FIVE

"Good evening, ladies," Logan said as the three entered the library.

He was dressed in an expensive smoking jacket, holding a snifter in one hand and a cigar in the other. He smiled at them as they entered the room.

"Okay, Logan, what do you want?" demanded Piper without preamble.

"What, not even a hello?" Logan asked.

"Cut to the chase," Paige said.

"Direct," Logan said. "I like that. Very well. Since you aren't much for small talk, I have a proposition for you. As you know, you can't leave our fair little town. The enchantment around it prevents that. However, I can make it possible for you to leave. I just need you to do one small favor for me before you do. If you do this favor, you can be on your way."

"What favor?" Piper asked.

Logan picked up a piece of paper from the desk in the room and handed it to Phoebe. She read the paper over and showed it to Piper and Paige.

"This reinforces the enchantment on the town," Phoebe said.

"Exactly," Logan replied. "You see, it weakens over the years and needs to be reinforced. That takes a witch. Reinforce the enchantment, and you can leave."

"Why not get the witch who cast it to reinforce it for you?" Piper asked.

"Oh, she left years ago," said Logan. "I have no idea where she is now. That's why I need you. Now, I can anticipate your next objection. You don't have your powers under the enchantment. Well, the nature of the enchantment allows you to cast only this single spell, nothing else. Once the enchantment is reinforced, I'll arrange for you to leave our fair town."

"And keep all these people captive?" Phoebe asked. "They can't leave, either. You're keeping them prisoners against their wills. That's wrong."

"That's none of your concern," Logan said. "You're strangers here. You don't belong. Cast the spell, reinforce the enchantment, and you can go back to your lives and forget all about us."

"And if we don't?" Piper asked.

"Then you can remain here for the rest of your lives," Logan said. "Oh, I know what you're thinking. You'll just wait around until the enchantment fails altogether. That's not going to happen. Sooner or later I'll find a witch who will do it. Then it will be reinforced and you'll be trapped here with everyone else. Why not save yourselves the hassle? These people don't mean anything to you. Just cast the spell and be on your way."

"Why is it so important to you to reinforce the enchantment?" Piper asked.

"Not that it's any of your concern," Logan said, "but without the people, my factory would go under. I'm just making sure it keeps going, as any good businessman would do. Plus, the townspeople get steady income without fear of being laid off."

"This is all just to make you rich?" Paige asked.

"As I said," Logan replied, "it's not really your concern. Your only concern is getting out of this town, which as I've said won't happen unless you help me."

"You son of a...." began Paige.

"We'll need some time to think it over," Piper said, cutting her sister off.

"Piper?" questioned Phoebe. "You aren't seriously thinking about giving into this weasel are you?"

"I don't want to be stuck in this town any longer than I have to be," Piper said. "If this is the only way out, then I'm going to take it. But we need some time to talk it over first."

"Absolutely," Logan said. "You certainly aren't going anywhere. Only, don't take too long. Since I have you right here, I'd just as soon use you. But I'll go find another witch to do it if I have to. If that happens, my offer to let you leave will be revoked."

"Fine," Piper said. "You should have our answer in a few hours."

"Excellent," Logan said. "I'll look forward to seeing you then."