Chapter 3

February 28, 2008

Arrived in the town where the Morton House is. Sam and I didn't complain about the choice of music since its house rules anyway and we let Dean pick the joint to grab a bite. It was midday when we arrived so the day will most likely be spent going over the last minute news clippings Sam will find and loading the shotguns loaded with salt rounds.

Decided to take a look at the Morton House on my own and in the daylight; so as not to worry the two nannies that babysit me at times. What I can say is that it actually looks like a haunted house though I've seen worse…

Angela stood outside the Morton House… well she was as close as she was going to get to it at this time of day. She wanted to see for herself the place and judge the hazards and all that good shit. Mostly she wanted time to be alone with her thoughts.

The Morton House was fenced off and locked, virtually condemned and made to distract people from deciding to have fun and try to stay the night in the place. At least the local law enforcement was doing something about it though they couldn't understand it. No one really understood it if they never had the veil lifted meaning seeing ghosts and the other things that could get you. For most, it was probably the best thing for them.

She was no stranger to strange deaths and happenings since she was certain that she had caused a few of them. One of her more famous escapades was the Jane the Ripper case. She considered the label very unoriginal but since it was roughly within the same district as the original Jack the Ripper cases she could see the logic.

That was a time before she discovered the concoction that could dissolve bodies and not leave a trace. Her 'bloody carnages' were the vampires that had been staked with dead man's bloodied stakes and chopped off heads. Some did look like they were ravaged a bit. One of her victims was the actual Jack the Ripper who, to no big surprise, was a vampire and rather a bit of a sadist...

1650, give or take a decade

Another raining night and nothing special about it; the bang tails and other poor schmucks paying for favors are out in force. A perfect night for the night walkers to be out in force, being the bloodsuckers they are. This night and any night would be a night for them since it wouldn't matter given what they are.

The old meat house is the most appropriate somewhat for a nest of bloodsuckers. Careful scouting revealed that they have two guards. They probably tipped off the police or someone is in their pocket so caution must be exhibited…

That spree ended up making the history books and she ended up getting caught in the background of one of the pictures. She was right behind the chief inspector of the case and the reason for that was more along the lines that she was feeding him information. The man was a hunter who worked for the police. He was the one who filled her in on the murders and the strange sightings and told her the one complaint one of the bang tails at White Chapel made about the gentlemen biting her and drinking her blood...

… They are all dead. I even found an old friend. Yes I found Jack the Ripper. The sadist is dead and of course Inspector Hawkins will get the credit. After all who wants to believe that a half bloodsucker like me is capable of doing any good?

That was dismissed as more of a lie. Angela had taken care of it then just like she did before moving to the Americas. She left Europe behind except when she went back near the end of 1911 for whatever reason and came back in April 1912 on supposedly the greatest luxury liner ever that never made it. She did though on a smaller ship called the Carpathia.

Looking at the house, Angela knew that she had gone through many experiences and gleaned lessons from them. She was remembering the voodoo priestess' mansion and the fun time she unleashed with all those spirits. The bitch loved her bad juju and the demon she ended up summoning… that went pretty bad.

The house reminded her of that mansion; so full of lore and superstition and whatever from the stories told. This one had its quirks though. To the naked eye, it looked just like a junky old house with the weathered wood and broken glass. The weeds around the place added to the old feeling. She could also sense the spirit around there. He may not be showing up until midnight but she had enough experience to detect the spiritual energy and all that stuff; the stuff that would be considered 'positive thinking' or 'the secret' like that demon bitch Tammy mocked the desperate housewives.

"You should be focusing more on your plans rather than staring out at this place."

Angela pivoted on her heel to face her least favorite person in this world. "Ruby, I'm surprised that you even want to be near me again after what I did to your face."

Ruby was the queen in pissed bitch faces and she was showing it now and not liking the fact that Angela was just smiling at her as if everything were a joke. "A moment of weakness while checking on the horse that I betted on after the mess you caused in Sioux Falls."

"Oh yes I caused a mess. I was the one who sent a rippled through the spirit realm to the point that every demon within the radius felt it. It wouldn't surprise me that Lilith felt it. So really Ruby what do you want to hound me about this time?"

Ruby raised her brow impressed at the backbone Angela was showing while still maintaining the look of hostility. She replied, "Alright. I am here to bug you on your plan to go after Lilith."

Angela gave a huff of a sigh that was more of a mocking laugh. "If I'm not mistaken, you were the one that suggested it. Go after the one that holds the contract and take for myself."

"That was before it was discovered that Lilith holds it. For whatever reason, you can be sure it isn't because of Dean's sparkling personality," Ruby countered. She put her hands in her jacket pocket. "Look, while I can admire that for once you are doing what needs to be done, I'm here to tell you to stop and right now."

Angela turned to look at Ruby with a raised brow of surprise. She almost laughed out loud at what she was certain she was hearing as a pleading from Ruby. She replied, "You? Asking me to stop? This coming from the one who says that one must strike hard and fast and leave no survivors."

"I still hold to that. It is the only way to win a war like this," Ruby admitted, "However not in your case."

"Please don't' tell me you're concerned for my welfare. I may have to kill you on principle and hang the consequences."

"Hey I want to skin you alive myself but I don't because if I do, dumbass and Sam would throw a hissy and from what I hear, it was part of the problem in Sioux Falls." Ruby put her hands on her hips and emphasized with her head. This was going to be harder than she thought. It seemed that Absolution had grown up much faster than Sam had and now she was dealing with the rebellious teenager and it was damned annoying.

"I didn't know you had such affection for me," Angela replied with her voice heavy with sarcasm. She then sobered a little and asked, "So why is it that you want me to stop?"

"Do I have to spell everything out to you? This is Lilith we are talking about or did being dead and nearly dead by a young werewolf did something to your brain?" Ruby looked like she was going to blow a head gasket. "Have you been listening to anything I have been saying?"

"Yeah I have," Angela replied while giving an affirmative shake of her head. "I'm just remembering very poignantly how you pushed for striking hard and fast but then backing out just because you dislike the plan we chose."

"Your plan had the body count in case you forgot."

"And you punked out when the going got tough." Angela gave a raised brow. "You trying to do the same thing again? Thinking you bet on the wrong horse again?"

Ruby was still scowling but her face turned into a slight pout. "I think you'd lose and I'd rather not watch you kill yourself."

"You know you are capable of breaking hearts if you just lose the scowl," Angela replied surprised at the honesty that was in Ruby's voice. She still didn't like the bitch but she was surprised. "So you'd rather take me out yourself?"

Ruby looked up and narrowed her eyes at Angela. "Not yet but I will. Stop what you are doing. Seeking Lilith out now is suicide."

"You're the one that has said that I was the only one capable of doing it. It's the only way that I'm going to get Dean's contract." Angela studied Ruby a little more. She thought about what she wanted to say and added, "Because of you I was reminded of something someone told me a long time ago. Three strikes and you are not out. There is always one more thing that could be done. You said that there was no way of getting out of the deal but you gave the key. Now I am inclined to think that you have something up your sleeves or you were just fucking with me."

Ruby shook her head. She knew that Angela would have picked up on that discrepancy. She was known for paying attention to details often to the point that it was disarming. "Like I was going to tell Dean that you were capable of snagging his contract for yourself and ending it on your terms. He would have protested right off even though you have the right to do it."

"He would have and he would have listened to the logic before casting judgment," Angela replied, "But you are right in that he would insist upon me not going for it; hence the reason why I haven't said a word about that plan. You see I have learned something from you."

"You still should back off. Lilith knows that you are onto her in terms of her not liking the competition so she knows that you'll be coming after her. She'll get the hint that you don't like her coming after Sam."

Angela resisted the urge to sharply turn and look at Ruby. It was no secret that she pounced like a wild cat to defend the boys. She wondered though that she might have been a bit overzealous in some cases and that might have shown. She found it nerve wracking that Ruby would mention Sam specifically like that. She did what she did best and that was to divert attention, "She should know I don't like it when anyone comes after my boys."

If Ruby noticed the change in direction, she didn't comment on it. "Then you should be spending your time getting Sam ready for that. You and I both know that your plan to get the contract is limited. You miss your chance and that's it."

Angela picked up on that last part. It was a question to ask Crowley about next time they met. So far he was obsessed with the making and writing a contract. Perhaps she should start asking questions about when she planned the assault on Lilith. She knew that she was going up the queen badass of hell and that would require preparation just like her preparation for her other plan with Bobby. "You know that we both have very different ideas about 'getting Sam ready' and I prefer my methods of madness."

"Right and see where that has gotten you."

Angela turned towards Ruby and raised her brow. "You must've been asleep at the wheel Ruby. You know that Buddhist proverb that says when the student is ready, the master appears? The student was ready and I came and the result? A Champion was created and apparently there is some acknowledgement of a Slayer of demons."

Ruby scoffed, "Dean kills one demon and that gives him that honor and who is the Champion?"

"Sam." Angela crossed her arms in a self-satisfied manner. "As a demon you would be well aware that there is only one way that honor is conferred and I know that there are plenty of your kind that respect the old ways." She turned to look back at the Morton House. "Ruby, Sam is learning as we travel."

Ruby shook her head. Angela was really going to stay her course on all fronts. "Fine. Do what you have to. Just be prepared for the day that Dean's number is up and yes I am walking away from this since I can't watch you drive yourself into perdition." She turned and walked away.

Angela didn't acknowledge Ruby as she left. There was plenty to think of as she studied the Morton House. As she did she slipped back into a memory and thought about it as she thought about the plan of attack for the Morton House.


… Ruby's visit was rather enlightening and disconcerting at the same time. Of course the usual annoyance was there with her saying that Sam needs to be gotten ready. I know her definition of that and it hurt to hear Sam say it one. She meant that he was to be more like Dean and I don't think I would be able to stand it if he were to turn into Dean.

I am not so stupid to forget what we did to Jake Talley. I saw the look in Sam's eyes then and of course I remember that time we were together with the whole Mystery Spot crap. I know what Sam is capable of and I think I must've known ever since we first hooked up. Everyone has the potential to be a killer. I think I understand Dean's speech a little better when he said that he wanted to keep Sam's innocence just a little while longer.

I know people see Sam as a gentle giant and to be honest, that is what I love most about him. In a way it is like a beacon of hope in my eyes; that even a warrior is capable of compassion. He called me a star… If only he knew what I think. I don't doubt Dean is capable of the same thing and he gives me a joy of having family, a brother and I know that he sees me as a sister willing to listen to him. He is learning that he doesn't have to be ashamed of showing his feelings. Sam never has a problem with that but I don't want to see him become so recluse even with me. I think that would break me and I would be as Dean felt and probably still feels… dead inside.

Angela looked at the articles again on the Morton House and the disappearances but she wasn't really looking at them. Her thoughts were on the weight of reality that could threaten to collapse the fragile house of cards she was building. She absently reached for the cup of coffee that she ordered and took a sip, making a face at the face she had a little bit left and it was cold.

"Can I get you anything else love?"

Angela looked up for a moment thinking that it was Crowley. Of course that was ridiculous and she realized it was the waitress. She smiled politely and replied, "More coffee and do you have any pie?"

Terry had liked the woman the moment she walked into the diner talking on her phone. She was polite and she was very pretty. She had never met someone that pretty and she looked like she was getting ready for some sort of research trip and she looked like she had muscle. It was not surprising to hear a pretty voice accompanying it asking for a table and coffee.

Terry was more than happy to indulge the stranger. While she was serving the other customers, she was able to observe the woman who seemed very intent on studying her stack of papers. She could see that she must be a student making her smart. Terry was more impressed with brains than anything. When enough time passed for the woman to drink her cup of coffee, she walked over and asked if she needed anything else. She smiled at the response and replied, "Do we have pie? Love, this diner is known for its pies."

Angela raised her brow at that. She had heard that spiel before. Most diners said they had the best of something in their kitchens. Hell one said they had the best coffee and it was nothing but oil sludge. Pie though was a different story. She had to see this for herself. "Alright. Bring me a slice of every kind." She then turned back to her reading, shifting to her text for demon summoning.

Terry thought it a surprise that the stranger wanted that. That was like twenty slices of pie. Most women worried about the amount of calories and sugar in stuff like pie. This one didn't seem too concerned. Still the customer always got what they wanted… most of the time. "Okay. I'll have that up in a jiffy."

"Thank you. Oh I have some friends coming to meet me. Just point them in this direction."

"Of course, love." Terry poured the fresh hot coffee and went back to the kitchen to prepare the pies.

Angela went back to reading the demon summoning ritual. While there was a common way of doing things, there were other ways that were more specific and it depended on who you were calling and if you had measures like devil's traps prepared. The easiest way to get to Lilith was to summon her and into a devil's trap. It saved time and energy in chasing after her; a lesson learned from chasing Azazel. Angela scanned the summoning ritual and concluded that Ruby may have been right about a time limit. However she wouldn't be sure until she talked to Crowley.

The door to the diner tinkled open and Angela recognized the boys' footsteps and moved to hide that part of her papers and pulled out something that would completely throw Dean for a spin along with the articles. She smiled as she was staring at the articles, "Nice of you two to drop in."

"Hey we've been doing our research," Dean countered as he took his place opposite Angela while Sam sat next to her.

"You mean you were flirting with the librarian while Sam did the heavy lifting," Angela corrected. "You don't fool me Dean."

Dean accepted the cup of coffee the waitress poured him and gave her a flirtatious smile. He was surprised that she didn't bite but rather gave him a look that said she would eat him alive if he thought about flirting with her. Most chicks couldn't resist the Dean Winchester charm. He replied, "Alright you got me Angie but you and I both know that Sammy is better at it."

"More like someone is lazy," Angela replied taking a sip. "So were you able to find anything useful about it?"

Sam fished out the paper he had printed from the library. "Nothing much except for the articles, missing person's reports. Your end?"

"Just been reading the same thing the last…" Angela checked her watch. She really had no clue when she got there. "… um, since I got here. I was over at the property and taking a look."

"You okay Angie?"

"I'm fine nanny. I just lost track of time literally," Angela replied giving a warning look at Dean since he asked the question and could see her expressions. She was saved from saying anything else by the arrival of the pie. At last there was some distraction from the fact that she had let herself become vulnerable in spacing out like that.

"Here you go love. Twenty pieces of pie," Terry said throwing her best smile at Angela. It sent thrills down her spine when Angela returned the smile with one of her own and gave her thanks and commented on her thoughtfulness for a fork for each slice. "It was nothing. Call if you need anything else." Terry topped off Angela's mug of coffee and ignored the signal from Sam and Dean and walked off.

Dean watched the waitress walk off, glanced at his brother and then at Angela who pulled what looked like a key lime pie towards her and began to eat it. "Hey Angie, I think you scored."

Angela took a bite of the key lime and twirled it in her mouth. The citrus blend was well mixed and she liked the tartness. She wasn't going to spoil the taste with coffee at the moment. She looked at Dean though with a curious expression and replied, "What?"

Sam had seen the look the waitress gave Angela and for once thought it funny rather than annoying. He had seen plenty of guys try to flirt with her but to see a woman do it was something else. However he could see that she hadn't been paying attention at all and knowing Dean, his brother was going to milk it for what it was worth. He shot a warning glance but he could see that he was going to be ignored.

Dean took the wheel of the bus and started driving, "Angie, did you see how that waitress was looking at you?"

"Dean what are you talking about? All she did was bring me coffee without having me to shout for it for once." Angela turned her attention to her slice and offered some to Dean.

Dean wasn't one to pass up on pie and took the half eaten piece from Angela while she started on another creamy confection. He dug in and continued, "Sis, she was totally checking you out. She thought you were hot."

Angela paused a moment as Dean's implication sunk in. Great, she had another female admirer… or maybe someone pretending to be an admirer and was going to try and jump her ass the next time she was alone in a dark alley. "Dude, I don't swing that way," she whispered.

"No shit really," Dean replied in sarcasm. He was grinning as he was chewing on a piece of pie.

Sam started playing with a piece for the lack of anything better to do and took a tentative bite. It was a peach cobbler and it wasn't that bad. He muttered, "Dean, be nice."

"Hey I'm not blind Sam. Angie here is a looker and I mean that in a good way." He gave a smirk in Angela's direction as he shoved another forkful in his mouth.

For his trouble, a plate full of chocolate cream pie came his way by sliding on the table but with a little more force than was intended. It slid off the table and landed with a splat right in the middle of Dean's chest. Dean looked at Angela and said, "Geez I was giving you a compliment."

Angela frowned as if Dean was talking crazy talk. "I didn't do anything." A slow smile started to form as she scrutinized Dean's efforts to clean off the chocolate cream. "You should leave it on. Everyone loves a sweetie."

"Bite me Angie," Dean retorted as he managed to get most of it off and the plate back onto the table.

"If only you tasted good. Rather you look good in mousse especially chocolate," Angela replied chuckling as she reached for another piece of pie. She smiled when Sam chuckled and turned to see him toy with the cobbler. "Don't ruin a perfectly good piece of pie Sam."

"I'm not," Sam protested.

There was some more banter until Angela asked for a box for the uneaten pieces. Terry obliged and thanked her for the tip that was extra since Dean's mishap with chocolate mousse. She watched as they left the diner. She really needed to control her temper.


A/N: Angie's thoughts and a conversation with Ruby and Dean gets his pie. More to come on Leap Year Fears...