Disclaimer: I don’t own them they belong to the WB


Phoebe Halliwell lay face down on the bed sobbing into her pillow, she hadn’t heard the bedroom door open the first she knew of her sister’s presence was when she felt the side of her bed sag.

Without looking up she knew who it would be, her big sister Piper. She felt the gentle arms pull her into the comfort and security of her sister’s lap.

Piper pushed the hair back from the tear stained face, staring into the chocolate brown eyes identical in shape and colour to her own she could see the pain and confusion evident in the ten year olds face.

“What happened?”

Phoebe shrugged and buried her face into Pipers chest.

“Phoebe, come on tell me” Piper pulled the little girl back once again looking into the soft brown eyes.

“Prue”

“Yeah I guessed so what this time?” Piper could feel the sinking despondency knowing once again that her older sister and the youngest had had another almighty clash.

“She, she…she “

“Phoebe deep breath” Piper was doing her best to calm her kid sister.

“Battered me…she battered me”

Piper’s eyes went wide, lately her sisters had only to be in the same room and World War 3 would start, even so it was extremely rare for Prue to resort to smacking.

“Why honey? Tell me” Piper’s voice was gentle as she rocked the small girl, always small for her age Phoebe looked even more vulnerable, her eyes were red and swollen her hair wild and unkempt.

“Woods” Phoebe took in a gulp of air the events of the evening all too fresh in her mind.

Piper groaned “You went to the woods?”

Piper watched the guilty expression flash across the youngsters face.

“Oh god! Phoebe!” Piper sounded agitated, she felt Phoebe flinch at the sound of her voice.

“I’mmm sorrrrry” Phoebe’s tears began again this time louder and more sorrowful than before.

“No wonder Prue was mad! Geez Phoebe how many times do you have to be told?”

Phoebe felt her heart sink, even Piper was mad with her; pulling away she attempted to get away from the grip of her sister.

“You’re not going anywhere missy!” Piper tightened her hold “What the hell where you thinking!”

“Everybody went”

“Everybody went! Oh well that will cut it!”

Phoebe suddenly felt defensive after all she was ten years old way to old to be told where she could and couldn’t go “I’ve already had this off Prue”

Piper took a deep breath she could feel the anger growing in the pit of her stomach she picked Phoebe up and stood her on the floor in front of her holding her by the arms Piper pulled her close “Don’t you dare! Don’t you even try it!”

Phoebe looked away no longer able to look her sister in the eye, although nowhere near as intense or angry as the looks Phoebe often got from Prue somehow when it was off Piper it was much worse.

“You might well look at the floor! You know Phoebe I’m so angry with you right now! I’m going to bed I suggest you do the same, we’ll talk about this tomorrow when I’ve had the chance to calm down”

Phoebe slowly raised her face; her eyes were brimming with the tears she’d been battling to keep under control.

Piper looked at the pitiful sight that was her kid sister taking a deep breath Piper hardened herself unwilling on this occasion to soften and give comfort.

“Come on……. bed!” Piper stared intently at her sister.

“I’m sorry Pipe; please don’t you be mad at me too!” Phoebe sounded really upset as she tried to get round her big sister.

“No, not this time.” Piper pulled at her sister’s sweatshirt pulling it off her head she had the pyjama top on in record time, wasting no time Piper pulled at her little sisters jeans and held the pyjama bottoms out for her to step into.

Phoebe sobbed as she put her hand on Pipers shoulder balancing as she lifted first one foot and then the other. Piper could almost feel herself melting as she looked at the tiny figure in front of her, tears pouring down her face she looked so small the red hand marks on Phoebes legs had not gone unnoticed either. .

“Do you need the bathroom?”

Phoebe shook her head “Nooooo”

“Ok” Piper pulled the duvet back “In”

Phoebe hurriedly climbed into her bed anticipating a cuddle and a goodnight kiss only to feel the disappointment when Piper pulled the cover up and reached across to turn off the light.

“Piper?” Phoebe felt scared Piper had never been like this with her, Prue yes she was used to it but not Piper, Piper always caved, Piper always got over her anger, Piper always gave her a kiss.

“Go to sleep Phoebe”

Phoebe watched when for the first time ever Piper hardened her heart, turned and walked out of the door.

++++++++++++

Piper made her way to the privacy of her own room and sank down into the easy chair, closing her eyes she leaned back, she could feel the tension in her shoulders the dull throbbing between her eyes.

“Hey?” The voice was gentle, questioning, the owner uncertain to the reception they might receive.

Piper opened her eyes, her mouth set in a straight line “Hey” Piper stared at her older sister for a few seconds, that was all it took to see the pain and upset etched into the deep blue eyes.

“You mad at me?” Prue was unable to gauge her sister’s mood.

Piper shook her head “No” meeting her sister’s gaze she continued “No, I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at Phoebe”

“Ughh oh!” Prue looked visibly shocked.

“She told me she went to the woods”

Prue took a deep breath “Yeah?…Did she tell you I smacked her?”

Piper gave her big sister a half smile; she could tell Prue was upset, in need of support.

“Yes, she told me………… said you battered her” Piper was biting on the inside of her mouth not happy with the revelation.

Prue looked at her sister a guilty look in her eyes “She’s right…………I did” Piper watched as Prue ran her hands over her face “And you’re still not mad at me?” Prue raised an eyebrow not really believing her sister’s first response, Piper was forever battling Phoebe’s corner.

“No, she’s been told often enough, especially after what happened to those two girls”

Prue’s eyes filled with tears, this was a side of Prue that didn’t often surface, a side she kept suppressed afraid to show her vulnerability.

Prue lifted a hand to her face and rubbed at her mouth “I was so scared Pipe” Piper heard the sob as Prue struggled to control her emotions “She was so late, and I thought..I thought, I thoug” Piper stood up and pulled her sister to her holding her close giving her the support she so desperately needed.

“Phoebe does that” Piper pulled back so she could see her sisters face she kept her arms around her sisters shoulders taking comfort from the contact just as much as her sister.

“Does what?”

“Stutters and stammers when she’s upset”

“I don”

Piper held her hand up interrupting her sister a big smile on her face nodding her head “You do, you do to!”

Prue couldn’t help it she smiled back “Maybe, but not as much as Phoebe”

Piper grinned knowing she had made her point.

“Piper, I didn’t think she’d disobey me, not over the woods, not after I told her how dangerous it was…..I was frantic, I searched everywhere, I went to Jenny’s, I went to the store, I tried the park I had Andy and his mates looking. It was Andy who told me to try the woods she was swinging across the stream on an old bit of rope tied to a tree.”

“What did you do?”

“Nothing then, at least not in front of her friends, I don’t know how I controlled myself I wanted to kill her. She just looked so ….” Prue shook her head trying to think of the word.

“Scared?”

Prue let out a slight laugh “Anything but…….smug, defiant”

“Uhhh” Piper knew with Prue worked up to the pitch she was at that was not a good move on Phoebe’s part.

“What did she say?”

“Told me to mind mine…where she went and who she went with was none of my business”

Piper let out a gasp “What!”

Piper looked at her oldest sister a look of total disbelief on her face “Battered her? She’s lucky you didn’t kill her!”

“That wasn’t why I smacked her…..I just can’t get through. Two girls Piper…two girls not much older than her raped and killed and she just thinks she can just ignore my warnings”

“Maybe she doesn’t understand”

“She understands killed”

“Maybe but she is only ten, she won’t understand what all that means”

“She shouldn’t need to! For god’s sake Piper she’s ten! Why does she have to question me on every little thing? Why does she always go out of her way to do the opposite to what I say? Maybe if I told her to go to the dam woods she wouldn’t bother!”

Piper couldn’t help herself she let out a slight laugh she knew there was probably some truth in what her sister had said.

“She’s safe Prue; let’s just focus on that for now eh?”

“For how long Pipe?”

Piper caught the slight catch in her sisters voice the worry lines once again etched across her forehead, reaching out Piper pulled her sister to her “It’ll be all right sis, I’ll help you, I promise”

Prue relaxed into her sister’s arms making the most of the much needed hug “What’s she up to?”

“I sent her to bed”

Piper felt Prue nod her head relieved that at least for now their trouble finding sister was out of harms way.

“Thanks hun, don’t know what I’d do without you” Prue smiled at her sister as she landed a quick kiss on her cheek “Night Pipe”

“Night Prue….can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!”

+++++++++++
Phoebe groaned as she opened her eyes the events of the previous evening coming back in vivid detail. It was all Prue’s fault, Prue hated her, Prue went out of her way to make her life a misery, she was always spoiling her fun and now she’d turned Piper against her too.

Pulling back the covers she pulled on a sweatshirt and made her way downstairs both of her sisters were in the kitchen Piper at the stove, the other one at the table. Phoebe scowled as soon as she saw Prue she wanted to turn around and leave the room but that would look weak; taking a deep breath she noisily pulled out the chair and threw herself into it.

“Morning Phoebe” Piper sounded polite enough but Phoebe could hear the distance in her voice – Prue again! She just knew Prue had been poisoning the middle sister’s mind.

“Mmm” Phoebe grunted in response.

Prue looked up from the paper and looked at her sister she made no comment as Phoebe reached for the orange juice.

Prue exchanged a look with Piper Phoebes attitude was like a dark cloud.

“I said last night that I’d want to talk to you about going to the woods”

Phoebe let out a loud groan, in an overly dramatic gesture she slumped across the table her head in her hands.

“Pack that in!” Piper was getting annoyed now, she pulled out a chair and faced her sister she gave Phoebe a light slap across her hand “Sit up properly and listen!”

Phoebe very slowly pulled herself upright, slouching in her seat she stared at Piper “Go on then, I’m listening”

Piper heard Prue take a sharp breath she knew her older sister was doing her best to stay calm.

“Pack it in Phoebe! I don’t know what you think you’re trying to prove but I’m telling you now you’re not impressing anyone”

Phoebe rolled her eyes too busy showing off she hadn’t noticed Prue raise her hand, the first she knew was when she felt the sharp slap to the side of her leg.

“Oww!” Phoebe turned her outraged eyes on her eldest sister “What was that for?! I didn’t do nothing!”

“You were being cheeky and showing off – Piper’s warned you twice and you already know better! Now start behaving – that was just a warning!” Prue had stopped trying to suppress her anger it was bubbling just beneath the surface.

Phoebe made a show of pulling her pyjama leg up and rubbing at the red hand mark.

“You’re grounded Phoebe three weeks starting today” Piper stared at her sister hoping she’d take the news quietly.

“I hate you!” Phoebe turned her attention to Prue.

“IT’s not Prue that’s grounded you its me. And I don’t appreciate outbursts like that!” Pipers temper was really being tested.

“Yeah! Well it’s only because of her!” Phoebe pointed an accusing finger at Prue, Prue couldn’t help it once again she found herself lifting her hand to her sister, this time she slapped at the finger pointing in her face.

“IT’s rude to point; you’ve had enough warnings now you’d better behave!” Prue’s tone was one that Phoebe had heard on many occasions she knew from experience to ignore it would be to her cost.

“None of my friends have to put up with their sisters telling them what they can and can’t do. My friends have fun with their sisters all you do is nag, nag nag” Phoebe put her fingers together and moved them up and down.

“Phoebe!” this time it was Piper who was on the edge, she’d seen the hurt expression, the look of resignation cross her big sisters face, “That’s enough! Now be quiet or you really will be in trouble!”

Phoebe scowled at her sisters finishing her orange juice she grabbed a piece of toast and left the room.

Piper looked across at Prue “Jesus! It’s only 9.30!”

Prue shook her head “Yeah well she’ll get worse before she’s through. She’s got a right one on her now”

“Now! She’s had one on her since the minute she woke up!”


Phoebe ran up the stairs she quickly got showered and changed and headed for the yard, hmm grounded was she! They’ll be sorry!

Picking up her basketball she began bouncing it on the ground three times then three times against the wall she knew the sound would carry through to the Solarium she also knew that was were Prue would be. Prue liked to read the morning paper, she liked the light she also liked the peace and quiet.

‘Bang, Bang, Bang’ slight pause ‘Bang, Bang, Bang’

Piper walked in on her sister “What the hell!”

Prue growled “Phoebe!”

“Want me to stop her?”

“No, let the brat be. AT least I know where she is! She’ll soon get bored she’s doing it to wind me up”

“And is she?”

“Oh yes!” Prue’s mouth was in a grim line Piper could tell Phoebe was skating on very thin ice.

This time it was Piper that growled “Half an hour non stop!”

“She’ll get fed up in a bit”

“You’ve been saying that for the past ten minutes” Almost as the words left Pipers mouth the banging of the basketball stopped.

Piper raised her eyebrows looking across at Prue she held her breath, then it came…….. Phoebe had taken her CD player outside heavy metal was blaring out full blast.

“Right! That’s it!” Piper threw the paper down and angrily made her way outside the music was deafening.

“PHOEBE!” Piper yelled at her youngest sister, gaining no response she tried again “PHOEBE!”

Phoebe laid on the sun lounge oblivious to all around her the CD player at her side a long cold drink in her hand.

“HEY!” Phoebe looked around annoyed Piper had turned off the CD.

“Don’t you Hey me missy!” Piper was well pissed.

“I can’t do nothing round here! First of all you ground me then you won’t even let me play my music!” Phoebe had stood up toe to toe with her big sister hands on her hips.

“Yeah that’s right Phoebe life’s a bitch!” on that note Piper took the CD player and returned to the house.

Phoebe scowled at the retreating back of her sister heading to the shed she quickly found what she was after her catchers mitt and ball – Phoebe smiled to herself this would be even better than the basketball.

‘Bang….bang…bang…bang…bang…” This time there was no reprieve the banging against the wall was continuous.

“Give me strength!”

“Piper leave it for a bit if she carries on I’ll send her to her room”

“Ohhhhh! She’s such a joy!”

Phoebe was sitting on the floor her back against the patio wall bouncing the ball onto the kitchen wall she’d been there a while now, she was starting to get stiff not to mention bored.

“Hey Pheebes!”

Phoebe looked up delighted to see some of her friends.

“Whatcha up to?”

“Nothin” Phoebe wasn’t about to admit she was grounded.

“We’re going to the park – you coming?”

Phoebe looked around “Erm…no best not”

“Come on you said you weren’t doing anything come with us we’re going to play football”

“Mmmm” Phoebe was torn she knew if she went Prue would kill her, not to mention Piper the mood she was in.

Danny Roberts grinned “You’re grounded aren’t you?”

“No!”

“Yes you are, why else wouldn’t you come?”

Phoebe shifted uncomfortably a movement not lost on her friends.

“Phoebes scared of her sister! Phoebes scared of her sister! Phoebes scared of her sister!”

“Am not!” Phoebe stood with her hands on her hips ready to punch the next one to taunt her.

The other kids burst out laughing “Scaredy cat! Scaredy cat!”

Phoebe threw her mitt and ball down “Come on then! I’ll show you who’s a scaredy cat!”

Phoebe was over the wall in a shot.


“It’s awfully quiet out there Prue” Piper pulled back the kitchen curtain and peered out.

“I told you she’d get bored”

“Mmm” Piper frowned “I can’t see her”

“Ugh!! Does she ever stop? She’s probably hiding now knowing it’ll wind us up, just leave her don’t give her the satisfaction”

Piper nodded knowing that there was a grain of truth in what her sister said, lately Phoebe tried every trick in the book to wind up her sisters especially Prue.

“I know you’re right Prue but, I think I’ll go check”

“Suit yourself”

Piper threw the back door open “Phoebe! Phoebe!”

Prue let out a laugh “Try banging a tin or something”

“She’s not a cat!”

Prue sniggered “The way you’re calling her she might as well be! Here Phoebe…Phoebe”

“PHOEBE! GET YOUR BUTT IN HERE NOW!” Piper turned to her sister “Was that better?”

Prue nodded “Mmm getting there”

“Which is more than I can say for our sister!” Piper stormed outside, it didn’t take her long to run back inside.

Prue groaned “What’s she doing now? Drowning next doors do….”

“She’s gone!” Piper interrupted her sister “She’s not there, her mitt and ball are by the wall”

“She wouldn’t dare!” Prue strode over to the kitchen door “PHOEBE STOP PLAYING GAMES GET YOUR ASS HERE NOW!”

“She’s not there! I’ve checked everywhere” Piper looked frantic “Shit! Prue do you think someone’s taken her? She’s only little anyone could of…”

“PIPER!” This time it was Prue who was doing the interrupting “Stop it! You’re going into ramble mode”

“Well excuse me for worrying! Our ten year old sister could be anywhere with anyone, she could have been taken by that”.

“PIPER! This time Prue sounded really agitated “Lets go look for her, first one to find her gets to kill her!”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

“Hey Pheebes! Catch!” Phoebe jumped in the air and was off on a run, she was having a great time all thoughts of her sisters had left her mind, she had persuaded the other kids that North Park was a better place to play. She had relaxed somewhat knowing that her sisters probably wouldn’t come that far; she normally played at West Hill.

“Yes!” Danny jumped in the air and landed on top of Phoebe “Yes! You did it we’ve won!”

Phoebe grinned, she was filthy her t-shirt was torn but it had been worth it Sandy Hopkins threw herself down beside her friend.

“So what’s your bitch of a sister going to say when she finds out you’ve skipped”

Phoebes smile momentarily left her face, quickly recovering herself she grinned “Oh her! At least now she’ll have something to moan about!”

The other kids started laughing none of them quite understood why Phoebes older sisters could control what she could and couldn’t do, to them it was totally strange.

“Don’t know why you put up with it, if it was my sister I’d give her a good kicking! We’re always fighting it drives Mum mad.”

Phoebe laughed “Have you met my sisters?”

Sandy frowned “Yeah, guess you do have a point”

“Besides it’s only for another couple of weeks then Grams will be back”

“Huh! They’re no different then! They’re just like complete control freaks don’t they realise you need a life?”

“Well if they don’t now they soon will!”

“Anyways I’d best be off, it’s lunch time”

Phoebe watched as one by one her friends began to disappear eventually there was just Phoebe and Danny “Hey Dan, how about I come back to yours for lunch?”

“Sorry Pheebes, the whole family is going to the Mall we’re eating there”

“Oh!” Phoebe suddenly felt flat, what was she supposed to do? If she went home her sisters would kill her, as always Phoebe avoided thinking about the long term concerned only for the present.

“Sorry….are you heading back?” Danny had stood up and was putting his sweater on.

“Erm no…its ok I’ll stay round here for a bit, there might be another game or something”

Danny grinned “Scared? Ha you’re going to get it!”

“No I’m not! I told you they’re not the boss of me!”

“Yeah right! Anyway good luck! See you later” Danny grinned as he left his friend, Phoebes smile left her face.

Oh god! He was so right! She was so going to get it!

+++++++++++++++++++++

“Prue! She’s not here, she’s definitely not in the woods, look there’s no way even Phoebe would be dumb enough to go across that stream” Prue had dragged her next door neighbour and boyfriend into the search.

Prue looked across at him her face etched with worry.

“Come on babe” Andy drew her close “You know what she’s like she’s probably having a ball, I bet she hasn’t given anyone or anything a thought”

Andy felt Prue draw away “I hope so”

Andy had heard Prue’s voice catch “Come on where else might she be?”

Andy took Prue’s hand and pulled her up the embankment “Swings”

“Swings it is then”

Piper was in the local mall, she was well into panic mode she’d checked every fast food outlet, every ice-cream parlour she was practically running in and out of the stores, music, toys, sports Piper left no stone unturned.

She leaned against a doorway, trying to calm down, trying to regain her breath, it was then she spotted her…….blue t-shirt, long loose hair, Piper reached out and grabbed the little girl by the shoulder.

“Hey! Mum!”

Piper looked into the angry face “Sorry! Sorry! I’m sorry!”

“What the hell do you think you are doing scaring my daughter like that?”

The Mother sounded annoyed, Piper felt distraught she couldn’t help herself the tears began to fall.

“Hey! Hey! It’s ok no harm done!” The mother couldn’t fail to notice how upset the young girl was.

“It’s my sister, I’ve lost my sister!”

The young girl looked on in silence the mother continued to try and calm a panic stricken Piper.

“Do you know her?” Piper looked desperately at the girl “Phoebe Halliwell, she’s ten, quite small, long hair like yours, blue t-shirt”

The youngster shook her head “Dan!” the girls mother had turned her attention to a young boy “Over here” she rolled her eyes “He never stays by me anymore always off looking at something or other”

Piper’s eyes lit up in recognition “Danny! Danny have you seen Phoebe?”

Danny bit on his mouth he could see Piper was upset but at the same time he didn’t want to grass on his friend, He slowly shook his head.

“Dan!” His mother knew him to well she had seen the guilty expression flash across his face.

“Ughh”

“Dan! If you know something you’d better tell!”

“I left her in the park, we played football”

Piper took a deep breath a mixture of relief and panic – at least now she knew Phoebe hadn’t been snatched “Which park? When?”

Danny hesitated yet again, he looked down suddenly finding the floor interesting.

“Dan! Answer the question!”

Dan could tell his mother was getting irratiated “

“North, about an hour ago”

“Thanks!” Piper was off at a sprint.

“No…nort…north park”

Prue frowned into her cell, she could barely understand her sister, Piper was obviously on the move.

“Piper! Stop just a second! Tell me properly!”

“Met Danny, he left her in North Park about an hour ago” Piper finally got her news out.

“I’m on my way!” Prue snapped her cell shut “North…”

“Got it!” Andy was already heading in that direction.

++++++++++++

Phoebe was bored and hungry she was searching in her jeans pocket for money when she caught sight of Prue, without thinking Phoebe jumped into the nearest hedge, with quite a bit of effort she managed to push herself far enough in to be well hidden.

Phoebe held her breath, Prue was heading straight for her, she could see the worry and frustration on her oldest sisters face.

“Phoebe! Phoebe!”.

Oh god! Things were definitely getting worse that was Andys voice.

“There she is”

Phoebe closed her eyes still not daring to breath – she was going to get killed of that much she was certain, seconds passed and nothing happened very slowly Phoebe opened her eyes Prue had been joined by Piper! Phoebe let out a sigh of relief, they hadn’t seen her at all!

From her vantage point she could see that both her sisters were clearly worked up, Piper looked completely dishevelled, Prue looked even worse she was caked in mud, her jeans and shoes were filthy.

Phoebe was panicing, she knew they’d be worried but she hadn’t thought they’d be this worked up, oh god they must be furious! She was so dead!

“Phoebe! Phoebe!” three sets of voices calling out for the missing girl.

“She’s not here” It was Andy who finally spoke what all three had been thinking, they had scoured the park Phoebe was nowhere in sight.

“What can we do? Where else would she go?” Pipers voice broke the tears cascaded down her face.

There was nothing else to do Prue pulled her into a hug “Lets go back, lets hope she’s at home”

Piper allowed herself to be led away Phoebe could just about see them getting into Andys car, confident that they had gone she quickly scrambled out of her hiding place. What now? She couldn’t go home her sisters would kill her, Phoebe sat on the nearest bench an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, she had nowhere to go, no money…the ten year old couldn’t think beyond the moment she just knew she couldn’t go home, this time she’d really screwed up.


Piper sat on the sofa staring into space Prue was pacing throwing random comments at her sister.

“What about her friends?”

“Rang every one of them – nobody’s seen her since before lunch”

“Where else might she be?” Prue was frantic she looked out of the window for the hundredth time, “Do you think I went to far last night?”

Piper let out a sigh “Prue will you stop it! I’m the one who put the icing on the cake!”

Prue took yet another deep breath “Do you think we were too hard?”

Piper shook her head.

“I did lay into her last night”

Piper shook her head again “No Prue she knew what she was doing she knew she wasn’t to go the woods, like today she shouldn’t have gone she’s ten not two she knows better”.

Prue looked doubtful, Piper looked at her sister she looked ready to burst.

“But maybe”

“No maybes! She knows Prue!”

“I know, I know it’s just I would do anything to have her here now, I don’t care what she’s done or where she’s been”

“You’re saying that now!” Piper let out a little laugh “Wait until you see her”

Prue didn’t return the smile; she was worried sick “I just want her back” Prue’s voice broke as Piper pulled her into a hug.

++++++++++

Phoebe’s day had gone from bad to worse, she was cold, with only a t-shirt to keep her warm the evening air was starting to cut in, she was hungry and now to top it all she was lost.

Panic was starting to set in, Phoebe didn’t recognise any of the streets, and it was almost nightfall, she began to walk faster she could hear footsteps and heavy breathing behind her. Suddenly everything Prue had told her came rushing back – murdered, hidden in the woods two girls her age, raped Phoebe didn’t really understand what that meant but she knew from Prue’s tone it was serious stuff.

Phoebes heart was beating faster, she started to run, the footsteps behind her sped up, she hadn’t got very far when she felt the huge hand on her shoulder, she was spun round, still in panic mode Phoebe kicked at the shins trying to free herself from the iron grip.

“Not so fast little lady!” The voice was mocking her Phoebe tried to scream but no sound came out she was paralysed, frozen to the spot, unable to retaliate, she looked up in terror at her captor.

“You look lost sweetie, how about I help you find your way?”

There was something about the man that sent shivers down Phoebe’s spine; he smiled at her his teeth yellow, nicotine stained. Phoebe couldn’t find her voice she was scared stiff, although he was smiling his eyes told a different tale, his eyes were cold he stared intently at the young girl waiting for an answer.

“I said how about I help you – I know…Aggghhhhh” he was cut off in mid sentence as Phoebe found the energy to move a well aimed kick to his shin forcing him to loosen his grip, Phoebe took full advantage his hand was perfectly positioned opening her mouth she sunk her teeth into the flesh.

Reflex action caused him to pull his hand away as he did Phoebe used all her strength and once again kicked him as hard as she could this time she remembered something Prue had told her she aimed between his legs, the man doubled over in agony. Phoebe didn’t wait for an invitation she was off, as quick as her little legs would carry her she ran as hard and as fast as she could, her breathing heavy and ragged, too scared, too focused to look back.

Phoebes heart was racing she could hear the pounding in her ears, unable to get her breath eventually she was forced to stop, her legs felt like jelly her hands were shaking spotting a dumpster she hid behind it she slid to the floor unable to move any further. She could hear footsteps, she couldn’t tell what direction they were coming from she could just tell they were getting closer, Phoebe had never felt so scared. Her lungs were burning she was desperate to force air into them but she knew she couldn’t it would make too much noise; she took a deep breath and stuffed her fingers into her mouth. The little girl was terrified her eyes were watering her nose was running she could hear whimpering it took a little while for her to realise that she was the one making the noise, she bit on her knuckles trying to stop the involuntarily sounds.

It took a while for Phoebe to realise that she was on her own, the footsteps had stopped, it was ages afterwards that she found the nerve to peep out of her hiding spot, she was terrified that it was a trick that the man with the yellow teeth was hiding in the shadows waiting for her to show herself.

Her legs were shaking as she began to walk down the street, she had no idea where she was, she just knew she wanted to get home, she needed her sisters, she didn’t care how mad they got she just wanted to be with them. The tears she had so bravely held back began to trickle down her face.

++++++++++

Shaun Driver was cruising around the back streets of San Francisco he spotted the small figure from quite a distance across the street. Parking up he got out of his car, as he got nearer he realised that it was a little girl, she was filthy clearly distraught.

“Hey sweetie!”

Phoebe froze in her tracks it took a while for her senses to kick in her mouth was trembling the tears still flowing “1329 Prescott Street, 1329 Prescott Street, 1329 Prescott Street”

Shaun looked at the child she was obviously in shock “Come on honey, come with me, your safe now your ok” Reaching out a hand he wasn’t totally surprised when the little girl shied away.

“Ok honey, how about you get in the patrol car?”

Phoebe nodded her head, at some level she knew this was alright, Prue had told her for as long as she could remember that if she was lost she should tell a cop.

“1329 Prescott Street, 1329 Prescott Street”

“Ok sweetie I’ve got it” Shaun grinned hoping to break the mantra “1329 Prescott Street?”

Phoebe continued to repeat her address over and over again, Shaun’s partner joined him “What’s this?”

“Kid, seems lost, I think she wants to go to 1329 Prescott Street”

“Mmmm…mmmmm 1329 Prescott Street” Phoebe was whimpering clearly distraught.

“I’ll run a check” Shaun’s partner got on the radio “Seems an informal missing persons report has been filed”

Shaun raised an eyebrow “informal?”

“Yeah….missing kid lives next door to Mike Trudeau”

Shaun smiled “So she’s been missing less than 24 hours?”

“Yep…what shall we do? Hospital or …”

“1329 PRESCOTT STREET…..1329 PRESCOTT STREET” Phoebe’s voice had got louder cutting off the policeman in mid sentence.

Shaun exchanged a glance with his partner, he nodded his head “It’s not that far, if she needs to go to hospital she can go from there”

Phoebe was sat in the back of the police car, in spite of the warm interior and Shaun’s jacket she was shaking from head to toe; her teeth were chattering she was unaware of the tears still pouring down her face.

+++++++++

Prue’s heart was in her mouth; she opened the door and could see nothing but the blue of the police uniform.

Not unlike her little sister Prue let out an involuntary whimper, her hand shot to her mouth “Oh god! Phoebe…its Phoebe isn’t it?”

Shaun had realised what had happened as soon as he saw the shock on Prue’s face, he quickly pulled the small figure standing at his side into Prue’s line of sight, Prue’s breath seemed to leave her body, she knelt down, her legs unable to support her weight, she found herself looking into the dark brown eyes of her baby sister.

“Phoebe…” Prue’s voice was so low it was barely audible.

Phoebe stared at her oldest sister, she wanted to move, she wanted to speak, she wanted to run into the familiar arms but once again she was paralysed, it was as though she was observing a dream, unable to control her movements, her actions.

“Phoebe…” Prue reached out and pulled the little girl to her it all felt so unreal. She held her little sister tight, all her senses on overdrive, she could feel Phoebe shaking, she could feel the cold skin pressed against her face.

“Phoebe! Oh god Phoebe” Piper dropped down next to her sisters and joined in the embrace.

Phoebe couldn’t move, she opened her mouth but no words came, she could feel Prue holding her, hugging her, she could feel Piper’s arms around her, she felt her sister kiss her. Still she couldn’t move.

Prue pulled back so she could see her little sisters face, she had lost all her colour her normally healthy looking glow had somehow disappeared, Phoebes face was grey, her eyes looked wide and scared.

“Pipe” Prue gently put a hand on the middle sister’s arm and pulled her away from the youngest she indicated with her eyes for Piper to look properly at their baby sister.

Piper moved away allowing Prue full access to the little girl.

“Your shaking, poor baby come here” Prue held her arms out, still Phoebe didn’t move, Prue took her little sisters hands in her own “Your freezing honey, come on lets get you warm” Prue exchanged a worried glance with Piper oblivious to the police still standing on the porch she stood up and lifted her little sister.

Phoebes head immediately found Prue’s shoulder, she shoved her thumb into her mouth something she hadn’t done for years, an action which wasn’t lost on her big sisters..

“That’s a girl, that’s a good girl” Prue gently stroked her little sisters back, at the same time she carried her into the house.

“Piper pull that chair closer to the fire” Prue was once again in charge, holding tightly to her baby girl her priority was to calm her down.

Shaun and his partner looked on waiting for the questions which would inevitably come.

Sitting down near the fire with Phoebe straddling her lap, Prue gradually became aware of their presence.

“What happened? Where did you find her?”

“We don’t know what happened Miss, only words we got out of her were this address.”

Prue was rubbing Phoebe’s hands trying to bring the circulation back she nodded distractedly “And where was she?”

“Other side of town, near the new Mall”

Prue took a deep breath trying to control her emotions her efforts still focused on her little sisters well being.

“What were you doing there Pheebes? You gave us such a scare…….we” Pipers voice broke as she knelt in front of her prodigal sister.

“Mmmm” Phoebe was whimpering the tears brimming, clearly still upset.

“Shh…it’s ok, that can wait” Prue rocked her little sister at the same time she glared at Piper telling her to stop, Prue could feel the trembling intensify.

“Prue!”

“Piper..no!” Prue glared at the middle sister clearly annoyed.

“Listen, if you need us you know where we are, if I were you I’d get her checked out at the hospital. It’s difficult to tell if she’s been hurt the state she’s in”

“Oh god!” Pipers hand flew to her mouth.

“Piper!” Prue gently manovered Phoebe and returned Shaun’s jacket “As good as this looks on you honey I think the nice officer will be a bit chilly if we don’t give it him back” Prue was doing her best to distract Phoebe it didn’t work Phoebe merely buried her head even deeper into Prue’s shoulder.

“Thank you, thank you so much for finding her and bringing her back” Prue choked as she looked at the police officers “we’ll be in touch.”

Prue let out a deep breath as she heard the front door bang shut at last the sisters were alone.

“Phoebe, talk to us sweetie, are you hurt anywhere? Has anyone hurt you?” Prue was doing her best to keep the concern out of her voice; she desperately wanted to hear confirmation that her baby sister was ok.

“Prue?” Piper’s voice sounded shaky, she looked into the deep blue eyes of her big sister hoping to find reassurance.

“Ok…its ok” Prue could feel Phoebe still trembling on her lap “There’s no need to be scared little one, your safe now, no one can hurt you”

Prue held Phoebe close, she jumped startled by Pipers voice she hadn’t even realised Piper had left the room.

“Pheebes, look Hun, I’ve done your favourite, hot chocolate with marshmallows”

Phoebe was whimpering her head buried in her big sisters hair, Piper reached out and gently ran her hand over the back of Phoebes head “Come on baby, just a sip…it’ll warm you up”

The older Halliwells exchanged tearful looks they’d never seen their baby sister like this, there was no response, Prue manovered Phoebe so she was sitting sideways on her lap, cradling her with one hand she took the drink off Piper.

“Just a bit honey?”

Phoebe was still staring into space oblivious to all around her.

“What do we do?” Piper looked almost as scared as her little sister.

“Hospital…we get her checked out, then we take it from there”

“Nooooo…..Nooooo” Phoebe tightened her grip on her sister the first reaction they’d had from her all night.

“We need to get you checked baby”

“Nooooo……..1329 Prescott Street……..1329 Prescott Street…….1329 Prescott Street”

“Ok….Ok…..shhhhh….shhhhh 1329 Prescott Street it is” Prue rocked the little girl once again calming her down “The dam doctor can come here”

Piper locked eyes with the eldest nodding her head in agreement.

Piper was pacing she had been wearing a path in the kitchen ever since the Doctor had left; Piper was confused, her feelings were all over the place, she felt relief that Phoebe was home, concern for the state she was in, anger for what she’d put them through but most of all she felt angry with Prue. Taking a deep breath Piper filled the kettle and practically threw it on to the hob.

“Hey! What’s with the racket?”

Piper turned and scowled as her older sister entered the room.

“Pipe?” Prue sounded concerned.

“Don’t ….don’t you Pipe me!”

Prue looked puzzled “Erm…what?”

Piper growled as she banged three mugs onto the counter.

“Erm Piper what’s the problem?”

“What? What’s the problem?” Piper reeled on her sister her temper had worked up to its peak.

Prue stepped back……she hadn’t seen this one coming.

“You! You’re the dam problem!” Piper practically spat at her sister.

“For gods sake Piper….just spit it out in case you haven’t noticed I’ve got bigger things to worry about than your little temper tantrum!” Prues temper soon matched that of her sister.

“Ever since she’s come back you’ve been clucking over her…you’ve not let me near her…you….you…..” Piper paused struggling to find the words “You make me sick!”

Prue’s eyebrows shot up she had no idea her sister was feeling like this “Oh grow up Piper! Jeez in case you haven’t noticed our little sister is traumatised up there….I think taking care of her takes priority don’t you?!”

“Oh yes! Yes of course it does! But who the hell made her like that?”

Prue shook her head, her eyes narrowed “What?”

“You! If you hadn’t battered her the other night if you had kept your temper instead of taking it out on the poor kid none of this would have happened….time and time again I’ve told you you’re too hard on her but oh no! The great Prue Halliwell always has to have things her way!” Pipers tirade came out in one great rush, her fists clenched at her side she’d never felt so mad.

Prue was genuinely shocked, it took her a second to regain her senses before she hit back “Don’t you dare! Don’t you dare put this on me! Who was the one who grounded her? If you hadn’t of done that she wouldn’t have sneaked off, she would have told us where she was going! Don’t you dare stand there like Piper the Great Almighty!”

Piper paled she hadn’t thought of that “Whatever!” still not willing to concede Piper stormed out of the kitchen and up to her room leaving a stunned Prue in her wake.

Pulling out the kitchen chair Prue slumped down her head in her hands, as reluctant as she was to admit it she knew there was some truth in Pipers words, she felt the tears stinging the back of her eyes, she wiped at them not allowing them to fall she was still to angry at her sister. Quickly pulling herself together she picked up a drink and headed back to her baby sister.

Prue quietly opened the door, it had taken a while but eventually the shot the doctor had given the little girl had taken affect, Prue made her way over to her sisters bedside and sat on the side of the bed, very gently she brushed Phoebes hair away from her forehead and landed a soft kiss.

Prue couldn’t help it, as she looked down at the soft, innocent face of the little girl she felt the tears trickle down her face, everything was so uncertain…..Traumatic Stress that was what the doctor had said. Phoebe had been sat on Prue’s lap staring into space oblivious to everything around her, there was no response to questions; Phoebe hardly flinched when she had been given the shot, Prue had felt her stiffen slightly but other than that there was no reaction. Prue lay down next to her little sister and wrapped a protective arm around her. The Doctor had given them no indication as to what they could expect, each case was different other than continuing to make the little girl feel safe and secure there was nothing they could do.

++++++++++++

Piper had calmed down, she lay in bed staring at the ceiling unable to sleep, eventually she made her way to Phoebes room, she climbed in to bed with her little sister, and put a protective arm around the little girl, who was now safely tucked in between the two people she loved most in the world.

Piper met Prues gaze “She’s my little sister too”

Prue’s eyes filled with tears the stress of the day catching up with her “I know” Prues voice was barely a whisper “I’m sorry.”

Piper felt her own resolve break as her own tears began to fall “Me too”

Phoebe slept on, totally oblivious to the drama and the raw emotion that had overtaken her big sisters.

She struggled; arms thrashing, legs flaying, little Phoebe Halliwell was screaming, her whole body rigid, her hands moved violently, once more trying to find purchase, her only way of communicating her voice refusing to work

“Phoebe…Phoebe….wake up honey”

Phoebe could hear the words, she could make out the images she couldn’t respond, she took a deep breath trying with all her might to come out of this deep pit she’d fallen into.

“Phoebe! Phoebe!”

The voices were more urgent, she felt the arms tighten around her chest, her arms pinned to her sides. She struggled not understanding, not comprehending that the restraint was to stop her from hurting herself. He mouth opened she could hear herself screaming but she knew, somehow she knew no sound had been made.

“Phoebe….it’s ok…Phoebe you’re ok…..we’ve got you now….its alright”

She could hear the voice calmer this time; she could feel the hand stroking her hair another hand on her back.

“Mmmmm….Mmmmm….MMMmmm”

“That’s a good girl, that’s ok….shhhh…shhhh”

She closed her eyes, tired of the fight she felt the gentle kiss land on her forehead the arms holding her close, she closed her eyes and drifted off once again into a restless slumber.

“Prue?” Piper raised her tear stained face and looked at the worried look etched across her sister’s brow.

“She’s ok…she’s alright, she’s asleep now”

Piper bit on her lip, no more convinced than the sister who had spoken the words “What can we do?”

Prue shook her head “This…nothing else…just this”

Piper wiped at her face, she took her position again and cuddled in closer to the little girl, she gently stroked the small head cradling it into her shoulder “Good girl…shhh…there’s a good girl” she felt Phoebe move slightly she felt the hand searching for her own, Piper felt like her heart would break, her little sister was so desperate for contact and comfort even in her sleep she was trying to reach out.

Prue choked as she watched her little sisters she carefully untangled herself and stood up, “Piper do you want anything? I need a drink”

Piper shook her head “I’m fine” as she spoke she pulled her baby sister even closer, relishing in the smell of the freshly shampooed hair.

Prue nodded, she had to get out, even for a few minutes, just to clear her head.

Prue sat in the Sun lounge; she couldn’t believe the events of the past 24 hours….24 hours that was all it was! In that short space of time her little sister had changed beyond recognition….oh how she wished she could turn the clock back! Prue let out a sob…as if that would help….she wouldn’t have done anything different…..she’d have still been as hard on her little sister as she’d always been….is this what it took to see things differently. Prue swallowed hard….it was true Piper was right she was too hard on the poor kid.

“Hey” Prue jumped out of her skin, she was curled up on the sofa having finally fallen into a restless sleep, she rubbed at her eyes trying to focus on the direction of the voice.

“Sorry Prue, erm you just look so uncomfortable, you ok?”

“Yeah I’m fine, where’s Pheebes?”

“Asleep, that shot really knocked her out”

“Ok, listen, why don’t you start breakfast and I’ll sort Phoebe out, give me say half an hour?”

Piper nodded she met the worried look of her sister “She’ll be ok won’t she Prue?”

Prue pulled her younger sister into a hug “Yes, course she will! You know Phoebe she’ll soon come bouncing back!”

Piper smiled in spite of the brave words she knew Prue was just as scared as she was, she watched as Prue made her way upstairs to their sleeping baby sister.

Prue lay down next to the little girl and pulled her close, very gently she ran a hand over her little sisters head “Come on Pheebes……come on honey….wake up” Prue smiled slightly as Phoebe struggled in her arms “Come on sleepy head, it’s time to get up”

“Mmmmm” Phoebe smacked at her big sisters hand.

“Come on Phoebe wake up” Prue had half expected this Phoebe had always been grumpy even as a baby if she was woken from her slumber.

Prue suddenly felt her little sister come to life the small body that had lain so restful in her arms shot up, her eyes flew open.

“Hey! It’s ok…Phoebe it’s ok your at home your ok” Prue’s voice was gentle as she tried to get through to her baby sister, Phoebes eyes were unfocussed darting around the room.
“Phoebe?” Prue reached out for her little sisters hands, Phoebe was looking at her sister but it was obvious her focus was off.

“Phoebe?” Prue tired again this time she got hold of her little sister’s hands.

“Phoebe? Come on baby calm down its ok now, your safe, no one can hurt you”

Prue felt like her heart would break her little sister still looked scared stiff, her eyes were brimming with unshed tears, the look of panic evident in the wide, unseeing eyes. “Come here honey” Prue very gently sat up and pulled Phoebe onto her lap “There you go, there I told you it was ok, you’re ok” Prue rocked her little sister back and too eventually calming her “shh….shhhh” Prue automatically stroked her sisters head relieved that she’d calmed down, she was surprised when she felt the tiny hand find her free hand and grasp tightly, Prue nodded as she looked into the little girls face “Ok, that’s ok” Prue gave her little sister a quick kiss “Hold tight, that’s ok”

Prue felt the head find her right shoulder, she took a deep breath relieved that at least for the moment her little sister was calm “Good girl….how bout we go and see what Pipers fixed for breakfast?” Prue wasn’t totally surprised when she received no reaction, Prue smiled at the frightened child “Pipers waiting for us I bet she’s done your favourites.”

Phoebe stared at her big sister, she felt calmer, safer, she opened her mouth desperately trying to speak, but it was like trying to wake from a bad dream. As the tears silently fell, she did what she’d done numerous times she pushed her tear stained face into her big sisters neck, safe in the knowledge that the comforting arms would hold her tight, and keep her safe.

Prue didn’t let her down, she cradled her baby sister in her arms, and gave her the comfort that she so desperately needed.

Piper ran her fingers through her little sisters hair, the television was on but neither girl was watching, Piper smiled as Phoebe snuggled in, putting a protective arm around her Piper held the little girl close.

“Hey babe, feeling any better?” Piper smiled at her little sister hoping to get a response, once again she was met with the blank stare, “Come on sweetheart, why don’t you tell us what’s going on in that head of yours? It’s been nearly a week now.”

Phoebe took comfort from the familiarity of her sister’s voice, she grabbed hold of her big sisters hand and held tight.

Piper gave her sister a quick hug, “You’ve not wanted to hold our hands for years, no make that ever! Even as a baby you’d snatch your hand away and try and escape!” Piper searched the deep brown eyes of her little sister hoping for some reaction, “That’s not totally true” Piper paused “You always held tight when you were scared” Piper kissed the little girls forehead “What are you frightened of baby? What’s scared you so much? Tell me honey, please try”

“Mmmm” Phoebe fidgeted holding even tighter to Pipers hand.

“Oh Pheebes!” Piper could see the desperation in her sisters face “It’s ok…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to push” Piper gently stroked her sisters back “its ok honey, you’ll be ok it’ll just take time”

“Phoebe bath” Prue’s voice broke the moment.

Piper turned around “Prue! For gods sake! Don’t talk to her like she’s a dam dog!”

“I didn’t! Look I’m tired I’ve got a lot to do”

“Oh well! That’s alright then! Geez Prue!”

“Oh! Can it Piper! I can do without the theatricals, you’re such a saint you bath her!”

The older Halliwells had been so engrossed in their spat that they hadn’t noticed Phoebe leave her position next to Piper, Prue nearly did a double take when she felt the tiny hand grasp her own.

“Good girl” Prue smiled at her youngest sister, things were definitely getting better, she still didn’t speak but she was certainly more aware of what was going on around her.

“See! Good girl! She’s not a dam dog!” Piper wasn’t letting go.

Prue rolled her eyes “You know what I meant!” Prue turned her attention back to her baby sister “Come with me it’s time to get ready for bed……….ok?” Prue wouldn’t admit it but Piper had hit home, she knew she wasn’t as patient at Piper, Piper had been talking to their little sister for hours the only time Prue seemed to communicate was to bark out orders.

++++++++++++++++

Prue wrung out the washcloth and wiped her sisters face, Phoebe looked oblivious, “I’m sorry about before” Prue hesitated she really found it difficult to hold a conversation when there was no response “I didn’t mean to treat you like a dam dog”

Prue sat back on her heels she was level with her sisters gaze “If you were a dam dog I’d keep you chained up in the back yard……that way I’d know exactly where you were and what you were up to” Prue grinned “Although I’ve no doubt you’d chew right through and be away, that’s if you were like you as a child when you were a dog” Prue paused as she considered what she’d said “Oh! I know what I mean!”

Prue stared at the uncomprehending face of her little sister, she scoped up some suds and deposited them on her nose “Come on then, lets get you sorted, then you can go and watch TV with Mother Teresa for a little while”

+++++++++

“Pipe, keep an eye on her, I’ll be in the kitchen, I’ve got some work to do”

“Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! What else would I do!” Piper scowled at her big sister then turned and smiled at the little one “Come on baby, come and have a cuddle” Piper watched as the youngest Halliwell came towards her, she wasn’t certain but she thought she’d seen a slight glimpse of a smile, holding her arms out she pulled the baby of the family onto her lap. “That’s right honey, you sit with me” Piper let out a little giggle “Your nice big sister! Leave that nasty Prue in the kitchen”

Phoebe cuddled into her sister and stared at the TV, Piper suppressed a sigh “You smell nice, did you enjoy your bath?”

She suddenly felt Phoebe go rigid, “mmmmm……mmmmm”

“Prue! Get the hell in here!”

Prue burst through the door Piper had tight hold of Phoebe, Phoebe was kicking, struggling to get away, but Piper was holding on tight.

“Let her go!”

“What?” Piper sounded incredulous “Are you mad?!”

“She can’t get out, you’re hurting her, let her go!”

Against her better judgement Piper released her grip Phoebe was off like a shot, she threw herself under the side table and pushed herself as far as she could into the corner.

“Prue?”

Prue shook her head “I’ve no idea” Prue knelt down and crawled towards her little sister she was too big to get under the table, tentatively she reached out a hand “Come on baby…come out……its ok”

Piper crawled next to Prue “Come on Pheebes, come and tell us what’s wrong…come on honey”

Phoebe had drawn up her knees, she was scrunched up in a tiny ball her face hidden, pressed against her legs.

“Come on Phoebe, there’s nothing bad here, nothing that can hurt you” Gaining no response Prue turned to Piper “What the hell did you do?”

“Nothing! We were just having a cuddle, I asked her if she’d had a nice bath and she just went off on one”

Prue let out a deep breath “Phoebe, come on sweetie, come to me, come on honey, you can’t stay there”

“We could always lift the table off her”

“Give her a minute, I don’t want to scare her anymore than she is……..come on Phoebe come out please”

Phoebe raised her head, Prue could see the raw fear reflected in her eyes.

“That’s right, come on……….one step at a time………………give me your hand” Prue held her breath willing her little sister to accept her help she let out a sigh of relief when she felt the tiny hand take hers “That’s good…now come to me”

Both of the older Halliwells held their breath it seemed an eternity until Phoebe eventually crawled out of her safety zone.

Prue picked her little sister up and held her close “There now! There you go! What’s all this about?”

Phoebe’s tears were streaming down her face, Prue exchanged a worried look with Piper, “I’ll take her to bed, hopefully she’ll calm down in a bit”

Piper nodded her earlier irritation with her big sister forgotten “Shall I do her some drinking chocolate”

Prue smiled at the middle sister, she could see she was upset at the latest turn of events “Yes, I’m sure she’d like that” Prue pulled her face back so she could get a better look at the youngest “That’d be nice wouldn’t it babe?”

Still no response, Prue looked at Piper “She’s calmer”

Piper nodded “That’s something!”

It took a while but eventually Prue managed to get the frightened little girl to sleep, she felt worn out herself the emotions of the past few days were starting to catch up, making her way into the Lounge she spotted her other little sister sitting on the sofa.

“Piper, are you ok”

Piper nodded not trusting herself to speak.

“Come here” Prue pulled the middle sister into a hug.

“I’m sorry Prue!”

“What?!”

“If I upset Phoebe” Piper choked “I didn’t mean to!”

“Oh Piper! I’m sorry I didn’t mean to blame you…………..I know you wouldn’t have done anything to upset her!”

“We were just watching TV…..I mean it was on and she was staring at it and I was babbling on to her”

“What did you say?” Prue noticed Pipers expression “I’m not blaming you, I just want to know what triggered it”

“Nothing….honest I made some crack about you……nothing nasty just a bit of fun……and she seemed to smile” Piper choked “Not properly…….just slightly….I’m not even sure now, anyway then I just asked her if she’d enjoyed her bath”

Prue’s frown had deepened.

“Prue…it was just a joke, I just called you that nasty Prue”

Prue smiled at her sister “That’s alright….I’m not bothered, I still can’t see what would set her off” Prue paused for a moment “What was on TV?”

“Erm……..news….it was the news definitely, because I was thinking about turning over and finding something she’d like”

Prue reached for the remote and put on the news channel, the sisters visibly paled as they sat in stunned silence listening to the headline of the day……

+++++++++++++++++++

“Ok Miss Halliwell let’s run through this one more time”

“It’s Prue” Prue Halliwell ran her hand through her hair – how many times! “I don’t know for sure I just have a very strong suspicion”

“Right…..your sister disappeared for what was effectively most of a day, she was found by the police and hasn’t spoken since?”

“Yes”

“But you suspect she knows something about what happened to Stacy Evans?”

“Yes!” Prue sounded exasperated, “Look she was found not far from where Stacy’s body had been left, she freaked out when she saw the news flash.”

“But she hasn’t said?”

“She can’t speak!” Prue slammed her fist on the table “Look do you want to look into this or not? Because quite frankly I’m beginning to regret ever coming down here in the first place”

“I need to know all the facts” the cop stared at the young woman, she didn’t seem like a hoaxer but just the same he wasn’t prepared to make a fool of himself over some half baked tale.

Prue took a deep breath “Look, this is the best you’re going to get, my sister has been traumatised, I don’t know why, I’ve no idea what’s happened but I know my sister. She’s scared stiff, so scared she can’t speak; she has no way of communicating. When she heard the news she was hysterical, something has to have triggered that off, now if you’re not interested I’m going because quite frankly my main, no make that my only concern, right now is to help my little sister”

“Can you hold on a few minutes I just want to check a few things”

Prue let out a groan “Ok fine! But I want my sisters in here with me. They’ve been outside long enough”

Mark James nodded his agreement “I’ll send them in, this shouldn’t take too long”

Prue shook her head in disbelief, she hadn’t been sure what to expect but not this, she felt as though the police saw her as a timewaster, she was brought out of her reverie by the sound of her sisters entering the small room, she stared at them for a moment lost in thought.

“Prue?”

“Don’t ask” Prue rolled her eyes at the middle sister “Waste of time”

Piper nodded taking the other empty seat she sat down, she pulled Phoebe onto her lap the three sisters sat in silence waiting for Mark James to return, true to his word he wasn’t long as soon as he came in the room Prue could detect a change in his attitude.

“Ok Miss Halliwell”

“Prue!”

“Sorry Prue, I’ve just been talking to Shaun Driver he confirmed your story”

Prue narrowed her eyes “You think I would make something like that up! Look at her!” Prue indicated to Phoebe, her little sister was holding tight to Piper staring blankly at the wall.

“No, I didn’t mean to imply, look I’m sorry” Office James was surprised at the intensity of the young woman before him “Anyway, I’ve spoken to the police psychiatrist and if your willing we can have your sister evaluated by someone who specialises in cases such as this”

“What sort of someone?” Prue was immediately on the defence no way was she prepared to have her little sister upset anymore than she already was.

“A paediatric psychologist, she’s good, she’s worked with children like this before”

“I’m not committing to anything”

“I understand that, look she’s on her way will you at least meet with her?”

Prue looked across at her little sisters Pipers face was etched with worry, and although Prue knew there were times when Phoebe was aware of what was going on around her for now Phoebe appeared to be totally oblivious, “Pipe?”

“What?”

“Do you think we should see this woman?”

“You’re asking me?” Piper’s tone was dripping with sarcasm, she had been reluctant to come down to the station in the first place, wanting to bury her head in the sand and let her little sister come round in her own time.

“Piper!” Prue’s voice had an edge to it.

Piper shrugged “No harm in talking”

Prue nodded and turned back to Officer James “We’ll see her, but she doesn’t get to work with Phoebe unless we agree”

Officer James smiled in relief, he’d taken a gamble in getting Sonia Hall involved she would not have been pleased to have had a wasted journey, “You can wait in here I’ll bring her through when she arrives”.

The three sisters sat in silence each lost in their own thoughts eventually Prue broke she knew Piper was pissed at her for bringing them down here in the first place “Piper look I know your mad at me, but I’m only trying to help her, she can’t go on like this she’s scared stiff. I hate to see her this way”

“What and you think I don’t!”

Prue shook her head in exasperation “No, that isn’t what I meant and you know it!”

Piper glared at her big sister and held the little one close Phoebe turned her face and met Pipers gaze, Piper could feel herself melt, she knew what Prue meant this was hard on all of them it was so difficult seeing their baby sister locked in her own private hell.

“Sorry Prue, I know……………….I’m just scared”

Prue swallowed hard “Me too. But we need to work together on this Piper; we can’t keep clashing like this”

“Ok, I’ll try. Do you think I’ve got time to go the bathroom?”

Prue let out a little laugh “Yes, go I won’t let anything happen without you, give her to me”

Piper stood up and delivered Phoebe to the safety of her other sister’s protective embrace, Prue sat her little sister so she was sideways on her lap she wrapped both arms around her and held her close.

Prue moved slightly so she could see Phoebes face her eyes were once again full of unshed tears “Don’t get upset sweetheart, please don’t cry” Prue choked the emotions of the day getting to her she landed a soft kiss on the top of her baby sisters head, “I hate to see you like this baby girl” Prue paused as she took in her little sisters features “No matter what happens honey never forget I love you, I know I don’t always show it and I know sometimes you think I’m mean but everything I do I do because I love you. Never…….ever……… forget that honey” Prue rocked her little sister hoping to bring her a little bit of comfort “I love you so much, I know I’ve been harsh on you lately, and I’m so sorry, I’m oh so sorry” Prue choked as she looked into the apparently unseeing chocolate brown eyes of her youngest sister “I just wanted to keep you safe” Prue’s voice broke the last words practically inaudible.

Piper had returned just in time to hear the tail end of Prue’s little speech, it was so rare for her big sister to open up, Piper could see just how raw Prue’s emotions were. At first Piper didn’t know what to do, it took her a few seconds before she could move, she knelt down in front of her sisters and took each of their hands, “I love you both more than anything in this world, we’re going to get through this” Piper choked “We’re going to help you come back to us baby girl, I promise” Piper leaned forward and kissed her little sisters cheek “It’ll be ok honey, you’ll see your big sisters have got you”

Piper raised her teary eyes meeting her big sister’s gaze “I’m sorry Prue, your right we need to work together not fight each other on this”

Prue’s gaze was just as teary as she nodded her agreement; Pipers eyes flew open “Prue?”
Prue smiled back “Yes I felt it” Phoebe had squeezed both sisters hands it was the first form of contact she’d instigated since that fateful day.

Prue moved her gaze to the youngest, her expression remained the same “That’s it baby, one step at a time” Prue choked “Just one step at a time”.

“So you must have been a little mad at your sister when she went missing?” Sonia Halls piercing blue eyes bore into Prue’s.

“No”

“No?!” Sonia let out a loud laugh “I find that very hard to believe! First of all you were mad at her enough to smack her the night before and then you grounded her! If I were you I’d have been less than pleased!”

“For your information I didn’t ground her, my other sister did!” Prue was getting really annoyed now, since this woman had come into the room all she had done was needle her.

“Same thing, she was still disobedient, and you’re telling me you weren’t mad?”

“No, I mean maybe a little,” Prue looked at Piper desperate for some help but Piper was already occupied with keeping their little sister calm, Phoebe was rapidly becoming agitated.

“Only a little?”

“At first, then I was worried”

“Ah!” Sonia Hall looked triumphant “Worried? And did the worry turn to anger?”

“No!” Prue couldn’t believe this was happening she had agreed in good faith to allow this woman a chance to help her little sister but so far Sonia’s efforts had been spent on winding the oldest Halliwell up.

“So you’ve been nice and gentle with her have you Prue? Babied her, looked after her?”

“Of course I have!” Prue’s anger was beginning to show “Look I don’t know what the hell your game is but carry on and were going – we’re here voluntarily you have no right to treat us like this!”

“Actually Prue that’s were your wrong” Sonia Hall had a particularly smug look on her face “Things have changed, your statement is being taken very seriously, a man has been brought into the station and the police need your sister to help with their enquiries”

“What? What the hell does that mean? My sister hasn’t spoken for days all you’ve done is badger me…………what the hell’s going on?”

Prue stood up and leaned across the desk her eyes narrowed as she glared at the psychoanalyst.

“It’s all part of the deal Prue – you’ve tried the nice way now its time to break through your sisters defences using other means” Sonia ignored Prue’s angry stance and turned her attention to the youngest Halliwell, Phoebes head was buried in Pipers shoulder.

“Put her down Piper” Sonia Hall spoke with authority as she barked out her order to the middle sister.

Piper glared back making no attempt to move, if anything she held Phoebe tighter.

“If you don’t put her down I’ll get some officers in and you’ll be separated, now lets try again…….put your sister down”

Piper looked at Prue uncertain as to what she should do, Prue shook her head.

“If you don’t you will both be removed and I’ll treat Phoebe on her own”

Prue moved forward and picked Phoebe up, she sat her little sister on the chair next to Piper.

“There, that’s as far as she goes” Prue’s voice was just as authoritive as Sonia Halls.

“Ok, it’s a start, Phoebe tell us what happened that day”

Phoebe stared back at Sonia her eyes were dark the pupils dilated.

“Come on Phoebe, I know you can hear me, I’m not as dumb as your sisters, answer the question”

Phoebe continued to stare back her face blank.

“So Phoebe you were mad at your sisters so you decided on a little pay back? Ran away and bit off more than you could chew. It’s your own fault, all of this” Sonia gestured around the room “All your own fault, if you’d listened to your sisters and done as you’d been told none of this would have happened”

“What the hell?” Prue was pacing around the room, “Do I need a lawyer? You can’t interrogate a child like that!”

“Keep out of it or I’ll have you removed” Sonia Hall didn’t even glance at Prue.

“Come on Phoebe what happened, skipped over the garden wall, then went to the park that much we know, then where did you go? Who did you see?”

Phoebe was getting agitated her fingers were entwined she was fiddling with her signet ring “Come on Phoebe give” Sonia Hall sat back a smug expression on her face, Piper glared at her she wanted nothing more than to land her one.

“Come on Phoebe? You were in the park then were did you go? What did you see?”

Phoebe was rocking on her seat, Sonia Hall leaned forward her face inches away from the little girls “Come on Phoebe, see something that scared you? Ohhh! Poor little girl, what was it Phoebe? What did you see?”

Phoebe jumped out of her seat she searched desperately around the room looking for a way out, her breathing was heavy and ragged, before either of her sisters could react Sonia was up and after her Phoebe was backed into a corner “Come on Phoebe what did you see?”

Phoebe Halliwell was shaking, she felt trapped, there was no way out Sonia Hall was persistent she was asking the same questions over and over again she was not letting up, Phoebe was whimpering her hands were shaking.

“Come on Phoebe”

Before anyone knew it Phoebe had clenched her right hand and punched Sonia Hall in the jaw, Prue moved quickly as Sonia lost her concentration she pushed herself in between the psychiatrist and her little sister. Sonia moved forward at the same time Piper caught her arm

“I wouldn’t if I were you” Piper smiled at the psychoanalyst, “if you think my little sister packs a punch you really don’t want to mess with my big one”

Prue was livid; she left Piper to deal with Sonia Hall as she turned to lift her distressed sister into the safety of her arms.

“This ends now! No more! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Prue cradled Phoebe in her arms her little sister was distraught the tears were pouring down her face.

“Pppppppp”

Prue caught Pipers eye ignoring everything else Prue gently held a hand against Phoebes cheek forcing her to look at her.

“That’s it baby….that’s it! Say my name……just say my name…go on….say it”

“Pppppp” Phoebes breathing was ragged she gulped trying to force some air in “Ppppprrru”

“Close enough! Good girl well done honey”

Sonia Hall was sitting at the desk looking on dispassionately “No need to thank me”

Prue rounded on her “No need for you to worry about that!”

“Tough love Prue! Ever heard of it?” Sonia gave the oldest Halliwell a sardonic smile.

“Oh yes! I’ve heard of it, practiced it myself once or twice but never…” Prue handed the baby of the family to Piper as she moved closer to the table “Never! Like this! We’ve been told she’ll come round in her own time, I will not allow you to push her like this!”

“We need answers Prue, if we don’t get answers the suspect walks”

“You might need answers lady! But not at the expense of my little sisters health! Not until she’s ready!” This time it was Prue who pushed her face into Sonia’s “Unless you’ve got some kind of warrant we’re going. Have you?”

Sonia shook her head “Then we’re going, Piper give Phoebe to me grab my bag please”

Prue turned her back on the stunned psychoanalyst Sonia Hall was not used to having her professionalism questioned she watched as the Halliwells prepared to make their exit, she finally tried one last attempt to stop them from leaving.

“Prue, look I know that was hard but we did get a break through. This mans dangerous we need your sister’s help to put him away. I’m sorry if you don’t like my methods”

Prue let out a sarcastic laugh “to put it mildly. Look I’d like to help, that’s why we are here, but there’s something you need to understand” Prue took a deep breath “My sisters come first, no matter what and there is no way I’m going to allow you or anyone else to mess with my little sisters head. I’m no fool lady they only thing you’re interested in is helping the police that’s your job, well the only thing I’m interested in is helping my sister that’s mine!”

There was nothing Sonia Hall could do she watched as Prue led her family out of the station her little sister held tight in her arms, she knew she’d played this one completely wrong Prue had been spot on, it didn't matter to her what method or even damage she caused as long as she got a result; she also knew she also knew that the chances now of a murderer and rapist being back out on the street was almost a certainty. She respected the Halliwells decision she just hoped that the three sisters didn’t live to regret it............

++++++++++++++++++

He gave the room a final check; he smiled to himself pleased with the result of his labour. Even the switch for the light was outside the door, frowning he flicked the light on again, there was something not quite right. His frown turned to a smile as he realised what it was – the light wasn’t bright enough, he quickly swapped the bulb at last content that everything was perfect.

Now all he needed to do was put the plan in motion, he’d been watching them for a week, ever since they’d released him from custody. He recognised her immediately, her long brown hair the big brown eyes, the girl that got away. He slammed his fist into the wall in anger; no one had ever got away! No one! He remembered how she had bit him throwing him off his guard the kick to his groin still fresh in his memory, he shook his anger off, the time was close, she would learn her lesson, no one took him for a fool.

A fool! He laughed to himself at the irony, no he was no fool far from it, a fool wouldn’t have been able to track her down it was easy! Oh so easy! He’d overheard the cops talking about the psychoanalyst; they’d even said her name! Then it was a simple act, a phone call, he’d picked up on a few names at the station Officer Driver! Ha! He’d made the call, a brief conversation later and he had all the information he needed.

He turned the key of his old pickup and headed for his spot, the corner where Prescott Street intersected with 5th. Patience that was all that was needed, patience and he had plenty of that parking up; he turned on the radio settling in. biding his time.

He knew their routine, the older girls took turns to go out, the little one was never alone but he knew this couldn’t last for ever, a spit second that was all it would take, this one was different this one was going to be worth the wait.

It was a sunny day from his vantage point he could just about make out the back porch, the three sisters were outside making the most of the weather, he grinned to himself this could be it………this could be the opportunity he had been waiting for. He watched as the eldest stood up, she kissed each of her sisters and headed for her car, so sweet!

His palms were getting sweaty, his heart beat faster, the adrenalin kicked in, this was the moment he’d waited for! As the car backed off the drive he slid the pick up into gear and headed towards the house, leaving the engine running he picked up his cell and dialled.

He slid out of the truck and headed to the side of the house, he watched as the middle sister groaned, she had just got comfortable and now the dam phone was ringing, he listened to her talking to the target – she’d just be a minute! That was all he needed!

He moved quickly, silently, completely focussed, he pushed quietly through the gate; her back was to him, it couldn’t be any better! He slid behind her grabbed her round the waist at the same time he held the cloth to her mouth; he took a second to take pleasure as he watched her face contort in fear. Her eyes were wide and manic her legs flaying, arms pinned to her side. He grinned, this time he had her, this time there would be no escape.

He moved quickly knowing that the middle sister would be on her way back, he slid into gear at the exact moment that the middle sister screamed in anguish.

Piper had returned to her sister annoyed at being disturbed by a hoax call she had picked up two cold drinks on her way through, the glass shattered as they fell from her grip, the noise muffled by the sounds of her screams, the sight of the upturned table and the scattered chairs sent a chill through her body.

As Prue turned the dark blue jeep into Prescott Street her heart missed a beat, as soon as she saw the flashing blue lights she felt the chill run down her spine, her heart was in her mouth as she turned onto the drive. Automatically switching off the ignition, the door was open before the engine stopped, she moved quickly, pushing her way past the young cop stationed outside the back door frantically searching for her sisters.

“PIPER! PHOEBE!” she was aware of someone approaching her trying to take her by the arm, she shrugged them off, she knew with absolute certainty something terrible had happened to her family, “PIPER!” her tone was more frantic now as she raced through the house, she stopped dead in her tracks when she found the object of her search. Piper looked distraught; her face was swollen, her hands shaking.

Piper looked at her big sister, tears cascading down her face, even before she spoke her breathing was ragged, “Prue…Prue,” Piper choked as she forced the words out “He’s got her” she was gasping for air the stress taking its toll “He took her Prue”

Prue stood rooted to the spot, it was as though she was looking at a freeze frame she stared at the middle sister absorbing the words, refusing to believe them, but knowing in her heart it was true.

“Prue” it was the officer she had pushed away in the kitchen, only now did she recognise him as Shaun Driver, “Prue I’m so sorry”

“It’s ok” Prue looked dazed too shocked to function, she moved towards her sister she was on autopilot as she wrapped her arms around Pipers shoulders “Are you alright? Are you hurt? What happened?”

It was Shaun Driver who answered the questions Piper was too distraught to speak, “Pipers ok, she’s not hurt, Phoebe was grabbed in the yard”

Prue nodded as though it made perfect sense.

Officer Driver knew the signs the oldest Halliwell was in shock, clearing his throat, he knew that what he had to say next would do nothing but add to the sisters’ torment, “We’ve been watching him; we suspected that this would happen, we’ve had him under surveillance for a number of days”

Prue stared at the young man trying to take in his words “What? What are you saying? If you’ve been watching him do you know where he is? Do you know where he’s taken my sister?” Prue didn’t wait for a reply “What the hell are we doing here, take me to her NOW!”

“It’s not that simple” Shaun’s mouth was suddenly dry the magnitude of what he was about to say heavy in the air.

Prue took a deep breath, narrowing her eyes she stared at the cop.

“We lost him, I mean he got away”

Prue could feel the colour drain from her face as realisation finally dawned, it hit her like a ton weight right between the eyes “You set her up” Prue had to take a sharp breath “You bastards set her up”.

“We engineered the operation” Shaun Driver reverted to his professional mode

“Operation! The operation! You bastards set my 10 year old sister up – yes or no!”

Piper drew away from Prue; she could feel the anger emanating from her sister.

Shaun nodded his head, his face ridden with guilt.

“We were desperate, we knew it was him, we’ve been watching him, we thought we had it covered, he’s been here every day he’s been stalking your family, it was just a question of time”

“Oh my god!” Prue’s hand went to her mouth; it was one thing to suspect it another thing to hear the words.

“I’m so sorry”

Prue shook her head, desperately trying to quell the panic, the nausea, the feeling of utter and complete helplessness.

“How did you lose him?”

“We were called away, a major accident”

“So to hell with my sister?”

“We were only away 5 minutes”

Prue was stunned; everything was so matter of fact “So if you know who he is you know where he lives right?” Prue waited for an answer “RIGHT!”

“Yes, but he’s not there, he’s well thought this out, he must have known we would be watching him”

Prue sunk down on the sofa, her legs no longer capable of supporting her weight “You’ve no idea where he could be?” she wasn’t even aware of the tears streaming down her face.

Shaun simply shook his head, he couldn’t help but feel involved, the memory of the scared little girl he’d found and brought home fresh in his memory. He could feel the desperation her sisters.

“What’ll he do to her? You must know, you must have a file”

Shaun shook his head “I can’t comment, it would be speculation”

Prue pushed back the question she so desperately wanted to ask – she was too afraid of the answer, her head shot up when she heard Piper voice it for her.

“Has anyone ever got away?”

Shaun shook his head again “I don’t know” he couldn’t do it, he couldn’t tell them the truth, he couldn’t take their last shred of hope away, he couldn’t tell them that every one of Mick Conran's victims, every child he had ever attacked had been viciously raped and murdered.

++++++++++++++++++

The first thing she was aware of was the darkness, the second was the cold; she lay trembling on a cold stone floor the only sound her ragged breathing, taking a deep breath she tried to calm down but she couldn’t get enough air into her lungs. Her eyes couldn’t adjust to the darkness, she had no idea where she was, it was then she heard the sound of a key turning, almost instantaneously the light was switched on, the brightness blinding her vision.

Mick Conran smiled, this was perfect, oh so perfect. He closed and locked the door behind him, waiting a few seconds for the full extent of the child’s terror to take hold.

Phoebe’s sight was gradually becoming clearer, she could make out the face, she saw the smile, the yellow teeth, she tried to push herself deeper into a corner, but she had nowhere to go. The little girl couldn’t help but whimper as her abductor moved closer.

“Hello Phoebe!” the sound of his voice sent chills down her spine, her nightmare complete, “This is going to be fun!”

“Now are you going to be a good girl?” Conran smiled at his captive his voice deceptively calm. “What’s up Phoebe? Cat got your tongue?” His grin widened as he moved closer, his face inches away from the frightened child’s.

“I’ll ask you again…………….are you going to be a good girl?”

The terrified girl stared at him as he leaned forward and stroked her face; Phoebe was terrified, frozen to the spot unable to move a muscle. He smiled when he saw her flinch at his touch, he reached out and touched her face again, this time his fingers trailed over the gag, her mouth was stretched uncomfortably around the dirty cloth.

“Are you?” He smiled again as the child frantically nodded her head, anxious for some relief, yet fearful for what may happen.

He grasped her wrists and expertly tied them before doing the same with her ankles, he stepped back a look of satisfaction on his face.

“There that’s better, that’ll help you to stay good”

Phoebe was whimpering her eyes wide with fright.

“So shall I take this off?”

Once again Phoebe nodded frantically.

“Spit”

Phoebe spat out the cloth, her mouth was dry, she could taste the cloth.

Conran ignored the child’s spluttering “You know you were very bad” he nodded thoughtfully “Nobody ever got away from me before, you really shouldn’t have kicked me little girl”

The moisture was beginning to return to Phoebe’s mouth, she licked her lips as she stared back at him, her fear almost tangible.

“No….that won’t do at all”

It was then that Phoebe noticed what he was holding something in his hand, she saw him move slightly bringing the object into her field of vision………..hedge cutters.

“No” Conran continued with his one sided dialogue “No….not at all”

He reached out and stroked the little girls hair, she tried to scramble away but she was trapped, tied and in the corner there was no way out.

Phoebe screamed in terror as she felt him caress her hair, she closed her eyes trying to block out the vision as he lifted the heavy sheers.

Conran laughed, this was perfect, why had he never done this before? Normally he acted quickly, did what he needed to do and went on his way. This was so much better! He lifted the long tresses and began to hack.

+++++++++++++++

Blinded by unshed tears Prue stared at the childish scrawl. Unable to sleep, she had eventually wondered into her youngest sister’s room. She’d held it in her hands for long enough as she thought about the sister that was like chalk to her cheese. Phoebe hid nothing, everyone and his dog knew when Phoebe was happy, when she was pissed, when she was sad; she was so different to Prue, Prue bottled it all in. She’d once heard Piper try to explain why Prue got so annoyed with her “It’s like Champagne Pheebes, you know how it gets bottled and the gasses build up then eventually when they’re released there’s this huge explosion”

Prue wiped at her face, removing the tears, she could still hear Phoebe’s response so clearly, “She must have a lot of gas then, she’s always exploding at me” Prue could even remember the slight pause as Phoebe gave the matter some thought “Do you think Alka Seltzer would help?”

Prue had smiled at the response – so Phoebe!

The diary in her hand was testament to her sister’s personality, Phoebe never kept secrets, she never bothered to hide her diary, Prue knew she wouldn’t even care who read it. That was why she’d opened it. She had hoped to get a better insight into the mind of her baby sister. She’d never given the diary a second thought before there was no need, Phoebe never stopped, her babbling was incessant, Prue doubted if there was much that went on in Phoebe’s life that her sisters didn’t know about.

Prue’s tears began to fall when she noticed that the entries had stopped after that night, the night she’d been brought home in the police car that had been the turning point.

“Prue?” Pipers voice was gentle still half asleep her hair dishevelled.

“I…” Prue couldn’t speak; she held the diary out to her sister.

“Oh Prue! She didn’t mean it! She’s ten for god sakes, everything’s a drama!”

Piper looked again at the familiar scrawl of her sister ‘I hate her! Prue’s so mean, she’s always picking on me, stopping me from seeing my friends and now she made me break my frame with Mum in………..I wish she was dead’ The last word big and bold staring out of the page.

“I” Prue took a deep breath trying to compose herself “I, shouldn’t have been so strict”

“Oh Prue! Don’t! Not now – this isn’t what you and her are about, this is just angry words from a mixed up child” Piper was concerned up until now Prue had managed to hold it together, Piper quickly turned the page.

“There look!” Piper sounded triumphant “Listen – ‘I feel really mean, I went to school today still mad at Prue, I wouldn’t give her a kiss but when I got home she’d glued my picture back – you can’t even tell………I didn’t say but it wasn’t really even her fault. I’d felt bad all day I love Prue’.

Pipers intention had been to make Prue feel better instead she watched as the dam inside her sister broke, Piper could do nothing other than hold her tight. The two sisters clung to each other neither daring to think what could have happened to the youngest member of their family.

+++++++++++++++++++

“See now? That’s better!” Conran stepped back with his prize, he stood in front of the trembling girl the tangle of long brown hair in his hand.

Conran beamed “So many uses!” his voice was pleasant “So Phoebe, have you noticed how nice I’ve made this room for you? Have you seen the nice pictures on the wall?”

He grabbed the frightened girl by the neck and forced her to look at the wall in front “Recognise anyone?”

Phoebe shook her head.

“No…..no….no…no…No! This won’t do! You’re lying! I won’t have you lying to me!”

Phoebe closed her eyes trying to block out the sight, it was the sight from her worst nightmares, the girl from the dumpster. She had hidden in the alley too scared to come out, she’d seen the foot first, then the leg, then the battered torso, she relived the scene every night, her unconscious state as un-relentless as the wakened.

She heard him move towards her she felt the cold metal of the blade as he slid it up the leg of her jeans.

“Are you shaking because you’re cold? Or because you’re scared” Conran gave the child an evil look “Cold or scared?......................Scared or cold?”

+++++++++++++++++++++++

He made his way back to the dark, dank basement; he had had her for 48 hours now. He smiled to himself; it was perfect, oh so perfect the only thing that annoyed him was that he hadn’t thought of it before. To have her at his disposal to do with what he wished, he practically rubbed his hands together in glee, not only what he wanted but when! Could this be any better?

The door creaked open as he flicked the strong light on, the child was curled up in the corner, her hands and ankles bound, the gag back in place.

“Morning Phoebe!” his voice rang out cheerfully, echoing around the cold basement. He moved towards her, his steps steady, his gaze unrelenting, focused on his prey.

He tutted at her, his face grimacing in disgust “Look at you! Lying there all naked and dirty it’s disgusting. Children today just don’t know the meaning of cleanliness and godliness”

Conran contemplated what to do next “Well, guess it’s my job to teach you”

Phoebe was numb, lying on the cold stone floor the little girl had gone beyond cold, she felt frozen to her bones, she stared at her captor knowing she was powerless, her senses had dulled yet she was fully aware of what he had in his hand.

“That’s it! Let’s get you clean, dirty, dirty child!” his voice full of contempt.

She watched in horror as he turned the nozzle; there was no escape from the freezing cold water as it hit her small body at full force.

Conran laughed as he watched her efforts to scramble away, tied as she was there was no escape, he played the hosepipe soaking her with the cold water from head to toe.

“That’s better!” after a few minutes he got bored with his game and turned off the freezing water “There now doesn’t that feel better, don’t you want to thank me?” he moved in, his trademark yellow teeth showing wide and clear, his face inches from the terrified girl.

“Let’s take this off shall we?”

Once again Conran removed the gag from the little girl’s mouth, he watched in satisfaction as she gasped for air, the shock of the water pulling her out of her mental retreat.

“Bet you’re hungry” once again he sounded victorious “Bet you’re hoping I’ve brought you a sandwich?” once again he grinned, the child was shivering once again curled up in the foetal position, this time wet as well as cold, “Am I right? Would you like a sandwich?”

Phoebe recognised the tone; she knew if he was ignored she would pay the price, as though in reflex the small girl nodded.

Conran laughed “Shame!” he paused “Bet you’d love a blanket”

The little girl raised her gaze, her eyes pleading, deep inside she knew he was playing games but a much bigger part of her was desperate.

“You have to earn a blanket!” once again he laughed “Do you want to earn a blanket?”

He laughed as he watched her cower, the fear obvious, so clear in her deep brown eyes, he looked a little closer, the eyes looked sunken, dark circles had appeared, he grinned to himself her hair actually looked quite good, the hacked locks were now plastered to her head.

“Missing your sisters little girl?” he took great pleasure as he observed the reaction “Bet their not missing you! Bet their glad to be shot of you! Nothing but a pain!”

He moved his hand, he ran it up her leg smiling at her discomfort and helplessness; he listened to the little girl whimper as she tried to scramble away, he watched as she closed her eyes desperately trying to block out the vision, he laughed as her whimpers turned to screams.

++++++++++++++++

The first thing she noticed was the warmth, then the strong, comforting arms holding her close, she closed her eyes blocking out the ache, the sharp pain that threatened to overtake her entire being. She swallowed deep not daring to believe that this could be reality.

She felt the kiss, she felt the gentle hand run over the rough down that had once been her hair. The voice was gentle soothing, she couldn’t answer, not yet. Moving slightly grimacing against the pain she pushed her head into the familiar chest, she inhaled the familiar smell, she listened to the familiar heartbeat.

“I love you so much my angel”

She heard the words, clear and gentle, soft and soothing.

She struggled, trying desperately to get her body to co-operate.

“I love you too Prue, I’m so sorry, I love you so much” she choked as she tried to form the words so clear in her own head.

“Don’t baby just rest” her sister once again offering words of comfort.

“I should have said”

“It’s okay honey, close your eyes”

“But I’m sorry, you need to know”

The voice was quiet this time, barely audible “I do, baby girl, I do” she heard the struggle for air before the comforting voice continued “Close your eyes honey, you deserve some peace”

“Peace?” her eyes flew open, her big sister would never say that, Phoebe knew what it meant, ‘close your eyes baby, you’ve suffered enough’.

“Prue! Not yet! Not yet! This can’t be right”

Her mind was whirling, it was hard to control her thoughts, she could hear noises in the background, once again she felt the cold cut through to her bones. She closed her eyes, it was a dream, a rotten lousy dream, the involuntary sob escaped her lips, she heard his voice, the music in the background.

She closed her eyes, once again blotting out reality, the last memory she had was his accompaniment:

‘Though they're only imitation…………like your imitation love for me’. The little girl closed her eyes she was at the peak of her nightmare, his calm voice accompanying his heroine, Marie……………Marie would never do anything bad, not like the child before him. His voice rose once again, his voice ringing out strong and clear the words penetrating the tiny girl’s semi-conscience state.

“Prue, you’ve not slept” Piper walked into the kitchen she looked tired and dishevelled, she sounded worried.

“There’ll be plenty of time for sleep when we get her back”

Piper felt the tears prick, ever since Prue had broken down she’d been like this, driven, Piper could almost see the wall she’d erected around herself.

Prue eventually took the time to look at her sister; she could see the tiredness, the emotional strain etched across her face.

“Don’t” in just that one word Prue managed to convey a strong message.

Piper bit on her lip, she hated this, she’d seen it so many times, Prue had hardened herself to the situation refusing to let her emotions get the better of her, drawing a chair out Piper sat down.

The silence was too much “We will get her back” Pipers voice was quiet almost afraid to ask the question “won’t we?”

Prue’s face was set as she looked at her younger sister “yes”

“Prue I….”

“Don’t”

“I just”

“Don’t” Prue let out a sigh she could see Piper clearly trying to battle with the feelings that were bubbling just under the surface.

“I can’t stop thinking about her; I can’t get her out of my head”

“And you shouldn’t. Stop it Piper, fall apart later if you must, not now” the words harsh even to Prue’s ears.

“I’m not you!”

“We have to stick to the plan”

“What plan?” Piper wiped at her face her sister sounded as though she had everything under control.

“We hold it together, we find her, we do what we have to do, and we fall apart later”

Piper could feel the disappointment flow through her, some plan! It was just Prue once more taking hold of her feelings and squashing them down.

“Piper…” Prue’s voice cracked, she’d seen the look, she’d seen the despair “We can’t do this now, we can’t, it could make all the difference, we have to focus”

“I can’t”

“You can! Listen I’ve been up all night thinking about this. We know who’s got her, we know his background, and we know how he operates”

Prue watched as Piper flinched “Not that! Don’t think of that! Just concentrate on finding her that’s what we need to do, forget everything else”

Piper took a deep breath, as hard as it was she knew that on some level Prue was right.

“Listen, we know he follows his,” for the first time Prue stumbled over her words “vict, the girls, we know he followed the girls”

Piper nodded, she had taken a drink of Prue’s coffee and was beginning to come round.

“So, I’ve been thinking about it Piper, he must have seen her around, he must have followed her”

“And?”

“He must be local! Think about it! She’s ten, how many places does she go? How many locations would he have the chance to see her?”

“But the police said”

“I don’t care what they said” Prue bit her lip she couldn’t bear to think about his victims.

“So where you going with this?”

“She’s ten! She goes to school – with us, she goes shopping – with us, she goes to her friends – usually with us, we’re always with her, we drop her off and pick her up, the only time she’s been on her own is when she’s sneaked off to the park with her friends”

“And the woods”

Prue nodded

“I don’t follow”

“Her friends, lets go see her friends let’s see if they know anything”

Piper let out a huge sigh, she knew her sister, she knew her hopes had risen, she knew she would do what she had to do.

“The police said….”

“Dam it!” Prue slammed her fist onto the kitchen table “I don’t care, I can’t and I won’t just sit back, I’ve got to do something!”

Piper could see the anger reflected in her sister’s eyes.

“Piper I’ll scour ever street in San Francisco if I have to, but” Prue sniffed back the unwanted tears, her anger had gone as suddenly as it had come “I’ve got to do something”

Piper reached out and held her sisters hand “I know, I know, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything, let’s make a list then we’ll go visit”

Prue gave her sister a watery smile, “Way ahead sis” she brandished a list of names in her fist.

Piper nodded “What we waiting for? Let’s go find our sister”

++++++++++++++

“Come on Phoebe! Wakey wakey!” Conran kicked the unconscious figure in her side “Come on time to wake up! Time for fun!”

Phoebe could vaguely hear a voice, she felt numb, no longer functioning she had neither the energy nor the inclination to respond.

“Oh well! Some people just don’t know how to enjoy themselves do they”

She felt another kick much harder than the first, she felt the blow to the side of her head she felt herself consumed with darkness grateful for the release she closed her eyes and let the darkness take her.

++++++++++++++++

“Come on Robbie, think!” Prue was getting impatient they’d managed to see most of Phoebes friends some of their mothers had been less than welcoming but Prue had been persistent. In the end they had given in and allowed their children to be questioned on the understanding that they would only be asked simple questions and not be given any details as to why.

“It’s important!” Prue growled with frustration, this was getting them nowhere.

“Prue! What the hell!” Andy Trudeau broke the grip his girlfriend had on his little brother.

“Get off!” Prue angrily shoved her boyfriend aside.

“He’s just a kid Prue!!”

“So is she” Prue was trying to keep calm, it was so difficult getting through to these people, couldn’t they understand the urgency”

“I know” Andy had calmed he put a reassuring arm around Prue’s shoulders only to be shrugged away.

“Not now! Dam it!”

Andy was shocked “I was just trying to help”

“Oh yes! That’ll help! Like that’ll get her back!”

“Prue I…”

“Save it!”

Andy watched as Prue stormed out of his kitchen, Piper shrugged her shoulders “She’s…..oh for god’s sake Andy you work it out!” Piper had had enough as well, all morning they’d been hoping for a breakthrough only to find brick walls, Andy watched as Piper ran after her sister.

The middle Halliwell ran up the stairs, she knew where Prue would be, the place where she kept retreating, Phoebes room.

“Prue?”

“It’s here Piper! The answers here I can feel it!”

Piper sunk down onto Phoebe’s bed, it was all getting too much, and once again she could feel the despair running through her body.

“Don’t!” Prue had seen the look; she had read the body language

Piper shook her head “I won’t”

Prue stopped searching for a minute and looked at her sister, “Good, I’m sorry, just a bit longer eh?”

Piper nodded “I’m ok”

Prue gave her sister a reassuring smile “I know” pulling her into a hug she gave her sister what she’d needed all day, comfort and reassurance.

Piper was the first to pull away “Come on then, crack on, let’s find the answer”.

“It’s useless! Absolutely useless!” Prue growled in frustration as she threw some of Phoebe’s books onto her bed.

Piper didn’t say anything she’d given up at least an hour ago, she watched as her sister paced up and down the room her agitation and anger growing with each step.

“Somebody has to know something! Somebody must have seen something!” Prue paused for breath “She would have been kicking and screaming, she wouldn’t have gone quietly!”

Piper bit on her lip, “What if she was unconscious?”

Prue stopped in her tracks as she considered the statement; finally she nodded “I hope she was”

Prue flopped down onto the bed next to her sister as she did Phoebes books dropped on to the floor.

“She’ll kick off you trash her stuff” Piper half smiled as she leaned across to pick them up.

Prue returned the smile but quickly replaced it with a frown as her gaze moved to the object in her sisters hand “Piper?” Prue reached out and took a closer look “Piper!” Prue couldn’t hide the note of excitement “Look! She did keep up with a diary look it’s at the back she began again from the back”

Piper took a closer look – sure enough Phoebes scrawl filled the back of the book the middle left empty and barren, enough to cause her sisters to think that she had stopped filling in her entries.

“Piper listen! He was there today, he watches he gives me the creeps, Dan used to say I was a scardy cat but I don’t care! He’s horrible”

Prue was already out of the door “Come on, lets go ask Danny!”

+++++++++

“Listen Dan, it’s really important can you think, did you tease Phoebe about someone watching her?”

Prue watched as Phoebe’s young friend fidgeted, obviously uncomfortable at the intense questions Phoebe’s oldest sister had been firing at him.

“Dan, answer Prue, it will help Phoebe come home” Dan’s mother urged her young son to help, she was anxious to see the lovable young girl safely returned to her family.

“When we played, Phoebe said there was this guy that kept watching her”

“What guy!” Prue couldn’t help but interrupt.

“She said he just kept staring, she said he creeped her out”

“Where? What did he look like?”

“Old houses” Dan hesitated knowing he would probably get his friend into trouble, he hadn’t quite grasped the seriousness of the situation “The deserted ones on Deland Way”.

Prue sucked her breath in – Phoebe!

Piper gave her sister a glare “Not now! What did he look like Dan?”

Dan shook his head “Don’t know, I didn’t take that much notice, it was Phoebe that was freaked out………” Dan paused knowing there was something else but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it “I know! Yellow teeth! She said he had yellow teeth he was always grinning at her!” Dan beamed pleased with himself that he had remembered this detail.

“Prue could feel how close they were the adrenalin was pumping through her veins at last she had something to anchor her hope to.


+++++++++++++++

“It’s certainly worth looking into” Shaun Driver had come around as soon as the call came through.

“Dam it! No! Move now!” Prue glared at the young policeman angry at the apparent lack of action.

“We’re checking it out now, you just need to be patient one wrong move and….” Shaun let the sentence hang.

Prue bit on her nails fighting her emotions, trying to curb the doubts, the fear, instead focusing on the hope, the one thing that had kept her going through this nightmare the hope of holding her baby sister safe in her arms once again.

“Go ahead” Shaun turned away taking the message that was coming to him on his radio.

“Well?” this time it was Piper who was chomping at the bit, she didn’t even wait for him to put his radio down.

“You could be on to something; we’re getting a special squad over there now”

“What have you found out?” this time Prue, her stare intense as she looked into the young mans eyes.

“There’s definitely someone over there, before you get your hopes up it could be a tramp, we’ll check it out”

“I need to be there” Prue’s face was set her tone held no leeway for negotiation.

“You can’t it could be dangerous”

“Idiot!” the harsh word uncharacteristically from Pipers mouth

“She means that’s why we need to be there!”

Shaun shook his head, “It’s not possible”

“Listen chump! And listen good! My little sister is in this mess as a result of your cock up! You used my baby girl my ten year old baby girl as bait! You knew he’d been watching her you’d probably known for weeks! It wasn’t just from that night was it?”

Shaun couldn’t help it, he hadn’t agreed with it in the first place, and then after meeting Phoebe…………

“Well!”

Shaun shook his head “No, that was, well, it all went wrong, we’d been following them, he’d had Phoebe in his sights most of the afternoon, we think he lost her, the other girl was convenient, wrong place, wrong time.” Shaun swallowed hard “We think he dumped the body and went back for your sister”

“Oh god!” Pipers hand flew to her mouth, it was bad enough but now to know someone had planned this all along.

“Right, well listen up” Prue was not letting go “You take us there, and you take us now! I don’t care what you have to do, just do it! I will not allow my little sister to be on her own for one second longer than necessary” Prue paused “Got that? Anymore and I’ll go to the press, it’ll make a good story don’t you think? Police endanger young girl’s life!”

Shaun nodded his head, thinking through what had been said “I could take one of you”

“Both”

Shaun shook his head “No way, they’d call the operation off”

“Operation!” Prue’s voice was incredulous.

“Prue you go! We’ve wasted enough time! You go, go bring back our baby!” Piper’s words were stronger than she felt; she could feel the tears welling up blurring her vision.

Shaun was already moving “She’s right, we need to move it” he paused for a second seeing the torment in the middle sisters face “You could go to SF Memorial, whatever happens she’ll need to be checked out, meet us there”

Prue nodded “Here Piper” she threw Pipers cell to her “I’ll call you, as soon as she’s in my arms I’ll call you”

Piper nodded, still fighting back the tears “Tell her I love her!”

“I will!” Prue was already out the door “I love you too Piper!”

Piper sat down for a moment trying to take in what had just happened, Phoebe had to be there, she had to be, Piper didn’t know what they’d do if this turned out to be another dead end. Quickly pulling herself together she ran up to Phoebes room, hurriedly stuffing Phoebes favourite PJ’s and her teddy into a bag, she just prayed that they weren’t too late.

++++++++++++++++++

“All good things come to an end Phoebe!” Conran’s voice was cheerful as he spoke to the lifeless body lying on the cold stone floor.

++++++++++++++++++

Piper slumped in the cold, hard, plastic chair; her head in her hands oblivious to tears running down her face, through her fingers, nothing could stop them. She’d known all along Phoebe was dead. The hollow empty feeling that was somehow so heavy, she just couldn’t explain it, it was beyond explanation it was pain……………sheer pain. She choked; she could see her now, the big, wide cheeky grin. Oh god! The grin………….for as far back as Piper could remember she’d always had that grin, no matter what the situation, no matter what the occasion, her sister would look at her, her face so serious, eyes so solemn, and then it would start, a little twitch around the corners of her mouth, a little wrinkle of her nose before you knew it! It was there, right across her face. Piper could remember the helpless baby in the cot, the smile, the gurgles the little arms held up waiting to be comforted, later as she grew the tot, filthy from head to toe, face plastered in mud, hair stuck to her head, the wide eyes the look of shock as realisation set in, the lifting of the eyebrows as though gauging the situation, then exactly the same, the twitch, the half smirk, how could you not melt!

Piper felt the knot in her stomach, it wasn’t always like that, it wasn’t always the mischief making Phoebe, sometimes she just looked………………Piper struggled not liking the word, but recognising the truth…………..pitiful.

Phoebe just attracted it; she was so lively, so gregarious, so enthusiastic. It got her into so much trouble, Piper knew her sister, she knew there was not a mean bone in her body she just didn’t think. A quick assessment, how much fun? Then off she went. Piper had lost count of the number of times a sorrowful Phoebe had sought her out, ‘but Pipe, I didn’t mean any harm!......But Pipe! I didn’t mean to break it! …But Pipe I didn’t mean to make her mad!

Piper chocked back the sob, her sisters, both so similar, both so different. Her thoughts drifted to Prue, how the hell would she cope with this?

Prue sat in the back of the police car, the sound of the shots, the smashing glass as the special squad moved in, the splintering of the wood as the squat broke through the wall, she felt the cold creep through her body as realisation of the situation set in. Up until then she’s blocked it; she’d focused on finding her baby, the little girl that she held so close to her heart. The little girl she would do anything for, the little girl she would fight anyone for, the little girl she’d protect with her last breath. Prue felt the tears slide down her face, the little girl that didn’t know, the little girl that didn’t have a clue, the little girl who had to be totally oblivious of her big sisters devotion. How could she not be? Prue thought bitterly about all the occasions she’d shouted at her, grounded her, lectured her, smacked her but it was all to keep her safe, why hadn’t she told her? Why hadn’t she just said ‘Pheebes, I love you so much, I just want to keep you safe’ now she might never now, she might never know how much her oldest sister cared, she would go out of this world thinking her big sister was just a pain, her big sister stopped her fun, her big sister thought she was a nuisance.

The wood shattered as the special squad broke through, they new exactly where he was infra-red imaging made their job so much easier, as soon as he’d made a move for the corner they’d opened fire, the bullets sounding loud so harsh in the quiet of the basement.

At first they’d thought she’d moved, the body so small, almost undetectable on the sophisticated apparatus then they realised their mistake, she was there, she was still there, slumped silently in the corner.

Prue felt the blanket pushed into her hands, people were talking to her, their words making no sense, she couldn’t make them out, she wasn’t interested, she felt someone grasp her arm, she turned her head annoyed at yet another interruption another intrusion, she calmed as she looked into Shaun’s eyes,

“Easy Prue”

Prue nodded automatically, not knowing why, not understanding the significance.

“Prue?” This time the voice more urgent “Prue, be careful, it’s bad”

“She needs me, it’s not about me, she needs me” Prue’s response automatic but so accurate.

Shaun looked at the young girl before him, knowing she had been through so much, did not make this any easier, he could not imagine anything worse, anything more heart rendering.

“Ok Prue, just be careful” He watched as she moved towards the tiny, unmoving body of her youngest sister.

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Piper jumped out of her skin, lost in the intenseness of her feelings, it took her a few seconds to realise what the noise was, she hurriedly pressed the button.

“I’ve got her, I’m holding her, we’re coming in”

Piper couldn’t speak, trying to digest the words, pulling her self out of her self-imposed nightmare; she managed to find her voice, “Is she? Is she ok?”

Piper heard the hesitation, the tremor in her big sisters voice “She’s alive”

The two words she’d been waiting for…………………..

“Are you real?” the voice almost inaudible, the eyes deep and penetrating locked with hers.

She knelt in front of the tiny battered body, the face almost unrecognisable, the nose broken both eyes swollen and bruised.

Their eyes had been locked neither sister able to move, the quiet voice breaking the silence.

She felt the breath leave her body as the full extent of her sisters injuries became apparent, gone were the thick long locks of brown hair, the hair that remained was hacked short, the blood seeping though matting it to her scalp. There wasn’t any part of the small girl that wasn’t bruised.

“I’m real” she heard her own words, the break in her voice as she tried to control her emotions.

She watched as the frail hand slowly reached out, her own hand moving to meet it, the fingers finding their mark, she held the hand, her eyes automatically moving to the scars on the tiny wrist, she knew immediately what they were, rope burns, the bastard had tied her so tight the rope had cut into her, the skin was now welted and sore.

The air was electric, the silence in the basement almost deafening as the Police and the Paramedics watched the interaction between the sisters. Phoebe had been terrified not wanting to disturb her further they’d brought the big sister in. Now they watched the majority with lumps in their throat as the older girl tried to ease the younger out of her hell.

She wrapped the blanket round her baby sister, she could feel how cold she was, it was like touching a block of ice, the area around her lips was blue, Prue knew it was with the cold although it was hard to distinguish from the heavy bruising to her face.

Slipping an arm around the tiny shoulders and one under her knees Prue very carefully lifted her precious cargo.

“Knew you’d come”

Prue looked down into the deep brown eyes, they were about the only thing that was recognisable, her eyes blinded by the unshed tears her throat constricted by the heavy lump she nodded her head.

Prue watched as the eyes fluttered, then closed, she could hear the ragged breathing “I love you baby girl” Prue sniffed back the tears “Piper sends her love” Prue doubted if her sister had even heard her she dropped a gentle kiss on her sisters forehead and handed her over to a paramedic.

She stood dazed as the paramedics got to work on the now unconscious Phoebe, it took only a few moments for the little girl to be wrapped in foil, and the lines set up, Prue found herself pushed into the back of the Ambulance, she sat in a daze as she watched the experts work on her baby sister.

“Are you ok?”

“What?” Prue looked dazed as she answered one of the medics.

“Are you ok? Do you need anything?”

Prue shook her head once again trying to control the dam that was ready to burst “just to hold her”

“You can, later, when we’ve assessed her injuries”

Prue nodded, her sister looked more settled now the paramedics had done what they could the rest was down to the hospital.

As soon as the ambulance doors opened there was a flurry of activity, the staff had been forewarned and were anxious to do all they could to help the poor child. Prue felt someone help her out; it was all like a bad dream the worst nightmare she could possibly imagine.

The strangled scream brought her out of her dazed state, she’d recognise it anywhere – Piper.

“Phoebe! Oh god Phoebe! Prueeeeeeeee”

Prue grasped the middle sister around the shoulders “She’s alive”

Pipers breathing was jagged she too was struggling to calm her emotions.

Prue tried again her voice sounding much stronger than she felt “Piper she’s alive”

Piper nodded, the tears streaming down her face “yes…yes”

The two girls found themselves being ushered into the waiting room, their pleas and protests to be with their little sister ignored, the Doctors needed to do their work quickly and efficiently they didn’t need any distractions.

The half hour wait felt like an eternity, the sisters sat anxiously as the list of injuries was read out to them.

“Ok first of all I need you both to prepare yourselves, your sister has quite a way to go but the good news is she’s in the right place. She’s reasonably comfortable now and I’ll take you into her in a few minutes”

Prue grasped Pipers hand waiting for the worst.

“Your sister has hyperthermia, this is quite severe but we are confident that we can bring that under control, she also had Pneumonia, we’ve given her an antibiotic drip and she has an oxygen mask to aid her breathing, again it’s a question of time, we need to let the drugs take affect and give her body time to repair” The Doctor paused as he observed the anxious sisters “A few days will make all the difference”

Piper tightened her hold on Prue knowing that was more to come, “Phoebe also has a broken nose and a couple of cracked ribs, she had also sustained severe bruising to a large area of her body, she also had a nasty gash on the back of her head, we’ve stitched that and cleaned the wound. However her temperature is high and we suspect an infection has already set in.”

The doctor could see the pain clearly visible in both girls’ eyes it was the younger who seemed to compose herself first.

“Will she be ok?”

The doctor gave a comforting smile “I am reasonably confident that we will see a major improvement in Phoebe’s condition within the next few days. The next 48 hours are important, we need to control the infections after that it’s a question of letting Phoebes body repair itself”

The doctor turned his attention to the older girl her hands were shaking he could see she was in shock “I’d say your little sister was one hell of a fighter, she’s got this far, I can’t see her giving up now”

Prue nodded she was trying to let the words sink in eventually she managed to find her voice “Did he…..was she?” Deep down Prue knew the answer she knew what type of animal Conran was.

Both sisters stared at him watching as he composed his reply.

The nod of the head was all it took.

“We need to be with her”

The Doctor led the girls into the hospital room that was to be Phoebes home for the next few weeks, neither girl spoke as they took in the sight before them.

Phoebe’s tiny battered body lay motionless on the white cotton sheets, still covered in foil the only part visible was her head, an oxygen mask had been placed over her mouth making her face look even smaller and there were a number of IV drips attached to the tiny girl. The beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound as the sisters moved tentatively towards their sisters’ bed.

They sat there for hours, listening to the sound of the machines and their sisters struggle for breath, neither speaking each lost in their own thoughts.

“Prue” Pipers voice was low as she got her sisters attention “Look, she’s trying to wake up”

Each sister stood at the side of the bed as they watched the brown eyes stare back at them.

“Easy baby….you’re ok, you’re with us now, you’re safe” Prue ran a gentle hand over the shorn locks.

Prue watched as Piper kissed their little sister “I love you Phoebe”

“Me too honey I love you so much, I promise you we’ll help you no matter what it takes, no matter how much it costs, no matter what we have to do, we’ll make you better”

“Wa” Phoebe struggled to form the words, bringing her hand up she moved the mask, “Wait” she licked her dry lips “Waited for you”

Prue nodded “You knew I’d come”

Phoebe gave her big sister a teary half smile “Yes” the word softly spoken as she struggled against the drugs.

The silent tears slipped down the faces of all three sisters, all knew without a doubt that although their nightmare had ended in some ways it had just begun.

THE END