SIX

"You can't die?" Prue's disbelief was obvious in her tone.

"Precisely. How old would you say I am?"

"Twenty-five or so."

"In fact, I am over one hundred thirty years old. One hundred thirty six to be precise. I war born in a small village in England just outside of London in 1866. Everything appeared normal until I reached the age of twenty-four. That year I contracted a fever. It was quite virulent and the doctors said I would never survive.

"However I did survive. Against all odds, as I believe the saying goes. Since that day I have been quite immortal. I don't appear to age and any damage I suffer is repaired quite quickly. A simple cut is normally healed within moments. The injuries I sustained in the car accident last night were considerably more severe. It took longer for me to heal than I had anticipated."

"You expect me to believe you just went to sleep one night and woke up immortal?"

"Well, it was a bit more complicated than that, but, yes, essentially that's what happened. It's still a bit of a mystery why. Over the years I've had virtually every aspect of my physiology examined and analyzed. The scientists who work for me have yet to discern a cause."

"So what does all this have to do with me?"

"Quite simply I need your help. You see I am aware of many aspects that the average person is not. The existence of magic and witches to name just a couple. And of course the existence of demons as well. Under normal circumstances such things would be of little interest to me. Except perhaps as a minor passing diversion from time to time."

"I'll repeat the question. What does this have to do with me?"

"Some time ago a particular demon took an interest in me. Over the past few years this demon has been pursuing me wherever I go. It seems he is interested in learning the secret to my immortality. Something about being invincible to his enemies."

"I thought you said no one was able to discover why you're immortal?"

"They haven't. But I assume this demon has some way to obtain this information. Most likely a magical means not available to the scientists I employ. Now if I understand correctly, a demon who is invincible would not be a very good thing."

"At least in that you're right. So what do you want me to do?"

"I want you to dispatch the demon for me. It seems quite impervious to normal weapons. So far my security personnel have been able to protect me from it. But I'm no fool, Prue. I realize that no matter how good they may be odds are that the demon will eventually succeed. If that should happen I doubt very seriously if I would enjoy the subsequent ordeal."

"So all you want is for me to vanquish a demon for you?"

"Vanquish? Is that the term you use? Yes, that's what I was hoping for. So far only the single demon has made any attempts to get at me. I assume it is working alone. Probably doesn't want others of it's kind to know about me so that it can keep the secret all for itself."

"And you think I can vanquish this demon for you?"

"I understand that's what witches do. Vanquish demons. Protect the innocent and all that. I told you, I know of such things. When I was a young man – relatively speaking of course – there were many people who openly believed in such things. And, yes, I believe you can vanquish it for me.

"I am also willing to pay you quite handsomely for your time and effort. Enough so that you need never again worry about having to work. You could name your price. It would be worth anything to be rid of this demon once and for all."

Prue thought for a moment. This man seemed to know a great deal about her. Except he had never once mentioned the name the Charmed Ones. If he were a demon it would be very unlikely that he would know as much as he did without also knowing she was a Charmed One.

And it was her job to vanquish demons. To protect the innocent. Even if he was immortal, he was still an innocent. He was also right about something else. If a demon could discover the secret to his immortality it would make the demon extremely formidable.

"Actually, I like working," she said finally. "But if I do help you, there is something you can do for me."

"Allow you to photograph me," said Van White, smiling at her.

"You did say name my price. It would be quite a coup for me to get a picture of the enigmatic Steffan Van White. And that was my assignment. I'll help you in exchange for a photograph suitable for publication."

"I dislike having my photograph taken, as I'm sure you can imagine. However, I suppose for ridding me of this nuisance it would be a suitable payment. Very well. Once you have disposed of the demon I shall allow you to have one – and only one – photograph that you may publish in your magazine."

"It may take more than one shot to get the right one."

"I am aware of that. You may take as many as you need to get the one you need. However, you may keep only one for publication. I shall keep the rest. Including the negatives."

"Agreed. What does this demon look like? If I'm going to vanquish it I'll need to know what I'm fighting."

"I've only seen it in its human form," said Van White. "Just over six feet tall with blonde hair. More than this I can't tell you. Oh, I do know that it carries a small stone that glows. I can only assume that's how it's been able to track me."

"Fine. I'll need to go home and do some research. And I'm going to need some help. You know where I live. Come to the manor tomorrow. With any luck I should be able to figure out what this demon is and how to vanquish it. If we can lure it to the manor we'll stand a better chance of stopping it there. We're strongest at the manor."

"We?" Van White questioned.

"My sisters and me," said Prue. "It's kind of a long story. I'll explain it all to you tomorrow."

"Very well. Rupert is waiting outside for you. As promised your camera will be returned to you undamaged. Until tomorrow then."

Prue exited the suite and headed for the lobby. She wasn't sure exactly what she was going to tell the others. This was turning into one of the strangest days of her life.