by J. B. Tilton email: Rating: PG (for mild language)
Disclaimer: "Charmed" and all related characters and events are the property of the WB television network, except for those characters specifically created for this story. This is a work of fan fiction and no infringement of copyright is intended.
(Authors note: This story takes place between season 4 episodes "Womb Raider" and "Witch Way Now?".)
The Charmed Ones receive an unusual visitor at the manor and become embroiled in a secret government project that could end the human race on Earth.
ONE
Phoebe came out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee. She was feeling better today. After her "miscarriage", her boss had agreed to a few days off. She was using that time to get her life straightened out.
Cole was gone. Vanquished by her and her sisters when he had tried to kill them. Her baby was gone. Stolen by the Seer who had been unable to control the growing power of the unborn child. Knowing that it had been conceived in evil had made the shock of loosing it less pronounced, but only marginally so.
Now, she had to get on with her life. She had her work to help her. And Piper and Paige, of course. Both had been a great comfort to her, as had Leo. Without them, she wasn't sure she would have made it through okay.
She walked into the living room where Paige sat reading. Paige's boss had given her a few days off, too. Social workers were very understanding about what Phoebe had gone through.
"Hey, Phoebe," said Paige. "How are you feeling today?"
"Better," said Phoebe. "I'm thinking I should be getting back to work in a couple of days."
"Don't push yourself," said Paige. "It takes time to get over something like what you went through. Especially since it was demonic related. Not exactly your typical miscarriage."
"I know," said Phoebe. "But work might be the best thing for me right now. I need to get back into a normal routine."
"We'll support you whatever you decide," said Piper, coming down the stairs.
"I know," said Phoebe. "I really appreciate all the support."
Just then there was a knock at the front door. Piper opened it and found a man standing on the front porch. He was dressed in a dark suit, carrying a briefcase.
"Mrs. Wyatt?" questioned the man.
"Halliwell, actually," said Piper. "I kept my maiden name. And you would be?"
The man held up an open wallet. Inside the wallet was an identification card with his picture. It identified him as a special agent for the United States Department of Justice.
"Special Agent Holmes," said the man, "with the Department of Justice. I wonder if I might have a word with you for a moment. And with your sisters if they're available."
"Come in," said Piper.
She escorted him into the living room where Phoebe and Paige sat. He looked at both of them intently. As if making sure of their identities. Then he took a seat on the sofa.
"Mr. Holmes," began Piper.
"Agent Holmes," he corrected.
"Agent Holmes," repeated Piper, "what does the Department of Justice want with my sisters and me?"
He opened his briefcase and removed an envelope. He handed the envelope to Piper. She looked it over. Other than an official looking seal on the back, it was blank. She opened it and pulled out a letter inside. She read the letter out loud to Phoebe and Paige.
"Dear Piper and Phoebe. I know this probably seems a bit odd. I am in need of your help. I would not ask except this is a very extreme situation. It could literally mean life or death for a great many people.
"Agent Holmes has been assigned to escort you to me if you agree to come. I must ask that you do not tell anyone you're leaving. Everything will be explained when you get here. I can only hope that this plea will be sufficient to bring you here.
"Agent Holmes has only been briefed on what he needs to know concerning the situation and won't be able to answer many questions. Time is growing very short. I will look forward to seeing you soon. Amy Chin.
"P. S. Bring your Book with you."
"Amy Chin?" questioned Paige. "Who's that?"
"She's a w . . . friend we met a few years ago," said Piper. "We sort of messed up a . . . project she was working on."
"Project?" questioned Paige.
"I believe," said Holmes, "that they removed a curse from a revenge demon which Ms. Chin had cursed. She asked me to tell you that she was able to bestow the curse again without any trouble."
The three sisters just stared at Agent Holmes. He was an agent of the federal government and he was talking to them about curses as if it happened every day.