"Here, these should fit you," said Leo, handing some clothes to the man.
"Thanks," said the man. "I appreciate it."
"Okay, Mr. Brannick," said Piper, "care to explain just exactly what's going on?"
"Your name isn't Brannick, is it?" Cole asked.
"Why do you say that?" asked the man.
"That would explain why you don't have any identification except for a library card," said Cole. "And your reaction to Darryl, their policeman friend. And why you try to stay out of the limelight. You're running from something, aren't you?"
"Not like you think," said Brannick. "I haven't done anything illegal, if that's what you're thinking. I just need to stay in the shadows, so to speak. I can't explain. It just has to be that way."
"I know you," said Phoebe. "I know I've seen you somewhere but I can't place where."
"Please," said Brannick, "I don't want any trouble. I appreciate all the help you've given me but you really have no idea what you're getting yourselves into. Every minute I stay here puts you in danger."
"Danger from that thing you become?" Paige questioned. "Phoebe said you changed after you saved her. What is that thing anyway?"
"Something I wish I could get rid of," said Brannick. "Please, I can't explain. I have to get out of here. You're all in terrible danger."
"Not without some answers," said Piper. "Listen, maybe we can help. We sort of specialize in unusual situations. You'd be surprised what we can do."
"From the way you got us out of that building I can believe it," said Brannick. "How did you do that, anyway?"
"It's, uh, a little hard to explain," said Leo. "Let's just say that I've learned a thing or two."
"Okay," said Phoebe, "David, or whatever your name is. I know you didn't try to hurt me. In fact, you saved me from those gang members who were trying to hurt me. You took me to a place where you probably thought I'd be safe. You were trying to help me. Let us help you. What have you got to loose?'
Brannick thought for a moment. After a moment he seemed to come to a decision.
"My name really is David," he said finally. "But my last name isn't Brannick. It's Banner."
"David Banner?" Phoebe questioned. "I remember that name. I learned it in one of my physics classes in college. He was a brilliant research scientist that was working on learning the secrets to human strength and healing. But you're supposed to be dead. You were killed in your lab one night."
"That's what the world thinks," said Banner. "And they have to keep on thinking that until I can learn to control this thing inside of me."
"That green monster you turn into," said Leo.
"Yes," said Banner. "You see, my wife was killed in a car accident. An accident I was powerless to save her from. That's why I started doing my research. I thought I could unlock the secret to the incredible strength every human is capable of exhibiting."
"But something went wrong," said Leo.
"Yes," said Banner. "I accidentally received an overdose of gamma radiation during one of my tests. At first everything seemed normal. But the next time I lost my temper that thing came out. It destroyed my car, my lab, everything. And the police believe it was responsible for the death of a colleague of mine.
"Now, every time I get angry I change. I sort of black out when it happens. I really have no idea what I do when I turn into it. I only know that so far no one has been killed or seriously hurt. But that could change. The thing is driven by rage. The angrier I get the stronger it is."
"I see," said Piper. "So, you aren't a demon?"
"No, he's not," said Cole. "That's why Leo, I, nor the Elders had ever heard of it. He's not a demon at all."
Suddenly the doorbell rang. Paige got up and left the living room to answer the door while the rest of the gang sat talking with David. When Paige opened the front door she was met by a tall gaunt man who was holding a notepad and pen in his hands. He appeared to be in his mid forties with thinning hair and had an aquiline nose. He looked at her and smiled.
"Hello," said the man. "I'm looking for Phoebe Halliwell."
At the sound of the mans' voice David suddenly jumped to his feet and moved to a wall in the living room that would shield him from the doorway.
"Are you okay?" Paige asked.
"That man," said David. "You can't let him in. If he sees me my secret will get out. You have to send him away."
Confused by David's reaction, Piper and Phoebe headed for the front door to help Paige. Leo and Cole remained in the living room, just inside the doorway, in case their help was needed.