“Well, on that point we will just have to agree to disagree, Mister Angelus,” the Mayor said, shutting down the hulking vampire without so much as a flinch. From the scowl on Angelus’s face, it was clear he was unused to being disagreed with, but he didn’t dare argue. Jonathan had never seen a more impressive display of power in his life. It was amazing. Like Lex Luthor telling Superman to shut up. What would it be like to wield that kind of power?

As the clock on the wall struck exactly five o’clock, Mayor Wilkins loosened the knot in his tie, winding the silk through his hands. He folded it into a neat square and set it behind him on the desk.

“I appreciate you bringing this information to me. I hear your concern, and I value your insights. However, I have the utmost faith in the guardians of the Black Flame appointed by the City Council. We don’t just give Hell’s Own Herald to any old demon, you know. It’s very safe. With old friends of yours, if I’m not mistaken.” He nodded to Spike and Angelus. “Although I suppose I can’t say I’m surprised you didn’t know. I don’t keep in touch with any of the women who broke my heart either. Of course, all the women who broke my heart are long dead now.” His eyes twinkled with so much mischief that Jonathan couldn’t tell if he was referring to his centuries-long life or his ability to make women who wronged him disappear. Either option was unpleasant. “I won’t say that I’m not touched by you all coming together, however. Very touched. Seeing the undead and the powerless join forces for the greater good is what this town is all about. If you’d like to see for yourself just how safe the Black Flame flag is, I’d be happy to send you with my best girl to check on it. Just for everyone’s peace of mind. How does that sound?”

Even as no one jumped to accept the offer, the Mayor picked up his desk phone and pressed one of the autodial buttons.

“Yes, Jeff, would you send in the security officer? I’ve got a field trip for her. Thank you.”

In a matter of moments, the door crashed open. Spike had to leap out of the way to avoid being splattered against the wall.

“There she is!” the Mayor said, his smile widening. Jonathan wasn’t sure where his cheeks had found the extra real estate.

In a black bustier catsuit that no one with a need to breathe could pull off, a vampire girl walked in, her face already transformed and ready to fight. Below a curtain of bright red hair, her yellow eyes swept the room.

Shock made Jonathan’s jaw drop. He knew this girl. Or, at least, he had known her. When she had been a living, breathing nerd, just like him. The teacher’s assistant in the Sunnydale High computer lab and valedictorian with early admission to any college of her choice, she’d been part of the last SHS senior class, granted a diploma by technicality when the opening of the Hellmouth blew up the school. Instead of an extended education, it seemed she’d found extended life.