Ethan guided Hazel into the ancient coffee shop and took a booth by the door. The afternoon sun filtered through the stained glass of the window, painting his face in patterns of colour, almost as if he were wearing a mask.

Hazel eased herself back into the deeply studded leather of the seat and smiled as scents of coffee and fragrant pipe tobacco filled her nostrils. She looked over at the booth opposite and saw an elderly man, sipping from an espresso. His paper was a broadsheet; he held the bulk of the paper up with a silver tipped cane.

Ethan looked at her closely; his back was turned to the man with the cane. A smile quirked the corners of his mouth as the waitress approached with their order. She walked straight through the paper and cane…

Ethan grinned as Hazel gasped. "Congratulations m’dear, you passed." He busied himself pouring cream into his coffee and pushed the plate of biscuits toward her.

"I didn’t sense anything…why didn’t I sense anything?" Hazel asked, worriedly.

Ethan took pity on her. "I didn’t want to spoil the thrill for you. The unexpected spectre." He leaned back and gestured with his hand; the coffee house exploded with sound and people.

Hazel was thrown back into the booth as if by a shockwave of psychic energy.

"I wanted to make you feel like we were the only two people alive," he paused, stirred his coffee and raised it to his lips. Before tasting it he spoke "…and we are in this place."

Willow sat wilted on an office chair.

Giles walked in with a reviving mug of tea and a packet of digestives.

The outer office was clear of debris and the floor polished. The glass door had a discreet painted sign and a new security lock. A delivery of furniture for the main office would arrive in the morning.

Giles eased his frame into the remaining chair and stretched out his legs. The moment of silence stretched on; and although the clock ticked peacefully in the corner, it was as if time stood still.

"Did you ask for me Giles?" Willow queried.

Giles opened his eyes; he’d been on the verge of sleep. "No, I asked for an experienced Medium, one whose credentials were proven without doubt. I think you’re the technical backup," he blushed. "I’m afraid computers still hate me, spawn of the devil so they are!"

Willow smiled. "Nice to know some things never change." She took a swallow of her tea, thinking of Ethan, she shifted in her seat "When did you and he…"

"Oh, when I got back, he was on board before I was. He, ummm, seems to have matured." Then he smiled when he remembered the last prank with the traffic warden. He grinned from ear to ear and eventually found himself telling Willow all about it…

"She had two? " Willow’s voice raised an octave, her face colouring in excitement, her thoughts going in several directions at once. What kind of incantation did he use? And wouldn’t it feel fantastic?

Her thoughts ended when the door opened and Ethan hurried in all but carrying Hazel. Her eyes blazed into him as she screeched, "What did you do?"

Ethan was quite taken aback. "We had coffee, that’s all." He looked everywhere except at Giles.

"What did you do, Ethan? Where did you take her?"

Ethan sighed theatrically, "I took her to Slater’s." He sat down and studied his toes.

Giles leapt up, dragging both hands through his hair. "Slaters. You took her to Slaters? The most haunted place in London?" His voice was quiet, "You don’t know the meaning of the word ’covert’ do you? " His temper finally broke. "You stupid man, everyone knows! She’s like a bloody beacon for demons now, you wanker! Fix her."

Ethan got up slowly and squatted down in front of Hazel. He placed just the tips of his fingers on her knee and she breathed easier; with her energy renewed, her colour returned.

Willow batted Ethan out of the way the instant she saw improvement in her lover.

Hazel took a deep breath and clung to Willow. She’d never felt so many souls in one place before. To her amazement they weren’t in torment, as if they chose to be there. They were socialising. She smiled and gently kissed Willow’s cheek.

Ethan slipped to his knees and shuffled over to his lover; Giles looked down imperiously. Ethan looked up in his best puppy dog expression. "May I have permission to kiss my master’s ring?"

Giles’ nostrils flared as he picked up the scent of Willow and Hazel and then the deeper musk of his lover. With an extended hand, Giles announced, "You may…"

Ethan grabbed the hand and hauled himself up. He cast a quick glance over his shoulder. "We’ll be back later ladies, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!" His eyes focussed briefly on them and he shrugged. "Ok, I wouldn’t do that…"

"Ethan!" Giles’ voice barked.

"Just coming dear heart!"

End of part two.

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