Hmm can't really see Spike getting out of this one. Once the evidence is in he's a dead man. No two ways about it, I mean american prisons are filled with innocent people so I doubt that he would get off when all the circumstantial evidence points to him. Hell they even have an admission of him killing some one, be it in self defense or not. All things considered he would most certanly get convicted. I can't really see how he will get away from this, there are just too much evidence against him and the law isn't exactly known for trying to get to the truth.

Author's Response: Well, if you want to take the cynical route, you must also consider that Spike is a very wealthy and presumably powerful man. People with good lawyers typically manage to stay out of jail a la OJ Simpson. Plus almost all evidence against him has been illegally obtained (I would think - I'm no expert here.) Finally, only one of the suspected crimes happened on US soil. In order to try him for crimes overseas he'd have to be extradited and tried in the country where the crime was committed. Plus, via your previous comment, I'm not sure that the conversation is actually being monitored/taped, or whether she just has a panic button to call in help that is stationed nearby. What do you think?

To your answer: Still I wouldn't like the thought if the man who thinks that we are dating (but I don't have time at the moment) sleeps with another women. I wonder how Buffy will take that. But maybe she sees it different. How would Spike have taken it if Buffy had been with another men in the weeks she had no time for him? Not good either I think. But we'll see it. On to the new part! ~ Wow.. the painting is good but Spike's unconsciousness painted the muggers in it. And Buffy did see it but not at once. Mmm-hmmm he painted her naked. Is it the way he sees her? Beautiful? I think so. Now I wonder what Spike will say to Buffy's question. (I assume Spike painted the man because he killed them (or thinks he killed them) for Buffy. Maybe there's more to the room too because is has a high security.

Author's Response: I think Spike knew that after the brush off for 6 weeks that they were basically split -although she didn't tell him in so many words, that's true. So I see it as he was trying to move on, but just really couldn't.

Yep. Uh-huh. Creeped is a good word. Nyaghhh.

BTW, you didn't upset me with the Harmony and Spike bit. I just reviewed about a point that stuck out at the time I read that chapter. To me, Spike sleeping with Harmony on the show was a bit different. He and Buffy hadn't been seeing each other. The only reason I have a distaste about the meaningless sex in this story is because it happened with Spike having a strong and growing interest in Buffy - which seemed to mean so little as he goes off with Harm. I know that Buffy had given him the brush off, but we, the reader know why she did it. I also know I don't really have a leg to stand on here because Spike and Buffy aren't together and because HE didn't know what we know. It's just a hang up I have is all. I can admit I'm not being fair. :)

Can't wait for the update (good job wigging me out with this here chapter).

Author's Response: Yes, that's really the only reason I wrote the Harmony part in, because it did happen in the show. Also I thought the contrast between love and sex was good. Hope I didn't wig you out too much - the next chapter is worse, but then we get back to more typical stuff (sorta - I think I have a few more new twists on old favorites coming).

I'm majorly creeped out now. Why are they there????? More more more please! It's sooo good, and I'm not just saying that to be a review whoring for more fic, this is like a freaking mystery thriller story, and I'm on the edge of my seat. literally.

Author's Response: Thanks. It gets a little weirder before, veering back into more to do with the show.

Yes please tell her that you killed those two guys because then they will have it on tape and lock you up for life and nothing Buffy can do about it.

Author's Response: Far too obvious and simple. But it's going to be an interesting night.

i don't know about the laughing and saying it to be nothing part, but the rest of it sounds really good! Please, update soon? i can't wait to read what happens when or if Spike actually does find out about what Buffy is really doing! Keep up the wonderful work!!

Author's Response: I agree. And thanks.

absolutely loved it

Author's Response: Thanks

I'm disappointed that Spike slept with Harmony. I realize that he is single and has no obligation to Buffy, but I'm still disappointed. It was obviously meaningless sex. Hell, it took place in a motel. Beyond that occurance, I'm curious about the next chapter and the revealing of the painting.

Author's Response: Sorry I upset you with Harmony, but they did have a relationship in the show, and it was meaningless. I hope I explained his thinking so you can forgive him.

Spike did buy Buffy excuse why she didn't see him; she should be save then. Mmmmh-hmmm so Spike slept with Harmony. I wonder if Buffy knows that too. Spike's painting? What will Buffy say to it? Looking forward to to find it out.

Author's Response: Yeah, I wasn't sure about that, whether to leave it at supposition and hearsay or to verify it - but Spike did have a relationship with her in the show...plus I thought the contrast would be powerful - showing that this really is not about sex, he could easily get that elsewhere if he wanted.

I would have loved to know Spike's thoughts throughout this time. Hopefully you will include some of them in the next chapter. You are doing an excellent job with this story and I can't wait for more.

Author's Response: Thanks. I took advantage of your ideas and added a few things. Hope the next chapter answers some of your questions.

great chapter

Author's Response: Thanks

Hey- that clifhanger was not very nice. :-) Interesting that, after 6 weeks, he jumped at the chance. How is Buffy going to explain herself out of this one? another good update. :-)

Author's Response: I thought it was - at least you knew that they were going to get together again soon (as if they wouldnt?) And, yes, Spike did jump at the chance.

Great update. I'm taking a very wild stab here, but does Warren have anything to do with some of the trouble Spike is in. Angel I'm sure does. Looking forward to updates.

Author's Response: Yes, both Warren and Angel are definate villians in the piece, but I think there is another too.