Cole still hadn't shown up the next day. Phoebe was very nervous. If the bounty hunters caught up with Cole she didn't know how she would ever find out about it. He might be vanquished and no one would come to tell her.
"I wouldn't worry," said Piper, "he's very resourceful. If anyone can avoid demonic bounty hunters, it's Cole Turner."
"Yeah, I guess so," Phoebe said as they heard the doorbell ring. "I just wish I knew where he was. He's been gone so long this time. I always worry when he shimmers out. I keep thinking it might be the last time I see him."
"Piper is right," Leo said. "I know it does no good to tell you not to worry, but just remember, he's an upper level demon. They aren't exactly the easiest demons to take out as you three are well aware of."
"Piper, Phoebe," Prue called from the living room.
The sisters and Leo headed for the living room. Prue's voice didn't sound urgent. It must be about whomever was at the front door. When they got to the entryway, they noticed Prue standing at the door. Outside stood two women and a man. They recognized the two women. Neighbors who lived just up the street. They didn't recognize the man.
"Mrs. Gallow, Mrs. Rooney," Piper said, greeting the two women, "what brings you over this time of day?"
"Well," began Mrs. Rooney nervously.
"We were just wondering if we could have a moment of your time," Mrs. Gallow said.
"Sure," Piper said as she led everyone into the living room.
It was very unusual to have the neighbors over at any time of day. While they knew many of their neighbors, they hadn't exactly been close friends. Usually, everyone stayed to themselves and left each other alone. Occasionally they'd say hi on their way out or something, but that was about it.
"Nice home," said the man with them.
"And you would be...." Prue asked.
"Justin," said the man. "Justin Graham. I just moved in down the street a few days ago."
The man was about Prue's age and had brown hair. He smiled as though he hadn't a care in the world. He was dressed casually and he was clean-shaven. There was no indication what he did for a living but his manner suggested he could be a doctor.
"Mrs. Gallow, Mrs. Rooney," Piper said when they were all seated, "what can we do for you?"
"This is just a bit embarrassing," Mrs. Gallow said. "You're very nice girls and the last thing we want is to cause you any grief."
"Okay," Phoebe said, "that's nice to hear."
"It's just that, well since you moved into the neighborhood things have been a little unsettled," Mrs. Rooney said. "We know it's probably not your fault and you probably have a perfectly good explanation for all the strange goings on. The last thing we want to do is cause a hardship on you."
"But," Prue said, finishing an unspoken statement by the kindly old lady.
"But," continued Mrs. Rooney, "I'm afraid most of the neighbors are a bit less understanding than we are. It seems they aren't as tolerant about some things. And, well, I'm afraid they've just about had their fill. They asked us to come over and speak with you about it."
"What about?" Piper asked.
"Well," Mrs. Gallow said nervously again, "they've all gotten together and pitched in. They're willing to buy your house from you for a very tidy profit. You can use it to move anywhere you want. And I can assure you it will be very well looked after. It's just that most of them are kind of at their wits end. They want you to move."
Leo and the sisters just stared at the old woman.