Faithfully Yours Part 5: A Time in the Affairs of Witches   Chapter 36 "The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means."   Oscar Wilde

Erin sat in the first row of seats in Court number 7 between the client's brother and a pleasant faced man wearing jeans and a plaid shirt who had slipped into the court about an hour ago. They both watched Cole litigate. During one o the several breaks the man had introduced himself as Cole's brother in law Leo.

Erin was not certain what she was feeling as she watched the proceedings. Certainly the client's brother was enjoying the spectacle and could barely keep his yays under his breath. Once she had to put her hand out to stop him clapping. Leo on her other side sat with his arms crossed and an expression on his face that to Erin seemed like righteous approval.

Only to Erin such approval left her in doubt.  She understood and respected that the letter and spirit of the law was through an adversarial process but this was neither adversarial nor a process. It was a massacre and it had been one from the second the judge tapped his gavel four hours ago.

Whilst she understood that the judge was allowing to go on long enough to make sure no grounds for appeal could be remotely dragged from the proceedings, the whole thing struck her as such a total contest between unequals she was embarrassed for the opposition. All five of attorneys lined up at the other table, with a further 6 in the seats behind were huddled down in the misery of total vanquishment. Erin was almost praying for it to end silently begging the judge to release her from her discomfort.

As the massacre unfolded Cole, to his credit Erin thought, was behaving with a leisurely dignity that at least gave an appearance of professional detachment but every now and again she would catch a small movement, or word stress or note, that hinted at the pleasure he was getting from the whole spectacle.

Erin was pleased for the client. It took some doing for a suburban lawyer to take on the whole corporate empire of a multinational company. To achieve even a recognition that the client had grounds was as much as most would have dreamed. She recognised some of her present concern was seeing even a little, the mask of the pleasant, easy going good humoured man she had seen in the office over the last few days slip. Sitting in court she was forced to see the level of his determination, demonic was a word that came into her head to describe it, with which he pursued his quarry.

Erin had heard of Cole Turner some years ago. Her previous bottom of the ethics hole law firm, had come into confrontation with him when he worked for on of San Francisco's largest and most influential law companies. The result had left her colleagues feeling like she suspected the lawyers at the opposition table were feeling now. She remembered how firm partners who had been on the receiving end of what the corporate lawyers were experiencing today, had sat around planning the demise of one Cole Turner in the legal profession.

However, despite gossip in the law profession of erratic behaviour and difficulties with his company, somehow Cole had survived. Erin remembered at the time she wondered what sort of magic aura he had because other enemy lawyers and fallen to the partners plotting but he had continued to flourish in the profession winning some spectacular cases. Then quite suddenly Cole Turner had fallen outside the legal radar.

Only to reappear, to become the patron lawyer of lost causes. Although as today had demonstrated, and as Eduardo back at the office had explained to her, they frequently were no longer lost causes when Cole took them on.

Cole as she knew from her previous job, and as she had been informed by at least 5 legal contacts in the last few days was genuinely hated by most members of the DA and police force as well as a sizable proportion of the remainder of the legal profession, and she suspected that proportion would grow after today.  Law enforcement types apparently spat at his name.

Which in view of the massacre she was watching was ironic.  Surprisingly law enforcement types had some connection to this case, as the brother of the client was a cop, who had approached Cole to help him at the recommendation of a friend of Cole's, also a cop.

Erin decided Cole was an enigma. This case should have been untouchable, a health insurance company suing the client for everything he owned because they claimed he had lied on his insurance and obtained money for his wife's breast cancer treatment under false pretences, which a fair person would concede was the truth.

A fact that was apparently was of no consideration or consequence in the massacre of the health insurance company than she was witnessing.

The judge finally took mercy on Erin and called an end to the massacre, dismissing all complaints and ordering the heath insurance company to pay costs and ending it with a homily on their role and obligations which, glancing around at the press contingent scribbling furiously, Erin supposed was at least going to get in the press, even if the company took no notice.

Cole, to her annoyance, even managed to keep his expression calm and detached rather than showing the inhuman glee that most other lawyers winning such a profound victory would have used. In fact if Erin had not seen the smirk playing around his lips, she would have thought Cole a model of professional decorum as he watched his client embrace his brother and wife and children.

Erin stood back beside Leo while the client's expressed their glee and gratitude and even included her, as a member f Cole's firm, in their thanks.

When the clients finally went, Erin and Leo were left alone with Cole. She waited for Leo to express his admiration but surprising to her he just looked wryly at Cole and dryly asked "You think you're ever going to see a dollar of those court costs that were awarded to you?"

Cole shrugged and laughed "Not without spending 5 years arguing with them in court. Better things to do "he grinned.

"Good" said Leo and Erin thought she detected a sense of relief within Cole that there was going to be no hero worship or expression of pride from his family.

She wondered what was really going on in his head, and what the story was behind this, and the word enigma came to her again.

"Why you here?" Cole asked Leo touch suspiciously. "Wasting an hour."

"I thought I better warn you Piper disregarded all good advice from this morning and took our… house guest on a sight seeing tour of San Francisco" Leo told Cole.

Cole's face went though a number of contortions before he asked in an almost normal voice. "Anything happen?"

Leo took a deep breath "Yeah it did" he said.

"Any consequences" Cole asked slowly.

"I'm guessing "said Leo.

"Okay" Cole said all in control.

"I wanted to tell you before... so... we don’t need the row at the moment" Leo told Cole.

"Oh" said Cole and to Erin's surprise the professional detachment deserted him "So Piper just  ... never listens  ... goes her own. Damn it Leo I'm not telling her... either of them for the fun of hearing my voice."

"I know "sad Leo making very little effort to placate Cole

"Why the bloody hell won't Piper listen to any damn sense or reason?" Cole exploded.

Leo grinned a little "Because she's a woman, and a Halliwell" Then his face fell "and people in love never listen to sense or reason."

Cole stopped cold then slowly put his hand on Leo's shoulder.

"Its hero worship Leo" he said "It's not. Nothing to do with...love just…"

"Yeah'" said Leo "how do you compete with a hero."

"You can't" Cole said "But he isn't…"."

"He's a goddamn hero Cole" Leo interrupted while Erin watched.

Cole sucked his lip. "Is that what happened?" he asked "Today. Consequences."

Leo nodded. "So you're not going to start a row tonight?" he asked.

"I'll see you at home" Cole said.

"And you're not going to start a row" Leo insisted.

The two of them eyed each other off. Erin watched bemused as a silent battle was fought.

"The only reason I am not going to start a row is because it will piss Piper off waiting for me to do it" Cole answered sulkily.

"Good" said Leo. He turned to Erin. "It was nice meeting you." he added. "I'm sure you'll get to meet the rest of the family soon."

"I know Piper and Paige" Erin said determinedly.

"Get to meet Cole's wife Phoebe?" Leo said a little too casually.

"That would be nice  Erin said her voice cool "Cole's safe " she added calling it straight. "Not my type."

"Good" said Leo just a little too hastily.

Cole swallowed uncomfortably "Leo gets a little protective about family things" He said awkwardly. "He and Phoebe have been close."

Erin took a deep breath and glanced at her watch. "I know it’s a late lunch. You want to have a coffee and sandwich so we can talk over a few things "she asked in her best professional voice.

Cole narrowed his eyes and winced. He was getting damnably sick of women chasing him.

Erin nodded. She started to move away and stopped as Cole pulled out his cell.

He called Phoebe who in the middle of a very long lunch with George was only mildly enthusiastic he had won the case. "I knew you would" she said shortly and it wasn't a compliment.

"You with George" Cole said and it wasn't a question.

"What if I am? It's only a business lunch" Phoebe insisted.

"What sort of business?" demanded Cole.

"None of your damned business" Phoebe asked "You planning on having a business lunch with the new lawyer?" she asked sweetly.

Cole caught stuttered and finally muttered yes.

"So "said Phoebe and slammed the phone down.

Cole winced as he put his phone in his pocket.

Erin and Cole went to a small café near the court house.

After they ordered while Cole waited for Erin to say something. She had glowered slightly when he had pulled a chair out for her.

Finally she asked "What happened back in that court room?"

"Justice" Cole answered quietly.

"It was a judicial massacre" Erin insisted.

"Sometimes that is what it takes to get justice" Cole answered calmly "You think even just wars are bloodless. Trust me people bleed as much in just wars."

Erin swallowed "You enjoyed it" she accused.

"Some people enjoy battle, even bloody ones" he shrugged.

"But it's okay because its just?'" Erin insisted.

"Got me there" Cole smiled. "Is that why you asked me to lunch?"

"Yes" said Erin "and I feel maybe to know you a little, to work with you."

Cole froze. "Look "he said "I can only say this straight. Despite that phone call I'm happily married. I know it sounded bad."

"I'm outta here" said Erin. Erin half rose "Even if you were my type and you're not I am not interested in you a re any other damned man. "

"My mistake "he said embarrassed. 'Sorry didn't realise...I mean."

"I'm not interested in women either" she bit out  "If you'd been thorough what I'd been through, men would not be your favourite topic either."

Cole stopped "So" he said "You didn't see the man of your dreams on the way in?" He asked.

"What "she said starting to rise again.

"I get it, I'm not your type" he said. "But you didn’t see some-on who is  ...Your type, in the last few days maybe."

"No" she said, looking around for her coat

"You sure?" Cole asked

"I didn't see any corpses on the way in" Erin bit out "I'm pretty damned sure that is the only fantasy I have about men. No and I don't mean necrophilia" she added. "I man the only good man is dead one" she added.

"I got that " Cole said swallowing hard. "Sorry " he said "Just I've been on the end of some weird behaviour from women lately."

Erin looked at him and sat down.

"So I here from Eduardo" she said "Only he seems to think its normal."

"Who is your ideal man?" Cole asked curiously.

Erin looked as if she had never thought about, She finally shrugged. "One who cares more about me than he wants me" she said. '"Totally non existent."

"On behalf of all men I find that insulting "Cole told her.

Erin looked at him with a smile "Good "she said.

"I think we'll work okay together" Cole told her.

Erin looked doubtfully but removed her coat.

…………………………………….

Therold sitting at his desk in his cottage, with a large fluffy tabby cat on his lap, put his tea cup down and pursed his lips whilst his brother guardian Proctor watched him carefully. Proctor had visited, ostensibly, to tell Therold of some of the his observations of the actions of good and evil since Belthezor had sent them packing from Burvjara.

"So Belthezor didn't scare them off" Therold said trying to keep the scorn out of his voice.  "Just sent them into retreat." He sucked his lip. "The warrior casts have little understanding of actions that do not involve what they like to call action. They do not seem to understand that brute force never begat anything but brute force." he said, taking pleasure in contemplating Belthezor's lack of wisdom.

"I don't believe Belthezor expected to scare them off" Proctor commented, the only effect his dry tone having on Therold was to make him pucker his lips more  prissily "I believe he expected to give Burvjara and its people some  ... time to breath the air and ponder their choices.'"

Therold had wheezed scornfully.

Proctor nodded understanding. "I believe Belthezor understands the need for justice in Burvjara" he said carefully.

"What is the justice for Burvjara?" Therold asked just avoiding a snort.

"It is just and right they control their own destiny" suggested Proctor.

"I doubt Belthezor knows how they can do this" Therold sneered.

"You tell me that the prophesies, the future visions say that Belthezor does fix it" Proctor said and he hesitated "You also tell me that the independence of these who control the magic pole is the reason why this source does not defeat Good in the future.'"

"That and the descendants of Belthezor's beautiful Phoebe" said Therold sighing at the vision of his beloved.

"The descendants of the Charmed Ones you told me" prodded Proctor " including the beautiful Phoebe …and Belthezor"

This time Therold did not snort.

Proctor hesitated and then carefully said. "Friend Therold "he said "the beautiful Phoebe is Belthezor's wife. Fidelity is the  ... foundation of righteousness. And I have observed that regardless of temptation and her … perversity, she is faithful."

"You think I do not admire her, worship her for her fidelity" Therold bit out. He stood up, carefully putting the cat on the chair before he prowled the room. He turned to Proctor "You think I do not know how the evil the spites threw at her, has tempted her and hurt her and yet she still remains faithful".

"That is well brother" Proctor said. "And better "he said "Brother you do not add to the evil by mistaking the … flirtatiousness of her nature that I have observed for an infidelity it is not."

"My concerns are not to tempt her or take advantage of the sweetness of her ...flirtatiousness" Therold bit out "My concerns are to protect her as much as I can from the evil around her. To protect with no more reward than a sweet smile is the truest proof of a devout and noble love." he added.

"Sometimes without even a sweet smile" Proctor mused "protecting her is well Brother" he said choosing his words carefully "But perhaps a true lover needs to be sure the protection is necessary.' The sister said in past Cole would never harm her. I believe this to be true." he added pointedly

Therold sucked his breath "I happen to know Belthezor does hurt her." he said

"It is in the nature of love too be hurt by lovers" said Proctor carefully "and it is the wisdom of those who love to know that it is a mistake to interfere between lovers. They have their own rules, their own words... their own understandings"

"I will not see her harmed." snorted Therold.

"You cannot protect her form being hurt" Proctor pushed. He stood up turned away then turned back.  His expression suddenly softening, "Brother Therold "he said "I have little wisdom of my own. In most things I defer to your wisdom. I respect your wisdom, but in his case I have the wisdom of a lover. Respect my wisdom. Do not interfere between Belthezor and his witch."

Therold's expression became more and more peevish.

Proctor started to speak again, then stopped as he heard the sound of orbs. He His expression became satanic. "Francesca" he said with a smile that would have been demonic if his eyes had not momentarily softened "Such a pleasure."

"I doubt it" Francesca said a touch brusquely because she had caught the slight softness and it concerned her.

"I will make you some tea." Therold said prissily.

Francesca raised her eyes."

"Just so" said Proctor and she rewarded him with a slight smile "I have business with Therold" she said pointedly.

"And you wish me gone" Proctor asked dryly. Too dryly.

She hesitated "More I require it" she replied carefully. "I have business with Therold that I think is best said without him trying to claim an ally."

"Demons against an angel?" Proctor asked satanically.

"Males against a female" she said. "It is my wisdom that advising a male about his passion often brings the response that a female does not understand it."

"You are so sure I will be Therold's ally" Proctor asked at his most satanically

"No" Francesca said honestly "I am sure Therold will try and claim you."

Proctor nodded 'Then I am gone" he conceded "But I should inform you Therold was not inclined to listen to male wisdom on the subject you wish to discuss. So you may have accept he will not listen to wisdom. Male, female, demonic or angelic"

"Ï fear you are right" Francesca told Proctor as he shimmered. Therold returned with a tray of tea and she turned toward him with a less than confident smile.

……………………………………..

When Cole arrived home, mindful of Leo's requests not to upset Piper he managed to hold himself together with Piper and only wryly shrugged his shoulders when Piper apprehensively told him what happened. He even thanked Glock and meant it, for looking after the children, and managed to suggest that whatever the consequences they must be okay because he could truthfully say he had felt no real movement in the spirit winds.

Piper who had been steeling herself for the ensuing battle with him all day, and was well and truly prepared to give as good as she got, positively shuddered with frustration at being foiled. As Cole behaved beautifully, she slammed dishes around the kitchen, and then picked up a large bowl where she was hand stirring something special for Glock, whisking it with unnecessary force and energy while Leo, waiting around on case he needed to referee, pretended that he was unconcerned.

Paige watched as Cole murmured into the phone, distracted by his replies from her magazine. In deference to her problems with archbishop and a determination to prove to Mark, if she ever saw him again, that she was not hooked on porn pictures , was a very mild woman's magazine with a few well know rock stars and movies stars shirtless. It also contained one or two articles that were nothing to do with undressed males.

"Mmmm"  Cole said into the phone "Yes mmmm." He said "No mmmm.'

Cole put the phone down and stared at it contemplatively.

"What?" said Paige looking at him her head in the side.

''That was George" Cole told her sucking hi lips together contemplatively.

"Which George" Paige asked hoping the answer was not going to be the one she knew it was. "Phoebe's George?"

"Not Phoebe's George… yet" Cole said pointedly "I think I could be tempted to stop that happening'" he added calmly.

"You took Phoebe's call" Paige asked bristling "that isn’t helping "she started to say.

"He called me" Cole said still pondering the problem.

Paige looked at him in aghast "Why?" she demanded.

"Hmmm" said Cole. "He called to reassure me there is nothing to worry about. His relationship with my... wife is strictly professional and he wouldn't like me to think. That his intentions were anything but …professional."

Paige who had been the recipient of some long monologues from Phoebe about George's intentions swallowed hard.

Cole did not miss this.

"It worries me" he said.

"I don't think Phoebe is…" Paige started to say "She loves you, she's just…"

"Acting out spite induced fantasy" Cole said "I know."

He sat down at the table and helped himself to a coffee. And thought for a while

"You know when I used to be evil" he said.

"I remember 'Paige answered dryly.

"Demon 101, if things aren't going your way, reassure the victim there is nothing to worry about, freaks them into doing something… that makes things go your way."

"That isn’t just demon" Paige said" Its mortal evil 101."

"So we're agreed George is evil?" Cole asked.

"He's trying to seduce another man's wife" Paige said "I think that classifies as evil."

"So we're agreed George is tying to seduce another man's wife?" Cole asked conversationally.

"Yes "said Paige. She put down the magazine and eyed Cole suspiciously "Why are you the victim not Phoebe?" she asked.

"Cuckolded husbands do some pretty stupid things" Cole said mildly "Also evil 101".

"You wouldn't do something stupid would you?" Paige asked concerned.

"Over an idiot like George. It would hardly be a contest of equals would it?" Cole said.

 "Not like Therold" Paige said as Cole scowled.

"You think Therold is my equal" he glowered

"In power" Paige said. She took a deep breath "and power can be damned sexy" she added. "As long as you are sure you won't do something stupid over Therold" she added.

Cole sucked his breath. "But I think I better check George a little more closely." he said.

"That would be good "said Paige. "As long as you are sure you can resist doing something stupid about him." she said "Or Therold" she added before getting up going into the dining room.

……………………………………………………………

Cole's acceptance however only lasted as long as it took for Therold to shimmer into the manor kitchen an hour later and tell him precisely how he was responsible for a monumental shift in the spirit winds and the focus of the shift was Glock.

"There wasn't any shift" said Cole bluntly then shrugged and half turning away from Therold just as Francesca orbed in, her hair in disarray as if she had been running hand through it, and her expression the least calm he had ever seen.

"I was talking to you Therold" she said in a school marm voice that did not quite hide her concern.

"You were talking nonsense" Therold told her in his high squeaky voice, a voice maybe a touch higher than normal. "You were speaking with the voice of a female … obsessed. I chose not to listen."

Cole spun back to half raise a hand

"Don't Cole" Francesca ordered him and he slapped his hands against his sides, but his expression was almost entirely demonic, which Therold clearly noted.

"Therold" Francesca said forcing her voice to be neutral "I thought we were having this conversation to ourselves."

"I will be the chooser of whom I converse with." Therold replied in a high squeak

"I didn't feel anything" Cole told Francesca, mutinously ignoring Therold.

"Then quite clearly the movement is connected to Therold and not you" she told Cole her voice just a little strained.

"You would choose to take that view with your…pet Francesca" Therold told her spitefully ".you….. my dear are not immune to spite magic. You have this fantasy of Belthezor and you see him as some.. dark hero. And you have a position to defend from the last Burvjarian crisis. But I tell you Belthezor is a demon with all a demon pettiness which any one with sense would understand."

"He means male sense" Piper informed Francesca.

"I know that dear" Francesca told her almost exasperated.

"This will not end well "Therold informed Francesca with a sanctimonious wheeze "and it will be on your head, Francesca for letting this fantasy of yours take over you common sense. You of all creatures should know the danger of spite magic and of not underestimating its impact.'"

"I do know that" Francesca replied keeping her voice under control… just . "and I have taken measures to control it." she said calmly, a little too calmly.

Leo looked at Therold "I know Francesca's fantasies and they do not look like Cole" He shrugged bemused,  'they look like that actor Fabio whatever who is always on the covers of romance novels, the freaky blond guy."

"Thank you Leo" said Francesca with a wry smile and then winced as Phoebe could be heard coming through the front door talking 19 to the dozen to Paige. who was saying yeah yeah yeah every few words.

"Belthezor is not listening to the winds " Therold said peevishly. "Something happened to the Burvjarian today and the winds shifted with a rush" Then he flushed bright red as he heard Phoebe's voice.

Glock who had been outside appeared at the laundry door, once again not pretending he was doing anything but listening.

"Glock was hurt saving my children and Mark healed him" said Piper firing up as she finally found some-one she could have a fight with.

"I can speak for myself" said Glock evenly. He had been standing to one side watching the battle an now he stepped beside Piper, standing protectively between her and Therold which made Leo frown.

"Mark?" snapped Paige coming into the kitchen "What about Mark? What's wrong with Mark" she said anxiously "what happened?"

"I didn't think you cared about Mark" Leo said needing a victim. He pursed his lips and received a dirty look form Paige for his trouble.

"What the hell goes on between two people..." Paige stopped as she saw Therold watching her with a very pissed guardian expression.

"I respect and care for Mark as any witch would respect and care for her whitelighter" Paige said primly.

"Oh good god "said Francesca raising her hands.

"Cole knows me well enough to know I make my choices'" Glock told Therold but made no impact because Therold turned away as Phoebe came in.

Cole and Glock exchanged glances indicting Phoebe's presence was less than welcome.

Phoebe greeted Therold with a gracious and charming smile, then smirked at Cole before pecking him on the lips, while murmuring a general hi to everybody other than Glock who she avoided completely.

"What "she said as they all responded with a moan.

Ignoring them, she wished Therold well taking the time to touch his hand as he blushed.

"Cut that out" Cole told her bluntly and pushed her hand off Therold who started top raise his hand to connecting to his magic and only stopped when Francesca bit out "Therold "

'"Stop it Phoebe" Cole told her. He deliberately put his hand up to connect with her aura feel it "Had another spite attack have we? Hormones just busting out are they? Well honey bunch" he snarled "this is not the time or place.'

"Don't call me honey bunch'" Phoebe snapped bestowing a huge smile on Therold. "Cole just gets possessive and doesn't understand how rude it is "she explained sweetly.

"I am sure you are right" Therold told her weakly caught between his desire to please her and his anger with Belthezor.

Phoebe smirked at Cole, whose face contorted with anger.

"As Belthezor does not understand the movement of the winds" Therold wheezed finding a way to retrieve ground, "we need to look carefully at the effect of the Burvjarian on the realm and then assess the balance."

"Maybe the Burvjarian could just leave the realm and it would all would be fixed" Phoebe suggested with a mock innocence.

Glock's nose twitched with irritation.

"Ah my dear" wheezed Therold "You cannot understand the complicated relationship between the realms. If it was only so simple".

"Phoebe" said Francesca her school marm reaching a level of terseness she rarely used ."Stop it this instant."

"Stop what" said Phoebe innocently but then seeing the expression on Francesca's face said nothing else.

"I felt nothing" Cole said again.  "So that what happened today clearly has not thrown the balance."

"Nothing happened "snarled Piper hand on hips as she crashed things down and came to eyeball Therold. "Don't come in here making trouble in my family "she told him. "Glock went out and we had a pleasant day.  He was healed as any other innocent by a whitelighter. Whitelighters do that" she roared.

"I am a guardian of the realm" Therold squeaked "And I understand my calling. I know the winds moved…..witch"

"Don't you talk to my sister like that" snorted Paige

"Piper has a point "Leo started to say"

"You're not worrying about the balance. You're just here because you're so besotted with my sister you're doing anything you can to get her attention" Piper accused Therold.

"I came to asses the damage the whitelighter has done" Therold said sanctimoniously "and assess the response and consider the consequence. As a courtesy to Belthezor….  and you my dear" he said to Phoebe bowing slightly.

"I have little regard for ogres" said Glock his nose twitching and his colour darkening.

Cole raised his eyes.

"You have some wisdom" Francesca told Glock her lips pressed together.

"Consequences, Mark, whitelighter, what do you mean?" demanded Paige stepping toward Therold almost pushing Piper out the way.

Cole stepped into the fray, putting himself between Piper and Paige and Therold and almost on Therold's face.

"Piper a has a point" Cole told Therold "Go and consider that nothing happened before you talk of consequences. And some other ogre has to interfere to fix your fantasies and make sure that the whitelighter gets ….justice."

"Thank you Cole" Paige said gratefully.

"Then perhaps brother you need to reassess your role and your connection and listen to the balance rather than your own jealousies to those who show concern for your beautiful wife." Therold told Cole stepping closer, which meant he had to lean his head back to look into Cole's face.

Glock's noes twitched. "If I had no faith in ogres' higher wisdom'" he told Francesca. "This eliminates it."

"Neither of thinking with…their higher functions" she said arms crossed.

Phoebe positively glowed "Oh Therold" she said, stepping up to catch his arm which did have the effect of making him step away from Cole.

 He turned toward Phoebe. "Bless you my dear" he said sweetly kissing her hand while she glowed.

"Get you bloody hand of my wife" Cole hissed.

"Cole" said Phoebe archly "Ignore him" she told Therold.

"And stop behaving like a bitch in heat" Cole told Phoebe stepping forward to claim her and pull her away from Therold

"She's just being normal" Paige said to Francesca.

'"More so I think dear" Francesca said.

"She's bloody obsessed with demons" Cole said catching hold of Phoebe and holding her tight , then pulling her away from Therold "Ever noticed how every one of her fantasies turns out to be a demon."

"I've often thought Phoebe's a demon magnet" said Piper saintly.

"John Cotton wasn't demons" Phoebe said angry, struggling to get free. "Ouch Cole you're hurting me" she pouted dramatically.

"No John Cotton was just a shit" said Paige "which make sit all right." She crossed her arms and smirked. "Sorry Francesca" she said Ï mean he wasn't nice."

"Let her go" Therold ordered furiously as Phoebe with a smug smile pulled herself free.

"You …your wife, you touch he in anger, you threaten her and you will answer to me Friend…" sneered Therold stepping up like a bantam rooster. "Belthezor."

"Go" Therold" ordered Francesca in her most school marm, angel in charge voice.

Therold hesitated. He met Francesca's eyes and then made a move toward Cole "Belthezor" he started to say.

Francesca held her ground and after what seemed an age, with a glare at everyone else and a last sweet smile for Phoebe Therold shimmered.

"Oh Phoebe "said Francesca with a deep sigh.

"What?" said Phoebe.

"The balance hasn't changed." Cole told Francesca defensively.

"It has shifted," she said. "In Therold's sphere. In Lore."

Cole smirk changed to an angry glare and started to say something.

"As it did in your sphere when you bought Glock here" she told him and he shut up.

Paige uncrossed her arms and positively glowered at Phoebe.

"What?" said Phoebe

"What did Mark do that was so bad?" demanded Paige ignoring Phoebe. "What did Mark do that was so bad?" she repeated.

"Healed Glock" said Piper "had to heal a few old injuries and Burvjarian problems as well"

"Oh lord "said Francesca' "there is a reason there are rules.

"I'm true grateful" said Glock.

"He needed to heal Glock to fix his injuries.".. for saving my children" Piper said getting pugnacious.

"Yes dear and in the time available to him he had to make a quick choice. Did not have time to look at alternative actions" Francesca said with a sigh.

"He did what was right." Piper said pushing it.

"Yes dear I just agreed "Francesca said running her hand through her hair.

"What if Therold goes all guardian after Mark" demanded Paige her face flushed.

"I won't let it happen" said Cole enjoying the prospect of taking on Therold.

"Cole" Francesca said warning

"Thank you "said Paige reaching up to kiss Cole in his check.

"Stop behaving like a damned flirt with my husband" snarled Phoebe catching Paige's arm "and you Cole, quit fooling around with every bloody female you see." Phoebe roared at Cole" I told you I wouldn't tolerate one more."

"Oh Phoebe" said Francesca exasperated

"What" said Phoebe then stuck her nose in air "I am going go play with my son and air stalked out.

Cole looked at Francesca "I felt nothing "he insisted.

"I believe you" Francesca said "clearly the  ... whitelighter causes no problems for justice, a huge problem for Lore.'

"Don't you harm Mark Francesca" Paige insisted "he is a good man, a good whitelighter. He is descent and kind and..."

"And he some understanding of consequences of breaking rules" said Francesca. "I will be in contact. Adding Phoebe to any situation certainly adds some …. curious elements" she murmured "Good evening" she said

"You think it was good evening" Piper asked.

'"No dear I do not" Francesca said as she orbed.

"I would not wish any harm to come to a creature for offering me a kindness" Glock told Cole.

"There is no justice in damning some-one for a genuine act of kindness" Cole answered in what would have been his guardian voice if the sneer had not also been there. "I won't let Therold harm him Paige" Cole promised enjoying the idea that he could be justified in confronting Therold.

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