THREE

"Do I really have to do this?" Cole asked. He was less than enthused. He kept looking around to make sure no one he knew was watching. "This isn't exactly something I have any experience with."

"It's the perfect way to take our minds off everything," said Phoebe. "Besides, if you're going to live as a human you have to start doing things that other humans do. Like going shopping with your girlfriend. Besides, I need you to tell me if something looks good on me."

"Are you sure other boyfriends really do this?" asked Cole suspiciously as they entered a women's shop.

"The ones who really care do. The family that shops together stays together."

"I'm pretty sure that's not how that saying goes."

"It does if you want to keep me happy, sweetie," said Phoebe.

"Look, honey, you know I'd do anything for you. I vanquished the Triad for you. But there are some things I just don't think I'm ready for yet. Like sitting around a women's clothing store while you try on outfits. Maybe I should work my way up to this."

"So, what would you suggest?"

"Well," said Cole thoughtfully, "why don't I go find a store that I'm more comfortable in. Like a men's clothing store. I can meet you back here in say half an hour. I'm sure whatever you pick out will be fabulous. You have such great fashion sense I'm sure I'll like whatever outfit you pick out."

"Is that why you love me? For my great fashion sense?"

"Amongst other things. And I'm sure that eventually I'll be able to help you pick out outfits. I just don't think I'm ready for this just yet."

"Okay, sweetie, you go on. I guess we have to let you work your way up to some things. But you owe me."

"Thanks, honey," said Cole, sighing slightly and kissing her on the cheek. "I really appreciate it."

Cole left the women's store and walked toward one of the men's stores he knew about. He had never had occasion to use it. When he was working for the Source his suits had all been handmade. Now, being out of work, it looked like he would have to buy them off the rack like everyone else. It was a small enough sacrifice to be with Phoebe.

He really didn't need a new suit right now. Most of his suits were less than a year old. They would be suitable until he could get employment somewhere. But until he could get out from under the death sentence by the Source, getting another job could be problematic.

As he walked past a hallway that led to the offices in the mall he glanced down the hallway. A young girl of perhaps seven or eight was sitting in one corner sniveling. She was clutching a small rag doll for dear life. Cole looked around but all he saw were people hurrying through the mall doing their shopping.

He thought for a moment. Ordinarily he wouldn't have given the girl a second thought. Not unless it had been part of one of his plans. As it was she was just a lost child probably frightened at being alone. He should just walk away. It wasn't his problem.

But that's not what Phoebe would do. And it's not what she would expect him to do. If he was going to be a "normal" human he'd have to be a caring, considerate person who helped those in need. That's what Phoebe and her sisters would do and that's what they would expect him to do. Sighing he turned and walked down to the little girl.

"Are you okay?" he asked bending down to the little girl.

"I lost my mommy," said the little girl.

"Well, why don't we go see if we can find her, okay? I'm sure she's looking for you, too. This is a big place but I'm sure we can find her. What do you say?"

"Okay."

Cole stood up and held out his hand for the little girl to take. As he straightened up he got a head rush and became dizzy for a moment. He closed his eyes and waited for the head rush to pass. When it did he looked down to see the little girl standing next to him.

"Are you okay, mister?" asked the little girl.

"I'm fine. What's your name? My name is Cole."

"Debbie," said someone behind Cole.

Cole looked to see a woman coming down the hallway toward the two. She rushed up and scooped the little girl in her arms.

"Debbie, here you are. I've been looking all over for you. What are you doing here?"

"I think she's fine," said Cole. "I found her here crying. We were just about to go look for you."

"This is my new friend, Cole," said the little girl.

"Thank you, Mr. Cole," said the woman. "I turned around for a moment and she just vanished."

"I understand kids have a habit of doing that."

"Thank you for finding her. I really appreciate the help."

"No problem," said Cole.

The woman took the girl and hurried out into the mall among the throng of people. Cole felt proud of himself. Wait until he told Phoebe what he had done. It felt good to do something without any thought of reward. It was a new feeling for him. He decided he could get used to that feeling.

As Cole headed back into the mall the woman walked up to three men standing outside the mall. She put the little girl on the ground next to the men and turned to the biggest man.

"It went exactly as you said," she said to the man. "I don't think he suspected a thing."

"Excellent," said the man. "You will be rewarded for your service."

The woman bowed slightly and then took the little girl and walked away from the three men.

"I don't understand," said one of the other men. "Why did we have to meet out here? With all the humans in there I find it highly unlikely that he would have noticed us. And even if he had, I doubt he would have suspected anything."

"Your forget, Dellar, he's my brother," said Baldasor. "He would have recognized me instantly."

"I could have used my power to mask your identity," said Dellar. "Or Cha'Len could have used his illusion ability to make us appear differently."

"No, my brother is too smart for that," said Baldasor. "You may have been able to cloud his mind with the little girl, Dellar, but head on Belthazor would have been able to pierce your cerebral powers. No, this was the best option. Jorlan tells me it will be only a short time before he's ready. We need to get back to the Underworld."

"Out here in the open?" asked Cha'Len.

"Of course not," said Baldasor. "There's an alcove around the side that will be perfect."

Together, Dellar and Cha'Len followed Baldasor to the alcove so they could shimmer back to the Underworld.