Scene opens as two armed guards escort a man down a hallway. Another shot reveals it is Hamlin, bound by handcuffs and wearing an orange jumper.
Cut to: The prisoner visiting room, where a glass wall separates the visitors from the inmates. The guards remove his handcuffs, and Hamlin sits down and picks up the phone.
HAMLIN
I knew you’d eventually come around to save my ass.
Cut to: A shot of the other side of the glass, where Kane Hodges holds the phone to his ear.
HODGES
How are things, Peter.
HAMLIN
Ah, terrific. Wonderful accommodations here. Beds, showers, fine male company (Hodges simply smiles). So, where do I sign so I can get outta here.
HODGES
I’m afraid the reason for my visit isn’t as you had hoped.
HAMLIN
….What the hell are you sayin, Kane?
HODGES
As you can imagine, Commissioner Echolls isn’t very happy with the situation. He has denied any involvement in your smuggling rings. Likewise, it is not my jurisdiction to release you from captivity.
HAMLIN
What are you talking about? You and I had a deal just as much as Logan did.
HODGES
And that deal has been compromised by your current situation. I’m sorry Peter, but your exposure to the public has left your entire enterprise terminated, as well as our partnership in it.
HAMLIN
But you – you can’t just leave me here, Kane! After all these years, you can’t bail on me! I need your protection!
HODGES
Mr. Hamlin, in 37 seconds that guard directly behind you will be ordered to inject a lethal agent called Ryphynol into your neck (Hamlin nervously looks behind him). Any attempt to struggle, and the adjacent guards will open fire. How you spend the next 32 seconds will determine if that holds true.
Hamlin swings around anxiously at each of the guards, who ignore him.
HAMLIN
You’re bluffing…You wouldn’t! …You need me, Kane, I can help you!
HODGES
Which is precisely why you’re not already dead. But if you fail to comply within – (looks at watch) – 21 seconds, our needs will be irrelevant.
Tension builds as extreme apprehension engulfs Hamlin as he becomes very aware of his surroundings. Hodges remains stone-faced.
HAMLIN
You can’t do this without me, Kane!
HODGES
In 13 seconds, I’ll have no other choice.
HAMLIN
We can work this out!
HODGES
10 seconds.
HAMLIN
Wait! Wait! I’ll tell you! ...Their name is “The Inquisition.” They have a hub under 38th and Sunset, and they’re the ones with the runes you’re looking for! I swear! I was going to buy it from them in a few weeks myself!
Hodges makes a strange signal to the guard. Hamlin looks back to see the guard nod, and he stays stationary. A wave of relief passes over him.
HODGES
Thank you, Peter.
HAMLIN
So you’ll get me out of here?
HODGES
In a manner of speaking.
Hamlin is suddenly stuck in the neck with a syringe full of the lethal agent by a guard. A look of shock permeates his face.
HODGES
Unfortunately you just handed over your last bastion of relevance to our cause. Accordingly, you’d be nothing but a liability if left alive. I’m sorry, Peter. The Senior Partners give you their condolences. (He hangs up, stands up, and starts walking to the door).
As Hodges slips his keycard into the door, it opens and Angel appears behind it. Hodges looks mildly surprised.
HODGES
Angel.
ANGEL
Paying visits to clients?
HODGES
As a lawyer, confidentiality is my passion. But you know all about that.
Angel takes a step toward Hodges, and several guns in the background are cocked.
HODGES
I wouldn’t resort to violence if I were you, Angel. Not here. You’re surrounded by over a hundred armed guards who can and will take you down by any means necessary if my welfare is compromised.
Angel looks around at the guards on both sides of the visiting room.
HODGES
I have considerable power in this precinct. With that in mind, I’m rather curious to know what you’re next move is.
Angel looks over at Hamlin’s body, which is being hauled off by guards.
ANGEL (sternly)
Why’d you kill Hamlin? Why’s he such a threat?
HODGES
His knowledge was a liability to several of my well-paid clients. Like I said, confidentiality is my passion Angel.
After an intense moment passes in which the two stare, Angel leans in.
ANGEL
I’ll be watching your every move, Hodges. Everything you do, every person you kill, just know I’ll be watching. And I’ll be waiting. (He starts to turn around) So you can tell that to the Senior Partners (He leaves).
HODGES (Loudly)
Actually, I’ll be watching you….closer than you’d think.
Cut to: Illyria, as Fred, walking down a street. She stops outside a street-side restaurant and sits down next to a man at the bar. The bartender approaches her.
BARTENDER
What’ll it be, ma’am?
FRED
Um….how bout a Strawberry Daiquiri….Virgin, though!
BARTENDER (Laughs)
You got it.
The man sitting beside turns to talk.
MAN
I’m surprised….a girl like you, I’d think you’d be able to hold your liquor.
FRED (Blushing)
Well….I really don’t like to drink by myself. Feels lonely.
MAN
Ain’t that the truth (he takes a sip). Name’s Leo.
FRED
Well hello, Leo. I’m Fred.
LEO
Fred? That’s a cute name. Not too common, but cute.
FRED
Thank you. But I have this sixth sense that tells me when people lie.
LEO
Oh come on, I’m not lying. I’ve always thought the name Fred looks better on a girl than a guy.
FRED
Well I hope so. I hate it when people call me Mr. on the phone just by reading my name.
LEO
Well just one look at you and they’d never make that mistake again.
Fred smiles and looks down for a moment.
LEO
Of course, I never judge a person by their looks, no matter how cute they are. As Martin Luther King said, “Judge a person by the content of a character.”
FRED
Oh you’ve just been waiting all day to pull that one.
LEO
Yeah, pretty much. But it’s true.
The two laugh for a moment, then Fred suddenly remembers something.
FRED
Oh, I left my cell phone in my car! I’ll be right back, I like can’t live without it.
LEO
Yeah sure. I’ll just be keeping the barkeep company.
She smiles sweetly then runs off behind the building.
Cut to: Fred in the alley, out of sight. She morphs back into Illyria, waits a few moments, then slowly walks into the bar.
Cut to: Illyria sits next to Leo, who looks at her strangely.
LEO
Whoa. Um….Listen lady, that seat is being saved…
ILLYRIA
Well whoever you’re saving it for can’t be all that special.
Illyria still talks with Fred’s giddiness.
LEO
Yeah, whatever. Could you just fine another place to sit? You’re freakin me out. Surprised they even let you in here…lookin like that.
ILLYRIA
And how exactly do I look?
LEO
Like someone from a gothic circus! Now really, get out or I’ll get the bartender in on this.
Illyria grabs Leo by the throat and slams his head on the bar.
ILLYRIA
By all means, go ahead. I welcome effortless sparring with your infectious race.
LEO (moaning)
Ah, jeez – I’m sorry! I’m sorry, just let me go!
Al, the bartender, gazes at them, deciding whether or not it’d be a good idea to break it up.
AL (tentatively)
Please ma’am, whatever your quarrel with him is, this isn’t the place to do it.
Illyria hesitates, still coercing Leo’s head to the bar.
AL
Not here, please.
Illyria takes one last look at Leo and releases. She strides towards the exit, then turns to have her last word.
ILLYRIA
Your pitiful kind deserves to be trampled (she exits).
Cut to: The street, where Illyria hastily exits the bar. After a moment of reflection, she turns down into the alley and begins thrashing trash cans and dumpsters.
CUT TO CREDTS
Angel
David Boreanaz
James Marsters
J August Richards
Amy Acker
Max Perlich
Jenny Mollen
And Seth Green
GUEST STARRING
Vincent Kartheiser as Connor
Michael Muhney as Hodges
Mercedes McNab as Harmony
Richard Riehle as Reinhardt
With Kathy Bates as Henri
Kyle Secor as Logan Echolls
And Ian McKellan as Peter Hamlin
Cut to: Henri’s office, in which she files through random paperwork. She looks up and sees Oz in the doorway.
HENRI
I was wondering when you’d drop by again…hell of a time cleaning this place up. People never think about the cost of what they break (she holds up a shattered lamp).
OZ
I’m detecting a bit of Karma.
HENRI
Still ticked off about that? C’mon, you know I meant well. I was even trying to shoo you out of the office, but for a Zen guy, you’re not one for subtleties.
OZ
Then I apologize. I should have picked up on your deception.
HENRI
Hey, I said I was sorry!....Well actually, I didn’t, but that one just counted. And besides, we all made it out alive and kicking. No harm no foul. (She looks at his bandaged calf) Well, the alive part, anyway.
OZ
I like that motto.
HENRI (shuffles papers)
Well are you just gonna do the guilt trip all day? Cause I still have paid customers to screw over. I’ve got a mouth to feed.
OZ
I still need your help learning about the Purge.
HENRI
(Sighs) Oz, you know how dangerous this whole thing is. I mean, you’re in LA for one day and the whole damn ______________ is on your tail.
OZ
All the more reason to get the low down on these guys. If this thing really does happen, innocent people will be killed. Lost of them. Probably me, too. And I can’t just sit here waiting for them to stick me with a silver bullet.
HENRI
You think you can play hero?
OZ
Any reason I shouldn’t try?
HENRI
…Alright, alright. I help you out, but only since I feel guilty about the Benedict Arnold I pulled.
OZ
I’m glad.
HENRI
Well…uh, what do you need to know? I don’t have all the answers – actually, I don’t have many – but I can at least point you in the right direction.
OZ
Well for starters, I’m going out on a limb and saying it’s not just talk.
HENRI
Can’t argue that. Not after the very costly raid a few weeks ago….they broke my Birchwood chair!
OZ
Damn, and I thought my torn calf muscle was a story topper…
HENRI (waves hand dismissively)
Alright. Here’s my basic knowledge of this so-called Purge: Bunch of hicks band together every 50 years or so in kind of a…ritual fashion.
OZ
How widespread we talkin’?
HENRI
Remember the Crusades, 12th Century? (Oz nods). Wasn’t religion. Werewolves. The Pope just ran his mouth off about divine intentions so they wouldn’t raise alarm.
OZ
So…big.
HENRI
Big just about covers it. Every fifty years, like I said, since God knows when. Thousands, even millions die each time, just because they have bad hair days from time to time.
OZ
Don’t suppose it’s ever been stopped in the past?
HENRI
Wouldn’t be a problem nowadays, now would it?
OZ
Looks like we’re carving our own paths.
HENRI
…Yeah, or you’re carving your own path. I’ll sideline it, thank you very much. I’m not a werewolf, no reason fall into that crowd.
OZ
(Shakes his head) The elders kept saying you wouldn’t help. Can’t imagine why… you strike me as the community service type.
HENRI
Hah. And I bet they didn’t even tell you why. Typical cryptic monks…
OZ
They really didn’t tell me much, to be honest.
HENRI
I was a mystic at the Wolfsbane monastery once, just like them. I trained as one of them and I meditated as one of them. But that sure as hell didn’t change anything.
OZ
Change what?
Henri contemplates whether or not she wants to tell her story. Alas, the phone rings, and Henri scrambles to pick it up.
HENRI
Henri’s house of fortunes, how may I – (She listens) Oh. No, I paid it last week – I sent it in with August’s payment. You gotta be kidding me! Check your records again, cause I paid (She slams the phone down).
OZ
Lost a bet?
HENRI
No, don’t be ridiculous. Just taxes…. And it’s none of your business, anyway. Go on, get outta here. My 9 o’clock is waiting.
Oz nods and leaves.
Cut to: The lobby, where Whistler and Gunn and playing chess, and Nina is reading a magazine.
NINA
So…Angel tells me you have visions? Of like, people in danger before it happens?
WHISTLER
That about sums it up.
GUNN
How’d you get it?
WHISTLER
Some tramp at the bar….a ‘virgin,’ she says…
Gunn doesn’t laugh.
WHISTLER
How the hell do you think I got it? It just happens, there’s no choice in the matter.
GUNN
I just knew someone…she got it – the visions – by kissing someone.
WHISTLER
If only my story were as sweet as that. I was sitting on the jon one day, perusing a penthouse magazine (Nina throws a look), when the voices of the powers jumped right in my head and started spoutin orders.
GUNN
She didn’t like her visions either…
WHISTLER
Yeah…they’re a bitch. But you gotta make the most out of them.
NINA
Well we’re glad to have you aboard. I guess.
Cut to: Angel enters the lobby, and everyone looks up.
ANGEL (to Whistler)
Don’t you have a place of your own?
WHISTLER
And miss the keg party here? Now that’s crazy (he moves his knight on the board).
GUNN
So did you find anything out about that lawyer?
ANGEL
Uh, yeah…I think we should call a meeting. Where are the others?
Illyria enters the room, looking in all directions.
ILLYRIA
This establishment is smaller than your last one.
Spike comes running up from behind her.
SPIKE
Hey! Has anyone checked out the gold-plated jon in Angel’s bathroom?
WHISTLER
No kiddin!?
SPIKE (laughing)
Yeah, it’s back there in his office!
ANGEL
What’re you doing in my office?
SPIKE
Sod off. Can’t a guy look around? And what do you care, not like you’re gonna use the damn thing anyway.
GUNN (clears throat)
So…about the lawyer?
ANGEL (focused)
Right. (Everyone finds a seat). There’s more to this than I thought. He’s working for Wolfram & Hart, and the whole drug-demon thing was just a piece of a bigger puzzle. And whatever it is, it has Hodges worrying, cause earlier today he killed Hamlin.
NINA
Why?
ANGEL
Apparently Hamlin knew something that the firm wanted to protect. He was a liability to them if left alive. Mentioned something about an Inquisition… I couldn’t hear it all, that door was thick.
GUNN
Well then, guess we know what our mission is (he takes Whistler’s bishop).
SPIKE
Right. Interrogate a dead guy. Have a gay old time with that, we will.
NINA
He’s got a point – we know nothing about this. Not even a lead.
GUNN
We could follow this Hodges guy around. Chances are he’ll lead us right into whatever he couldn’t risk Hamlin leaking.
ANGEL
That’d be hard – even though they don’t have an office anymore, they’ll have their ways of keeping us out of their affairs.
GUNN
Well, I guess I could try to research something….not sure what, though. (He moves his queen) – Checkmate.
WHISTLER
Oh…damnit….no!
GUNN
Calm down, just a game.
WHISTLER
Ahh, Christ! (He knocks over the board and falls to the ground).
When Whistler looks up, a white light permeates from his eyes and mouth. The light projects an image for the enter room to see.
Cut to: vivid flashes of an underground cavernous temple, in which demons chant in a circle. Candles are lit all around them. They brandish sacred artifacts, ranging from runes to blades. One particularly humanoid demon wears a shaman robe. Several more flashes indicate a young man is fighting. The man is stabbed and he falls on the ground on his back. A final flash reveals it is Connor.
The white light fades from Whistler’s face and he falls to the ground.
Nina gets up to help Whistler up.
NINA
Are you ok? What was that?
GUNN
That’s the easy question. It was a vision, right? But who was that? He looked familiar.
WHISTLER
Connor…
ANGEL (suddenly tense)
What’s happened to him?
WHISTLER
He’s gonna die.
Cut to commercial.
Fade in: A dark, dank sewers. A short, plump demon quickly waddles its way through the pipelines.
Cut to: Connor peeks around a corner, watching the demon. Once the demon is far enough ahead, Connor continues in pursuit.
Cut to: Moving shot of Connor, and the audience can see he’s wearing a Stanford sweatshirt. As he comes to the end of the sewer line, he stops and presses up against the wall. The faint voices of demons can be heard.
DEMON 1
We have trouble, Kaleen. A boy.
Camera pans around the corner to reveal the plump demon talking to the shaman one.
KALEEN
What of this…boy?
DEMON
He fights as if a slayer…he killed two of our own, we were forced to abandon our task…but his instincts, it’s as if he’s…
KALEEN
A demon?
The plump demon nods.
KALEEN
Could it be…the child born of two vampires?
DEMON
The heralded being of the prophecies? I cannot say for sure, Kaleen. But it would seem likely.
KALEEN
If he is indeed the son of vampire, he mustn’t live. All those affiliated with him are a danger to our cause.
DEMON
Indeed. The boy has followed me here, I’m sure of it. It’s only a matter of time…
Cut to: Connor’s face, which seemed worried now.
KALEEN
Your concerns are valid. The boy must be nearby.
DEMON
I can sense him.
KALEEN
As do I…I sense that he is listening.
Connor suddenly panics. He starts to turn in the opposite direction away from the demons, when a third one, tall and muscular, grabs him and covers him mouth.
KALEEN
And I sense he is not aware of his surroundings.
Cut to: The interior of an office building, which is busy with the commotion of transaction. Hodges walks on screen, talking on a cell phone while rifling through papers in his hands.
HODGES
…Of course, Mr. Echolls. All legal ramifications are now in your favor. I daresay, this fiasco has worked to your political advantage, despite the obvious health complications. (He stops at the door to his office) Well you rest up now, Logan. We’ll need you healthy for those press conferences.
Hodges ends his call and pockets his cell phone. He put the files under one arm as he opens the door with the other.
Cut to: interior of his office, in which another man is perched up against the glass windows, an open folder in his hand.
MAN
Peter Hamlin…died the evening of Tuesday, September 29th, 2005. Apparent heart failure, with which he’d been battling for years. (He looks up) Well done, Kane.
HODGES
I do what I can. With the connections we have, I could’ve said he died in a bloody car accident. But where’s the decency in that? (He sits down in his arm chair) Whatever gets the wheels turning, though, right Julian?
Julian Reinhardt stares at him, then closes up his folder.
HODGES
So, what has you rifling through my office?
JULIAN REINHARDT
Oh, um…that werewolf hunter tried to contact you. Said he’s begun ‘the purge.’ Whatever the hell that is.
HODGES
I have a secretary to tell me that, Jules. And I know you wouldn’t be in here wasting your time if that’s all there is. So why don’t you tell me what really has you’re really rifling through my files?
REINHARDT
How bout ‘cause you’re a jackass?
HODGES
Boy, if you put it like that…
REINHARDT
You killed Peter. My client. Not yours. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s not your job to police other people’s cases.
HODGES
Jules, you fail to see the bigger picture here (he picks up a stapler and fiddles with it). His demise will be your claim to fame. Besides, it’s what the Senior Partner’s wanted.
REINHARDT
No. It’s what you think they wanted. (Steps forward) You just remember that this is a law firm first and whatever malevolent schemes you have planned come secondary.
HODGES
If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to pretend to be my boss. You and I are merely junior partners, Jules. Cogs in the machine of life, and emblematic things like that.
REINHARDT
You might want to check your wheels cause I did a little research today. Cause you see, in killing Mr. Hamlin, you not only made life a bit more difficult for me, but you ignored a strict legal regulation placed by the boss. You killed Mr. Hamlin while he was technically still a client of the firm, which, granted, Mr. Savarro has neglected to mention as of late due to the rule’s trivial technicality.
HODGES
Don’t be ridiculous, Jules. I terminated his case right before his untimely death. I’ve shown the paperwork to Savarro –
REINHARDT
This paperwork (he holds up several documents). The paperwork that magically has my signature in all the right place? Funny, I don’t remember signing my case away.
Hodges, for the first time, seems to have lost control of the situation.
REINHARDT
And department secretary Ms. Kendall can also attest that she never signed the official firm log on the matter in the files. (He puts the files under his arm) I’m sorry, Kane, but deception just doesn’t get the wheels turning here. I’ll see to it that you’re relieved of your current case with Mr. Echolls. (Reinhardt leaves the office).
Hodges slumps back in his chair, looking both bothered and worried. He presses a button on his desk phone.
HODGES
Harmony, hold my calls.
Cut to: Shot of Harmony sitting at a central desk. A little sign at the foot of the desk says “Harmony Kendall, Secretary.”
HARMONY
Sure thing, boss.
Cut to: a foot splashes in a puddle. Camera zooms out, revealing Whistler and Angel running down a sewer pipeline. Spike tries to catch up awkwardly, with Illyria right behind him.
WHISTLER
Down here!
SPIKE (shouting)
Oy! Where’s the bloody fire?
Angel ignores him. Whistler comes to a stop at an intersection and waits for Spike and Illyria to catch up.
ILLYRIA
Such wasted urgency on a human you don’t even know.
SPIKE
Seriously mate, we’ve been running around like a drunk looking for his pants. But unlike the drunk, we don’t know what to look for, or how to look for it, or…
ANGEL
No one asked you to come along.
SPIKE (nonchalantly)
Oh, it’s just talk. Helps me feel important.
Angel ignores him, and instead focuses his attention on a sign next to a ladder leading to the surface.
ANGEL (inspecting the sign)
This sewer junction is just under 38th Street and Sunset Boulevard … (Angel suddenly looks concerned)
WHISTLER
Mean anything?
Cut to: a flashback of Hamlin and Hodges in the jail room.
HAMLIN
Their name is “The Inquisition.” They have a hub under 38th and Sunset, and they’re the ones with the runes you’re looking for! I swear!
Cut to: Hamlin being stuck in the neck with a syringe.
Cut to: Angel in the sewer, suddenly coming to his senses.
ANGEL
We’ve got a problem.
SPIKE
Yeah, duh, we’re trying to prevent it.
ANGEL (to Whistler)
It’s the Inquisition. They’re the cult you saw. They’re the ones Connor was fighting.
WHISTLER
Good timing, vision.
SPIKE
Then what are we prattling on about? Let’s save the bloke!
WHISTLER
Sorry Angel, this is all I can remember…I have no idea where to go from here.
Angel smells the air.
ANGEL
Not a problem (he takes off down a pipeline, and the others look on, confused).
SPIKE (pointing)
Now that was weird.
Cut to: The lobby of the Angel’s office, in which Gunn sits in his wheelchair slaving over a book. Nina lays across a couch, bored.
Cut to: a close-up of the door, which is opened as Oz walks in. He pauses for a moment after he closes the door behind him.
OZ
Who won?
GUNN
What?
OZ
The chess game.
GUNN
Oh…Whistler cheated…or, had a vision. Either way, didn’t finish.
A quiet moment passes as Oz settles in.
NINA (abstractedly)
These walls have weird floral patterns.
GUNN (annoyed)
That’s all she’s been doing. Hasn’t even touched a book.
NINA
Laziness is underrated.
OZ
What’re you lookin up?
GUNN
“The Inquisition.” Know anything about them?
OZ
Rowdy bunch. Killed Mexicans.
GUNN
We’re talking ‘demon’ inquisition.
OZ
Actually, they were devout Catholics.
GUNN
Oz.
OZ
Right, uh – no, can’t say I have. Why, what’s up?
GUNN
Nothing really – I mean, Angel’s out saving someone’s life, and all. But he mentioned a demon cult that Wolfram & Hart was interested in.
OZ
…So aptly named the Inquisition?
GUNN
Yeah. Nothing urgent, I don’t think, but it gives me something to do.
OZ
What’ve you found out?
GUNN
Well, the Organized Demon Compendium says they’re a secretive faction of Lynthros demons with an undefined personal agenda.
NINA (still on the couch)
So basically, all we’ve found out is that they’re not an imaginary demon group.
GUNN
Actually, that’s what I’ve found out. You, on the other hand…
Nina rolls her eyes.
GUNN
Well…wait a second. This might be interesting…their first known formation of the Inquisition dates back to…Wolfram & Hart.
NINA
So…you’re sayin….
GUNN
As long as there’s been the law firm, there’s been the Inquisition. (Looks up) Probably been the Senior Partner’s lapdogs.
OZ
Undefined agenda, huh? Doesn’t necessarily mean they’re evil.
NINA
Uh, yeah, except they kill people. Which is why Angel’s out right now.
OZ
Oh.
Cut to: Angel, Whistler, Spike, and Illyria turning corner after corner. They stop at a junction and wait for Angel to pick up the scent. A rat squeals past their feet, and Angel now looks a bit nervous.
SPIKE
Not to dismiss your keen sense of smell, mate, but If we’ve been following a rat all this time…
ILLYRIA
I, too, sense what Angel does. It is strangely familiar.
SPIKE
Well rats do have that unforgettable smell. (He pats Angel on the shoulder) Moody here knows all about rats. Dontcha, Moody.
ANGEL
We’re close by.
SPIKE
You sure, Moody?
ANGEL (Suddenly tense)
Wait.
Angel blindly reaches into a shadowy region of the sewer and grabs a small, fat demon, who squeaks as he’s pulled into the center.
ANGEL
Where is he? Where’s your base?
SPIKE (impressed)
Nice grab, mate!
DEMON (slowly laughing)
So many questions, so little action.
Angel slams the demon against the wall.
ANGEL
Oh believe me, I’m more than willing to do a little action myself. But you’ve got someone of mine. And as long he’s not safe, I swear you’ll be wishing you’re dead.
DEMON
Death is as useless as the rising sun!
ANGEL
Where’s the base!? Where’s Connor?!
A loud scream suddenly comes from down the hall.
ANGEL
Connor.
Angel lets go and starts running towards the scream with Spike and Illyria following. After a moment’s hesitation, the fat demon slowly waddles its way in the opposite direction, but Whistler grabs him and throws him into a wall.
WHISTLER
He may have his priorities worked out (he snaps stabs the demon in the chest), but I don’t.
Cut to: Angel, Spike, and Illyria, who stop at the mouth of the cave. Another shot pans out to show a heavily satanic-looking dungeon-esque cave, with pentagrams and red candles in every corner. At the center of the cave, Connor’s arms are held behind his back by a demon. He grimaces at the pain, but struggles to get free. The demons around him peer up at Angel, and prepare to do battle. The Shaman Kaleen appears.
KALEEN
You’ve no right to be here, vampire. You’re a traitor to us all.
ANGEL
Tell you what – you let go of my son, you can call me whatever the hell you want (Spike turns his head quizzically at Angel).
As all the demons focus on Angel, Connor slams the back of his head into his captor’s face, knocking the demon back. He starts fighting wildly, and without hesitation, Angel jumps in. A look of pleasure permeates Spike’s face, and he and Illyria enter battle.
Cut to: Several successive shots of the fight, with Spike being relentlessly vicious. Angel seems intent on getting to Connor, who’s cornered by several demons.
CONNOR
Angel!
ANGEL
Connor, hang on!
Angel wrestles his way over to Connor, taking several blows to the head en route. Several more camera shots elongate Angel’s struggle to getting to Connor, and he suddenly has vivid flashes of Connor lying dead on the ground.
The flashes are abrupt and they desensitize Angel. He sees Connor dead and bloodied, and he begins to see his own body slowly turn to Ash. A demon voice suddenly and calmly fills the area.
DEMON
The fate of the war is sealed. You’ve betrayed what you once stood for!
After a moment of confusion, Angel straightens up and blindly reaches out, grabbing a demon. The voices and flashes suddenly stop, and reality sets in.
ANGEL (to the demon)
Don’t mess with my head (he snaps the demon’s neck).
Cut to: A demon wails on Connor, who is bloody and on his last limbs.
ANGEL
Connor!
A demon gets one last swing at Connor’s temple before Angel kicks its ass. Connor falls to his knees, bleeding at the temple.
ANGEL (urgently)
Connor! Stay with me, kid. Stay with me!
CONNOR
I’ll be…I’m good….just need (goes unconscious).
Angel lifts Connor up, and he begins walking towards the exit. As most of the lingering demons (which is a slight number) flee, the shaman Kaleen, who had eluded much of the fight, makes himself heard.
KALEEN
Why have you chosen this path, Angel? Why do you wish it be so?
ANGEL
While we’re asking questions, why the hell are you people always so cryptic? I swear to god, if just half my enemies would be honest with me -
KALEEN
Honesty, Angel? I shall give you honesty. You’re in such a deep hole that you don’t even remember what the outside looks like. And she (he points to Illyria) –
ILLYRIA
You point at me?
KALEEN
She could have been our savior. Humanity’s savior. But you insist on blinding her (he leaves for the back exit). The Old One…is our fate (he leaves).
After a moment of confusion, Angel begins walking up to the ledge, Connor over his shoulder.
SPIKE
Yeah, um, what about the stragglers.
ANGEL (moving passed him)
Don’t care.
Spike remains in place as Angel walks off, looking confused.
SPIKE
What about that shaman guy that ran away? Hey! Angel!
Cut to: The office lobby door, which Angel opens with Connor and enters. Spike and Illyria follow.
Cut to: Gunn and Oz, who were researching, look up. Nina, too, who was reading a magazine on the couch, looks up.
GUNN
Angel – what happened.
ANGEL
Yeah, we need to take him to the infirmary (Oz gets up to help Connor). We have an infirmary, right?
OZ
I think hospitals work just as well. I’ll take him via Oz van.
ANGEL
Alright, thanks. (Shifts Connor onto Oz’s shoulder) I’ll be there soon.
Oz leaves.
ANGEL
Turns out, these demons were the same ones Hodges was looking for.
GUNN
The Inquisition?
ANGEL
Yeah.
GUNN
Yeah, well…I did some research, but they’re a very off-the-record type of club. Not much info on it.
ANGEL
Anything at all?
GUNN
Well, their first known formation was at the same time Wolfram & Hart came around. So they’re old.
NINA
Ancient, in fact.
GUNN
But more importantly, they must have some affiliation with them.
ANGEL
Yeah…
GUNN
What do you think Hodges wants with them?
ANGEL
Tell you what, you find that out, I’ll go see if Connor’s alright….once the sun sets.
NINA
Can I come?
ANGEL
…Sure.
NINA (excited)
Some action, finally.
She gets up and leaves with Angel, her hand in his.
GUNN (alone)
Right. I’ll just….do what I’m here for.
Cut to: Angel and Nina walking down a hospital hallway.
Cut to: the interior of a hospital room, in which Oz sits near Connor, who still appears unconscious.
OZ (standing up)
Hey – doctor said he’ll be fine. He’s just resting now. But not, like, the kind where you can’t wake em up.
ANGEL
Thanks for taking him.
Angel takes to one side of Connor, and Nina the other.
OZ
Hey, uh, I kinda parked illegally. I need to go move the van before they tow her.
ANGEL
Yeah, go on. We’ll be here.
Oz leaves, and Angel and Nina are quiet for a while.
NINA
You know, I’ve never seen you so bent outta shape over a random innocent before – well, except that time you saved me from being eaten. Still, it’s pretty sexy…
ANGEL
Yeah…I’m just compassionate like that. (He pauses) Did you just say sexy?
NINA
I did (she smiles and kisses him). Oh! I saw a vending machine out there. And you can’t resist the call of a vending machine…well I guess you can. But I can’t. (She kisses him) I’ll be back in a sec! (She gets up and leaves).
After a moment, Connor begins to move. He slowly opens his eyes.
ANGEL
Connor…
CONNOR
Hey…dad. (He takes a breath) Man, I never thought I’d be stupid enough to end up here.
ANGEL
Well, at least you’re ok…what were you doing there anyway?
CONNOR
Well ever since that day the Wolfram & Hart building collapsed, I’ve kinda been – you’re not gonna like this – fighting…vamps and stuff.
ANGEL (Semi-smiling)
Actually, I kinda expected you would.
CONNOR
And I saw this group of demons. I was all excited and stuff, cause these weren’t just regular old dusters, these were the real deal. So I saw them, like, harassing these other human guys, I guess they were trying to take something from them, I dunno. I was just happy to be able to save someone’s day.
ANGEL
They captured you?
CONNOR
Hell no! I beat their asses, but my mistake was that I chased one down…into that satanic temple place.
At that moment, a doctor walks into the room.
DOCTOR
Ah, you must be Mr. Reilly – Connor’s father.
ANGEL
Uh, yeah –
DOCTOR
As I told his brother already, Connor should be fine, and, well, he was resting a moment ago. Anyway, I’m afraid I’m gonna have to ask you to wait outside for a moment. We can’t have visitors in the room while we undergo procedure.
ANGEL
Right – I’ll just…go wait out in the hall.
DOCTOR
Thanks.
CONNOR (as Angel leaves)
Later, pappy!
Cut to: a shot of Angel walking out of the room, and the door closes behind him. Whistler rests up against the wall to the side.
WHISTLER
Strong kid, you’ve got.
ANGEL
Yeah, you’d be surprised…where the hell did you go?
WHISTLER
What?
ANGEL
Back at the temple. You left us.
WHISTLER
I didn’t leave! I wasn’t fighting, but I sure as hell didn’t leave. You know I can’t fight for the life of me. But I was there in spirit, hanging out at the ledge. That’s what matters.
Angel sighs.
WHISTLER (after a moment)
So, do you believe me now?
ANGEL
No matter what you say, I know you bailed –
WHISTLER
About Illyria.
A moment passes.
ANGEL
What about her?
WHISTLER
That shaman seemed to know a lot about her. Said she would determine the fate of the world. Gee, does that sound familiar…
ANGEL
Yeah, alright. She’s important.
WHISTLER
You can’t just brush this issue under the rug, Angel. There’s gonna be a day when you gotta make a decision about her. The Senior Partners are scared of her. Those little demon dudes are scared of her. She can end the war, and the decision you make determines whether team Angel wins or team Wolfram & Hart.
ANGEL
Yeah, I get it.
Angel suddenly turns his head as Hodges exits a room across the hall. Hodges grins at him for a moment.
HODGES
Angel. What brings you here?
ANGEL
Get out.
HODGES
Hear, hear – this a public facility, no harm in visiting a patient. Of course, if you wish to make a scene here, which I do so hope you don’t, every single security guard in the building will be pointing sticks at you.
ANGEL
Funny how we keep meeting in places where you’re protected.
HODGES
Now, if you wish to settle this on the playground…I’m sure the recess lady can make accommodations.
ANGEL
For all I know, you’d have her under your power too.
HODGES
As much as your wit sustains me, I really have other places to be. It’s hard to make time to visit Mr. Echolls (as he begins walking away, he looks a Whistler). But he’s doing better.
A moment passes.
WHISTLER
What a jackass.
ANGEL
Echolls…
WHISTLER
Haven’t talked to him since that night, huh?
ANGEL
Guess I should.
Angel walks into Echolls’ room.
Cut to: Echolls’ room, in which over a dozen sets of flowers and get well cards bombard him. Echolls, looking blankly out the window, sees Angel and comes to his senses.
ECHOLLS (jovially)
Angel! I’m rather relieved to see you. One more concerned fan looking for an autograph, I swear I’d go to drastic measures.
ANGEL
I just saw Hodges leave your room.
Echolls’ smile quickly fades.
ECHOLLS
Close the door.
Angel shuts the door, then walks towards Echolls.
ANGEL
What’s going on, Logan.
ECHOLLS
I’m scared, Angel. I’m scared for my life, and for the lives of the people in this city. I’ve been letting them down.
ANGEL
There’s more to this than drug rings, isn’t there?
ECHOLLS
Now there is. Kane Hodges and his firm are pressuring me into all kinds of deals, telling me to forget about it, telling me to look the other way….I can’t abandon the people of this city like that. I –I just can’t.
ANGEL
What’s Hodges up to?
ECHOLLS
I don’t know. I never do. It used to be that if I agree to let happen his little plans, I’d get bonuses. Money. But now – It’s either I agree, or they send the hounds after me.
ANGEL
You’ve made mistakes, Logan. But the important thing is you know what your dealing with. Wolfram & Hart is more than just a law firm –
ECHOLLS
I know all about them. Inter-dimensionary, evil law firm. But there’s nothing I can do to stop them, and because of that, the people of LA are going to pay.
ANGEL
You need to tell me what they’re up to. A hint, anything at all. I’ll protect you, Logan, you just have to trust me.
ECHOLLS
No. It can’t work like that. Call me weak, but there’s nothing I can do but play my part and maybe I’ll live after it.
ANGEL
Wolfram & Hart is weak right now. They’re dispersed, they don’t even have a Los Angeles office anymore –
ECHOLLS
Oh yeah? That’s funny. I wonder what I’ve been staring at since I’ve been here at the lovely downtown hospital.
Angel looks out the window, and to his utter shock, he sees a towering building not too far off in the distance, and at the top right corner, it says, “WOLFRAM & HART.”
ECHOLLS (off camera)
There’s nothing we can do.
Fade to Black.
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