TWELVE

"Well, I finally got an entry on the Hellborn Alliance into the Book of Shadows," said Phoebe, coming down the stairs, "including their weakness."

"Did you make sure to include they have to be in demonic form for that weakness to be affective?" Cole asked.

"Yes, I did," said Phoebe. "Just like you told me. The entry has everything in it we know about the Alliance."

"It's just weird that another demon would go out of his way to help you," said Paige. "That Shellack actually acted like you were friends. That just seems strange coming from a demon."

"I guess Shellack is as close to a friend as a demon could have," said Cole. "He was involved in an incident in the early 60s and I helped him out. Literally saved his life. I guess he just felt he owed me for that. Lucky for me he did."

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Piper got up to go answer the door. When she returned, Peter was with her.

"Hello Phoebe, Paige, Leo," said Peter. "Hello, Cole."

For the first time since they had met Peter when he said "Cole" it didn't have an accusatory tone to it. It wasn't exactly friendly but it didn't sound like angry.

"Peter," said Phoebe. "How are you doing?"

"Better," said Peter. "I got to spend a lot of time with my mother. Something most people don't get a second chance at. And she said she'd be able to visit again from time to time. She said the Elders are going to be a bit more lenient than with most Whitelighters. They seem to think I might be able to help them with information about demons or something. I'm not sure how accurate they are but if it means I get to see my mom, hey, who am I to argue?"

"Good," said Piper. "So what brings you by here today?"

"I just wanted to let you know my office is closing on Monday," said Peter.

"You're quitting the law?" Cole asked. "That would be a big loss. From what I've heard you're one of the best criminal defense attorney's in the city."

"Oh, I'm not quitting," said Peter. "I'm moving. I've decided not to represent demons any longer. After some long talks with my mother I decided I'm actually doing more harm than good. So I'm opening an office in one of the poorer sections of the city. I'm going to be representing people who can't afford a high priced attorney."

"Good for you," said Paige. "I know a lot of my clients at social services can use a good attorney. They just can't always afford one."

"Well, my practice with the demons was very lucrative," said Peter. "With some investments I've made I don't really have to worry about an income. It will allow me to help people who can't afford to pay me. People who can use a good attorney."

"Turning into a philanthropist?" Leo asked.

"I don't know," said Peter. "I only know that so much of my life has been taken up with my vendetta against Cole. It's time I started devoting my life to something more constructive."

"Well I, for one, am very glad to hear that," said Cole.

"That doesn't make us friends," said Peter.

"At least we aren't enemies any longer," said Cole. "That's a start."

"I guess," said Peter. "Anyway, I just wanted to let you know my office is moving. And to thank you for everything you did. It's amazing how much your life can change in one instant."

"How well we know that," Phoebe said. "Thanks for letting us know. Maybe Paige can steer some business your way from time to time."

"Be my guest," said Peter. "Anything I can do to help. I guess I'd better get going. There's a lot of work to do before my new office opens."

"Stop by any time," said Piper. "As long as you aren't casting energy balls you're welcome any time."

"Any energy balls I cast will be at demons," said Peter smiling. He glanced at Cole. "Full demons, that is."

"Great," said Phoebe. "Thanks for letting us know."

"Well, he seemed more relaxed," said Piper after Peter had left. "I think he's going to be okay."

"I hope so," said Cole. "It's kind of strange. Not that long ago I wouldn't have cared that I had a son. Now all I can think of is that I hope he has a better life than I did."

"That's what parents do," said Phoebe. "I'm glad to see he's doing so well. I hope the demons leave him alone now that he's not representing them anymore."

"They will," said Cole. "You heard what he said. Most demons don't even consider him a demon because of his human heritage."

"You're half demon," said Leo. "And you were a very important part of the demonic hierarchy."

"That's different," said Cole. "I'm half demon. And my mother was pretty high up in the hierarchy for a female. Besides, it took me many years to establish my reputation as Belthazor. It was a struggle every step of the way."

"And you threw it all away for me," said Phoebe. "I guess I should feel honored."

"You have no idea," said Cole. "Besides, it was worth it."

"Nice move, Turner," said Piper. "Come on everyone. Let's go see what we have in the 'fridge for dinner. Tonight I think we have leftovers."

The End

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