CH.4

Sensing the Hellmouth Ryan just smirked and walked behind her. When they reached the front desk they were greeted by an older gentleman willow called:" Giles, this is Ryan, he's new here so I'm showing him around. He got Snyder to get us day passes for classes can you believe it?"

Giles looked confused and curious as to how a new student could convince Snyder of all people to give them a free day." Perhaps you could start at the beginning?"

Ryan smiled and answered for her:" Money. My uncle insisted that if I was going to such a public school that it at least be well funded and state of the art. So when the nephew of a guy who just gave you a million dollars asks for a day pass for him and a guide, even someone like Snyder would give in. Though it made it easier than the guide happened to be the smartest girl in school."

Giles's face went from shock to prideful smile to shock again:" Quite right. Perhaps your uncle would be willing to fund the library's need for up to date textbooks? Though I understand if that's not the case."

Ryan smiled at Giles's flustered look reminding him of when the old ones tried to borrow his name for leverage against their enemies. " Sure though I'd have to talk to him first as all my personal money is monitored by him. Though I don't see why not. Can I borrow your phone, while I'm calling can you get me these books there for my classes."

Trading his schedule for a landline phone Ryan started dialing Lindsey's number. On the second ring, he picked up" Lindsey speaking who is this? "

Smirking Ryan said:" It's me, uncle. I need you to stop by the school as soon as you can and head to the school's library there's someone is like you to meet and maybe make a donation to."

Lindsey's only reply was " I'll be right there." click.

Hanging up Ryan watched as Giles and Willow set about gathering his books while carrying out their own conversations. Ignoring them he started to look around. Finding a giant book under the counter he picked it up and sat down to read.

After a half an hour he was stopped by Lindsey walking in and Giles coming back to the counter caring a stack of books he could only assume are his. Ignoring the worried looks from Giles he turned to Lindsey and said:" Uncle Lindsey meet Giles and Willow. Willow, Giles meet my uncle Lindsey. He's the one to talk to about money. "

Turning to Willow he said:" Care to show me to my locker I need to drop these off and it will give them time to talk."

"Sure" Willow replied.

Heading off they bumped into Buffy outside the library's entrance:" Who is that guy in there talking to Giles he gives me a hinky feeling." she asked Willow.

Ryan walked behind them to give them room to talk when he heard:" That's Ryans uncle his name is Lindsey. I'm unsure if it's his first or last name. He's here to see about giving Giles money for updating the library. We are headed to Ryans locker do you want to join us?"

Buffy looked contemplative for a second before saying:" Sure nothing better to do anyway."

Five minutes and a full locker later the trio decided to head to lunch. Ryan asked: "Where would you like to go? Seeing as we're juniors we can leave campus for lunch and I do have a car."

Blushing Willow asked:" Do you mind if we eat here? It's just that Xander isn't out of class yet and we don't have a lot of cash on us?"

"Don't worry I'm buying and we can wait for Xander if you want." He said.

After a twenty minute wait of small talk and ignoring girl talk Xander showed up smiling" So I see you've met the scoobies. It's nice to meet you I'm Xander, Xander Harris."

" I'm Ryan. Nice to meet you. Would you care to join us for lunch? We're heading off campus."

After exchanging pleasantries Xander said:" What's wrong with school lunch? It has all the mystery meaty goodness?" While looking uncomfortable.

Ryan gave him a knowing look and said:" That mystery is the problem. Don't worry it's my treat. New guy buys."

Xander looked relieved and said" Sure new guy buys, I like that. So can I drive?"

Remembering his car Ryan thought -what the heck if he ruins it I can always buy another.- "Sure so long as you have your license. It's not like I know where we're headed anyway."

Looking more and more chipper Xander pulled out his new license he got over the summer and skipped to the parking lot.

Once they leave they headed to the nearest big belly burger while Xander went on about how it was the best-tasting food in Sunnydale.

Meanwhile back at the school Giles and Lindsey were having a financial conversation.

" So I hear you're in need of a donation. Tell me what for and I'll see about writing a check."

" Well for starters our latest textbooks are over twenty years behind and some of our literature has fallen to shall we say unusable conditions. Half the books in here are so worn that I've had to resort to taping the spines together. The only descent conditioned books here are from my private collection."

" That is pretty horrible. I'll tell you what seeing as my nephew has taken a shine to you, I'll take you at your word and write a check for one hundred thousand to start you off. That should be enough to replace most of the damaged books and all the old textbooks and get this school up to date on current events." Replied Lindsey.

Looking shocked at the amount he was about to get. Giles said:" I'm sure that would be more than sufficient to replace them all. Might I introduce you to our computers experts Mrs. Calendar." Giles said while leading him to the computer science building.

After they reached their destination, Giles interrupted Mrs. Calendars' class" Might I have a word with you, Jenny?"

Looking confused Jenny came outside the classroom after telling the class to continue with the directions on the board." What's this about Rupert?"

" Well, I was thinking you might want to speak to this gentleman about improving your computer machines. This is Lindsey, the uncle of a new student and generous donor to the school and its facilities." files introduced.

Studying the newcomer Jenny said:" If you don't mind me asking, what made you want to donate to the school?"

Smiling Lindsey said in his best Texas accent: " Well ma'am my nephew just started here today and I want to be able to give him the best education I can. And seeing as how he insisted on a public school here I am. I'm willing to pay any price to help him learn. I know computers aren't cheep so lay it on me, how much do you need to get a state of the art computer lab up and running?"

Surprised Jenny looked at Rupert for confirmation. When she saw his vigorous nod and smile she looked back to Lindsey and said:" For the best equipment and up to date computers it would cost around two hundred thousand to replace all of the old stuff."

"Done! Should I make the check out to the school or can you take care of it?" Lindsey said.

Looking absolutely stunned Jenny nodded and said:" I'd be happy to make the orders myself and let you know when it's arrived so that you can confirm it with your tax agent!"

Lindsey smiles and said:" You do that miss Calendar and let me know if there's anything you need to improve this schools education system."

After handing them both checks both he and Giles retired to the library as class let out. When they arrived Lindsey said:" Well it's great to meet you Mr.Giles but I must be going I have a few deadlines to catch and things to do."

Giles nodded and replied:" Quite, I myself must start the book orders or I fear they won't arrive till next year."

Later that evening when school was letting out Ryan asked:" So would you like me to drop you guys off? I've got a few minutes before I head home to change."

Xander jumped at the opportunity to skip a bus ride and said:" Yeah sure we live on 2200 west Carson street."

As the girls climbed in the back Ryan said: "Oh? That's funny it sounds like we live on the same street. Huh weird."

Willow laughed:" There's only twenty streets with houses in this town and the odds that you would buy one of the five houses that are up for sale was a no brainer. All five happen to be on our street. Not a lot of choices but it is pretty convenient."

It was Ryans turn to laugh now:" Haa well it does help that I bought all five properties I guess."

This made all three of them go bug-eyed. "All three? What would you need so much room for? And why so many houses?" Buffy asked.

" Well, it's not really about the room as much as it is about the fact that they looked nice and I figured if something happens to one I can easily move to another. If it helps I'm also in the process of buying up a lot of real estate all over. I'm hoping if I buy up enough I can build a dojo and some supply shops in the business part of town. I'd also like to start up a think tank to improve this world one step at a time."

Buffy mumbles:" That's just what I need, vampires that can use karate!"

Pretending like he didn't hear her he continued:" I'm also looking to start producing my own music. So I'll turn one of the warehouses I'm buying into a studio."

At this Willow spoke up:" What kind of music? Is it something I've heard?"

Ryan tilted his head:" Maybe, I'm going to start off with some songs that have been in my head for a while. Who knows maybe if tonight goes well I'll sing you a song or two."

Blushing she said:" That's not necessary but if you want to..... This is my stop here." they arrived not even four doors down from his nearest house.

- It seems I live between all three of them.-

Dropping her off Buffy and Xander hoped out as well " Huh, well if everyone's getting out I guess I'll see you in a bit Willow! I'll pick you up at seven." smiling Ryan said.

Blushing for the umpteenth time today Willow nodded an scurried into her house Buffy following behind saying something about clothes.

Nodding to Xander he said:" Get in. I might have a business opportunity for you."

After a moment of indecision, Xander joined him as he drove the rest of the way to his new home.

When they got there he said: " So what's the what? I ain't cheap labor."

Smiling at this Ryan replied:" I don't really know any contractors for a lot of building work around here and I was hoping you'd be my lead foreman. Someone that would make sure all the work is done exactly as the designs say. I know you have school and all so you'll have to hire someone you trust as your assistant to take care of the morning stuff but hey if it works out you'll get to learn new skills and have an excellent job reference for later in life. Not to mention being able to save up money for college and other stuff."

Xander looked shell shocked so Ryan continued:" I don't know precisely what the average salary of a foreman is but I can start you at five grand a month plus expenses. I'll have my uncle call around for building companies to see about getting you an assistant. Don't worry you can choose whoever you prefer to work with though I do ask that you learn everything you can from them, and get accustomed to the work schedule. If your parents have a problem with your coming and going, then you're welcome to one of my other houses. All expenses paid. The utilities stay on anyway in case I want to move around."

Finally getting over the news Xander Asked: "Why me? I mean why spend so much effort to have me work for you?"

Ryan looked distant:" Well it would be nice to have someone I can trust at the head of my building projects and after learning all the skills you can I wanted you to remodel a few hotels for me turning them into mansions so that I have a better place to entertain the friends I make. Besides, I figured you wouldn't mind looking the other way when I have the foundation of all my places consecrated and everything from the first brick to the last shingle magically enchanted to keep out evil creatures and pests. It's alright I ran into my fair share of demons and vampires in LA."

Again Xander looked shocked:" Why would you think I'd know anything about that?"

"Well because Willow mentioned a little about spending so much time with you and Buffy hanging in the library and I discovered multiple books on demons and magic in there while she and Giles were collecting my school books. I know it's not right to snoop but when you see a giant book that looks to be bound in skin sitting under a counter, you're either in a horror film or the librarians in on it. Easy guesswork to connect the dots from there."

Xander calmed down and said:" Well if the secrets out of the bag then I guess you know about pretty much everything. Though I'll have to tell them tomorrow. I'll take the job! You, sir, have yourself a foreman."

Nodding Ryan said:" Come with me to my uncle's office to draw up the paperwork. I'll have him help you get started. Seeing as you have a license I'll see about getting you a truck to help with your new schedule. Did you want to move into one of my current houses?"

"YES, I mean yes I would. Is there any way I can get my first check upfront so I can get some necessities." Xander inquired.

Nodding Ryan proclaimed: "Sure I'll give you a thousand as a signing bonus. Though I'll warn you now my uncle was a lawyer before we moved... And here he is now."