They had driven in complete silence for close to an hour when Malik spoke. The sound of his voice was like the rumble of sudden thunder in the quiet of the passenger area.

"And what of the Slayer?" he asked.

Spike winced. His eyes were closed and he sat slumped, still holding onto Drusilla's hand. She had slid over, her head resting on his shoulder.

"What about her?"

He had thought of and reviewed every possible scenario involving her and his mission since touching down. He believed himself prepared. Now he opened his eyes.

Malik tapped on the glass with his finger. "This is her place. What if she tries to stop us? What then?"

"Who says she's going to find out? We do this all stealthy like and she'll never know we were here."

"And if we're discovered?" Malik prodded. "What then?"

Spike narrowed his gaze and glared at the shape-shifter, this vampire who had been gifted with the form of a Rhakshasa. "The Slayer sticks her cute little nose into our business... " he turned to stare grimly out the tinted window. "And it gets bitten off."

Malik retreated into silent contemplation.