Hi all, sorry about all the changes and the reloading of this chapter. Normally I have finished a chapter several weeks before I upload it. This gives me time to reread it, make changes and check for plot holes, missing bits etc. Only the last few weeks have been very busy and this chapter has been the hardest to write. And one of the longest. I thought I had finished it but without that time to check it, I made mistakes. Later I found that I had made several mistakes, missed bits out (Victor for example) and several other errors.

The major changes are towards the end, revolving around the party.

So hopefully, here is the final version.

The start was the only easy bit and that takes care of the Triad. Note how the Source implies he knows more than anyone realises. I always considered him the most dangerous demon that the sisters ever had to face, more so than Zankou. After all, it took the Charmed Ones, the Seer, the Hollow and Cole to destroy the Source and he came back.

This rest of this chapter was always been something I wanted to write, and is based around something that the Charmed Series always seemed to skip around. Have you noticed how all the sister's men don't have non magical families to complicate matters. Prue had Andy who did not have a family. Neither did Leo, Cole, Jason, Coop or Henry. Paige did have Richard but his family was magical.

So this time I took the bull by the horns and tried to see how a non magical family would react to having a son marry into the most powerful magical family around. How would they react, especially if this family was involved in national security and therefore a naturally suspicious lot.

I would appreciate your opinions and or feed back as I really would like to know what you think.

Thanks to you all.

PS Paige is right, we will see more of Matt's family in future chapters.

I am intrigued by the negative opinons about Matt's parents. Yes I agree, their reaction is over the top, but given their jobs and their love for Matt (their only child), perhaps this is understandable. Or maybe not, time will tell.

Saturday

The Underworld

Battle raged from cavern to corridor. Demon fought demon as the supporters of the Source battled those who supported the Triad. Watching the battle on the magical equivalent of a TV screen, the Triad raged. Too many of those who had pledged their loyalty to them now supported the Source and the battle was not going well.

With a snarl of hatred, they watched as the Source with the Seer alongside him, walked into a corridor not far from their cavern. Her betrayal was the most serious and the one none of them could understand. Their promise of great power and position had been genuine and why she had abandoned them for the Source was impossible to understand. He would never allow her to have half the power that they would have given her.

They now knew they had no choice, they would have to confront the Source and his allies directly. And with the Seer now helping the Source, any chance of surprising him would now be almost impossible.

Without speaking, the Triad left their cavern and walked calmly to their almost certain destruction. Whatever the outcome, they would survive and even if it took years, they would return and by then, the weapon they had now spend almost 10 years preparing, would be ready. Not even the Seer could penetrate the protection put around the cave and the demon tribe tasked to protect and train the weapon.

As they walked, they severed the links to the many spells they had cast. In the forthcoming fight, they would need all the power they could muster. As a result, a certain protection spell hiding a group of Wolfen from demonic senses began to fail.

The fight was short and brutal as the Source easily overpowered and vanquished the three demons who made up the Triad. With their physical bodies destroyed, the Triad retreated to the hidden cavern where they had sheltered their spirit forms on the rare occasions they had been vanquished in the past.

Their remaining allies either surrendered or fled.

Turning to his most loyal lieutenants, the Source said "Find those who fled and kill them. Those who have surrendered, take them to my dungeon and hold them there. I will have a job for them that if they complete and survive, will mean my forgiveness."

To the Seer, he then said "Find the Wolfen, they have almost served their purpose, now that the Triad have been dealt with. Now their destruction will once more cement my hold on the Underworld".

With a tight lipped smile and a small bow the Seer acknowledged the order. "Your command will be actioned. And what will you do with the Triad my Lord?, they will return one day". As the Source turned to face the Seer, she shivered as even with with his face hidden in his hood, she could feel the evil smile that formed".

"I know more than they realise and when they return, they might find another of their plans is no longer theirs. And if the Charmed Ones triumph, then it will be their turn" replied the Source.

Meet the parents Saturday afternoon

As an outwardly confident Prue walked up the path hand in hand with Matt, she could see both of his parents waiting for them at the front door. Inwardly she was nervous, as she watched an increasingly tense and unhappy Matt look up at his parents. Behind them, she could see two more people who Matt had identified as his father's parents. Both with serious looks on their faces.

While she had met his parents briefly on two previous occasions, these had tended to be short meetings as Matt had always kept his family somewhat distant. Something she now realised, she did not know why. With a internal grimace, she realised Matt had a few secrets of his own. Not that she could blame him, given what she had kept secret from him.

Matt still refused to elaborate about his parents, either changing the topic or finally when Prue pushed hard, he had simply asked her to wait until she had met them. She knew that they worked for the government and at some time in the past, had badly hurt Matt by mistreating one of his old girl friends.

As she was greeted with a wary but pleasant handshake from Matt's father and an enthusiastic kiss on the cheek from his mother, Prue began to wonder if she should have accepted Paige's and Phoebe's offer to check them out first.

Escorted into a large airy and pleasant sitting room, Prue found herself sitting on a comfortable sofa alongside Matt's mother with his grandmother sitting on another chair facing her. When Matt somewhat embarrassingly admitted that he had not told Prue their first names, his mother jumped in to introduce everyone.

With a bright smile on her face she introduced Matt's father as Kay and herself as Vi. Turning she introduced Matts grandparents as Clara and Stephen. As cakes and biscuits were passed around, Prue found herself beginning to relax as both Vi and Clara opened up to her. Knowing that they would want to know as much as they could about the woman who was going to marry their son, she was not surprised as they started to ask a variety of questions.

Kay and Stephen had settled into chairs alongside Clara, leaving Matt to sit somewhat uncomfortably alongside Prue on the sofa's armrest. Holding onto her hand, he began to relax as the vibe in the room became more and more pleasant. As an increasingly animated Vi led the conversation, Prue found herself enjoying what was turning into a very pleasant evening.

Clara eventually looked at her watch and then with Stephen joining her, disappeared into another room. Returning she announced that dinner was now ready. Escorted by a now almost motherly Vi, Prue found herself being seated by Stephen alongside Matt at the dining room table. Sitting at the head of the table was Kay, alongside her with Vi opposite her. Clara sat herself alongside Vi with Stephen sitting himself at the other end of the table.

Prue found herself being treated to a magnificent dinner that would have taxed even Piper's cooking skills. Stories about Matt's childhood interspersed with a several courses made for a very relaxing meal. Prue couldn't help but add stories from her own childhood and those of her sisters. As a cheesecake dessert finished of a great meal, Vi escorted Prue back into the Living room.

As the evening progressed Prue suddenly realised that she had told the Battagliana's a lot about her, her life and her family. But she had not learnt much about them. Sensing Prue's uncertainty, Vi sprang her trap. With a nod to Kay and Stephen, both of them left the room taking Matt with them.

Without any warning, Vi said "Tell me, what do you know about a police officer named Andy Trudeau and how he died?". A startled Prue could only stammer that he was an old friend and that he had died in the line of duty. "In your home I believe after he had been accused of murder?". "He was exonerated and an Inspector Rodriguez is still being hunted for his murder".

Clara demanded "But he is not the only one who has died around you, what about Inspector Davidson. We know he was investigating you and then there is Bane Jessup. He is currently in jail for a variety of offenses, I understand he was your lover". Prue refused to answer as she stared in shock at both Vi and Clara as their persona's changed.

Both Vi and Clara sat in silence, staring at Prue as they waited for her to answer. Finally Prue felt she had to say something, if nothing else, to say something to fill the silence. "Yes I remember an Inspector Davidson, I tried to help him and I had nothing to do with his death. Bane kidnapped me. My sisters and I are the reason why he is now in jail".

As the tension within the house grew as his mother and grandmother continued to treat Prue with distrust, Matt confronted his father and grandfather in the kitchen. "What the hell are you doing, I have never seen such a rude and nasty greeting from you to anyone, least of all to the woman who is going to be your daughter in law".

His father turned from watching a quiet and very unhappy looking Prue who was sitting in the Living room, to look back at his son. "You know the job both of us do, well we used our connections to check up on Prue and her sisters and we found out some things you won't like".

Matt initially couldn't reply as he wondered if his father had discovered the truth, that Prue and her sisters were witches. Before he could ask the question that now rose within him, his father continued. "We know that she has been involved in more than a few unexplained deaths and murders, including the deaths of several police officers and the disappearance of others. Her sisters are also involved, right alongside her. They may even be connected to the Golden Gate park attack, there are good descriptions of two unknown women present who match Prue and her sister Phoebe.

Then there is the sister called Paige, why was she given up for a private adoption. How did she survive the car crash that killed her foster parents and all of a sudden she is back with her sisters".

His grandfather spoke up, "I have seen the police reports and I know a cover up when I see one. Not only are there unexplained deaths but other attacks on people that have been linked to their presence. They are involved somehow and they have people high up who are covering for them.

The one called Leo, his past can't be traced. We have no idea who he actually is apart from some link to another Leo Wyatt who died in World War two. And the one called Cole Turner also has a very strange history, his parents deaths were either recorded wrong or he is far older than he looks. I don't think that these are their true names, they have taken their identities from other people. They are hiding a big secret from you and we don't want you to get hurt".

Matt stood in silence as he looked at both of Prues accusers and tried to decide how to reply. Looking across to see how Prue was faring, he found himself looking at a woman who was becoming increasingly upset and confused as what should have been a happy evening became more and more aggressive. He stirred as a wave of anger rose within him as he realised why Prue was being treated like a criminal, because thats what his family thought she was.

Without even thinking, he stepped forward to come face to face with his father. In a low but intense voice, almost shaking with anger he said "Listen to me, I know their secret, what Prue and her sisters are involved in. Prue told me before I asked her to marry me and I have seen what they do and why. They have already done more good than you two will ever accomplish in your lifetimes.

Her courage and dedication are beyond reproach and so are her sisters. They have put their lives on the line to help others many times and you have no right to accuse them of anything.

Don't you dare come between me and Prue, you will lose everything, me and the children we may have one day. We are leaving now and until you are prepared to treat Prue the way she deserves, this is the last you will see of me".

Before his father could say anything, Matt turned and walked over to Prue, to place his hand carefully on her shoulder. Ignoring his mother's startled cry, he reached down to hold Prue's hand and pulled her gently to her feet. "I'm sorry, but we are leaving, I not going to let you endure this arrogance any longer". Turning his back on his family, he gently escorted an uncertain Prue out of the house.

Back in the house Vi turned to her husband with an anguished look on her face and said "What have we done, he didn't wait to see what we found out". Her husband with a grim look on his face answered "He said that knew their secret and that they only did good. I think his love for that woman has blinded him and he will never see the truth until it is too late".

Matt's grandmother however came to his defence, "Kay, I think you are wrong, Matt has always shown a high moral code, too high sometimes as you have found to your cost. You trained him well when he was young and he has always wanted to protect people."

"Yet he ran from us" replied Kay. Clara's reply was swift and to the point, "And you know the reason, what you and Vi did to that arab girl and her family was unforgivable. And he has the Battagliana stubbornness. Once he makes his mind up, he won't change it". As Clara looked at Kay's face, she recognised a very familiar look. "Even if he has to ride that choice down in flames".

Vi spoke up, "Well if plan A has failed, then plan B is next. Tomorrow I will confront Prue where she lives. Twenty years of interrogation training and practice, I don't think Prue will be much of a problem to convince as to my sincerity."

By the time Prue and Matt returned to the Manor, it was already getting very late. However her sisters were still awake as they waited to see how the dinner with Matt's parents had gone. Both Phoebe and Paige realised how badly it had gone before Prue had even reached the front door as her turbulent emotions clearly showed that it had not gone well. One look at Prue's face told Piper, Leo and Cole the same.

Neither Prue or Matt wanted to discuss what had happened so after a short and almost quiet discussion with the rest of the family, both of them headed for bed. Only sleep would take a while as Matt tried to comfort Prue and explain why it had happened.

Matt's mother visits (early Sunday morning).

Prue settled in front of the TV with a sigh as this was the first time she felt she could relax in for a longer period of time than she cared to remember. They still could not locate the Wolfen and the closest Paige and Phoebe could place them, was on the other side of the city. At least, according to Leo's sources, the Source was fully occupied with the Triad and for the time being, was unlikely to cause any trouble.

Matt was finishing an assignment but had promised to return to take her to lunch. There was still so much to sort out. Neither had slept well and Prue still found it difficult to think about what had happened the previous night. Vi and Clara's verbal attack still unsettled her and bought back old memories.

Her sisters had at least been sympathetic, giving her some time to herself. Piper and Leo were off to P3 to complete some much needed stock taking. Phoebe and Cole had disappeared off to the Gym. While Paige had told everyone that whoever woke her before sunday, would lose something very personal as she would orb it as far away as she could.

As she sipped her coffee, she put her feet up, bit into one of Piper's croissants and then turned the TV on. Turning down the sound so as not to wake Paige, she flipped through the channels looking for something she could watch without having to think. As she was trying to decide between either a soap that she had not seen before or a documentary on modern day witches which should at least be good for a laugh, the door bell rang.

Cursing quietly, Prue hastily put her coffee and half eaten croissant on the side table, scrambled out of her chair and quickly walked down the hall to the front door. Opening it, just as who ever was waiting rang the door bell for a second time, she found herself looking at Matt's mother. Prue found herself stiffening into a defensive stance and found herself staring into an equally strong, determined face that stared back.

In a quiet and soft voice, Vi said "Hello Prue, I came to apologise for last night and talk to you about why it happened. I feel at the very least, I owe you an explanation. Can I come in?". After pausing to consider various options and rejecting the ones involving magic, not without some regret, Prue nodded and stepped back to allow Vi to enter. "Please have a seat" Prue quietly said as she motioned towards the Living room. Closing the front door, she joined Vi, who had settled herself into one of the chairs, "Would you like a cup of tea or coffee and a croissant, these are home made".

"Tea please and yes a croissant would be most welcome, why are you so quiet".

"Paige, my youngest sister is still asleep, its been a tough week and I don't want to wake her" replied Prue. Walking through to the kitchen, Prue found that Vi had followed her and was carrying her coffee which she handed over to Prue, "You don't want this to get cold". Noticing Prue's reluctance as took the mug, "I haven't added anything, I promise".

"About last night, Matt is our only child and we tend to be over protective, has Matt told you what we do for a living?". "Only that you work for the government, Matt has always been a bit secretive about what you do" replied Prue. "I can't say that I blame him, both Kay and I work for Homeland Security and Kay's parents are retired CIA employee's. No they weren't secret agents but they did work with the spies. We have checked up on his girl friends before and it cost him at least one friendship. He moved away from us because of that and its obvious that we still haven't learnt our lesson".

Motioning towards a kitchen chair, Prue said "Have a seat, I think this talk might be easier here". Collecting a cup and saucer, the recently boiled jug and the tea bag container, Prue placed these on the table. As Vi added a tea bag and then hot water to the cup, Prue collected the sugar bowl, the milk jug and well as several more of Piper's croissants. Using the bread board and knife that was still there from the morning, Vi prepared one of her own".

Vi continued "I want to come straight to the point, would that be OK?". Prue nodded as she was unwilling to say any more than she had to. "When Matt told us he had proposed and you had accepted, we used our contacts to check up on you. We never expected to find anything nasty, maybe a few speeding fines or at worst a minor drug offense or something similar. Don't get me wrong, Matt's not perfect either, he was young and rebellious once as well. What did worry us was the stories we heard".

"What stories?" demanded Prue.

"Stories that don't make sense, a lot of people have died or disappeared around you and your sisters. This house has a reputation for strange and violent happenings, like three days ago when a pack of dogs somehow trashed part of it". "They were big dogs and the police have dealt with it" replied Prue.

"Please don't treat me like an idiot" snapped Vi, "you know what I mean. Being in Homeland Security means Kay and I work in a world where we are trained to see things very differently and we know you are involved in something".

Then in a calmer voice, she continued "That something, no one can tell us about and now Matt tells us he is part of it. We are scared for him and I hope you will tell us about it, maybe we can help. I promise you that anything you tell me will not go any further than Kay and myself".

As Prue looked carefully at Vi, all she could see was a sincere, honest woman, concerned for her son and willing to listen to what ever Prue would tell her. As she sat there, temptation rose within her. They did have the right as Matt's parents and perhaps they could help. Then a small movement caught her attention behind Vi and lifting her eyes to look out into the Dining room, Prue saw Paige standing there in her pyjamas. Paige shook her head and mouthed "she's lying" before silently orbing out.

Prue looked back at Vi who was just starting to turn to check behind her. As Paige's warning broke the spell that Vi's skill had weaved, Prue found herself becoming increasingly angry. "You are very good, you know, I could almost believe you, except I know you are lying through your teeth. What ever secrets my sisters and I have, none of them have been kept from Matt. If he wants to tell you, then I am OK with that but until then, you will just have to wait".

Vi's face hardened as she stared back at Prue. "If anything happens to Matt, then there is no where you can run too that we won't find you". Prue couldn't help herself as she burst out laughing. And then in a strong almost threatening voice "The 'people' we deal with are far more dangerous that you and your friends could ever be and you have no idea how far I can go, further than you can imagine".

Vi found herself holding onto the table tightly as the air in the room became increasingly oppressive and she could swear that her chair and the table has started to vibrate. Prue paused as she saw that her emotions were beginning to cause another minor magical storm to brew in the Kitchen. With an effort, she tried to calm herself as she also realised that she had probably spoken too much. Prue said " I think its time you left".

As Vi stiffly got up, Prue tried to make some peace with the woman. "Whatever you think we are up to, I have no secrets from Matt and I trust him completely. Believe me in this, the world we walk in, is not a world you want to be part of. You don't know the rules or who else is involved, any more than someone on the street knows your world. You are in no danger from us, but there are others who will hurt you without hesitation if you get in their way".

As Vi turned to walk into the hallway, she found herself looking at a quiet Paige who was staring down at her from the top of the staircase. Paige said nothing but her stare obviously discomforted Vi who quickly looked away and walked to the front door.

Vi walked quickly down the path and turned to walk down Prescott St. Only once she had turned several corners, did a SUV pull up along side her. Pausing only to remove a recorder from her pocket, Vi opened the back passenger door and entered to sit alongside Kay. "For a second there, I am certain that I had her, but then she turned on me. And I am positive there was someone else behind me. Prue looked over my shoulder at someone. When I turned, there was no one there. The only person I saw was the youngest sister, Paige and she was at the top of the stairs".

Passing the recorder to Agent Keyes who was in the front passenger seat, Vi added "When I threatened Prue, she just laughed at me. She was not intimidated and you know how good I am at doing that. Actually she scared me. I see what you mean when you said she is more dangerous than she looks".

Agent Keyes said "Listen" as he pushed the play button on the small recorder Vi had given him. Prue's voice came through loud and clear as the conversation progressed, however the quality degenerated rapidly after Vi threatened Prue. Within seconds the recording was full of static, overlaid by piercing high pitched noises. "Now thats unusual" Keyes commented. He turned to look back at Vi and Kay and said, "you have just been assigned solely to the Halliwell case".

Meanwhile back at the Manor, Paige had joined Prue in the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. "Sorry Prue, but that she was lying came through loud and clear".

"Thats OK, it could have been worse, I almost told her everything and then we really would have been up the creek" replied Prue.

Unable to relax, Paige joined Prue to help her finish off several of Piper's croissants. "Darn it" said Paige, "I can't even orb anything of hers somewhere". Prue just laughed.

Both the sisters now sat quietly as they considered what had happened. Prue wondered how Matt would react to his mother's visit and how would she tell him. Paige remembered what she had felt from Vi, a determination to find out the secret what ever the cost. They where going to see more of Matt's relatives, that was certain.

Over the next hour the rest of the family returned. First Phoebe and Cole returned from the Gym, pleased and sweaty. After a quick briefing, a grim Cole and an unhappy Phoebe quickly showered and joined Prue and Paige in the Sitting room to discuss what had happened.

Having been rung by Paige, Leo and Piper quickly finished up at P3 and drove back to the Manor. All four sisters, along with Cole and Leo alternatively sat, walked around, sometimes listening and other times arguing on what the best plan should be. They had solved the coven problem but now the Battagliana problem had to be added to a list that never seemed to get any shorter.

As Matt walked into the hallway, he immediately realised that something was wrong. The quiet looks that everyone gave him made him feel almost unwelcome. In a worried tone, he asked "What happened?". Prue came over and led him into the Living room where at least they would have some privacy. "Your mother came to visit this morning and we talked".

"You didn't tell her about you being witches did you, she can't be trusted. Thats what she is very good at, getting information out of people as she does it for a living" said Matt in a concerned voice. "No" replied Prue,"I almost told her but Paige warned me and she left in a huff". In a voice now full of pain Matt added "I am so sorry, my parents just won't learn".

"Come on, its not your fault. Its time we had lunch" replied Prue as she gently pulled Matt back into the hall. As they entered the Dining room, Matt again said "I am so sorry, after what has happened over the last few days, I forgot what my parents could do". Turning to Paige, he said "You did well to see through my mother, she's an expert in getting people to trust her and then talk."

"Thank my sensing power," replied Paige, "it lets me cheat". "Sensing power?" asked Matt. Prue said "Thats yet another thing we haven't told you yet. Its one of Paige's powers. She can read what people and demons intend to do". "Its not like telepathy, I can't hear thoughts but what they want to do. It comes across as impressions or ideas" added Paige.

"Sorry, there's still so much more to tell you, Paige has several powers besides orbing, there's her sensing power and she can sometimes transform something into something else, although she still needs to work on that one" continued Prue. As Paige stuck her tongue out at Prue, everyone finally had a chance to laugh.

"Its something we have kept secret from anyone outside the family as it has helped us immensely in the past" added Leo.

Matt turned to look at Prue, "Thats how you knew I was going to propose isn't it.". And with a relieved laugh he added "I was wondering about that, I just assumed you could read me better than I thought". With a somewhat guilty look on her face, Prue quietly said "Yes, I don't mean to keep things from you, its just there is so much to tell you". "I understand, the last few days have been a sort of magical overload" replied Matt.

"Come on everyone, lunch is ready. I declare all problems are now on hold until lunch is over. We have an engagement to celebrate which I will remind everyone we have not yet done" said Piper. Prue suddenly found herself surrounded by her sisters as with grins on their faces, they pulled her around to the front of the table. A circle of flowers was placed on her head and she was sat firmly on the chair at the head of the table.

A grinning Sheila appeared from the kitchen carrying a large cream covered cake, which was carefully placed in the middle of the table. Prue rose to hug her and said "Oh its so good to see you back, how are Michael and Darryl Jr ?". "Fine" replied Sheila, "they are staying with my Aunty Rosie. There is no way Darryl and I would miss this party. Now sit down and don't move, this is for you and Matt."

A suddenly nervous Matt found himself also surrounded, this time by Leo, Cole and Darryl as they also guided him over to the table to be sat firmly at the other end. Another circle of flowers was also placed on his head and to his embarrassment and giggles from the others, he found himself going red in the face. Both Prue and Matt were then told to stay seated and lunch would soon be served.

The silver cutlery and crystal wine glasses were produced and laid on the table by Piper and Phoebe. Sheila dashed outside to return with several flower arrangements which were placed on the table. Paige and Leo orbed out to P3 to return with several bottles of wine, apple cider and two fruit platters that had been chilling at the club. These were also added to the table.

As Prue sat with a bemused expression, she realised that there was one extra place setting. As she turned to ask Piper, who the extra setting was for, she found herself looking at her father, who she had not seen since Piper's wedding. He stood quietly behind her, looking at the sister who still had difficulty in forgiving him for leaving them and their mother. Both Piper and Phoebe stood to one side, watching with guarded joy as they waited for Prue's reaction.

As an uncertain smile played across his face, Prue paused then rose from her seat to fling her arms around Victor and hug him. Turning to Matt, "I would like to introduce my father, Matt this is Victor Bennett". Prue waited as Matt got up from his seat and came over to stand alongside her. She then added "Daddy, this is Matt, the man I am going to marry".

As she released Victor, he was finally able to offer his right hand to Matt so they could shake. Both Piper and Phoebe who had now been joined by an almost emotional Sheila, watched with similar feelings as Victor congratulated Matt. Leo and Paige returned from P3, followed closely by Darryl and Cole who had gone to fetch the lunch that had been hidden in both Darryl and Piper's cars.

Victor's pleasure at being invited to the engagement celebration was obvious, especially when he found out that Matt had no magical abilities or background. This allowed him to add that Matt was "someone I can give advice to about living with magic, so he can learn about the good things and avoid my mistakes".

With the table now covered with decorations, hot food, wine and fruit, all chose seats with Victor sitting next to Prue. Victor with a flourish, opened the first bottle of wine and after filling the wine glasses except for Paige's who had already filled hers with cider, he proposed the first toast. With that the family and their best friends settled down to a lunch that once again, reaffirmed the bonds between them all.

For a while at least, the problems that never seemed to go away, did just that as a great meal with family and friends occupied them.

Much later as everyone talked, joked and generally celebrated life, the phone call that would change almost everything arrived, as Darryl's cell phone started to ring.