SEVEN
They had moved inside Cole's house away from prying eyes. It wasn't luxurious but it was serviceable. Although it was somewhat cramped it was still comfortable.
Phoebe couldn't believe what Cole told her. So much of the history she had learned in school was different. Cole had never heard of Nostradamus. And the current state of events was even more confusing.
"After World War II," said Cole, "it became known that Hitler was trying to use the occult to win the war. There was a public outrage about it. Even Germany's allies were appalled at the discovery.
"It was mostly due to a little known Senator named McCarthy. He started a witch hunt, literally. He got the people so worked up over the existence of witches and demons that people became afraid. They started looking for witches everywhere.
"It culminated in the Witch Suppression Act. It was enacted in 1958. It stipulated that any witch inside the United States was considered a threat to national security. And they didn't distinguish between witches and warlocks. They were considered the same thing."
"But what about the other laws? The Constitution prohibits segregating people like that."
"They changed the Constitution. That's what the Witch Suppression Act was. A constitutional amendment that allowed the government to separate them from the rest of the populace. The only thing that kept them from wiping out every known witch was a rider on the bill. It provided that witches were to be segregated from the general populous and locked away. For their own safety."
"So these internment camps," Phoebe asked, "they're for keeping witches controlled?"
"Yeah," said Cole. "When they captured me their little detection devices wouldn't work properly. I think it's because I'm half human. It confused the sensors. So before they could determine what I was I confessed to being a witch. I figured being locked up in here was better than being exterminated."
"You always were a very devious man."
"You act like we know each other. I don't recall ever meeting you. And if you know who I really am than you know I specialized in killing witches."
"Yeah, I know. It's complicated. I think a spell of mine backfired. When I brought Nostradamus from the past it seems to have changed everything."
"The past can't be changed. Everyone knows that."
"I don't know. All I know is that once I brought him to the future everything changed. No one seems to know who I am. And they won't believe me when I tell them."
"That's because you don't exist. It's common knowledge about the prophecy of the Charmed Ones. Three sisters with great power. But there are only two sisters. Their mother was killed before she had a third child. I don't know who you really are but you can't be the third Halliwell."
"Yeah, well, like I said, things changed. If I could just find my sisters maybe we could fix this. But I don't have any idea where to look. And stuck in this camp I'm not sure what I can do about it anyway."
"They're in this camp. There are camps set up like this all across the United States. There are five Sectors in the western United States. This camp is in the Papa Sector of Southern California. This is camp three making it Camp Papa 3. Everyone from the Central and Southern parts of California are in this camp."
"Then if they're here maybe we can do something about this. I just have to find them. Even if things have changed we still might have the Power of Three. If we can find a way to get these collars off we might be able to fix things."
"Look, maybe we can help each other. I don't know if you can do anything about what's going on but you might be able to help me get out of this camp. I've been biding my time waiting for the right opportunity. And I can't really trust anyone else here. You know my secret and haven't given me away. So maybe we can help each other."
"How? These collars prevent us from using our powers. Besides, how can I help you?"
Cole looked at her for minute. Then he raised his hand and an energy ball suddenly formed in the palm.
"These collars are designed to prevent a witch's powers from working. Since I'm not a witch they don't have any affect on me. I still have all of my powers. But the first time I use them they'll know I'm not a witch. I need to figure out a way out of here without letting them know that. Otherwise I'd be terminated immediately."
"Okay. That's an advantage anyway. But how can I help you? I don't have any powers."
"If you're right, and you still have the power of three, your magic may allow us to escape. You could cast a spell or something that could shield us from prying eyes. If they can't tell what we're doing we should be able to get out of here easily."
"That makes sense. What about the collars? If we set foot outside the camp they're supposed to blow up. And the way they explained it to me the same thing will happen if we try to remove them."
"I can take care of the collars. We just need a diversion or something so no one notices what we're doing. Once outside the camp you're on your own."
"Okay," said Phoebe. "First order of business is to find my sisters. And somehow convince them that I really am their sister."
"I know where they are. But you don't say anything about me. Not until we're sure we can trust them."
"Don't worry. We need them as much as they need us. And in this changed timeline I'm not sure what they're going to be like. Just get me to them. I'm not real crazy about this timeline. I want to get things back like they're supposed to be as quickly as possible."
"It will be dinner time soon," said Cole. "Everyone will be gathered in the courtyard for the meal. It should be easy for you to get to them then. Just remember not a word about me. If it gets out that I'm not really a witch I'll have to get out as fast as I can. And that means without you."
"Don't worry," said Phoebe. "I won't say a word until I'm sure we can trust them."
"Good," said Cole. "You'll need a place to stay while you're in here. And Aames is sure to try to 'initiate' you again if he gets the chance. I know a place you can stay. Just watch your back. You're my ticket out of here."
"Thanks," said Phoebe. "I appreciate everything you're doing for me."
"Don't thank me, witch," said Cole. "I'm not doing it for you. You just hold up your end our bargain and everything will be fine. Betray me and I swear I'll kill you before I leave this prison."
Phoebe was under no delusions. Before she had met him Cole had been one of the most ruthless demons in the underworld. It was only her love that had changed him from evil to good. Since they had never met in this timeline he would be as he had been before. A cold-blooded killer who wouldn't hesitate to murder her if she got in his way.