find something to wear. The young Slayer and her redhead lay on the beds with their fingers laced together hanging between beds.

Later that day the four kids are playing Candyland in the playroom. They are sitting around the board on the floor. They are playing quietly as Kennedy and Gail watch from the doorway. "We can't keep them home forever-" says Gail.

'I know," says Kennedy. "Willow will find what we need."

"How?"

"Computer whiz."

"Hacker you mean?" smiles Gail.

"If you want to get technical-yes, but she only uses her power for good."

"Of course," smiles Gail.

In the living room Willow is typing into the computer. She is doing a background check on the school. She stops as she hears a knock on the door. She goes to it and answers it-smiling at Xander and Buffy. "Hey guys thanks for coming."

"How could we say no-" says Xander. "I mean you get a call from your best friend before the sun comes up-"

She makes a face, "Sorry about that."

"S'okay-" he smiles.

"I'm all with the helping but do you want to explain why we're all dressed up?" says Buffy.

About that time Kennedy and Gail walk into the room, Kennedy whistles and then smiles as Xander and Buffy each glare at her. "What?- Just saying you clean up nice." She looks at her friends. Xander is in a navy, three-piece suit, with a tie and Buffy is wearing a blue business looking skirt and jacket as well.

"Just start talking Will-" says the Slayer.

The redhead nods and smiles, "I need some information and Xander's impression of Miss Jenny so-I thought a little undercover work would help."

"Undercover-Us?" asks Xander.

Later at the school Xander and Buffy are waiting in Ms Rodgers' office. They are seated but are looking around the room, their eyes surveying the items looking for clues. The door opens and Ms Rodgers walks inside, "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's okay-you have class we understand."

"Mr. Harris, Miss Summers-I have the information that you asked for on the phone." She hands Xander a folder and he glances through it then hands it to his Slayer. "Is there anything else you need?"

"We would like to speak with the person in charge at the time of the accident," says Buffy.

"Certainly-but the police-"

"It won't take long, just a few questions," answers the blonde.

"She's with the children-naptime.-Just follow me."

"Thank you-" they follow her to the room. They smile at each other as they look around at the resting children.

Xander's eyes meet the young woman's and she looks at Ms Rodgers unsure, "Jenny-these people are from the insurance agency, they would like to speak with you."

"Sure-" she glances at Buffy.

"Why don't we walk?" Buffy, Xander, and Jenny go into the hallway.

She looks at them, "I told the police everything."

"I read the report," says Xander- "I just have a couple of questions."

"I guess but I should be with the kids."

"Why was Katie Evans allowed to go into the street?" he asks.

"She wasn't-I told her not to."

Buffy adds, "One of the children said she was chasing a ball?"

"No-"

"So there was no ball?" asks the Slayer.

"No-not that I saw-no." Xander notices that she is a little antsy.

Xander looks at Buffy who nods slightly. "And the child who was injured-Alyson Langdon-why was she in the street?"

"I tried to stop her-but she wouldn't-" her words fade as she looks at Xander, "I couldn't stop her."

Buffy starts a barrage of quick questions, "Did you get a license number?"

"No- it happened too fast."

"Color of the car?-See who was driving-anything that can help us find out more?"

The woman shakes her head as she looks away from them. "Well-thank you for your time," says Xander going with the good cop bad cop plan.

"May I go back to the kids now?"

"Yes," says Xander.

"For now," adds Buffy- "But we'll be in touch." The woman walks away a little unnerved. Xander's eyes meet Buffy's- "What do you think?"

"I think she knows more then she's saying."

At the house the kids are playing still. Now they are drawing and coloring. Annie looks at Jake who seems a little sad- "What's wrong?"

"Nothing-"

"Are you worried about the bad guy?"

"No-" he says "I'm not afraid."

"We heard Mommy and Daddy talking," says Katie.

"You're not supposed to listen-" says Aly.

"We didn't mean to-they were just really loud," Katie adds in their defense.

"They were fighting- Daddy said we might have to move," says Jake.

Annie and Aly look at each other and then their friends, "It'll be okay," says Annie.

"Mama and Mommy will fix everything," adds her little sister.

"What if they can't," asks Katie?

"They can-" says Annie-her voice confident.

In the kitchen all the adults are gathered around Willow as she types into the laptop. Kennedy looks at Xander, "So what did you think when you talked to her?"

"She isn't being honest about what she knows."

"But according to these-" Buffy holds up a stack of papers, "She is excellent at her job-she's worked with kids in some capacity for over five years. Only good things to say about her here." she drops the papers.

"I'm in-" says the redhead excitedly. She types feverishly and begins to read the information from the screen. "Jenny Matthews age 26-born in Boston- graduated with honors from Harvard with a BA and a degree in child psychology."

"That's in the records too-"

"So why is she working as a teacher's aide in a kindergarten class with credentials like that?" asks Gail.

"Good question-" says Xander.

"Maybe because Jenny Matthews died a little over a year ago," says the redhead looking up at her friends.

Tests and Trials

Kennedy's words fill Willow's mind 'Or what-?'

Willow asks her Slayer- her words heard only by her, 'You think this could be demony after all?'

"I'm not sure," says the young Slayer out loud as her eyes meet those of her witch.

Buffy's interest is now peeked thinking along the same lines as her friends, "Do we know how she died?"

"She was attacked-no more details," says Willow.

"I'll check into it-" says Xander as he walks toward the door.

"I'll come with you," Buffy follows him but they stop at the door as Kennedy joins them.

"Be careful and let us know what you find out."

"We will-hey she was outside in the daylight so she's not-you know?" says the blonde Slayer.

"Yeah-" they leave and she goes back to the group. "At least now we know she's not telling the truth." She sits beside Willow. "Think you can find out who she really is?"

"It might take a while but I'll find out." She begins to type again.

"Why would she lie to work in a kindergarten class?"

"She's either trying to find out something from the kids or hurt them," says the young Slayer.

"Who wants to hurt a five-year-old?" Her face turns panicked as she realizes her own words. "I need to go-" she stands.

Willow touches her arm with her hand, "Gail-why does she want to hurt Katie?"

She shakes her head, "I don't know-I need to go-to talk to my husband."

"You can trust us-we can help," says the redhead.

"I can't-it's not safe, we've put you in enough danger."

"How?"

"I've said too much-I have to go," she pulls away and goes toward the playroom.

Willow stands and starts to follow but Kennedy's hand on her shoulder stops her. "We can't let her leave, they're in real danger-and we don't know from what."

"Red-we can't stop her."

Willow leans back into Kennedy's arms, "I know it's just." She fights tears.

Gail walks back in with her children, Kennedy tries one more time- "Let us help-"

"You can't-" they leave quietly and as they do the twins walk into the room.

"Why did they leave?" asks Annie.

"Their mommy needed to talk to their daddy," answers Kennedy as the child takes her hand.

"Are they going to fight again?" asks Aly.

"Fight?" asks Willow as she moves from Kennedy's arms and sits in the chair. Aly sits on her lap.

"Katie and Jake heard them being loud before-they said they might have to move."

"But I told them they wouldn't-you'd fix it." Her eyes meet Kennedy's.

Kennedy looks at Willow unsure, then back at the child- "We'll try-but sometimes-" her words stop as Willow's hand touches hers. "We'll try." Willow flips open her laptop and with her arms around the child begins to type- "What's going on in that pretty head of yours Red?" asks Kennedy.

"Maybe nothing but -" Kennedy moves behind her so that she can see the screen. She has typed in Brian Evans-the computer searches then begins to show information.

Kennedy begins to read- "Brian Evans born April 8,1977 in New York-graduated from college with a degree in-NCB- whatever-"

"It's a business degree-then we have bank accounts, credit cards nothing out of the ordinary. Social security number-" she starts to log out dejected.

"What about Gail?"

Willow begins to type again. The information comes up on the screen and they read it together. "Nothing-" says the redhead.

"Wait Red-look at that." She points to the social security number- "They're almost consecutive-"

"That can't be, he's at least two years older than she is.-Unless-"

"Witness protection?- Would they send them out of the country?"

"You're asking the wrong person-" says Willow. "Maybe Giles knows someone-"

"Let's give him a call," says the young Slayer.

Later that day Willow is standing on the balcony watching the girls play in the yard. They are swinging and though she is worried the redhead can't help but smile. Kennedy has Alex in her arms as she joins Willow outside. She presses her lips to her neck, "Mmmm-" moans the redhead. "That's nice," she turns to face her Slayer and their lips meet in a soft kiss. "Hey-" she says as she touches Kennedy face with her hand.

"Hey yourself-" they kiss again. As they break apart Kennedy takes her hand. "We need to talk about school tomorrow."

"I know-I don't want them to go but they have to."

"Yeah they do but I was thinking one of us should go too-" says the young Slayer.

Willow is surprised by her words, "How?"

"We tell them that Aly needs a little help and that she's a little scared about coming back."

"But she doesn't-and she isn't-"

"So-we tell a little white lie," says Kennedy.

"Or we tell them the truth-"

"Which is?"

"We're not sure we trust them with our kids-"

Kennedy nods, "That works too-" she kisses Willow softly.

Later, Xander and Buffy are at her place she is fixing sandwiches while he hangs up the phone. "So-what did she say when you told her the attack was a robbery and the guy was in jail?"

"She wasn't surprised-seems that maybe the Evans' aren't who they seem."

"Say huh?-Lost me Xander."

He wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her forehead, "Hope I haven't lost you-"

"Not literally-just the Evans' thing-who are they then?"

"They think maybe they're in the witness protection program."

"They think that why?"

"That's all she said-told me they'd fill us in tomorrow," says Xander.

"So we have a Scooby free night?" she smiles.

"Looks that way-"

"Now what are we going to do?"

"We'll think of something-" he says as his fingers play with the exposed skin at her waist. He smiles as he kisses her lips softly.

That night after the kids are tucked in Willow and Kennedy are snuggled together in their bed. Kennedy's eyes are closed but Willow stares into the darkness. "What's not right Sweetie," asks the young Slayer as she turns to face her love.

"Just can't turn my mind off-too many things running around in there."

She kisses her forehead, "I know a way to fix that-" she smiles as her lips brush Willow's gently.

Willow smiles, "Might work-"

"Might?"

"Might-" the redhead repeats.

Kennedy's lips find her neck and she kisses her soft skin. "That help?" asks the young Slayer her lips still against her skin. Before the redhead can answer she licks the spot making sure her tongue ring touches the sensitive area just behind Willow's right ear. The witch moans and throws her head back. "I take that as a yes."

"Goddess-yes-" is Willow's breathy reply.

"Good to know-how about this?" she asks as she slides her hands under her redhead's night shirt and begins to caress the bare skin there. She slowly works the clothing off and her lips move toward the newly revealed flesh. She kisses a path down her body and her love writhes against her. She pulls her mouth away but her hands continue to touch and caress. She looks into Willow's eyes and smiles at the desire she finds there. "You taste so good- I want-can I taste all of you?"

"Please-" is Willow's one word reply. Her eyes close and she arches against Kennedy's touch as her lips kiss and caress, then teeth playfully nip at her skin as well. She hears the witch gasps as Kennedy runs her tongue against her hardening nipple and then suckles gently. Willow's hands move to her Slayer's hair as she gets lost in the feelings. Kennedy moves her lips lower still licking and kissing.

"I-godd-ess-Kenn-I need-" pants Willow.

"I know-" she begins to remove the redhead's pajama bottoms, Willow lifts her hips to help and they fall to the floor. Kennedy kisses her just below her belly button as she settles between her legs and Willow moans again when she feels soft lips against the inside of her thigh.

"Ple-please ba-" her words die-her ability of coherent thought lost as Kennedy tastes.

The next day Willow walks into the kindergarten class with Aly and Annie. She stares at Miss Jenny.

Ms Rodgers walks over to them, "Hi Aly- it's nice to see you're well enough to come back today."

"I'm okay-thanks-" says the little Slayer. She sees Katie and Jake walk in- "Katie-" she smiles and twins look at Willow who nods. They run over to their friends. Together they walk to the circle for their morning story. The other kids crowd around to see the cast, but Katie and Annie make sure no one else touches it. Willow watches and can't help but smile.

"She seems to be adjusting well," says Ms Rodgers.

"For the most part but I'd like to stay with her for a few days-to help her with lunch."

"Annie can do that-"

"She can but she shouldn't, she worries enough-"

"She'll be okay."

"I'm sure you'd understand if I'm not totally convinced,-" her tone is hard as she looks toward the other woman in the room then back to the teacher. "I think it's better if I stay."

"If you insist."

"I kinda do-" says Willow. "I'll just go over here out of the way." She walks across the room and sits beside the window. Aly smiles up at her and she waves her fingers playfully at her.

In her mind the redhead hears, 'Aw Mommy' and her smile brightens.

The day goes by without incident. Willow watches as they listen to stories, draw, and finally work on vocabulary. At lunchtime the kids eat and then go outside to play. She gives Aly her pain medicine and then sits with her on the swing as they watch the others run and play tag. "Being hurt is no fun," says Aly.

"No-"

Before she can finish she sees Katie standing beside Aly- "Want to play Candyland?"

Willow and Aly both smile, "Sure-" she follows Katie across the field to a picnic table. The redhead swings as she watches the children; she stops as she sees Miss Jenny on a cell phone just inside the school door.

"So how was school," smiles Kennedy as she kisses each of them as they walk in.

"Ms Rodgers read Elmer-as a present for my first day back," says Aly excited but tired.

"That was nice-"

"And Jake and I played tag," smiles Annie.

"So it was a good day?" asks Kennedy as she looks toward Willow.

"Mostly yeah-" she kisses her softly. "How's was your day with Alex?"

"Cool-we mostly hung out-talked."

"Where is he now?"

"Just put him down for a nap." She wraps her arms around her redhead. "You look a little tired too-you need me to tuck you in?" She raises her eyebrows suggestively.

"Maybe later-I need to get dinner started."

"Did that already- I made a salad and the lasagna is in the oven," smiles the young Slayer.

"Wow-I should have gone back to school years ago," teases the redhead but Kennedy's smile fades. Willow notices- "Hey-what?"

"Nothing-" she kisses her gently. "I need to workout for a little while. I'll be in the training room if you need anything."

"Kennedy?" She touches her arm as she walks away. Willow is confused by the change of moods.

Later Willow goes to the training room to find Kennedy still pounding the heavy bag. She walks over to her and puts a hand on her shoulder. "Hey-" Kennedy's eyes meet hers. "Dinner's almost ready-"

"Will-are you sorry we got married?"

"What?-"

"You didn't get to finish school-I know how important it is to you."

"I love you and one has nothing to do with the other. After everything that happened in Sunnydale it just didn't seem important."

"But now-?"

"Now-sometimes I think about it, and maybe someday I'll go back when I know what I want to major in."

"I thought you declared your major-computers or something."

"I did but I'm not sure any more-"

"But when you are, promise you'll tell me and we'll work out a schedule."

"Promise-now hit the showers," smiles the redhead as she kisses her softly.

A few days later at school Aly is starting to have some pain in her wrist, she gets up and walks over to Ms Rodgers. The teacher nods and watches as Aly walks to her mommy.

"You okay sweetie?"

"My arm hurts Mommy."

She checks her watch and stands, "Let's go take your medicine."

"It makes me sleepy-"

They walk into the hallway and Willow looks down at her daughter. "Do you want to go home?" Aly shakes her head fighting tears. "It's okay if you need to."

"If I go, you have to go-then who will watch out for Katie and Jake?"

Willow kneels in front of her and kisses her forehead, "Let's try to meditate then-think about feeling better?" Aly nods and Willow takes her hands. They both close their eyes and the witch concentrates her energy into healing the pain in her child. After a few minutes Willow opens her eyes and so does Aly-the child smiles. "Better?"

"Yeah-how did you-?"

A little drained Willow speaks, "It's something I'll teach you when you're older."

"Cool-"

"Let's go back inside." They start back but stop when Willow sees Miss Jenny on a cell phone again she isn't close enough to hear the conversation. 'Listen baby-go back to the room tell Annie to be ready.'

'Ready for what?'

'Anything-I'm not sure. just get as close to Jake and Katie as you can.' She nods and goes back to the room.

The witch takes a cleansing breath and focuses her energy as she tries to listen in on Miss Jenny's thoughts.

'How do I know- maybe she knows or maybe she's just a worried mom-I hope that's it. No, won't change anything-fire drill-'

In the classroom Aly is 'talking' to Annie. 'Mommy says to be ready.'

'Why?'

'Miss Jenny is talking to someone on the phone-so listen for Mommy.'

'Okay-' she moves closer to Jake as Aly moves near Katie. They clear their minds and 'listen'.

'Can you hear me girls?'

'Yea Mommy,' they answer in unison.

'I think there's going to be a fire drill-do you know how they work?'

'We line up and go outside,' says Annie.

'What door do you use?'

'The same one we go out at lunch-' says Aly.

'I'll watch Miss Jenny-keep Jake and Katie close okay?'

'Okay-' they answer together. As they do the alarm sounds and Aly takes Annie's hand.

Ms Rodgers stands and looks at the kids, "Line up quickly children just like we practiced." Annie and Aly are behind Katie and Jake, they are watching and 'listening'.

Ahead of them they see smoke-

Where There's Smoke...

'Can you see the door you practice going out?' asks Willow trying to keep her voice calm. Her eyes searching the smoky hall, she is in looking for Miss Jenny. She sees her go left.

'No-it's too cloudy,' says Annie.

'I can see it but there's fire there,' says Aly.

'Fire-not just smoke?' She tries not to panic.

'Both-' confirms her daughter.

'Something's burning in front of the door,' adds Annie.

'Stay calm-okay-just follow Ms Rodgers she knows another way.'

"This way kids-out the door by the cafeteria." They start to follow her.

'Stop!'

The girls freeze and they stop Katie and Jake. 'What's wrong Mommy?'

'That's where Miss Jenny is headed-'

'I'm not afraid of her-' says Annie, 'I've fought monsters.'

Willow can't help the smile that crosses her face, 'Okay-just be careful.'

'We will.' They follow the teacher.

Willow runs through the smoke filled hallways trying to find a way to intercept Miss Jenny. As she gets to the back side of the cafeteria she sees the woman waiting just out of sight of the people on the other side. As they approach she throws a lighted bottle at the door. When it hits, it breaks and the fire scatters onto paper around it. Willow tackles her but too late the kids are trapped. She tries to get away but a male teacher runs to Willow's aid and holds Jenny. The witch gets to her feet and looks at the faces of the scared kids on the other side.

'Girls-'

'Mommy-' scared thoughts answer.

'Can you put up a barrier?'

Annie and Aly both look around them then at each other they nod, 'Yes-but they'll know.'

'That's okay we'll worry about it later. It'll have to cover everyone.'

'We know-' says Annie.

'Move away from the door-find a place that isn't too smoky.' Through the window she can see them moving around. 'You just hold it till I get there.'-

'Okay.'

'Ready-focus-now.' She runs back toward the building.

The girls hold hands and then put the other in the air- together they repeat, 'Protect.' The barrier appears and holds back both the fire and smoke.

As she starts inside she fills strong arms encircle her- "You can't go in there."

She looks into the eyes of the same man who helped her with Miss Jenny. "My kids are in there." She pulls away from him and goes inside. As she searches the smoke gets thicker-it is getting more difficult for her to breath. "Clear-" she holds out a hand and the path is clear. She runs toward the cafeteria as she turns the corner she sees the fire-looking at the ceiling she sees the sprinklers- "On-" and the water falls from them. She makes her way to the kids and smiles when she sees the barrier is still holding. "Protect-" she points her hand then lowers it as the doors open from the other side and the firemen come in. She runs to her kids and hugs them crying. "It's okay-everything's okay."

"I wasn't afraid," says Annie matter-a-factly.

"I was-" says Aly.

"Me too-" admits Willow.

"Really?" asks Annie as the firemen lead them out.

"Really-" replies the witch.

As they walk out into the courtyard Annie takes Willow's hand. "Me too-" admits the little Slayer. Willow stops and hugs her again.

"And tired-"says Aly.

"Yeah-" she whispers to her kids, "That was the spell."

"And hungry-" adds Annie.

The redhead smiles as she hugs them tightly, "I'll let Mama explain that one."

Later there are ambulances and more fire trucks in the courtyard, long with police. Willow, Annie, and Aly are sitting in the back of an ambulance their feet dangling over the edge, the attendant is trying to get the redhead to let him examine her but she refuses. "I'm fine-"

A policeman walks over, "Ms Langdon?" Willow nods, "If you're up to it, there are a couple of questions."

"No questions until she lets us check her," says another attendant as she walks up to them.

Willow looks into her eyes and just knows there is no getting out of the exam this time, "Fine-"

The woman takes out a stethoscope and listens first to her heartbeat and then lifts her shirt slightly to listen to her lungs, she lowers the shirt and smiles, "Okay-"

"Fine right?" she looks from the woman to her kids and then back again.

The woman nods her understanding, "Fine just a little smoke in there-but a couple minutes with this and I'll clear you to go." She holds out and oxygen mask and Willow takes it. "Keep it on till I get back."

"Right." Willow shakes her head and looks at the girls, "Just nice clean air wanna see?" Annie nods and she puts it over her face, then moves it away. "Pretty cool huh?"

"Yeah-"

"Let me see," says Aly. Willow puts it over her face and then moves it. "Wow-"

The attendant comes back by- "Hey-"

"It's on," says the redhead as she puts it over her head. The woman nods and leaves.

A few minutes later Willow is starting to relax when she hears her name being called, "Willow!- Will-" then Kennedy comes into view. She runs to her and stands in front of her redhead. She touches her hand and then laces their fingers as their eyes meet. Kennedy struggles with tears.

"It's okay-" she says as she tries to talk through the mask, her free hand touching her Slayers face.

"The lady says she can't take it off till she gets back," supplies Annie.

"And I'm back," says the woman. She takes the mask off, "Let me listen one more time." Kennedy kisses Willow softly.

"I'm okay sweetie."

The woman puts the stethoscope under her shirt and listens to her lungs, "Much better-five more minutes and you can take off-" She puts the mask back on the redhead and leaves.

Kennedy looks toward the woman then to Willow, "I'll be right back." She follows the woman who stops to talk. "You're sure she's okay?"

"She'll be fine-just needs some rest."

"Great-thanks."

"She's a brave lady-" Kennedy looks at her confused. "You don't know what she did?"

"No-"

"She caught the woman who started the fire then she went back in after the kids."

"That's my Will-" Kennedy smiles.

Later Willow is talking to the policeman, "Anything else you can remember?"

"That's pretty much it-" there is a pause, "That's enough right, to make sure she doesn't hurt any more kids?" She fights as tears form in her eyes.

"More than enough-"

"Good-that's good." Kennedy walks up to her with a sleeping little Slayer wrapped around each side of her. Willow smiles, "Here," she stands, "Let me help."

"Nah- got 'em balanced just right. We about ready to go?"

"We're finished," says the officer. "Thank you." He leaves.

"Take me home?"

"Absolutely-" she smiles, "If we can get by the press."

"Tell me you're kidding?"

"Not kidding, you're famous." The redhead leans against her Slayer hiding her face.

At home that night Kennedy has fed the girls, bathed them, and is now tucking them into their beds. "Anything you need to talk about-I know it was a pretty rough day?"

"It wasn't that bad," says Aly, Mommy was there for the scary parts."

"That's true-and she said the two of you were very brave. You kept everyone safe-"

"That part was cool," says Annie- "But after we were tired."

"Mommy said the spell caused that-it drained energy," says Aly. "Then we were really hungry-"

Annie adds, "Mommy said you'd tell us why." They both look to Kennedy.

The young mother smiles, "Well the hungry part, that was a Slayer thing. The excitement caused it-"

"Will it always?"

"Always-"

"Even when we're old like you?"

"Especially when you're older." She can't help but smile. "Anything else you need to talk about?"

"No-" they answer in unison.

"Then you should sleep," she kisses each of them then turns out the lamp by their bed. She leaves quietly as she closes the door.

Willow is soaking in a hot bubble bath that Kennedy fixed for her. As the young Slayer enters the bathroom she sees her redhead with her eyes closed and her head resting on the back of the tub. "You look relaxed."

"Definitely better-" her eyes never open.

"Need anything else before I feed Alex?"

"You-in here-with me." Her hand reaches for her Slayer and it intertwines with hers.

"I like the sound of that."

Willow opens her eyes and they meet desire filled brown, "C'mere-" she smiles and so does Kennedy at the redhead's use of her catch phrase. She slips out of her clothes and into the tub behind her girl. "Feels so good-" she whispers as Kennedy wraps her arms around her waist and settles her chin on her shoulder. "All days should end like this."

"I like that idea." She smiles as she kisses Willow's neck, the redhead turns her head and kisses her lips softly. The kiss becomes quickly passionate, Kennedy pulls away out of breath, "Like that idea too-Red."

"Thought you might-" she kisses her again as she turns in her arms. Kennedy pulls Willow onto her lap and the witch wraps her legs around her waist. "I love you," she says as she kisses her chastely.

"I love you too."

"When I realized what she was doing-" tears start to fall from Willow's green eyes and her Slayer presses her lips to her forehead, "I was so scared-"

"But it's okay-they're okay." She kisses her again. "Let me make everything okay?" The redhead nods and Kennedy's hands begin to caress her body. "Just let go-forget, just feel me-" She whispers, "My hands, my lips," she kisses her cheek, her chin, then down her neck-the stud slides across Willow's skin as she licks just below her ear. Willow moans, "That's it baby-" the redhead is lost as all conscious thought leaves her-then the phone rings. Kennedy's lips and tongue stop, "You gotta be kidding me," whines the young Slayer, her head falling to Willow's shoulder.

The phone stops and they hear a soft knock on the door then Annie's voice, "The phone's for you Mommy."

Willow tries to find her voice, "W-who is it?" She moves from Kennedy's lap and leans back against her.

"He wouldn't say-"

"He?" asks the brunette with a playful smile.

Willow smiles back and shrugs, "Bring it in sweetie." Annie opens the door and walks in with the phone. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. I didn't know you liked bubble baths."

"They're my favorite-now back to bed."

"Night Mommy."

"Good night."

"Sleep tight," says Kennedy.

"Night Mama." The child leaves closing the door behind her.

Willow feels the Slayer's arms encircle her again as she puts the receiver to her ear. "Hello."

"Hello-you don't know me- but we should talk."

"Excuse me?"

"Ah-My name is Brian Evans-"

"Mr. Evans-" repeats Willow and Kennedy looks surprised. "Talking right okay-when?"

"When's good?"

"Tomorrow-?"

"Noon at the playground?"

"We'll be there."

"And thank you." He hangs up.

Kennedy speaks, "He's decided to talk?"

"Yeah-"

The man on the other end of the phone hangs up and just smiles an evil smile, "That was too easy."

Bubbles, Babies and Battles

"Finally-maybe we'll find out what this has been about," says the redhead. She starts to put the phone down but stops, "That was just too easy wasn't it?"

"I was thinking that-" her hands slide down Willow's body and onto her thighs.

"Why didn't you say something?"

"I was a little distracted," she mumbles as her lips find her redhead's neck and her hands massage her breasts. The phone falls to the floor.

She stifles a moan but can't stop her body from arching against her Slayer's touch. "W-what should w-we do?" She stutters as Kennedy caresses her.

"Finish our bubble bath-" she whispers as one hand slides down Willow's body and stops in her curls.

"S-should de-definitely f-finish," she pants out, "Don't tease-p-please baby." Kennedy enters her in one quick motion and the redhead gasps.

"Never tease-"Kennedy kisses her shoulder and sets a faster pace, "Better?" Willow moans and the Slayer smiles. "That a yes?"

"Y-yes-just-just like that." Her eyes squeeze shut tightly as she moans louder, "Goddess!"

Later Willow and Kennedy are wrapped in each other's arms as they sit in front of the fire. The house is dark except for the soft glow of the flames. Willow gently caresses Kennedy's hand then kisses it. "So if that wasn't Mr. Evans on the phone then who?"

"Someone working with the fake Miss Jenny or maybe whoever hired her." There is a pause the silence is unexpected. "I like it better with demons-they're easier to figure out-no agenda."

Willow smiles and turns to face her Slayer, "No agenda that's true- just pretty straight forward you know with the killing and maiming a-and-"

She kisses the redhead to stop the babble, "We'll meet the guy see what he wants," says the young Slayer.

"I'm guessing it's to kill us-" says the witch flippantly.

"Or to see what we know," Kennedy ventures- "Which is nothing-" says the brunette as an after thought.

"That's not true-we know she was a fake and that they're after Katie and Jake."

"But we don't know why."

"We may never know why," says Willow.

"And that bothers you?"

"Yes, the kids are in danger and I want to know why," says the redhead her eyes meeting her love's.

"Maybe we'll ask him."

"What makes you think he'll tell us?"

"I betting he isn't expecting a Slayer and a witch-" she smiles.

'I'm betting he doesn't know either exists," the witch adds.

"He'll talk-" assures the young Slayer as she tightens her hold on Willow. The redhead leans forward and kisses her softly. As they pull apart Kennedy smiles, "What was that for?"

"I need a reason?"

"No-" Willow kisses her again only this time she lingers longer pulling gently on Kennedy's lower lip. The young Slayer moans and deepens the kiss. When the redhead finally pulls away both are gasping for much needed air. "Wanna take this to the bedroom?"

The witch shakes her head- "No-here's good," she says as she kisses Kennedy again-her hands tangling themselves in her dark and pulling her closer.

Kennedy lays back bringing Willow on top of her. As she wraps her arms around her their eyes meet, "You sure-the girls-"

"They're asleep-"

"They could wake up and we'd have a lot to explain-" says Kennedy still not convinced this is the most appropriate place.

"We'll just be really quiet," she smiles as she slides her hands under Kennedy's pajama top setting bare skin ablaze. Her young Slayer moans, "Sh-h-h-h" cautions Willow.

"This is not something we're quiet at Red-" she stifles a moan as Willow's hands find her breasts and begin to massage. She arches into the touch as Willow kisses her again.

Just before bed Kennedy is checking Alex, he is sleeping peacefully the magical mobile spinning above his bed. "Sweet dreams little man," whispers Kennedy as she kisses him on her forehead. She smiles as she feels Willow's arms encircle her. "Talk to Buffy?"

"Yeah-she said they had something to do in the morning but should be free before noon." Willow smiles and shakes her head at the mobile- "That's just so strange-" she tries to touch it but it moves.

"I'm kinda used to it now."

"You think I would be too but-it's-I want to know how he does it."

"Well he can't tell you-so you'll just have to be-"

"Don't say it-" she rolls her eyes.

"Be patient-" says the Slayer with a smile as she turns in Willow's arms and kisses her.

Willow leans her forehead against her girl's, "Sh-h-h-" She presses her lips to Kennedy's to stop the giggle. "Sh-h-h-"

The next day Alex is nursing as Kennedy eats as well, she got a late start after a morning of not feeling well. "Feeling better," asks her redhead?

"I guess," answers the young Slayer.

"Still headachy?"

Kennedy nods, "But I'll be fine-don't worry."

Willow smiles at them and runs her fingers across the little boy's face. Kennedy smiles up at her, "He looks more like you everyday."

"It's amazing-" she kisses him on the head then kisses her Slayer's lips softly too. She looks at the twins who are sitting at the table keeping their mama company and again smiles, "What do you have planned for your Saturday?"

"Drawing-" says Annie.

"And playing with Uncle Xander," adds Aly.

"He said that if it's okay with you and Mama, we could ask Katie and Jake to come over."

"Sounds fun-" Willow smiles as she hears a knock at the front door, "I bet that's him now."

The girls jump up from the table but stop and look at their mommy, "May we be excused?"

"Sure."

They ran across to the door and you hear an echo of , "Who is it?"

You hear Buffy's voice answer, "Some guy with an eye patch."

The girls laugh and open the door. They hug Xander and then Buffy, then drag them into the room closing the door. They see Willow and Kennedy at the table, "Hey Buff-I didn't expect you this early," says the redhead.

"What, you thought I'd miss kid time?"

Willow smiles, "No, but you said you had something-."

Xander smiles at Buffy who sits down at the table as Annie and Aly drag Xander to the playroom. "It didn't take as long as I thought," says Buffy as she picks at the place mat.

Alex finishes and Buffy looks away as Kennedy fixes her top. "All clear," says Kennedy as she puts the baby on her shoulder and Buffy looks back at him.

"Here sweetie I'll do that-" says the redhead.

"Thanks, I need to ah-well, I'll be back." She hands him to Willow and leaves.

"Hey baby boy," she kisses him and puts him on her shoulder to burp him. Buffy watches and a smile covers her face. Willow smiles too, "So, have you and Xander talked about babies?"

"Yeah-" she stops at that.

"And?"

"And we're going to have one-"

"Soon?"

"Pretty soon," her eyes meet Willow's.

"How soon," a smile crosses her face.

"Oh- in about seven and a half months."

"You're-" Willow is so stunned that she is speechless.

"I'm-" Buffy nods.

"Wow-"

"Yeah-pretty much with the wow too."

"When did you find out?"

"About twenty minutes ago."

Willow smiles, "I-you told me first?"

Buffy nods, "Definitely news you tell your best friend first."

"Great-I mean this is good right?"

"Really good." She nods. Willow who is now standing beside her, hugs her tightly then looks at the baby in her arms. She hands him to the Slayer who looks at her unsure. "Will-I-"

"Practice-just pat his back." Buffy puts him on her shoulder and gently pats his back until she hears a loud burp. "See-"

"I did it-" Willow nods and tears fill Buffy's eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"I just wish-Mom would have been so happy Will- I wish-." Again the redhead nods and hugs her friend.

Xander walks in with Kennedy behind him, "What's going on out here?" He smiles. Willow hugs him tightly as Buffy wipes her eyes.

"Girl talk," smiles Buffy.

"I wanted to tell her-" whines the young man playfully.

"Sorry-"

"Tell her what?" asks the young Slayer.

"We're pregnant-" smiles Xander.

"Cool-" says Kennedy as she hugs him.

The twins run in the room, "Uncle Xander Mrs. Evans said they could come over, can we go get them now?" He smiles and nods.

Willow looks at Buffy and shakes her head- "You do realize how much that kid's gonna be spoiled right?"

"Oh yeah." She nods.

Xander steps toward her and kisses her softly. "We won't be gone long."

Later Kennedy and Willow are sitting on a park bench. They are nervously holding hands. Kennedy's Slayer senses are in overdrive as she scans the area for any sign of the man. "I wish we knew who we were looking for," says the young Slayer.

"That would be me-" she starts to turn as she hears a voice from behind her and feels a gun at her head. "Don't move-"

"Not moving," says Kennedy.

"Now you," he touches Willow's shoulder, "Have managed to single handedly screw up my whole operation. I nearly lost 100 thousand dollars because of you."

"Sorry-" apologizes the redhead.

"You will be when I finish with you. Now I want both of you to stand slowly and walk to that white van over there." They each stand, hands still joined.

'Willow, we're not getting in that van.'

'Didn't really want to- I can get the gun.'

'How?'

'Just when I do-get him.'

'Okay-'

Willow closes her eyes and concentrates, as she does the gun goes flying across the park. Kennedy turns and hits the man in the face and he falls to the ground in a heap. "Touch her again-" Kennedy glares down at him as her tries to stand. "Don't." The young Slayer is confused by his smile until she follows his eyes and sees three men getting out of the van and running towards them. "Company."

Willow looks that direction, "What do we do?"

"Just keep him here, I got'em-"

Willow whispers, "Thicken-" and the man is unable to move. She smiles and her Slayer, who now knows her redhead is safe, turns her attention to the approaching men.

She steps to them and stops. "Think twice-" the first guy to her swings, "See," she blocks his punch, and hits him- "you didn't think." He stumbles back into the others. As the three of them jump her she fights, soon all are on the ground with her glaring down at them. She moves her eyes to Willow. "You okay?"

"Yeah-but now what?"

"We find out what the hell's going on."

Willow smiles and whispers something- the fake Mr. Evans is now released. Kennedy watches as the witch steps toward him. "We're going to have a little talk-you and me."

"What makes you think I'll tell you anything?"

Willow floats the gun into her hand but then lets it fall to the ground in front of her. Focusing on it she points her hand at it and it begins to melt. "You're a smart man right?"

Kennedy just smiles as he asks, "How'd you do that?"

The young Slayer answers, "You don't want to know- Now, why are you after the Evans' kids?"

"It's just business-"

"What kind of business?" asks the Slayer.

"My business- I take care of things for people, somebody offered me a great deal of money- I didn't ask why."

"Who?" asks Willow.

"Didn't ask that either-"

"How do you contact him?" Kennedy questions.

"He contacts me."

"This is great we're no where-Kennedy," she looks at the brunette her frustration obvious.

Kennedy grabs the man by the shirt and lifts him off the ground-he is shocked, "Last chance-"

"I can't tell you what I don't know." Kennedy lifts him higher. "Look okay-my guys are getting the kids now-then I meet him."

Willow looks terrified, "Now-?"

Kennedy hits him and grabs Willow's hand, "We have to get home."

Willow is dialing the phone- "Answer-come on," she talks as they run toward the car. "Buffy-listen-" the line goes dead.

Alexcadabra

Annie looks at Aly and then to the men, 'We can do a protection spell.'

'But she said to go.' Aly takes Katie's hand and then Jake's. 'Let's go.' She starts to walk away with them.

"Stay!" says the tall man.

Annie looks at Buffy and Buffy is surprised as the child's thoughts fill her mind, 'We can help Aunt Buffy-'

Buffy smiles, 'Okay-'

'Give me your hand Aly-' she drops Jake's hand and then Katie's to take her sister's.

Together they focus and whisper, "Protect." The force field raises around them all." The angry men bang against it and after a few minutes it starts to falter.

Annie looks at Buffy, "Can't hold it much longer-"

Buffy smiles at the girls, "It's okay. Xander?"

He looks at her, "I got the big one-" he hands Alex to Aly.

"I can handle the other two. Kids go to Alex's room and lock the door."

As they start to leave the protection spell ends and the fighting begins. Xander punches the tall guy in the face and he stumbles backward. He is on him quickly and continues to hit him. Buffy is also making easy work out of the second guy-however both lose track of guy number three. He cuts off the path of the kids. Annie steps in front of them all and karate kicks him in the shin. He is momentarily startled but is able to grab Katie- "Protect-" says Annie but she is too weak to do the spell. "Xander-Buffy!" she yells and they turn toward her.

The man points his gun at Annie as they step toward him. Buffy and Xander freeze. He looks around at his friends who lay unconscious on the floor. "Now-we're leaving-you too," he points the gun at Jake. They start toward the door.

Alex begins to cry and he points his arm at the man. The gun flies across the room as Kennedy and Willow run in. Kennedy dives at the man knocking him to the ground and Xander helps her subdue him. The kids are now in the arms of Willow and Buffy. "It's okay-everybody is safe."

Later after the police have taken the men away and gotten a description of the man from the park the older kids are playing in the play room with Xander and Buffy while they wait on Mrs. Evans and her husband to arrive. Willow is holding Alex, looking down as he sleeps contentedly. The magic having the same draining effect on him as the others in his family. Kennedy is sitting beside her and slides her hand into the witch's their fingers lace together instinctively. "Guess he's even more like you then we thought," smiles the young Slayer.

Willow speaks quietly not sure of what to make of his power, "Yeah-he shouldn't be able-I don't understand."

"Maybe we're not supposed to yet. Let's just be glad he can-he kept them safe."

"He did." She kisses him softly. Kennedy touches her cheek and the witch looks up at her, the young woman leans in and kisses her softly. The kiss starts out rather chaste but intensifies quickly as lips begin to open and close. Kennedy pulls at Willow's bottom lip and sucks on it. The redhead moans softly. "You trying to distract me?" she asks as she pulls out of the kiss for much needed air.

"Is it working?" smiles the young Slayer.

"I'm not sure," she says playfully and then squeals a little too loud as Kennedy attacks her lips again.

Buffy walks in and clears her throat loudly- "Is there a problem out here?"

They move apart startled and the blonde Slayer laughs, as her friend speaks, "Yeah-someone interrupted us," blushes the redhead.

Before the playful banter can continue there is a knock at the door. Willow looks toward it, "That should be Gail."

"I'll get it," Kennedy stands and walks toward it.

Buffy looks at the baby in Willow's arms, "Why don't you let me put him to bed so you guys can talk?"

"Thanks," smiles Willow as she hands the child to her friend and she watches them until they are out of sight. When she turns back around Kennedy is standing in front of her with Mr. and Mrs. Evans.

"Willow this is Brian Evans," says Gail.

"Hi-" she can tell that the woman is worried, "Let's check on the kids, then we can talk." Gail nods and Willow stands, "We won't be long-" she looks at Kennedy.

They stand outside the playroom door and Gail looks in at her children who seem to have forgotten the encounter. They are on the floor playing a board game, laughing and talking. Xander loses a turn and he playfully falls onto his side.

Gail breathes a sigh of relief and she and Willow start back down the hallway. She stops and looks at the redhead, "I'm sorry-I should have told you."

"I understand why you didn't-knowing who you can trust with your secrets is hard."

Gail nods and they walk past Alex's room. The woman stops as she sees the magical mobile spinning above his crib as he sleeps. "How?"

"Ah-we're not sure. I mean I can-" Willow hesitates.

"You're a- " Gail stops not sure how to phrase her thoughts.

"A witch-?" Willow nods. "Yeah- and magic is real."

"Magic is real?- And your kids?"

"All have power to varying degrees."

"Wow-wow- and I thought I had secrets."

"Yeah-" They both smile and walk into the living room.

Willow sits on the arm of the chair beside Kennedy while Gail sits on the couch with Brian. "Are they okay?" He asks.

"They're so wrapped up in the game they don't even know we're here," she smiles at him and he smiles back.

His eyes meet Willow's, "I work for an agency-or I did-I saw some things," he watches for surprised looks but doesn't see any.

"We figured that much out," says Kennedy. "Witness protection program-right?"

"Right," he answers.

"But they found us-" adds Gail.

"We're not sure how- but we talked with the agency and they are going to relocate us."

Willow sees the sadness cross Gail's face, "Move you-where?"

"We won't know until we're there. They'll give us new names and-" her words stop.

Willow looks at Kennedy then to the Evans- "Is that what you want?"

"We don't have a choice," says Brian.

"When?"

"In a couple of days," he answers.

"Have you told the kids?"

"No-and we're not," he says as he looks to Gail, "It's safer this way."

"But-Annie and Aly-they'll be devastated if they can't say good-bye," says Willow. "Kennedy-" she looks at her Slayer.

Kennedy stands and begins to walk around the room, she finally stops pacing and looks at Brian, "Do you want to move?"

"We don't have a choice, I'm sorry-our kids will be upset too, but in time-"

"Do you want to move?" repeats the young Slayer.

"No-"

"We might-there might be a way you can stay."

"How?"

Gail looks at Willow unsure then smiles, "Magic?" she questions.

Brian looks confused, "Magic?"

Kennedy speaks, "Give us a day-"

"What can you do in a day?"

Willow smiles, "You'd be amazed."

He nods and Gail hugs him. About that time the kids walk into the room. "Mommy-" smiles Katie.

"Who won the game?"

"Xander-" says Jake. "Again!"

"Are you ready to go home?"

"Can we play one more game?" asks Katie.

Brian smiles, "One more-"

"Cool-" says Jake as the kids run back toward the playroom.

Willow smiles but it fades as she realizes that if they can't do something this may be the last time the kids see each other. She walks over to Kennedy and the young Slayer sensing her worries puts her arms around her, "We'll find a way-sweetie," she whispers.

"Promise?" Willow's eyes meet hers and she presses her lips to her witch's forehead.

"Promise." Kennedy takes Willow's hand in hers and leads her back to the chair. They sit down and the young Slayer speaks, "I need you to tell me what happened?-What did you see and who's after you?"

"We were investigating a crime family-I had been undercover for a few months and was getting close to having the evidence I needed when things just went crazy. There was a meeting at the estate and before I knew what happened, they were arguing and someone pulled a gun. Four people were dead before I could stop it including a pretty famous drug kingpin."

"So his men think you set it up because your cover was blown?" asks Kennedy.

"Something like that-both organizations think it was my plan, so-" he let's the sentence die.

"So they're both after you?" says Willow.

"Yeah-the Gioni's think I was trying to kill their boss and the drug dealer's guys think I killed theirs."

"Gioni-why do I know that name?" asks Kennedy.

"He runs the biggest crime syndicate on the East Coast."

"He was from Boston-"

"That's right- he moved to Cleveland about eight years ago after some kind of neck injury."

Willow and Kennedy exchange looks- "Neck injury-" says Willow trying to clarify. "Car accident?"

"I don't think so- there were rumors it was a hit gone bad, he lost a lot of blood-in fact he was pronounced dead and-"

"Then he wasn't-" states Willow.

"Who was the drug dealer?" says Kennedy changing the subject.

"I guy named Ricci Ramono-"

"Okay we have a friend in Cleveland we'll give her a call see what she can do-" says the young Slayer.

"You really think you can help?" asks Gail.

Willow smiles, "I'm pretty sure we can. Don't pack just yet."

Go on to Part 3(Chapters 11-13)

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