Unknown Factors (Book One)

Ch.99: Would be so peachy before we're too old

  "Is Mom all right?"

  "She's fine. Sturdy as ever. No, you and I have business to discuss."

  "Business. Oh. Of course. Please, sit dow-" Wesley was cut off by me spitting out the water I was drinking from pure shock at who I saw standing in his office.

  "Aud." The old man had a firm look on his face as I met his gaze. "I wasn't expecting you to be here. Last I heard, Rupert had reported you missing." Wesley's eyes went wide as he looked at me, and I gave a nervous smile while sort of cringing.

  "I wrote him a letter....I just didn't tell him where I was."

  "You might as well sit in on this conversation, there are a few things you should know in regards to the Council." Roger, Wesley's dad, gestured for me to take a seat.

  "Lovely."

  "As you both may well know, the Watchers Council was destroyed last year. The remaining former Watchers, myself included, have decided to re-form the Council, and I've been sent to contact you." Roger explained.

  "Are you saying the Council wants me to come back?"

  "Not necessarily. You're name's proven to be a point of contention. There are some who believe that your tenure as Watcher ranks as our most embarrassing failure."

  "....Really? I beat out everybody dying in an explosion as most embarrassing failure."

  "Friends and colleagues lost their lives in that event, Wesley. A little respect."

  "Sorry." The ex-Watcher dropped his head while looking to the floor.

  "The Council have agreed to take you back, pending my assessment. I'm here to evaluate you."

  "I see. Well, I'll save you the trouble. I'm not interested." Wesley got up from the couch and headed toward the door.

  "This is no time to be stubborn, boy. The Council is giving you a chance to clear your name. Our name." Roger's words stopped Wesley as the old man got to his feet.

  "Sorry you made the trip, but I'm perfectly happy where I am."

  "Wolfram & Hart? So this is the haven of evil, is it?"

  "Not anymore. You have the wrong idea about this place."

  "Do I? The atrocities committed by Wolfram & Hart are quite well documented."

  "We're working to change that. Under our control, this firm's becoming a powerful weapon- one that I think can make a difference. Believe me, we take our work here very seriously." Wesley waved his hand.

  "Either way, I will be having to take Aud back with me."

  "What?!" I jumped to my feet, and Roger raised a brow at me.

  "This is no place for you. There's no telling the influences it may have on someone such as yourself. The Council may have allowed you pass to Sunnydale, but you were never away from their eyes. You still belong to the Watchers."

  "I'm an adult! I'm not some child or possession!" I smacked my hand onto my chest as my voice raised.

  "You are. You always have been, and it's time you realize that. Letting you live with Rupert was a mistake on the Council's part, and it needs to be rectified. For one, here you are, prancing about in the heart of evil and your guardian has no clue where you are." The old man kept a mostly calm voice while gaining a harshly toned edge.