Suddenly the mood was exuberant. Alex knew it wouldn’t last, but it was good for now; exactly what they all needed. With a grin, he started back towards the 4 x 4. “Okay, I’ll see you there,” he said over his shoulder. “You’ve all got your passes, right? Meet me in the lobby if—” He broke off, shock stiffening his muscles.

Willow and Seb were running up the drive.

“Oh, what the hell is this?” muttered Kara, swinging herself quickly out of the van. Sam got out too, scowling. The rest of the team stayed put, watching warily as the two jogged to a stop, both breathing hard. Willow’s eyes went straight to Alex’s as if the others weren’t even present.

“Alex, the attack can’t go ahead,” she gasped. “It’s a trap – a trap.”

“What?” He stared at her in distrust, hating the way his heart had leaped when he saw her.

“It’s Raziel, he’s using you! He was using all of us – he wants the Council dead, but—” She gulped, struggling to catch her breath.

“It’s true,” put in Seb. He stood near Willow, though not touching her. “You must listen to her.”

“Raziel? The angel in charge of the Church in the US?” Kara’s eyes narrowed. “And why would he want the Council dead, pray tell, when that means all angels will die, including him?”

Willow’s bright hair moved as she shook her head impatiently. “Because it doesn’t mean that! It might, but it might not! The Council’s going to take his leadership away, and he’s willing to take the chance—”

“How do you know this?” broke in Alex.

“Yeah, I’d sorta like to hear that too,” said Sam in his low drawl. He was leaning against the van, one foot propped up behind him.

“I—” Looking at the other AKs, Willow seemed to really notice them for the first time. She swallowed. “Because I was able to read Raziel’s thoughts,” she said at last. “He’s my father,” she added before Kara could ask.

Seb moved closer, but still didn’t touch her. A stunned silence; every face in the van was gaping at her. “You have got to be kidding me,” breathed Kara. “Alex, did you—” She cut off as she saw his face. “Oh my god, you did! You knew this.”

“It didn’t seem important,” said Alex shortly.

Kara’s voice rose. “Not important? Your girlfriend’s father is like, Mr. Head Evil Angel, and that wasn’t important enough to ever mention it to us?”

“She’s not my girlfriend any more,” snapped Alex. He turned to Willow. “Look, what do you mean, you were able to read his thoughts? What’s going on?”

Willow glanced at the others again; her face was tense but determined. “Could you and I go inside maybe, and I’ll explain?”