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Chapter 4
Phoebe had parked in the back parking lot where the employee's parked. It was less crowded and easier to get onto the main road. Digging in her purse, she grabbed her keys, only to have them catch on the handle of her purse. They fell with a clatter onto the cement.
It sensed its prey. It could feel the warmth and power. This prey was different from the others. The energy it radiated was enormous and it grew excited. Feeding on this would fill it like no other and make it stronger. Gathering itself into a pool of gray clouds, it glided toward the power, to food.
Phoebe stood up after plucking up her keys from where they had fallen. Out of nowhere she felt a chill come over her. Glancing around, she surveyed the surrounding area. The few lights located in the parking lot did not illuminate much. Peering into the shadows, she tried to determine if anything was out there. Seeing nothing, she shrugged her shoulders and moved closer to her car.
It was close now, a few more feet and he'd know fulfillment like nothing before. Circling close to the ground, it touched its victim's feet. Swirling in misty ribbons, it moved upward.
Phoebe stopped by the car door and shivered. Her feet were freezing. Looking down, she noticed a pool of mist gathering around her legs. Panic filled her as she attempted to step out of it, but it mirrored her every move. It now reached her waist and Phoebe felt her legs go numb. She tried to scream, but all she managed was a loud squeak.
Leo had walked Trish to her car. While they had said their goodnights, he spotted Phoebe heading for the back parking lot. When Trish drove off, Leo made for the other lot. Feeling ever protective of the Charmed Ones, he wanted to make sure she got to her car safely. He was making his way around the corner when he heard Phoebe's cry. Without thought, he rushed over, then stopped short as he witnessed the gray mist encompassing her.
It felt another presence, disturbing its feast. This one was not as powerful, although it sensed something that has once been. It could not prey on more than one at a time. Survival its primary instinct, it regretfully pulled back. Lower it dropped and with one swift motion, rushed along the ground and disappeared into the night, where it was safe.
Taking the last steps, Leo reached Phoebe just as she sank to the ground. Cradling her in his arms he asked. "Are you all right?"
Teeth chattering, and lips trembling, she replied. "I think so. I'm just so cold. What the hell was that?"
"I don't know." Feeling how cold she was, he wrapped his arms tighter around her small frame. Drawn to his warmth, Phoebe snuggled closer. Only a few moments of his body's heat and she was feeling better.
Leo could feel her body's temperature begin to return itself to normal. "Better?"
"Much." A weak smile touching her lips. "Thanks."
With his support, she managed to rise to her feet. Still feeling a bit unsteady, she leaned against him. When she felt all the feeling return to her limbs, she moved away, reluctantly leaving the warmth of his arms. Going to the car, she slipped into the front seat.
Before she shut the side door, Leo leaned in. "Are you sure you're okay to drive?"
"I'm fine really. Hey, don't say anything to Piper about all of this just yet." At his puzzled frown, she continued. "No sense worrying her until we know more."
Leo didn't agree, but said. "Okay."
Closing the door, she put the key in the ignition and started the car. Rolling down the window, she gave a small smile. "Thanks again Leo." Then put the car in reverse backing out and then heading for the back entrance of the club. As she turned onto the main road, she knew she did the right thing asking Leo to keep things quiet. Piper had enough on her plate right now and she didn't need this added to it. Hopefully she would get some answers when she got home.
Back inside, Leo removed his jacket and carelessly tossed it over a nearby chair. Going to the bar, he began helping Mike clean up.
Exiting her office, Piper spotted Leo working. When she got close enough, she asked. "What are you doing?" The question had come out sharper than she had intended, but she couldn't seem to help it. She was an emotional basket case at the moment.
Frowning at her hostile tone, he answered. "Just thought I'd help out."
She didn't want him helping out. She didn't want to see him, or hear his voice. All she wanted was this night to end. "Well, it's your night off. You're not supposed to be helping out. It's not like I'm going to pay you overtime or anything." The last comment had been totally unfair. She wanted to take back the harsh words, but they were already out and she was just so angry with him.
Leo didn't know what her problem was, but he was getting more irritated by the minute. "Hey, I just thought I'd help you out. I wasn't expecting anything except maybe a thank you."
Now that her anger had come to the surface, she couldn't seem to curb it. "Well we don't need your help. I scheduled plenty of people to cover everything because you weren't going to be here."
Again it felt like she was attacking him and he was clueless as to the reason, however he was over her attitude. Throwing down the towel he'd been using, he said. "Listen Piper. I don't know why you're mad at me, but you don't want my help, you don't get my help!" Coming from around the bar he shot her a glare and stormed off in the direction of his room, slamming the door behind him when he got there.
Piper closed her eyes and counted to ten. She had no right to speak to him the way she did. Her only excuse was that the whole evening had taken a toll and her emotions felt raw and exposed. She had taken those feelings out on the one person who didn't deserve it.
Phoebe entered the manor still shaken and she could not get warm. Feeling chilled to the bone, she made her way through the foyer calling for her sister. "Prue, are you home?" The basement door was slightly ajar and Phoebe knew Prue must be developing film. As she went to open the door farther, it swung open, almost hitting her in the face.
Newly developed photos in hand, Prue said. "Whoa! You okay Pheebs? Didn't see you there?"
"Obviously." Answered her sister with wide eyes.
"You're home early. Date go bad?"
Going over to the stove, Phoebe turned on a burner and grabbed the tea kettle before she replied. "It was okay. It was the afterward that is the problem."
Leaning against the counter, her sister shook her head. "How so?"
While the water boiled, Phoebe filled Prue in on what had happened in P3's parking lot.
"Oh my God! Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just glad Leo was there."
"So what do you think it was?"
Pouring the hot water into a mug and placing a tea bag inside, the youngest Halliwell shrugged her shoulders. "I've no idea, but it felt alive. It was more than just mist. Leo didn't know what it was either. Once I get something warm in me, I'm off to check the Book of Shadows."
Brows furrowed in thought, Prue asked. "So this mist or clouds or whatever the heck it is, was cold?"
"Very. I literally felt like I could have frozen to death."
"Okay, wait. Daryll called me yesterday. He found a body and it was frozen from the inside out."
Taking a sip of her tea, Phoebe briefly closed her eyes as she let the warm fluid seep into her cold body. "Really? Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because I didn't find anything. I checked the book, but there was nothing in there to explain what Daryl had described."
"Do you think this is connected?"
Prue pushed herself away from the counter. "I think it's a real possibility. We have more information now, so another look in the Book is probably a good idea."
Nodding in agreement, Phoebe followed her sister up the stairs to the attic.
Leo tossed and turned on the couch he used for a bed. His mind, refusing to ignore the two problems warring within. Not only was there the incident with Piper that he couldn't let go of. Phoebe's encounter with the mysterious mist was also weighing heavily on his thoughts. The latter would be easier to solve than the first. In the back of his head, he kept having the feeling he had read or saw something about a predator, which was made up of a misty substance. Unfortunately he couldn't put his finger on it. Giving up on sleep, he stood up and began pacing the small confines of the room. Closing his eyes, he let his mind travel through years past. Minutes ticked by as he tried to recall the information. Suddenly his eyes popped open as the memory surfaced. He remembered reading about a being made of mist who preyed on living beings. The details were sketchy, however he remembered the title of the book. He was almost positive there was a copy of it in a trunk in the Charmed One's attic. He remembered seeing it on one of the many occasions he had been up there. It was too late to do anything about it now. In the morning he'd go over and fill then in and hopefully find the book.
Phoebe and Prue woke up late. They had spent the better part of the night combing through the Book of Shadows without results. The hope of new information aiding them dimmed as the hours passed.
Entering the kitchen, they were pleasantly surprised to see coffee had already been made and a note next to it. Going over, Prue picked up the small yellow sheet and read. "Piper went to the grocery store. Said she'll be back soon."
Pouring two cups of the fragrant brew, Phoebe brought one of them to her sister. "Good, because we'll need to fill her in on what's going on."
"I'm sure Leo told her what happened to you when he went back into the club."
"No, he didn't. I told him not to."
Raising a questioning hand, Prue asked. "Why?"
"Because she had had a pretty rough night already. I didn't want to add to it."
"Care to elaborate?"
Smothering a small yawn behind her hand, Phoebe replied. "Later."
The phone rang before Prue could argue her sister's last comment. Picking up the phone, she said. "Hello?" A pause as the person on the other end responded. "Daryll, more news? No we haven't. Okay, I think that's a good idea." Hanging up the receiver, she turned to her expectant sister. "Daryll said they found three more bodies. All frozen. He's coming over with the pictures and all the information they have so far."
"Well, I don't know how much help we'll be. There's nothing in the Book."
"I know, but...." Her words were cut short by the doorbell. Both girls went to the door and were surprised to see Leo standing on the other side.
"Hi. I hope it's not too early." He greeted as they let him inside.
Prue closed the door behind him. "No, and not that it's not good to see you Leo, but why are you here?"
Walking farther into the manor he explained. "I was up all night thinking of what happened to Phoebe."
"Did you come up with anything?" Phoebe asked hopefully.
"Actually I did."
Chiming in together, they demanded. "Spill!"
Smiling, Leo went on. "There's a book. I remember reading years ago that talked about a creature we saw last night. I think you have a copy of it up in the attic."
Prue clapped her hands together. "All right then, let's do some investigating. Daryll is on his way over as well, hopefully we can figure this out."
As the girls headed up the stairs, Leo hung back. Phoebe noting his hesitation and realizing the reason, backtracked. "Don't worry, Piper isn't home." She whispered.
When Prue glance back in question, her sister just waved her off with a "Later." And they all climbed the stairs and entered the attic. Once there, they started going through all the old trunks, which contained various old books.
"I think I found something." Called out Prue, holding a large, leather bound book. The front of it had two engraved serpents, intertwined in gold. The word 'Predator' also engraved in gold across the top.
Leo stepped over. "That's it!" Prue handed it over and he began flipping through the yellowed pages. "Here it is."
Holding the book, so all of them could look at the entry. Prue started to read. "Preying Mist." Her eyes skimmed to catch just the important facts. "It says here, that it only travels at night, hunting for its prey. It sneaks up on a victim before they know its there. Entering through the nose and mouth, it makes its way to the person's lungs. Once there it drains the life force energy until there is nothing left but an empty shell."
Phoebe gave a little shudder. "Nice. Sounds like our mist all right. Does it say how to vanquish it?"
"I don't think you can." Stated Leo. "It's not technically a demon, but a predator. That's why it wasn't in the Book of Shadows. It doesn't hate or love, it just hunts."
"Wonderful." Muttered Phoebe as she rubbed her tired eyes.
"Wait!" Interjected Prue as she kept on reading. "It says here that its only known enemy is fire. Which makes sense when you think about it. I mean it freezes its victims right?"
Leo nodded his head in agreement. "Now you need to find out how you can use that to your advantage." He offered.
There was another ring of the doorbell. "That must be Daryll, I'll get it." Prue said walking out of the room. Moments later she returned with Daryll in tow.
He looked exhausted. "Please tell me you have something." He pleaded.
Nodding her head, Prue explained what they had discovered so far. However they were a little vague on a way to stop it.
Holding a large manila envelope, Daryll said. "Maybe this will give you motivation."
Opening it up, he spread the graphic pictures on a small table. Prue, Phoebe and Leo let out a gasp at the horrific story the photographs told. All the victims were frozen in their last moments of life. Their mouths open in silent screams of agony.
Turning away, her hand over her mouth and filled with pain, Prue whispered. "We have to stop this thing."
Daryll's beeper went off. Hitting the button he glanced down at the number. "I've got to go. Let me know if you come up with anything more."
Quitting the room he started down the stairs, passing Piper in the process. "Daryll? What are you doing here?"
Hurrying by, he called over his shoulder. "Prue and Phoebe will fill you in."
Confused, she rushed to the attic. As soon as she entered she spied Leo. "What are you doing here?" She demanded, not ready to see him again after last night.
He only managed an "I" before she started in on him again. "You know it's hard enough for Dan to accept you working and living at the club, but now you're hanging around the manor? What? Do you enjoy making my life impossible?"
Taken back by their sister's attitude, Prue and Phoebe looked at each other for answers.
Leo, recovering from the latest attack, put his hands on his hips and leaned forward. "I am NOT hanging around, and I didn't know I was making your life impossible." His own anger seeping into his words.
Prue, impatient to get to what was really important, interrupted. "Hey you two, enough! We've got bigger problems to deal with."
Folding her arms across her chest, Piper glared at Leo. "What problems?"
Sending her sister an irritated look, Prue filled her in on everything that had happened. Finishing with. "It attacked Phoebe last night."
Piper's whole demeanor changed at the revelation. "What? Are you okay?" Her eyes filled with concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Luckily for me, Leo was there." And she sent him a grateful smile.
Piper's eyes filled with irritation once again and she swung her gaze back to Leo. "You mean you knew about this last night and you didn't tell me!" She lashed out.
Trying to shield Phoebe from Piper's ire, Leo hesitated with a reply. Phoebe made to jump in to clear up any misunderstanding, but Piper cut her off. "Oh that's right. Secrets are kind of your specialty, aren't they?"
Leo had had enough of her accusations. "I don't know what the hell your problem is, but I'm tired of being on the receiving end of it." Stalking to the door, he glanced back at Prue and Phoebe. "Good luck and be careful. Call me if you need anything." Tossing Piper a hard look, he marched out of the room.
Phoebe walked over to stand in front of Piper. "What's the matter with you?" She demanded angrily. "Leo didn't deserve that. He saved my life last night. As for secrets, I asked him not to say anything to you. I knew you were having a tough night and I didn't want to worry you."
Piper had regretted everything she had said the moment she had uttered them. She was being petty and unfair. It just seemed like she was mad at Leo and she didn't know why, or at least didn't want to admit why. Letting out a sigh, she said. "You're right, I don't know what's gotten into me." Looking at the empty doorway, she said. "I need to go apologize."
"Ah yeah!" Prue agreed in exasperation.
Chapter 4
Phoebe had parked in the back parking lot where the employee's parked. It was less crowded and easier to get onto the main road. Digging in her purse, she grabbed her keys, only to have them catch on the handle of her purse. They fell with a clatter onto the cement.
It sensed its prey. It could feel the warmth and power. This prey was different from the others. The energy it radiated was enormous and it grew excited. Feeding on this would fill it like no other and make it stronger. Gathering itself into a pool of gray clouds, it glided toward the power, to food.
Phoebe stood up after plucking up her keys from where they had fallen. Out of nowhere she felt a chill come over her. Glancing around, she surveyed the surrounding area. The few lights located in the parking lot did not illuminate much. Peering into the shadows, she tried to determine if anything was out there. Seeing nothing, she shrugged her shoulders and moved closer to her car.
It was close now, a few more feet and he'd know fulfillment like nothing before. Circling close to the ground, it touched its victim's feet. Swirling in misty ribbons, it moved upward.
Phoebe stopped by the car door and shivered. Her feet were freezing. Looking down, she noticed a pool of mist gathering around her legs. Panic filled her as she attempted to step out of it, but it mirrored her every move. It now reached her waist and Phoebe felt her legs go numb. She tried to scream, but all she managed was a loud squeak.
Leo had walked Trish to her car. While they had said their goodnights, he spotted Phoebe heading for the back parking lot. When Trish drove off, Leo made for the other lot. Feeling ever protective of the Charmed Ones, he wanted to make sure she got to her car safely. He was making his way around the corner when he heard Phoebe's cry. Without thought, he rushed over, then stopped short as he witnessed the gray mist encompassing her.
It felt another presence, disturbing its feast. This one was not as powerful, although it sensed something that has once been. It could not prey on more than one at a time. Survival its primary instinct, it regretfully pulled back. Lower it dropped and with one swift motion, rushed along the ground and disappeared into the night, where it was safe.
Taking the last steps, Leo reached Phoebe just as she sank to the ground. Cradling her in his arms he asked. "Are you all right?"
Teeth chattering, and lips trembling, she replied. "I think so. I'm just so cold. What the hell was that?"
"I don't know." Feeling how cold she was, he wrapped his arms tighter around her small frame. Drawn to his warmth, Phoebe snuggled closer. Only a few moments of his body's heat and she was feeling better.
Leo could feel her body's temperature begin to return itself to normal. "Better?"
"Much." A weak smile touching her lips. "Thanks."
With his support, she managed to rise to her feet. Still feeling a bit unsteady, she leaned against him. When she felt all the feeling return to her limbs, she moved away, reluctantly leaving the warmth of his arms. Going to the car, she slipped into the front seat.
Before she shut the side door, Leo leaned in. "Are you sure you're okay to drive?"
"I'm fine really. Hey, don't say anything to Piper about all of this just yet." At his puzzled frown, she continued. "No sense worrying her until we know more."
Leo didn't agree, but said. "Okay."
Closing the door, she put the key in the ignition and started the car. Rolling down the window, she gave a small smile. "Thanks again Leo." Then put the car in reverse backing out and then heading for the back entrance of the club. As she turned onto the main road, she knew she did the right thing asking Leo to keep things quiet. Piper had enough on her plate right now and she didn't need this added to it. Hopefully she would get some answers when she got home.
Back inside, Leo removed his jacket and carelessly tossed it over a nearby chair. Going to the bar, he began helping Mike clean up.
Exiting her office, Piper spotted Leo working. When she got close enough, she asked. "What are you doing?" The question had come out sharper than she had intended, but she couldn't seem to help it. She was an emotional basket case at the moment.
Frowning at her hostile tone, he answered. "Just thought I'd help out."
She didn't want him helping out. She didn't want to see him, or hear his voice. All she wanted was this night to end. "Well, it's your night off. You're not supposed to be helping out. It's not like I'm going to pay you overtime or anything." The last comment had been totally unfair. She wanted to take back the harsh words, but they were already out and she was just so angry with him.
Leo didn't know what her problem was, but he was getting more irritated by the minute. "Hey, I just thought I'd help you out. I wasn't expecting anything except maybe a thank you."
Now that her anger had come to the surface, she couldn't seem to curb it. "Well we don't need your help. I scheduled plenty of people to cover everything because you weren't going to be here."
Again it felt like she was attacking him and he was clueless as to the reason, however he was over her attitude. Throwing down the towel he'd been using, he said. "Listen Piper. I don't know why you're mad at me, but you don't want my help, you don't get my help!" Coming from around the bar he shot her a glare and stormed off in the direction of his room, slamming the door behind him when he got there.
Piper closed her eyes and counted to ten. She had no right to speak to him the way she did. Her only excuse was that the whole evening had taken a toll and her emotions felt raw and exposed. She had taken those feelings out on the one person who didn't deserve it.
Phoebe entered the manor still shaken and she could not get warm. Feeling chilled to the bone, she made her way through the foyer calling for her sister. "Prue, are you home?" The basement door was slightly ajar and Phoebe knew Prue must be developing film. As she went to open the door farther, it swung open, almost hitting her in the face.
Newly developed photos in hand, Prue said. "Whoa! You okay Pheebs? Didn't see you there?"
"Obviously." Answered her sister with wide eyes.
"You're home early. Date go bad?"
Going over to the stove, Phoebe turned on a burner and grabbed the tea kettle before she replied. "It was okay. It was the afterward that is the problem."
Leaning against the counter, her sister shook her head. "How so?"
While the water boiled, Phoebe filled Prue in on what had happened in P3's parking lot.
"Oh my God! Are you all right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just glad Leo was there."
"So what do you think it was?"
Pouring the hot water into a mug and placing a tea bag inside, the youngest Halliwell shrugged her shoulders. "I've no idea, but it felt alive. It was more than just mist. Leo didn't know what it was either. Once I get something warm in me, I'm off to check the Book of Shadows."
Brows furrowed in thought, Prue asked. "So this mist or clouds or whatever the heck it is, was cold?"
"Very. I literally felt like I could have frozen to death."
"Okay, wait. Daryll called me yesterday. He found a body and it was frozen from the inside out."
Taking a sip of her tea, Phoebe briefly closed her eyes as she let the warm fluid seep into her cold body. "Really? Why didn't you say anything?"
"Because I didn't find anything. I checked the book, but there was nothing in there to explain what Daryl had described."
"Do you think this is connected?"
Prue pushed herself away from the counter. "I think it's a real possibility. We have more information now, so another look in the Book is probably a good idea."
Nodding in agreement, Phoebe followed her sister up the stairs to the attic.
Leo tossed and turned on the couch he used for a bed. His mind, refusing to ignore the two problems warring within. Not only was there the incident with Piper that he couldn't let go of. Phoebe's encounter with the mysterious mist was also weighing heavily on his thoughts. The latter would be easier to solve than the first. In the back of his head, he kept having the feeling he had read or saw something about a predator, which was made up of a misty substance. Unfortunately he couldn't put his finger on it. Giving up on sleep, he stood up and began pacing the small confines of the room. Closing his eyes, he let his mind travel through years past. Minutes ticked by as he tried to recall the information. Suddenly his eyes popped open as the memory surfaced. He remembered reading about a being made of mist who preyed on living beings. The details were sketchy, however he remembered the title of the book. He was almost positive there was a copy of it in a trunk in the Charmed One's attic. He remembered seeing it on one of the many occasions he had been up there. It was too late to do anything about it now. In the morning he'd go over and fill then in and hopefully find the book.
Phoebe and Prue woke up late. They had spent the better part of the night combing through the Book of Shadows without results. The hope of new information aiding them dimmed as the hours passed.
Entering the kitchen, they were pleasantly surprised to see coffee had already been made and a note next to it. Going over, Prue picked up the small yellow sheet and read. "Piper went to the grocery store. Said she'll be back soon."
Pouring two cups of the fragrant brew, Phoebe brought one of them to her sister. "Good, because we'll need to fill her in on what's going on."
"I'm sure Leo told her what happened to you when he went back into the club."
"No, he didn't. I told him not to."
Raising a questioning hand, Prue asked. "Why?"
"Because she had had a pretty rough night already. I didn't want to add to it."
"Care to elaborate?"
Smothering a small yawn behind her hand, Phoebe replied. "Later."
The phone rang before Prue could argue her sister's last comment. Picking up the phone, she said. "Hello?" A pause as the person on the other end responded. "Daryll, more news? No we haven't. Okay, I think that's a good idea." Hanging up the receiver, she turned to her expectant sister. "Daryll said they found three more bodies. All frozen. He's coming over with the pictures and all the information they have so far."
"Well, I don't know how much help we'll be. There's nothing in the Book."
"I know, but...." Her words were cut short by the doorbell. Both girls went to the door and were surprised to see Leo standing on the other side.
"Hi. I hope it's not too early." He greeted as they let him inside.
Prue closed the door behind him. "No, and not that it's not good to see you Leo, but why are you here?"
Walking farther into the manor he explained. "I was up all night thinking of what happened to Phoebe."
"Did you come up with anything?" Phoebe asked hopefully.
"Actually I did."
Chiming in together, they demanded. "Spill!"
Smiling, Leo went on. "There's a book. I remember reading years ago that talked about a creature we saw last night. I think you have a copy of it up in the attic."
Prue clapped her hands together. "All right then, let's do some investigating. Daryll is on his way over as well, hopefully we can figure this out."
As the girls headed up the stairs, Leo hung back. Phoebe noting his hesitation and realizing the reason, backtracked. "Don't worry, Piper isn't home." She whispered.
When Prue glance back in question, her sister just waved her off with a "Later." And they all climbed the stairs and entered the attic. Once there, they started going through all the old trunks, which contained various old books.
"I think I found something." Called out Prue, holding a large, leather bound book. The front of it had two engraved serpents, intertwined in gold. The word 'Predator' also engraved in gold across the top.
Leo stepped over. "That's it!" Prue handed it over and he began flipping through the yellowed pages. "Here it is."
Holding the book, so all of them could look at the entry. Prue started to read. "Preying Mist." Her eyes skimmed to catch just the important facts. "It says here, that it only travels at night, hunting for its prey. It sneaks up on a victim before they know its there. Entering through the nose and mouth, it makes its way to the person's lungs. Once there it drains the life force energy until there is nothing left but an empty shell."
Phoebe gave a little shudder. "Nice. Sounds like our mist all right. Does it say how to vanquish it?"
"I don't think you can." Stated Leo. "It's not technically a demon, but a predator. That's why it wasn't in the Book of Shadows. It doesn't hate or love, it just hunts."
"Wonderful." Muttered Phoebe as she rubbed her tired eyes.
"Wait!" Interjected Prue as she kept on reading. "It says here that its only known enemy is fire. Which makes sense when you think about it. I mean it freezes its victims right?"
Leo nodded his head in agreement. "Now you need to find out how you can use that to your advantage." He offered.
There was another ring of the doorbell. "That must be Daryll, I'll get it." Prue said walking out of the room. Moments later she returned with Daryll in tow.
He looked exhausted. "Please tell me you have something." He pleaded.
Nodding her head, Prue explained what they had discovered so far. However they were a little vague on a way to stop it.
Holding a large manila envelope, Daryll said. "Maybe this will give you motivation."
Opening it up, he spread the graphic pictures on a small table. Prue, Phoebe and Leo let out a gasp at the horrific story the photographs told. All the victims were frozen in their last moments of life. Their mouths open in silent screams of agony.
Turning away, her hand over her mouth and filled with pain, Prue whispered. "We have to stop this thing."
Daryll's beeper went off. Hitting the button he glanced down at the number. "I've got to go. Let me know if you come up with anything more."
Quitting the room he started down the stairs, passing Piper in the process. "Daryll? What are you doing here?"
Hurrying by, he called over his shoulder. "Prue and Phoebe will fill you in."
Confused, she rushed to the attic. As soon as she entered she spied Leo. "What are you doing here?" She demanded, not ready to see him again after last night.
He only managed an "I" before she started in on him again. "You know it's hard enough for Dan to accept you working and living at the club, but now you're hanging around the manor? What? Do you enjoy making my life impossible?"
Taken back by their sister's attitude, Prue and Phoebe looked at each other for answers.
Leo, recovering from the latest attack, put his hands on his hips and leaned forward. "I am NOT hanging around, and I didn't know I was making your life impossible." His own anger seeping into his words.
Prue, impatient to get to what was really important, interrupted. "Hey you two, enough! We've got bigger problems to deal with."
Folding her arms across her chest, Piper glared at Leo. "What problems?"
Sending her sister an irritated look, Prue filled her in on everything that had happened. Finishing with. "It attacked Phoebe last night."
Piper's whole demeanor changed at the revelation. "What? Are you okay?" Her eyes filled with concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Luckily for me, Leo was there." And she sent him a grateful smile.
Piper's eyes filled with irritation once again and she swung her gaze back to Leo. "You mean you knew about this last night and you didn't tell me!" She lashed out.
Trying to shield Phoebe from Piper's ire, Leo hesitated with a reply. Phoebe made to jump in to clear up any misunderstanding, but Piper cut her off. "Oh that's right. Secrets are kind of your specialty, aren't they?"
Leo had had enough of her accusations. "I don't know what the hell your problem is, but I'm tired of being on the receiving end of it." Stalking to the door, he glanced back at Prue and Phoebe. "Good luck and be careful. Call me if you need anything." Tossing Piper a hard look, he marched out of the room.
Phoebe walked over to stand in front of Piper. "What's the matter with you?" She demanded angrily. "Leo didn't deserve that. He saved my life last night. As for secrets, I asked him not to say anything to you. I knew you were having a tough night and I didn't want to worry you."
Piper had regretted everything she had said the moment she had uttered them. She was being petty and unfair. It just seemed like she was mad at Leo and she didn't know why, or at least didn't want to admit why. Letting out a sigh, she said. "You're right, I don't know what's gotten into me." Looking at the empty doorway, she said. "I need to go apologize."
"Ah yeah!" Prue agreed in exasperation.