Hmm for a doctor with the whole patient confidientiality (sp?) Tara sure yapps a lot. :)

I'm more interested in why Spike killed these girls, just saying self defense doesn't really explain it. I mean why would the chinese girl come after him? if it was self defense. If he is all regretting killing them I doubt he would keep anything from them to remind him of it.

Author's Response: Okay, more on the self-defense will be up shortly - you decide whether or not you his excuses. As far as Tara, she never actually said that Spike was a patient, only a friend. So if he said stuff to her outside the bounds of professional treatment, those kinds of restrictions would not apply. Besides, I think she sees herself as helping both her friends, so even if it were conficential, she might have said it anyway. The greater conflict is not what to pass on to Buffy, but whether she is obligated to pass on what she knows to Giles.

Oops.. Spike is wanted for murder? Oh my.. I guess Buffy didn't think of it. I didn't. I wonder what's the what behind it. Till next update!

Author's Response: Yeah, I seem to have surprised a lot of people with that, but I put it in the summary - guess it's been so long since anyone following the story actually read that... lol ! Just a little long winded here.

Like the story but there is one thing that bugs me. I can only see this as being a happy spuffy ending if Spike knows exactly who Buffy is and what she does from a living from the start. I mean I can't see him forgiving her for betraying him. It just doesn't work like that in reality I would say, as a rule I would say that there is nothing people hate more than traitors. I think most people have a passionate disslike for people who are caught betraying their country much more than say your average murderer.

Even if he does love her he would never be able to trust her again and how would he actually feel knowing that she only got close to him in order to investigate him? I just can't see that it would have a happy ending. Not unless she crosses over to the "dark side" and helps him cover up what ever evil deeds he's done. I don't see that happening though seeing as Buffy is such a straight arrow and beliveing in right and wrong, black and white.

I like the general story and the secrets that is waiting to be discovered but as stated above can't see a happy ending that is really belivable. Have no doubt it will be a happy ending just not sure that I will buy it though.

Author's Response: Had to respond to your concerns as soon as I saw your post. I totally agree with you. Betrayal is hard to forgive, and I don't see Buffy going to the 'dark side.' That said, I think I have it covered. You'll have to let me know. Also I have two alternate ending points (NOT alternate endings, just different places for it to end), And I never promised happily ever after, not saying that it won't happen, just that it might not be what you expect.

great update

Author's Response: Thanks for sticking with me.

great chapter

Author's Response: Thanks.

more please

Author's Response: Thanks.

Girls night... Good to see Buffy is over the Spike/Anya part (a last she says) but Xander? I'm not sure... I think he'll blame Spike because he can't blame Anya's other clients. And Buffy feels bad because of what she did (fingerprints)? Well it's her job.. but I think she is falling for Spike. I wonder what happened to Oz that he run away.

Author's Response: I think I said before that I'll try to work in more resolution of the Willow/Oz subplot, but I'm not promising anything. As far as Xander - I'm not sure he'll ever forgive Spike (or Anya really). But they'll be lots of other things to worry about soon.

From what I've gathered Warren is going to somehow set Spike up. And although Spike has done some bad things that he regrets, he will not be completely guilty either. But if I were Buffy, I would be a little bit mad at Giles. It seemed like he promised that all she would need is a tour of the house. Since she is so anxious for the investigation to be over, you would think that she would have been more upset and put up more resistance in continuing it, even if the tour wasn't complete. The wine glass thing was just evil though. It was cute when Spike was teasing Buffy about her statue. Can't wait for more. This is an excellent story.

Author's Response: Thanks. Due to your observation I've added a bit somewhere (next chapter?) to explain why Buffy and Giles each reacted the way they did. BTW Buffy does feel guilty for what she has done.

Hehe.. Buffy would have met Spike again even if he hadn't invited her to visit his house ;-) Spike spoke too much of the picture he wanted to buy (the empty space). Wonder it that is the truth... A clever swimsuit Buffy has there. :) Didn't know that Spike loves painting. ~ Oh Warren - what will he do? Sounds not good. ~ Till next part!

Author's Response: Yes, yes, I think she was *trying* to be modest, yes and yes - not good at all. We'll see more of each.

Damn..Warren is a complete dip..You have to wonder that Spike hasn't picked up his jealousy and disdain..

So Buffy has her footage of the house..but Spike is playing his cards close..I still hate that Anyanka as a prostitute used to live there with him! If I were Buffy, that would be running through my head constantly..though I know Buffy has a few secrets of her own... Great update!

Author's Response: Good point. Of course Buffy hasn't actually slept with him yet,so she doesn't really see Spike as 'hers.'

I was going to go with Spike hiding his writings, not his paintings. But I guess that it could be both. I know you did it on purpose, but I don't like Warren. I didn't on the show, and he is even more evil here. Can't wait for more.

Author's Response: Well, this is a story about art. But I think Spike has some writiten work he's hiding too, we'll see. But mainly I think he gave up writing poetry a long time ago, and turned to painting as his release.

good update

Author's Response: Thanks!