FOUR

"The doctor said it was just dehydration," said Phoebe the next morning. "He said after the tests come back I'll be able to go home. It wasn't serious."

"You need to take better care of yourself," said Piper. "God knows we have enough problems with demon attacks. You can't let yourself get rundown like this."

"I'm sure it wasn't intentional," said Victor. "And she's looking better all ready."

"Where's Prue?" Phoebe asked.

"She had an assignment this morning," said Leo. "She said she'd try to get here as soon as she could."

"Well I've never exactly been her favorite person in the world," Phoebe mumbled in disappointment.

"Pheebs, she's just as concerned as we are," Piper consoled her gently. "But like she said last night, there wasn't much she could do to help. And you're getting the best medical treatment available. It's not that she doesn't care. She just has trouble showing it, you know that."

"I know," said Phoebe. "But she's getting better at it. I remember a time when she couldn't say 'I love you'. That's changed at least."

"You're right there," said Piper.

"I guess you haven't had a chance to let Cole know what's been going on have you?" Phoebe asked.

"We really aren't sure where he is right now," said Leo. "But we'll let him know the first chance we get. Of course you'll probably be home before then so I wouldn't worry about it."

"Say, Phoebe," said Piper, "have you heard anything about a strange incident that happened here yesterday? About the time you came in?"

"I assume you mean the injured man who miraculously got up and walked out of here," said Phoebe.

"That would be the one," said Piper.

"Your sisters seem to think he's some kind of demon," said Victor.

"They didn't say that exactly," said Leo. "They just think that what happened yesterday was kind of strange."

"You don't?" Phoebe asked.

"Well, yeah, I guess so," said Leo. "But that doesn't necessarily make it demonically related."

"One of the nurses did mention it," said Phoebe. "It's been buzzing around the hospital all night. Apparently the paramedics swore that he was lucky to be alive. The doctors are saying the man must not have been as badly injured as the paramedics initially thought."

"Do they have any idea who the man was?" Leo asked.

"Apparently the paramedics still had his personal affects," said Phoebe. "His wallet, a watch, and two rings. The rings and watch were very expensive. The ID in the wallet said his name was Steffan Van White."

"Steffan Van White?" Piper questioned. "That's the man Prue went to photograph this morning."

"The nurse said he's one of the richest men in the United States," said Phoebe. "He moved to San Francisco from England a few years ago. Very little is known about him and there are virtually no pictures of him. It seems he doesn't like his picture taken."

"That's an indication he isn't a demon," said Leo. "If he's that rich it would make him a type of public figure. No demon would want to be that public a figure."

"Well, he's certainly not human," said Piper. "The way he got up and ran out of here after all those injuries he had. No human I know could do that."

"The nurse did say he was staying at the Regency Hotel," said Phoebe. "He apparently doesn't have a permanent residence in San Francisco even though it's where he calls home now. When he's in town he usually stays at one of the best hotels."

"If Prue is going to see him maybe we should get over there," said Piper. "He may not be a demon but he could be dangerous. She might need our help."

"I think that's a little premature," said Leo. "We don't want an army marching over there. Besides, I haven't sensed anything from her. If she were in any danger I'd have sensed it. If I do I can orb you there in an instant."

"Leo's right," said Victor. "And Prue can take care of herself. I still think you're blowing this thing all out of proportion. There's no evidence this man is a danger to anyone."

"I just have a bad feeling about it, that's all," said Piper. "People just don't get up and walk away with those kinds of injuries."

"Stranger things have happened," said Victor. "Now, can we just forget about it for now? The last thing Phoebe needs is any excitement right now."

"Leo can fix that," said Phoebe.

"First of all," said Leo, "this wasn't technically caused by demonic activity. Secondly, my healing power won't affect dehydration. It's not really an injury. So I'm afraid you're on your own on this one."

"Dad's right," said Piper. "We came here to cheer Phoebe up. The demons can wait until later."