TWO

"So, did you two have a nice chat?" Piper asked that night after she and Phoebe got home.

"Actually, we did," said Victor. "I just don't understand why you never told me about having another sister."

"We were going to," said Phoebe. "But with everything that's been happening lately we just didn't find the time. And we weren't really sure how you'd react, to be honest."

"Look," said Victor, "what happened between your mother and me was a long time ago. I've had a lot of time to get over it. And it had absolutely nothing to do with you girls. I know I'm not the model father and I probably never will be. But I do love you and hope you can tell me anything."

"It's just hard after all these years," said Piper. "Having a father is something kind of new to us."

"Well he is trying," said Leo. "At least you know he does care about you."

"Thanks, Leo," said Victor a bit surprised. "I know I wasn't thrilled when I learned you were a White Lighter but I guess maybe I might have done you a disservice by prejudging you as I did."

"Don't worry about it, Victor," said Leo. "Prejudices can be hard to overcome, especially the kind you have."

"I know it may not be my place to say anything," said Cole, "but I can tell you that your presence has been a big help for them. Piper especially. After the Furies incident we weren't sure how well she was going to adjust."

"I can't say I'm real comfortable having a demon in the family," said Victor. "Then again I wasn't too thrilled when I learned Leo was a White Lighter. But thanks. That means a lot to me. I wasn't there for them growing up. I'm hoping to make up for at least some of that."

"Well, at least I got a chance to actually meet him," said Paige. "You guys had mentioned him and I've been curious. And I found out he's really a nice guy. Kind of reminds me of my own father. Well, my adoptive father, anyway."

"So, what brings you to town?" Piper asked.

"Between trips," said Victor. "I've got a couple of weeks off and figured I'd spend it with my two favorite girls. Correction. Make that my three favorite girls now."

"Well, we're glad you're here," said Phoebe. "No offense to Paige but it has been kind of hard since…. Well, for the past few weeks."

"I can understand that," said Victor. "I miss her, too. I know how hard this has been, especially for you, Piper. You two were also so close. I just hope I've been some help through all this."

"More than you know, dad," said Piper, kissing her father. "I know she's gone but it's still just so hard to believe. At least we have Paige. That helps some. It's just so strange not having her around."

"It will get easier," said Leo. "It will just take time."

"Well, I need to get to my hotel," said Victor.

"Nonsense," said Piper. "We have plenty of room here. There's no reason for you to stay at a hotel. You are our father, after all."

"Are you sure?" Victor asked. "I don't want to be in the way."

"You're never in the way," said Phoebe. "Besides, like Piper says, you're our father. It wouldn't be right for you to stay in a hotel."

"Okay, then," said Victor. "I'll go check out and bring the rest of my bags over."

"I can give you a lift," offered Leo.

"Thanks," said Victor hesitantly, "but I don't think I'm ready to go orbing all over the city just yet. I have a rental car out front. I can just drive over and take care of it."

"Where are you staying?" Phoebe asked.

"I'm at the Strassmore," said Victor. "The company pays for it. I shouldn't be gone long."

"We'll get your room ready for you," said Piper.

"He certainly seems to have accepted me better than he did when he first learned I was a White Lighter," Leo said.

"Can you blame him?" Phoebe asked. "I know it must have been a shock when he found out about mom and Sam. And he never did want us raised as witches."

"Well, he said he's accepted it now," said Paige. "He's not too thrilled about it but he does understand that there really wasn't much choice in the matter."

"It would have been nice if he had been able to accept it when we were kids," said Piper. "Maybe we wouldn't have grown up without a father."

"Water under the bridge," said Phoebe. "Now, I suggest we get his room ready for him. The Strassmore isn't that far away. He should be back very soon."

Piper headed to the kitchen as Phoebe and Paige went to get Victor's room ready.

Victor thought about his girls as he packed the last of his clothes into his bag. It hadn't been so long ago that things were extremely strained between them. Only Phoebe had wanted to see him. It had taken a lot of effort to convince them to let him back into their lives.

Now, with Prue gone, they would need him even more. He and Prue had never seen eye to eye on things. She had been the hardest to bring around. And even before her death she still held reservations. He wished things could have been different. But regretting what you couldn't change was only a waste of time. It would be different from now on. He'd be there for his daughters whenever they needed him.

There was a knock at his door. He walked over and opened it to see two men in suits standing in the hallway.

"Victor Bennett?"

"Yes?"

"I'm Special Agent Grimes of the F.B.I. This is Special Agent Thomas. Can we have a word with you, please?"

"What's this about?" Victor asked as he looked over their identification.

"We're investigating some unusual banking transactions by the company you work for. You're not under any suspicion but we would like to ask you a few questions if we may."

"Sure, come in."

The two agents walked into the room and looked around. Victor closed the door and turned to them.

"I'm not sure how much help I can be. I don't have anything to do with the banking transactions. And frankly I'm surprised. There's never been any suspicions about the financial department that I'm aware of."

"Yes, well, we aren't aware of any either," said Agent Thomas.

"But you said," began Victor.

Suddenly Grimes hit Victor with the back of his hand, forcing him to his knees.

"Just shut up," said Grimes. He pulled out an athame and cut Victor's hand with it, then tossed the weapon on the floor. "That should be enough to get their attention."

"What do you want?" Victor demanded.

"You, of course," said Thomas. "It really is too easy with you humans. Flash a badge and they'll do whatever you want. Behave yourself and you might just get out of this alive. Maybe."

Victor looked at the two in fear as Thomas reached down and grabbed his arm. Then the three shimmered out of the hotel room leaving only Victor's still open bag lying on the bed and the bloodstained athame on the floor.