Title: By The Book
Author: WaitingWings
Posted: 01-05-2003
Rating: R
Email: kYoun@prontomail.com
Content:
Summary:
Spoilers:
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution:
Notes: For my new years promise I said I would post my first story and go on living again. This is a combined play and story. I always thought that Cordelia should have gotten another chance on stage. In this she plays the lead role as Claudia Artheaz. A woman with a love of only 3 things in life. The will be POV from Angel and the others every two scenes.
Feedback: If any please be gentle. I really want to know what you think.
Part 1
"Would you two get down here. We're going to be late not to also have to worry about Buffy and the other being here any minute," yelled Wesley.
"Wes clam down Cordy's play won't start for another half an hour," Gunn said walking out of the office to the lobby. Wes paced continued.
"That's it! If you don't get down here right now I'll tell Cordelia that we were, late on account of having to wait for people don't listen when asked to get dressed early."
Suddently two pairs of shoes we heard storming down steps.
"That mean Wes," Fred protested.
"Yes, mean but efficient. It got you down here." Wesley proudly pointed out.
"Yeah got that right." Gunn laughed til Fred gazed stopped from thinking anything was funny.
"Okay, we down here and Loren still hasn't showed up yet?" Angel asked placing the baby moniter in his pocket. Thank god Cordy let him dress a little casual.
"Well Buffy must still be on the way," Wes guessed.
"Let me get this straight. Barbie went to school with these people. She didn't like them, they didn't like her. She dated one who was
who the nerve to cheat. And now she decides to invite them to the show?" Gunn made some sense.
"Yes but she believes that they have grew up," Fred explians "like like she has."
"I just hope she does well. Her last performence...well...lets just hope you was choosen for skill not her looks." Said Wes.
"Did tell any of you what her lead role was?" Asked Gunn.
"All I remember was her telling me she played a power hungry bitch. She was really happy about it. Said she could revive Queen C and then some," Fred simply stated. Both Angel and Wes looked at each other a sighed.
The loddy door open and in blew Loren with Willow, Anya, Glies, Xander, and Buffy at his heel.
"Hello all and well look at you. I must have walked into 'Life styles of the rich and famous'."
Each of AI gave a sheepish grin. Cordelia did make sure each of them look just as good as her this time. Fred wore a long slim black dress that Cordy gave to her as an welcome home of Plyea gift. The guys had on beige, dark blue, and marron business suites that look breath-taking on each of them including Angel who like the other had on a matching tie. Buffy was stunned.
"Hi guys. Thanks for inviting us." Buffy broke the akward slience that soon re-enter the room.
"Actually Cordelia invited you." Said Angel enjoying the way his shoes looked. He really didn't care that she invited them but Cordy could have at least ask...a little. Then when he ask her (yelled at her) she said qoute'I want them to see me in my glory so your just going to have to deal Broody. Your star-cross lover is coming to town wether you like or NOT!'end qoute and the rest of Angel male dignity went as well. So he skip persuading and went straight to begging. Yet here they were in their evening wear ready to go see Cordelia Chase, a person they have no right to know. Ah the Scouge of Europe was pathetic.
"Well I think you guess had better get on the road," helpped Loren pushing them all out the door,"Go. Have fun, and tell Cordy to break a leg for me." Finally they all were on their way to see Cordy in a role of an lifetime.
Part 2
The trip to the theater couldn’t have been longer. The silent drive was left open as everyone imaged what Cordelia’s performance would be about. Xander, Buffy, Anya and Wes drove with Angel. Giles, Willow took the rent-a-car while Fred and Gunn took the truck.
“So the last time I saw Cordy on stage was when we had the Talent Show back in Sunnydale. Oh, it couldn’t have gotten worst right?” Xander joked. Though only Buffy found it funny. Wes sat silent, Anya stared at her nails, and Angel forcefully held on to the wheel telling himself not to pull over and rip Xander’s head clean from his body then pull away leaving the corpse of the birds. Boy, that would have been sooo much fun.
Buffy agreed, “Well, if you ask me Cordy will never have any-”
“Look we’re here,” both Angel and Wes interjected Buffy not really wanted to here her last sentence.
“Everyone out,” Xander said jumping out of the roofless GTX and opened the door for the ladies.
Angel held Wes back from getting out.
“Should I call Loren about Conner. You know, make sure much that the baby monitor is on?” Angel looked worried. Wes looked pissed.
“Oh bloody hell, Angel if you as so much as touch that monitor in your pocket. I’ll tell Cordy you brought behind her back. She told you not to!” With that Wes stepped out the car.
“Well you don’t have to be so grumpy,” Angel muttered.
***
Meeting up with they other the headed in. The seats were great, not to far and not close, in the seats were booklets that held a casting list for everyone inside. Gunn read to find out whom Cordy said she was playing Claudia. When he read the bio he found out more and stopped.
“Guys, check this out. Did Cordelia ever tell you what she was playing in…for real?” He asked looking stunned. Soon everyone turned to the cast page and read through.
***Claudia Artheaz (Cleo) = Rich, and beautiful CEO of the best real estate agency in L.A along with being the owner and complete power of Red Door One the new enterprise of the call girl world. She is also the creator of the Book. Fights her own demons while loving the bitch she has become. She strained into no longer understanding good or evil believing only in the Book.
*Mitch Conly = Best friend account, and Claudia’s stock consultant. Playing both sides he loves Claudia more than a friend but believe she thinks he just like guys and is afraid to admit his feelings.
*Donna Remirez = Claudia’s only real relative. She is also a call girl and is the longest running with the business. She and Mitch really get along. Help create and denominate the call girl business with Cleo and the Book. Also scouts out for new girls and even new client.
**Lillian Nacrs (Lilly) = A beginning call girl and new to the game. She wants everything that Cleo has. So she plans to take it from. Especially the Book
**Bunny Bakens = An undercover cop who is able to get close to Cleo. She then becomes confused on taking her down once their friends.
*Chris Waltz = Deeply in love with Cleo. Though not aware he is her third boyfriend. Would do anything for her.
**Ralph Merks = A long time persuer of Cleo this gay cop will anything to get to her and destroy everything she’s earned. He goes undercover as a reporter.
*Steven Hick = A handsome longtime client that abuses the rules of Red Door One. Crazy as hell he plans do Cleo over just as she did to him. And get back in the book.
*Kent Marcus = Lawyer and bodyguard to Cleo. Loves both Cleo and Bunny. He tries to get with Bunny though it breaks the rules of the Book.
(FOLLOW THE PLAYERS, FOLLOW THE GAME, FOLLOW THE BOOK)
“Angel, what’s this about a book?” Asked Buffy.
“I don’t know, but something tells me will found out soon,” Angel finished just as the lights dimmed and music sounded.
***
Behind the stage drapes Cordy could clearly see her family and the invited guests that also arrived. She felt scared but alive as well. She couldn’t wait to start. ‘Their in for the ride of their lives’ her final thought as the lights dimmed.
***
THE BY BOOK
(Spotlight shines on a figure center stage)
Cleo: I knew my life was different, that everything I gain was based on sin. But I have…had it all. In this world money became my closest friend. Especially since I love what I did. I ran L.A with the on thing every red-blood American/other needed. Which is also biologically proven to be one of the basic necessities I’ve of life. Sex. That’s right boys and girls I was a mistress but I ran the enterprise of call girl success. In the 12 years I’ve done things that would give nymphomacis nightmares. Yet I wouldn’t have given it up for the world. The only way they could take it would mean prying it out of my cold dead fingers. The money, the sex, and fame, and….and the my Book. Which contained the name of every horny CEO, lawyer, cop, FBI, actor, act…ress, priest, model, burger manger, stock broker, computer nerd (tons of those) and daddy drop-dead rich bastard in spawned in L.A and all of Cali. AHHH my Bible. But guess what the shity thing is…the did. They all did. Screwed me over that is. Once mom died they starting eating off me. All I had was Sissy. I miss…But that’s not the point, nothing is. They tried on they won. I guess you all are confused so why don’t I fast forward the personal bio and go straight to heaven…and hell or as I loved to call Rouge Un Portal or RED DOOR ONE. Everything I held dear including the book.
(Black out and scene change)
The others and Angel knew one thing. He was right when he said they soon find out.
Part 3
(Scene 1)
(Cleo is in her office on the phone)
Cleo: Danny listen and good listen, your stupid ass hit her and case a serious black eye. You know the prince for shit like this. Now don’t make have to send you to court Danny. Because if I do I’ll be made, I hate court Danny. Now send that damn money. And your still on probation…Good yes but if she wants bye Danny. (She hangs up) Wuss.
(Knocking at the door)
Cleo: Come in
(Mitch walks in)
Mitch: Cleo hey where were you last night?
Cleo: At a club.
Mitch: Oh well then. Do you mind tell explaining what the hell this is!
(He shoves the paper to her across the desk)
Cleo: So there’s a picture of Tim and me in the paper big deal.
Mitch: Read the headline.
Cleo: (sighing) Rich tennis player caught groping million-dollar mistress at Ryes. So?
Mitch: So…so! Cleo you of all people know how important it is to keep a low profile.
Cleo: It’s not like they really knew Mitchy. They were just adding to the fire.
(Cleo stands to cross the desk and talk)
Mitch: But you have enemies Cleo. They want you bankrupt, homeless, in jail, or worst dead baby.
(He places his arms around her waist pulling her closer)
(Cleo feels funny as Mitch stares directly into her eyes)
(Silence)
Cleo: So…how's Riche?
(Mitch lets go)
Mitch: That bastard is so out of my life.
(Mitch sighs and runs his hand through has hair)
Cleo: What did he do now?
Mitch: Had the nerve to call his ex-boyfriend to ask for his fish back.
Cleo: That’s not too bad.
Mitch: While we were having dinner.
Cleo: OOHH baby, I’m sorry.
Mitch: Don’t be. I left before appetizers.
Cleo: Hee ha ha
Mitch: I love it when you laugh.
Cleo: Doesn’t everybody. Hey call Donna and Kent for me now cause. I have to sign a paper against Danny at this moment.
Cleo: He had the fucking nerve to hit, Megan. His defense…‘she wouldn’t let eat her out’.
Mitch: Your kidding. Did you set them up?
Cleo: of course not. I know Megan has a problem with that. This bullshit is only going to make it fucking worst. She can barely eat.
Mitch: Well make him pay.
Cleo: No doubt. How’s two thousand sound. She’ll get three hundred for any damage.
Mitch: Okay. But why so little to Meg?
Cleo: Because there is a lesson in this. She will learn and I guess in the hard way. Now please call Don and Kent.
Mitch: Fine but why call that bitch?
Cleo: Because that bitch make the best profit for her age and that bitch help me get here not to mention she is the only connection to my dad and my fucking cousin. Go. Call.
(Mitch leaves)
(Cleo pulls out her bottle of Champaign and pours herself a glass. Then sips slowly)
(Black out)
(Scene 2)
(Inside the conference room Cleo, Mitch, Donna and Kent for their meeting)
Cleo: Can anyone tell me how. Danny got setup with Megan in the first place.
Don: Baby, we all guess one of them girls switch off again.
Cleo: Awww shit! Now I’m pissed, who the fuck had the nerve to pull that again?
Kent: Who you think?
(Cleo take out her phone)
Cleo: Jan, get Becca sorry ass to the conference room. When? Next year right now you stupid ho!
(She slam the phone down)
Kent: Cleo it not your fault.
(Cleo stands up and begin to pace)
Cleo: I should have known through. You guys understand how shit like this does to me. And Becca is so going to fucking pay when I’m done.(Becca walks in)
(Cleo immediately attacks Becca throwing on the desk in complete rage)
Cleo: I’m going to kill you fucking bitch. How could you…you low life two dollar ho. Your dead, just wait tell I get my money from Danny you bitch!!
(Kent grabs Cleo while Mitch get Becca)
Kent: Enough Cleo stop, stop!
(Cleo let’s go roughly)
Cleo: Fine (sighing). Did you trade clients with Megan Swan?
Becca: What the hell are you trying to say?
(Cleo went for Becca once again but Kent restrains her)
Cleo: You know what hell I’m talking about. Did you trade Danny Jockly to Megan for money? And if you lie Rebecca pray that Kent never let’s go or even slips because my foot will be so far up your ass it’ll take the Navy SEAL medical aid to pry it out!
(Rebecca stands silent)
Cleo: Well?
(She breaks down)
Becca: Yes, yes I traded with her. Danny was getting boring and everything was the same. Then Don wouldn’t me change. I just thought that Meg needed the experience. She offered the money. I just took. I had no idea that Danny go so far and beat the shit out of her. It was Daniel. I’m sorry I was-
Cleo: Just being a fucking idiot
Becca: Dammit Claudia! What do you want form me?
Cleo: Sure as hell not a freaking apology. You…
(Cleo turned around)
Mitch: Becca I’m sorry but you did this before and…
Becca: Nothing happen.
(Cleo turns)
Cleo: Fuck before Rebecca. Sara was lucky Meg wasn’t. Your ass knows no limits huh? Even towards your own roommates. Rebecca, you’re done.
Becca: What! What did you say?
Cleo: YOUR DONE! Over, finish stupid. I can’t have that kind of betrayal here. You’re fired. Now get out of my office and sight.
(Rebecca starts after Cleo but Kent grab her)
Becca: You can’t do this! You need me and my talents, you heartless bitch!
Cleo: Yes, I’m a bitch but at least I know my place…you honestly forgot your. Kent get her ass out of here.
(Kent pulls a screaming Rebecca out of the room)
Cleo: Mitch you know the drill so get on it. I want her out of her apartment by 8:00.
(Mitch leaves)
(Cleo sits down on the table)
Don: You did what you had to do Cleo.
Cleo: How could She?
Don: Rebecca was only looking out for herself.
(Don sits beside Cleo)
Cleo: Isn’t everyone Donna? I mean I couldn’t see much of any of this without saying ‘Take care of number today’. But today I see how self-plans hurts the people we know and trust.
Don: Yet you stopped it.
(Cleo jumps off the conference table)
Cleo: That’s just it Don. I save and avenge Megan by firing Rebecca and making Danny pay but…but I’m only giving Meg three hundred for damage.
Don: But we know why.
Cleo: Yet I don’t see pity for Megan just right based on the book.
Don: Which is just a computer database Cleo.
Cleo: Don it doesn’t make a difference just as this won’t either. Just going the money I love. So as I become the judge, who am I fighting for anymore. Good or bad.
Don: That has no-
(Cleo steps right in front of Donna)
Cleo: Yes it does. Don, good or bad.
(Black out)
*Angel couldn’t what he had just Cordelia Chase doing. He hope it would clean up and become more...like Cordy. He didn’t think he could sit here and see that Mitch hit on Cleo anymore. ‘He if does it again, there’ll be serious repercussions’.
Part 4
(Scene 3)
(Cleo and Don are at lunch the next day)
Cleo: When the hell is she suppose to be here? I have an appointment in an hour and have. What was her name?
Don: Lillian?
Cleo: Preferred name?
Don: Lilly.
Cleo: Irony’s a bitch
(A tall blond with pair of jeans and cherry bear shirt walks over to their table)
Don: Lilly?
Lilly: Yes, and how are ya?
Don: Fine sweetie. I had no idea you had an accent?
Lilly: Well, it is all that strong but I’m from Georgia we move when I was ten.
Don: How nice. Lilly I’d like you to meet Claudia Artheaz, CEO and founder of Red Door One.
Lilly: Oh my god, is it true. I had to have die and gone to heaven. Meeting you Ms. Artheaz was never a thought. I’m so happy and honored to actually meet you.
(Lilly continue shook Cleo’s hand after she offered it)
Cleo: Girl never call me Ms…anything! Just Cleo kay, I know I’m old but the reminds…please.
Lilly: I’m sorry. Just a little overwhelmed, just now.
Cleo: Well, sit down and order a drink. It looks like you’d need it.
(Lilly sat across from Cleo and orders an lemonade)
Don: Now on with business. Lilly I called you the other day I tell you about the job offer. Honey, I’m going to cut the bullshit and explain to the basis of optioning a dream job, slim to none in your case. You have been monitored over long periods of times. And I’ve got to say that for the most far your doing excellent. A 9 to 5 job at that new café shop, own apartment, college student last year. So before we got on I’d like to ask you something? Why the hell a call girl.
(Lilly sat silent)
Lilly: My family was your average middle class types. We moved a lot as well. What could you say when your father an General of U.S Navy. I never met a boy who could talk me without being remotely terrified by my daddy. So one time after school took myself down to station where daddy’s was posted in Calif. It was a Monday as I slipped into the boys’ cabins.
There was this young man who caught my eye but I never caught his. So never caught his so I took it. Now before this I bought two books on sex and romance. I also stop into a porn shop to pick-up and practice tapes. With-in three days I had the experience of a 32-year-old woman. So only in a pair of panties and my favorite flannel shirt I maneuvered in and there I found him sleeping quietly…
Don: keep going and you just have this job.
Lilly: So I found out that they were getting a break and were allowed to sleep five more hours cause of war holiday. Anyway, I slowly crawled on top and woke him peacefully. At first her was shocked and cried for help but I slowly made it clear I was there as a pleasant unsatisfied young woman. I shut his mouth kisses till I made my way down his to dick. Which was enormous and hard as my aunts’ devil made bread, yet all the sweeter. Shocking him and myself most of all I performed my very first oral sex in the Navy.
Cleo: At the fucking Naval Base
(Lilly proudly smiled)
Lilly: That was the turning point of when I believed sex and pleasure go hand and hand. I then started prostitute in college for a very large amount of money. In one night I can make two thousand dollars of these horny fools.
Don: What about a pimp?
Lilly: Don’t have one. It makes it so much easier and I have been offered but they’re so greedy.
Cleo: Well, Lilly you have experience a great background and it sounds like you would make a good employee. Don will call you to tell about your first client and also about the rookie ceremony.
Lilly: Not to brag Cleo. But I noooo rookie.
Cleo: Nobody is honey but we’ll see about that.
Lilly: So do I have the job?
Cleo: Hell yeah Navy girl.
Lilly: Ohh thank you.
Cleo: But we are strict Lilly everything we do and work for is by the book.
(Lilly stood up)
Lilly: Yes ma’am. I completely understand. I know I’ll do my best and you won’t regret it.
Don: Okay talk to you later Lilly.
Lilly: Yes bye ya’ll
(Lilly walks out the café)
Cleo: Ya’ll? Where in the hell did you find that girl?
Don: Matt had her once when he visited the college. They said she’s not too bad in bed and really charges for the talents, whatever they maybe. True blue business ho.
Cleo: Yeah all talk…but I think I know a way the test our little miss likes-to-lay.
Don: What are you talking about?
(Cleo flips her cell and dials a number)
Cleo: Shut up and watch. Hello…Max it’s me…yes Cleo you jackass. Ha ha ha funny you can look but you’re to cheap to touch. Remember when you wanted something new, well I got. Her name…Lilly. It said she laid a Navy SEAL and so much more…Great…Yes you well be happy…She’s blond, tall and a size D on sight and she’s from Georgia and a real southern plum…So well set up something later…Nice doing business…I’m glad too…Good bye Max.
(Cleo hangs up)
Don: You crazy bitch! You know he’s still on probation. How could you? She can’t be really yet for someone like him. Max is a red client, listed under red. Lilly hasn’t even been colored yet and you heard her bragging. She’s only yellow girl and you know that! Cleo call it off.
Cleo: No. I believe her Don. I believe because I don’t trust her. She may not have to be up-graded but if she can lay Max we both win.
Don: But Max is RED! And we have experienced girls.
Cleo: Max doesn’t care what kind of pussy it is. It just has to have a pussy. Lilly will hold out, just as long as the others have. I can see it in her eyes.
Don: You just said you don’t trust her. Why so much faith?
Cleo: This isn’t faith, not by an long shot. This is curiosity.
(Don takes a sip of the coffee)
Don: Didn’t curiosity kill the cat?
Cleo: Don’t cats have nine lives?
(The two start laughing)
Don: We’re done but that girl Bunny would like to have an interview too.
Cleo: Look, someone is going have to meet with her later this week. Ask Kent to go with you. I’ll talk to her when you’re done. All this week the boys got me doing something for the ceremonies. Monday rehearsal, Tuesday date with Chris, Wednesday selling that last house on Croup Ave., Thursday date with Mike, Friday date with Tom, Saturday rehearsal.
Don: You still play’n them huh?
Cleo: Yep.
Don: Let’s go. I go a meeting as well with Q’s. How can your last name be Q. It’s a freaking letter.
(They laugh some more leaving the café)
(Blackout)
*Buffy could believe how Cordy was acting. She really took on the woman she was playing. 'At least she's gotten better since high school. But there was something that was bothering her about what Cordy said, so she turn to Angel and asked,"What was that all about?"
"What?" He said.
"What she said. Little Miss-likes-to-lay?" She looked over dead serious. Angel did everything in his god-given power not to laugh directly in her face.
TBC