Hello, everyone. To expand on the summary: Dean Winchester, a dangerous criminal, escapes from a high security prison. Castiel, a waiter who doesn't really believe that a maniac would stick around town, soon finds himself as the hostage of a murderer, and a rapist. I never really cared for the hostage stories where the victim falls in love with their captors, so don't expect that. Maybe the other way around? I don't know. Maybe. TW for murder, kidnapping, and violent sexual encounters. As always, I own nothing, and reviews are always appreciated (good or bad).
It was a normal three-o-clock Tuesday afternoon. The restaurant was deserted, with another two hours before Castiel could begin to expect any customers. He and the other staff members lounged in the booths, watching TV on the large flat screens that circled the large room. Some football game was playing, but Castiel couldn't honestly have cared less. He had never really gotten in to sports, and today wasn't going to be an exception. Castiel had a booth to himself, his back pressed against the wall and his legs stretched out in front of him as he tried to follow what was going on.
"It's a beautiful day here in Lawrence, and this game is really heating up!" a sports announcer droned on, his false excitement really beginning to irritate the waiter, "I am joined here today with-"and the game was reduced to static.
"Aw, fuck!" One of Castiel's coworkers growled, having clearly been invested in the game. But, before long, the static evaporated. Although instead of the wide-smiled sports reporter, a clearly frazzled woman, donned in a business-like suit, stared out into the restaurant. A red banner scrolled across the top of the screen, donned with the words, 'WARNING: DANGEROUS CONVICT ESCAPED FROM LAWRENCE JAIL'.
"Ladies and gentleman," the woman began, her wide eyes betraying the cool, collected confidence she was attempting to portray. "We would like to first apologize for interrupting your regularly scheduled broadcast. This is Channel Six news, with an important announcement." It was then that a picture appeared above the woman's shoulder, revealing a man in an orange jumpsuit, a glower turning what could have been a rather handsome face into one that gave Castiel shivers. The news reporter continued, "A disappearance was reported this morning at Lawrence High Security Prison. Dean Winchester escaped his cell by unknown means, and is now at large." A panicked gasp ripped through the restaurant, as both men and women alike shot up from their seats, while others stayed down, paralyzed by fear. "Winchester was serving twenty-five years to life in prison, after admitting to murder, kidnapping, and rape. Please, ladies and gentlemen do not panic. Officials report being on Winchester's trail. However, we urge everyone to exercise caution. Police ask residence of Lawrence to remain in groups, and not to go out at night. While it is unlikely that Winchester would stay in town, safety is everyone's priority. Also, if you see this man" the picture expanded, taking up the whole screen, "immediately call the police. Do not attempt to engage Dean Winchester. He is extremely dangerous, and-" the screen went black.
"Everyone," the manager said, remote control in hand, "go home. Don't come back until further notice. I won't risk anyone getting hurt." With that, the man put the controller down and left the building, already pulling out his phone to call his family.
There was silence, as stunned staff members grabbed what belonged to them and began to filter out. Castiel trailed behind, turning off the lights and locking up doors as the rest of the staff trickled out the doors, not saying a word. As Castiel locked the front door, one of his coworker leaned against the wall.
"Where are you parked, Castiel?" Balthasar asked, his arms crossed.
"You know I don't drive, Balthasar. It's so slow. I'll take the bus" Castiel responded, pulling the key out of lock and sliding the chain into his back pocket.
"Don't be thick, Castiel. You are not taking public transportation today. I'll drive you." Castiel's friend gestured toward his car invitingly.
"That's silly, Balthasar and you know it. Dean Winchester is not going to attack me on a bus. Besides, my apartment is on the other side of town. IT's way out of your way."
"I don't like it, Cas. That monster doesn't know fear. He's been pent up in that prison for three years. Who knows what kind of rage he's got going on in that sick skull?" Balthasar shook his head, taking Castiel's arm and pulling him towards his car.
"Balthasar, no. Alright? I am a grown man. Winchester is not going to get on a bus just to kidnap someone. Besides, you heard the news woman. He probably isn't going to stick around. Why would he?"
Balthasar sighed, "Okay, one: I know you're a grown man. That's what I'm worried about. That creep doesn't just prey on women, Cas. You know that. Second: he might just get on a bus and open fire. Maybe he just wants to get all the murder out before he gets the death penalty. I heard he is being considered. After this… he's definitely done. Lights out, Cas. That sicko might just want to go out in a blaze of glory."
Castiel clenched his jaw, resolve setting in, "Balthasar, no. You know I don't like being in cars. They make me feel very claustrophobic. Now, I am going to the bus station, and going home. If you want to drive me there, I can stand to be in that car for two minutes while you drop me off."
"Fine, Castiel." Balthasar, turning away from Castiel to mask his frustration, "just… fine."
Just like Castiel predicted, no open-firing occurred on the quiet bus ride home. As he departed the bus in front of his building, a quiet, 'be safe, sir' followed him out.
'This is ridiculous,' Castiel thought to himself as he approached the front doors of his building, 'everyone is acting ridiculous. That man evaded the police for years before they caught him… he isn't an idiot. He won't stay in Lawrence.' Then, just to prove he could, Castiel decided he would take a walk around the block. Cars were still zipping by, and the sun was shining brightly. For god's sake, birds were chirping! No devil incarnate was going to appear here.
Castiel strolled along the sidewalk, taking extra time to stop and appreciate the flowers growing in a box along the road. A fat bee buzzed along, landing every few moments on a bright flower. As he walked, and began to see his brick building around the corner, Castiel realized that it really was a very pleasant route for a walk. Maybe, once all this fuss about Dean Winchester was over, he would do this more often. Of course, not now. Sure, Castiel didn't believe that a maniac was going to appear and whisk him away, but he had made his point, hadn't he? No point tempting fate.
As Castiel approached his building, he heard the low rumble of a car approach from behind. Now, many cars had passed so far, and this one was no different. Except, as he saw it pass, it struck him as oddly familiar. He could have sworn that it had circled around several times. But, before he could read much into it, the shiny black vehicle disappeared around a corner. Castiel shrugged, and continued on his way.
Just in front of his building, Castiel paused as he felt the telltale buzz in his pocket. He pulled out his phone, and looked down to see an all caps, frantic message brightening his screen, 'CASTIEL. WHERE ARE YOU. YOU SAID YOU WOULD TELL ME WHEN YOU GOT BACK TO YOUR APT!1!'
Fuck. That's right. Castiel had promised Balthasar he would send him a text when he got home. He was at least fifteen minutes late. Castiel quickly paused in front in of the building and dialed his friend's number.
"Castiel. Are you okay?" Balthasar's fear coming through perfectly, and Castiel felt a pang of guilt for forgetting his promise.
"Yes, Balthasar, I am perfectly fine. I just forgot. I am very sorry. I imagine you were quite worried for my safety, but I really am fine." It was then that the black car from before appeared once again around the corner. Castiel was positive now that it was circling the block. As Balthasar ran through the obligatory 'you scared me so much don't ever do it again you don't appreciate what I try to do for you' speech, Castiel watched the car approach, at what seemed to be an oddly slow speed. Then, an odd thing happened.
The car stopped. In front of Castiel. For a moment, Castiel thought he recognized the freckled face from the news. Of course, Castiel knew this was probably just a confused, lost stranger. That is, until a gun appeared, pointed directly at Castiel's head.
"Hang up the phone."
Castiel paused, panic making him immobile.
"Now." The safety was now off. The gun was loaded.
"Listen, Balthasar," Castiel said, trying not to make his panic evident. "I need to go. We'll talk later." With that, Castiel quickly hung up the phone, his arms lying limp at his sides.
"Good. Now, unless you want me to shoot you in the face, get in the car. Make a single noise and you're dead."
Castiel gulped. He wasn't sure what he was going to do here. He remembered someone telling him once that, in the event he was ion this exact situation, 'he would probably rather get shot than get in the car'. Considering this man was a rapist, Castiel wondered if maybe he really would rather get shot than go with this man. But then again, Castiel would bet money that Dean Winchester was just desperate, and needed a hostage so he could get out of Lawrence safely.
But maybe not.
"Hey, are you deaf? This is your last warning. Get in this car, right now."
Castiel thought about the sweet old lady who lived across the hall, and how much he did not want her to find her neighbor dead on the sidewalk. Or the landlord. Or some kid, on their way home from school. That would be really traumatic… If he went with this man, there was always a possibility that he would escape. So his choice was either: Probably end up dead, or definitely end up dead.
Castiel reached for the handle, pulled, and sat down. No sooner had he pulled the door shut did the car shoot forward. The butt of the gun that had originally coerced Castiel into the car slammed into the side of Castiel's head, and everything went black.