"Jackie, we have a situation on our hands and we need your help," Jody said, her voice holding a bit of strain through the speaker of my cell.
"Ok," I replied.
"I'll send you the coordinates. Everyone will be meeting there tomorrow around 6 P.M.," she stated. "And I know this goes without saying, but please be careful on your way there."
"Yes, Mom," I whined in my best teenage impression.
"Please act your age," she sighed.
"Where's the fun in that?" I chuckled before hanging up the phone and finishing my hair and make up.
I threw all of my toiletries and makeup in a duffle before grabbing the rest of my things and setting it on the bed nearest to the door. I had zipped up my knee high boots over my worn jeans and grabbed my leather motorcycle jacket when my phone pinged with an incoming text. Just as promised Jody had sent me the location of the spot we were meeting.
I had met Jody on a hunt about a year ago. She and Claire were chasing down a nest of vamps that had set up shop between two towns. I had been investigating one town, she the other when we ran into each other while scoping out the nest. Clearing out the place had been the easiest I had ever experienced, the three of us making one hell of a team. She asked me to stay in contact with her after that and we had teamed up a time or two after that but I never stayed long. She understood why I never stayed and for that I respected her immensely. Jody had a family, a family I was not willing to put at risk with the curse that was my life. Don't get me wrong, I had tried that life before. Meeting someone nice, planting roots in a place and giving up the lifestyle for something normal, but after two years I left in the middle of the night. Normal had been too boring and predictable, two things that I was definitely not.
After checking out of the motel I packed up my car and put the location Jody had given me in my GPS. Lebanon, Kansas. I'd make it there with a day to spare and the thought made me excited for what the night could hold. The last hunt had been a bit extensive so not much fun was had in the last week, so I was itching to blow off some steam with my old friend and namesake, Jack Daniels. Yeah, laugh all you want, I was named after whiskey.
Dad won a bet with Mom, but ultimately compromised with my mother and named me Jacquelin, Jackie for short. He thought it was the best idea in the world since our last name was Daniels. Dad had a warped sense of humor, something else I had gotten from him along with the hunger of this lifestyle and my car. Diane had been all I had left of them after they died since we were always moving and never really accumulated much. Diane was a 1968 Chevelle that they had bought me for my sixteenth birthday. She was quite the rust bucket back then, but Dad and I had put in the time to restore her from the frame up. Dad had made sure the car was everything he and I had pictured. She had a racing engine, a custom hood with the scoop and pins, chrome grill and tail light bar. The finishing touch had been the amazing flat black paint job we gave her with the glossy black racing stripes. She's a badass bitch.
The drive to Lebanon hadn't taken very long, but then again, I always enjoyed driving so even a long drive never felt like long. I found freedom and peace behind the wheel with the rumbling of Diane's engine singing me a wonderful song. I pulled into the first motel I came across around eight at night and decided to order a pizza so I had some food in my stomach before going out to drink. I texted Jody to let her know I had made it to our destination already and where I was staying for the night before switching tops for my favorite tank top and putting on my jacket.
I had done a little research while eating dinner to find the local watering hole and that research did not disappoint. The place was nothing short of a shack sitting on the side of the road. I'm sure if one of the boards moved on the building the whole place would fall to pieces. Dive bars were my thing, the locals were never there to make friends and neither was I so it fit my mood well. I parked towards the back of the parking lot like I always did and headed inside. The air was thick with smoke, the jukebox was playing REO Speedwagon, the lights were dim, and the barstools were worn out leather. I headed to the bar feeling the eyes of all five patrons on me which informed me that they were in fact local regulars and I was the person out of place. "Jack and coke, please," I said as I sat down at the bar. The bartender gave me a nod before heading off to do his job.
Within the hour the place started to come to life as more people trickled in. I was on my second drink when a DJ turned the jukebox off and announced that he was starting karaoke for the night. After the third pop song blared through the speakers while girls that looked barely legal squealed in the microphones I decided it was time to put the pop shit to bed. I put a song up and waited my turn while trying my best to tune the horrendous music out while watching the people milling about. I had gathered from the crowd that this was where all the single ladies came to slut themselves out for free drinks and the men came with the intention of taking one of them home. Every guy in the place had at least one girl hanging all over him, a few of them with two. I liked being the majority sex in the bar, the guys were outnumbered meaning they all had their hands full for the night and I could just enjoy my booze, some music, and watching all of the regrettable decisions being made for the night in peace.
"And we have Jackie coming up," the DJ announced over the speakers. I sucked down the rest of my drink before placing my jacket on my stool to hold my spot and then headed up to enjoy some real music. The guitar was loud and pounding through the speaker as the song started and I began to talk my way through the first verse of "One Bourbon, One Scotch, and One Beer." I tapped my leather clad foot to the beat as I let the song take me away and the guys started to sing along. As the song hit the chorus the scantily clad girls took over the dance floor with their man of choice and I took the cue to loosen up and dance on the stage as I jammed out. During the instrumental break I shook my ass getting lost in the riffs and crying of the guitar when a loud whistle let out that caught my attention. I looked up around the room, finding most of the patrons were in fact on the dance floor jamming out with me, all except one. He was sitting with his back leaning against the bar as he watched me on stage, a girl pressing herself against his side. I went back to my jam session, finishing off the song with a loud eruption of applause. I put in another song before heading back to my spot at the bar.
I looked around wondering who had left their drinks at my spot. "They're yours," the bartender shouted above the music. "Guy at the end of the bar," he added with a point toward the end the guy sat at. I sat down, picking up the two tumblers and giving them each a sniff. One bourbon, one scotch, and one beer. Clever, I thought as I shook my head with a laugh. I grabbed the glass of bourbon before looking down the bar to catch the eyes of the man who had bought the clever order. The same guy that hadn't been dancing was now staring me down, beer in hand, girl long gone, with a smirk on his face as our eyes caught one another. I tipped my glass with a nod in thanks and he did the same before putting the beer bottle to his full lips. I took the bourbon in a long gulp before slamming the glass back down to the wooden bar. I looked back up to where the man had been but he was gone.
"The name's Dean," the deep voice said in my ear, the warmth of his breath washing over me.
"Smooth," I retorted as I turned around in my seat after grabbing the glass of scotch.
"Oh, I assure you that's not the only thing smooth about me, sweetheart," he said with a smirk, completely full of himself.
Oh great, another self absorbed douchebag.
"And here I thought you wouldn't be the bald eagle type," I smirked back. His eyes grew slightly as he let the comment register.
His eyes are beautiful, I thought to myself. Too bad they are attached to an asshat, I shrugged to myself before turning back around on my stool.
"Manscaping is not a crime," he scoffed as he sat down on the empty barstool next to me. "And I've never had any complaints."
"I'm sure you haven't, big boy," I said, patting his back like a buddy would do.
"Wow," he laughed, "Did I just get friendzoned?"
"Oh, does that not happen often, Ken?" I asked as I finished off my scotch.
"My name's Dean," he replied quickly.
"I know," I smiled.
"Then why did you call me Ken?" he asked before taking a swig of his beer. "He some kinda douchebag ex?"
"I'm glad you think Ken is a douchebag, I guess douchebags recognize each other in the wild?" I quirked an eyebrow at him.
"Ouch," he clutched his hand to his chest like he had been shot.
"Ken Doll," I replied, rolling my eyes.
"Oh, so you're admitting I'm handsome even though you think I'm a douchebag?" he asked practically batting his long lashes.
"I'm not blind," I shrugged.
"Admit it, I'm easy on the eyes," he said wiggling his eyesbrows.
"Didn't I just do that?" I gave him a side eye, "I'm not sure how much more stroking your ego can take. I'm afraid your head my explode."
"I can handle a lot of stroking, Darlin," he smiled devilishly.
"Jackie, you're up," the DJ shouted. I got up without a word, walking to the stage barely able to keep my composure because my life was just full of ill timed fate.
As the song started Dean turned around in his seat again to watch as I started singing "The Stroke". The dance floor flooded with grinding bodies again and I let myself enjoy the ironic turn the night had taken. I danced, rolling my body to the beat, and mocked the words with my movements while I sang, every once in a while glancing over to Dean, who had the biggest shit-eating grin on his face. As the song ended, Dean gave me a half smirk as he rose from his bar stool, walking up to the stage with a bowlegged swagger I had never seen any man every pull off as sexy as he did. He stepped up on the stage, grabbing the microphone from my hand. "Let me show you how it's done, sweetheart." he said with a playful wink. Shaking my head, I walked back to my seat and had just sat down when the music escaped the speakers. The guitar riff of 'Hot Blooded' washed over me and I couldn't help but smile as I watched him pour himself into the lyrics. His brilliantly green eyes locked on me as he sang the chorus and then he pointed at me while singing the lyrics of the second verse and I couldn't help but laugh. As the song progressed he kept looking over at me like he was trying to serenade me with his message. I shook my head as he took the instrumental break to bust out his best air guitar moves. I turned around on my seat and listened as the song continued, watching him in the reflection of the mirror behind the bar while I finished off my beer. "So..." he trailed off as he sat down on the stool next to me. His green eyes impossibly brighter as they held a boyish charm looking for approval.
"Eh, A little anti-climactic if you ask me," I shrugged, trying my best to be neutral. He had actually done a decent job on the classic rock song, but I wasn't going to give him the praise he was looking for because, well quite frankly, he had a big enough ego, I wasn't going to help add to it.
"Well the best climaxes usually involve two people," he smiled, his tongue sneaking out past his teeth to barely touch his lips. "You know, duets," he added. "Oh, we are definitely going to duet tonight," he smiled even wider and I couldn't help but shake my head as I fought the laugh that was battling for release. "I've got the perfect song for us too," he said before getting up and walking over to the DJ to put in another song.
"Did you just put a song up for us to sing together?" I asked as he sat down.
"I told you we were going to duet, sweetheart," he wiggled his eyebrows.
"You think you are slick don't you?" I asked as I motioned for the bartender for a Jack and Coke.
"I think I'm adorable," he grinned. I didn't respond to him, just sat there sipping on my drink as I listened to a horrible rendition of Joe Nichols' 'What's a Guy Gotta Do'. I watched the sloshed guy in the mirror attempt to keep up with the tempo of the song as he stumbled and slurred his way through the words "So you come here often?" Dean asked after a few moments of awkward silence.
"Really?" I said, giving him my best 'Are you kidding me' look.
"I've just never seen you around here before," he quickly tried to recover.
"I'm here on business," I answered with a shrug of my shoulders.
"Dean and Jackie, come on up!" the DJ announced and Dean gave me a huge smile before grabbing my hand and pulling me up to the stage. I managed to snag my drink off the bar as I was dragged up to the stage.
"You ready?" Dean asked as he handed me a mic and reached for his own. The music started and I started chugging my drink as Dean started singing, my mind taking the full first verse before it registered what song he was singing. He turned to me as he started singing the chorus, "Take me home tonight, I don't wanna let you go til you see the light." I shook my head knowing exactly what part he wanted me to sing. I sat my now empty glass on the barstool that was on the stage and then put the mic in its stand before I made my way back to my seat to grab my jacket. He was one cheeky bastard, I'd give him that, but I wasn't going to stick around the rest of the night humoring him in his blatant attempt to get into my pants. I was here to enjoy a quiet night of drinking and watching the local drunks, not to be pursued by one of them. I was a few steps out of the front door when I heard him behind me. "Where are you going? Did you not like the song or something?" he asked making me stop in the middle of the parking lot.
I turned on my heel to face him, "I've gotta go. I have shit to do tomorrow and I'm tired."
"Well, how's about a ride home?" he asked, stroking the hood of a sleek black '67 Impala and grinning like he was the cat that ate the canary.
"Thanks, but I've got my own ride," I answered. "Have a good night, Dean." I turned back around headed back to my car that was now hidden behind a large truck.
"You need some good ole' American muscle to ride, not some souped up douchebag tree hugging car," Dean called out behind me and I couldn't help the extra sway of my hips as I kept walking away. He was going to shit his pants. I hopped into Diane, pulling out of the spot and stopping behind Dean's car. He mumbled out, "Son of a bitch," as he looked over my black beauty and then back at me. I gave him a wink and a wave before slamming my foot down on the gas pedal, tires squealing and gravel flying as I pulled out onto the highway.
I woke the next morning to my phone ringing, my head was pounding as I hit the decline button quickly to shut up the annoying noise. I looked at the clock realizing it wasn't as early as I had thought. The effort it took to sit up in my bed was excruciating, but I had an hour before check out time at the hotel and I still needed to clean up a bit before I went out in public. My phone rang again with a text message this time from Jody asking if I would meet her at a diner for lunch. I replied quickly before standing up and heading for the bathroom. After relieving myself, I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I thought about showering, but quickly decided against it since today was hunt day and I would more than likely end up a mess at the end of the day anyways. I ran my fingers through my dark brown, beach waved hair to detangle it the best I could without having to brush it, knowing if I did in fact brush it I'd end up with a frizzy mess. After I was somewhat satisfied with my hair I applied some makeup to my face in an attempt to look more alive. I looked in the mirror, deciding that this would have to do before throwing on a pair of jeans, one of my Dad's old AC/DC shirts I had revamped to fit me, my pair of black combat boots, and my leather jacket. I rounded up all of my things, storing them away in the trunk of my car before checking out of the hotel and heading off to meet Jody.
"I need coffee," I grumbled out as I sat down next to Claire.
"Rough night?" Jody asked before sliding a cup of the dark stuff my way.
"Mixed too many liquors," I said after taking my first sip of hot caffeine. "That's a big no-no, kid," I added, looking over at Claire as if I was giving her the best advice in the world. "You'd think after 31 years of life I'd know better," I said before running my hand over my face.
"Here," Jody said, sliding over a bottle of Ibuprofen.
"Thanks," I said, giving her the best smile I could muster through my headache. "So what's the case?"
"Well, the Winchester brothers have been tipped off that the head honchos of every monster species are congregating at a place not far from here," she started.
"Apparently, they are all in cahoots now," Donna, Jody's hunter/cop friend sitting next to her said. "They're planning on taking out all hunters and are planning to work together to do so."
"Ok, but why here?" I asked as the waitress came over bringing our food.
"Hope I ordered right for you," Jody said as the waitress sat down a plate with a burger and fries on it.
"Thank you," I grinned before adding my condiments on my burger.
"Well, the Winchesters are based here and my guess is that they are first on the hit list in hopes that if they take down the top hunters the rest of us will run," Jody explained.
"Are they John's boys?" I asked, remembering my Dad's friend he had done a hunt with when I was a little girl. I had met his sons when Mom watched them for John while he and Dad were gone. I had been five or six and his sons were quite older than me. Cam and Don, I think but couldn't be sure of their names. They had nothing to do with me and my dolls while they stayed with us. Dad had talked about John Winchester a lot while I was growing up, but he never came back around after that one hunt.
"Yeah, did you know their dad?" Jody asked, puzzled.
"Met him once. My Dad was friends with him," I explained before stuffing my face with french fries. "God, this is good," I practically moaned causing Claire to laugh. "So are we headed to their place after this?"
"Yeah, figured we could all settle in while we wait for the rest of the hunters meeting there," Donna said. "Plus, It's always nice to catch up with those boys."
We finished up eating and Claire climbed into the passenger seat of Diane, "I've been stuck in the car with those two for the past six hours. I need a break." I nodded in understanding before starting the car and following Jody and Donna to the Winchesters'.
We pulled up outside of what looked to be an abandon factory and I shut off the car before getting out and giving the area a scan. "They live in an old factory?" I asked skeptically.
"Under it technically," Claire answered. "Come on," she said as she followed behind Donna and Jody. As we walked through the door the interior was far from what I thought it would be. The architecture was beautiful and classic and I couldn't help my wandering eyes while we walked down the metal stairs to the main level of the area.
"Jody!" a voice shouted catching my attention. I stared as the extremely tall, long haired man enveloped Jody in a hug before moving onto Donna and then Claire.
"This is Sam," Claire introduced the man. "Sam, this is."
"George Thorogood." The voice made my heart stop as its source came around the corner from a hallway.
Oh, great. Him.
"What?" Sam asked with a puzzled look.
"Hi, I'm Jaqueline Daniels," I introduced myself, sticking my hand out to Sam for a handshake. "But everyone just calls me Jackie."
"Jackie Daniels?" Dean laughed. "Oh, God. That's...That's hilarious." Dean bent over clutching his side in hysterics.
"Yeah, laugh it up, Chuckles," I rolled my eyes.
"Dean," Sam growled out making Dean stand up straight. Dean shook his hands out in front of him in surrender as he worked hard to get the smile off his face. "Sorry, my brother's a dick," Sam said as he turned back towards me. "Make yourself at home," he said as he gestured around the place.
"Thanks," I smiled at the taller brother and I followed Claire over to a table in the center of the room to sit down.
"What the hell is your problem, Dean?" Sam whispered at his brother before glancing over at me and giving me a tight lipped grin before looking back at his brother with a glare.
"That's her, man," Dean said as he stuffed his hands into his pockets.
"Who?" Sam asked, confused.
"The girl from last night," Dean mumbled out in a whisper in attempt to stay inconspicuous.
"The one with the car?" Sam asked before glancing back at me and then looking back at Dean.
"Yep," Dean answered, standing up a little straighter and glancing over as well.
"Beer?" Dean offered, holding out a bottle in my direction.
"Thanks," I said as I grabbed it from his grasp.
"I'd offer a bourbon and scotch, but we've only got whiskey," Dean added with a smirk.
"Funny," I rolled my eyes. "The beer is fine."
"So, hunting..." he trailed off as he sat down in the open chair next to me.
"Yep," I answered with a nod before taking a swig of the cold liquid.
"Jody says you knew our Dad," Dean said more as a statement instead of a question.
"I knew of him. Met him once. And I guess I knew you too. My Mom watched you once," I said with a shrug. Dean nodded and squinted his eyes as if he was peering through rows and rows of memories to track down a specific one.
"She made us chocolate chip pancakes," he added after sitting silent for a few minutes.
"Sounds like her," I smiled.
"So how long have you been in the life?" he asked, looking genuinely interested.
"About ten years," I answered.
"So you've been hunting since you were a teenager too?" Dean looked like he was trying to piece together something in his mind.
"Dad finally took me on a hunt for my twenty-first birthay," I answered, a small smile playing on my lips as I took a few minutes to recall the memory. I had begged him for years, but he always said he wanted me to have my first legal drink before he would take me. We wasted no time after midnight the morning of my birthday, venturing to a bar so I could order my first beer.
"So 31," Dean mumbled to himself as if he was doing mental math to figure out my age.
"I'm taking it Math wasn't your strong suit in school?" I asked, one eyebrow raised.
"Dean was too busy getting busy in school to learn anything," Sam laughed as he jumped into our conversation after finishing up his talk with a few hunters that had arrived.
"Not all of us had the opportunity to go to Stanford," Dean quipped back at his brother who just shrugged his shoulders.
"But I'm pretty sure you learn how to add ten to a number in first grade. Doesn't take a college education to do simple math," I said, which earned an unamused look from Dean.
"Oh, I like her," Sam chuckled as he stood up from his chair. "She's like a smarter, female version of you," he added before patting Dean on the shoulder as he walked by.