"As Ms. Chin said in the letter," said Holmes, "time is growing very short. I have a car waiting outside. We should leave immediately."
"Leave for where?" asked Phoebe.
"I'm afraid I can't divulge the location," said Holmes. "Please, all of your questions will be answered. If you'll just get the Book of Shadows, we can be on our way. I know my superiors would not have sent for the Charmed Ones unless it were absolutely necessary."
The girls stared at Agent Holmes. He was casually talking to them about things he shouldn't even know about.
"Hang on a minute," said Piper. "We're going to need a little more than this if we're going anywhere."
"I'm afraid I don't know anything more than what I've already told you," said Holmes.
"Wait here," said Piper.
She and her sisters went into the kitchen. As soon as they closed the kitchen door, Piper called for Leo. He orbed in and she told him everything that had just happened.
"Could he be a demon?" asked Paige. "Maybe he's after the Book of Shadows."
"I don't think he's a demon," said Phoebe.
"This is strange," said Leo. "There are people in the government who know about witches and demons but none would ever publicly admit to it. And they certainly wouldn't send a federal agent here. Does he appear to be a threat?"
"No, not really," said Piper. "He does know things an agent of the Justice Department shouldn't know. Like the curse we removed from that revenge demon. And that Amy had bestowed that curse."
"Let me see what I can find out," said Leo. "I don't like you going anywhere unless you know where you're going. Especially if you're taking the Book of Shadows with you."
Leo orbed out leaving the girls alone in the kitchen.
"What now?" asked Paige.
"We wait," said Piper. "If Agent Holmes in there tries anything, I'll just blow him up."
They had waited only a few minutes when there was a knock at the kitchen door. Agent Holmes stuck only his head inside the door.
"I don't want to be a nuisance," said Holmes. "I know you need to have your White Lighter check out what I've told you. I was just wondering if you had any idea how long it might be?"
"It'll be as long as it takes," snapped Piper.
"Of course," said Holmes.
"You didn't need to snap at him," said Paige. "I'm sure he's only doing what he's told."
"Maybe," said Piper. "But he knows about Leo. How much more does he know about us that he hasn't told us?"
"Probably only what he needs to," said Phoebe. "From what I now about the government, they operate on a need to know basis. They're only told what they need to know to complete their assignments."
"Well, I need to know exactly what's going on," said Piper.
Just then Leo orbed back in.
"So, what did you find out?" asked Piper. "What's going on here?"
"I don't know," said Leo. "The Elders aren't talking. I did speak with Amy's White Lighter, though. He said she did write the letter and everything seems to be on the up and up. He says you need to go with this Agent Holmes."
"Just like that?" asked Paige. "No explanations? Just go with him?"
"Yes," said Leo. "I go the impression it was something very important."
"Do you trust him?" asked Piper.
"Philip?" asked Leo. "He is a White Lighter. That by itself means he couldn't do anything to deliberately put you in danger. I think you should do what they ask."
"Okay," said Piper, "but at the first sight of trouble, we're out of there."
They went back into the living room where Agent Holmes sat waiting for them. He smiled when he saw Leo with the sisters.
"This must be your White Lighter," said Holmes. "Leo Wyatt, if I'm not mistaken."
"Enough chit chat," said Piper. "We've decided to go with you. But this had better be on the level. You try anything funny and you'll be real sorry that you did."
"Excellent," said Holmes, picking up his briefcase. "There's a car waiting outside. If you'll get the book, we can be on our way."
"I'm sure everything will be explained once we get to where we're going," said Leo as Phoebe went to get the Book of Shadows.
"I'm afraid Mr. Wyatt won't be able to accompany us," said Holmes. "I'm sorry, but those are the rules."
"Now wait a minute," said Piper.
"No, it's okay," said Leo. "I can find you no matter where you go. And I can orb in if you get into any trouble. It will be okay."
"Got it," said Phoebe, coming down the stairs with the Book of Shadows. "I feel kind of funny taking this out of the manor."
"Good," said Holmes. "Now, if you'll come with me. It will take a while to get to our destination, but we've tried to make you as comfortable as possible."