Hmm. this sounds like a Dustin who has learned something. I can so see Katie as a slayer. I bet that made her lifetime. It would be lovely to see her meet the real Buffy Summers. :)

Somehow I think the whole purpose was to get Virginia to drop her shields, but whether that was a strategy of Rebecca's or the mysterious Grant with Rebecca an unwitting pawn I cannot tell.

I'm really enjoying the dispassionate and curious narration of your POV character. i don't really know what to call her as she doesn't give herself a name.