Dean wouldn't have taken the statement to heart normally, but there was something in the old man's eyes-something he recognized. The man had seen something, something no human being should have to see. He should know the look. He saw it every morning when he looked in the mirror.

Later that day Dean met up with Sam at the Aberdeen Diner for lunch. It was the only establishment other than the campground and tavern in town. He relayed the conversation at the bar, making light of the old man's warning.

"He threatened you? You think he has something to do with what's going on?"

"What? NO, Sammy. He didn't threaten me. It's like, he knows what's going to happen, but I don't think he's involved. What did you find out?"

"Well, there's no internet out here, but believe it or not, that front office has quite the book collection. Guess the books have been there for years, and they're mainly fairy tales and history books. This place was settled by Scottish immigrants and the owner of the books wanted to keep their past alive."

"Alright, and what did you find?"

"Well, once I found out that young men have been going missing, I asked Grier for more information."

"And?"

"She wasn't helpful."

"So you didn't find anything?"

"Right."

"What was that about all the books, then?"

"Look Dean, I don't even know where to start reading. I need more facts; otherwise I have nothing to base the research on. No parameters."

"Ok, ok, fine. Looks like this might take a little longer than usual. We'll just have to do everything the old fashioned way."

"And what's that?"

"Talk. Mingle." Dean smiled as the waitress came over. "Now that's what I'm talking about." He purred appreciatively, watching as a girl in her mid-twenties pranced over. The girl laughed as she put the plates before the boys.

"I'm glad the food meets your expectations."

"That's not what I was referring to." Dean crooned suggestively as he met her eyes, and then read her name tag. "Cora." Her lightly freckled nose scrunched slightly as her eyes narrowed mischievously, and she flicked away a piece of honey brown hair from her forehead. She smiled a smile that lit up her whole face.

"I see. You want to order off menu." Dean grinned widely as he fiddled with his napkin. This girl was throwing him off his game, making him feel like a rookie.

Sam intervened, saving his brother from embarrassment at his lack of a comeback.

"Yeah, you know, we haven't seen many young folks 'round here. You wanna join us at the bar tonight?"

Cora looked over to Sam, eyeing him up and down. "Yeah. After all, it's not every day two handsome studs like yourselves walk into town."

"Awesome!" Dean replied. She gave him a warm smile and walked away.

"Dude…. 'Awesome?' Really?" Sam raised an eyebrow and his brother.

Dean's only response was a shoulder shrug.

That night at the bar:

Dean couldn't keep his eyes off Cora. At first he told himself it was because there was no other game around, but pretty soon he found himself admiring her for her own sake. Even amidst a pack of beauties he couldn't have picked a girl he would have been more attracted to. Suddenly he was glad this job was going to take longer than expected.

"Hey! Man, you with me?" Sam flashed his hand in front of Dean's face.

"Hmnnn! Yeah, yeah. What is it?" Dean sat upright in his stool and diverted his attention back to Sam.

"You know what? Never mind. You obviously have to get that girl outa your system before we can get back to work. I know its been awhile since you've had some fun."

"Why Sammy, are you suggesting I engage in extracurriculars during working hours?" Dean smirked. Sam shook his head at the sarcasm.

"You're no good to me like this, Dean. Have at it."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Dean stood up with bravado, smoothed his hair and sauntered over through the cigarette smoke to Cora. She was seated at the other end of the bar counter ordering a drink from the barkeep. Dean sidled into the stool next to her.

"Hey."

"Hey." She responded. "Thought I lost your interest at the diner." She raised an eyebrow. Dean donned an expression of disbelief.

"Oh, you fell for that? That was me playing coy." He covered.

"Ah, I see." She said knowingly, but smiled encouragingly. Dean took in her receptive demeanor and ran with it.

"So, what are we drinkin' tonight?"

"Homo Morte. It's a local shot made by the bartender here. Want one?" She held out the shot glass, her hand brushing against his fleetingly. Dean's senses tingled. He found himself staring into her hazel eyes. Their color seemed to change with the lighting and what she wore. Right now they were golden brown. He tore himself away, realizing how awkward he probably seemed.

"Why not?" He murmured, accepting the glass and raised the it to his lips as she did the same. He puckered his lips and closed his eyes in reaction. "Whew! What was in that?" He wasn't a pansy drinker, so he was surprised at how hard it hit him. She chuckled good-naturedly.

"Town secret."

Dean nodded. "I see." The barkeep addressed her again, and he glanced around the smoke-filled room. He could barely see through the cloud.

Sam looked over at the couple every now and then. Dean and Cora got progressively closer to each other as the night went on. Dean actually seemed to be talking to the chick, and not just hitting on her, though he was sure there was much of that going on as well. He saw Cora start coughing, drinking water to stop the fit.

"You okay?" Dean asked, concerned.

"Smoke." She heaved out between coughs. "Its getting to me."

"Here, lets get you outa here and into some fresh air." He took her by her arm and led her outside. She started improving with the fresh air.

"There. How you doing now?" Dean inquired, rubbing her arm comfortingly.

"Better." She looked up searchingly into his face and continued, "But I suppose that's not the only thing that made you take me out here." Dean may have been a lady's man, but first and foremost he was a protector and caretaker, and he wasn't going to take advantage of the girl's momentary vulnerability.

"What? No. Can I get you anything?" She smiled up at him approvingly.

"A regular white knight, huh?" Dean's lips quirked up.

"Uh, I wouldn't say that." She reached out and touched his hand.

"Thank you, Dean. I can't go back in there, so I guess I'll have to be a party pooper and call it a night. Sorry."

"Oh, sure, I understand. If there were another place in town to hang out I'd totally take you there."

"That's nice of you. What if I told you there were?"

"Then I'd say I'm game." She smiled, and the two headed out in her car.