He nods, and gives her his home address.

She gives him the address and front desk number for the motel, and says - "We probably shouldn't meet at your house if it's pretty likely I've drawn notice. Might be being followed."

"Point.  If need be, I can come to you."

"Might work better, yeah."

"Good luck, then.  I can fill your friends in tomorrow."

"Thanks."

"Of course."

She heads back to the motel. Talks to her foster parents. They're not comfortable with her taking an extended leave without a doctor's note - but they'll back up her story.

Nausicaa calls Giles that evening, right after dinner, to let him know.

They make plans to make plans, in person rather than over the phone.

The school buys Nausicaa's story without incident.  Kaylee and Tag find Giles at lunchtime, and he fills them in.

"You should not be seen to change your routines," he says, "in response to Nausicaa's absence.  It would be obvious to anyone watching who knows she is the Slayer that you are good friends and therefore potential targets, and our enemies most likely do know that she is the Slayer."

Then, after school, it's time for Giles and Nausicaa and pointedly no one else to meet up.

She's there. She walks and takes the bus like a normal person, being more careful to not be followed closer to her motel.

He meets her at the door.  "For obvious reasons I am not in the habit of verbally inviting people into my apartment."

"Gotcha." And she steps in past him.

"Make yourself at home," he says.  "Are you hungry?"

"Could use a snack? Had a longer trip than I'm used to..."

"Help yourself to anything in the refrigerator."

She does, then: "So, figured anything out about mystery dude yet?"

"No similar cars have been reported stolen, so your shapeshifter is probably the legal owner.  The identity associated with the plate is actually a woman, but from the story you told me it sounds like they can change that as easily as anything else.  But - my police contact is reluctant to help us hunt down anyone who isn't associated with a crime the department knows about."

"Yeah, that's really reasonable. Which - okay so no help tracking them down, but - I don't think they'll come after me on their own? And I think then best bet is taking down this Vanessa."

He nods.  "We have names and descriptions for several of her associates, and we know that at least one of them still frequents the Line and Sinker.  You've shown yourself to be adept at following people stealthily.  What would you say to a few more demon pub excursions?"

"Works for me."

"Excellent.  Now, if they know your name, it's possible they also know your face - it may be wiser to observe from somewhere out of sight, rather than attempt a second infiltration.

"Right, yeah. Bet even most demons don't look up too often..."

"One can hope.  Although the colors on your disguise are rather - attention-grabbing.  It might be prudent to look into something darker for discreet work like this."

"Oooooh I can make a dark Spiderman costume."

" - Ah, yes, one of those.  How quickly do you think you can do so?"