not so gentle persuasions, part ii
[ After this.]
"They're about a mile ahead."
Wesley had been cultivating a grim--not to say, homicidal--expression ever since they left Benny a shattered wreck, but now he stops in his tracks and blinks at Angel. "...Sorry?"
"I said, they're about a mile--."
"Vampire senses are one thing. When exactly did you become a bloodhound?"
Angel squints in annoyance. "Suresh demons really smell, ok?"
"So, not having much fun here, by the way," he adds, grumbling under his breath. It was a good thing he didn't actually have to breathe or he'd probably have passed out before they even got halfway there. As if the sewers beneath L.A. weren't bad enough.
Wesley makes a face as he steps around an especially dodgy looking puddle. "Lofar does have a reputation for moving in very low-class circles. Suresh demons shouldn't surprise us."
"Because they'll do what other demons won't?"
"No, because Lofar is a cheapskate."
Angel shrugs and gives Wesley a 'well, ok' kind of look. "Let's hope he thinks good security isn't worth the money either."
"That would be helpful," Wesley agrees.
The sewer system is only slightly less awful to human senses, but Wesley manages to get his game face back on as they start walking again. They're both relieved to see the narrow walkway they're on continuing into the distance, because it means they won't have to wade through the waist-deep channel of water and--other things--on their right.
Wesley is keeping the beam of his flashlight tight on the ground before him, both to avoid alerting any guards ahead and to keep it from interfering with Angel's night vision. But it's been at least an hour since they first climbed down through that entry duct, and despite his lust for violence (Illyria....), Wesley is starting to long for some bright light and fresh air. Little chance of that tonight, though.
The silence in the tunnel is oppressive, but that's better then the occasional scuffle or splash of....rats they both hope. Any alternatives would probably be even worse.
As would, for example, heavy concrete slabs slamming down into the tunnel right in front and in back of them. Which is what happens next.
"It seems Lofar thinks good security is worth paying for after all," Wesley murmurs.
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